Visayan group formed in Basilan province

Edwin Pantaleta gestures during a community forum in Isabela City in Basilan province. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Rex Montebon)

ISABELA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / June 1, 2009) - Respected businessman Edwin Pantaleta has recently sponsored a caucus of different representatives of the Visayan Sector and organized the Hugpong Tinabangay Sa Mga Bisaya, Inc., Isabela City Chapter in Basilan province.

The group also elected the following officials: President: Herminio “Meniong” Montebon; Vice-President for External Affairs: Jesus “Jessie” Credo; Vice-President for Internal Affairs: Jesusa “Susing” Barrios; Executive Secretary: Virginia Neri; Treasurer: Azucena Bernaldez; Auditor: Edith Barrios; Liaison Officer: Jesusa Fernandez; PIO: Rodulfo Solamillo; Business Manager: Naomi Pantaleta; Project Coordinator: Fausto Gurrea; Legal Officer: Atty. Arnulfo “Nonong” Manigos. Zaldy Montebon is the group’s regional media and project director.

The Hugpong Tinabangay Sa Mga Bisaya vowed unite different Visayan groups in Basilan and take part in reshaping the future not only of Isabela City, but the province as well for the good of all, Pantaleta said.

The ssociation is part of the Hugpong Tinabangay Sa Mga Bisaya, Inc., Zamboanga City Chapter, which is headed by former Zamboanga City mayor Vitaliano Agan. (Rex Montebon)