200 Cordi new officers start work as patrolmen

By Liza Agoot 

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet – A total of 200 new police officers took their oaths of office here Monday as part of the 2023 police recruitment program in the Cordillera Administrative Region. 
    “Today will be the start of your police journey from the arduous selection. You hurdled the tedious recruitment application,” Brig. Gen. Patrick Allan, the Police Regional Office-Cordillera deputy regional director for administration, said during the ceremony.
    The new officers who are on temporary status as patrolmen (142) and patrolwomen (58) were recruited per province to allow each area to have an allocation.
    Following the oath-taking, the recruits will start the basic recruitment course for six months to be administered by the CAR Training Center at Teacher’s Camp in Baguio City.
    They will later have a field training program in police stations to apply what they learned.
    Trainings will include mental skills and physical preparation.
    Col. Carolina Lacuata, PROCor information officer, said the recruits filled up the attrition quota to replace those who retired, resigned or were separated from the service.
    The new police officers will receive a monthly salary of PHP29,668 effective Nov. 13. -- PNA

 

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4 promoted NUP in Camp Dangwa

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Two newly appointed and one promoted Non-Uniformed Personnel (NUP) of the Police Regional Office Cordillera took their oath here Nov. 24.

Promoted NUP were Wynster A. Ocyaden from Mountain Province Police Provincial Office, Shena A. Tomilas of Kabayan Municipal Police Station and Soledad L. Calos from Camdas Police Station 2, Baguio City Police Office.
    The program was graced by the PRO Cordillera deputy regional director for administration Brig. Gen. Patrick Joseph Allan who officiated oath-taking.
    The event was facilitated by Regional Personnel and Records Management Division headed by Col. Arnold D. Razote.
    Chief of regional staff Col. Julio S. Lizardo and other NUPs of PRO Cordillera attended rites.
Assistant division chief of RPRMD Lt. Col. Geraldine F. Aydoc read the promotion and appointment order of the newly appointed and promoted NUPs.
    In his message, Allan congratulated the newly appointed and promoted NUPs and encouraged them to always uphold the high standards of integrity, ethics, and honesty, while serving the PNP and the public, the regional police information office said.
 

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Battalion chief Tagel promoted full colonel

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- The commander of the Regional Mobile Battalion 15, Col. Ruel Dangos Tagel is now a full-fledged police colonel following oath-taking here at regional police headquarters Nov. 24.
    Assistant division chief of regional personnel and Records Management Division Lt. Col. Geraldine F. Aydoc read the promotion order, while regional pastoral officer Maj. Alexander V. Pardo led blessing of rank insignias and accouterments followed by oath-taking and donning of ranks administered by Cordillera regional police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo Jr.
        Present during the ceremony were the family members of Col. Tagel, chairman of Battalion Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development Baguio Councilor Vladimir Cayabas; BAGPTD member Angeline Pamela Carino, company commanders and battalion staff of RMFB15 and PRO Cordillera personnel.
    Peredo congratulated Tagel for being promoted to next higher rank.
    Tagel thanked the regional director, Cordillera police and his family for their support in helping him achieve another milestone in his career.
 
 

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Licoben appointed Beneco general manager; NEA recommendation okayed

 After 3-year turmoil in power coop 

By Laarni Sibayan Ilagan

BAGUIO CITY -- Barely a day after his appointment as general manager of the Benguet Electric Cooperative, Melchor Licoben saw it fit to reiterate his first order of business -- renewal of the electric cooperative’s franchise.
    “My appointment is just the beginning. We still have so much to do. We still have to secure our existence for the next 50 years,” Licoben told employees in his message of gratitude on Nov. 8, a day after the Beneco task force passed a resolution naming him the official GM of the electric cooperative.
    Beneco’s franchise ends on March, 2028. Baguio Rep. Mark Go has filed House Bill 6145 that seeks to renew the franchise.
    On Nov. 6, the National Electrification Administration, through administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, wrote the task force that Licoben, an engineer, passed the qualifications and is recommended to be the GM.
    Steve Cating, task force chair, said that there were no other candidates who were qualified and so Licoben was NEA’s number one choice.
    NEA held the vetting of the applicants but under the rules, it is the cooperative’s board of directors that has the power to appoint a GM from the list of qualified candidates screened by NEA.
    The task force was granted the authority to name the GM.
    Once NEA confirms the appointment, Licoben, 55, will formally assume his functions.
    Licoben has been with Beneco for 32 years, starting as a casual employee in April, 1991.
    Employees hailed Licoben’s appointment and passed a resolution thanking the task force and NEA.
    “We are very happy that finally, our fight for what is right came through,” Jefferd Monang, employee union president, said.
    Licoben’s appointment ended almost three years of struggle with NEA and lawyer Ana Marie Rafael, former Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) assistant secretary who earlier applied for the position.
    The former board of directors appointed Licoben as GM in 2020 but the NEA appointed Rafael instead.
    The move triggered a dispute between NEA and Rafael on one hand and the employees and member-consumers-owners on the other.
    Licoben and employees accused NEA of violating the rules on GM recruitment when it only endorsed Rafael as the GM despite her and Licoben passing the final interview.
    Employees and consumers then refused to recognize Rafael as the GM and held daily protests and vigils to express their objection to NEA’s decision.
    On Oct. 20, 2021, armed and uniformed police installed Rafael as the GM inside the Beneco headquarters, now known as the Gerardo P. Verzosa building.
    Two days after, the employees and MCOs stormed South Drive and retook the headquarters.
    NEA fired the former board of directors in January this year and suspended Licoben for 45 days.
    The task force that was formed to replace the former directors declared the GM position vacant.

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Ngaya-an new Tabuk police chief

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Lt. Col. Jolly N. Ngayaan assumed post as acting Tabuk chief of police following turnover of command ceremony here at City Hall Nov. 6.
    The ceremony was administered by officer-in-charge of Kalinga Police Provincial Office Col. Freddie Lazona attended by provincial and city local officials, Kalinga PPO officers and stakeholders.

    Outgoing chief of police Col. Joey Jonathan B. Bagyao handed over inventory book and unit flag to Ngaya-an during rites.
    In his message, Ngayaan said he accepted the challenge of leading and serving the police force of Tabuk City Police Station.
    Lazona congratulated Ngaya-an and thanked Kalinga folks for his stint as chief of police.
 

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Licoben main contender for Beneco GM; two out in final NEA screening

BAGUIO CITY – Two contenders for the post of general manager of the Benguet Electric Cooperative are out of contention leaving only Beneco assistant general manager engineer Melchor Licoben for appointment to the electric cooperative.
    This, after engineer Artemio Bacoco, supervisor of Beneco’s Man-asok hydro dam in Buguias, Benguet, manifested to the NEA board of administrators Monday he was not pursuing his application to sit as GM after final screening was given by the NEA in Cebu on Monday to applicants.
    Former Beneco employee engineer Merlie Landocan was reportedly disqualified during final screening.
With this, Licoben is set to be endorsed by the NEA BOA to the Beneco interim, board for confirmation as GM, Bacoco said.
    Licoben was former GM, having been appointed to the position by the previous board of directors, but the NEA downgraded his position to assistant GM after it appointed former Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Anna Marie Rafael as GM which was opposed by member-consumer-owners who drove her out of the main Beneco headquarters here at South Drive last year. 
    The NEA also terminated term of the previous Beneco board of directors.
    MCOs have since called for election of BODs but interim board members said they will appoint first a GM before the polls.
    This made the Lower House probe the controversy saying the NEA “over-“reached” its functions by appointing a general manager and terminating term of the previous Beneco Board.   
    Following this, all Benguet municipal local governments, in resolutions, called for elections to settle the issue.
    To date, MCOs are still pressing for elections but Beneco sources said elections would be held January next year.    
    The interim board, they said, was appointed by the NEA and not elected by MCOs.  
    The five members of Task Force Beneco, the interim board, took their oath Jan. 11, 2023 before NEA Administrator Antonio Almeda.
    They were Joaquin Gerenimo Depalog Jr., Elma Donaal, Steve Cating, George Dumawing and Rodolfo De Guia representing sectors such as the business, academe/education, consumer, professional, agricultural and religious sectors.
    The task force was given the mandate to serve for six months and within said period, install Beneco network systems manager Ramel Rifani as acting general manager and call for the election of district representatives who will comprise the regular BOD and appointment of the regular general manager.
    MCOs are now saying the interim board should now schedule as soon as possible elections to select the new BODs considering the former’s terms have since lapsed.

The Dept. of Energy earlier directed Almeda to act as Beneco’s project supervisor for   six months which has since lapsed.

Almeda was tasked to supervise management and operation of the electric cooperative to ensure delivery of electric service to the member-consumer-owners.

Ramel Rifani was earlier appointed acting general manager but was later replaced by Bacoco.

Later Bacoco was replaced by lawyer Delmar Carino who at present sits as OIC GM.

Almeda earlier said he intended to prioritize election of Beneco’s regular board of directors, as well as the appointment of a regular general manager within his tenure as project supervisor.

According to NEA, Beneco’s rating as an electric cooperative has regressed to category C from AAA   in the 2019 overall performance assessment.

MCOs however said it was the NEA’s fault that the AAA classification was downgrated due to its own fault for interfering in Beneco affairs by appointing Rafael which led to turmoil in the power cooperative.

Almeda earlier assured stakeholders of the rural electrification sector that only the most qualified individuals would manage the electric cooperatives nationwide to make them globally competitive.

He said this would be achieved by making sure that proper and fair selection process is followed at all times.

To this, MCOS said this remains to be seen considering the case of who is the rightful Beneco GM is still pending in the Court of Appeals.  

The Beneco had been wracked with controversies the past two years when the National Electrification Administration appointed a new general manager and ordered removal of BODs which was questioned by lawyers and MCOs.

 

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Diplat new Ifugao PNP chief; top Cordillera officers visit province

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Col. Marvin S. Diplat is the new officer-in-charge of Ifugao Police Provincial Office.
    The regional police information office bared this saying Diplat assumed his post following ceremony at regional police headquarters here Oct. 5.
    The said turnover was administered by Col. Arnold D. Razote, chief of Regional Personnel and Records Management Division.
    Present during the activity were PRO Cordillera regional police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo Jr., deputy regional director for administration Brig. Gen. Patrick Joseph G. Allan, regional staff chief Col. Julio S. Lizardo, regional pastoral officer Maj. Alexander V. Pardo, PRO Cordillera officers and the new Ifugao police chief’s family.
    As highlight of the program, Peredo Jr. handed over the inventory book and unit flag to the new officer-in-charge.

In his acceptance message, Diplat expressed gratitude for the dedicated leadership and advocacy of his predecessor, Col. Davy Vicente M. Limmong, who retired from the police service last month.

Meanwhile, Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo Jr. visited the Ifugao Police Provincial Office at Camp Dunuan,  Poblacion North,  Lagawe, Ifugao on Oct. 11.

During his talk to provincial police. Peredo Jr. cited "DKP" which stands for "Disiplina at Dasal, Kakayahan, Pagmamahal at Pagtupad sa Tungkulin." 

He told police significance of self-discipline and maximum tolerance while performing their duties in their respective areas of responsibility.

"Let us control ourselves and respond accordingly. Do not be rattled because police officers are apolitical. Let us abide by the rules as stipulated in the Omnibus Election Code, that Cordillera cops, can be trusted as we fairly address every situation that arises,” Peredo said.

Peredo also graced the blessing and inauguration of the Community Police Assistance Center (COMPAC) buildings of Lagawe and Lamut municipal police stations during his visit.

Peredo Jr. was accompanied by  Col. James D. Mangili, Chief of  Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division; Col. Reguel Santamaria, chief of Regional Logistics and Research Development Division;  Col. George Buyacao Jr., chief of Regional Intelligence Division; Col. Jeremias Oyawon, chief of Regional Operations Division; Lt. Col. Carolina Lacuata, chief of Regional Public Information Office and Lt. Col. Ruel Tagel, acting commander of Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15.

Other key regional police officers present aside from new Ifugao PNP chief Diplat were provincial and municipal police officers aside from local officials.

 

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Ex-Vizcaya vice gov now board member

OATH OF OFFICE Municipal Trial Court Judge Francisco Pilpil (right) administers the oath of office to former vice governor Jose ‘Tam-an’ Tomas Sr. as the newest member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) of Nueva Vizcaya on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. Members of the Tomas family witnessed the oath-taking ceremony. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

By Vince Jacob Visaya

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya -- Former vice governor Jose "Tam-an" Tomas Sr. was sworn in as a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) of Nueva Vizcaya on Tuesday.
    Municipal Trial Court-Solano Judge Francisco Pilpil administered the oath of office to Tomas in Solano.
    His oath-taking was witnessed by board member Edu Balgos and lawyer Edna Baguidudol.
    The appointment of Tomas as a member of the provincial board is in accordance with the rule of succession under the Local Government Code (Republic Act 7160).
    Carlos Padilla, the elected governor of Nueva Vizcaya, passed away on May 5, 2023, and Vice Gov. Jose Gambito took over his office by succession. First-ranked board member Eufemia Dacayo was then elevated to vice governor, and a slot on the provincial board needed to be filled.
    As the representative of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats in Nueva Vizcaya, Tomas was endorsed by Rep. Luisa "Banti" Cuaresma. His appointment was recently signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Baguio officials push IPMR’s appointment as BWD director

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong ratified city council resolution no. 387, series of 2023, resolving that an Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) be appointed as board of director in the Baguio Water District (BWD).
    The approved measure disclosed that during a discussion on June 26, 2023 regular session of the local legislature relative to the proposed resolution no. PR 0166-23 introduced by councilor Vladimir Cayabas, in aid of legislation, regarding the status of water supply services within the city with BWD general manager Salvador Royeca, it was suggested that it is about time to have an IPMR director in the BWD.
    Meanwhile, the mayor also signed city council resolution no. 388, series of 2023, requesting the BWD to coordinate with the Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the City Engineering Office (CEO) on recharging of aquifers by rainwater harvesting in the Summer Capital.
     An aquifer is a body of rock and/or sediment that hold groundwater that can provide usable amounts of water.  It is filled with moving water and the amount of water in storage can vary from season to season and year to year, the measure stated.
    It said water will eventually discharge or leave an aquifer and must be replaced by new water to replenish or recharge the aquifer.
    “Unfortunately, human water demand, both for drinking and agriculture, is negatively impacting aquifers around the world.  Humans are using water faster than it takes for the water cycle to replenish underground sources of water that causes wells to run dry, sinkholes to form and cause droughts that negatively impact humans, agriculture, among others,” the resolution stated.
    “As every aquifer has a discharge zone, its recharge zones must be protected and sustained with appropriate engineering and technology interventions,” it added.

 

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Cordilleran Brawner is Phl Armed Forces chief

Malacañang, through the Presidential Communications Office, announced on Wednesday that Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner, a Cordilleran who traces his roots from the province of Ifugao is next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and will take the place of General Andres Centino who was re-appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the said post earlier this year.
    Centino will be appointed as Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea.
Brawner is currently serving as Commanding General of the Philippine Army, which he assumed on Dec. 10, 2021. 
    He graduated number two (2) in the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989 and has since served the military in various capacities for 34 years now.
    Among his previous designations in the military were: Company Commander of the 6th Special Forces Company; Battalion Commander of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion; Operations Officer of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne); Chief of Staff of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division; Chief, Public Affairs of the Philippine Army; Spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; Commander of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment; and, Brigade Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade during the aftermath of the Marawi Siege in 2017.
     Brawner also previously served as Commandant of the Cadets in the Philippine Military Academy, where he played an important role in the total eradication of hazing and maltreatment in the Cadet Corps. Later on, he served as the first Deputy Chief of Staff for Financial Management, J10, Armed Forces of the Philippines.
     He also served as the Commander of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, where he supervised the unit’s combat operations that resulted to the decisive neutralization of Jorge Madlos or “Ka Oris,” the Commander of the National Operations Command of the New People’s Army.

He exemplified the highest levels of excellence in his military schoolings, topping his classes in the Special Forces Operations Course, Intelligence Officer Course, and the AFP Comptrollership Course.

Brawner has acquired three Master’s Degrees:  Master’s in Information Management from the Ateneo de Manila University; Master’s in Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand and from the European School of Management, Oxford, United Kingdom and Master’s in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College (USAWC).

Among numerous awards and recognitions he received were:  The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) in 2013 by the Metrobank Foundation and Rotary Club of Makati, and the Lapu-Lapu Award by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his valuable contributions in the neutralization of Abu Dar, the last of the original leaders of the Maute-ISIS faction.

In March this year, Brawner was inducted into the US Army War College (UASWC) International Fellows Hall of Fame in recognition of his service at the highest command position in the Philippine Army.

In that same visit, he was conferred the Legion of Merit – Degree of Commander in recognition of his exceptionally meritorious service as the Commanding General, Philippine Army, particularly in ensuring that the Philippine Army remains trained, ready, and postured for all missions. 

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7 Cordi policemen promoted Lt Cols

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Seven police majors of Police Regional Office Cordillera were promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonels following their oath-taking and donning of ranks ceremony here at regional police headquarters on April 13.
    Promoted to lieutenant colonel were Dickson Banes of Abra Police Provincial Office, James Bauding of Apayao PPO; Orlando Bakisan, Ifugao;  Albin Balutoc and Julio Nalliw Jr. of Kalinga  and Apdilon Galong and Ceasar Sab-it of Mountain Province.
    Col. Laudemer Llaneta, chief of the Regional Personnel Records and Management Division read their promotion order while Maj. Alexander Pardo, regional pastoral officer, blessed rank insignias and accouterments.
    Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David Peredo Jr. administered oath-taking and donning of ranks of the newly promoted officers.
    Peredo Jr., in his speech, congratulated the newly promoted police lieutenant colonels urging them to always uphold high standards of integrity and ethics in their everyday dealings.
    “May this significant milestone in your respective careers serve not just as a celebration of your personal and professional achievements, but also as a reminder of your sworn duty to serve Cordillera and its people,” Peredo Jr. added

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Sagada boy’ new Cordillera PNP chief

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – The Cordillera Administrative Region has a new police director.
Brig. Gen. David Peredo Jr. assumed office Tuesday, March 21 in rites here at regional police headquarters replacing Brig. Gen. Mafelino Bazar who served for seven months and two days and is now deputy commander of the APC-Northern Luzon.
    Peredo, from Sagada, Mountain Province and member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class 1992, served as deputy regional director for administration of the Police Regional Office-5 (Bicol) before becoming the 32nd director of Police Regional Office Cordillera -- dubbed “home of the most disciplined cops.”
He also once served as PROCor chief of regional staff.
    "I'm a Cordilleran and I've served here for a long time, so I have a lot of confidence in the ability of the police here. We will further expand the police presence in each barangay, especially now that the barangay election is approaching, which must be planned immediately so that we can maintain a peaceful election in our region,” said Peredo.
    Peredo added he will expand the Malasakit, Kaayusan Kapayapaan=Kaunlaran (MKK=K) and Kapulisan, Simbahan, at Pamayanan (Kasimbayanan) program and advocacy of PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
    The occasion was graced by Lt. Gen. Felipe R. Natividad, commander of APC-NL who was guest of honor and speaker.
    Natividad read the message of PNP chief Azurin Jr., wherein he congratulated Bazar for doing an excellent job in keeping the peace and order situation under control in the six provinces and the city of Baguio that compose PRO Cordillera.

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Anda, Pangasinan native appointed Texas bishop

By Christian Crow Maghanoy

FOR the first time since its establishment in 1914, a Filipino has been appointed by Pope Francis as the auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of El Paso in Texas, USA, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila said on Sunday.
    A native of Anda in Pangasinan, Bishop-elect Anthony "Tony" Celino, Licentiate in Canon Law or JCL, was appointed by the Vatican on Feb. 8, 2023.
    In a statement late Sunday, The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila said Celino is set to be officially proclaimed through an episcopal ordination at El Paso's St. Patrick Cathedral on March 31, 2023.
    The new Filipino immigrant prelate becomes the third of Filipino descent elected as a bishop in the US, following Bishop Oscar Solis of Salt Lake City and Bishop Alejandro Aclan of Los Angeles City.
    Celino will remain in his current position as Judicial Vicar of El Paso and Pastor of St. Raphel's Parish until later in the spring.
    Meanwhile, El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis for showing his attention and care to his diocese by appointing Bishop-elect Celino, who is known for making "substantive contributions to the local church's life."
    "He brings a unique experience as a Filipino immigrant serving our border community as a priest for the past twenty-five years, a steadfast dedication to pastoral ministry, and fidelity to the Gospel," Seitz said.
    The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila said that Celino had attended high school and college at Mary Help of Christians Seminary in Dagupan City in 1993 where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and graduated his master's in Divinity and Sacred Theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake and Mundelein Seminary in Illinois in 1997.
    Upon his priestly ordination in 1997, he was assigned as parochial vicar at St. Patrick Cathedral and Our Lady of Peace in Alphine, and became pastor of St. John Paul 2nd Parish, formerly Santa Lucia Parish.
    He also served as the diocese's vicar general, moderator curiae and chancellor, and appointed as delegate of the Apostolic Administrator to El Paso during sede vacante from December 2011 to July 2013.
    The Mary Help of Christians High School Seminary, on the other hand, congratulated the election of its "distinguished alumnus to the Order of Bishops."
    It prayed that Celino's appointment to the Diocese of El Paso, Texas, particularly his assignment in the titular see of Maronana, will come to success in his new ministry as bishop.
    "We pray that our seminarian-sons may soon become good and holy priests themselves. We pray for more vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life," it said. "Mary Help of Christians, pray for us!"
    It likewise added that Monsignor Celino was born on April 29, 1972 in Anda, Pangasinan to the late Mines (Cerdan) and Tedolodo Celino where the bishop-elect was the youngest of seven children. He was subsequently awarded a licentiate in canon law at the Catholic University of America in Washington.
    Celino's appointment was announced by The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila day after the Diocese of El Paso publicized the passing of its priest, Fr. Fulgenion Mayorga, SJ.
    In a separate statement, the Diocese of El Paso expressed its grievances for the passing of their resident priest who they claimed had served the Diocese for five years.
    The Diocese of El Paso stressed that Mayorga had served many places as a member of the Society of Jesus. His native country was Nicaragua. He chose El Paso to complete his priestly ministry.
    "Health issues limited his ability to serve, but not his desire. The Lord has called him home having fulfilled his mission and we are grateful for his service in our local church," the statement read.
    "Funeral plans are under the direction of his sister and we will share that information as soon as they become available," it added. "May the soul of Fr. Fulgencio Mayorga, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in the mercy of God."
    Celino's appointment was first publicized in Washington D.C. on Feb. 8, 2023 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the US.
 

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Igorot now NCRPO reg’l police director

A two-star general Igorot now heads the largest and most complex regional office.
    Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo has been installed as police director of the National Capital Region Police Office.
    In a traditional change of command ceremony, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. led transfer of responsibility from outgoing NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo to incoming regional police director Okubo recently.
    Okubo expressed his gratitude to the PNP chief for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the NCRPO, the PNP's largest and most complex regional office.
    He pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor and to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the people of Metro Manila.
    Gen. Azurin expressed full confidence in the capability and leadership skills of the new regional director. "You are taking the helm of an organization that is committed to the highest standards of professionalism, and I know that you will continue to uphold these values as you lead the NCRPO."
    The incoming NCRPO Chief is expected to continue this positive momentum and address the evolving security challenges facing the region.
    Replacing PMGen Okubo as the chief of the Special Action Force is Brig. Gen Rudolph Dimas who is also from Cordillera. – PNP PIO

 

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Col. Limmong new Ifugao PNP director

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- The Ifugao Police Provincial Office welcomed its new provincial director Col. Davy Vicente M. Limmong following a turnover of command ceremony here Camp in Poblacion North Jan. 30.
    The ceremony was presided over by police deputy regional director for operations Col. Ronald V. Gayo attended by Gov. Jerry U. Dalipog and other local officials.
    Col. Glenn D. Lonogan , chief of Regional Personnel and Records Management Division read  termination order of Col. James Mangili as outgoing provincial police director and designation order of Limmong as new provincial director.
    In his acceptance message, Limmong cited advocacies of the previous leadership and committed to continue what his predecessor started in peace and order drive.
    “To the men and women of the Ifugao PPO, I urge your cooperation as you work with me for the peace and order of our province. I accept the challenge of serving my kakailyan in the province of Ifugao as I lay out my platforms of governance in fighting all forms of criminality.” Limmong said.
    Limmong was former Chief of the Regional Operations Division before he was appointed as Ifugao police director.

Gayo thanked Mangili for his for his services especially in bringing Ifugao PPO to greater heights of accomplishments while airing his full support and trust to the leadership of Limmong.

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NEA Beneco ‘takeover’ divides pols, MCOs

Interim Board selection hit

BAGUIO CITY – The “takeover” of the Benguet Electric Cooperative by the National Electrification Administration on Jan. 11 has created disunity among member-consumer-owners of the power firm and government officials.
    MCOs questioned assumption of an interim board saying it should have been MCOs who should have been allowed to ecide on the matter.
    Some government officials in Baguio and Benguet holding political posts also had different takes on the matter.
    Others said they disapproved of the NEA “takeover,” and called for reinstatement of the board of directors dubbed “Magnificent 7,”considering they were already “reinstated” by MCOs in general assembly last year.
    They also called for immediate reinstatement of general manager engineer Melchor Licoben who was suspended by NEA for 45 days.  
    But others said this was an opportunity to make the power coop more transparent and efficient.  
    A source said the Baguio City Council was not consulted prior to the “takeover.”
    Same case with Benguet provincial government officials, other sources said.
    This, as Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said “everything is going back to normal with the interim board of which members represent the different sectors of the Baguio and Benguet communities.”
    The mayor urged “some politicians unceremoniously dipping their fingers in the Beneco issue to stop sowing intrigues and telling lies to push their ulterior motives, political and otherwise.
    “It is not helping.  Besides Baguio and Benguet people can solve their issues on their own so better leave us be,” the mayor said.
     The mayor commended Licoben “for being a true gentleman and professional.”
    He assured Licoben of the local government’s continued support when he applies anew for the general manager post.  
    Licoben continues to enjoy overwhelming backing from other local government units, member-consumers organizations and civil society organizations.
    Members of Beneco Employees Union (BELU) and Beneco Supervisors Association (BSA) meanwhile said they have mixed feelings about the NEA “takeover.”
    Select members, along with MCO representatives were reportedly summoned to the NEA headquarters in Manila earlier.
    When the Beneco board of directors aligned with Licoben learned about it and tried to join the meeting, they were reportedly shoed away.
    Following this, NEA took over Beneco.
    On “takeover” day, Mayor Magalong, along with SWAT police reportedly went around 7:30 a.m. to the Beneco main headquarters in South Drive.
    A few moments later, NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda and some new faces reportedly joined them.
    One reportedly told Licoben, “Puede kang magfile ng kaso, pero isipin mo din, gobyerno ang kinakalaban mo dito (You can file a case, but bear in mind, it will be government you will be fighting.”
    Until now, MCOs for and against the takeover are still taking potshots at each other over the issue on social media, observers said.      
    This, as members of the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club and independent media urged the new Beneco management to allow them to attend meetings, particularly those by the interim board for transparency and so the public will know what is happening in Beneco, considering they are also MCOs or paying power consumers.
    This, after the NEA fired lawyer Ana Maria Paz Rafael as so-called Beneco general manager and dissolved its board of directors.
    NEA officials said they wanted to restore normalcy in the cooperative wracked with controversy on who should sit as the GM ever since the NEA appointed Rafael as GM.
    But despite this, MCOS supported Licoben who had been running Beneco until the NEA “takeover.” 
    Led by Almeda, the NEA served on Rafael a copy of NEA resolution 2023-02 dated Jan. 10, 2022 that ruled     Rafael failed to meet key performance standards for Beneco that resulted to the cooperative’s regression from a category Triple A to a category B electric cooperative.
    The order of dismissal said Rafael’s probationary appointment was being recalled and revoked effective immediately to foster industrial peace.
    In a separate ruling, the NEA also found the board directors liable for three counts of administrative offenses one of which merited the penalty of removal from office.
    Dismissed were board directors Esteban Somngi, Mike Maspil, Robert Valentin, Josephine Tuling, Jeffred Acop, Peter Busaing, Jonathan Obar (who allied with Melchor Licoben as GM) and Rocky Aliping, Enrique Moresto, James Aclopen and Luke Gomeyac (who allied with Rafael as GM).
    The NEA barred them to run as directors in the future saying their liability disqualified them from any intent to reclaim their seats. 
    Licoben, who the board unanimously named and appointed as GM in April, 2020, was suspended for “non-compliance to NEA rules.”
    The NEA designated Ramel Rifani, network services department manager, as acting GM for six months.
    Rifani is now working with a five man multi-sectoral task force the NEA formed to perform functions of the board of directors in the interim and to whom Almeda gave the order to call for district elections within six months.
    The task force who took their oath last week, is chaired by Steve Cating (business sector) while other members are George Dumawing (customer/professional sector), Rodolfo de Guia (religious sector), Elma Donaal (academe/education sector), and Joaquin Geronimo Depalog Jr. (agriculture sector).
    The NEA’s decision is expected to court a slew of court cases,
    Rafael assailed the NEA for firing her, saying her inability to make a turn-around for Beneco’s operations was caused by NEA’s failure to turn over Beneco premises to her leadership.
    In a post, she said that she will explore legal remedies, claiming the bases to unseat her were skewed and whimsical.
    The directors allied with Licoben, meanwhile, were readying their petition to be filed before the Court of Appeals.
    Jefferd Monang, BELU president, said while the employees welcomed Rafael’s dismissal, but they felt sad that Licoben was suspended in his capacity as assistant general manager and will return in the same capacity after serving the suspension.
    Almeda told the employees that Licoben’s appointment as GM by the board in 2020 did not complete the process that must follow such appointment that’s why he was still recognized in his former position as assistant GM.  
    “Rafael is out and we are thankful for that,” Monang said. “But we do hope that the NEA will still confirm GM Licoben as our GM since the recruitment process that resulted to Rafael being named as GM clearly breached NEA’s rules of GM selection,” he said.

Edison de Guzman, BSA president, said that the NEA must consider the decision of the member consumer owners during the annual general membership assembly in 2021 and 2022 that affirmed the choice of Licoben as GM. 

Almeda said he understood the sentiments and overwhelming support given to Licoben but said NEA had to step in to solve the GM fiasco and allow Beneco to recoup its standing as a Triple A electric cooperative.

The NEA chief added Licoben can reapply as GM once the NEA announces the opening of the vacancy for the position.

Asked if Rafael can still apply, Almeda said any person has the right to apply. “But this time, we will ensure the procedure of recruitment and qualifications for the position will be observed to the letter,” he said. -- AD 

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Beneco fiasco/ Resto still dumping human waste in barangay

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

BAGUIO CITY –  Stakeholders on the Benguet Electric Cooperative dispute particularly its members-consumers-owners were caught unaware when National Electrification Agency Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda  suddenly visited the Beneco main headquarters Wednesday with Mayor Benjamin Magalong announcing major changes in the power firm.
    A press conference was held. To make a long story short, he announced the removal of “general manager” lawyer Ana Marie Paz Rafael, board members and suspend some officials.
    These included engineer Melchor Licoben, who was appointed by the Beneco board of directors as GM and had been running affairs of the company years already.
   ***
Almeda said dismissal of the board and suspension of Beneco officers was caused by “adverse findings” and observations on financial and management audit done on the electric cooperative from January 2018 to Dec. 31, 2020.
    Dismissed board members included lawyer Esteban Somngi, Rocky Aliping, Enrique Moresto, Jonathan Obar, Robert Valentin, Josephine Tuling, Luke Gomeyac, Peter Busaing, Jeffred Acop, Mike Maspil and James Aclopen.
    The NEA revoked its probationary appointment of former Presidential Communications Operations Office assistant secretary Rafael because the status of Beneco as a Class AAA cooperative was downgraded to Class C during her term.
   ***
In the first place, if the NEA had not appointed Rafael as GM, Beneco operations would have gone smoothly.
    It was actually NEA which started the fiasco until it reached the point that Beneco was having a hard time paying its power suppliers as banks froze its money like the P58 million which suddenly came under the control of Rafael.  
    Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla designated Almeda as project supervisor of Beneco.
Almeda was tasked to supervise management of Beneco and approve or disapprove Beneco board resolutions.
    Almeda designated engineer Ramel Rifani, incumbent manager of Beneco's Non-Network Services Department, as GM for six months or until a regular GM is appointed.
   ***
As acting GM, Rifani will manage day-to-day operations of the electric cooperative, exercise powers to hire, fire, approve and disapprove personnel employment and movement, subject to prior approval of Task Force Beneco, acting as electric cooperative's board of directors and confirmation of the project supervisor; sign or countersign checks, withdrawal slips and other banking transactions for and in behalf of the cooperative with all banks where Beneco has an account and perform tasks assigned by NEA.
    Almeda ordered creation of Task Force Beneco composed of representatives from multi-sectoral groups to serve as the electric cooperative's interim board of directors for six months or until such time that the new members shall have been elected by MCOs.
    Chairman of the task force is Steve Cating representing the business sector while members are lawyer George Dumawing from the consumer/professional sector, Rodolfo de Guia from religious sector, Dr. Elma Donaal from the academe and Joaquin Geronimo Depalog Jr. from agriculture sector.
    The Task Force Beneco chairman and the acting general manager shall serve as signatories in the issuance of checks, withdrawal slips and other banking transactions of Beneco with all its depository banks.
    Actions, decisions or resolutions of the task force shall be subject to the confirmation of the NEA.
   ***
These, in essence are developments in the power struggle between NEA and Beneco leaving MCOs uncertain on next developments.
    Some MCOs are questioning the delineation of the NEA’s power over electric cooperatives like in selection of board members.
    All of the interim board members never had any experience working or running an electric cooperative, a netizen posted online.
    Another said the NEA should have immediately scheduled a general assembly so the MCOs would have selected board members of their choice.
    There are still many questions unanswered, considering cases are still being litigated in court related to ownership or management of Beneco.   
    One said the NEA put the cart ahead of the horse by instituting changes like the latest appointments and firings considering cases have not yet been decided by the courts on Beneco-related matters.
   ***
Mayor Magalong ordered the City Environment and Parks Management Office to inspect creeks and waterways on a regular basis.
    The mayor berated residents for throwing their waste into creeks and waterways.
    The mayor likewise ordered the Special Services Division under the City Mayor’s Office to involve barangays in implementation of the clean, green and orderly Baguio campaign.
   ***
 CEPMO head Rhenan Diwas said they have been regularly conducting clean-up activities on creek easements with the City Engineering Office, Baguio City Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection and the concerned barangay officials including civic organizations.
    However, he said residents near waterways and creek easements lack discipline and care for the environment.
    Some have been found encroaching creek easements in violation of environmental laws.
The city government was able to map about over 800 informal settlers living along fault lines, river and creek easements in Baguio City.
         ***
Related to this matter, by the time this issue comes out Sunday, we will see if the management Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna Restaurant located at 26, Outlook Drive already removed their sewerage pipeline at Barangay Outlook Drive which residents at Barangay Lucnab below said polluted their water source and made the environment and air odorous beside an international school.    
    As of Friday evening, the pipeline, which ended at a forest creek beside the Disciples for Christ Independent School Inc. was still not removed and staff, students and teachers are complaining of the foul smell which is reaching high heavens.

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NEA fires Rafael, Beneco Board; polls in six months

Interim Board installed 

BAGUIO CITY -- The National Electrification Administration (NEA) on Wednesday fired lawyer Ana Maria Paz Rafael as the general manager of the Benguet Electric Cooperative and also dissolved its board of directors in a bid to restore normalcy in the cooperative that has been wracked with the controversy on who should sit as the GM. 
    Led by administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, the NEA served on Rafael a copy of NEA Resolution No. 2023-02 dated Jan. 10, 2022 that ruled Rafael evidently failed to meet the key performance standards for Beneco that resulted to the cooperative’s regression from a category Triple A to a category B electric cooperative.
    The order of dismissal said that Rafael’s probationary appointment is being recalled and revoked effective immediately to foster industrial peace.
    In a separate ruling, the NEA also found the board directors liable for three counts of administrative offenses one of which merited the penalty of removal from office.
    Dismissed were board directors Esteban Somngi, Mike Maspil, Robert Valentin, Josephine Tuling, Jeffred Acop, Peter Busaing, Jonathan Obar (who allied with Melchor Licoben as GM) and Rocky Aliping, Enrique Moresto, James Aclopen and Luke Gomeyac (who allied with Rafael as GM).
    They were also barred to run as directors in the future as their liability disqualified them from any intent to reclaim their seats. 
    Melchor Licoben, who the board unanimously named and appointed as GM in April, 2020, was suspended for 45 days for non-compliance to NEA rules.
    The NEA also designated Ramel Rifani, network services department manager, as acting GM for six months.
Rifani will work with a five man multi-sectoral task force the NEA formed to perform the functions of the board of directors in the interim and to whom Almeda gave the order to call for district elections within six months.
    The task force is chaired by Steve Cating (business sector) while the other members are George Dumawing (Customer/Professional Sector), Rodolfo de Guia (religious sector), Elma Donaal (academe/education sector), and Joaquin Geronimo Depalog Jr. (agriculture sector).
    The NEA’s decision is expected to court a slew of court cases as Rafael has assailed the NEA’s action, saying her inability to make a turn-around for Beneco’s operations was caused by NEA’s failure to turn over the Beneco  premises to her leadership.
    In a post, she said that she will explore all legal remedies, claiming the bases to unseat her were skewed and whimsical.
    The directors allied with Licoben, meanwhile, are getting ready with their petition to be filed before the Court of Appeals.
    The Beneco Employees Union (BELU) and Beneco Supervisors Association (BSA) had mixed feelings about NEA’s decision.
    Jefferd Monang, BELU president, said while the employees welcomed Rafael’s dismissal, they felt sad that Licoben was suspended in his capacity as assistant general manager and will return in the same capacity after serving the suspension.
    Almeda told the employees that Licoben’s appointment as GM by the board in 2020 did not complete the process that must follow such appointment that’s why he is still recognized in his former position as the assistant GM.  
    “Rafael is out and we are thankful for that,” Monang said. “But we do hope that the NEA will still confirm GM Licoben as our GM since the recruitment process that resulted to Rafael being named as GM clearly breached NEA’s rules of GM selection,” he said.
    Edison de Guzman, BSA president, said that the NEA must consider the decision of the member consumer owners during the annual general membership assembly in 2021 and 2022 that affirmed the choice of Licoben as GM. 
    Almeda said he understood the sentiments and overwhelming support given to Licoben but said that the NEA has to step in to solve the GM fiasco and allow Beneco to recoup its standing as a Triple A electric cooperative.
    The NEA chief added that Licoben can reapply as GM once the NEA announces the opening of the vacancy for the position.
    Asked if Rafael can still apply, Almeda said any person has the right to apply. “But this time, we will ensure that the procedure of recruitment and the qualifications for the position will be observed to the letter,” he said.  

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Lagman takes oath as BWD board member

NEW BWD DIRECTOR -- Engineer Eliseo “Eli” G. Lagman (third from right) takes his oath as a new member of the Baguio Water District Board of Directors.  His oath was administered by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong at the BWD Jan. 12. Witnessing (R-L) are directors Sonia A. Daoas,women’s sector; chairman lawyer Renato S. Rondez,education; Jonathan A. Vergara, civic, BWD general manager engineer Salvador M. Royeca, and director Kenneth S. So, business. – MVP

BAGUIO CITY -- Engineer Eliseo G. Lagman took his oath of office as full-fledged new member of the Baguio Water District board of directors before Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong in rite BWD top management Jan.12.
    Lagman will represent the professional sector, same sector which the late director and his father, Engr. Felino D. Lagman, represented prior to his untimely demise mid-October 2022.
    The younger Lagman took a hint of the vested duties upon making his entry two months prior in an acting capacity, taking over the remaining term of engineer Felino. 
    The new board member was nominated by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. (Baguio-Benguet chapter) and appointed by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong through a confirmation letter dated Dec. 5, 2022.
    He is due to serve his 6-year term as BOD for the Summer Capital’s lone public water utility from Jan. 1 2023 to Dec. 31, 2028.
    The younger Lagman will be amongst three of professional talents to join BWD directors chosen under the term of Magalong, following appointment of directors Jonathan A. Vergara and Kenneth S. So in 2021 who filled the sectors left vacant due to the expiration of the terms of Dr. Joanne J. Balderas and hotelier Peter L. Ng on Dec. 31, 2020.
    “You do not owe this position to me nor to anyone as you were chosen because of your qualifications and capabilities as a representative of your sector.” Mayor Magalong said prior to reciting the oath of office to Lagman.
    BWD general manager engineer Salvador M. Royeca welcomed the new director banking on knowledge, experience, and expertise in his respective field which can deliver a significant contribution to improvement and development of the Baguio Water District. -BWD Press Release

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Cordi PNP execs cited for promotion of personnel

CAMPO DANGWA., La Trinidad, Benguet -- Police officers behind the promotion of the 2nd level uniformed personnel of Police Regional Office Cordillera under the 2022 regular promotion program were cited here Jan. 10.
Brig. Gen. Mafelino A. Bazar, Cordillera police director led presentation of awards to deserving personnel as part of oath taking, donning and pinning of ranks of newly promoted officers,
    Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP efficiency medal) was awarded to the following personnel for service rendered: Brig. Gen. Patrick Joseph Allan, deputy regional director for administration, for being  chairman of the PROCor police commissioned officer promotion committee; Col. Ronald Gayo, deputy regional director for operations, for chairing the PROCor non-Commissioned officer promotion board – Bravo; Col. Elmer Ragay, chief regional staff, for heading PROCor non-commissioned officer promotion board – Alpha and Lt. Col. Stephen Buddong, chief of Regional Legal Office, as member of PROCor commissioned officer promotion committee.
    Also commended were Col. Marites Villacarlos, chief of Regional Forensic Unit, for facilitating drug test of police officers; Capt. Achates Oayawon of Regional Medical and Dental Unit, for supervising work behavior and performance appraisal examination; Maj. Le Vonn Madalang of  Regional Intelligence Division, for conducting  record check on the promotable personnel; Maj. Dexter Simon of  Regional Personnel and Records Management Division, for heading secretariat of the commissioned and non-commissioned officer promotion committee and Cpl. Ann Bulwayan of Regional Personnel and Record Management Division for being secretariat of PROCor PCO and PNCO promotion committee.
 

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