Supreme Court suspends two Abra RTC judges

March 13, 2019, 2:46 pm

≪ Previous: Nars Padilla, Baguio’s ‘Santa Claus’ passes on

BANGUED, Abra -- The two regional trial courts (RTCs) in Abra are left with no judge to hear cases.

In separate orders, the Supreme Court (SC) ordered the preventive suspension of Judges Raphiel and Corpus, both surnamed Alzate, of Bangued RTC Branches 1 and 2, respectively.

It was learned that the two judges are distant relatives.

The suspension orders were promulgated last Feb. 12 and received by the judges last week.

The suspension orders followed Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin’s announcement that he would cleanse the judiciary of misfits starting with his home province.

Raphiel was ordered suspended for six months pending investigation of administrative complaints he is facing over nullity of marriage cases that he handled.

The high court extended the suspension of Corpus, who was suspended for six months in June last year also for administrative cases, for another six months.

The high tribunal denied Corpus’ motion to lift the suspension order for lack of merit.

The Office of the Court Administrator was tasked to tap temporary judges in the province, especially in view of the elections in May.

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POLICE ROUNDUP

March 14, 2019, 11:29 pm

≫ Next: The next flashpoint: South Pacific

≪ Previous: Supreme Court suspends two Abra RTC judges

Charges set vs man for death of wife in Tabuk

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – A man is now under investigation over the death of his wife after they were reportedly found along the roadside by a passing motorist here along Mapaoay, Ipil on Monday.

A police report said Jaybie Tamayao Andam, 25, married, laborer, presented himself to police and reported that his wife Veronica Ancheta Andam, 28, was allegedly hit by an unidentified vehicle.

Investigation disclosed that at 10 a.m. Monday, Gregorio Bactad Andres, 63, driver by profession, resident of Bado Dangwa, Tabuk City, was driving his vehicle towards Dumpsite when he spotted a man seated at the side of the road at FF Cruz construction site holding a woman lying on his lap who was apparently injured.

Andres stopped brought the two to Kalinga Provincial Hospital where Veronica was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Due to inconsistency of his statement, Jaybie is now under investigation as he claimed that he was not with the victim when they were found by Andres.

He was however positively identified and pinpointed by Andres that he was the lone companion of the victim at the time they were found.

Personnel were able locate blood splatters on the riprap near the area where the couple was found.

The Kalinga Provincial Crime Laboratory personnel investigated the site while the suspect is now under custody of Tabuk police while a case is being prepared against him.

2 bikers killed in Ilocos smash-up

By Freddie Lazaro

CAMP JUAN, Ilocos Norte – Two motorcycle riders died after their bikes collided on the national highway in Barangay Apatut-Lubong, Pinili, Ilocos Norte on Feb. 28.

Jepreh Taccad, Pinili police chief, identified the fatalities as Reynante Miranda, 31, the driver of a black Yamaha Mio Soul motorcycle, and Lance Aldrine Sanguir, a student who was riding a yellow Yamaha Mio motorcycle.

Investigators said Sanguir suddenly changed lanes and hit the bike of Miranda on the opposite lane.

Baguio student campers hurt in Itogon road crash

ITOGON, Benguet – Six grades 7 and 8 students of University of Baguio High School of nearby Baguio City were injured when the chartered jeep they were riding in fell on its side along the road here March 1 around 3:30 p.m.

Injured were Chester Gallardo, 12; Hannah Grace Osben, 13; Eshie Montes, 12; Ysa Lelis, 13; Marie Amansec, 13 and Ezra Zoe Cendana, 13.

A police report said the accident happened at Crosby Park, Virac involving the PUJ with plate number AYN 622 Baguio-Acupan route owned by William Tabcao and driven by Clifton Gano Paulo, 42, married, and resident of San Luis Village, Baguio City.

Investigation disclosed the PUJ ferried 20 students from UBHS of and were about to go home from a camping activity at Grosby Park when the accident happened.

A police report said the PUJ was descending the park’s one-way access road and gave way to upcoming vehicles by swerving to its left.

However, its front left wheel climbed into the mountain slope causing it to overturn and making it fall on its right side along the road.

As a result the injured six passengers were confined at Saint Louis Hospital in Baguio City while the rest were discharged after given treatment.

Bouncer catches cell phone thief inside bar

BAGUIO CITY – The quick response of a bar bouncer resulted to the arrest of a man who stole the cell phone of a drunk sleeping customer here March 3 around 2:50 a.m. inside Ampersand Bar here along Leonard Wood Road.

The victim named as Aldrin Biala Alabbang, 18 filed complaint for theft against suspect Dominick Mendoza Certes, 20, single here of No. 88 City Camp Central.

Investigation disclosed that the victim and his friends were having drinking session inside the bar when the suspect approached them then stole his cellular phone described as J7 Prime worth P12,000.00.

The bouncer on duty identified as Jomar Rubio Tablac saw the suspect placing the cellphone secretly in front of his waist as he hurriedly went out of the bar but was caught by the bouncer.

The victim only found out that he was victimized when they called his attention informing him about the incident.

Cortes was incarcerated at the city jail.

Boy, 7, killed in robbery attempt in Cagayan

TUGUEGARAO, Cagayan — A seven-year-old boy was allegedly killed by a laborer who tried to rob his house in Barangay Centro 1 in Lasam, Cagayan on March 3.

Maj. Arnel Acain said Mariano Rodico was arrested when he emerged from the house of the victim, Mark Anton Galapon, holding a bloodied knife.

Acain said Galapon was watching a film from a laptop in the room of his grandmother when Rodico entered and slit the boy’s throat. – Raymund Catindig

Charges filed vs man for mauling wife over jealousy

TABUK CITY – Charges for physical injury and Republic Act 9262 (violation against women and children) were filed against a carpenter for repeatedly mauling his wife claiming that he was having an affair with another man.

Police said latest mauling incident happened Monday around 10:20 a.m. at their house here in Barangay New Tanglag.

Victim was identified as Tessie Arelliano Basacoy, while the suspect was named as Abelardo Balasi Basacoy, both 47 years old. Investigation disclosed the victim was in the house of her son when the suspect, who was drunk, arrived and chased her out, pushed her down on the ground, tried to strangle her on the neck and pinned her down on her chest using his palms. As a result, the victim sustained slight injuries on her chest and left forearm.

The suspect also pulled her t-shirt and threatened to kill her but she managed to escape and went to New Tanglag Barangay Hall and reported the incident.

Respnding cops arrested the suspect in their house.

The victim said her husband always accused her of having illicit relations and sexual intercourse with another man and maltreating their children.

She added in 2017, she filed a complaint at the Tabuk City Prosecution Office against her husband for physical injuries and for maltreating their children but this was dismissed due to her affidavit of desistance.

A case for violation of RA 9262 was filed at the City Prosecutor’s Office against the suspect.

Driver found dead in Tublay

TUBLAY, Benguet – A driver was found dead lying on a pathway with blood oozing from his head here March 3 around 7 a.m. in Sayatan, Daclan.

Police proceeded to the place and identified the victim as Jessie Albis Ta-ao, 46, single, resident of the area.

Investigation revealed the victim was struck by a hard object on his head by still unidentified suspect/s. Investigation is still ongoing.

IFSU employee hurt in Lagawe road accident

LAGAWE, Ifugao – An employee of the Ifugao State University was injured when plywood from a vehicle fell down on her along the national road here at JP Rizal Avenue, Banao, Poblacion around 11:45 a.m., March 3 in front of CBM Restaurant.

The victim was identified as Daisy T. Pinkihan, 31, administrative aide of IFSU and resident of Liwon, Asipulo, town.

The driver of the vehicle that hit her was named as Michael Bugatti Amungao, 21 of Barangay Alicia, Aglipay, Quirino and presently residing at Canablog, Poblacion West, Lagawe.

Investigation disclosed the victim was driving her motorcycle towards Poblacion when her sandal fell along the road. The victim stopped and parked her motorcycle at the shoulder of the road and was about to pick her sandal when she saw the said motorized vehicle 50 meters away coming from Belongings Hardware.

She signaled the driver to stop but to no avail. Upon noticing the victim, the driver suddenly stopped his vehicle that caused the loaded plywood to fall on hitting the victim.

Responding police brought the victim to Natuwolan Clinic here but was referred at Panopdopan District Hospital in Bannit, Lamut. Both parties agreed to amicably settle the case among themselves.

2 drug suspects slain in Bulacan

SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan — Two drug suspects were killed in alleged shootout with police officers here dawn on Tuesday.

Marlon Garcia and an alias Raymond allegedly resisted arrest during a sting here in Barangay Mabalas-balas. The suspects reportedly pulled out their guns and shot at the officers, triggering a firefight that resulted in their death, according to Col. Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police director.

Probers said they seized from the suspects eight plastic sachets containing shabu, two pistols and a motorcycle.

Lasciviousness lands man in jail

BANGUED, Abra – A construction worker was arrested here Monday at Sabat, Sagap for acts of lasciviousness. Nabbed was Sonny Castillo Martinez a.k.a. Ontek, 42, resident of the area. This, after German F Ballesteros III, assisting judge of First Judicial Region, MTC of Bangued ordered his arrest and setting bail of P10,000 for his temporary liberty.

Army man arrested by peers for rape

TABUK CITY—A member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines was arrested here by his peers of the 503^rdBrigade Monday for rape. Nabbed was Roel Caymo Balingao, 26 here of Barangay Calanan. This, after warrant of arrest was issued against him by judge Nicanor S. Pascual, Jr. of RTC, Branch 25, Bulanao, Tabuk City with no bail. Balingao is now in jail at the Tabuk police station.

2 drug suspects slain in Bulacan

SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan -- Two drug suspects were killed in alleged shootout with police officers here last week.

Marlon Garcia and an alias Raymond allegedly resisted arrest during a sting in Barangay Mabalas-balas, San Rafael, Bulacan at dawn on March 3.

The suspects reportedly pulled out their guns and shot at the officers, triggering a firefight that resulted in their death, according to Col. Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police director.

Probers said they seized from the suspects eight plastic sachets containing shabu, two pistols and a motorcycle. -- Ramon Efren Lazaro

Laborer jailed for robbery, intimidation

ITOGON, Benguet – A man previously charged for coercion was nabbed here Monday for robbery with intimidation and jailed at Police Precinct 1, Ucab.

Arrested was Clarence Dominguez, 41 of Zambales, married, laborer, and resident of San Luis Extension, Baguio City.

Judge Danilo P. Camacho of RTC Branch 62 1st Judicial Region La Trinidad, Benguet earlier issued warrant against him for the latest crime and set bail bond of P100,000 for his temporary liberty.

Bizwoman nabbed in LT for operating without permit

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A businesswoman was arrested here Monday for operating without a business permit. Nabbed March 1 at IB 128 Betag, was Juana Fortunato Atiwag, 63, married, native of Masla, Tadian, Mountain Province and a resident of said address.

This, after warrant for her arrest was issued by judge Melita Amylesha G. Delson-Macara-eg of Municipal Trial Court, of La Trinidad, for violation of municipal ordinance no. 24-2007 (operating without business permit.)

Farmer arrested for arson in Tabuk

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Police arrested a farmer here March 1 for arson.

Nabbed at Barangay Nambaran was Julio N. Tuluan, 42, married after warrant was issued against him by judge Nicanor B. Pascual Jr. of RTC, 2nd Judicial Region, Branch 25, Bulanao, Tabuk City.

The judge set bail of P120,000 for temporary liberty of the suspect.

Motorbikes collide in Abra; 4 hurt

LAGANGILANG, Abra – Four persons were injured when the mtorcycles they were riding in collided here March 2 at Sitio Tammogong, Barangay Presentar.

The fist vehicle was driven by Vincent Bolaños Castañeda, 21, with back riders Briener Sumalnap Ubuagan, 27, construction worker and Dennis ArtiendaTamo, 15, out of school youth, all residents of Barangay Pawa.

The other was driven by Jeffrey Tuazon Trongco, 26, construction worker, here of Barangay Dalaguisen.

Investigation disclosed the first vehicle was was traveling north when the other came from the opposite lane resulting to the collision.

All sustained multiple injuries and rushed by responding cops to Abra Provincial Hospital here for treatment. Both motorcycles incurred undetermined cost of damages.

Man lands in jail for stealing goats

ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao – A driver was arrested here March 3 for stealing goats from a pen around 3 p.m. on March 3.

Barangay captain Jovito Valenzuela of Barangay Sto. Domingo immediately called the PNP hotline of the town informing they arrested the suspect who was caught in the act of pulling three goats from the pen owned by Edgar Dela Cruz Sr., 48, farmer.

Investigation disclosed Cruz Sr. ordered his son Edgar to check their goats at the pen some 200 meters away from their house when the latter saw a man pulling the ropes of their three goats being followed by other goats heading to his blue STX Yamaha tricycle with sidecar without plate number parked near the pen.

Edgar Jr. was about to confront the suspect who ran towards houses. Edgar Jr. informed his father and they reported the incident to barangay officials that resulted to the arrest of the suspect who was about to hire a tricycle going to Isabela.

The suspect was identified as Rene Cabanilla Amarga, 44, married, of Curifang Block 6, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. The suspect and his motorcycle are now under custody of Alfonso Lista police.

↧

The next flashpoint: South Pacific

March 14, 2019, 11:30 pm

≫ Next: Poll surveys / Gun violators / Fun run

≪ Previous: POLICE ROUNDUP

PERRYSCOPE
Perry Diaz

Since the end of World War II, the preeminent naval power in the Indo-Pacific region is the United States. However, in the past decade, China has been trying hard to catch up in numbers as well as in technology in the development of her naval forces. While she is still far behind the U.S.’s naval superiority, China is rapidly bringing her navy to within 10 to 15 years of reaching parity with the U.S.

But China’s naval build-up is not limited to building more warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers. She needs logistical supply centers spread around the world to make sure that her naval vessels can be replenished and re-armed without going back to China.

Since 2012 and under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has embarked on projecting power beyond her shallow offshore waters into the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Indeed, in 2017 China opened her first overseas military base in Djibouti. She calls it “logistical supply center.” With the capability to sustain 10,000 troops and warships in Djibouti next to the U.S. strategic base at Camp Lemonnier, China has established a strategic presence more than 9,000 miles from home.

And closer to home, China has reclaimed seven reefs and islets in the Spratly archipelago and built artificial islands over them. Three were militarized to accommodate aircraft, warships, missiles, and troops. These bases are just a hundred miles away from the Philippines, which has territorial jurisdiction over the Spratly Islands that are within her 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Debt-trap diplomacy

China is using the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) Initiative to gain economic foothold in various seaports in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea such as the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka and the Gwadar Port in Pakistan. Recently, China took a 99-year lease on Hambantota due to Sri Lanka’s inability to repay her huge loan from China’s debt trap. Pakistan has also fallen into China’s debt-trap diplomacy and pretty soon would take a 99-year possession of Gwadar.

Another project that would soon follow the fate of Sri Lanka is Kenya. If Kenya fails to begin repayment of a $2.3 billion loan for Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), China would seize the Kilindini Harbor, the biggest port in East Africa, which was the collateral for the Chinese loan.

A recent report said that at least 16 countries are vulnerable to China's debt-trap diplomacy, including Kenya, Pakistan, Zambia, Djibouti, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Tonga, Micronesia, Vanuatu, and the Philippines.

South Pacific

Vanuatu, an idyllic country consisting of a group of small islands in the South Pacific has also fallen into China’s debt-trap diplomacy. The two countries are now negotiating the establishment of a Djibouti-like “logistical supply base.” In China’s playbook, this logistical supply center would eventually be expanded to accommodate troops, aircraft, warships, and missiles that can reach Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Another country that China is eyeing is Papua New Guinea (PNG), which is just north of Australia. The two countries are currently negotiating the possibility of a military base in PNG. It’s interesting to note that during the early years of the Obama administration, PNG offered to host U.S. naval and air bases for free! The U.S. declined the offer.

China’s attempt to project power in the South Pacific is making Australia, United Kingdom, and France nervous. But the U.S. seems unperturbed. The U.K. and France still have some possessions in the South Pacific. And now China is attempting to pitch tent in the neighborhood.

France is concerned about China’s interest in the South Pacific. France considers herself an Asia-Pacific nation because of her vital interests in the region. Her territories include French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna Islands. Combine this to her territories in the Indian Ocean (La Reunion, Mayotte, Kerguelen, etc.) that makes France an Indo-Pacific nation as well. France has deployed a number of warships in South Pacific to protect her territories.

South China Sea

What is interesting is that the deployment to the South China Sea is officially a joint US/UK mission. The interoperability of the US and UK naval forces in the South China Sea demonstrates the longstanding military relationship between the two countries.

Another important multi-lateral naval exercise is the Malabar naval exercise involving US, India, and Japan’s warships, submarines, and aircraft that kicked off in the Bay of Bengal. Australia wanted to participate as an observer but was not included due to China’s objection. The first Malabar exercise took place in 1994 as a bilateral exercise between the US and Indian navies. A few years ago Japan joined Malabar exercises as a permanent member.

But that’s not the end of Australia’s effort to join her allies in joint naval exercises. The last biennial Talisman Saber joint military exercise between the US and Australia began in June 2017. It was aimed at sending a message to both allies and potential foes, particularly China. The exercise involved 33,000 US and Australian troops.

In another joint exercise, the US Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JSDF) held their 13th annual Iron Fist Exercise last January 2018. The extensive five-week long exercise held in Southern California.

In a multilateral military exercise following the Iron Fist Exercise, Australia and Japan joined the Philippines and the US in the 34th annual Balikatan exercises in Luzon, Philippines.

There are several more joint exercises, in which the US is involved, to wit: South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Interestingly, the US has mutual defense treaties with five of them, namely, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and Thailand. In addition, the US has treaty obligation to defend Taiwan from external attacks.

With all the joint exercises that the US is involved in, she is basically on virtual “war footing” all year round, ready to go to war in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea on short notice. However, the U.S. doesn’t have presence in the South Pacific, a region where America’s naval forces battled and defeated the superior Japanese naval forces in World War II. It was the turning point in the war. It’s sad that the South Pacific, rich in history, could fall prey to the imperialistic expansion of China.

With China’s aggressive effort to project power in the South Pacific, it won’t be long before she establishes bases in Vanuatu, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and other islands in the region. The U.S. and her allies might wake up one day and find themselves face to face with the enemy in the next flashpoint: South Pacific.(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

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Poll surveys / Gun violators / Fun run

March 14, 2019, 11:31 pm

≫ Next: ‘Wang-wang’ and ‘momos’

≪ Previous: The next flashpoint: South Pacific

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

BAGUIO CITY – The “findings” of a local poll survey in Baguio bared incumbent Mayor Mauricio Domogan and retired Philippine National Police Director Benjamin Magalong are leading the congressional and mayoralty race respectively in the summer capital for the coming May elections.

According to the “survey,” Domogan took the lead with 53.40 percent in the congressional race, followed by incumbent Baguio Rep. Marquez Go with 32.28 percent, former Mayor Peter Rey Bautista with 7.52 percent, former Rep. Nicasio Aliping with 5.83 and Rafael Wasan with 0.97 percent.

In the mayoralty race, Magalong took the lead with 35.19 percent, lawyer Edgar Avila with 27.18, Leandro Yangot with 11.41, incumbent Vice Mayor Edison Bilog with 10.44, lawyer Jose Molintas with 9.71 and Tony Boy Tabora with 3.88.

Of those who took the poll survey, 52.43 percent are reportedly male and 47.57 female while 95.39 percent of these are registered voters and 4.61 are not.

***

According to this survey, 25.49 percent of those who took the poll are Ilocanos, 17.96 are Kankanaey, 16.5 are of mixed ethnicity, 8.25 are Ibaloy,7.53 are Tagalog, 7.04 are Bontoc, 5.83 are Pangasinense, 3.16 are Ifugao, 1.94 are Bicolano, 1.46 are Kapampangan, 1.21 are Kalinga while the rest are from Mindanao.

As to age bracket, 17.72 percent are between 31 to 35 years old, 17.23 percent between 26 to 30, 16.99 are between 36 to 40, 19.95 between 21 to 25, 9.47 between 41 to 45, 7.04 between 51 to 55, 5.58 between 46 to 50, 5.10 between 56 to 60, 4.85 aged 66 and above, 3.64 between 61 to 65, and 2.43 between 18 to 20 years old.

On religious affiliation, 63.59 percent are Roman Catholic, 14.32 are Protestant, 14.37 Baptist, 1.94 are Iglesia ni Kristo, 1.46 are Seventh Day Adventist, 1.21 are Islam, 0.24 are Methodist, while the rest were of other religions.

When it comes to educational attainment, 58.25 are college graduates, 15.29 finished their masters and/or doctorate degrees, 13.35 took postgraduate courses, 7.28 are high school graduates, 2.43 finished technical or vocational courses, 0.97 finished elementary school and another 2.43 finished other courses.

***

An article about the survey e-mailed to the Northern Philippine Times did not say who made the survey or who commissioned it.

Suffice to say, surveys are surveys and nothing is over until it’s over as a tired cliché goes. Preferences of people are fickle until voting day so candidates have to be visible and present themselves well to voters particularly their programs to uplift lives of people.

Somehow, maybe the people of this Banana Republic are getting more discerning in whom to vote in national and local levels this coming elections.

***

People should by now have an idea who the “clean,” dedicated and competent guys are and who are not. It the corrupt, unqualified and the dumb still get elected to public office, then we can say constituents of this blighted nation deserve it.

Then maybe, we can ask China to take over the country and make all corrupt officials face the firing squad. Anyway, they have taken almost all this nation’s islands in the West Philippine Sea, err China Sea with nary a whimper from concerned government officials.

Lest any government nincompoop think of filing sedition charges against this jaded newsman for saying these, then maybe, they can take a cue from Presidential Spokesman Sal Panelo about the meaning of hyperbole.

***

Despite the gun law of the Commission on Elections as the May polls near, hard-headed individuals are still violating it and getting arrested for it.

A few days ago, a certain Oliver Wakas Biteng, 44, miner, native of Fidelisan, Sagada, Mt. Province and resident of Fatima, Ucab, Itogon, Benguet was arrested near his residence by police for carrying an unlicensed Cal. 45 pistol loaded with seven bullets.

***

In Tayum, Abra, police also arrested Amor Quesgay Ugbos, 44, jobless, and resident of Lapat-balantay, Tineg after failure to present documents for carrying a CZ 75 9 mm pistol with one magazine loaded with 15 bullets at a Comelec checkpoint along Abra-Kalinga Road, Poblacion, Tayum on Tuesday.

Police Cordillera regional director Chief Supt. Rolando Nana said they have violated not only Republic Act 10591 known as the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, but also the Comelec gun ban.

Charges against Biteng and Ugbos were filed in court and they are now under the custody of the concerned units.

Nana had ordered all city and provincial chiefs of police to implement 24/7 checkpoint operations in the region this election period.

He also reminded the public, especially gun owners that permits to carry firearms have been cancelled. He urged gun owners/handlers to surrender their firearms to authorities for safe keeping.

***

A 3k and 5k Run Happy foot race will be conducted in Baguio from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. today (Sunday, March 17).

The foot race, which will allow free registration, will start along Lake Drive in Burnham Park, with the theme “A Breath of Fresh Air.”

Upon finishing, cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 males and top 3 females, while medals will be given to the top 12 finishers.

Trophies will also be given to the two biggest groups that will register, while the first 500 race finishers will also get a free t-shirt upon finishing.

For registration details and inquiries please contact Rosario Velasco-Alberto, the race organizer and race director, at mobile telephone number 09177450378 or at the registration center located at the entrance gate of the Laperal Building located along Session Road.

Walk Happy, Baguio City is an advocacy campaign that encourages walking and responsible tourism.

The campaign promotes carpooling and the use of existing public transport systems to reduce our carbon footprint.

The advocacy campaign was initiated by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB), Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) and Baguio Conventions and Visitors Bureau (BCVB) in cooperation with The Workshop for Infinite Media, Inc.

↧

‘Wang-wang’ and ‘momos’

March 14, 2019, 11:33 pm

≫ Next: Ex-Pangasinan mayor Villar, 72

≪ Previous: Poll surveys / Gun violators / Fun run

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

Of those who took the poll survey, 52.43 percent are reportedly male and 47.57 female while 95.39 percent of these are registered voters and 4.61 are not.

***

An article about the survey e-mailed to the Northern Philippine Times did not say who made the survey or who commissioned it.

Somehow, maybe the people of this Banana Republic are getting more discerning in whom to vote in national and local levels this coming elections.

***

Despite the gun law of the Commission on Elections as the May polls near, hard-headed individuals are still violating it and getting arrested for it.

***

Charges against Biteng and Ugbos were filed in court and they are now under the custody of the concerned units.

Nana had ordered all city and provincial chiefs of police to implement 24/7 checkpoint operations in the region this election period.

He also reminded the public, especially gun owners that permits to carry firearms have been cancelled. He urged gun owners/handlers to surrender their firearms to authorities for safe keeping.

***

A 3k and 5k Run Happy foot race will be conducted in Baguio from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. today (Sunday, March 17).

The foot race, which will allow free registration, will start along Lake Drive in Burnham Park, with the theme “A Breath of Fresh Air.”

Upon finishing, cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 males and top 3 females, while medals will be given to the top 12 finishers.

Trophies will also be given to the two biggest groups that will register, while the first 500 race finishers will also get a free t-shirt upon finishing.

Walk Happy, Baguio City is an advocacy campaign that encourages walking and responsible tourism.

The campaign promotes carpooling and the use of existing public transport systems to reduce our carbon footprint.

↧

Ex-Pangasinan mayor Villar, 72

March 14, 2019, 11:35 pm

≫ Next: Couple die in Apayao attack

≪ Previous: ‘Wang-wang’ and ‘momos’

By Eva Visperas

STO. TOMAS, Pangasinan — A former chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board, who also served as mayor of this town, died on March 1.

Antonio “Bebot” Villar Jr. passed away at around 10:20 p.m. at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. He was 72.

Villar was mayor of this town for 23 years, making him the longest-serving mayor of Pangasinan.

A former president of the Pangasinan Mayors’ League, he was consistently chosen as an outstanding municipal mayor.

Villar was appointed by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as assistant secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications and head of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group.

Villar served during the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III as chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board.

He was awarded the Order of Lakandula in 2009.

Villar is survived by his wife Vivien, also a former mayor of this town, daughter Marie Antonnette Villar-Pescador and grandchildren Toni, Gari and Aljo.

Villar’s younger brother Reynaldo is a former chairman of the Commission on Audit.

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Couple die in Apayao attack

March 14, 2019, 11:36 pm

≫ Next: Edict on Panagbenga fest pushed to stop controversies

≪ Previous: Ex-Pangasinan mayor Villar, 72

CONNER, Apayao-- A farmer and his wife were gunned down here on Feb. 28.

Police said Menardo Kaclay, 74, and his wife Leticia were shot several times by unidentified men who entered their house in Purok 5, Sitio Tawini, Barangay Talifugo at around 11:20 p.m.

Initial investigation showed that Leticia was watching TV at the house of her neighbor when she heard gunshots. She was shot as she approached the terrace of their house.

Probers said the gunmen entered the house through the main door, which was unlocked, and shot Kaclay.

Ten bullet shells for an M16 rifle and two of an unknown caliber were recovered at the scene.

An investigation is underway.

↧

Edict on Panagbenga fest pushed to stop controversies

March 14, 2019, 11:37 pm

≫ Next: DepEd-Abra execs clarify recruitment, hiring system

≪ Previous: Couple die in Apayao attack

By Dexter See

BAGUIO CITY – The passage of an ordinance institutionalizing the annual conduct of the Panagbenga, popularly known as the Baguio flower festival, will be the ultimate solution to the perennial conflicts among some interest groups and the organizers in the staging of some of the income-generating activities of the month-long festivities, Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said here recently.

“It is always easier said than done,” was Domogan’s reaction to the remarks of some local legislators on the failure of the local government and the |Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) to strictly implement the provisions of Ordinance No. 21, series of 2019 that could have prevented the Liga ng mga Barangay from imposing their desire to operate a portion of the week-long Session Road in Bloom (SRB), one of the traditional events of the festival.

The local chief executive underscored that by institutionalizing the annual conduct of the Panagbenga through an approved local legislation, the roles of all involved stakeholders will be clearly defined aside from the fact that the closure of roads to pave the way for the traditional parades and other activities that will use some roads will be put in place in the measure so that organizers will not be annually going to the local legislative body and appealing for closure of roads, among other matters needed for the successful staging of the various activities of the festival.

The Panagbenga was founded by the late Lawyer Damaso Bangaoet in 1995 purposely to have a major crowd-drawing event during the lean tourism months and help sustain the identity of Baguio city as one of the premier tourist destinations in the country. For the initial years of the staging of the festival, it was the John Hay Poro Point Development Corporation (JPDC) that bankrolled the conduct of the activities lined up for the festival.

Subsequently, the local government took over the lead role in the conduct of the annual flower festival considering the continuous growth of the festival.

However, Resolution No. 294, series of 2005 returned the lead role in the conduct of the Panagbenga to the BFFFI after the conflict between former city officials and the BFFFI in the handling of some of the major events of the festival that nearly caused their cancellation the previous year.

Domogan pointed out it is still important to maintain that the Panagbenga as a government-led and community-supported crowd-drawing event with stakeholders playing key roles in the conduct of different events lined up for the celebration that is why the BFFFI always goes out of its way to resolve whatever conflicts that arise in the preparations.

Some proposed ordinances are now pending in the local legislative body for the institutionalization of the Panagbenga that trace back several years ago but the same has not been officially acted upon for still unknown reasons.

Panagbenga is the only festival in the country included in the elite list of festivals in the world of the International Festival Association .

Domogan added that the people of Baguio remain proud to be part of what had been described by both foreign and local tourists and local and international media practitioners as the most orderly festival and disciplined crowd.

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DepEd-Abra execs clarify recruitment, hiring system

March 14, 2019, 11:39 pm

≫ Next: Apayao execs train to push Cordi autonomy

≪ Previous: Edict on Panagbenga fest pushed to stop controversies

BANGUED, Abra -- The Registry of Qualified Applicants (RQA) is a registry, not a ranking for teacher-applicants.

Abra Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Christopher Benigno explained this here to clarify misconceptions that the RQA is a ranking.

Passing the RQA is a requirement for hiring.

Applicants have to garner at least 70 points which are earned based on the criteria set by DepEd which include the educational attainment, eligibility, specialized skills trainings, interview and demonstration, among others.

"Even if a teacher-applicant ranks No. 1 in the result of the RQA, it does not follow that he or she should be the first to be hired/deployed because there are other criteria considered," Benigno emphasized.

But one of the major considerations in the deployment/hiring of teachers is the localization law where teachers coming from the locality are given priority to be hired, he said.

To address the problem of lack of teachers, Benigno assured that deployment will be done by April 2019 and all vacant positions will be filled up before the next school year starts. -- JDP/MTBB - PIA CAR, Abra

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Apayao execs train to push Cordi autonomy

March 14, 2019, 11:39 pm

≫ Next: NCCA ok’s 7 project proposals of Cordillera gov’t private orgs

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By Marlo T. Lubguban

LUNA, Apayao -- Municipal and barangay speakers of Apayao converged here March 7 in a speakership training on Cordillera autonomy.

Apayao followed Kalinga and Ifugao wherein government officials and personnel were trained to speak and push autonomy for the region.

The NEDA-CAR oriented officials on the Regional Development Council’s roadmap for Cordillera autonomy, the salient features of the draft Cordillera Organic Act and core messages of the renewed pursuit of regional autonomy. Officials from the municipalities of Luna, Pudtol, Flora, Kabugao, and Conner propose plans for the conduct of information education campaigns as they were identified priority municipalities in the SPCAR 2019-2021 Communication Plan.

Earlier, officials from Kalinga and Ifugao committed to raise awareness on Cordillera autonomy and its benefits to Cordillerans.

The trained speakers from these provinces will conduct their own IECs in their respective municipalities.

In Kalinga, the priority areas are the component city of Tabuk, and the municipalities of Rizal, Balbalan, Pinukpuk, and Tinglayan. Ifugao priority municipalities are Banaue, Lamut, Alfonso Lista, and Kiangan.

Priority areas are determined by population and the municipalities’ awareness of Cordillera autonomy according to the 2017 pulse survey on autonomy awareness.

The NEDA-CAR aims to raise awareness and gain support for Cordillera autonomy with the grassroots as priority.

IECs were recently conducted for the month of February in the barangays of Bauko, Mountain Province and Kibungan, Benguet where over 400 stakeholders were reached.

The NEDA-CAR coordinated with Apayao officials for the implementation of this event.

The Apayao was the second province to vote in favor of autonomy and the only one to vote “yes” during the 1998 plebiscite.

It is the northern-most province of the Cordillera

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NCCA ok’s 7 project proposals of Cordillera gov’t private orgs

March 14, 2019, 11:41 pm

≫ Next: Baguio tops CARAA meet in medal haul

≪ Previous: Apayao execs train to push Cordi autonomy

Bayyo healing practices included

By Roger Sacyaten

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has approved the proposal of the Lang-ay Festival Organization for the “Documentation of the oral traditional healing practices of Barangay Bayyo” of this town along with six others in the Cordillera.

A memorandum of agreement was signed Feb. 23 at Paragon Hotel in Baguio City, with the grantees which included the LFO, Chanum Foundation, Inc., the local government unit of Mankayan, Benguet, Atok National High School, Cordillera News Agency, Inc., Gov. Bado Dangwa Industrial School, and the University of Baguio Alumni Foundation.

Bayyo is one of the barangays of Bontoc located in the northeastern part of the municipality and province in the boundary with the province of Ifugao.

“The healing practices remain in existence now such as the first aids during injuries, at after childbirth, and sicknesses. These practices need cultural attention first rather than requiring medical assistances given at hospitals and clinics,” said the proposal submitted to the NCCA.

These oral traditions are being practiced by elders but being relegated by the younger generations due to factors such as migration, employment, and modernization.

The LFO said these could be forgotten someday.

“There is, therefore, a need to document the oral traditions and practices of the community of Bayyo for the sake of posterity. The documentation involves the chants, the “purga” or indigenous prayers, and the rituals in the events or as need arises,” proponents said.

In a letter dated Dec. 19, 2018 from the NCCA noted by Rico Pableo, executive director, Bernan Joseph Corpuz of chief, policy/plan and programming division, said the proposal was approved by the NCCA Board of Commissioners through Board Resolution No. 2019 -199 on Nov. 20, 2018.

Paulino Tumapang, Jr. said approval of the proposal is the start of a series of proposal to be submitted to the NCCA to further one of the goals of the organization which is cultural integrity.

Other proposals for environmental protection and preservation are being explored to be submitted to proper agencies such as the DENR, NEDA, and those environmental bodies concerned with environmental conservation.

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Baguio tops CARAA meet in medal haul

March 14, 2019, 11:42 pm

≫ Next: Baguio Food, beverage establishments banned from selling cigarettes

≪ Previous: NCCA ok’s 7 project proposals of Cordillera gov’t private orgs

By Jessa Mardy Polonio-Samidan/PIO

LUNA, Apayao – Baguio City won in overall medal tally of the recently concluded Cordillera Administrative Athletic Association sports meet here at the Apayao Sports and Eco-Tourism Complex in Barangay Payanan.

Apayao province ranked second with 69 gold, 76 silver and 79 bronze medals easing out Benguet who used to be the perennial second placer.

Abra also improved its medal standing having 39-48-88 score followed by Benguet with Benguet 35-66-83; Ifugao has 27-48-70; and, Mountain Province hauled 16-25-44. Tabuk City had 12 golds, 29 silvers and 37 bronze medals separate from Kalinga province’s 6-6-20 medal finish.

The CARAA meet serves as a qualifier to the Palarong Pambansa where regional athletes will see action in Davao City come April 27 to May 4.

Unaccustomed to warm weather, Baguio City athletes fell short of 17 gold medals having an overall score of 205 gold, 110 silver and 79 bronze medals during the CARAA meet.

Baguio’s 205-110-79 overall finish in this year’s CARAA edition was lower compared to its 222-102-61 haul in 2018 per records of the Department of Education Cordillera.

While Baguio City maintained its dominance retaining the championship crown, the Baguio City DepEd Division said hot weather may have affected the performance of city athletes.

Several athletes also suffered low bowel movement or diarrhea according to DepEd Baguio sports development coordinator Arthur Tiongan.

“The hot weather and LBM affected our athletes especially during the finals, most of our athletics and swimming contingents were already dehydrated due to diarrhoea,” Tiongan said.

“But we are thankful to the province of Apayao for immediately assisting our medical team from Baguio, we were able to address the health concern,” Tiongan added.

Despite the health concern, Tiongan said the Baguio athletes performed well particularly in the team games such as championing in the basketball and volleyball games which used to be dominated by the Benguet division.

Tiongan also noted the overall medal tally included exhibition games such as the dance sport and aero gymnastics which was dominated by the Apayao division; and the new sport Pencak Silat reigned by the Benguet division.

“To be fair, Apayao really prepared for CARAA, they even hired professional athletes and coaches to train their delegation,” Tiongan admitted.

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Baguio Food, beverage establishments banned from selling cigarettes

March 17, 2019, 7:27 pm

≫ Next: Alarm aired on imported pork being made ‘etag,’ execs, DTI urged: Probe

≪ Previous: Baguio tops CARAA meet in medal haul

By Shabach Joaquin

BAGUIO CITY -- Stores and establishments in this summer capital that serve food and beverage are now prohibited from selling cigarettes.

The city government warned them earlier to clear their stocks but due to complaints sellers and business owners were given an extension until March 5 which had already lapsed, according to Cecil Agpawa team leader of Smoke Free Baguio.

It had been two years since the city council approved Ordinance No.8 of 2008, the anti-smoking ordinance also known as Smoke Free Baguio campaign wherein it prohibits the use sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products within the city and imposing penalties for violations.

The change was obvious in the city but the City Health Services Office now wants to ban selling and use of cigarettes in the city due to the effects of second hand and third hand smoke.

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Alarm aired on imported pork being made ‘etag,’ execs, DTI urged: Probe

March 17, 2019, 7:27 pm

≫ Next: Baguio’s summer events / National science tilt winners

≪ Previous: Baguio Food, beverage establishments banned from selling cigarettes

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province – “Imported” meat is feared that it will be used to make “etag,” the cultural delicacy used in rituals now made commercial.

A resident said etag made from “imported” meat is easy to spot with its shiny and even slab cuts rather than the locally made one with uneven cuts, rough and showing some black smoke smudges.

Early this year, pork from other countries namely Belgium, China, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Russia and Ukraine were banned from reaching the Philippines.

Netizens from the Save Sagada Facebook group urged the Dept. of Trade and Industry and local officials to check imported pork feared to have come from other countries hit with swine fever.

Local businessmen in this tourist town said pork called "pingping" is bought in Baguio City reportedly bought from the National Capital Region.

With this, locally raised swine is put at a disadvantage of not being bought as "pingping" is cheaper than local pork.

Julie Pasiteng, a businesswoman who manages a restaurant said local swine raisers are now pleading to her that she buy their pigs.

Pasiteng, during the Women’s Month celebration last March 10 here said there is a surplus of swine in town being bought from other places like Baguio.

Residents here said they feared “pingping” bought from Baguio might come from banned pork from other countries hit with swine fever.

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Baguio’s summer events / National science tilt winners

March 17, 2019, 7:30 pm

≫ Next: Commercializing sacred Mount Pulag

≪ Previous: Alarm aired on imported pork being made ‘etag,’ execs, DTI urged: Probe

CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Baguio City gears up for this year’s “Summer Vacation (SUMVAC) in Baguio,” its annual calendar of activities for residents and tourists expected to flock to the city for the long vacation.

For the first time since the annual summer offering was introduced in the early 1990s, the event will include a working committee devoted to activities on Creative Cities.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan who ordered the reorganization of the SUMVAC working bodies last week said this is in keeping with the city’s commitment as a Creative City under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Creative Cities Network (UCCN) to pursue creative endeavors towards productivity and sustainable development.

He tasked Coun. Elmer Datuin and Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Aloysius Mapalo to chair the committee with City Budget Officer Leticia Clemente and UP Baguio Chancellor Raymund Rovillos as members.

The committees are tasked to begin ground preparations for the events including the traditional activities and the new ones in partnership with the different government agencies, non-government organizations and the private sector.

In his Administrative Order No. 29 series of 2019, the mayor tasked himself as chair of the executive committee with Rep. Marquez Go as honorary chair and Vice Mayor Edison Bilog as vice chair of the execom which will spearhead the activities and provide various attractions from April to May.

Council committee on tourism and special events chair Councilor Elmer Datuin and City Administrator Carlos Canilao will serve as action officers.

As in the past years, the calendar is expected to offer an array of religious, cultural, historical, environmental, sports and medical activities.

The mayor also named the composition of the various working committees:

*Araw ng Kagitingan, Liberation Day and Kafagway to be chaired by Councilor Peter Fianza with City Social Welfare and Development Officer Better Fangasan;

*Summer Arts Expo, Cultural and Baguio Musical Festival, Summer Tourism and Sports Activities by Coun. Elmer Datuin with Mapalo, City Planning and Dev’t Officer Evelyn Cayat and Sports Dev’t Officer III Gaudencio Gonzales;

*Summer Health and Environmental Programs by City Health Officer Rowena Galpo, former City Environment and Parks Management Officer Cordelia Lacsamana and City Veterinarian Brigit Piok;

*Jobs Fair/Labor Day activities by Executive Assistant V George Fortea;

*Communications Groups, Peace, Security and Traffic Assistance by Canilao with City Police Chief Eliseo Tanding, Coun. Francisco Roberto Ortega and Neftali Marilla;

*Media Relations and Search for Lucky Summer Visitors -- Philippine Information Agency Cordillera Regional Director Helen Tibaldo, Public information Office and Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club members;

Wholesome Activities by City Human Resource Management Officer Augustin Laban III with the Baguio Character Council and various religious institutions;

Barangay Fiesta by Coun. Michael Lawana with Barangay Affairs Office under Noel Mabutas;

Streamer Road Signs Maintenance and Physical Arrangements and Logistics by City Buildings and Architecture Officer Nazita Banez and General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan.

***

BAGUIO CITY – The city council on Monday cited four grade school students in the city for their victories in the 16th National Science Quest held last February 8-10 at the Baguio Teachers Camp and Skyrise Hotel.

The body approved a resolution authored by Coun. Peter Fianza congratulating and commending Maria Jillian Calub, Grade IV at Quezon Hill Elementary School, Jaren Aowes, Andre Stefan Moynihan and Karissa Isabel Patriarca, all of Phases Learning Center for topping their respective events in the prestigious competition.

Calub, a resident of Quezon Hill Proper won first place in the category of Sci-Photojournalism where she showcased her knowledge, talents and skills in documenting events relevant to the theme of the competition, ““Technology Advancement through Research Inventions and Innovations in Sustaining Quality of Life.”

Aowes, also of Quezon Hill barangay used his mastery of Science and chess to strategize his way to rulling the Sci-Chess event.

Moynihan also of Quezon Hill was crowned as “Ginoong Kalikasan 2019” while schoolmate Patriarca of San Luis was adjudged as “Binibining Kalikasan 2019” third best with both showing that “through looks, charm and knowledge, they can be the face of the youth in their advocacy towards a sustainable and healthy environment.”

Fianza said the triumph of the kids “is another testament that Baguio City is the ‘land of Champions,’ a continuing demonstration of what loving families, supportive teachers and nurturing schools can achieve.”

“Truly, the contestants of the city have earned the adulation and respect of other participants that have inspired our youths to believe in their capabilities and strive for excellence (thus) it is but proper that the City Government of Baguio recognizes the achievements of its youths,” he said.

The National Science Quest is a yearly event hosted by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Association of Science Educators in the Philippines to bring the best students from all over the country to showcase their knowledge, creativity and innovative ideas besides the development of sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among science teachers and students.

The competitions which featured several categories aim to promote academic excellence in Science and Mathematics through exposing their talent, skills and potential in Science Research.

The categories were Science, Mathematics, Techno and Environmental Quiz for nursery, kindergarten and preschool (NKP), elementary, junior and senior high school; Sci-Doku for elementary, junior and senior high school; Sci-Math Chess; Sci-Spotlight Competition; Sci-Art Coloring; Sci-Poster- Making Contest; Sci On-the-Spot Painting; Sci-Collage Making Science and Math History Competition; Sci-Essay Writing Competition; Sci-Impromptu Speaking (English and Filipino); Sci-PhotoJournalism; Sci-Spelling Bee; and Binibini at Ginoong Kalikasan.

↧

Commercializing sacred Mount Pulag

March 17, 2019, 7:31 pm

≫ Next: Protecting mountains

≪ Previous: Baguio’s summer events / National science tilt winners

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO

March Fianza

KABAYAN, Benguet -- The mountains beckon as it is again the season for exploring them. There is satisfaction in spending nights under a blanket of stars, a come-on that seasonal campers from the metropolis look forward to. This, aside from staying away from bumper to bumper traffic, air pollution, city crowd and office computers.

The season brings back memories of old man Batacagan. Tears rolled down the cheeks of the 80-year old upon hearing Jackson Browne’s song from a Walkman stereo headphone that some friends who were on Pulag in 1984 placed over his ears. Apparently, the old man who became part of the natural beauty of the Babadak Lake was moved by the music and the technology that he could not grasp.

Taking a break on any mountain means simple meals cooked on open fire although regulations issued by the DENR requires campers to use modern camping gears for cooking. This is an instruction that departs from the skills that are taught to boy and girl scouts.

My apologies to the agencies that watch over Mount Pulag but mountain climbing has become commercialized and distorted. Climbers now pay a few thousands pesos that do not seem to be spent back for the reasons they were collected for in the first place.

In connection with the fees collected from climbers, many ask: how much has been collected since the start, how is it disbursed, for what and for whom?

Also, climbers are no longer drenched in their own sweat because there are porters and mountain guides who are paid. These extra arrangements in the seasonal tourism event simply go against the freedom and survival that are supposed to be experienced in mountain climbing.

Four years ago, I received information from a friend who frequented Mount Pulag that the natural grass cover of the campsite designated by the DENR for climbers has practically turned into dust. This means that the vegetation has been crushed or trampled on.

The destruction was not caused by the IPs living around Mount Pulag but by the hundreds of climbers that were allowed to enter the park with no let up. Because of that it would be best to put a moratorium on mountain climbers and let the grass grow back.

True, tourism brings money but at the same time, it destroys things that may not be repaired easily. There is need to seriously study how to preserve the mountain that straddles the tri-boundary of Nueva Viscaya, Ifugao and Benguet.

Mount Pulag is host to three types of forest ecosystems namely Dipterocarp Forest, Mossy Forest and Pine Forest that have been inhabited, protected and preserved by indigenous cultures. What remains of the endangered vegetation cover of the Ibaloy sacred mountain has to be protected from commercialization.

Government has imposed fines and penalties for “violations”. But common sense dictates that rules are better obeyed when these are self-imposed. Ironically, it looks as if mountains become more mismanaged when managers are positioned as overseers.

Friends and I have sneaked in to Mount Pulag for several times in the past and have rambled through the mossy forests around its crown. I certify that we never registered our presence at any manager’s table. It was because there was never a government manager before. Only the gods and spirits of mother earth were the overseers of the mountain.

I was there before it was declared as a national park in 1987, before PAMB came to existence, before a ranger station was built, before a government item called park superintendent started to lord over the good and bad over the mountain, and before fees were collected from climbers.

I remember reading about the International Union of Alpinist Associations (UIAA), an organization of mountain climbers in the US. In one of its statements, it said: The varied Park Service regulations are designed to “get more money” for the government by issuing citations, fines and threats of arrest to climbers who logically fail to obey the illogical regulations.

This has become known as “Taxation by Citation”. These regulations do nothing to actually protect the environment. They destroy climbing freedom and create paperwork excuses for Park Rangers to arrest and fine more climbers, “to get yet more money for the government.”

The experience of mountain climbers in the US seems to reflect what is happening with Mount Pulag. The rules that were made cannot do anything to big-scale forest degradation, whether this happened on Pulag, Mt. Data, Mt. Polis, or somewhere nearby like Mount Santo Tomas and Mount Cabuyao in Tuba.

In China, mountaineering groups are up in arms against a wide parking lot and an elevator that will ferry people to a historical and natural limestone arch. This is yet another illustration of how government encourages tourism by constructing buildings and hotels that permanently destroy a rural community and its natural environment. Pray that this does not happen to our mountains.

I also have read news reports about mountaineers who have collected over 20 tons of garbage and frozen excrement on Mount Everest. This confirms the fact that commercialization destroys the natural environment.

If human feces is scattered around Mount Pulag and generates a threat to spread disease, this should be enough cause for alarm to people in Bokod and Kabayan who look up to the sacred mountain with significance.

For Mount Pulag, clearly it is the continuous number of hikers that causes the problems. In answer to a looming problem on human waste disposal, some knee-jerk Mount Pulag managers constructed a squat type toilet dug-out at the camp site.

What happened next is that napkins, tissue papers, dirty newspapers and even dirty underwear were scattered outside, not inside the toilet because mountain climbers no longer used the toilets when the pits were filled.

By the way, what is the update on the destruction by bulldozing and cutting of trees on Mount Santo that happened years ago? Will the culprits go free?

↧

Protecting mountains

March 17, 2019, 7:32 pm

≫ Next: The next flashpoint: South Pacific

≪ Previous: Commercializing sacred Mount Pulag

HAPPY WEEKEND

Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province – Mountains are burning and people helplessly, passively look on. The attitude of people not to go out and put off mountain fires is pitiful and pathetic.

People are busy and have their own preoccupations while mountains are burning. In this, town, some people say the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources should put off forest fires because they don’t allow people from harvesting their trees.

People say putting off mountain fires is the job of the DENR and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Personnel of the BFP and the DENR put off fires and feel frustrated people don’t help.

Some say mountains are owned privately already so owners should put off fires. Whether the mountain is owned privately or communally, the mountains are burned and this affects diversity and people suffer. This includes not only privately owned mountains in central Sagada but in the communal owned mountains of Aguid. Burning mountains is indiscriminate.

Mountains get scorched black and ashy and the air smells of fire smog and ash fall floating on air. The air gets hotter. Not only the trees but also coffee trees and other fruit trees for livelihood are burned.

Like here, the problem is attitudinal as mountains are burned intentionally.

People say there is need for new grass for cattle to feed on. But not all have cattle. Why not build private corals and let the cattle stay there and feed them? People should get zacate and feed cows and horses in their corals. This is better than burning the whole mountain for new grass.

People say burned mountains have mushrooms come rainy season. This is another reason for burning mountains.

Some say they burn mountains because these are not owned by the community but by a person. All lands in Sagada and even in Bauko are owned privately.

So people just drop their cigarette butts or leave kaingin debris burning till the whole mountain catches fire.

People suffer since there is no water and the air gets hotter due to burned plans and trees which hold water.

The attitude of caring for mountains is gone even if these store water

for domestic use and irrigation. Mountains are the source of lumber for housing and for rituals, for furniture.

Mountains need to be protected since these are sources of water and rich biodiversity of fauna and flora which include medicinal plants.

Life and communities suffer when mountains are burned.

The customary practice of putting off fire when a forest fire is ongoing is now gone. People have gone commercial from an agricultural livelihood so they don’t care anymore if mountains are burned.

Their sources of livelihood here include having inns, souvenir shops, weaving, carpentry, tourist guiding, restaurant keeping while others work in government or private offices.

In this rustic town, life was simpler then. Now, putting off forest fires need a coordinated system involving barangay-based anti-fire teams with the resource support of government and strong involvement of people.

I came to know there will be a meeting among barangay chairmen with municipal mayors and government agencies particularly the DENR and the BFP and the government officials to be led by the provincial office to address the problem of forest fires.

Let us look forward to making systems work to made mountains greener with a collective attitude to care for nature, for life.

↧

The next flashpoint: South Pacific

March 17, 2019, 7:33 pm

≫ Next: Magalong on running for mayor / Pols on narco-list, cyber scams

≪ Previous: Protecting mountains

PERRYSCOPE

Perry Diaz

Debt-trap diplomacy

South Pacific

South China Sea

Last year, UK, France, and Australia joined the US in conducting freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea to the consternation of China. Recently, the U.K. announced the deployment of her newly commissioned aircraft carrier, the HMS Queen Elizabeth, in the South China Sea, which can carry two squadrons of the U.S.-built stealth F-35B supersonic jets. What is interesting is that the deployment to the South China Sea is officially a joint US/UK mission. The interoperability of the US and UK naval forces in the South China Sea demonstrates the longstanding military relationship between the two countries.

In a multilateral military exercise following the Iron Fist Exercise, Australia and Japan joined the Philippines and the US in the 34th annual Balikatan exercises in Luzon, Philippines.

↧

Magalong on running for mayor / Pols on narco-list, cyber scams

March 17, 2019, 7:34 pm

≫ Next: Lions Club tiff in Baguio

≪ Previous: The next flashpoint: South Pacific

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

We received an email from the camp of former Philippine National Police chief Benjamin Magalong on his thoughts in running for Baguio mayor this coming May elections. Here goes:

“The city government must provide better services and a more responsive youth program that will strengthen efforts to sustain Baguio’s competence as a center of quality education.

The overall goal is for the city to produce graduates in all levels who will be well-trained for responsible citizenship, who will be morally conscious, and who will be capable for business, industry and the professions.

“We should focus on the upgrade of facilities and faculties, and the expansion of existing scholarship grants to deserving students. We should propagate the Alternative Learning System, encourage Technical and Vocational studies, and allot more scholarships for the financially challenged.

“To empower the youth, our younger generation’s development programs must strive to make our children morally responsible and better prepared for adulthood. Development should focus on leadership skills training, sports, and other diverse alternative programs. Our youth must be encouraged to participate in anti-

crime, anti-drug, and anti-juvenile delinquency activities. Facilities should be established as youth convergence centers.

“To enliven culture, arts and crafts, full government support should be extended to our partners in the arts, culture, and the creative sector befitting the city’s latest title as the only Philippine city in the elite United Nations Creative City Network. There will be constant engagement and active involvement with this sector to encourage appropriate activities meant to enliven the cultural scene and strengthen harmonizing efforts of varied indigenous and traditional cultural practices.

“Admittedly, these core-ideas are initiating principles that may well serve to generate more ideas for greater consensus

with the populace. No man or woman has exclusive monopoly of the good things to state by way of solemn covenant. Agenda preparation is always a work in progress.

“To speed up government action, services must be made accessible, available, and affordable to the people. We must do away with policies that make our people wait in long lines just to be served, or told to return in vain for follow-up. We must make our constituents feel and experience government service at its finest.”

***

Magalong, although of Pangasinense ancestry, was born and raised in Baguio City. He studied in St. Louis Laboratory Elementary and High Schools before joining the Philippine Military Academy where he graduated as Magna Cum Laude in 1982.

He retired from the PNP after 38 years and eight months of active service on Dec. 15

***

On national TV, President Rodrigo Duterte yet again surprised the public by revealing names of politicians on his narco-list.

The president read several names of politicians including 35 mayors, seven vice mayors, one provincial board member and three congressmen.

Some of them were elected officials and election candidates for the upcoming May midterm polls.

Duterte announced the names of politicians allegedly involved in illegal drug operations or the narco list during the Joint National Peace and Order Council – Regional Peace Order Council Clusters Meeting and Armed Forces of the Philippines – Philippine National Police command conference at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Davao City on March 14.

The President denied undermining the politicians’ bid ahead of the elections, but insisted that the list has been validated by government agents, a UNTV report said.

He added the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government already filed administrative cases against government officials on the list before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The President said the government’s Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) are both investigating the officials to build criminal cases against them.

“The results will aid us in filing airtight cases against them,” the President said.

Some cause-oriented and human rights groups said what the President did was uncalled for since the politicians alluded to being involved in drugs were not yet charged or their crime proven in court.

But then again, the firebrand president said, ‘public office is a public trust. An official’s right to privacy is not absolute and there is a compelling reason to prioritize the interest of the state and the people.”

It is not surprising anymore if the president comes up with statements on anything which presidential spokesman Sal Panelo could deftly explain -- it could be a hyperbole or the truth depending on the situation.

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Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos has urged authorities to crack down on dating sites being used as platforms for “love scams” victimizing gullible Filipinos, especially on Facebook.

“In October last year, an overseas Filipino worker lost P600,000 after falling in love with a woman using a fake FB account. That poor OFW is just one of thousands of Filipinos who fall victim to online predators who manipulate their feelings to extort money,” she said in a press statement.

“Nakakabulag kasi talaga ang pag-ibig. If someone appears too good to be true, sigurado hindi mapagkakatiwalaan yun lalo na kung ayaw makipagkita in person at video chat lang ang gusto. People should be very careful with their hard earned money and life savings dahil lamang sa mga manloloko sa pag-ibig. I am asking concerned government agencies to crack down on these scammers and dismantle their networks,” she added.

In the Philippines, at least 10 percent of internet fraud reported in 2017 fell under the love or romance scam category, according to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group.

It said love scams are not easy to solve because the victims are often willing prey. Love scams are also, legally, estafa cases, and a victim must file a case for the PNP-ACG to start an investigation. In many cases, charges have not been filed as the victims are too ashamed to admit at being lovestruck and defrauded online.

The US-based Better Business Bureau reports that cyber love scams are among the biggest cons in the United States and Canada where victims lost nearly $1billion over the last three years.

Marcos said Filipinos must be careful when contacted through newly-created accounts by persons who refuse to meet in person or prefer video chatting where they are never clearly identifiable.

“Be a smart social media user. Do not give important details such as your debit or credit card number. And don’t be afraid to come forward and file a complaint if you think you have been duped,” she said.

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Lions Club tiff in Baguio

March 17, 2019, 7:35 pm

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EDITORIALS

The Lions Club civic center within Burnham Park in Baguio City is now a bone of contention among city councilors who want the dispute over its use settled.

The city council is set to decide if it will request the Cordillera office of the Dept. of Tourism to review the memorandum of agreement entered by the local government and the Lions Club of Baguio, Inc. for use of a parcel of land within Burnham Park complex for the Lions Club civic center.

Some local legislators proposed the referral of the agreement to the DOT-CAR for review, the agency being the owner of the property. Executive Order No. 224, series of 1995 authorized the local government to administer, manage and operate Burnham Park which was subsequently strengthened by Executive Order No. 695, series of 2009.

Earlier, Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan transmitted to the city council for confirmation the MOA between the local government and Lions Club, Inc. for use of a parcel of land within Burnham Park complex for construction of a Lions Club civic center.

The crafting of the agreement was pursuant to Audit Observation Memorandum No. 17-010 dated 08 March 2017 of the Commission on Audit – Cordillera Administrative Region on operation and management of Burnham Park reservation wherein it was discovered the Lions Clubhouse in the complex was not covered by an agreement, according to a city hall report.

The city council also directed the City Environment and Parks Management Office and City Building Office to inspect structures in the area to ascertain their structural integrity among other safety concerns and for said offices to submit an inventory on actual use of the facilities.

The city council also requested the Lions Club, Inc. to submit its financial statement over the last five years to serve as a basis in assessing how the club was able to use the property.

The previous members of the local legislative body approved Resolution No. 49, series of 1970 which granted the Lions Club of Baguio exemption from payment of building permit fee and all fees in connection with construction of its clubhouse building; provided that upon completion of said building, the Baguio City library will be housed therein free of charge.

Local legislators attempted to pass a resolution to regulate the use by the Lions Club, Inc. of the property but the motion was deferred for further discussion.

The former Philippine Tourism Authority tried to work out issuance of a Presidential Proclamation for segregation of the area occupied by the Lions Club for use of the civic organization but the same was overtaken by events.

The Lions Club civic center is now being used by numerous civic and religious organizations for their activities allowing the organization to generate funds for their civic activities.

Comelec on political advertisements

The Commission on Elections warned candidates in the midterm polls to follow the required size for campaign posters even as political advertisements are allowed on public utility vehicles (PUVs).

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said political ads should not exceed 2 x 3 feet for posters and 8.5 x 11 inches for stickers.

These campaign materials should be placed at the back of the PUVs, Guanzon said.

“These vehicles are private properties, but the Comelec has the authority to regulate campaign materials,” she said. Guanzon said posting of campaign posters in private buildings and houses is also allowed provided that the required size is observed and it has the permission of the owners.

“Otherwise, campaign materials should be displayed in common poster areas designated by the Comelec,” she said.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 10488, Guanzon said state-owned transportation facilities such as Metro Rail Transit, Light Rail Transit and Philippine National Railways are prohibited from displaying political advertisements.

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