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POLICE ROUNDUP

November 10, 2019, 6:33 pm
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Farmer fires gun at dead’s house over pig; hunted

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga – Police are now hunting afarmer who fired his gun at the house of a dead woman after his relatives did not buy a pig from him for rituals and instead got one from another.
Complainant Goodwin Wagwagon Lumiwan, 45, married, construction worker and resident of Cogawi, Cudal, Tabuk City was  accompanied Monday by barangay captain Balmasida Magmoyao here of Mabongtot and filed complaint against Jeffrey Dongga-as “Suggiyao,” married, farmer, with dual residence at Mabongtot and Callagdao, Tabuk City for alarm and scandal.
Investigation disclosed on Monday around 11:30 after the burial of the complainant’s mother, Dongga-as came out from his house holding a Cal. 45 pistol and fired it to the house of the complainant that hit the stairs and went through an adjacent house owned by Nancy Bissonoc.
Investigation revealed the suspect got angry when complainant and his siblings bought a pig from other person instead of his pig.
Complainant, barangay officials and other residents tried to pacify and arrest the suspect who escapep carrying with him the firearm.

Man nabbed in Tuba  for physical injuries

TUBA, Benguet – A man was arrested here Monday for physical injuries.
Nabbed at Kiangan Village, Camp 3 was Cariño Segundo Yabes after Noe T. Aquino, Judge of MCTC, Tuba-Sablan, Benguet issued warrant against him wiuth bail set at P2, 000.

 Man arrested for child abuse

BAGUIO CITY – Police from Carranglan, Nueva Ecija and this city arrested a man here Tuesday at West Quirino Hill for child abuse.
Nabbed was Rolan E. Domingo after warrant was issued against him by Judge Cynthia Martinez Florendo of RTC Branch 39, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija.
The judge set bail of P40,000 for the suspect’s temporary liberty.

Woman held in Tabuk for estafa

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Police arrested Helen T. Sta. Ana here Tuesday for estafa.
This, after Judge Nympha Abbacan of MTCC, Tabuk City, Kalinga issued warrant against her while setting bail of P12,000 for her temporary liberty. The suspects was nabbed here at Purok 4, Bulanao.

Lack of license to sell  lot lands man in jail

BAGUIO CITY – A man was arrested here Tuesday here inside Justice Hall for violation of Presidential Decree 957 (Absence of certificate of registration or license to sell by HLURB).
Nabbed was Lorenzo De Guzman Aguilar after Judge Jose Lorenzo R. Dela Rosa of RTC Branch 134, Tagaytay City issued warrant for his arrest with bail set at P20,000.

 Woman nabbed in Roxas for theft

ROXAS, Isabela – A certain Monique Jane G. Melchor was arrested here Tuesday at Barangay Bantug by Roxas and Baguio police for theft. Judge Jeanylene T. Isip-Fukai of MTCC Branch 2, City of San Fernando, La Union earlier issued warrant for her arrest with bail set at P12,000.

 Cops nab woman in La Trinidad for theft

BAGUIO CITY – Police arrested here Tuesday a certain Jiselle Jade S. Esperon for theft. This, after Judge Ivan Kim B. Morales of RTC Branch 59 issued warrant for her arrest with bail set at P50,000 for her temporary liberty.

Man wanted for robbery in Lucena nabbed in Trinidad

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A man wanted for robbery in Lucenan cCty was arrested here Monday along km. 3, Pico. Jordan Agustin Duldulao was object of a warrant issued by Joselito P. Tamaray, judge of MTCC, Lucena City who set bail of P200, 000 for the suspect’s temporary liberty.

 Man lands in jail for physical injuries

BAGUIO CITY – A man was apprehended here Monday at Celestial Village, Upper Asin Road by police from Ifugao, Mountain Province and this city for physical injuries.
Steven Gano was the object of an arrest warrant issued by Ivan Kim B. Morales, judge of RTC Branch 59, Baguio City for two cases. Morales set bail of P 2, 000 for each case for Ganos’ temporary liberty.

 Man arrested in Baguio for estafa

BAGUIO CITY – A certain Samuel Binwag was arrested here Monday at Maharlika Building along Abanao Road for estafa.
This, after Emmanuel Cacho Rasing, judge of RTC Branch 3, Baguio City issued warrant for his arrest. Rasing set bail of P 60,000 for Binwag’s temporary liberty.

Baguio PNP head pushes changes in towing law

By Jordan G. Habbiling
BAGUIO CITY – Col. Allen Rae F. Co, city police director urged the city government to amend Ordinance 78-2018 or “Towing Ordinance of Baguio City.”
In his letter, Co said certain provisions of the ordinance needed to be amended “in order to address current problems, issues, and needs which their office is currently encountering.”
The letter was forwarded to the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Baguio for action. 
The city director commented on “City Towing Task Force” saying there is no actual task force established; rather, in actual practice, it is the City Engineering Office that removes obstructing vehicles along roads in the absence of a towing company.
He suggested the use of the term “Authorized City Government Office” which will aptly refer either to the CEO or any office authorized to undertake the towing. 
The CEO, however, recently clarified that a City Towing Force does exist or performing functions.
Also, the addition of “motorcycle” in the definition of terms was suggested implicating that any two-wheeled vehicle will be towed when parked along public roads impeding the flow of traffic or causing traffic hazards.
Co proposed the inclusion of towing fees for erring motorcycle owners worth P500 for the first four kilometer with an additional charge of P50. 00 for each succeeding kilometer. 
Section 4 of the ordinance (authority to remove and impound) mentions “City Parking Management Office” as one of the authorized offices to remove an obstructing vehicle from the road.
The BCPO suggested the creation of a City Traffic and Transportation Management Office (CTTMO).
According to Co, the name of such office (CTTMO) is more appropriate as it is broader and more general in scope encompassing traffic and transportation, parking, and other related matters. 
Section 18 of the ordinance states “Towing without the presence of a police officer or duly deputized enforcer shall be considered carnapping.”
Co wanted the phrase “duly deputized enforcer” removed to ensure  prevention of any possible carnapping incident by exclusively authorizing police officers who are educated and trained in dealing with criminal acts including carnapping.
Another proposed amendment was the inclusion of a 5-minute waiting time for the vehicle owner to remove his vehicle from where it is parked. Under the amendment, any unattended illegally parked vehicle will be towed if the owner fails to appear after five minutes of waiting by the towing personnel.

 Gov sets P300-K reward for arrest notorious Korean prisoner escapee nowhere to be found 

By Nelson Bolos
TARLAC CITY —  A “notorious” South Korean national detained in Pampanga Provincial Jail for killing 3 fellow Koreans escaped from his five guards in a restaurant here Oct. 22 around 10 a.m. and is still nowhere to be found.
Lt. Col Joel Mendoza, this city’ police chief said Park Wang Yeol, 41, escaped through the ventilation window of the comfort room of Julia’s Kambingan in Barangay San Rafael after attending a hearing at the Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 64.
This, as Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda offered P300,000 reward for the capture of Park.
Mendoza said Park is facing a charge of illegal possession of firearm here when he was caught carrying an unlicensed pistol during his arrest in Barangay Balete in 2016 for his triple murder case in Pampanga.
Park was brought at the court here to attend his arraignment on illegal possession of firearms by 5 Pampanga provincial jail guards PG1s Randy Sibug, Danilo Gonzales, Carlo Layag, Clarito Mendoza y Franco and Danilo Aragon, said Mendoza’s report. 
On their way back to Pampanga after the hearing, along with Park’s girlfriend Elvie Fider y Samson, 32, of Barangay Balete here, the group stopped at the Julia’s Kambingan to eat.
Upon entering the restaurant, Park went straight to the comfort room unescorted because the five guards and Fider sat on the table and ordered their food.
Minutes later, the guards discovered that Park escaped through the small window of the comfort room.  
“Meron din kaso yan na (RA) 9165 o drugs sa Metro
 Manila, pero nakatakas din siya doon kaya notorious talaga siya,” Mendoza said.
Park, along with another Korean identified only as Kim, was accused of killing three other Koreans in a sugarcane field in the town of Bacolor, Pampanga.
According to a Korean newspaper, Park and Kim, apparently, took their victim’s cash of more than $2,000 and around $600,000 which were intended to be invested in a business.
As this developed, the five jail guards were charged by Pampanga Provincial Warden Col. Edwin Mangiliman (retired ) before a court here for infidelity in the custody of prisoner  and are now detained at the PPJ.


Bulacan village chief gunned down

SAN ILDEFONSO, Bulacan — The chairman of Barangay Malipampang in this town was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men Oct. 22.
Felimon Santos was in front of a store beside his house when the gunmen arrived and shot him several times, Lt. Col. Voltaire Rivera, San Ildefonso police chief, said, citing initial investigation.
A bystander identified as Richard del Rosario was hit by a stray bullet and taken to a hospital for treatment.
Residents said Santos survived an assassination attempt a few years ago. – Ramon Elfren Lazaro

Northern Philippine Times
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Baguio gov’t outs Uniwide in market dev’t/ Barangays’ biodegradable wastes

November 10, 2019, 6:35 pm
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CITY HALL BEAT
Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – The city government rejected Uniwide company Chairman Jimmy Gow’s intent to proceed with and execute the Design-Build-Lease agreement with the city for the development of the city public market saying the agreement has been deemed terminated due to the dissolution of the Uniwide Sales Realty and Resources Corporation (Uniwide).
Gow in a letter to Mayor Benjamin Magalong dated Sept. 20 through legal counsels  Aileen Grace Deticio and Mark Resty Derit reiterated his intent to continue with the project and requested for the city to issue a notice to proceed citing the “finality of the Resolution issued by the Supreme Court dated March 14, 2016 and the entry of the judgment having been made which upheld the validity of the Design-Build-Lease agreement  and Ordinance No. 38 series of 1995.”
“In the intent to continue with the deal and to accommodate the market vendors who will be temporarily displaced, our client would like to express modification on the architectural design previously present before the city council to include leasable spaces to accommodate the existing vendors who stand to be displaced,” the letter read.
In his reply prepared by the City Legal Officer under Acting Legal Officer Melchor Carlos Rabanes, Magalong cited four reasons why the city “cannot anymore entertain your intent to proceed.”
“The aforesaid DBL Agreement is deemed terminated by operation of law; Uniwide is deemed dissolved and its corporate or juridical existence terminated; all assets of Uniwide are now vested in the court-appointed liquidator; and you have no more legal standing to deal with the City of Baguio with respect to the DBL Agreement as all matters pertaining to this Agreement have been transferred by alw in the hands of the Liquidator,” the mayor said.
He said the city’s legal stand is based on Section 113 of Republic Act 10142 or the Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act of 2010 in the wake of the court’s issuance of Liquidation Order dated Nov. 23, 2017 against Uniwide Group of Companies including the Uniwide Sales Realty and Resources Corporation with which the city entered the agreement.
He informed Gow that the city had communicated its stand to court-appointed liquidator retired justice Martin Villarama  that as of the date of the liquidation order, Uniwide is deemed dissolved and that the its DBL agreement with the city is deemed terminated.
He said a letter was sent to Justice Martin Villarama Jr., the court-appointed liquidator in line with the dissolution of the companies belonging to the Uniwide Group of Companies which include the USRRC as per the liquidation order dated Nov. 23, 2017.
In said letter to Villarama last August, the mayor asserted the city’s intention to avail of the provisions of RA 10142 and that it will not agree to any assignment of the market contract to any subsidiary or affiliate of the company. 
***
Barangays were urged anew to manage their own biodegradable wastes through segregation and home and backyard composting as part of their obligation under the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and the city’s Environment Code.
General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan said the city as directed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong now strictly enforces said provisions of the laws designed to help the concerned government agencies and local governments address the garbage disposal concerns.
The GSO does not collect biodegradable wastes at present to encourage households and businesses to do their part in managing their compostable wastes. 
Barangays that encounter difficulties in setting up their composting systems may request assistance from the GSO.
“We will evaluate if these barangays really have no means and capability to do their own composting and if so, we can assist them,” Buyucan said adding that they have available drums for requesting barangays or residents. 
He said residents should practice composting and urban gardening in their homes because it does not only help reduce the volume of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes but is also beneficial for the homes.
He said a simple composting method would only require any container, big or medium-sized and can be plastic, wood or cement where biodegradable wastes can be stored.
“Just cover the refuse with small amount of soil for drying and repeat the process.  The compost can be used in one to two months for their backyard garden,” he said.
Other methods such as the use of African night crawlers can also be employed.
The mayor at the start of his term urged residents and business owners in the city to adopt their own backyard composting methods and technologies to lessen the city’s biodegradable wastes and help the city which albeit is its best to maximize the operation of the Environmental Recycling System (ERS) machines stationed at the former dumpsite at Irisan still needs the cooperation of residents and businessmen in easing the city’s waste burden.
Aside from collecting some 40 to 50 tons of biodegradable wastes from the different collection points in the city’s barangays, the local government is also collecting some 170 to 180 tons of non-biodegradable refuse in the barangays daily.
The city is still hauling out residual wastes to Urdaneta City.

Northern Philippine Times
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Mercylynne and forgotten spot of Mayor Halsema

November 10, 2019, 6:37 pm
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LETTERS FROM THE AGNO
March Fianza

Years ago, I learned a lesson in life from Mang Luis, a farmer in Barangay Baan, Aritao, Nueva Viscaya who has to walk three kilometers from the main highway to reach his farm.
One evening, he was about to walk the distance when I chanced upon him. Having traveled the unpaved and rugged foot trail myself, I imagined how a 70-year old farmer could negotiate his way at night, encountering NPAs or nice people around at certain times.
I offered him my flashlight to which he quickly refused. Instead, he said it is safer to walk through the fields without any light or under cover of darkness, saying further that life-threatening accidents come according to God’s will.
When asked if he believed in what he just said, he cited instances where there are people who meet accidents often but still survive, while there are newborns who have yet to open their eyes to the world when their lives are suddenly snuffed out.
The farmer believed that such instances were all God’s will – and that we all have destinies written on our palms. His unsolicited advice was that I should be able to move on with whatever fate I have.
Our friend Mercylynne Sixto Bastian was held hostage by the Big C for around three years. Only she can describe the pain she experienced, and all that her relatives and friends could do was to comfort her.
Last Monday, after being stuck for a long time, she moved on. And I remember my conversation with Mang Luis. What came to Mercy that fateful morning was God’s will. It was also a signal that she was healed.
The healing that came to her is also a sign that her family, relatives and friends can now move on. So long Mercy. Your memories and songs live on.

***
Unrivaled in treatment to money-making ordinances, the grasses around the burial grounds of Eusebius Julius Halsema, Baguio’s last serving American mayor and his wife, Marie Boesel Halsema have grown waist-high.
This means that the corner of Mayor Halsema has been neglected for a long time. The CEPMO and our concerned city officials have even allowed adjacent gravesites to encroach the space allotted for the Halsema couple. Our officials stopped cleaning the Halsema couple’s graveyard because anyway they gain no benefit from it. 
In an almost forgotten spot just a few yards around the center section of the Baguio Cemetery, one will no longer find the words “Baguio is his monument” etched on a cement slab.
For no good reason, with bad taste and bad grammar, somebody changed the epitaph to “The mayor who engineered Baguio City”. This destroys history because the original epitaph were exactly the words that his family wrote on his grave.
The epitaph should be returned to its original text. Indeed, in honor of the best mayor Baguio ever had, beautifying and redesigning EJ Halsema’s graveyard into a more prominent area will not hurt the coffers of the city. 
Except for some Baguio old timers who are aware, the graves of the first American mayor of the Charter City of Baguio and his wife are unnoticed and regarded by passers-by as ordinary burial grounds.
EJ Halsema was no ordinary engineer volunteer for the Bureau of Public Works, considering that he served as mayor of Baguio, then the capital of Benguet, and district engineer of Benguet at the same time.
Hence, he developed many parts of the city during its infancy, gradually transforming it from a sleepy Ibaloy community to a flourishing city with paved roads and it was during his term as mayor when the first light airplane landed at the Loakan airfield.
As mayor, he made sure that the city allotted budget subsidies for the establishment of the Mountain Province High School (now Baguio City High School), the construction of Burnham Park city auditorium, market and numerous elementary schools.
In 1919, he carved a mountain road from La Trinidad in Benguet to Bontoc with the cooperation of people living along its route. The road, then popularly known as “Mountain Trail” was shrouded by fog most of the time and was opened to vehicular traffic in 1930. It was later named Halsema Highway in memory of him.
In 1990, some kiss-ass advisers of President Cory changed the mountain highway’s name to Ninoy Aquino Highway but the Igorots who traverse it daily refused to recognize the replacement because they know history.
It was also during his time when the Asin hydro-electric plant in Nangalisan, Tuba was built to energize a lumber sawmill at Tadiangan, Tuba that supplied Pine timber to the gold mines in Benguet.
Past city administrators could have wanted that nobody tampered with the blueprint development of Baguio as envisioned by the urban planner Architect Daniel Burnham and wished for by genuine Baguio folks.
             The simple Burnham plan that was closest to the hearts of Baguio people was sustained by Mayor Halsema. The old city was closest to nature with not too much concrete, no traffic jams, no squatters and no TSA applications over forest lands.
              There was no serious garbage problem then, no leasing of roads and public parks, no private management at the skating rink, and no proposals for a parking construction under Melvin Jones. But that’s not now if you look around.
              On March 15, 1945; Engr. EJ Halsema was killed when Japanese bombs hit the Notre Dame Hospital where he was recovering from a bout of dysentery. His body was crushed under the concrete walls.
Mayor Halsema and his wife were buried just a few yards around the center section of the Baguio Cemetery, now a forgotten spot.

Northern Philippine Times
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Shrine of the Brown Madonna 33rd anniversary kicks off Silahis ng Pasko

November 10, 2019, 6:39 pm
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 BEHIND THE SCENES
Alfred Dizon

(This week’s piece is by the Baguio City government information office) 

TUBA, Benguet – The 33rd anniversary celebration of the Shrine of the Brown Madonna on Oct. 27 officially kicked off  the 46th year of the Silahis ng Pasko, which will be staged this year sans its Santa Claus, Narciso Padilla.
                A mass, native rituals marked the special day as it will also honor Padilla, who died last March 3 after a massive heart attack. He was 87 years old.
The shrine at Km. 7 Asin Road in sitio Pacac of Barangay Tadiangan here is a tourism area and place of worship.
Padilla, a former Baguio councilor and tourism officer, started developing the area in 1986 and was opened to the public in October of that year after having the 12 foot statue of the Virgin Mary inside the 50 foot deep cavern that is about 35 feet high and 28 feet across.
By sheer “labor of love”, said son Fritz Gerald, the late Padilla built a casing with stained glasses, a Santo Nino accompanied the statue, as well as an altar, candle stands, concrete benches for 60 people, cemented aisle, a 10 foot steel gate and a 20 foot entry paved with bricks.
The entrance has also concrete benches as well as a landscaped garden where a marker has been placed.
At the entrance, a marker was placed in Dec. 16, 1990 to celebrate those who helped in the rescue of victims after the July 16, 1990 earthquake.
The younger Padilla has for two weeks refurbished, cleaned and painted the statue and fixtures within the shrine for the October 27 celebration of the shrine, just four days off the birthday of his late father.
The 50-year old Padilla said the shrine will be venue of several of the Silahis ng Pasko events which will take off on December 1 that will also start the city’s Enchanting Christmas in Baguio celebration.
The Children’s Mardi Gras will see more than 4,000 pre-school learners garbed in Christmas attire in a parade. It is staged in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
On December 7, the OCSWADO will select the Lucky Christmas Family, an indigent family who will be given a Christmas package and will be guest during the mass of Immaculate Conception on December 8 at the Shrine.
A special Olympics for the blind and paraplegic and concert are slated  on December 15.  The Lucky Christmas Baby will be selected on December 25 and New Year Baby on January 1 at the Baguio General Hospital.
On Dec. 30, the TALA for elderlies and KISLAP awards for the outstanding athletes will be staged at a hotel yet to be identified.
“               We are introducing improvements like staging the awards at a hotel instead of the Sunshine Park to protect our awardees from rain and cold,” the young Padilla said. Last year, rains did not stop the late Padilla from staging the event at the park with awardees that included national artist Ben Cabrera and chess GM Eugene Torre as guest.
               Calling it SNP – Legacy, the younger Padilla said he will not let what his late father has worked so hard to establish and sustain that left him at times penniless.
“I found out that he only had P11 to his name in his bank and the money he used to get from my siblings were withdrawn during the SNP programs,” said the young Padilla.
“He died literally penniless,” he added.
The younger Padilla will be donning the Santa costume in most of the events or a Manila-based nephew who is bigger and heftier.
“We will continue his works, while also adding new ones but first we have to get things moving,” added the security consultant.

Northern Philippine Times
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Christianity and Halloween

November 10, 2019, 6:40 pm
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 TRUTH FOR TODAY
Jun Malazo


Halloween was first popularized in western societies as a fun holiday to don costumes at parties.  Usually television channels play reruns of scary movies around this time, and it is also when the Hollywood industries would release their latest horror films.  Likely, if you are parent, you are probably scrambling to put together a homemade costume for your little one’s halloween party at school or a trick-or-treat activity in the community. 
Is there anything wrong with celebrating this holiday?  Is there anything wrong with children putting on “cute” costumes and collecting candies all over the community?  After all, from the surface it looks like harmless fun for children.  Is there anything wrong with this holiday that is celebrated just once a year?  Christians are often divided on this issue.  Some say that there is nothing wrong with children putting on costumes and participating in halloween parties.  While others stay away from it not really knowing the reason why.  They just know that there is something sinister behind this holiday.  From a logical point of view, the same people do not see anything wholesome about witches and monsters and the violence that comes along with horror movies.
There are many things celebrated today which people for the most part do not know origin and purpose of.  There are many reasons for this.  One is because, like halloween, the original meaning and purpose has become hidden because of its commercialization.  Statistics indicate that about 15 Billion US dollars are spent during halloween on costumes, candies and other items.  Another reason is that when a holiday is practiced regularly its true meaning becomes disguised throughout time.
Should Christians celebrate halloween?  In this article we will look at the historical background and origin of halloween, and the meanings behind all of its practices.  We will also look at what the Bible says whether Christians should celebrate it or not.
Encyclopedia Brittanica gives us a historical background on Halloween:
“In ancient Britain and Ireland, the Celtic festival of Samhain Eve was observed on October 31, at the end of summer.  It was the occasion for one of the ancient fire festivals when huge fires were set on hilltops to frighten away evil spirits…The souls of the dead were thought to revisit their homes on this day, and the autumnal festival acquired sinister significance, with ghosts, witches, hobgoblins, black cats, fairies, and demons of all kinds said to be roaming about.  In addition, Halloween was thought to be the most favorable time for divinations concerning marriage, luck, health, and death.
Samhain, also spelled Samain, is one of the most important and sinister calendar festivals of the Celtic year.  At Samhain, held on November 1, the world of the gods was believed to be made visible to mankind, and the gods played many tricks on their mortal worshippers; it was a time fraught with danger, charged with fear, and full of supernatural episodes.  Sacrifices and propitiations of every kind were thought to be vital, for without them the Celts believed they could not prevail over the important precursor to Halloween.”
When the Romans conquered the Celtic area (Britain and Ireland) they amalgamated both Roman and Celtic pagan traditions that honored the dead. 
Only after a few short years during the 3rd and 4th century, the Roman Catholic Church came up with a holiday to remember “All Saints.”  It was a day of remembering and praying for the dead saints.  With the support of the Roman government, the Catholic Church was granted the permission to adopt the Roman pagan holiday of honoring the dead as their day of remembering the dead saints. 
The Roman Catholic Church’s agenda was to take over the pagan holidays to turn them into Christian holidays. 
Eventually November 1 was chosen to be the day for “All Saints Day” to replace the Celtic pagan festival of Samhain.  During these festivities, the Catholics celebrated with huge bonfires, parades and costumes, masquerading as dead saints, angels and demons.  Then in 1556, the Scottish term “All Hallows Eve” was used which means “Hallowed Evening” or “Holy Evening.”  The term was eventually shortened in western English as “Halloween” in 1745.
The people during this time celebrated Halloween without knowing its roots over 1000 years ago from Celtic pagan practices.  They had no idea that what the Catholics observe as “All Saints Day” was nothing more than a pagan holiday christianized by the the Catholics themselves.  This is exactly what is happening today with Halloween.  Christians are unknowingly observing something that the Roman Catholic Church has adopted from pagan cultures.
Why do people wear costumes during Halloween?  During the Samhain Festival, the Celts would wear animal skins and dress up like ghosts, fairies, and demons to protect themselves from the wandering spirits.  Today many people just associate costumes with Halloween without considering the original meaning of this custom. 
Over the next few days, you will probably see many children wandering around the community dressed up in their costumes and as they wander from place to place asking for treats.  This is famously called “Trick or Treat.”  In the custom of the Samhain Festival, families would put food and drinks outside the front door to appease the roaming spirits and to keep them from playing “tricks” on them.  
“What is wrong with a little harmless fun?  Dressing up in costumes never hurt anybody.  I don’t want my kids to miss out on what their friends are doing during Halloween.”  These questions and statements have been used by many Christians to justify themselves.  Beside considering the pagan background of Halloween, Christians must also consider how Halloween is celebrated by others whom we do not hear about too often.  There is a subculture that holds Halloween in the highest regard because of what it exalts.
Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan and author of the
 Satanic Bible said, “I am glad Christians let their kids worship the Devil at least one night a year.”  According to him, Halloween is the most important day for Devil worshippers. 
There are numerous men and women that are former satanists (satan worshippers) and now believers in Christ who have testified of the activities that happen secretly in the satanist church during Halloween.  They talked about blood sacrifice and many unthinkable practices that for many reasons I will not divulge in this article. 
I understand that most Christian parents that are allow their children to participate in Halloween celebrations do not do so with the intention of worshipping Satan or advocating evil either consciously or subconsciously. 
Parents, however, need to think about what they are associating with.  Do you ever wonder why during Halloween the displays at the stores have demonic and violent themes?  Do you wonder why most horror movies are released during Halloween?  This is because Halloween is based upon these themes—horror, violence, witchcraft, and demonic activity.
So what are Christians to do?  We need to be reminded that we are children of light and not of darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5).  The Apostle Paul says, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. “  (Ephesians 5:11, KJV).  The word reprove in this verse means to “tell a fault, or to rebuke.”  As a Christian parent you may not be intending to associate yourself with paganism by allowing your children to participate in Halloween. 
You may not be associating with it, but you are not reproving it either the way the Bible says so.  We are not to embrace these practices as the Bible says, “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil….”  (Proverbs 8:13a, KJV).  We have to remember that God “…hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”  (Colossians 1:13, KJV).   We are not to imitate the world but to exemplify Christ in our lives as children of light.
How can parents help their children understand the dangers of Halloween?  First, parents must inform their children what the Bible says about paganism and how God forbids the practice of it (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
            Then parents must diligently stand guard and be praying for the spiritual protection of their children.  Lastly, parents must be willing to suffer whatever consequences that will happen to them by standing against the tide of their community.  The greatest lesson that we, as parents, can teach our children is to stand for Jesus no matter the price. 
           Finally, as Christians we must be reminded that there is battle that is raging. In this battle we have an Enemy that often attacks very subtly.  He will use anything to get ground in our lives and in the lives of our children.  Halloween is one of the tools he uses to control our lives.  In this day when evil is exalted and godliness is shunned, let us make a stand for what the Bible says.

Northern Philippine Times
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Countdown to Christmas on as long weekend ends

November 10, 2019, 6:42 pm
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EDITORIAL

The long weekend will end this Sunday with the culmination of All Saints and All Souls Days.
It will be back to work or the grind as the countdown to Christmas will commence.
The Philippines is known for having the world’s longest and merriest Christmas season with Filipinos celebrating the holiday for four months, starting from September until early January when the Epiphany, or the Feast of the Three Kings, is celebrated.
Just when they hear of the “ber” months, people already feel the Christmas-sy vibe.
As early as September, it’s not unusual to see a series of huge Christmas displays popping up in malls, parks and open spaces across the country at night. One is the country’s unique and popular Christmas decoration, known as the parol, or Christmas lantern hang on houses or streetlamps, although these are now slowly disappearing.
The lantern is basically in the shape of a five-pointed star, representing the star of Bethlehem to guide the wise men towards the manger where Jesus lay.
You can already hear Christmas music playing everywhere. But the children going around the neighborhood singing Christmas carols in front of every house are getting scarcer.
But this early, Christmas sales and bazaars seek to get people’s attention, not to mention the rush hours and hassle traffic during these times.
Despite hard times, Filipinos still manage to celebrate the joyous season and have a merry Christmas.
Friends and families living kilometers away from one another meet up despite the aberrations. Christmas parties are held here and there. But what every Filipino looks forward to is the noche buena, a Philippine tradition where families gather to sit down for dinner on Christmas Eve and enjoy food specifically made for the evening.
It is a day of family closeness, everyone wishing good cheers and glad tidings, and when they give and open presents. Traditionally, the most popular food served on every table are queso de bola and hamon.
The Philippines is also known as a Catholic country that’s why simbang gabi or dawn Masses, are very important for many Filipinos, many of whom are Roman Catholics. It is part of their cherished religious tradition when Filipinos attend a series of nine Masses, from December 16 until the Christmas Eve.
It is believed that if you make a wish after completing the nine masses, it will come true.
People go to church at 4 o’clock in the morning and afterward have breakfast together. Traditional treats are bibingka and puto bumbong sold outside churches after the dawn Mass.
Christmas is for the children, a most-awaited day because it’s the day for them to visit their uncles, aunts, godmothers and godfathers who present them with gifts, usually candies, a toy or crisp bills of money called aginaldo.
             While we live by many traditions to celebrate Christmas as it is only a few days away, may we continue to remember and celebrate the true essence of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ.

Northern Philippine Times
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Regional action centers to hasten govt programs

November 12, 2019, 12:40 am
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By Gina Dizon


BAGUIO CITY - Regional action centers to facilitate actions on people’s request for assistance and coordinate issues and concerns brought to government offices shall be set up by the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee (MRRD NECC).
MRRD NECC national chairperson and former TESDA Secretary Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong in a meeting with MRRD Cordillera said the greater number of people should be provided access to socio-economic programs and services of the government.
Following an MRRD NECC directive signed by Mamondiong, national president John Castriciones and national secretary general Martin Dino, the memorandum was directed to regional and local MRRD officers to implement said memorandum.
MRRD is a national movement that supported President Rodrigo Duterte during the 2016 national elections.



Northern Philippine Times
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Officials grace 7th IP Day in Paracelis

November 12, 2019, 12:43 am
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By Robert Ramos

PARACELIS, Mountain Province –This eastern town of the province celebrated its 7th Indigenous Peoples’ Day Oct. 25 which began with a civic parade participated by ethnic tribes, government officials and employees and ended with a program and unveiling of tribal murals.
Fred Balao-as, an elder from the Balangao tribe recognized the different participants representing the 12 ethnic tribes within the municipality:  Majukayong, Ayangan/Tuwali, Balangao, Kalinga, Ga’dang, Bago, Ha’ki, Licoy, Kadaclan, Kalanguya/Ibaloi/Karao, Kankanaey/Applai/Bontok, and the Changyasan/Fialigha tribe.
Mayor Marcos G. Ayangwa welcomed visitors and participants, by emphasizing the real essence of IP day celebration.
He cited the Baliwon word “Kakarefin” term which literally means solidarity.
The 12 tribes will now be dubbed “Kakarefin Tribe” of Paracelis, according to the mayor.
He urged tribes to stop factionalism towards a better Paracelis. Ayangwa is an IP from the Kalinga tribe.
Meanwhile, lawyer Willbroth Managtag delivered the message of Rep. Maximo Y. Dalog Jr. as guest of honor and speaker.
In his message, Dalog said that as an IP belonging to the Bontok ethnic group, he understands the feelings for the pride of being an IP in his heart, getting the strength of mind and soul from his faith in traditional culture.
“Cultural advocacy through cultural festivals signifies our desire to educate our young generations to instill the values learned from our traditions and practices and to strengthen the bond that connects them to their IPhood. Our cultural festivals have dealt more on the performances of cultural dances, rituals and folk songs including the display of ethnic attires and costumes. These had been highlighted with a feast of foods shared by all the different ethnic groups,” he added.
All municipalities of Mountain Province have their own cultural festivals with the Lang-ay Festival dubbed mother of all festivals, which was initiated by the late Rep. Maximo B. Dalog, Sr. when he was still governor of the province.
Paracelis is now home to the Kakarayam Festival, which, by virtue of Municipal Ordinance No. 2015-002 was enacted, giving birth to Kakarayam Festival, meaning a gathering of the people, residing in and out of Paracelis, to come together and foster kinship and community ties.
Aside from Kakarayam, the municipality of Barlig has its Menaliyam Festival for the Kadaclan area, Changyasan Festival for Lias, and Fortan for the central town. Natonin has its Sas-aliwa Festival, Sadanga has the Fvegnash Festival, Bontoc – Amamong Festival, Besao – Ubaya Fesival, Bauko – Begnas di Bauko Festival, Sabangan – Gagayam Festival, Sagada – Etag Festival, and Tadian has its Ayyoweng di Lambak di Tadian Festival.
Rep. Dalog also commended the people of Paracelis for being among the few municipalities in the province that annually conducts a municipal celebration for IPs.
Highlights of the celebration include the unveiling of the Kakarefin murals painted by nationally-acclaimed painter and artist Angelo Aurelio featuring the different cultures of the 12 tribes of Paracelis including the indigenous trade fair and indigenous games.
Lawyer Wilson Kalangeg, provincial officer of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Mountain Province also graced the event.

Northern Philippine Times
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SNAP reaffirms social purpose in host towns

November 12, 2019, 12:44 am
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BAGUIO CITY -- Hydro company SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (SNAP-Benguet) reaffirmed its social purpose to power positive change in host communities during its annual forum held here Oct. 30.
SNAP-Benguet president and chief executive officer (CEO) Joseph Yu vowed to continue “powering positive change” through its corporate social responsibility program. Since 2008, the company has supported 375 community-initiated infrastructure, education, livelihood, indigenous culture, governance, health, and environment projects worth around P143 million. 
Benguet Gov. Melchor Diclas headed the 88-member contingent from local government units and indigenous people’s organizations hosting the 105-MW Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power plants in Bokod and Itogon, respectively.
“I am thankful for this forum organized by SNAP as a way for us to learn more and further strengthen our partnership,” said Governor Diclas, who attended his first forum as newly elected governor of the province. 
The forum was also an opportunity to recognize stakeholders who have participated actively in the CSR program. 
The Shakilan Ni Ikulos–Indigenous Peoples Organization was cited for its high level of engagement in all SNAP CSR activities, while the Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization was given special recognition for its role in implementing various watershed management and environmental activities in 2019. The Province of Benguet’s proposed eco-farm and agricultural innovation center project, which promotes sustainable and responsible agriculture through integrated diversified farming system, was cited for its conformance to CSR 2.0 principles.
The forum featured a discussion on disaster-responsiveness and community resilience from Aboitiz Foundation senior project officer Welfredo Dalumpines.  
The host communities’ forum (HCF) is an annual event held by SNAP to update its community-based stakeholders on the company’s operations and initiatives and facilitate their participation in improving its CSR program.

Northern Philippine Times
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Two veteran NPA fighters surrender in Mt Province

November 12, 2019, 12:45 am
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SAGADA, Mountain Province – Two New People’s Army veteran fighters turned in their firearms and surrendered to authorities here and Sadanga town last week.
Fermin “Jet” Quidlayen, 43, married, vice-squad leader of the NPA’s KLG Marco Command surrendered to elements of the 53rd MICO,  503rd , 54th , 50th, 77th infantry brigades and police here at Sitio Patay, Poblacion Oct. 3.
Quidlayen turned in a 5.56mm M16 assault rifle with magazine with 13 bullets.
On the same date, Benny “Tubay” Wadwadan, 47 another NPA veteran fighter surrendered at Barangay Belwang, Sadanga.
He also turned in a M16 assault rifle with magazine.
Both surrenderes were brought to headquarters of   53ICO at Barangay Calanan, Tabuk City, Kalinga for debriefing.
Army authorities said both can avail of benefits under Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for rebel surrenderees.
In Camp Dela Cruz, Gamu, Isabela, Brig. Gen. Henry M. Doyaoen, commander of the army’s 503rd Infantry Brigade, said joint efforts of t army units and police to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) led to the voluntary surrender of the two.
Doyaoen cited personnel involved for their successful negotiation leading to the surrender of “Jet” and “Tuday.”
Last week, two NPA rebels voluntarily surrendered to the army’s 95th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Dibuluan, San Mariano, Isabela.
The two NPA rebels were identified only as “Marvin” and “Robin” who are members of the Central Front Committee, Komiteng Rehiyon- Cagayan Valley (KR-CV) of the NPA.
Maj. Gen. Pablo M. Lorenzo, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, commended troops for their efforts in achieving peace and urged NPA guerillas in hinterlands to lay down their arms and join program of the government.
Earlier on Oct. 6, former NPA platoon leader, Alex Tongdo alias Ka Diwa gave himself up in Camp Duyan, Tabuk City, Kalinga, despite facing two warrants of arrest issued by Judge Neljoe A. Cortez of RTC, Branch 25, Tabuk City for attempted murder and four counts of attempted murder.
He surrendered his arms cache consisting of a 7.62mm M60 machine gun without ammunition, two 60-mm mortars with three mortar ammunition, four shotguns and ammunition. – With a report from Freddie Lazaro

Northern Philippine Times
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Baguio mayor: Ancestral lands preserved not sold

November 12, 2019, 12:46 am
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By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong wants ancestral lands in the city preserved instead of sold or developed commercially.
The mayor made known his stand in his response to one lot owner who offered to sell to the city an ancestral land he owns in one barangay for the city’s development projects like the north-bound bus terminal, pine tree nursery, low cost housing among others . 
The 11-hectare property was said to be “covered by several CALTs (Certificate of Ancestral Land Titles) which were subdivided and became Transfer Certificates of Title.” 
The mayor rejected the offer but suggested a partnership to help the owner preserve the lot as a tree farm or park.  
“We regret to inform you, even as your offer is perceived as noble.., the development of your land as bus staging area and/or low-cost housing locale, would be contrary to the mandate of the State to ‘respect, recognize and protect the right of the ICCs (Indigenous Cultural Communities)/ IPs (Indigenous Peoples) to preserve and protect their culture, traditions and institutions’,” the mayor said.
“But taking cue from R.A. 8371 (Indigenous People's Rights Act of 1997) which mandates the State to preserve indigenous peoples’ cultures, traditions and institutions, we are very much willing to aid you and your clan in the perpetuation of your Igorot culture by continuing to protect your ancestral property from informal settlers,” he said.
“We are most willing to take you up in your offer to establish a tree nursery over the property you are burdened to protect on behalf of your successors, seeing that possession of the property would still be with the (clan) and their countless predecessors down the line.”
The mayor said he is firm in his stand “that ancestral lands, if enrolled under the IPRA via provisions on Delineation and Recognition under Section 53 of said law, are intended for preservation for future generations to come.” 
He said that based on the law, lands covered by CALTs “should not be treated the same way as those covered by Torrens titles (because) ancestral lands… are conditioned not only upon ‘possession since time immemorial’ but to ‘possession extant’ pursuant to Section 3 (b) of the IPRA.”
“Under the ‘indigenous concept of ownership’ moreover, ancestral lands serve as the material bases of the ICCs/IPs cultural integrity, being property belonging to all generations of the same ICCs/IPs,” the mayor said.
He said this is why TCTs emanating from CALTs cannot be recognized as valid.
“After all, it is impossible to subdivide the air, the spirits, sentient beings, things tangible and intangible, all of which are inseparable from the ancestral land upon which IP cultural integrity is anchored and have said subdivided lands covered by separate transfer titles.  This, over the fact that issuance of (TCTs) have no legal bases in the IPRA,” the mayor said.

Northern Philippine Times
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Senior folks hit Mt Prov board members over pay

November 12, 2019, 12:48 am
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By Gina Dizon

BONTOC, Mountain Province - Giving less than the mandated “one day pay” by officials of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here prompted senior citizens of Mountain Province to appear before SP officials saying they needed to understand the Senior Citizens Code.
On said appearance with other senior citizens before the SP officials last Nov. 5, provincial senior citizens representative lawyer Florence Taguiba and president of the Bontoc Municipal Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines said “the intention of the incumbent elective officials to offer less than the mandated one-day pay does not have  any legal bases but a demonstration of a preference of personal interest above the public interest - which refers to the proper implementation of the law regardless of whether personal finances are affected or not.”  
Taguiba then acted as provincial governor during the senior citizens officer for a day (SCOFAD) here Oct. 29.
Pursuant to section 8 of the Provincial Ordinance No 104 or the Senior Citizens Code, funding for purposes of the senior citizens special day where senior citizens shall act as senior citizens officer for a day (SCOFAD) in all elective and appointive posts of department heads in the province  shall be sourced from the one day pay of officials and  department heads of the Provincial Government.
Provincial senior citizens acted as officers of the day on October 29,2019 under the offices of the governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan in celebration of Senior Citizens Week on October as Elderly Filipino Week under Presidential Proclamation Number 470.  
Following the ordinance, Provincial Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr issued a memorandum on October 16, 2019 to Provincial treasurer Cawed Gamonnac the “deduction of one day pay” from the Provincial elective officials on the conduct of SCOFAD on October 29 at the offices of the Provincial Governor and Sanguniang Panlalawigan.  
On said appearance of senior citizens at the office of the SP, Board member for District 1 Janice Barillo said the SP shall be coordinating with the office of the Treasurer on the matter presented by the senior citizens.
In an interview with SP’s Senior Citizens committee chairman Salvador Dalang said the one day pay needs to be clarified if it includes benefits as deductions on Pag-ibig fees and taxes. Dalang is one of the signatories to Provincial Ordinance 104 then enacted in 2011. Otherwise, the law needs to be amended, Dalang said. 
Former SP board member for District 1 Florence Taguiba in a separate interview said the Ordinance was implemented from 2013 to 2016 with the full one day pay as deducted from then officials’ one day pay under the leadership of then provincial governor Leonard Mayaen and then vice governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr.
It was known however that the previous years from 2017 onwards led by incumbent vice governor Francis Tauli gave P1,000 each to then SCOFADs.   
Board members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan have a daily pay of P4,690 and 5,387 for the vice governor with the Sangguniang Kabataan provincial representative receiving P1,801 per day, treasury records indicate.
Each board member including the SK Rep gave P1,500 and the vice governor the amount of  P2,000 per day as SCOFAD incentive for this year 2019 but the amounts returned with the senior citizens seeking for reconsideration of the SP’s understanding on what “one day pay” means as provided by Provincial Ordinance 104.

Northern Philippine Times
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Mountain Province tribes push separate identities

November 12, 2019, 12:49 am
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By Roger Sacyaten

BONTOC, Mountain Province --  Tribal leaders and elders including indigenous peoples’ mandatory representatives (IPMRs) in the province met here Oct. 30 and 31 at the Pearl Café and Restaurant here to find solutions to common problems besetting the five major tribes in the province, namely; Kankanaey, Applai, Bontok, Balangao, and Baliwon.
The activity was conducted by the Lang-ay Festival Organization in coordination with the provincial office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
It was funded by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
The objective of the activity was for participants in a workshop to identify major problems for the individual tribes.
The problems were synthesized into major common problems all of tribes in the province.
These problems will be presented to concerned government and non-government agencies for favorable resolutions or recommendations for possible actions.
Fr. Marcial Castaneda, the spiritual counselor and member of the Board of the Lang-ay Organization, told participants the event “was a dialogue of the past and the present, culture and the faith, and peoples and tribes.”
He cited “importance of looking at the deeds of forebears and onslaught of technologies in our lives at present and the importance of intertwining of culture and the religious faith.”
He urged elders as usual to lead the young with credibility and integrity and to teach them the values of inayan and lawa (some sort of a local version of the Golden Rule) that the elders practiced.
Lawyer Wilson Kalangeg, provincial officer of the NCIP also urged the participants to contribute in finding solutions and recommendations to the overall concerns of the tribes.
The participants were grouped into the five major tribes for workshop 1 to identify issues and concerns on their respective tribes.
In workshop 2, the participants came up with the most common and relevant issues and concerns.
The settlement and recognition of ancestral domain boundaries, and the problems on the recognition of the sub tribes as separate and distinct tribes as the major issues and concerns. Support to Cordillera Autonomy was also identified.
All the tribes identified ancestral boundaries as the major concerns and even adding that the political boundaries are different from the ancestral boundaries.
On ethnicity, the improper use of native attires was scored. It was cited for example that the tapis for women has no official and uniform upper garments. No problem for men as they use the wanes or g-strings only but the improper use of head gears was also mentioned.
Barlig representatives said those in Central Barlig should be called e-Fialika, e-lias, and e-Kachakran instead of being lumped in the tribe of Balangao.
The Paracelis representatives who supposedly belong to the Baliwon tribe also asked for the recognition of Ga’dang as a separate and distinct tribe from Baliwon.
Other concerns cited, among others, were institutionalization of the conduct of Peoples’ Day in all local government units (LGUs) for concerns of the people to be addressed.
Establishment of dialysis centers in the municipalities, especially those that have no dialysis centers and far from such centers was proposed. 
Paulino Tumapang, Jr., the chairperson of Lang-ay Organization and the private sector representative of Mountain Province to the Regional Development Council, took the opportunity to conduct information education campaign (IEC) on autonomy.
He cited three concerns of autonomy such as permanent identity, responsive policies, progress for all.
“We all have to be referred as Cordillerans, governed by policies we craft and implement not dependent on imperial Manila, and direct programs and projects for the progress of all,” is the summary of the lecture of Tumapang.



Northern Philippine Times
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Benguet’s 13 towns pass road clearing validation

November 12, 2019, 12:51 am
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LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- All the 13 municipal local government units (LGUs) in the province complied with the presidential directive on road clearing operations and passed the assessment carried out by the Provincial Road Clearing Validation Team.
Department of Interior and Local Government( DILG)  Provincial Director RufinaFegcan who headed   the validation team,  clarified that   Kabayan  which  was included in the list of 97  LGUs nationwide that failed  the road clearing directive actually  passed. An assigned scoring in one of the parameters was inadvertently omitted and was discovered too late when the list was already out. Based on the rectified overall score, Kabayan got perfect rating.
The clearing of roads of illegal structures and constructions is based on the directive or Memorandum Circular 2019-121 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte during his 2019 State-of-the-Nation Address.
 Led by DILG, members of the team composed of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Provincial Jail Warden’s Office and the Philippine Information Agency went around the municipalities to monitor and confirm LGU compliance to road clearing of structures and constructions in public roads.
Rated were the cleared provincial and municipal roads even if majority of those cleared with obstructions were national roads.
 Among the noted road obstructions that were cleared were wall extensions, elevated pavements, stairways or extended gateways put up by either business establishments or residential structures. Other observed obstructions were electric posts and parked vehicles,   abandoned vehicles and equipment along the road and on sidewalks.  Ambulant vendors were noted in Mankayan and Buguias.
There were also issues on titled lots along public roads and existence of titled properties even before the roads were constructed.
 All the municipalities were observed to be very receptive and participative in the implementation of this national directive coming from no less than Pres.  Duterte himself,” Fegcan said. 
Sharing their experiences in this presidential order, Mankayan Mayor Frenzel Ayong, a lawyer,   still sought the legal opinion of a judge in the interpretation of the directive relative to the LGU’s mandate of road clearing operations.   
 He accommodated the displaced vendors from his municipality doing business in Buguias and relocated them within the property of the LGU.  He caused the transfer of trikes parking along the roads to a portion in the market where they no longer are  obstruction to pedestrians.
Buguias Mayor Ruben Tinda-an stood his ground in clearing road obstructions mostly along the national highway in Abatan not sparing the property of his father, former Vice Governor Robert Tinda-an.
Displaced ambulant vendors were accommodated at the newly constructed public market.
La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda said they followed due process in reclaiming public roads used for private purposes.  They initially issued notice of obstruction followed by notice of demolition either voluntarily or LGU-initiated. The enforcement team waited consent from those affected that were issued with notices prior to the clearing operations. The mayor said there was notably no resistance.
The LGU also demolished a police compact occupying portions supposedly for pedestrian use.
 For Tuba, Pol Major James Acod said they established a staging area for trucks and tankers along Marcos Highway to decongest the roads and keep them away from occupying the road stretch all at the same time.   
 For Bokod LGU, displaced vendors were relocated to a private lot while trikes parking along the road were relocated to a more spacious area. Mayor Thomas Wales Jr said they still have to demolish public comfort rooms blocking the side walk and relocate it to a more spacious area.
Anthony, a trike driver in Bokod, said he likes better the relocation area for trike parking because it is safer.
Cattles walking or sleeping in the roads are the obstructions mostly observed in Itogon. Mayor Victor Palangdan said the LGU bought ropes used to leash those found along the roads as they may cause accidents.
 “Road clearing which is simply giving back to the public the access that is due them should be a lifestyle of every LGU,” said Fegcan. For Benguet, this is not hard to achieve as seen during the recently concluded road clearing validation in the province, she added. (JDP/SCA-PIA CAR, Benguet)


Northern Philippine Times
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2 resigned PMA execs sued over hazing death

November 12, 2019, 12:53 am
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PRC urged: Revoke licenses of 3 docs for failure to treat plebe


BAGUIO CITY — Two resigned officials of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) were included in a new complaint filed on Monday by the Baguio police and the family of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio, who died from internal injuries attributed to beatings that occurred as far back as August.
Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, who gave up his post as PMA superintendent after taking command responsibility for Dormitorio’s death on Sept. 18, was charged with dereliction of duty, along with Brig. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, the former commandant of cadets.
They joined two tactical officers and three doctors who were charged with dereliction of duty in a complaint filed on Oct. 8.
The tactical officers, Maj. Rex Bolo and Capt. Jeffrey Batistiana, allegedly failed to act in time to stop Cadet First Class Axl Rey Sanopao; Cadets Third Class Shalimar Imperial, Felix Lumbag Jr., Julius Carlo Tadena, John Vincent Manalo and Rey David John Volante; and Cadet Second Class Christian Zacarias from hurting Dormitorio.
The seven senior cadets were earlier charged with hazing, murder and torture of Dormitorio, a member of PMA Class of 2023.
In their counteraffidavits, however, the tactical officers claimed that Evangelista and Bacarro were informed about the hazing before Dormitorio died.
Their recommendations to discipline or punish the offending cadets also reached the two resigned officials, said lawyer Jose Adrian Bonifacio, counsel of the Dormitorio family.
 “Many weeks elapsed but there were no concrete actions on their part to stop the acts of violence committed against Cadet Dormitorio,” Bonifacio said, citing the affidavits.
The Baguio City police and the National Bureau of Investigation also reached the same conclusions.
Capt. Flor Apple Apostol, Capt. Maria Ofelia Beloy and former hospital supervisor Lt. Col. Cesar Candelaria, doctors at the PMA Station Hospital, were charged with failing to treat Dormitorio properly.
The plebe had complained of abdominal pain on the eve of his death, but he was discharged and allowed to return to his barracks after he was given medicines for urinary tract infection.
The Dormitorio family said it would ask the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in Manila to probe the doctors and to revoke their licenses for negligence.
In her counteraffidavit, Apostol said the hospital had informed Bacarro about Dormitorio’s condition. She said the doctors decided to release Dormitorio “after his condition improved.”
The Baguio prosecutor’s office is reviewing the charges and has received counteraffidavits from most of the respondents, except some of the cadets.
Dexter Dormitorio, brother of the slain cadet, urged families of other hazing victims in the academy to “step forward and complain.”
He said most of the maltreatment cases recorded in September were still being investigated by the academy. Last month, two videos showing cadets being punched and kicked surfaced online. PMA has detained the suspects.


Northern Philippine Times
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Ifugao town sets curfew on minors

November 12, 2019, 12:56 am
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TINOC, Ifugao --  Mayor Samson Benito issued executive order for the  continued implementation of Municipal Ordinance 2016-05 following reports that curfew hours  among minors significantly contributed to the maintenance of peace and order in the area.
Curfew hours are imposed to minors in the municipality from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. everyday.
Exemptions: when minor is accompanied by parent, guardian or adult person in charge of his custody, is engaged in the lawful pursuit of a calling,   is going to or coming from attending evening classes, community activities and related programs and municipal or barangay affairs, Christmas Nights, New Year’s Eve, fiesta or other celebrations as declared by the barangay or municipality.
The Philippine National Police, municipal and barangay officials and other deputized officers are authorized and enjoined to apprehend violators and the arresting officer shall turn-over the minor to their parents or guardians or nearest relative at the soonest possible time after having acquired custody of the minor.
When impractical, the minor shall remain under the custodial jurisdiction of the PNP Office, barangay or municipal office but who shall be releases not later than 8AM the following morning to his parents, guardian or nearest relative. (JDP/DBC- PIA CAR, Ifugao)

Northern Philippine Times
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Truck falls down Ifugao ravine; cop-driver hurt

November 12, 2019, 1:01 am
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AGUINALDO, Ifugao – An Isuzu pickup truck driven by a cop fell down a ravine here Tuesday around 8:35 a.m. at Naelawan, Galonogon.
The vehicle with plate number KVG 888 was driven by Chief Master Sgt. Nelson Taba-o Belowan, assigned at Mayoyao town.
Investigation disclosed Belowan was on his way to Mayoyao when he miscalculated the road due to foggy weather making the vehicle fall off the road.
Responding Aguinaldo police brought the injured victim to Aguinaldo People's Hospital for medication.

Northern Philippine Times
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Benguet Adivay fest opens with culture, beauty events

November 12, 2019, 1:03 am
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By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet-- Gong beating and blowing of bamboo horns signaled the opening of Benguet’s 119th Foundation Anniversary celebration through the Adivay Festival 2019 in this capital town Wednesday.
Gov. Melchor Diclas led the formal declaration of the annual festivities together with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Johnny Waguis and Rep. Nestor Fongwan represented by lawyer Jerry Marave.
 Diclas said that this year’s founding anniversary and Adivay is a celebration for the abundant blessings and thanksgiving of the province for a safer year from disasters and calamities, and an occasion to pray for better years to come for Benguet and its people.
The provincial celebration was toned down last year in consideration of devastation  caused by strong typhoons in the different parts of Benguet like  the landslide in Ucab, Itogon  which killed at least 80 people  and leaving hundreds of families homeless.
 The governor said the theme of the celebration this year is, “Healthier  Benguet,” that embodies the priority programs of his administration.  H stands for health, E for education, A for agriculture, L for livelihood, T for tourism, H for human resource and development, I for Infrastructure, E for environment, R for responsive and resilient government.
Before the program, an ecumenical mass was held and ceremonial rituals and prayers were conducted by Benguet elders asking Kabunian (God) for blessings for successful celebration of the foundation anniversary.
Candidates for the Mr. and Ms. Benguet 2019 showcased their cultural and ethnic-inspired casual attires as part of the kick off ceremonies.
 The month long activities will be highlighted on Nov. 23 with a civic and float parade, the traditional canao, and the program proper to be held at the Benguet Sports Complex in Wangal, La Trinidad with guests Senator Bong Go and Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.
Adivay is an agri-tourism festival focused on rediscovering the rich history, culture, arts, trades and industries of Benguet. It was conceptualized to gather the 13 municipalities of Benguet to share their cultural beliefs and practices. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)

Northern Philippine Times
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Cop, board member killed by Apayao town landslide

November 12, 2019, 1:04 am
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Media reports on Apayao crash fatalities checked 

By Aldwin Quitasol

KABUGAO, Apayao – A police officer and Provincial Board Member both of Apayao, were killed after being hit by a landslide here Thursday evening at Barangay Dibagat.
The victims were identified as Cpl. Rommel Gumidam and Apayao Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Butz Mangalao.
Sources said they were headed to the town of Calanasan, Apayao.
But due to landslides along the way, Gumidam and Mangalao decided not to proceed and took shelter in a house. 
Gumidam was reportedly on the way to Calanasan for his police duty but was not able to proceed due to numerous landslides.
Due to continuous rains in the area, a landslide reportedly buried the house where the two sought refuge.
In Conner, Apayao, police corrected media reports on a road accident involving a truck which fell down a ravine at Sitio Gassud, Barangay Karikitan in the town around 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 31.
Media reported earlier 70 people were on board the Elf Truck, but follow up investigation of Conner police disclosed there were only 43 actual passengers with no missing.
A police report said bodies of the 19 fatalities were already taken by their families to their residences.
Twenty one persons were injured while three were unharmed and went home.
Police named fatalities who were all from Barangay Lattut, Rizal, Cagayan.
Female fatalities were Margie A. Pamittan, Amparo O. Aberion, 63: Brenda D. Talay, 23: Imelda O. Talay; Pacita Dajucon, Mercy P. Gundan; Leticia Bayaua Patay, 49; Susana B. Milo, 48; Rosemarie B. Molina; Hermilina Dacuycuy, 57; Ludalina T. Molina and Aida M. Batallones.
Male fatalites were identified as Domingo G. Asperela, 66; Mamerto P. Milo, 62; Conrado M. Sabatan, 70; Claro C. Mamauag, 71; Jason V. Talay;   Rudy V. Pagtama, 38 and Raymundo B. Sosa.
The accident was earlier reported to Conner police saying an Isuzo Elf Truck truck with plate number XRM 186 driven by Adan Gannaban with 70 occupants including the driver fell down a15-meter ravine.
Investigation disclosed the ill-fated truck was ascending towards Conner Proper when the engine shut off causing the brake not to function.
Victims were brought to Conner District Hospital wherein 14 declared dead on arrival, 22 injured, three unharmed and 31 missing.

Northern Philippine Times
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Trial court judge shot dead in La Union; guns for judicial execs pushed

November 12, 2019, 1:05 am
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By Freddie Lazaro

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union  – Surigao del Sur 2nd Rep. Johnny Pimentel on Wednesday renewed his call for the creation of up to 3,000 new positions for armed judicial protection officers.
“We cannot allow these brazen attacks on judges to go on without a forceful answer,” said Pimentel, a Deputy Speaker in the 18th Congress.
Pimentel was reacting to the killing of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur Regional Trial Court Branch 25 Judge Mario Anacleto Bañez who was 54.
“Our hearts go out to the family of Judge Bañez, and our thoughts and prayers are with them,” Pimentel said.
Banez died when unidentified suspects ambushed him while on his way home to his family here in San Fernando City Tuesday afternoon.
Lt. Col. Silverio Ordinado, spokesperson of the La Union police provincial office, confirmed that Judge Anacleto Mario Marrero Bañez, 53, of the RTC branch 25 in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, was driving home aboard his Hyundai Accent vehicle with plate number ACL 1508 when the assassins began firing at him along Barangay Mameltac in San Fernando City at around 5:40 p.m.
The judge did not reach the Bethany Hospital alive where he was rushed after the incident.
Initial reports said the judge suffered a headshot.
Ordinado said the La Union police launched a thorough investigation on the incident, while police stations in nearby towns in San Fernando City have launched dragnet operations against the suspects, who allegedly used a blue colored motorcycle as getaway vehicle from the crime scene.
Banez reportedly dismissed murder charges filed against a female human rights worker recently by the military.
Last week, Pimentel expressed support behind Supreme Court Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta’s initiative to establish a new protective service patterned after the United States Marshals Service’s (USMS) Judicial Security Division (JSD).
In America, the USMS’s JSD protects judges and justices, guards court proceedings and conferences, and secures buildings and properties used by members of the judiciary.
The division also conducts “protective investigations” of potential security threats to members of the judiciary.
The USMS currently has 3,900 marshals and investigators. The service also retains private contractors that provide more than 4,000 bailiffs or court security officers (CSOs) in America.

Northern Philippine Times
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