PACC probes corruption on Ifugao road projects

>> Tuesday, November 20, 2018


‘Government funds used for illegal activities’ 

IFUGAO Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat hailed move of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) to probe use of government funds in this province to put a stop to corruption in the bidding for public infrastructure projects and expressed hope that those responsible will be meted the punishment provided by law.
Baguilat, who has long championed anti-corruption measures, said he had been informed earlier of attempts by government officials to get bribes from contractors in his province of Ifugao, thus he prompted these contractors to report illegal practices to the Dept. of Public Works and Highways.
Baguilat was therefore puzzled when the former district engineer of Ifugao, Lorna Ricardo, purportedly dropped his name regarding a road project in Ifugao, especially since the project was not even initiated by his office but was inserted in the government budget in bicameral meetings. 
"Immediately after District Engineer Ricardo was assigned to Ifugao late last year, I already told her that I do not accept bribes and that she should not be afraid to go after erring contractors. They should be made accountable if they do not comply with the agreed program of work. That is public money we are talking about so it should be spent properly," Baguilat said. 
Ricardo has since been transferred to Abra, without any objection from Baguilat.
Baguilat recalled that the 2018 infrastructure budget for Ifugao was slashed to zero following his stance on several issues which contradicted the administration’s position. 
“I was therefore surprised, pleasantly at the time, to find out that 100 million pesos was somehow inserted in the infrastructure budget of Ifugao without any intervention from my office. But even then, the bulk of projects that were the result of tedious planning was not funded,” Baguilat said.
“My surprise has since turned to disgust as it looks like my province’s budget was used to support illegal activities,” Baguilat added.
Ricardo was OIC-District Engineer of Davao City in 2009 where she was identified by the Commission on Audit as among those liable to settle the disallowed amount of 12.9 million pesos for certain road projects. In 2013, she was designated District Engineer of Davao del Norte 1st District Engineering Office, then, in 2017, as District Engineer of the Ifugao First Engineering District.
In Ifugao, anti-corruption advocate Citizens Crime Watch – Cordillera Administrative Region alleged that Ricardo and other DPWH officials formed a clique which displaced dedicated and hardworking Igorot engineers so they could pursue questionable transactions.
“I hope an investigation into this alleged act of corruption will also look into getting funds to where they are actually needed, and not to projects that possibly result in kickbacks,” Baguilat added.  

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LU vice mayor slain; vice mayor, 7 hurt in ambush


Investigation task group formed 
By Jessica Barriento

BALAOAN, La Union – A police task force is now investigating the death of the town mayor and wounding of the vice mayor who is his daughter when they were ambushed by unidentified gunmen here Wednesday morning.
Seven persons were also wounded in the ambush and taken to hospitals in critical condition.
The convoy of Balaoan town mayor Aleli Concepcion and vice mayor Alfred Concepcion was ambushed by unidentified gunmen, said La Union Police Provincial Director Senior Supt. Ricardo Layug.
He added the incident took place around 8:10 a.m. on Balaoan Luna Road, Barangay Cabuaan.
Also wounded were identified as Roniel R. Valdez, 45, driver of Mayor Concepcion; Dominador S. Bautista, 30; Joey V. Lopez, 33. driver of vice mayor Concepcion; Samuel O. Natividad, 46;; Danilo C. Mendoza, 50,kagawad; Roberto A. Octavo, 58, tricycle driver, bystander and Marilou O. Dingle, 37, bystander.
Police found at the crime scene empty shells of Cal. 5.56.
Meanwhile, an alleged vehicle used in the ambush was recovered in Barangay Nadsaag, San Juan, La Union.
Layug said the victims and their companions were riding in two separate vehicles on their way to the municipal hall when assailants attacked them.
The two officials were brought to the hospital but there are no reports yet of their current condition.
Immediately after the ambush a special investigation task group was created.
In an interview with Chief Supt. Romulo E Sapitula, regional police director of Region 1, the task group aims to conduct an in-depth investigation of the shooting incident morning of Nov. 14 a.
He said the vehicle of Mayor Concepcion, another vehicle where her father Vice Mayor Concepcion was, and a motorcycle driven by Michael M.Ulep were in a convoy going to the municipal hall when they were fired upon by gunmen on board a vehicle of still undetermined description.
Initial investigation revealed that all the occupants of the vehicles sustained gunshot wounds and were all rushed to Balaoan District Hospital in Balaoan, La Union and Lorma Medical Center in City of San Fernando for medical treatment.
However vice mayor Concepcion and Ulep were declared dead on arrival.
In an interview with Chief Insp. Silverio Ordinado Jr, spokesperson of La Union Police Provincial Office, the said vehicle was found abandoned.
The said vehicle is now under the custody of the police for further investigation.
It was also known that mayor Concepcion is now in stable condition. 

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Kalinga landslide forces evacuation of 44 families


By Jessica Jane Barriento

PASIL, Kalinga -- More than a week after Typhoon Rosita ravaged Northern Luzon, residents here in Sitio Yogyog, Barangay Pugong were hit by landslide.
A Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council report said as of press time, 44 families were evacuated.
Municipal Mayor Alfredo B. Malannag Jr. led the forced evacuation for those who resisted in leaving their house on morning and night of Monday. 
Together with the help of Philippine National Police, they were able to evacuate the residents from the declared danger zone.
Twenty five meters from the landslide area was declared danger zone. It was cordoned by police.
A command center was activated in the barangay including an emergency operations center of the MDRRMC.
Disaster officials and personnel including those from the Office of Civil Defense visited the area.
A geologist from Mines and Geosciences Bureau, engineers from Dept. of Public Works and Hi-Ways Upper Kalinga District Engineering Office, and a representative from the Dept. of Interior and Local Government Provincial Office.
The municipal mayor as the chairperson of the MDRRMC identified needs of the residents especially that the water system was destroyed along the sinking mountain.
MGB’s Jestee Dona-al said they inspected the area Nov. 6, saying hey recommended evacuation while the landslide is in progression. She stressed that it is unpredictable when the remaining part of the mountain will sink.
At present the landslide has a depth of about 25 meters from the level of the ground where houses were built.
Thirteen houses were voluntary dismantled by the owners to salvage the materials that still can be used. Others are still being demolished. Relief operation was conducted for the affected families.
Meanwhile, the municipal government is looking for a safe place as a possible relocation site for the affected residents in coordination with MGB and OCD.

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Reward set for arrest of Cagayan bar owners’ killers



TUGUEGARAO, Cagayan,  — The municipal government of Lal-lo, Cagayan has offered a reward of P50,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspects in the killing of the owners of a karaoke bar in Barangay Magapit on Monday.
Mayor Florante Pascual also ordered the closure of night spots in the area following the incident.
Eugene Javier and his wife Princess, who was nine months pregnant, and Ramsey Javier and his wife Mikaela were reportedly gunned down following an argument with the suspects.
Initial investigation showed the suspects confronted the victims after one of the guest relations officers turned down an offer to engage in sexual services.

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Sagada-Korea Friendship Night slated Dec. 8


By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province --  A  night of Korean and Sagada cultural music and dance shall be a sight on Dec. 8 at 5:30 to 7 p.m. here  at the community court.
The activity called  1st Sagada-Korea Friendship Night (Gong Links) shall see friendship rites  between Sagada and  Korea to be capped with exchange  of  tokens between this tourist town and Korea, the latter led by event organizer Han Chang Soo.
Korean cultural music and dance shall be performed by the Korean Traditional Art Troupe led by Lee Sang Bok and Jung Hyung Sok.
Sagada cultural performers shall be doing the traditional dances- ballangbang, palakis, sakuting and takik.  
The public was encouraged to watch the event. No fees will be collected.  Dubbed  Gong Links, the activity sees the similarity of the use of gongs between the two countries.
The gong as an instrument of entertainment is common among Asian countries including Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Korean noodles shall be served along with Sagada Coffee Arabica  to visiting  performers and  guests  from Korea and the public.
The Korean group shall also be conducting a medical mission afternoon on the same date.
Details on this shall be posted soon.  


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No Baguio number coding Nov 19 -Dec. 14


By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan issued Administrative Order No. 195, series of 2018 suspending the implementation of the Baguio Number Coding Scheme for private motor vehicles only during the 65th Mine Safety and Environment Week and the 69th edition of the Fil-Am invitational amateur golf tournament on November 19 – December 14, 2018.
            On Nov. 20-23, 2018, Baguio City hosts the 65th Annual Mine Safety and Environment Conference spearheaded by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (MSEA) with some 500 mining industry stakeholders converging in the city to discuss pertinent issues and concerns affecting the country’s mining industry, while on November 28 to December 15, 2018, over 1,300 amateur golfers from different parts of the world will arrive in the city for the 69th Fil-Am invitational amateur golf tournament to be played at the Baguio Country Club (BCC) and Camp John Hay CJH) fairways.
            “We need to suspend the implementation of the number coding scheme for all private vehicles only in the city on the aforesaid dates in order to provide members of the mining industry and other stakeholders and our golfers, visitors and their families convenient and stress-free journey around the city to help boost the city’s identity as the prime tourist destination,” Domogan stressed.
            The theme of this year’s PMSEA gathering in the city is “65 Years of Responsible Mining: Industry and Regulator Together in Advocating and Promoting Responsible Mining.”
            The local chief executive tasked the City Public Information Office under the City Mayor’s Office to widely distribute the said order for the information of residents and tourists alike.
            Ordinance No. 01, series of 2003 s amended by Ordinance No. 107, series of 2008 is known as the Baguio City Number Coding Ordinance.
            Section 6 of Ordinance No. 01, series of 2003 as amended by Section 1 of Ordinance No. 107, series of 2008 exempts private motor vehicles and chartered public utility vehicles of visitors, tourists, vacationers or participants of sanctioned activities such as conventions, conferences and assemblies provided that sponsoring groups of the conventions, seminars, conferences or assemblies shall be required to issue to their participants the necessary stickers or documents showing that the owners or possessors thereof are participants in such activities.
            Executive Order No. 1, series of 2009 entitled “Setting the Guidelines for the  Implementation of Ordinance No. 107, Series of 2008” defines sanctioned activities as those referring to sponsored, co-sponsored or hosted activities by the City of Baguio which are duly authorized or approved by the City Mayor or the City Council through the appropriate resolutions.
            The Baguio Number Coding Scheme is one of the measures to help reduce the volume of motor vehicles traversing the various roads within the central business district to help in the smooth flow of traffic in the city.

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Disqualification case filed vs Chavit by mayoral bet


By Freddie Lazaro

NARVACAN, Ilocos Sur – Mayoralty candidate Edgar D. Zaragoza,is seeking the disqualification of rival, incumbent town councilor and former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson, in the May 13, 2019 elections.
Zaragoza appealed to the Commission on Elections to deny the Certificate of Candidacy (C0C) of Singson for mayor of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur due to residency issue.
Zaragoza claimed that on Oct. 17, 2018, Singson filed his COC for mayor of Narvacan and falsely stated that his residence is No.353 National Highway, Barangay Sulvec, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
Singson claimed to be a resident of the place for more than four years.
Singson, however, insisted that he is qualified to run for Narvacan mayor considering that he owns a property in the municipality.
Singson said that he can prove his Narvacan residency.
“Former Governor Chavit Singson made a false representation in the COC when he declared the he resides in the town for more than four years when the truth is he is neither a resident nor is he domiciled in Narvacan,” Zaragoza said.
“Singson, as early as the 80s, as well as during his run for gubernatorial and congressional seats spanning a period of over 28 years, he has consistently professed Vigan to be his and his family’s place,” Zaragoza added.
Although Singson owns a house in Barangay Sulvec, Narvacan town, Zaragoza said that he is not staying nor sleeping there.
“Nestled in the heart of Vigan is his family’s majestic home, which has over the years gained recognition from locals and tourists alike as his Baluarte,” he added.
“The Singson’s Sulvec property is a humble two-bedroom house made of mixed inexpensive materials including leaves that serve as its roofing with a garage that can only fit one car; strikingly deviating from Baluarte, the Sulvec Property has none of the lavish ornaments, extravagant furnishings, and grandeur that characterize Singson’s excessive and expensive taste,” Zaragoza claimed.
Singson said Zaragoza, fearing defeat in next year’s election, filed the disqualification complaint against him.

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POLICE ROUNDUP


SM guard nabbed for showing penis to lady


BAGUIO CITY – Charges for unjust vexation were filed against a security guard of SM City here Thursday for showing his erect penis to a young lady merchandizer of the giant mall while on duty.
Police nabbed Thursday Jason Hernan Nicandro, 27 for vexing Deiby Anector Villanueva, 26.
Investigation disclosed that day as complainant was passing by, she noticed the suspect leaning on a wall and was surprised when she saw the suspect holding his erectpenis and showing it to her while smiling sarcastically. Out of nervousness, the complainant ran away from the area and sought assistance from the nearby security guards and reported the incident.
 When questioned by police, the suspect kept quiet and insisted that he did not intentionally show his erect penis to the complainant. The case was brought to the attention of prosecutor Philip Randolf Kiat-ong, who ordered the detention of the arrested suspect at the city jail.

 Drunk farmer drowns in farm irrigation canal  

LAMUT, Ifugao – A farmer was found drowned floating at a farm irrigation here in Barangay Panopdopan Thursday. The victim was later identified as Darde Guiniling Laguardia, 39 .
                Investigation disclosed around 9 p.m. of Nov. 11, the victim was seen drunk at a funeral wake of said barangay. He started for home but slipped at the wooden bridge when he crossed the said irrigation then fell.
That victim was believed stuck under pieces of wood installed at the irrigation about two meters away from the wooden bridge.
No foul play in the incident, police said. The cadaver of the victim was transported to the Christian J. Funeral Services in Poblacion West. Lamut, Ifugao.

Drug surrenderee arrested in possession of marijuana

LUNA, La Union- A case for violation of Republic Act 9165 was filed against a drug surrenderee who was arrested in possession of suspected marijuana here.  
Chief Insp Roy Villanueva, Luna chief of police identified the suspect  as Mark Jason A. Bautista, 26 of Barangay Bungro who was under the influence of liquor while creating trouble in Barangay Magsiping about 11:50 p.m. Monday.
He added the suspect was having conflict with his girlfriend who wanted to break up with him.
Villanueva said police responded to reported male person creating trouble in said place allegedly armed with a kitchen knife. When cops requested to bring out all items inside his pocket in the presence of barangay officials, they discovered sachet containing suspected marijuana leaves which resulted in his arrest. 
Bautista remains under police custody. According to the chief of police, the arrested person was a drug surrenderree during the implementation of Oplan Tokhang. -- Jessica Jane Barriento

 

Complaint filed vs salesman for not remitting P34,000 collection

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Charges were filed against a  man who was just hired as a salesman of bakeshop  Vahl Vice’s Bread at Dreamland, Pico here and absconded with collection money worth P34,000.    
Mitchelle Wallang Saddoy, 39, married, of Sagada, Mt. Province and a resident of Dreamland Subdivision told police she was victimized by Dusty James Dizon Dagasen, 20, of No. 304 Country Club, Baguio City.
Investigation revealed the suspect started work Nov. 3 as a helper. On Nov. 5, the victim assigned the suspect to deliver assorted bread to Nueva Vizcaya and collect payments from customers.
Since Nov. 7, the suspect did not return and remit the collection. On Nov. 9, the victim was able to locate the suspect and made an agreement that the latter from him to pay the amount on Nov. 10. The suspect failed to appear and remit forcing the victim to file charges.

 Man gatecrashes party, stabs b’day celebrant

DOLORES, Abra – A 49-year-old man was stabbed by another Nov. 10 around 10:35 p.m. in Barangay Poblacion.
The victim was named as Danilo Zapata, 49 who was allegedly stabbed by Alex Zapata Quiocho Jr., 40, both residents of said place.
Initial investigation disclosed around 10:30 p.m., the victim who was drunk entered into the premises of the suspect who held a party to celebrate his birthday.
The victim and the suspect had a heated arguments that resulted to the stabbing incident. The victim suffered lone stab wound on his chest and was rushed to Dolores Medicare and Community Hospital then later referred to Abra Provincial hospital for further medical treatment. The suspect was arrested by the responding cops.

 House riddled with bullets; family escapes death

LAGAYAN, Abra – A family’s house was riddled with gunfire here Nov. 10 around 10:30 p.m. in Barangay Pulot. No one was hurt when still unidentified gunmen opened fire on the house of Jovie Miranda Sindon, 50, female. Sindon with her family members and three visitors were sleeping when the house’s concrete wall was riddled with bullet. Responding police failed to locate suspects. They found bullets from different guns at crime scene.

 Lasciviousness lands man in jail

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Police nabbed here last week a certain Richard Caligtan  Cubsilan, 44, single,  of Dinapigue, Isabela for acts of lasciviousness.
This, after judge Cresencio I. Maliwat of Regional Trial Court, 2nd Judicial Region, Branch 21, Santiago City, Isabela issued warrant for his arrest. The judge set bail of P12,000 for Cubsilan’s temporary liberty.

Man cornered for violence against women, children

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A certain Jaypee Ducusin Castro was arrested for violation of Republic Act 9262 (violence against women and children) after warrant was issued against him by Judge Marieta S. Brawner- Cualing, of RTC Branch 9, La Trinidad, Benguet. The judge set bail of ₱80,000 for Castro’s temporary liberty.

 Kid, 16 killed, cousin hurt in trike collision

LAGAWE, Ifugao – A 16-year-old kid was killed when the motorcycle he was driving hit a parked dump truck here Nov. 10 around 9:14 p.m.
A police report said the accident happened along the national road here in Natuwolan, Cudog.
The victim, identified as Victor Udde-e Dugninon Jr., of Piwong, Hingyon was with his back rider and cousin Mary Dinamling Udde-e, 11, also of Hingyon, when his motorcycle hit the dump truck parked unattended along the road.
Both were rushed by rescuers to IGH Clinic in Natuwolan, Cudog, Lagawe, but Dugninon was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Dr. Mae Codamon Diaz while his cousin was treated before being sent to Panopdopan District Hospital in Lamut town for further treatment.

Yemeni hits woman, 76 with motorbike

BAGUIO CITY – A Yemen national riding a motorcycle was injured along with a 76-year-old women he hit with the vehicle here Nov. 10 around 9:40 a.m. along Rimando Road. The Yemeni was identified as Wasel Mubarak Abdulhaq, 20, information technology student of University of the Cordillera.
Hit was pedestrian Rosalina Bata Colico,  of km 3 Upper Asin Road.
Investigation disclosed the motorcycle was traversing the road when the victim allegedly ran across the road. Due to the impact, the rider lost control of the motorcycle then fell on the road pavement. Both were injured and brought to Pines Doctor's Hospital for treatment.
Please be informed that on November 11, 2018 at about 11:50 AM, Matthew Linang of legal age, married and a resident of San Juan, Tabuk City, Kalinga personally came in Tinglayan MPS and reported that there was a Vehicular Traffic Accident involving two vehicles at Sitio Ampating, Barangay Bangad Centro, Tinglayan, Kalinga. Personnel of Tinglayan MPS immediately proceeded to the said place to verify the report and to conduct investigation thereat.

Epileptic’s body found at creek

BAGUIO CITY – The body of a certain Zigfred Fernandez Olea, 31, of 14, Cabinet Hill here was found Nov. 11 at a creek located at Purok 4, M. Roxas Barangay by Aide Vinluan Gatmen, 78, widow, 66 of M. Roxas barangay.
Gatmen, was inside their house near the creek when she heard children walking on the street shouting prompting her to go outside their house and saw the said male person lying lifeless on the creek prompting her to call for assistance.
Police said the cadaver, dead more than 24 hours was brought to Bahay Damayan.  
At the creek, a certain Robert Fernandez Olea, 46 of 14, Cabinet Hill arrived with his family and positively identified the male cadaver as their family member.
Zigfried reportedly did not go home since the morning of Nov. 4. The cadaver was epileptic, family members said.

Drunk driver hits post which falls down on truck

BAGUIO CITY – The drunk driver of a water delivery truck hit an electric post with his vehicle here Monday around 12 a.m. making the post fall down on his vehicle.
The truck bearing plate no. XDW 127 was driven by Ricky Sacnit Uyduhen single, 26, of Pautan Malaya Cervantes Ilocos Sur.
The driver was brought to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for medical and alcoholic test. No person was injured during the incident.

 Swindling lands woman in jail

BAGUIO CITY – Cops arrested here Nov. 11 at Lower Rock Quarry a certain Elizabeth Berdolaga Proietti, 58, married for two counts of swindling.
This, after Delilah Gonzales-Muñoz, presiding judge of the Municipal Trial Court, La Trinidad, First Judicial Region issued warrants against her setting bail of P10,000 for each case.

3 men nabbed for mauling boy, 16

BAGUIO CITY – A salesman, driver and student were arrested here Nov. 11 for mauling a 16-year-old student and his step-brother who came to the latter’s rescue at Purok Magsaysay, Loakan Proper.
Complainant Eugene Alberto identified the suspects as Mark Anthony Ambrosio Gamayao, 24, salesman; Rafael Daniel Villaduz Estacio, 32, driver and Darwin Villaduz Estacio, 30,  student.
Investigation disclosed the victim and his two companions were walking going to their residence, when the three suspects followed and mauled him at the pathway while his two companions were able to run.
The younger step brother of Alberto identified as Eugenio Borbon Paddit came to the rescue but the same suspects mauled him until he fell on the ground. After the incident the suspects fled but responding police personnel were able to arrest thm.

2 photogs stabbed outside Red Lion Bar

BAGUIO CITY – Two photographers were stabbed and are now in critical condition Monday around 1 a.m. in front of Red Lion Bar here along Leonard Wood Road.
Victims were identified as Gion Carlo Mejia Abella, 26 and Jimbo Soriano Quitaleg, 17, both of San Carlos City. 
Investigation disclosed that victims together with three of their friends had a drinking session inside Red Lion Bar. They decided to go back to their cottage at Teachers Camp, Baguio City where they were temporarily billeted when a group of male persons who were also costumers of the said bar waited for them outside then without apparent reason mauled and stabbed the two victims.
Said victims were brought by a taxi driver to Saint Louis hospital where they were operated on. Friends of the victims claimed that they never had any altercation with another group inside and outside the bar. 

 Student found dead hanging at rooftop

DOLORES, Abra – A student was declared dead on arrival here at St. Theresa Hospital due to alleged suicide by hanging.
Dr. Dexter Apolonio declared the victim dead who was later identified as Albert Prince Gumabay Ancheta, 19, single, student of ASIST Main Campus and a resident of Presentar, Lagangilang town.
                Initial investigation disclosed that at about 2 p.m. of same date, Joana Clarisse Ancheta who has just arrived from Bangued, Abra found the victim hanging with a brown nylon cord tied on his neck inside a shanty at the rooftop of the house of a certain Ronald Ancheta in Presentar. 
Immediate family members of the victim executed a waiver not to conduct autopsy examination on the cadaver since they were convinced that the incident was plainly suicide and no foul play was committed.


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Guns-for-hire and politicians

EDITORIAL


There could be truth to allegations of  Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde who had confirmed that incumbent politicians and candidates for the 2019 elections are now using  services of five guns-for-hire like the group arrested by the PNP- Anti Kidnapping Group (AKG) in Quezon City and Isabela.

A police task force is now investigating the death of the mayor of Balaoan, La Union and wounding of the vice mayor who is his daughter when they were ambushed by unidentified gunmen in the town Wednesday morning.
Seven persons were also wounded in the ambush and taken to hospitals in critical condition.
The convoy of Balaoan town mayor Aleli Concepcion and vice mayor Alfred Concepcion was ambushed by unidentified gunmen, said La Union Police Provincial Director Senior Supt. Ricardo Layug. The incident took place around 8:10 a.m. on Balaoan Luna Road, Barangay Cabuaan.
Also wounded were identified as Roniel R. Valdez, 45, driver of Mayor Concepcion; Dominador S. Bautista, 30; Joey V. Lopez, 33. driver of vice mayor Concepcion; Samuel O. Natividad, 46;; Danilo C. Mendoza, 50,kagawad; Roberto A. Octavo, 58, tricycle driver, bystander and Marilou O. Dingle, 37, bystander.
In the case of the assassins operating in Isabela and Manila, Albayalde said the criminal syndicate, headed by Ricardo Peralta, is often hired by governors and mayors to serve as private armies and to commit intimidation or even assassination against their political rivals.
Following this, he said the PNP is serious and had intensified campaign against private armed groups and loose firearms.
The PNP chief refused to name said politicians who hail from Nueva Ecija, Cagayan, Metro Manila, Bulacan, and La Union, but said they are coordinating with the Dept. of Interior and Local Government regarding the allegations.
“We can always conduct police operations against them if we get evidence that they are also in possession of unlicensed firearms. We can always apply search warrant also against them and we will coordinate with DILG on that,” Albayalde said.
PNP-AKG Director PCSupt. Glen Dumlao said five suspects were found to be in possession of high-caliber guns, ammunition, and grenades.
The AKG has launched a manhunt for the group’s leader, Ricardo Peralta, who has a P5 million bounty on his head offered by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) over various crimes.
“We are very happy na yung VACC ay nakikipag tulungan sa amin in pursuing this criminal kasi iba na po yung personality ni Ric Peralta, iba na yung mukha niya. Iba yung ginagamit niyang mga pangalan that’s why yung mga pulitiko na kliyente nila ay inaaccept siya dahil hindi siya kilala. He is passing his self as security consultant with military and police background,” said Dumlao.
The PNP vowed to exert efforts in capturing criminal syndicates that are used being by politicians as their private armies.
This, as Christopher Alain Alvero, another gun-for-hire and a high-value target involved in illegal drugs, was killed along with two others in a police operation in San Pablo Laguna Nov. 10.
If not nipped in the bud, more candidates for political position in the May 2019 would die

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IPs reject Xi Jinping’s Phl visit


BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

(Below is a press statement of indigenous people who recently held a meeting in Quezon City to assess the state of IPs in the country) 
In commemoration of the International Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) Heroes Day, IP leaders say "Xi Jinping is not welcome in the Philippines, especially in our sacred lands," indigenous peoples of the country said in response to the upcoming visit of the Chinese President to the Philippines.
China President Jinping is scheduled to sign with President Duterte the Official Development Aid (ODA) loan for the Kaliwa Dam and other Build Build Build projects.
"We call on the Chinese government for the pullout from committed loans and project that will destroy our lands and the environment which our ancestors and martyrs have nurtured with their sweat and blood,” said Pya Macliing Malayao, Katribu secretary general, and among the grandchildren of IP hero Petra Macliing, a Bontok woman leader who boldly opposed the logging, mining and the Chico mega dam in the Cordillera since the late 1960s.
Igorot, Dumagat and Lumad leaders and their advocates lit pinewood and held a ritual of solidarity to honor IP heroes and protest against President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the Philippines. The firewood honors their heroes and represents the flame of the struggle for their ancestral land and self-determination.
The ritual started with the drinking of a local wine to express solidarity and in remembrance of their brave ancestors, and ended with the bloodletting of a red rooster which symbolizes the determined and continued struggle to defend their communities and territories.
"For four decades, we have struggled against Laiban dam, a project started by the fascist US-Marcos regime but frustrated by the Filipino people. Now, with loans from China, the dam project will encroach more than 20,000 hectares of our ancestral lands in the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. This will destroy our sacred lands and our environment – a damnation of our lives and of the future generations," said Wilma Quirrez, spokesperson of the Network Opposed to (NCWS) Kaliwa-Kanan-Laiban Dam, and a daughter of IP hero Marilyn Quirrez.
The NCWS is a mega project under President Duterte's Build Build Build, which will push through with the Marcos-era Kanan, Kaliwa and Laiban mega dams. The dam project is to displace at least 31,000 people, mostly indigenous communities of the Dumagat and Remontado in 9 villages of Rizal and Quezon provinces.
“China is an important ingredient for Duterte’s Build Build Build program which favors the interest of big businesses.  These profit-oriented projects will target the Filipino people’s natural resources, displace thousands of indigenous communities, and violate their collective rights to their ancestral land and self-determination,” Quirrez said. 
Other projects to be funded by Chinese ODA are: Chico dams in Kalinga and Pulangi dams in Bukidnon and North Cotabato 
“In order to silence us freely enter our lands, landlords, capitalists and government are attacking our communities. Under the Duterte regime, 51 indigenous peoples have been killed by state armed forces for defending their rights and land. We will not cower, just as ours heroes,” Malayao said. 
"If it was not of our ancestors and heroes, we would have nothing now, and so as the next and future generations. We will stand for what our martyrs have developed and sacrificed their lives for," said Quirrez. 
 “We call on the people to continuously defend our national patrimony and sovereignty," Malayao said.
The groups cited IP heroes: 
Macliing Dulag – Butbut-Kalinga; a pangat (peacepact holder) and among the key leaders against the World Bank Chico dam project
Rafael Markus Bangit – Molbog-Kalinga; a pangat and a leader of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance
Ricardo Mayumi – Kalanguya-Ifugao; a leader of the Ifugao Peasant Movement
John Calaba – Dulangan Manobo; Public information officer of the KEDUMA local Lumad organization who was abducted by elements of the David M. Consunji, Inc (DMCI) which encroached the territories of the Dulangan Manobo in Sultan Kudarat
Datu Jimmy Liguyon – Tigwahaon/ Matigsalog; a community chieftain, a leader of the Kasilo local Lumad organization, and Barangay Captain of Brgy.Dao who was extra-judicially killed on March 5, 2012
Renato Anglao – Pulangihon Manobo; Secretary General of the Tindoga local Lumad organization who was extra-judicially killed on February 3, 2017.
Dionel Campos – Manobo; Chairperson of the MAPASU local Lumad organization who was massacred on September 1, 2016
Datu Jovello Sinzo – Manobo; Community chieftain who was massacred on September 1, 2016
Veronico Delamente – Mamanwa; Provincial coordinator of the KATRIBU Partylist who was extra-judicially killed on January 20, 2017
Nicanor “Kano” delos Santos – Dumagat; Secretary general of the Makabayang Samahan ng Katutubong Dumagat (MASKADA) and vice chairperson of the Bigkis at Lakas ng mga Katutubo sa Timog Katagalugan (BALATIK), organizations opposing the Laiban dam; extra-judicially killed on December 8, 2001 by the Arroyo regime.
Marilyn Quirrez – among the Dumagat woman leaders leading the campaign to protect the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges since the 1980s; secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) in the Quezon Province.
Erning Aykid – Hanunuo; Chairperson of the Tiripunan Arawatan Hanunuo Mangyan (TAHM) and a barangay kagawad when he was extra-judicially killed on September 15, 2017.
Tomas “Matanem Birang” Ito – Bagobo; 2nd chairperson of the PASAKA Confederation of Lumad in Southern Mindanao, and among the leaders of the Dyandi (peacepact) to defend Mt. Apo  “without ever retreating, until the very last drop of our blood, if needed.”
Ludeño”Dos” Monzon – Mandaya; a leader of the Negkahiusa Koy Mag-uuma To Boston which leads an active campaign against the Omega Gold mining company operating in their community. Dos was extra-judicially killed on April 29, 2009 under the Oplan Bantay Laya of the Arroyo regime.
Jimmy Saypan – Mandaya; Secretary general of the Compostela Farmer’s Association which leads the campaign to stop the operations and demand for the accountability of the AGPET mining company. Jimmy was extra-judicially killed on October 10, 2016.
Juvy Capion – Blaan; a leader of the KALGAD, an organization of the Blaan resisting the Tampakan mining project. Juvy along with 2 of her children were massacred by the military on October 19, 2012
The IPs also honored their martyred advocates:
Fr. Fausto “Pops” Tentorio – an Italian priest who was extra-judicially killed on October 17, 2011
Willem Geertman – a Dutch missionary and executive director of Alay Bayan Inc (ABI) who was extra-judicially killed on October 17, 2011
Emerito Samarca – Executive Director of the ALCADEV who the massacred on September 1, 2016

PERRYSCOPE
Perry Diaz
Has Chinese
colonization begun?
For the past several years, the prospect of Chinese invasion of the Philippines has instilled fear among Filipinos – they remember the Japanese invasion in 1942 came to their minds.  When China reclaimed the Panganiban Reef, also known as Mischief Reef, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in 1994, that fear transformed into apprehension.  
When China started building artificial islands around seven reefs in the Spratly Islands in the WPS in 2013, the Philippine government went into a state of shock not knowing how to respond to China’s takeover of parts of the Spratlys.   
When China began building airbases and harbors capable hosting warplanes, warships, and missiles on the artificial islands, the Philippine government tried to appease the “Chinese Dragon” that’s extending her territory in the WPS.  And when she started deploying aircraft and missiles in the militarized artificial islands, the Philippine government slid into paralytic state, incapable of how to deal with the “Chinese Dragon.” 
In May 2017, Duterte visited Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.  In their meeting, Duterte boldly told Xi:  “We intend to drill oil there, if it’s yours, well, that’s your view, but my view is, I can drill the oil, if there is some inside the bowels of the earth because it is ours. ”  Xi responded, “We’re friends, we don’t want to quarrel with you, we want to maintain the presence of warm relationship, but if you force the issue, we’ll go to war.”  
That did it.  In no uncertain terms, Xi made it clear that the two nations’ friendship is second only to China’s territorial claim in the WPS.  Xi’s veiled message was:  “Don’t touch the West Philippine Sea.  It’s ours.”
When he was back home he said that some groups in the country were pressuring him to take stronger action to assert the Philippines’ ownership of the WPS.  He told them, “We cannot afford a war. We cannot win a battle against China and I would only lose maybe thousands of my troops and policemen.” 
That was the gist of Duterte’s foreign policy vis-à-vis China. 
Chinese province
It’s interesting to note that when Duterte spoke before an audience of Filipino-Chinese businessmen on February 19, 2018, he said: “If you want, just make us a province, like Fujian.”  The businessmen applauded Duterte’s statement while Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua grinned approvingly.
In July 2018, residents in Manila and other cities woke up to see red banners hanging from footbridges reading,  “Welcome to the Philippines, province of China,” complete with the Chinese flag and Chinese characters.  Nobody knows who put up the red banners.  However, many see it as a protest to Duterte’s failure to assert the country’s rights in the disputed waters.
China Dream
Although, the Philippines isn’t a part of Xi’s “One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) strategic initiative to link Asia, Europe, and Africa, which is modelled after the “Silk Road,” it is now part of OBOR’s ancillary routes.  As it’s now apparent, OBOR is the answer to Xi’s “China Dream” to reshape global trade with Beijing at its core.  China would be the world’s new imperial power.
Indeed, OBOR’s expansion into the Philippines has drawn various industries.  One of them is offshore gaming known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), which was established after Duterte took over the government in 2016.  Chinese gaming companies have “invaded” the country.  There are now more than 50 POGO licensees, many of which are Chinese groups.
The influx of Chinese gaming companies has created another industry – real estate. Due to the demand for POGO facilities, offices and houses by the Chinese expats, property values have skyrocketed.   Incidentally, POGO companies employ mostly Chinese nationals.  According to a property consultant, the growth is phenomenal.  POGO groups use almost quarter of a million square meters of office space.
Cruise ships, which were non-existent in Philippine waters just a few years ago, have contributed to the country’s tourism industry.  Junket players -- heavy-betting Chinese gamblers -- are also contributing to the profits of POGO companies
One of the giants in the casino industry, Chinese casino Galaxy Entertainment Group would soon open its expansion by building a $550 million casino in Boracay.
When the Duterte administration invited telecommunication companies to bid for a third concession, three major Chinese communication giants were looking for Filipino partners to qualify to bid.  This is because the Philippine Constitution requires 60% ownership of all Philippine-registered corporations.  And this is where “dummy” stockholder and partners are coming in.  
Massive arrival
Government records show that more than three million Chinese nationals were allowed to enter the Philippines since 2016.   Many have attributed the influx to Duterte’s shift in foreign policy since the beginning of his presidency. 
In an attempt to regulate or curb the steady stream of Chinese nationals in the Philippines, Sen. Leila de Lima filed a resolution urging the Senate to investigate the “problem” that she said “not only steals jobs away from ordinary Filipinos but also triggers property surge on many developed areas.”
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana has been advocating the relaxation of visa restrictions “to encourage tourism on both ways on mutually beneficial terms.”
But all things said, there is a long history of mistrust of the Chinese, fueled by China’s territorial claims in the WPS.  And as China continues to bully the Philippines over the territorial disputes, China will never be seen in the eyes of Filipinos as a friend.  Indeed, the threat of war or invasion has made “friendship” with China untenable.
Chinese colonization
In my article,  “Who discovered the Philippines?”(April 13, 2007), I wrote: “In 1405, during the reign of the Ming Dynasty in China, Emperor Yung Lo [also Yong Le] claimed the island of Luzon and placed it under his empire. The Chinese called the island “Lusong” from the Chinese characters Lui Sung. The biggest settlement of Chinese was in Lingayen in Pangasinan. Lingayen also became the seat of the Chinese colonial government in Luzon. When Yung Lo died in 1424, the new Emperor Hongxi, Yung Lo’s son, lost interest in the colony and the colonial government was dissolved. However, the Chinese settlers in Lingayen — known as “sangleys” — remained and prospered. Our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal descended from the sangleys.”
With historical incidents of Chinese colonization of Luzon, and the present-day massive arrival of Chinese nationals assimilating into the various industries in the country, many are concerned that they would soon control the wealth and patrimony of the nation. 
It makes one wonder:  Just like 600 years ago when China claimed and placed Luzon under her empire, is she now in a position to claim the Philippines as her province or vassal state?  Or has Chinese colonization begun? 

Read more...

Has Chinese colonization began?


PERRYSCOPE

Perry Diaz

For the past several years, the prospect of Chinese invasion of the Philippines has instilled fear among Filipinos – they remember the Japanese invasion in 1942 came to their minds.  When China reclaimed the Panganiban Reef, also known as Mischief Reef, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in 1994, that fear transformed into apprehension.  
When China started building artificial islands around seven reefs in the Spratly Islands in the WPS in 2013, the Philippine government went into a state of shock not knowing how to respond to China’s takeover of parts of the Spratlys.   
When China began building airbases and harbors capable hosting warplanes, warships, and missiles on the artificial islands, the Philippine government tried to appease the “Chinese Dragon” that’s extending her territory in the WPS.  And when she started deploying aircraft and missiles in the militarized artificial islands, the Philippine government slid into paralytic state, incapable of how to deal with the “Chinese Dragon.” 
In May 2017, Duterte visited Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.  In their meeting, Duterte boldly told Xi:  “We intend to drill oil there, if it’s yours, well, that’s your view, but my view is, I can drill the oil, if there is some inside the bowels of the earth because it is ours. ”  Xi responded, “We’re friends, we don’t want to quarrel with you, we want to maintain the presence of warm relationship, but if you force the issue, we’ll go to war.”  
That did it.  In no uncertain terms, Xi made it clear that the two nations’ friendship is second only to China’s territorial claim in the WPS.  Xi’s veiled message was:  “Don’t touch the West Philippine Sea.  It’s ours.”
When he was back home he said that some groups in the country were pressuring him to take stronger action to assert the Philippines’ ownership of the WPS.  He told them, “We cannot afford a war. We cannot win a battle against China and I would only lose maybe thousands of my troops and policemen.” 
That was the gist of Duterte’s foreign policy vis-à-vis China. 
Chinese province
It’s interesting to note that when Duterte spoke before an audience of Filipino-Chinese businessmen on February 19, 2018, he said: “If you want, just make us a province, like Fujian.”  The businessmen applauded Duterte’s statement while Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua grinned approvingly.
In July 2018, residents in Manila and other cities woke up to see red banners hanging from footbridges reading,  “Welcome to the Philippines, province of China,” complete with the Chinese flag and Chinese characters.  Nobody knows who put up the red banners.  However, many see it as a protest to Duterte’s failure to assert the country’s rights in the disputed waters.
China Dream
Although, the Philippines isn’t a part of Xi’s “One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) strategic initiative to link Asia, Europe, and Africa, which is modelled after the “Silk Road,” it is now part of OBOR’s ancillary routes.  As it’s now apparent, OBOR is the answer to Xi’s “China Dream” to reshape global trade with Beijing at its core.  China would be the world’s new imperial power.
Indeed, OBOR’s expansion into the Philippines has drawn various industries.  One of them is offshore gaming known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), which was established after Duterte took over the government in 2016.  Chinese gaming companies have “invaded” the country.  There are now more than 50 POGO licensees, many of which are Chinese groups.
The influx of Chinese gaming companies has created another industry – real estate. Due to the demand for POGO facilities, offices and houses by the Chinese expats, property values have skyrocketed.   Incidentally, POGO companies employ mostly Chinese nationals.  According to a property consultant, the growth is phenomenal.  POGO groups use almost quarter of a million square meters of office space.
Cruise ships, which were non-existent in Philippine waters just a few years ago, have contributed to the country’s tourism industry.  Junket players -- heavy-betting Chinese gamblers -- are also contributing to the profits of POGO companies
One of the giants in the casino industry, Chinese casino Galaxy Entertainment Group would soon open its expansion by building a $550 million casino in Boracay.
When the Duterte administration invited telecommunication companies to bid for a third concession, three major Chinese communication giants were looking for Filipino partners to qualify to bid.  This is because the Philippine Constitution requires 60% ownership of all Philippine-registered corporations.  And this is where “dummy” stockholder and partners are coming in.  
Massive arrival
Government records show that more than three million Chinese nationals were allowed to enter the Philippines since 2016.   Many have attributed the influx to Duterte’s shift in foreign policy since the beginning of his presidency. 
In an attempt to regulate or curb the steady stream of Chinese nationals in the Philippines, Sen. Leila de Lima filed a resolution urging the Senate to investigate the “problem” that she said “not only steals jobs away from ordinary Filipinos but also triggers property surge on many developed areas.”
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana has been advocating the relaxation of visa restrictions “to encourage tourism on both ways on mutually beneficial terms.”
But all things said, there is a long history of mistrust of the Chinese, fueled by China’s territorial claims in the WPS.  And as China continues to bully the Philippines over the territorial disputes, China will never be seen in the eyes of Filipinos as a friend.  Indeed, the threat of war or invasion has made “friendship” with China untenable.
Chinese colonization
In my article,  “Who discovered the Philippines?”(April 13, 2007), I wrote: “In 1405, during the reign of the Ming Dynasty in China, Emperor Yung Lo [also Yong Le] claimed the island of Luzon and placed it under his empire. The Chinese called the island “Lusong” from the Chinese characters Lui Sung. The biggest settlement of Chinese was in Lingayen in Pangasinan. Lingayen also became the seat of the Chinese colonial government in Luzon. When Yung Lo died in 1424, the new Emperor Hongxi, Yung Lo’s son, lost interest in the colony and the colonial government was dissolved. However, the Chinese settlers in Lingayen — known as “sangleys” — remained and prospered. Our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal descended from the sangleys.”
With historical incidents of Chinese colonization of Luzon, and the present-day massive arrival of Chinese nationals assimilating into the various industries in the country, many are concerned that they would soon control the wealth and patrimony of the nation. 
It makes one wonder:  Just like 600 years ago when China claimed and placed Luzon under her empire, is she now in a position to claim the Philippines as her province or vassal state?  Or has Chinese colonization begun? 

Read more...

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