IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (MindaNews/19 January) – Efforts to improve the quality and quantity of rubber produced in the country got a big boost with the filing of a bill in both houses of Congress creating the Philippine Rubber Research Institute.
KIDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews/January 19) – Stop the holding of Balikatan scheduled in February this year in Sulu and Basilan and address instead the complaints against US troops for alleged brazen show of arrogance in some parts of Mindanao, a militant group today said in a statement.
ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/January 19) — Fr. Jesus Reynaldo Roda, a missionary who was killed by armed men in the Southern Philippines province of Tawi-tawi, has been honored as a "Filipino Martyr."
Fr. Roda’s friends, co-workers, and brothers and sisters in religious community cited the priest’s death as “shining example of courage and dedication to work for peace and be of service to the poor.”
“Fr. Rey is a martyr, a great missionary… His death is a beautiful reminder for all of us of a true commitment and strength to the calling of our service (to God),” said Bishop Romulo G. Valles, Archbishop of Zamboanga City, in his homily during a mass and vigil held at the mortuary chapel of Zamboanga Metropolitan Cathedral, Friday evening.
KIDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews/Jan. 19) – The city government has implemented a new tax code passed many years ago, to offset an expected P37-million cut in its internal revenue allotment (IRA).
Kawagib Moro Human Rights organization urges the government to stop the holding of Balikatan exercises in Mindanao scheduled in February this year.
DAVAO CITY (Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Southern Mindanao Region/18 January) — As the debate over the Biofuels Act gets hyped in the Senate, the militant farmers group, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas – Southern Mindanao Region, pitches-in its piece on the issue.
