Lubuagan wins Miss Kalinga 2025

MS. KALINGA 2025, Fatima Rose Peralta

 

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga – Folks of this town are celebrating as the most-coveted beauty crown in in the province was won by the municipality for the first time since the separation of Kalinga and Apayao in 1995.

Fatima Rose Peralta, a first-year college student taking Bachelor of Science in Criminology at the Kalinga State University, gracefully walked and brilliantly answered her way to the Miss Kalinga 2025 title in Bulanao, Tabuk City on Feb. 10.

Other Lubuagan beauties brought home the Miss Kalinga - Apayao title before, but it was Fatima who brought the Miss Kalinga crown to the municipality for the first time according to the Lubuagan Municipal Information Office.

Fatima wrapped up the grand coronation night with Miss Kalinga 2024 Audrey Magallis passing her the crown after her take on the final question got the nod of the judges and wowed the crowd.

The question: ‘Miss Kalinga’s theme is elevating timeless beauty and elegance. As the next Miss Kalinga 2025, how has this theme guided your journey towards winning the Miss Kalinga 2025?’

Fatima said she had never felt empowered until she joined the Search for Miss Kalinga, saying that the theme elevating timeless beauty and elegance reflects women’s sophistication, and that comes from being true to one’s self.

“I believe that in joining in this pageantry, I have found what really makes me feel beautiful and confident and that is being authentic of who you are,” she said.

The newly crowned Miss Kalinga likewise took home with her the Best in Creative Attire and Best in Evening Gown awards.

Fatima shared during the competition that she had seen how difficult life can be for the less fortunate, narrating she used to sell snacks, vegetables, and fruits just to help her family make ends meet.    

“…putting this within my mind and heart, it allows me to open my eyes how beautiful life is – allowing me to persevere, to work harder, and always see the beauty of every instances. Ultimately, as an aspiring Miss Kalinga, I want you to take my story as another inspiration that would contain you to resonate and empower others,” she said.

Other ladies who took home crowns and titles at the grand coronation night included Ezra Kiser Lagasi of Tabuk City who was hailed the Miss Kalinga Tourism 2025; Claire Baguitan of Rizal, Miss Kalinga Environment 2025. Meantime, Ehdrian Nicole Pinated, sponsored by the Pallayoc Clan, won first-runner up, while Mary Ann Solog of Tinglayan was second-runner up.

 For the minor and corporate awards: Jemmae Biangdan who was sponsored by the Kilos Mamamayan Ngayon na Partylist was cited Miss EA Aesthetic Choice; Fanlee Valdez of Pasil and Christine Joy Bagwingan who was sponsored by Sustainable Livelihood Program were Miss Personal Collection; Guiajill Garrino of Balbalan, Miss Congeniality; Ezra Kiser Lagasi, Best in Talent and Best in Native Attire; Angel Destiny Garcia who was sponsored by Caroline Cares, Miss Photogenic; and Claire Baguitan was awarded with Best in Swimsuit.

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Biga, Basao tribes push ‘singlit’ to settle dispute; ease war fears

 Amid fake news

By Jesse Maguiya 

 

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Mayor Darwin Estrañero convened another meeting on Monday with officers and members of the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council (MBCC), Bodong holders of the Kalinga sub-tribe Biga, and several Bodong holders from different tribes.

The discussion focused on fake news claiming the Biga sub-tribe intended to return the sipat given to them by the Basao sub-tribe.

In most kalinga tribes, the return of the “sipat” could mean renewed hostilities like a “tribal war” wherein lives could be lost.  

During the meeting, Bodong holders and elders from the Biga sub-tribe assured Mayor Estrañero and engineer Andres Ngao-I of the MBCC they had taken swift action upon learning of the misinformation.

They immediately convened their own meeting and unanimously decided that Ignacio Baglinit would serve as their primary representative.

Having accepted this responsibility, he will now hold the sipat and serve as the Bodong holder for the Biga sub-tribe.

In his message, Ignacio Baglinit, the Bodong holder of Biga, confirmed that they had already agreed to pursue a singlit with the Basao sub-tribe. (Singlit refers to a formal grievance or complaint raised by one tribe or party against another within the framework of the bodong (peace pact) system.

It is a means of addressing concerns or perceived violations of the peace pact, such as an offense, wrongdoing, or breach of agreement.) He informed the mayor that they are fully prepared to face the Bodong holders and elders of the Basao sub-tribe through singlit. 

“Kayat mi koma nga ipanawagan iti kakailyan nga awan kina-agpaysu na dayta fake news a mapan mi isubli wenu ibabawi didiay sipat mi kadagiti kailyan a taga Basao ta dayta a banag ket saan a basta-basta karkaru ta uray dakami ket kayat min a malpas koma iti kasapaan a panawen daytoy problema ta awan met nasayaat nga ipaay na iti ili tayu a Tabuk City ken intiro a Probinsya ti Kalinga,” Baglinit said.

Ngao-I, speaking on behalf of the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council, said they also received the misinformation and immediately called the attention of both tribes to prevent unnecessary actions that could escalate tensions.

He told Bodong holders from the Biga tribe not to spread unverified information.

Estrañero supported this, emphasizing the importance of caution, especially when dealing with sensitive matters.

He warned that relaying information inaccurately often leads to distortions and misunderstandings. “Masapul koma ag-verify tayu a nasayaat nu ada mangngeg tayu nga istorya tapnu maliklikan ti makunkuna a dagdag-bawas kasi kangrunaan a mapaspasamak ket manayun wenu makurangan ti maipasa nga impormasyon,” the mayor said.

With this development, the mayor expressed his satisfaction, informing the Biga elders and pangats that their confirmation to proceed with singlit was the only remaining step.

The Basao tribe had already expressed their willingness to engage in singlit earlier, and this confirmation now paves the way for the resolution process.

As follow-up, Ngao-I, chairman of MBCC, held a separate meeting Tuesday, Feb. 11, with several Bodong holders and elders from the Basao sub-tribe.

He informed them about what transpired during Monday’s meeting with the Biga Bodong holders.

In response, the Basao elders stated that they would immediately schedule a tribe-wide meeting to discuss date for the singlit.

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Robbery up in Tabuk; thieves ransack grocery

 TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Robberies are up here with latest --a grocery store in Dagupan Centro forcibly opened night of Jan. 12.  

Punong barangay George Esteras bared this saying thieves have been targeting homes and establishments when owners were not around.

In 2024, the Kalinga Police Provincial Office recorded six theft and 15 cases of robbery in Tabuk City. The PNP Tabuk classifies burglary under the category of robbery in their list of index crimes.

On Jan. 13, Esteras through his FB Page said the grocery in Dagupan Centro became the recent victim of thieves.

In an interview, Esteras said burglars forced themselves into the establishment night of Jan. 12 and took more than P30,000 cash and P12,000 worth of grocery items.

The barangay captain advised businessowners to secure their establishments and install CCTV cameras in their buildings.

Meantime, while there were installed CCTV cameras around Dagupan Centro, Esteras said that unfortunately some were damaged by unknown individuals.

Esteras urged the public to help in protecting and not destroying the facilities as they aid in maintaining peace and order in the barangay.

 

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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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Cops nab 13, seize P6-M illegal drugs in Cordillera

POLICE ROUNDUP

ERADICATION -- Authorities destroy a total of an estimated P2.1 million worth of marijuana plants and seedlings in San Gabriel town, La Union Nov. 7. On Nov. 8, Bugallon police in Pangasinan seized P837,420 worth of suspected shabu. (Photo courtesy of PRO-1)

P5.8-M marijuana bricks found on Kalinga road

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Cordillera cops seized more than P197,000 worth of illegal drugs and nabbed 13 drug personalities in regional anti-illegal drugs operations Nov. 5-11.
    This, as police seized marijuana bricks worth P5.8 million found along the national highway here in Jangayoy, Barangay Dangoy, Tanudan Kalinga Monday, Nov. 20 bringing the total worth of illegal drugs captured in the region to around P6 million.
    Col. Freddie Lazona, provincial director of Kalinga Provincial Police Office, said personnel of the 2nd Kalinga Provincial Mobile Force Company received information that a male rider of a sport type XR 150 abandoned an army duffle bag in the vicinity of Jangayoy.
    Upon receipt of the information, police proceeded to the area and found an army duffle bag along the highway partly covered with leaves and branches of trees containing suspected marijuana bricks.
    An onsite inventory yielded 49 bricks of alleged dried marijuana leaves weighing around 49,000 grams valued at P5,880,000.
    The recovered marijuana bricks were brought to Lubuagan police station for documentation and later brought to Kalinga police provincial forensic unit for examination.
    The police regional public information office, citing the records from the Regional Operations Division, said the 13 drug suspects from other parts of the region were arrested in possession of 27.52 grams of shabu worth P197,075.60.
    The same report bared eight arrests were made by Benguet Police Provincial Office, followed by the Baguio City Police Office with two and one each for Ifugao and Kalinga PPOs.
    Suspects were identified as Jimran D Elias, 27; Roldan Elias, 36; Edgar Garino; 28; Elvis Mocate, 35; Christian Beneyat, 26; Clarence Gunday, 42; Griffin Keith Sobremo, 25; Joshua L Moling, 21; John Mark Orata, 18; John G Basungit, 50; Arnold Austria, 25; Ryan Zamora, 27 and Nolasco Dangayo, 36.
    All arrested suspects and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to offices of  arresting units, while charges for illegal drugs were prepared against them.
    Meanwhile, in a marijuana eradication operation in Benguet, two marijuana plantation sites with 920 pieces of fully grown marijuana plants valued at P184,000 were discovered in Kibungan town.
    All discovered marijuana plants were uprooted and burned in plantation sites  by the lawmen who investigated to identify marijuana cultivators.
    Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K, Peredo cited arresting police for the arrests urging other units to intensify anti-drugs operations.

 Police seize P2.9-M shabu,  marijuana in LU, P’sinan

By Hilda Austria 

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Authorities seized an estimated P837,420 worth of suspected methamphetamine, locally called shabu, in Bugallon town, Pangasinan and destroyed around P2.1 million worth of marijuana in San Gabriel town, La Union night of Nov. 8.
    In a phone interview on Thursday, Bugallon police officer-in-charge Maj. Ramsey Canaban said the estimated 123.15 grams of suspected shabu was seized from Ken Mark Prado Bustillos, 31, after police officers, armed with a search warrant, went to his home in Barangay Umanday Wednesday night.
    “He was identified as a drug personality, as a street pusher, but not a high-value target. He was being monitored by our intelligence unit and we did not expect the amount of illegal drugs confiscated from him,” he said.
    Canaban said the suspect is reportedly supplying illegal drugs to other parts of the province and sources his supply from the National Capital Region.
    Aside from the illegal drugs, some live ammunition were also seized from the suspect.
    Meanwhile, the La Union Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit and other law enforcement agencies discovered a marijuana plantation in Sitio Nakawa, Barangay Lon-oy, San Gabriel town, La Union on Nov. 7.
    Lt. Col. Benigno Sumawang, chief of Regional Public Information Office of the Ilocos Police Regional Office (PRO-1), said the operation resulted in the destruction of PHP2.1 million worth of marijuana plants and seedlings.
    “There were a total of 8,500 pieces of fully grown marijuana plants and 10,500 marijuana seedlings from a total land area of 1,950 square meters,” he said. -- PNA

‘Tanod’ nabbed for selling P68-K shabu in Abra

PIDIGAN, Abra -- A barangay tanod listed as a high-value drug personality was arrested for selling around P68,000 worth of shabu to a cop here on Nov. 14.
    Reports submitted to Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo Jr. identified the arrested suspect as Jimmy Sumalnap Dela Rosa, Jr., 40 of Pidigan, Abra.
    Elements of Abra Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Abra Provincial Intelligence Unit, and Pidigan Municipal Police Station arrested suspect Dela Rosa at Sitio Nagdaingan, Pangtud, Pidigan, after he sold two sachets of suspected "shabu" weighing 10.1 grams valued at P68,680 to a cop who posed as buyer.
    Dela Rosa and confiscated items were brought to the Abra PPO PDEU office where charges for illegal drugs were prepared against him. 

Cops seize P2.M drugs in Baguio, Benguet; 2 nabbed 

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- -- A total of P2,008,092 worth of illegal drugs was seized, while two drug personalities were busted in anti-illegal drugs operations conducted in Baguio City and Benguet Nov. 16, the regional police public information office bared. 
    Police reports submitted to Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo Jr. identified arrested suspects as Randolph Castañeda Doria, 42, of Lower Quirino Hill Barangay, Baguio and Diokno Dilapi Tolingan, 34 of Sitio Paykek, Balili, Mankayan, Benguet.
    Baguio police arrested Doria at Rizal Park after he sold a sachet of suspected shabu weighing 0.65 grams worth P4,420.00 to a cop who acted as buyer.
    Meanwhile, in Balili, Mankayan, Tolingan was arrested by anti-illegal drugs operatives of the Benguet Police Provincial Office after he sold a sachet of suspected shabu weighing 0.28 grams worth P1,904 to a cop who also acted as buyer at Sitio Pangkikan, Balili
    During his arrest, another sachet of suspected shabu weighing 0.26 grams worth P1,768 was confiscated from him.
    All arrested suspects and confiscated items were brought to respective arresting units, while charges for illegal drugs were prepared against them.
    This, as Benguet cops discovered and burned a total of 10,000 pieces of fully grown marijuana plants valued at P2,000,000 in the town of Kibungan.

MARIJUANA BRICKS -- Police make an inventory of 49 bricks of dried marijuana leaves, weighing around 49,000 grams, with an estimated value of P5,880,000 recovered at Sitio Jangayoy, Barangay Dangoy, Lubuagan, Kalinga Nov. 20. (Photo from PNP Lubuagan)

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Coffee project generates income, unites residents of Kalinga village

Coffee Talk

TABUK CITY -- – The transition from agriculture to agri-tourism has been productive economically and socially for the residents of Barangay Bagumbayan in this city.
    The community’s major project, Bagumbayan Coffee Village, started early 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic as restrictions in movement were not too strict then, unlike in the National Capital Region.
    Village folks were hired for coffee processing, with the products sold to commercial establishments.
    Previously, they were content just selling coffee beans outside of Tabuk City for PHP100 or PHP200 depending on the size of the tin can.
    “Now, our people grow the coffee, process the coffee, package it, and sell at premium price,” Cindy Mangliwan, a council member of Barangay Bagumbayan, told the Philippine News Agency after the community was awarded Best Cordillera Tourism Village by the Department of Tourism (DOT) at Camp John Hay here on Monday.
    Barangay Bagumbayan won P1 million which they will use to improve facilities to lure more tourists.
    Mangliwan said that with the increasing sales of their products, coffee shrubs that have been around for as long as 20 years are income-generators again.
    “The shift from plain agriculture to agri-tourism helped a lot. It is very productive, helpful in the lives of the people in the community economically and socially because it also allows us to have closer bonding experiences,” Mangliwan added.
    Mangliwan said their community also received technical assistance from the DOT, aligned with the United Nations world tourism standards; seminars and training on organic coffee production from the Department of Agriculture; and the coffee processing building and materials from the Department of Science and Technology.
    Tabuk is a jump-off point for tourists who visit the world-renowned tattoo artist Apo Whang-od, who is already 106 years old, in Buscalan, Tinglayan, a two-hour drive from the city.
    Jovita Ganongan, DOT-Cordillera director, said the competition aims “to enhance tourism facilities and services and to motivate the pursuit of environment and sound community participatory tourism programs especially involving the Indigenous Peoples.”
    From 20 applicants, they were narrowed to 12 and finally, to six finalists based on sustainable management, socio-economic and rural development sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and environmental sustainability.
    The other finalists were Bila Tourism Village in Bauko, Mountain Province, second place, PHP500,000; Balbalasang Eco Village in Kalinga, P200,000; and runners-up Chaya Heritage Village in Mayaoyao, Ifugao, Nagacadan Open Air Museum in Kiangan, Ifugao, and Tawang Tourism Village in Balbalan, Kalinga, P100,000 each. – Liza T. Agoot/ PNA
 
 

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Folks vandalize bus after fatal motorbike collision in Tabuk; 1 dead, 3 hurt

By Ruth Cupang

TABUK CITY -- Enraged residents vandalized a Victory Liner Royal Class Sleeper bus after it crashed into a motorcycle, killing one of its passengers here Nov. 12.
    The bus driven by Diosdado Valdez, 48, was headed to Cubao when the accident took place.
    A police report said the bus was attempting to overtake a motorcycle with four people — a couple and their two children — on board at an intersection when the motorcycle suddenly made a left turn.
    Valdez said he was unable to apply brakes in time as the bus hit the motorcycle, which he claimed did not make a left turn signal.
    Eyewitnesses reported several angry residents attacked the bus and tried to break its windshield by throwing stones and other hard objects.
    Fearing for his life, the driver remained inside the bus until authorities arrived.
    Col. Freddie Lasona, director of Kalinga Provincial Police Office, identified the fatality as Joy Balwog Alos, 49, a resident of Dananao, Lacnong East, Tabuk City.
    The motorcycle driver, Daniel Alos, 46, and his children, ages 10 and 8, suffered injuries and were brought to the hospital.
    The damaged Victory Liner bus was impounded at the provincial police headquarters for safekeeping, while the driver was held at the Tabuk City Police Station for investigation.
    The Victory Liner management has yet to release a statement on the incident.

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Cops confiscate P130-K narra lumber in Kalinga

POLICE ROUNDUP 

TANUDAN. Kalinga – Police seized more than P130- K worth of illegally sawn lumber here in Sitio Patakalig, Lower Taloctoc on Oct. 26, the regional police information office bared.
    Reports submitted to Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K, Peredo Jr. said Tanudan police led by Capt. Florand O. Sim received information from Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Tabuk about abandoned illegally sawn lumber found along the riverbank in Patakalig.
    Police and CENRO-Tabuk personnel went to the area and found 270.16 board feet of narra lumber worth P135,080.
    The recovered lumber were brought to CENRO-Tabuk while investigation is on to identify and charge loggers for illegal logging.
    Kalinga police urged folks to report illegal activities to authorities to protect natural resources.
 

P81-K shabu seized in Buguias; 3 men held

BUGUIAS, Benguet -- A total P81,600 worth of shabu was seized from three drug personalities arrested in buy-bust operation by cops at here Sitio Km 73, Barangay Amgaleyguey on Nov. 2. 
    Reports submitted to Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo Jr. identified arrested suspects as Marvin Baresto Cudlas, 40; Rodel Martin Andres, 29 and Randy Rebas Manganip 36.
    The regional police information office said elements of Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit, Buguias Municipal Police Station, PDEG SOU-14, RIU14, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 and Baguio City Police Office arrested suspect Cudlas after he sold a sachet of suspected "shabu" weighing around five grams worth P34,000 to a lawman who acted as buyer.
    Police confiscated another sachet of suspected "shabu," weighing five grams P34,000 from him.     Meanwhile, two sachets containing two grams of suspected shabu worth P13,600 were seized from Andres and Manganip.
    Inventory of seized items was witnessed by suspects, Joemar Sacpa of Z Radio and kagawad Rudy Waclin of Amgaleyguey. 
    The arrested suspects and seized items were brought to custody of Buguias police while charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Acts of 2002, was prepared against the suspects.
 

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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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2 motorbike riders hurt in Luna, Apayao crash

 
LUNA, Apayao - Two men from Pudtol town were rushed to Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center (FNLGHTC) here in Barangay Quirino due to vehicular accident Oct. 20.
    A witness said the incident happened around 3:47 p.m. in front of Rural Bank of Angeles - Luna Branch.
    The Honda XRM 125 ridden by two male individuals, the witness said, was overs peeding and attempted to overtake a white Mitsubishi Delica Van, but lost control when the motorcycle hit its bumper, causing them to collide with a maroon pickup truck traversing the opposite lane.
    The driver of the pickup, Joseph Abugan, 29, from Santa Marcela said he and his pregnant wife were driving home when the incident happened.
    “Naggapu kami didiay DepEd ta adda ilak-lakad mi kenni misis ko, kalpasan na napan kami Philhealth, agawid kamin, naka-in innayad kami ta masikog ni baket ko, eight months. Mapan kami kuma payla ag-grocery, ngem bigla nga adda naipasiruk nga motor iti lugan, imbag ta Haan nadangran ni baket ko,” he said.
    He added he tried to avoid the motorcycle, but the incident happened so fast.
    His wife, he added, was shocked with the incident.
    Meantime, the two male occupants of the XRM 125 sustained injuries and were brought by police and fire officers to the FNLGHTC.
One of them was reportedly the barangay chairman in Pudtol.

Laborer, 44 drowns during picnic in Piat

By Christian Malnawa

PIAT, Cagayan – A 44-year-old man recently drowned at  Chico River while swimming while under the influence of alcohol.
Victim ‘alias’ Tomi, 44, was dead when he was pulled out of the water a few hours after he drowned.
    He was from Upper Bicutan, Taguig City, and worked here as construction worker.
    The victim along with his workmates was reportedly at the river in Barangay Dugayung, Piat for a picnic when the incident transpired.
    They decided to go for a swim, but moments later, the victim ended up in a deep part of the river without being noticed by his companions.    
    He was later searched by his companions but was found lifeless a few hours later.
    The victim’s remains was brought to Taguig City by the Task Force Lingkod Cagayan (TFLC)-Tuao Station, the Cagayan Provincial Information Office reported.
 

2 injured in Tanudan road mishap on BSKE

TANUDAN, Kalinga – Two riders were injured in vehicular traffic accident here during the just concluded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
    The road crash happened around 12:40 p.m. on Oct. 30 along the Tanudan-Banawe Road at Sitio Pagugo, Dupligan.
Capt. Florand Sim, Tanudan acting chief of police, told media a utility vehicle wagon came from Tabuk City and headed to Upper Tanudan when it attempted to overtake a motorcycle at the sharp curve portion of the road.
    This resulted in the vehicle, driven by Christalyn Masa-ao, 35, who was said to be on her way to cast her vote, crashing against a Honda 125 motorcycle traversing the opposite lane.
    “While on the way, ditoy Pagugo idiay sharp curve portion, in-overtake an na daytoy adda sangu na and eksakto metten nga paumay diay motor (Honda 125). So nagbinnangga daytoy motor and lugan,” he said.
    The rider of the Honda 125 identified by the police as Marlon Pengad, 35, and his back rider, Sheryl Pengad sustained injuries and were brought to Kalinga Provincial Hospital.
    The former, as mentioned by Sim, was admitted but in stable condition while the latter was released from the hospital.

    The acting chief of police, meanwhile said  no election-related violence was observed in Tanudan during the casting of votes for the BSK elections.  

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Top 4 under-the-radar scenic spots in Cordillera

By Ruth Cupang

THE highlands of the Cordillera have become a magnet for travelers seeking a serene, nature-bound escapade. Drawn by the cool weather and breathtaking attractions, many tourists head to popular destinations like Baguio, Sagada and Banaue.

    Yet, amid these well-trodden destinations, there exists a desire among free-spirited wanderers to avoid the bustling tourist crowds and discover tranquil, under-the-radar spots for a unique vacation experience.
    Instead of following the well-traveled trails of this region, why not embark on a journey less taken and discover the less-explored wonders of Abra, Apayao and Kalinga, and perhaps enjoy bragging rights for being the first in your circle to visit remote and least explored nature’s paradise.
    These days, uncovering these truly less-explored spots can be a challenge, but fear not. The Manila Times has curated a list of the top four lesser-known tourist destinations in the Cordillera region that will sweep you off your feet.
    So, get ready to become an explorer rather than just a tourist with these four Cordillera scenic spots.
    1. Kaparkan Falls, Abra
Getting a glimpse at Kaparkan Falls in Tineg, Abra, is like walking into an enchanted scene from a high-budget fantasy movie.     As you gaze at its multilayered whitish basins stacked one atop the other, it’s as if the forest nymphs have swung open nature’s door to an earthly paradise, inviting you to take a plunge into its crystal-clear waters.
    This fascinating waterfall terrace, also known as Mulawin Falls, stands as one of the most captivating and uniquely structured waterfalls not only in the region but in the entire country.
Kaparkan Falls
Although locals have cherished it for a long time, Kaparkan Falls came into the public eye only in 2015 when a curious tourist shared its existence. The falls measure approximately 1,000 meters in height, with its waters flowing into the Tineg River below.
    While taking a dip in its refreshing waters, you’ll also be surrounded by a rainforest ambiance, with centuries-old trees draping their roots and lush ferns.
    The journey to reach Kaparkan Falls is an adventure in itself. It starts with a several-hour trip by bus or car from Manila. Once you arrive in the area, you need to hop onto a “giant truck” or “monster truck” for the ride to the falls. The ride itself provides a thrilling, roller-coaster-like experience by land. It is not wise to take your car in this perilous drive.
    After reaching the drop-off point, a 20- to 30-minute hike (depending on your pace) will lead you to the falls. To plan your trip, you can contact their local tourism office or connect with travel and tour companies.
2. Lussok Cave and Underground River, Apayao
If you think Puerto Princesa City in Palawan is the only place to offer you a subterranean experience, wait until you explore Lussok Crystal Cave and its underground river in Luna, Apayao. This majestic Apayao frontier offers an otherworldly experience as you paddle through its underground river.
    The best way to explore it is through a guided boat tour, where you’ll learn about the cave’s history and witness its unique formations.
Lussok Crystal Cave
    Upon entry, you’ll pass through a dome-like entrance and be greeted by the rare sight of its multichamber cave adorned with centuries-old stalactites and stalagmites, glistening with crystals that create dancing reflection when touched by the faintest light.
    This cave and underground river offer a 200-meter voyage accessible by small boats, with the option to hike, allowing you to explore its diverse chambers.
    Another part of the experience is the sight of the cave’s ecosystem, which holds a variety of aquatic creatures, including fish, crabs and bats. The clicking of the bats’ wings as they fly overhead and their roosting on the cavernous walls add to the perfect cave experience.
    So, whether you are an avid spelunker or simply want to explore the depths and richness of a below-the-surface cavern, Lussok Cave is the best less-explored natural wonder to wander through.
    Some folk say it is not for the faint-hearted, as it sometimes involves climbing, crawling, and even wading through the chilly waters. However, the thrill of this adventure will conquer any fears, and the entrancing experience will be worth every effort you put into it.
    To get to Lussok Cave, take a bus or a flight from Manila to Cagayan or Ilocos. Once you’re there, catch a public jeepney to Apayao. You can plan your trip by contacting the local government or seek assistance from travel and tour services.
3. Awichon Heritage Village, Kalinga
Visiting Awichon Heritage Village is like stepping back and landing in an ancient cultural village in the Northern Cordillera. This picturesque village in Lubuagan, Kalinga, was founded by Alonso Saclag Sr., a National Living Treasure of the Performing Arts.
    The scenic village has been meticulously crafted to transport you back in time, resembling the traditional houses, cultural treasures and tools of Kalinga villages, offering visitors an immersive dive into the rich heritage of this province.
Awichon Heritage Village
    The village comprises several wooden houses, slightly elevated from the ground, with intricately designed interiors that include a fireplace, antique gongs, weapons, shields and carabao horns adorning the house’s outer walls.
    The village, perched atop a mountain cliff, offers awe-inspiring views of the Cordillera mountains, making it a captivating tourist destination. The mornings, in particular, are magical, as visitors wake up to the sea of clouds blanketing the mountains while the sun rises, and they sip on a cup of robusta coffee. This experience is perfect for those seeking a pristine, cultural and scenic experience far from the bustle of the city.
    To reach this village, you can travel by bus or car from Manila to Tabuk City or catch a flight to Tuguegarao and then head to Tabuk City, approximately an hour away. From Tabuk, a car or passenger jeep can take you to Lubuagan in two to three hours. You can contact their tourism office or explore tour packages bound for Awichon Village for a hassle-free journey.
4. Mount Binaratan, the ‘Silent Mountain’ of Kalinga
Have you ever wondered how often certain superstitions seem to have an uncanny alignment with the natural world?
    The curious case of Mount Binaratan, known as the “Silent Mountain,” located at the edge of Tanudan, Kalinga, is a perfect example of this intriguing phenomenon.
Located in the deep forests of Tanudan, this interesting mountain harbors a legend that transcends folklore into a puzzling reality.
Mount Binaratan
Oral history has it that the peak of Mount Binaratan is “silent,” with no traces of birds chirping. It is believed that the silent peak of the mountain is spellbound by the divine command of Kabunian, the ancient god of the Tanudan people.
    The legend goes that Kabunian once descended into these very mountains on a quest to hunt wild boars and deer. However, his mission was halted by the incessant chirping of the birds, which made it impossible for him to locate his prey. In frustration, he cast his divine authority, commanding the birds to stop chirping. And so it was, and still is, that no bird makes a sound in that specific area in the mountain.
    Locals and travelers who have hiked the peak confirm this “silent mountain phenomenon.”
    They see flying birds overhead but hear no chirps, which makes it strange and intriguing because they can hear the birds chirping when they descend to the other parts of the mountain.
    While there may be a scientific explanation for this phenomenon, further study is needed to fully understand the mystery.
    Nonetheless, there’s something truly exciting about being part of such a spellbinding occurrence. So, those highly spirited adventurers out there explore the depths of Mount Binaratan. Who knows if the same magical spell will also dissipate your life worries, much like the sounds that Kabunian once silenced.
    So, if you are ready for your next trip, you can reach Mount Binaratan by traveling from Manila to Tabuk City by road or from Manila to Tuguegarao by plane. Then, take a one- to two-hour ride to Tabuk. Afterward, arrange transportation to Tanudan and start your hike to Mt. Binaratan. It’s essential to contact the local government in advance for tour guide assistance and to verify the safety of hiking during your chosen date.
    The Cordilleras indeed cradle hidden natural treasures yet to be fully explored. These underrated spots offer glimpses into the region’s pristine beauty, rich culture and mystical folklore. So, if you’re up for an adventure and eager to experience the unique serenity of nature, pack your bags and set out to explore the wonders of Abra, Apayao and Kalinga.
 
 

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