Ilocos Norte seeks injunction to halt P350-M hospital loan

By Jun Guiang

LAOAG CITY — The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has filed a petition for permanent injunction to stop the city government’s plan to borrow P350 million from a bank to finance the proposed upgrading of the Laoag City General Hospital here.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Michael Keon, through the provincial legal office, filed the petition on Nov. 5 before the Regional Trial Court at the Marcos Hall of Justice here after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed an urgent resolution giving him the authority to initiate the petition for injunction.

The provincial board headed by Vice Gov. Windell Chua passed the resolution based on Keon’s argument that the city government’s borrowing plan does not conform with the rationalization plan of Ilocos Norte’s public health sector program as approved by the Department of Health.

Chua said Keon has supervisory powers over the city government since Laoag is a component city of the province.

Keon said he had talked recently with Health Secretary Francisco Duque III in Manila about the matter.

Duque reportedly told him the DOH rationalization plan allows the city government of Laoag to borrow only P74 million, not P350 million, to upgrade the old Laoag City General Hospital from a Level 1 to Level 2 category with a 50-bed capacity.

Keon also cited a DOH policy that prohibits the putting up of a new tertiary hospital in an area where there are existing ones within the radius of an hour’s travel.

The policy may apply to the proposed city hospital because of its proximity to the present Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital (provincial hospital) in Laoag and the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City, DOH officials said.

MORE NEWS, ILOCOS NORTE

Pastor shot in Ilocos; kin fear for his life

BANGUI, Ilocos Norte – Relatives of a pastor now fear for his life after he was brought to an undisclosed health facility after gunmen fired at him on Nov. 6.

They said Dodie Gaces of the Great Commission Ministry, Inc. needs adequate police protection as the gunmen could repeat their intent to kill him.

Police said. Gaces was playing piano with his daughter in their home in Barangay Taguiporo in Bangui town when gunmen pumped bullets at them at close range.

The pastor’s daughter was not hit but Gaces sustained a bullet wound from a cal. 45 firearm on his chest exiting at his back.

Ilocos Norte police have no suspect yet, and neither could talk about what might have been the motive of the pastor’s killers.

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte police director Senior Supt. Roman Felix was relieved from his post after complaints of unceasing killings and other crimes in the province of late.

Police officials said it was a regular rotation of police officers since Felix had been in Ilocos Norte for two years.

It was not known who replaced him at press time.

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Ilocos fisherman hacked to death by brod-in- law

PASUQUIN, Ilocos Norte -- A 30-year-old fisherman was hacked to death allegedly by his brother-in-law during a quarrel at Sitio Nagabungan, Barangay Davila, this town Oct. 26, lawmen said.

SPO 1 Geronimo Quejado, case investigator, said the victim identified as Alejandro Corpuz succumbed to multiple hack wounds.

The suspect, Ernesto Calawagan, surrendered to the police.

Before the hacking, the victim allegedly wounded the suspect’s wife Nelly by hitting her with a hammer.

Nelly told probers the victim, who was her brother, had been abusive to them.

Her husband lost his front teeth when her brother boxed him. He also beat her three sisters, Nelly said. Her brother also burned their house when he was drunk, she said. -- Jun Guiang

Registrar to press case vs mayor

By Jun Guiang

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – "The case is not yet over," said lawyer Ferdinand Ignacio referring to the case of his client, Rosalinda Jose, municipal civil registrar, who was sacked and assigned to the public cemetery by Mayor Augustus Salazar of Piddig, Ilocos Norte.

Ignacio, former president of the Ilocos Norte-Laoag City chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, reacted to a recent decision of the sangguniang panglalawigan granting a motion to dismiss an administrative case filed by Jose against Salazar.

Records show that Jose charged the mayor with grave abuse of authority when he relieved her as municipal civil registrar of Piddig and designated her as overseer of the town’s public cemetery.

Ignacio told newsmen that the case is not yet over, saying that he will file a motion for reconsideration of the decision within 15 days.

Ignacio said that some two weeks ago, Jose and her co-complainants also filed with the Office of the Ombudsman criminal cases against Salazar.

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Vice Gov. Windell Chua, presiding officer of the provincial board, aired his side on the board’s decision.

Chua broke the tie of 5-5 votes cast by the SP members through secret balloting on the mayor’s motion to dismiss the case. Two SP members inhibited themselves from voting.

Chua said he approved Salazar’s motion because the mayor had already reinstated the complaint to her post. She was not humiliated, as she did never report to the municipal cemetery to render duties, he said.

But SP Member Kristian Ablan, son of Rep. Roque Ablan Jr. (1st district, Ilocos Norte), said he wants his colleagues to further hear the case because the damage has been done to the complainants.

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Probe on planting of evidence ordered
By Jun Guiang

CAMP JUAN, Laoag City — Ilocos Norte police director Senior Supt. Roman Felix has ordered an investigation on allegations that some policemen "planted evidence" in the case filed against a Fil-Am citizen who is on vacation here.

Felix reacted to a recent resolution of the Provincial Prosecutors Office dismissing the case of American citizen Bonifacio Broiles, who was charged with illegal possession and selling of shabu.

"We want to know if there is truth to the allegation that our cops had planted evidence against the suspect," Felix told reporters.

Reports said the cops had presented marked money as evidence which they claimed was seized from the suspect during a buy-bust operation in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.

However, the suspect through his lawyer questioned the evidence, claiming that the apparent marked money was part of the suspect’s money which he withdrew from a bank, the report added.

RAIN OF FIRE

Cesar G. Bonilla
Can things be worse?

LAOAG CITY - Realization of the litany of woes that confront our society at present may tempt one to ask: How can things be worse? Scandalous graft and corruption allegedly destroyed the morality of a nation, a ballooning foreign debt and grinding poverty are among the harsh realities the people face daily.

An in-depth study of the Filipino psyche might trace the root cause of all these miseries to the failure of national values to bring about positive social changes. Perhaps one of these could be the passion to talk. So much time, so much energy wasted on often excessive verbiage there is so little left for genuine meaningful work.

Take the issue of pervasive poverty in Filipino society as an instance. For decades, leader after leader, politician after politician have talked themselves hoarse on plans and programs to minimize the dehumanizing affliction. But it seems that for every anti-poverty word uttered, another soul slips into the wire.

Worse there is apparent national taste for the delivery of a cascade of rhetorics, pretty prose, well-crafted metaphors and fluid sentences. Would it worth only for grandstanding? Good for copy? Worthless for the hungry poor. The school should be no exception as an anvil for work. In fact, it should be showcase. Regrettably the “words” bug appears to be crawling in the campus as well.

While just about every educator has spewed out lament over the present sorry state of the academe, a really clean-cut, nonsense relentless effort to arrest the downward trend in the quality of education has yet to be felt. On their own, teachers and students could make a difference, at least in their own particular set up. From the former should be expected a little more scholarship, a little more enthusiasm and creativity; from the latter a little more diligence, receptiveness and the drive to breakthrough the walls of apathy and indifference. All it takes is work.
***
The building of hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home for the aged are meaningful and highly laudable projects that a government should be bound to uphold. The plan of the city government of Laoag to improve the facilities and services of the hospital within their respective jurisdiction can be effective mechanism to upgrade the basic health services for the marginalized Ilocanos.

The blueprint of progress has been expected in this Sunshine City and this can be made realized if all its citizens no matter how committed they may be, greatly entangled in an atmosphere of healthy environment. This is a Herculean task but with the united efforts of the Laoagenos, everything may come smoothly as possible. We need compassionate and humble doctors and nurses that will treat both rich and poor patients alike without hypocrisy. A friendly gesture can give life to a dying patient and a silent prayer can be an investment in heaven.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo once again faces a new impeachment complaint filed by well-known personalities for alleged corruption, vote-rigging and other crimes. Let the mandate of heaven be the oracle to determine the veracity of the allegation against the President.
***
Sports tourism in Ilocos Norte can give us an assurance that our ingenuity in the field of athletic prominences edge out other provinces if we could lump together and promote this exciting project. With Gov. Michael Marcos-Keon at the helm, nothing is impossible knowing very well his dedication and able leadership as a Sports czar since the administration of his uncle, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

With the innovative spirit of provincial tourism officer Angel A. Lao, Ilocos Norte will soon inspired visiting tourists because of the genuine sports festival spearheaded to enliven the mystified visitors and dignitaries.
***
Upon the establishment of the Japanese-sponsored Republic, the late President Jose P. Laurel was elected in the highest office of the land on Oct. 14, 1943. But for accepting and serving in that position, he became a controversial figure. Those who did now know him well thought that he was a traitor to his country.

According to our history, shortly before the outbreak of the Japan-US War in September 1941, President Manuel L. Quezon at that time appointed Laurel Secretary of Justice. When Quezon left for Corregidor with his family and later for the United States to establish the Commonwealth Government-in-exile, Laurel wanted to join him.

But Quezon told him to stay because a big man like him is needed to meet the Japanese and that the people must be given protection during the hardest time in nation’s history. I say this to inculcate the high sense of patriotism and nationalism in the hearts and mind of the youth.

Laoag bank loses P.5M to robbers

LAOAG CITY – A local branch of a large commercial bank that is mainly involved in money transfer and patronized by overseas Filipinos was robbed of half a million pesos here last week most of which are remittances from abroad.

Ruben Ramos, manager of the LBC Bank – Laoag branch, told newsmen robbers entered the bank by destroying the padlock at its backdoor.

He said he found the bank in disarray when he reported for work on Oct. 3. The thieves forcibly opened the bank vault which they emptied of cash in the amount of close to half a million pesos, he said. – Teddy Molina

RAIN OF FIRE

Ceasar G. Bonilla
Presidential pardons and bad movie trailers

LAOAG CITY -- The grant of presidential pardon to the gunman of the late Maureen Hultman can give us an idea how justice runs and is served in this country. After that tragic incident, Maureen was in coma since she was shot by the gunman with her friends Roland John Chapman, who died on the spot, and Jussi Olavi who survived to testify against the suspect.

A news report about the death of Maureen was broadcast three hours making the Hultman family hold a press conference at their home in Dasmarinas Village, Makati to deny rumors that the shooting of the three victims was “drug related.”

The conference was attended by close friends of the family and some of Maureen’s own friends who expressed disgust over the ugly rumors. Her parents, Anders and Vivian Hultman, said their daughter would have wanted something positive to come out of all the tragedy caused by the bullet in her head. Indeed, more and more people are becoming aware of the condition in the society, wherein the rights of criminal suspects get more in law than their innocent victims. Taxi drivers and other people from all walks of life have come up with one conclusion, when the case of Maureen is discussed – that any person who willfully curtails the right of another to live should, in all justice, be made by law to forfeit his own.
***
Movie and television industries should devise ways by which teenagers and children could be spared from exposure to harmful movie trailers such as those showing extreme violence and explicit sex scenes. The apparent breakdown of rules is evidenced by indiscriminate screening of movie trailers with objectionable scenes on television even during prime time or in theaters even when scheduled feature films are intended for general patronage.

The tremendous influence of movies and television, on the impressionable minds of young people is universally recognized. With the help of the officials of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, theater owners, movie and television producers and media organizations such as the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster sa Pilipinas, the young could be molded properly. Modern technology depicted by mass media has a vital influence in the promotion of social, spiritual, and moral values of the Filipinos.
***
The Rio Grande de Laoag of 1.6 hectares filed with forested terrain is the perfect backdrop for a scenic journey along the Laoag Padsan River. The resort features three swimming pools, country-style guest-rooms, picnic huts and cottages, and a grand conference hall to suit any company’s demands. Aside from the natural vista of the place and the distinct hospitality of the staff of Rio Grande, other reasons guests should visit the resort is its affordability.
***
Most historians agree that Filipino national consciousness began in Jan. 20, 1872, now known as the Cavite Mutiny. It was a mutiny that took place in Cavite. The authorities lost no time in blaming Fathers Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez, and Jacinto Zamora as the masterminds of the mutiny. The three were garroted and their execution marked the dawn of a national consciousness that would bring about the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal, the founding of the Katipunan, and the Declaration of the Philippine Independence by General Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit or old Cavite, making Kawit the cradle of the Republic of the Philippines.

The two most important national symbols – the Philippine Flag and the national anthem – were officially inaugurated in Kawit. For centuries, the galleon trade represented the entire economy of the country. There was only one highway in the country, the Camino Real that extended from Intramuros to Cavite City. We must develop a national consciousness without constantly obliterating the past for it is the very essence of our being and oracle of our future.
***
The Saviour’s Christian Academy is one of the best schools in Ilocos Norte because of its values and education imparted by intelligent educators like Barnette P. Tayamen and Ester Tayamen. This religious school internalizes fully the teachings of the Lord God to little children for them to become more matured, God-fearing and respectful to their parents and society. Some teachers in other schools have been displaying arrogance in dealing with other people as if their attachment to their Church can warrant spiritual salvation. Their false Christian values can be destructive to the image of the academy they represent. Not so with Saviour’s Christian Academy for I, myself, when I first visited the school, a long, long time ago, I found out that the teachers were well-bred, brilliant, friendly, and hospitable.
***
I would like to greet Madam Gloria Alano Caluya of Rio Grande Hotel and all of my students of DATA like: Kathlyn, Eilhma, Minette, Apple, Sheila, Angeline, Grace, Mark, Novie, Jeff, Gerard, Jansen, Lorenzo, Elphie and others. Happy Semestral break!

RAIN OF FIRE

Cesar G. Bonilla
The Muslim Ramadan

LAOAG CITY -- The Philippines has to strive to enhance its economic relations with its two leading trading partners, the United States of America and Japan. This should not preclude, however, the development of reciprocal economic relations with the colleagues of the United States in the Big Seven, namely, Great Britain, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the Philippines has to update its foreign economic policy to keep it in perfect rhythm with its political foreign economic policy and to keep it attuned to current realities in the international community. The Third World, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and our neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region all offer opportunities for reciprocal economic relations, which we have not tapped.

The primary consideration in the drive of the Philippines for trade and other relations with countries around the world is that they have things we need and pay for and that we have, in turn, things they need and can pay for. This is the basic element of quid pro quo that underlies economic cooperation.

To achieve all these goals, however, we have to put our economic house in order. If the present disheveled state of our domestic economic affairs prove impervious to change and reform, foreign economic policy, however loftily conceived and beautifully designed, is doomed to remain an idle dream on paper.

As in diplomacy, Philippine trade and economic relations with foreign countries cannot rise above the level of affairs at home. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo being a brilliant economist can move this great nation to prosperity if there is political will to rise above all difficulties confronting the country.
***
Oct. 1 will be the end of Ramadan, a month of atonement and submission to the will of God. According to Muslim believers, it was during this month that the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhamad whose name is translated as “Peace be upon Him.” To pray during the Lailat ul Qadr is better than any kind of worship for this night, the Book of the Muslims was revealed to Prophet Muhammed – the time wherein the religious faithful observed moderation, meditation and reflection to be made worthy of the promises of the Almighty.

This is the time when the gates of paradise are opened during the celebration of Ramadan and the gates of hell are closed and all devils are put in the darkest pit and put in chains so that the purified souls can be magnified.

To refrain from food and drink, from evil actions, thoughts and words are virtues of Ramadan. May the war in Mindanao be pacified and let love reign in the hearts of all the Muslim rebels who are non-stop in their struggle to separate the Land of Promise from the rest of Philippine Archipelago.
*** I
would like to greet Hon. Marynette Romero-Gamboa, the dynamic and friendly mayor of Dingras, a happy, happy birthday. Despite the pressure demanded by her job as chief executive, she could still introduce innovations and worthwhile undertakings for the sake of noble advocacy which is effective governance.

The Department of Tourism Laoag regional sub-office under the leadership of senior Tourism operations officer and officer-in-charge Marie Respicio-Gonzales received the Turismo Mismo Group for an ocular visit in preparation for the conduct of the prerequisite training (Values of Tourism and Culture of Excellence).

This was in line with the directive of President Arroyo to promote and safeguard the country’s eco-tourism sites through the provision of essential services for tourists, the Grassroots Entrepreneurs for Eco-tourism (GREET) program that has been conceived to enhance livelihood opportunities for promising entrepreneurs who can explore tourist drawing potentials of ecotourism sites which can readily be sources of income within their respective protected areas.

This is open to individuals, community organizations, business associations and local tourism offices based and operating in towns or provinces where an eco-tourism site is located and is duly registered with the appropriate government agency

There must be project proposals like: encouraging the development of an enterprising culture within the local community, provide good value for money in the implementation process, be technically and financially viable, promote cultural preservation and respect for indigenous knowledge and practices, and the promotion of environmental education and protection. I would like to thank Cely, Maricel, and Michael for being nice to this humble writer whenever I visited the Tourism office at the Heroes’ hall.
***
The province of Ilocos Norte had welcomed tourists and visitors from all over the country. As a tour guide, I see to it that all of them can feel the Ilocano virtues like being hospitable, humble, friendly and full of life. I had encountered a lady coordinator and a manager who was then the direct opposite of a well-respected Ilocano as that time when some tourists came from the South -- government officials and employees, who visited Ilocos Norte to learn the culture of the Ilocanos and the system of public administration of the local government.

This arrogant and ill-educated coordinator and manager questioned my ability as a tour guide. She said that the tourists were complaining because I failed to explain vital information about the places where we visited that day. I asked the tourists what they has to say about me and the way I explained the history and culture of the place. Majority of them replied, “excellent.” I confronted this coordinator and told her to refrain from insulting a tour guide because no matter how humble he or she may be, he is a professional, with dignity and worthy to be respected as a human being.

I do not claim that I am the best tour guide so I turned down her offer to be their tour guide once again in Vigan. She felt sorry for what she said and her lack of proper breeding. I just let it pass and pray that it will not be repeated again.

I would like to thank provincial Tourism officer Angel Alvarez—Lao for being a kind and brilliant exponent of tourism growth in Ilocandia. She is the daughter of Pepito Alvarez, a well-known historian just like his father and columnist of a local newspaper.

Ms Lao is charismatic and approachable. The Trinity University of Asia and the Rogations College of Cavite visited Ilocos province recently and I was one of their tour guides. Their students were well-disciplined and attentive. I would like to greet the students of both learning institutions for sharing their precious time discovering the northern trip of Luzon.

They are: Christi Baltazar, Queenie Mejia, Bridget Cunanan, Lorraine Earl, Dana Regine Bonayon, Ma. Geselle Carrion, Jayani Datu, Sarah Angela Leng, Jinrina Chung, Jerika Larize Talatala, Karissa Mae V. Andres, Angela Ruth Anicete, Jonalyn Corpuz, Kichi Kawabata, Anna Charizz Calma, Jonalyn Rojas Patricia Ashly Canas and Rosanne Danica Bayan.
Happy Birthday to Angela and Karissa. The male instructor of Rogationist College was very kind, a good model of Rogationist College. My thanks to Father President and the administration.

RAIN OF FIRE

Cesar G. Bonilla
American education, Marcos burial and a tour guiding seminar

LAOAG CITY -- The gift of education from the Americans is a legacy worthy to be remembered by the Filipino people. The U.S.S. Thomas, a converted cattle ship, ploughed through the calm waters of Manila Bay, many of the 540 teachers on board gazed at the city’s skyline, with domes and towers of churches figuring prominently.

They had finally arrived in the country which they had come to serve on a mission of educating Filipinos. While many of them were just past 20, others were elderly men and women who had brought their families with them. In either case, they were chosen by the U.S. Civil Service Commission from all over America for the job.

Actually, they were not the first Americans who came on an educational mission in the Philippines. Two months earlier, 48 teachers had arrived on board the transport U.S.S Sheridan. But, collectively, American teachers who came and were spread out to many parts of the Philippines were more popularly known as Thomasites.

Of the original Thomasites, 27 died of tropical diseases or were mercilessly murdered by brigands during the first 20 months of their stay in the country. These teachers spared nothing, not even their lives. They braved epidemics, typhoons and initial hostility of the people to establish schools where there were none before and to train Filipino teachers who were to work with them, and, later, to carry on the task they had nobly begun.
Many Thomasites returned to the U.S. after their initial stint, but many others opted to remain to complete other terms. And, as has also been pointed out, more than a hundred opted to stay in the country, switching to other jobs, and, thus, becoming the core of American old-timers who helped build the country into what is today.

The greatest legacy of the Thomasites which will long endure is the Philippine public school system which is of their own making. For this great contribution, we should remember them on this ninety-first anniversary of their arrival, for in remembering them, we acknowledge the contribution of the United States to our present educational system -- education that is open to all and responsive to the needs of the marginalized citizens of the country.
***
One decade and nine years after his death, the unburied corpse of former Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos has become a political football between a government keen to bury the past and a widow who wants to keep his memory alive. Yes, it’s Marcos Day in Ilocos Norte on Sept. 11 to keep the memory of the late strongman’s rise to power with incredible feat as architect of the New Society inspired by the political battle cry, “This nation can be great again.”

It was during the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos when the remains of the late president was flown from Hawaii to the Laoag International Airport. Despite the declining political clout of the Marcos family in the Philippines, the government refuses to allow the body to be buried in Manila for fear it could become the focus of renewed political division.

The government fears a Manila funeral could spark violence between diehard supporters and opponents of Marcos. Be that as it may, the government should give Marcos a proper place in history in such a way that it reconciles with logic and reason notwithstanding the negative emotions of some political opponents.
The Ilocanos will never forget what President Marcos did in Ilocandia. History is written by men and it is axiomatic that only God can judge Marcos whatever acts he had committed while serving the government for He knows all of us.
***
The tour guiding seminar being conducted by the Provincial Tourism Office under the able leadership of Ms Angel Alvarez-tao is a good start to boost cultural, ecological and adventure tourism in Ilocandia. Tour guides are the ambassadors of goodwill that can bring light to a province whose cultural heritage, worthy to be discovered has not yet been fully revealed in the eyes of the world.

Prominent and brilliant speaker Paul L. So expounded on duties and responsibilities of a tourist guide, guiding techniques, human relations and communication skills. Gov. Michael M. Keon delivered a message during the opening ceremony.
Also in attendance were Vice-Gov. Windell Chua, SP Members Angelo Marcos Barba, Elena Nalupta, Yvonne Ranada and officer-in-charge of the Department of Tourism in the Province Ms Ma. Milagros R. Gonzales. Pepito C. Alvarez did an overview of tourism in Ilocos Norte, the history of Ilocandia particularly the grandeur of each town.

Assistant provincial Tourism officer Joegie B. Jimenez delivered the opening remarks. Tour guides, students, hotel owners, municipal tourism officers, employees and members of the press attended the seminar. Actual tour guiding around Ilocos Norte, election of officers for Ilocos Norte Tour Guides Association and awarding of certificates followed with no less than the dynamic Ilocos regional DOT director Martin Valera who delivered an inspiring message. This writer was chosen vice president of the association. This can be a great privilege and opportunity to promote Ilocos Norte to visiting tourists, both local and foreign.

Gustavo Ples of Airbourne Travel with students of Tourism and HRM of Letran College fully assisted by their instructors explored the heritage city of Vigan and the historical and picturesque places in Ilocos Norte. The Letran students of Calamba, Laguna were bedazzled with the hospitality, kindness and religious spirit of the Ilocanos: Maricar V. Camide, Angelica Calinagan, Sherica Tria Villegas, Dorina Aika Villanueva, Charise Roque, Kriska Villanueva, Sally Genova, Kristel Monteclaro Shereen Go, Kristine Joy Curibot, Aileen Sisante and Reyjlie Maglalang. To all Letran students, you are very much welcome in Ilocos Norte.

I would like to commend the Tourism officer of Dingras Ms Elsie Romero for being active in promoting the culture and traditions of the town.

Happy 18th birthday to my student in Humanities Apple Joy Aurelio. Apple is a responsible student of Data Center College of the Philippines.

MORE NEWS, ILOCOS NORTE

National sports tourism confab set Oct 2 in Laoag

LAOAG CITY -- Sports events organizers and enthusiasts are expected to converge here , the country's gateway to the North, come Oct. 2 and 3 for the sports tourism conference at Fort Ilocandia Resort, a landmark event to promote sports tourism in the country.

The conference is expected to bring together sports and tourism professionals, officials and other experts nationwide to exchange ideas and discuss ways to further enhance and develop sports tourism in the country.

Bullish to promote the city's sports tourism programs, Ilocos Norte Gov. Michael Keon will host the conference together with the Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Sports Tourism and Wellness Ms. Cynthia Carrion.

The National Sports Tourism Conference consists of discussions regarding sports tourism products and inter-relationships between sports and tourism: sports participation tourism, sports event tourism, luxury sports tourism, the role of corporate sponsorship in sports tourism, opportunities for tour operators, maximizing media impact of events, staging of sports as a destination product, event and sponsorship marketing strategies for the successful staging of sports tourism events and more.

MORE NEWS, ILOCOS NORTE

Slain Laoag girl’s kin cry for justice

LAOAG CITY – Three weeks after her brutal slaying, the family of 15-year-old teener Imee Leah Marcos who was stabbed to death 26 times by suspected drug addicts is longing for justice as the city police is yet to crack the case.

Bothered by the length of time that is taking the Laoag police to solve the case, the victim’s father Fernando Marcos said that he and his family are beginning to lose hope of getting justice.
Marcos said he went to the Laoag police office on Monday to inquire on the status of the investigation.

He was told to wait at his home in Barangay Buttong where, within that same day, the police would bring the result of the investigation.

“Nagawidnak a dagus ket inuray ko ken ti pamilyak ti yaay da ngem ingga ita awanda met (I went home immediately, I and my family waited for them but until today they did not come,)” Marcos said.

His daughter along with 18-year-old Christine Joy Barroga were killed on Aug. 2 by suspected drug-crazed youths along the riverbank in Barangay Uno.

Barroga was stabbed six times. – Teddy Molina

MORE NEWS, ILOCOS NORTE

Mystery shrouds slay of Imee Marcos by addicts
By Teddy Molina

LAOAG CITY – The mystery on the killing of Imee Leah Marcos, who was stabbed 26 times by suspected drug addicts recently is getting deeper.

The 15-year-old girl was buried Aug. 16 with her family at a loss if they could get justice for her as she was not autopsied as police earlier said she would

Fernando Marcos, Imee Leah’s father said the planned autopsy of her body before her burial at the Aglipayan cemetery here did not materialize.

The other victim in the killing, Christine Joy Barroga, 18, was buried Wednesday. She sustained six stab wounds.

Marcos said four police investigators visited him last week and asked him if he would agree to an autopsy, to which he gave his approval.

“Diak ammo no apay (I don’t know why the autopsy was not held),” he said, adding that he is not aware of the progress of the investigation.

Barroga’s parents, on the other hand, reportedly did not agree to their daughter’s autopsy.
The two teenagers were found dead on the banks of Padsan River in Barangays Uno and La Paz last Aug. 2.

A witness told investigators that he saw them in the company of a group having fun along the riverbank in Barangay Uno the night before their bodies were found.
Broken bottles of a local gin brand were found at the crime scene, along with a trail of blood from a dike to the riverbank.

Police picked up four young men for questioning but later released them.
Senior Supt. Sterling Blanco, Laoag police chief, refused to identify the four men pending investigation.


Top most wanted nabbed in Laoag
LAOAG CITY- A fugitive, tagged by the police as “top most wanted person,” was arrested in Camanggan here last week.

Supt. Sterling Blanco, chief of police here, said George San Agustin, 30 of barangay 54-B, Camanggan was arrested by his men for carrying a Turkish made shotgun Ga12, Akkar with five bullts outside his house.

Blanco said Agustin is also facing violation of R.A. 9165 or illegal sale of volume of illegal drugs, which is non-bailable.

Blanco said the neutralization of the most wanted persons in the city is one of his top priorities right after assuming the top police post here last month.

Prior to his designation here, Blanco had served as intelligence officers for almost 10 years in Abra and La Union before he was designated as officer in charge of the Regional Intelligence Division in Camp Gen. Oscar Florendo, San Fernando City, La Union, headquarters of the PNP in Region 1. – Mar T. Supnad

RAIN OF FIRE

By Cesar G. Bonilla

Love of country

LAOAG CITY -- Typhoon Karen unleashed her fury in Ilocos Norte while Cagayan suffered the most of its devastating effect. Classes were suspended to ensure the safety of students especially those who hailed from remote municipalities where flood could be of danger to residents.

Many vehicles were stranded because of heavy floods as a result of haphazard construction of drainage canals. The unfinished bridge gave additional problems considering that the temporary bridge being the only way to pass through the other side of the road couldn’t accommodate all vehicles especially heavy ones. The people involved in its construction paralyzed travel in the area and this was highlighted by the recent storm.
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The death of the late Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr. is remembered this month of August to give significance to the extreme sacrifice he made, for the victory of Filipino idealism over personal interest and greed for power.

A gifted man, both in pedigree and speech, and notwithstanding his young age when he assumed power as governor of his own province, he repeated the same feat of extraordinary ascendancy in the Senate full of ideas and raging for a stop of the Marcos dictatorship.

His wife, former President Corazon C. Aquino said Ninoy has come to symbolize the struggle of weakness against power, courage against organized oppression of the individual against the state. There is the image of him lying on the tarmac, defying an oppressive government.

He is the historic demonstration that one can destroy a man, but not defeat him. A man can only defeat himself. In one of the interviews of Ninoy, he said that he cannot stay and live comfortably while the people suffered.

The Spaniards killed Rizal and made him a hero of his people. Truly, his death was a turning point of all the most significant events in the country that let to the ouster of the late president Ferdinand E. Marcos.

That barbaric slaying of him at the tarmac spelled a lot of difference in the country’s transition to a so-called democracy. Nowadays, there are many opportunists who are shouting for Ninoy’s heroism but who are not following the virtues he espoused.

Call it hypocrisy. The country is still best by opposite ideologies. For Ninoy, what he wanted was freedom and independence for the country. There is no true heroism without sacrifice. Love of God and country is what is needed now.

Imee Marcos to be autopsied

By Teddy Molina

LAOAG CITY – The body of 15-year-old Imee Leah Marcos who was mercilessly stabbed to death along with another girl here will be subjected to autopsy as police investigators continue to uncover the mystery behind her death. Also stabbed to death together with Marcos was Christine Joy Barroga, 18. Their bodies were found by fishermen on Aug. 2 along the banks of Padsan River in Barangays Uno and La Paz.

Fernando Marcos, Imee’s father, gave his family’s approval to the autopsy request when members of the Laoag City Police Office visited him Monday in his house at Barangay Buttong.

He set the date for the autopsy yesterday before her daughter will be taken to the Aglipayan cemetery for interment.

Barroga’s family however, was undecided on the police request to have her remains autopsied as of press time.

The body is scheduled to be interred today also at the local Aglipayan church.

This developed as residents continued to call for the immediate arrest and identification of the perpetrators of the slayings which shocked the province.

Local radio stations have been receiving a daily barrage of calls from irate residents asking authorities to collar the suspects and place them behind bars.

Imee was stabbed 26 times (not 18 as earlier reported) 18 of which were “fatal” according to his father while Barroga received six stabbings. Among Imee’s 18 “fatal” stabbings were six at her back, six on her breast, two below her breast, two at her side, and two in the belly, it was learned.

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Drug addicts tagged in 2 teeners' killing
By Teddy Molina

LAOAG CITY - Investigators suspect that drug addicts were behind the brutal killing of two local teenage girls, one of them stabbed 18 times.

Police identified the fatalities as 15-year-old Imee Leah Marcos, a high school student, and Christine Joy Barroga, 18, both neighbors in Barangay Buttong this city. Marcos' body had 18 stab wounds, and Barroga's, six.

Investigation showed that the two girls had been missing for nine days before fishermen separately found their bodies along the banks of Padsan River in Barangays Uno and La Paz here last Saturday morning August 2.

Police picked up four young men for questioning yesterday after a witness said the victims were having fun with a group near the river in Barangay Uno the night before their bodies were discovered. - Teddy Molina

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Farmer, boy drown in Ilocos rivers

LAOAG CITY — A five-year-old boy drowned July 21 near a creek in Barangay Zamboanga, this city. Maria Nuñez said her son, Michael, probably wandered until he reached a narrow bridge.

While playing, he might have fallen into the water, she said.

Barangay Chairman Moises Saladino said his tanods scoured the creek and they found the victim’s body deep in the mud.

The victim’s parents hail from Metro Manila, but are now temporarily residing in Barangay Zamboanga here.

In Pasuquin town in the province, a 69-year-old farmer also drowned noon on July 27 while trying to cross a swollen river in Barangay Pragata, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte. At that time, typhoon "Igme" was lashing the province.

Barangay Captain Artemio Licuan said the victim, identified as Loreto Vidad, was herding his farm animals across the river when strong water current swept him away.
His body was fished out Tuesday off Barangay Naglicuan, Pasuquin town.

Meanwhile, in Piddig, Ilocos Norte, carpenter Jimmy Biyena was reported missing July 28 after he failed to cross the Abucay River, the provincial disaster coordinating council said.

The PDCC, chaired by Gov. Michael Keon, also reported that a baby tornado knocked down six houses in Barangay Tartarabang, Pinili, Ilocos Norte.

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2 Brods killed by rebel returnee
By Mar T Supnad

LAOAG CITY- Two brothers were killed Tuesday night when a former member of the New People’s Army shot them dead in barangay San Isidro , Bangui , Ilocos Norte.
Police identified the victims as Julius Cascayan, 47 and Agosto Cascayan 27, both married and drivers.

The suspect was identified as Christopher Agoo alyas Cristo, 37, rebel returnee, tricycle driver and resident of Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte.

Based on reports sent to the regional headquarters, Julius had just arrived in his home from work when the suspect arrived and suddenly shot him.

Julius was able to ask assistance from his wife Joselyn inside their house, but the suspect followed him and shot him with M16 armalite rifle that caused his death.
Upon learning of the incident, the victim’s younger brother went to rescue his brother, bringing with him his brother’s licensed Cal. 45 pistol but he was shot also by Agoo in the head that caused his instant death.

Agoo fled immediately to unknown direction bringing with him the firearm he used.

Police said the killings could have been caused by personal grudge between the victims and suspect.

But police are look into other angles while a manhunt operation is on for the arrest of the suspect.

‘Helen’ kills 2, displaces 19,000 in Northern Luzon
By Jerry Padilla and Armand Tamaray

Tropical storm "Helen" left two people dead and displaced more than 19,000 people in the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions, the National Disaster Coordinating Council reported July 17.

NDCC Executive Director Anthony Golez identified the first casualty as 20-year-old Jonathan Dulay Saliming, who fell into a deep ravine at 9 a.m. while he was driving a dump truck along Balabag Road in Bontoc, Mountain Province.

Office of the Civil Defense officials in the Cordillera said Saliming, who was on his way to Talubin from Barlig town, was trying to clean his truck’s windshield when he lost control of the steering wheel and fell off the road.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Ilocos Norte said a man was killed from snake bite while he was tending to his cow in Pasil, Paoay, Ilocos Norte Wednesday afternoon.

DSWD Ilocos Norte official Amelia Rico said 22-year-old Alex Lacamento ventured to the flooded fields near his home to save his cow at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday when an undetermined type of snake bit him.

Lacamento was taken to the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital in Batac City, where he died from his wound.

As of 12 noon July 17, the NDCC said that Helen adversely affected 4,606 families or a total of 19,150 persons in 82 villages in Ilocos Norte and Cagayan due to flooding.
Helen damaged R45,000 worth of livestock and agriculture in the municipality of Sta. Teresita, Cagayan.

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Pagudpud beach resort owners given ultimatum: Procure DENR permits
By Jerry Padilla

PAGUDPUD, Ilocos Norte – Some 52 beach resorts in this town acclaimed by an Australian magazine as the top best beach in Asia, are operating illegally due to the absence of foreshore permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Juan de los Reyes, Ilocos Norte provincial environment and natural resources officer bared this saying they discovered the problem recently after conducting an inventory on proper management and utilization of foreshore areas in the province.

De los Reyes said they were worried on unwarranted use of foreshore areas because it is threatening Ilocos Norte’s coastal resource. He said the number of illegal structures was increasing and various development activities near the shoreline included construction of more beach resorts and houses.

He said due to the discovery, the DENR has given beach resorts owners an ultimatum and required them to secure within 15 days from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office their foreshore permits and avoid encroachment on the shoreline.

“It was only this year that we really had to enforce the law,” De los Reyes said. “They had been operating for many years and it’s high time for them to pay the amount they are supposed to pay for the government.” De los Reyes said use of foreshore areas needs to be regulated before water, coastal pollution and other health-related problems get worse.

He added even the Commission on Audit is also monitoring the illegal operation of resorts particularly owners who use foreshore areas for livelihood. Apart from the 52 illegal foreshore occupants in Pagudpud, De los Reyes reported that even big resorts like Fort Ilocandia Resort, the Casino in Laoag City and the Nipa Beach in Currimao, Ilocos Norte have yet to apply for foreshore license at the DENR office.