Baguio border restrictions on despite Benguet’s opposition

BAGUIO CITY – Despite opposition from Benguet folks, officials and netizens, the city government imposed border restrictions in the towns of La Trinidad, Tuba, Tublay and Sablan effective Nov. 26 to Dec. 4.
    According to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the restrictions were imposed to control the spread of Covid-19 after meeting with mayors of the four towns at the Convention Center on Nov. 25 at the Baguio Convention Center.
    They included mayors Romeo Salda of La Trinidad, Manuel B. Munar Jr. of Sablan, Victor Palangdan Jr. of Itogon and Clarita. P. Sal-ongan of Tuba.
    Baguio City Councilor Vladimir Cayabas said National Economic Development Authority Cordillera director Milagros Rimando and Baguio Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan attended the closed-door meeting wherein it was agreed only an ID and medical clearance are needed at border checkpoints.
    Members of media outfits were not allowed to cover the meeting but were given permission to interview the officials after the meeting.
    Magalong said after the meeting with BLISTT mayors they have arrived at an understanding on the border control issue.
    The mayor said they resolved to settle their differences and to regard the misunderstanding caused by the issue as a "lesson learned" so that henceforth local policies of such impact will be extensively discussed and decided on collectively by the local chief executives themselves.
    Magalong’s advisory had created controversy among Baguio and Benguet officials who opposed border restrictions.
    Benguet provincial board members urged the Baguio City Government to recall Magalong's travel restriction order.
    In Resolution 2020-797, the 15 board members expressed support to the appeal of the people and officials of Benguet to recall the advisory of the City of Baguio on temporary restricting access between Baguio City and the Municipalities of La Trinidad, Tuba, Tublay, Sablan.
    Vice Gov. Johnny Waguis said the long cue of residents acquiring medical clearance were burdensome.
    The resolution added residents of the province experienced additional burden just to access medical and essential necessities, or to transact business in the city because of the need to take long queues during hot and at times rainy afternoon just to secure a medical clearance.
    "The province does not in any way oppose a ramped up Covid-19 testing as it is indeed a tool in the monitoring and assessment of the effectivity of current policies to fight the pandemic, however, policies such as the restricted access of residents of the municipalities of La Trinidad, Tuba, Tublay and Sablan to the city of Baguio must have scientific basis," the resolution read.
    In this case, the restricted entry must be based on data such as residents of the four Benguet towns area contributing to the spike of cases in Baguio.
    Due to the influx of applicants for medical certificate for travel to Baguio City at the Provincial Health Office in La Trinidad, the stakeholders were advised to go to private doctors and the Provincial Temporary Quarantine Facility in Barangay Wangal to claim medical certificates.
    The required document when entering Baguio City was deemed valid for five days from the date of issuance but following Magalong’s meeting with Benguet mayors, it was agreed medical clearance will be valid for duration of the border restriction.
    Travel restriction of Baguio City was issued last Nov. 19 and later amended with a medical certificate as a requirement effective Nov. 26 until Dec. 4, 2020.
    In the city advisory on temporary restricted access between Baguio and four Benguet towns, it stated that series of dialogues were held with the provincial government, together with the Office of the Civil Defense, Dept. of the Interior and Local Government and the Regional Task Force for Covid-19.
    It added the Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay local chief executives and Gov. Melchor Diclas approved the arrangement of ramping up testing operations, ingress, egress of constituents of Baguio be temporarily restricted.
    The appeal of the Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force La Trinidad to retract the advisory was followed by the appeal of Diclas together with the four mayors of La Trinidad, Tuba, Tublay and Sablan and Benguet lawmaker Eric Go Yap.
Mayor Munar told newsmen there were no series of meetings before the issuance of the advisory of the city.
    Some Benguet officials said such dialogues did not happen. The La Trinidad Municipal Council also made a resolution opposing the border restriction.
    Despite these, Magalong said strict control measures being implemented at borders with the neighboring municipalities of La Trinidad, Tuba, Tublay and Sablan will scale up Covid-19 control measures including testing capacity and pinpointing at-risk sectors in these towns for better disease management.
    Magalong issued an advisory dated Nov.19 temporarily restricting the access in these towns for 14 days from Nov. 21 to Dec. 4. 
    After his meeting with Benguet mayors, it was agreed restriction will start Nov. 26 to Dec. 4.
    He said the advisory was made after health authorities reportedly expressed concern over rise in severe cases the previous weeks, prompting public and private health practitioners to seek enforcement of stringent restrictions to the extent of proposing a “two-week timeout” in the city to prevent further spread of the virus, especially among  vulnerable sectors.
    The health sector reportedly also pushed for the implementation of strict border controls for La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay (LISTT) residents aside from the immediate dispatch of inspection teams, which will monitor compliance with minimum public health standards.
    While Covid-19 cases in Baguio were higher compared to nearby municipalities, Magalong said border restriction was meant to mitigate the spread of infection by limiting inter-municipal movement.

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Despite Covid-19, Baguio night market opens Dec 1

BAGUIO CITY – Despite threat of Covid-19 transmission, the night market here, a popular destination for tourists and locals will reopen on Dec. 1.
    Mayor Benjamin Magalong gave the go signal for the reopening of the market here along Harrison Road, subject to stringent Covid-19 health protocols.
    Baguio market superintendent Fernando Ragma Jr. said repainting and fixing of lighting systems started in the area by the City Engineering Office.
    Ragma said operational guidelines were submitted to the mayor for his approval.
    As proposed, operation time will be from 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. as agreed with city police director Col. Allen Rae Co.
    Only 50 percent will be allowed to open per week.
    Vendors will be divided into two groups for them to vend alternately.
    There will be a total of 481 concessionaires (433 dry goods and 48 food). The stall measurement was adjusted from 1.5×1.5 meters to 2×2 meters.
    Health and safety protocols have been crafted with the Baguio City Market Authority task force and the City Health Services Office Sanitation Division under engineer Charles Carame.
    Each vendors’ block will have its own health protocol officer to assist city workers in implementing health protocol policies and laws.
    Ragma said they will engage vendors and concerned agencies to ensure the smooth reopening of the night market.
    Training and orientation of the block leaders will also be conducted to guide them in proper implementation of the health protocols. 

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Bontoc allows buses to resume operations

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Bontoc Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force (MIATF) has decided to allow resumption of operation of provincial buses plying from Bontoc outside Mountain Province.
    This was the consensus of the MIATF, headed by Mayor Franklin Odsey, during a meeting on Nov. 23 at the municipal capitol. 
    But the MIATF said resumption of operation of provincial buses must still be with the strict enforcement of health protocols and LTFRB guidelines. 
    Odsey said two provincial bus companies signified their intent to resume operations.
    These were D’Rising Sun Transport System plying the Bontoc-Baguio route, and CODA Lines Corporation plying Bontoc-Cubao route.
    Odsey said he coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regional office endorsing said provincial bus companies to be given approval to operate.
    The mayor added entry and exit of individuals in the municipality will also be monitored through passenger manifest to be submitted by the bus operator.
    He added the passenger manifest will be of great help in the conduct of effective and efficient contact tracing, should it be needed. 
    Memorandum circular 051 – 2020 of the Dept. of Transportation – LTFRB stipulated operators of provincial routes must ensure their units must be registered and with valid Personal Passenger Insurance Policy, and must be equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), to ensure monitoring of movement of the unit. 
    Prior to boarding at designated terminals, passengers must present a travel authority issued by the PNP within 48 hours prior to departure; valid ID as proof of residency and place of origin, age and workplace or school; written consent to undergo COVID-19 testing and/ or quarantine as may be required by the LGU either at the point of origin or destination and other documents as may be required by current IATF and LGU guidelines. 
    Relative to this, the guidelines imposed by the Bontoc LGU for those who will be coming home or entering the municipality remains in effect. All coming from outside Mountain Province must secure travel authority from the local PNP of their point of origin and updated medical clearance certificate from the local health office of their point of origin; must secure certificate of acceptance from the Bontoc MIATF; submit themselves for triage at the basement (mezanin) of the Bontoc municipal capitol and complete the 14-day self –quarantine. 
    Operators of provincial buses were also required to comply with the conditions for operations as stipulated in the LTFRB memorandum circular.
    These to ensure the safety of the passengers, drivers, and conductors; prevent spread of Covid-19 and hasten efficient and effective contact tracing, should it be needed. 
    Meanwhile, tourism activities in the municipality were still suspended, except for residents of Bontoc, Mountain Province. 

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Pangasinan town folks fear for lives as NPA, army clash

By Lizle Basa Inigo and Venus May H. Sarmiento

MANGATAREM, Pangasinan – A fierce encounter between the New People’s Army and the military here on Nov.  24 had residents fearing for their lives.
    Mangatarem Mayor Ramil P. Ventenilla expressed alarm over the encounter that broke out at around 5 a.m.
    Footages of the encounter went viral that instilled fear among the people who were afraid of being caught in the crossfire between about 40 heavily armed members of Komiteng Larangang Gerilya (KLG) and soldiers of the 702nd Brigade near the boundary with Tarlac.
    It was reported that the military deployed howitzer cannons to provide support for its ground troops, firing at least six rounds at around 7 a.m.
    Meanwhile a military report said hot pursuit operation was underway to hunt down members of the NPA group.
    There was still no reported casualty as of press time.
    The military dispatched some personnel in Barangay Andangin in Mangatarem in the encounter site.
    Army soldiers seized the NPA camp after the 30-minute firefight that erupted early Tuesday morning.
    In a report released by the Northern Luzon Command, the engaged scout unit was confirming intelligence reports from indigenous peoples living close to the camp about NPA presence.
    Brigadier General Audrey Pasia, commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade who supervised the operations, said his soldiers requested for artillery fire support after finding themselves outnumbered against an estimated 40 heavily armed communist terrorists hiding in the mountains of Barangay Lawak Langka.
    “Our forces are still scouring the area.  Additional forces were flown in by helicopters to provide close air support and reinforce the engaged troops,” Brig. Gen. Pasia said in the statement.
    Follow on forces and K-9 assets have been deployed to conduct pursuit operations against the other fleeing NPAs while checkpoints have been established along possible exit routes, he added.
    Major General Alfredo Rosario, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, said government soldiers were prepared to engage the NPA in clashes.
    Meanwhile, Nolcom commander Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. expressed optimism that this encounter will make the remaining NPA guerillas to choose peace over conflict, avail of government grants under the Enhanced - Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and lead normal lives together with their families.

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Isabela bocap nabbed for slay

MALLIG, Isabela -- A barangay councilor tagged as the No.1 most wanted person was arrested here in Barangay Trinidad.
    Police Capt. Frances Littaua, Isabela PPO information officer, said Gabriel Sambrano, 28 , a barangay councilor and resident of the barangay was arrested on Wednesday for murder.

Capt. Clarence Labasan and Highway Patrol Group’s Maj. Rey  Sales, arrested the accused by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Randy B. Bulwayan, acting presiding judge of RTC Branch 23, Roxas, Isabela for murder docketed under CC no. 23-3965-20 with no bail recommended. 

Sambrano was brought to the Mallig police station. – Liezle Basa Inigo

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2 nabbed for P2.4-M MJ from Benguet

TUBLAY, Benguet – Two men from Cavite, who were trying to transport P2.4-million worth of marijuana bricks, were intercepted here by police.
    Benguet police director Col. Elmer Ragay identified the arrested suspects as Jevie Malipot Pabia, 34, and Rommel Manuel Barrientos,39, both residents of Dasmarinas, Cavite.
    Ragay said, personnel of Tublay MPS were conducting a Covid-19 quarantine checkpoint here in Sitio Betwag, Caponga at about 2 p.m. on Nov. 20, when they received a text message from a member of the Barangay Ambongdolan peace action team that there were two suspicious-looking men in a white van that could pass by the area.
    Minutes after, a spotter saw a white van, but it slowed down several meters from the checkpoint, and even attempted to make a U-turn.
    But the spotter was quick to react and approached the van along with police.
    The police inspected the Travel Authority of the passengers, and found it was out of jurisdiction.
    The passenger then rushed to the second seat of the van in an attempt to cover up something with a black garbage bag and hide something.
    The police asked the passenger to alight from the vehicle and open the side door of the van which he complied.
    The police personnel saw a white sack covered with a black garbage bag at the second seat of the van.
    Ragay said a K9 was brought in to sniff out the vehicle, and found that the contents of the black bag were 20 tubes containing marijuana leaves.
    The tubes weighed one kilo each, and were estimated to have a total worth of P2.4 million.
    The suspects and the confiscated items were brought to Tublay Municipal Police Station for filing of a case for the transportation of marijuana.
 
 

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Baguio City Council backs ‘academic freeze’

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – The City Council backed the call of student councils in the city for an academic ease due to difficulties of students due to onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses in Cagayan, Isabela, Pampanga, and other heavily affected provinces in Luzon.
    In a resolution, city legislators stated that even if not all of the students are involved in the ongoing relief efforts in heavily devastated areas, the time for a break is much needed for them to settle their backlog of requirements and time of rest and healing.
    The council said by having an academic ease or freeze, the said efforts could be maximized and most importantly is to allow the students enrolled in the different universities and colleges in the city to recover and be able to once again join and attend their online classes.
     The council claimed that Typhoon Ulysses inflicted extensive damage to Luzon last week, whipping destructive winds and dumping torrential rainfall over a wide area, triggering extensive flooding in several areas, including the Bicol Region, Metro Manila and Cagayan Valley that led to further displacement and increase the hardships of vulnerable people that were previously devastated by Supertyphoon Rolly and the prevailing Corona Virus Disease (COVID) 2019.
    According to the council, few days after the onslaught of the weather disturbance, various provinces in Luzon are still flooded and are continuously asking for help and assistance in recovery and relief operations specifically in the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Rizal and other similarly affected provinces.
    The council disclosed that given that in all universities and colleges in the city have a homogenous composition of students who come from different provinces all over the country, many are still unable to resume their online classes.
    The council said in the city, there are students from the flood-stricken areas due to the typhoon and it is only proper for the higher education institutions to suspend the classes to ensure that the weight of online classes will not add to their anxiety, and for them to be able to focus more on rebuilding with their families.
    The body said even if the schools will continue with their schedule of classes and excuse those affected students, it is clear that many of them will be left behind and their work load will only heavier and catching up with deadlines might be difficult on their part, especially after being affected by a calamity.
    The council said most of the youth are engaged with relief efforts to help in the recovery of Cagayan, Isabela and Aurora as most of the relief efforts that are underway online are initiated by the youth, and it is clear that despite the online classes and pandemic, the youth are still playing a part when it comes to helping those who are in need.

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Ifugao cops give P134-K to typhoon victims

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – The Ifugao Provincial Police Office, in line with "Baddang Ifugao" donated P134,300 as financial assistance to families of  victims of Typhoon Ulysses in the province.
    With the need of quick assistance, Ifugao police banded together and took part by contributing portion of their salary worth P200 each to help the families.
    The cash donations were personally handed over to the families of the 13 victims of landslides, wherein, 11 were from the landslide in Banaue and one each in Hungduan and Mayoyao towns.
    Also, other cash contributions collected were used to buy rice and assorted grocery items distributed to other people affected by typhoon.
    On the other hand, intensive search and retrieval operation is still ongoing for the missing person identified as Clever Piog in the landslide area at Sitio Nabito, Banaue, Ifugao.
    Relief operations are being conducted through collection, hauling and distribution of goods to affected individuals and families in Ifugao. province.
 
 

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25 Abra UGMOs out support to CPP-NPA

By Xandro Alexander D. Carino

PILAR, Abra – Twenty five members of the underground mass organization (UGMO) from three barangays in this town withdrew their support to the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
    The Militia ng Bayan members from barangays  Nagcanasan, Ocup, and Gapang  took their oath of allegiance declaring their full support and cooperation to the government’s ‘Whole-of-Nation Approach’ to end local communist armed conflict  in the country last Nov. 11.

The 81st Infantry Battalion, 1504th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion headed by commander Capt. Daryl and Pilar LGU led by Vice Mayor Jaja Josefina S. Disono facilitated the surrender of the UGMO members.

Major Renante Carsano of the 81st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army during surrender rites urged those present to take responsibility to end local armed conflict.

The barangay local government unit of barangay Nagcanasan also declared the CPP-NPA and other CTGs as persona-non-grata in the barangay through resolution no. 13 series of 2020.

A persona non grata tarpaulin was unveiled during the activity, which was also attended by barangays officials, and police personnel. – PIA Abra

 

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Ilocos Sur: 108 Covid cases, six in Tagudin

By April M. Bravo

TAGUDIN, Ilocos Sur – This province now has a total of 108 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 91 recoveries and one death as of Nov. 23.
    Based on the latest Covid-19 tracker of the province, areas with active Covid-19 cases included Candon City with five, Sta. Cruz with two and one each from Lidlidda, Sugpon and Banayoyo.
    But six new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in Tagudin last week.
    These included IS-C103, a 30-year-old male tricycle driver, asymptomatic from Barangay Baracbac, the husband of Patient IS-105.
    He had no comorbidities nor travel history.
    IS-C104 was an asymptomatic 68-year-old female from Barangay Baracbac with controlled hypertension and no travel history.
    IS-C105 was a 31-year-old female, asymptomatic also from Baracbac with no comorbidities.
    She works as a technician at the National Tobacco Administration-Candon Branch.
    IS-C106 was a 61-year-old female from Barangay Bitalag with hypertension but with no travel history.
    She developed mild symptoms (colds and hoarseness of voice) on Nov. 21.
    IS-C107 was a 37-year-old male LGU utility worker, asymptomatic from Baracbac with no comorbidities.
    IS-C108 wasa 74-year-old male from Barangay Becques with no travel history and no comorbidities.
    He developed mild symptoms (intermittent dry cough) on Nov. 21.
    All six patients were confined at the Ilocos Sur District Hospital-Sta. Lucia, said Tagudin Mayor Roque Verzosa Jr.
Verzosa said the new Tagudin Town Hall was disinfected to ensure protection and safety of both the transacting public and the officials and employees of the local government unit.
    Delivery of basic services and regular office transactions resumed on Nov. 25.
    However, the Rural Health Unit, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Economic Enterprise (Yellow Market) was available for its usual services.
    Verzosa issued executive order no. 65 s. of 2020 on Nov. 22 placing Baracbac, Becques and Bitalag villages under zoning containment strategy.
    Meanwhile, the provincial government of Ilocos Sur continues to implement measures to further curb its COVID-19 infections.
    The new guidelines on the implementation of modified general community quarantine in Ilocos Sur are contained in the Executive Order No. 43 s. of 2020 issued by Governor Ryan Luis Singson on November 20. (JCR/AMB/PIA Ilocos Sur)
 

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DOH: Covid-19 cases down in Cordillera, recoveries up

By Carlito C. Dar

BAGUIO CITY-- The Cordillera’s Covid-19 active cases are now going down while  recovery of patients is up in the region.
Department of Health Center for Health and Development - Cordillera Assistant Regional Director Amelita Pangilinan, in the Dagyaw 2020 Open Government Virtual Town Hall meeting Tuesday reported that as of their Nov. 22 data, Covid – 19 active cases in Cordillera are down to 431 or equivalent to 8.11 percent while recoveries are now 4,823 or around 91 percent of the 5,312 recorded confirmed cases in the region. 
    Pangilinan said peak in cases was recorded in Oct. 18 to 24 but going down the past two weeks.
    She said clustering of cases was noted in the mining sector, economic and health sectors and due to workplace to household infections and vice versa.
    Increase in cases was also attributed to lodging (cramping), gatherings, and mobility of people.  
    Another factor was the aggressive community testing facilitated by the NTF Covid– 19 in partnership with the Bases Conversion Development Authority, she added.
     DOH Cordillera data also showed case fatality rate in the region was 1.1% with 48 deaths recorded.
    Most were elderly (16 - 60 to 69 years old and 20 - 70 years old and above) with co-morbidities.
    Pangilinan said the health department was calling for public support in instilling discipline and strict adherence to minimum health requirements and safety protocols needed to protect themselves, their families and the community.
    All  of us need to have an active role and become BIDA  as in  “BIDA ang Solusyon”  which stands for Bawal ang walang face mask; I-sanitize ang mga kamay; Dumistantsya ng isang metro; at Alamin ang Tamang Impormasyon,  she  said.
     The 2020 Dagyaw virtual town hall meeting was the first of the series of four regional dialogues dubbed “Usapang Ekonomiya: Mga Pananaw sa Paglago ng Estado ng Ekonomiya ng Kordilyera sa Panahon ng Pandemya “. This event is led by the Department of Interior and Local Government.
     Aside from the Covid – 19 regional situationer, DILG also presented its “Displina Muna” campaign.
Resource speakers   were   Dept. of Agriculture   OIC regional director Cameron Odsey on the region’s agriculture sector, DOLE – CAR on Employment, Dept. of Trade and Industry OIC assistant regional director Juliet Lucas on the livelihood sector especially on micro, small and medium enterprises, Dept. of Tourism  regional director Jovita Ganongan on tourism updates, and  Land Transportation Office  regional director Francis Ray Almora  on public transport and mobility.
    DILG Cordillera assistant regional director Araceli San Jose, in closing the forum, expressed gratitude to resource speakers, reactors and   the public that actively participated in the Dagyaw as she outlined the importance of open and participatory governance especially in this time of pandemic.
     “The conduct of Dagyaw is crucial especially during this health crisis. It is important for us to connect with you and inform you of the different efforts that the government is doing to assist you in this time of need”, San Jose said. – PIA Cordillera

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Bigtime druggie, 2 nabbed, P.5 million shabu seized

21 wanted persons arrested 

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Regional police arrested 24 wanted persons of which three were listed as top most wanted in Cordillera.
    This, as a top drug personality and two others were captured with half a million worth of illegal drugs were seized in anti-illegal drug operations in Baguio City on Nov. 23.

    Alleged bigtime drug personality Joshua Stephen Aluyon Alsisto aka Pidot, was arrested at Unit 9 of no. 12 Barangay Imelda including his companion Denise Gayle Serrano Valencia.

     Prior to their arrest, a concerned citizen phoned authorities that an alleged pot session was ongoing in said place.

    Combined forces of Legarda Police Station (PS5) and Marcos Highway Police Station and PDEA-Baguio responded and arrested the suspectrs.

     Confiscated from the suspects were A Cal. 45 handgun, magazine with inserted 10 bullets, box containing 40 bullets, 65 grams of suspected shabu valued at P442,000 and assorted drug paraphernalia. 

    Another drug personality named Rodolfo Flores Resurrection, 31, welder, of Bauang La Union and a resident of Purok 5 Santo Niño, Irisan, Baguio City was apprehended in a buy-bust operation at Teachers Village, Santo Tomas Proper Nov. 24.

    Four sachets of suspected shabu worth P6,800 were confiscated by Marcos Highway and Kennon Road police, City Intelligence Unit and PDEA.

    All arrested drug suspects are now in the custody of concerned police stations while charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) will be filed against them in court.

     This, as police arrested 24 wanted persons of which three were listed as top most wanted in Cordillera.

    Out of these nabbed Nov. 16 to 20, Baguio City Police Office recorded the highest number of arrests with 10, followed by Benguet with six, Abra, five and Mountain Province with three.

    TMWDs arrested were two in Abra. 

    Resty Tombaga Bingcan who was indicted for acts of lasciviousness was captured in Tui, Daguioman on Nov. 16 while Luciano Pugrad Tamo Jr who was charged for rape was caught in Poblacion Langangilang on Nov. 17.

    Bingcan had bail of P80, 000 while Tamo was denied bail.

    The no. 10 TMWP of Station-2, BCPO identified as Shaun Marvy Ancheta Meneses charged for theft was nabbed in Tam-awan, Pinsao Proper, Baguio City on Nov. 16.

    Meneses had recommended bail bond of P80,000 for his temporary liberty.

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PMA told: Suspend ‘no decal, no entry’ in 3 Baguio villages

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – City officials urged the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to suspend its ‘no decal, no entry’ policy in areas of its military reservations such as barangays Camp Allen, Upper Market Subdivision and St. Joseph Village.  
    Under resolution no. 603, series of 2020, signed by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, city legislators reiterated suspension of the PMA’s  ‘no decal, no entry’ policy should be extended not only in the military reservation at Fort del Pilar and barangay Camp Allen but also to similarly situated barangays within such reservations like Upper Market Subdivision and St. Joseph Village barangays.
    Earlier, resolution no. 527, series of 2020, reiterated resolution no. 022, series of 2019, to the PMA to suspend implementation of its controversial ‘no decal, no entry’ camp policy at Camp Henry T. Allen which is greatly affecting residents of the barangay hosting the military camp.
    The council proposed the creation of a grievance committee with PMA representatives in each of the foresaid barangays to resolve disputes arising between the residents and the Academy concerning their respective property rights and interests in the said areas.
    According to the council, the composition of the grievance committees in each of the said barangays with the PMA shall be relayed to the City Council within 7 working days from the approval of the aforesaid resolution for monitoring, among other purposes the council may deem necessary to undertake.
    Copies of the aforesaid resolution will be transmitted to the offices of barangays St. Joseph Village, Camp Allen and Upper Market Subdivision and the PMA Superintendent for their information and appropriate action.
    Concerned residents in said barangays previously complained to city officials on the strict enforcement of the ‘ no decal, no entry’  policy by the PMA within the different military reservations in the city covering the barangays that impede the smooth flow of vehicular traffic in their places during certain hours of the day and night.
    However, PMA authorities said strict implementation of the ‘no decal, no entry’ policy for vehicles entering military camps in the city located in said barangays was part of stringent security measures being enforced in such facilities as part of the military’s standard operating procedures to avert the occurrence of any untoward incident that will compromise the security of the important government facilities.
     The council said the concerned committee will closely monitor compliance of the PMA to the request to ensure smooth traffic flow in said barangays and for residents to be able to freely move inside and outside the camps with compliance to the agreed conditions for them to present proper identification of their being residents of the barangays.

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Top Ilocos drug leader, 3 nabbed in buy-bust

By Liezle Basa Inigo

SAN JUAN, La Union -- A notorious drug leader and three others were arrested in a buy-bust operation here in Barangay Urbiztondo on Wednesday. 
    Police Regional Office 1 director Brig. Gen.  Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. reported to Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Debold M. Sinas on Thursday that the arrested suspects were Christian Casugay Rivera, 29; Harvey Munar Singson, 40; Medrick Arafiles Dela Cruz, 21; and Michelle Leria Luken, 23.
    Rivera was tagged as the leader of the Rivera Drug Group operating in Region 1 and was a subject of manhunt operations.
    The operatives conducted a buy-bust operation against Rivera for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165 by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest issued by Presiding Judge Victor O Conception, RTC Branch 66, San Fernando City, La Union.
    As the warrant of arrest was being served, one of the suspects, identified as Harvey M Singson, fired at the arresting team prompting the operative to fire back. No casualties were reported.  
    Azurin said the operatives seized from the suspects one piece plastic sachet containing suspected shabu; P1,000 peso bill (marked money) two Uzi firearm; one hand grenade; four pieces caliber .22 pistols loaded with magazines and ammunition; two caliber .45  pistols loaded with magazines and ammunition; one 375 replica revolver; assorted magazines and live ammunition; three handheld radio; six cellphones; 21 pcs heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu weighing 20 grams and with an estimated value of P136,000; a digital weighing scale, and different drug paraphernalia.
    The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) also conducted an immediate investigation on the place of incident and was able to recover one (1) unit caliber 9 mm Taurus pistol loaded with 6 ammunition, 4 cartridge cases of 9mm, 5 fired cartridge case for cal 5.56 and 1 deformed fire bullet.
    “This is not the end of our efforts. We will strengthen our operation to apprehend drug personalities,’’ Azurin said. 

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La Trinidad opens 10 tourist spots to locals

By Susan Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The La Trinidad local government has opened   some  of the town’s tourist sites to  residents of the  province   well as from  Baguio City  to strike a balance between health and economy.
    The Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19 approved the opening of identified 10 sites provided  health safety protocols are in place and  observed at all times.
    The 10 sites now open are Mount Costa in Puguis, Mt. Kalugong in Tawang, Avongnen Romy in Lower Wangal,   Bell Church in Km. 3, Balili; Lily of the Valley in Ampasit, Puguis, Cosmic Farm in Caban, Beckel, Living Gifts in Alno, Admirals Farm Park in Lamtang, Puguis; Gardennen Ines in Shilan, Darjane's Garden in Shilan, Benguet State University Orchidarium, and La Trinidad Orchidarium Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Betag.
    Municipal Tourism Action Officer Valred Olsim said to ensure safety of tourists,   inspection was   done to look into the installation of directional signs for physical distancing, sanitation, designation of safety officers, among others.   Certificate of compliance to health safety protocols in the tourist sites are in place.
    We know that economy is not just economy but the lack of economic activities affects families, livelihood, relationships, and even child development, Olsim said. “We know that Covid-19 is real but we also know that mental health is real,” he added.
    The tourist sites also serve as venue for mental health wellness which is equally a serious concern especially in these times of pandemic, said Olsim.  
    The local government urged those interested to make an advance booking to regulate number of visitors at a given time.
    Adherence to health and safety protocols or minimum health standards is a must and crowding should be avoided within the sites.
    Visitors are required to present health declaration form secured from the point of origin and identification card as proof of residency.
    For further details, visit the local government facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lgulatrinidad/posts/3719636474767921. -- PIA Benguet

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150 families need relocation from N Vizcaya erosion site

After 10 people killed 

By Liezle Basa Inigo and Ben Moses Ebreo

QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya – After 10 people were killed in a landslide here in Sitio Kinalabasa, Sitio Compound, and Sitio Bit-ang, Barangay Runrunu, the local government said there was need to relocate other families to prevent the recurrence of the tragedy.
    “May usapan sa local government na naghahanap sila ng relocation site nila (There’s discussion at the local government, and they’re looking for a relocation site),” said Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director Col. Ranser A. Evasco.
    He said the local government was discussing the immediate evacuation of residents in Barangay Runruno to prevent the same tragedy that killed 10 people recently due to heavy rain of typhoon Ulysses.
    There are still 150 families living in the area, and their lives could also be in danger.
    It was earlier reported that Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Edgar Martin had already warned that residents of Sitio Bit-ang, Barangay Runruno should immediately leave the geo-hazard area.
    He also noted that the landslide could not be attributed to the mining project of the FCF minerals corporation, and said the landslide was a natural occurrence because the mountain soil had already become so soft.
    A dialogue is expected in the coming days among the DENR officials of Quezon town and Nueva Vizcaya to address the alternative means for the evacuation of the affected people in the area.
    Meanwhile, Gov. Carlos Padilla recently praised efforts of rescuers who helped in retrieving the bodies of the landslide victims at barangay Runruno.
    Padilla said the retrieval operations for the landslide victims' bodies were conducted faster than expected because of the systematic movement and efforts among the rescuers.
    "This effort should be shared to other Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officers so that they can also adopt it in their communities. Our gratitude to all of you," he said during the recent meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council at the Pasalubong Center here.
Col. Ranser Evasco, police provincial director said retrieval operations lasted for more than a day with the help of their Special Action Force  teams, Philippine Army, and rescuers from the Nueva Vizcaya Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and local government unit of Quezon and FCF Minerals Corporation, among others.
Evasco said the fatalities were Julie Ann Tanesa, Ben Junior Bulayo, Dexter Kurt Nah-oy, Cresencia Nah-oy, Francisco Taguiling Napadawan. Jomar Cumihang Ohdon, Noel Tayaban Buyaco, Mark Conie Mangandat Binwag and two unidentified cadavers.
The injured victims were Jaymar Tanesa and Lily Tanesa who are now being treated at a hospital in Solano town.
He said most of the landslide victims were illegal settlers within the geohazard area who came from Quirino and Ifugao provinces. – With a report from PIA 2-Nueva Vizcaya
 

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Addressing corruption by giving money to tipsters

EDITORIAL

President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he would pay up to P100,000 to anyone who would tip him off about corrupt officials and anomalous government projects.
    “I am asking all of you. Those who do not have permanent jobs, particularly those hired under the casual scheme, all you have to do is to let me know and I will have a prize for you,” Duterte said in a mix of Filipino and English during a recorded public address Tuesday night.
    “If you have a big, big syndicate, or a ghost project that belongs to the director...son of a bitch, I will give you P50,000. Just whisper it to me, anybody.”
    The President said if the contract is huge, he would give the whistleblower even more.
    “I’ll give you P100,000 and I will keep your identity secret until I reach my grave,” he added.
    The reward offer is part of the Duterte administration’s intensified campaign against graft and corruption in the government.
    Duterte recently tasked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to carry out a bureaucracy-wide corruption probe as he vowed to zero in on corruption in the last two years of his term.
    Duterte warned corrupt officials that they are not indispensable.
    “Do not ever think that you are indispensable in the scheme of things in the government. There are many Filipino graduates who are honest,” he said.
    “A lot of people are out of work now, so those of you with government jobs, take care of your position. Do not allow even a dent of anomaly to go through your office,” he said.
    Duterte also read out the names of government personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Immigration, and Local Water Utilities Administration who were allegedly involved in anomalies within their respective agencies.
    On Monday night, he summoned suspended immigration officials in Malacañang and gave them a dressing-down.
    In an interview over state-run PTV-4, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said informants played a crucial role in combating corruption.
    “Our appeal to the public is, corruption will not stop unless you give us information,” he said.
    He also offered assurances that the identities of informants would not be revealed.
    Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, who heads the DOJ task force against corruption, said the rewards offered by the President would be given only for tips that actually lead to the filing of charges.
    Since the DOJ-led task force has no special funding for this purpose, Guevarra said he believes the rewards will be drawn from the President’s intelligence funds.
    “The President has the proper authority to draw from funds like that because it is a very legitimate matter,” he said.
    Nonetheless, Guevarra said he was surprised that the President announced “out of the blue” the reward offer on Tuesday night.
    He said the screening and filtering of such information would most likely be processed by his task force.
    Pundits can only wink with a knowing eye at these pronouncements considering the numerous cases of corruption like the multi-billion PhilHealth mess.  

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Unreachable ears of Duterte

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO
March L. Fianza

Corruption complaints do not reach the ears of President Duterte. That is comparable to the unreachable star that Chairman of the Board Frank Sinatra rendered in the “Impossible Dream”.
    Even while the President said Tuesday that he will give as much as P50K to P100K to the person who will whisper to him any illegal DPWH project, the problem is how an ordinary person can reach his ears.
    The President offered the reward money in order to help the Task Force Against Corruption (TFAC) in investigating corruption in government.
    All these times, presidents asked their constituents to report illegal acts in government offices but there has never been an instance when an ordinary person directly reported to the president about an anomaly.
    Quoting part of Duterte’s statement, he said, “If you know a big syndicate, a ghost project by an s._._. director, I will give you 50,000. Just whisper it to me, even if he’s your friend. If it involves huge contracts, don’t reveal your name. Just whisper to me about the project. I’ll give P100,000.”
    The President even said he would protect the tipsters’ identity, and that he would help them if they get harassed by the people involved in the project. In his own words he said “I will deal with the devil” and shoot them legally.
    “I will keep your identity secret until I reach my grave. And if ever they find out about you and harass you, just tell me…”         Easier said than done. Certainly, all those who heard his announcement on TV were all asking how they could whisper in his ears.
    There has to be a system that can work for the benefit of the ordinary complainant. The government launched the “8888” citizens’ complaint center but it has brought about some disappointment to complainants whose concerns were not addressed.
     In the process, it showed that one’s complaint received by the “8888” center was referred to the concerned government agency. It is asking a person who is the subject of the complaint to resolve the problem.
    Obviously, a complaint lodged against an official of that office may just find its way into the trash can. If that is the process, then there is no guarantee that a complaint against an erring government official will be addressed.
    Corruption has many faces depending on what government agency is involved. The common respondents that we read in the papers are the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine National Police and the DPWH, among many others.
    The ways to committing illegal acts are different depending again on the patrons. For example, the BOC has the smugglers; the police have the “lords” of gambling and drugs while the DPWH has the contractors.
    The news about corruption in the DPWH is common, and so with the annual allegations of insertions of lawmakers in the national budget. But what concerns the public is the worth of the project and the percentage of the amount spent on it, in addition to the percentages distributed in the process.
    The contractors and the government engineers know this so that it should not be hard for Sec. Mark Villar to clean the DPWH by identifying and suing the corrupt officials involved if he wants to.
    That is why Sen. Ping Lacson described the Honor Roll in the list of appropriations in the House’s version of the P4.5-trillion 2021 budget bill as “Horror Roll” in last Wednesday’s interpellation.
    The senator revealed the details of the appropriations in the proposed General Appropriations Act (GAA) which included a congressional district in Davao with an appropriation of P15.351B; one district in Albay with P7.5B; one district in Abra with P3.75B and one district in Benguet with P7.9B.
    “Yan ang honor roll, Mr. President; horror roll,” Sen. Lacson ended his interpellation. But the question in the mind of every senator who heard his report is: How much percentage of said amounts will really be spent on the projects?
    I pity Benguet. The news in the grapevine that a district is allotted so much funding that it cannot even implement is rooted in politics and the dream to occupy a position that one cannot win in an election, but one can buy. Benguet voters should think many times over.
    I think I heard somebody say that many who are appointed or elected into government office are faced with temptations, surrender to it, use their positions and become corrupt but very rich. Although, there are some who retire morally.
    Corruption stories in government are not new as we read about them daily. Pray that it has not become ingrained in the system nor mixed in the bloodstream. Otherwise, it sustains the failure “to right the unrightable wrong” in Frank Sinatra’s dream.

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Symptomatic Covid- 19 cases up in Baguio

CITY HALL BEAT
Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Health workers have noted a marked increase in the number of symptomatic Covid-19 cases or walk-in patients who sought consult after experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms in the city.
    Statistics from the data center of the Contact Tracing operation center showed that symptomatic patients now comprise 12.8 percent of the total number of confirmed cases.
    Data analyst Mischelle Junio said this could be a cause of concern as it indicates an upward trend for random Covid-19 cases in the city.
    She said the cold weather may have started to factor in as expected and people have to double their efforts in strengthening their immune system.
    On the other hand, City Health Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo said the increasing number of symptomatics can be a good sign that people are aware of the symptoms and the need for prevention of the spread of the disease.
    "They seek consultation due to symptoms of cough, colds and fever and this helps in early detection of the disease," she said.
    As of Nov. 11, contact tracing remains as the top reason for finding confirmed cases in the city accounting for 65.9 percent of the total number of cases followed by expanded testing at 16.6 percent and other reasons (travel, medical procedure requirement etc.) at 4.18 percent.
    Junio said the fact that most of the city's cases were found through deliberate means like contact tracing and expanded testing and the reality that it has a high testing capacity had set off Baguio City from other localities most of which do not have high testing capacities and programs on contact tracing.
    "That is why we can't conclude that Baguio is more high risk than other local government units without taking into account the testing capacities of all of these places," she said.
                ***
With the sharp increase in Covid-19 deaths in the city in the past weeks, Mayor Benjamin Magalong advised persons with co-morbidities or pre-existing illnesses to seek early consult when experiencing symptoms.
    The mayor said most of those who died recently had underlying illnesses and were already in severe conditions when brought to hospitals.
    "We have to be proactive. Let's not wait for symptoms to get worse before bringing them to the hospital especially if they have other illnesses and are considered high risk because by that time, it might be too late," the mayor said.
    The mayor said they will come up with schemes to make medical consultations easily available to barangay residents including the setting up of a hotline in coordination with a group of doctors and enhancing monitoring of persons with known comorbidities in the barangay level and linking them with medical service providers.
    Said strategies will be announced once firmed up.
    The City Health Services Office under Dr. Rowena Galpo reported that half of the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in the city were recorded in October and five more deaths were recorded in the last seven days bringing the total to 33 as of Nov. 11.
    Hypertension, diabetes, heart and lung diseases are among the common comorbidities of Covid-19.
    Galpo said early consultation is the key to prevention of death.
    Adult Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Thea Pamela Cajulao of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center last October sounded alarm on the increasing number of severe COVID-19 cases in the city especially among the elderly and those with co-morbidities.
    “Remember that prevention is better than cure, but in instances that we cannot prevent it, early detection, treatment and isolation can help decrease the risk for mortality,” she advised.
                ***
Mayor Magalong and Dr. Galpo have debunked misconceptions about the Covid-19 tests.
    Some people have been peddling ideas that Covid-19 tests are a farce and that all illnesses even simple cough are being declared as Covid-19.
    The two officials said declaring a person as Covid-19 positive is not done on a whim but based on the result of Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, the gold standard test for Covid-19 which is a product of scientific studies.
    "Cough and colds are the most common symptom of Covid-19. In fact for most cases, these are the first signs of the disease and if one has them, there is a high index of suspicion because of the ongoing pandemic. But not all with cough had turned out Covid-19 positive as there are a lot with cough who tested negative of the virus," they said.
    On claims there is no need for testing and going to isolation facilities because Covid-19 has no specific cure and will fizzle out on its own, the two officials said: "If people do not subject themselves to tests, they have no way of knowing that they are carriers of the virus and thus are a threat to their family and associates. The same is true if they refuse to go to the designated facility despite having no suitable isolation space in their homes. They will be putting their families and friends in danger;
    "They may be healthy and able to withstand the virus but some of their family members, relatives or workmates who are elderly or have weak immune system or comorbidities may not."
    As a matter of procedure, asymptomatic or mild cases whose homes are not suited for isolation are brought to isolation facilities to halt their interaction with other people and prevent further transmission.
    Since there is no medicine for Covid-19 as yet, care for these patients is limited to relieving their mild symptoms if any with common medicines and boosting the immune system with enough rest and vitamin supplements if needed, Galpo said.
    On the other hand, those with severe and critical symptoms meanwhile are confined in hospitals and are administered more extensive care and treatment their conditions require.

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Travelling to Ilocos Sur? Here’s what you need to know

TRAVEL
Joyah Mae C. Quimoyog

VIGAN CITY -- The heritage province of Ilocos Sur will be opening its borders to Luzon residents this Nov. 15, however, the provincial tourism office clarifies that tourists’ trips won’t be as lax as their previous stays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to provincial tourism officer Michael Ryan Astom, one of the main requirements for tourists to enter the province is for them to present a negative RT-PCR test result dated within 48 hours from release prior to travel and must undergo Antigen Test upon arrival at the border.
    “In visiting the province of Ilocos Sur, you have to undergo RT-PCR test prior to travel at since hindi natin sila mabantayan dahil required na kung wala pa iyong result mo is you have to undergo home quarantine, so we require them to take Antigen Test upon arrival at the border,” Astom said.
    In addition, tourists must first book an itinerary they want to avail from a Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited tour and travel agent/operator.
    “Lahat ng magpapa-book sa mga travel agencies ay kailangang dumaan sa provincial tourism office at sa mga municipal tourism offices. At sa border, kailangan nilang ipakita ang confirmation voucher coming from a DOT-accredited travel agency, confirmed hotel booking, saved digital e-copy or printed issued SafePass QR Code, and then undergo screening or triage,” Astom said.
    According to Executive Order No. 41, series of 2020, issued by Gov. Ryan Luis V. Singson on Nov. 5, tourists/travelers who have relative/s in the province are not allowed to stay in the house of their relative/s.
    Tourist/traveler shall book and stay only on a DOT-authorized hotel/resort/villa, the EO states.
    Aside from these, tourists must present their identification cards, wear face masks and face shields, undergo thermal scanning, accomplish Health Declaration and Undertaking Form, then submit to Antigen Testing.
    If the Antigen test at the border yields a positive result, the tourist and/or all of its companion within the same vehicle shall return to their place of origin and shall be denied entry to the province.
    "Tourists will be accommodated by our tour guides. Gwardyado sila from their entry and exit at ang susundin lang nila ay iyong itinerary they have availed. Walang side trips and they are not allowed to go to the public markets and malls. Hindi very lax ang pagtanggap natin ng turista unlike before," he said.  
    “We will only allow 50 tourists per day and their Antigen and RT-PCR tests are only valid for a three-day itinerary, if they wish to extend their vacation, they have to undergo another Antigen test on the fourth day and again it is only valid for another three-day stay,” he added.
    Astom also assured that the provincial government is committed to the opening of the tourism industry in Luzon, so he said that individuals with high temperatures and/or feel sick, they will be brought to the nearest hospital and if a tourist tests positive for COVID-19, same as to a tourist who violates protocols, he or she will be transported out of the province immediately.
    “Kapag may nag-positive sa COVID-19 na turista, we will stop this,” he said.
    If a tourist destination and hotel/restaurant breaches quarantine protocols, their accreditation to operate will be revoked and will face certain sanctions such as penalties.
    Nevertheless, he guarantees that all the tourist spots including hotels and restaurants included in the itineraries are very much prepared for the opening of borders on November 15.
    “For the past few weeks, we’ve been going around the province to inspect ang mga tourist spots. We conducted ocular visits sa mga mago-open na tourist spots kung sila talaga ay ready na to open and if they are following the safety protocols issued by the IATF,” he said.
    The opening of the borders of Ilocos Sur to Luzon residents is the start of the implementation of the expanded corridor travel plan in line with the Ridge and Reef Travel Corridor Plan of the province of Ilocos Sur, which aims to balance the economy and provide livelihood to those who have been affected by the lockdown especially in the tourism industry such as the kutcheros or carriage drivers, tour guides, and pasalubong centers.
    "Kailangan po nating buksan ang borders natin sa mga turista dahil marami na tayong mga kababayan na nawalan ng trabaho dahil sa turismo lalo na mga kutchero, for eight months, wala silang kabuhayan. Para mabawasan ang paghihirap ng ating tourism sector kasi tayo ang hardly hit pero kahit ganun ay tayo ang unang babangon," Astom further added. -- PIA Ilocos Sur 

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