Baguio as it reaches 110

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

BAGUIO CITY – For so long, some business establishment owners in Baguio have been going their merry ways in getting business permits from City Hall and doing business not stipulated in what they applied for.

With the start of the new city administration headed by Mayor Benjie Magalong, many businesses like restaurants and bars were closed for not complying with laws like city ordinances. 

***

The problem had been partly due to City Hall procedures. In past administrations, applicants for business permits were required to pay first at the city treasury office before accomplishing requirements like sanitary, barangay and fire permits.

Now, it is the other way around. We were told a business permit applicants must first accomplish requirements like those at the barangay level before being allowed to pay at City Hall.  Applicants said this is a better and more efficient process.

***

This, as the City Permits and Licensing Division under the City Mayor’s Office reported a significant increase in business permit applications during the first month of the present administration compared to those who applied for permits during the same period last year, a city hall press release said.

City Permits and Licensing Officer Allan Abayao disclosed from July 1-31, there were 1,020 permits issued by the said office which is 31.08 percent more than the 731 permits that were issued by the local government during the same month last year.

However, he said the number of special permits issued by the local government in July this year which was 1,389 was lower by 11.35 percent compared to 1,567 special permits issued the same period last year.

***

Last year, the local government reportedly issued a total of 28,250 regular and special permits wherein 20,709 were classified as regular permits while 7,541 were special permits.

From January 1 to July 31 this year, Abayao said the local government issued 20,037 regular permits and 5,709 special permits or a total of 25,738 regular and special permits.

In terms of closure orders, Abayao revealed Mayor Magalong issued 498 closure orders wherein 460 orders were implemented while 38 have yet to be implemented.

He 235 of the issued closure orders were issued by former Mayor Mauricio Domogan and were re-issued by Mayor Magalong.

***

The city permits and licensing officer reported increase in regular business permits issued by the local government over the past five years and even during the first seven months of this year which shows the city remains a favorite investment hub.

Based on data from the City Permits and Licensing office, the local government issued 17,158 regular permits in 2014, 18,370 regular permits in 2015, 19,083 regular permits in 2016, 19,590 regular permits in 2017 and 20,709 regular permits last year.

***

Abayao said the local government will be able to exceed the number of regular permits issued last year based on established trend of increasing number of applications for issuance of regular permits.

Earlier, the local government streamlined the issuance of business permits wherein applicants can be issued permits in less than one hour once their requirements are complete and fed into the system for processing.

Abayao urged applicants to ensure their documentary requirements are complete when processing their applications with the office so that they can be issued the same within an hour after their documents shall have been entered into the system.

***

Business in the Summer Capital is booming as rise in business permit applications show. But business is still being hampered by heavy traffic, even if it somehow eased with clearing of road obstructions.

The Koreans, who some years back have pushed the city’s economy have evidently become lesser. Even foreign tourists have been observed to have become scarce.

Observers have pointed out with the internet pointing out many tourist destinations, foreign travelers are now going to more rustic sites like Sagada in Mountain Province in the north or Siargao down south.

This is maybe for the better so the city would not become more congested.

***

Baguio was designed by US architect Daniel Burnham for only 25,000 people. Now it is a lot more than that. It is no wonder the city is still experiencing problems like heavy traffic, garbage, crime among others. Social scientists are saying the thrust of the city should be to decongest it and spread the sunshine in nearby Benguet towns.

For one, as nightlife in Baguio wanes with the closing of pubs, nearby La Trinidad is booming with establishments which feature live music.

***

As the city celebrates its 110th charter anniversary this Sept. 1, what happened to the so-called master development plan to address problems of the once so-called City of Pines?     

Pundits are saying maybe, it is high time Mayor Magalong, Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan and the city council would sit down to thresh this out.

Longing for the smell of pine trees along Session Road to come back maybe wishful thinking. But then, is it still possible to plant pine trees or those which can provide a canopy in the future at the center of the road rather than flowers?

Imee Marcos: No to anti- subversion law’s revival

EDITORIAL

Sen. Imee Marcos, whose father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos spent years trying to lick insurgency but failed, is averse to a call among military and police supporters to fight insurgency by reviving the law that makes it a crime to be a communist.
                "The Anti-Subversion Act is a relic of the Cold War era," Sen. Imee R. Marcos said Tuesday. It is not ideology but criminal acts that should be punished," Marcos said.

The senator explained that "updating and upgrading the country's anti-terrorism law" - the Human Security Act of 2007 - would provide a "stronger legal instrument than the Anti-Subversion Act of 1957 to punish crimes committed in the name of ideology, religion, politics, or economic gains."

Marcos earlier filed Senate Bill 630, known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2019, to increase the liability of crimes listed in the Human Security Act, providing for a possible death penalty for rebellion, insurrection, coup d'etat, arson, kidnapping, and hijacking, among others.

Other violent or premeditated acts that intend to sow fear and panic among the public, threaten the government, or disrupt public services are also considered forms of terrorism in Marcos's bill, as are new modes of promoting and committing violence using computer technology, educational institutions, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear material.
Sen. Marcos's stand against reviving the Anti-Subversion Act is not the first time she has gone against a position taken by her father President Marcos, who expanded the coverage of the said law during his term.

The creation of the Youth Civic Action Program (YCAP) and Youth Development Training (YDT) in the 70's was borne out of her opposition to the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program first instituted by her father, Sen. Marcos revealed in a press statement.
She has proposed to make ROTC an option rather than a requirement for college students in Senate Bill 413, which prescribes a Civil Service Program to instill patriotism among students in grade school to college.  

The country's 12-year-old anti-terrorism law must be updated soon to cope with the digital, transnational, and evolving nature of terrorism, Marcos said.

New modes of terrorism and what used to be mere predicate crimes are now main offenses punishable with life imprisonment or a possible death penalty in Senate Bill 630, which Marcos filed to give more teeth to the Human Security Act of 2007.

"Terrorist activity in Philippine territory has become frequent and commonplace," Marcos said, citing the first recorded case of a Filipino suicide bomber in Sulu last July and the conviction of two terrorist suspects that included an Indonesian earlier this year. 

Not mentioned in the present law, cyber attacks on computer systems are considered punishable terrorist acts in the Marcos bill and would compel system providers to give customer information to law enforcers.

Recruiting terrorists and glorifying violent acts that sow fear and panic among the public or threaten the government or public services, whether done personally or through the media, are also in the bill’s roster of terrorist acts.

"Neither religion, ideology, politics, nor economic goals can excuse acts of violent extremism," Marcos said.

Naming the violent use of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear material as terrorist acts will also harmonize national law with international agreements, Marcos added.

Educational institutions found involved in terrorist indoctrination will have its licenses revoked, its officials made liable, and be immediately shut down.

Senate Bill 630 also provides for hold-departure orders on terrorist suspects and swifter access to their bank accounts by giving the Anti-Terrorism Council the authority to seek on its own a court order to open them.

Marcos also proposed to delineate media coverage of hostage-taking incidents by prioritizing concerns of national security and law enforcement efficiency, recalling the international embarrassment caused by the Luneta hostage crisis in 2010.

Violent acts against Filipinos abroad are also punishable in Marcos's bill, nor will planning terrorist acts outside the country or seeking shelter in embassies within the country give legal refuge to foreign or Filipino terrorists for attacks committed in Philippine territory.  

Eternally Secured (Part 2)

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Jun Malazo

Today we are continuing the topic of eternal security.  The question at hand is, “Can a Christian lose his salvation?”  As a review, we can see, based upon clear Scriptural evidence, that the Bible teaches that all those that have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation are kept by God’s power and are secured in Christ for eternity.  (see John 6:37-40; John 10:27-29; 1 Corinthians 1:8, Romans 8:, and 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)

This a topic that many are passionate about and has caused many divisions amongst Christians and churches alike.  Please understand that we are all personally accountable to God for how we live our lives.  No one can be forced to believe and act a certain way. 

However, God commands us to live by what the Bible says.  Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to see what the Bible really says about any certain topic in question. How can we live exactly how God wants us to live if we do not clearly understand His commands?

There was a church mentioned in the book of Acts in a place called Berea.  It says in Acts 17:11, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”  These Berean Christians knew of their personal responsibility to “search the scriptures daily.”  So I ask you, as readers, to search the scriptures with me. 

My aim is not to give you my own opinion but to let you see what the Bible really says about this important and sensitive topic.  My purpose is not to disrespect you or your leaders in any shape or form.  My purpose is to help you see both sides of the topic and help you make a final decision. 

Remember that teachers and leaders are fallible.  I and multitudes of others have the capacity to make mistakes.  This is why it so important to see if a teaching is clearly from the Bible and if it is interpreted properly.

In part one of this article I concluded with the mention of salvation and sanctification.  As mentioned, Christians often mix up the idea of these two important parts of a Christian’s life.   Salvation is given to those who, realizing the punishment of their sin is eternal damnation in a place called hell, place their faith in the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary.  Sanctification is the process whereby Christians grow spiritually to be more like Christ, producing the fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). 

Salvation is an instantaneous event while sanctification is a daily process.  We are commanded in Scriptures to “…grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:18).  The word “grow" means to “increase or to enlarge.”  This is God’s plan for every believer.

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;"  (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

Why is it important to distinguish between salvation and sanctification?  It is important to understand the difference because sanctification is not a means to maintain salvation, but rather it is an evidence of salvation.  God commands us to live a holy life for spiritual growth not for the maintenance of our salvation.

When someone receives the gift of salvation he is eternally secured in Christ.  Just like anyone else, a Christian still has the capacity to sin but in no way possible loses his salvation.  In his writing, the Apostle John was addressing believers when he said in 1 John 2:1, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:"  Notice that he mentions, “My little children” which clearly indicates that he is addressing Christians. 

What is a Christian to do when he is confronted with his sin?  The same writer tells us in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  Again he is addressing Christians and even including himself with the pronoun “we.”  Notice that neither of these passages of Scripture says that sin is ground for a Christian to lose the gift of eternal life or that there is any possibility that salvation can be lost in any way.

A Christian is eternally secured in Christ even when he sins after salvation.  Does this mean that a Christian can willfully and freely sin because he is secured eternally?  This is an important question and God provides us a clear answer in the Bible.  Notice what the Apostle Paul says when he addressed this specific question:

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"  (Romans 6:1-2)

"What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"  (Romans 6:15-16)

Romans 6 is all about walking in newness of life.  When someone becomes a Christian his desires change.  He will have a desire to know God more and have a passion to live for Him.  However, these passages do not give any indication about maintaining good works in order not to lose salvation. 

The doctrine of eternal security has been objected to by many because they believe that it gives Christians license to sin.  Adhering to the doctrine of eternal security, when properly understood, actually gives the opposite.  Eternal security gives the Christian the guarantee of God’s love and knowing and understanding God’s love produces the opposite of giving license to sin.  How can anyone who knows the price the Jesus paid to secure salvation continually live in sin? 

Over a year ago, someone asked me at a gathering about the topic of eternal security.  This person believed that in order to keep our salvation we must continually live a life free from sin. He specifically asked, “If a person who professed to be a Christian leaves the church and continually lives a life of sin, would this person lose his salvation?” 

There are many dynamics involved as to why a Christian would willfully sin.  But to stay on topic, I answered that when a person willfully sins, the question should not be, “Will he lose his salvation?”  The question should be, “Has he truly experienced salvation through Jesus Christ in the first place?”

We also need to realize the truth that Christians can backslide.  The Apostle Peter did so when he denied the Lord three times (John 15:27).  John Mark did so as well when he left the work of the ministry (Acts 15:37-38).  Moses sinned (Numbers 20:12).  David had an inappropriate relationship with a woman, and he orchestrated the murder of someone’s husband (2 Samuel 11).  Yet, the Bible tells us that:

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand."  (Psalms 37:23-24)

Salvation is clearly taught in the Bible to be only through grace and faith alone in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ at the cross (see Ephesians 2:8-9).  The moment a person puts his trust in Christ, he is eternally secured in that salvation.  Christians across many denominational groups would readily attest to this teaching. 

However, it would be foolish and unbiblical to say that salvation is only by grace and faith alone, but then has to be maintained by good works.  We cannot earn salvation by good works, neither can we maintain it in the same way.  The Apostle Paul addresses this issue in Galatians 3:3 which says:

"Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?"  (Galatians 3:3)

The word “perfect” means to fulfill further.  The Apostle Paul is saying that we are foolish to think that our salvation is completed by the works of the flesh—meaning good works.  Because in Colossians 2:10, the same author says:

"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:"  (Colossians 2:10)

The meaning of the word “complete” in this passage means perfect or fulfilled which has the same idea of the word “perfect” in Galatians 3:3.  The fact of the matter is that Christ paid the price for our sins and secured us for eternity.  We are complete in Christ.

You may say, “What about all the passages of Scriptures that I’ve been taught that support that I must do good works in order not to lose my salvation such as Matthew 7:21, James 2:20, Matthew 10:22, etc?”  I will discuss these challenging passages in the next article.  When we properly interpret these passages contextually, the truth will come to light. 

Rape and murder, not heinous crimes after all?

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO

March L. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY -- As this goes to press, several groups, including the senate is baffled as to why convicted rapist and murderer ex-mayor Antonio Sanchez of Calaoan, Laguna was included in the list of inmates who may be candidates for parole.

Sanchez, along with six other co-accused was sentenced for seven life terms for raping and killing UP Los Banos coed Aileen Sarmenta and the death of her companion and fraternity brother Allan Gomez in 2003.

News reports of Sanchez’s possible release sparked protests by students and former classmates of the duo in UPLB, and angered friends and relatives. Some netizens who commented on social media said the impending parole is very frustrating.

Two groups on social media are petitioning against the release of Sanchez and have launched signature campaigns. Public clamor can influence the decision of National Bilibid Prisons officials and the committee that recomputed the seven life sentences of Sanchez.

Meanwhile, Senator Bato dela Rosa was bombarded with negative comments for saying that convicted rapist and murderer Sanchez should be given a second chance in life if he was found to have good behavior record while in prison.

According to NBP records, there are around 11,000 inmates who are candidates for parole. If the 11,000 inmates are released soon, this is helpful in as far as decongesting the crowded NBP facilities, but Sanchez should not be included.

RA10592 of 2013, a retroactive law, allows recomputation of sentences for NBP inmates with good behavior but not for the likes of Sanchez, a convicted rapist and murderer.

With the small NBP committee created to review and recompute the inmates’ penalties based on good behavior, there is doubt that they will finish reading all folders. And before applying a new law to justify the release of Sanchez, justice must be served for the rape and murder of Sarmenta and Gomez.

Because of Sanchez’s case coming into the limelight, Senators Tito Sotto and Frank Drilon filed separate amendments to RA 10592 purposely to prevent hardened criminals from getting included in the list of inmates who can paroled.

With the law that was passed in 2013, inmates who served with good conduct may be allowed to have their sentences recomputed, although Bureau of Corrections chief Nicanor Faeldon said the inmates’ folders land on his desk and he has the last say on whether the prisoner may be released.

Since this caught the attention of the public, this might urge lawmakers to push for the passage of the death penalty. High profile crimes by anybody should not be included under RA 10592.

For its part, the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission (PACC) disapproves the commutation of sentence of Sanchez questioning how the inmate’s alleged good behavior became the basis for his release.

His looming release if it will be implemented contradicts the factual report of witnesses that while serving sentence, he acted like a “king” and not a prisoner as he was allowed a television and use of a cellphone to communicate with the outside world.

He was also caught with shabu concealed inside the ceramic statue of Mother Mary in 2010. If he was also able to have his prison cell installed with air conditioning, I suspect his electric consumption in his kubol was at the expense of tax payers.

If these were the reports found in his NBP folder, then Sanchez may not be a candidate for parole and will rot in jail to serve seven life sentences. But if these are disregarded, then Sanchez may go scot free because rape and murder are not heinous after all. 

Making Baguio a better place; sprucing up Session Road

 CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Halfway through his first 100 days in office, Mayor Benjamin Magalong reiterated his commitment to effect a change in the city within the three years of his administration.

“I can assure you that three years from now, we will see a better Baguio.  I cannot fail you and I will not fail the people of Baguio,” the mayor emphatically told a press briefing Tuesday.

He said that since his first day in office, he had been instituting “reforms in all areas of the city” particularly on the environment, traffic, water supply and sewerage system. 

He said these problems cannot be solved overnight and would require “short term and strategic solutions.”

”Please bear with us, just be patient with us.  Rest assured that we have all the passion to change and reform the city,” he said.

In his address before City Hall employees during the flag raising rites Monday, the mayor said he had been receiving positive feedbacks on the current programs being implemented by the city.

He attributed these accomplishments to the collective effort of his co-officials led by Rep. Marquez Go and the city council led by Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan and the entire workforce of the city government.

However, he said a lot of things still need to be done as he solicited the continued cooperation of everyone in bringing genuine service to the constituents.      

In said occasion, the mayor issued three new orders foremost for the department heads to interact with the barangays for at least two half-days a week to gain first-hand knowledge of the residents’ problems and directly institute solutions to their concerns.  

“This will be a continuing activity for our department heads until we determine that there is no more need for it,” the mayor said.

He also ordered employees and officials to patronize the city’s weekly wellness program conducted every Friday afternoon which he said is for their own benefit.

His third order was directed to all departments to refrain from using acronyms, statements or themes associated to him or his political campaign in any of the program or activities emphasizing that city government matters are not about the him but for the public.

   ***

This, as the city government will introduce public attractions along Session Road for people to totally enjoy the closure of its uphill stretch every Sunday.

Mayor Magalong last week tasked the City Tourism and Special Events Office under City Tourism Operations Officer Aloysius Mapalo to come up with an activity plan for the whole duration of the traffic experiment at the city’s most popular and scenic road.

The traffic experiment which started last Aug. 18 and will run for six Sundays from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. was meant to cut air pollution at the heart of the central business district and encourage walking among the residents.

The first day of closure saw people promenading along the road where pocket activities were spontaneously conducted by some groups throughout the day.

Mapalo said they intend to encourage only simple activities such as busking, chalk art and similar and unstructured undertakings for Session Road.

“Nothing fancy, nothing structured is more like it,” he said.

On Sunday, Aug.25, Mayor Magalong said Session Road will be the venue for the Mindanao fruit festival which he coordinated with former agriculture secretary and now Mindanao Development Authority Chair Emmanuel Pinol.

The mayor said they arranged for the delivery of crates of Mindanao native fruits like durian, mangosteen, lanzones, pomelo and others to the city to be sold at bargain prices to the city’s licensed fruit dealers who in turn will resell them to the public along Session Road.

He said this will be a one-time activity intended to help local fruit dealers and consumers avail of  Mindanao fruits at a low cost and at the same also help Mindanao farmers market their produce.

He tasked Mapalo to take charge of the arrangements with the licensed fruit sellers from the city market and other legitimate groups.

Mapalo said as per agreement with representatives of the vendors groups, 30 fruit vending stations will be strategically put up along the stretch of the road to resell the goods to the public.

 Netizens welcomed the rare opportunity to participate in the fruit festival and avail of the bargain-priced crops. 

“As we go on, we hope that the activities will evolve into attractions that will entice people to enjoy Session Road to the hilt,” the mayor said.

Only 1 out of 5 women save for family: InLife study

 Karen L. Plata

Filipinas are careful spenders, and think first of their families. However, only one out of five surveyed, save for their and their family’s future needs.

This was among the results gathered from Insular Life’s (InLife) InLife Sheroes Landmark Study on Women, which involved two phases: A qualitative study that consisted of interviews done on pairs of women from different socio-economic classes, and a quantitative study which surveyed women from various regions around the country.

“Of those surveyed, 34% are single while 44% are married women. The rest are either widowed, separated, or are in a domestic partnership. Broken down further, 49% are married with children, while 30% are single mothers.

The results of the Study indicated that 6 in 10 Filipinas manage their own money or are entrusted with their household’s budget. Most of these are spent on current needs such as food and beverage, household bills and utilities, personal care products, and other items related to children’s schooling.

However, only 21% are able to include savings in their budget and of those who save, they are able to allocate 3% of their budget to savings.

More alarming is that while life insurance awareness is 30%, ownership is at a very low 4%. These are not enough to cover future emergencies, especially in the event that the family’s breadwinner, which could be the woman herself, or the husband, meets an unfortunate incident.”said InLife Executive Vice president and Insular Health Care President Noemi G. Azura in a press briefing during the presentation of the study results at the Filipi-now: Realities, Challenges, and Solutions for the Filipino Women of Today held at the Insular Life Building in Makati City.

The Study, undertaken by Philippine Survey and Research Center (PSRC) and which was conducted as part of the InLife Sheroes Movement launched in March, was commissioned in order to have a deeper understanding of the Filipinas: their attitudes, knowledge, awareness and practices with regard to finances and health.

Results of the study indicate that Filipinos practice healthy living by controlling their intake of food, keeping a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, rest, and avoiding vices, and keeping themselves hydrated at all times.

Some take vitamins and engage in physical activities and sports. However, only 23% avail of health and wellness services, while only 12% do regular consultations with doctors.

When asked for their definition of health, their answer was basic.

Health for them was merely the absence of sickness, and that as long as one feels strong, and is not physically sick, one is healthy. As a result, eight in ten Filipinas believe they are healthy because they have access to healthy living, and that their families motivate them to be healthy.

“In our culture, Filipino women take on the default role of taking care of the sick family member. They are expected to care for and nurture the sick, and this holds true, whether the women work full time, or stay at home to take care of the family. But when asked about future concerns on health, these women said they are more concerned with cardiovascular diseases, followed by diabetes and cancer,” Azura said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority cited five top causes of mortality among Filipinos now as: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia, cerebrovascular diseases, and diabetes.

Azura added, “It is important for us to know the Filipinos’ views on health because InLife Sheroes is about economic empowerment and that women’s issues on health and well-being can become barriers to their full economic participation.”

Azura said that the study on women has given InLife an opportunity to plan the next set of actions through the four focus areas of Sheroes: Financial Education, Health and Wellness, Connection to Business and Social Networks, and Women-Specific Solutions.

“In financial education, we are intensifying our efforts by developing our own financial education course for women, which is co-branded with the Philippine Business Coalition on Women Empowerment or PBCWE. This will consider the Filipina’s needs and priorities at every life stage. We have also partnered with PLDT and Smart’s Gabay Guro Foundation to deliver the financial education module to about 20,000 teachers who are part of their Foundation,” Azura said.

On health and wellness education, InLife Sheroes engaged the services of Dr. Cheryll Sibayan, an OB Gynecologist and specialist on women’s health who designed a holistic approach to women’s health. It has also forged partnerships with organizations that have the same advocacies such as Google’s Digiskarteng Pinay,k where InLife Sheroes is now a content provider for their YouTube channel, and the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority of the UP College of Medicine.

Azura added, “The third focus area is on connecting women to social and business networks. To this end, we want to help our women entrepreneurs grow their businesses by connecting them to providers of SME loans through our partnership with UnionBank of the Philippines. Lastly, we are creating customized solutions for women as a result of this study, through two products we launched: the She Cares and the Entrepinay. We are confident that InLife can make a difference in the lives of the Filipina women by providing solutions to their various concerns.”

BWD, 13 Lions Clubs ink MOA to protect Baguio watersheds

By Mark Victor Pasagoy

BAGUIO CITY -- The Baguio Water District renewed its partnership with Lions Clubs International (LCI) – District 301-C Cordillera Region Lions Club to help preserve this city’s remaining watersheds August 16. The Lions Clubs inked a memorandum of agreement with Baguio’s lone water utility through its “Adopt-a-Watershed Program” at the BWD office led by the BWD general manager engineer Salvador M. Royeca, LCI District 301-C Cordillera Region chairperson Mark Jefferson C. Ng, and various club presidents.

A total of 13 clubs signified their continued support to this environmental endeavor: Baguio City Host Lions Club, Baguio Everlasting Lions Club, Baguio Magnolia Lions Club, Baguio Sunflower Lions Club, Baguio Chrysanthemum Lions Club, Cordillera Adivay Lions Club, Baguio Kindasan Lions Club, Benguet Optometrist Lions Club, Baguio Pines City Lions Club, Metro Baguio Lions Club, Baguio Burnham Lions Club, Baguio SLU Medicine Campus Lions Club, and Baguio Family and Friends Lions Club.

“As advocates of environmental preservation, we thank the Lions Clubs for their continued support to our cause. This partnership will help us sustain our goals to preserve or better yet improve the condition of Baguio City’s remaining forest covers.” GM Royeca said adding the protection of the City’s watersheds require a collective effort from all of its stakeholders.

According to Royeca, the renewal of the MOAs will ensure that the District will be able to sustain its task in protecting the watersheds under its jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the Lions Clubs took chance of the occasion to commend the District’s efforts and committed to continue as a perpetual partner of the said program.

“We are thankful that we are able to continue this partnership with BWD, the Lions Clubs will persistently help in whatever way it can to support BWD and to help protect the City’s watersheds.” Ng said.

Through the signed MOA, which is effective for three (3) years, the Lions Clubs renewed their undertaking as “muyong” holders in the various watersheds supervised by BWD which include Busol, Buyog, Camp 8 and Sto. Tomas.

The BWD “Adopt-a-Watershed Program” aims to preserve the watersheds in Baguio City through partnerships with government and non-government organizations, civic organizations, and schools through tree planting, nurturing, and other related activities like assistance in the prevention of forest fires, illegal logging, squatting and “kaingin”.

As of date, a total of forty (40) different groups have established to execute the same agreement with BWD.

CEB launches Cebu-Busuanga route fares as low as P299

The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), strengthens its Cebu hub network with the launch of direct flights to Busuanga (Coron).

 Starting Oct. 27, CEB’s wholly owned subsidiary, Cebgo, will be flying twice daily between Cebu and Busuanga. The first flight departs Mactan Cebu International Airport at 7:25am, and arrives in Francisco B. Reyes Airport at 9:00am; while its return flight leaves Busuanga at 9:20am and arrives in Cebu at 11:00am. The second flight leaves Cebu at 10:25am, and lands in Busuanga at 12:05pm; while its turnaround flight departs at 12:25pm and arrives at 2:10pm.

“We believe that these twice daily flights will enable residents from Cebu and other parts of Visayas and Mindanao to explore Palawan, without having to make the trip to Metro Manila to catch their flights. With this direct Cebu-Busuanga route, the islands of Coron and Culion are easier to get to. This will also allow locals from the rest of Southern Luzon to easily connect to Cebu and its network of over 20 domestic and six (6) international destinations,” said Alexander Lao, Cebgo President and CEO.

CEB is offering seats for as low as P299, base fare, from today until seats last. Travel period is from Oct. 27, 2019 to March 28, 2020.

Aside from Cebu, CEB also operates flights out of six other strategically placed hubs in the Philippines: Manila, Clark, Kalibo, Iloilo, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

The airline’s extensive network covers over 100 routes and 64 destinations, spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and USA.

 For bookings and inquiries, guests can visit www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotlines (+632)7020-888 or (+6332)230-8888. The latest seat sales can be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages.

Guests may also download the Cebu Pacific official mobile app on the App Store and Google Play.

 Cebu Air Inc., operating as Cebu Pacific, is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline. CEB and subsidiary Cebgo fly to 37 domestic and 27 international destinations, with over 100 routes spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and USA.

The Cebu Pacific fleet is comprised of 2 Airbus A321NEO, two Airbus A320NEO, 33 Airbus A320, seven (7) Airbus A321CEO, eight (8) Airbus A330, eight (8) ATR 72-500, and 13 ATR 72-600 aircraft. The ATR aircraft are used by Cebgo for inter-island flights where jet operations are not possible. CEB boasts of one of the youngest fleets in the world, with an average fleet age of five years.

Cebu Pacific has achieved full compliance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)—considered as the accreditation with the highest standards for safety in the airline industry, joining a roster of 429 airlines worldwide that have strictly complied with the most stringent of international standards governing aviation safety. 

Penalties increased for Baguio traffic violations

By Dexter A. See 

BAGUIO CITY – The city council approved on third and final reading a proposed ordinance that will increase penalties for violations of traffic rules and regulations pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance No. 7, series of 1984 or the city’s comprehensive traffic and transportation code.

Under the approved ordinance, a citation for violation of illegal parking or obstruction also negates violation of either non-observance of traffic control item, signs and signals.

The ordinance stated that driving under the influence of liquor or drugs have separate penalties and when on the occasion, physical injury or damage to property occurs while illegal overtaking was also added as part of the violations.

Violations and penalties include installation, display, interference or alteration of any traffic control sign or item without proper authority – from P300 to P1,500; erection, display or maintenance of anything which purports to be an imitation of any traffic control sign or item – from P100 to P1,500; unnecessary display of dazzling lights – from P50 to P300; exceeding speed limit now penalized under Section 22 of Ordinance No. 18, series of 2019 or the speed limit ordinance – from P300to P500 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense and P2,500 for the third and succeeding offenses  plus concurrent penalty; obstruction to traffic provided that a person cited for obstruction shall not be cited for illegal parking and non-observance of traffic control item, sign and signal – from P50 to P500; driving too closely with another vehicle in a non-built up area or tailgating – from P100 to P200; failure to signal movement – from P100 to P300.

Other penalties: vehicle with inadequate lights or reflections – P150 to P300; driving under the influence of liquor – P2,000; driving under the influence of liquor causing injury or damage to property – P5,000; driving under the influence of prohibited drugs – P5,000; riding a motorcycle without a protective helmet from P250 to P500 for the first offense, from P500 to P1,000 for the second offense and from P1,000 to P1,500 for the third and succeeding offenses; leaving an unserviceable, dilapidated or junk vehicle in any of the streets, roads or thoroughfares – from P500 to P5,000; deviation from the designated routes by drivers of jeepneys and buses – P1,000; digging, repairs, construction without property authority – from P1,000 to P5,000; driving without license – from P750 to P1,000; driving with expired license – from P300 to P700; failure to obey police direction – from P100 to P300; crossing a roadway not at a marked crossing – from P100 to P200 for the first offense, from P200 to P500 for the second offense and P300 to P1,000 for the third and succeeding offenses.

Other penalties:  stalled vehicle – from P200 to P500 aside from the fines, penalties and charges provided under Section 8 of Ordinance No. 05, series of 2017 commonly known as the truck ban ordinance; leaving the scene of accident without justifiable causes – from P300 to P5,000; reckless driving – from P500 to P1,000; failure to give right of way – from P100 to P300; leaving a vehicle in a no waiting area – from P150 to P500; non-observance of traffic control item, sign or signals – from P150 to P300; illegal parking provided that a person cited for the same shall not be cited for obstruction and non-observance of traffic control item, sign or signal – from P150 to P500; failure or refusal to transport or unload passengers at their destinations along designated routes – from P500 to P1,000 for the first offense and P1,000 to P2,000 for the second and succeeding offenses; placing reserved signs on public parking or any act of reserving or depriving the public of its use, except reserved parking mandated by law or ordinance – from P300 to P1,000 for the first offense, from P500 to P2,000 for the second offense and from P1,000 to P5,000 and revocation of business permit for the third and succeeding offenses and illegal overtaking – P500.

Baguio Day events focus on nature; events bared

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Environmental consciousness will be at the core of this year’s charter anniversary celebration of the city themed: “Baguio @ 110: Nurturing the Environment for Sustainable Development.”

City Tourism Operations Officer Aloysius Mapalo said a spread of activities, some of which cater to the theme of caring for the environment, is set for launching on Aug. 27 with a simple program during the flag-raising ceremonies and a press conference at City Hall.

In keeping with the theme, Mapalo said they will do away with tarpaulins and will instead use eco-friendly alternative materials for the promotion of the event.

As part of the prevent-celebration events, a banner painting contest will be conducted to be sponsored by Globe Telecomm and Davies Paint where the winning entries will be hung on posts along Session Road as promotional items in lieu of printed tarpaulins.

On Aug. 30, the city through the City Environment and Parks Management office under Officer-in-Charge Moises Lozano will conduct a bamboo planting activity at 830 a.m. and will launch the Bambuseum at the Dominican Heritage Hill.

On the same day, the office will conduct a free smoke-emission testing along Harrison Road from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebration proper on Sept. 1 will have a small deviation from the usual practice in that the traditional parade will now precede the program at 8 a.m. instead of the old practice of conducting the program before the parade to preclude postponement in case of mid-morning downpour. 

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the program set at 9 a.m. will be simple and will follow the traditional sequence with Senator Panfilo Lacson as guest of honor and speaker. 

Session Road will hum with activities on the same day with the Western-themed Fiesta and Baguio Day Concert to be mounted by Smart Communications and Porta Vaga.

Activities consist of a country singing contest, line dance contest, parlor games, Kafaguay farm exhibit, Old Baguio photo exhibit, food fair for-a-cause, chalk art, details of which are still being finalized.

A fireworks display and Baguio Day bonsai exhibit are also in the works.

Other activities in the pipeline are:

Sept. 2- Society of Outstanding Citizens of Baguio (SOCOB) testimonial dinner; 

Sept. 3 - Victory Day 

Sept. 4 - Baguio Day Health Fair

Sept. 8 – Fun Run sponsored by the Rehabilitation Action for Baguio 5 a.m., Burnham Lake Drive, 

Sept. 13-14 - DEP-EDBaguio Day School Based Activities 

Sept. 14 - Little Miss Baguio, 110th Charter Day Job Fair 

Sept. 16 - Balili River Day with program and clean-up drive 

Sept. 20-22 - “One Baguio : Melting Pot of Cultures” cultural village 

Sept. 21 - Miss Baguio Pre-Pageant (7:00pm-10:00pm, Baguio Convention Center) and Talent Search, Swimsuit, Gown Competition and Interview 

Sept. 20-27 – Tourism Week with contests Enchanting Baguio Digital Poster Making Contest (not later than Sept 18); #MyBaguioStory Selfie Contest (not later than Sept 20); Enchanting Baguio Teaser Making Contest Presentation (Sept 20); and Tourism Summit (Sept. 27);

Sept. 28 - Miss Baguio Coronation Night “…Showcasing Baguio as Haven for Arts”

Sept. 29 - Baguio Day Charity Ball, a fund-raising dinner by Madame Arlene Magalong benefiting the indigent children.

Other activities including sports events will be announced later.

La Trinidad sets tax incentives to entice investors

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The local government will soon offer tax and other forms of incentives to attract local and foreign investors in the locality.

Valred Olsim, the Local Investment Officer designate and current Municipal Tourism Action Officer, presented to entrepreneurs the concept, processes and details of the incentives for investors during the Micro Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSME) Development Week held from August 10-16.

Olsim said the   local government intends to implement this year the municipality’s Investments and Incentives Code passed in 2017 which intends to attract new investors and sustain existing investments and encourage their expansion to create and maintain a business-friendly environment that will boost economy as it creates job opportunities, increase revenue and income, and provide employment as a way to alleviate poverty.

Incentives are categorized into fiscal and non-fiscal for new as well as existing investors who plan to modernize, diversify or expand their business ventures.

Fiscal incentives include local business tax holiday for two to five years depending on the criteria which they fall. They will also be exempted from permit fees except those that defray municipal services like garbage fees.

Non-fiscal incentives are general assistance which includes networking, identification of suppliers and partners, participation in business promotion events, assistance in the provision of general services including the provision of relevant data, assistance in site validation among others.

Covered in the incentives packages are identified investment priority areas such as agricultural production, infrastructure, tourism facilities, manufacturing and assembly, agri-business and food processing, property development, financial institutions such as banks.

They need to be accredited to be entitled to the incentives, Olsim stressed.

The first step an investor needs to do is to register with the Local Investment Board (LIB) through the Investment Assistance and Promotions Office.

Investor application will be evaluated and approved by the LIB prior to the issuance of a certificate of registration. Upon grant of registration, the applicant has to pay a processing fee.

To date there are about 8,000 entrepreneurs in the municipality categorized as micro to medium.

In encouraging investors, Olsim said, “If money is idle, it does not accelerate economic growth but if invested it produces repercussions in the local economy as it creates livelihood and employs people.”  (JDP/SCA-PIA CAR, Benguet)

Siblings shot dead in Ilocos

SANTA MARIA, Ilocos Sur — Two siblings were shot dead by unidentified assailants here on August 17.

The victims were identified as Johanes Paul Taguibao, 23, and his brother John Glenn, 32.

Reports said that Johanes was found with multiple gunshot wounds at around 1 a.m. at a vacant lot in Barangay Maynganay.

Villagers rushed him to the Ilocos Sur District Hospital in Narvacan City, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Five hours later, police discovered John Glenn’s body buried in a shallow grave near where his brother was found.

The siblings were reported missing that day.

Police said Johanes could have run away and was pursued by the assailants after burying his brother.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive for the killings. – Raymund Catindig

P137-M Chico River rehab to restore 792 has. rice lands

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga -- About 792 hectares of rice lands will be restored upon completion of the P137 million rehabilitation of the Upper Chico River Irrigation System (UCRIS).

Also, a 7 percent projected increase in production yield will be realized from two cropping a year.

Engr. Noli Sabado of Kalinga Irrigation Management Office (KIMO)   revealed this in an interview saying that 292 hectares will be redeemed from Tabuk area and 500 from Quezon, Isabela area. Total available area for restoration is 4,700 hectares.   

Engineer Patrick Ressurrection, also of KIMO, said the implementation of protection works of canals started this month while other components will be implemented in November during the water cut-off from November 1 to January 15, 2020.

Other project components include canal lining, upgrading of canal embankment and improvement of service road. Areas to be restored include part of Nambaran this city and tail-end areas in Quezon.
 “The restoration project consists of 15 packages awarded to 15 local contractors of Kalinga,” Ressurrection said.

The project is funded under their regular fund.
 NIA in 2013 to 2016 first rehabilitated UCRIS from part of the P425 World Bank loan. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)

Kaltimex pushes compromise with Baguio on Asin hydros

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – The new management of Kaltimex Energy Philippines is pushing a compromise agreement with the Baguio City government to operate hydro plants in Asin, Tuba, Benguet.

Kaltimex Energy Philippines, the declared winning bidder of the mini-hydropower plants wants abrogation of the pending judicial restitution of the contract on the proposed rehabilitation and operation of the power generation plants to generate income for the city.

Engineer Jurist Awal, executive president of Kaltimex Energy Philippines, presented to city officials the company’s intent to pursue the project with an offer to pay part of its computed obligation in exchange for the withdrawal of the case filed by the local government for the judicial restitution of the contract for the rehabilitation of the city-owned power generation plants.

Awal also requested the city government to extend assistance to the company to acquire the personality in possessing the power generation plants and to transact business with the energy department to issue the pertinent permits to Kaltimex to rehabilitate and operate the minihydro power plants.

On July 14, 2014, the Special bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) recommended the issuance of a notice of award to Kaltimex and on July 17, 2014, the local government issued a notice of award.

However, it was only on Feb. 10, 2017 that the City Council confirmed the memorandum of agreement between the local government and Kaltimex leading to the issuance of the notice to proceed for the company to pursue the rehabilitation and expansion of the city-owned power generation plants.

Considering the inability of Kaltimex to start the implementation of the project and its alleged failure to heed the series of demand letters to remits its obligation to the local government, the city filed the judicial restitution of the contract before a local court on October 9, 2018 where the same is currently pending.

Based on the computations from the City Treasury Office, Kaltimex owes the local government a total of P68.1 million.

After the local government filed the civil case, Kaltimex still showed willingness to take possession of the Asin minihydro plants as stated in the company’s letter to Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong dated August 9, 2019 where it agreed to pay the city the amount of P12 million representing the rentals for the period August 2017 to March 2018 with P3 million as advance payment while the balance shall be paid upon the withdrawal of the case filed by the city.

Kaltimex also agreed to reimburse to the city the filing fee amounting to P605,000 and for the city government to secure formal advise from the energy department that the renewable energy service contracts of Goldlink Global energy Corp. in the same Asin plants be cancelled and give authority to Kaltimex to apply for the necessary permits for the Asin plants.

Awal also informed city officials that Kaltimex replaced its old performance bond of P150 million with a new bond from May 9, 2019

POLICE ROUNDUP

6 PNP Cordi cops awarded; guns, vehicles turned over  

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Six police personnel were awarded while logistical equipment were turned over to recipients here Monday at Camp Dangwa, regional police headquarters.

The Medalya ng Kagalingan was awarded to Lt. Jeremias Toyokan; PMSM Marlon Claudio; and SSgt Elboy Pio of Benguet PPO for the arrest of Aldren Rabutan and the confiscation of dried marijuana bricks worth 4.2 million on August 3 at Acop, Caponga, Tublay, Benguet; Lt. Dionisio Dati Jr, Msg. Giordani Bakichan and Msg. Rayan Palaguitang received Medalya ng Papuri for the conduct of two days LTOPF Caravan on July 31-August 1 at Sitio Barbarit, Barangay Tagodtod, Langilang, Abra. 

The event was graced by Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Biay, director for police research and development as guest of honor and speaker. 

Turned-over equipment were six Toyota Hilux, 4x4 vehicles, five NEGEV .56mm LMG rifles, 24 Taurus guns; 68 undershirt vest, night vision gogle and thermal imager.

Biay, assisted by the Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson handed over ceremonial keys of the six Toyota Hilux vehicles to supply officers of the six police provincial headquarters in Cordillera.

NEGEV rifles were given each to Abra and Kalinga PPO and while three units were given to RMFB 15.

Meanwhile, 24 units of 9mm Taurus were turned over to Benguet PPO, while 68 undershirt vests were distributed to the following provincial police units: Abra,18; Apayao,14; Benguet, Ifugao and Kalinga with 8 units each and Mt Province with 12.  A night vision goggle and thermal imager were given to RMFB15.

The vehicles were intended to provide police presence and emergency response capabilities of police provincial headquarters while the ISO equipment will boost operational capability and police visibility of police personnel in the field.

 “These equipment which were donated by the PNP National Headquarters during the police service anniversary on August 9, will intensify the operational readiness and police visibility of PROCOR towards achieving a more capable, effective and credible police force in line with the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to accomplish the mission and functions of the organization,” Dickson said.

Man arrested in Sabangan for rape

SABANGAN, Mountain Province – Police arrested a man wanted for rape here Monday at barangay lagan. The suspect named Jonathan C. Buslotan was earlier issued warrant by Judge Sergio T. Angnganay Jr of RTC Branch 35, Bontoc, Mountain Province with no bail recommended.

Pusher killed, 21 nabbed in Bulacan

By Freddie Velez

CAMP GENERAL ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan — A drug pusher was killed, while 21 other drug suspects were arrested in several operations launched by the Bulacan police on Wednesday and Thursday, midnight.

Col. Chito G. Bersaluna, Bulacan police chief, identified the fatality during the operation in San Jose Del Monte City as Arnel Moseños y Nillusgi.

Moseños reportedly shot it out with a police team after realizing than the supposed buyer was an undercover officer.

Similar operations were carried out by the police in Pulilan, Plaridel, Balagtas, Calumpit, San Rafael, San Ildefonso, Guiguinto, Marilao, Malolos and Pandi.

Three of 21 arrested suspects were minors.

A total of 38 plastic sachets of shabu and dried marijuana leaves wrapped in paper were confiscated from the suspects.

Boy, 15, rapes girl, 6 in Kasibu

KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya -- A 15-year-old boy was accused of raping a six-year-old girl in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya on Monday.

The victim reportedly agreed to meet the suspect in a grassy lot, where she was allegedly raped.

The father of the victim reported the incident to the police upon learning that the girl’s sex organ was bleeding. – Raymund Catindig

Soldier dead, 2 hurt in Isabela mishap

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — An Army soldier died while two others were seriously injured in an accident in Barangay Upi, Gamu, Isabela on August 18.

Reports said S/Sgt. Magno Taguitag was driving a van near Camp Melchor de la Cruz when the vehicle crashed into another van driven by Antonio Peru, 38, at around 4:30 a.m. 

Taguitag was pronounced dead on arrival at the Governor Faustino Dy Sr. Memorial Hospital in Ilagan City. 

His companion Pfc. Romel Gamboa, 28, and Peru were wounded and taken to the same hospital for treatment. – Raymund Catindig  

Acetylene Gang member arrested

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – This province’s seventh most wanted person was arrested by joint operatives of the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station tracker team, Benguet Provincial Police Office, Regional Intelligence Division and Kabayan police here Monday afternoon along km 3 Barangay Pico.
The suspect was identified as Sherwin Galingon Bilog, 40, married, from Bontoc, Mountain Province, and a resident of Purim 28, Irisan, Baguio City.
The arrest was made by virtue of a warrant issued by Judge Amylesha Macaraeg of the Municipal Trial Court, 1st Judicial Region in a Benguet Province for robbery.

The judge set bail of P36,000 for the suspect’s temporary liberty.
Bilog is allegedly a member of Acetylene Gang operating nationwide under the "Gipson Belingen" group, also known as "Sagandoy Acetylene Group."

He is currently under the custody of the La Trinidad police.

Parole violator re-arrested in Itogon

ITOGON, Benguet -- a parole violator was rearrested Monday police through a warrant of arrest and recommitment issued July 7 by Natividad Dizon, chairman of the board of the Board of Pardons and Parole.

The parole violator was identified as Clifford Pasabing Matias, 52, married, a native and resident of Surong, Virac, Itogon, Benguet.
Matias was convicted by the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 Baguio City and the Court of Appeals for robbery with homicide and was granted parole, but violated conditions under his parole.

Matias was brought to the Itogon police station for documentation prior to coordination and turnover to the Board of Pardons and Parole at Diliman, Quezon City.

Man nabbed in Abra for violence

LUBO, Abra – A certain Lester A. Maglia was arrested here Monday at Barangay Bagbu-Toquipa for violation of Repubhlic Act 9262 (violence against women and children). This, after Judge Elizabeth G. Bringas of RTC Branch 58, Bucay, Abra issued warrant against the suspect and setting bail of P24,000 for his temporary liberty.

 Two arrested for cutting tree in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY – Two men landed in jail for cutting a Norwegian tree here Monday. Nabbed at Purok 2, Pinsao Proper were Alexander P. Maniego and Roel R. Beronis.  The police operation was coordinated with the DENR.

 Man held at Philex Mines for child abuse

TUBA, Benguet – A man was arrested here Monday for child abuse. Nabbed at Philex Mines, Camp 3 was John Winnie A. Piclit lit after Judge Marietta S. Brawner-Cualing of RTC Branch 9, La Trinidad, Benguet issued warrant against him and setting bail of P240,000 for his temporary liberty.

Man apprehended for rape in Itogon

ITOGON, Benguet – A certain Ryan G. Banite was arrested here Monday at Baguio Gold, Tuding for rape. This, after Judge Francis Buliyat of RTC Branch 9, La Trinidad, Benguet issued warrant against him with no bail recommended.

Lasciviousness lands man in Lamit jail 

LAMUT. Ifugao – A man wanted for acts of lasciviousness was arrested here Monday at Poblacion West. Police identified the suspect as Reynald C. Barnacha who was object of arrest warrant issued by Judge Nympha D. Abbacan of MTCC, Tabuk City, Kalinga Criminal Case No. 5381 with bail of P36,000.

 Reckless imprudence lands man in jail

BANGUED, Abra – A certain Rodelio “Negro” Sus Roxas was arrested here Monday at Barangay Angad for reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property.

Roxas was nabbed after Judge Joeven D. Dellosa of MTCC Branch 2, City of San Fernando, Pampanga issued warrant against him setting bail of P60,000 for his temporary liberty.

Warrant issued by judge leads to rape suspect’s arrest

ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao – An arrest warrant issued by Judge Rufus G. Malecdan of RTC Branch 15, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao led to the attest of a man wanted for rape.

Nabbed Monday here at Barangay Sta. Maria was Francisco D. Respicio who was incarcerated at the local jail.

 Man held in La Trinidad for rape

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A certain Vilmor B. Banglay was arrested here Monday at km 5, Barangay Balili for rape. Judge Marietta S Brawner-Cualing of RTC Branch 9, La Trinidad, Benguet, earlier issued warrant against the suspect. 

 Niebres Group crime syndicate head falls

BAGUIO CITY – The alleged head of the Niebres Group, a crime sydicate operating in the Ilocos Region was arrested here Monday at Camp 7 by Baguio and Ilocos police.

Nabbed was Carlo R. Niebres by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Tita S Obinario of RTC, Branch 45, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan for robbery with bail of P24,000.

The suspect was turned over to personnel of Criminal Investigation Detection Group Ilocos Sur for proper disposition before being brought to court.

 Murder suspect falls in Asipulo

ASIPULO, Ifugao – Police arrested Aug. 18 a certain Espino Bangad who was wanted for murder at Sitio Neduntog, Barangay Antipolo. This after Judge Romeo Habbiling of RTC, Branch 14 Lagawe, Ifugao issued warrant against him with no bail recommended.

A police report said the suspect earlier voluntarily surrendered to the B-COY, 54th IB, 5ID in Asipulo.

 Gardener slashes on neck of peer with knife 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A gardener was arrested here August 17 for reportedly slashing another gardener with a knife and nearly killing the victim. 

The victim, identified as Ryan Banite, of Salcedo, Ilocos Sur accompanied by a tricycle driver went to town police station   with blood oozing from his neck.

Banite identified a certain Erwin Dacanay, a worker of Baguio Gold, Tuding here as the perpetrator.

Police immediately brought the victim to Baguio General Hospital for treatment while other cops led by Maj. Rommel Sawatang looked for Dacanay who was found walking along a barangay road and arrested him.

The suspect was searched and a kitchen knife about seven inches long believed to be the same weapon used in lacerating the neck of the victim was confiscated from hi. A Samsung cell phone was also taken from the suspect by police.

Irked man boxes wife for trying to stop his drinking 

BUGUIAS, Benguet – A housewife tried to stop her husband from drinking with his friends at the Isus Cellphone Repair Shop here August 17 around around 9 p.m. but was boxed on the stomach by the latter who was irked. 

Victim Charisma Mangili Ballo, 29, of Irisan, Baguio City filed a complaint at the local police station against her husband Jimmy Puguon Ballo, 30, tricycle driver, native here of Tabbacan, Abatan.

The husband later appeared at police station and voluntarily surrendered. A case for violation Repoublic Act 9262 was prepared against the suspect. 

Driver held in Conner for illegal lumber

CONNER, Apayao – The driver of a Nissan Urvan Escapade with plate number ADS 742 was arrested here at a checkpoint in Turayok, Buluan on August 17 around 7:30 p.m. for transporting lumber without documents. The suspect was identified as a certain Baselig.

Hingyon cops track down wanted man in Santiago

SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela --Police apprehended a certain Engelbert Lacanilao, 36 around 9 a.m. on August 16 here along

 Maharlika Highway Barangay Victory.

The police team from Hingyon, Ifugao attacked down Lacanilao after Judge Romeo Habbiling of RTC Branch 14, Lagawe, Ifugao issued warrant against him for  violation of Republic Act 9262 (violence against women and children).

The judge set bail of ₱72,000 for Lacanilao’s temporary liberty.

 Call center agent held for theft

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – A call center agent was arrested here August 16 at Barangay Sevilla for theft.

Nabbed by police, Naguillan town and San Fernando police was Charie Rose Apilado Dulay, 40, resident of Barangay Sevilla, Naguillan. 

The arrest was made by virtue of warrant issued by Judge Emmanuel Cacho Rasing of RTC Branch 3, 1st Judicial Region, Baguio City for seven counts qualified theft.

The judge set bail of P140,000 for the supect’s temporary liberty.

 Man held for bullet in La Trinidad 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A man was arrested here August 16 having a bullet for Cal. 45 handgun in his possession. The suspect, identified as Narciso Miguel Adarog was nabbed at Piripin Bato, Barangay Pico. Police had a search warrant when they implemented the arrest.