New Ilocos region police chief named

Brig. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque and Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta during the turnover of leadership at the Police Regional Office 1 in San Fernando City, La Union. (Screen grab/PRO1 official Facebook page)

 

PROCOR HONORS TWO RETIRING COPS

Police Regional Office Cordillera honored two retiring PNP Personnel during the "Salamat Kapatid Program" held at Masigasig Grandstand, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet on February 24, 2022.
    The Acting Deputy Regional Director for Administration, PCOL JOHN C CHUA, graced the simple ceremony together with the other members of the PROCOR Command Group and Regional Staff.
    PCOL CHUA presented the Medalya ng Paglilingkod and Plaque of Appreciation to honor the retirees for their faithful & honorable service to the organization and for their commendable & invaluable dedication to their service.
    PLT ROGELIO LIMBAWAN served for 26 years, 3 months, and 10 days while PEMS Francis Alfonso rendered 31 years, 8 months, and 12 days in the police service.
    In his message, PCOL CHUA extended his gratitude to the retirees for their immeasurable contribution to the overall accomplishment of the mission and vision of the PNP, particularly in PROCOR, which earned them the distinct honor and credit not only for themselves but also for the organization as a whole.
    The Retirement Honors Ceremony or the “Salamat Kapatid Program” is a tradition of giving honors and recognition to the retiring personnel of the PNP for their long years of dedicated and untiring service to the organization, the country, and the community. (PROCOR-PIO)

New Ilocos region police chief named

By John Michael Mugas 

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—Brig. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque is the new chief of Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) following a turnover of command ceremony on Wednesday (March 2), at Camp Brig. Gen. Oscar Florendo in San Fernando City, La Union province.
    He replaced Brig. Gen Emmanuel Peralta as the director of the police forces in the region that covers the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.
    Obinque is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1992 and was previously assigned to the Office of the Chief     Philippine National Police (PNP) before assuming his role as a regional director.
    Peralta, who became regional director in the Ilocos in February last year, will be transferred to the PNP’s Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development.
    The movement of Obinque and Peralta is part of the latest revamp in the organization that took effect on Tuesday.
    Peralta, in his message during the ceremony, said that PRO1 had made “great strides” under his watch and that the organization was able to strengthen its community ties.
    Obinque, for his part, reminded the police forces in the region to remain non-partisan amid the election season.

Napolcom, PNP execs award 16 Cordi cops  for accomplishments

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A total of 16 cops, seven of them female, were recently awarded here for their accomplishments.
    During Women’s Month kick-off ceremony here in Camp Dangwa on March 1.
Zenonida Brosas, National Police Commission Commissioner, was assisted by Cordillera police director Ronald O. Lee and ProCor command group as they awarded medalya ng kasanayan (PNP efficiency medal) to Cpl. Deborah Tendowen, Pat. Raiza Blaize Pangosban and Pat. Shaira Cuaresma of the Regional Public Information Office for their outstanding performance as  anchor of ProCor News Brief , Cordillera Pulis Reports and Torogi Cops respectively.
    Medalya ng Kasanayan was also given to PEMS Charity Loida Guzman of Abra provincial police office for her successful implementation of the best practice of Sallapadan police “Serbisyong may Puso” which caters to the poorest of the poor community.
    Another Medalya ng Kasanayan was given to Cpl Charmaine Kaye Manuel of Benguet PPO for her here services as investigator of the women and children’s protection desk.
    The same award was given to Pat Kristine Joy Guadiz of RMFB 15 for being an adviser to the Federated Youth Mobile Force in the Cordillera.
    Meanwhile, four male cops cops  were awarded for their accomplishments during the Talk to the Men Program and visit of Lt. Gen. Ephraim Israel Dickson here in Camp Dangwa on Feb. 25.
    Dickson, the country’s police deputy chief for operations, was assisted by Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. Ronald O. Lee and ProCor command group in awarding Medalya ng Kasanayan to Lt. Lyster W. Abag and Cpl. Jeremy Ban-eg for their successful buy-bust operation that led to the arrest of a man listed in regional top 10 illegal drug personalities.
    Medalya ng Kasanayan was also given to MSg Jun Digmayo and SMS McArthur Sumakey for arresting the no. 10 most wanted person in Benguet.
    Dickson congratulated awardees for playing a big role in maintaining peace in Cordillera.
    Dickson acknowledged accomplishments of the police regional office under Lee’s leadership.
    Dickson, then the Cordillera police director said he was delighted by the ProCor’s leadership and accomplishments.
    The Cordillera Regional Police Office was recently given a Gold Eagle Award in conferment of institutionalized status.
    “As your former RD, I am proud of your achievements, joint efforts and strategies through various best practices and your initiatives to address criminality, corruption, illegal drugs and insurgency in the country.“
    On Feb. 28, Col. John C. Chua, police acting deputy regional director for administration, led the awarding another sis cops assisted by command group.
    Medalya ng Kagalingan was awarded to Maj. Cleef Vencio and PEMS Allan Ampaguey for arresting the top 5 most wanted persons in Benguet.
    Meanwhile, PEMS Alexander Sumawang and PSSg Emmanuel Dagsan were awarded with Medalya ng Kasanayan for service they rendered in PRC license renewal of 283 camp-based personnel.
    Also, Maj. Dencio Dayao and Pat. Jaya Ann Uvell Dacay were awarded with Medalya ng Papuri for their service rendered to a family in Rosario, La Union who lost their jobs by offering a considerable amount of money for their basic needs, rent and transportation back to their province.
 

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2 senatorial bets support reopening of Aparri Port

By Liezle Basa Iñigo

APARRI, Cagayan --Two senatorial candidates in the May 9, 2022 elections are supporting Gov. Manuel Mamba’s vision to reopen the Port of Aparri.
    The Cagayan Provincial Information Office said former Dept. of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Sec. John Castriciones and former Ifugao Gov. Teddy Baguilat expressed this during their visit to Cagayan province.
    The reopening of Aparri Port is expected to open up the international trade potential of Cagayan to countries such as South Korea, China, Japan and Taiwan and boost the province’s economic growth.
    Castriciones said the port will be helpful to the province once trade commences for the local products of farmers in Cagayan with other countries such as China and Taiwan.
    Baguilat said once the vessels enter the Cagayan River through the Port of Aparri, they will be able to export their products.
    In June 2020, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the provincial government of Cagayan have started collaborating on the development of the Aparri Port and the tributary along the Cagayan River.    
    Mamba said President Duterte has ordeted the rehabilitation of river channels and the reopening of the Aparri Port as he sees the potential of the two projects in promoting economic activity in the province.
    Castriciones is running under the Aksyon Demokratiko party while Baguilat is on the senatorial slate of the Liberal Party.

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Multi-use buildings to rise at Engineer’s Hill, Bayan Park

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY -- Two multifunctional buildings will be constructed at the Engineer’s Hill and Bayan Park Barangays. These buildings will house the barangay halls, the livelihood centers, the basketball courts, the social welfare offices, the Sangguniang Kabataan offices and offices, facilities of barangays.
    Each proposed building is granted a fund worth 25 million by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). 
    Archtect Jay Pasilao of the City Planning and Development Office presented to the city council the initial floor plans of both buildings Monday during the council’s regular session.
     The proposed projects will undergo public consultations. Pasilao said the floor plans will be finalized after considering the comments and suggestions of the residents and officials of the concerned barangays.
    The proposed multifunctional building of Engineer’s Hill Barangay covers a lot area of 2,110 sqm located at the existing covered court of the barangay. 
    The ground floor will have a parking space with 14 car parking slots. It will also house the barangay hall, the livelihood center, and the chapel. 
    Aside from the interior parking space at the ground floor, outdoor parking spaces will also be installed in the area’s open spaces.
    The basketball court, Barangay Nutrition Action Association office, receiving office, the Sangguniang Kabataan office, day care center, and online learning center will be located on the upper ground floor.
    The third floor will accommodate the punong barangay’s office, the barangay council’s office, and the social welfare office.
    The proposed multifunctional building of Bayan Park Village has a lot area of 1,771 sqm. It will have the same configuration as the proposed multifunctional building of Engineer’s Hill. 
    The parking space at the ground floor will have 12 parking slots. Additional parking spaces will be installed in open spaces in the area.
    The ground floor will likewise accommodate the livelihood center, the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), the barangay health clinic, and the barangay hall.
    The upper ground floor will house the basketball court, the SK office, and the social welfare office.
    According to Pasilao, the floor plans will most likely be finalized in the second week of March of this year. By then, inputs from the end users shall have been integrated in the final plans.
    The final plans will be submitted to the city council for approval.

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SNAP-Benguet inks deals with its host communities

Renewable energy solutions provider SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) signed partnerships with its host communities and indigenous peoples organizations (IPO) for community development projects through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund.
    The signing of the memorandums of agreement last Feb. 8, benefited the barangays of Ambuklao, Tikey, and Tinongdan, as well as the municipalities of Bokod and Itogon, the provincial government of Benguet, Shakilan Ni Ikulos-Indigenous Peoples Organization (SNI-IPO) of Bokod, and Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization (TINPO) which host the Ambuklao and Binga hydroelectric power plants of SNAP-Benguet.
    The agreements cover projects such as the purchase of school supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies, and provision of rice subsidy for barangay Ambuklao; construction of barangay sub-clinic, and improvement of Phase II irrigation system in barangay Tikey; assistance and maintenance of temporary treatment facility, refurbishment of barangay health clinics, and establishment of a barangay database system for barangay Tinongdan; and purchase of a lot for the engineered sanitary landfill in the municipality of Bokod; improvement of Malasin Isolation Facility III in the municipality of Itogon. Meanwhile, SNI-IPO inked an agreement on projects for culture preservation, the establishment of a nursery, provision of food supplement and vitamins for IPs, procurement of four coffee pulpers, and improvement of the water system; while TINPO's projects are the establishment of demo farm, Covid preventive programs,  financial support to IPs, and the provision of transport service. SNAP-Benguet has allocated Php1.5 million for each recipient.
    Meanwhile, the provincial government of Benguet’s province-wide projects for the acquisition of equipment and medical supplies for Covid-19 are valued at PHP4 million, with CSR funds coming from Ambuklao and Binga hydro facilities.
    Melchor Diclas, Governor of Benguet, thanked SNAP and emphasized the significance to the province of the programs supported by the company through its CSR funds. He stated that SNAP assisted them in easing the burden of obtaining PPE for the frontliners at the time when it was most needed.
    Mayor Victorio Palangdan of Itogon, Mayor Thomas Wales, Jr. of Bokod, barangay captains Monroe Galasgas, Miguel Cosalan, and Edwin Atompag of Ambuklao, Tikey, and Tinongdan, respectively, as well as SNI-IPO Chieftain Julian Delico and TINPO Norberto Pacio, expressed their appreciation for the developments brought about by SNAP operations in their community.
    SNAP President and CEO Joseph Yu responded, saying, "SNAP is committed to the development of our host communities, and we are working together to address our shared concerns through the company's CSR program."
    In compliance with Covid safety protocols, all MOAs were signed at the recipients' respective office compounds. 
    Since the pandemic last year, SNAP-Benguet's host communities have benefitted from 28 projects totaling Php14.5 million through the CSR Fund.
    SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) is a joint venture of Scatec and Aboitiz Power Corporation (AP). Scatec is a Norway-based leading renewable power producer that delivers affordable and clean energy worldwide. As a long-term player,     Scatec develops, builds, owns, and operates solar, wind, and hydro power plants and storage solutions. 
    Meanwhile, SNAP's Norwegian principal has officially changed its company name from Scatec Solar to Scatec, effective January 2021. The name change is part of Scatec's broadened growth strategy to become a global large-scale player in solar, hydro, wind, and storage solutions, and an integrator of high-value infrastructure solutions.
 

 

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DILG rolls out moves for full LGU devolution

BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera Dept. of the Interior and Local Government - Cordillera convened with national government agencies Feb. 21 to discuss development interventions for local government units in preparation towards full devolution.
    In her opening message, DILG Cordillera regional director Araceli A. San Jose cited LGUs in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic while drafting their devolution transition plans (DTP).
    One hundred percent compliance of the Cordillera region in timely submission of barangay, municipal, and provincial DTPs was noted.
    “The LGUs’ success is a shared responsibility that we, as NGAs, must collectively provide. Sa pamamagitan ng mga kakayahan at linang ng ating mga kagawaran at ahensya, ating tulungang makamit ng mga LGU ang kapantay o higit pang linang sa pagbibigay upang magampanan nila ang kanilang mga tungkulin,” she said.
    Representatives from 18 NGAs participated in the meeting where status of NGA-LGU DTP matching and a briefer on the capacity development framework were discussed.
    Kristoffer Dave R. Alvarez, Chief of the DILG’s local government capacity development division explained the “NGA capacity development intervention matrix” which shall be the preparatory tool for streamlining of NGAs’ CapDev programs for LGUs.
    This matrix was initiated by the DILG-CAR with the support of the regional committee on devolution.
    The matrix will help NGAs align devolved functions, services or PPAs of the LGUs to “development pillars” which include leadership, knowledge and learning, enabling policies, management systems, competency, and structure to inform the design of appropriate and necessary capacity-building activities that are responsive to needs of LGUs.
    Alvarez added the matrix, which is open to all NGAs, would also encourage collaboration between agencies if they have identified similar capacity development interventions needed by certain LGUs.
    He enjoined NGAs to study the capacity development agenda of LGUs identified in their DTPs to allow them to introduce CapDev programs that are not included in their plans.
    “Devolution discourses” is a program initiated by DILG-CAR which aims to engage stakeholders to participate in seminars, meetings, and dialogues pertaining to Executive Order No. 138 or the Full Devolution of Certain Functions of the Executive Branch to Local Governments.
    The program kicked off Feb. 15 wherein youth-serving organizations and students were introduced to the government’s push towards full devolution. -- RJMV/DILG CAR

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Bontoc SK entry for Innovation Challenge nat’l top 20 Finalist

By Alpine Killa- Malwagay and Christy Mae F. Che-es

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) council of Samoki has again raised the bar of excellence at the national level as one of the top 20 finalists for the Bayanivation 2.0: Barangay Innovation Challenge.
    Out of the 224 barangay -applicants nationwide, Samoki SK council is the only qualifier in Mountain Province and one of the only three entries in the Cordillera Administrative Region that made it to the top 20.
    The other two barangays in CAR that earned a place in the Top 20 Finalist are Barangays Pacdal and Irisan, both in Baguio City.
    Bayanivation is a nationwide program that aims to spark civic innovation and digital transformation in local governance in the Philippines.
    Bayanivation 2.0: Barangay Innovation Challenge is designed to empower barangay leaders to create innovative, impactful, and replicable solutions to local challenges. Winning teams will receive seed funding and additional technical support.
Samoki SK Council submitted its entry proposal “Establishing a Seedling Nursery to Produce and Plant Local Tree Seedlings That Improve Water Production and Help Treat the Local Water Source”.
    In an interview with Samoki SK chairperson Anton Zaren Nasungan, he said  they came up with the proposal as the community has experienced a shortage of supply of water going to the households and the rice fields due to damaged and leakage in water pipes caused by landslides, especially during the rainy season. There were also instances that Samoki SK council experienced a shortage of seedlings in their tree planting activities.
    Nasungan added that the nursery will be located in Tuchey, Samoki, near the water source of the said village. Likewise, they are looking forward to partnering with the various government agencies in the preparation of the site.
    The nursery project is in support of the environmental sustainability programs, projects, and activities initiated by the Samoki SK Council such as tree planting, backyard gardening, clean-up drives, and clean and green campaigns.
    He expressed high hopes that with the establishment of a tree nursery and availability of tree seedlings, series of tree planting activities to be conducted will contribute to the distribution of a sufficient and safe potable supply of water in the community.
    Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey lauded the Samoki SK Council for their initiatives and added that their achievements would serve as inspiration to their fellow youth leaders.
    He added that the achievement gained by the Samoki SK council will motivate the creativity, resourcefulness, and initiative of other barangay leaders to act and decide on a solution in addressing certain issues or concern in their respective communities using any available resources.
    Meanwhile, the top 20 finalists will undergo training on different government innovation methodologies and be mentored by experts and professionals on design, data analytics, prototyping, project management, and pitching. Also, they will receive financial support and seed funding for their projects. 

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Troopers seize NPA guns after firefight in Cagayan

By Leander C. Domingo

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela -- Soldiers from the 77th Infantry Battalion (77IB) recovered several war materials from the New People's Army (NPA) after a firefight in Cagayan province, a military report released on Wednesday said.
    Firearms recovered include an M16 rifle, two cal.45 pistols, two magazines of cal.45 pistol with ammunition, four long and two short magazines for M16, 52 rounds of ammunition for M16, one grenade MK2, three handheld radios, an Anakbayan flag, medical paraphernalia, personal belongings and subversive documents.
    Recovered items were brought to the 77IB Headquarters for proper disposition.
    The encounter between the military troops and the communist group in Barangay Santa Margarita in Baggao town, Cagayan on Monday lasted for 20 minutes, where the enemy withdrew towards the south direction.
    "Our troops are conducting focused military operations in the said place to secure the people against the threat of the CTGs when they were fired upon by an undetermined number of New People's Army," Lt. Col. Joeboy Kindipan, 77IB commander, said.
    Kindipan identified Alias Bon as the leader of the NPA's East Front Committee, Komiteng Probinsya (KomProb) Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley.
    Brig. Gen. Steve Crespillo, 501st Infantry Brigade commander, said the CTG's loss of materials will weaken their forces.
    "The CTGs are the same group we have been hunting since the incident in Gonzaga, Cagayan earlier this year," Crespillo said.
    He said the military's continuous operations have forced the CTGs to be on the run and are now at a very low state of morale.
    "We will always be vigilant. In no time, we will be dismantling the East Front Committee of the KomProb Cagayan," Crespillo added.

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21 Cagayan Valley towns Covid-free

By Victor Martin

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Twenty-one towns in Cagayan Valley now have zero active Covid-19 cases, the Dept. of Health reported Tuesday.
    These are in Aurora, Benito Soliven, Cabagan, Cordon, Dinapigue, Divilacan, Maconacon, Quezon, Sto. Tomas and Tumauini in Isabela; Aparri, Buguey, Calayan, Camalaniugan, Iguig, Sanchez Mira, Sta. Praxedes and Sta. Teresita in Cagayan; Saguday and Nagtipunan in Quirino, and Sabtang in Batanes.
    Isabela, Cagayan, Quirino and Batanes were placed under the most lenient Alert Level 1 starting yesterday until March 15.
    Nueva Vizcaya will remain under Alert Level 2, according to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).
    Dr. Edwin Galapon, Nueva Vizcaya IATF chief, said the vaccination rate in the province should increase so it could be downgraded to Alert Level 1.
    Nueva Vizcaya logged zero new cases with 35 active infections, according to its latest bulletin.
    Isabela, on the other hand, has vaccinated 83.8 percent of its eligible population, according to the provincial information office.
    There are 94,525 fully vaccinated residents in the province, which is equivalent to 75.1 percent of its target population.
    Up to 1,043,858 or 83.3 percent of the eligible population in Isabela have received their first dose.

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POLICE ROUNDUP

13M WORTH OF MARIJUANA INTERCEPTED IN A CHECKPOINT IN KALINGA

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga – Marijuana worth P13,560,000 worth  was intercepted with two individuals arrested by  men of Kalinga police office, regional intelligence division and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in a police checkpoint here Feb. 22.
The suspects were identified as Aldren Paul Cabanes Pacion, 27, and Jaymor Sacatani Eusebio, 31; both residents of Tuao, Cagayan.
    Confiscated during the arrest were assorted cartoons containing 106) marijuana bricks and seven in tubular form worth P13,560, 000, cellular phones and the suspects’ driver’s license.
    The markings and inventory of the pieces of evidence seized were conducted on-site in the presence of the suspects and witnessed by Kagawad Edna TaoTao of Barangay Dangoy and media representative Leonora Lo-oy.
    Suspects with confiscated items were brought to the custody of Lubuagan Municipal Police Station.
 The suspects will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 against them.

ANOTHER TWO DRUG PERSONALITIES INTERCEPTED IN KALINGA

Following the arrest of two drug personalities in Lubuagan, another two marijuana couriers were nabbed in a police checkpoint conducted by PROCOR Cops in the afternoon of February 25, 2022.
    Citing the report submitted to PROCOR Regional Director, PBGEN RONALD O LEE, operatives of Tabuk CPS, PDEA-CAR, Regional Intelligence Division of PROCOR and Regional EOD & Canine Unit-Cor arrested two individuals and seized a total of Php 1,213,920.00 worth of dried marijuana in a checkpoint conducted in Bulanao Centro, Tabuk City, Kalinga.
    Suspects were identified as Limuel Legaspi Alarde, 21, resident of San Vicente, Tuao, Cagayan, and Ralf King Gaffud Prado, 18, a resident of Paranaque City.
    The operation led to the seizure of ten pieces of dried marijuana bricks and one tubular tube of dried marijuana weighing more or less 10,161.00 grams with a Standard Drug Price of Php1,213,920.00.
    The inventory of seized pieces of evidence was conducted on-site in the presence of the suspects and witnessed by Kagawad  Ricardo Agnaya of Brgy. Bulanao Centro, Tabuk City; DOJ Representative, Ms. Lailanie Balao-ing; and Media representative, Ms. Melisa Guavez.
    The suspects will be facing charges for Violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002. (PROCOR-PIO)
 

13 DRUG PERSONALITIES NABBED IN A WEEK-LONG OPERATIONS IN BAGUIO AND BENGUET
As the result of PROCOR's campaign on illegal drugs, 13 drug personalities were arrested in the series of anti-illegal drugs operations conducted from February 20 to February 26, 2022.
    According to the records of the Regional Operations Management Division (ROMD), of the 13 drug personalities arrested, 11 drug personalities were arrested in Benguet and while the other two (2) were arrested in Baguio City.
    In Benguet, arrested personalities were Oliver Ansibey, 33; Dindo Galang, 43; Cresilda Babon, 53; Alifie Abungan, 40; Marlon Manansala, 39; Winston Changilan, 49; Raymund Mina, 30; Jeffty Panduyos, 33; Hilson Wallay, 42; Monsour Artemio, 26 and Jerobel Abalos, 29.
    Meanwhile, in Baguio, arrested personalities were identified as Arthur Hidalgo, 29; and Willyn Sendico, 32.
In total, 12.97 grams of suspected shabu with Standard Drug Price amounting to Php 88,196.00 were seized during the operations.
    All arrested suspects will be facing charges for violation of RA9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.(PROCOR-PIO)

Police seize P14.7 million marijuana in Kalinga; 2 arrested

By Villamor Visaya Jr. 

 TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Police seized P14.7-million worth of marijuana and arrested four alleged drug couriers in two separate operations in Lubuagan and this city in Kalinga province on Feb. 25, a police report said.
    Police officers from Tabuk City, Lubuagan and Tinglayan and Sadanga in Mountain Province and intelligence units arrested two men onboard a car at around 4 a.m. in Sitio (sub-village) Dinakan, Dangoy village in Lubuagan.

    The names of the two men who are believed to be from Tuao, Cagayan were not immediately released by the police.

    Also seized by police was the van loaded with wrapped boxes containing 106 marijuana bricks and seven marijuana in tubular forms worth P13.56-million.

    The van was headed to Tabuk City when it was intercepted.

    Also seized were two phones, and assorted documents.

    Meanwhile, at 2:30 p.m., also on Feb. 25, ten marijuana bricks and one marijuana in tubular form worth P1.213-million were seized.

    Also arrested were two suspects who were not identified in the report.

    Seized by police were two phones and other assorted items.

    Charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the suspects, police said.

Guard stabs 2 teens over face mask row

By Eva Visperas

MANGALDAN, Pangasinan -- Two customers of a convenience store were wounded after they were stabbed by a security guard who accosted them for not wearing face masks in this town on Feb. 25.
    Johnray Boy Suratos and Tyrone Serafica, both 17, were taken to a hospital for treatment of stab wounds in the back and abdomen, respectively.
    Security guard Reynaldo Navarro, 34, surrendered to the police, bringing with him the weapon he used in stabbing the victims.
    Suratos and Serafica reportedly punched Navarro, prompting the guard to pull out a bladed weapon.
 

P103-M marijuana  uprooted in Kalinga

By Leander C. Domingo

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga – Fully grown marijuana plants with an estimated value of P103 million were uprooted and burned by authorities here recently, the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) reported.
    The operation was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in collaboration with the Joint Task Group (JTG) Peace and Justice.
    A total of 485,900 fully grown marijuana plants were uprooted and destroyed on site by the team, which also seized 72,000 grams of dried marijuana leaves and 5,000 grams of marijuana seeds.
    Nolcom commander Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr. said the government forces raided 14 marijuana plantations in Barangay     Tulgao East, Barangay Butbut and Barangay Loccong, all in Tinglayan, Kalinga.
    "Six plantations were found in Barangay Tulgao, another six in Barangay Loccong and two plantation sites in Barangay Butbut, which sums up to 45,500 square meters of land area and has an estimated value of P103,365,000," JTG commander Brig. Gen. Santiago Enginco said.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Laurence Mina, commander of Joint Task Force Tala, lauded the troops and hailed the accomplishments attributable to their synergized efforts with the PDEA and their police counterpart.

Mina also added that the security forces on site will continue to keep an eye on the area to ensure the apprehension of drug personalities involved.

Torres commended the security forces in Kalinga for their persistence in tracking down plantations.

"The sustained joint law enforcement operations against illegal drugs draws us one step closer to our goal of ensuring the country's peace, order, security and development," he said.

45 wanted persons nabbed in Cordillera

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- A total of 45 wanted persons were arrested in Cordillera from Feb. 20 to 26.
Based on the records of ProCor Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division for the week, Benguet provincial police office recorded the highest number of arrests with 18 arrested individuals followed by Baguio with 12; Abra, 6; Apayao and Kalinga with four arrests each and Kalinga, Mt. Province with one arrest each.
    Nine most wanted persons inwere also arrested.
    Donalyn Valencia and Nicodimo Botilas were arrested for frustrated homicide. Marti Gamay and Esmael Wagawag were arrested for murder.
    Alma Addamag Gaowon  was nabbed for child abuse.
    Herbert Gawi was arrested for attempted rape while Ana Marie Yra Pardo listed was arrested for large scale illegal recruitment.

Vincent Camacho Severo was arrested for violation of Republic Act  7610 while Mc Douelle Pulido Fernandez was held for attempted homicide.

4 nabbed for illegal gambling in Abra town

BANGUED, Abra -- Four individuals were apprehended for engaging in tupada or illegal cockfight in this capital town on Feb. 27. 

The four suspects were identified as Mario  Borreta, 51; Alfredo Bandin, 40; Justo Barila, 51 and Michael John Santos, 39, all Bangued residents.

Bangued police, Provincial Intelligence Unit and RMFB15 launched anti-illegal gambling operation after receiving a report from a concerned citizen regarding an ongoing illegal cockfighting activity in the place.

Police seized two live fighting cocks, dead fighting cock, three chicken boxes; 12 pieces of gaffes, assorted gambling paraphernalia and bet money.

Arrested suspects were brought to Bangued police station where charges for violation of Presidential Decree 602 were prepared against them.

 

‘Ilocos now insurgent-free’ -- NolCom: 984 NPA rebels captured, 84 guns seized

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command (NolCom) revealed that the Ilocos region is now free from insurgency and said other areas in northern Luzon will follow suit.
    NolCom said at least 36 high-value personalities were neutralized while 984 New People’s Army members were captured along with the seizure of 84 firearms.
    NolCom commander Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr. said that the region is the first in the country to be in a state of stable internal peace and security following the signing of the Joint Regional Development Council 1 and Regional Peace and Order Council 1, and the Regional Task Force 1 Resolution 1 s. 2022 in San Juan, La Union on Thursday.
    “With Ilocos region formally declared to be in a state of stable internal peace and security, we will do our best to ensure that other regions in our area of operations will soon follow,” Torres said.

Prior to the signing of the resolution, Brig. Gen. Krishnamurti Mortela, commander of Joint Task Group Defender, presented the premises and accomplishments of Region 1 Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support cluster in dismantling the communist group operating in the region. 

1 killed, 1 hurt in Abra wake shooting

PILAR, Abra -- A 60-year-old man died while his 25-year-old companion was injured after they were fired upon by an unidentified gunman at a wake in Barangay Pang-ot here on Feb. 28.
    Police identified the fatality as Mario Ambrosio, 60 while his injured companion was named as Charmel Castro, 25.
    Probers said the two victims were playing a card game while attending a wake when the gunman arrived and fired at them several times with no apparent reason.
    The victims were rushed to the Narvacan District Hospital in nearby Ilocos Sur for medical treatment but Ambrocio was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician due to multiple gunshot wounds, while Castro was placed under close medical supervision.
    Responding police personnel are now hunting the suspect who fled to a still undisclosed direction after the shooting incident.
     Town police are now still determining motive of the crime. 

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Beneco MCOs receive share certificates; execs in power

 ‘Other camp’ hit for ‘misleading’ MCOs 

BAGUIO CITY --“At long last, we are now owners of Beneco in the truest sense of the word.” 
    This was the chorus of member consumer owners (MCOs) of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) who trooped to the cooperative’s office at South Drive, Baguio City on Feb. 24 to claim their share capital certificates.
    The issuance of the certificates is a first in the history of Beneco after the MCOs decided that the cooperative will register as a stock cooperative with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), years after Beneco remained as a non-stock and non-profit entity under the National Electrification Administration (NEA).     

    The distribution of the share certificates followed the electric cooperative’s denouncement of an intended MCO assembly called by the camp of lawyer Ana Maria Paz Rafael at the Benguet State University (BSU) in La Trinidad, Benguet on March 3. 
    In an advisory, board chairperson Atty, Somngi said that Beneco has not called for any assembly of MCOs in the said venue and tagged the move as an attempt to further confuse and mislead the MCOs.
    “Our MCOs should not attend any of such gathering since the only body that can call for an assembly are the officers based in South Drive,” he said.
    The cooperative is still on the thick of an impasse on who should sit as the general manager following the NEA’s decision to name Rafael, a former Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) official, as GM despite the decision of the Somngi led board of directors to name Melchor Licoben, an engineer, to be the GM.
    The cooperative was supposed to conduct a special membership assembly on Feb. 12 to discuss pressing matters about cooperative affairs but the event was stopped by a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the city’s regional trial court.
Enrique Moresto, Rocky Aliping, Luke Gomeyac and James Aclopen, former directors of the board, filed an injunction case against Somngi and company and sought for a TRO against the Feb. 12 assembly. 
    The four were expelled by the MCOs during Beneco’s Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) in Oct. 2 last year.
    The court restrained special meeting, however, pushed through when MCO leaders decided to conduct a grand information, education and communication (IEC) campaign for all the more than 7,000 MCOs who have registered physically and on line for the event. 
    The board of directors and management officials did not preside over or attend the assembly due to the TRO but the EC MCO United, a newly registered MCO group, turned the meeting into a massive convention that dwelt on consumer empowerment and importance of paying the share capital. 
    As of date, more than 19,000 MCOS have paid a total of P13 million in share subscription. Around 300 of these MCOs received their share capital certificate on Feb. 24 even as Beneco officials said that the MCOs who were not able to visit the electric cooperative on the said date can come and claim their share certificate anytime.   
    “We are happy that Beneco is now a real cooperative,” said Agustina Cayatoc, a teacher who resides at Pacdal, Baguio City. 

    “I am proud that I am one of those who received a certificate of share capital.” 
    Under the cooperative law (Republic Act 9520), cooperatives are required to issue share certificates to MCOs who have paid the required minimum share. The certificates are proofs of the consumers’ ownership of shares. 
Most of the MCOs who went home with their share certificates paid the P500 required minimum share. -- DC
 

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SUV falls into Bontoc ravine; student killed

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- A student died while his companion was injured after their sports utility vehicle  fell down a 50-meter ravine here along the Baguio-Bontoc Road here at Sitio Dantay, Barangay Alab Wednesday morning.
    The fatality was identified as Darryl Maggay, Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadet 1st class, corps commander at Mountain Province State Polytechnic College campus in Tadian town.
    The other victim was identified as Sgt. Cornelio Cudli, a member of the Philippine Army and resident of Maba-ay, Bauko, also in Mountain Province.

Bontoc Police said Cudli and Maggay were on board a white SUV that came from Baguio City.

When they reached Dantay, Cudli lost control of the steering wheel and their vehicle making it fall into the deep ravine.

Residents in the area responded immediately and reached the victims who were rushed to the Bontoc General Hospital.

The attending physician later declared Maggay dead.

Cudli is still being provided with close medical attention due to multiple head and body injuries.

Probers are conducting an investigation on the cause of the said accident.\

Police urged motorists to observe extra precaution when traveling roads in the province.

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P5-M rob suspect nabbed in La Union

By Mar T. Supnad

AGOO, La Union – The P5 million robbery case was solved with the arrest of one of the suspects here Wednesday .
Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta,  Ilocos police director bared this saying the case  stemmed from a complaint by victims, Vincent T. Gaerlan, 41 and Victorino T. Gaerlan, 36, both businessmen, and residents here of Barangay San Agustin Norte. 
    The victims, Peralta said, sought police assistance, reporting that their own brother, Virgilio T Gaerlan, one of the suspects, allegedly carted away the vault containing Some P5 million and placed the same at the house of one Nestor Calonge also here at at Barangay San Nicolas East.
    Agoo police with a search warrant issued by Judge Ethelwolda A Jaravata, immediately proceeded at said place. 
Upon their arrival at the suspect’s house, barangay officials were already securing the subject of the warrant. 
    During implementation of the warrant, barangay officials retrieved the vault where the money was hidden and turned it over to the police.
    They also recovered tools believed to be used in the crime.
    Calonge, the owner of the house where the vault was located, was arrested by police and is still in police custody.

Meanwhile, Virgilio T Gaerlan, the other suspect is still at-large, pending issuance of warrant of arrest against him.

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Strawberry farmers hit La Trinidad flood control proj

To DPWH: ‘This will displace us’ 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet— Strawberry farmers at the swamp area in Barangay Betag of this town urged the Dept. of Public Works and Highways to stop and transfer of a flood control project because this will displace farmers.
    The request was made in a letter forwarded to De Isagani Cayme, OIC district engineer of the DPWH’s Benguet Engineering District,
    The letter was signed lawyer Richard B. Kilaan, lead convenor of Lawyers for Farmers, legal counsel of the Swamp Farmers Assoc. Inc. (SFAI) conformed by Peter S. Bulangen, president of Swamp Farmers Association Inc.  and the association members.
    The letter was received Feb. 21 by the DPWH-BED.
     The letter stated, "In a consultation held on Feb. 18, 2022, attended by members of the Swamp Farmers Association Inc. (SFAI), representatives of the Benguet State University, barangay officials of Betag, La Trinidad and representatives of your office, it appears that there is no prior consultation, knowledge or consent of BSU and the SFAI of the flood control project."
    "Be it noted that the property where you intend to implement the flood control project is property of BSU and our client, the Swamp Farmers Association Inc., have an existing lease contract with BSU. Hence, their prior consent is needed before any project or undertaking is to be implemented in the property."
    The letter added: "We ask your good office to terminate and transfer implementation of the flood control project to other areas. Otherwise, our office will be constrained to file the appropriate criminal, civil and administrative action in court to protect the rights and interests of our client."
    Meanwhile, Bulangen, in an interview said, “we were surprised when DPWH personnel arrived with construction materials and said we should start vacating the lands we were tending because they will start with the construction of a flood control project.”
    “We are worried, where will our member farmers get money to feed their families now that they are telling us to stop farming and give way to the project,” Bulangen said.
    In the past, we have formally for dredging of the canals most especially downstream, and that was years ago, we grew tired waiting for the grant of our request and also got discouraged following up the request that we already forgot about it, then, a few days ago, DPWH informs us that we should vacate our farms because of this project,, he said.
     “It came as a big surprise, for us to vacate our farms immediately, we never requested for steel and construction of new flood control project, what we requested was dredging as the existing JICA funded flood control project is still in good condition,” Bulangen said.
 

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Philex, labor union ink P385 million benefits agreement

TUBA, Benguet -- Philex Mining Corp. and Philex Mines Independent Labor Union (PMILU) recently signed a P385.855 million 5-year collective bargaining agreement package that is retroactive to 2020.
    The CBA was signed by Philex president and chief executive officer Eulalio Austin Jr. and PMILU president Herman Pingot.
    With the pact, both parties renew their commitment to maintain industrial peace in the mine site after a strained relationship between members of negotiating teams during a prolonged dialogue.
    The CBA only covers the wage-related and cash benefits of the 1,287 daily and monthly paid rank-and-file workers of the country's largest producer of gold and copper.
    But the non-cash benefits granted by the company to workers such as free housing for their families, transportation, and free schooling for their dependents, among others, that account for an additional 75 percent of their wage-related and cash benefits, are not included in the coverage of the CBA.
    For the first the years of the life of the CBA, PMILU members will be receiving approximately P193.46 million in terms of accumulated benefits.
    Philex continued to operate during the Luzon-wide lockdown after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases classified mining as an export-oriented industry that must not be unduly interrupted.
    Austin cited the labor union for having understood the position of management in striking a balance of everything during the negotiation process.
    He thanked the national and regional officials of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board for their intervention that paved the way for both parties to agree on the conditions of the CBA and the economic package attached to it to sustain industrial peace in the mining company.
    The Philex official said lessons learned by both parties during the negotiation process should be used to enhance harmonious working relationship between labor and management for the benefit of the concerned stakeholders and the host and neighboring communities that depend on the company for their jobs and other related economic activities.
    Austin said Philex is the only company that is providing its workers with one of the highest compensations in the whole Cordillera, placing second to Texas Instruments in terms of economic package for its workers.
    At present, Philex provides its lowest rank employee with more or less P900 daily wage, which is way above the P350 prescribed daily minimum wage in the Cordillera, and the P535 mandated minimum daily wage in the National Capital Region or Metro Manila.
    Pingot said he was proud to be a part of the negotiation process that allowed the increase of benefits for the workers based on the agreed 5-year CBA.

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Panagbenga opens in Baguio March 6

BAGUIO CITY -- The city government and Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. agreed to hold a special edition of Panagbenga this year to help in gradual and safe revival of the local economy due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
    The festival starts March 6 themed: "Panagbenga 2022: Let Hope Bloom."
    On March 6, the festival will open with the Panagbenga Open Landscaping Exhibition (Gardenscapes) wherein residents and visitors will witness landscaping talents of neophyte and veteran landscapers in the city.
    It will run until March 26.
    The traditional Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio will be held on March 13 and the Panagbenga Dance Competition will take place on March 20.
    On March 21 to 27, the Session Road in Bloom will be held along the city's main thoroughfare but in a limited scenario in compliance to the minimum public health standards.
    Part of the Panagbenga attractions in the city is the Baguio Country Club Blooms Garden exhibit where the same will be featuring Japanese- and Korean-themed landscape at the former site of the famous Christmas Village along South Drive.
    The local government will also be reopening Botanical Garden along Leonard Wood road to add up to nature attractions in the city.
    On March 19 to 20, Baguio will be playing host to the 19th stage of the Ronda Pilipinas where hundreds of cyclists will be arriving in the city for the famous criterium finale.
    On March 25 to 26, golf enthusiasts will be joining the traditional Flower Tee Golf at the Baguio Country Club.
    Simple activities for this year's Panagbenga Festival will commence on March 27 with a closing fireworks display

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Strict check of meat, fish entry to Baguio pushed

BAGUIO CITY -- An ordinance was proposed here to set stricter monitoring process for entry, handling, sale, and distribution of processed meat, fish, and aqua products in the city.
    Under the proposed ordinance filed by Councilor Philian Weygan-Allan, the following shall be required for entry of animal carcasses, meat and products, processed meat and fish and aqua products: meat inspection certificate for those slaughtered or dressed within the city and other provinces or certificate of meat inspection for those coming from other countries, auxiliary invoice issued by LGUs for transport from point of origin, local transport permit issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and license to operate. 

    The city government shall install inspection and collection teams in various entry points of the city.
    The proposed ordinance shall also impose requirements for the transport vehicles to the city to ensure that they pass sanitary standards.
    On handling of meat and fish in the market, certain sanitary rules must be followed such as maintaining the areas where the goods are handled in good condition at all times and the immediate disposal of meat or fish that show signs of spoilage. The use of color enhancing mat to deceive consumers as to the freshness of products shall be prohibited. For meat handlers, they shall be required to acquire a health certificate from the City Health Services Office (CHSO) and a meat handler’s license from the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO).
    Handling of processed meat products shall be in accordance with the Food and Safety Act of 2013. Traditional processed meat such as kini-ing or etag that are for sale shall be properly packed and labeled. Hanging such products for retail sale shall be prohibited.
    The selling of meat shall comply with zoning, business, and health requirements. Ordinance 87-2021 (Adopting the prescribed standard requirements for meat shops in the City of Baguio) shall likewise be complied with.
    A monitoring task force shall be created with the city mayor as the chairperson, the chairperson of the Sanggunian’s committee on market, trade and commerce, and agriculture as the vice-chairperson, the city veterinarian as the action officer.
    The members shall be the market superintendent, licensing officer, chief of the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), chief of COMPAC 1 Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), and representatives of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), CHSO, CVAO, City Legal Office, Meat Vendors Association, and Fish Vendors Association.
    The task force shall conduct a monthly inspection of all concerned establishments in the city and confiscate meat and fish products that are contaminated and are not properly displayed.
    They shall formulate policies and strategies on sale of products. 
    The proposed ordinance has been approved on first reading and referred to the Sanggunian’s Committee on Market, Trade and Commerce, and Agriculture for review. -Jordan G. Habbiling
 
 

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ASF cases in Bontoc villages up with 197

By Alpine C. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Municipal officials here confirmed rising number of pigs infected with African swine fever (ASF) virus.
    Municipal Agriculturist Renato Falag-ey, Bontoc recorded a total of 197 swines infected with ASF from October 2021 to February 2022.
    Falag-ey said 156 were recorded in Barangay Samoki, 27 in Poblacion and nine in Bontoc Ili.
    Affected areas in Barangay Samoki were Sitio Riverside, Khefa, Pawek, Sadlan, Khawana, Fagkhay, Attor, Sadlan and Kalonglong. In Barangay Poblacion is Sitio Cheppay.
    Affected in Barangay Bontoc Ili were Sitios Foyayeng, Pattig and Sokok.
    The National Meat Inspection Service said ASF is a highly contagious viral disease that affects pigs, warthogs and boars.
    It causes pigs to have high fever and lose appetite.
    It causes hemorrhage in skin and internal organs.
    Pigs die in a span of two to 10 days upon affliction.
    There is no vaccine to cure the disease infecting pigs.
    The ASF can be transmitted or spread through direct contact with infected animal’s body fluids and ticks that feed on infected animals, Falag-ey said. People are also a source of spread as they can move the virus on vehicles or clothing.
    Agricultural Technologist Sheryl Kate Tumingeb of the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist said from the first confirmed case of ASF hog in October last year, the OMAg, in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) and Livestock Alliance of Technicians, disinfected pigpens, intensified information education and communication campaigns to hog raisers, swabbing on pigpens, and blood sampling for ASF and mass disinfection.
    The disinfectants were provided by the OPVet and Universal Robina Corp.
    The ASF Municipal Task Force urged the public, meat vendors, and butchers that pigs raised and butchered in the ASF-affected areas be sold and consumed within said area.
    The task force urged the public to refrain from buying fresh or frozen pork products coming from outside the province.
    Likewise, consumers from outskirt villages of Bontoc were advised not to buy live or butchered pigs from identified ASF-affected areas to prevent the spread of the disease.
    Backyard hog raisers are told not to feed the pigs with swill (scraps of waste food), main cause of the spread of ASF. Pig farmers were also advised to strictly comply with biosecurity protocols.
 

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