BuB projects in Sagada hit; bocaps air grievances

Double-funding, corruption issues surface 

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA Mountain Province – Implementers of projects under the government’s Bottom up Budgeting (BuB) were assailed by barangays officials saying they were not consulted as provided by law, even as allegations of double-funding of projects and corruption surfaced 

A recent gathering of barangay chairmen here said identification and prioritization of BuB projects under the national government was supposed to complemented by the National Anti-Poverty Commission in cooperation with the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The BuB is anchored on poverty alleviation. The  role of civil  society organizations and government on identifying development  projects of  their respective communities makes the  BuB scheme work  through  Local Poverty Reduction Alleviation Teams  (LPRATs)  to identify and prioritize projects and programs, sources said.

While this is the intention, barangay officials on different occasions here said they were unaware and uninformed of these projects identified and implemented in their territorial jurisdictions.

The BUB process ensures funding for development needs of localities in budget proposals of participating national government agencies and the process of project identification involves representatives from the government and CSOs.

BUB-listed projects are financed by various agencies. Roads, pathways and waterworks   are financed by the  Department of Interior and Local Government,  school-based  projects by the Department of  Education,  skills trainings by the  Technical  Skills  Development  Authority,    communal  irrigation systems by   Department of Agriculture,  tourism-related  projects by  Department of Tourism and micro enterprise projects by the Department of  Social Welfare and Development.

The process intends to provide funding for projects to provide basic social services, mitigate hunger, generate jobs, and disaster preparedness.

The question of barangay officials remain on their role in the identification of the very projects that affect their communities.

The Local Government Code states, “it is declared the policy of the State that the territorial and political subdivisions of the State shall enjoy genuine and meaningful local autonomy to enable them to attain their fullest development as self-reliant communities and make them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals. Toward this end, the State shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of decentralization whereby local government units shall be given more powers, authority, responsibilities, and resources”.

With the BuB process having left out barangay LGUs, the very principle of local autonomy and decentralization resulted to confusion and isolation of a basic structure in government mandated to look at their very own constituents and services their barangay needs, barangay officials here said.

Much as barangay LGUs conduct their respective barangay assemblies, identify their   issues and determine their respective needs and how to address these, the very identification of the LPRAT without their involvement comes as a disturbing occurrence if not a surprising shock to barangay local governance. 

Dagdag barangay officials as example, were surprised at a P1 million peso drainage system project to be implemented in their barangay and questioned where the location of the drainage project was and how it was identified as priority project.

They were also unaware of a P900, 000 waterworks project identified and projected for their community.

This was the case with other BuB projects. They said one farm to market road project in Dagdag was transferred to another project by the municipal government because the owner of the lot was not in favor of opening his land to a farm to market road. 

In a resolution, the Dagdag Sanggunian forwarded their call for their involvement in identification of BuB projects and programs located in their  territory much as the very data needed in addressing poverty were found in barangay LGUs.

They said non-involvement of barangay LGUs in planning, identification and prioritization of projects breeds corruption,.   

Allegations of double-funded projects were also brought out.  Ato-Engan farm to market road here in  barangayPoblacion  continues to be  questioned which  has reached the  central office of the National Alleviation Poverty Commission – Department of  Interior and Local Government,  focal person for Mountain Province Lynn Madalang  said.

Ato –Engan FMR was listed among BuB projects with  project cost of  P350,000 for 2013 and an additional P1.3 million in 2014  expediting  additional funds for the already budgeted cost  from Cordillera Highland Agricultural Management  Project (CHARMP) and a P3.5 million from  a realigned Pamana fund specially meant for  Tanulong-Madongo FMR thus  leading petitioners to  question where the BuB funds are implemented  and where the CHARMP and Pamana funds are implemented on the same stretch of Ato-Engan FMR.

A recent  petition which reached  DILG  concerning  a P1.3 million FMR in southern Sagada traced from a  BuB scheme for 2014  demanded  that  release of payment be stopped  for  said FMR already completed  pending demands by the affected lot owner  for LGU to  implement earlier  agreements 'promised'  by the LGU and contractor. One agreement was construction of retaining wall to prevent her farm from incurring landslide in exchange for construction of said  farm to market road on her lot. 

The lot owner in an interview wanted the intervention of the barangay LGU to give support on her case the lot being located in the barangay LGU’s very own territory.

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Tarlac execs set barricade vs Canadian trash dumping

TARLAC CITY -- Vice Gov. Enrique Cojuangco Jr. and 3rd district congressman Noel Villanueva after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan recently passed two resolutions intended to address the “dumping of Canadian garbage at the Kalangitan sanitary landfill in Capas town.

Both said they would lead in barricading the landfill if imported garbage is again dumped in Tarlac.

Cojuangco’s treat of barricading landfill site came when asked what to do if the management of the Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation, operator of the land fill, will continue to accept garbage shipped from Canada or any other country despite the passage of SP resolutions.

Last week, the SP unanimously approved a resolution “totally banning the dumping of imported waste” at the landfill. The SP also approved a resolution “demanding the rescinding/cancellation of the MCWMC- Bureau of Customs contract” on the imported waste.

But a local government legislative resolution carry no criminal penalty, as opposed to a local ordinance,  and “only represents the general sentiment of the people” which means MCWMC officials will not be jailed even if they violate the SP resolution, or if ever they again admit garbage from other countries.  

“The dumping of the waste from Canada is a violation of the authority and conditions, granted by the provincial government on the operation of the landfill. Only the waste from Tarlac, Clark Eco-Zone and surrounding towns and cities are allowed”, Cojuangco said.

Cojuangco said, “it is wrong to allow waste of foreign origin, be it toxic or not, to be dumped anywhere in the Philippines, much more in Tarlac”.

The issue stemmed from the recent dumping of 26 container vans of waste from Canada. A total of 103 40-footer vans of thrash entered the country from that country, 48 of which landed at the Manila International port in 2013 and 55 at the Subic Free port in 2014.

In the investigation conducted by the SP, MCWMC president Rufu Colayco admitted to have allowed the dumping of the Canadian waste at the landfill but denied they were toxic or hazardous.

But Colayco was rebuked by Cojuangco saying “no one can definitely say they are not hazardous since no comprehensive study was ever conducted (on the Canadian waste)”.

Cojuangco also accused the “MCWMC of repeatedly violating the terms and conditions of the landfill operation”.

He said, “last July 14, the MCWMC received a letter from the provincial government demanding to stop the dumping of the Canadian waste but the following day, 8 container vans were again admitted at their compound”.

The eight container vans were not allowed to unload their cargo of garbage and, to this day, remained impounded “pending clear legal basis of where they should go” by order of the provincial government.  

For his part, Villanueva remarked, “the MCWMC’s most blatant violation is its failure to emplace polyethylene lining on other parts of the landfill as admitted by Colayco during the SP hearing”.

“Without the non-permeable lining underneath to prevent harmful liquid waste from leaching to the ground, the (MCWMC) landfill is no longer a sanitary landfill but an ordinary dumpsite”, said Villanueva in whose district is located the controversial MCWMC facility.

The congressman also warned, “it would be a disaster if just 1 of the millions of used diapers (from Canada) contains a highly contagious air-borne disease. The health of the people is gravely at risk”.   

It was gathered that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) have conducted “random toxicity study” but there was no “health-hazard analysis” by the Department of Health (DOH) on any of the 103 container vans containing mostly used diapers. 

“I share the sentiment of the vice governor (Cojuangco) – no foreign thrash should enter the country. And if the MCWMC will continue to allow the dumping of foreign waste, I will join him and the people to barricade the landfill entrance to prevent these garbage from being dumped, and if that happens, I will personally move for the closure of the landfill”, added Villanueva.

Villanueva is set to file a bill at today’s resumption of the 16th Philippine congress to pave the way for a congressional investigation on the controversial imported waste.

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Marcoses studying Bongbong’s poll bid

By Liezle BasaInigo and Freddie G. Lazaro

BATAC CITY — The Marcoses said during their family reunion last week that they are still undecided on whether or not to field Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. in the presidential race next year, but the people of Pangasinan are already highly anticipating that he announces his presidential bid in Mangaldan town when he visits on Sept. 27.

Former First Lady now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda R. Marcos said Sunday her family members are carefully studying the possibilities if ever Bongbong will run for a higher post in the forthcoming elections.

The people of Ilocos Norte and the Marcos loyalists were expecting a pronouncement from the Marcoses on the occasion of the 98th birth anniversary of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos Sept. 11 that the senator in the family would run either for president or vice president.

The same people waited for a big announcement that day, when Bongbong celebrated his 58th birthday, but only Mrs. Marcos spoke on the issue with reporters.

“We are studying very carefully if he (Sen. Marcos) can do the job well – and not only studying whether he runs or not – because it’s not the matter of running for president but a question: ‘Can you solve the problems of the country?,’” Mrs. Marcos said.

“The decision is not only for the good of the family but for the good of the people,” she added.

In Pangasinan, La Union Vice Gov. Aida Aspiras said anticipation is high among her provincemates for the visit of Sen. Marcos on September 27 when he inducts officers of the Mangaldan Federation of Civil Society Organization at the Trish Hotel.

The senator, to be accompanied by his wife, Atty. Liza Araneta-Marcos, will be the special guest of federation president Dr. Jose Soriano, also the head of the Volunteers Against Corruption for the Uprightness and Upliftment of Mangaldan (VACUUM).

Big shots will be welcoming Bongbong, among them former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., former Gov. Vicente Millora, Party-list Rep. Jonathan Dela Cruz and his wife, Gov. Amado Espino Jr., Rep. Gina de Venecia, Mayor Bona de Vera, Vice Mayor Manny Casupang, other provincial and municipal officials and teachers.

Many in Pangasinan are hopeful that Marcos, who is set to visit La Union and Ilocos Sur, would announce his bid for the presidency in next year’s elections.

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Aurora mayor, councilors face raps for fund misuse

By Manny Galvez

BALER, Aurora – This town’s mayor and nine councilors are facing graft charges for allegedly misusing municipal funds.

Charged before the Office of the Ombudsman for Luzon were Mayor Nelianto Bihasa and Councilors Pedro Valenzuela, DaniloOng, Gina Ritual, Reynaldo Mapindan, Gina Agapito, Ramir Duaso, Meinrado Tropicales, Noel Go and Felipe Friginal.

Also included in the charge sheet were municipal human resource officer Curie Bernardino and budget officer Francisco Reopta.

The complaint was filed by Vice Mayor Karen Angara-Ularan, who said the accused violated Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and RA 6713 or the Code of Ethical Conduct for Public Officials and Employees.

Ularan said the respondents took the funds of the municipal council and declared it as savings.

She said the money was also used to pay for the salaries of job order workers.

Ularan said before taking the funds, Bihasa wrote the municipal council on Oct. 15, 2014 asking approval for a supplemental budget to augment the funds of the municipal government and pay the workers.

The vice mayor refused as the funds would be taken without consulting her, the administrative head of the Sangguniang Bayan.

Due to Ularan’s objection, Bihasa reportedly did not sign and vetoed the ordinance. The councilors agreed to stay the veto and voted to remove Ularan’s objection.

The vice mayor said the veto, having been stayed, showed there was no approved ordinance.

On Nov. 21 of the same year, Ularan requested Bihasa to release the funds for her office. She said it took a month before the mayor approved her request.

She said she found out that the money had been taken out.

“Mayor Bihasa, the SB members alone or as a collegial body cannot declare any budget under the office of the vice mayor as savings or use it to pay for job orders,” she said adding there was realignment, diversion and misappropriation of funds.

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Benguet gov assails nat’l media reports on Benguet veggie industry

By Redjie Melvic Cawis

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet-- Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan urged Interior Sec. Mar Roxas and officials to help the province  correct issues on the vegetable industry of the province being presented in Metro Manila in the aftermath of Typhoon Ineng.

“We would like to disprove the reports of national media outfits na walang gulay na nanggagaling sa Benguet kaya tumataas ang presyong mga gulay sa Manila at sa ibang lugar.”

Fongwan bared this during Benguet Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council assessment of effects of Ineng attended by Roxas, presidential spokesperson Sec. Edwin Lacierda and Welfare and Development Assistant Sec..Vilma Cabrera recently here at provincial capitol.

Reports said Manila markets had less supply of vegetables since Benguet could not deliver  needed vegetable supply so several traders marked up their prices twice or three times the real price of the vegetables.

He cited  cabbage which was bought by traders in the La Trinidad Trading Post at P18 to 22 per kilo and sold in Metro Manila  at P100 to 120per kilo.

“Reports in different national media outfits showed prices of vegetables have increased due to the effect of typhoon but that is not true,” Fongwan added national media should  ask the real situation from the province or any authorized persons who will tell the truth.

He added this also proves traders and sellers were taking advantage of the current situation of the farmers who were affected by the typhoon. More than P46 million was reported in damage to agricultural industry in Benguet.

Fongwan said there was a temporary shortage of vegetables when the Halsema Highway closed during the height of typhoon Ineng, but the situation  lasted for less than a day since the Dept. of Public Works and Highways immediately  worked to make the damaged  portion the  road  in Km 16 in  Tublay, Benguet passable.

He urged Roxas to coordinate with the DTI in the national level to look into usurious practice of traders and entrepreneurs in Metro Manila who take advantage of situation of typhoon-affected farmers.

Roxas assured of the support of the national government to typhoon affected provinces including Benguet and the rest of the Cordillera region. He said he would personally coordinate with the DTI to make sure entrepreneurs don’t take advantage of situation of farmers in Benguet.

He also offered the support of the DILG and the PNP by providing vehicles and escorting the farmers to bring their vegetable produce directly from Benguet to the Metro Manila markets so that the farmers will be the ones to take advantage of the temporary increase of prices of their goods.

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LGUs cite SNAP projects in host communities’ forum

Local government officials of Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, and Benguet and representatives of indigenous peoples' groups joined SN Aboitiz Power Group’s annual host communities’ forum on Sept. 2-4and presented reports on their respective corporate social responsibility initiatives with the hydropower company.

Gov. Denis Habawel of Ifugao presented Handog Kalusugan, a joint project of the provincial government and SNAP-Magat. Its initial project is “Doctors to the Ifugao Barrios,” which seeks to make primary medical care available in far-flung areas of the province, especially those inaccessible to land vehicles.

From directing and coordinating traditional medical missions, Handog Kalusugan has evolved into a sustainable program of medical services that fills in the gaps between health service delivery institutions like district hospitals, municipal rural health units, and barangay health stations.

In Cordon, Isabela, municipal planning and coordinator engineer Carlos Abuyuan highlighted the municipality’s health initiatives.

Since partnering with SNAP, he said health and sanitation services have improved, most notably impacting the maternal and infant mortality rates, which have decreased from 3.96% and 2.64% to 1.55% from 2011 to 2014.

Julie Alonzo, livelihood consultant of the Office of Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Ruth Padilla, presented the tiger grass production project of the province, the seed capital for which was provided by SNAP-Magat.

The project helps enhance forest cover and also produces quality soft brooms.

Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan presented a rundown of SNAP’s CSR projects since 2008. Initiatives ranged from education and health to infrastructure and environment.

He reported that in five years, SNAP-Benguet has allocated P15 million in voluntary fund to the province of Benguet alone.

The host communities’ forum is an annual event held by SNAP to update local government officials from the provincial to the barangay level on the company’s activities and initiatives.

For the past two years, the company has invited representatives from the local government to share their perspective on their respective CSR partnerships with SNAP.

The forum also tackled updates on operations, community projects, and tax benefits. With the theme "Working Toward a Renewed CSR Focus," SNAP also presented its road map to CSR 2.0 beginning with reviewing its current CSR framework and the need to improve its CSR approach by creating shared value and shifting to a more interactive and stakeholder-driven model of CSR, anchored on the principle of partnership.

In a message to the participants at the forum, SNAP’s Vice-President and Chief Market Office Sonny Cambri said that the company tries to optimize its operations not only for its shareholders but for its stakeholders, in this case the host communities. “Corporate success and social development go hand-in-hand,” he said.

SNAP’s Vice-President and Chief Corporate Services Officer Atty. Mike Hosillos reiterated this message by emphasizing that the company's CSR program stems not from an "obligation" but from a "voluntary commitment" to contribute to the development of its host communities.  

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Two P’sinan top drug suspects nabbed

AGNO, Pangasinan – Two of this province’s alleged top drug traffickers were arrested in separate operations in this town and in Alaminos City Sept. 11.

Eugene Noche, 39, said to be ranked seventh in this town police’s drug list, reportedly yielded six plastic sachets said to contain shabu and a .22 caliber revolver.

Noche was arrested following a raid at his home in Barangay Tupa.

Meanwhile, Nolito Guevarra, 37, said to be ranked eighth in the drug list of the Alaminos City police was collared in a sting in Barangay Poblacion.

Seized from Guevarra were three plastic sachets said to contain shabu, drug paraphernalia and P1,000 marked money. – Eva Visperas

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Napolcom promotes 10 Cordi Mamasapano SAF survivors

By Joseph Zambrano

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Ten  Cordillerans belonging  to the   Philippine National Police -Special Action Force  who  survived  the  infamous  “Mamasapano”  operation last January were among  the 29 personnel  who were  promoted recently to a rank higher.

The National Police Commission confirmed meritorious promotion of the 29 SAF personnel, for “demonstrating acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in action at the risk of their lives over and beyond the call of duty during an armed encounter on Jan. 25 at Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.”

Promoted to the next higher rank were PO3 JuanitoYogyog, PO2 Solomon Agayso, PO2 Adolfo Andrada, PO2 Carlos Bocaig, PO2 ArdDulnuan, PO2 Christopher Lalan, PO2 Dominick Likingan, PO2 Jose Mana-Ar, Jr., PO2 Anson Posot, and PO1 Clifford Agayyong.

Lalan was lone survivor of the 55th Special Action Company , the “blocking force”  of the Mamasapano operation where  44 SAF commandos including 14 Cordillerans were killed  in an encounter with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front  and other armed groups.

Mana-ar Jr., a member of the 84th Seaborne Company,  thanked everyone for the recognizing their  courage,  and success  in the operation in  Mamasapano,   which led to the death of Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as “ Marwan,” a Malaysian member of the al Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiah militant group behind numerous bombing attacks in the Philippines.

He said he was thankful for the promotion because he applied and waited long before the Mamasapano operation. 

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TRO sought vs NCCA for stopping LU road project

By Jun Elias

AGOO, La Union – A private firm has filed a petition with the Supreme Court (SC) asking for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for stopping a road project here.

In opposing the project, the NCAA cited the alleged destruction of church-owned structures believed to have historical significance.

In a petition filed on Sept. 7, Russell Bernal of the Ciara and Berson Construction and Trading, said the cease and desist order issued by NCCA chairman Felipe de Leon has delayed the completion of the project, resulted in fund losses and deprived the public of the benefits of development.

The cease and desist order directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to stop the demolition of plant

boxes in front of the Agoo Basilica and the concrete fence at the Plaza delaVirgen.

The demolition started on Feb. 20 to pave the way for the construction and widening of the highway.

The church, led by Bishop Rodolfo Beltran, obtained the cease order on Feb. 21.

 DPWH officials and representatives of the construction firm questioned the order, saying the NCCA issued it without conducting ocular inspection.

De Leon based the order on the claims of the Catholic Church that the fence has cultural and historical importance.

 He cited the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which states that all structure at least 50 years old are considered important

cultural property and are protected from demolition.

 The fence was reportedly built only in 1991.

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Task force created to monitor Chico River irrigation rehab

By Peter A. Balocnit

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Gov. JocelBaac  has issued an  executive  order  creating a task force to evaluate, supervise and monitor the completion of the on-going rehabilitation of the Upper Chico River Irrigation System canal (UCRIS).

This was the result of a joint meeting of provincial mandated bodies, the National Irrigation Administration-Kalinga Irrigation Management Office (NIA-KIMO) and contractor Markbilt Construction/RD Policarpio and Co. Inc. with irrigators associations affected by the delayed rehab project.

The task force is chaired by the governor. Its members  include Tabuk City Mayor Ferdinand Tubban, KBC Pres. Andres Ngao-i, DILG head Francisco Gamatero, Col. Roy Devesa, Fr. Roman Macaiba,  Basilio Baluyan of DZRK ,   Peter Balocnit of the Philippine Information Agency,  and representatives from various sectors -Michael Lumas-i( irrigators group),  Jaime Almora (farmers), Harry Tibangay (agrarian communities), Patsy Abibico(women) and  Tabuk City Association  of Barangay Chairman  president  Henry Tubban Jr.

The task force  has the duty to evaluate, supervise and monitor the completion of the on-going rehabilitation of the UCRIS.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan earlier passed Resolution No. 2015-097 supporting the moves of the Upper Chico River Irrigation System Federation of Irrigators’ Associations  and the Tabuk City Cooperative Development Council for the rescission of contract due to the poor performance of the contractor incurring more than 50 percent negative slippage as of July.

Rehabilitation of UCRIS  funded under  the  P425 million loan from  World Bank   started  two years ago  and targeted  to be completed this September.

As contained in the EO , the contractor  is allowed to continue implementing the P425 million World Bank loan project for practical reasons as it is barely three months left before the term of the contract ends. However, the agreement is without prejudice of any legal action that the NIA might take against said contractor, the EO provides.

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Ifugao town under state of calamity due to dry spell

By Marcelo B. Lihgawon

ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao -- Damages in corn and fish production brought by the dry spell prompted the Sangguniang Bayan to place the municipality under the state of calamity in agriculture so affected farmers could receive assistance.

 The municipality incurred total loss of P453,911,071 in corn production and P1,191,109 for fish due to dry spell that hit the municipality last June.

According to the municipal agriculture office, 7,493.45 hectares were affected by the drought. Corn planted in 431.95 hectares still at the reproductive stage and corn plants in 21.20 hectares at the vegetative stage were totally damaged while 6,474.80 has. at the reproductive stage and 565.50 has. at that  vegetative that were partially damaged with 20% and 50% chances of recovery.

With these damages, the municipality was declared under state of calamity in agriculture and requested support from national government. 

Municipal Agriculturist Eugenio Culimay, Jr. said he hoped affected farmers will at least receive assistance to start the next cropping season. – With a report from Lorena Dulnuan 

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Migrants commit most crimes in Sagada: PNP

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province – Crime is increasing in this tourist town and most were committed by migrants, police told a press conference.  

Young writers from five high schools of Sagada were urged by barangay officials and police to help prevent increasing crimes here during consultation held here Sept. 5.

The event organized by Sagada Perspectives, a local paper and the Sagada-Philippine National Police gathered some 35   student writers from   secondary schools- Sagada National High,  Antadao National High, Bangaan National High, Balugan National High and St. Mary’s School  who were  updated on peace and order situation of the  town and  interact with attending barangay officials and the police.

KagawadTodyog of Bangaan said student-writers were their supporting   force in keeping peace and order in the community as barangay officials told students to challenge LGU officials to implement sleeping barangay and municipal ordinances.

Crimes here were mostly committed by young persons aged 15 to 25, said Sagada  chief of police Senior Insp. Peter Angyoda.

Angyoda, in a report,  said there was increasing number of  index crimes  including physical injuries, rape, carnapping, robbery  and   violation of  curfew  hours  from  38 last year  to   48  in 2015  and   non-index crimes including illegal logging and violation of  the rights of women and children from  86 incidents  last year  to 102 in   2015.

It was noted that a  large number of crime  incidents  both index and non-index  were noted in PatayPoblacion  followed by Dagdag and Ambasing and  the least in remote areas  including  Tanulong,  Nacagang, Aguid ,Tetep-an and Kilong.

PatayPoblacion barangay chairman Dennis Lopez said most crime offenders were migrants.  

Angyoda confirmed this although there was no definite number presented committed by migrant crime offenders and permanent residents.

Angyoda urged need for an intensified anti-crime campaign and one way to do this was increase support to  undermanned police force. 

Angyoda suggested that barangay LGUs hire barangay tanods while municipal government hires additional traffic aides.

The chief of police also encouraged volunteers to help in peace and order.

He urged the municipal government to support deputization of interested volunteers and the police to enable them to penalize erring motorists.

Meantime, Skyler Dagacan of Sagada NHS asked the police on their implementation of the curfew ordinance banning minors from roaming and drinking in liquor shops beyond 9 pm.

SP04 Rafael Pinayakan said the youth go to areas including bonfire spots not usually patrolled by police.

Participating students told police to tell establishments not to sell liquor and cigarettes to minors.

They also urged elders and parents to be good models and monitor their own children; and schools to include in their lessons values of crime prevention.

Bangaan barangay chairman Osenio Lay-os also said disciplining children is part of customary practice.

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POLICE ROUNDUP

 Indian hunted for stealing motorcycle with P27,000

BAGUIO CITY – An Indian national is now being hunted by police for taking the motorcycle of his compatriot and cash of P27,000 placed inside its compartment.

Police said Harbinder Singh, 36, married, businessman, reported that his motorcycle was taken by Satnam Singh, 37, also a businessman. Investigation revealed that at about 3:30 p.m. of Sept.16, the victim parked his motorcycle along Purok 4, Irisan, Baguio City when Harbinder drove it away. The victim did not report the incident because they were friends. However, when Satnam did not return and could not be located, he reported to incident to police.

Trike driver stabbed for refusing liquor

BANGUED, Abra – A tricycle driver identified as Rodante B. Balbin was stabbed about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in Zone 3 here by a certain Aspacio “Botong” Valera. Investigation revealed that prior to the incident, the victim was on his way home when a certain Jaypril “Eping” Barona invited him to join their drinking session. The victim refused and decided to buy cigarette at the store located in front of the group. Moments later, the suspect arrived and without any apparent reason stabbed the victim once on his right arm then immediately fled after the incident. The victim was brought to Abra Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.

College grad nabbed for robbery cases

BAGUIO CITY – Police arrested Wednesday here a certain EmhelDaysa Dominguez, 26, college graduate, farmer, and a resident of Monamon Norte, Bauko, Mt. Province for several robbery cases filed against him. Dominguez, who had several standing warrants of arrest issued by different courts, was nabbed along Yandok Street.

A police report said Dominguez was a member of criminal gang known as Bartolome Day Time Akyat Bahay Gang and listed top most wanted person in Baguio for robbery. The suspect posted bail bond for his temporary liberty.

Wife, man ‘find’ husband hacked dead in house

KIANGAN, Ifugao – A slay case was reported to local police at about 12:25 p.m. Wednesday by a certain Sharon Dulnuan who identified the victim as Alex PuguonGapyao, 47, farmer, and resident of Bolar, Duit, here.

The victim was found dead with hack wound on the back of his head inside their house allegedly by his wife together with a certain Henry LindawanTimam. Case is under investigation.

Four wanted persons nabbed in Kalinga  

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Four wanted persons were arrested by provincial and regional intelligence units in Kalinga last week.

Senior Supt. George Daskeo, provincial police chief said arrested persons had warrants of arrest.

 On Sept. 7, at around 8:30a.m, Daskeo said, George Bannawagan Sabado, 40,  farmer and resident of Amlao, Tabuk City was arrested by a joint team composed of the Provincial Intelligence Branch, Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs task Group, Regional intelligence Division and Regional Intelligence Unit 14 led by Supt. Charles Logao Dommalig.

Sabado was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by Judge Marcelino K Wacas of RTC Branch 25, BulanaoTabuk City for attempted murder with bail set at P24, 000.

On March 3, 2010 at about 11 p.m. at Langnga, Amlao, Tabuk, Sabado was said to be, in possession of a bolo with intent to kill hacked a certain Tommy AlsenioBatang-Ay inflicting slash wound on the victim’s left eye.

Sabado went into hiding after the incident. The suspect eluded manhunt operations but was arrested, Daskeo said. He is now under custody of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Meanwhile, Daskeo said on Sept. 4 at Barangay Balbalasang, Balbalan, local police led by Senior Insp. Manolito Meana arrested Glen Dao-Awan Wanasen, 57 for violation of Republic Act. His arrest warrant was issued by

Judge Marcelino K Wacas who set bail at P60, 000.

Operatives also arrested LeoncioCadatalBakidan, 53 and Rolando Avon Alejo, 33, both farmers and both residing at SitioMabato, Amlao, Tabuk.

Tabuk police head Supt. Gilbert AppaFati-Ig led the arrest. Wacas issued arrest warrant against the suspect for arson setting bail at P40, 000.

Security guard loses gun while having lunch  

BAGUIO CITY – A security guard lost his firearm to a still unidentified man here around11:20 a.m. of  Sept. 14 at parking area along Burnham Park here.

A police report said once Jomar Orgola Ganigan, 23, security guard under Interlink Security Agency reported to police Station 7 unidentified suspect took his issued 9mm pistol (Norinco) bearing serial number 49101169 loaded with a magazine and six bullets. 

Investigation disclosed while SG Ganigan was having lunch at the place,  unidentified suspect came from behind and suddenly grabbed the firearm placed  in a holster on his waist, pointed the gun at him then ran. The victim sought help from another security guard and but the suspect escapes. Police didn\t find the suspect after souring the area.

50-M marijuana plants destroyed in Ilocos

CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union – At least P50 million worth of marijuana plants were uprooted by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and police and Navy personnel in Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur Wednesday.

Adrian Alvariño, PDEA regional director, said the marijuana plants were discovered in 12 plantation sites with a total land area of 2,852 square meters. 

Alvariño said 23,700 fully grown marijuana plants and 8,100 seedlings were burned. 

“The operating teams walked for six hours from San Gabriel, La Union going to the plantation site,” he said. 

Sitel employee held up in Loakan 

BAGUIO CITY – Police reported a case of hold-up along the Arc of Purok Sadjo, Loakan Proper here with the victim identified as Alexander Khan Sison Lagiwid, 21, a SITEL employee.

Investigation disclosed Lagawid was walking on his way home  when he met two men standing there. One of the men called his attention and pointed a handgun at him and ordered him to hand over his wallet and cell phone. The other suspect approached him and carted his black wallet containing his driver’s license and P500.00 cash and including his white Cherry Mobile Phone. The suspects immediately fled after taking the items.

 The victim was assisted by Supt. Dante Lubos, police chief of Station 4 to locate the suspects who were nowhere to be found.

Farmer shoots son in drinking spree

CALANASAN, Apayao --    A drinking session between a father and son led to dire consequences which led to the former shooting his son.

A police report said the incident happened about p.m. Sept. 14 in Barangay Sta. Filomina. The victim was identified as Benedicto Patoray, 25 while his father was named as Rolly Patoray, 53, both farmers, and residents of the place.

The victim and suspect were reportedly having a drinking spree when a heated argument ensued that prompted the victim to bring out a bolo and attacked his father. However the suspect got a shotgun and fired at the victim on his right leg. The son was immediately brought to Namwak Northern Cagayan District Hospital, Sanchez, Cagayan for treatment. Suspect voluntarily surrendered to Calanasan police with the firearm.

      

Lady loses P90,000 inside food establishment CR

BAGUIO CITY – Police reported a case of theft that happened at the comfort room of Jollibee food establishment along Magsaysay Ave. here on complaint of Venus Soriano Eilinger, 58, married, and resident of Brookside.

Police said the incident happened about 10 a.m. M of Sept. 14 when Eilinger went to the establishment and proceeded to the comfort room and hanged her sling bag on a wall bag holder. The complainant later went out of the establishment and recalled later that her bag was left inside the comfort room so she went back but discovered that it was already missing. The bag contained assorted ID cards and cash of P90,000.

PDSWD employee found dead, Candon exec commits suicide

CANDON CITY – Police are probing the death of an employee of the Department of Social Welfare and Development identified as Cynthia Mina, 46, which bore stab wounds and  was found in her room in Barangay Mckinley Tuesday.

Police Officer 3 Lorenzo Cariaga said Mina reportedly thought of committing suicide because of her heart disease but local folks said a person wouldn’t go to the extent of stabbing himself a lot of times to commit suicide.

In Candon City, the body of Raymond Manzano, 30, branch manager of the Sacred Heart Savings Cooperative, was found hanging on a tree with a belt looped around his neck.

Investigators found an empty can of insecticide at the scene. – RaymundCatindig

Early morning buy-bust in FX nets man

BUGUIAS, Benguet -- Police conducted a buy-bust operation 1:40 a.m. Wednesday inside a Maroon Toyota Tamaraw FX bearing Plate No. ULE 325 parked in front of Mother’s Way Restaurant in Barangay Abatan which resulted in the arrest of Ferdinand Palidis Delfin, 49, married, and a resident of Pusong, Loo here.

Confiscated from the suspect were two plastic sachets containing suspected “shabu” weighing around 3.52 grams worth P.80,000. After The suspect, vehicle and confiscated items were brought to Buguias police station for filing of charges and inventory.

Abra judge issues search

warrants; suspects held

BANGUED, Abra – Raphiel F Alzate, presiding judge, RTC Branch 1, Bangued issued search warrants against two illegal drug suspects here last week which resulted to their arrest.

First to fall was Ernie Brioso, 34 who was nabbed 5:40 p.m. Tuesday in his house at Barangay Zone 3. Seized were bullets for different handguns, sachets with residue believed to be illegal drugs and paraphernalia.

In another incident at 5:20 p.m., also on Tuesday, the residence of Jeffrey Bryan Cerezo, 32, was searched by cops.

Found were eight plastic sachets with suspected shabu residue and drug paraphernalia.

Both suspects were taken to police station.

Contractor arrested for ‘corruption’

BAGUIO CITY – Police arrested a contractor identified as Tito Lacwin Dalilis, 57,  resident of Maria Basa, Pacdal here for violation of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft And Corrupt Practices Act).

Judge Maria Ligaya Itliong-Rivera of RTC Branch 5, Baguio City issued arrest warrant recommending bail of P 30,000.Dalilis was brought to police station.

Mitsubishi truck carnapped

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A certain Juliet Baoidang Mencion, 48, of Barangay Toyong here told police her Mitsubishi cargo truck (RKE-558) was stolen by unidentified persons while parked unattended at her residence. Investigation disclosed the driver of the complainant parked the vehicle at around 6 p.m. Sunday inside the parking area of the complainant’s residence. However, when Mencion went outside of the house at around 9:05 a.m. Monday, she discovered the vehicle was missing that prompted her to report the incident.

Government worker surrenders gun

BALBALAN, Kalinga -- A government employee identified as Casay Arne Ampoc, 38 surrendered to police here Monday a 9mm Cal. pistol. Police said the firearm was given to regional police office for tests.

Five persons nabbed in Baguio hotel for drugs

BAGUIO CTY – Five persons were arrested by cops in a hotel here around &;30 p.m. Monday in a buy-bust operation.

Arrested at Travellers Inn, Magsaysay Ave. were: Lea Tanega Espiritu, 26; Eddie Dela Rosa Hajas, 35; Nemuel Gomez Novesteros, 30; Jerry Balagan Bumacsa, 46 and Efren Dela Rosa Hajas, 30. All were local residents.

Confiscated from the suspects were 3.47 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) valued at P20,820, drug paraphernalia and P2,000 marked money.  Arrested persons were jailed while charges were prepared against them for filing at the Prosecutor’s Office.

   
Wanted person in Pangasinan nabbed

BAGUIO CITY – Police arrested a certain Prudence Estrada Pantaleon, 41, of Km 3, Celestial Village, Asin Rd. here around 5:30 a.m. Monday in the area for murder. The arrest was made by virtue of a warrant issued by DionisioSison, presiding judge, Regional Trial Court, Lingayen, Pangasinan. The suspect was taken into custody of Criminal Investigation Group -Region 1.

P24K bail set for man  in attempted homicide

BANGUED, Abra – A man wanted for attempted homicide was arrested by cops here about 7:45 a.m.Monday here along Taft St., Zone 5.

Nabbed was  Ernesto Trinidad Rapisura, 27, resident of Zone 5 after Redentor Valera, presiding judge of Municipal Trial Court  issued arrested warrant against him for two counts of attempted homicide. Valera recommended bail of P24,000 for his temporary liberty.

Four persons nabbed for estafa

BAGUIO CITY -- Four persons charged with estafa were arrested Sept. 12. Senior Supt. Rolando Fernandez Miranda, acting city director, identified the suspects as; Jeric Caña EnggoyDalida, 25, merchandizer, who was arrested  at nearby Tiongsan, La Trinidad, Benguet;   Betty Caña Dalida, 60;  Florentino Oresca Dalida Jr., 55, and Kenneth Caña Dalida, 23.

Arrested warrants were earlier issued against them by Judge Emmanuel CachoRasing of First Judicial Region, Regional Trial Court, Branch 3, Baguio City.—Malou Aticao and Cherry Sooc

Miner, student stabbed

BAGUIO CITY – Police reported a case of physical injuries that transpired about 5 a.m. Sept. 13 here along Magsaysay Road wherein the victims were named as Alfonso Bannot IswagJr, 23, miner and Allen Mark Fangi, 18, Maritime student, both residents of Purok 5, Kias. 

 Investigation showed Fangi was stabbed by one of unidentified suspects as a result of heated argument and fistfight. Iswag who was about to pacify was also stabbed. Cops responded but the suspects fled and evaded arrest. Victims were rushed to Baguio General Hospital for medical treatment.

Jobless son mauls 82-year-old father 

LAGAWE, Ifugao – A government employee reported that his younger brother mauled his 82-year old father, a retired teacher for no reason.

Avelino Lindawan Lunag Jr., 56, of Poblacion South said his father Avelino Sr., was mauled by his younger and jobless brother Constancio, 51.

Initial investigation disclosed that at around 6:30 p.m. of Sept. 12, the suspect believed to be under the influence of liquor went home and suddenly punched their father on his face. After the incident, the suspect went to attend a wake of their neighbor and at around 1:30 a.m. that night, went home but became violent by destroying things like clothing, wooden chairs and kitchen materials in their house. Cops arrested Constancio.

Female housekeeper mauled by six intoxicated persons 

BAGUIO CITY – A female housekeeper was mauled by six persons, all relatives here Sept. 13 at about 7 pm. 

Merychell Barasam Sipalay, 27, single, housekeeper, said the incident happened at No. 7  Lot 8, Middle Quirino Hill where she was staying. She identified her assailants as who were arrested as Edwin Fulgar Quiñones, 26, helper; Gerry Fulgar Quiñones, 21, laborer and Lyrma Fulgar Quiñones, 28, baby sitter. Others who evaded arrest as Daniel Fulgar Quiñones, Ading Fulgar Quiñones, Cathrine Fulgar Quiñones and Jay-ar Fulgar Quiñones, all residents of Middle Quirino Hill, Baguio City.

 Investigation showed that victim and her neighbour were conversing outside their boarding house, when the suspects who happened to be her neighbours and were having a drinking session suddenly attacked her without any reason and aided one another in mauling her. The victim was rushed at the Baguio General Hospital by her neighbours and was released by her attending physician after treatment. Responding personnel of PS 2 were able to arrest some of the suspects. Case is for Inquest

Taxi driver mauled, robbed of P3,200  

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet–  A taxi driver was mauled and robbed of P3,200 here by still three unidentified persons.

The incident transpired in Barangay Lubas here wherein the victim, named Nehruden Pagaduan Lasaten, 22, told police a man flagged down a Mitsubishi Adventure Taxi, wiith a trade name LOLO IDOL he was driving while at Camdas, Bokawkan, Baguio City and asked him to ferry him at Upper Lubas, La Trinidad. Upon reaching the place, the man boxed the victim at his face several times and  pointed a hand gun at him.

Two companions of the mauler entered the back seat and choked his neck speaking in Ilocano dialect saying: “Ited mu amin ng akwartam, han mu pay lang parigaten ti bagim (Give all your money, don’t make your body suffer more),” then forcibly took his collection of P3,200.00 and fled to unknown direction.  

Two men rob tricycle driver who falls off ravine

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Police reported a case of robbery with intimidation that transpired at about 3 p.m. Sept. 13 at Barangay Bulanao here on complaint of Julius Yadaw, 31, tricycle driver.

Investigation disclosed the victim was hired by two unidentified men  inPurok 5, in the barangay asking him to ferry them to Pasunglao picnic site, but along the way, fronting the road going up to Talama view deck, he was ordered by one of the suspects to disembark from the tricycle and to follow him. Suddenly, the other man  sprayed tear gas on his face causing him to nearly faint while suspects immediately robbed him of his belongings in a clutch bag containing cash amounting P2,25O, driver’s license and papers of his tricycle. The victim escaped but fell off a ravine causing scratches and abrasions in his body.

Responding cops rescued the injured victim at a corn plantation 150 meters away from the place of incident. Police are trying to identify the culprits.

Tuding man nabbed for illegal drugs

TUDING, Benguet – Town cops conducted buy-bust operation at Slide Area here about 1:30 p.m. Sept. 13, which resulted to arrest of local resident Joel Malinga Badando, 43.

Seized were several plastic sachets containing shabu, drug paraphernalia, marked money and other pieces of evidence. Inventory was made of pieces of evidence at  police station in Barangay Tuding with barangay captain Martin D. Chavez Jr. and media representative Jennifer Balaswit from Bombo Radyo Baguio. Pieces of evidence were brought to police crime laboratory at Camp Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet for examination.

Farmer threatens bocaps in meeting, fires gun

BAAY-LICUAN, Abra – Police here received a report at about 11:50 a.m. Sept. 13, from Josephine Valera Cariño, village chief of Barangay Domenglay here informing them a certain Yumie Danao Maguelang, farmer allegedly uttered threatening words and fired his firearm during meeting at their barangay hall.

Carino said at about 2 p.m. a day earlier, Maguelang, who was under the influence of liquor and also very arrogant and noisy, entered the barangay hall while the meeting was ongoing and repeatedly shouted: “Wen kapitana, wen kapitana (yes barangay chief, yes barangay chief.) Maguelang then went out and shouted several times: “Patayen kayo amin, iburais ko ti ol-oloyo, dakayo nga tanod kada lupon, kakagawad awan sirserbi (I will kill all of you. All of you local local officials have no use,)”

About five minutes later, a single gunshot was heard within the barangay premises believed to be from GA 12 shotgun. A spent shell of the gun was allegedly recovered by residents at the area. The barangay assembly continued.

However, about twenty minutes later, the suspect again hurled stones several times towards the barangay hall. The police report didn’t say if Maguelang was arrested.

Two teachers held up in Irisan; installation of CCTVs urged

BAGUIO CITY – Residents urged installation of CCTV camera here and more police visibility after two teachers were held up and divested of their belongings. 

On Sept. 7 at about 6:58 p.m., Jenifer Binwag Marigza, 29 and Blesilda Soriano Espinueva, 48, both Teachers at Philippine Science National High School, Purok 12 here, reported to Police Station 1, they were robbed  by two unidentified males at about 5:50 p.m. along the junction of Purok 12, Irisan.

Investigation revealed that while victims were walking towards the national highway, the thieves approached and suddenly pointed hand guns at them then announced the heist saying, “Huwag kayong isigaw hold up to!” (Don’t scream, this is a hold up).

The robbers immediately grabbed their bags then ran to unknown direction. Divested from Marigza was an Acer Laptop with charger amounting to P27,000.00 placed inside her black shoulder bag while taken from Espinueva were Lenovo touch screen cellphone, cash amounting to P5,000.00, Land Bank ATM card, and assorted identification cards placed inside her white shoulder bag. 

Responding police scoured the area but the thieves were nowhere. No CCTV was installed in the area, otherwise the thieves could have been identified, residents said.

  

6 minors punch, rob young man

BAGUIO CITY – Six minors were arrested after forcibly robbing their victim Sept. 7, at around 11 p.m. along Baguio General Hospital Rotunda here. The victim was identified as Mark Christian Duhina, 24, warehouse helper, and resident of Happy Homes, Old Lucban.

Investigation disclosed that while the victim was walking along the Rotunda from BGH, he met the six minor suspects who suddenly bumped him, one punched him on his lip, and another pointed a sharp object at his stomach and uttered, “Pera mo, cellphone mo, akin na! kung hindi mo ibibigay sasaksakin kita,” while another member of the group searched his pocket and took his P2,000 cash and LG cellphone worth P5,000.00. The suspects ran immediately toward Marcos Highway after taking the items.

Responding personnel of Police Station 5 together with the victim later saw the suspects walking along Legarda Road and arrested them.

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