NCIP chairperson: Affirm Baguio City council IP rep

Regional director defies order 

BAGUIO CITY – National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Chairperson Leonor Kintayu ordered the Cordillera NCIP director here Monday to issue certificate of affirmation on election of Roger D. Sinot so he could now sit as member of the city council as indigenous peoples mandatory representative.     

In an NCIP en banc meeting here Monday at Hotel Supreme, Kintayu told Cordillera NCIP regional director Roland P. Calde to make and issue the certificate after the Baguio Ancestral Land Claimants Executive Council of Elders told her indigenous people of the city were being deprived of a representative in the city council.

They said it’s been five months already since Sinot was elected as IP representative to the city council, but until now, Calde has not issued the certification.

But in defiance of Kintayu’s order, Calde said the selection process of the city’s IPMR will be brought back to the city’s IPs for them to discuss and decide whether or not to uphold the election of Sinot as IP representative of the city.

He said it will be the NCIP Baguio service office that will convene all IPs in the city to decide on the matter based on mutually accepted customary laws.

At press time, lawyer Harriet N. Abyadang, regional NCIP OIC legal officer who also heads the government agency’s Baguio office could not be contacted if she will implement Calde’s intent to convene Baguio IPs again to discuss the IPMT process and selection.

A special regional review body on indigenous peoples – Baguio city community service center (NCIP Baguio CSC) headed by Abyadang upheld earlier legality of Sinot’s election as IP representative.

The body found out the process in Sinot’s election followed rules and regulations in conformity to government laws, NCIP guidelines and indigenous tradition.

Sinot, an Ibaloi, is a former college professor and indigenous peoples rights advocate whose forefathers belonged to the indigenous group of Baguio natives centuries ago.

Earlier, indigenous groups in Baguio City including the Cordillera People’s Alliance urged the NCIP to issue the certificate considering Calde had not been acting on it.

On March 7, 2017, Abyadang, and all her staff wrote Calde in a letter confirming “all processes in selection of Sinot were in order” contrary to allegations of three or four personalities from the Kalanguya and Kankanaey tribes.

They said notices on selection of IP representative and guidelines were posted in all city barangays, published in a newspaper of general circulation since October 2016.

The same was also announced through radio while letter invitations were personally delivered by members of the council of elders/leaders of ancestral lands claimants.

Invitation letters containing schedule of activities and request for an inspiration message were also sent to Mayor Mauricio Domogan, the city council through Vice Mayor Edison Bilog, NCIP Ethnographic Commissioner for Cordillera Administrative Region and Region 1 lawyer Basilio Wandag and Calde as Cordillera NCIP director.

Abyadang and NCIP staff said series of public consultations had also been held on the issue thus on Nov. 4, 2016, IPMR aspirant/nominees were identified: Jackson Chiday, Basilio Binay-an, Phillip Canuto, Vicky Macay and Sinot.

Sinot was later elected and proclaimed first IPMR for Baguio.

Following this, Baguio indigenous elders signed the resolution in favor of Sinot included former Tuba, Benguet mayor Jose P. Baluda, former Dept. of Transportation and Communications Cordillera regional director Isabelo Cosalan Sr. who also headed later the regional National Telecommunications Commission, journalist David March L. Fianza, Philip Canuto, Michael Alos, Margarita Dong-e, Marie S. Kitma, Pancho Alinos, Jose Kani, Leilia Cuilan, Mario Vicente, Nheil S. Endrano and nominees Jackson Chiday and Basilio Binay-an.

A copy of the resolution was sent to the NCIP central office in Manila.

Following Sinot’s election, protesters Paul B. Pasigon and Gaspar Cayat said they were not informed of the selection process while lawyer Manuel Cuilan and Joselito Shontogan said there were irregularities in the process.

Abyadang and NCIP staff in their letter told Calde “refusing to address the issue is a mockery of a duly facilitated process in favor of a few personalities” (protesters). “Refusing to address the issue is delaying and in effect delaying the representation of ICCs/IPs to the City council of Baguio.”

Villagers flee AFP Abra bombing, schools close

AFP imposes food blockade; jets, choppers strafing daily 

MALIBCONG, Abra – Families fled their homes in this remote town  for fear of getting killed by continuous bombing of government planes and choppers supposedly to annihilate New People’s Army rebels who earlier raided the town police station carting away firearms and later ambushing a convoy to reinforce surrounded cops.    

This as youth group Anakbayan Cordillera demanded the government to cease their food blockade in war-affected areas in Abra like Malibcong as food is scarce among civilians in the area.

Reports from Anakbayan Abra disclosed that army checkpoints were placed since March 16, prohibiting the entry of food while military operations against alleged members of the New People’s Army are still ongoing in Malibcong.

The group said the Armed Forces of the Philippines is deliberately violating international humanitarian laws in the conduct of war, saying civilians are being deprived of their right to humanitarian aid.

A survivor, who requested anonymity, of the reported aerial bombings claimed 11 families living in four kalapaws (huts) in the Bañgilo district here, a watershed, fled the area. 

Imelda Tabiando, spokesperson of the human rights group Cordillera Human Rights Alliance said to date, no groups are allowed to go into Malibcong.

Villagers have confirmed the military have dropped 14 bombs since March 16, Tabiando said.

Reports from human rights groups claimed bombs were either dropped by jets or by combat helicopters.

Classes in at least 11 elementary schools in Malibcong have also been suspended by the Education department as the military operations continued.

This, as the military claimed fleeing NPA started forest fires in this remote town to slow down pursuing government troops after they attacked the municipal station and carted away firearms two weeks ago. The NPA rebels also ambushed a police convoy on its way to reinforce outgunned town cops which resulted to wounding of five lawmen.  

This, amid denials by police and military that aerial bombings after the twin NPA attacks on March 12 and 13 started forest fires in Sitio Lat-ey, Barangay Duldulao.

 Lt. Col. Dominic Baluga, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 24th Infantry Battalion blamed NPA rebels for forest fires, “to slow down pursuing troops from catching up on them.”

This, as Lat-ey barangay kagawad Antonio Ambalneg pleaded to lawmen to allow entry of relief goods into Malibcog and for police and the military not to block civic groups carrying food, medicine and supplies for military operations’ affected villagers.

Military and police checkpoints have been up in the area since March 17.

The village chief said checkpoints on the Abra–Kalinga road and the Bangued–Malibcong entryway have prevented groups from getting through since then.

Fires are continuing over five hectares of pasture and agricultural lands, Ambalneg said, although authorities denied it.

Abra police spokesperson Chief Insp. Grace Marron said they have not been appraised on alleged forest and grass fires after the NPA attacks.

The Abra-based Agustin Begnalen Command of the NPA meanwhile condemned the aerial bombings calling it state terrorism.

 “Ang nagaganap ngayon sa bayan ng Malibcong hanggang Bangued ay batas-militar kung saan nakapailalim sa kontrol ng miltar at pulis ang pangekonomiya, at pampulitikang aspeto ng buhay ng mamamayan, said Diego Wadagan, spokesperson of the command.

 Wadagan also said that local officials and employees in Mablicong were tagged by the military and police as NPAs.

 Mablicong Vice Mayor Joseph Dungay has not answered the media about exchange of accusations of the military and NPA.

This, as Luke Bagangan, secretary general of Anakbayan Cordillera said, “government military operations (in Abra) seem to target civilians. Instead of providing relief supplies for the communities they ravaged, they even prevented the people to meet their needs.” Bagangan cited incident in March 17, saying sacks of rice to be used for the fiesta of here in Barangay Bangilo were held by the AFP.

The group expressed disappointment as almost no relief came from the government despite disruption of civilian livelihood brought by military operations.

“As of today, farmers cannot even go to their farmlands to tend their crops and farm animals. If they do, the AFP may either misidentify them as members of NPA or they may be used as AFP-human shields in their operations,” said Bagangan.

The youth leader cited that the recent “AFP air bombing” in forests and farmlands of the said town forces civilians to leave their farmlands.

The AFP was urged to stop their “harassment” of humanitarian volunteers from different human rights groups.

The demand came after Anakbayan monitored several reports claiming that non-residents of Malibcong, especially human rights watchdogs, who failed to present identification cards were barred from entering the town. – With reports from Cris P. Pulmano

Pagcor to stop Baguio e-games

BAGUIO CITY – The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. is set to revoke or cancel operations of electronic or e-games here along Marcos Highway after Tuba mayor Ignacio Rivera told Baguio mayor Mauricio Domogan he will not issue business permit to the operator since the area where the establishment is located is not within Tuba.   

Rivera visited Domogan last week to inform him of this because the site is within Baguio. Domogan cited Rivera for this saying it will enhance relationship between Tuba and Baguio governments.

Earlier, the city council told Pagcor its earlier Resolution No. 133, series of 2015 requesting the state gaming corporation to revoke, cancel and stop the operation of the electronic games along Marcos highway because the operator erroneously secured its endorsement from the Tuba municipal council and its business permit from the Tuba municipal government instead of the city government which has jurisdiction over the area.

Pagcor officials who appeared before they city council said they will immediately work out closure of the e-games outlet along Marcos highway because the local government that has jurisdiction over the area where it operates was not the one that issued the required endorsement and the business permit.

Under Pagcor rules and regulations, operators of amusement games, bingo outlets, electronic games among other Pagcor- regulated games must first secure the endorsement or certificate of no objection from the Sanggunian concerned and business permit before  processing of their license to operate.

Rivera said it is but proper to correct whatever defects that were created when the previous Tuba municipal council made an endorsement for the operation of the electronic games in the area that rightfully belongs to the city government to help improve our inter-local relations to be able to achieve better partnerships for robust economic growth in the future, particularly in the Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay area which is being pushed as one of the new growth centers in the north.

The barangay council of Sto. Tomas Proper and City Assessor’s Office have also declared the area where the electronic games outlet was established is within Baguio and boundary of Tuba municipality was distant from location of the e-games establishment.

Barangay chief, four others dead in Pampanga shootout

By Ric Sapnu

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- A barangay chairman and four others were killed in an alleged encounter with policemen in Arayat town in Pampanga Tuesday.

Melvin Guevarra, chairman of Barangay Cupang and stepson of Arayat Mayor Bon Alejandrino; Aldrin Luriz, Fermin Bato and Jack Pineda were declared dead on arrival at the Lacquios District Hospital.

Police Officer 3 Raffy Tacdian of the Special Weapons and Action Team was wounded and taken to a hospital for treatment. 

Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino, Central Luzon police director, said police operatives were serving a search warrant issued by Gapan Regional Trial Court Judge Celso Baguio against Guevarra for illegal possession of firearms at around 2 a.m. when they were fired at.  

Aquino said two Armalite rifles, two caliber .45 pistols, a caliber .38 revolver and ammunition were recovered from the fatalities.

He said the fatalities were also involved in illegal drugs and contract killings, among other illegal activities.

PNP nabs wanted person in Vizcaya for frustrated murder

SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya -- The Philippine National Police arrested Monday the No. 10 most wanted person in this province.

Police Regional Office 2 information officer Supt. Chevalier Iringan  Tuesday identified the arrested suspect as Ernesto L. Balangatan, 34, here of Barangay Uddiawan.

Iringan said operatives of Nueva Vizcaya Criminal Investigation and Detection Team, Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Intelligence Branch and Regional Intelligence Unit 2 led by Chief Insp. Dionisio D. Bonoy, conducted manhunt operation in Barangay Malabing, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya that resulted in the arrest of Balangatan.

The suspect has a standing warrant of arrest dated Sept. 23, 2015, issued by Rogelio P. Corpuz, Presiding Judge, RTC Branch 27, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya for frustrated murder docketed under CC Nr 6830 with a recommended bail of P200,000.

The suspect is now under the custody of Solano Police Station. – Philippine News Agency

Mt Province to honor former top officials in 50th foundation rites

By Roger Sacyaten

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The first set of provincial officials, appointed and elected and all former governors and congressmen of Mountain province will be honored with plaques of recognition here on April 7 during the province’s founding anniversary  celebration and on occasion of Lang-ay Festival. 

The first set of appointed provincial officials, after the division of the old Mountain Province in 1967, were Alfredo Lamen, Sr. as governor, Victor Dominguez as vice governor and Pio Felwa and Alejo Manao as board members.  Luis Hora was the congressman.

Gov. Lamen, Vice Gov. Jaime Gomez, and Board Members Alejo Manao and Alfonso Layog were the first set of elected provincial officials in 1968.

Included as honorees are succeeding congressmen, governors and officers in charge of top provincial offices during revolutionary government of former President Corazon Aquino  when many government officials were substituted with OICs.

The committee on recognition awards met several times to document  honorees and contact those who will receive honors, especially those given posthumous recognition.

Their respective children were contacted.

Among the OICs were Saturnino Moldero, Jr., Nicasio Aliping, Modesto Calde, and John Likigan.

Congressman Dominguez had the longest service in office as representative of the province in congress, while Maximo Dalog was governor with longest term in in service.

Lawyer Amador Batay-an, who conceptualized awards, said the event will recognize dedicated services, efforts and contributions of honorees that helped the province achieve its vision, mission and goals that contributed to development of the province the last 50 years.

Pangasinan State U dean shot; cops eying love angle

By Liezle Basa Iñigo

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The dean of the Criminology Department of the Pangasinan State University (PSU)-Binmaley was ambushed by riding-in-tandem gunmen, but survived after he outmaneuvered his assailants along Avenida Rizal Street in East Poblacion, here last Wednesday.

Dean Rommel J. Cruz, 43, married, suffered three bullet wounds during the attack at the corner of Avenida Rizal and Maramba Boulevard, said Supt. Jackson Sequin, local police chief.

Initial investigation showed the gunmen, riding-in-tandem on a motorcycle, opened fire at Cruz’s Toyota Vios (XNS-303) while he was driving eastbound to PSU-Binmaley campus.

Although hit in the chest, shoulder and head, Cruz managed to drive in reverse to evade the assailants who had blocked their motorcycle in front of him, said Sequin.

As of press time, the victim was confined at Jesus Nazarene General Hospital’s intensive care unit.

Sequin said probers are eyeing a love angle behind the attack and confirmed that certain women close to Cruz were already being sought for questioning.

POLICE ROUNDUP

Laborer nabbed for raping girl

PINUKPUK, Kalinga -- Laborer Stanley Amoga, 25, was arrested for allegedly raping a four-year-old girl here in Barangay Ammacian last year.
Amoga, who was ranked fourth on the list of most wanted persons in Kalinga, was arrested based on a warrant issued by Tabuk City Regional Trial Court Judge Marcelino Wacas Ngis-o.

Bartender, taxi driver maul teacher in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY – A teacher was seriously injured when he was mauled by a bartender and taxi driver here Tuesday around 3 a.m. along Bokawkan Road, front of Wire Plaza Electrical Supply. Police named the victim as Robert Manandeg Patio, 35. He was allegedlhy mauled by Gary, 39, bartender and Warren, 29, taxi driver, both surnamed Wakit and residents of Sablan, Benguet.

Investigation disclosed that prior to the incident, the victim’s group was walking along Upper Bokawkan Road when the suspects on board their vehicle blocked their way which resulted to heated confrontation. When the victim’s companions left, the suspects suddenly mauled him. Patrolling cops arrested the suspects and brought them to police station while the victim was rushed to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment. Case was filed against the suspects.

Man attends Banaue wake; stabbed dead

BANAUE, Ifugao – A certain Roland Talango Tayaban, 30, laborer, was stabbed dead by unidentified suspects here Tuesday around 11:30 p.m. at Sitio Pugo, Barangay Amganad. 

Investigation disclosed the victim was attending the wake of his neighbor, Hilario Balitang Dinumla, and was drinking liquor with other men when three unidentified persons arrived and joined. After a few minutes, a commotion ensued between the group of the victim and the three suspects resulting in a heated argument. The suspects left the drinking area and went directly to where their motorcycle was parked but was followed by the victim where he was stabbed several times. Suspects fled towards Lagawe, Ifugao after the incident. Concerned citizens brought the victim to Good News Clinic and Hospital in Barangay Tam-an where he was declared dead on arrival by Dr. Antonio Ligot. 

Man surrenders gun in Paracelis 

PARACELIS, Mountain Province -- A certain Alejandro De Guzman Castro, 54, businessman w turned over to Paracelis police station Tuesday a Cal. 40 gun with expired license. Castro said he was processing renewal of his expired firearm license.

Conductor drives bus;

collides with taxi

BAGUIO CITY – Two vehicles were badly damaged here around 8:50 p.m. Tuesday when they collided along Quirino Highway in front of PLDT building.

The Isuzu mini bus with plate no. ARH-771 driven by Oliver Bulgayon Pumihic, who didn’t have a driver’s license, collided with a Mitsubishi Adventure taxi with plate no TOW-936 driven by Onofee Esteban Selec.

The bus, headed towards the city proper, was going down the road in curved area, invaded the opposite lane then collided with the taxi in the rear left side. Both vehicles sustained damages.

The driver of the bus was actually the bus conductor while the official bus driver named as Romeo Mendoza Salting was inside the bus when the accident happened. -- Gaius Cabrera

Slot machines surrendered in Bontoc, Mt. Province 

BONTOC, Mountain Province – A certain Rebecca Carlos Sidchayao and Jake D. Faba-an surrendered here Tuesday two slot machines used for gambling to police.This, after police visited their establishments and told them they were in violation of municipal ordinance against gambling.

Farmer nabbed for frustrated homicide

PARACELIS, Mountain Province -- A farmer was arrested here Tuesday for frustrated homicide. The4 suspect was identified as Donato Navales Flores, 50, here of Sitio Baay, Bacarrie. He was arrested at his residence after Sergio T. Angnganay, Jr., presiding judge of RTC, Bontoc, Mountain Province issued arrest warrant against him setting bail of P30,000 for his temporary liberty.

Janitress nabbed for estafa, bouncing check

BANGUED, Abra – A janitress was arrested here Tuesday at Ubbog-Lipcan for estafa. Nabbed was Shirley Sotelo Bayle, 49, of Zone 3, Bangued, Abra. This, after Charito B. Gonzales, presiding judge of RTC, Branch 1, Bangued issued arrest warrant against her setting bail of P40,000 for her temporary liberty. Another warrant was issued against her by Redentor B. Valera, presiding judge of  MTC, Bangued, Abra for bouncing check and set bail of P2,000

 Young woman nabbed for syndicated estafa 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – For syndicated estafa, a certain Andreana Basilio Padsoyan, 21, single, resident of Pine Valley Plaza here along km 4 was arrested after Jennifer P. Humiding, presiding judge of RTC Branch 63, issued arrest warrant against her for syndicated estafa. Cecilia Corazon S. Dulay-Archog, acting presiding judge of RTC Branch 8, La Trinidad also issued warrant against her for the same offense in relation to presidential decree 1689 with no bail recommended.

Teacher posts bail for theft 

BAGUIO CITY – A 58-year-old teacher of Josefa Cariño Elementary School was arrested here Tuesday for theft. An arrest warrant was issued against the widow who residence is in Barangay San Luis by Maria Clarita Casuga-Tabin, presiding judge of MTCC Branch 4, Baguio. Tabin set bail of P12,000 for her temporary liberty. The suspect posted bail.

Grade 6 student bumped, hurt crossing road lane

BAGUIO CITY – A Grade 6 student was injured when she was bumped while crossing a pedestrian lane here Tuesday around 7 a.m. along Otek Street, near Rizal Park.

A public utility jeep plying Baguio-Tomay and plate number AYT-257 driven by Jerry Beloken Polilin, 33 bumped Princess Kate Billosillo Abrazaldo, 10, student of Baguio Central School.

The injured victim was brought by the driver and a concerned student to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment.

Police took the driver’s license and OR/CR of the vehicle.

Five hurt in La Trinidad accident

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Five persons were injured here Tuesday around 6 p.m. when a passenger jeep and Tamaraw FX vehicle figured in an accident along km 4 fronting BBGM rice center.

A police report said the Baguio bound PUJ with plate number AYK 551 driven by Alfredo Bagangan Dawayen, 48, was bumped by the FX wagon with plate number UHV 769 driven by Alfonso Golingab Anchales, 54. 

Investigation disclosed that the FX was headed tow La Trinidad when it swerved to the opposite lane hitting the PUJ. As a result, the passengers of the jitney were injured.

Injured and brought to Benguet General Hospital were Clarissa Pago It-Itan, 17;  Erlinda Ponasi Villaflores, 19  and Gemma Diano Piados, 30. 

Brought to Pines City Doctor’s Hospital for treatment were Eduardo Hipolito Munar, 54 and Gwendolyn Bawas Dodon, 19.

The driver of the FX who was also brought to Pines City Doctor’s Hospital and Gemma Diano Piados are still confined while the others were discharged after treatment. 

1 dead, another critical in Abra road accident 

SAN ISIDRO, Abra – A man was killed while another seriously injured in a vehicle accident here Tuesday around 9:40 a.m. at provincial road in Sitio Nagkawangan, Barangay Poblacion.

A police report said a motorcycle driven by Jemar Bajo Taculao, 17, with back rider identified as  Wilmar Borlas Bidaya, 17, both of Barangay Manayday and student of San Isidro National High School, accidentally crashed on the right shoulder of the road.

Investigation disclosed victims and companions had a drinking session at Barangay Dalimag. They decided to go home and while on their way, a motorcycle driven by Joel Callos, 16, a resident of Barangay Manayday, overtook them.

Upon reaching Sitio Nagkawangan, the motorcycle the victims rode lost control and crashed on the stony right shoulder of the road. The victims were rushed to Abra Provincial Hospital by the responding police of San Isidro but Jemar Bajo Taculao was declared dead on arrival by Dr. Belmor Bernal while his back rider Wilmar Borlas Bidaya is still in critical condition.

 Truck falls down Kabayan ravine

KABAYAN, Benguet – A dump truck fell down a 10-meter ravine here Tuesday destroying a house and pig pen below in Pacso Proper, Pacso.  It was disclosed the truck, owned by Kabuguiasan Builders and driven by  Romeo Tomayan Pulac,  61 of km 5, La Trinidad, Benguet, was hauling soiland around4:30 p.m., the driver parked the truck at the road side. When the driver alighted to get a wedge, the truck suddenly moved backwards and bumped the road parapet and eventually fell down hitting the kitchen portion of a house and a pig penowned by Junnie Binay-an Dolinas, 46, farmer.  The truck was damaged but no person was injured. Both parties, in the presence of  Barangay Captain Cipriano Baucas, agreed to settle the case.

Trike rams van in Apayao; 1 badly hurt

LUNA, Apayao – A man was seriously injured in an accident here Tuesday around 2:30 p.m. along the national road in Barangay Quirino at the intersection going to Sitio Gosi, Barangay Quirino.

Police said a white L300 Van driven by Francis Jane Macabugao Umayam, 35, businesswoman, was accidentally bumped by a motorcycle without license plate driven by Marcelino Taja Blanco, 56, farmer.

Investigation disclosed both vehicles were travelling the said road from  Libertad, Abulug, Cagayan headed to San Isidro Sur, Lunaw when the van slowed down and signaled to turn left at the intersection going to Gosi when motorcycle accidentally bumped the left side of van.. The driver of the van was unharmed while the motorcycle driver suffered injuries on both legs and laceration on right hand and was brought to Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center.  Both vehicles were damaged and brought to Luna police station for safekeeping and further investigation.

Thieves cart away P76K tools in Mt. Data Nat’l High School 

BAUKO, Mountain Province – Thieves entered the laboratory room of Mt. Data National High School here night of March 19 and carted away tools worth around P76,000. Investigation revealed the thieves gained entry through the main door by allegedly destroying the padlock of the room. Once inside, robbers opened the two steel cabinets without padlock and took carpentry tools owned by the school and Macwin Aplat Kiat, 37,  carpentry teacher. Tools included planers, drills, saw grinder among others. 

Investigation disclosed around 10:30 p.m. that night, Ernie Agustin Malapit 21, stay-in watchman checked school promises and found all doors and padlocks were in order. However, at around 7 a.m., he was informed by Fausto Dicksen Pakipak, 48, teacher, that the laboratory was en tered by unidentified robbers. Police found no fingerprints in crime site.

Woman arrested for hitting Baguio visitor 

BAGUIO CITY – A woman was arrested here for hitting a visitor in front of Sizzling Plate Restaurant, Session Road Monday around 4:50 p.m. The victim was identified as Michelle Ballesteros Carmona, 32, of San Mateo Rizal, while the suspect was named as Marivic Ison Locquiao, 29 here of of Purok 24 Upper Irisan. 

Initial investigation disclosed that the victim and her sister were walking when the suspect who came from behind, without any  reason suddenly boxed the back of her head making her sunglass fall on the pavement. The suspect also turned to the victim’s sister Maria Lourdes and threatened to harm her. Responding cops arrested the suspect and brought her and victims to police station for investigation. Case for physical injuries was being prepared against the suspect.

Brother strangles OFW sister in Baguio hospital

BAGUIO CITY – An overseas foreign worker filed a case against her brother here last week for harassment, grave threats  and physical injury.   

A police report said the incident happened around 7 a.m. of March 20, at renal room of Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center. The report said Priscila Domanay y Credo, 40, married, of Sta. Rosa Sta. Maria, Pangasinan filed against his brother Arturo, driver, also a resident of Sta. Rosa.

Investigation disclosed while they were attending their mother who was sick in the hospital they had an argument. Arturo reportedly told his Priscila: “Patayen kan tupay, han ka agawawid dyay balay ta bekelen ka, nalastog ka launay, gapu lang ta naka abroad kan, awan ti naitultulong mo kanyami, hankan agsubli idyay ta patayin kan (I can kill you. Don’t go home in the house because I will strangle you. You are arrogant. Just because you went abroad, you didn’t even help us. Don’t go back in the house because I will kill you.) 

Arturo then choked her neck using his both hands and pushed her until he was pacified by a nurse. Victim was hurt on her right shoulder. Case was filed at the city prosecutor’s office.

Jeep falls Benguet ravine; driver, 4 others injured

TUBLAY, Benguet – The driver of a pick-up jeep and his four passengers were seriously hurt when the vehicle they were riding in fell down a ravine here Monday around 3 p.m. at Babatan Ambassador.

The driver was identified as Romy Paririno Jaco, 22, farmer while his four passengers were: Noven Andress Segundo, 25; Claro Kigas Cato, 43; Roberto Paririno Jaco, 52 and Amel Sanggoy Sagapi, 28, all farmers.

Investigation disclosed the vehicle was descending the raod when it lost its breaks prompting the driver to lose control of the steering wheel and fell into a ravine around  250 meters from the road. All passengers are brought and confined at Benguet General Hospital for treatment. 

Farmer seriously hurt in blasting incident

BARLIG, Mountain Province – A man was seriously hurt in a blasting incident here Monday around 12:30 p.m. at Sitio Patyayan, Barangay Lunas.The victim was identified as Patawang Fiarotac Wanchag, 69,  farmer.

Investigation disclosed Emilliana Chattom, wife of Pataweg heard a loud blast but she just ignored thinking it came from ongoing road construction. However, after sending her grandchild to school, she proceeded to their rice field and came upon her husband leaning on a damaged stone wall with blood oozing from his body. She was informed by her husband that the incident was accidental when he tried to blast a boulder using an unknown device but it accidentally exploded near him. Pataweg was brought to Barangay Lunas Rural Health Unit for first aid then later rushed to Barlig District Hospital for treatment. Later, he was referred to Luis Hora General Hospital by his attending physician for further treatment.

Container van burned along Marcos Highway  

BAGUIO CITY – A container van was burned Tuesday around 2 a.m. here along km 5, Marcos Highway, fronting Pasalubong Store. A police report said the van bearing plate number XFG 944 was driven by Jonathan Bacquian Santiago, 37, of Tabtabungaw, La Unio.

Investigation disclosed the van was loaded with biscuits from Rosario, La Union to Baguio City. While ascending the place, the driver noticed the exhaust pipe was emitting excessive smoke that prompted him to stop at the roadside. The driver  with his companions immediately alighted to get water, but a blaze of fire started near the engine until it exploded and gutted the van. The driver said cause of fire might have been due to faulty electrical system.

Responding personnel cops led by Senior Insp. Eliezer De Vera deputy station commander of the area and workers of a Goldrich water delivery truck extinguished the fire around 30 minutes later.

Piggery, animals burned in kapangan 

KAPANGAN, Benguet – A piggery was burned here early Monday morning in Legwe, Taba-ao wherein a mother pig with seven piglets and four chicken were burned. Police said the piggery was owned by Johnson Salmo Andiso, 52, businessman, who said cost of damage was around P60,000. Town police, firemen and concerned citizens helped put out the fire. Investigation disclosed cause of fire was unattended burning wood intended for cooking pig’s food near the site.

Man found dead in Baguio building

BAGUIO CITY – A man was found dead seated on a sofa at the lobby of the 5th floor of NG Building, along T. Alonzo Street, around 7:15 p.m. Monday.

The body was identified as that of Michel Angelo Wijanco Angeles, 56, tenant of Room 402 of the building. A roommate of the victim identified as Angelo Lomahan Madriaga, 19, 3rd year college student of St. Louis University said he arrived from his class, saw the victim and observed him not breathing prompting him to inform other tenants.

Karen Ilonen Cayat, a tenant of the building felt the pulse of the victim and noted the victim’s body was cold. They immediately informed their landlord Ron Jessan Acosta Maddela, 25 who informed police of the incident.  

Responding cops led by Chief Insp. Julie Centeno and Dr. Hector F. Sorra, medico-legal officer said the victim was dead about four hours. Angeles’s body was brought to Damayan Funeral Homes.

Lasciviousness lands man in jail; judge sets P72K bail   

BAGUIO CITY – A resident of Balikyan, Bontoc, Mountain Province was arrested here March 20 for acts of lasciviousness. Arrested along Governor Pack Road by Mankayan, Benguet police was Spencer Cawi Cayangao, 33, single. This, after Sergio T. Angnganay, acting presiding judge of RTC Branch 64, Buguias, Benguet issued warrant for his arrest for two counts and set bail of P36,000 for each case.

Man nabbed for frustrated murder 

ALICIA, Isabela – Cops from Tabuk City, Kalinga arrested one Jerry Morales Sabado, 42, farmer here March 20 at Barangay Pagdad for frustrated murder. This, after Jennifer A Pilar, judge of RTC, First Judicial Region, Branch 32, Agoo, La Union issued warrant for his arrest setting bail of P200, 000 for his temporary liberty. 

Girl raped, killed in Cagayan town

TUGUEGARAO CITY – The decomposing body of a 10-year-old girl believed to be a victim of rape was found in a cornfield in Barangay Sta. Clara, Sta. Ana, Cagayan on March 19.

Revelyn Talaro, a Grade 5 student, was reported missing four days earlier, said Chief Insp. Saturnino Soriano, Sta. Ana police chief.

Soriano said medico-legal officers could not confirm if the victim was raped because animals apparently ate her genitals.

The head of the girl was bashed with a hard object.

Two men were invited for questioning. -- Raymund Catindig

Youth stabs man dead in Candon

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur- A man was stabbed dead Tuesday morning by a 16-year-old kid here in Barangay Salvador 1st.

Chief Insp. William Nerona, Ilocos Sur provincial police spokesman, identified the victim as Roger Cortez, 29,  of Sitio Carcarot of said barangay.

The suspect was identified as Ricky Garnace, out-of- school youth and resident of same barangay.

After the stabbing, the victim was rushed to Candon General Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival by attending physician Teresa Basabas.

The suspect was apprehended by responding police officers of Candon.

Police did not say what prompted the suspect to stab the victim.-Myds Supnad

Currimao Port starts to host cruise ships

By Mizpah Grace G. Castro 

LAOAG CITY – Gov. Imee R. Marcos said the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, Dept. of Tourism and Philippine Ports Authority will be partnering to improve the Port of Currimao with onset of cruise ship arrivals.

She told a press conference inside Star Cruises' Superstar Virgo, which made her maiden voyage to and arrival in Ilocos Norte Wednesday.

Superstar Virgo, with a capacity of 2,600 passengers, brought thousands of local and international tourists to the province with the majority being Chinese.

"We don't want to fail or in any way be unable to deliver the goods," said Marcos, expressing her desire to lessen inconvenience to coming tourists.

Wednesday marked the first of 15 expected cruise ship arrivals in the Currimao Port.

Representatives of Star Cruises said their ideal port would be "very simple yet functional," pointing out transporting tourists from the cruise ship to the port through tender boats posed a slight inconvenience due to the time consumed.

This would hinder the tourists from exploring "all the beauty of Ilocos Norte," they said.

Marcos said, "Through experience, we will get only better. I'm hopeful that we [national agencies and stakeholders] keep each other posted and continuously give each other feedback. Certainly, the province is very open to any suggestions for improvement."

Mayor: Fix Convention Center lease problem

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan last week directed city administrator Carlos Canilao to immediately fix the problem on the lease contracts of the tenants at the Baguio Convention Center.

In a memorandum last March 14, the mayor reminded Canilao of an earlier directive to ensure that all the operations of the occupants in the facility are covered by the necessary contracts to avoid questions and complications.

“You were then directed to see to it that all the said occupants are covered by contracts of lease submitted to the City Council for confirmation,” the mayor said.

“This memorandum is therefore being sent to you to ensure that you complied with all the said requirements.” 

Canilao in turn ordered the city tourism operations division to submit a report on the status of the contracts and the actions done in compliance to the mayor’s earlier directive.

He assured that the contracts will be in order by next week in compliance with the mayor’s order.

Issues on the contracts of the tenants of the said facility had hounded the city government particularly the failure to renew the expired memorandum of agreement and the lack of confirmation by the city council.

This has even reached the attention of the Commission on Audit last year which prompted the city council to review the contracts.

Canilao said there are less than ten concessionaires in the facility including the Smart Telco, the Securities and Exchange Commission and van operators and drivers associations which use the area for parking. – Aileen P. Refuerzo