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Farmer land ownership rate only 21.8%, agriculture census finds

Farmers are seen in a rice field in Bustos, Bulacan, Oct. 17, 2023. — PHILIPPINE STAR/KJ ROSALES

THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said only 21.8% of the 19.68 million persons engaged in agriculture own or have rights to their farmland.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF) defines the agricultural population as individuals aged 18 and above that are members of households with at least one person engaged in agriculture.

Out of the total population, 10.13 million or 51.5% are males, while 9.55 million or 48.5% are females.

Some 4.3 million persons told the census that they own their land or have rights to farm it.

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) posted the highest rate of farmland ownership or rights with 28.6%.

“This reflects the region’s strong emphasis on land ownership, which aligns with cultural and historical practices,” the PSA said.

Rounding out the list of leading regions were the Cagayan Valley (26.6%), Soccsksargen (25.69%), Central Luzon (25.68%), the Davao Region (25.4%), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (25.1%), the Central Visayas (23.3%), Northern Mindanao (22.7%), and the Zamboanga Peninsula (22.2%).

Towards the bottom of the table were the Bicol Region (16.8%) Eastern Visayas (17.6%) and Western Visayas (18.2%).

“At the provincial level, Bohol, home to the highest number of farms in 2022, also led in the agricultural population with ownership or secure rights, totaling 191,867 individuals,” the PSA said.

“Isabela ranked second with 153,409 individuals, closely followed by Pangasinan with 149,863 individuals,” it added.

The census revealed that only 1.97 million of the agricultural population held formal title of ownership.

This was highest in Isabela (103,269), Bohol (81,236), and Pangasinan (72,449).

Meanwhile, 1.52 million individuals said they have owner-like possession over agricultural land with the leading provinces listed as Bohol (90,727), Negros Oriental (71,678), and Camarines Sur (50,406).

FISHERIES
In a separate report, PSA said that the number of fishing operators increased to 830,954 in 2022, up 9.3% from 760,297 in 2012.

The census also revealed 7.3% growth in the number of fishing operators to 853,065 from 795,070 10 years prior.

However, the average number of fishing operators dropped to 1.03% in 2022, down 1.8% from 2012.

“This suggests that fishing is becoming more of a household activity with fewer members per household actively engaged as operators, potentially due to diversification or transition of livelwihoods or a decrease in younger generations engaged in fishing,” PSA said.

The census recorded 854,587 engaged in capture fishing operations.

“Single proprietorship dominated the industry, accounting for 843,469 operations, or 98.7% of the total. Partnerships made up only 1.3% of fishing operations,” PSA said.

“Institutional involvement, such as corporations, cooperatives, and government agencies, was minimal, collectively contributing only 0.03%,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

GSIS allocates P8.6B for Luzon typhoon-victim loans

The Government Service Insurance System headquarters in Pasay, Philippines. May 28, 2012. — BW FILE PHOTO

THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has set aside nearly P8.6 billion in emergency loans for members and pensioners in Luzon affected by typhoons.

The loans are expected to benefit 363,547 active members and old-age and disability pensioners in Luzon, the pension fund for civil servants said in a statement on Thursday.

Members in Isabela province have until Jan. 4 to apply for emergency loans.

Members in Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya, and the towns of Burgos and Bautista, Pangasinan province, can apply until Jan. 5.

“The emergency loan window is also open in the provinces of Cagayan until Jan. 16; Albay on Jan. 23; Batangas, Camarines Norte, and Catanduanes, until Jan. 28,” the GSIS said.

Borrowers in Quezon (excluding Lucena City), Camarines Sur, and Laguna; Naga City; the municipalities of Juban, Bulan, Irosin, Barcelona, Donsol, Matnog, and Castilla in Sorsogon had a Jan. 30 application deadline.

Also allocated emergency loan funds was the municipality of San Fernando, Masbate, who were given until Jan. 30.

The GSIS also extended the deadline for calamity-affected members in Sorsogon City, Bacon, Casiguran, Bulusan, Magallanes, Santa Magdalena, Gubat, Prieto Diaz, and Pilar until Feb. 5.

Members in the municipality of Pio V. Corpuz in Masbate province can apply until Feb. 12, while those residing in Uson have until Feb. 21.

To apply for the emergency loan, members must be active and have no due and demandable loan, are not on unpaid leave, have paid premiums in the last six months prior to application, have no pending administrative or criminal cases, and enjoy monthly take-home pay of at least P5,000.

“Old-age and disability pensioners may also apply for a P20,000 emergency loan, provided they are residing in the calamity areas and their net basic monthly pension is at least 25% after loan deductions,” GSIS said.

The loans offer a 6% interest rate, no service fee, and a three-year repayment term. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

New EDCA site pushed after suspected Chinese sea drone found in PHL waters

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana toss couns at the Basa Air Base warehouse, symbolizing good luck and fortune for the newly-constructed building. — US EMBASSY/PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

A PHILIPPINE lawmaker on Thursday urged the Defense department to consider establishing a naval facility in Surigao del Norte, under the country’s 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States, after a suspected submersible drone from China was found in central Philippines.

In a statement, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace S. Barbers raised concerns over a remotely operated submersible drone found by fisherfolk off central Philippine island Masbate on Dec. 30, 2024, which was allegedly of Chinese origin based on its markings.

“It is not far-fetched that China has long been conducting in-depth intelligence gathering inside Philippine waters,” he said.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a Viber message seeking comment.

The Philippine Navy is currently conducting its investigation to determine the origin and purpose of the sea drone, Xerxes A. Trinidad, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office, said in a statement, according to news reports.

Mr. Barbers said the Department of National Defense should another EDCA site in Surigao del Norte Province, rather than in Misamis Oriental province. 

Both provinces are located on the country’s major southern island, Mindanao.

Talks of establishing a naval base within the Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corp. (PHIVIDEC) facility in Misamis Oriental have started, which Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. said would become the Philippine Navy’s operations hub for Mindanao, according to a Dec. 20 Mindanews report.

“While I do not question the logic and wisdom behind the plan to put up… [a] naval site inside the PHIVIDEC facility, I think it would be prudent for us not to inter-mix the business complex with a military complex,” said Mr. Barbers.

The PHIVIDEC facility covers a total area of 30 square kilometers, spanning across 13 barangays in Misamis Oriental. It is one of the country’s largest industrial estates, according to the special economic zone’s authority body.

Mr. Barbers said establishing a joint US-Philippines base in his province would prevent foreign states from extracting minerals in the country’s eastern coast.

“[We] have long been offering the province as a possible EDCA naval site to protect the country’s eastern seaboard from foreign intruders allegedly eyeing… minerals extraction in the region,” his statement read.

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
“Surigao del Norte, as part of the country’s second largest island in Mindanao, is still vulnerable to security anxieties such as piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing,” Chester B. Cabalza, founding president of Manila-based International Development and Security Cooperation, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

He added that Surigao del Norte is of “strategic importance” to the eastern seaboard of Mindanao. “It has to protect Dinagat and Surigao islands at the same time, which are rich in minerals.”

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. said last year they are looking to set up “strategic bases” along the eastern seaboard as part of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, and to secure the resource-rich Benham Rise.

Having an EDCA site in Surigao del Norte would help the Philippines extend its “naval reach” to the eastern seaboard, said Georgi Engelbrecht, senior analyst for the Philippines at international think tank Crisis Group.

“A site (in Surigao del Norte) would be generally helpful for power projection into the eastern Philippine maritime space… [and] having better naval positioning could give the Philippines a chance to monitor and analyze Chinese maneuvers,” he said in an X message.

“An additional perk is that typhoons and disasters often hit the eastern portions of the Philippines. Having a site there would also facilitate quick response [for disaster initiatives],” he added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in mid-2024 said his government has no plans to open additional EDCA sites in the Philippines.

In early 2023, the Philippine government gave US troops access to four additional military bases, under EDCA.

Three of the four new locations were in the northern part of the Philippines, particularly: Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport, also in Cagayan; and Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela.

The other EDCA site is in Balabac Island in Palawan, which is facing the South China Sea.

These are on top of the five existing EDCA sites since 2016: Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Antonio Bautista Base in Palawan, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro.

PBEd seeks oversight mechanism for state funds, cites learning crisis

Students line up to enter Araullo High School in Manila, Jan. 15, 2024. — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE PHILIPPINE Business for Education (PBEd) on Thursday urged the government to establish effective and robust accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure state funds are not wasted, citing the need to fund programs to address the country’s lack of classrooms and teachers.

This comes after Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed the P6.326-trillion national budget for 2025, vetoing more than P194 billion worth of line items that he said were inconsistent with his administration’s priorities.

“We urge the administration and Congress to establish robust monitoring and oversight mechanisms to ensure taxpayers’ money is used efficiently and effectively to achieve our nation’s priorities,” PBEd said in a statement.

“Our people have always been our biggest asset; yet we are still deep in the learning and nutrition crisis. Our education system continues to face backlogs in teacher recruitment, classroom construction, and provision of learning materials.”

The group also raised concerns over “discretionary funds” that may be prone to the misuse of funding meant for priority health and education programs.

Mr. Marcos had vetoed P26.065 billion worth of projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and projects worth P168.24 billion under “unprogrammed appropriations.”

Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan earlier told reporters the vetoed projects were “not ready for implementation.” “It will take us sometime anyway to make sure that these will be implemented right away,” he said in mixed English and Filipino.

Under this year’s spending plan,  the education sector will still receive the highest allocation with P1.053 trillion amid questions on the legality of massive budget cuts faced by the Department of Education (DepEd).

The sector is composed of DepEd, state universities and colleges, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman earlier said unprogrammed appropriations now account for 4.7% of the General Appropriations Act of 2025, “consistent” with the standard that standby funds should only be 5% of the total budget. The DPWH was given a budget of P1.007-trillion budget for 2025, lower than the P1.034-trillion funding approved by Congress.

“Realigning discretionary funds towards institutions that ensure people are educated, fed, and healthy not only immediately impact the poor, but also lay the groundwork for a strong economy,” PBEd said.

“While mending the budget is vital, it must be accompanied by clear, long-term strategies that prioritize the needs of our people and benefit the entire nation.”

The group added that it will work with policymakers to ensure transparency in government education spending as the country tries to boost the performance of Filipino students and to make them competitive with their global counterparts.

In the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) published on Nov. 14, Filipino students showed among the highest levels of mathematics anxiety among 15-year-old students globally.

Previously, 16% of Filipino students attained at least Level 2 proficiency in mathematics, significantly lower than the 69% average across OECD countries.

Filipino students were also among the world’s weakest in mathematics, reading, and science as the Philippines ranked 77th out of 81 countries in all categories, performing worse than the global average in another PISA 2022 assessment.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian said this year’s spending plan will include a subsidy program for the poorest students who will enroll in private schools, with P12.077 billion allotted for the Educational Service Contracting  Program.

Under the program, the government will shoulder the tuition and other miscellaneous fees of students in overcrowded junior public high schools moving to private schools. The subsidies will be given in vouchers. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Law vs offshore outfits sought as post-POGO tasks begin

Police raided a suspected Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in a building in Parañaque City. — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

A PHILIPPINE senator on Thursday pushed for the passage of a law punishing offshore gaming companies that are linked to crimes, also citing the need to fast-track efforts by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to seize properties illegally used by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

“I hope the year 2025 is the year we finally pass the Anti-POGO Act,” Senator Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel said in a statement. “We need a comprehensive law to ensure that no POGO scams, harms, or deceives many people.”

Senate Bill No. 2868, the “Anti-POGO Act,” is currently pending second reading in the Senate, while its counterpart House bill has so far secured committee approval.

This comes after Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra told reporters in a Viber message on Wednesday that his agency has been canceling fake birth certificates used by foreigners who are often linked to organized crime syndicates.

Mr. Guevarra also noted that the OSG’s “post-POGO” tasks include forfeiting illegally acquired real properties and other assets in the country.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. earlier issued an executive order ordering the ban of POGOs due to their links to organized crime such as human trafficking. This is in line with his policy directives during his third State of the Nation Address to shut down POGOs by year-end.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco had said that the government was on track to shut down POGO firms by year-end.

Mr. Tengco said in December that there were only 17 POGOs in operation, down from 298 licensed POGOs in 2019.

“The OSG should also work on seizing properties illegally used by POGOs,” Ms. Hontiveros said in a statement. “These properties should then be used as reparation for human trafficking victim-survivors, as stated in the Anti-Financial Account and Scamming Act.” 

Ms. Hontiveros had introduced an amendment to the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act entailing the civil forfeiture of all properties and other non-liquid assets of individuals involved in cases of economic sabotage. Under the law, the Supreme Court will be tasked to craft rules on carrying out the proposed provision, which would include releasing a portion of the assets to the Justice department that would be used for support and protection for human trafficking victims.

“I am sure there are still foreigners out there using Philippine birth certificates in the wrong way, so I hope they can be identified and punished by law,” the senator said. “Let us be vigilant about efforts of POGO criminals to obtain Filipino citizenship by whatever means.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Lawmaker bats for better pay for Filipino nurses, investments in health sector

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

A CONGRESSMAN on Thursday raised concerns over the inadequate pay of Filipino nurses, prompting many to practice overseas rather than in the Philippines, as the country faces a growing shortage of nurses.

“We are not paying our new nurses enough to encourage them to practice their profession,” Quezon City Rep. Marvin D. Rillo said in a statement. “We must invest more in our nurses if we want to retain some of them in the local health sector.”

Many Filipino nurses have decided to pursue a career unrelated to medical practice, with some opting to work as “real estate agents, insurance agents, or car sales agents” and enter business process outsourcing companies, according to Mr. Rillo, a vice-chairperson of the House of Representatives higher education panel.

“Largely due to the pressure to survive, some of them will likely try to seek immediate employment, even if it means taking on other jobs and not practicing nursing,” he said.

Bills seeking to increase the entry-level pay of government nurses have been filed at the Philippine Congress, with the proposals pending in the House of Representatives appropriations panel and Senate civil services committee.

The congressman also said the country is facing a nurse shortage due to fewer graduates from nursing schools and “nonstop overseas migration.”

The World Health Organization in 2020 pressed the Philippine government to provide “greater investments” into the country’s health sector as the country faces a possible 250,000 nurse shortage by 2030.

Philippine schools produced about 37,000 new nurses in 2024, which dwarfs in comparison to the average 63,800 nurses the country produced annually a decade ago, according to Mr. Rillo.

Federation of Free Workers President Jose Sonny G. Matula earlier told BusinessWorld demand for healthcare workers would further rise this year as global health challenges underscored the need for more robust healthcare systems, increasing the need for professionals. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Fourth impeachment complaint vs VP Sara eyed next week

VICE-PRESIDENT SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO — HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE

THE PHILIPPINE House of Representatives is expecting a fourth impeachment complaint to be filed against Vice-President (VP) Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio on Monday, a House official said on Thursday.

House Secretary-General Reginald S. Velasco did not identify who will file the complaint nor the congressman who will endorse the complaint, but said a lawmaker from the House majority caucus floated the possibility of filing ouster charges against the embattled vice-president.

“They haven’t said how many will endorse it yet. They just said to wait for the fourth complaint,” he said in a phone interview with reporters in Filipino. “It was given to me in confidence. So, I cannot reveal their names until they actually file the fourth complaint.”

Ms. Duterte faces a slew of impeachment raps at the House, with previous impeachment complaints seeking her removal from office due to her inability to account for the use of P612.5 million worth of secret funds in 2022 and 2023.

The three impeachment complaints, filed by civil society groups, activists, and clergymen, similarly alleged that Ms. Duterte committed graft, corruption, bribery, and betrayal of public trust.

The Office of the Vice President did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment.

Meanwhile, about “10 to 12” lawmakers from both the House majority and minority blocs expressed their willingness to endorse the filed impeachment complaints, according to Mr. Velasco. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

DoH records 48 new road accidents

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THE Department of Health (DoH) on Thursday recorded 48 new road accidents linked to the holiday season, bringing the total to 577.

The tally was 33.5% higher than the total number of road mishaps recorded from Dec. 22, 2023 to Jan. 2, 2024, DoH said in a statement.

Of the 577 cases, 415 were involved in motorcycle accidents, while 500 were found not wearing safety accessories when the incident happened, the agency said.

There were 108 cases involving those who were under the influence of alcohol.

Most of the cases were men aged 20 to 24.

Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa at a press briefing called for stricter implementation of the Helmet Use Law, especially in provinces.

“We’re not surprised that 90%, or 9 out of 10 of these riders who were injured did not wear helmets,” he noted in Filipino.

“Next year, we have to monitor those who are not wearing helmets because they will not get injured if they do so.”

Citing data, Mr. Teodoro said Cagayan Valley and Caraga regions posted the highest cases of road incidents.

Also on Thursday, the Health department said it had logged 188 fireworks-related injuries on Dec. 31, or New Year’s Eve, and three cases on the night of Jan. 1. 

These bring the total number of cases from Dec. 22 to Jan. 2 to 534, 9.8% lower than the 592 cases logged during the same period last year.

Kwitis, a legal firework, has become the top cause of the injuries so far, DoH said.

The agency earlier said that improvised cannons called boga were the leading cause of injuries. DoH said 5-star and whistle bombs were also the leading causes of fireworks-related injuries.

DoH said 443 of the total cases were male. It added that 322 of the cases were aged 19 and below.

Meanwhile, the DoH said cerebrovascular disease cases fell by 35.9% during the recent holiday season in comparison to last year’s.

Cases of acute coronary syndrome or heart attack, meanwhile, rose by 50%, the agency said.

It added that bronchial asthma cases rose by 55% compared to the same period last year. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

PHL envoy to attend Trump inauguration

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PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the United States (US) Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez will attend United States President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to Malacañang.

The US government invited the chief of diplomatic missions, as well as their spouses, to represent their respective countries at Mr. Trump’s inauguration, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar B. Chavez said in a statement late on Wednesday.

This comes amid reports that Mr. Marcos was not invited to attend the inauguration.

“The Palace confirms that the Secretary of State, on behalf of the Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, invited the Chiefs of Diplomatic Missions, along with their spouses, to represent their respective heads of state and their governments at the principal inaugural events,” Mr. Chavez said.

“There is no confirmation regarding whether the President will visit the US to meet with President Trump in the early months of 2025,” he added.

Mr. Romualdez, speaking to Super Radyo DZBB on Thursday, said there had been no formal invitation for heads of state to the inauguration but disclosed that some of them such as Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Hungarian President were informally asked to attend the event.

“President Trump’s invitation to President Xi was very informal,” he explained in mixed English and Filipino. “He called the Hungarian President so it’s very informal.”

“Now, he said in an interview that if they wanted to attend then they should.”

Earlier, when asked if Mr. Marcos was invited to Mr. Trump’s inauguration, Mr. Romualdez said, “As a matter of policy, no head of state is invited.”

“Only ambassadors represented in Washington are invited,” he said at that time. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Siquijor is top destination for foreign travelers

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SIQUIJOR Island has become the top emerging destination for international travelers coming to the Philippines, according to digital travel platform Agoda.

In its latest New Horizons list, the island, located in central Visayas, has seen a growing appeal among tourists from China, South Korea, the United States, Australia, and Germany.

“Known for its mystical reputation, pristine beaches and lush natural beauty, the island sets itself apart from its more widely known counterparts like Boracay, Siargao and Palawan,” Agoda said.

The annual New Horizons list compares the rankings on accommodation bookings in the last two years to identify the highest climbers in both domestic and international travel.

Agoda also cited Bohol as the top trending destination for Filipinos traveling locally, according to the list.

“The rising popularity of Siquijor and Bohol opens up new horizons for travelers to experience the charm of the Philippines’ lesser-known destinations,” Michael Hwang, Agoda Philippines country director, said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Hanoi, Vietnam has been cited as a rising tourist destination among Filipinos traveling abroad, Agoda said.

This will likely be driven by the increase in direct flights from Manila to Vietnam, according to the travel platform.

Topping the New Horizons ranking for Asian travelers is Shanghai, China. This was followed by Jeju Island (South Korea), Paris (France), Nha Trang (Vietnam), and Fukuoka (Japan). — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Abra shootings doubled in 2024

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BAGUIO CITY — Noting a doubled frequency of shooting incidents in Abra in 2024, newly installed Abra police director Col. Gilbert A. Fati-ig vowed tighter security measures this 2025.

The number of recorded shooting incidents from January to December 29, 2024 in the province reached 40, with most occurring in the province’s capital town of Bangued (13 incidents).

The number of victims was not provided by the Abra police.

Mr. Fati-ig also noted that only six of the 27 towns in the province of Abra have no recorded shooting incidents in the past year.

The Abra police linked most of the cases to personal quarrels fueled by excessive alcohol intake among those involved.

Mr. Fati-ig said he has instructed all the units of the provincial police to intensify visibility, mobile and foot patrol to thwart shootings and to institute more checkpoints because according to him, most of the suspects were on motorcycles and bigger vehicles.

Alarmed by the number of shootings, La Paz town mayor and League of Mayors of the Philippines national president Joseph Sto. Niño “JB” B. Bernos said shootings and all other forms of violence in Abra “must be put to a stop.” To achieve this, he said, “police visibility is very important.” — Artemio A. Dumlao   

Cop, tricycle driver wounded in Maguindanao del Norte ambush

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COTABATO CITY — A policeman and a tricycle driver were wounded in a gun attack in Barangay Awang in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Romeo J. Macapaz, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), told reporters on Thursday that motorcycle-riding gunmen opened fire first at the Toyota Hilux pick-up truck driven by their apparent target, Police Cpl. Tohami L. Musa, a Tausug from Tawi-Tawi, forcing him to return fire.

The wounded Mr. Musa, who belongs to a unit of PRO-BAR in Tawi-Tawi, defended himself, his wife and their child from their attackers, forcing them to escape after their exchanges of gunfire at the intersection of the Isulan-Cotabato and Cotabato-Upi routes in Barangay Awang.

The ambush scene is not too distant from a substation of the Datu Odin municipal police and the Army’s Camp Siongco, where the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division is located.

A tricycle driver, Ghob Naga, was wounded in the ensuing crossfire, now recuperating in a hospital.

Recordings of security cameras in business establishments around captured Mr. Musa alighting from his bullet-riddled vehicle and engaging their attackers in a gunfight.

Mr. Macapaz said personnel of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station, led by their chief, Lt. Col. Samuel Roy M. Subsuban had enlisted the help of local executives in the municipality in identifying the perpetrators of the ambush.

Mr. Musa, whose wife, a resident of Cotabato City, survived the ambush unscathed, said he had no idea who attacked them. — John Felix M. Unson

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