Northern Philippine Times

State of calamity set over Ilocos Norte due to ‘Egay’

>> Wednesday, August 9, 2023

By Mariell J. Pahinag

LAOAG CITY -- the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte declared a state of calamity over the province DUE devastating impact of Super Typhoon "Egay" with international name “Doksuri.”
   In an emergency session Wednesday, it was learned the municipalities of Burgos, Bangui, Dumalneg, Pagudpud, Vintar, Adams, Pasuquin, and Bacarra were under Signal No. 4, while the rest of the province remained under Signal No. 3.
   Heavy rainfall, flooding in low-lying areas, power and communication interruptions, and road blockages were reported throughout the province.
   As press time, extent of damage was still being assessed by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
   The declaration of the state of calamity in the province will enable the provincial government to mobilize resources swiftly and efficiently to assist affected residents.
   Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc urged residents to remain vigilant and heed safety advisories.
Evacuation measures have been put in place to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further casualties.
   The provincial government urged folks to cooperate with government directives and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the critical time.
   The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the PDRRMO launched relief operations in affected municipalities.

Benguet board allots P10-M for livelihood

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The provincial board has passed a resolution that seeks to allot P10 million annually for livelihood and skills development training and grant of equipment to organizations in the province.
   Under Ordinance 2023-312 principally authored by senior board member Marie Rose "Betbet" Fongwan, the implementation of the programs shall apply to all organizations or associations duly registered with the appropriate regulating agency. The cost of the grant to be given to each association or organization shall not exceed P200,000.
   The main purpose of the ordinance is to promote sustained management operations and livelihood opportunities for residents. Fongwan said that the special services office under the provincial governor's office will implement the ordinance.
   However, interested organizations and associations wanting to avail of the benefits and privileges of the ordinance must be accredited by the provincial board. Organizations and associations interested to avail of the programs shall present to the special services office a letter of intent and project proposal duly endorsed by the concerned barangay (village) council or the barangay chairman to the provincial governor.
   The ordinance created a screening and project monitoring committee which will be under the honorary chairmanship of the provincial governor with the vice governor serving as the vice chairman. The committee members are the chairman of the Committee on Trade, Industry, and Livelihood; the chairman of the Committee on Cooperatives and Civil Society Organizations; and the Local Economic Development and Investment promotions officer, who will designate the Cooperative Development specialist. Additional members will be appointed by the chairman, if necessary.
   The committee will create a technical working group to assist in the evaluation of proposals and shall make recommendations on the project's viability.
   Fongwan said that the grant of equipment to the qualified beneficiary organizations or associations shall be covered by a memorandum of agreement, stating the stipulations, duties, and responsibilities voluntarily agreed upon by the parties.
   Moreover, there shall be a provision in the agreement that six months of non-use of the equipment to be reckoned from the official turnover of the same shall be a valid or justifiable ground for the retrieval of the equipment by the provincial government after the lapse of five days from notice without prejudice to the discretion or option of the province to transfer the retrieved equipment to another requesting organization or association after compliance with the prescribed requirements.
   Fongwan said the livelihood training program which includes among others, financial capability, literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and basic management skills (collaboration or solidarity), problem-solving, and project management, significantly resolves or contributes to the success or sustained growth and function of the organization or association which will redound to the benefits of its members, and the community.

Baguio council presses contract projects’ probe

Mines View building use studied

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY – The City Council agreed during recent deliberations to regularly review contracts of the city government with service providers like contractors to ensure their adherence to high standards of quality, efficiency and value for money.
   This, after Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed City Council resolution no. 297, series of 2023, requesting the local finance committee to submit to the council feasibility study on use of the Mines View building after its rehabilitation.
   Through resolution no. 244, series of 2023, the council adapted the third supplemental annual investment program (SAIP) for the current year which included the project, “Completion of the rehabilitation of the Mines View building.”
   During deliberation, the city council considered manifestations of invited resource persons relative to the project.
   The mayor also ratified city council resolution no. 298, series of 2023, requesting the LFC and the City Environment and Parks Management Office to review submitted contract of lease for confirmation of the council entered into by the city government with the R&R Management and Sanitary Services for construction, renovation, lease, operation and maintenance of public comfort rooms in Baguio.
   The approved measure included all other contracts made with vendors operating in city parks and to submit recommendations to the local legislature.

Treckers join 16th ‘Luzon Summit’ in Sagada, Bauko

By Irish Pearl Teningal

SAGADA, Mountain Province – Mountain climbers all over the country joined the 16th Luzon Summit recently held in this tourist town and adjacent Bauko municipality.
   Participants included the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Incorporated (MFPI).
In preparation for the Luzon Summit, the Municipal Tourism Office and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Bauko earlier held clean-up activity in the town’s 7 Peaks Mountains June 6-7.
   The Summit was held June 9-11 in what participants said was a memorable experience climbing mountains with beautiful sceneries and cold weather.
   The cleaning involved 25 representatives from organizations, including Bauko Mayor's Office, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Municipal Planning and Development Office, Bauko Municipal Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, Mobile Force Company, Tour Guide Organization and barangay personnel from Bila, Bangnen Proper and Bangnen Oriente of Bauko.
   During clean-up drive, Jomar P. Buclay, Administrative Assistant of MENRO, personnel and participants collected a sack of candy wrappers and plastic bottles discarded by tourists and locals in forests and watersheds.
   Buclay said certain sections of the 7 Peaks experienced degradation due to deforestation.
   Evidence of cut trees and lands left by slash-and-burn practices known as "kaingin" were also found.
   On June 6-7, participants were instructed on basic mountaineering before embarking on the trek.
   The course included topics such as trail management techniques, necessary equipment and preparations, camp management, map reading, climbing etiquette, and basic survival skills.
   The basic mountaineering course aimed to equip participants with fundamental skills and knowledge required for safe and responsible travel in the mountains.
   The course consisted of discussions and practical exercises.
   The MFPI’s Facebook page said the trek aimed to promote responsible mountaineering by setting standards for climbing behavior.
   This involved fostering a commitment to preserving mountain ecosystems, developing skills necessary for safe climbing experiences, and showing respect towards fellow mountaineers and local communities.
   The three-day summit was held with consecutive scheduled activities engaging participants.
   On the first day, June 9, participants trekked Sagada’s Marlboro Blue Soil and Ampucao-Nabas-ang
   The trek started from Bauko 7 Peaks which included Mt. Am-o, Mt. Bato, Mt. Mangasil, Mt. Kapowao, Mt. Nentingil and Mt. Polis.
   For the second day event, a sunrise viewing greeted them as the members continued to finish their trek.
   Participants climbed mountains of Mt. Ampucao, Mt. Ampucao grassland, Nabas-ang Ridge and to the final destination base camp in Sagada
   Basic mountaineering was discussed prior to the adventure race, Paytokan wall rock climbing, Paytokan walking tour, and Sumaguing Cave spelunking.
   Marjorie M. Adaclog, a participant, said the trek was challenging but enjoyable. She said it was her first time undertaking long walks, while watching the beautiful scenery from mountaintops.
   She said the trek provided her with a much-needed opportunity to relax her mind and immerse herself in the serene ambiance of the forest. Adaclog added she acquired valuable tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the trek.
   But she expressed concern about garbage scattered at mountains, sayhing there was need for proper disposal.
   She said the trek facilitated the building of relationships among participants, despite their diverse backgrounds and unfamiliarity with one another.
   Overall, the trek was deemed a success.
   Participants said there was need for collaboration among communities and local government units in promoting tourism through events like the 16th Luzon Summit.

Bontoc inks agreement with DOST and MPGCHS

By Christy Mae F. Che-es

BONTOC, Mountain Province - In a significant move to advance science and technology education in the region, the Bontoc local government signed memorandum of agreement with the Dept. of Science and Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region and Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School (MPGCHS).
   The collaborative effort aimed to implement a project called "Science and technology education through robotics for Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School."
   The MOA signing ceremony took place at the municipal capitol on July 10, attended by senior education program specialist school mobilization networking section of DepEd-Mountain Province, Sonia Batnag, MPGCHS personnel led by Principal Atkinson Tudlong, Minerva Songaben OIC of the Provincial Science and Technology Office-Mountain Province, Jenelyn Caluza and municipal accountant Yolanda Comafay.
   The partnership stipulated their commitment in providing students with access to advanced technology and hands-on learning experiences, enabling them to develop critical skills for 21st-century workforce.
   Under the project, MPGCHS will be provided with a total of ₱234,426.74 to include ₱174,426.74 from DOST-CAR, ₱10,000.00 from MPGCHS as its counterpart, and ₱50,000.00 from the Bontoc LGU under Special Education Fund.
   The project aims to equip science teachers and students with 21st-century learning styles.
   Mayor Tudlong the collaboration will enhanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
   "This project represents our commitment to investing in the future of our youth. By providing them with access to robotics education, we are empowering them to become future innovators, problem solvers, and contributors to the advancement of our society," he added.

Cordillera residents urged: Prepare for El Niño effects

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council urged residents to prepare against effects of El Niño which the weather bureau said would last until 2024.
   "We ask local government units (LGUs) and the people to be prepared for the effect on food, water, energy, health and public security," Albert Mogol, Office of Civil Defense Cordillera director and CDRRMC chairman, said on Monday during opening program of the National Disaster Resilience Month at the OCD office here.
   He said they reactivated the El Niño Task Force formed three years ago and put in place additional focus aside from actions related to ensuring food security.
   "The preparations should not only be for the government, but individually, in our homes, we have to be prepared," Mogol added.
   During the same event, engineer Hilario Esperanza, Senior Weather Specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, said the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will have normal rainfall from July to September but by October, rainfall is forecast to be below normal or from 41 to 80 millimeters (mm).
   In November, rainfall will be near 41 ml while zero rains are expected during the last month of the year.
   "The El Niño's effect will be felt until the first quarter of 2024 so we have to be ready," Esperanza said.
   Mogol said during El Niño, problems arise such as food shortage due to damage in agriculture as a result of the dry spell.
   Health problems also arise not to mention security issues and energy crises with hydroelectric power plants operating at low production capacity or worse, temporarily shut down.
   "All these are taken into consideration in the expanded roadmap for addressing the effect of El Niño, Mogol said.
   Aside from the activation of the task force, Leo Quintilla, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in CAR, urged the public to adopt water-saving measures in their homes and carry out rain-harvesting.
   "Pwede tayong mag-recycle ng tubig pambuhos sa comfort room at pandilig ng halaman (We can recycle water for use in the toilet or in watering the plants," he said in an earlier interview.
   Quintilla added that they maintain a stockpile of about 40,000 family food packs in regional warehouses aside from those that have been prepositioned with the 69 local government units, for easy access in times of calamity.
   The Department of Agriculture, which is part of the El Niño Task Force, also advised farmers to plant drought-resistant crops during the period to prevent being affected by the dry spell. -- PNA

Cordillera folks beat ‘unity gongs’ for regional autonomy

CAR celebrates 36th founding anniversary

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Folks and officials of all Cordillera provinces beat unity “gongs” July 15 as the region celebrated its 36th founding anniversary as Cordillera Administrative Region as they pressed for realization of Cordillera autonomy.
   This year’s theme is, "Celebrating one, resilient, diverse, and inclusive (CORDI) journey toward regional autonomy."
   The celebration this year is hosted by the province of Apayao and the Regional Development Council’s committee for indigenous peoples Concerns (CIPC).
   The CIPC is chaired by Gov. Lacwasan of Mountain Province with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Cordillera headed by regional director lawyer Atanacio Addog.
   Here in Bontoc, mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., led officials and folks in supporting Cordillera’s pursuit of autonomy when he received the “symbolic unity gong” from delegates of Sadanga town morning of July 10 at the municipal capitol.
   The Unity Gong Relay, a symbolic act, made its way through municipal local government units in Mountain Province.
   This aimed to promote regional autonomy and garner support from local leaders.
   Sadanga Vice Mayor Paul Farong-ey in his turnover message said Sadanga was one with Cordillera he rallied unity for regional autonomy.
   He added benefits of becoming an autonomous region have been thoroughly explained, and “once achieved, regional autonomy will be enjoyed by everyone, by this generation and the next generations to come.”
   Mayor Tudlong in his acceptance message, said conditions in the Cordillera are different from the lowlands and coasts such as topography and indigenous culture, reasons some national policies, programs, and projects are not appropriate to the Cordillera situation.
   He said resource management systems, ownership and property concepts, social and family values, and indigenous knowledge systems and practices, or IKSP remain strong in the Cordilleran communities. “Granting autonomy to the region would empower local leaders with decision-making authority that will respond to particular conditions, needs, and aspirations of the Cordillerans,” he said.
   Gary Pekas of the Provincial Government of Mountain Province who is also a member of the Speakers Bureau for Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) talked about the significance of the Unity Gong Relay and answered questions from the participants during the open forum.
   Other officials present during the Unity Gong Relay program in Bontoc were Sangguniang Bayan members led by Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen, delegates from provincial government of Mountain Province led by Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., and personnel from the National Commission on Indigenous People Mountain Province headed by lawyer Wilson Kalangeg.
   Participants included employees from the Bontoc LGU national government agencies.
   The Sangguniang Kabataan Samoki Chapter headed by SK chairperson Anton Zaren Nasungan performed a cultural dance.
   Meanwhile, Mayor Tudlong who led turnover of the 'unity gong' to the municipality of Besao led by Mayor Bryne Bacwaden July 10, expressed hope the 'unity gong relay' will not merely be a ceremonial activity.
   “Rather, it will bring a strong message to every Cordilleran to rally and give their support for the realization of an autonomous region,” he said. "For the past years, we have witnessed how our leaders and other partner stakeholders gave their effort, commitment, and perseverance in rallying support in pursuit of regional autonomy. Yet, it is disheartening to know that some of those who have been passionately campaigning for the long and overdue aspiration to become an Autonomous Region have gone to great beyond and still did not witness it become a reality. They did their part. Now is our turn to do ours," Tudlong said.
   In his appearances before the crowd in the 'unity gong relay' in Bontoc and Besao, he appealed to the participants to relay the messages on autonomy to their families and respective communities.
   The inter-municipality turnover of the 'symbolic unity gong' was part of activities in celebration of the 36th Cordillera Month celebration.
   In Tabuk City, the “Unity Gong Relay” was launched here earlier o signify thrusts to attain Cordillera autonomy even as history of the movement was recalled.
   Tabuk Mayor Darwin Estrañero, in his message during launching in the province, said development in Cordillera was not possible without peace and stability.

City Council ok’s law to make Baguio safer

BAGUIO CITY -- The City Council on first reading Monday the proposed safe zone homes ordinance in the city.
   Under the proposed measure authored by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr., it aims to promote and protect the safety, peace, comfort and convenience and general welfare of the inhabitants in the city; it also is geared towards preventing undue accidents or death of inhabitants in risk-prone areas; prevent congestion and over population within the townsite area and regulate the area and the use of land and height of buildings to ensure public safety.
   The ordinance covers all private and government properties, housing, apartments and boarding or transient houses.
   The ordinance tasked the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), to facilitate efficiently inspection of buildings pursuant to the National Building Code.
   The building official shall be primarily responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the measure as well as of the implementing rules and regulations issued for the purpose.
   The Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources is mandated to conduct geohazard assessment and information dissemination or campaign; generate information on susceptibility of areas to geologic hazards where the assessment will be focused in rain-induced landslides, floods, flash floods, ground subsidence or sinking, and other forms of slope instabilities that are not directly induced by earthquakes or volcanic activities; massive campaign to disseminate the digitized geohazard maps and provide the necessary technical inputs to the city government for the updating and modification of the comprehensive land use plan, project development and disaster preparedness, management and mitigation programs.
   The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) shall provide information to collectively understand the influence of local site conditions, as well as the effect of topography in the resulting ground motion levels for the city in the event of an earthquake while the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) shall strictly implement and check the compliance of all applications with the city comprehensive zoning ordinance.
   Further, the City Engineering Office (CEO) is mandated to conduct on-site inspection and assessment to determine compliance of the project to standards and specifications.
   The ordinance claims that the use of land in the city and how infrastructure and buildings are designed and constructed all influences exposure to physical hazards and the rise or fall of a city’s stock of risk.
   Based on the Global Report on Disaster Risk Reduction, the global population living in informal settlements is currently estimated at approximately one billion people, many of whom live in hazard-prone areas where the said population is growing at about 40 million people each year.
   In the Philippine setting, the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center cl.0⁹in 2019 that the country ranked third among all the countries with the highest risk worldwide where about 60 percent of the country’s total land area is exposed to multiple hazards and 74 percent of the population is susceptible to their impact.

POLICE ROUNDUP

P’sinan kagawad nabbed for guns

BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan -- A barangay councilman was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition here Tuesday.
   Salvador Bautista, 45, of Barangay Pangdel was apprehended after a raid on his house yielded a Cal. 45 pistol and bullets.
   The raid was based on a search warrant issued by a local court.
   The Civil Security Group of the Philippine National Police earlier said barangay officials own about 50 percent of loose firearms in the country.
   The PNP has intensified its operations against loose firearms in preparation for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Oct. 30.

Two nabbed for P370-K shabu in Baguio buy-bust

BAGUIO CITY -- A total of P374,000 worth of suspected shabu was confiscated from two “high-value drug personalities” in a buy-bust operation here July 11.
   Reports submitted to Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo Jr. identified those arrested as Rasmia Balang Ebra, 29 and Adonis De Guzman Abad, 35, both Tarlac residents.
   The report said joint anti-illegal drugs operatives of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit, Regional Intelligence Division, Baguio City Police Office and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, arrested the suspects after they sold 10 sachets of suspected shabu weighing 50 grams worth P340,000 to a cop who acted as buyer.
   During their arrest, another sachet containing suspected shabu weighing around five grams and valued at P34,000 were confiscated from the suspects.
   Inventory of confiscated items was witnessed by suspects and Barangay Kagawad Cristine Valente of Barangay Burnham-Legarda and Darius Bajo, media representative.
   Suspects and confiscated items were brought to the custody of CDEU for documentation while charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 were prepared against them.

68 wanted persons nabbed; no crime in 57 Cordillera towns

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Police arrested 63 persons including 13 “most wanted personalities” July 16 to 22 in Cordillera, police the regional information office said.
   Based on the records from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, Baguio City Police Office recorded the most number of arrests with 18followed by the Benguet Police Provincial Office with 16, Kalinga PPO with nine; Ifugao, 6; Abra and Mountain Province with five each and Apayao with four.
   Of those arrested, 13 individuals were listed as most wanted persons.
   Meanwhile, as a result of the intensified police presence, 57 municipalities in different provinces of the region and three police stations in Baguio City posted zero crime incidents during the same week.
   No crime incidents were recorded in 23 municipalities in Abra; six towns in Apayao, seven in Benguet, five in Kalinga, eight in Ifugao and eight towns in Mountain Province.
   In Baguio City, the Camdas, Loakan and Aurora Hill police stations lso recorded zero crime incidents out of 10 police stations in Baguio City.

P140.9-M marijuana burned in Tinglayan

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga --Police and anti-narcotics agents burned destroyed more than P140.9 million worth of marijuana plants uprooted from five plantation sites here last week.
   Kalinga Police Provincial Office said a total of 754,250 fully grown marijuana plants were discovered and eradicated from five villages in this remote town.
   The joint operation led to burning of 32,500 fully grown marijuana plants, including 70,000 stalks and 30,000 seedlings of the illegal plant worth P16.1 million in Sitio Balay, Tulgao West.
   A total of 96,000 fully grown marijuana plants valued at P19.32 million was burned in Barangay Butbut Proper while 245,000 marijuana plants worth P49,000,000 were uprooted in Barangay Bugnay.
   In Barangay Buscalan, 122,250 marijuana worth P24,450,000 were burned while 160,400 marijuana plants valued at P32,080,000 were uprooted in Barangay Loccong.
    "In support to PNP Cordillera's campaign to rid the cultivation of marijuana plants and preventing it from reaching the urban areas, the Kalinga PPO is determined to totally eradicate illegal plants in the province," Kalinga PPO director Col. Charles Domallig said.

P83-M illegal drugs seized, 10 arrested

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Cordillera police seized P83,808,092.00 worth of illegal drugs and nabbed 10 drug personalities in anti-illegal drug operations July 16 to 22.
   Records from the police Regional Operations Division bared 10 drug personalities were arrested after they were caught in possession of 10.69 grams of shabu worth P72,692.
   The same report disclosed five arrests were made by Benguet police followed by Baguio City Police Office with threes, and Abra with two.
   The suspects were identified as Reynato Soriano, 23; Hecules Verzola, 24; Froilan Ringor, 31; Nollie Quinto, 31; Kurt Delmas, 17; Wilmer Lizardo, 33; Willyn Sendico, 28; Jaysie Liked, 32; Hercen Cadicoy, 44; and Ritchie Delos Reyes, 35.
   All arrested suspects and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to respective arresting units, where charges for illegal drugs were prepared against them.
   Meanwhile, in marijuana eradication operations, 20 marijuana plantations with a total of 372, 565 fully grown marijuana plants, 5,560 seedlings, 70, 000 leaves and fruiting tops and 5, 000 stalks all worth P83,735,400 were discovered in the provinces of Kalinga and Benguet.
   These were all burned by lawmen after documentation even as police launched operations to locate cultivators.
   Police are conducting barangay information drives against illegal drugs.

Cordillera CIDG men arrest wanted persons

By March L. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY -- Following tips received from private informants, the long arm of the law finally caught Ernesto Ladio Dumling June 2 at the Camella Homes Subdivision in Candon, Ilocos Sur after more than a decade of evading arrests.
    Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Baguio City Field Unit led by Maj. Jayrold D. Oribillo arrested the top most wanted person (TMWP) provincial level by virtue of warrant of arrest for frustrated homicide.
    Edilberto T. Claravall, then Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 60 in Baguio who issued the WOA more than 10 years ago recommended P120,000 bail for temporary release of the suspect.
   Afternoon of June 16 at Barangay Dontogan, Baguio City; the same CIDG team arrested TMWP provincial level Jun Galang Caniezo by virtue of WOA issued on June 14 by Rufus G Malecdan Jr., presiding judge of RTC Branch 60 in Baguio City for violation of section 5, Republic Act 9165 for service of sentence.
   Last week, dawn of June 27 in Mankayan, Benguet, provincial operatives led by Maj. James B. Kibiten Jr. implemented search warrant no. 2023- 0101-D issued by Mervin Jovito S. Samadan, executive judge of RTC First Judicial Region, Dagupan City for violation of RA 10591(Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
     The SW was implemented under close supervision of CIDG Cordillera regional director Col. Reynaldo L. Lizardo, leading to the arrest of Ronnie Galiga Caluza after confiscating from his possession and control a Cal. 38 revolver with defaced serial number, a Cal. 22 North America Arms Black Widow Magnum, live ammunitions and accessories.
    Lizardo said, the agency will continue to conduct police operations for violators of RA 10591 to prevent the commission of crimes involving the use of firearms especially this coming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in October.

Taxi driver nabbed in Baguio raid

BAGUIO CITY – A taxi driver listed as a high-value drug personality was arrested by city police and personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency during a buy-bust operation at his rented house in Middle Quezon Hill here on Tuesday, June 27.
   The suspect was identified as Romer Marquez Ramos, 38, believed to be a member of a drug group.
Confiscated from the suspect were three sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately four grams worth P27,200, tooter containing liquid traces of suspected shabu, buy-bust money, cash in different denominations totaling P6,030, driver's license card, and a cellphone.
   The marking and inventory of the confiscated pieces of evidence were conducted on-site in the presence of the suspect and duly witnessed by a representative from the Department of Justice and a barangay official.
   The suspect is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Woman killed, husband hurt in P’sinan shooting

By Liezle Basa Inigo
   URBIZTONDO, Pangasinan -- A 48-year-old woman was killed while her husband was seriously wounded in a shooting incident here in Barangay Malaca Monday night, June 26.
   Police identified the victims as Teresita, 48, and Porferio Monsad, residents of Barangay Real, Urbiztondo.
Investigation said the victims were traversing the Basista-Urbiztondo Road onboard a motorcycle when unidentified gunmen opened fire at them.
   The couple sustained multiple bullet wounds and were taken to the Jesus Healing Hands Hospital in Barangay Poblacion,    Urbiztondo and later transferred to the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City.
   Teresita was declared dead-on-arrival while her husband is still under observation at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital.
   The Urbiztondo police and nearby police stations have established dragnet checkpoint and chokepoint operation for the apprehension of the suspects.

17 wanted persons nabbed in Cordi; no crime in 69 towns

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Police arrested 17 wanted persons, while 69 municipalities in Cordillera recorded zero crime from June 25 to July 1, the regional police information office bared.
   Based on records from Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, Baguio City Police Office recorded highest number of arrests with 10, followed by Benguet Police Provincial Office with five and Kalinga and Mountain Province PPOs with one arrest each.
   Meanwhile, due to intensified police presence, 69 municipalities in the region and seven police stations in Baguio City posted zero crime incidents during the same week.
   No crime was recorded in 26 out of 27 municipalities in Abra; six out of seven towns in Apayao; 10 out of 13 in Benguet; nine out of 10 in Mountain Province and 11 of Ifugao and seven municipalities of Kalinga.
   In Baguio, police stations of Naguilian, Pacdal, Loakan, Legarda, Aurora Hill, Irisan and Marcos Highway also recorded zero crime incidents out of 10 police stations in the city.

P27.3 million drugs seized, 2 men held

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A total of P27,342,800 worth of illegal drugs were seized during a weeklong operation that also resulted in the arrest of two drug personalities in Cordillera region.
   The operation was carried out by the Police Regional Office-Cordillera from June 25–July 1, 2023.
Regional Director Brig. General David Peredo, Jr said that six concealed marijuana plantation sites were discovered in the municipalities of Bakun and Kibungan, Benguet.
   A total of 230 pieces of fully grown marijuana plants, 6,400 pieces of marijuana seedlings and 225,000 grams of dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops with an overall price of P27,302,000 were discovered from these sites.
   The raiding authorities readily uprooted and burned all the banned plants and products after the documentation.
   Records from the Regional Operations Division said the two personalities were arrested after they were caught in possession of a total of six grams of shabu with an overall price of P40,800.
   The same report disclosed that the arrest of the two alleged drug pushers identified as Felix Cammagay, 35, and Rany Marquez, 44, was made by the operatives of the Kalinga Police Provincial Office.
   All arrested persons and confiscated items were brought to respective arresting units, where charges were prepared against the suspects.

8 Cordillera PNP officers awarded

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Eight police officers from the different units of the Police Regional Office Cordillera were awarded Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal) for their “notable accomplishments” at regional police headquarters here on July 10.
   As guest of honor and speaker, lawyer Balmyrson M. Valdez, regional director of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Cordillera Administrative Region and Brig. Gen. Patrick Joseph G. Allan, police deputy regional director for Administration led awarding of medals.
   Medalya ng Kasanayan was awarded to Lt. Col. Ferdinand N. Oydoc officer-in-charge of Regional Head Support Unit, SMS Davis Pinkihan; SSg Fernando Pagaduan and Pat. Benlyn Kaye Langbay of Regional Learning and Doctrine Development Division for their “significant contribution to the administrative trust of PRO COR” that resulted in the ranking of RLDDD, PRO COR, as no. 1 in Directorate for Human Resource Doctrine and Development Division, unit performance evaluation Rating (UPER) for the months of February, March, and May, 2023.
   The same award was presented to Capt. Domingo Sario and SSg Nico Budikey of Regional Explosive Canine Unit for “invaluable service” rendered as instructors during classes of Police Explosive Reconnaissance Course, Class 2023 of Abra Police Provincial Office and Class 2023 of Baguio City Police Office.
   Recipients of same award were MSg. Retardo Abannag and MSg. Patrick Culbongan, Jr., of Baguio Cirty Police Office for Basic Internal Security Operations Course (BISOC) instructors of Class 2023 at Philex Mining Corporation in Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet.
   Meanwhile, certificate of recognition was presented to the Regional Comptrollership Division for being adjudged cleanest office of the week July 3–7.
   This was received by Col. Roland Sacyat, chief RCD.

Six Cordillera PNP officers cited, awarded

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Six police officers were cited and given medals here July 24 for notable accomplishments.
   Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo Jr. and regional director
Susan A. Sumbeling of National Economic and Development Authority Cordillera led awarding of PNP medals to the six officers from different units of the Police Regional Office Cordillera.
   The awardees proudly received their PNP medals during traditional Monday flag raising ceremony held here at Masigasing Grandstand in this regional plice headquarters.
   Col Gilbert A. Fati-ig, chief of Regional Police Strategy and Management Division and EMS Christian Boado were awarded with Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal) for their contribution that led to the 100% rating of RPSMD, PROCOR in “directorate for plans unit performance evaluation rating (UPER) for June 2023.
   Meanwhile, Medalya ng Kagalingan (PNP Medal of Merit) was presented to SMg Marzan Saguid and SSg Jomari Velasco of Baguio City Police Office for the arrest of the no. 7 top most wanted person in Baguio on Jan. 9 at Barangay Upper Quezon Hill.
   The same award was given to Lt. Dino Sagayo and PEMS Agosto Domeris of the Benguet Police Provincial Office for marijuana eradication that resulted in destruction of over four million marijuana plants at Sitio Sapa, Tacadang , Kibungan, Benguet on March 19–21.
   Certificate of recognition is presented to Regional Operations Division by Col. James Mangil, chief ROD, for being adjudged the cleanest office for the week from July 17–21.

Three retiring Cordillera PNP officers honored

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- To pay tribute to their hard work and long years of commitment to the Philippine National Police, the Police Regional Office Cordillera cited three retiring cops here at regional police headquarters July 21.
   Honorees were: Capt. Reynaldo M. Bawanta of Kalinga Police Provincial Office, PEMS Felipe R. Figuerres, Jr of Abra Provincial Police Office and PEMS Danilo G. San Mateo of Apayao PPO.
   The awards and plaque were presented by Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo Jr. and Command Group.
   Also, certificates of recognition were given to families of the honorees as “expression of appreciation for their unselfish and faithful support to the retiring cops, which made it possible for their lasting contribution to the PNP.”
   Also present during the activity were Brig. Gen. Patrick Joseph G. Allan, Deputy Regional Director for Administration; Col. Julio S. Lizardo, Chief Regional Staff; Col. Arnold D. Razote, Chief of Regional Personnel and Records Management Division; Col. Gilbert A. Fati-ig, Acting Chief of the Regional Plans and Strategy Management Division and other PROCOR key police officers.
   Representing the honorees, Bawanta thanked the PNP and PROCOR for helping them become honorable members of the organization.
   He urged Cordillera police to continue carrying out their sworn duties with integrity and discipline.

First dairy processing center to rise in Apayao

GROUNDBREAKING -- Officials of the Provincial Government of Apayao and Philippine Carabao Center attend groundbreaking ceremony for a dairy processing facility in Luna town in Apayao Monday, June 26. The facility will house modern equipment and facilities necessary for milk collection, processing, packaging and distribution. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Apayao)

By Leilanie Adriano

LUNA, Apayao -- A pioneering hub for the production and processing of dairy products will soon rise in Apayao province.
   Located at the Apayao Eco-Tourism and Sports Complex in here in Barangay San Gregorio, the facility aims to support growing dairy farming industry in Apayao and enhance the livelihood of local farmers.
   “Apayao really needs to have a dairy processing facility to regulate our dairy products. Our constituents really need it to sustain our livelihood programs. And it’s so nice to dream that someday, Apayao will produce high-quality milk, cheese, and even yogurt,” said Apayao Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang in a statement on Tuesday.
   As one of the country's pilot sites for the Carabao-Based Business Improvement Network (CBIN),    Apayao received an initial P10 million worth of assistance from the office of Senator Cynthia Villar in 2022 for the initial construction of a dairy box, along with the provision of 71 heads of dairy carabaos, two motorcycles, equipment, capability building training and other technical support services to facilitate production, processing, and marketing of dairy products.
   As a counterpart, the local government unit provided a forage area and housing requirements.
   Once operational, the dairy facility is expected to streamline the production and processing of dairy products, ensuring that high-quality standards are met.
   It will also house modern equipment and facilities necessary for milk collection, processing, packaging, and distribution.
   By centralizing these operations, the facility will optimize efficiency and reduce costs, ultimately benefiting both the producers and consumers.
   In addition, the project aims to address the challenges faced by local farmers by providing training and technical assistance.
   In partnership with the Philippine Carabao Center, local farmers will undergo basic skills training on carabao management, feeding, and breeding, as well as increasing milk production and improving the overall quality of their herds.
   Following the conduct of a groundbreaking ceremony on June 26, PCC Region 2 Regional Director Rovina Piñera expressed her gratitude to the Apayao government officials who pursued the project.
   “It’s so nice to work with the Apayao government. All transactions went smoothly and there is no politics involved. I hope that someday, Apayao will become the best CBIN site in the northern region,” said Piñera in an interview Tuesday as she vowed the PCC’s all-out support for the project.
   Earlier this month, at least 40 eligible farmers started attending a seven-month Farmer Livestock School on Large Ruminant Production with PHP3 million in funding from the provincial government.
Apayao is among the top raisers of buffalo in the Cordillera Region with 18,175 heads as of July 2022 based on the latest livestock survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority. -- PNA

Nueva Vizcaya pushes better, faster WiFi

By Leander C. Domingo

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya -- Pushing for digital transformation as well as bridging the digital divide, Gov. Jose Gambito is bent on boosting internet connectivity in all 275 barangay (villages), particularly in the upland areas, for a faster flow of information, programs and services for Novo Vizcayanos.
   Gov. Jose Gambito said the "Wi-Fi sa Barangay" project is one of his development agenda in order to increase public internet access in all the villages of the province, many are located in the agriculture-rich mountain areas.
   "Our partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will pave the way for the realization of our Wi-Fi sa Barangay project," he said.
   Earlier, Gambito conferred with DICT Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) Director Pinky Jimenez and the DICT Nueva Vizcaya Officer In Charge Provincial Director Johanna Tulayan for this development agenda for the province.
   The governor said the DICT delegation during their recent visit to the provincial capitol here presented some of the programs and projects that the provincial government may avail from the said department.
   "We already have our ICT facilities and infrastructure in the provincial government to start with but we need upgrading that will further strengthen internet connection," Gambito said.
   He said the provincial government is hopeful that their initial meeting with the DICT officials will pave the way for the realization of full digitalization of the province.
   "We believe that through the support of the national government and the relentless efforts of the provincial government to bring vital services to the barangay level, Nueva Vizcaya is geared to a new age of progress," Gambito added.
   The governor also assured Jimenez of the provincial government's support for all DICT programs and will work hand in hand with the department in uplifting the ICT conditions in the province of Nueva Vizcaya.
   "It will be a momentous occasion for our beloved province to mark a significant step forward in our efforts to build a more connected and digitally empowered community," Gambito said.
   As the province of Nueva Vizcaya is also tagged as the agricultural trading center in Region 2 and Northern Luzon, the governor said with the provincial government's Wi-Fi project, "digitalization of transactions, trade and communications in and out of the area will be strengthened."
   Gambito said benefits of the project will extend far beyond the convenience of free Wi-Fi access.
"We will strengthen online payments and connect customers with suppliers more easily and there will be no need to even come physically transact with public or private establishments or simply purchase goods or items," he said.
   The way people live, work and communicate was radically changed by the pandemic and gave importance to virtual connectivity and access to information, "but this is not only about connectivity but also a fundamental human right," Gambito said, being a lawyer by profession.
   "With our Wi-Fi sa Barangay project, we are taking a bold step toward bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all members of our community have access to the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century," Gambito said.

Vice governors’ league to push Benguet ecotourism

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The 82-man League of Vice Governors of the Philippines pledged to help promote Benguet as ecotourism destination in the country to boost the province's development.
   Benguet played host last week to the 93rd National Assembly of the league themed: "Policy Development: The Vice Governors in Action."
   Gov. Melchor Diclas said such gatherings of local government units and private sector in the province will inform foreign and domestic tourists of many beautiful locations in Benguet.
   “Benguet is lucky it is also getting a lion's share from the tourist arrivals of Baguio City,” he said, “but what is important at this point is that the province is now being given equal exposure like what is being given to Baguio City, which is a chartered city within the province.”
   Vice Gov. Ericson "Tagel" Felipe expressed gratitude to his fellow vice governors nationwide for choosing Benguet as the host of its national gathering that allowed them to appreciate the good environment, rich culture and peace-loving people of the province.
   Felipe aggressive promotion of Benguet as a pristine tourist destination and a must-see place because of its natural grandeur will be sustained.
   Aside from holding lectures and seminars, vice governors visited tourist sites and were amazed at the natural beauty of the province.
   Provincial board member Marie Rose "Betbet" Fongwan urged the vice governors to help promote Benguet with their constituents to consider visiting the province to spur economic growth.
   Benguet is considered the Salad Bowl of the Philippines since it is source of more than 80 percent of highland vegetables sold in the country.
   It is also the source of local strawberries also being sold in markets.
   Benguet is also home of major cut-flower and vegetable farms located in the province's 13 towns apart from the existence of privately owned eco-tourism destinations.

Baguio one of Phl sites for PhilHealth program

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY was chosen as one of the first seven primary care networks in the country to implement on a “sandbox” or experimental basis Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)’s            Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) program innovation aimed at improving primary care financing.
   The program innovation will allow Baguio, four provinces and two private health providers “to have advanced payments or frontloading of funds even before services have been rendered,” according to the joint press statement from the PhilHealth and the Dept. of Health.
   “Konsulta PCPN will also only pay networks of primary care doctors and clinics, instead of the individual clinics like the regular Konsulta benefit.”
   As Konsulta primary care provider network (PCPN), Baguio together with the provinces of Bataan, Guimaras, Quezon, South Cotabato and private health care providers LiFE group and QualiMed which care for 2.3 million Filipinos are projected to be paid a total of P1.2 billion, which may be used to improve infrastructure, equipment, and staff compensation even before the first patient starts using services, the health agencies said.
   Mayor Benjamin Magalong thanked PhilHealth for choosing the city as pioneer PCN citing the program’s benefit for the city’s populace in view of the rising costs of medicines, laboratory and medical procedures in private hospitals.
   The mayor together with Acting City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes and Acting Asst. Health Officer Dr. Maria Lourdes Pakoy attended the program for the signing of the PCPN Service Level Agreement held June 19 in Manila.
   The program was attended by PhilHealth Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. and Health Secretary and PhilHealth Chairperson of the Board Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa.
PHilhealth and DOH said the PCN innovation is in line with Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act which defines “primary care” to be first-contact, accessible, continuous, comprehensive and coordinated; accessible at the time of need; with a range of services for all presenting conditions; and able to coordinate referrals to other doctors, clinics and hospitals in the healthcare delivery system, when needed.”
   “The UHC Act makes it the main responsibility of the DOH and local government units (LGUs) to make sure that the health care delivery system will make a primary care doctor, assisted by other health workers, available to each and every Filipino.
   Meanwhile, Filipinos have the right to choose primary care doctors, either from public or private clinics,” the agencies noted.
   “The current PhilHealth (Konsulta) primary care benefit package covers patient consultations, any of 13 laboratory and diagnostic tests as ordered by the doctor, and 21 common medications that can be prescribed according to medical needs. PhilHealth pays its Konsulta Package Providers an amount ranging from P500-750 per patient per year, on a reimbursement basis after services have been rendered,” the agencies added.

Program lessens teen pregnancies in Bauko town

By Saori S. Bayaona

BAUKO, Mountain Province – Health authorities here started a program to lessen rising teenage pregnancies/deliveries.
   This town’s Rural Health Unit recorded a decrease in teenage pregnancy/delivery rate here from 2020-2022 based on their annual monitoring.
   According to Lauren P. Dalmen, nurse of the Dept. of Health, a total of 66 cases, or two percent of teenage deliveries were recorded in 2020.
   In 2021, there were 34 cases, or 0.98 percent of teenage deliveries were reported. In 2022, there were 32 cases, or 0.95 percent.
   Dalmen said the effect of social media, vices (alcohol, smoking), lack of guidance, rebellion and curiosity was one of the many reasons for teenage deliveries.
   The decrease was attributed to the program “SaBaTa-BaTu Og-ogbo Toy-toya Isnan Anan-ak” (SHOTA) established in 2017 by a group of obstetricians from the RHU.
   Their partners included five municipalities Sabangan, Bauko, Tadian, Barlig, and Tubo, Abra. But in 2019, it was fully implemented to address the increasing teenage deliveries in Bauko.
   The program also aimed to solve HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, and vices.
   In 2017, the program was conducted in 12 schools in various barangays of Bauko. Unto; now, they have been conducting the program at least twice a day in every session to cover all four modules.
   The first and second module is conducted in the morning and the third and fourth module is held in the afternoon session.
   Module 1 contains lectures on adolescent health and development, Module 2 focuses on facts or bluffs regarding adolescent health, Module 3 discusses daily routines and risky moves of teenagers, and Module 4 discusses coping with teen challenges.
   The activity is conducted through lectures and open forums. Prizes are given during question-and-answer sessions.
   One of the schools they visited to conduct the program was Abatan National High School (ANHS).
According to Glory M. Pal-og, school head of ANHS, the program was intended for students to be aware of their health.
   She suggested the program conducted twice a year to see the progress.
   Students reportedly enjoyed the program as they were encouraged to learn more.
   She added activities included psychosocial and addressing issues experienced by students.
   “The program was very well participated by students. They enjoyed listening especially activities wherein they learn much, that’s why I observed they like more. There should be follow-ups so we would be able to monitor the progress.”
   Patricia B. Wangdali, school nurse of ANHS, said the program aimed to inform and educate students on issues of adolescence and being health conscious.
   “The program had an impact on the students as they were aware especially, that mental health issues were happening,” she said.
   A student leader from Abatan National High School said the program made them more aware of their environment and consequences of their actions.

Ilocos Region posts 528 Covid-19 cases

By John Michael Mugas

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — The Ilocos Region has 528 Covid-19 active cases,
latest data from the Dept. of Health bared.
   Some 251 Covid-19 infections were detected in Ilocos between June 18 and 24, the regional DOH said Monday, June 26.
   The DOH said in its weekly Covid-19 bulletin the new cases translated to 36 cases in a day, or 4.9 percent fewer than those reported the previous week.
   At least two of the new cases had severe and critical symptoms and one death verified due to the virus in the past week, the DOH said.
   Though there were fewer cases, the DOH in the region still reminded the public to wear “best-fitted masks, if possible,” make sure spaces are “well-ventilated,” and immediately isolate themselves if they experience COVID-19 symptoms.
   At least 18 Covid-19 patients were admitted to health facilities in the region as severe and critical cases, the DOH data showed.
   The healthcare utilization rate remained in the “safe” zone, with 33 of the 187 intensive care unit (ICU) beds set aside for suspect, probable, and confirmed cases occupied. For non-ICU, 134 of the 1,342 beds were also occupied, the DOH said.

Comelec sets charges vs double registrants for barangay, SK polls

By Stephanie Sevillano

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said it plans to file charges against voters who intentionally secured double or multiple registrations under the National List of Registration of Voters (NLRV).
   The Comelec made the statement alongside the conduct of a special Election Registration Board (ERB) hearing nationwide to address the issue of double or multiple voting registrations.
   This is still part of Comelec's preparation for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
   During the Laging Handa public briefing, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the Commission is looking into almost 120,000 voters who may have deliberately registered twice.
   "Mukhang sinadya po talaga nila na magrehistro muli. Mayroon po kaming mga nakita na gumamit ng ibang pangalan, iniba ang itsura, pero dahil pareho ang kanilang fingerprint, natuklasan at nakita po namin sa kanila, in fact po, 7,000 complaints na po ang naka-ready kami na i-file po noong last week pa. (It looks like they intentionally registered again. We have seen others who used other names, with different faces, but because they have the same fingerprints, we have discovered them. In fact, 7,000 complaints have been readied for filing since last week)," he said.
   Once finalized, the preliminary investigation shall be launched to determine who shall be facing election offense charges.
   Laudiangco said an act of election offense shall be penalized with six years of imprisonment, forfeiture of voting rights, and perpetual disqualification to hold public office, whether through election or appointment.
   Moreover, Comelec said the nationwide ERB hearing also intends to organize the NLRV by removing double or multiple registrations.
   To date, there are almost 498,000 voters with double or multiple registrations which are targeted to be arranged by this month.
   "Karamihan po diyan ay iyong mga lumipat ng tirahan, iyong nag-transfer na hindi nabura iyong dating registration; or nag-transfer po muli at iyong dating transfer ay hindi pa rin nabura (Most of these [figures] are those who changed their addresses, but with their the older registrations unerased, or those who transferred with previous transfer [records] not yet removed)," Laudiangco said.
   Unreported deceased voters shall also be removed once the civil registry provided its nationwide update.
   Meanwhile, the Comelec said in a separate statement it will also conduct its mall voting simulation for the upcoming BSKE next month.
   Laudiangco said the nationwide simulation shall only be done in select areas on July 15.
   These selected venues include SM Manila and Robinsons Place Manila for the National Capital Region (NCR), Robinsons Galleria in Cebu City, and SM Legazpi City in Albay. – PNA

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