Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ebrahim says no to independent Mindanao
CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 03 February) — Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim has rejected the call of former President Rodrigo Duterte for an independent Mindanao.
Murad instead urged Bangsamoro officials and residents to support the current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and protect the gains of the peace process.
He said the only way to achieve the legitimacy of the Bangsamoro region is through the “faithful implementation” of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB).
“The CAB is the recognition of the justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and the aspiration to chart our future through a democratic process,” Murad said in a statement published by the Bangsamoro government on its Facebook page.
The CAB signed, in March 2014, is the final peace agreement that ended decades of conflict between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Duterte had issued a call for an independent Mindanao state last Tuesday following a rift between him and President Marcos. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)
CDO to hold 10-day celebration of Lunar New Year
CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 03 February) — The city government and the local Filipino-Chinese community have prepared a 10-day festivities for the celebration of the Lunar New Year starting on February 8, according to the City Information Office.
Shiela Lumbatan, chief of staff of Mayor Rolando Uy, spearheaded the meetings to coordinate with the local Filipino-Chinese community for the celebration of the Year of the Dragon.
On February 8, Lumbatan said a ceremonial lighting of Chinese lanterns would be held at the City Hall Executive Building grounds at 6pm.
“The sight of these colorful Chinese lanterns will evoke a spirit of celebration among Pinoys,” Lumbatan told the City Information Office.
She said lion dances by local Chinese schools would be held in the city’s shopping malls and establishments.
She said a fireworks display would be held at the Rio de Oro Boulevard on February 9,
A dragon boat race in Cagayan de Oro River would cap the 10-day celebration. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)
8 trafficking victims rescued in Tawi-Tawi
CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 03 February) — A joint team of police and navy operatives this week rescued eight trafficking victims who were about to work in Malaysia without proper work documents.
The Philippine News Agency reported the team intercepted the victims when the passenger boat M/V Magnolia Liliflora docked at Bongao pier in Tawi-Tawi.
When questioned by authorities, the victims admitted they were recruited to work in Malaysia.
Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the PNP western Mindanao said the victims came from the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.
The victims were turned over to Bangsamoro authorities for counseling and assistance. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)
Agusan Sur placed under a state of calamity
CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 03 February) — The entire province of Agusan del Sur was placed under a state of calamity after floods inundated 12 towns and 110 barangays.
The Philippine News Agency reported the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed the resolution placing the province under a state of calamity after 31,685 families were displaced from their homes and are now staying in evacuation centers.
“Heavy rains have triggered flash floods and landslides in the province that displaced a significant number of the population and caused extensive damage to crops,” the resolution said.
Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. ordered the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices to continue their response operations while classes in public and private schools remain suspended. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)
