161 villages in Central Luzon now drug-free

By Zorayda Tecson 

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Around 161 villages in Central Luzon have been declared drug-free, according to the latest report of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Region 3.
    PDEA Regional Public Information Officer Glenn Guillermo said on Thursday the declaration was made after validation and certification by the Regional Oversight Committee.

“Drug-free means unaffected barangays, in short, walang drug users at walang drug pushers. Ang pagdi-declare ng drug-free ay hindi lang PDEA but it is inter-agency at dumadaan po ito sa mabusising proseso (Drug free means unaffected barangays, in short, there are no drug users and no drug pushers. The declaration of drug-free is not only being done by PDEA but it is an inter-agency and undergoes a thorough process),” Guillermo said in a radio interview.
    He said most of the drug-free villages in the region are ethnic communities.
    “Marami sa Central Luzon ang ethnic groups so obviously, sa mga ethnic communities, walang gumagamit ng droga at walang nagbebenta ng droga (There are lots of ethnic groups in Central Luzon, so obviously in ethnic communities, there is no one using and selling illegal drugs),” he added.
    Of the 161 drug-free villages, 46 are in Pampanga; 40 in Nueva Ecija; 29 in Tarlac; 16 in Zambales; 14 in Aurora; nine in Bataan; and seven in Bulacan.
    However, Guillermo failed to give information as to the period covering the declarations.

He said a total of 2,491 villages in the region have so far been cleared of illegal drugs while 450 are still affected.

He cited the good relationship between PDEA and the Philippine National Police in the collective efforts to eradicate illegal drugs in the region.

Guillermo also said they would continue to monitor the villages to ensure the sustainability of the government's anti-drug campaign.

“We are more on preventive education, we promote a drug-free workplace as per guidelines of the Department of Labor and Employment,” he added.

He also said 33 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers in the region aim to reform drug offenders into self-sufficient and law-abiding members of society.

“Hopefully by September, we could inaugurate at least three, so it will be 36,” Guillermo added. -- PNA

 

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BCDA bidding on for NAS campus in New Clark City

By Zyrelle A. Del Prado

NEW CLARK CITY -- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has launched the bidding process for the second phase of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) campus in New Clark City, aiming to develop more facilities that will help nurture the country’s future athletes.
    In separate bid bulletins posted on its website, the BCDA called for the submission of bids and eligibility documents for the design and build, as well as the construction management and supervision for NAS Phase 2. 
    “BCDA is inviting interested companies to participate in the bidding for the construction of the second phase of NAS. We enjoin you to be part of the efforts to build the facilities for our next generation of sports champions,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang said. 
    With an approved budget of Php 273.74 million, the first procurement involves the site development of a 10,000-square meter area, and the design, construction, and fit out works for three additional buildings in NAS, namely the Sports Science and Sports Medicine Building, Sports Center with Multi-Purpose Covered Courts, and Staff Housing. Interested bidders have until September 5, 2023, 12:00 PM to submit their bids. 
    The second procurement, which has an approved budget of Php14.51 million, covers consultancy services for the management and supervision of the construction of the mentioned facilities. The deadline for submission of eligibility documents is on August 22, 2023, 12:00 PM. Shortlisted consultants have until September 27, 2023 12:00 PM to submit their technical and financial proposals.
    Under the terms of reference and minimum performance standards and specifications of the project, the masterplan of the project must comply with the New Clark City Design Standards and Guidelines, National Building Code, and other relevant national laws, rules and regulations to ensure that they adhere to the principles of inclusivity and sustainability. 

Created by virtue of Republic Act 11470 enacted in 2020, the National Academy of Sports is mandated to implement a quality and enhanced secondary education program, integrated with a special curriculum on sports. It seeks to develop the athletic skills and talents of promising Filipinos in world-class sports facilities. 

 “Right now, many athletes and sports organizations are going to New Clark City to hold their competitions, tournaments, and training camps. But New Clark City’s role in the development of the sports sector goes beyond that. With the National Academy of Sports and our world-class sports facilities, we will provide specialized education to our young aspiring athletes, so that one day, they may also rise to the top and bring honor to our country,” PCEO Bingcang said.

In 2021, NAS welcomed its first batch of deserving scholar-athletes and opened classes via remote learning modalities. The first phase of its campus, which consists of the Academic and Administration Building and the Multi-Purpose Gymnasium, is undergoing finishing works, and is targeted to be operational in the third quarter of the year. 

 

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NolCom chief: Cordillera ‘last bastion’ of insurgency in Northern Luzon

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Cordillera Administrative Region remains the last bastion of communist insurgency in Northern and Central Luzon after the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) cleared the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon, the top military commander in the area said.
    “We have very good prospects. There are no more influenced barangays in Nolcom’s territory. Close to 10,000 villages are zero-influenced by insurgents,” Lieutenant General Ernesto Torres told reporters Tuesday during the fellowship of the newly revived Nolcom Defense Press Corps in Camp Aquino, Tarlac City.
    Torres said these villages have also declared the CPP-NDF-NPA [Communist Party of the Philippines, National Democratic Front, and New People’s Army] persona non grata (unwelcomed persons or groups),”
    “Cordillera is probably the last bastion,” Torres said, adding that Nolcom would continue to combine developmental and military approaches to counterinsurgency, referring to the work of various agencies in the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, a program launched during the Duterte administration.
    The Cordillera consists of the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province, with Baguio City as its regional center.
    Torres did not cite the number of Red fighters in the Cordillera or how many guerrilla fronts exist there now.
NPA spokespersons have previously accused the military of spreading false information about the results of armed clashes.
    “We will embrace them, ensure their safety when they decide to return to the folds of the law,” Torres added.
    At the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee Area meeting on Sept. 30 with the Area Police Command-Northern Luzon, Torres reported that Nolcom units had neutralized 30 rebels and caused 58 people to withdraw support for the NPA.
    According to him, Nolcom recovered 52 firearms and three anti-personnel mines in the same period.
    A total of 772 ex-rebels were aided in availing of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program benefits since January.
    The military and police, Torres said, conducted 11,724 counter-terror operations and 4,495 joint law enforcement operations against illegal fishing and logging operations, marijuana planting and harvesting, including the recovery of firearms and bodies.
 
 
 

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3 drown in Pangasinan, Bulacan

By Eva Visperas

BUGALLON, Pangasinan — Two women drowned while gathering shellfish in Agno River in Barangay Cabayaoasan in this town on Jan. 30.
    In an interview over Bombo Radyo Dagupan, town police officer-in-charge Maj. Daryl Nevado identified the fatalities as Jennifer Santos, 40, and Janet Biag, 33, both residents of Aguilar town.
    Santos’ body was recovered on the same day.
    Rescuers retrieved Biag’s body on Monday.
    In Bustos town in Bulacan, two children drowned in an irrigation canal on Jana. 29.
    A belated report reaching Col. Rommel Ochave, acting Bulacan police director, said Jay Ar Gutierrez, 9, was pronounced dead on arrival in a hospital.
    The companion of the boy, Cristina Gutierrez, 11, is now in stable condition at the Baliwag District Hospital. – Ramon Efren Lazaro

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Subic guest from Ifugao Covid-positive

By Joanna Rose Aglibot 

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT –– A guest from Ifugao province who arrived in this freeport to attend a seminar has tested positive for Covid-19. Dr. Solomon Jacalne, public health and safety department manager of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, on Jan. 27, said the guest was supposed to attend a seminar in Subic Bay Travelers Hotel and Event Center.
    But the guest arrived at the freeport without a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR test result, Jacalne said in an advisory.
    Jacalne said the guest was barred from entering the hotel and was sent to a designated quarantine hotel where he underwent a swab test.
    The seminar was reportedly organized by the Dept. of Agrarian Reform.
    Jacalne said the guest was exposed to a virus-infected officemate.
    The guest is no longer in the freeport after an ambulance fetched him from a quarantine hotel on Wednesday morning.

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CPP-NPA ‘prop man’ surrenders in Tarlac

By Mar T. Supnad

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- A former propagandist of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) surrendered to police in Tarlac last week.
    "Ka Gringo,"50 was a former member of Sangay sa Yunit Propaganda Kilusang Larangang Guerilla operating in the municipalities of Capaz and San Jose.
    Police Central Luzon director Brig. Gen. Valeriano De Leon said it was another achievement for Cl police in implementation of President Duterte’s executive order 70 to “end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).”
    “Our strengthened campaign once again paid off as another former CPP-NPA member voluntarily surrendered to authorities,” De Leon said.
    "Ka Gringo" handed over one Cal. 30 US carbine with one magazine and nine bullets.

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Woman who set sleeping husband on fire charged in Pampanga

By Donna Rempillo

STA. RITA, Pampanga – A 24-year-old wife was charged with murder on July 26, after she allegedly set her husband on fire while he was sleeping in their house here.

An initial investigation of the Sta. Rita Municipal Police Station (MPS) disclosed that Gisel Batas, 24, doused her husband Vidal “Verver” Batas, 25, with gasoline while he was sleeping at around 3 a.m., Sunday, then set him on fire at their residence in Zone 3, Barangay San Isidro (Gasak).

                “Suspect (wife) waited for the victim to fall asleep and subsequently, she poured flammable gasoline on the victim and burned the latter. The suspect tried to escape in an unknown direction, but was later arrested,” the police report said.

Relatives and neighbors broughtVerver to the Jose B. Lingad Regional Memorial Hospital (JBLRMH), where he died hours later at 1 p.m., July 26.

Sta. Rita Chief of Police Capt. Renemer James Pornia said the Batas couple frequently fought over Verver’s alleged womanizing, which may have been the reason why Gisel hatched the fiery revenge.

Some relatives also told the police about a previous stabbing incident involving the couple.

While there was no witness to the brutal crime, Verver was nevertheless able to tell his elder brother Jojo what happened before he expired.

Gisel is now facing a non-bailable case of murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, which police were set to file with the Pampanga Provincial Prosecutors Office on  July 27.

The couple has two children – a seven-year-old boy, and a one-year-old girl.

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Pampanga vice mayor gets Covid

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga -- Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin here has confirmed that he tested positive for Covid-19.

In a post on social media, Lazatin announced his test results and urged all people he came in contact with to have themselves checked at the city health office.

Lazatin said he has neither traveled outside the city nor exposed himself to a person suspected to have COVID in the last two weeks.

He said he experienced occassional coughing and placed himself on quarantine.

Last week, Candaba Mayor Rene Maglangue confirmed he tested positive for the virus.

Meanwhile, in Bulacan, an eight-month-old boy from San Jose del Monte City became the youngest to contract the virus in the province.

The provincial health office reported that as of Saturday afternoon, 32 cases were added to the list of COVID patients.

Of the figure, 14 were recorded in San Jose del Monte; three each in Bocaue and Malolos; two each in Angat, Hagonoy and Meycauayan, and one each in Calumpit, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Marilao, Paombong, San Miguel and Santa Maria.

Two have recovered from the disease and a 56-year-old woman from San Jose del Monte died.

The figures brought the total number of cases in the province to 1,078 and deaths at 46.

The province of Bataan recorded four new cases, bringing the total number to 300 as of Saturday.

Of the new cases, three were women, according to the provincial health office.

Gov. Albert Garcia urged residents to observe cleanliness and disinfect frequently used items at home such as phones, door knobs and light switches. – Ramon Efren Lazarao, Ric Sapnu, Raymund Catindig

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Provincial execs to IATF: Place Pampanga on MECQ

By Donna Rempillo

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Governor Dennis Pineda said Pampanga will appeal to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Department of Health (DOH) to put the province under moderate enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) .

Pineda added the decision to issue the appeal was made after a consensus of 22 mayors from 19 municipalities and 3 cities was arrived at Wednesday at the Provincial Capitol.

Pampanga was one of the provinces tagged by the IATF under Resolution No. 35 released on Tuesday, May 12, that  would be placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) on May 16 to 31, but the governor maintained that the province was not yet ready for this.

“We need to prepare our constituents. Hindi po pwede na by 16 maglalabasan nalang po kaagad [We will not permit that by sixteen (people) will go immediately outside].

The consensus among the mayors brought an immediate response to what will be the guidelines to follow come May 16.

“Lahat ng mga workers na gagalaw, magtatrabaho after May 15 ay kailangan mag secure ng pass [ all workers that will resume work after May 15 must secure pass]” Pineda said.

Pineda ordered all municipal and city offices to release passes to all workers that will be moving after the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is lifted.

“ Ang mga requirements na kakailanganin po ay yung ID nila, Barangay Clearance at Certification kung saan sila nagtatrabaho [Requirements would be ID, Barangay Clearance and Certificate of Employment] “ the governor enumerates the requirements for the release of the passes.

Strict compliance with the amended MECQ/ECQ guidelines, as released by the IATF through Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, will be implemented.

“The MECQ will give us enough time to prepare workers in the manufacturing, construction and other economic sectors mentioned in IATF Resolution No. 35,” Pineda said.

“MECQ would also give time to local health authorities to assess results of mass testing and for the LTFRB to establish allowed transport route” he added.

To date, the Pampanga Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) reports a total of 51 recoveries among 79 confirmed cases affected by coronavirus disease.

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Thai embassy gives food to Central Luzon police

By Donna Rempillo

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga- The Royal Thai Embassy, in partnership with a Thai food company, on April 21, gave 1, 200 live chickens as food donation and support to police front liners in Central Luzon, according to Central Luzon Police Director Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia.

Sermonia personally took delivery of the chicken donation from Chareon Pokphand Foods (CPF) Public Company Limited. At hand to witness the turnover ceremony was Thai Ambassador Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng.

“These were intended to PNP-PRO3 personnel who risk their lives as daily front liners in this worldwide health crisis.” the ambassador said.

Sermonia said he was honored to receive the donation, and his men recognized for their hard work in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

“We are truly grateful to Thai delegation since this donation is of great advantage to us in carrying out our tasks this enhanced community quarantine.” Sermonia said

“As we continue to find ways and means to sustain the food supply to help all those this opportunity and partnership which strengthens the sense of community, where everyone is working for the greater good of our country and people,” he added.

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Pampanga COVID-19 update: Confirmed cases reach 10

By Donna Rempillo

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga  – The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) has reported that Pampanga already has 10 positive cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with three of them succumbing to the disease.

Those who died from the disease were from Bacolor, Apalit, and the City of San Fernando.

The number of patients under investigation (PUIs) has increase to 141, 36 of whom have been admitted to hospitals, while 32 have been discharged. There were 67 PUIs exhibiting mild symptoms and have been told to undergo home quarantine.

A total of 13, 269 persons are under monitoring (PUMs), as of March 31, according to PESU.

Of this total, 6,137 have completed the mandatory 14-day quarantine, while the remaining 7,132 were in the process of completing theirs.

Among the 23 Local Government Unit (LGU) monitored by PESU, the municipality of Sta. Rita, Pampanga had the most number of PUMs.

Angeles City and City of San Fernando had two COVID-19 deaths each, while Guagua and Porac had one each.

The Pampanga Capitol is still in search of alternative quarantine areas in preparation to a sudden influx of COVID-19 case here.

“We want to make sure na yung mga quarantine places nila ay safe naman po at sigurado natin na hindi makakahawa” [We want to make sure that the quarantine places is safe and secure from contagion],” third district Board Member Atty Ananias “Jun” Canlas Jr. said.

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1,200 arrested in Central Luzon for breaking COVID-19 curfew

By Franco Regala

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — More than 1,000 residents have been arrested in Central Luzon for violating curfew aimed at controlling the spread of coronavirus, Regional Police Office 3 (PRO3) said Wednesday.

PRO 3 Director Police Brig. General Rhodel O. Sermoni said the 1,200 violators have been arrested across the region since the strict implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Central Luzon since the curfew came into effect on March 17.

Local government units have been imposing curfew of 8 p.m. to 5 .m. force the public to stay in their homes until April 12 and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Central Luzon police chief personally inspected all enhanced community quarantine control points to ensure the strict implementation was being carried out.

The violators were taken to the police stations where they were assessed fines as penalty for violating the curfew hours and were advised to go home.

The police regional chief continued to appeal for public cooperation and encourage them to stay at home if they have no business going outside.

“We are doing all we can to protect everyone but we also need your cooperation to protect each other to fight the virus,” he added.

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Clark still operational for international flights; Cebu Pacific flights cancelled

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga- Clark International Airport (CRK) announced it will remain operational to service inbound and outbound international flights throughout the duration of the enhanced community quarantine even as Cebu Pacific flights were cancelled effective March 19 to April 14.

“Following the announcement made by the Philippine Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the amendments and/or modifications to the guidelines for the community quarantine over entire luzon and management of the coronavirus disease situation, CRK will remain operational to service inbound and outbound international flights throughout the duration of the quarantine period, subject to a number of implementing guidelines,”  LiPad Corp. corporate communications head Teri Flores said.

                First, only overseas Filipino workers, balikbayans and foreign nationals will be allowed to leave the Philippines at any time.

Filipino citizens leaving for tourism purposes will not be allowed to depart.

 Second, inbound international passengers shall be allowed entry, subject to strict immigration and quarantine protocols.

“The public is advised to observe ground transportation guidelines when traveling to and from the airport. Public land transportation such as P2P bus services, public utility vehicles and taxi services will not be operational during this time,” Flores added. 

                This is also subject to any further directives set by the Philippine IATF and the provincial government of Pampanga. 

Meanwhile, all Cebu Pacific flights were cancelled after the government implemented enhanced community quarantine over Luzon with similar directives nationwide. 

“We are ensuring the safety of our passengers and operations teams, in compliance with the stricter quarantine measures, land travel restrictions and regulations in place,” Cebu Pacific said in a statement.  

                The last day of operations was March 18.

The airline firm urged travelers to check flight status at bit.ly/CEBflight-status.

                Below is a summary of the options for passengers on cancelled flights due to COVID-19. These options may be processed online via the “Manage Booking” portal in the Cebu Pacific website bit.ly/CEBmanageflight. 

                “For the health and safety of our passengers and personnel, all Cebu Pacific ticket offices will be closed from March 19 to April 14, 2020. For any concerns, please contact Cebu Pacific via  bit.ly/CEBrequest. You may also contact our customer hotlines through bit.ly/CustomerHotlines. For more details, check: bit.ly/CEBCOVID-19FAQ” 

                We continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible. This is a developing and unprecedented situation. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding, and our flight, operational and frontline teams for doing all they can to assist our passengers, the statement said. – With a report by Mar T. Supnad

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PNP sets Central Luzon eco-zones to prevent unions

By Jun A. Malig

PAMPANGA – The Police Regional Office in Region III (PRO3) has started setting up offices in special economic and freeport zones in Central Luzon to prevent militant labor groups from organizing workers' union in factories and other business establishments.

On Jan. 22, PRO3 Director Brigadier General Rhodel Sermonia led the launching of Joint Industrial Peace and Concern Office (JIPCO) in the Clark Freeport Zone. Joining him as guests of honor and speakers were presidential adviser on the peace process Secretary Carlito Galvez, newly installed Philippine National Police (PNP) Direcor General Archie Francisco Gamboa, and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director Charito Plaza.

Sermonia explained that JIPCO is a community relations program of the PNP in partnership with PEZA that is “generally the first line of defense from radical labor infiltration of the labor force and the industrial zones in support of ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict).”

“With its slogan 'Together, we drive the force of our country’s global competitiveness and foreign preference as an investment destination', JIPCO was created for purposes of protecting both labor welfare, labor rights, and productive industry gains, without sacrificing industrial peace. It is also a law enforcement mechanism to address industrial crimes like pilferage, hijacking, and technical smuggling,” Sermonia added.

Upon taking over the PRO3 leadership on November 5, 2019, Sermonia already spoke about the need for the police to be present in economic zones in the provinces of Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija, where there are industrial establishments and many labor unions.

He said a more intense community engagement is needed to fight insurgency, and, through JIPCO, the police can be present in economic and industrial zones “to promote the morale and welfare of the labor sector and, of course, protect the interest of every investor doing business in our area of responsibility.”

Sermonia said, “Central Luzon remains a major flashpoint for communist insurgency and in the white area operation.”

He added: “Your police will take advantage of the potentials of community engagement to prevent industries from being infiltrated by communist agitators and with the implementation of JIPCO in the different economic zones from Subic to Clark to Mariveles and in areas of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija, where industries are prevalent and labor unions are many, the morale and welfare of the labor sector will be promoted and at the same time industries will be prevented from being infiltrated by communist agitators.” – Rappler.com

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DOJ sets probe on slay of Pampanga lawyer, driver

By Ding Cervantes

STA. RITA, Pampanga — The Department of Justice is set to investigate the killing of a lawyer and his driver who were shot to death in an ambush in front of a church in Barangay San Vicente in this town on Tuesday.

               A police report identified the fatalities as Carlos Anselmo, a resident of Barangay Cabambangan in Floridablanca, and his driver Marcial Mendoza of Barangay Bayan in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

The victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead on arrival in a hospital.

Capt. Renemer James Pornia, Sta. Rita police chief, said he deployed his men in front of the San Vicente parish church after receiving reports on the incident at about 9:20 a.m.

Initial investigation showed the victims were in a Toyota Camry when three men on two motorcycles overtook their vehicle and opened fire. 

The assailants fled toward an unknown direction.

Bullet shells for a caliber .45 pistol were recovered at the scene.

Probers have yet to determine if the motive was work-related. Anselmo reportedly handled land dispute cases.

In Manila, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he would order the creation of a task force to probe the murder of the lawyer and his driver if there are indications that they are victims of extrajudicial killings. 

In the meantime, Guevarra said he would leave it to the Philippine National Police to investigate the incident. 

“If there are any indication the case falls under Administrative Order 35 or killings arising from certain advocacies, the Department of Justice will create a special investigating team,” he said.  

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Carnival operator ‘gunman’ in Pampanga journalist’s slay

ARAYAT, Pampanga – The Presidential Task Force on Media Security announced the suspected gunman of a tabloid columnist and his companion in Pampanga has been identified.

                  Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, who co-chairs the PTFoMS, said the gunman was identified as Armando Maglaya Velasco, who works for a local carnival operator in Barangay Cacutud in Arayat.

                Citing a report from PTFoMS executive director Joel Egco, Andanar said the gunman had initially sent surrender feelers through his wife.

“I commend the Task Force, the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) Region 3 and the Arayat Police headed by Lt. Col. Dale Soliba for a job well done. This proves that this administration will stop at nothing to hold perpetrators of violence against media workers to account,” Andanar said in a recent statement.

              “They can run and hide but the long arm of the law will eventually catch up on them,” the Palace official official said.

               On Oct. 20, journalist Jupiter Gonzales and his companion, Christopher Tiongson, were shot dead inside their car after what appeared to be a heated altercation with the gunman.

Tiongson was killed on the spot, while Gonzales died before reaching Arayat District Hospital.

Andanar said closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) footage showed Velasco attempting to grab the steering wheel from the wounded driver in an attempt to commandeer the vehicle.

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PTFoMS tags carnival operator as gunman in P’panga journalist’s slay

ARAYAT, Pampanga – The Presidential Task Force on Media Security announced on Thursday that the suspected gunman of a tabloid columnist and his companion in Pampanga has been identified.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, who co-chairs the PTFoMS, said the gunman was identified as Armando Maglaya Velasco, who works for a local carnival operator in Barangay Cacutud in Arayat.

Citing a report from PTFoMS Executive Director Joel Egco, Andanar said the gunman had initially sent surrender feelers through his wife.

“I commend the Task Force, the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) Region 3 and the Arayat Police headed by Lt. Col. Dale Soliba for a job well done. This proves that this administration will stop at nothing to hold perpetrators of violence against media workers to account,” Andanar said in a statement.

“They can run and hide but the long arm of the law will eventually catch up on them,” the Palace official official said.

On Oct. 20, journalist Jupiter Gonzales and his companion, Christopher Tiongson, were shot dead inside their car after what appeared to be a heated altercation with the gunman.

Tiongson was killed on the spot, while Gonzales died before reaching Arayat District Hospital.

Andanar said closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) footage showed Velasco attempting to grab the steering wheel from the wounded driver in an attempt to commandeer the vehicle.

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COA finds Pampanga mayor liable for anomalous purchase of P39.2 M construction materials

By Ben Rosario

MEXICO, Panpanga -- The three-man Commission on Audit-Commission Proper has ordered the filing of criminal charges against a Pampanga mayor and a construction supply firm in connection with irregularities in the purchase of some P39.2 million construction materials for this municipality

In a decision handed down early this week, the COA-CP headed by Chairman Michael Aguinaldo affirmed the Notice of Disallowance issued by the Special Audit Team on June 2, 2013 to the local government of Mexico under Mayor Teddy Tumang.

In the decision, the COA panel directed the audit agency’s prosecution and litigation office to refer the case to the Office of the Ombudsman for the possible filing of appropriate charges against Tuman, Marlon L. Maniacup, chairman of the Mexico Bids and Awards Committee, Jesus S. Punzalan, BAC vice chairman and all BAC members.

Charges were also sought against Willian Colis, proprietor of Buyu Trading and Construction; Avelina P. Reyes, and Lucila M. Agento, municipal treasurer and budget officer, respectively; and Romeo M. Razon.

“In view of the violations of the provisions of RA No. 9184, this case shall be referred to the Office of the Ombudsman for investigation and filing of appropriate charges, if warranted, against the persons liable for the transactions,” the COA-CP said.

The ND’s were based primarily on the series of anomalous purchases of a total P39,207,066.70 worth of construction materials on various dates in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011.

COA special audit examiners noted that the construction materials were supplied by Buyu Trading and Construction, described by COA as a “supplier with questionable capacity.”

Records of the case showed that the BTC’s registered palce of business is a residential home and that no construction materials was found there when inspected by audit examiners.

Auditors also disclosed that BTC failed to issue official receipts to cover the transactions.

Further, COA said the Bids and Awards Committee resolution of award was found to be “fabricated to facilitate payment of disbursement vouchers.”

“Price quotations supposedly submitted by different dealers in sealed envelopes appear to have been filled by one and the same person due to similar handwriting on the quotations,” the ND records indicated.

Tumang appealed the ND, arguing that there has been ‘no iota of evidence” that would evidence conspiracy between Mexico officials and the construction firm.

However, the SAT declared it did never held Tumang liable for conspiracy with the winning bidder.

Instead, auditors implicated him for failing to do his job of exercising due diligence over fiscal matters of his municipality.

The COA CP upheld the issuance of the ND, pointing out that local officials were blamed for resorting to “splitting of contracts” which is prohibited under Republic Act 9184, the Government Procurement Act.

The panel stressed that splitting of contracts is usually resorted to in order to “avoid the circumvention of the requirements of law for public bidding and shopping.”

“In this case, the amount covered by each contract, exceeded the allowable threshold, which is P100,00000 for a fourth class municipality like Mexico, Pampanga, that should have required prior approval of the Head of Procuring Entity (HOPE) and be justified by the conditions provided under Section 48 of RA No. 9184,” explained the COA-CP.

It added: “Clearly, none of the conditions existed to qualify shopping as an alternative mode of procurement.”

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Swine fever scare downs Pampanga pork sales

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Hog raisers and meat producers in Pampanga reported a 75-percent drop in pork sales due to the African swine fever scare.

According to Toto Gonzales, spokesperson for the Pampanga Swine Producers Association (PSPA), their members have been suffering from low sales since last week even if Pampanga is still largely unaffected by the animal disease.

In a meeting with Gov. Dennis Pineda and agriculture officials on Monday, Gonzales said prices of pork also dropped to P100 per kilo from P127 last week.

PSPA has sustained a P15-billion industry, with its commercial farms producing a minimum of 1,500 hogs a day for the domestic market. It directly employs more than 1,600 workers.

To address the glut, PSPA has proposed supplying seven Pampanga-based large meat processing companies that import their pork.

These have stopped buying from countries with cases of African swine fever.

Pineda has agreed to organize a meeting between PSPA members and meat processors.

In Candaba town in Pampanga, backyard hog raisers still have 5,000 hogs to dispatch but they refuse to cull these at a compensation cost of P3,000 each from the government, according to Victoria Sandoval, representative of small hog raisers.

           The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday confirmed cases of swine fever in several areas in Central Luzon.

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4 NPA rebels surrender to Nueva Ecija police

By Ric Sapnu

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Four communist rebels surrendered to the Nueva Ecija police on Monday. 

Col. Victor Leon Rosete, Nueva Ecija police director, identified the rebel returnees as Villaflor Felix, 70, former secretary of the Alyansang Magbubukid ng Gitnang Luzon; Reynaldo Sobrepena, 56, a member of the Hukbong Bayan;  Jaime Gabres, former assistant secretary of the Samahang Magsasaka, and Armando Cajucom.

Rosete said the surrenderees did not turn over any firearm.

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