Moto club promotes Mindanao tourism

Motorcycle club called Speedometrix Moto Club - Davao City ends tourism tour in the southern Philippines. (Mylene Navales)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 19, 2010) – A Filipino motorcycle club called Speedometrix Moto Club whose members are exclusive users of Kawasaki Fury 125 had finished a two-day tour in Mindanao.

The tour, which began November 5, explored beautiful places and promoted tourism in the southern region. Most of those behind the club headed by Julius Espejon are working professionals who are advocating tourism in n the country’s second largest island.

The club has more than four dozen regular members.

Prior to the tour, riders also donated school supplies to school children of the Datu Salumay Elementary School in Davao City’s Marilog district as part of the club’s humanitarian program.

Dubbed “Exploring Mindanao Tourism Ride,” club members travelled the cities of Cotabato, Davao, Iligan, Oroquieta, General Santos, Ozamis, Dapitan, Cagayan de Oro and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Lanao, Bukidnon, and Zamboanga Peninsula and were met welcomed by different local government officials. (With a report from Mark Navales)

Ex-police spy killed in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 19, 2010) - A former police informer who filed criminal charges against his previous handler was killed in a gun attack in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines.

Haizon Zabala was shot by a lone gunman as he was walking near a market in the village of Santa Cruz on Thursday night.

His wife said Zabala had just come from Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur province where he attended a preliminary hearing on the case he filed against a police official whom he had accused of beating him.

She said the killing was believed connected to the case. “We fear for his safety every time he’s in Pagadian, but did not expect that he would be killed here in Zamboanga,” she said.

The woman has asked authorities to investigate the murder. Extrajudicial killings are not uncommon in Zamboanga City where gun attacks had killed dozens of people over the past years. (Mindanao Examiner)

Bemedaled army general heads Mindanao command

Lieutenant General Raymundo Ferrer, head of the Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City, assumes Friday, November 19, 2010 as the new chief of the Western Mindanao Command whose operations cover half of the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 19, 2010) – A bemedaled army general who fought Muslim and communist rebels in the southern Philippines was named Friday as commander of military forces in Western Mindanao.

Lieutenant General Raymundo Ferrer, head of the Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City, assumed as the new chief of the Western Mindanao Command whose operations cover half of the southern Philippines.

There were also proposals to reunify the two military commands, which were formed after the Southern Command was split into two in 2006, to address threats posed by Muslim and communist insurgencies and terrorism.

Ferrer, who graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1977, was one of few generals who resisted efforts by known supporters of former President Gloria Arroyo to cheat the presidential elections in 2004 in Basilan province where he was then commander of military forces.

Because of that, Ferrer’s appointment to higher positions was several times bypassed during Arroyo’s term. It was also during Arroyo’s term that she named Lieutenant General Delfin Bangit, who graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1978, as Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Chief of Staff. (Mindanao Examiner)

NPA rebels torch trucks in South RP

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 19, 2010) – Communist rebels torched three trucks and two bulldozers owned by private construction firms in the southern Philippines, officials said Friday.

Officials said about 40 New People’s Army rebels staged the Thursday attacks in the village of Las Arenas in Compostela Valley’s Pantukan town. “They flagged down the trucks and the bulldozers and torched them,” said Lieutenant Colonel Medel Aguilar, a spokesman for the Army’s 10th Infantry Division.

He said the drivers were unharmed in the twin attacks led by rebel leader Danilo Nodalo.

The attacks, he said, were triggered by firm’s refusal to pay extortion money to the New People’s Army, armed wing of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines which is fighting for decades for a separate Maoist state in the country.

“These attacks prove the New People’s Army is a terrorist organization. The New People’s Army attacks civilian and unarmed target. This cowardly act is a crime that can never be justified. It brings more pain and sufferings to the people because it causes fear and anxiety and obstructs our way to economic development,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar urged rebels to surrender peacefully and start a new life. He said more than five dozen rebels had surrendered to the military since October in Mindanao. Most of those who surrendered were provided skills and livelihood training, he said.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said he would reopen peace talks with the rebels after negotiation collapsed in 2004 during President Gloria Arroyo’s term.

The rebels accused Arroyo of reneging on several agreements, among them the release of thousands of political prisoners. (Mindanao Examiner)

Tanaw Mindanao Sweden Art Show

TANAW MINDANAW Sweden Art Show: Argueli Cafe-Galleri, Blecktornsgrand 9, 11824 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN. From November 27 to December 02,2010. National Artist Dr Abdulmari Imao, Rameer Tawasil, Joel Geolamen and Anoy Catague.



Link:http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=457549067470&set=a.398068412470.191611.661722470&ref=nf

Decorated army general to head Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City

Lieutenant General Raymundo Ferrer, the head of the Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City, is said to be the next chief of the Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City, whose operations cover half of the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 18, 2010) – A decorated and veteran army commander who is a staunch peace advocate in the southern Philippines is likely to lead the military’s Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City, security sources said.

Lieutenant General Raymundo Ferrer, the head of the Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City, is said to be the next chief of the Western Mindanao Command whose operations cover half of the southern Philippines.

And there were also proposals to reunify the two military commands, which came about after the Southern Command was split into two in 2006 to address threats posed by Muslim and communist insurgencies and terrorism.

Ferrer, who graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1977, was one of few generals who resisted efforts by known supporters of former President Gloria Arroyo to cheat the presidential elections in 2004 in Basilan province where he was then commander of military forces.

Because of that, Ferrer’s appointment to higher positions was several times bypassed during Arroyo’s term. It was also during Arroyo’s term that she named Lieutenant General Delfin Bangit, who graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1978, as Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Chief of Staff.

Ferrer could not be immediately reached for confirmation, but government troops deployed in the southern Philippines said they are supporting the general's appointment as head of the Western Mindanao Command. “We look forward to seeing General Ferrer as the new commander of the Western Mindanao Command. He is a known peace advocate and highly respected in the military,” one army corporal said in Zamboanga City.

Another soldier said he would buy a new mountain bike because Ferrer is also a known sports man. “I will buy a new mountain bike because General Ferrer really likes to bike as part of his athletic activities,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)

Kidnapped gas depot owner freed in Cotabato

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 17, 2010) – Kidnappers have freed unharmed an elderly gas depot owner two days after gunmen barged inside his office in the southern Philippines, officials said Wednesday.

Officials said Rodolfo Chio, 70, was abandoned Tuesday night in Cotabato City near Maguindanao, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

“Rodolfo was freed last night in Cotabato City. Troops are now tracking down the kidnappers,” said Captain Razeleigh Bansawan, spokesman for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

Bansawan did not say if Chio’s family paid ransom, but he tagged a kidnap-for-ransom group as behind the old man’s misery. The gang originally demanded at least P5 million for Chio’s freedom.

Chio’s release came a day after pursuing troops clashed with kidnappers in Maguindanao’s Datu Piang town. No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. (Mindanao Examiner)

MILF rejects RP demand to replace Malaysian peace facilitator

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 16, 2010) – Muslim rebels negotiating peace with Manila have rejected Tuesday demands by the Philippines to replace a key Malaysian facilitator ahead of peace talks aimed at ending decades of bloody fighting in the restive region of Mindanao.

Philippines chief peace negotiator Marvic Leonen has asked Malaysia to replace Datuk Othman Bin Abd’ Razak. But the Filipino official did not say the reason why Manila wanted Othman out of the peace talks, although other sources claimed that Othman was reportedly siding with the MILF.

The MILF’s central body has passed a resolution urging Kuala Lumpur to retain Othman as facilitator for the peace talks. A copy of the resolution signed by rebel chieftain Murad Ibrahim was sent to Malaysia.

“Datuk Othman (as Malaysia’s facilitator) has shown his impartiality, competence, creativity, and commitment to push the peace process into success,” said a senior member of the MILF, Jun Mantawil.

He said any move to replace Othman will not be good to the peace process. “New facilitator, no matter how competent, will first grope in the dark before he can steer the talks into the right direction,” he said.

Mantawil also challenged Othman’s detractors to present evidence that the Malaysian facilitator was on the side of the MILF.

“All the agreements signed (by the MILF and Philippine peace negotiators) were discussed and deliberated squarely across the negotiating table and were mutually agreed by (both) parties,” he said.

New Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said he would resume peace talks with the MILF and has formed a new team of negotiators headed by Leonen.

The MILF, a breakaway faction of the larger Moro National Liberation Front which signed a peace accord in 1996, is fighting for self-determination. (Mindanao Examiner)

Mamma Maria's Pizzeria magbubukas sa Zamboanga City!

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 16, 2010) - Sa wakas, isang branch ng Mamma Maria’s Pizzeria (Authentic Italiano Pizza & Pasta) ang magbubukas sa Zamboanga City at inaasahang daragsain ito ng marami dahil sa masarap at espesyal nitong menu.

Ang Mamma Maria’s Pizzeria ang may hawak ng record sa pinakamalaking pizza sa buong bansa – 63 pulgada. At sa Zamboanga ay nasa Nunez Extension at kaharap lamang tanggapan ng Mindanao Examiner at ngayon pa lamang ay maiinit na inaabangan na ang pagbubukas nito.

Nabigyan rin ang Mindanao Examiner ng kopya ng menu ng Mamma Maria’s Pizzeria at sa dami ng pagpipilian pagkain ay siguradong masisiyahan ang publiko dahil lubhang masasarap ito. Sa pizza pa lamang ay may 27 flavors na ito at may sukat mula 8 pulgada at siyempre hanggang 63 pulgada.

May mga pasta rin ito sa kanilang menu at mga combo meal na bukod sa mura at talagang katakam-takam. Bukod sa pizza ay may Kebab rin ang Mamma Maria’s Pizzeria at tatlong klase ang maaring pagpilian- Kebab Plate, Kebab in Pita Bread at Shish Kebab.

Ang maganda sa restoran ay bukas ito sa publiko mula alas 9 ng umaga hanggang hating-gabi sa tuwing Lunes hanggang Huwebes at hanggang alas 2 ng umaga naman sa tuwing Biyernes hanggang Linggo. Nagsimula ang Mamma Maria's Pizzeria sa Pilipinas nuong lamang 2005 at naging tanyag ito sa kanilang mura at masasarap na menu. (Jung Francisco)

BI naghigpit sa Zambo!

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 16, 2010) - Naghigpit ang Bureau of Immigration sa Zamboanga City sa pagbabantay ng mga dayuhang pumapasok sa bansa ng ilegal.

Ito ay matapos na masakote ang 6 na Indian citizens na umano’y galing pa ng Malaysia at pumasok sa bansa mula Tawi-Tawi at nagtungo sa Zamboanga City.

Nadakip ang mga dayuhan nitong buwan ngunit hindi naman agad inilabas ang balita sa pagnanais na madakip ang utak ng sindikato mula India na siyang nasa likod ng pamumuslit.

Natatakot naman ang mga awtoridad na posibleng makapasok sa Tawi-Tawi ang mga terorista ng al-Qaeda at Jemaah Islamiya dahil sa malawak ng karagatan sa katimugan.

Talamak rin ang ilegal na pagtawid ng mga Pinoy sa Tawi-Tawi upang magtrabaho sa Malaysia dahil sa laki ng bayad doon ng mga skilled workers. Karamihan sa mga Pilipinong tumatawid ng ilegal sa Malaysia ay sa Sabah o North Borneo ang bagsak at doon ay nagtatrabaho sa mga construction sites at palm plantations.

Ang mga ibang Pinay naman ay sa mga bars ang bagsak at ang mga bakla ay umaakyat ng mga barkong nag-stop over sa Sabah upang magbigay ng aliw sa mga seaman. (Mindanao Examiner)

Human rights group slams military for arrest of 2 civilians in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 16, 2010) – A Filipino human rights group accused government soldiers of illegally detaining two civilians suspected as communist rebels in the southern Philippines.

The group calling itself “Karapatan” said soldiers arrested the duo - Analou Ayagina and Jimuel Tanilon – in their house last week in the village of Magsaysay in Compostela Valley’s Nabunturan town.

The two are sister and cousin of Emily Ayagina, a staff of the human rights group, said Hanimay Suazo, of Karapatan.

She said the military later reported the two are members of the communist rebel group New People’s Army and that they had surrendered to the authorities.

“We are appalled with how the military brazenly denies the illegal arrest and detention of the two civilians,” Suazo said in a statement. “It is the character of their so-called peace and development teams and part of their counter-insurgency program to harass the family members of human rights defenders and deceive the civilians.”

Suazo said the two were interrogated by the military and forced them to reveal Ayagina’s whereabouts. She said Ayagina has been staying with the Karapatan after soldiers harassed her. “Emily was a victim of military harassment herself.

She was also forced to admit that she's a New People’s Army member last year,” she said without further elaborating.

Lieutenant Medel Aguilar, a spokesman for the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said Ayagina and Tanilon were member’s of the New People’s Army Guerilla Front 33.

He said a village leader Alejandro Coming facilitated the surrender of the duo and that Ayegina had returned home while Tanilon sought protection from the military for his own safety.

“Analou (Ayagina) went home already because she will take care of her sick mother. Jimuel (Tanilon) opted to stay with the military for his safety. All the events were reported to the police,” Aguilar told the Mindanao Examiner.

The military has repeatedly accused the Karapatan as a front of the New People’s Army, armed wing of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines which is fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao)

Troops search for kidnapped Maguindanao trader

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 16, 2010) – Philippine troops on Tuesday continue their hunt for gunmen who kidnapped an elderly wealthy Filipino-Chinese gas depot owner in the troubled island of Mindanao, officials said.

Officials said pursuing troops clashed with the gang holding Rodolfo Chio, 70, in Maguindanao’s Datu Piang town. Chio was seized inside his depot by five armed men over the weekend.

“The kidnappers managed to escape using a pump boat and crossed Rio Grande River towards Midsayap (town) in North Cotabato province,” said Army Captain Razeleigh Bansawan, a spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division.

Bansawan did not say if any of the soldiers or kidnappers were killed or wounded in the fighting. But other reports claimed that one of Chio’s captors was shot and killed and that the body was retrieved by security forces.

No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, but the gang was reportedly demanding at least P5 million ransoms for the safe release of the hostage. (Mindanao Examiner)

Gunmen seize 2 teachers in Basilan province

BASILAN, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 15, 2010) – Suspected Moro rebels stormed a government school on Monday and abducted two teachers in the restive province of Basilan in the southern Philippines, police and military said.

It said security forces were pursuing the gunmen who are holding Celia Sosas and Merlyn Yacapin in the town of Lamitan. The gunmen seized the two at around 11 a.m., but officials would not say the motive of the abduction.

Other reports said Yacapin was later abandoned by the gunmen on a remote village in the town’s outskirts, but the gang held on to Sosas who is the head of the Baas Elementary School.

No group or individual claimed responsibility for the latest abduction.

Suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels headed by Nur Hassan Jamiri are also holding trader Rosa Baranda who was kidnapped November 2 near Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan. The rebels are demanding three million pesos ransom in exchange for Baranda’s safe release.

The group was also tied to terrorism in the southern Philippines and is on the top list of the country’s law enforcement agencies. Kidnappings and terrorism are not uncommon in Basilan where dozens of soldiers had been killed in attacks the past years. (Mindanao Examiner)

1 killed in bomb attack in South RP

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 15, 2010) – An improvised bomb exploded Monday at a bus depot in the southern Philippines, killing one person and wounding two others, an army spokesman said.

Captain Razaleigh Bansawan, of the 6th Infantry Division, said the bomb went off at around 10.36 a.m. in the town of Carmen in North Cotabato province. He said the wounded were rushed to hospital for shrapnel wounds.

“(Members of the army’s) Explosive Ordnance Division is in the area conducting post-blast investigation while checkpoint operations are also emplaced for possible apprehension of the perpetrators,” Bansawan told the Mindanao Examiner.

Bansawan did not say who were behind the blast or the motive of the attack and no group or individual claimed responsibility for the explosion. But previous attacks had been largely blamed by the police and military to Moro rebels.

Last month, a bomb attack on a provincial bus killed 7 people and injured more than a dozen in North Cotabato’s Matalam town

The bomb apparently went off from the baggage compartment of the bus while it was travelling to Cagayan del Oro City from Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province.

In August, armed men disguised as policemen also torched a provincial bus after killing its driver and two of-duty police officers at a road block in Lanao del Norte’s Kapatagan town. Several bomb attacks on provincial buses, blamed to rebels extorting money, also occurred in recent years in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)

Mommy Dionisia, 'knockout' sa Cowboys Stadium

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (Mindanao examiner / Nov. 14, 2010) – Hinimatay ang ina ni boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao dahil sa pressure ng laban ng anak kay Mexican “tornado” Antonio Margarito sa Cowboys Stadium sa Texas.

Nagdarasal umano si Mommy Dionisia habang pinanonood ang laban sa second round ng hinimatay ito, ngunit mabilis naman naagapan ng mga anak na sina Roel at Bobby Pacquaio at Jinky, ang may-bahay ng Pambansang Kamao.

Nabatid ito matapos na mag-text ang mga kasamahaan ni Mommy Dionisia sa kanilang pamilya sa Sarangani province at General Santos City na kung saan ay naiwan ang ama ni Manny na si Mang Rosalio.

“Oo tutuo yan at hinimatay nga si Mommy Dionisia at siguro dahil na rin sa pressure ng laban ni Manny. Hindi naman kasi sanay si Moomy Dionisia na manuod ng live sa mga laban ni Manny, pero okay naman siya…sa second round daw hinimatay si Mommy Dionisia,” ani sa Mindanao Examiner ng isang malapit sa pamilyang Pacquiao na kasamang nanuod ng laban sa bahay ni Manny sa General Santos City.

Unang naglabas ng tweet si Dr. Vicky Belo at ayon sa kanya ay “Mommy Dionisia is unconscious…I don’t know if its cuz she prayed too much or she’s having an attack.”

At sinundan pa ito ng isang tweet na ayon sa ABS-CBN ay: “She has not regained consciousness. Please pray for mommy D.”

Maging ang estranged husband ni Mommy Dionisia ay nagsabing hindi na umano dapat pinanuod ng milyonaryang ina ni Manny ang laban dahil hindi ito sanay na makita ang anak na nakikipag-boxing sa ring.

Nanalo si Manny laban kay Margarito at walo na ang hawak na title belt ni Pacquiao. (Mindanao Examiner)

Manny Pacquiao wins over Antonio Margarito

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 14, 2010) Roads were virtually deserted as locals watched on cable television Sunday’s bout between Filipino boxing superstar many Pacquiao and Mexico’s pride Antonio Margarito in Texas.

Pacquiao won by a unanimous decision over Margarito and snatching the Mexican’s WBC super welterweight belt in the 12-round fight at the packed Cowboys Stadium.

“Manny, Manny,” was all the locals chanted during the entire fight. “He is the best. Manny is the greatest and first round of the bout, I knew it, I knew Margarito will go down,” said Pacquiao’s fan, Maritess Fernandez, who watched the fight broadcast live on cable television with her family.

Even motorcycle taxi drivers stopped plying their routes to watch the fight on roadside restaurants while bigger diners charged customers as high as P300 that also comes with a plated meal to watch the bout on cable television.

As usual, many villagers bet on their favorite boxers with some siding with Margarito, saying, he was big and fast only to lose to Pacquiao’s diehard followers.

Pacquiao now holds 8 international boxing titles and is considered by many sports magazines as one of the world’s best.

But while many celebrate Pacquiao’s victory, others were disgusted with how another Filipino boxer Juan Martin Elorde fought over Angel Rodriguez. The young fighter, who uses his grandfather’s alias “Flash (Gabriel) Elorde” lost in the 4-round bout.

Two other Filipino boxers Richie Mepranum ang Dennis Laurente who also fought in the undercard bouts won. (Mindanao Examiner)

Mutya ng Maguindanao 2010

Candidates to the Mutya ng Maguindanao 2010 during a media presentation in Kidapawan City in Mindanao. Coronation is set on November 21, 2010. (Photo by Geo Solmerano)

Wanted Indon terror man spotted in South RP

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 13, 2010) – An Indonesian bomber wanted for a string of terror attacks in his country and the Philippines had been spotted in the southern Filipino province of Tawi-Tawi, reports said on Saturday.

It said Umar Patek, 40, was seen carrying a rifle in a video provided by the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research to television giant ABS-CBN. Patek is a member of the Jemaah Islamiya who was linked to the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 mostly foreigners, and wanted by the United States and Australia on terrorism charges.

The report did not say when the video was taken and who provided the footage to the Filipino research group. Patek was initially reported by the Philippine military to have died in a firefight with troops in Sulu province in 2006 only to deny it later. Patek, alias Umar Kecil, is believed to have trained Abu Sayyaf militants in bomb-making in the southern Philippines.

Australia said the Abu Sayyaf harbored Patek, including slain Indonesian bomber Dulmatin, who both fled to the southern Philippines in 2003 to evade arrest by Indonesian authorities after the Bali attack.

Philippine authorities had previously claimed that dozens of Jemaah Islamiya militants are hiding in the country, mostly in Mindanao, and Canberra said the Indonesian extremists continue to support terrorist operations by the Abu Sayyaf and the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front and also provide bomb-making training to Philippines-based militant networks.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is fighting for self-determination has denied any links with either the Abu Sayyaf or Jemaah Islamiya, but Australia said information from March 2009 recovered from Abu Sayyaf training camps, documented the collusion between the two rebel groups and Jemaah Islamiya in effecting 'technology transfer' and the provision of safe haven in exchange for weapons.

Australia said the Abu Sayyaf also harbored Marwan – a Jemaah Islamiya militant and US-trained engineer and explosives trainer – who had been in the Philippines since mid 2007. It said Patek and Marwan currently have a combined total of US$6 million in reward money posted for their capture by the United States.

Aside from Patek, Filipino authorities said Jemaah Islamiya militants Mauiya and Quayem are also hiding in the southern Philippines and under the protection of the Abu Sayyaf. Mauiya was tagged as one of those who held three international aide workers in the restive region in 2009. (Mindanao Examiner)

Seminar On Free Trade Agreements Set In Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 12, 2010) - The Department of Trade and Industry in cooperation with the Bureau of Customs the Tariff Commission, the Export Development Council, Philexport, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry will conduct next week a seminar on the Free Trade Agreements in Zamboanga City in Mindanao.

Dubbed as “Doing Business in Free Trade Areas”, the seminar, set on November 19, is part of the nationwide information campaign aimed at increasing awareness as well as foster appreciation of the benefits of the FTAs.

Trade regional director Nazrullah Manzur disclosed that while the Philippines is already implementing a number of FTAs, it has been observed that many local businessmen have not been able to take full advantage of them. This seminar is therefore, designed to help address this gap.

The seminar, Manzur said, will cover discussions on market opportunities, particularly on products with zero or reduced tariffs under existing free trade agreements as well as the procedures for their availment.

He said there will also be a sharing session for businessmen who have successfully utilized the free trade agreements to their advantage.

“We thus, encourage our businessmen here in Region 9 to attend this seminar so they too can avail the same opportunities and benefits as a result of these FTAs”, Manzur said in a statement.

“There will be no registration fee but accommodation will be on a first come, first served basis”, he added. (With a report from Jung Francisco)

All Praises For LTO In Western Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 12, 2010) – The regional headquarters of the Land Transportation Office in Western Mindanao continues to earn praises and accolades from the public because of its excellent and efficient services.

The International Standards Organization has conferred its ISO certification to the LTO’s Driver’s License Renewal Centers because of its prompt services.

The ISO is an organization that sets standards in many businesses and technologies, including computing and communications.

“We have been really working hard to be able to provide fast and better services. Our dedication to public service is really very important to everybody at the LTO and we shall continue working hard to serve the public,” said lawyer Aminola Abaton, the LTO’s regional chief.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose de Jesus recently reappointed Abaton and praised him for his many accomplishments. Abaton was largely credited for his many projects and implementation of various LTO programs.

“It is much better now. The services are very good and fixers are gone. This is the kind of services we should have in other (government) agencies,” said Jeng Fernandez, 34, who renewed her driver’s license on Friday.

Noel Noche, head of the LTO’s Zamboanga City District Office, also cited Abaton’s leadership in the success of their programs and projects that benefited the public.

One of its popular projects is called “Info-Text Service” which allow any person with a cellular phone to inquire whether a vehicle is stolen or not by simply texting its plate number and sending them to 2600. The Info-Text Service also allows a person to inquire about other LTO rules and procedures.

Abaton has tapped female LTO personnel to augment its regular force to implement transportation laws across the region. He also beautified LTO offices in western Mindanao.

“Director Abaton is a very good public servant and his leadership guided us all in our efforts to provide better and efficient services to the public,” he said.

Noche himself was also praised by many for the accomplishments of the Driver’s License Renewal Centers which resulted to the fast processing of licenses, thus, cutting the time that motor vehicle drivers have to wait before they can claim their cards.

The LTO is the agency responsible for improving land transportation services and facilities and implementing various transportation laws, rules, and regulations. (Mindanao Examiner)