BCDA ‘segregating’13 Camp John Hay b’gays

BAGUIO CITY – Despite threats from the city government of being sued,  the state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said segregation of remaining 13 barangays in the John Hay Reservation Area (JHRA) is ongoing and being implemented consistent with its charter under Republic 7227.

BCDA president and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova bared this amidst threats from Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan to file a case for specific performance against BCDA for breach of “conditionalities” set under Resolution No. 362, series of 1994.

The conditions were set by the city government for management of the former American military rest and recreation camp after this was turned over by the American government to the Philippines.

“Rather than criticize the BCDA,” Casanova urged the city mayor “to  support the BCDA in its bid to collect public funds amounting to some P3.4 billion in rental arrears from delinquent lessee Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevco),  in which the City of Baguio stands to receive 25 percent or P850 million.” 

Domogan earlier reacted to an advertisement published in a local paper by the BCDA airing the same allegations.

The mayor’s responses, along with Rep. Nicasio Aliping Jr., saying among others that the BCDA did not remit rentals of Camp John Hay to the city government, establishments inside CJH were not paying business taxes to the city on instigation of BCDA officials, water supply of barangays within and near John Hay were in danger of being taken over by the BCDA as the latter applied with the National Water Resources Board for water rights, BCDA was segregating barangays without consulting the city government, among others. 

In a press statement Friday, Casanova said, “BCDA is currently undertaking segregation of the remaining 13 barangays, by parcel, and the mayor should concentrate on collecting what is due to Baguio City from the Sobrepena-led CJHDevCo.”

He said  that P850 million due to Baguio City can be used for various infrastructure and social services programs and projects such as the construction of  31  3-storey, 9-classroom buildings at P27 million each or more than one million  doses of measles vaccine or the upgrading of  hospital equipment  that will benefit the entire Baguio City community.  

“Baguio City can help solve its garbage problem with their P850 million share,” Casanova added.

Casanova assured the Baguio community that BCDA is sincere in its efforts to segregate the parcels of land to qualified beneficiaries, which include Country Club Village, Upper Dagsian, Lower Dagsian, Sta. Escolastica, Hillside, Happy Hollow, Green Water, LoakanApugan, Loakan Proper, Camp 7, LoakanLiwanang, Lucnab and Outlook Drive.

 “We also call on the local government to focus its efforts in curbing professional squatting in these barangays to protect the legitimate beneficiaries against corrupt individuals who are exploiting and engaging in professional squatting,” Casanova said.

The BCDA chief executive said the government agency is “taking the fastest way legally possible for the qualified beneficiaries to get their titles.”

He said only a presidential proclamation can finalize the segregation process, which serves as the basis of awarding the land to qualified beneficiaries.

 An inter-agency technical working group for barangay segregation composed of BCDA, JHMC, Baguio City government, National Commission on Indigenous People, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Housing Authority, and the Barangay Chairmen of the 13 affected barangay has completed the relocation and structural survey and utility survey of all 13 barangays.

The surveys allowed BCDA and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) —its management arm in the JHSEZ and JHRA—to establish the metes and bounds of each barangay due for segregation.

Casanova said despite the challenges, BCDA and JHMC were able to finish the survey in view of complying with its mandate under RA 7227.

To date, Barangay Scout Barrio has already been segregated and awarded to qualified residents in 2005.

NPA leader with P5.8 M bounty arrested

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – A ranking New People's Army leader of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) with P5.8 million bounty was arrested Tuesday at Landheights Subdivision, Barangay Buntatala, Jaro, Iloilo City around 9:45 a.m. of August 5.

Cordillera police director Chief Supt. Isagani Nerez identified the arrested NPA leader as Eduardo Almores Esteban alias Bonnie/ Benny/Pilo, 60, Secretary of Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC), who was listed as most wanted man second quarter of 2014 in the region.

Esteban was nabbed for murder through joint operations of the Police Regional Office Cordillera, personnel of the Military Intelligence Group (MIG1), ISAFP, Regional Intelligence Unit 6 and 14 (RIU-6 & RIU-14) by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest issued by Judge Corpuz B.Alzate of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 2, in Bangued, Abra.

Nerez said Esteban also has warrants of arrest for frustrated murder; rebellion and two counts of murder which were all issued by the RTC, Branch 23, of Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

Esteban is now under the custody of regional police office here  for turnover to concerned courts.

Anti-illegal logging team leader shot dead at Ilagan checkpoint

By Raymund Catindig

ILAGAN CITY, – Police are still looking into identity of  assassins who shot dead a  former village chairman turned leader of an anti-illegal logging task force he was manning a checkpoint in Ilagan City.

Alfredo Ilayat was found with several gunshot wounds in the body several meters away from the checkpoint, said city police director Supt. Vicente Valdez.

Investigators recovered the victim’s 12-gauge shotgun beside him.

Ilayat, a former head of Barangay Cabisera here was leader of an anti-illegal logging task force created by Isabela Gov. Faustino Dy III.

Valdez said Ilayat was alone at the checkpoint in Barangay Villa Imelda as his companions were conducting an operation at a nearby village when the attack occurred.

The victim’s family expressed the belief the killing was work-related.

Ifugao mayors agree on trash common landfill

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- Mayors of six towns of this province recently  agreed to undertake a clustered sanitary garbage landfill project that will commonly benefit them.

Mayors Ceasario Cabbigat of this town, Joselito Guyguyon of Kiangan, Mariano Buyagawan, Lamut; Gerardo Luglug, Hingyon; Armando Domilod, Asipulo and Jerry Dalipog of Banaue signed the agreement. This, because they realized establishment, operation and management of a sanitary landfill would require massive financial requirement which may not be practical or affordable for many poorer municipalities.

The mayors agreed the project would achieve their solid waste management with less money considering they could use credit financing for the project.

The six municipalities are near each other and share common resources.

As initial endeavor, they agreed to form themselves into a “cluster for solid waste management and consolidate efforts for a project feasibility study.

 An amount of P200,000 from each member LGU shall be collected as initial contribution for the study. -- Daniel Codamon

Espinos of Pangasinan bolt NPC; mayors pledge support

By Liezle BasaInigo

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. and three other elected family members on Monday bolted the Nationalist Peoples Coalition (NPC), citing differences in opinion and priorities.

Mayor Amadeo Espino and Junel Anthony Espino of Bautista and Bugallon towns, along with the governor’s son, Board Member Amado “Pogi” Espino III, likewise, resigned from the NPC.

The younger Espino earlier announced his plan to replace his father as provincial governor in the 2016 elections and will be challenged by former Rep. Mark Cojuangco, son of NPC founder and chairman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco.

“As elected leader of the entire province of Pangasinan, the undersigned Governor finds it grossly improper, and totally out of place, to announce political preferences, or to actively take part in any partisan activity, at this point in time when the next elections, in May 2016, are still a long way to go,” Gov. Espino said.

Eight provincial board members earlier pledged their support for the younger Espino’s gubernatorial bid.

The Manifestation for Commitment for Unqualified and Voluntary Support was signed by Board members Alfonso Bince Jr., Raul P. Sison, Liberato Villegas, Nestor D. Reyes, Danilo. Uy, Generoso D. Tulagan Jr., Sheila Marie P. Galicia and Angel M. Baniqued Jr.

Cojuangco, who had announced his gubernatorial bid in February this year, has been courting the support of mayors and local leaders. 

More than a week ago, nine mayors from the province’s first district declared their support for him.

BM “Pogi’’ Espino who is also the provincial federation of the Liga ng mga Barangay said, “It is still early for politics, ‘matagal pa ang eleksyon’, let’s all buckle down to work first.”

Baguio City charter anniversary launched

By Ramon Dacawi 

The city’s activities marking Baguio’s 105th charter anniversary was launched Monday after flag-raising ceremony here in front of city hall.

City councilor Elmer Datuin, co-chair of the celebration, and city tourism officer Alhambra said final program of activities will be formally announced during the regular weekly “Kapihan with CARE” on August 14 at the city hall, following the return of city mayor Mauricio Domogan who left for the United states last July 3  to represent the city in its renewal of sisterhood ties with Vallejo, California.

“We hope by then to also be able to announce who will be our guest of honor and speaker during the traditional program at the Baguio Convention Center,” Datuin said.

Highlight of the ceremonies will be the conferment of awards to this year’s winners in the annual search for the “Outstanding Citizens of Baguio” in recognition of their contributions to the development of this upland resort founded by the American colonial fathers on September 1, 1909.

The search is being undertaken by the organization  of former winners of the city’s highest award under the Society of Outstanding Citizens of Baguio (SOCOB) founded by educator and civic leader Reinaldo Bautista Sr.

This year’s observance has taken on a humanitarian dimension with a medical mission to open the festivities and a foot race for a cause dubbed “Straight into Baguio’s Heart on September 28 to raise funds in support of dialysis patients being treated here and in Benguet.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the run will, “indeed, sets a tradition and culture of caring that will mark future celebrations of the Charter Anniversary of Baguio, thereby serving as a rallying point to sustain n a sense of community among this city’s residents, neighbors. Friends and visitors who treasure fond memories of their visits to the Summer Capital of the Philippines”.

The traditional parade will follow the awards ceremony and program at the Baguio Convention Center, this time without the historical motif that marked previous celebrations given the limited time for the schools to prepare their depictions of the stages in the city’s history.

Also on tap are the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio Week which will feature culinary arts accenting on the city’s importance as a major tourism destination of the country, the annual search for “Miss Baguio”, the Baguio Day Golf Tournament and other sports events.

Civic leader Moises Cating earlier called on his peers in the business industry to contribute their time and resources for a fruitful observance.

As revealed by tourism officer Alhambra, the city’s budget for the celebration totals only P500,000, or P1 million short of the one allotted for last year’s founding anniversary festivities. 

Virus threatens Nueva Vizcaya citrus industry

By Charlie Lagasca

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – A fruit virus is threatening this province’s citrus industry.

Hundreds of hectares of farms planted with various citrus species were infested with the deadly “huang long bing” disease, according to Eriño Basadre Jr., agriculturist of Kasibu town where the bulk of citrus production in the province comes from.

Basadre said the “huang long bing,” a viral fruit disease also known as citrus greening disease, can destroy ready-to-harvest citrus fruit.

Affected plants, reports said, have yellowed leaves and discolored, deformed fruit. These plants will die unless properly treated, he said.

Citrus growers expressed fears that the continued spread of the disease could lead to the death of the industry in the province, dubbed the region’s citrus capital.

Reports showed at least 2,000 hectares of citrus plantations were affected since the infestation started.

The province, reports said, could only expect citrus production from around 500 hectares this harvest season.

“Our production was downed by 50 percent as compared to five years ago because of this problem,” said Kasibu Mayor Alberto Bumolo Jr.

Some citrus farmers, Bumolo said, shifted to other crops as maintaining citrus plantations has become difficult and costly.

He said experts from the Bureau of Plant Industry have been trying to contain the disease.

“This has been a problem we are facing. Before we used to harvest thousands of tons of citrus, which enabled us to link with various markets, including the National Capital Region,” Bumolo said.

The mayor said they were already establishing a market abroad when the disease started to surface about five years ago.

Among the solutions being initiated was the cutting down of affected trees and their immediate replacement by disease-free seedlings as well as banning self-propagation by farmers of their own seedlings.

Ilocos Sur gov’t denies permit for sand mining

By Jun Elias

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur  – The provincial government of Ilocos Sur has rejected an application for the extraction of magnetite sand by a private mining firm in six towns of the province.

Gov. Ryan Singson said last week the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources informed him that the Odyssey Greenglobe Resources, Inc. applied for a permit to extract magnetite sand in the towns of Caoayan, Santa, Narvacan, Sta. Maria, San Esteban and Santiago.

Singson said he rejected the application as private firms are not allowed to take the province’s resources, particularly if it would endanger the lives of residents.

He said the application was not endorsed by the local government units where the mining operations will be conducted. He said the company did not consult the officials and residents of the affected towns.

“The provincial government opposes the application because it will stifle the local governments’ initiatives for environmental protection and prosperity,” Singson said.

La Union bans quack doctors from treating folk’s animal bites

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union  – The provincial board of La Union has approved an ordinance banning the practice of tandok by quack doctors in treating animal bites, particularly by dogs, cats and snakes.

Practitioners believe that magnetic stones or animal horn can suck the rabies virus or venom from the affected part.

Several deaths by those who sought treatment from quack doctors were recorded in the province, the ordinance noted. 

The practice, though cheaper than consulting a medical professional, poses greater risks, it added. 

The ordinance imposes a penalty of P5,000 or imprisonment for one year or both to violators.

Hector Beñas, provincial health officer of La Union, said rural health units and health centers have the equipment and are ready to assist victims of animal bites.

Soliman: DAP funds went to services, projects for people

By Carlito Dar

TUBA, Benguet -- Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman said the  Disbursement Acceleration  Program (DAP) funds under President Aquino  went to the right and needed services of the people.

In a dialogue with Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries and media practitioners here last week, Soliman said under the DSWD,   P1.9 billion DAP funds went to its  Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao regional office, and used for construction of   around 900 day care centers, core shelters and classrooms to replace those damaged during the civil unrest in the region, as well as livelihood assistance to the families.

About P200 million remains from the fund, she said, adding they can account for all projects and beneficiaries.

Soliman said P500 million DAP funds was  also allocated for the Students Grants in Aid Program.

In partnership with the Commission on Higher Education, the program was started 2012  and had been supporting college education of 4,000 children of Pantawid beneficiaries.

In partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, P1.3 billion went to the Training for Work Scholarship program in which more than 65,000 students were given technical – vocational training to help them get better employment opportunities.

Another DSWD program that got DAP funding was Community-Driven Development Program which had a $400 million grant from the US Millennium Challenge Fund.

“These are infrastructure development projects that the community themselves proposed and wherein the funds went directly to the community account for implementation. The P95 million funding from DAP served as the government’s counterpart to pay for taxes and the personnel who are handling the processing of the community development projects,” Soliman said.

She expressed hope that the Supreme Court will reconsider its decision declaring the allocation of government saving into the president’s DAP as unconstitutional,  for the continued delivery  of services to the people.

Murdered Cagayan mayor’s widow seeks De Lima’s help

By Charlie Lagasca 

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya  – The widow of a slain Cagayan town mayor sought the help of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, seeking a deeper probe of her husband’s killing more than three months ago.

In a letter, Marilyn Pentecostes asked De Lima to order the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a thorough investigation that could lead to the identification and arrest of the men who killed her husband, Gonzaga town Mayor Carlito Pentecostes Jr.

Edward Pentecostes, a brother of the slain mayor, confirmed yesterday that his sister-in-law wrote De Lima before she returned to the United States where she is based.  

“Not that we don’t trust the PNP (Philippine National Police), but we believe the NBI has more expertise to conduct a thorough investigation of our brother’s killing,” Edward said.

Pentecostes, 60, was shot by two of eight armed men in camouflage uniforms as he was leading a flag ceremony at the town hall grounds on April 21. He died of nine gunshot wounds in the head and body.

His assailants were among the more than 50 armed men who stormed the municipal building and seized control of the town proper.

The PNP tagged the New People’s Army (NPA) as behind the killing, banking on the communist rebels’ claim that the mayor was executed for helping the military in the counter-insurgency operations.

The PNP filed charges for murder, robbery and arson against the NPA rebels, led by commanders David Soriano and Rolando Ibis.

Ibis, who was among the armed men identified in the footage of a closed-circuit television camera installed at the town hall grounds, is reportedly a close aide of a ranking local official.

“Whatever the motive is, the bottom line remains one and the same – the (NPA) did it,” said Cagayan Valley police director Chief Supt. Miguel Laurel, adding it is now up to the court to determine the circumstances and motive for the killing.

The Pentecostes family claimed the killing was politically motivated.

Applications on for DOST scholarships

BONTOC, Mountain Province-- The Department of Science and Technology provincial office here is accepting applications of graduating high school students in undergraduate scholarship program of the DOST implemented by the Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).

This scholarship program is open to talented and deserving graduating high school both from the public and private institutions who wish to pursue 4 or 5-year course in any of the DOST-SEI priority fields of study at a university identified by the Commission Higher Education as a “center of excellence.”

Provincial DOST director  Norberto Cobaldez said deadline for filing of application is on August 22.  Examination is on Sept. 21 which shall be conducted in two batches. First batch is at 7 a.m. to12 noon and second batch is from 1-6 p.m.

 A testing center has been established in this capital town so examinees from the province need not go to Baguio City for the exam.

Scholarship grants are offered under the DOST’s RA 7687 scholarship which awards Bachelor of Science degree scholarships for students who wish to pursue priority fields of study in science, mathematics and engineering.

Merit scholarships awards Bachelor of Science degree programs to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics and willing to pursue fields of Science and Technology.

Merit scholars and RA 7687 scholars are entitled to receive same amount for tuition subsidy, monthly stipend,  book allowance, among others .  For monthly living allowance, RA 7687 scholars are entitled to P5,000 while merit scholars are  pro-rated  based on on the family’s socio-economic status. Full is P5,000, partial is P3,150 and special is P2,825.

 Nineteen high school students in the province passed the DOST-SEI scholarship program last year. – Juliet Saley

Tabuk holds hearings on voters registration

TABUK CITY, Kalinga– The Tabuk City Election Registration Board  started hearing of applications of voter’s registration, transfer and correction of entries filed from May 6 until June 30, this year in line with a Commission on Elections program.

Tabuk City Election Officer and ERB chair Reyman Solbita said as of June 30, there were 1,867 applications that needed to be approved in Tabuk, since voters registration and validation started May 6.

Comelec has mandated local ERBs to hold hearings within registration period that ends Oct. 31, 2015.  

Other mandated members of the Board include representatives from the City Schools Division Office and City Local Civil Registrar.

For transparency, Solbita also invited representatives from volunteer election watch organizations and political parties in Tabuk to witness the procedure.

“We make the procedure as open as we could to franchised groups and parties to rid doubt,” Solbita said.

Meanwhile, Comelec-Tabuk urged people with disabilities who are qualified voters, in remote communities to avail of its Sunday barangay off-site registration.

Solbita said they had coordinated with officials of host barangays to provide transport assistance on the registration of PWDs during their off-site voter’s registration.

This way, PWDs will be free from the inconvenience of travel in coming to the city Election office, Solbita said. -- Larry Lopez

POLICE ROUNDUP

Nerez: Crime, insurgency down in Cordillera Region

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet -- Criminality and insurgency are on a downtrend in the Cordillera.

Regional police director Chief Supt. Isagani R. Nerez, bared this saying effective programs and operations since January this year  resulted to positive results.

In the collective figures of all police blotters in the region duly validated by the Philippine National Police National Headquarters Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), even the most prevalent crimes decreased the last six months.

Physical injury cases during the same period last year totalled to 2,526. This year,however, there were only 2,007 physical injury cases.

For theft, last year's total of 2,582 decreased to 2,069 this year.

 On robbery from 628 cases last year, first six months police offices in the area recorded 514 cases for the same period this year.

 Records showed internal security operations (ISO) reportedly resulted  to big blow against communist insurgents, who before the operations also killed and wounded government forces and forced civilians of their food and other personal properties.

One insurgent leader Daniel Alunday of KLG Marco was killed while he and his group engaged the lawmen in a gunbattle.Two other rebel leaders were wounded and 13 surrendered.

The two arrested NPA guerillas and now under the custody of authorities were identified as CorsioGanima commanding officer of KLG Montes and Romando Reyes Eduarte, commanding officer/team leader of SPP-South Central operating in the area of Abra.

The age bracket of the NPAS guerillas confirmed the recent recruitment of youths by NPA leaders, Nerez said.

With the government-private partnership in war against illegal drugs problem, "Coplan Olive Leaf" serving as a long term local governments- regional police marijuana eradication campaign could stop marijuana cultivation in Kibungan and Bakun of Benguet and likewise in Tinglayan, Kalinga including Tinoc, Ifugao, Nerez said.

Like in the insurgency campaign where regional police had joint operations with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the police team-up strategy in the area could further increase its anti-drug campaign, he said.

6 Cordi best PNP community relations awardees cited

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Regional police director Chief Supt. Isagani R. Nerez recognized six “best police community relations”  awardees Monday here with Peter A. Bautista, member of the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) as guest of honor and speaker.

The event was in relation to observance of 19th Police Community Relations (PCR) Month,

Bautista, with the regional director, gave plaque of recognition to PNP personnel and partner/units that made outstanding contributions to projects and programs of the police-community relations in Cordillera that contributed to decrease of crime.

Awarded were Mayor Roberto K. Canuto of Kapangan, Benguet as best PCR local chief executive; Senior Insp. Eddie B. Bagto, deputy chief of police of Bangued, Abra  police as Best PCR police commissioned officer of the year;  Police Officer 1 Jueves A. Saltin of Kapangan, Benguet  as Best PCR police non-commissioned officer of the year; Abra Provincial Police Office  as best PCR police provincial office of the year; Lagangilang, Abra  as best municipal police station and the Benguet Provincial Public Safety Company as best PCR MPS of the year.

Certificates of recognition were also awarded to PO3 Tessie Joy L. Angeles and police trainee Maria Antoinette Guinid for “high sense of professionalism and commitment.”

PRO-COR activities highlighted importance of improving goodwill,  relationship of PNP and community and police visibility especially in urban areas.

This year's theme of the celebration: "Matatag na Pagkakaisa ng Pambansang Pulisya at Mamamayan Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran."

Bautista said:  “The pen is stronger than the gun, which is a reminder to the PRO-COR personnel to improve their public image as a strategy of improving community relations as it affects the morale and welfare of the whole organization.”

Miner nabbed for illegal gun

BAGUIO CITY – Police arrested a private miner named Victor Pastor Dasi, 33, resident of Goldfield, Itogon, Benguet inside the Palangdao Building, Lakandula Street here Monday afternoon for failing to show any pertinent documents to support his firearm.

His homemade revolver handgun was confiscated.

Man fires gun in van; lands in jail 

ATOK, Benguet – a man was arrested for allegedly firing his gun at Km 44, Buhaw, Abiang, here while on board a public utility van coming from Buguias town,

Suspect Baldo Bicman Sabiano, 54, native of Km 44, Buhawand  resident of La Trinidad, Benguet was nabbed at a checkpoint at km 13, Acop, Caponga,Tublay town.

Confiscated from him was a Cal. 45 pistol.

Abra PNP busts gun-for-hire group

BANGUED, Abra- A gun for-hire group was busted Aug. 3 with the arrest of three persons for illegal possession of firearms during the intensified police operations against illegal activities recently.

Senior Supt. VirgilioLaya, PNP director, reported that through the implementation of numerous Search Warrants, three gun wielders were simultaneously arrested by the united elements of the Abra and Regional Intelligence personnel, Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC), Special Action Force (SAF) and members of the San Juan Municipal Police Station (MPS).

 The arrest of the three came after Judge Raphiel F. Alzate of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 1 in Bangued,Abra issued the search warrants against Nestor Bergonia, Joel Bergoniaa.k.aOwek and Freddie Bergonia a.k.a Piding, who are all residents of Sitio Galoos, barangay Supiil, San Juan, Abra.

Seized in the quarters of Nestor Bergonia were one Cal. 30 Springfield M1 Garand rifle loaded with one clip of ammunition; seven clips with 58 rounds of ammunition and 11 clips all for Garand; one magazine for M16 loaded with 26 rounds of ammunition and bandolier.

In the residence of Joel Bergonia seized items were three bullets, magazine for Cal. 45; and 17 bullets for Cal. 5.56mm.

Seized from Freddie Bergonia a.k.a. Pidingwas ashotgun, said Laya.

 During the operation, Joel Bergonia, a known gun-for-hire was seen armed with a shotgun loaded with three rounds ammunition. Barangay officials of Sitio Galoos, barangay Supiil, San Juan, Abra witnessed the operation.

 The trio was locked up in jail and a case for Violation of the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 10591Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act was filed against them in court. -MydsSupnad 

Business agent taken in for physical injuries

BAGUIO CITY – A certain Jomarie Marohombsar, 24, buy and sell agent, of Quezon Hill Proper here was nabbed at the Kubo Eatery along Naguilian Road, Quezon Hill Proper Monday for slight physical injuries.

Judge Iluminada P. Cabatu of the RTC Branch 59 issued his arrest warrant.

Six Koreans collared for estafa

BAGUIO CITY -- Six Korean nationals collared for estafa last week.

Police identified them as: Kim Young Soo, 74; Fung Kwon Shim, 72; So Eon Ko, 71; Fung Ju Yang, 73; Sing Kil Lee, 71; and Moon Won Lee, 45.

All were all arrested at Nr.6 Moran Street, Queendom Condominium, Gibraltar here. Bail was set at P300,000 each.

More persons nabbed for various crimes

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Police arrested more suspects for various crimes last week.

Dianne Ognayon Argayan, 25, of Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet, was nabbed for parricide with no bail recommended.

Joel Alingba Pasigon alias “Jomar Pasigon”, 24, of Mana-an, Tinoc, Ifugao, for violation of Republic Act 9262 (Violence against women and children) with P80,000 bail set for his temporary liberty.

 Noel Dapli y Mangamti, 45, was arrested in his residence at Employees Village, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga for the same offense also for violation of RA 9262 with recommended bail of P24,000.

Rebel returnee Felix Temma Wagsingan, 54, farmer, and a resident of Sitio Sewat Allaguia, Pinukpuk, Kalinga, was arrested at Sewat Allaguia for arson with  a recommended bail of P60,000.

Abegail Cabusora Navalta, 35, former overseas worker, of  LopezJaena, Trancoville, Baguio City was also taken in for for violation of RA 4200 (Anti wire-tapping law).

Jeffrey Buyawe Panangon, 31, laborer, of Sitio Chuyong, barangay Chumang, Mayoyao, Ifugao was nabbed for carnapping with P34,000 recommended bail.

Florendo Tomas Esta, 32, laborer, of barangay Swan, Pudtol, Apayao was also nabbed for reckless imprudence resulting in  damage to property.

Last was Reizylyn Peralta Lehoc, 18, out of school youth, a resident along Asin Road, Baguio City, was arrested at  Justice Hall, Baguio for theft.

Itogon town miner arrested for theft

BAGUIO CITY -- Operatives of the City Intelligence Unit arrested Chester TayabSalio-an, 31, miner of Gumatdang, Itogon, Benguet, here along Abanao Street July 25.

The Regional Trial Court, Branch 3, Baguio City issued arrest warrant against Salio-an for theft.

Accountant, couple, five others nabbed for estafa

BAGUIO CITY – Police arrested an accountant in nearby La Trinidad, Benguet, a couple and five others for estafa last week. 

The accountant was  identified as Tyreen Batingines Bistoguey, 48,  resident of Dizon Subdivision here

A warrant for her arrest was earlier issued by the Municipal Trial Circuit Court City.

Bistoguey was arrested July 29 at km 6 in La Trinidad.

Meanwhile, judges Lorna Navarro Domingo of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 201, Las Pinas City and Emmanuel Cacho Rasing of  RTC Branch 3, Baguio City recommended bail  P160,000 for the arrested couple.

They were identified as Bugner Ortiz Barsanaa.k.a "BJ", 31, and Maria Brenda Nunez Barsana, 38, both self-employed and residents of Upper Quezon Hill, Baguio City.

Five persons were also jailed her for estafa and illegal recruitment last week.

Police identified them as Felix Bangcawayan Galacyan, 33, of Lubas, La Trinidad, Benguet and Jerome Atam Oide, both with P40,000 bail.

Also arrested were Maria Caburian Araos, 52,Verqel Orinion Araos, 54, both fish vendors and a residents of Purok 22, San Carlos Heights, Baguio City and Salve Ramirez, aka Rizzerfina Ramos, 44, businesswoman and resident of Upper Quezon Hill, Baguio City.

No bail set for driver nabbed for illegal logging

TUBLAY, Benguet -- Provincial police director Senior Supt. Rodolfo Azurin said a certain Jerry Chilan Flores, 43, driver, and  resident of Km. 6 Green Valley, Dontogan, Baguio City was arrested by Tublay, Benguet police in the town June 26. 

Judge Edgardo B. Diaz De Rivera Jr. of the Regional Trial Court  Branch 10, La Trinidad recommended no bail for illegal logging charges levelled against Flores.

P120,000 bail set for man in violence case

MANKAYAN, Benguet -- A certain Melchor Sayud Caligtan, 45, of Patpat, Tabio here was arrested at Cruz, Lepanto, Paco in this town July 29 for violation of Republic Act 9262 (Violence against women and children.

The RTC of Buguias, Benguet recommended bail of P 120,000.00 for his temporary liberty.

Kalinga farmer arrested in Isabela for attempted homicide

RIZAL, Kalinga -- Provincial police director Senior Supt. Victor Wanchakan said Regienald Bassig Domingo, 30, farmer and  resident of Santor, Rizal town in the province was nabbed July 28 in Barangay Olango, Mallig, Isabela for attempted homicide.

A warrant for his arrest was issued by the 3rd MCTC of Pinukpuk-Rizal Pinukpuk, Kalinga.

Eight land in jail for theft

BAGUIO CITY -- Eight men were arrested for theft here last week.

Police identified them as Jomar Ampoc Velasco, 24; Jessie Ampoc Velasco, 21; Elmer Velasco Sanchez, 28; Dexter Abella Velasco, 23;  FlorentinoAbella Velasco, 29 all miners and Florencio Velasco Sanchez, 32, farmer, all natives of Remedios, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur and at present residing at Purok 15, Irisan Baguio City.

Also arrersted was Joseph Daniel Flores, 20, of Purok 5, Upper Fairview, Baguio City; and Ryan Malannag Dona-al, 24, of Nambaran, Tabuk City, Kalinga.

Illegal logs confiscated; vehicle impounded 

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet – Police scored once again against illegal logging in the Cordillera last week.

In Tabuk City, police impounded a green L300 van with license plate number UUF 959 loaded with illegally sawn narra lumber found abandoned at Purok 5, Bulanao Monday night.

Said vehicle was brought to the Tabuk Environment office for  documentation safekeeping.

Meawhile, Flora, Apayao and Environment personnel recovered 400 board feet of abandoned tanguile lumber worth P5,600.00 along the barangay road of Balasi, Flora, Apayao also Monday night.

In Buguias, Benguet, police recovered 80 pieces of illegally sawn pine lumber worth P13, 490.00 abandoned at Sitio Panig-an, Barangay Sebang in the town night of August 8.

Other wanted persons land in jail

CAMP DANGWA, la Trinidad, Benguet – Police arrested other wanted persons in the Cordillera last week.

They were identified as Rogelio Agurin Salingbay, 51, of Masablang, Tabuk City, for attempted murder with a recommended bail of P120,000.00; Rodney Simangen Reyes, 41, former municipal councilor of Lacub, Abra, who was arrested in his residence in Poblacion, Lacub, Abra for rape; Raissa T. Francisco, 28, waitress, of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, for Violation of Republic Act 9208 and RA 7610;  Mario Martin Lagrio, 49, fisherman, of Purok Star Lily, Cawagayan, Pinukpuk, Kalinga  for acts of lasciviousness; Milagros Bantag Dugenia, 51, of Poblacion, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, for violation large scale illegal recruitment and  Jackylyn Rafael aka "Imely Emperador", aka "Imely C. Moina" aka "Leticia Salmorin, 43, businesswoman of Sto. Tomas Proper, Baguio City, for violation of Revised Penal Code with  recommended bail of P 50,000.

Also arrested were Lunicio Poskio Sacpa, 46,  member of the Alpha Coy, CAA, 77th IB, 5th ID, Philippine Army, for violation of Presidential Decree 705; Danilo Tacay Tan, 53, of Lopez Jaena, Aurora Hill, Baguio City, for iIlegal gambling,  Jason Mat-an Lamsis, 29, of Upper Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet, for serious physical injuries; Rene Villacentino Lajera, 33, farmer, of Barangay San Juan, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao, for reckless imprudence resulting  to multiple physical injuries and Reynon Bumugas Changlapon, 31, of Calanan, Tabuk City, Kalinga for physical injuries.

Also nabbed were Denver Bohol Palgue, 35, driver, of Irisan, Baguio City for reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property with recommended bail of P52,000.

“We must continue our excellent performance in arresting all wanted persons and make headway on anti-crime operations to better serve and protect our people and make our region the safest place to live and do business” said regional police director, Chief Supt. Isagani Nerez said.

Mentors need to look for remedies for K+12

Aldwin Quitasol

BAGUIO CITY — Baguio teachers have to use the old text books depending on the competencies they are looking for their students to cope up with as some of the needed new and updated text books for grades 7 and 9 are not yet available.

Department of Education (DepEd) Baguio Schools Division Superintendent Francis Bringas said that there is still no information from the central office of DepEd on the exact date of the delivery of the new text books. He said DepEd Baguio is still hoping that before the second quarter of this school year 2014-2015, said books for the K to 12 program will be available and distributed after all.

On the suggestion that the implementation of the K+12 that be suspended or postponed because of problems surrounding it, Bringas said that it is already signed into law. He said that maybe what should be done for now is to amend some of its provisions for some adjustments. On May 15, 2014, President Benigno Aquino signed Republic Act 10533 institutionalizing the DepEd program which had already been introduce by the government's education agency to the schools all over the Philippines in 2013.

This system according to DepEd covers Kindergarten, six years of primary education or from Grade 1 to 6,  four years of junior High School or from Grade 7 to 10 and two years of senior High School. The department stated that this will “provide sufficient time for mastery and concepts and skills develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.

In an earlier interview with the media, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Metro-Baguio Committee on Public Affairs and Campaign Officer Tomas Millanes said that the government through Dep Ed implemented programs like K+12 without necessary preparations. He said that problems such as the scarcity of text books, chairs and other needed teaching materials and facilities are not really being addressed. He stressed the lack of classrooms for conducive learning for Grades 1 to 6 pupils and First to Fourth year High School Students. “Where then will the Grades 9 to 12 of K+12 will held their classrooms?” he asked.

Millanes said that what the pupils actually need is the more basic such as a school conducive for learning to attain good quality of education. He said that in Baguio City alone, classrooms are still overcrowded. He said that the ideal is one room for 35 students but in reality, there are cases where co students are jam packed in one classrooms.

“Adda dagiti sumagmamano nga eskuwelaan nga agkurang ti classrooms ket awan pay met sumangpet a projects tayo for classroom buildings,” (There are some schools that are lacking of classrooms and we have still no projects for classroom buildings) disclosed Bringas. He said that there are however some projects for the purpose funded by the City Government of Baguio.#AldwinQuitasol

LTO, DOTC set stiffer fines on colorum vehicles

By Paul Rillorta

BAGUIO CITY – The joint administrative order of the Land Transportation Office and Dept. of Transportation and Communication providing stiffer fines and penalties to those who violate land transportation regulations is now up for implementation.

JAO No. 2014-01 increased the fines and penalties for land transportation violations including those operating as colorum.

Colorum as defined in the JAO are motor vehicles under the following circumstances which includes, private motor vehicles operating as public utility vehicles (PUV) without proper authority from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), PUV operating outside of its approved route without a proper permit.

PUV’s operating differently from its authorized denomination is also colorum or those approved as school service but operating as UV express or approved tourist bus transport but operating as city or provincial bus.

PUV’s with suspended or cancelled Certificate of Conveyance (CPC) with an order of suspension or cancellation as executory and expired CPC without a pending application for extension of validity timely filed before the LTFRB.

Penalties for colorum vehicles for the first offense is 1 million for buses, P200,000 for trucks, P50,000 for jeepneys, P200,000 for vans, P120,000 for sedan and P6,000 for motorcycles.

For the second offense, all CPC’s of the operator will be revoked and the disqualification of the operator or in the case of a corporation, all its stockholders and directors will be disqualified to operate any kind of public land transportation.

This will also include the blacklisting of all authorized units of the operator from being used as a public utility vehicle and the revocation of the registration of all authorized units of the operator.

Refusal of any PUV to render service to the public or convey passengers to their destination comes with it a fine of P5,000.00 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense and impounding of motor vehicle for 30 days and P15,000 for the third and subsequent offenses and cancellation of CPC.

The overcharging and undercharging of fare will have a fine of P5,000.00 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense and impounding of motor vehicle for 30 days and P15,000 for the third and subsequent offenses and cancellation of CPC.

For discourteous and arrogant drivers, a fine of P5,000 will be imposed for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense and P15,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.

PUV drivers who fail to provide fare discounts to those entitled under existing laws and pertinent memorandums of the LTFRB will be fined P5,000 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense and P15,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.

Operators and drivers who fail to display no smoking signage in their vehicles and allow smoking inside the vehicle will be fined P5,000 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense and P15,000 for the third and subsequent offenses among others.

The city council called on representatives of the DOTC and LTO to shed light on the joint Administrative Circular 2014-01 which started implementation June this year. 

As per the JAO, a nationwide task force will be composed of the LTFRB and LTO enforcers who are authorized to apprehend violators of said offenses. 

Meantime, Atty. Robert Basco of the DOTC-CAR said a memorandum was also issued by the Assistant Secretary of the LTO creating a body that is going to investigate cases filed against implementors of the JAO if there be any.