POLICE ROUNDUP

Five cops awarded; seven druggies slain in Cordillera  

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Five deserving Philippine National Police personnel were awarded here Monday with Andres Mencio Gondayao, Deputy Provincial Prosecutor as guest of honor and speaker

Awardees of Medalya ng Papuri were PO3 Jonaldo B Songday, PO3 Cleto U Ramento, PO3 Wilmer AGuilermo, PO3 Carlito Esnara, and PO2 Drexel Jay S Bog-acon. They were cited for competence against illegal drugs.

Gondayao in his message, discussed issues raised by some departments, legislative and judicial bodies on enforcement of anti-drug  campaign. 

He said “surrender” of a suspect does not literary mean that the person surrendering is a person who committed an offense or with warrant of arrest but an act of compassion and that the person should appear or must appear before the authorities to prove that indeed their name should not appear in the list.

The regional police office recorded total of 7,553 surrenderees, seven killed during legitimate police operation and 161arrested drug users and pushers.

1,280 druggies surrender in Abra

BANGUED, Abra, -- A total of 1,280 drug personalities in the province surrendered to the Philippine National Police as of July 30.

Eighty four of  surenderees are drug pushers while 1,196 are drug users.

All suspected drug personalities were required to fill-out a voluntary surrender form. They subscribed under oath before a notary public assisted by a counsel and witnessed by their families and barangay officials.

Last week, drug personalities who surrendered, now called as ‘Tokhang patients’   took their oath of undertaking expressing their intent to stop their illegal drug activitie before Gov. Ma. Jocelyn V. Bernos at the provincial capitol.

OIC PNP Provincial Director Mark Pespes said Tokhang patients will be monitored weekly to determine their status. Their whereabouts shall be monitored by all local police station and anti-illegal drug units in the affected barangays in coordination with Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council, said Pespes.

The provincial government and the Department of Interior and Local Government   launched last  week  a project primarily aimed to address the needs and problems of the drug users and pushers who  surrendered   to authorities in the province.

DILG Provincial Director Millicent B. Carino   said that Project ‘Salbar’ (Ilocano term for save) would institute assistance to the drug surrenderees in the form of trainings and livelihood programs to promote the rehabilitation, after-care, reintegration and sustained transformation of the drug dependents. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

 Kiangan validates drug surrenderees

KIANGAN, Ifugao -- The municipal government led by Mayor Joselito Guyguyon as chairman of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council validated  drug personalities  who surrendered to police.

Municipal Social Welfare Development Office head Mario Indopia said 39 of the 62  surenderees    have completed   the validation  wherein they were interviewed by social workers with emphasis on the psycho-social background  and  were categorized into four.

A training wil be held August 15 at the municipal gymnasium for members other drug abuse councils on the procedures and processes in handling similar cases. -- Daniel B. Codamon

Kalinga police raids BJMP jail, no illegal drugs found

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Police searched the congested Bureau of Jail Management and Penology building  here recently confiscating prohibited gadgets and cash but no illegal drug.

 Confiscated were electronic devices including four TV monitors, DVDs, and cell phones.  About P70, 000 cash was searched of which P18, 000 was admittedly owned by an inmate.

There were also sharp tools taken from every room. However, these were reportedly being used by inmates engaged in in-jail livelihood projects like basket and décor making.

The police raiding team recommended that all bladed materials after their use be deposited and TV monitors be placed outside rooms.

There are 172 inmates occupying the provincial jail with 82 involved in drug-related cases. Of the 13 female inmates, 11 are allegedly involved in illegal drugs. -- Peter A. Balocnit

Abatan waitress nabbed for ‘stealing’ collection money

BUGUIAS, Benguet – A waitress was arrested after allegedly stealing money from her employer here in Barangay Abatan Monday.  

The victim was identified as Andrea Palingping Pagaway, 47 while the suspect was named as Eloisa Protacio Valdez, 24, of Cojuangco, Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija.  Investigation disclosed that the suspect was a waitress of the victim’s bar. The victim claimed the suspect took her collection of P5,0000 then left heading toward Baguio City. The victim reported the incident to Buguias police who coordinated with Atok town cops. The latter intercepted a passenger van with the suspect on board in Sayangan, Atok at about 5:45 p.m. The P5,000 cash was recovered from the suspect and she was brought to Buguias police station where a case for theft was lodged against her.

641 druggies yield in Tabuk

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – About 641 drug personalities in the city had voluntarily yielded to authorities since July. The police attributed the result to concerted efforts of families, barangay, religious and local leaders.

Officials in 14 barangays of this city meanwhile participated in a seminar organized by the Philippine National Police here to enhance government’s fight against illegal drugs,

City police director Senior Supt. Gilbert Fati-ig said the move was part of the police’s continuing drive towards a drug-free city under “Oplan Double-barrel”.  

In a related report, the police its maintaining the campus anti-illegal drugs symposium with partner schools in the province.

As contained in the memorandum of agreement entered into by both parties, the police conduct regular symposia inside school campus in efforts to prevent students from illegal drugs. -- Larry T. Lopez

Australian media member loses valuables inside gym

BAGUIO CITY – An Australian national went to the Endless Fitness Gym at Porta Vaga Mall, Session Road here Monday around 7:30 p.m. for a workout and lost her valuables. Police identified the victim as Alexandra Joy Bingham, 26, from Southport, Australia,  member of the media and Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency.

 Accordingly, at about 6:30 p.m., the victim went inside the said gym with her black shoulder bag containing leather wallet assorted ATM cards, driver’s license issued at Australia, PNVSCA ID card, P1,000 cash, and ID pictures.

She put her black bag inside a white hand bag and put these in an open locker inside the female changing room. After the workout, the victim discovered that her wallet was missing and tried to locate it but to no avail.  No CCTV camera was installed in the area.

PNP-Abra brings drugs campaign to schools  

BANGUED, Abra – Town cops here recently started a drug information dissemination campaign recently in Abra High School attended by all Grade 11 students.

Realted events will follow in all high schools and higher educational institutions in Bangued.

Teaching out to the youth and educating them is a crucial recipe in the Bangued Police anti-illegal drugs campaign plan, said Senior Insp. Eddie Bagto, deputy chief of Bangued police. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

Farmer hacks farmer in Banaue

BANAUE, Ifugao -- A hacking incident transpired here at Sitio Kayang, Kinakin, Monday around 5 p.m. wherein the victim identified as Martin Nalbog, 48, farmer, was hacked by the suspect named as Suliban Nattem, 48, farmer, both residents of said place. Investigation conducted by polie showed the victim came from a burial at Gohang, Kinakin, Banaue, and while on his way home, the suspect waited for him and hacked the head and left chest of the victim using a bladed object. The victim was brought by his neighbors to their house for interment while the suspect surrendered to Banaue police.

Lamut laborer surrenders gun

LAMUT, Ifugao – A certain Diego Tan-um Changaw, 46, laborer, of Hilltop, Poblacion West here surrendered an unregistered Cal. 38 revolver with three bullets here Monday at the municipal police station. The gun was unlicensed. No charges were filed against the suspect.

Buguias farmer nabbed for drugs

BUGUIAS, Benguet – Cops conducted a raid near the Anglican Church in Bangao, here Monday around 5 p.m. that resulted in the arrest of Arnold “Toljak” Sally Potpotan, 43, married, farmer,  resident of Bayoyo, Buyacaoan.

The operatives confiscated shabu from the suspect including drug paraphernalia including a duplicate BDO bank deposit slip with account name of Jennifer A Latawan.

The arrested person and the confiscated items were brought to Buguias policed station where a case for illegal drugs were prepared against the suspect.

81 drug users take oath in Tublay

TUBLAY, Benguet --   A total of 81 drug users  who voluntarily surrendered in this vegetable- producing town had   mass oath of undertaking  signifying their intention to reform  here on  August 12. 

Mayor Armando Lauro bared that only one third of the surrenderees  were from the municipality. Most were from other areas working as helpers of vegetable traders here.

Lauro said others who have showed up at the office vowed to reform or help the police curb illegal drug activities, he said.

A drug user admitted he got scared by reports of suspected drug users and suppliers who were killed in police operations.

Farmer nabbed for

syndicated estafa

LAGAWE, Ifugao --  Police arrested  here Monday a certain Alex Cholin Pil-o, 32, farmer, resident of IB 110- Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet for syndicated estafa. This, after Romeo U. Habbiling, presiding judge, of RTC Branch 14, Lagawe, issued arrest warrant against him for 11 estafa cases with no bail recommended.

Former bocap nabbed for shabu, firearms, bullets

PINUKPUK, Kalinga – A former barangay captain was nabbed here August 14 for illegal drugs and firearms. Arrested was Reynold Sagmayan Gongob, 38, former barangay captain of Wagud here and ex-CAFGU member.

Police implemented search warrant issued by Judge Nympha Dugayon-Abbacan, presiding judge of municipail circuit trial court that resulted to confiscation of shabu, two hand grenades, several bullets two blasting caps and Cal. 30 carbine rifle.The arrested suspect and the seized items were brought provincial police office here at Camp Juan Duyan, Bulanao, Tabuk City,

Drunk father shot dead by son

BANGUED, Abra – A firsherman’s son is now in jail for allegedly shooting to death his father here August 14. A police report said the victim identified as Reynaldo Almazan Bayle, 58, came home drunk at their residence in Barangay Calaba around 5L45 p.m. and created trouble.

Police investigation disclosed the victim  was armed with a kitchen knife and started chasing his daughters and sons. One of his sons named as Reynante ran inside their house and took a shotgun and shot his father once. As a result, the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds on his abdomen and was rushed at Abra Provincial Hospital where he wàs declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Bocap surrenders

shotgun in Abra 

MALIBCONG, Abra – Barangay chairman Claro Bugawit of Poblacion voluntarily surrendered a shotgun to police here last week during a meeting with law enforcers at the barangay hall. The ghesture was reportedcly in support of the PNP’s anti-crime program.

Indian national found on road, dies in hospital

BAGUIO CITY – An Indian national identified as Sukhwinder Singh was found here on a road with multiple injuries around 6:15 p.m. of August 14 at Barangay Quezon Hill Proper. A police report said the victim was a tenant of No. 135 Chrome Street, Upper Quezon Hill, Police tried to revived the victim at the scene after which he was rushed to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for medical attention but he was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Dr. Joseph Laygo.  

Welder critical  due to stab wounds

BAGUIO CITY – A welder is now in critical condition at a hospital here after being stabbed around 10 p.m. Monday at the entrance of Maharlika Building along Upper Magsaysay Road..

The victim identified as Elvis Bay-an Tilao, 30, of Balukas Shilan La Trinidad, Benguet while the suspect have yet to be identified. Investigation disclosed that prior to the incident victim and his friend came from a drinking session at the rooftop of the building after which they decided to go home. While walking they met the suspect with a female companion standing at the entrance of the building.

From there the victim suddenly attacked the suspect’s female companion and slapped her face. Suspect then retaliated and a fist fight ensued. After the incident, suspect ran to unknown direction while victim was brought at a hospital due to stab wounds at his stomach and a lacerated wound on his face. A CCTV camera was reportedly installed at the area but police have yet to ask the owner to see the the video clip.

Miner mauls driver in bar 

BAGUIO CITY – Police reported a case of robbery with violence that occurred around 7 p.m. of August 14 inside Alabama Bar, Lakandula Street here wherein the victim identified as Gabriel Pacio Ponso, 36, driver, was reportedly mauled by Marlon Solinan Katamen, 25, miner, of Bontoc, Mt. Province and his unidentified companions. Victim had injuries on his head and face while his cell phone was missing believed have taken by the suspects.

Investigation disclosed that prior to the incident, the victim and his two companions Joven Akia and Rey Dulay entered Alabama Bar to continue with their drinking. After consuming bottles of 2x2 gin, Dulay became unruly and provoked trouble with one of the group of suspects. Katamen was irritated with Dulay’s actuation so he punched and mauled him causing injuries to his face. He also punched Gabriel Ponso until he fell on the floor.

Ponso was brought to a hospital  while Akia went back at the bar and saw the suspects and their group still inside. He then sought police assistance that resulted to the arrest of Katamen.

Jealous man hurts live-in partner-dancer

BAGUIO CITY – A mother of two children who works as a dancer and entertainer filed a complained against her live-in partner who mauled her out of jealousy.

Police said the incident happened August 14, around 12:30 p.m as reported by victim Charity A. Dagson. 28, of  Bacbacan Drive, Asin Road. Dagson said Placiso Charwasen Gumaad, 25 inflicted injuries on  different parts of her body by kicking, choking and biting her leg.

The victim said she was also struck by a kitchen knife by the suspect but she was able to hold the knife, reason why her finger was hurt.

Her head was reportedly also banged against the stone wall by the suspect.

The incident was perpetrated in front of their two children who tried to stop Gumaad but were hurt by the suspect. The incident only stopped when the victim together with her two children were able to run outside the house and seek help.

Man jailed for stealing French lady’s money

BANAUE, Ifugao – A man was arrested here for allegedly taking the money of a French lady tourist and her companions at a bar here around 4:30 p.m. of August 14. Victim Aimee Boinnot, 19, resident of  Chemin De Bellevue, Gif Sur Yvette France reported to Banaue their money amounting to P14,000 was missing.

Investigation disclosed that at around 12:30 p.m. that day, the victim’s group arrived at Guihob Natural Pool located at Kinakin, Banaue, left their bags outside the bar and took their lunch. Later, they had a drinking spree at said bar together with the tour guide identified as Billy Jake Tomas and other groups inside the bar. Later, the victim went outside the bar to get money from one of their bags to pay their bills but she noticed that the pouch where the money was placed was missing. She also noticed that their bags were opened and searched.  Responding police officers went to the incident area where witnesses identified the following suspects they saw opening the bag of the victim.

Said suspects were identified as one Delbert Numbanal Damague, 27,  of Airport, Gohang who was arrested when he was pinpointed by one of the witnesses while his companion Jason Labuquen, 26,of Purok 1, Turud, Reyna Marcedes, Isabela and Echague, Isabela left earlier and is still at large.

Fire breaks out at McDonald’s Trinidad

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet –A part of McDonald’s fasfood restaurant here was burned August 14 around 1 p.m. Police said the fire fire broke out inside the power generator room saying possible cause of fire was due to short circuit aggravated by combustible materials placed inside the generator room. Estimated worth of damage was placed at P100, 000. No person was reported injured. The fire was declared out around 30 minutes later.

Drunk toughie creates trouble

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga – A farmer was the object of a complaint here for allegedly creating trouble, threatening people with a knife and stoning a victim’s house. 

Police said the incident happened August 14 around 7:30 p.m. at Malusong, Canaojere. The suspect identified as Moley  Ayangdo allegedly kept on stoning the galvanized roof top of a victim’s house. Not  contended, he as mashed rock on  the house door severely damaging it.

Investigation disclosed that prior to the incident, the suspect went to the basketball court at Barangay Canao under the influence of liquor holding a knife then threatened the players to go home. On the course, he saw Jansen Contis, 20, son of complainant and also threatened him prompting the son of the complainant to run after the suspect. The  case was referred to the barangay.

Security guard erects

house on old woman’s lot

BONTOC, Mountain Province – A security guard was the object of  complaint of a certain  Dominga Padcayan, 79,  resident of Chackong, Bontoc Ili.

She told police their lot at Sitio Feneo, Barangay Samoki was forcibly entered by one Cesar Padcayan of Sitio Sadlan, Barangay Samoki who erecting concrete post of a house on the lot. On August 8, sand, steel bars and cement was brought at said site nu the security guard. Dominga Padcayan and his son Daniel went to the site and confronted Ceasar Padcayan not to continue their plan.

However the following day, the security guard started assembling a steel concrete post on the area. On August 11, they started digging holes together with their father Manolo and the next day, started erecting the finished steel post and cemented it until it became concrete posts of a house. Police said they were investigating.

Farmer stabs half-brother

RIZAL, Kalinga – A farmer stabbed his half-brother in a drinking spree here August 13 around 5:30 p.m.

Police said they received a call from barangay kagawad Alejandro of Kinama of a stabbing incident at the residence of a certain Marcelino Alejandro in the barangay. Investigation reveal a certain Rolando Jaramillo, 38 stabbed his half-brother Alberto Fernandez, 57, also a farmer. The victim and suspect with Marcelino were having a drinking session inside the house of the latter when the victim and the suspect had a heated argument but they were pacified by Alejandro. When  Alejandro went out to urinate, he heard a scream inside his house. He saw the victim with stab wounds and the suspect holding a knife prompting him to call for help and they arrested the suspect. The victim was n brought to Juan M Duyan Hospital in the town  and later referred to CVMC, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan for medical treatment.

Two stabbed near Baguio public market

BAGUIO CITY – Two men were stabbed by still unidentified suspects here August 13 at around 10:30 p.m. along the public market in Hilltop Road. Victims were named as Vergel Ramos Cera Jr., 23 and Arnold Dawaten Manengyao Sr., 56 of Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet.  Investigation disclosed that the victims just met and made friends at Upper Magsaysay Avenue and decided to proceed to Hilltop. When they were at the junction of Hilltop and Zandueta Street, they met the five male suspects and without any provocation, one of the suspects boxed the face of Cera and the group mauled the two. The victims tried to escape and ran towards 3rd Kayang Street to seek help at Benguet Bar. From there, Manengyao Sr. noticed he had stabbed wounds at his neck and back. He also sustained head injuries caused by a blunt object.  The victims were then brought to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment where Manengyao was admitted while Cera was sent home after treatment.

Man shot at Bulanao public market

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Police heard a gunshot here August 13 around 9:45 p.m. emanating from the nearby Bulanao Public Market. Responding cops found a man sprawled on the unpaved road with bubbles coming out from his mouth and nostrils later identified as Reynaldo Balicao Oligario, 27, ex-OFW, of Taloctoc, Tanudan, Kalinga and a resident of Purok-6, Bulanao.

Investigation showed that the victim and companions were having a drinking session at Binibini Videoke Bar at the market when the victim went out to urinate. A gunshot was heard outside and Oligario was seen lying on the road. A motorcycle believed used by the suspects was brought to Tabuk police station.

The alleged rider of the HONDA XRM, believed to be the companion of the suspect was taken into custody by cops. Said rider refused to divulge the identity of the suspect. Recovered spent shell for Cal. 45 from the scene was taken for forensic examination.