By Muhammad Musa
March 13, 2011 - “Ang balita ko ang mga nag-rally ay hindi taga ARMM, ito’y galing sa Sultan Kudarat province. Hindi naman sakop ng ARMM ang Sultan Kudarat…” (I heard that those who gathered for the rally were not residents of ARMM; they come from Sultan Kudarat province. Sultan Kudarat was never been part of ARMM”
This was the statement of Sec. Jesse M. Robredo of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), who told reporters that when consultations on the House Bill 4164 were conducted to the people of Maguindanao province.
The consultation was held at the ARMM Cultural Complex, Cotabato City on Thursday March 10.
Robredo doubted the protesters who have brought people in the street of Gov. Gutierrez Avenue in the City of Cotabato for an anti-rally campaign during the consultations about the HB 4146 filled by Maguindanao 1st District Rep. Bai Sandra Sema to the House of Representative on the 7th of February.
The proposed HB 4146 is an Act resetting the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections to synchronize with the 2013 National and Local elections.
The protesters led by a progressive group asked the government to conduct the elections on August 8, 2011, saying this wasalready fixed by Republic Act 9054, in order to give the people of ARMM to choose their leader whom they know and trust to lead the region.
The protesters believed that although the ARMM past administrations have full of controversies over the alleged “culture of goons, guns and corruption” it is the right timing to change the ARMM’s negative image by having the election.
Another group of ‘pro-ARMM election’ emphasized that the right of suffrage is an element of democracy that should not be denied to the people of ARMM, so that can freely choose their leaders.
In a related development, RLA Speaker Hon. DatuRoonie Q. Sinsuat told reporters that the ARMM administration has a concrete stand on the matter being discussed saying RA 9054 that if the President would appoint officials to be placed in ARMM government as officer-in-charge, the incumbent should be considered first.
However, Robredo disclosed during the consultation that only the ARMM officials are enjoying but the condition of the people has never changed.
He said the poverty incidence in the ARMM is so high in the four provinces of ARMM.
Meanwhile, Abdulbasit Benito, the Secretary of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society-Kutawato Regional Management Committee (CBCS-KRMC) suggested in choosing the OIC of the ARMM, there should a screening committee that will represent the areas of the mainland and the western Mindanao. These representatives will help craft the criteria for choosing the right person to head the region.
He suggested the following criteria: first must be a Bangsamoro—a native inhabitant of ARMM; second it has a background on NGO work; third no record on bad governance; fourth they should have clout to the two Moro fronts the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF); fifth he/she can facilitate the full realization of Bangsamoro’s right-to-self-determination; and sixth God fearing.
Meantime, Rep. Sandra Sema said the deferment of the ARMM election would save government funds and give way to uninterrupted GPH-MILF peace talks.
ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Naguib B. Sinarimbo said that the consultation was conducted by the House Committee on Electoral Reforms and Suffrage and the Muslim Affairs upon the request of P-Noy Aquino through the suggestion of Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council or LEDAC.
After consulting the residents of Maguindanao and Cotabato City, the next two rounds of consultations will be held in Marawi City in Lanao and Zamboanga City for the western Mindanao constituents.
Showing posts with label Governance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Governance. Show all posts
Friday, March 18, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Laying the Foundation for a reform ARMM
The majority of the grassroots leaders we talked are for the postponement of ARMM Elections for valid reasons: peace and order condition, ensure that the peace process (incorporate GPH – MNLF and possible agreement between GPH and MILF) does not get derailed by partisan politics, synchronize elections will reduce expense loss of lives and properties, most of the ongoing rido in Maguindanao are post election related violence. Postponement of the ARMM elections gives PNOY enough space to solve the region’s problems. Among the systems that needed to be fixed are auditing, budgeting, and human resource concerns, among many. It will also give ample time to consensus building for agenda (reform agenda) such as peace and security, governance, delivery of basic services, environment etc. Laying the Foundation for a reform ARMM
Thursday, October 21, 2010
MONITORING MAGUINDANAO From Ampatuan to Mangudadatu (3): Starting from Zero
By Carolyn O. Arguillas | Thursday| October 21, 2010 | Filed under: Corruption Watch, Governance, Leadership, Monitoring Maguindanao
BULUAN, Maguindanao (MindaNews/10 October) – He would have delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in early August. In fact, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial legislature) had been waiting for him to spell out his legislative agenda.
But the governor was often in Manila, a complaint that continues to this day.
Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said he goes to Manila for the hearings on the November 23 massacre “because I am the main complainant. I have to be in Manila).
He said he also goes to Manila to follow up on some concerns with the Department of Budget and that he spends two to three days for a trip to Manila or returns on the same day.
He said he can’t be expected to be in office all the time or up to midnight. “You can’t please everybody,” he said in Pilipino.
“Hindi ako si Superman” (I am not Superman), he added.
But Mangudadatu had another reason for rescheduling his SOPA. “I’ll do that after 100 days because there should be something to show for by then.”
As it turned out, Mangudadatu, a first-time governor, became the only governor in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to have delivered a hundred days after report.
When he delivered his SOPA on October 10, he had nine dump trucks lined up on the left side of the municipal grounds, filled with oil palm seedlings and a bit nearer the stage, the centerpiece of his administration’s first 100 days: the P15-million mobile hospital.
On August 20, the governor told MindaNews that they purchased P10 million worth of oil palm seedlings from Makilala in North Cotabato, for distribution in Maguindanao, to address the livelihood aspect that they promised their constituents.
He said oil palm was a viable crop in his province and would bring huge incomes for the farmers, citing his own family’s experience. The Mangudadatus own vast tracts of land planted to oil palm. “On my own, I have a seven year – old 370 hectare plantation that earns millions of pesos,” he said.
He said he earns P8,000 to P12,000 per hectare per harvest twice a month.
In his SOPA, Mangudadatu said P10 million was spent on the purchase of 40,000 oil palm seedlings and 120,000 rubber tree seedling for distribution to the province’s 36 towns.
Whether or not the beneficiaries will be from the 36 towns or the five Mangudadatu-controlled towns only, or his own plantation, as critics expect would happen, no one can say for sure, for now.
The mechanisms for transparency and even for basic governance are only starting to be set up. For the Mangudadatu-Mastura team, it’s like starting from zero.
But Bobby Benito, executive director of the Bangsamoro Center for Justice and Peace (BCJP) said he is “hopeful the leadership of Toto Mangudadatu and Dustin Mastura will make a difference and bring Maguindanaons a participative and transparent governance.”
“In fact, Transparent Accountable and Participative Governance is no. 2 of his eight-point agenda where CSOs are strengthened through local special bodies,” Benito said, adding a performance billboard and Civil Society Organization (CSO) Desk are also being established.
“For the first time in Maguindanao, Budget Tracking by an NGO is now allowed, where local CSO partners will monitor budget preparation, budget authorization, budget review, budget execution and budget accountability,” Benito said, adding this is a project of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) in partnership with Balay Mindanaw, The Asia Foundation and USAid.
The project is expected to start soon.
CBCS convenor Guiamel Alim cites as “improvements” of the Mangudadatu administration, the “NGO participation in the provincial special bodies, openness to consultations and the mobile hospital.”
In his SOPA, Mangudadatu said that in response to calls for transparency, the province has entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Patikai Developer, to set up the province’s official website. He did not, however, say when the website would be available.
“We will also update our Socio-Economic Profile. We will also issue a Provincial Publication/Newsletter so we can monitor the progress of our province. We will also set up Performance Billboards to let the people know about our programs.”
He said the province conducted a CSO Orientation and Workshop on September 24 to 25 at the Palm Pavilion in Barangay Calean, Tacurong City, to ensure partnerships in provincial programs and representation as well in governance.
Among those Mangudadatu set up through Executive Orders are bodies that he said were not activated during the time of the past administration, referring to the Ampatuans: the Provincial Development Council (EO 001); Provincial Peace and Order Council (EO2); EO 3 or the Maguindanao Task Force Reconciliation and Unification to deal with rido (family or clan feuds); Provincial Disaster (Response) Coordinating Council (EO 4); Local School Board (EO 6); Local Health Board (EO 7); Provincial Tax Code Committee (EO 8).
The Provincial Reconciliation and Unification Council was launched July 20 in Parang, Maguindanao to settle community conflicts and ridos.
A joint meeting of the Provincial Development Council and Provincial Peace and Order Council was held on August 5 at Genalin’s Forest Resort and Catering Services in Tacurong City.
On August 10, Mangudadatu reactivated the Provincial Disaster Response Coordinating Council through EO 4 at the BBGM Restaurant in Buluan.
On August 15, Mangudadatu met with the heads and staff of the different departments through a consultative meeting on August 15 also at the BBGM Restaurant.
On August 17 and 18, the province conducted a Local Governance Performance Management System at the Genalin Forest Garden Resort in Tacurong City.
Mangudadatu activated the Local School Board on September 7 at the BBGM Restaurant in Buluan. The board will serve as an advisory committee to the Sanggunian on education matters.
The next day, it was the turn of the Local Health Board at the same venue.
The Genalin Resort, named after his slain wife, and BBGM conference venues are, incidentally, owned by the Mangudadatu family.
In August, when Mangudadatu was asked about criticisms that the province had been holding conferences in their resort in Tacurong City, he told MindaNews, “wala naman pwedeng pag- meetingan dito (Buluan).” (There is no other meeting place here).
He said Tacurong City (in Sultan Kudarat province), is just near. “We can meet here but it will be too crowded. And if we meet here, we can’t really meet properly because look at how many hundreds of people come here,” he said in Pilipino.
But there is a conference venue in Buluan, BBGM Restaurant, MindaNews later learned from “Ulat sa Bayan,” a publication on the summary of his 100-day accomplishments.
BBGM is also owned by the Mangudadatus. “It’s my mother’s,” the governor told MindaNews by telephone on October 16.
RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees provides that public officials “shall not dispense or extend undue favors on account of their office to their relatives whether by consanguinity or affinity.”
Mangudadatu said BBGM restaurant is the only venue for meetings in Buluan. “Wala nang iba.” (There’s nothing else).
He said his mother’s restaurant has been there for long and if he can’t hold meetings in the restaurant or the resort because these are owned by the Mangudadatus, “where will we hold our meetings?”
“All we want to do is to serve the public,” the governor said.
BULUAN, Maguindanao (MindaNews/10 October) – He would have delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in early August. In fact, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial legislature) had been waiting for him to spell out his legislative agenda.
But the governor was often in Manila, a complaint that continues to this day.
Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said he goes to Manila for the hearings on the November 23 massacre “because I am the main complainant. I have to be in Manila).
He said he also goes to Manila to follow up on some concerns with the Department of Budget and that he spends two to three days for a trip to Manila or returns on the same day.
He said he can’t be expected to be in office all the time or up to midnight. “You can’t please everybody,” he said in Pilipino.
“Hindi ako si Superman” (I am not Superman), he added.
But Mangudadatu had another reason for rescheduling his SOPA. “I’ll do that after 100 days because there should be something to show for by then.”
As it turned out, Mangudadatu, a first-time governor, became the only governor in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to have delivered a hundred days after report.
When he delivered his SOPA on October 10, he had nine dump trucks lined up on the left side of the municipal grounds, filled with oil palm seedlings and a bit nearer the stage, the centerpiece of his administration’s first 100 days: the P15-million mobile hospital.
On August 20, the governor told MindaNews that they purchased P10 million worth of oil palm seedlings from Makilala in North Cotabato, for distribution in Maguindanao, to address the livelihood aspect that they promised their constituents.
He said oil palm was a viable crop in his province and would bring huge incomes for the farmers, citing his own family’s experience. The Mangudadatus own vast tracts of land planted to oil palm. “On my own, I have a seven year – old 370 hectare plantation that earns millions of pesos,” he said.
He said he earns P8,000 to P12,000 per hectare per harvest twice a month.
In his SOPA, Mangudadatu said P10 million was spent on the purchase of 40,000 oil palm seedlings and 120,000 rubber tree seedling for distribution to the province’s 36 towns.
Whether or not the beneficiaries will be from the 36 towns or the five Mangudadatu-controlled towns only, or his own plantation, as critics expect would happen, no one can say for sure, for now.
The mechanisms for transparency and even for basic governance are only starting to be set up. For the Mangudadatu-Mastura team, it’s like starting from zero.
But Bobby Benito, executive director of the Bangsamoro Center for Justice and Peace (BCJP) said he is “hopeful the leadership of Toto Mangudadatu and Dustin Mastura will make a difference and bring Maguindanaons a participative and transparent governance.”
“In fact, Transparent Accountable and Participative Governance is no. 2 of his eight-point agenda where CSOs are strengthened through local special bodies,” Benito said, adding a performance billboard and Civil Society Organization (CSO) Desk are also being established.
“For the first time in Maguindanao, Budget Tracking by an NGO is now allowed, where local CSO partners will monitor budget preparation, budget authorization, budget review, budget execution and budget accountability,” Benito said, adding this is a project of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) in partnership with Balay Mindanaw, The Asia Foundation and USAid.
The project is expected to start soon.
CBCS convenor Guiamel Alim cites as “improvements” of the Mangudadatu administration, the “NGO participation in the provincial special bodies, openness to consultations and the mobile hospital.”
In his SOPA, Mangudadatu said that in response to calls for transparency, the province has entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Patikai Developer, to set up the province’s official website. He did not, however, say when the website would be available.
“We will also update our Socio-Economic Profile. We will also issue a Provincial Publication/Newsletter so we can monitor the progress of our province. We will also set up Performance Billboards to let the people know about our programs.”
He said the province conducted a CSO Orientation and Workshop on September 24 to 25 at the Palm Pavilion in Barangay Calean, Tacurong City, to ensure partnerships in provincial programs and representation as well in governance.
Among those Mangudadatu set up through Executive Orders are bodies that he said were not activated during the time of the past administration, referring to the Ampatuans: the Provincial Development Council (EO 001); Provincial Peace and Order Council (EO2); EO 3 or the Maguindanao Task Force Reconciliation and Unification to deal with rido (family or clan feuds); Provincial Disaster (Response) Coordinating Council (EO 4); Local School Board (EO 6); Local Health Board (EO 7); Provincial Tax Code Committee (EO 8).
The Provincial Reconciliation and Unification Council was launched July 20 in Parang, Maguindanao to settle community conflicts and ridos.
A joint meeting of the Provincial Development Council and Provincial Peace and Order Council was held on August 5 at Genalin’s Forest Resort and Catering Services in Tacurong City.
On August 10, Mangudadatu reactivated the Provincial Disaster Response Coordinating Council through EO 4 at the BBGM Restaurant in Buluan.
On August 15, Mangudadatu met with the heads and staff of the different departments through a consultative meeting on August 15 also at the BBGM Restaurant.
On August 17 and 18, the province conducted a Local Governance Performance Management System at the Genalin Forest Garden Resort in Tacurong City.
Mangudadatu activated the Local School Board on September 7 at the BBGM Restaurant in Buluan. The board will serve as an advisory committee to the Sanggunian on education matters.
The next day, it was the turn of the Local Health Board at the same venue.
The Genalin Resort, named after his slain wife, and BBGM conference venues are, incidentally, owned by the Mangudadatu family.
In August, when Mangudadatu was asked about criticisms that the province had been holding conferences in their resort in Tacurong City, he told MindaNews, “wala naman pwedeng pag- meetingan dito (Buluan).” (There is no other meeting place here).
He said Tacurong City (in Sultan Kudarat province), is just near. “We can meet here but it will be too crowded. And if we meet here, we can’t really meet properly because look at how many hundreds of people come here,” he said in Pilipino.
But there is a conference venue in Buluan, BBGM Restaurant, MindaNews later learned from “Ulat sa Bayan,” a publication on the summary of his 100-day accomplishments.
BBGM is also owned by the Mangudadatus. “It’s my mother’s,” the governor told MindaNews by telephone on October 16.
RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees provides that public officials “shall not dispense or extend undue favors on account of their office to their relatives whether by consanguinity or affinity.”
Mangudadatu said BBGM restaurant is the only venue for meetings in Buluan. “Wala nang iba.” (There’s nothing else).
He said his mother’s restaurant has been there for long and if he can’t hold meetings in the restaurant or the resort because these are owned by the Mangudadatus, “where will we hold our meetings?”
“All we want to do is to serve the public,” the governor said.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Mangudadatu rejects revenge, seeks gun-less society
Date Published: April 11, 2010
By ABDULBASIT BENITO
Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace in the Philippines Inc.
BULUAN, Maguindanao. —If he wins, he will turn Maguindanao into a gun-less society.
Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu promised this during the Gubernatorial Candidates Forum and Dialogue held on April 6, the first of a series of dialogues between candidates and civil society organizations in Maguindanao. Mangudadatu was the first candidate invited to the dialogue.
He added that he will not seek revenge for the murder of his wife and relatives who were among the 57 people killed on Nov. 23 as they headed for Shariff Aguak to file the certificate of candidacy on Mangudadatu’s behalf. Also killed in that incident were about 30 journalists who joined the convoy.
The carnage was blamed on the leaders of the Ampatuan clan who were subsequently arrested and are now facing charges.
Explaining why he will not seek revenge, Mangudadatu said, “By being martyrs… (their death) will bring (about) great change in Maguindanao.” He said the death of the 57 people would be worthless if he uses violence to avenge them.
On his first 100 days in office should he get elected, Mangudadatu said he will take necessary steps to regulate firearms in the province. According to the Philippine National Police, there are over a million unlicensed firearms in the country. About 15,000 firearms are reportedly owned by insurgent groups in Mindanao.
Firearms in Mindanao are said to come from military and police arsenals, either stolen or declared as lost during armed encounters. There are also unlicensed gun manufacturers in Western Mindanao, gunrunners who sell to local bandits in the southern part, rebels who manufacture assault rifles and rifle-propelled grenades, and illegal foreign shipments.
The vice mayor also said he is also willing to provide for an amnesty program for private armed groups. Partisan Armed Groups or Private Armed Groups (PAGs) are known to contribute to the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in the country.
he said that once elected he will be focusing on good governance, poverty alleviation, infrastructure, enforcement of the rule of law, improved delivery of basic services, and reconciliation.
Describing his manner of governance, Mangudadatu said he will make sure that all stakeholders, especially indigenous peoples, Christians, women, and the youth, will have a voice in his administration.
For the next round of the dialogue series, CSOs will be inviting gubernatorial candidates Datu Midpantao Midtimbang and Datu Ombra Sinsuat. The series is led by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), a network of Moro nongovernment organizations, people’s organizations, and cooperatives.
“We will talk as brothers and sisters, as Bangsamoros with a common cause,” said Hadji Morsed Mascud, executive director of the Al Ihsan Foundation Inc.
The dialogues will be aired over the radio to enable as many people as possible to hear the candidates, he added.
By ABDULBASIT BENITO
Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace in the Philippines Inc.
BULUAN, Maguindanao. —If he wins, he will turn Maguindanao into a gun-less society.
Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu promised this during the Gubernatorial Candidates Forum and Dialogue held on April 6, the first of a series of dialogues between candidates and civil society organizations in Maguindanao. Mangudadatu was the first candidate invited to the dialogue.
He added that he will not seek revenge for the murder of his wife and relatives who were among the 57 people killed on Nov. 23 as they headed for Shariff Aguak to file the certificate of candidacy on Mangudadatu’s behalf. Also killed in that incident were about 30 journalists who joined the convoy.
The carnage was blamed on the leaders of the Ampatuan clan who were subsequently arrested and are now facing charges.
Explaining why he will not seek revenge, Mangudadatu said, “By being martyrs… (their death) will bring (about) great change in Maguindanao.” He said the death of the 57 people would be worthless if he uses violence to avenge them.
On his first 100 days in office should he get elected, Mangudadatu said he will take necessary steps to regulate firearms in the province. According to the Philippine National Police, there are over a million unlicensed firearms in the country. About 15,000 firearms are reportedly owned by insurgent groups in Mindanao.
Firearms in Mindanao are said to come from military and police arsenals, either stolen or declared as lost during armed encounters. There are also unlicensed gun manufacturers in Western Mindanao, gunrunners who sell to local bandits in the southern part, rebels who manufacture assault rifles and rifle-propelled grenades, and illegal foreign shipments.
The vice mayor also said he is also willing to provide for an amnesty program for private armed groups. Partisan Armed Groups or Private Armed Groups (PAGs) are known to contribute to the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in the country.
he said that once elected he will be focusing on good governance, poverty alleviation, infrastructure, enforcement of the rule of law, improved delivery of basic services, and reconciliation.
Describing his manner of governance, Mangudadatu said he will make sure that all stakeholders, especially indigenous peoples, Christians, women, and the youth, will have a voice in his administration.
For the next round of the dialogue series, CSOs will be inviting gubernatorial candidates Datu Midpantao Midtimbang and Datu Ombra Sinsuat. The series is led by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), a network of Moro nongovernment organizations, people’s organizations, and cooperatives.
“We will talk as brothers and sisters, as Bangsamoros with a common cause,” said Hadji Morsed Mascud, executive director of the Al Ihsan Foundation Inc.
The dialogues will be aired over the radio to enable as many people as possible to hear the candidates, he added.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Mangudadatu rejects revenge, seeks gun-less society
By Abdulbasit Benito, Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace in the Philippines Inc. - VERA Files
BULUAN, Maguindanao. —If he wins, he will turn Maguindanao into a gun-less society.
Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu promised this during the Gubernatorial Candidates Forum and Dialogue held on April 6, the first of a series of dialogues between candidates and civil society organizations in Maguindanao. Mangudadatu was the first candidate invited to the dialogue.
He added that he will not seek revenge for the murder of his wife and relatives who were among the 57 people killed on Nov. 23 as they headed for Shariff Aguak to file the certificate of candidacy on Mangudadatu’s behalf. Also killed in that incident were about 30 journalists who joined the convoy.
The carnage was blamed on the leaders of the Ampatuan clan who were subsequently arrested and are now facing charges.
Explaining why he will not seek revenge, Mangudadatu said, “By being martyrs… (their death) will bring (about) great change in Maguindanao.” He said the death of the 57 people would be worthless if he uses violence to avenge them.
On his first 100 days in office should he get elected, Mangudadatu said he will take necessary steps to regulate firearms in the province. According to the Philippine National Police, there are over a million unlicensed firearms in the country. About 15,000 firearms are reportedly owned by insurgent groups in Mindanao.
Firearms in Mindanao are said to come from military and police arsenals, either stolen or declared as lost during armed encounters. There are also unlicensed gun manufacturers in Western Mindanao, gunrunners who sell to local bandits in the southern part, rebels who manufacture assault rifles and rifle-propelled grenades, and illegal foreign shipments.
The vice mayor also said he is also willing to provide for an amnesty program for private armed groups. Partisan Armed Groups or Private Armed Groups (PAGs) are known to contribute to the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in the country.
he said that once elected he will be focusing on good governance, poverty alleviation, infrastructure, enforcement of the rule of law, improved delivery of basic services, and reconciliation.
Describing his manner of governance, Mangudadatu said he will make sure that all stakeholders, especially indigenous peoples, Christians, women, and the youth, will have a voice in his administration.
For the next round of the dialogue series, CSOs will be inviting gubernatorial candidates Datu Midpantao Midtimbang and Datu Ombra Sinsuat. The series is led by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), a network of Moro nongovernment organizations, people’s organizations, and cooperatives.
“We will talk as brothers and sisters, as Bangsamoros with a common cause,” said Hadji Morsed Mascud, executive director of the Al Ihsan Foundation Inc.
The dialogues will be aired over the radio to enable as many people as possible to hear the candidates, he added.
BULUAN, Maguindanao. —If he wins, he will turn Maguindanao into a gun-less society.
Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu promised this during the Gubernatorial Candidates Forum and Dialogue held on April 6, the first of a series of dialogues between candidates and civil society organizations in Maguindanao. Mangudadatu was the first candidate invited to the dialogue.
He added that he will not seek revenge for the murder of his wife and relatives who were among the 57 people killed on Nov. 23 as they headed for Shariff Aguak to file the certificate of candidacy on Mangudadatu’s behalf. Also killed in that incident were about 30 journalists who joined the convoy.
The carnage was blamed on the leaders of the Ampatuan clan who were subsequently arrested and are now facing charges.
Explaining why he will not seek revenge, Mangudadatu said, “By being martyrs… (their death) will bring (about) great change in Maguindanao.” He said the death of the 57 people would be worthless if he uses violence to avenge them.
On his first 100 days in office should he get elected, Mangudadatu said he will take necessary steps to regulate firearms in the province. According to the Philippine National Police, there are over a million unlicensed firearms in the country. About 15,000 firearms are reportedly owned by insurgent groups in Mindanao.
Firearms in Mindanao are said to come from military and police arsenals, either stolen or declared as lost during armed encounters. There are also unlicensed gun manufacturers in Western Mindanao, gunrunners who sell to local bandits in the southern part, rebels who manufacture assault rifles and rifle-propelled grenades, and illegal foreign shipments.
The vice mayor also said he is also willing to provide for an amnesty program for private armed groups. Partisan Armed Groups or Private Armed Groups (PAGs) are known to contribute to the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in the country.
he said that once elected he will be focusing on good governance, poverty alleviation, infrastructure, enforcement of the rule of law, improved delivery of basic services, and reconciliation.
Describing his manner of governance, Mangudadatu said he will make sure that all stakeholders, especially indigenous peoples, Christians, women, and the youth, will have a voice in his administration.
For the next round of the dialogue series, CSOs will be inviting gubernatorial candidates Datu Midpantao Midtimbang and Datu Ombra Sinsuat. The series is led by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), a network of Moro nongovernment organizations, people’s organizations, and cooperatives.
“We will talk as brothers and sisters, as Bangsamoros with a common cause,” said Hadji Morsed Mascud, executive director of the Al Ihsan Foundation Inc.
The dialogues will be aired over the radio to enable as many people as possible to hear the candidates, he added.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Perlas asks Comelec: Postpone May 10 polls
Date Published: April 21, 2010
DAVAO CITY.– Independent presidential candidate Nicanor Perlas has asked the Commission on Elections to postpone the May 10 polls by three months to avoid a possible failure of elections that may result from defects in the new automated election system (AES).
“The Comelec is not yet prepared. Many PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scan) machines are defective, an indication that there may be failure of elections,” Perlas said at the Paminaw Mindanao presidential forum held at the Holy Cross of Davao College on April 16.
He said in an interview that at least 20 defects in the AES had been identified like the lack of an independent source code review, infallible transmission systems, a verifiable paper audit trail, ballot security features and ballot printing efficiency.
The forum was organized by the Bishop’s Ulama Conference (BUC) Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), Kusog Mindanaw, Mindanao Association of State Colleges and Universities Foundation (MASCUF), Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW), Mindanao Business Council (MinBC), Mindanao Peaceweavers (MPW), National Ulama Conference of the Philippines (NUCP), and the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID). The IID is the forum’s lead convenor.
Of the nine candidates invited, only four attended – Perlas of Bangon Pilipinas, Kapatiran’s John Carlos “JC” delos Reyes, Lakas Kampi’s Gilbert Teodoro and Jesus is Lord Movement’s Eddie Villanueva. – Abdulbasit Benito, Center for JustPeace Phils. Inc.
DAVAO CITY.– Independent presidential candidate Nicanor Perlas has asked the Commission on Elections to postpone the May 10 polls by three months to avoid a possible failure of elections that may result from defects in the new automated election system (AES).
“The Comelec is not yet prepared. Many PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scan) machines are defective, an indication that there may be failure of elections,” Perlas said at the Paminaw Mindanao presidential forum held at the Holy Cross of Davao College on April 16.
He said in an interview that at least 20 defects in the AES had been identified like the lack of an independent source code review, infallible transmission systems, a verifiable paper audit trail, ballot security features and ballot printing efficiency.
The forum was organized by the Bishop’s Ulama Conference (BUC) Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), Kusog Mindanaw, Mindanao Association of State Colleges and Universities Foundation (MASCUF), Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW), Mindanao Business Council (MinBC), Mindanao Peaceweavers (MPW), National Ulama Conference of the Philippines (NUCP), and the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID). The IID is the forum’s lead convenor.
Of the nine candidates invited, only four attended – Perlas of Bangon Pilipinas, Kapatiran’s John Carlos “JC” delos Reyes, Lakas Kampi’s Gilbert Teodoro and Jesus is Lord Movement’s Eddie Villanueva. – Abdulbasit Benito, Center for JustPeace Phils. Inc.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
M A N I F E S T O
M A N I F E S T O
We, members of Multi Sectoral Movement for Peace and Justice, promoting social justice, human rights, unity, solidarity, professionalism, and strongly value the essence of peace, liberty, justice, equality, respect for dignity and principles that bind us together far beyond ideology and religious boundaries, call on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines to expedite the peace process and come up with a peaceful, meaningful and lasting political agreement that would end the centuries old conflict in Mindanao acceptable to the Bangsamoro people, the Settlers and the Lumads.
We also urged the peace loving people of Mindanao to be vigilant in this coming May 10 2010 elections and be a responsible voter in electing/choosing candidates. Political candidates like Joseph Estrada, Mar Roxas, Franklin Drilon, Manny Pinol, Celso Lobregat, Lawrence Cruz and Jun Pinol who are anti and spoilers of peace should NOT be given any chance to run any position in this country. They have jeopardized the peace process between the MILF and the GRP. They are not contributors to the national development of this region but rather deteriorating the political and just aspiration of the people of Mindanao.
We call on also to other peace loving people of the Philippines to heed this call for peace and justice.
Signed this 19th day of April 2010 in Cotabato City.
We, members of Multi Sectoral Movement for Peace and Justice, promoting social justice, human rights, unity, solidarity, professionalism, and strongly value the essence of peace, liberty, justice, equality, respect for dignity and principles that bind us together far beyond ideology and religious boundaries, call on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines to expedite the peace process and come up with a peaceful, meaningful and lasting political agreement that would end the centuries old conflict in Mindanao acceptable to the Bangsamoro people, the Settlers and the Lumads.
We also urged the peace loving people of Mindanao to be vigilant in this coming May 10 2010 elections and be a responsible voter in electing/choosing candidates. Political candidates like Joseph Estrada, Mar Roxas, Franklin Drilon, Manny Pinol, Celso Lobregat, Lawrence Cruz and Jun Pinol who are anti and spoilers of peace should NOT be given any chance to run any position in this country. They have jeopardized the peace process between the MILF and the GRP. They are not contributors to the national development of this region but rather deteriorating the political and just aspiration of the people of Mindanao.
We call on also to other peace loving people of the Philippines to heed this call for peace and justice.
Signed this 19th day of April 2010 in Cotabato City.
Comely urged to hold polls in ARMM a week earlier; early voting asked for media, too
by MindaNews
Sunday, 18 April 2010 08:27
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/17 April)-- Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. has urged the Commission on Elections to hold the national and local elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) ahead of the May 10 polls, to prevent fraud and violence.
Pimentel said the Comelec, mandated by law and the Constitution to conduct free, honest, clean and orderly elections, “has the power to move the date of elections when it is not possible to achieve such objective.”
The Lanto bothers, Macabangkit and Benjamin, petitioned Comelec to hold the elections in the ARMM earlier than May 10.
Pimentel was invited by the Comelec’s first division, composed of Commissioners Rene Sarmiento (chair), Nicodemo Ferrer and Gregorio Larrazabal (members), to be an amicus curiae (friend of the court) to help in assessing the merits and legal basis for the proposal, given that Congress sets the date of the elections.
Sarmiento said hearing is set on Monday for early voting in the ARMM and for media.
In a press statement, Pimentel said he prefers the elections held a week or ten days earlier. He said the move is “extremely necessary” because “elections in some provinces in the ARMM have always, repeat always, been marred by violence that frustrates the will of the people from emerging through the ballot.”
“Recent events show that there would be no credible, honest and peaceful elections in the ARMM, hence, the need for an extraordinary undertaking by the Commission to ensure that the people in the said area will not be prevented from expressing their will of threats or actual violence,” Pimentel said in a press statement.
Pimentel cited recent incidents of violence in the ARMM – the Ampatuan Massacre of November 23, 2009 where at least 58 persons were killed, 32 of them from the media; and the recent bomb blasts in Sulu and Basilan.
Pimentel said Sarmiento had personally witnessed or had received verified reports of the outbreak of violence in many parts of the ARMM when he was the commissioner-in-charge of ARMM regional elections in 2007.
By advancing the ARMM elections, Pimentel said the Comelec and its deputized agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, will be able to mobilize their personnel and resources to supervise the polls and foil any attempt by any group to manipulate the polls.
On December 22, the Comelec passed a resolution formally endorsing the holding of early elections in the ARMM, giving lawmakers the go-signal to pass bills seeking early polls in the region.
Sarmiento explained that the pending bills in Congress for early ARMM polls could not be processed unless endorsed by the poll body.
The Comelec proposed that elections in the ARMM be held not later than April 12 or a month earlier than the May 10 elections. The bills propose that elections be held in the ARMM at least a week ahead of the rest of the nation - Senate Bill 2972, authored by Sen. Richard Gordon, House Bill 5578 authored by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and House Bill 3437 authored by Camiguin Rep. Pedro Romualdo.
On March 23, 2009, Comelec chair Jose Melo said he was “personally… in favor of it so that the concentration of our security forces and the election administration would be focused in the ARMM. ... If that would be the case, there might be fewer shenanigans there.”
But then ARMM Solicitor General Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said the proposal “violates that law which synchronizes the local and national elections. Most importantly it is constitutionally infirmed. Under the Constitution, local and national elections shall be held on the 2nd Monday of May. The ARMM local government units (LGUs) are no different from any other LGUs.”
Calls for early elections in the ARMM were revived after the November 23, 2009 massacre of at least 58 persons, 32 of them from the media, allegedly by the Ampatuans.
Maguindanao was placed under a state of emergency and later under martial.law. It remains under a state of emergency to this day.
Congress, however, has gone on recess without passing the early voting bills.
Sarmiento told MindaNews Saturday that “if petitions are granted by us, we will set the date.”
But Guiamel Alim, a member of the Council of Elders o the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) said, “too late the hero.”
“How can you have ARMM elections in two weeks? May 10 is only three weeks away,” Alim added.
Sarmiento said, “we will also study the operational and practical angles aside from legal and constitutional angles.”
Sarmiento said Alim is right in that “Time is running fast. If Congress had acted fast and passed a law, we could have saved a lot of concerns.”
Fr. Eliseo Mercado, Jr., of the Institute of Autonomy and Governance and
On the early voting for media, Makati Rep. Tedoro Locsin Jr. in December said there was still time for the passage of a measure that would allow media members to vote ahead of the May 10 elections media if the Senate will adopt the version of the House of Representatives.
Locsin, one of the principal authors of House Bill 6928 (An Act Providing for Early Voting to Qualified Members of Media), said the bill, approved on third reading, considers the fact that many journalists may not be able to vote on May 10 as they will cover the polls.
The Senate, however, proposed an early balloting not only for the media but also for certain sectors of society, prompting Locin to say “the leadership of the House feels this can be turned into a universal cheating system.”
The Commission on Elections had issued Resolution 8749 supporting the bill and urging both chambers of Congress to pass it, to allow media to cast their votes for one day “within April 24 to 26.”
Congress has gone on recess without passing the measure. (MindaNews)
Sunday, 18 April 2010 08:27
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/17 April)-- Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. has urged the Commission on Elections to hold the national and local elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) ahead of the May 10 polls, to prevent fraud and violence.
Pimentel said the Comelec, mandated by law and the Constitution to conduct free, honest, clean and orderly elections, “has the power to move the date of elections when it is not possible to achieve such objective.”
The Lanto bothers, Macabangkit and Benjamin, petitioned Comelec to hold the elections in the ARMM earlier than May 10.
Pimentel was invited by the Comelec’s first division, composed of Commissioners Rene Sarmiento (chair), Nicodemo Ferrer and Gregorio Larrazabal (members), to be an amicus curiae (friend of the court) to help in assessing the merits and legal basis for the proposal, given that Congress sets the date of the elections.
Sarmiento said hearing is set on Monday for early voting in the ARMM and for media.
In a press statement, Pimentel said he prefers the elections held a week or ten days earlier. He said the move is “extremely necessary” because “elections in some provinces in the ARMM have always, repeat always, been marred by violence that frustrates the will of the people from emerging through the ballot.”
“Recent events show that there would be no credible, honest and peaceful elections in the ARMM, hence, the need for an extraordinary undertaking by the Commission to ensure that the people in the said area will not be prevented from expressing their will of threats or actual violence,” Pimentel said in a press statement.
Pimentel cited recent incidents of violence in the ARMM – the Ampatuan Massacre of November 23, 2009 where at least 58 persons were killed, 32 of them from the media; and the recent bomb blasts in Sulu and Basilan.
Pimentel said Sarmiento had personally witnessed or had received verified reports of the outbreak of violence in many parts of the ARMM when he was the commissioner-in-charge of ARMM regional elections in 2007.
By advancing the ARMM elections, Pimentel said the Comelec and its deputized agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, will be able to mobilize their personnel and resources to supervise the polls and foil any attempt by any group to manipulate the polls.
On December 22, the Comelec passed a resolution formally endorsing the holding of early elections in the ARMM, giving lawmakers the go-signal to pass bills seeking early polls in the region.
Sarmiento explained that the pending bills in Congress for early ARMM polls could not be processed unless endorsed by the poll body.
The Comelec proposed that elections in the ARMM be held not later than April 12 or a month earlier than the May 10 elections. The bills propose that elections be held in the ARMM at least a week ahead of the rest of the nation - Senate Bill 2972, authored by Sen. Richard Gordon, House Bill 5578 authored by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and House Bill 3437 authored by Camiguin Rep. Pedro Romualdo.
On March 23, 2009, Comelec chair Jose Melo said he was “personally… in favor of it so that the concentration of our security forces and the election administration would be focused in the ARMM. ... If that would be the case, there might be fewer shenanigans there.”
But then ARMM Solicitor General Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said the proposal “violates that law which synchronizes the local and national elections. Most importantly it is constitutionally infirmed. Under the Constitution, local and national elections shall be held on the 2nd Monday of May. The ARMM local government units (LGUs) are no different from any other LGUs.”
Calls for early elections in the ARMM were revived after the November 23, 2009 massacre of at least 58 persons, 32 of them from the media, allegedly by the Ampatuans.
Maguindanao was placed under a state of emergency and later under martial.law. It remains under a state of emergency to this day.
Congress, however, has gone on recess without passing the early voting bills.
Sarmiento told MindaNews Saturday that “if petitions are granted by us, we will set the date.”
But Guiamel Alim, a member of the Council of Elders o the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) said, “too late the hero.”
“How can you have ARMM elections in two weeks? May 10 is only three weeks away,” Alim added.
Sarmiento said, “we will also study the operational and practical angles aside from legal and constitutional angles.”
Sarmiento said Alim is right in that “Time is running fast. If Congress had acted fast and passed a law, we could have saved a lot of concerns.”
Fr. Eliseo Mercado, Jr., of the Institute of Autonomy and Governance and
>Bobby Benito of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace, say they agree with Pimentel’s proposal.
On the early voting for media, Makati Rep. Tedoro Locsin Jr. in December said there was still time for the passage of a measure that would allow media members to vote ahead of the May 10 elections media if the Senate will adopt the version of the House of Representatives.
Locsin, one of the principal authors of House Bill 6928 (An Act Providing for Early Voting to Qualified Members of Media), said the bill, approved on third reading, considers the fact that many journalists may not be able to vote on May 10 as they will cover the polls.
The Senate, however, proposed an early balloting not only for the media but also for certain sectors of society, prompting Locin to say “the leadership of the House feels this can be turned into a universal cheating system.”
The Commission on Elections had issued Resolution 8749 supporting the bill and urging both chambers of Congress to pass it, to allow media to cast their votes for one day “within April 24 to 26.”
Congress has gone on recess without passing the measure. (MindaNews)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
CBCS conducts ‘Candidates Forum and Dialogue for Peace’
By Muhair Abdullah
April 8, 2010 - The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) , one of the largest civil society groups in Mindanao, met and talked to Buluan town Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu last April 6 in Buluan, Maguindanao.
Mangudadatu, who is running for a gubernatorial post in the province of Maguindanao, welcomed the CBCS delegation headed by Sammy Maulana, CBCS Secretary-General and Murshid Mascud, chairman of the Kutawato Regional Management Committee (KRMC-CBCS).
The CBCS asked all the gubernatorial candidates for Maguindanao to sit and discuss pertinent issues with the civil society.
“The activity aims to open a venue of understanding on the civilian protection; internally displaced persons (IDP), good governance and human rights issues and concerns, and peace and development initiatives,” Maulana stressed.
Abdulbasit Benito of the Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace (BCJP), who was also with the group, said that “hopefully, it (the meeting) would crosscheck on how civil society’s platforms work parallel with that of the candidates’ platforms.”
One of the highlights of the ‘question-and-answer’ with Mangudadatu was the query on what will he do on his first 100 days in office should he win as provincial governor.
Mangudadatu said his priorities include improvement on such services as education, health, agro-loans, among other tangible programs. He also talked on the importance a mobile hospital.
Pressed on the IPD issues, Mangudadatu said that facilitating the return of the IDPs to their places of origin will be hard since these people have no more homes and livelihood to return to.
The gubernatorial candidate acknowledged the imperativeness of the civil society groups and the provincial government unit working hand in hand.
“The meeting with Mangudadatu was very fruitful and we expect to talk to the two other gubernatorial candidates, Datu Midpantao “Antao” Midtimbang and Datu Ombra Q. Sinsuat,” said Jehan Amella of the Moro Women Development and Cultural Center (MODECC).
The CBCS members who joined the delegation were MOWDECC, Mindanao Resource Development Center (MRDC), United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD), BCJP, PUSAKA Inc., Mindanao Women for Active Governance (MWAG), UNYPHIL-Women, and CBCS Central.
April 8, 2010 - The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) , one of the largest civil society groups in Mindanao, met and talked to Buluan town Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu last April 6 in Buluan, Maguindanao.
Mangudadatu, who is running for a gubernatorial post in the province of Maguindanao, welcomed the CBCS delegation headed by Sammy Maulana, CBCS Secretary-General and Murshid Mascud, chairman of the Kutawato Regional Management Committee (KRMC-CBCS).
The CBCS asked all the gubernatorial candidates for Maguindanao to sit and discuss pertinent issues with the civil society.
“The activity aims to open a venue of understanding on the civilian protection; internally displaced persons (IDP), good governance and human rights issues and concerns, and peace and development initiatives,” Maulana stressed.
Abdulbasit Benito of the Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace (BCJP), who was also with the group, said that “hopefully, it (the meeting) would crosscheck on how civil society’s platforms work parallel with that of the candidates’ platforms.”
One of the highlights of the ‘question-and-answer’ with Mangudadatu was the query on what will he do on his first 100 days in office should he win as provincial governor.
Mangudadatu said his priorities include improvement on such services as education, health, agro-loans, among other tangible programs. He also talked on the importance a mobile hospital.
Pressed on the IPD issues, Mangudadatu said that facilitating the return of the IDPs to their places of origin will be hard since these people have no more homes and livelihood to return to.
The gubernatorial candidate acknowledged the imperativeness of the civil society groups and the provincial government unit working hand in hand.
“The meeting with Mangudadatu was very fruitful and we expect to talk to the two other gubernatorial candidates, Datu Midpantao “Antao” Midtimbang and Datu Ombra Q. Sinsuat,” said Jehan Amella of the Moro Women Development and Cultural Center (MODECC).
The CBCS members who joined the delegation were MOWDECC, Mindanao Resource Development Center (MRDC), United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD), BCJP, PUSAKA Inc., Mindanao Women for Active Governance (MWAG), UNYPHIL-Women, and CBCS Central.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Congreesional, Governatorial and Vice Governor Candidates in Maguindanao
Congress:
1. Dilangalen, Didagen Piang - Ind.
2. Sema, Baisandra Ampatuan - Lakas - Kampi
3. Datumanong, Semion Ampatuan - Lakas - Kampi
Governor:
1. Mangudadatu, Esmael Gaguil - Lakas - Kampi
2. Midtimbang, Midpantao Musa - PMP
3. Sinsuat, Datu Ombra Quesada - B-Bayan, VNP
Vice-Governor
1. Abutazil, Shaydee Ampatuan - Ind.
2. Ampatuan, Andal Sr. Salibo - Ind.
3. Candao, Ma-arouph Bajunaid - IPP
4. Mastura, Ismael Veloso - Lakas - Kampi
1. Dilangalen, Didagen Piang - Ind.
2. Sema, Baisandra Ampatuan - Lakas - Kampi
3. Datumanong, Semion Ampatuan - Lakas - Kampi
Governor:
1. Mangudadatu, Esmael Gaguil - Lakas - Kampi
2. Midtimbang, Midpantao Musa - PMP
3. Sinsuat, Datu Ombra Quesada - B-Bayan, VNP
Vice-Governor
1. Abutazil, Shaydee Ampatuan - Ind.
2. Ampatuan, Andal Sr. Salibo - Ind.
3. Candao, Ma-arouph Bajunaid - IPP
4. Mastura, Ismael Veloso - Lakas - Kampi
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sidebar: Detained, yes, but Ampatuans still running for top posts in Maguindanao
DAVAO CITY (MindaNew/08 February) – Their leaders may be detained outside
Maguindanao but they remain a clan to reckon with in Maguindanao, if we are to base it on the number of candidates running for election or reelection on May 10. The
Ampatuans, Sinsuats, Sangkis, Mangudadatus, Pendatuns, Masturas, Midtimbangs, etc.. are fielding candidates for the May 10 polls but the Ampatuans have the highest number at 68, 50 of them carrying the same surname while the remaining 18 use Ampatuan as their middle name.
Of the 50, at least 23 are members of the immediate family of the patriarch, Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr.
The Mangudadatus have 15, 10 of them bearing the surname with the remaining five use Mangudadatu as middle name (see other story).
On November 23 last year, the Mangudadatus sent a convoy of relatives, women lawyers and 32 journalists to the provincial office of the Commission on Elections in Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao, to file the certificate of candidacy for governor of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Gaguil Mangudadatu.
The convoy was stopped by armed men believed led by Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr. who would have been the Ampatuans’ candidate for governor and along with six others who happened to pass the highway at the wrong time, were herded into Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman in Ampatuan town, where they were massacred – at least 58 of them -- 35 of them buried in three mass gravesites.
Andal Jr. was taken into custody on November 26.
On December 5, hours after martial law was declared over portions of Maguindanao, Andal Sr., then OIC Governor of Maguindanao, was taken into custody at 1:30 in the morning while his son Datu Zaldy, governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was taken in at around 7 a.m. and brought to General Santos City. Two other sons, Datu Anwar, mayor of Shariff Aguak and Datu Sajid, former OIC Governor of Maguindanao were also taken in along with son-in-law Datu Akmad “Tato” Ampatuan, Sr., were also arrested and brought to the 6th Infantry Division in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat but a few days later were transferred to General Santos.
So who’s running among the Ampatuans?
Candidates directly related to Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr.
Datu Andal Salibo Ampatuan, Sr., for vice governor
Shaydee Ampatuan-Abutazil (daughter), for vice governor
Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan (son), for Provincial Board
Bongbong Midtimbang-Ampatuan (wife of Datu Zaldy), for mayor of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, unopposed
Bai Noraila K. Midtimbang Ampatuan (daughter of Zaldy and Bongbong), for councilor, unopposed
Saudi Biruar Ampatuan, Jr., (son of the late mayor Saudi) for mayor of Datu Saudi Ampatuan
Saudi Biruar Ampatuan III, (Saudi Jr’s brother) for vice mayor of Datu Saudi Ampatuan
Soraida Macarimbang Biruar-Ampatuan (wife of the late Mayor Saudi Ampatuan), for vice mayor of Parang
Jehan-jehan Lepail Ampatuan (wife of Saudi Jr.), for councilor of Datu Saudi Ampatuan
Reshal Santiago-Ampatuan (wife of Andal Jr.), for mayor of Datu Unsay
Yacob “Datu Jack” Lumenda Ampatuan (husband of Aloha, a daughter of Andal, Sr.) for mayor of Rajah Buayan
Zahara Upam Ampatuan (wife of Anwar), for mayor of Shariff Aguak
Zandria Sinsuat Ampatuan, (wife of Sajid) for mayor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha
Mohammad Bahnarin Ampatuan Ampatuan (son of Rebecca and Datu Akmad Sr.), for mayor of Mamasapano
Tahirodin Benzar Ampatuan Ampatuan (son of Rebecca and Datu Akmad Sr), for mayor of Mamasapano
Akmad Masukat Ampatuan (father of Bahnarin and Benzar), for vice mayor of Mamasapano
Lady Sha-Honey Ampatuan Ampatuan (daughter of Rebecca and Akmad Sr.), for vice mayor of Mamasapano
Zahara Upam Ampatuan (wife of Anwar), for mayor of Shariff Aguak
Anwar Uy Ampatuan, Sr. (son of Andal Sr.; wife of Zahara), for vice mayor of Shariff Aguak
Anhara Upam Ampatuan (child of Anwar and Zahara) for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Anwar Upam Ampatuan, Jr., (child of Anwar and Zahara) for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Rowella Upam Ampatuan (child of Anwar and Zahara) for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Manny Upam Ampatuan (child of Anwar and Zahara), for councilor of Datu Saudi Ampatuan
Galema Ampatuan-Olimpayan (daughter of Andal Sr. with another wife) for councilor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha
Other candidates with Ampatuan as family name:
Datu Sarip Kasan Ampatuan, for Provincial Board
Puti Mamasapano Ampatuan, for Provincial Board
Akmad Baganian Ampatuan, for mayor of Datu Salibo
Marob Batabol Ampatuan, for mayor of Datu Salibo
Kuzbari Lumenda Ampatuan, for mayor of Rajah Buayan
Datu Rennier Sinsuat Ampatuan for mayor of Talitay
Kanor Datumanong Ampatuan, for vice mayor of Datu Salibo
Baiungang Dilangalen Ampatuan, for vice mayor of Datu Abdullah Sangki
Farida Lidasan Ampatuan, for vice mayor of Matanog
Normina Baganian Ampatuan, for councilor of Ampatuan
Bai Sittie Sugadol Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Abdullah Sangki
Datu Khalid Sandag Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, unopposed
Norodin Lakman Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, unopposed
Mama Datumanong Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Salibo
Moharif Batabol Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Salibo
Yasser Baganian Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Salibo
Abdullah Kaliangget Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Unsay
Pandag Salibo Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Unsay
Anwarudin Masukat Ampatuan, for councilor of Mamasapano
Mahir Masukat Ampatuan, for councilor of Mamasapano
Mohamad Nor Abdilla Ampatuan, for councilor of Mamasapano
Usman Unto Ampatuan, for councilor of Mamasapano
Farisha Imam Ampatuan, for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Norodin Datumanong Ampatuan, for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Syrah Fatima Biruar Ampatuan, for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Michelle Sakal Ampatuan, for councilor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha
Zainal Buto Ampatuan, for councilor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha
Candidates with Ampatuan as middle name:
Bai Sandra Ampatuan Sema (wife of incumbent Cotabato City mayor Muslimin Sema) for 1st district rep against Didagen Piang Dilangalen
Simeon Ampatuan Datumanong, for 2nd district rep, unopposed.
Samsodhen Ampatuan Sangki, for vice mayor of Datu Abdullah Sangki
Monir Ampatuan Asim, Sr., for vice mayor of Datu Unsay
Ameerah Ampatuan Mamalapat, for vice mayor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha
Tulondatu Ampatuan Sumagka, for vice mayor of Talitay
Johaipa Ampatuan Basilan, for councilor of Ampatuan
Datumama Ampatuan Dilangalen, for councilor of Datu Abdullah Sangki
Rohaida Ampatuan Ebrahim, for councilor of Datu Abdullah Sangki
Bai Giom Ampatuan Kindo, for councilor of Datu Abdullah Sangki
Prince Razul Ampatuan Sangki, for councilor of Datu Adullah Sangki
Nasser Ampatuan Datumanong, for councilor of Datu Saudi Ampatuan
Mohammad Don Ysriel Ampatuan Asim, for councilor of Datu Unsay
Datumama Ampatuan Bandila, for councilor of Rajah Buayan
Saada Ampatuan Sambolawan, for councilor of Rajah Buayan
Norodin Ampatuan Datumanong, for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Amil Hamza Ramshais Ampatuan Macapendeg, for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Melvin Ampatuan Sumagka, for councilor of Talitay
Cotabato City is not part of Maguindanao but there are three Ampatuans running for elective posts there: Linda Untal Ampatuan, running for vice mayor; Johariz Usman Ampatuan, running for councilor; and Omarkhalid Ampatuan Ampatuan, running for councilor. (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
Maguindanao but they remain a clan to reckon with in Maguindanao, if we are to base it on the number of candidates running for election or reelection on May 10. The
Ampatuans, Sinsuats, Sangkis, Mangudadatus, Pendatuns, Masturas, Midtimbangs, etc.. are fielding candidates for the May 10 polls but the Ampatuans have the highest number at 68, 50 of them carrying the same surname while the remaining 18 use Ampatuan as their middle name.
Of the 50, at least 23 are members of the immediate family of the patriarch, Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr.
The Mangudadatus have 15, 10 of them bearing the surname with the remaining five use Mangudadatu as middle name (see other story).
On November 23 last year, the Mangudadatus sent a convoy of relatives, women lawyers and 32 journalists to the provincial office of the Commission on Elections in Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao, to file the certificate of candidacy for governor of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Gaguil Mangudadatu.
The convoy was stopped by armed men believed led by Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr. who would have been the Ampatuans’ candidate for governor and along with six others who happened to pass the highway at the wrong time, were herded into Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman in Ampatuan town, where they were massacred – at least 58 of them -- 35 of them buried in three mass gravesites.
Andal Jr. was taken into custody on November 26.
On December 5, hours after martial law was declared over portions of Maguindanao, Andal Sr., then OIC Governor of Maguindanao, was taken into custody at 1:30 in the morning while his son Datu Zaldy, governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was taken in at around 7 a.m. and brought to General Santos City. Two other sons, Datu Anwar, mayor of Shariff Aguak and Datu Sajid, former OIC Governor of Maguindanao were also taken in along with son-in-law Datu Akmad “Tato” Ampatuan, Sr., were also arrested and brought to the 6th Infantry Division in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat but a few days later were transferred to General Santos.
So who’s running among the Ampatuans?
Candidates directly related to Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr.
Datu Andal Salibo Ampatuan, Sr., for vice governor
Shaydee Ampatuan-Abutazil (daughter), for vice governor
Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan (son), for Provincial Board
Bongbong Midtimbang-Ampatuan (wife of Datu Zaldy), for mayor of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, unopposed
Bai Noraila K. Midtimbang Ampatuan (daughter of Zaldy and Bongbong), for councilor, unopposed
Saudi Biruar Ampatuan, Jr., (son of the late mayor Saudi) for mayor of Datu Saudi Ampatuan
Saudi Biruar Ampatuan III, (Saudi Jr’s brother) for vice mayor of Datu Saudi Ampatuan
Soraida Macarimbang Biruar-Ampatuan (wife of the late Mayor Saudi Ampatuan), for vice mayor of Parang
Jehan-jehan Lepail Ampatuan (wife of Saudi Jr.), for councilor of Datu Saudi Ampatuan
Reshal Santiago-Ampatuan (wife of Andal Jr.), for mayor of Datu Unsay
Yacob “Datu Jack” Lumenda Ampatuan (husband of Aloha, a daughter of Andal, Sr.) for mayor of Rajah Buayan
Zahara Upam Ampatuan (wife of Anwar), for mayor of Shariff Aguak
Zandria Sinsuat Ampatuan, (wife of Sajid) for mayor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha
Mohammad Bahnarin Ampatuan Ampatuan (son of Rebecca and Datu Akmad Sr.), for mayor of Mamasapano
Tahirodin Benzar Ampatuan Ampatuan (son of Rebecca and Datu Akmad Sr), for mayor of Mamasapano
Akmad Masukat Ampatuan (father of Bahnarin and Benzar), for vice mayor of Mamasapano
Lady Sha-Honey Ampatuan Ampatuan (daughter of Rebecca and Akmad Sr.), for vice mayor of Mamasapano
Zahara Upam Ampatuan (wife of Anwar), for mayor of Shariff Aguak
Anwar Uy Ampatuan, Sr. (son of Andal Sr.; wife of Zahara), for vice mayor of Shariff Aguak
Anhara Upam Ampatuan (child of Anwar and Zahara) for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Anwar Upam Ampatuan, Jr., (child of Anwar and Zahara) for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Rowella Upam Ampatuan (child of Anwar and Zahara) for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Manny Upam Ampatuan (child of Anwar and Zahara), for councilor of Datu Saudi Ampatuan
Galema Ampatuan-Olimpayan (daughter of Andal Sr. with another wife) for councilor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha
Other candidates with Ampatuan as family name:
Datu Sarip Kasan Ampatuan, for Provincial Board
Puti Mamasapano Ampatuan, for Provincial Board
Akmad Baganian Ampatuan, for mayor of Datu Salibo
Marob Batabol Ampatuan, for mayor of Datu Salibo
Kuzbari Lumenda Ampatuan, for mayor of Rajah Buayan
Datu Rennier Sinsuat Ampatuan for mayor of Talitay
Kanor Datumanong Ampatuan, for vice mayor of Datu Salibo
Baiungang Dilangalen Ampatuan, for vice mayor of Datu Abdullah Sangki
Farida Lidasan Ampatuan, for vice mayor of Matanog
Normina Baganian Ampatuan, for councilor of Ampatuan
Bai Sittie Sugadol Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Abdullah Sangki
Datu Khalid Sandag Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, unopposed
Norodin Lakman Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, unopposed
Mama Datumanong Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Salibo
Moharif Batabol Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Salibo
Yasser Baganian Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Salibo
Abdullah Kaliangget Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Unsay
Pandag Salibo Ampatuan, for councilor of Datu Unsay
Anwarudin Masukat Ampatuan, for councilor of Mamasapano
Mahir Masukat Ampatuan, for councilor of Mamasapano
Mohamad Nor Abdilla Ampatuan, for councilor of Mamasapano
Usman Unto Ampatuan, for councilor of Mamasapano
Farisha Imam Ampatuan, for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Norodin Datumanong Ampatuan, for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Syrah Fatima Biruar Ampatuan, for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Michelle Sakal Ampatuan, for councilor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha
Zainal Buto Ampatuan, for councilor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha
Candidates with Ampatuan as middle name:
Bai Sandra Ampatuan Sema (wife of incumbent Cotabato City mayor Muslimin Sema) for 1st district rep against Didagen Piang Dilangalen
Simeon Ampatuan Datumanong, for 2nd district rep, unopposed.
Samsodhen Ampatuan Sangki, for vice mayor of Datu Abdullah Sangki
Monir Ampatuan Asim, Sr., for vice mayor of Datu Unsay
Ameerah Ampatuan Mamalapat, for vice mayor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha
Tulondatu Ampatuan Sumagka, for vice mayor of Talitay
Johaipa Ampatuan Basilan, for councilor of Ampatuan
Datumama Ampatuan Dilangalen, for councilor of Datu Abdullah Sangki
Rohaida Ampatuan Ebrahim, for councilor of Datu Abdullah Sangki
Bai Giom Ampatuan Kindo, for councilor of Datu Abdullah Sangki
Prince Razul Ampatuan Sangki, for councilor of Datu Adullah Sangki
Nasser Ampatuan Datumanong, for councilor of Datu Saudi Ampatuan
Mohammad Don Ysriel Ampatuan Asim, for councilor of Datu Unsay
Datumama Ampatuan Bandila, for councilor of Rajah Buayan
Saada Ampatuan Sambolawan, for councilor of Rajah Buayan
Norodin Ampatuan Datumanong, for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Amil Hamza Ramshais Ampatuan Macapendeg, for councilor of Shariff Aguak
Melvin Ampatuan Sumagka, for councilor of Talitay
Cotabato City is not part of Maguindanao but there are three Ampatuans running for elective posts there: Linda Untal Ampatuan, running for vice mayor; Johariz Usman Ampatuan, running for councilor; and Omarkhalid Ampatuan Ampatuan, running for councilor. (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
Of 36 Maguindanao towns, 8 have unopposed mayoral and vice mayoral bets
by Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews Monday, 08 February 2010 16:06
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/07 Feb) – There are eight of 36 towns in Maguindanao where candidates for mayor and vice mayor are running unopposed; of the eight, five towns have an entire slate of candidates – for mayor, vice mayor and eight municipal board members – running unopposed in the elections on May 10, records from the Commission on Elections show. The towns of Ampatuan, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Guindulungan, Mangudadatu, Sultan Mastura and Sultan Mastura have unopposed candidates for mayor and vice mayor.
The sure winners represent Maguindanao’s clans – the Ampatuans, Mangudadatus, Masturas, Midtimbangs, Sinsuats, Sangkis.
In Ampatuan town, incumbent mayor Datu Zacaria Simpal Sangki and Datu Rasul Mabang Sangki are running unopposed for mayor and vice mayor, as Independents. Datu Zacaria is the incumbent mayor.
In Datu Anggal Midtimbang, incumbent mayor Nathaniel Sangacala Midtimbang is running for mayor while Ebrahim Musa Midtimbang is running for vice mayor. Both are running under B.Bayan-VNP.
In Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, incumbent mayor Bongbong Midtimbang Ampatuan, wife of detained ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan, is running for mayor while Abdulamanap Saliguidan Malaguial is running for vice mayor, unopposed.
Datu Hoffer is one of three new towns created last year. Bongbong Midtimbang Ampatuan was appointed acting mayor of the town by her husband, Datu Zaldy. Under the ARMM, the power to appoint OICs lies in the ARMM governor. The two other new towns are Datu Salibo and Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Datu Zaldy named two more relatives as acting mayors – Datu Akmad B. Ampatuan for Datu Salibo and Bai Zandria S. Ampatuan for Shariff Saydona. Datu Akmad and Bai Zandria are running for mayor in the two towns, but Datu Akmad is facing three opponents while Bai Zandria is running against one opponent.
In Datu Odin Sinsuat, Lester Seismundo Sinsuat and brother Sajid Seismundo Sinsuat are running unopposed for mayor and vice mayor under B.Bayan-VNP.
In Guindulungan, Datu G. Midtimbang Midtimbang and Baicong Amolan Midtimbang are also running unopposed for mayor and vice mayor
In Mangudadatu town, incumbent mayor Freddie Gaguil Mangudadatu and Prince M. Mangudadatu Dilangalen are also running unopposed for mayor and vice mayor under Lakas-Kampi.
In Sultan Kudarat town, Tucao Ong Mastura (LP) and Shajida Biruar Mastura (Lakas-Kampi) are running unopposed for mayor and vice mayor.
In Sultan Matura town, incumbent mayor Armando Talusan Mastura (NPC) and Mustapha Budian Abdulwahab (Lakas-Kampi) are running unopposed for mayor and vice mayor.
Three towns have unopposed candidates for vice mayor: Mohammad Powers Paglas (B.Bayan-VNP) in Datu Paglas town; Genuine Piang Kamaong, Jr., in Datu Piang, and Sukarno Musa Midtimbang (B. Bayan-VNP) in Talayan.
The five towns with a complete slate running unopposed are the towns of Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Midtimbang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Guindulungan, and Mangudadatu towns.
The eight unopposed bets for councilor in Datu Anggal Midtimbang are Said Kayog Abag, Daud Namil Guiama, Salipada Sabang Kayog, Lubatan Akad Lampay, Aladin Sinsuat Mentang, Abdulkarim Panalangin Mohamad, Kuro Saban Salim and Sandiale Indal Sultan. All are running under B.Bayan –VNP.
In Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, the unopposed bets for councilor are Bai Noraila K Midtimbang Ampatuan, Datu Khalid Sandag Ampatuan, Norodin Lakman Ampatuan, Datukan Undag Dukay, Macapagl Silongan Kamendan, Salunda Kam Kusan, Kasim Dadoy Omar and Eljean Tomas Unas, all running as Independents.
Bai Noraillah Kristina Midtimbang Ampatuan, 20, is the eldest child of incumbent mayor Bongbong Midtimbang Ampatuan and Datu Zaldy Ampatuan.
In Datu Odin Sinsuat, the unopposed bets for councilor are Sophia Maliga Abas, Umbra Mama Ambolodto, Zhenet Sinsuat Ante, Suharto Sinsuat Mama, Akmad Salazar Nur, Jr., Medzecail Mamacol Pinguiaman, Dexter Datumanong Sinsuat and Osmena Lucas Sinsuat III. All are running as Independents.
In Guindulungan, Bobby Midtimbang Bondula, Midpantao Musa Midtimbang, Jr., Ngulin Kasim Midtimbang, Abdulhaqe M. Midtimbang Mustapha, Datunoey Midtimbang Pandita, H. Rasul Maulana Salvo,Singtaon Amolan Sangowan an Percival Akmad Watamama are running for councilor, unopposed. All are running as Independents.
In Mangudadatu town, the council bets running unopposed are Fort Mangudadatu Daniel, Guiapal Nanagga Galuken, and Linda Edza gandalibo, Datucon Alfonso Laguiaomal, Kasan Alamada Mamasalanang, Jackson Kanda Mangudadatu, Esmael Ago Usop and Suabi Tawalang Utto. All of them are running under Lakas-Kampi. (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/07 Feb) – There are eight of 36 towns in Maguindanao where candidates for mayor and vice mayor are running unopposed; of the eight, five towns have an entire slate of candidates – for mayor, vice mayor and eight municipal board members – running unopposed in the elections on May 10, records from the Commission on Elections show. The towns of Ampatuan, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Guindulungan, Mangudadatu, Sultan Mastura and Sultan Mastura have unopposed candidates for mayor and vice mayor.
The sure winners represent Maguindanao’s clans – the Ampatuans, Mangudadatus, Masturas, Midtimbangs, Sinsuats, Sangkis.
In Ampatuan town, incumbent mayor Datu Zacaria Simpal Sangki and Datu Rasul Mabang Sangki are running unopposed for mayor and vice mayor, as Independents. Datu Zacaria is the incumbent mayor.
In Datu Anggal Midtimbang, incumbent mayor Nathaniel Sangacala Midtimbang is running for mayor while Ebrahim Musa Midtimbang is running for vice mayor. Both are running under B.Bayan-VNP.
In Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, incumbent mayor Bongbong Midtimbang Ampatuan, wife of detained ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan, is running for mayor while Abdulamanap Saliguidan Malaguial is running for vice mayor, unopposed.
Datu Hoffer is one of three new towns created last year. Bongbong Midtimbang Ampatuan was appointed acting mayor of the town by her husband, Datu Zaldy. Under the ARMM, the power to appoint OICs lies in the ARMM governor. The two other new towns are Datu Salibo and Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Datu Zaldy named two more relatives as acting mayors – Datu Akmad B. Ampatuan for Datu Salibo and Bai Zandria S. Ampatuan for Shariff Saydona. Datu Akmad and Bai Zandria are running for mayor in the two towns, but Datu Akmad is facing three opponents while Bai Zandria is running against one opponent.
In Datu Odin Sinsuat, Lester Seismundo Sinsuat and brother Sajid Seismundo Sinsuat are running unopposed for mayor and vice mayor under B.Bayan-VNP.
In Guindulungan, Datu G. Midtimbang Midtimbang and Baicong Amolan Midtimbang are also running unopposed for mayor and vice mayor
In Mangudadatu town, incumbent mayor Freddie Gaguil Mangudadatu and Prince M. Mangudadatu Dilangalen are also running unopposed for mayor and vice mayor under Lakas-Kampi.
In Sultan Kudarat town, Tucao Ong Mastura (LP) and Shajida Biruar Mastura (Lakas-Kampi) are running unopposed for mayor and vice mayor.
In Sultan Matura town, incumbent mayor Armando Talusan Mastura (NPC) and Mustapha Budian Abdulwahab (Lakas-Kampi) are running unopposed for mayor and vice mayor.
Three towns have unopposed candidates for vice mayor: Mohammad Powers Paglas (B.Bayan-VNP) in Datu Paglas town; Genuine Piang Kamaong, Jr., in Datu Piang, and Sukarno Musa Midtimbang (B. Bayan-VNP) in Talayan.
The five towns with a complete slate running unopposed are the towns of Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Midtimbang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Guindulungan, and Mangudadatu towns.
The eight unopposed bets for councilor in Datu Anggal Midtimbang are Said Kayog Abag, Daud Namil Guiama, Salipada Sabang Kayog, Lubatan Akad Lampay, Aladin Sinsuat Mentang, Abdulkarim Panalangin Mohamad, Kuro Saban Salim and Sandiale Indal Sultan. All are running under B.Bayan –VNP.
In Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, the unopposed bets for councilor are Bai Noraila K Midtimbang Ampatuan, Datu Khalid Sandag Ampatuan, Norodin Lakman Ampatuan, Datukan Undag Dukay, Macapagl Silongan Kamendan, Salunda Kam Kusan, Kasim Dadoy Omar and Eljean Tomas Unas, all running as Independents.
Bai Noraillah Kristina Midtimbang Ampatuan, 20, is the eldest child of incumbent mayor Bongbong Midtimbang Ampatuan and Datu Zaldy Ampatuan.
In Datu Odin Sinsuat, the unopposed bets for councilor are Sophia Maliga Abas, Umbra Mama Ambolodto, Zhenet Sinsuat Ante, Suharto Sinsuat Mama, Akmad Salazar Nur, Jr., Medzecail Mamacol Pinguiaman, Dexter Datumanong Sinsuat and Osmena Lucas Sinsuat III. All are running as Independents.
In Guindulungan, Bobby Midtimbang Bondula, Midpantao Musa Midtimbang, Jr., Ngulin Kasim Midtimbang, Abdulhaqe M. Midtimbang Mustapha, Datunoey Midtimbang Pandita, H. Rasul Maulana Salvo,Singtaon Amolan Sangowan an Percival Akmad Watamama are running for councilor, unopposed. All are running as Independents.
In Mangudadatu town, the council bets running unopposed are Fort Mangudadatu Daniel, Guiapal Nanagga Galuken, and Linda Edza gandalibo, Datucon Alfonso Laguiaomal, Kasan Alamada Mamasalanang, Jackson Kanda Mangudadatu, Esmael Ago Usop and Suabi Tawalang Utto. All of them are running under Lakas-Kampi. (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
First Automated National election in the country; possible
First Automated National election in the country; possible
By Bobby Benito
January 14, 2010
CLARK, Pampanga – Commission on Election spokesperson James Arthur B. Jimenez said today that the first nationwide elections will push through despite concerns on the delayed delivery of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines by its manufacturer,Smartmatic.
“It is expected that first PCOS delivery is on February 21, 2 010, as of now there are 7,200 and another 3,000 then 8,000 and then by Friday 3,200 and on Saturday, another 8,000. So now we are about 32,000 units of PCOS,” said Jimenez in his talk at the Journalist-CSO Partnership for election reporting monitoring held at Montevista Villa in Clark, Pampanga.
Jimenez said something interesting about the machines still on the way in a ship and that there are still a lot of uncertainties like weather.
Smartmatic’s machines will come from China.
Smartmatic, based in Venezuela, won the P7 billion contracts to provide voting machines and system to consolidate election results.
On the call of several groups for an early election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Jimenez said that a bill on that is still pending in Congress.
ARMM is one of the identified 558 “Hot Spots” out of 1,634 Cities and municipalities areas of concerns in the country.
By Bobby Benito
January 14, 2010
CLARK, Pampanga – Commission on Election spokesperson James Arthur B. Jimenez said today that the first nationwide elections will push through despite concerns on the delayed delivery of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines by its manufacturer,Smartmatic.
“It is expected that first PCOS delivery is on February 21, 2 010, as of now there are 7,200 and another 3,000 then 8,000 and then by Friday 3,200 and on Saturday, another 8,000. So now we are about 32,000 units of PCOS,” said Jimenez in his talk at the Journalist-CSO Partnership for election reporting monitoring held at Montevista Villa in Clark, Pampanga.
Jimenez said something interesting about the machines still on the way in a ship and that there are still a lot of uncertainties like weather.
Smartmatic’s machines will come from China.
Smartmatic, based in Venezuela, won the P7 billion contracts to provide voting machines and system to consolidate election results.
On the call of several groups for an early election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Jimenez said that a bill on that is still pending in Congress.
ARMM is one of the identified 558 “Hot Spots” out of 1,634 Cities and municipalities areas of concerns in the country.
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