2 volunteers of Abra gov shot dead in rival’s town

By Freddie Lazaro 

BANGUED, Abra — Just a week after the filing of candidacies for elective posts, two volunteers in the campaign of reelectionist-Gov. Ma. Jocelyn Bernos of Abra were killed in the bailiwick of one of her political opponents for the same post last Monday.

Rodel Talledo Pilor, 34, and Roland Lazara, from Cayapa, Lagangilang town, both volunteers of Gov. Bernos, were on board a motorcycle when they were fired upon by unknown gunmen at 9:15 a.m. along a road in Barangay Kimmalaba, Dolores, this province, police said.

Homicide investigators collected several bullet casings for a Cal. 5.56 Armalite assault rifle and buckshots for a 12-gauge shotgun at the place were Pilor and Lazara were ambushed.

The lady governor condemned the killing of her two volunteer-supporters saying, “For a long time, the people of Abra had much-awaited a peaceful community.  I believe we have attained this through the help of the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)… not until this incident though.”

She called on the police to immediately get to the bottom of this and catch the perpetrators “so that justice be given to the family of the victims.”

The governor also made a call to her constituents. “I call my fellow Abrenios to be watchful, vigilant and responsible so that we can always have true peace in Abra,” she said

The lady governor, who is pitted against Dolores Mayor Roberto “JR” Seares Jr. in the coming elections, said “the people of Abra know who are responsible for this,” but stopped short of naming names.

Mayor Seares, the PDP-Laban provincial chairman, also condemned the killing of the two volunteers of Gov. Bernos.

However, he scrutinized the background of the two slain victims. “Let us see who these personalities are… they are hired goons,” he said.

The mayor said he was not condoning the killing of the two, but said: “Pilor had been tagged in a number of cases but was able to bail himself out.”

He said policemen who responded to the scene of the crime told him that the two had gun holsters in their waists but no firearms were seized by investigators.

Stopping short of questioning the purpose of two in being in his town, Mayor Seares said: “Ano rason bakit may holster. Bakit walang baril? That is a big question (Why did they have holsters and no guns? That’s the big question,” he said.

Gov’t sets demolition of Itogon mines, shanties

 Oct. 25 deadline lapses 

By Jessica Jane Barriento

ITOGON, Benguet – The deadline for owners of shanties and small scale mines here to vacate and demolish these has lapsed and the local government is set to demolish these.

These were earlier declared as "no build zones" and owners were given until Oct. 25 to voluntarily dismantle their structures before these would be issued demolition orders.

Based on advisory issued by Itogon Mayor Victorio T. Palangdan dated Oct. 17, all concerned barangay officials and occupants of shanties must comply with the “no build zone” policy.

A report submitted by the local government to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau identified various areas such as barangays Ampucao, Loacan, Ucab, and Gumatdang as highly susceptible to landslide.

A meeting was held Oct. 10 by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in which they recommended the demolition of structures on high risk areas.

According to Palangdan, this will prevent reoccurrence of the tragedy that killed more than 80 people in this town due to landslide caused by Typhoon Ompong last month.

Based on advisory issued by the mayor, mandatory demolition will be implemented by concerned authorities in coordination with the Philippine National Police or other uniformed personnel.

Before the given deadline, all concerned barangay officials were advised to disseminate the notice to their constituents for compliance.

Ecija ex-councilor’s killer known; hunted by cops

By Ariel Avendaño and Martin Sadongdong

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija — Senior Supt. Leon Victor Rosete, provincial police director, said on Tuesday the Special Investigation Task Group is zeroing-in on the suspect in the killing of Allan Joson, 42, a former councilor who was planning a comeback in San Antonio town but was gunned down last week.

Rosete, however said the suspect’s identity cannot be immediately revealed as of this writing pending the comprehensive validation being conducted by the SITG.

“Malalaman na po natin ang puno’t-dulo ng motibo ng pamamaslang pag nakuha na natin ‘yong suspect so that we will not keep on speculating (We will know all about the motive in the killing once we arrest the suspect so that we could avoid speculating),” Rosete said.

Joson was shot dead by a lone motorcycle-riding gunman while standing along the side of a road several meters away from their house in Barangay Julo in San Antonio at around 4:25 p.m. last October 19.

The former councilor succumbed to seven bullet wounds in the body and head.

Joson, a three-termer councilor before losing for the vice mayoralty race in 2016, recently filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) at the local Comelec in San Antonio to seek a fresh mandate in the eight-seat town council (Sangguniang Bayan) in next year’s elections.

Prior to his killing, the victim served as consultant for barangay affairs under the office of Mayor Arvin Salonga, who is unopposed in his bid for reelection.

Salonga has already offered a P200,000 bounty for the immediate arrest of the perpetrator on the gruesome killing.

Salonga credited Joson for being instrumental in convincing former political rivals to unite behind his current administration’s leadership.

Joson was running under the National Unity Party. He was seeking a return to office after he lost in the vice mayoralty race in the same town in 2016 elections.

Corpuz said the Central Luzon PRO condemned the killing of Joson and vowed an in-depth investigation to identify and arrest the suspect.

“We are looking into all angles to establish possible motives and we are exerting all means to get into the bottom of this unfortunate incident,” said Corpuz in a statement.

In a message sent to reporters, Corpuz confirmed election-related violence is among the possible motives being investigated since he was running in the 2019 midterm elections.

Aside from this, personal grudge is also being looked into by probers, he added without going into details.

The PNP official also offered his condolences to the bereaved family of the victim while soliciting public support for the immediate arrest of the suspect.

Meanwhile, San Antonio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Arvin Salonga said the municipal government is offering a P200,000 bounty to anyone who can provide helpful information about the suspect.

For any information that could lead to the quick resolution of the case, the public can contact the Nueva Ecija police through its hotline 0999-883-8327 or 0917-623-5700.

Victim writes suspect’s name with own blood before dying

VILLASIS, Pangasinan -- This is straight out of a murder mystery.

A 54-year-old businesswoman was found dead in her home in here last week.

Police are still investigating the crime but unlike most cases, a report Tuesday revealed the victim herself left a clue for authorities.

The victim, Remedios Maer, was stabbed 17 times and was found dead in her home on Thursday, police said.

The victim wrote on the floor with her own blood the name of her killer.

Found on the crime scene floor was the word “Keyung” written in what authorities believe was the victim’s blood, radio station DWIZ said.

DWIZ also reported that Maer was alone in her home when the incident happened.

An early news report was unsure of what the word was referring to but police found that “Keyung” is the alias of Maer’s former contractor who she was previously in conflict with.

Authorities also found that Keyung had allegedly threatened to hurt Maer.

“That his name was written is important evidence. We also gathered other evidence and found that the two were in conflict and that the suspect had threatened the victim,” said Chief Insp. Fernando Fernandez, chief of the Villasis Police.

Reports said the victim’s son Kevin Kyle Maer failed to get a hold of his mother the whole day, which is why he asked his friends to visit her house, leading them to find her lifeless body.

Police are still looking for Keyung and think the crime might have been a case of a robbery gone wrong because two of the victim’s bags and some money were missing.

Bontoc IPMRs cited for peace initiatives resolving tribal feuds

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Indigenous People Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) in this capital town were cited recently for their role in resolving tribal and land conflicts among others. 

The provincial National Commission on Indigenous People office also commended town officials here for their full support to IPMRs coinciding during their 3rd quarter meeting with them.

The NCIP-provincial office headed by director Wilson Kalangeg awarded certificates of recognition to Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey and the Sanggunian Bayan headed by Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen on Oct. 12, 2018.

Kalangeg, a lawyer said it was noteworthy that in Bontoc, the municipal IPMR is receiving the same benefit with that of SB members while the barangay IPMRs are receiving the same benefit of barangay kagawad.

Odsey said the presence of the IPMRs in the meeting was a manifestation of their commitment of their responsibilities in their respective communities.

Kabluyen added IPMRs have significant roles in the community regarding customary practices.

SB members Alsannyster Patingan said despite modernization, customary practices should be respected and observed.

He added that the Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA) should never be set aside as the community needs the wisdom and guidance of the elders.

SB member Viola Okko cited need to preserve customary practices as these contribute in balancing and maintaining brotherhood bond of villages. 

Coinciding with the celebration of the Indigenous People (IP) Month in October of every year, punong barangays and IPMRs were informed about provisions of IPRA, the four basic rights of Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC), and other programs of the NCIP discussed by Juan Falinchao.

Engr. Carlito presented the legal basis of IPMR; the powers, functions, duties and mandates of IPMR and   the compensation and benefits of IPMRs which should not be subject to availability of funds.

In the same occasion, IPMRs in Bontoc proved that they continue to uphold customary laws and practices in their respective villages.

This was reflected in the reports of municipal IPMR Tomas F. Longatan  with IPMRs of Alab Oriente, Balili, Bayyo, Bontoc Ili, Caneo, Caluttit, Dalican, Gonogon, Mainit,  Poblacion, Talubin and Samoki when they reported their accomplishments on Oct. 12.

The IPMRs of Alab Proper, Guina-ang, Maligcong and Tocucan were not present due to important matters they attended to.

Among the highlighted accomplishments of the IPMRs were their involvement in resolving conflicts either within the community members or to neighboring and other community such as land disputes; practice of customary rituals in wedding, death, thanksgiving, community traditional practices and others; attendance to barangay council meetings and training; and participation in community activities such as clean-up drives.

Headed by the Bontoc municipal government through the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan and the NCIP- Provincial Office, the quarterly meeting of the IPMRs is an avenue for the latter to report their accomplishments, discuss IP issues and concerns and strengthen camaraderie among IPMRs in the locality.

Plane lands on Candon City road

By Liezle Basa Iñigo

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — A Cessna plane that encountered engine trouble midair made an emergency landing in the middle of a road in Candon City, Ilocos Sur Monday morning.

The Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) said the white and red plane with Tail No. 152 made its landing along the Diversion Road in Barangay Ayudante, Candon around 10:30 a.m.

The PPO identified the pilot as Capt. Michael Atienza, 42, married and residing in Malabon City, and his co-pilot as student-pilot Eric Blanco, 39, single, of Quezon City.

As of this afternoon, the PPO said it has no information of any injuries sustained by the two.

Investigation into the incident was still ongoing

Segregation of b’gays from Camp John Hay hastened

By Gaby Keith

BAGUIO CITY – Segregation of barangays from the Camp John Hay reservation here is being hastened.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan met last week with officials of John Hay Management Corp., Bases Conversion and Development Authority and barangay officials in a coordination meeting at CJH  Bell House  to discuss the segregation of 14 barangays  from the former American military camp.

Both JHMC president and CEO Allan Garcia and BCDA representative Fernando Gallardo said they were supporting immediate resolution of this issue that had been dragging on for several years.

The mayor said he was hopeful that this problem of segregating the barangays within the CJH reservation will be resolved by the end of the year at the earliest in the most simple and legal manner possible.

 The Mayor directed JHMC surveyor Bobby Akia to finish the CJH reservation survey before the end of the year so the legalities for the proclamation of segregation can immediately proceed since it would need the signature of Pres. Duterte according to Gallardo.

Domogan, Garcia and Gallardo met privately after the meeting to discuss and brainstorm the most simple and legal way that would be needed for the proclamation of segregation after the survey is completed. 

The mayor told Akia if he needs more help or have any problems in completing the task of surveying the CJH reservation, he can assign city government surveyors and police to assist the latter if needed.

Domogan said segregation must be finished first before the settling of conflicting claims with the agreed upon condition that the forest reservation is identified and preserved even if this is found to be part of a barangay.

Dengue cases in Cordillera up by 97 percent

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera office of the Dept. of Health (DOH-CAR) reported that dengue fever cases in the region nearly doubled during the first forty weeks of this year compared to the same period last year.

From January 1 to October 6, 2018, the agency was able to record some 5,921 dengue fever cases regionwide compared to the 2,999 cases that were recorded during the same period last year.

The DOH-CAR recorded 11 dengue-related deaths in the region wherein 8 were from the Cordillera and 3 came from non-CAR provinces during the said period compared to the 9 dengue-related deaths during the similar period last year. Of the 8 deaths from the region, 2 each came from Abra, Benguet and Baguio City while 1 each came from Ifugao and Kalinga.The cases were from Kalinga – 1,139 or 19.2 percent, Benguet – 1,025 cases or 17.3 percent, Apayao – 887 cases or 15 percent, Abra – 829 cases or 14 percent, Ifugao – 568 cases or 9.6 percent, Baguio City – 418 cases or 7 percent, Mountain Province – 224 cases or 3.8 percent and non-CAR provinces – 831 or 14 percent.

Based on data obtained from the agency, more males reportedly were affected by dengue fever during the reckoning period with 3,161 or 53.4 percent of the total number of affected individuals regionwide with an age range from 4 days to 96 years old with a median of 16 years old.

Geeny Anne I. Austria, Nurse V, of the DOH-CAR’s regional epidemiology and surveillance unit, claimed that there were laboratory confirmed dengue virus serotype per province and municipality from 2014 to date.

She said clustering of dengue fever cases was noted in all Cordillera provinces during the reckoning period.

Dengue fever is caused by any of four serotypes of dengue virus wherein all strains are reportedly present in the region.

Austria said an infected day biting female aides mosquito transmits the dengue viruses to humans wherein the number of dengue cases could peak during the rainy season and could even reach widespread proportions if preventive measures of control are not taken.

According to her, dengue fever prevention and control could be achieved once residents will follow the 4-s against dengue, particularly search and destroy the breeding grounds of dengue- carrying mosquitoes, self-protection measures, seek early consultation and say no to indiscriminate fogging.

he DOH-CAR official reminded the public to continue maintaining cleanliness inside and outside their houses to prevent the possible multiplication of the dengue carrying mosquitoes that might compromise the lives of innocent individuals who are unaware of the serious negative effects of dengue fever once it will not be given the proper medication by health experts who known the diagnosis of the said viral infection that tends to affect the health of people.

Previously, dengue was in a cyclical trend but because of climate change, it became a year-round illness among Filipinos.

Expressway opening slated in December

Road right-of-way for the North Luzon Expressway Harbor Link Segment 10, an elevated expressway from Manila to the NLEX, has been delivered, keeping the construction on track, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said last week.

Villar announced that the project “is getting close to completion now that the Dept. of Public Works and Highways delivered 100 percent of the right-of-way (ROW) between Karuhatan, Valenzuela City to C3 Road, Caloocan City.”

“We are happy that our team was able to deliver 100 percent right-of-way for the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10. We hope we can finish this just in time for the Christmas rush to help ease the public’s traffic woes,” Villar said.

NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10, which started in May 2014, aims to decongest Metro Manila by providing access to NLEX without passing through EDSA or the Balintawak Toll Plaza.

It also aims to provide better movement of cargoes from Port Area in Manila to the northern part of Luzon. It will provide a direct connection between R10 (Radial Road 10) and NLEX.

“NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 is composed of the 5.65-km elevated expressway traversing the NLEX from MacArthur Highway Karuhatan, Valenzuela City, passing through Malabon City and C3 Road, Caloocan City, and the 2.6-km section between C3 Road, Caloocan City and R10, Navotas City,” Villar said.

Once opened, travel time from the Manila Port to the NLEX will take approximately 10 minutes.

P’sinan mayor faces raps anew for faking marriage certificate

POZORROBIO, Pangasinan — Mayor Artemio Chan of this town is facing another legal battle for signing a marriage certificate even though he did not officiate at the wedding.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed charges against Chan for falsification of public documents under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code.

Based on the charge sheet prepared by graft investigation and prosecution officer Maria Viviane Cacho-Calicdan, Chan signed the marriage certificate of Andy dela Rosa and Mary Jane Jovellanos who wed at the town hall on March 26, 2015.

Graft probers said Chan’s son, Kelvin, who was vice mayor at the time, officiated at the wedding.

The ombudsman recommended bail of P24,000.

The ombudsman ordered the dismissal of Chan last year for signing the marriage certificate of another couple whose wedding on March 14, 2016 was officiated by a casual employee of the municipal government.

The penalty was later downgraded to a suspension for nine months.

The ombudsman also suspended the municipal employee, Daniel Sarmiento Jr., for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

DPWH, city gov’t at odds on BCC project; specs changed

By Dexter A. See 

BAGUIO CITY – The rehabilitation of the Baguio Convention Center in this summer capital is still mired in controversy.

This, made Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan urge technical personnel of the Cordillera office of the Dept. of Public Works and Highways and local government to reconcile their differences on the ongoing rehabilitation of the city-owned facility to avoid delays in completion of the multi-million project so it could be used for crowd-drawing events.

The mayor said it is important is for the DPWH-CAR to come out with a technically acceptable reason that will justify change of original plans of the project that resulted to the removal of the mezzanine, escalators and elevator which was earlier aimed at increasing the capacity of the convention facility.

“We do not want untoward delays in the implementation of the project that is why we requested the contractor to proceed with the works that are not the subject of controversy while the DPWH-CAR and the local government’s TWG are ironing out their differences on the questioned items that were removed from the original plans that was earlier bid out,’ Domogan said.

 He said that he will leave the matter of resolving the prevailing issues on the BCC rehabilitation project to the members of the technical teams of the DPWH-CAR and the local government because they are the ones who are aware of the technical aspect of the project.

He added it is important is for the project to be completed on time and pursuant to what had been earlier agreed upon on how the facility will look like apart from considering the variations that were done so as not to compromise the structural integrity of the facility.

DPWH-CAR personnel defended the change of project specifications  because the local government was not able to present the original plans of the convention center when it was built in the late 1970s that should have supposed to serve as their basis in determining the safe areas where the foundation of the mezzanine, escalator and elevator could be erected.

However, the local government TWG argued that the implementation of the variation of the original plans of the project was not done in consultation with them considering that the city will eventually be the end user of the facility, thus, the need for the DPWH-CAR to go back to the original plans for the project that will incorporate the mezzanine, escalator and elevator for a bigger capacity of the convention center.

The rehabilitation of the city-owned convention facility started in March 2018 and will commence sometime in February 2019 pursuant to the approved plans and specifications of the multi-million project.

PNP sets security plan for ‘Undas 2018’ in Cordillera

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- The Philippine National Police would be on full alert this week as  it launches “Oplan Undas” to provide public safety, security, and other contingency measures in coordination with the other law enforcement, government line agencies, non-government and other volunteer organizations.

Regional police director, Chief Supt. Rolando Z Nana and staff, will be inspecting cemeteries and bus terminals in the region, especially Baguio City and Benguet, where thousands of travelers are expected during the long “Undas” weekend, said a regional police press statement.

Also, all cell sites and towers will be secured to prevent attacks by rebels.

The regional police command will be deploying 1,894 cops in 173 cemeteries, churches, transport terminals, and other places of engagement in the region to provide assistance along highways and major thoroughfares, traffic management, and security assistance.

Some 3,238 barangay peacekeeping action team members and volunteers were tapped to provide assistance in securing Undas 2018.

 For Baguio City, 584 PNP personnel and 686 auxiliaries and volunteers will be deployed while 258 cops and 677 force multiplier will be in Benguet for the duration of the observance of Undas.

 Major cemeteries to be visited in Baguio City will be the Baguio Public Cemetery, Baguio Memorial Cemetery at Naguilian Road, Heaven’s Garden Memorial Park and Everlasting/Pyramid Cemetery at Kias, Baguio City.

For Benguet, will be the Buyagan Pyramid Cemetery. Likewise, all major transportation hubs and big commercial centers are inspected to ensure safe and secure Undas 2018. 

The PROCOR urged he public to cooperate with policemen and comply with security protocols to ensure their security and safety.

The public was warned to bring any bladed objects, liquor, portable radio stereo components and other prohibited items since these would be confiscated by policemen who will be very strict in checking belongings brought by people to cemeteries on Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and 2.

Lady clerk at gov’t hospital gunned down in Pangasinan

By Liezle Basa-Iñigo 

TAYUG, Pangasinan — A lady clerk of the Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital in this town was shot dead while on her way to work on Monday, police said.

The Provincial Police Office said the fatal shooting of Marietta Reyes, 56, of Barangay Trenchera, here, happened at 7:50 a.m. on Tamat Street, Zone 3, of the same village.

Chief Insp. Jose L. Abaya II, officer-in-charge of the Tayug Municipal Police Station, said Reyes was driving her Honda Beat motorcycle with temporary Plate No. 0101-464577 when she was attacked by gunmen.

Responding policemen took the victim to the Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician.

She succumbed to multiple bullet wounds in different parts of the body.

The motive in the attack is now under investigation.

Top Cagayan Region politicians to Ombudsman: Revoke Enrile’s bail

By Czarina Nicole Ong

TUGUEGARAO CITY -- Two officials of Cagayan Valley province urged Ombudsman Samuel Martires to take action and revoke the bail granted by the Supreme Court to former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile in relation to his plunder charge before the Sandiganbayan.

Gov. Manuel Namba and former Buguey Mayor Ignacio Taruc of Cagayan Valley – both known members of the Liberal Party (LP) – wrote to Martires on October 22, 2018 and urged him to “seek the cancellation” of Enrile’s bail.

Enrile has one plunder and 15 graft charges before the Sandiganbayan Third Division because of the reported misuse of his priority development assistance fund (PDAF), which he allegedly endorsed to the bogus non-government organizations (NGOs) owned by Janet Lim Napoles in exchange for kickbacks.

Back in 2015, the SC allowed him to post bail for his plunder charge out of humanitarian considerations.

But Namba and Taruc are now questioning Enrile’s “allegation of poor health,” since he has enough strength to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) and run for Senator in the May 13, 2019 elections.

“Seeking a seat in the Senate necessarily entails a nationwide campaign that even a healthy person will find strenuous,” they wrote in the letter. “This only proves that Juan Ponce Enrile falsely appealed to the Supreme Court’s pity to gain the relief of bail.”

The two stressed that Enrile is “not so ill as to be incapable of flight,” so they believe it’s high time he be sent back to jail.

“Sir, we are local leaders in Cagayan who witnessed how Juan Ponce Enrile and his minions ravaged our beloved province for 40 years,” they pleaded. “Even to the extent of oppression through false charges. Juan Ponce Enrile is, and has always been, a liar and plunderer, no matter how frail he may look. Please do not be moved by his deception.”

Aside from Enrile, former Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada have also been charged with plunder and graft before different divisions of the Sandiganbayan due to the multi-million PDAF scam.

Last year, Estrada was allowed to post bail amounting to P1,330,000 – P1 million for plunder, and P330,000 for his 11 graft charges because the Fifth Division ruled he was not the “main plunderer” in the case.

Only Revilla remains locked up in jail, but the First Division is slated to make a decision regarding his plunder charge within the year. He is facing one plunder charge and 16 counts of graft.

All three of them are gunning for a seat in the Senate next year.

Mayor defends amnesty tax veto

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan defended his move disallowing the grant of amnesty on real property tax delinquencies as advocated by the city council in an approved ordinance.

He said granting the tax moratorium is counterproductive as it adversely affects the city’s tax collection and unfair to people religiously paying their tax dues because it encourages taxpayers to neglect their responsibility to pay their taxes on time.

“How can we help the city in its tax collection efforts if we keep on waiving fines and surcharges?” the mayor said noting that the city lost P38.5 million representing arrears and unpaid real property taxes when it implemented a six-month amnesty last year.

“Besides, it is as if we are encouraging people to neglect their duties because a lot of taxpayers now say that it is better not to pay real property taxes and just wait for the amnesty,” the mayor said.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. Baguio-Benguet Chapter president Modesto Imayaho Sr. last year chided the city for granting the amnesty saying it is unfair to those who religiously pay their taxes on time.

City Treasurer Alex Cabarrubias himself frowned upon the tax condonation and vowed that it was to be the last time that the city will implement a moratorium noting its adverse effects to the city’s income.

The mayor last Sept. 28 vetoed Ordinance No. 114 series of 2018 granting amnesty or relief on penalties, fines, surcharges, interests or arrears to delinquent real taxpayers.

Instead of the moratorium, the mayor pushed for the grant of more incentives to those complying with the law.

At present, the city provides a 20 percent discount to real property taxpayers who pay their taxes in advance and also discounts for those who pay promptly, meaning within the first quarter of the current year, January – 20 percent, February – 15 percent and March – 10 percent.

POLICE ROUNDUP

Man kills drinking mate with gin bottle

BAGUIO CITY – A drinking spree turned deadly here when a man hit his drinking mate with a gin bottle on the head several times which resulted to his death.

A police report said the incident happened Oct. 20 around 3 p.m. along Shanum Street wherein the victim was identified only as a certain Romy while the suspect was named as Garnet Rosette Rufino.

Accordingly, both had a heated altercation which made the suspect suddenly hit the victim with an empty 2x2 gin bottle. The suspect was arrested while the victim was brought to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival around 4 p.m. that day.

Man shoots himself dead

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – A man fixing his handgun accidentally shot himself dead here Tuesday around 9:15 a.m. at Purok 6, Bulanao inside the house of a certain Alipio Ella.

Police identified the victim as Albert Bayongan Gupaal, 53, married f Allaguia, Pinukpuk town.

Investigation revealed a certain Roel Honrubia  Elus, 38,  of Bulanao went to fetch the victim at Ella’s house so they will go to Dugpa, Pinukpuk.

However, the victim told him that he will fix first his firearm, after few minutes he heard a gunfire and immediately went inside and found the victim holding his neck oozing with blood.

Immediately they brought Gupaal to Kalinga Provincial Hospital for medical attention but where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Police found a Cal .45 handgun loaded with seven bullets and a fired cartridge.

20-year old man, arrested for child abuse in La Union

ROSARIO, La union – Police arrested a 20-year old man for the violation of Ant-Child Abuse Law here Tuesday.

In an interview with police Insp. Maria Jesusa Pajarillo, deputy town chief of police said the suspect was arrested about 10:20 a.m.

The suspect was identified as Prince Denver Estoesta Pasag, resident here of Barangay Concepcion where he was arrested. Pasag was nabbed by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by  Ethelwolda A. Jaravata, presiding judge of RTC Branch 32, Agoo, La Union dated Sept. 5 for violation of Section 5(b) in relation to RA 7610.

The recommended bail bond of P200,000 for Pasag’s temporary liberty. -- Jessica Jane Barriento

Cashier gets P150-K from gas station; disappears

ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao – The cashier of a gasoline station here is being hunted by police after she allegedly took the establishment’s P15,000 collection and didn’t return since then.

A police report said the incident happened at the Olin gasoline station as reported by owner Czaldy Timacdog Alindayo, 45.

Alindayo told police the incident happened on Oct. 5 when around 11 p.m., his cashier, Teresa Umayam Comesario, 39, married, and resident of Malalinta, San Manuel, Isabela took his day’s collection of P150, 000 and left without asking permission. 

The complainant did not report the incident promptly with his faith that the suspect will give back the said amount considering that he informed the suspect’s family about the incident but as of this date the suspect was nowhere to be found. 

 Man mauled by brod-in-law stabs mauler 

PARACELIS, Mountain Province – A man was stabbed by his brother in law for mauling him Monday around 8 a.m. here at Sitio Muliang, Barangay Anonat.

Investigation disclosed siblings Edward and Francis Tulayao, had a misunderstanding over an earphone while in front of the house of Manuel Carera Domelod.

Allegedly, Edward became unruly. Their brother Crispin Tulayao who was sleeping was awakened tried to pacify his brothers until he boxed Francis then started to maul their brother in-law Manuel Domelod who was seated in front of their house.

Domelod retaliated by bringing out his knife and stabbed the right side of Crispin. Their relatives rushed him to Roxas Emergency Hospital, Roxas, Isabela for treatment.

He was later referred to Cagayan Valley Medical Center, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan for treatment.

Through peaceful negotiation made by Paracelis police with the assistance of barangay officials, family and relatives surrendered Manuel Domelod who was brought to to police station for investigation. 

Drunk woman falls down ravine; killed

HUNGDUAN, Ifugao – A drunk woman was killed when she fell down an 8-meter deep ravine here at Barangay Nungulunan Wednesday around 8:40 p.m.

The victim, identified as Lorena Tamingo, of Sitio Kikiling, Nungulunan was brought to Hungduan District Hospital where she was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Gina A. Buyucan.

The doctor said the victim was under the influence of liquor with multiple abrasions on her left chest, puncture on her and died of brain injury as a result of the accidental fall.

The victim was ferried back to their home at Nungulunan immediately that evening.

Police said the victim came from an occasion of their neighbor where she joined a drinking session and insisted to go home despite being drunk.

5-year-old boy sideswiped by SUV

BAGUIO CITY – A 5-year-old boy was injured when he was sideswiped here Wednesday around 3:40 p.m. along North Sto. Tomas Road.

The victim was named as Warren Senosin Barrientos, Kinder 1 pupil of Roxas Elementary School, and a resident of Old Santo Tomas Bakakeng Central.

He was injured on his left leg when he was hit by an Isuzu MUX with plate no. DUC7377 driven by Joselito Cespedes Rosario, 47, married, family driver, and a resident of no. 58 PNB Village Marcos Highway. The victim was brought by the same driver to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment.

Investigation disclosed the vehicle driven by Rosario was headed down towards the direction of Marcos Highway and while slowly moving forward and accidentally hit the victim who suddenly ran crossing the said road.

Responding traffic Investigator confiscated the driver’s license of the driver.

Bakun man’s motorcycle stolen

BAKUN, Benguet – The motorcycle of a certain Andy Apit Bautista, 33, married, here of Bay-o, Gambang was stolen Tuesday around 3:15 p.m. and reported at Bakun police station.

Accordingly, the victim parked his Yamaha motorcycle with Plate No. BC2389 in a warehouse near their house on Monday around 8 p.m. and went home. The following day, he found out his motorcycle was missing.

Man shoots brother in drinking spree

CALANASAN, Apayao – A man shot his brother during a drinking spree Tuesday around 12 p.m. here at Barangay Sabangan.

The victim was identified by police as Glen Gregorio Rausa, Jr., 27, who was reportedly shot by his brother Glenford Gregorio, both living in the same house.

A police report said investigation disclosed Glen and two of his brothers were drinking liquor at their house when a heated argument ensued between the two that resulted in a fistfight.

Their brother, Glennbryle pacified them, but after a few minutes, the suspect went inside their room and took his homemade Cal. 22 gun and immediately shot the victim hitting his right chest.

The suspect immediately escaped after the incident while the victim was rushed to Apayao District hospital.

Responding police scoured the area but the suspect could not be  located. The firearm used was not recovered. The police report did not say what happened to Glen.

 Woman arrested for perjury

BAGUIO CITY – A woman was arrested here Tuesday for perjury. Nabbed was Rei Ann Pistola Cayetano, 44, resident here of Suyoc, Loakan after Maria Clarita Casuga Tabin, presiding judge of MTCC, Branch 4, Baguio City issued warrant against her setting bail of P36, 000 for her temporary liberty.

Minor denied bail for rape

PIDIGAN, Abra – A minor was arrested here Tuesday for rape. Nabbed at Barangay Immuli was John Carlo Banza Pinera, 16. This, after warrant was issued against him by Raphiel Alzate, presiding judge of RTC Branch 1, Bangued, Abra. The judge recommended no bail for the accused.

 Man arrested for highgrading

ITOGON, Benguet – A certain Reyni Longao Banag was arrested here Wednesday at Camangaan, Virac for high grading. A judge set bail of P5,000 for his temporary liberty.

Bungalow burned

TUBA, Benguet – A bungalow was partially burned here Wednesday around 10:a.m. at Camp 6 along Kennon Road. Kennon Road, Police said the bungalow was owned by a certain Josefino Banna in Sitio La-aw, Camp 6. The cause of fire allegedly emanated from the unattended cooking stove at the kitchen.

Veggie packer loses motorbike to thieves

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A certain Jonard Abaya Tesoro, 36,  vegetable packer here parked his motorcycle in front of  new La Trinidad public market here late noon on Oct. 22, went to work and found out later it was stolen.

He urged the public to report to police if they see his Honda XRM 125 colored red and black with engine #KPYR2EO24773, chassis #KPYR2024755 without plate number.

Drunk victim can’t remember mauler

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A man was found lying bloodied on the road here Thursday around 12:10 a.m. in what police said was a victim of manhandling.

The victim was named as Godfrey Gonzales Abilao, 35, construction worker and resident here of Barangay Betag.

A police report said a certain Noel Kimo Bolayo, 21 was on his way home when he saw the victim laying along the road prompting him to report at Puguis police station. Cops brought the victim to Cordillera Hospital of the Divine Grace in Puguis. The victim who was under the influence of liquor could remember any suspect.

Abra bocap surrenders gun

SAN QUINTIN, Abra – The barangay chairman of Palang here surrendered his gun to police Wednesday. Chairman Avelino Bonifacio went to town police station and surrendered a Cal. 45 gun and ammunition, saying it was in support to the PNP’s intensified campaign against loose firearms.

Motorcycle hits Elf: 3 injured

ATOK, Benguet – Three motorcycle riders were injured here Wednesday around 12 noon when their vehicle collided with an Elf truck.

A police report said the incident happened along km 24 here at Barangay Topdac. The truck with plate number RHH 788 was driven by Jerry Gabol Alida, 34, married, of lam-ayan, Bangao, Buguias, Benguet while the Honda XRM motorcycle with plate number TI4722, was driven by Marlou Comising Santos, 27,  farmer with his back riders, Rene Comising Santos, 21, of Topdac and Philip Pio Cudlay, 30, of Barangay Caliking.

Investigation showed the Elf was north-bound when the motorcycle encroached the opposite lane and hit the left side body of the Elf. As a result, the three riders were injured and brought by police to Benguet General Hospital in La Trinidad for treatment.

Both parties agreed to settle the case amicably.

2 boys on motorcycle hit bridge; injured

BANGUED, Abra – Two boys riding a motorcycle were injured when their vehicle hit the side of the Sinalang Bridge here at Barangay Lipcan Wednesday around 12:15 a.m.

The Yamaha MIO 125 without plate number was driven by Mayvehn Gomez Agaloos, 13, of Barangay Pantoc, San Isidro town with his back rider nasmed Byri Beloy Malamug, 11 of Zone 7, Bangued.

Investigation disclosed the driver lost control of the motorcycle and accidentally bumped the right steel barricade of the bridge. Both were rushed to Seares Hospital for treatment.

Man seen with tanod’s wife stabs husband 

DOLORES, Abra – A barangay tanod was stabbed by an unemployed man when the former saw him bantering with his wife during a wake here on Oct. 19 in Barangay Cabaroan.

Stabbed was Eugene Tumalip Artienda, 34, resident of said place who was rushed by a concerned citizen to St. Therese Hospital for treatment. 

Investigation disclosed that at around 10:15 p.m., the tanod was on duty at the wake of the late Magdalena Ballena when he was stabbed by the suspect identified as Victorino “Toring” Biñegas Valera, 43, single, unemployed, of Barangay Talogtog. 

A certain Emillo Duque Jr. witnessed the victim shouting for help after he was stabbed by the suspect on his leg. 

Investigation revealed the victim found his wife associating with the suspect, and then a heated argument ensued that resulted in the stabbing of the victim by the suspect. The victim was later transferred to Abra Provincial Hospital here for treatment. Responding police arrested the suspect and brought him to police station where charges were prepared against him.

3 nabbed in operations for illegal guns, shabu

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Three suspects were nabbed in buy-bust operations last week and are now facing charges for illegal firearms and drugs.

Lawmen arrested Romeo Buyyang Attaban in Kagisgis, Bineng, La Trinidad Monday and confiscated from him

a Cal. 45 handgun, two magazines for the gun and bullets.

In another buy-bust operation, police nabbed Brent Coniyat Bulayo, 22 in his residence at Buyagan, Poblacion, La Trinidad on Oct. 17.

Seized from him were shabu, P1,000 buy-bust money and Samsung cellphone.

Another alleged drug pusher identified as Ghieno Domilos Manimbao, 19, of Tuding, Itogon, Benguet, resident of Purok 1, West Quirino Hill, Baguio City was arrested Oct. 18, 2018 along Dagohoy St. 

Prior to his arrest, operatives were conducting mobile patrol when they spotted a group shouting and running who arrested the suspect.

Confiscated from his possession were shabu, marijuana leaves, one glass tube containing suspected marijuana residue and a white lighter.