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THE news of Columban priest Michael Sinnot’s release from his abductors today shows the government putting the priest’s life and health a priority, having had demanded and worked out for his liberty in just one month.

Had Sinnott’s freedom been extended a day or more and a wholesale collapse in the negotiation with the captors came about, we have nobody else to blame or villify. Remember that Sinnott’s case is different than Gabriel Canizares’, who was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf over a miscommunication in the demand for ransom.

It also appears that Sinnott’s kidnapping was being built into a case against the MILF, which had earlier offered to help rescue the priest in response to the request of Irish Ambassador Richard O’Brien. The government had been trying to undermine the MILF offer due to intelligence reports initially linking the MILF to the snatching. Added to that is the verbal slip of DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno who accused a MILF commander to be the one hiding the elderly priest.

Again, with Sinnott’s kidnapping, we can see also that the MILF Central Committee has no control over their forces, regulars or the rogue ones, who are only out to disrupt the peace talks with their bombing, kidnapping and ambush escapades.

Now, with the finger pointed at the MILF, they can always say that they were never at fault but their “rogue” elements, even when these “rogue” elements are in their controlled territory and listed as active members, of good standing in the MILF separatist army.

On the other side, the MILF have tried to show goodwill on their part by offering help and were successful indeed. Similarly, those in the military should do the same.

This being said, we commend and praise those who worked round the clock for the release of Fr. Mick Sinnott. Well done, gentlemen.

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently unveiled here two of its special projects called the Dole Kabuhayan (DK) Livelihood Starter Kit and Project Nego-Kart (Negosyo sa Kariton.

The DK livelihood Starter Kit Project targets the poor and long-term unemployed like the out-of-school youths, women, parents of child laborers, indigenous people), disabled, urban poor, elderly persons, landless farmers and fisherfolks and other workers.

Beneficiaries are provided a livelihood starter kits consisting of a package of services that will enable then to start a sustainable business undertaking and become self-employed.

The Nego-Kart, meanwhile, is a project for ambulant vendors in making their existing livelihood undertakings grow into profitable and sustainable businesses.

In a ceremony held at the City Gymnasium, Nov. 5, DOLE regional director Ponciano Ligutom presented a total amount of P200,000 for the mentioned special projects.

Ligutom announced that ten beneficiaries passed DOLE’s criteria and were given starter kits for their house-to-house service-oriented projects like refrigerator-aircon repair, plumbing, snacks preparation and cosmetology.

Livelihood tools, equipment, materials and inputs worth P5,000 was given by Ligutom to Joseph Ordonio, Lauro Dugenia Jr, Tomas Acosta Jr., Moises Doring, Noeme. Alino, Imelda Teledorio, Lydia Celera, Ruel Buban, Maria Belen Mansayon and Alicia Modejar.

DOLE also awarded ten other ambulant vendors who sells fruits, fishball, juice and hotcakes, with their new vending carts and a working capital worth P15,000 each.

Ligutom identified the beneficiaries as Jose Ronnie Ugdamina, Felix Abo-Abo, Elsie Maturan, Robert Pasanting, Riza Pepito, Simeona Patiga, Diosdada Lacharon, Alberto Molejon, Erlinda Lamar and Michael Bajao.

The regional director then reminded recipients of their big responsiobility to the gifts given saying they should not waste the resources government entrusted to them.

For his part, City Administrator Raffy Amor, who represented Mayor Samuel Co, thanked DOLE for bringing its programs and services to residents.

Meanwhile, some of the beneficiaries complained that the worth of the items given were not proportionate to the supposedly revealed amount of P5,000 for each recipient.

Some of the beneficiaries told this paper that had DOLE given them cash instead of the items, they could have purchase the said materials at a much lower price.

One recipient of the DK livelihood Starter Kit Project said she could buy the hair cutting machine for only P1,500 in one of the department stores in the city, half the price claimed by DOLE.

Another Nego-Cart Project recipient from Santo Niño commented that what good is it for them to have the cart when the P3,000 start up capital promised to them by DOLE is still not available.

“Why don’t DOLE give us the P15,000 cash and we will assemble a cart worth P7,000, which includes already the bike. We will use the savings for capital,” another said.

REPORT BY JONG CADION

ZAMBOSURIANS are looking forward to a happy reunion with kidnapped Columban priest Michael "Mick" Sinnot after he was freed, today, exactly a month after he was snatched from his home in Pagadian.

Governor Aurora Cerilles, who broke the news over DxCA-Bell FM, said the Irish priest was freed by his captors at 4:30 a.m., Nov. 12, at Sangali Village in Zamboanga City by members of the task force formed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and was then turned over to government peace negotiators.

Cerilles, who created and chaired the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) tasked to look for Sinnott, said she welcomed the priest’s release with a glad heart, adding everybody’s prayers for the clergy’s release was heard.

Sinnot, who was brought to the Western Mindanao Command headquarters for medical tests, was described as “disoriented but quite healthy.” He was flown to Manila to meet President Gloria Arroyo in Malacañang.

Sinnott has a history of heart problems and efforts to deliver his medicines were repeatedly pleaded by the Missionary Society of St. Columban (MSSC) during his captivity.

The priest’s release came barely three days after the Abu Sayyaf Group beheaded another kidnap victim, identified as Gabriel Canizares, principal of Kanague Elementary School in Patikul, Sulu, who was abducted last Oct. 19 in Brgy. Tanum.

Sinnott’s freedom also came 12 days after a proof of life video was received by the CMC relaying the abductors’ demand for a P100 million ransom. It was not known whether this demand was met as the government maintains its no ransom policy.

In an interview with journalists, Sinnott said that his captors, who identified themselves as a “lost command,” treated him well and made him sleep in a cot.

As of press time, nothing can be said about the kidnapping as both the military and the MILF refuse to speak where they found Sinnott or give details about his kidnappers.

In the past weeks, several names were bared by the military including the pronouncement made recently by DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno, initially linking the MILF to the kidnapping but these only elicited denials from the rebel group.

“The MILF vehemently denied any part in the kidnapping, an act it consistently condemned,” MILF peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal said as he disclosed that members of the MILF task force had spoken with relatives of the kidnappers and “applied moral pressure.”

For his part, MSSC regional director Pat O’Donoghue wrote in his blog his reaction to Sinnott’s release.

“Thanks to all who have been praying for Father Michael and thanks to all who have been involved behind the scenes in trying to obtain his release. It is a moment of great joy and relief for all of us who know and love this great priest,” O’Donoghue wrote.

“In the face of all this we are assured that ‘God does not stand in awe of greatness, since he himself has made small and great and provides for all alike’. God’s kingdom continues to permeate the world despite the evil that seems to overwhelm us.”

"Father Mick’s abduction and the thirty-one days since have revealed many in whom the kingdom is alive. With the Samaritan we give praise and thanks to God whose love will conquer all," O'Donoghue concluded.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

A passing resident who saw the milk can tried to tinker the package and concluded that it could be an IED after noticing a protruding cord in the can. He then warned the people within the vicinity and immediately reported to the explosive ordinance and disposal (EOD) team.

Policemen along with members of the AFP K9, SOCO and 905th PMG immediately proceeded to the area where the EOD, led by Senior EOD technician Emerson Lumpas later diffused the bombs.

Palermo explained that two cellular phones were used to connect to the IEDs, which are also connected to two blasting caps. He said that had the bombs went off, the extent of damage could reach as far as 150 meters.

The police chief added the two IEDs composed of two containers of 1800 grams of milk cans, three cellular phones, a 60-mm projectile RPG, another two kilograms of aluminum flash powder mix, a flashlight with caps and blasting cord, electrical cord with adaptor and assorted nails mixed with bolts.

Palermo said he cannot elaborate more on the nature of the IEDs for the meantime adding they are zeroing their investigation on the motive behind the bombing attempt.

The Zamboanga del Sur School of Arts and Trades, located a few meters from the area where the IEDs were found, is said to conduct a parade that morning for their English Day celebration.

Palermo told this paper that two witnesses saw three suspicious looking persons sitting inside the shanty near the area two hours before the discovery of the IEDs.

The police official believes the IEDs may have been planted to sow terror among the populace and create an impression that Pagadian City is a dangerous place.

December, last year, authorities foiled a bombing attempt in a passenger bus bound for Cagayan de Oro City after an IED was discovered fashioned out of two 60-milimeter mortar shells.

The attempt was the third foiled within the Westmincom area of jurisdiction after the twin explosions that earlier rocked two commercial establishments in Iligan City that month killing two people and injuring 48 others.

September, this year, a conspiracy to perpetrate bombings in the Zamboanga Peninsula region and in three other provinces by terrorist groups having links with al-Qaeda was uncovered by authorities.

Information from a military source based in Zamboanga City then reported that an unidentified urban terrorist group is targeting to bomb key areas around the region, including Zamboanga and Pagadian cities.

Stepping up operations against the reported terror plots, city police then at once informed local establishments and security agencies to be wary on individuals with suspicious movements.

REPORT BY JONG CADION, CHARNYL ALBARRACIN & MICHAEL MEDINA

EDUCATION Secretary Jesli Lapus’ battle cry for effective governance, which is “Edukasyon and Solusyon,” has an avid believer, in the person of MGen. Romeo Lustestica, commanding general of the First Infantry ‘Tabak’ Division.

For Lustestica, education that has formative effect on the mind, character or physical ability of an individual, will wipe out destitution because accumulated knowledge, skills and values will help one have a better chance of getting a better paying job.

“The more knowledgeable you become, the better and more chances you have to improve your living conditions,” he said during the signing of contract and distribution of checks to the CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) scholars of the AFP’s CAA Educational Benefit System (CAAEBS).

Held at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Labangan, this province, some 19 CAA scholars received their checks from Lustestica, who was also assisted by Col. Alexander Dicang, assistant division commander and chairman of the CAAEBS Selection Board.

CAAEBS is part of the Armed Forces education benefit program which provides scholarships to deserving individuals. Overall, this program is part of a portfolio that comprises 185 different educational benefit programs that also serves dependents of military personnel and CAAs, non-combat casualties, active military personnel including soldiers with disabilities.

“For us soldiers and CAFGUS, education is the solution to insurgency,” Lustestica said, citing the false ideologies grasped by those in the Maoist belief and who are fighting a “protracted people's war” through its armed wing, the New People's Army.

“These people do not weigh the consequences and they failed to see the real viewpoint prompting them to join the group. But if only they were educated or trained in schools, perhaps their wise judgments will tell them its wrong,” the army official explained.

“Education, therefore, is very important,” Lustestica stressed as he appealed to the scholars to study hard and strive to become degree holders and professionals.

At the same time, Lustestica said he is confident the regular Tabak troops will likewise study and train more regardless of one’s advancement, complete all command training requirements, advance and take that extra edge because “soldiers who are educated have better worth in the organization.”

A total of P285,00 worth of checks were distributed to the scholars that day for CAAEBS, which was launched initially by the AFP’s higher headquarters at the Tabak Division.

REPORT BY JUN CORGUE PIA-9

A once celebrated figure is predicted to change Misamis Occidental’s political landscape when he makes a comeback and joins the gubernatorial race in next year’s polls.

This was how former board member Morpheus Agot foresees incumbent Plaridel mayor and former 1st District Rep. Ernie Clarete’s future decision, which Agot surmised, will be borne out of the mayor’s frustration on his erstwhile political buddy Vice Gov. Francisco Paylaga Jr.

Formerly a Lakas stalwart, Paylaga, who used the acronym of the late movie actor and defeated presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. during the last elections, jumped shipped to Sen. Manny Villar’s Nacionalista Party and joined Clarete—the senator’s close friend.

“Seryoso ni nga butang. Ato ning panid-an karon unsa ni katinuod. Unsa kaha ni ba, nganong nadungog ni?” Agot said during his early morning program aired over DxOC.

Agot said that talks about Clarete’s imminent option came about in grapevines roaming around the first district after the politician was informed on Gov. Loreto Ocampos publicly endorsing Paylaga in his provincial sorties as "future governor.”

Ocampos’ endorsement also solicited unforgiving remarks from 2nd District Rep. Herminia Ramiro who told journalists that the governor is exercising a “one-man rule” when he endorsed Paylaga as future governor during a birthday bash last September.

Ramiro, who signified that she will also run for governor in next year’s elections, is an original Lakas member and an ally of Ocampos.

She added that Ocampos cannot just endorse anybody since there is yet no official declaration from the party and that such a situation in Misamis Occidental is yet to be decided upon by their party’s arbitration committee.

And if ever the matter is decided upon by Lakas-Kampi at the appointed time or if hell breaks loose, Ramiro, a staunch Arroyo supporter, tersely said she will be the party’s standard bearer for governorship in the province.

Meanwhile, if Agot’s prediction will be accurate, there will be four candidates vying for governorship in the province: Clarete, Paylaga, Ramiro and Vice Mayor Carlos Patricio Bernad.

Bernad is the grandson of the late Gov. Anselmo Bernad who served the province in the early 1940’s. Formerly another Ocampos ally in the administration party, he recently left and took his oath of membership to Sen. Noynoy Aquino’s Liberal Party.

Back to Agot’s predictions, he continued saying that Clarete’s entry in the gubernatorial race will divide the votes of the two districts of the province, with the solid votes from the first district in his favor and the second district split among Paylaga, Ramiro and Bernad.

“Makalawgaw ni nga sitwasyon. Maka-usob sa dagan sa politika dinhi sa ato,” Agot commented.

To recall, it was in 1998, during the rift between the late Vice Gov. Florencio Garcia and then board member Henry Oaminal who both wanted to wrestle the governorship that Clarete gambled his luck and ran for the position.

Then labeled as a “dark horse” by the media, he won by a wide margin against the two warring parties but he only served one term before becoming a congressman in his district and now as town mayor.

Clarete’s vice governor then was Ocampos, who took the seat in 2001 and is set to complete his term by 2010.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

FOR more than a century after RA 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) was enacted, the law still fails to recognize, promote and protect the rights of the indigenous peoples (IPs), a Subanen leader based in Zambosur said.

“Hinuon, misamot pa pagkalibog ang lumad sa kaanindot sa maong balaod [nga] lisod kab-uton ug puy-an,” said Joe Macarial, a Timuay who lives in Lacarayan, Tigbao.

Macarial, who belongs to the Mt. Pinukis Subanen Corridor, is one of the Subanen communities that pressed for their right to ancestral domain, self-governance, empowerment, social justice and cultural integrity, the privileges stated in the IPRA law.

In Zambosur, ancestral domain claims have been processed by the respective IPs of Dumingag, Mahayag, Lison Valley in Pagadian, Tigbao, Lapuyan, Bayog, Lakewood, Labangan and Midsalip.

Although Macarial claimed that their struggle was never ignored, what he only meant to say was that there are still unmet needs by many of the IPs and they are unwilling to wait, given the fast-moving development of modern society.

He cited, for example, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) which reflect on the opportunities, challenges and strategies on how IPs and governments in Asia could fully and effectively implement the Declaration.

“Duha na ka tuig kini apan dili hisabtan sa mga anaa sa namunuan. Nagpabilin pa gihapon ang kahimtang nga walay pag-uswag, pag-antos sa kalisod, hinuon gigamit pa kini sa pamolitika,” Macarial added.

The Subanen leader said he was referring to the laws and policies set by the government on natural resource management such as those on mining and forestry that only supports state and private business interests but displaces IP communities.

He cited, again for example, the violation of IPs’ right to self-determined development with the failure to obtain free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) before any development project is implemented in Subanen territories.

“Wala gikonsulta ang katilingban alang sa mga proyekto nga ipatuman. Hinuon ang us ka tribal leader sa Sominot gidala sa laing lugar sa Bayog ug didto gipapirma sa pagtugot alang sa ua ka mining applicant,”

Macarial also lashed out at the office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) whose people, he claimed, “are always busy processing mining applications” instead of providing redress and justice for the IPs.

He added that at times, “pulos gina-control ang buhatan sa NCIP sa mga politiko nga unta kini independente man nga buhatan alang sa tribo.”

The NCIP is the sole government agency that formulates and implements policies, plans and programs for the recognition, promotion and protection of IPs’ rights) and the recognition of their ancestral domains and their rights thereto.

“Mga hagit kini alang kanato alang sa pagpadayon sa pakigbisog nga ilhon ang maong mga katungod. Kay kon magpadayon ang pag-guba sa mga kabukiran palibot sa Mt. Pinukis sa mga mapahimuslanon, mawala na usab ang Subanen sa iyang kasaysayan,” Macarial pointed out.

In a separate interview with Henrico Gumibao, OIC chief of the administration and finance division of the NCIP in Zamboanga del Sur, he disagreed with Macarial on some points, saying the NCIP has always been impartial and independent.

And as such, they have continuously encouraged IPS to process their ancestral domain claims and develop their own programs on the implementation of the UNDRIP, Gumibao told this paper.

He likewise defended NCIP from its inability to draw the lines with respect to politicians saying it never was controlled by them even though some are proponents of development projects geared for IP community improvement.

Interestingly, he added that Macarial’s issue is legitimate and sees it as a challenge for their office to continue the mandate under which NCIP was founded, one of which is to give the IPs their priority rights over the resources within their ancestral domain.

Notwithstanding the sentiments stated by Macarial, Gumibao said the NCIP has its 12 Milestone Agenda wherein all comprehensive action plans and promulgations, including empowerment, fair representation, human resource development programs and public relations, among others, are well thought-out for implementation.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

GIVEN the onslaughts of tropical storms Ondoy and Pepeng that has brought our country to its knees, a senior councilman sees the perspective of calling fellow officials to be prepared and standing by, just in case a similar calamity strikes again.

“The misfortune that was experienced in Metro Manila with Ondoy and Pepeng might also happen here in Pagadian City that is why we must anticipate our actions and be well-equipped,” first councilor Romeo Tan said of his vision.

Tan added that as of the moment, there is a pressing need to convene the City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) as soon as possible in order to take the necessary measures, planning and arrangements.

Saying the City Government will be able to respond better during the times of crisis and take the opportunity to help residents and others when it is completely prepared, he passed Resolution No. 2009-1016 requesting Mayor Samuel Co to convene the CDCC executive committee.

The councilor’s resolution likewise included the collaboration of the City Council’s Committee on Human Rights and Urban/Rural Poor and the Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council of this city’s coastal areas.

Once assembled, the group will try to assess and evaluate the state or condition of particular places in the regional center in relation to any possible calamity or catastrophe that might hit the city and determine or identify possible relocation and evacuation sites, the councilor said.

Tan then recalled the 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami that took place on Aug. 17, 1976 that devastated 700 kilometers of coastline bordering the Moro Gulf and destroyed coastal communities in the region including Pagadian City.

At least 5,000 people died during the earthquake and tsunami, with thousands more missing.

Such tragedy is more likely to happen again and its recurrence must be anticipated considering that the South Pacific Islands have been constantly rocked by strong earthquakes, Tan further explained.

Added to the danger is the presence of uninterrupted tropical depressions hitting the country coupled with the seasonal reversing of strong winds bringing with it big waves, which endanger the lives and properties of residents in this city’s coastal areas.

Tan specifically identified the villages of Tawagan Sur, Muricay, White Beach, Kawit, San Pedro, Santiago, Sta. Lucia, Dumagoc, Napolan, Bomba and Poloyagan as the places exposed to such danger.

“Given the prevailing circumstances and in consideration of the fact that there is no substitute for being prepared of any eventually, this body finds it more prudent to convene the CDCC in collaboration with other concerned agencies purposely to monitor and evaluate the condition, state of the city’s coastal areas,” Tan concluded his report.

Meanwhile, in a visit to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), area coordinator and training officer Angelito Casinillo told this paper that initial equipments and facilities have already been provided by the city government like motor and rubber boats, ambulance, first-aid kits, hand-held radios and diving gears.

Like Tan, Casinillo shares the view of convening the CDCC anew since the mentioned resource assesment inventory contained in the contingency plan prepared by the city government is already several years outdated and needs improvement and polish.

He added that the CDCC needs to purchase another rubber boat for immediate rescue efforts and emergency response as well as the recruitment of volunteers who will undergo trainings related on disaster management like rescue operations, first aid, and other emergencies.

REPORT BY JONG CADION & MICHAEL MEDINA

MILITARY troops are tightening its barricade and have deployed more troops to the two provinces where kidnapped Columban priest Michael Sinnott was believed hidden by a band of rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels.

A report emailed by the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) quoted Task Force Zebra Commander S/Supt. Francisco Cristobal as saying their troops are scattered in three containment areas “to determine the exact location of Fr. Michael Sinnott.”

The three containment areas mentioned are Zamboanga Peninsula, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.

Troops from the 9th Regional Command, the provincial PNP, ZDN Provincial Command and Zamboanga Sibugay Police Command collectively comprised Task Group Sinnott of Zamboanga Peninsula deployed for patrolling the coastal areas of Tungawan, Olutanga Island and Payao.

Another task group composed of some 30 policemen from the 10th Regional Mobile Group is being mobilized in Lanao del Norte along with military troops from the 103rd and 104th brigades.

Cristobal said these three task groups will pounce anytime and do tactical rescue operations on the abducted priest.

Sinnott and his captors, it was learned, was said to be somewhere in the jungles at the tri-boundary of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Salvador and Picong.

The other week, a video released by the kidnappers showed the ailing priest asking government to do all means to bring him home safe. The kidnappers also asked a P100 million ransom.

Six armed men seized Sinnott from his home, Oct. 11, in Pagadian City. A notorious pirate named leader Guingona Samal was tagged as the suspect in the kidnapping, who was said to have handed the priest to Latip Jamat, another MILF commander linked to the kidnapping of an Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi in June 2007.

Meanwhile, local journalists from Ozamiz City reported last week that an emissary sent to bring Sinnott’s provisions and medicines talked with them and detailed the abductors’ present whereabouts to be somewhere in Sitio Bulawanon, Brgy. Mecalabo in Picong, Lanao del Sur.

The said emissary claimed Sinnott is now in the hands of a certain Saiddamin Montaner.

The CMC dismissed the report and cautioned media on making any kind of assertion.

Last Sunday, DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno charged Al Ashree of the MILF’s 113th Base Command as the one responsible for the kidnapping.

The MILF angrily refuted, saying the same Al Asree named by Puno is the one authorized by the MILF leadership to lead in the rescue of Sinnot.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

THE Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office (ZPPO) said they are convinced they will be able to account the estimated 12,000 loose firearms all over the province now that President Gloria Arroyo has extended the gun amnesty period until Nov. 30.

Arroyo’s Executive Order 817-A granted a one-month extension to the Final General Firearms Amnesty that lapsed on Oct. 30, citing the damage caused by tropical cyclones “Ondoy” and “Pepeng.”

EO 817-A amends the original order dated July 7 which provided for a Final General Firearms Amnesty to be implemented from October 1 to 30.

The President has said that the extension of the registration of loose firearms will provide substantial results especially among many prospective registrants in remote areas and provinces who have expressed the need for more time to register their firearms.

Arroyo also noted that the amnesty extension was also upon a suggestion by the National Firearms Control Program executive committee.

With the additional 30-day reprieve to gun owners to renew their expired firearms licenses or register their unregistered firearms, PNP Provincial Director S/Supt. Ramon Ochotorena urged those concerned to do so at their convenience.

Ochotorena added that the government is firm in its campaign against loose firearms to reduce the chance of loose firearms being used in election-related crimes in the 2010 electoral exercise next year.

After the gun amnesty draws to a close by Nov. 30, an advance nationwide gun ban might be implemented, he said, as suggested by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

A Manila newspaper has reported that the Comelec wanted a total gun ban ahead of February 9, 2010, the start of the campaign period for national candidates in the 2010 elections, suggesting Nov. 20 as the likely date.

Comelec chair Jose Melo said the total gun ban will make it illegal for anyone who is not a candidate for public office to carry firearms during the campaign period, which starts 90 days before the election for national candidates, and 45 days before for local bets.

The official campaign period for national candidates in 2010 will start on Feb. 9 and end on May 8 while the campaign period for local positions is from March 26 to May 8.

Melo added that only the security details of those running for the position of mayor and above may carry firearms and only two security personnel in uniform are allowed per candidate.

As of Nov. 7, ZPPO records showed that only 830 gun owners have registered their firearms while another 723 renewed their licenses.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA