Ifugao terraces rehab up to maintain it as world wonder

>> Monday, November 21, 2011

By Charlie C. Lagasca


BANAUE, Ifugao – With the success of Palawan’s Underground River in the New 7 Wonders of Nature search, Ifugao officials are stepping up efforts to rehabilitate the province’s world-famous rice terraces.

Although beset by lack of funds, Ifugao Gov. Eugene Balitang said local government units have been working hard to restore the centuries-old rice terraces, threatened by landslides and earthworms that cause soil erosion.

“We are also trying to drum up private sector support for the restoration of the damaged portions of the terraces,” he said.

Balitang said Ifugao Rep. TeodoroBaguilat and Sen. Francis Pangilinan are also spearheading moves to get local and international support through the recently launched “Save the Ifugao Terraces” movement.

Once touted as the eighth wonder of the world, the rice terraces have been deteriorating, prompting the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to include it among the world’s endangered heritage sites.

The restoration efforts though have been beset by the seeming lack of interest among the young Ifugaos.

But Balitang said they are addressing this by convincing the young generation to continue nurturing the terraces which, aside from providing livelihood to thousands of local farmers, is also one of the country’s tourism gems.

Balitang said they are still awaiting the release of a P20-million fund that they requested recently from the Office of the President to prop up the rehabilitation work.

Initially, Balitang said they need some P200 million to restore collapsed portions of the rice terraces in the towns of Banaue, Kiangan, Mayoyao and Hunguan.

However, he said the successive typhoons last September and October not only hampered their efforts but also ballooned the rehabilitation cost.

Last week, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala vowed to help in the restoration work by employing indigenous practices and promoting organic farming among villagers tilling the rice terraces.

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3 soldiers slain, scores hurt in NPA ambushes

BALBALAN, Kalinga – Army troops are now scouring mountains here in search of New People’s Army guerillas who ambushed a government military platoon in two incidents which resulted to the killing of three soldiers.

The soldiers were reportedly on their way to a medical-dental mission in a remote village here when they were waylaid by NPA rebels night of Nov. 12.

Slain were Cpl. Jeffrey de los Santos and Pfc. MicholleAlipio, both belonging to the 1st medical platoon of the 501st Infantry Brigade of the Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division. Both hailed from Cagayan.

A number of rebels were wounded in the ensuing firefight, the military said.

The Army deplored what it described as an inhuman act of NPA rebels for the attack on a relief mission.

The attack on the soldiers who were merely going to deliver relief goods to remote Dao-angan village in Balbalan town was something uncalled for and could not be justified by the rebels’ ideology, the Isabela-based Army’s 5th Infantry Division said.

“I am at a loss for words to express what I feel about it. Our men were merely transporting relief goods for our needy people in that remote part of our country when they were waylaid by the rebels,” said 5th ID chief Maj. Gen. Rommel Gomez.

The Army said the NPA attack was a violation of the Geneva Convention, which respects security of medical groups, regardless of political beliefs, when performing humanitarian missions such as relief and medial activities in the field.

The attack was the second in about three weeks. Last Oct. 19, suspected NPA guerillas also attacked Army troops while on their way to assist a medical outreach mission in Poswoy village, also in Balbalan town.

Last Nov. 13, several Army troops were escorting vehicles of relief goods and medicine for the joint relief and medical mission with ABS-CBN’s SagipKapamilya,Lions Club and the local government unit when a band of fully armed rebels waylaid them along the way.

Although outnumbered, the government troops fought back, managing to exchange gunfire for about an hour until the rebels retreated, the Army said, adding the NPA guerillas also sustained casualties.

Despite the incident, the relief mission still pushed through in neighboring Limos village in Pinukpuk town with about 200 villagers benefiting from it.

Villagers, who were still reeling from the recent onslaught of typhoons, also received some 220 bags of assorted foodstuff.

Meanwhile, the NPA’s LejoCawilan Command based in Kalinga admitted the communist group’s MarcialDaggay Command was responsible for the ambuscades.

KaTipon Gil-ayab, LCC spokesperson, in a prèss statement said in the first incident around 5 a.m. on Oct. 19, an NPA unit of the MDC ambushed a platoon of the 21st Infantry Battalion between SitioSassalong and SitioKobiil, in Barangay Poswoy, Balbalan where a certain Corporal Bagasin, the guide of the troops, was killed.

Gil-ayab said the government troopers were wounded either by bullets from the NPA or by stones and thorns as they fell down the cliff to a brook.

After the firefight, the NPA guerillas disappeared unharmed.

Another NPA unit from the same MDC ambushed another combat platoon of the 21st IB at 9:25 morning of Nov. 12, Gil-ayab said.

The ambush was staged at a mountain slope between the two barangays of Daoangan, Balbalan and of Baay, Pinukpuk, all in Kalinga.

Gil-ayab said two high-powered rifles – M16 and M203 – were seized by the Red fighters from the 21st IB.

He said two army troopers were killed while several others were wounded while there was no casualty on the side of the NPA.

The MDC is reportedly the Front Operational Command of the NPA in the North-West Kalinga Front.

The LCC, Gil-ayab said, is the overall operational command of the whole NPA in Kalinga.

He added elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were legitimate targets of NPA attacks as these “OplanBayanihan” troops were actually security forces of large-scale mining firms which would destroy the environment and expropriate ancestral lands to the detriment of indigenous peoples. – AD and Charlie Lagasca

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1 dead, 4 hurt in bus accident

By Christian D. Supnad


LAOAG CITY -- A person died while four others were injured when a bus collided onto a road wall here as it approached the Gilbert Bridge last week.

Police identified the victim as Rommel Benigno, a resident of Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte.

Injured were Pedro Domrique, the bus driver and resident of Barangay Navotas, Laoag City; Felipe Calsada of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte; Joan Pagdilao of Barangay San Mateo, Laoag City and Marissa Mateo, of Barangay 22, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

Investigation conducted by police said the accident occured when the driver lost control the vehicle while approaching the bridge with the vehicle colliding onto a concrete wall near the bridge.

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Relocation of hundreds of Mt. Arayat folks pushed

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — Officials from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Luzon have recommended the relocation of hundreds of residents living at the foot of Mt. Arayat in this province due to possible landslide and other natural disasters.

In a recommendation submitted to the Pampanga provincial government, the MGB said that living near the slopes of Mt. Arayat is not safe anymore as possible landslides or lahar flow may happen due to heavy downpour during typhoons and rainy seasons.

MGB explained that a huge volume of sediments such as pyroclastic materials, lava and huge boulders are found on the topside of the said mountain.

Geologists from MGB described the place as a permanent danger zone and “an accident waiting to happen.”

The recommendation came after officials and representatives from the Philippine Army, MGB, DPWH, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) found during the site inspection of the said area that possible landslides may occur in villages near Mt. Arayat.

The said inspection is part of an aerial survey and geological hazard study on the status of Mt. Arayat.

Geologist from MGB explained that these sediments were accumulated when this inactive volcano erupted 10,000 years ago.

Earlier, Orlando Pineda, chief geologist of MGB in Central Luzon, said the head of the landslide was observed at the mid-slope of the mountain, where the underlying soil is still soft and unstable.

“There are more rocks and soft soil that still block along the landslide path near the small creeks, that’s why there is a possibility that it will cascade again in Purok 7 and nearby areas. The landslide materials utilized the creek that drained towards this area, Purok 7. The area lies along this small creek,” he said.

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NBI investigates alleged harassment of lensman

SAN FERNANDO CITY - National Bureau of Investigation-Central Luzon Regional Office Director Ric Diaz assured legitimate media practitioners in Pampanga of an independent and impartial investigation on the alleged harassment by some of his agents against a purported tabloid photographer during a raid on a nightclub in Angeles City.

“I have ordered an in-depth investigation about it to avoid misperception of whitewash,” Diaz said, adding that his office will not tolerate such acts by his own men.

On the basis of a complaint from the Kamalayan Foundation that minors were employed in its premises, the NBI last November 10 raided the Stampede Bar along Don Juico Ave, Barangay Malabanias, Angeles City, -- not Fields Avenue, Balibago as reported in some accounts.

At least 10 entertainers were rounded up during the raid. They were taken to the NBI office for further investigation.

During the raid, a certain Bernard Galang, purportedly of People’s Tonight, was seen taking pictures of the bar workers.

Galang later complained of having been allegedly manhandled by NBI agents, shoved into a van, and told to delete the photographs he took of the raid.

Diaz, however, clarified that it was not the NBI agents that asked Galang to delete the pictures but the women from the Kamalayan Foundation and group of Inter-Agency Council Against Human Trafficking as well as the workers of Stampede Bar.

Witnesses on-site were reported to have said that Galang did not have the proper identification as a working mediaperson when he was taking the pictures.

“He only showed an old press card after he was accosted,” a witness said.

This, even as Diaz admitted that the head of the perimeter security during operation failed to control the crowd that almost mobbed the photographer.

He said those who attempted to gang-up on the photographer were all employees of the Stampede Bar who were agitated by his presence.

“Taking photos of women with their faces clearly shown during an anti-human trafficking operations is a human rights violation,” Diaz reminded media. “We should respect the rights to privacy of the subjects, most especially when minors are involved.”

Diaz said that while he supports press freedom, it should not be “misused or abused as to infringe on the human rights of others.”

He assured media groups in the province that his office will not be an instrument in the curtailment of press freedom.

“If ever, I’m the last person to do it,” Diaz said. – Punto Central Luzon

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Cosalan allots P2.25 M for bamboo development

By Joseph B. Zambrano


LA TRINIDAD, Benguet-- Bamboo, once regarded as the poor man’s timber, has now gained popularity with its various usage for reforestation of denuded mountains, for livelihood, use for furniture and even for food.

According to Benguet Rep. Ronald Cosalan, bamboo is stronger than steel in tension, stronger than concrete in compression and more stable than red oak.

“We are all familiar with bamboo. But not many of us know the peculiarities of bamboo. Studies also found that bamboo can help mitigate the negative impacts of climate change,” Cosalan said.

Moreover, it is a nutritious food, bamboo shoots are low in saturated fat and have very low cholesterol, good source of dietary fiber, protein, and a very good source of vitamins, he said.

In support to the propagation of bamboo, Cosalan bared that he has allocated an amount of P2.25 million for this year for bamboo development project which includes nurseries and for next around P2 million.

“I am asking the 13 municipalities of Benguet to apportion in their respective area a one hectare for bamboo forest,” he said.

“We should also plant bamboo along the Agno river for the to protect the water source for Ambuclao and Binga Dams,” Cosalan urged.

The Philippines has only about 52,000 hectares of land planted to bamboos today with hardly any replanting, according to the Philippine Bamboo Foundation (PBF).

During the last four years, the PBF has been rallying many towns and provinces nationwide to put up commercial bamboo forests or big bamboo plantations.

“The PBF headed by Edgardo Manda is helping us with our bamboo project and assured support for financial and technical help,” Cosalan said.

We are encouraging organized farmers' groups and agro-industrial firms to invest in the commercial farm production of bamboos, Cosalan added.

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Cordillera dengue cases down by 38 percent

byLito Dar


BAGUIO CITY—Cordillera dengue cases are down in the Cordillera but Department of Health dengue program coordinator Dr. Alexei Marrero said the public should not be complacent.

“Dengue prevention is a shared responsibility of all, although the number of cases is going down, we should not top efforts in preventing occurrence of dengue cases in our communities,” he said.

Marrero said rains still come and go, which means mosquito breeding sites still abound in surroundings so there is still a need for the public to practice the DOH advocacy on 4S, especially on destroying mosquito breeding sites and seeking early consultation.

The other two of the 4S habit are self protection measures and putting a stop to indiscriminate fogging.

Marrero said based on data of DOH cases of dengue in Cordillera is down by 38 percent, from 6,172 in 2010 to 3,791 this year.

Dengue cases are down in all provinces except those who were confined in hospitals within the region but reside outside Cordillera with a notable increase from 203 last year to 283 cases this year.

In Abra, there was a decrease from 376 in 2010 to 362 cases this year; Apayao from 199 to 34 or 83% decrease; Baguio City from 1,270 to 468 or 63 percent decrease; Benguet from 1,112 to 430 or 61% decrease; Ifugao from 1,092 to 98 or 17% decrease; Kalinga from 1,019 to 795 or 22% decrease; and Mountain Province from 856 to 511 or 40 % decrease.

However, there was an increase in deaths recorded at 17 cases this year compared to the 13 cases reported last year.

Age bracket of deaths ranged from one year old to 57 years old.

On dengue mortality per province, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga registered four cases each, two in Baguio City, one in Apayao and two non-Cordillera patients.

Meantime, the DOH, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology is also distributing ovicidal-larvicidal trap kits effective in fighting dengue carrier mosquitoes to pre-identified dengue prone communities in Cordillera.

According to Marrero, 15,000 OL trap dits were allocated for Baguio City, 6,000 to Paracelis, Mountain Province, 5,000 to Alfonso ListaIfugao and for Tabuk City Ifugao.

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Japanese eye solid waste power plant in Isabela

By Charlie Lagasca


BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya– Talks are underway for the establishment of a multibillion-peso, Japanese-funded solid waste power plant in Isabela amid the mounting waste disposal problem in the province.

The project, according to the provincial environment and natural resources office, could generate additional power through the waste-to-energy process for the province, which partly hosts the Magat Dam hydroelectric power project.

PENRO chief Geronimo Cabaccan Jr. said Japanese investors and experts are now conducting validation studies as to the volume of solid waste that the province accumulates to ensure the sustainability and economic viability of the project as well as its impact to the environment.

“The solid waste power plant would help ease the problem of proper disposal of solid waste such as household waste, construction and demolition debris, sanitation residue and waste from streets, which will be utilized to run the plant,” he said.

Cabaccan, however, said the provincial government and the project proponents have yet to finalize details, including the manner by which the solid waste would be collected from the different towns and brought to the plant site.

At least 22 of the province’s 35 towns and two cities are expected to benefit from the project.
The third largest province, Isabela, also the country’s leading corn producer and second to Nueva Ecija in palay yield, will also soon have its own paper mill to be built by a Korean-American consortium.

Gov. Faustino Dy III said the construction of the $100-million paper mill in Cauayan City’s former Monterey farm is expected to start in the first quarter of 2012.

The paper mill would utilize corn stalks and rice hay, usually treated as agriculture waste, to produce paper.

Isabela hosts a P740-million corn processing plant, said to be Asia’s largest, in Reina Mercedes town. The plant is owned and operated by the Mindanao Grains Processing Co. and Philippine Maize Federation Inc.

A P6-billion bio-ethanol plant is also being put up in San Mariano town by Green Future Innovation. The plant would be capable of producing some 100,000 liters of ethanol a day from sugarcane grown on an 11,000-hectare land in San Mariano.

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Coast Guard suspends Cagayan sea transport

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – The Coast Guard Wednesday suspended all modes of sea transport in Cagayan amid continuous rains.

Affected by the suspension included trips to and from the Isabela coastal towns of Maconacon and Divilacan as well as Camiguin and Calayan islands in Cagayan.

The Coast Guard office in Aparri, Cagayan cautioned fishermen against venturing into the sea due to the inclement weather.

Authorities also advised residents of coastal villages in northern and eastern Cagayan and the Pacific coast of Isabela as well as those living along riverbanks and mountainsides to evacuate to avoid strong waves and possible floods and landslides.

Meanwhile, the water level of Magat Dam along the Isabela-Ifugao border has again neared the spilling level, prompting authorities to resume releasing water from its reservoir. – Charlie Lagasca

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Council urges talks on Sagada water proj tiff

By Gina Dizon


SAGADA, Mountain Province -- The Sangguniang Bayan in their regular session Nov. 8 agreed beneficiaries would be consulted and informed on the controversial P36 million Boasaw water project here and how it shall be implemented.

A total of P18 million was already received by the local government unit from the priority development assistance funds of Sen. TeofistoGuingona 111 for Sagada waterworks early this year; and an additional P18 million projected to be sourced from the Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management Project 11 (CHARMP).

Need for consultation was one of the issues identified in Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 155-2011 ruling without action and returning the proposed Memorandum of Agreement forwarded by the Office of Mayor Edward Latawan identifying parties namely LGU of Sagada and the CHARMP, pending compliance of some documents and resolution of certain issues.

The SB resolution ruled that intended beneficiaries be clearly identified.

Said resolution implied the SB was not fully informed on what the Boasaw water works was all about and terms and plans of the P18 million sourced from Guingona.

Said resolution also forwarded that implementation by every barangay be considered in said proposal to CHARMP in case the fund is intended for the whole municipality; and that the amount be equally divided by the 19 barangays of the municipality.

Barangay captain Victoria Agnapan of Dagdag said she thought the Boasaw waterworks project was only meant for households of Barangay Patay Poblacion.

Further, the SB noted that the change in name as proposed by the municipal mayor from Sagada Domestic Water Supply Project to Tanulong Tribe Irrigators Association Water Service created confusion on who the real beneficiaries of the project are.

Communication from the mayor’s office cites theTanulong Irrigator’s Association as the one which shall manage said water system instead of the LGU, the SB noted.

With respect to the water source, the legislative body noted that the documents were lacking like notarized power of attorney for the person speaking in behalf of the Bacdayan family.

Water rights of Boasaw waters was reportedly registered in the name of Bacdayan et al.

The SB also asked for documents pertinent to the registration of the Buasaw Irrigators Association and a certification that the group was currently an active association and in good standing.

The legislative body in their resolution noted unresolved issues in the past relevant to the construction of waterworks involving the Boasaw water source to avoid wastage of public funds.

Boasaw had been an identified source of irrigation for northern barangays and domestic water for SagadaPoblacion through the years, with water funds sourced from CHARM among others.

Domestic water pipes have been disconnected and ‘disappeared’ from the water system however. Also, blue pipes meant for irrigation ofTanulong’s rice fields have also been disconnected and set aside near the irrigation canals leading along the way to Boasaw.

Madongo barangay captain Joseph Aclopen said farmers have to disconnect these as plant roots have grown inside the pipes causing clogging of water. Aclopen noted that implementors should have cemented open canals instead of laying out the blue pipes.

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Kidnapped Pakistani trader found dead

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga– The body of a Pakistan businessman who was kidnapped by three armed men wearing National Bureau of Investigation uniforms in Dinalupihan, Bataan on Monday night, was found in Floridablanca town this province the following day.

Senior Supt. Arnold Gunnacao, Bataan police director, said the victim, Mohammad ShahidNadeem, 32, was seized at the Dinalupihan public market by men who introduced themselves as NBI agents and asked for his papers.

Gunnacao said the armed men dragged Nadeem into an unlicensed XLT jeepney.

The following morning, Nadeem’s body was found near the Gumain River in Barangay Pabamlag, Floridablanca town.

A manhunt is on for the suspects, one of them identified as Delmar Dizon.

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Folk jittery over snake which bit farmer to death

By Christian D. Supnad


BACARRA, Ilcoso Norte -- Residents of this town are jittery of the presence of a dreaded snake after a farmer was bitten to death by a poisonous one last week.

Police reported that Wilmer Agonoy, 38 of Barangay Polangi was catching fish along a forested canal in the said barangay when he was suddenly attacked by a dreaded snake.

Police said the victim did not immediately seek treatment from a hospital so the venom immediately spread in his body after his hand as bitten. A few minutes later, the victim died.

Police said this was not the first time local residents heard of of snake- biting incident in the place, saying there had been an earlier victim of  snake bite in the barangay.

Local residents are now searching for the dreaded snake as the people have been alarmed by the incident.

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College students arrested smoking MJ at Burnham; another nabbed in park

BAGUIO CITY -- Security guards caught a 27-year old merchandiser and two college students smoking marijuana with three others in a dimly lit area at Burnham Park here Nov. 11 around 7:40 p.m.

Apprehended by Owen Hufana, MarcialCocoy and Christian Doton, all employed with the Interlink Security Management Company, were Armando P. Gilpo, 27, merchandiser, of Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan; John Paulo A. Magpantay, 18, 3rd year college student and Cesar Ian E. Rabang, 18, 2nd Year college student.

Gilpo and Magpantay are both residents of Barangay Labsan while Magpantay and Rabang are also residents of the city.

The three security guards were making their rounds at the Ibaloi Heritage Park of Burnham Park when they spotted a group of about six individuals standing in a poorlylig area.

As the guards moved toward the group, they smelled marijuana being burned; and as they get nearer, they noticed that the individuals were smoking what appearrf to be cigarette sticks.

Members of the group saw the approaching guards and tried to scamper away but the three suspects were caught.
Confiscated from Gilpo was a marijuana stick while confiscated from agpantay were two marijuana sticks.

Seized from Rabang were dried marijuana fruiting tops. The seized marijuana had a total weight of 4.03 grams valued at P110.

Urine samples taken from Gilpo, Magpantay and Rabang were reportedly positive of marijuana.

Meanwhile earlier, TeofanesPaclauna of the Baguio Civilian Volunteers against Crime and Kagawad Roland Padsingan of Rizal Monument here caught Anthony R. Castillo alias “Tolig,” 34 of Upper Magsasysay Barangay in possession of 3.10 grams dried marijuana fruiting tops valued at P77.50 at Chanum St.

Paclauna and Padsingan were on foot patrol when they accosted Castillo and grabbed him when he hastily tried to discard something from his right front pocket, which turned out later to be cannabis.

Castillo was apprehended in 2003 for illegal drugs, but was acquitted. In January 2009, he was nabbed anew for theft, and as soon as he got out of jail, he was again busted in June of the same year.

However, the drug case against him was dismissed.

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Manhunt launched vs killers of nine victims

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Regional police chief Benjamin B. Magalong has ordered cops to hunt down and throw in jail culprits behind the killing of seven victims and injuring of two in recent shooting and stabbing incidents in the region.

In Abra province, on Nov. 11, at about 8 p.m., a businessman identified as Eduardo A. Maribay, 50 of Zone 6, Bangued was shot by unidentified perpetrators along Partelo Street, Zone 2 in the capital town.

A police report said the victim was sitting inside his Isuzu Elf Truck parked in front of his store (Paula’s Store) and about to go home when he was suddenly shot.

The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds on his body and was rushed to Abra Provincial Hospital for medical treatment but pronounced dead on arrival.

Recovered from the crime scene were six spent bullets and two slugs of the same caliber while motive is still unknown.

On Nov. 8, at about 10:15 a.m., two utility workers of the Provincial Engineer’s Office were shot at SitioPalang, North Poblacion, San Juan town by unidentified perpetrators.

Victims were identified as Marlon E. Brioso, 37, married, of Turod, Culliong, San Juan and Renato B. Bersamin, 39, of So Palang, North Poblacion also of San Juan.

Initial investigation showed the victims with their supervisor and co-workers of PEO were conducting road clearing when they were shot by suspects.

As a result, Marlon Brioso sustained multiple gunshot wounds that caused his death while Renato Bersamin who sustained gunshot wound on his right hip was rushed to the Abra Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.

Police recovered seven spent bullets of Cal. 5.56, three fired bullets and one live of 12 Gauge shotgun.

On Nov. 8, at about 7:25 a.m., a businessman identified as Rene D. Bufi, 48 of Palicad, Pilar, Abra was also shot to death at Calaoi, Dalimag, San Isidro in the province by unidentified perpetrators.

A witness with five other students were on their way to their school when they came across the victim riding a red Honda motorcycle.

After a few minutes, the students heard several gunshots and later saw the lifeless body of the victim.

A police team recovered four spent bullets and a live one of Cal. 45.

On Nov. 6, at about 3:30 p.m., a driver identified as Amelito C. Polig, 48 years old, married was shot to death at Barangay Bliss-Angad, Bangued, Abra allegedly by JojoBuenafe, both residents of Barangay Bliss-Angad, Bangued.

The victim was reportedly on board a Mercedez van when shot at close range by the suspect who immediately fled aboard a black Starex van bearing plate number GSX-579.

Police brought the victim to APH but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician while the vehicle used by the suspect was found abandoned at the Shell gasoline station at Rizal Street, Zone 7, Bangued.

Police recovered one empty shell of Cal. 45 at the crime scene.

On Nov. 5, 2011 at about 5:15 p.m., a farmer identified as Reynaldo B. Labay, 48 of SitioDacwang, Paganao, Lagangilang, Abra was shot to death by still unidentified perpetrator/s.

The victim was on his way home from his “kaingin” at SitioDacwang, Paganao, when he was suddenly fired upon by unidentified suspect/s.

The victim immediately didedafter being shot in the neck while perpetrators fled after the crime. Motive still unknown.

On Nov. 4, at about 7:45 p.m. a helper at Balderas Grocery identified as Nick T. Belisario, 17 of Cosili, Bangued, Abra was also shot to death in front of the Balderas grocery at the corner of Rizal St. and Pratt St., Zone 5 in Bangued.

Investigation revealed that prior to the incident, the victim was arranging empty bottles in front of the Balderas grocery when an unidentified man fired at his head.

The victim was immediately rushed at the APH for medical treatment but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Found at the crime scene were two fired slugs of Cal. 9mm. In Benguet, on Nov. 4, at about 10:45 p.m., a private miner was stabbed by another miner in a drinking session at the house of their financier at Riverside, Balatoc, Virac Itogon town.

The victim was identified as Wayland D. Awanan, 54 of Alab, Bontoc, Mt. Province and presently residing at Riverside, Balatoc, Virac, Itogont while the suspect was identified as Glen A. Ag-aya, 27 of Sadsadan, Bauko, Mt. Province and resident of Riverside.

Police investigation revealed the victim was having a drinking session at the house of their financier Anton Simongo with Gabriel Bocling, James Balaw-ing and a certain Gabriel when after consuming two bottles of Emperador lights, the suspect arrived and their financier gave him P200 pesos to buy two bottles of Emperador Lights but the suspect did not return prompting the victim to look for him at their shanty and where they had an altercation that provoked the suspect to get a kitchen knife and stab the victim.

As a result, the victim sustained multiple stab wounds on his chest and left armpit and was immediately brought tot Baguio General Hospital by his companions for medical treatment while the suspect went hiding after the incident.

In Apayao, on Nov. 5, at around 6:30 p.m., a farmer identified as HadjieDangaoBaselig, 26 of Bulu, Kabugao, was shot to death by unidentified suspect in the barnagay..

Based on the investigation conducted, the victim and his wife were about to sleep when the suspect armed with a shotgun suddenly appeared from their open window and shot the victim.

As a result, the victim sustained gunshot wounds on his abdomen that caused his death. Investigation is still being conducted.

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Another Cordillera town bans spitting

LAMUT, Ifugao– This town is the latest addition among Cordillera municipalities which have banned spitting in public places.

The municipal government approved an ordinance prohibiting betel nut “momma’’ chewers from spitting their reddish sputum in government offices and buildings, plazas, streets, waiting sheds and other public areas.

Violators face a fine of P150 for the first offense, P300 for the second offense, and P500 or community service for the third offense.

Betel nut chewing has been a tradition among Ifugaos since time immemorial.

In approving the ordinance, Lamut town officials said spitting of betel nut is “unsanitary and pollutes the environment.’’

“The ban protects the health and general welfare of (our) constituents by providing them with a clean environment,” they said.

Warning signs and spitting bins have been placed in public areas across Lamut town.

The local law also requires public vehicles to have spitting bins.

Baguio City and Mt. Province’s capital town of Bontoc along with the municipalities of Lagawe, Kiangan and Sabangan earlier had banned spitting in public places.

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Five wanted persons with warrants nabbed

CAMP BADO DANGWA, LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Police recently arrested five persons with warrants for different crimes last week.

In Alfonso Lista, Ifugao on Nov. 11, around 7:30 p.m., police led by Insp. Alex Kimmayong arrested a farmer identified as Ronald D. Angelo, 26 of BArangayBangar in the town for rape.

Judge Rufus Malecdan of the Regional Trial Court 15, Alfonso Lista, issued the warrant for his arrest with no bail recommended.

Kimmayong was later incarcerated at the district jail in the town. On Nov. 11 at about 8 a.m.Lagawe town police led by Senior Insp. Auiono P. Bayangan nabbed Romnick P. Cacliong, 22t of Barangay Cudog for acts of lasciviousness.

The suspect was arrested at Cudog following a warrant issued by Judge Joseph. P Baguilat of the Regional Trial Court 14 for his arrest.

Cacliong was subsequently committed at the district jail in Kiangan town.

On Nov. 8, at around 4:15 a.m., Jericho T. Talingdan, 40 of Bayay, Cayapa, Langangilang, Abra was arrested by town police led by Senior Insp. Angelito D. Mendoza in the area for estafa.

Judge Corpus Alzate of Regional Trial Court, Branch 1, Bangued issued the warrant for his arrest.

On Nov. 8, at about 5:20 p.m., Kapangan, Benguetpolice arrested Inston A. Lucio of Barangay Cuba for scts of lasciviousness.

Lucio was arrested at his residence at Banig, Tawang, La Trinidad, Benguet by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Adolfo R Malingan, presiding judge of Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Kapangan-Kibungan, Benguet, First Judicial Region.

A bail bond of P12,000 was set for his temporary liberty. N Nov. 4, at about 10:15 a.m., an overseas worker identified as Shirley D. Cabbab,48 of Sappaac, Bangued, Abra was arrested provincial police led by Chief Insp. Salvador Claro at Barangay Sappaac, Bangued for estafa and large scale illegal recruitment.

She was nabbed at her residence following an arrest warrant issued by Judge Alzate.

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Ifugao starts construction of modern provincial hospital

By Vency D. Bulayungan


LAGAWE, Ifugao--The provincial local government unit has started construction of a state- of- the- art hospital here.

Jonathan Pahigon of the Provincial Engineering Office, who is in charge of provincial civil works for health here, said that the project has been bided out last May and the notice to proceed the construction has been issued to the winning contractor.

Pahigon said the project is a three storey building with a length of 113 meters occupying a two hectare area located above the Ifugao Provincial Police Office here. Targeted to be completed on June 29, 2012, the Ifugao General Hospital, will house all the services of a tertiary hospital.

The rough estimate needed to complete said hospital is P328 million.

According to Pahigon, the third floor consists of private, semi private administrative office while the second floor accommodates the hospital/clinical services and the first floor is the operating, delivery complex, emergency rooms and others.

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Army, Paracelis LGU hold Med mission for 353 folks

By Andrew Doga-ong


PARACELIS, Mountain Province -- Some 353 indigent villagers in remote barangay Palitud here were beneficiaries of a medical and dental mission by the 54th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and municipal governmenthled here recently.

Of the 353 beneficiaries, 304 were provided with medical services such as consultation and circumcision while 45 others were given dental services mostly on tooth extraction.

The Army’s skilled “soldier-barbers” also provided free haircut to some of the residents.

The Philippine Army provided the medical and dental doctors coming from its 5th Infantry Division under the command of Maj. Gen. Rommel Gomez while the local government unit of Paracelis provided medicines.

The LGU of Paracelis saw the need to collaborate with other sectors such as the military to realize one of its programs of bringing health services to its barangays.

In its report, the 54th IB based in Mt. Province under Lt. Col. Steve Crespillo, said medical-dental outreach programs of the Army in partnership with LGUs and other sectors was a way of expressing the Army’s concern in promoting and supporting programs that enhance living condition of the populace.

Captain Victor Leopoldo, Civil Military Operation Officer said the 54th IB participated in about eight medical-dental missions mostly conducted in far-flung barangays of the province.
Meanwhile, Leopoldo said the SagipKapamilya of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. together with the Philippine Army will distribute this month relief goods to about 1,000 typhoon affected families in the towns of Natonin and Paracelis.

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Sony Experia phones debut in Sony Erickson Baguio expo

18 November, 2011 BAGUIO---Visitors to the three-day Sony Ericsson 3D Expo in SM Baguio will be the first in the country to preview two new Android smartphones from the Xperia™ range.

Making its debut at the 3D expo are the Xperia™ arc S and the Xperia™ neo V, two high-performance smartphones boasting of the best in Sony entertainment experiences. The Xperia™ arc S has an 8.1-megapixel camera featuring 3D sweep panorama, a Sony Cyber-shot™ innovation where panoramic 3D images can be captured and then viewed by connecting the phone to a 3D TV using the HDMI output. The smartphone also runs on the powerful 1.4GHz processor that speeds up media conversion and camera start-up to 25% more against its predecessor. Web page rendering is also up to 20% faster.

The Xperia™ neo V offers Google Talk with Video Chat right out of the box, as well as 3D sweep panorama camera technology. With its 5-megapixel camera with auto focus, geo-tagging and 16x digital zoom, the Xperia™ neo V also records and plays back video in HD quality. One can use its front-facing camera for video chats and self-portraits.

Both phones offer the best of Sony imaging and entertainment with their brilliant Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine. This brings vibrant and sharp image viewing and playback. Sony’s award-winning Exmor-R mobile image sensor enhances still images and videos even in low light conditions. The HDMI connector links the phones to HDMI-capable TVs for widescreen viewing enjoyment. For greater sound, Sony’s xLOUD feature enhances loudspeaker volume.

The full range of new Android smartphones is showcased in the Sony Ericsson 3D Expo which runs at the SM Baguio from today until November 20 (Sunday). The bestselling Xperia™ line of smartphones has sold over 22 million units worldwide to date.

“We offer beautifully designed smartphones – including the Xperia™ arc S and Xperia™ neo V – that also provide the consumer with a unique experience of the Android system. Our latest Xperia™ smartphones all run on the latest version of Android, and are packed with Sony technology, features and content that can only enhance their communication entertainment experience,” said Dennis Manzano, Sony Ericsson General Manager.

The expo also highlights the Sony Ericsson Christmas in 3D promo which gives consumers a chance to win one of three Sony 3D showcases and over P1 million worth of prizes. Buyers can get as much as three raffle tickets for the purchase of Xperia™ arc, Xperia™ ray, Xperia™ PLAY, Xperia™ neo V, Xperia™ pro and Xperia™ arc S. Prizes to be won in the Sony 3D showcase include a Sony Playstation™ 3, 1.2-m Full HD 3D Sony Bravia LCD TV, four Sony 3D glasses, P25,000 worth of Sony 3D Blu-Ray and Sony Playstation™ titles and a Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc smartphone.

To learn more, join the Sony Ericsson PH community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sonyericssonph.

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Irony of total log ban exemption


EDITORIAL


Green groups have expressed alarm over the pronouncement of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mines and Geosciences Bureau Leo Jasareno that President Benigno “PNoy” Aquino III will exempt the mining industry from Executive Order No. 23 or the total log ban in all natural and residual forests in exchange for support in its National Greening Program.

Less than two weeks ago President Aquino instructed four cabinet secretaries to craft a new mining policy and consult the people and stakeholders in finalizing it.

JaybeeGarganera, AlyansaTigil Mina national coordinator said the “pronouncement is irresponsible, questionable and suspicious.”

AnabellePlantilla, executive director of Haribon Foundation said the MGB-DENR pronouncement ignoredthe country’s commitment to the Aichi Targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity one of which is to reduce the rate of loss of all natural habitats including forests.

According to green groups, one of the most important ecosystems, this country’s remaining forests, provide ecological services such as a steady supply of water and clean air, the value of which is even more than all the mines combined. With this exemption, the groups said, the forests would be gone in mining areas.

The intent of EO 23, the groups said, was to preserve and protect the forest, and in the process, protect biodiversity, increase the water retention of forests, prevent erosion and floods, enhance the capacity of carbon-capture of our forests and to ensure water supply. “By giving a special privilege to the mining industry, this selective exemption of the log ban, in effect, makes the government unable to comply or implement the Climate Change Act and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.”

Rowena Bolinas, National Coordinator of AksyonKlimaPilipinassaid, “It is entirely senseless for a government to mandate, fund and execute a National Greening Program when the same drivers of climate change are allowed to operate unhampered in areas where carbon sinks are located.”

Another group of environmental advocates, Green Convergence said the National Greening Program would be contradictory and ironic when industries such as mining and logging are excempted.

Dr. Nina Galang, lead convenor of Green Convergence said, “The National Greening Program and mining are contradictory. How can the government claim to be concerned about our watersheds, our soil, our biodiversity by reforestation while destroying it with mining? A large mine destroys thousands of hectares in a span of a few weeks while it takes at least 15 years for a tree to grow and hundreds of years for a forest to reach its mature stage and perform all the functions we expect from it.”

Garganera concluded, “It is such an irony when you have a government agency like DENR who will privilege a destructive industry such as mining, at the expense of the rural poor, because the agency failed to implement its mandate, that of protecting and preserving the environment and natural resources, for the future generations.”

“The National Greening Program is an enviable conservation initiative by the Aquino administration. However, when national programs and policies are sullied by corporate greed and ignorant bureaucrats, people’s money go to waste”, Bolinas further added.

Meanwhile, these groups like the AlyansaTigilMunaawait the release of results of the Nov 15 presentation of studies and draft policy on the mining bills, saying they were expecting highly from DENR Sec. Ramon Paje, Climate Change Commission Usec. Lucille Sering, Presidential Advisers for the Environment, Neric Acosta and for Climate Change Bebeth Gozun.

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