Drive against colorum vehicles up in Baguio

      Mayor issues order amid holiday proliferation 

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered the Baguio City Police Office to launch an aggressive campaign against colorum public utility vehicles observed to have proliferated anew this holiday season.
    "We have to put a stop to the operation of these colorum vehicles because they not only contribute to our traffic problem but also put the safety of our commuting public at risk," the mayor said.
    He asked the riding public to help the city weed out these unauthorized PUVs by not patronizing them.
    "There are four reasons why we should avoid patronizing these illegal transportations: Their safety is questionable. These colorum trips are crime magnets.
    Commuters are more at risk of inconvenience and colorum vehicles are not insured," the mayor said.
    He said to address this, the city needs to intensify implementation of City Ordinance Number 55 Series of 2017 or the Anti-Colorum Ordinance.
    The operation of colorum vehicles heightened due to increased demand for transportation during the holiday.
    The Land Transportation Office penalizes colorum operations with a fine of P200,000 and impounding of the motor vehicle used in the illegal activity.
    This, as the LTO warned motorists with unregistered vehicles regarding strict implementation of the 'No Registration, No     Travel' policy starting January 2024 to be implemented nationwide.
    The central office of LTO has issued a memorandum regarding strict implementation of this policy although this was suspended during the Christmas season.
    The LTO is coordinating with local government units for registration of service vehicles.
    Vehicle owners may renew their motor vehicle registration two months before due date.
    LTO records bared about 24.7 million unregistered motor vehicles all over the country.

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Mayor orders closure of San Juan beaches after drowning cases

Victims from Baguio, Benguet 

By Aldwin Quitasol

SAN JUAN, La Union -- The mayor of this town ordered closure of beaches and halt of water activities in this seaside municipality after drowning incidents. 
    A 12-year-old boy and his nine-year-old cousin, both residents of Kibungan, Benguet, drowned while swimming on a beach in Barangay Taboc in this town on Tuesday.
Initial reports showed the victims, who have yet to be identified, were swept away by big waves.
    The boy was declared dead on arrival at the Bacnotan District Hospital.
    Rescuers were still conducting search and rescue operations for the girl at press time.
    On Dec. 27, a 19-year-old male from Baguio City drowned at a beach in Barangay Urbiztondo, also in San Juan.
    His companion went missing with no update provided yet by local police.
    In Pangasinan, Aira Mae Velasquez, 13, drowned while swimming on a beach in Barangay Nibaliw Vidal in San Fabian town.
    In his executive order 23-2023, San Juan Mayor Mayor Arturo P. Valdriz, said San Juan beaches should be closed to avoid further incidents.
    He said according to PAGASA report, the municipality is experiencing northeast monsoon or "amihan" winds which produces higher level of waves intensified by strong currents in the West Philippine Sea.
    He said the extraordinary water condition in the municipality waters poses risk to beach goers which could lead to drowning. -- With reports by Cesar Ramirez and Jun Elias

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Vehicle carnapped in Sagada on Christmas

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province -- A white vehicle with model H-100 2016 was carnapped early morning Christmas Day in this tourist town.
    Jessica Dapliyan, owner of said vehicle said CCTV footage showed a man in cap and face mask opened the back window of the vehicle and drove away with the car at 4:23 a.m. on Dec. 25. 
    The key of the car was inserted in the ignition of the steering wheel when it was carnapped, she said.
    Dapliyan told this writer one of her guests told her the carnapped vehicle was seen around 10 a.m. same day at Atok, Benguet, around 120 km from here.
    Sagada police were alerted to the incident around 7:30 a.m. Christmas day when they found out their family vehicle with plate number BAA1628 was missing.
    Dapliyan appealed to police, Highway Patrol Group, National Bureau of Investigation and public to help locate their family car. 
    Police are investigating to locate the vehicle and carnapper.

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Veggies not from Baguio, Benguet sold as highland produce in Phl markets

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A group of vegetable traders based in this capital town of Benguet warned potatoes and carrots in paper boxes marked as Benguet and Baguio City produce are being sold in vegetable retail markets throughout the country.
    The La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Areas Inc. said paper box packaged vegetable produce are not coming from Benguet nor Baguio City as strewn on the markings of the items.
    The paper boxes were reportedly marked "A.B.C. Baguio.”
    According to the vegetable league, the products are being distributed by unscrupulous individuals in Manila, Sariaya in Quezon and other vegetable retail locations in the country.
    The association said Baguio is not mass-producing potatoes and carrots.
    The group added Baguio City and Benguet are not promoting imported vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
According to the league, the vegetable products are smuggled and were supposed to be confiscated last Nov. 10 by the     Bureau of Customs in Olongapo, Zambales. 
    With this, the traders’ group appealed before government agencies to probe the issue and take appropriate action to stop the practice and protect the country’s farming industry.

 

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2 NPA guerillas killed in Cagayan identified

By Freddie Lazaro

CAMP MELCHOR F. DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – The two New People’s Army rebels killed in an encounter with soldiers in Barangay San Carlos, Gattaran, Cagayan on December 23 have been identified.
    Major Rigor Pamittan, spokesperson of the 5th Infantry Division, said on Wednesday the fatalities were identified through members of their unit who surrendered.
    Pamittan identified the fatalities as Maria Valencia, an amazon from Tatalon, Quezon City, and “Ka Jero” of General Santos City.
    “The real name of Ka Jero is subject for verification and validation,” Pamittan said.
    Their bodies are under custody of Gattaran police while the military is coordinating with families of the two slain communist rebels.
    Major Gen. Audrey L. Pasia, commander of the 5th ID, urged NPA guerillas in Cagayan to surrender.
    Pamittan said they were pursuing NPA remnants in Region 2 or Cagayan Valley.
    On Christmas Day, the 95th Infantry Battalion and 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company seized an R4 rifle, one M-16 rifle, bandoliers, medical paraphernalia, subversive documents, and personal belongings owned by the NPA in Barangay T. Elizaga, Gattaran.

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Fire razes Ilocos Norte grocery store

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on Wednesday urged the public anew to take all necessary precautions as fire hit a grocery store in a building located in Barangay 2, Garreta, Badoc, Ilocos Norte.
    Responding firefighters from the BFP in Badoc station said the investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire which started around 5:20 a.m. at the grocery building owned by Emma Baldovi and was declared fire out on the first alarm at 6:45 a.m.
    The BFP has earlier launched the “Oplan Paalala-Iwas Paputok” nationwide to avoid firecracker-related incidents, and BFP personnel in Ilocos Norte have been on full alert status or “Code Red" from December 23, 2023, to January 1, 2024.
    In an interview, Fire Officer III Lee Jay Lucero, chief of the Public Information Unit of BFP-Ilocos Norte, said all personnel are on standby to respond to fire that may be caused by faulty Christmas lights and firecrackers, among others.
    He also reminded the public of fire safety tips and the proper lighting of firecrackers.
    “Para maiwasan ang mga sunog sa mga bahay dahil sa paputok, maaring maghanda ang mga residente ng fire extinguishers o mga timba na may tubig para mas maagang maagapan kung magka-sunog (To avoid fire in houses due to firecrackers, residents could prepare fire extinguishers or pails of water for immediate use in case of fire),” he said.
Households with "anahaw" (palm leaves) roofing are likewise advised to wet the roofing an hour before the New Year’s revelry as a precautionary measure in case a lighted firecracker falls on the roof.
    In the meantime, Lucero said personnel of BFP-Ilocos Norte have been continuously inspecting firecracker vendors to confiscate any illegal fireworks, check their permits to sell, and make sure that they have emergency fire extinguishers in their stores.
    Prohibited firecrackers include watusi or dancing firecracker, piccolo, pop pop, Super Lolo, boga, big Judah’s belt, Goodbye Philippines, Mother Rockets, Lolo Thunder, pillbox, Big Bawang, kwiton, kabasi, Atomic Bomb, five star, pla-pla, og, giant whistle bomb, and unlabeled firecrackers.
    As per Republic Act No. 7183 or the law on pyrotechnic devices, persons caught manufacturing, selling, distributing, and purchasing illegal firecrackers may be imprisoned from six months to a year, and may be fined from P20,000 to P30,000.
    The BFP is also encouraging the public to use alternative noisemakers like “torotot” or horns, car or motor honks, banging pot lids, and pan covers as improvised cymbals, tambourines or drums, or play music to welcome the new year. – PNA

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LTO: No registration, no travel of vehicles January

 Motorists warned 

By Liwayway Yparraguirre

DAGUPAN CITY – The Land Transportation Office warned motorists with unregistered vehicles regarding the strict implementation of the 'No Registration, No Travel' policy starting January 2024 to be implemented nationwide.
    In an interview on Wednesday, LTO-Dagupan District Office Chief Romel Dawaton said registration or renewal of vehicle registration is vital in maintaining the road worthiness of vehicles resulting in ensuring road safety.
    "Unregistered motor vehicles compromise the road safety of road users. Registration of motor vehicles comes along the inspection of road worthiness of the vehicles," he said.
    Dawaton said the LTO central office has issued a memorandum regarding the strict implementation of this policy although this is currently suspended “in the spirit of the Christmas.”
    He said they have also coordinated with the local government units for the registration of their service vehicles.
    Citing Department of Transportation and Communications Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, Dawaton said the penalty for unregistered motor vehicle is P10,000.
    He said vehicle owners may renew their motor vehicle registration two months before due date.
    He said there are about 24.7 million unregistered motor vehicles all over the country.
    Meanwhile, in line with the holiday season, LTO has conducted inspections in transportation terminals to check on the road worthiness of the public transports to ensure safety of passengers. -- PNA
 

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Free condoms set in DOH toilets

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – Free condoms will be made available in all Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region toilets soon to address the rising cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as in the region.

    "Do not be surprised if you see condoms in the toilets of the DOH offices. They are free to the public as part of the implementation of the HIV-free workplace policy of the DOH-CAR," Darwin Babon, DOH-CAR HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome coordinator, told journalists Tuesday.
    Babon said the policy is aimed at ending HIV-related stigma and discrimination in workplaces through constant information and education campaign activities, which include discussions on basic information on HIV/AIDS, modes of transmission and means of prevention, confidential information and privacy, promotion of non-discriminatory and non-stigmatizing attitudes towards people living with and affected with the virus.
    He is hopeful that other offices will also adapt the implementation of HIV/AIDS-free workplace program.
    Citing latest data, Babon said there are 18 new HIV cases recorded in August 2023 alone, 38 percent higher than the 13 cases in the same month of 2022, with three in every 10 cases involving those aged 15 to 24.
    As of end-August this year, 99 new HIV cases were recorded, with 41 of the individuals belonging to the 25 to 34 age bracket, followed by those from 15 to 24 years old, with 34 cases; 35 to 49 years old, 21 and 50 years old and above, three.
    Since the government started to monitor HIV/ AIDS cases in 1984, the region recorded 1,034 cases and 54 percent of these were recorded from 2018 to the present.
    Babon said 81 percent of the 75 municipalities and two cities in CAR have recorded cases.
    He said 98 percent of the cases were sexually transmitted, making it important to advocate for safe sex -- abstinence, loyalty to a partner, or protection using a condom.
    “We are not relaxing with the information campaign because we do not want the illness to take us by surprise. And we will be more aggressive to be able to abet the transmission and protect those who are uninfected,” he added. -- PNA

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SLU commended; now Phl 2nd top law school

BAGUIO CITY -- City officials recently congratulated and commended the Saint Louis University (SLU) for being the second top law school in the 2023 bar examination conducted nationwide.
    In a resolution, city legislators stated that the recent ranking in the bar examination showed and further upholds the commitment and dedication of the SLU School of Law in providing students with quality legal education, honing and training excellent Louisian lawyers to serve the legal profession with utmost competence.

    SLU has been considered an excellent missionary, and transformative educational institution providing quality education not only in the city but also in the whole country.
    Earlier, the SLU School of Law garnered the second spot among 65 law schools for first-time takers for 11-50 bar examinees in the recently concluded September 2023 bar examination conducted in the several testing centers.
    On December 5, 2023, the Supreme Court (SC) announced that out of the 42 SLU School of Law graduates who took the bar examination for the first time, 39 successfully passed, resulting in an outstanding passing rate of 92.86 percent.
    Further, 3,812 out of 10,387 bar examinees passed the rigid bar examination that was administered and supervised by the SC.
    Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the SLU administration and the School of Law for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action.

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1,999 cops deployed in Cordi for X’mas season

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- The Police Regional Office Cordillera deployed more than a thousand cops to ensure the safety and security of the public in observance of the major holiday celebrations and activities from Dec. 16 to Jan. 6, 2023, the regional poli e information office said.
    Based on data from the Regional Operations Division, a total of 1,999 PRO Cordillera police officers were deployed in Cordillera.

    To ensure the safety and security of major thoroughfares, 887 PRO Cordillera cops were deployed for road monitoring including those manning terminals in the region. 
    In places of convergence and commercial areas, 1,082 personnel were deployed to secure public markets, parks, malls, and places of worship. 
    A total of 545 augmented units and force multipliers were also mobilized as part of security and crime prevention measures during celebration of the long holidays, the PIO said.
    PRO Cordillera urged to stay alert and be vigilant to avoid untoward incidents and accidents from happening while enjoying activities prepared for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

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Apayao cops turn ‘superheros’; give Christmas cheer

LUNA, Apayao - Apayao Police Provincial Office officers put on their superhero costumes as they move around the province spreading Christmas cheer to the communities with performances and gifts.
    As part of the Apayao PPO's 'Paskuhan sa Kampo' celebration, the police created the outreach program aimed to share blessings with the local community and make the holiday season extra joyful for the children.

    Wearing their capes and masks, the “superhero cops” distributed a variety of food packs and toys to children and to some residents this Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
    Some of the beneficiaries were kids admitted at the Far North Luzon General Hospital (FNLGHT), learners at the Quirino Day Care Center in Luna, and some residents of Barangay Capanikian in Pudtol.
    During the opening program conducted at the Camp Elias Bulut Sr. in Barangay Santa Lina, Luna, Governor Elias Bulut Jr. and Congressman Eleanor Bulut-Begtang expressed their steadfast commitment to supporting the PNP's programs.
    The two leaders also highlighted their dedication to combating terrorism and addressing incidents of rape within the province, the Apayao Provincial Public Information Office reported.

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Drowned man’s body found in Abra river

By Aldwin Quitasol

LANGIDEN, Abra -- After more than two weeks, search and rescue operatives retrieved the body of a drowning victim at river here in Barangay Quillat morning of Dec. 20.

    Authorities identified the victim as Joseph Borreta, of Agtangao the capital town of  Bangued who was reported missing after he drowned while crossing the river  Dec. 4.    
    For days and weeks, personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Bangued,  Bangued and Langiden police and troops of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 conducted search operations.
    They were aided by the local residents.
    Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices personnel of Langiden, San Quintin and Pidigan towns and Ilocos Sur PDRRM joined the search.
    The operation was led by the Abra Provincial Risk Disaster Management Office.

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Baguio sets schemes to check traffic congestion

BAGUIO CITY -- The Baguio City Police Office will implement several strategies including identification of a “Bakasyon Lane” for motorists passing through the city to ease traffic flow particularly in the central business district during the yuletide season.
    Lt. Col. Zacarias Dausen, chief of the BCPO Traffic Enforcement Unit said they have listed eight approaches to manage traffic flow better based on experiences in the past long weekends with several activities being held as part of the “Enchanting Christmas in Baguio” festivities.
    One of the approaches he mentioned is the setting aside of a Bakasyon Lane in major thoroughfares where tourists and motorists who will not be staying in the city will be directed.
    “We will streamline the entry of vehicles passing through the city and direct them to our alternate routes following a directional map to be distributed along Marcos Highway and Naguilian Road prior to their entry to the city limit,” Duasen said.
    He said the BCPO already coordinated with the Baguio City District Engineering Office for the directional map of alternate roads including the installation of signages along major entry points to deflect vehicles from converging along roads in the central business district especially if they are just passing through the city towards other tourist destinations such as the nearby municipalities of Benguet and Mountain Province.
    He said the BCPO encourages tourists and residents coming home to leave their vehicle in their accommodation areas and utilize public transportation or walk around if visiting tourist destinations within the CBD. 
    As to concerns of lack of jeepneys and taxis during rush hours, Duasen said the federations have given their commitment to extend their operations beyond 10PM to accommodate passengers and tourists alike.
    “We also encourage carpooling to lessen the volume of vehicles in our roads at the same time we encourage our barangay officials to strictly implement the Anti-Road Obstruction ordinance,” Dausen said. 
    BCPO will be maximizing the deployment of traffic personnel to man major roads and tourist spots and will be on standby for ‘Libreng Sakay’ when needed. 
    Cops on motorcycles called ‘cobra teams’ will be deployed along bottleneck points to assist motorists and manage traffic control points.
New police recruits are expected to arrive from the Police Regional Office to augment the manpower of the BCPO the soonest.
Meantime, Dausen said they are coordinating with school administrators to allow existing parking spaces to be used temporarily as parking slots during the yuletide season while there are no classes.
    Only 2,537 parking slots private and city-managed are available in the CBD and BCPO is eyeing an additional 600 parking slots from schools if they allow their facilities to be used as temporary parking areas. 
    The city tourism office said about 80,000 tourists have been visiting Baguio during weekends since November. – JMPS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BFP officer shot dead in La Trinidad, Benguet

 

KABAYAN, Benguet fire officer Melvin Madio, 42 fatally shot dead in La Trinidad, Nov. 25 allegedly by a Lyron Jude Damaso, 21 who is now facing murder charges.

Body brought home to Kalinga 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The body of a 42-year-old fire officer of Kabayan, Benguet fatally shot allegedly by a 21-year-old here was brought to his hometown in Rizal, Kalinga and buried Dec. 4.
    Wake of the remains of victim - Senior Fire Officer 2 Melvin Madio was held earlier at 43 Purok 5 Gumangan Road, Barangay Ambiong.
    The suspect, identified as Lyron Jude Damaso, is now facing murder charges in Benguet.
    Police said the victim and suspect attended a wedding in Ambiong on Nov. 25.
    The two left the celebration at around 3 p.m., Chief Investigation Officer of La Trinidad Municipal Police Station, Capt. Roland Salingsingan relayed through radio station DZWT.
    That Saturday evening, the victim was discovered dead by his brother at his residence.
    Their neighbor said they saw the suspect walking in the garden with the victim’s sling bag which, according to fire officer’s wife, contained his firearm, phone and motorcycle keys.
    The manhunt launched the following day in Wangal by the joint force of the intelligence units of Benguet police and Police Regional Office – Cordillera led to the capture of suspect Damaso, of Bokod, Benguet and resident of Busol, Ambiong, La Trinidad.
    Recovered from Damaso were Cal.45 pistol, three bullets, and two magazines.
He is now detained at La Trinidad District Jail pending trial.
    The wife of the deceased said Melvin’s body was ferried to Calaocan, Rizal, Kalinga and buried Monday.
    The Philippine flag in Kabayan, where the fire officer was assigned and served as shift-in-charge of the Bureau of Fire Department, is flying at half-mast ‘to show utmost respect and deep sympathy to the bereaved family.’
    The BFP-Cordillera extended their thoughts and prayers to Madio’s family. “The whole BFP Cordillera family extend our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May the Lord give you comfort and peace in your sorrow,” they said.

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Tabuk SWAT officer killed in hit-and-run

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Police Master Sergeant Aldrine Agpad, 36 assigned as one of Special Weapons and Tactics Philippines (SWAT) team in Tabuk City was killed in suspected hit-and-run incident while jogging Dec. 1. 

TABUK CITY -- A 36-year-old police officer here died in a suspected hit-and-run incident while jogging Dec. 1, belated police reports bared.
Police Master Sergeant Aldrine Agpad who was assigned as one of the Special Weapons and Tactics Philippines (SWAT) team in Tabuk City left their house past 3 a.m. to jog and report to duty after.

    However, at 6:30 a.m., he was found injured and lying motionless on the national highway in Barangay Nambaran.
    He was rushed to the hospital, but declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
    Kalinga police spokesperson, Capt. Ruff Manganip, said investigators believe Agpad was hit by a vehicle due to debris found near his body.
    Manganip added that a person in the area heard loud crash sound around 3:41 a.m., but he didn’t get out from their house to check what happened.
    The vehicle responsible of the incident, meantime, is still being searched by the police and investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footages to track it.
    To help in the identification of the suspect, Manganip urged the public who saw a car with damaged hood to message PNP Tabuk hotline, 09089000900 or the Kalinga PNP at 09157796556.
    “Agpanpanawagan tayo latta iti tulong iti publiko nga nu adda man iti makita da nga nadadael iti hood iti maysa a lugan ket itext da latta iti hotline tayo,” Manganip said.

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Pilot dead in plane crash site; hope up female passenger alive

By Vince Jacob Visaya

SAN MARIANO, Isabela -- The body of the pilot of the Piper plane that went missing last week was found Thursday by a search and rescue team in the jungles of the Sierra Madre rainforests.
    However, the lone female passenger was "not found in the vicinity" of the crash site here in Barangay Casala, the Incident Management Team reported Thursday, Dec. 7, giving hope to rescuers she surived.
    The plane's pilot was identified as Capt. Levy Abul 2nd while the lone passenger was Erma Escalante, 43, of Palanan town, Isabela.
"Around 11 a.m. of Dec. 7, rescuers that were dispatched a day earlier reached the wreckage of the Piper plane," said Joshua Hapinat, spokesman of the IMT, in a statement.
    "Sadly, the pilot was found lifeless. The lone passenger was not found in the vicinity. However, she appears to have survived the crash as indicated by a makeshift shelter that she presumably put up near the wreckage."
    The Piper PA-32-300 plane owned by the Fliteline Airways and operated by Cyclone Airways, departed Cauayan Airport at 9:39 a.m. on Nov. 30 and was supposed to arrive at Palanan Airport at 10:23 a.m. on the same day.
    Rescuers brought the remains of the pilot to a helicopter landing zone, hoisted aboard, and then flown to the Tactical Operations Group 2 in Cauayan City," Hapinat said.
    Teams of K9 trackers, who were earlier on standby, were fetched from their locations to be brought to Cauayan City.
    "The K9 trackers will be flown and dropped near the wreckage. Starting at the site of the wreckage, the K9 trackers will then follow the path that the passenger took through the scent that she left on the vegetation that she passed by," he added.
    The IMT has not released photographs or videos of the wreckage site to the media.

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Bontoc affirms support to Cordillera autonomy

By Christy Mae C. Pangesfan

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Affirming this capital town’s commitment to Cordillera autonomy, Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., voiced support during the Cordillera Regional Autonomy Summit and Youth Fora, hosted by the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College Dec. 7.

    Themed "Garnering people's support for regional autonomy towards an inclusive and sustainable regional development," the event aimed to boost thrust for Cordillera regional autonomy by seeking support from stakeholders, with focus on engaging students and youth from state universities, colleges and higher education institutions.
    In his message, Tudlong expressed his support and commitment to Cordillera autonomy saying this will allow the region to have a stronger voice in decision-making processes that affect the region’s natural resources thus giving Cordillerans power to protect and preserve the environment.
    “For many years, we the people of the Cordillera have been advocating for autonomy, the right to govern ourselves and shape our destiny,” he said. said. “I give my resounding support to fellow Cordillera Regional Autonomy advocates that this quest is not about separation or division. It is about recognizing the unique identity, culture, and aspirations of the Cordillera people within the framework of the Philippine Constitution. It is about empowering us Cordillerans to make decisions that directly impact our lives and resources.”
    The mayor urged the youth to pursue their passion, talents and interests to contribute to attaining Cordillera autonomy.
    “To the youth in Mountain Province, your support for Cordillera autonomy is a testament to your passion and desire for cultural preservation, economic development, and political empowerment. As young people, you have the power to challenge the status quo, advocate for change, and leave a lasting impact on our society. Use the platform available such as social media, of which I know you are all well-versed of using,” he said.
    The event was attended by Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr’s political affairs officer Erlindo Agwilang, Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., represented by provincial legal officer Thomas Kiwang, Regional Development Council Cordillera chairperson, Apayao Gov. Elias Bulut, MPSPC president Dr. Edgar Cue, Bauko mayor Randolf Awisan, media partners and MPSPC personnel and students.
 

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Bus hits motorcycle, drags rider to death in Abra

PIDIGAN, Abra – An 18-year-old was killed when the motorcycle he was riding was hit and dragged by a passenger bus at 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4 here on Abra-Ilocos Sur Road in Barangay Pangtud.
    Victim Sean Kenneth Laureta, came from a birthday party headed home when he met the tragic accident.
    When he was about to go back to get the cap while riding his vehicle, he was hit by the passenger bus and was dragged almost 10 meters from the point of impact.
    Both vehicles were headed north when the accident happened.
    The bus, according to the police, overtook a tricycle prior to the crash.
    Police said the passenger bus driver might not have noticed the motorcycle coming back, resulting in the accident.
    Due to the impact, blood stains were scattered in crash site.
    Rescuers brought the victim to the Abra Provincial Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival.
    A case will be filed against the driver for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to properties, even though both parties decided an amicable settlement, as part of the process.
 

    A witness said the victim’s cap fell off while driving.

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Search on for Ifugao inmate who bolted jail

KIANGAN, Ifugao – Law officers in Ifugao are still on the lookout for an inmate who is at large after escaping jail here.
    Kiangan police earlier reported to the Ifugao Police Provincial Office, they were conducting headcount of prisoners at around 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 20, at the Ifugao District Jail located at Tiger Hill, Ibulao, Baguinge here when they discovered that a 24-year-old detainee was nowhere to be found.
    The inmate who escaped was identified as Esteban Angihan Paldo, single, resident of Poblacion West, Lamut, Ifugao.
    He was detained on the third floor of the detention building for murder, direct assault with attempted homicide, and charges for violation of the Anti-Carnapping Act, all of which are pending in court.
    Jail Chief Inspector Gannisi Olosan said Paldo destroyed the bars of his cell then jumped over the perimeter fence and fled.
    Police urged the public to give information that may lead to the capture of Paldo by report to the nearest police station or contact 0998-598-7802.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cordi activists file RTC petition vs terrorist tag

   

By Aldwin Quitasol

BAGUIO CITY - Four Cordillera activists tagged “terrorists” by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) filed a petition at the Baguio Regional Trial Court here Nov. 23 challenging the ATC's designation against them.
    Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) leaders Windel Bolinget, Sarah Abellon-Alikes, Jennifer Awingan-Taggaoa, and Stephen Tauli in the first legal action filed in court sought to overturn the “terrorist” designation citing infringement of their constitutional rights.
    On July 10, 2023, an ATC Resolution 41, signed June 7, 2023 designated them as terrorists.
    CPA chairperson and petitioner Bolinget described the designation “assault to their basic rights” as it has effectively frozen their bank accounts and other assets including the CPA itself, “deprived them of fully practicing their work and advocacy and ultimately subjected them to further harassment, humiliation, and threats.”
    The legal initiative renewed calls for junking of the Anti-Terror Law (ATL) following 37 petitions filed in 2020 before the Supreme Court by various groups and individuals of which Bolinget himself was one of petitioners against the ATL.
    “We knew from the start that this law would only be weaponized in silencing dissent. They try to make us falter; we, indigenous peoples and human rights defenders. But we will never deter. This legal action is a testament to our unwavering resolve and unity in standing up for our civil liberties. CPA is a legal and legitimate organization. I am a proud Igorot activist, not a terrorist,” said Bolinget.
    Before the terrorist designation, Bolinget, Abellon-Alikes, Awingan-Taggaoa, and Tauli had reportedly been subjected to relentless harassment and threats by state security forces–varying from filing of trumped-up charges, illegal arrest and detention and abduction.
    This was alongside other harassment and false charges filed against other CPA members and leaders throughout the region despite CPA’s long track record in the defense of indigenous peoples’ rights, recognized both locally and internationally.
    The petition was crafted by a team of esteemed lawyers and groups including the National Union of Peoples Lawyers (NUPL) which included attorneys Tony La Viña, Carlos Zarate, Ayangwa Claver, Marben Panlasigui with Baguio city councilor Jose Molintas as lead counsel.
 

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