UN, global groups to Phl gov’t: Drop murder case vs CPA chief

 BAGUIO CITY – Messages of solidarity and global support poured in for Cordillera Peoples Alliance chairperson, Windel Bolinget who was charged by police with what the CPA called a “trumped-up murder case.”
    Various organizations in the Philippines and abroad issued statements of condemnation for accusations of police against Bolinget, showing strong support for the “falsely accused indigenous leader and human rights defender who has been a vocal critic of the Duterte regime.”
    Through a statement from the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR), UN human rights experts also joined in by calling on Philippine authorities to drop the charge against Bolinget.
    “Human rights defenders in the Philippines continue to be red-tagged, labeled as ‘terrorists’ and ultimately killed in attempts to silence them and delegitimise their work,” they said.
    UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, Mary Lawlor said, “It (the case) is believed to be a fabricated charge aimed at silencing him and other indigenous rights defenders and the charge should be dropped.”
    The experts added unfounded charges and accusations were damaging not only to the individual, but also to other human rights defenders and civil society actors in the country.
    Aisah Mariano, CPA- Deputy Secretary General bared these saying the Anglican Church of Canada and other religious formations, in a letter addressed to the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marc Garneau, urged the Canadian government to “respond to the deteriorating human rights situation in the Philippines citing the fabricated murder charge against Bolinget and the massacre of nine Tumandok Indigenous community leaders in Panay last year.”
    The slain Tumandok leaders have also been opposing development aggression and the militarization of their communities.
    A petition to drop the “fabricated charge against Bolinget” is circulating online and has already gathered more than a thousand signatures in a couple of weeks.
    The Manila, Philippines/Bogor, Indonesia/Rome, Italy International Land Coalition Asia (ILC Asia) and Global Secretariat of the International Land Coalition also released a statement “urgently requesting the Philippines government to drop the murder charge against indigenous rights defender, Windel Bolinget, who presented himself to the Philippine Bureau of Investigation (NBI) under the Department of Justice after a “shoot-to-kill” order had been issued should he resist arrest.”
    “All the evidence suggests that the charges are trumped-up. We condemn the criminalization against Bolinget, the Chairperson of ILC member organization CPA, for doing his peaceful work in protecting the rights of indigenous peoples,” said the statement released by Andita Listyarini, ILC- Asia communications officer.
    “We believe that this is a step to silence the voices of indigenous communities in the Philippines, who have been fighting for their rights against large-scale mining projects and other development projects that pose a threat to their land rights.”
    ILC is a global coalition of 250 multilateral and civil society member organizations based in 78 countries, of which 54 covering 13 countries are in Asia, including the Philippines.

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Court orders LT kagawad’s arrest for ‘forgery’ in sale of security agency chief’s land

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – An arrest warrant was issued by the Municipal Trial Court here against an incumbent kagawad of Barangay Tawang for “forgery” in the alleged sale of a property owned by the top officer of a security agency.    
    This after the Provincial Prosecutors Office was directed by the Dept. of Justice to file the case against respondent Elido  T. Cuyangan a.k.a. Olindo T. Cuyangan for selling the lot of complainant Joseph O. Bacduyan here at Tawang.
    Bacduyan is operations officer of Baguio-based Casaldo Lyndon Bacmor Security Agency.
    Lawyer Cyrus Calaya, counsel of Bacduyan said the arrest warrant against the respondent was recently issued by MTC, La Trinidad under criminal case no. 20208.
    This, after the DOJ reversed a decision of the Benguet provincial prosecutor by ordering the latter to file criminal charges for falsification against Elido regarding sale of the lot.
    DOJ Regional Prosecutor Nonnatus Caesar R. Roxas in a decision dated Dec. 28, 2020 in San Fernando City, La Union, said “more than four years is yet to elapse before the execution of the questionable deed of sale in favor of Olindo on June 7, 2013, hence he had no ownership to speak of at that point.”  
    Basing from Roxas’s decision, Bacduyan filed a petition for review with the DOJ assailing the resolutions of the provincial prosecutor of Benguet dated March 12, 2020 and July 3, 2020 which dismissed his complaint for falsification against Olindo.
    The OPP-Benguet ruled insufficiency of evidence.
    Bacduyan narrated on Dec. 15, 1994, he acquired from Helen Juan Bugtong Siapno the 2,900 sq.m. lot under tax declaration no. 57331.
    Although the waiver of rights and quit claim were executed by Siapno on Jan. 6, 2009, Bacduyan claimed actual and continuous possession of the said portion since 1994, although he had not yet transferred it in his name because of tedious and expensive process.
    Bacduyan told the DOJ that Olindo had been selling portions of his lot.
    When Bacduyan investigated, he learned that Olindo was able to transfer the tax declaration under his name by virtue of deed of sale of unregistered land dated June 7, 2013.
    Per the deed of sale, Juan Coyangan, who is married to Dolcina Cuyangan, sold the 4,500 sq.m. lot in the tax declaration to his son Olindo for P50,000.
    Bacduyan sought the help of Siapno and Watson Cuyangan who executed joint affidavit in support of his complaint against Olindo.
    According to Helen and Watson, Bugtong (one name only) was the original owner of the land located at Banig, Tawang.
    Bugtong’s son, William Bugtong Sr., married Elisa Juan, the daughter of Juan Coyangan (spelled with an “o” not “u”.
    Having been affiliated through marriage, Bugtong entrusted the said parcel of land to Juan Coyangan.
In turn, Bugtong Sr. assisted his father-in-law in having the land declared in the latter’s name.
    Thus tax declaration no. 5733 covering the area of 4,500 square meters was issued in the name of Juan Coyangan which was later revised to assessment of real property no. 2010-03-15-00129.
    Aside from Elisa Juan, Juan Coyangan, who was married to Cotingban Benwesan Cuyangan, had other children.
    Among them were the witness Watson Cuyangan and Juan B. Cuyangan Jr. (whose surnames are spelled with a “u”, not “o”, the latter being the father of respondent Olindo.
    They explained that Juan B. Cuyangan Jr., was more known by his real name Pedring Cuyangan.
    Bacduyan, Helen and Watson, branded the deed of sale transferring the whole property of Juan Coyangan to Olindo a falsity because of the following reasons: the true father of Olindo is Juan B. Cuyangan Jr., not the lot owner Juan Coyangan who is his grandfather, the real lot owner.
    Juan Coyangan, was not married to Dolicna Cuyangan who is the respondent Olindo’s mother.
    The lot owner Juan Coyangan could not have executed the deed of sale on June 7, 2013 because he died in Sept. 10, 1979 as proved by his death certificate.
    The true lot owner Juan Coyangan and even Olindo’s father Juan B. Cuyangan Jr. did not know how to read and write so the signature appearing in the deed of sale could not be theirs.
    Respondent insisted that his father, Juan Cuyangan, also known as Juan Coyangan, was the true owner of the lot that was transferred to him by deed of sale in 2013.
    He denied that Helen was an heir of his father because she a cousin.
    He alleged that Helen could not have validly sold a portion of his father’s lot to Bacduyan.
    Among other allegations, Olindo said Watson was only his uncle, being the brother of his father. 
    In his reply Bacduyan insisted that there were two Juan Cuyangans, the Sr. and the Jr. and Olindo’s father was the Jr. who was more popularly known as “Pedring.”
    Bacduyan insisted that the true lot owner was the Sr. who was actually Olindo’s grandfather and not his father.
    Bacduyan’s allegations were corroborated by Watson and two disinterested persons Albert S. Sabelo and Sammy P. Sali.
    In its resolution dated March 12, 2020, the OPP-Benguet dismissed Bacduyan’s complaint for insufficient evidence.
    It ruled that questions raised in the case were best raised in a civil proceeding, not a criminal case for falsification.
    Bacduyan moved for reconsideration, saying the investigating prosecutor mis-appreciated the facts.
    He said the first tax declaration was issued in the name of Juan Coyangan and not to Juan B. Cuyangan Jr. or Pedring Cuyangan who is respondent’s father.
    He said the respondent’s father is identified in his documents as Juan B. Cuyangan, thus he is not the same person as Juan Coyangan.
    He argued that while respondent admitted to Helen being his cousin and Watson his uncle and brother of his father, he never denied his paternal grandfather was Juan Coyangan.
    Bacduyan said in the questioned deed of sale, “it clearly appears that the signatures above the names of vendor Juan     Coyangan and his alleged wife Dolcina Cuyangan, have matching strokes and letters similarly written by a single persons.
    Bacduyan reserved to present expert testimony of the forgery including proof of ownership of Helen and other evidence.
    The DOJ, in its ruling said Bacduyan’s petition was meritorious. “The falsity of the deed of sale in evident from the death certificate of Juan Coyangan who died on Sept. 10, 1979 which proves that he could not have signed the deed of sale since he has been dead for more than 33 years prior to the deed’s execution on June 7, 2013.
    “The respondent’s contention that the death certificate that Bacduyan produced is falsified is self-serving and not worthy of belief considering it is a public document and corroborated by the decedent’s own son Watson, granddaughter Helen and two other disinterested persons.
    “The respondent did not produce his own witness to corroborate his allegations regarding the falsity of the death certificate of Juan Coyangan nor did he produce his father Juan B. Cuyangan Jr.’s own death certificate.
    “Contrary to allegations of the OPP-Benguet, there was never an admission by respondent Olindo on existence of a Juan Sr. and Jr.
    “Even in the deed of sale, there was a conscious effort to enter the name of the vendor as Juan Coyangan instead of Juan Cuyangan even if it was indicated that Juan Coyangan’s wife is Dolcina Cuyangan and the vendee’s name who is the vendor’s son is stated as Elido T. Cuyangan, which were both spelled with a “u” instead of the “o” of the lot seller’s surname.” 
    Bacduyan told the Northern Philippine Times he and his lawyer Cyrus Calaya were moving to have the deed of sale of Olindo over the property nullified.
    He said it was only last week that some persons went to his property and put “mohon” (cement or stones signifying ownership of the property).
Bacduyan said he had lots of fruit-bearing Banana trees in the area which he had planted and had been there over the years.

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89 UK variant contacts of Bontoc, La Trinidad cases positive for Covid-19:DOH

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Eighty-three people in this capital town and six in La Trinidad, Benguet, who are close contacts of cases with the UK variant of coronavirus, have tested positive for Covid-19, according to the Dept. of Health.
    In a virtual press conference on Monday, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said eight samples from Bontoc and two from La Trinidad will undergo sequencing to detect the possible UK variant.
    “To clarify, 410 contacts for Bontoc UK variant cluster had been identified with 83 testing positive for RT-PCR...Doon sa 83, additional eight na mga positive for RT-PCR are for sequencing,” she said.
    “From the La Trinidad case, 37 are identified as contacts. Six were positive. And two of the six were sent to sequencing,” she added.
    As of Jan. 31, a total of 447people have been identified as first to third generation contacts of the cases of UK variant in the region, the DOH said.
    Fifty-six RT-PCR test results of some close contacts are still pending, it added.
    Twelve cases of Covid-19 with the UK variant have been detected so far in Bontoc and also one in La Trinidad.
    At least 56 results in RT-PCR tests of some close contacts are still pending, according to the DOH.
    Earlier, the DOH confirmed a local transmission of new coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 in Bontoc. The B.1.1.7 is the new coronavirus variant initially discovered in the United Kingdom that is said to be more transmissible.
    The virus causes Covid-19 which, as of latest count, has killed 10,749 people in the Philippines.
    Total caseload as of Jan. 31 was 525,618, according to DOH data.
    This, as Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr. expressed appreciation to the Covid-19 National Task Force  and  the DOH  joint mission and  those who extended assistance to the province as Covid cases surged compounded by the detection of UK variant in 12 cases in  Bontoc.
    On Jan. 24, or two days after the detection of the U.K. variant (B.1.1.7) in 12 positive cases of Covid-19 in Bontoc as announced by the DOH and the Philippine Genome Center on Jan. 22, the DOH investigated the sudden discovery of the B.1.1.7 in the province through enhanced contact tracing.
    The DOH contingent was led by DOH-CHD-Cordillera Assistant Regional Director Amelita M. Pangilinan. It was composed of  53  personnel  from four DOH  regional offices-   15  from DOH-CAR, 13 from  Region 1, 10 from   Region II and 13 from Region III, and two  from the   DOH Central Office- Field  Epidemiology Training Program(FETP).
    A local team was also formed and is comprised of personnel from the  Provincial DOH Office-Nurse Deployment Program(14), the Department of the  Interior and Local Government-Mt. Province(9), Provincial Health Office(2), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management  Office(2) and Bontoc local government unit(19).       
    The teams conducted contact tracing up to  the third level of contacts of the 12 cases with UK variant.  
    On Jan. 25,   a 32-man contingent for the Aggressive Community Testing (ACT) by the National Task Force Against Covid-19 arrived to conduct mass swabbing in Bontoc and in other municipalities where surge of cases were noted by the DOH biosurveillance arm.
    The NFT, in partnership with the Bases Conversion Development Authority headed Secretary Vince Dizon, the National Action Plan Against Covid-19 Deputy Chief Implementer, and with the Bureau of Fire Protection, is conducting ACT in high prevalent areas. It is an intervention to cut the chain and contain the spread of virus by testing and isolating those positive for COVID.
    For five days, the contingent conducted mass testing in the towns of Bontoc Sagada, Sabangan and Bauko collecting more than 3,000 swab samples.
    "For so long, we were able to ward off the said novel coronavirus. We were the last to record a case in the whole of CAR.         Thus, it came as a shock when suddenly we're having a continuous surge in cases and now, we have in our midst the so-called UK variant," Pangilinan said.
    "Ultimately, the joint effort aims to curb the exponential growth rate of Covid-19 positive cases in Mountain Province and to trace the origin of the COVID-19 variant cases in Bontoc for management purposes," she said. -- -- By Joviland Rita with reports from KBK, GMA News, PLGU-Mt. Province and PIA

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KC Concepcion sorry for partying in Baguio

By Heidi Hsia

BAGUIO CITY – Actress KC Concepcion recently took some time to write a long apology on social media, after she was blasted online for not wearing a mask during good friend Tim Yap's birthday party on Jan. 17.
    The actress, who along with others were fined P 1,500 for violating Covid-19 protocols, posted her apology on Jan. 30, writing,     "Taking the time to thank our nurses, doctors, frontliners and caregivers who have been working hard since the beginning of last year. To be honest, we are all still getting used to our new normal. I quarantined solo for three months, not leaving my house, trying to be strong home alone to keep myself and others safe, and had no one at home to lean on. Mentally, it was taking its toll, which it did on so many of us regular people, but most especially on our frontliners who have been working nonstop to keep our communities safe. Thank you."
    "I do agree that keeping a mask on and not letting our guards down is the least we citizens could do. I personally apologize for not having kept my mask on 100 [percent] of the time during a gathering. It has been two weeks since then and I hope we can move forward with lessons learned about safety protocols indoors or outdoors when in a crowd. I understand the panic. And I would react in a similar way," she wrote.
    Concepcion admitted that the pandemic situation is tiring everybody and that they all have different struggles and ways of coping.
    "There are days that you're up, and there are days when you're down. There are days that you're strong, and days when you fail. But one thing is for sure, we can all learn from everyday experiences, and from each other. Nobody is perfect, revenge travel is truly a thing, and in as much as we would like to break free from chains and restrictions to try and keep sane, no. We need to travel more responsibly. We need to gather more responsibly. Stay focused and patient. We can get through this together. In the meantime, we should take care of our mental health, always, as much as the physical, no matter what Find things that make you happy. Rest when your mind and body need it. Eat healthy, be active, stay alert."

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Chavit: Duterte-Pacquiao in 2022 okay but then …

By Leander C. Domingo

NARVACAN, Ilocos Sur -- Mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson of this coastal town said a Duterte-Pacquiao tandem in the 2022 national elections is perfectly acceptable to him.
    But mayor was unclear whether the “Duterte” he referred to was Davao City Mayor Sara “Inday” Duterte-Carpio, who is President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, but evidently, he was pointing to Philippine and international boxing legend Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao.
    Over DWRS Commando Radio, Singson mentioned those who would likely run for president and vice president next year.
    “There are too many; among them are ‘Manny’ Pacquiao, Vice President Maria Leonora ‘Leni’ Robredo, Inday Sara, Manila     Mayor {Francisco] ‘Isko Moreno’ [Domagoso], Senators Panfilo Lacson, Grace Poe and many more,” he said.
    Singson, who is also the former governor of Ilocos Sur, added that he will wait for the decision of President Duterte before he decides for himself on who to support in the 2022 elections.
    Under the Constitution, the country’s leader is only allowed a six-year term without reelection.
    The incumbent President was voted into office in 2016.
    “We don’t know, but as far as I am concerned, I will wait for the decision of the President before I decide. And whoever he will be endorsing, I will support,” he said.
    The former governor added that those whom he mentioned as likely candidates in next year’s polls should support whoever President Duterte will endorse and that there is no need for them to be divided in their defeat.
    “If Sara will be the candidate for president and Manny as vice president or vice versa, that is okay with me, but whatever will be the President’s decision, I will have to wait,” Singson said.
    He added that he does not advise Pacquiao to go back to the boxing ring now that his supposed opponent, Conor McGregor, was defeated in a recent fight.
    In Abu Dhabi, Dustin Poirier beat McGregor with a second-round technical knockout on Jan. 23, 2021.
    “I don’t advise Manny to fight again. And those boxing promoters have nothing on their mind but to get more money from Pacquiao. That is why they keep pushing him to fight again. They care only for a big amount of money, and they don’t care about Manny’s destruction,” Singson said.
    Also the president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, he also advised the country’s 1,488 municipal mayors to wait for the President’s decision regarding the 2022 elections.
    When asked whether he would be eyeing a new post in those polls, Singson said he would have to consult the elders of Ilocos Sur and listen to what they would have to say.
    “I will have to confer with the barangay (village) elders of Ilocos Sur and listen to what they would say, and I will obey them,” Singson said.

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Mayor proposes ‘sapata’ to settle tribal conflict

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Sadanga, Mountain Province Mayor Gabino P. Ganggangan, suggested “Sapata,” the indigenous way of finding out the truth, between Betwagan and Bugnay tribes to settle their conflict over their boundary which had resulted to gunfights over the years.
    Betwagan is a barangay of Sadanga while Bugnay is a barangay of Tinglayan, Kalinga. 
    Addressing representatives of the regional Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Ganggangan, urged them to get the two tribes to agree on sapata, during consultative meeting here Jan. 28 at Camp Lt Geronimo F Montes.

The consultation presided by the police deputy regional director for operations Col. John C. Chua, was attended by Betwagan tribe elders and officials, municipal officials headed by  Ganggangan, representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Local Government, Environment and Natural Resources, NCIP and 54th Infantry Battalion, 5the infantry Division, Philippine Army.

In his message, Ganggangan presented his standpoint as mayor. 

“We have to respect history,” he said, adding that the tribal boundary or the Macli-ing boundary, which was agreed and provided in their pagta (peace agreement) under the Gayudan-Tangkiao Bodong, should also serve as the final municipal boundary and provincial boundary.

During the meeting, Betwagan representatives identified elders and peace pact holders from neutral tribes who can serve as resource persons, and who will speak before an investigative body to give their unbiased account on the disputed boundary.

PROCor’s chief regional staff Col. Ramil L Saculles,  said more evidence is needed which should be independently collected by the fact-finding body, not those submitted by the conflicting tribes, to be presented to the Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (RLECC) which would be the basis for establishing the boundary.

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Cagayan town cleared of rebels get gov’t aid

By Oliver T. Baccay

RIZAL, Cagayan -- Government agencies collaborated to bring in development to communities identified as "insurgency cleared" in this town.
    In barangay Minanga, punong barangay Elmerio Echamane cited President Rodrigo Duterte's executive order 70 which institutionalized whole-of-nation approach in obtaining peace in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) which according to him was instrumental in clearing village from New People’s Army rebels.
    He added with the ELCAC, government agencies delivered various development projects in their barangay like livelihood programs.
    The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) -Cagayan recently installed solar lights in all houses in the barangay.
    Josephine Cabrera, supervising TESD specialist, said they also gave pigs, chicken and goats for animal raising project and training on communal vegetable gardening.
    Echamane said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources(BFAR) gave one unit of fiber glass boat which they now use in crossing the Matagal River.
    The Dept. of Agriculture also gave them another 100 pieces chicken and vegetable seeds.
    The Dept. of Trade and Industry also gave pigs, one Kubota water pump from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
    Seeds were given by the Provincial Agriculture Office while structures for the animals were funded by the Provincial Government of Cagayan. 
    The Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE) set to give more livelihood projects. 
    Echamane also said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) promised to provide funds to build a barangay road to improve accessibility in the remote area. -- PIA2-Cagayan 
 

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Cordillera cops seize 84 guns, arrest 8 men

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Cordillera police confiscated 84 “loose” firearms, 622 ammunition and five grenades last January.
    Regional police Director Brig. Gen. R’wain S. Pagkalinawan bared this saying regional cops conducted 46 operations including checkpoints, implementation of search warrants and police response, which led to the arrest of eight persons and filing of six cases in court.
    Eight illegal gun owners were caught for violation of the Republic Act No. 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition     Regulation law: Miller Delfin Ambros, Steve Ocampo Lachica, Juanito Fiesta Fernada Jr, Christopher Daquioag, Bernard Bandolin Lozano, Ariel Reyes Albayalde and. Elpidio Rosimo Cañero Jr.
    Loose firearms refer to unregistered firearms, obliterated or altered serial numbers, lost or stolen or illegally manufactured in possession of an individual other than the licensee and those with revoked licenses.
    Of the 84 loose firearms accounted, 72 were surrendered to the authorities, 10 confiscated and two recovered.
    A total of 83 small guns while an M14 rifle classified as light weapon were confiscated.
    Abra Provincial Police Office recorded 30 loose firearms, followed by Benguet PPO with 20, Ifugao and Apayao with nine each, Mt. Province, 8; Baguio, 6 and and Kalinga with two.
 

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P58-M marijuana found, burned in Cordi plantations

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – The regional police office bared 25 marijuana eradication operations were conducted last January in Cordillera wherein a total of 223,790 fully-grown marijuana plants, 117.50  kilos dried marijuana stalks and 125 marijuana seedlings worth P58, 207,000 were uprooted and burned. 
    Latest were marijuana worth P17,470,000 which were were uprooted and burned in six plantations in Benguet and Kalinga last week of January.

    In Kibungan, Benguet, police discovered 21,750 fully-grown marijuana plants and 20 kilograms of dried marijuana stalks with an estimated Dangerous Drug Board value of P6,750,000.

    In a separate marijuana eradication operation in Bakun, Benguet, 42,000 fully-grown marijuana plants worth P8,400,000 were discovered by  Benguet police.

    Meanwhile, in Tinglayan, Kalinga, Kalinga police and PDEA agents found 11,000 fully-grown marijuana plants worth P2,320,000.

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33 wanted persons nabbed in Cordillera

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad Benguet - Regional police director Brig. Gen. R'win S. Pagkalinawan said an additional 33 wanted persons were arrested by police in Cordillera Jan. 24 to 30
    Of the 33, some 10 were listed as most wanted persons.
    Baguio City Police Office nabbed 12 followed by Kalinga Provincial Police Office and Benguet PPO with seven arrests each,     Abra with two, Apayao with three arrests and Ifugao with one arrest.
    In Benguet Legaspi Quinto Benayan who is listed as no. 2 MWP in the province, was arrested in Tuba town for rape.
    In Kabayan, Rayden Godio Guansi was nabbed for violation of Republic Act 7610 (Special protection of children against abuse, exploitation and discrimination Act).
    Guansi was listed no.  5 MWP in Benguet.
    In La Trinidad, police arrested Edward Carino Dimas for violation of RA 9165 (illegal drugs).
    In Buguias, Roy Bekesan Pangwao was arrested for violation of RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act).
    In Abra, Juanito Tan Balico was arrested by Peñarubia town police for violation of RA 9165.
    In Bangued, Jojo Delos Santos was arrested for attempted murder.
    In Apayao, Melnar Maguinsay Altero was arrested for rape.
    Luna police also arrested Lorenzo Mendante Altero who was listed as no. 2 MWP in the town.
    In Ifugao, Krisente Kimayong was arrested for violating of RA 9165.
    In Baguio, Maricar Gomisa Gayawet was arrested of theft. Another drug personality was arrested in Baguio by police.
In his report to Pagkalinawan, Baguio police chief Col. Allen Rae Co. said Camdas police and PDEA-Baguio arrested John     Patrick Peñamante in a buy-bust operation in East Quirino Hill early morning of Jan. 31.
    A total of .5 grams of suspected shabu worth P2,000 and Oppo cellphone was confiscated from him during the operation.
    The items were inventoriedin the presence of Prosecutor Oliver Isabelo Prodencio, punong barangay Joel M. Bangloy and media representative, Ms. Claire G. Dawaton.
    The suspect is now under the custody of Camdas Police Station  while a case for illegal drugs was prepared against him.

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Cordillera: 176 new Covid cases, 3 deaths

BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera posted 176 new cases and three deaths as of Feb. 2, the regional Dept. of Health said.
In Baguio City,  latest deaths due to Covid-19 were Jan. 26 – a 56-year-old man, and a 78-year-old woman – to add to the 89 others who have perished from the disease since March.
    The day also saw another high number of new cases in the city with 50, 30 of which were contact traced, 11 by expanded testing, eight were symptomatic, and one for medical reasons.
    The city also posted 32 recoveries.
    There are now 107,866 total reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT – PCR) tests that have been conducted in the city, with 50 or 11.93 percent testing positive from the 568 tests done on Tuesday.
    Meanwhile, the Benguet Provincial Health Office said, the capital town of La Trinidad recorded the death of a 60-year-old and 84-year-old, both male, that brought the number of fatalities in the province to 51.
    The province also posted 63 new cases, with 29 coming from La Trinidad, 13 from Kapangan,11 from Mankayan, four each from Itogon and Tuba, and one from Sablan.
    There are now 515 active cases and 3,490 recoveries from 4,056 confirmed cases in the province, as of Tuesday.
    La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda also issued an advisory on Monday that there will be no issuance of Certificate of Acceptance and Medical Clearance to the following cities and provinces of Davao City, Quezon City, Tabuk City, Rizal, Isabela, Bulacan,Mt. Province and parts of Kalinga, while the province La Union requires RT-PCR/ Antigen (Round Trip/Exit) until further notice.

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Sinas installs Peralta Region 1 PNP chief in sudden turnover

By Mar T. Supnad

CAMP FLORENDO, San Fernando City, La Union- Brig Gen. Emmanuel B. Peralta took over Tuesday as the new police regional director of Ilocos region, replacing Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, in a sudden turnover ceremony presided by PNP chief Debold Sinas.
    In his assumption speech, Peralta pledged aggressive partnership with the community, local chief executives and government officials.
    “Construe this as my way of letting you feel that your regional director will listen to all your inputs and guidance on how to preserve and maintain the peace and order in our region,” Peralta said.
    Peralta extended his gratitude to the PNP leadership for the chance of leading PRO1 saying amid the health crisis, these times need extraordinary approaches to deliver services to communities.
    He vowed to instill discipline in all personnel and quoted late President Marcos saying: “Sa ikauunlad ng bayan, disiplina ang kailangan. “
    Peralta vowed to raise level of discipline of Ilocos police personnel. “I intent to make PRO1 the most disciplined PRO by adopting the carrot-and-stick method, reward for good behavior and performance, with negative consequence for negative behavior and performance.”
    Peralta is member of the Philippine Military Academy’s  Sambisig Class of 1991.
    He was director of the Southern Police District (covering the cities of Makati, Pasay, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Taguig, Las Piñas and municipality of Pateros) before his designation as Region 1 police director.

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Esperon: Task forces will bring defeat of Phl communist rebels

By Pamela Mariz T. Geminiano

BAGUIO CITY -- National task force to end local communist armed conflict vice chairperson Hermogenes Esperon said the government will defeat communist rebels not only in Cordillera but nationwide.
     "We have task forces that are active from the national down to the barangay level.  Today, because of our organization we are able to deliver what was asked of us," he said. 
    Esperon bared this during a meeting of the Cordillera Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) here to strengthen the government’s efforts to combat the communist insurgency and other armed conflicts in the region. 
    In his message during the National TF leveling meeting with the Cordillera Regional and Local TFs -ELCAC on Jan. 27, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Cordillera and Dept. of Agriculture (DA) Sec. William Dar said synchronized efforts of government in all levels will sustain gains of government in ending the local communist armed conflict. 
    "The government recognizes the ability of each one of us and our agencies to share our resources, experiences, and perspectives in addressing the concerns and problems affecting local communities in the Cordillera and the nation as a whole, which are interrelated," he said. 
    "These include the communist armed conflict, the coronavirus pandemic, environmental degradation, climate change, hunger, poverty, among others".
    Dar said “the national government recognizes that the promotion of peace and development in communities is an ongoing process. Thus, we can help them evolve and strengthen their processes in order to be accountable, responsive and transparent to their constituents.”
    Also during said meeting, outgoing DILG regional director Marlo Iringan presented highlights of accomplishments of 12 clusters of the Cordillera RTF-ELCAC for 2020.
    He said a lot have been done but the TFs still have a lot more to accomplish.
    In his last message as the head secretariat of Cordillera RTF-ELCAC, Iringan, who is soon to officially report as the DILG OIC-Undersecretary for Local Government, said, "It is an honor and a pleasure to have worked with all of you, I consider my assignment here in Cordillera for five years as one of the greatest blessings I have received. I wish you all well and may all your good plans for the communities of the Cordillera come true."-- With a report from Trisha Dogup 
 
 

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Kapangan engages religious sector in drive vs Covid-19

By Susan C. Aro

KAPANGAN, Benguet -- The local government here has engaged the religious sector in influencing their flock to help in government’s campaign against Covid-19.    
    Mayor Manny Fermin, in an interview by Presidential Communications Operations Office Sec. Martin Andanar in the Laging Handa Network briefing, said first thing he did  this  year   was  meet with the religious sector based in this town.
    He sought their help in informing their flocks about health protocols  and  Covid-19-19 Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases(IATF) guidelines  including  what local government   units are doing to  combat the dreaded virus.  
    “Mga pari, mga pastor, sila ho yung katulong natin to implement these protocols and then to pray over for the municipality, the nation, everybody and the whole world,” Fermin said.
    Recognizing the influence of the religious over their followers,   the mayor  added , “Sa lahat ng antas ng religion, it very is important for them to help us.  Sila po ang tutulong na magbigay ng IEC sa ating mga kababayan na sana naman sundin  ng lahat ."
    This even as religious gatherings under the General Community Quarantine issued by the Benguet Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19 allows only up to 30 percent of the seating capacity.
    Meanwhile, Fermin said    measures imposed by the Kapangan LGU  to strengthen the campaign against COVID 19  include  imposition of curfew, scheduling trips of public vehicles, issuance of health declaration form for essential travel only, monitoring of  limited mass gatherings, among others. – PIA Benguet

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PUV drivers, owners can get cash subsidy: LTFRB

BAGUIO CITY -- The national government is providing assistance to Covid-19– affected public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators nationwide under Republic Act 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.
    The  direct cash grant subsidy  provides PUV operators  a 1-time subsidy of P6,500 per PUV unit  that  include Land Transportation  Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)–registered public jeepneys, buses, UV Express and Filcab.
    LTFRB-Cordillera regional director Lalaine Sobremonte said in Cordillera, there are 4,676 operators with 5,595 franchises and 5,848 authorized units that benefit from the program.
    For PUV drivers, LTFRB is implementing the service contracting program, a performance-based subsidy that  provides assistance to drivers whose livelihood have been greatly affected by the Covid –19  pandemic.
    Under the program authorized drivers of approved units and opened routes can apply and sign a service contract agreement to qualify for monetary subsidy that will be based on kilometer-run and merit and demerit scheme that will be monitored by a systems manager.
    LTFRB –CAR conducts regular orientation about the program, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with three schedules (10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.,
    As of Jan. 25, 336 drivers signed the service contract agreement.
     In partnership with the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development under its social amelioration program (SAP), LTFRB-CAR endorsed more than 13,000 possible beneficiaries for the P5, 500  cash subsidy, Sobremonte said.
    As of Dec. 17, 2020, there were 4,480 approved qualified beneficiaries with 2,742 having claimed their SAP subsidy.
    To avail of government programs faster, Sobremonte urged the transport sector to organize associations or cooperatives. -PIA Cordillera

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Work on to open Loakan Airport; demolition of houses set at buffer zone

BAGUIO CITY is set to resume commercial flights at Loakan Airport following completion of requirements imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to address the safety issues for commercial aircrafts even as demolition of houses affected by expansion construction works has still to be addressed 
    Engineer Janurio Borillo, head of traffic and transportation management division of the City Engineering Office said a survey will ascertain lots to be expropriated for bypass road at the western portion of the airport to permanently close the airport to pedestrians and motorists.
     He added police from Station 4 of the Baguio City Police Office and the Aviation Security Group will be deployed along Kias Road during flights to control traffic.
    Traffic bar and signs on the road at the end of runway 27 will be set up wherein CAAP will provide a temporary movable stop bar while the CEO will construct the fixed traffic bar.

    The CEO official said the City Environment and Parks Management Office trimmed trees inside the runway and takeoff and approach surface of runway 27 to ensure safety of aircraft that are landing and taking off.
     He said the Bureau of Fire Protection agreed to provide additional fire trucks in the airport two hours before flights until such time that fire trucks from CAAP will be permanently stationed in the airport.
    Borillo said announcements will be released by the city government for closure of the Loakan Road closing runway 27 approach from pedestrians and vehicles during approach and landing operations.
    He cited need for strict enforcement of wildlife control around the airport to ensure there will be no stray animals that will pose threat to safety of the aircrafts landing and taking off from the airport.
    However, he said the city government has yet to work out relocation or demolition of illegal structures located within the buffer zone and runway strip for the safe landing and takeoff of the aircrafts intending to service the Baguio route in.
     The CEO has installed no parking signs on roads inside the airport while barangay officials were tasked to notify residents not to park their vehicles inside the buffer zone, especially when there will be flights.
    He said health protocols in the city were provided the CAAP representatives for evaluation and assessment and to guide them in working out  start of test flights before resumption of commercial flights.
 

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San Fernando pork prices up; hearing held

By Joanne Namnama P. Dilim

SAN FERNANDO CITY – City officials here noted sharp increase of pork prices making the city government hold a public consultation with key players here Feb. 1 to address the problem.
    Dr. Flosie Decena, city veterinarian, said most pork sold at the market are sourced from other provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, and Tarlac because no supply of pork is available from hog raisers in the city.
    “Karamihan sa mga karneng baboy na ibinebenta ngayon sa city public market ay mula pa sa malalayong lugar at ito ang dahilan sa pagtaas ng presyo dahil sa mataas na transportation cost,” she said.
    Since last year, the whole province of La Union was put under red code status because of ASF which hugely affected the livelihood of local hog raisers to include 23 from this city.
    In a recent press briefing, officials from the city government, Provincial Government of La Union and Dept. of Agriculture confirmed price hike due to African Swine Fever (ASF).
    To address this concern, San Fernando City Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto led the public consultation Feb. 1 at the Mayor’s Lobby.
     Representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, hog producers, distributors, vendors, and consumers will join.
     "Kailangan balansehin ang bawat parte ng isyu na ito upang masiguradong mula sa mga kapatid natin na hog raisers, vendors at mga konsumers ay nakikinabang sa bawat panukala na ating gagawin dito sa siyudad,” Gualberto said.

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La Trinidad Covid-19 cases: 1,356; 25 deaths

 Mayor to folks: Follow Covid rules 

By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – This capital town  recorded additional 319 cases as of Jan. 31 bringing total Covid-19 cases to 1,356 including 25 deaths from 1,037 Covid-19 cases at the end of last year,
    This, as Mayor Romeo Salda urged residents here to strictly comply with public health protocols and follow guidelines with implementation of general community quarantine and new border control measures within the Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba and Tublay (BLISTT) area effective Feb. 1 to last until Feb. 28. 
    “We appeal to La Trinidad residents for their understanding and compliance on implementation of GCQ by the National IATF and new border control implemented within the BLISTT area,” Salda said in an interview. 
    He also reminded residents to wear facemasks and face shields, maintain hygiene such as washing hands and observe social and physical distancing and avoid mass gatherings. 
    “These are not burden being imposed to the public but are measures to mitigate the spread of the Covid-19 in the community,” the mayor said.
    From February 1 to 28, the whole of Cordillera Administrative Region is under GCQ.  
    Prior to GCQ declaration, the BLISTT governing council approved temporary restricted access between BLISTT from Feb. 1 to 15.
    The border restriction is applicable under GCQ guidelines. 
    The new protocols that impose more restrictions on movement of people aim to mitigate the spread of the disease with the continuing rise of Covid-19 cases in Baguio City, Benguet and the rest of the Cordillera  and confirmation of  presence of the B.1.1.7 or the UK variant of Covid-19 in La Trinidad and in Bontoc, Mountain Province recently. 
    Under border restrictions, all inter - BLISTT travelers who travel shall present medical certificate or medical clearance issued by any licensed physician affirming that the resident has not exhibited flu-like symptoms during check-up.
Medical certificate or clearance is valid for 10 days.
    Salda said the local government is issuing medical certificates at the municipal gymnasium free of charge. 
    For persons who are travelling for medical appointments or consultation, they need only to show proof of their confirmed appointments while those with immediate medical emergencies shall be allowed to pass through freely.
    Cargo and logistics services, water, electricity and communications, IT and waste management are given unhampered passage, provided their personnel maintain a no - contact policy and shall strictly observe minimum public health standards at all times.
    Non-resident travelers coming to BLISTT from other areas must present their travel authority/permit and medical certificate issued in their place of origin.
    Salda said GCQ measures implemented during previous months of the municipality will still be followed.
    It includes the strict implementation of 30 percent seating capacity for religious gatherings, implementation of curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and liquor ban. - PIA Cordillera 
 

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Roque: Duterte wants Magalong tracing czar

BAGUIO CITY – President Duterte wants Mayor Benjamin Magalong to remain as government’s contact tracing czar even though the local chief executive has insisted his resignation was irrevocable.
    In a television interview Magalong said he may stay if the President aks him to.
    “I have heard with my own two ears, nothing but praises for Mayor Magalong from the President. I am 100 percent sure that the President would want Mayor Magalong to stay as contact tracing czar,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque told a press briefing Tuesday.
    National Task Force on Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said he would convince Magalong to stay.
    “He is irreplaceable,” Galvez said.
    Covid-19 task force policy deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon said Filipinos need the services of Magalong, whom he described as the “penultimate public servant.”
    “Mayor Benjie is very important in our response (efforts). He acknowledged his mistake. All of us commit mistakes. But his contribution to our Covid response is invaluable and irreplaceable,” Dizon said.
    Magalong quit as contact tracing czar after he drew flak for attending a party hosted by social media personality Tim Yap at the Manor in Camp John Hay last month after a video and photos showing the guests violating health protocols went viral.
    Magalong’s wife was among those shown not wearing face masks and not observing physical distancing.
    The mayor admitted that he failed to perform his job. He said he resigned to hold himself accountable and “do what is necessary to rectify this misstep.”
    Magalong’s wife, Yap, actress KC Concepcion and 30 other persons who attended the event were fined P1,500 each.
In an interview on ANC, Magalong expressed willingness to remain as contact tracing czar if the President would ask him personally.
    “It is a situation where no one can refuse if the President tells you to stay and perform your job. I cannot refuse the President. Pero hindi naman siguro aabot na kay Presidente, ang dami nang problema ni Presidente. Siguro at the level of Secretary Galvez, makakapag-desisyon na,” he said.
    Magalong said he would reiterate during his meeting with Galvez that his resignation was irrevocable, but he would still help in the government’s contact tracing efforts.
    “I’m strongly promoting accountability in public service and I came up with the pronouncement that I am resigning irrevocably. I will stick to my word, I will stand by my declaration,” Magalong said.
    Magalong on Tuesday said he will stay as the country's contact tracing czar if President Rodrigo Duterte asks him to, but he is hopeful his resignation will not reach the level of the chief executive.
    "It is a situation where no one can refuse if the President tells you to stay and perform your job. I cannot refuse the President," he told ANC's Headstart.
    Malacañang said earlier Magalong's resignation "has not been accepted."
    He said as of Monday, he continues to perform his job as contact tracing lead, but he stands by his resignation.

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2 soldiers slain as NPAs snipe troops at Tubo, Besao border

TUBA, Abra – Two army soldiers were killed when a unit of the Agustin Begnalen Command – New People’s Army Abra sniped elements of the  72nd DRC Philippine Army in boundaries of Tubo and Besao, Mountain Province.
    The ABC-NPA said in a statement the NPA guerillas sniped the AFP troopers around 7 a.m. on Jan. 22 that resulted in the death of the two soldiers.
    A total of 14 bombs were reportedly dropped by the AFP in the area on Jan. 24 and 25,
    “The NPA on the other hand had no casualties despite the heavy retaliation of the AFP,” the statement said.
    “This tactical offensive is the third in the last month in Abra, in response to the AFP's unrelenting military campaign amidst the     Covid-19 pandemic crisis and even during the holiday season.”
    The aerial bombings reportedly damaged the environment, hunting grounds, pastoral lands, and upland farms of the Maeng and Agawa people in Tubo and Besao.
    The AFP has not made a statement yet on the matter.

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