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Pinsal Falls’ tourism potential to get boost from road project

October 24, 2016, 3:17 pm
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By Mar T. Supnad

STA. MARIA, Ilocos Sur — Breathtaking Pinsal falls located in Barangay Babal-lasioan here will soon become a major tourist attraction once the Department of Public Works and Highways completes its beautification and rehabilitation of the road leading to the natural pools, widely believed to be the foot print of legendary giant Angalo.
District Engineer Jose “Bong” Ginete, Jr., of the DPWH second engineering district said rehabilitation of the 9-km municipal road going to Pinsal falls is now ongoing after Rep Eric D Singson secured another P50 million for the undertaking.
Pinsal falls is not just an ordinary falls owing to its legendary history and foot print shaped river that is believed to be the same foot print, as old folks claimed, of legendary giant Angalo.
Angalo, based in Ilocano folklore, is a giant who went to the area to search for his missing wife Aran during the younger years of this world.
Local folk and tourists believe that Pinsal falls is a majestic falls for it has the largest and highest water pools in  Ilocos Sur.
“Pinsal Falls is also one of the most picturesque falls I have ever seen due to its hillsides that are covered with foliage of big trees which makes a good shelter spots even for tourist to take a restful nap after exploring the area,” said a local tourist.
Natives here claimed that aside from having mystical stories, Pinsal falls was a frequent  location for the filming of movies of the  late Fernando Poe Jr., such as ‘Panday’.
Pinsal falls has crystalline cold waters that cascades down to the two natural rivers going down to the West Philippine sea.

A hot spring is also located in the vicinity of Pinsal falls.  Visitors, in fact, have boiled eggs in 10 to 15 minutes in the hot spring.
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Mt Province preps on for ‘golden foundation day,’ Lang-ay Festival

October 24, 2016, 3:18 pm
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By Roger Sacyaten

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The provincial government and private sector are now preparing for next year’s 50th foundation day anniversary of the province and 13th Lang-ay Festival.
The steering committee met Oct.  6 to finalize the program and launching of activities for the twin events on  Oct. 24. 
Provincial administrator Amador Batay-an  said next year would be the “golden anniversary” of the province and celebrations would be elaborate.
“We have to launch the two events this early to give ample preparations for the golden anniversary of the foundation of the province”, he said.
Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan invited the Lang-ay Festival Organization to head preparations for the Lang-ay Festival 2017.
With the province reaching 50 years next year, the provincial administrator facilitated efforts of the government and private sectors in preparing for the twin events.
The theme for the two simultaneous events is “Mountain Province at 50: Reminiscing and fostering our cultural Integrity” after it went through discussion by committee members.
The theme would encompass the opportunity for reflections of the people over the past 50 years of the province and as it strides towards nurturing its cultural heritage.
Lawyer Roland Calde, regional director of National Commission for Indigenous Peoples, Cordillera Administrative Region, would be the guest speaker in recognition of the culminating activity of IP Month.
It was a repeat of the 2014 event as the Lang-ay Festival was also launched in similar occasion.
In the first meeting of steering committee Sept. 28,  participants adapted programs and activities of Lang-ay Festival 2016 which was aborted by the sudden death of the late Gov. Leonard Mayaen.
The start of Lang-at Festival 2017 would be March 31, 2017 but that it would have to be moved to a later date as the date would coincide with the first death anniversary of the late governor.
The Lang-ay Festival Organization managed staging of the provincial festival in the past two years.
Both were also launched in the months of October, first in 2014, then in 2015.     


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Kiangan showcases delicacies in DOT event

October 24, 2016, 3:19 pm
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KIANGAN, Ifugao — The Department of Tourism Cordillera Administrative Region launched last week the first “Cordillera Heritage Culinary Journey” here to showcase authentic and exotic food prepared by the Kiangan Homestay Owners Association (KHOWA).
Jovi Ganongan, supervising operation officer of the DOT-CAR said the activity aims to promote indigenous food of the region for visitors to taste, aside from seeing the different tourist attractions.
A cooking demonstration was witnessed by six prominent chefs – four are instructors at the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management of the University of the Cordilleras (UC) and another from the University of Baguio. The other is an authentic chef in Baguio City.
Prior to the cooking demo, the chefs first visited the tourist destination of Kiangan like the Open Air Museum, which is a two-hour trek where one can see the simple lifestyle of the residents living within the museum.
During the cooking demo, members of the KHOWA, showed the indigenous foods like the “inlagim chicken,” “appaku salad,” “pihing initum,” “pinunnog with itab,” “duck inlagim” an “aggudung” which were lauded by the chef-tourists.
While cooking, local residents shared and explained to visitors ingredients as well as detailed the manner of cooking – aimed at educating the chef-tourists and also for their appreciation of the culture, where food is a big part.
The delicacies were served to the visitors while having an interaction with the local cooks and regional chefs/cooks to ensure a healthy exchange in cooking techniques and food presentation.
“DOT’s culinary journey project is a mind opener both benefitting the locals and tourists. There is more to what the eyes can see. It’s a venue for culture to be shared and cherished not just thru sights but also thru taste,” said Charlynne Macalalag, HRMT instructor at UC.
She said Kiangan cuisine is a classic example of how Cordillerans have survived through the years. They used what nature has to give them and in return they take care of their natural environment. “The Kiangan cuisine has high potential and can be shared in Baguio City with the right innovation, without destroying the concept, one can definitely serve it there,” she added.


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25 isolated due to rabies in Bangar

October 24, 2016, 3:22 pm
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BANGAR, La Union – The municipal government ordered the isolation of five persons who were bitten by a dog and 20 others suspected to be infected with rabies here last week.
Mayor George Pinzon said a stray puppy bit a four-year-old kid Monday and attacked four other men who tried to restrain the animal.
The puppy died a few days later.
Pinzon said the kid tested positive for rabies when examined at an animal disease diagnosis laboratory in Baguio City on Monday.
“We were alarmed on this incident because rabies is deadly. I ordered our health office to control it,” Pinzon said.
The four will be taken to the Animal Bite Center in Bacnotan for vaccination, along with 20 others who were their drinking buddies.
They allegedly used a single glass during a drinking session after the incident. – Jun Elias      


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La Trinidad jail full; Rehab center pushed

October 24, 2016, 3:22 pm
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LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- More arrests the coming months will congest the municipal jail here, according to Senior Jail Officer 4 John Melecio.
He said increase of arrests caused 300 percent congestion, with almost half drug related cases.
Melecio said maximum capacity of the cells is for 12 inmates but 55 are now cramped in each cell.
JO2 Ronnie Julian said congestion could have been avoided if a drug rehabilitation center is in place for drug related cases.
“Cases of inmates take a long time to be resolved and more are being committed inside the jail rather than those being freed,” added Julian.
The district jail also lacks personnel. Ideally, a jail officer should be assigned to seven inmates during hearings but because of congestion, jail personnel often escort more than seven.
Earlier, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Benguet asked La Trinidad officials for a lot for construction of a municipal jail.
Under the proposal, the BJMP asked a 3,000 square meter lot to house the municipal jail that will house inmates’ cells, administration office, kitchen, clinic, recreation/livelihood area, and barracks of the personnel.
The bigger land area is expected to provide enough space for the development programs of the jail bureau including skills training, seminars, livelihood, health, sports, and other activities geared towards personality enhancement and self-reliance.


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PUVs out Baguio barred from picking passengers

October 24, 2016, 3:23 pm
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By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY  – The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 6 upheld the constitutionality of a local resolution prohibiting all inter-municipality utility vehicles passing through or going in the city to pick up passengers along existing Baguio jeepney routes and dismissed the petition for declaratory relief against the measure for lack of cause of action.
In a 13-page decision, Judge Cecilia Corazon S. Dulay-Archog ruled the City Council, through Resolution No. 115, series of 2014, merely adopted Resolution No. 1, series of 2014 of the city’s Traffic Transportation Management Committee (TTMC) which was the product of research, various deliberations and public hearings.
The court added by adopting Resolution No. 115, series of 2014, the City Council was expressing its collective sentiment or opinion in the management of traffic incidents in the city, explaining that a resolution is different from an ordinance considering that the former is merely a declaration of sentiment or opinion of a law-making body on a specific matter while an ordinance is a law.
Archog said a resolution is also of a temporary nature while an ordinance is more permanent.
When the City Council adopted the assailed resolution, the court stated it was for the noble purpose of maintaining peace and order among jeepney franchise holders.
“Who knows when circumstances change, the resolution by its temporary nature will be revised, amended or abandoned. The court will even accede that indeed during morning rush hours, commuters with the bulk comprising of students and employees line up in long queues with no jeepneys in sight. In such an extraordinary situation when there are no available jeepneys with intra-city routes available, it may be highly impractical to have an absolute prohibition on all jeepneys with inter-city routes not to pick up passengers,” the decision stressed.
The court recommended modification of the resolution to accommodate instances as cited would also be helpful to all parties concerned, especially the commuting public.
However, the court maintained the questioned resolution is valid and that the concerns of petitioners regarding the imposition  of penalties is baseless, thus, the provision in the resolution stating ‘that penalties, if any, shall be imposed’ is a mere surplusage and that no penalties have been mentioned or cited to have been imposed by the local legislative body.
The court stood ruled arguments of the petitioners against the assailed resolution lack merit.
The City Council pointed out that the assailed resolution was enacted to administer or manage the common routes in the city and that it merely adopted Resolution No. 1, series of 2014 of the Traffic and Transportation Management Committee.
The local legislative body further argued that it is within the authority of the city to promote the welfare of the public and to issue regulations related to transportation.
Earlier, officials of jeepney associations with routes outside the city questioned the resolution considering that it is reportedly illegal and violates the equal protection clause of the constitution.


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Ecija cops urge public: Help us find shabu lab

October 24, 2016, 3:24 pm
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By Manny Galvez

CABANATUAN CITY –The Central Luzon police has asked the support of local officials and the public in Nueva Ecija in finding a shabu laboratory in the province.
“There is a strong possibility that a shabu laboratory is hidden somewhere in Nueva Ecija as shown by the big number of surrenderees,” Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino, Central Luzon police director, said Thursday.          
“All they have to do is to check if there is a shabu lab or if this factory is into shabu making,” Aquino said.
He noted that shabu laboratories were recently discovered in Aurora, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales.
Aquino said a shabu laboratory found beside a piggery in Barangay Baño in Arayat, Pampanga last month is closest to Nueva Ecija.
Among the telltale signs of a shabu laboratory are large water tanks, thick electrical wires, laboratory materials such as empty chemical bottles and drums, chimney or ventilation fans, strong chemical odor and dead or dying trees, plants and grass in the vicinity as well as high fence and barbed wires, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
PDEA said excessive or irregular water waste, odd locks and steel bars on windows, security cameras, people coming during odd hours and residents who burn their trash could also be indications that a shabu laboratory is being maintained.


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Baguio mayor to council: Confirm Asin hydro MOA

October 24, 2016, 3:24 pm
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By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY  – Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan urged the members of the City Council to immediately act on the pending confirmation of the memorandum of agreement entered into by and between the local government and Kaltimex Energy Philippines, the winning bidder for the operation of the city-owned Asin minihydro –power plants, in order to make sure that the city will maximize the benefits of the operation of the power plants.
The local chief executive said there are reports that the proponent of the resumption of operation of the Asin minihydro power plants is allegedly planning to withdraw from the contract because it has been more than one year and six months but the confirmation of the contract has not yet been confirmed by the local legislative body.
“We have to make sure that the local government will be maximizing the benefits it will derive from the operation of the Asin minihydro power plants that is why the City Council must already confirm the pending contract so that the developer will start paying the city the agreed amount while it is working on the issuance of the necessary permits to operate,” Domogan stressed.
It took four failures of bidding by the Special bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) created for the purpose over a three-year period before the maintenance and operation of the city-owned power plants was awarded to Kaltimex Energy Philippines which was declared as the lone complying and responsive bidder.
According to him, Kaltimex will start paying the local government the sum of P18 million over a six-month period after the confirmation of the contract by the local legislative body which is empowered to confirm such agreements.
The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) stopped purchasing the power produced by the Asin minihydro power plants in October 2012 after the local government was not able to secure the required certificate of compliance from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
The contract was submitted by Mayor Domogan to the City Council for confirmation early last year but it was not acted upon and was overtaken by events up to the present.
Under the agreement, Kaltimex is obliged to secure the pertinent permits required by concerned government agencies and the host communities prior to the implementation of the rehabilitation and the subsequent operation of the city-owned power plants that have a capacity of at least 4.2 megawatts of renewable energy.
He added the confirmation of the local legislative body on the contract is the only thing being awaited by the developer so that it will start improving the power plants for it to be able to produce at least 8 megawatts of renewable energy that will also mean increase in the benefits of host communities among others.
Domogan explained the possible withdrawal of the development from the agreement will bring the city back to the drawing board which will mean that it will not be able to maximize the operation of the power plants to produce renewable energy and grant benefits to host communities among others.



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Two killed, 7 hurt in Urdaneta road accident

October 24, 2016, 3:25 pm
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By Liezle Basa Inigo

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan — Two people aboard a Toyota Corolla car were killed after it collided with a Mitsubishi L-300 van along the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) exit to the Mania North Road in this city Thursday morning.
Supt. Marceliano Desamito, chief of police, said the Toyota Corolla (TKW-930) was traveling at high-speed when it slammed into the van and caused the death of car driver Jessie Lacsa, 30, of Old Balara, Quezon City, and one of his passengers Aileen Alonte, 31, single, a native of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte.
Others injured in the collision were car occupants Masato Masigawa, 9; Hatoni Dulla , 13; Asigawa Ellen Masigawa 32, separated; and Carmelita Dulla 60, married, all of Parañaque City.
Three other occupants of the van driven by Jay Serafin, 38, of Imus, Cavite were also injured.


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No smoking law set in La Trinidad; smokers to be fined

October 24, 2016, 3:26 pm
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LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – This capital town is set to fully implement anti–smoking law to be enforced by the Smoking Control Enforcement Unit.
Mayor Romeo Salda in a recent administrative order re-organized the town’s SCEU to plan tobacco control measures as and conduct educational awareness campaigns.
Salda said the ordinance was passed to regulate smoking, selling, distribution and advertisement of tobacco products and imposing penalty for violation of the ordinance.
The SCEU will be under La Trinidad’s Tobacco Control Board chaired by the mayor with Municipal Health Officer Dr. Editha Francisco as co-chair.
Vice Mayor Jovencio Marrero and Medical Office III Dr. Genevieve Wagang-Degay will co-chair the board while representatives from line agencies in the municipality are members.
Members of the Tobacco Control Board may recommend relevant policies, assign hotlines, endorse updated programs, promote activities, publicize awareness campaigns, facilitate monitoring, and evaluate reported violations and its penalties for local legislation.
SCEU will implement and enforce compliance of the ordinance, preparation of detailed procedures for apprehensions, receive and review reports including processing pertinent documents and complaints for violators, prepare official file and provide further assistance to the board.
The ordinance prohibits smoking in public places including selling, distributing, or promoting tobacco products to minors.
Tobacco advertising except inside the premises of an authorized/licensed retail establishment, selling within the 100-meter perimeter of the school, playground or facility frequented by minors and others are also punishable under the ordinance.
Any establishment which fails to comply can be fined P1,500 for the first offense,P2,000 for the second offense, P2,500 for the third and subsequent offenses or imprisonment or a period of not exceeding one year or both at the discretion of the court.
A government employee or official violating the law will also pay applicable amount of penalties and will be dealt with administrative sanctions.
Fines and suspension or revocation of franchise or license to operate and immediate closure will also be imposed to erring establishments.

Business establishments are also required to designate a smoking area.
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POLICE ROUNDUP

October 24, 2016, 3:27 pm
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Businessman in PDEA drug list shot dead
BAGUIO CITY – A businessman was shot dead here Thursday around 9 p.m. along St. Joseph St. San Carlos Heights, Irisan. Police identified the victim as  Dominic Fernandez Tan, 41, resident of No. 10 Saint Joseph St. Sariling Sikap Purok 22 San Carlos Heights.
Victim was rushed by his family to Baguio General Hospital for medical treatment but around 12 noon, he was pronounced dead by attending physician. 
Investigation disclosed around 9 p.m., victim together with his family alighted from a taxi when two unidentified suspects fired at the victim who sustained multiple gunshot wounds on different parts of his body. Cops found several spent bullets at crime scene.
The victim was under drug list of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Tabuk driver shot
TABUK CITY, Kalinga – A shooting incident transpired here Thursday morning in front of welding and vulcanizing shop owned by Nelson Luyaben wherein the victim identified as Berny Tamang Depagon, 36,  driver ,was shot by two unidentified suspects wearing black jacket and helmet.
The victim was shot secveral times and rushed by bystanders to Kalinga Provincial Hospital for treatment. 
Investigation disclosed while the victim was repairing his passenger jeep, two unidentified men on board a XRM motorcycle stopped near him then the back rider got downt and shot the victim several times with a Cal. 45 pistol, then fled towards eastward to General Luna Street.

Man stabbed for refusing to drink more liquor
BANGUED, Abra – For refusing to drink more liquor, a noodles maker was stabbed by a tricyle driver Thursday around 2 p.m. at Linasin, Zone 1. Police named the victim as Jaybert Baro Belena, 31 while suspect was identified as Daniel Millare.
Police said the victim went to christening party of the son of one Gaspar Darang in Zone 1. While the victim and his companions were having a drinking session at said place, the suspect arrived and joined them. After a while, the victim asked permission to go home as he was already drunk. The suspect  tried to stop him, however, it resulted to an argument.
At the height of their argument, the suspect took his knife and stabbed the victim on his back.  Belena was rushed by a concerned citizen to Abra Provincial Hospital for medical treatment. The suspect fled to unknown direction after the incident.

Singer nabbed for shabu
BAGUIO CITY – A singer was nabbed here Thursday for allegedly having in her possession shabu. The suspect was identified as Carmina Dizon Atienza, 27, of Mabalacat, Pampanga and presently residing here at No. 877 Adiwang Road, Green Valley.

Former OFW arrested for shabu
BAGUIO CITY – Cops conducted drug buy-bust operation here at Balacbac, Sto. Tomas Proper around 4 p.m. Thursday that resulted to arrest of Antonio Bustamante Arevalo Jr., 53, former OFW, native of Bugallon, Pangasinan and  resident here of Purok 1, Dontogan.  Arevalo was in police drug list. Found in his posssessioj was shabu of undetermined worth. 

4 dead in Cagayan, Laoag trike mishaps
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, – Four persons died while four others were injured in separate motorcycle accidents in Buguey, Cagayan and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Monday.
Edgar Carbonel, 52, and his passenger Reynaldo de Guzman died after their motorcycle collided with a similar vehicle in Barangay San Lorenzo, Buguey.
Taken to the hospital for treatment were Ricky Calandoy, Bernard Grande, Rick Pabua and Rowin Cardenas.
In Laoag City, Jessie Andaya and his passenger Bonifacio Resurreccion died while being treated at the Governor Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital.
The victims were traveling in Barangay San Mateo when their motorcyle collided with a sport utility vehicle driven by Jomarie Pascual.   – Raymund Catindig           

US citizen nabbed in Itogon buy-bust
ITOGON, Benguet -- An American citizen was arrested after police  seized illegal drugs and other paraphernalia inside his rented house in this mining town.
US citizen Francis Capra who was earlier charged for malicious mischief and unjust vexation year, may now stay longer in jail following seizure of 1.97 grams of suspected shabu.
The items were discovered when home owners Leah and brother Pablito Guamos here about to move the personal belongings of the suspect following non-renewal of lease of agreement.
The Guamos called police which led to seizure of the illegal drugs.

 IFSU student gets drunk; sexually abused by co-stude  
LAMUT, Ifugao – A female student of the Ifugao State University here reported to police Monday she was sexually abused by a student of the same school.
The victim said the incident happened Sept. 27 at Barangay Nayon around 6-7 p.m. She said she was sexually abused by a certain Ryan Magwelang, 18, also resident of said barangay. 
Investigation disclosed that the victim with her friend Charmie Cardelario saw Denver Nadyahan with his friend Magwelang wherein Denver introduced his friend to the victim and her friend Charmie.
After a short conversation, they decided to go to Agang-ang, Bimpal, Lamut and had a drinking spree at Grace store.
Upon consuming two bottles of 2x2 gin, they proceeded to the boarding house of the suspect and continued drinking. Due to heavy intoxication, the victim could not remember what happened and said she was surprised she was naked and lying beside the suspect with no upper garment.
Victim immediately put on her clothes and slapped the suspect’s face while uttering bad words against him. Suspect stood up, opened the door and ran away. Victim was examined at the Municipal Health Office.

1 dead, 11 hurt in Bocaue fireworks explosions
CAMP JULIAN OLIVAS, Pampanga—One person was reported killed and at least 11 were injured after an explosion occurred inside a fireworks store in Bocaue, Bulacan in Barangay Binang First, Wednesday around 10 a.m.
Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, concurrent chair of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said he is still verifying the actual number of casualties after citing police reports that one person was confirmed dead in the fatal fireworks blast.
Citing the reports, Sy-Alvarado also said that more or less 11 persons were hurt in the explosion.
In a radio interview earlier, Bocaue mayor Joni Villanueva said the explosion was caused by a fire that ripped through a group of fireworks stores situated along a major road in Bocaue, a town about 30 km north of Manila.
Villanueva said there were casualties but could not confirmed if there were fatalities.
“Unfortunately, we are hearing some people are dead already but we don’t have the exact figures,” she told a television station in a later interview.
The Governor said the fire had been contained early Wednesday afternoon, and that he ordered an immediate investigation into the explosion.
In the report submitted to Gov. Sy-Alvarado by PDRRMO officers, residents saw huge smoke billowing from a fireworks store after a strong explosion. As the fire spread out, several more explosions were heard from the fireworks market.
The PDRRMO said at least four vehicles have also been damaged by the fire. --  Franco Regala

Scam artist tricks stall seller of P5,000 
BAGUIO CITY – Beware of scam artists. A certain Jennifer Buawey Navida, 29, of km 3 Balili, La Trinidad, Benguet was allegedly victimized last week by Diana Lyn Igme Moran, 19, of No. 42 Magsaysay Dive, Loakan by allegedly tricking the victim and collecting P5,500  inside a stall at Sky World Commercial, Session Road.
Investigation disclosed that victim was tending her stall when the suspect came and demanded from her daily cash collection of the stall amounting to P5,500 as allegedly directed by her employer Demy Cayabas Balabag.
She convinced the victim by showing a text message allegedly sent by  Balabag allowing her to collect the said daily cash collection. Victim gave the said amount after which, the suspect hurriedly left the place. After a half hour, Balabag arrived only to find out that the money was released without her authorizing anyone to get the daily cash collection. On Oct. 9, Moran was arrested for estafa based on complaint of Karla Jane Belmoro Centeno. On Monday, Balabag and Navida filed a case of estafa against Moran.

2 found dead in van in Nueva Ecija
CABANATUAN CITY – Two persons were found dead in an abandoned van along the provincial road in Barangay Mataas na Kahoy in Gen. Natividad town in Nueva Ecija on Oct. 7.
Senior Police Officer 1 Nonato Aguilar identified the fatalities as internet shop owner Resito de la Cruz, 45, and computer technician Alvin Libed, 37,  residents of Barangay Calaocan in San Jose City.
The bodies of the victims bore signs of torture, their hands and feet tied and a length of wire looped around their necks.
Aguilar said a village watchman who found the van reported the incident to the police. -- Manny Galvez
                
Ilocos drug group member collared 
BANAYOYO, Ilocos Sur -- An anti-narcotics operation by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 1 and the local police led to the capture of a drug group member and his cohort in here Wednesday.
PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña through PDEA RO1 Regional Director Jeoffrey C. Tacio, identified the drug group member as Wilson A. Salingbay, 44 and cohort Leo b. Tel-e, 32. Salingay and his group are known to be obtaining their shabu as far as Manila and transporting it to Ilocos for distribution in Candon City and nearby municipalities. Both suspects reside at Banayoyo, Ilocos Sur where they were arrested through a buy-bust operation Wednesday afternoon. The plastic sachet of shabu, buy bust money and motorcycle used in delivering the illegal items were all confiscated. – Bismarck Bengwayan

Mechanic arrested for frustrated homicide
LUNA, Apayao – A mechanic was arrested here Monday for frustrated homicide. This after police served arrested warrant to David Paragas Sagayaga, 29, resident of Buluan, Conner. Francisco S. Donato, of RTC, Branch 26,2nd Judicial Region of Luna set bail of P30, 000 for his temporary liberty.

Pastor lands in Baguio
City jail for estafa  
BAGUIO CITY -- A pastor was arrested here Monday along Abanao St. for estafa. Nabbed was Elmer Macalo, 32, resident of Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet. Bail of P150,000 was set by Cecilia Corazon S. Dulay-Archog, presiding judge, First Judicial Region, Regional Trial Court, Branch 6, Baguio City. Said person is now detained at Baguio City Jail.

Body found in Kibungan, identified
KIBUNGAN, Benguet – Police received Monday a phone call from Bobby Bugtong, village watchman of Masala Madaymen here a cadaver was found at River Side, Madaymen. Late afternoon, the body was identified as that of Melver Dixon, 28, farmer of Tagpaya, Madaymen, Kibungan and a native of Inaba, Pasdong, Atok, Benguet. The cause of death is still unknown.

Bocap nabbed for illegal gun, shabu
PIDIGAN, Abra – A barangay captain here was arrested here Monday for allegedly having in his possession an illegal Cal. 38 revolver, shabu and drug paraphernalia.
Police identified the suspect as village chief Mayong Kumilang of Barangay Laskig.Cases for illegal drugs and firearms were filed against him.

Man arrested in Urdaneta buy-bust 
URDANETA CITY -- Pangasinan Special Enforcement Unit a team under PDEA RO1, went to Zone 5, Barangay Pinmaludpod here Wednesday to meet Gerry S. Del Rosario who agreed to sell shabu to the law enforcers through cellphone transaction.
An agent posing as a buyer met the 37-year-old in front of his house. The deal completed, the PDEA RO1 Agent immediately identified himself which forced the suspect to run and escape but was instantly cornered by backup agents. A plastic sachet of shabu was confiscated while the buy bust money, drug paraphernalia and cellular phone used in the transaction were recovered. -- Bismarck Bengwayan

Shabu found in Abra village chief’s house
DOLORES, Abra – A barangay chairman was nabbed here at Barangay Lubluba Monday after ha search in his house yielded illegal drugs. The suspect was named as Leonardo Trinidad Advincula, 45. Shabu and illegal drug paraphernalia were confiscated from his residence by cops. Said person was listed in police and narcotics offices as drug personality.

Gun, shabu lands man in Abra jail
PIDIGAN, Abra -- Judge Raphiel F Alzate, presiding judge of RTC, Branch 58, Bucay, Abra issued arrest warrant against Mario Trondillo Comilang a.k.a “Mayong” of Barangay Laskig here that resulted to his being jailed.
Confiscated from the suspect’s house were Cal. 38 loaded with ive bullets, shabu and drug paraphernalia.
The confiscated pieces of evidence and the arrested person were brought to Investigation Detection Group office where cases fir illegal firearm and drugs were prepared against him.

Old jobless man  jailed for estafa
ITOGON, Benguet -- A jobless man was arrested here at Tuding Proper Monday for estafa. The suspect was named as Jose Bustamante Tejada, 69, resident of No.211 Tuding Proper. Cecilia Corazon S. Dulay-Archog presiding judge of RTC Branch 6 Baguio City recommended bail of P200,000 for his temporary liberty.

Man shot in drinking spree 
BANGUED, Abra – A man having a drinking spress with friends was shot here Oct. 6 along Turod, Angad. The victim was identified as John Rio Alconis Baronia, 36, resident of said place who was shot by still unidentified suspect.  
 The victim with five male companions were drrinking liquor at his shanty and later went out to urinat but unidentified suspect shot him at his back, prompting his companions to scamper away for safety and later tried to look for the suspect but failed. Rolly Tacis, neighbor of the victim rushed the victim to nearby Abra Provincial Hospital.  








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Dead bodies up in North, Central Luzon drug war

October 24, 2016, 3:29 pm
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The number of persons killed in relation to the government’s war on drugs continued to pile up in Northern and Central Luzon last week.
In Ilocos Sur, Miguel Dizon, who was on the drug watchlist of Barangay Poblacion Norte in Sta. Maria town, was killed by unidentified motorcycle-riding men Wednesday.
Also Wednesday in Pampanga, Mispaf Sarip, alias Muslim, reportedly engaged police officers in a shootout during a drug sting in Barangay Sto. Domingo  in Angeles City.

La Union
In La Union, armed men stormed the house of Ritchie Mamaril, 37, in Barangay San Simon West in Aringay town and shot her repeatedly on Tuesday night.
Chief Insp. Silverio Ordinado Jr., La Union police spokesman, said the attack occurred at around 10:30 p.m.
Still in La Union, Ereneo Bernardo, chairman of Barangay Calumbaya in Bauang town was arrested in a police operation Wednesday morning.
Bernardo’s arrest was based on a warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 67 Judge Ferdinand Fe.
Gary Garcia, 37, of Agoo town, was also killed by six unidentified men who barged into his home in Barangay Macalva Sur on Monday night.
Garcia was on the drug list of the municipal police, according to Chief Insp. Silverio Ordinado, information officer of the La Union police.
The suspect earlier surrendered during the conduct of Oplan Tokhang in their village, but resumed pushing drugs, he said.
A 9mm pistol,  a caliber .38 revolver, an M16 rifle as well as ammunition were seized from the suspect.

Nueva Ecija
Suspected vigilantes shot dead tricycle driver Emil Quiambao, 35, in Barangay Valle Cruz in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.
Farmer Lopito Evangelista, 44, a resident of Barangay Cadaclan, Pantabangan town was found hanging from a mango tree. A suicide note was found among his personal belongings.
Police said Quiambao was on the barangay drug watchlist while Evangelista surrendered under Oplan Tokhang recently.
In Pangasinan, Alfredo Castro and Domingo Flores, 45, were gunned down in Binmaley and Sta. Barbara towns, respectively, on Monday afternoon. Police said the fatalities were on the barangay drug watchlist.

Barangay officials nabbed in Isabela
Kyle Bryan Andres, 31, councilman of Barangay Disimpit, was arrested in  a sting in Barangay Uno in Jones, Isabela on Tuesday.
Senior Supt. Leon Rafael, Isabela police director, said the suspect yielded a sachet of shabu with an estimated street value of P2,500.
Police also seized Andres’ Nissan Urvan.
In Pampanga, four dead bodies believed to be Chinese and Taiwanese were found in separate areas in Pampanga Wednesday morning.
Jia Cheng Chen, alias Michael Chen, was found in a gray Ford Explorer parked along Mac-Arthur Highway in Barangay Baliti, San Fernando City.
Chen’s feet were tied with packaging tape, according to Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino, Police Regional Office-3 director.

Angeles City
In Angeles City, Ricardo Santos, was killed by police officers following a sting on Monday.
City police chief Senior Supt. Sidney Villaflor said Santos pulled out a gun and shot at a team of police officers out to arrest him, triggering a firefight.
Prior to the alleged shootout, the suspect reportedly sold shabu to an undercover agent.
Probers recovered from Santos a .22 caliber revolver, a plastic sachet said to contain shabu and P500 marked money.
Four dead bodies believed to be Chinese and Taiwanese were found in separate areas in Pampanga Tuesday morning.
Jia Cheng Chen, alias Michael Chen, was found in a gray Ford Explorer parked along Mac-Arthur Highway in Barangay Baliti, San Fernando City.
Chen’s feet were tied with packaging tape, according to Chief Superintendent Aaron Aquino, Police Regional Office-3 director.
Meanwhile, three more bodies, said to be  Taiwanese nationals, were found at a sugarcane plantation in Barangay Maliwalo, Bacolor at about 6 a.m.
Police have yet to determine whether the killings were drug-related. 

Bulacan cops shot, injured
In Bulacan, Police Officer 3 Auster Bolina of the Meycauayan police and a man who has yet to be identified were wounded in an alleged shootout in Barangay Malhacan in Meycauyan City before dawn Thursday. 
Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat, Bulacan police acting director, said Meycauayan police officers were patrolling the area after receiving reports on the sale of illegal drugs when four men fired at them. 
Bolina was taken to Sta. Maria General Hospital for treatment.  
Senior Police Officer 1 Dominador Mag-uyon of the Bulacan Provincial Public Safety Co. was walking in Barangay Bangcal in Meycauayan City when unidentified motorcycle-riding men shot him at around 2 p.m., said Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat, Bulacan police acting director.
Caramat said Mag-uyon was accused of collecting protection money from drug pushers. 
In San Ildefonso town, a man who has yet to be identified was dumped along the road in Barangay Pasong Bangkal before dawn Tuesdasy. 
The body bore gunshot wounds and a placard identifying him as a drug pusher. His face was covered with packing tape. – With reports from, Raymund Catindig, Francis Elevado, Manny Galvez, Eva Visperas


Northern Philippine Times
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Bomb scare disrupts classes in Lingayen

October 24, 2016, 3:29 pm
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By Eva Visperas

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Classes in two public elementary schools here were suspended Wednesday due to a bomb threat.
A team from the local police Explosives and Ordnance Division and Special Weapon and Tactics were deployed to Libsong Elementary School and Lingayen 1 Central School. No bomb was found in both schools.
The threat was allegedly received by a staff of the Libsong Elementary School, prompting school administrators to send the pupils home.

Upon hearing the news, officials in nearby Lingayen 1 Central School decided to also cancel classes.   
Northern Philippine Times
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Clouds open as VP Robredo visits Natonin

October 24, 2016, 3:30 pm
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By Roger Sacyaten

NATONIN, Mountain Province – Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo was warmly welcomed by the officialdom and people as she visited this eastern town Thursday though delayed on schedule due to bad weather.
Locals patiently waited as clouds steadily enveloped the town for more than an hour after the scheduled program at 9 a.m.
But when the clouds opened up and as two choppers flew in, the people applauded expecting a very important visitor of national stature in town unprecedented in the past.
The Vice President went directly ahead to a dialog with some provincial, municipal, and barangay officials at the church compound.
She was later adopted at the open gym program to the warm applause of the huge crowd; given the native name “Farangaw” which means a woman for all seasons, a provider in times of need.
After her was named one of the barangays in the municipality - Barangay Balangao.
She referred to the visit as her way to gauge the peoples’ pulse on prevailing issues and sentiments zeroing in on the concerns of the agency she heads and her advocacies such as the war against poverty and housing needs.
Claiming that there was no housing program in the past for indigenous peoples in the north, she said that her agency of Housing and Urban Development is now eyeing reforms to correct the situation.
“We have found a way to help in housing needs for the areas without land titles”, she said referring to the fact that government funds to develop lands require land title ownership documents.
She cited the case of the Emergency Shelter Response for the Yolanda victims when three years has passed but the funds were not used for the purpose due to the absence of land titles of the proposed sites.
“Such is not anymore true. Tax declarations can now be used”, she said assuring that the change of rules is a result of a conference between government agencies such as COA, BIR, LRA, HUDCC, and other concerned agencies.
On indigenous rights and concerns, she cited the advocacies of her late husband, the respected Secretary Jesse Robredo, that she now continues. Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives now sit in local legislative councils as a result of the memorandum of the late secretary.
Her visit here was timed to the occasion of the celebrations of the Indigenous Peoples Month and 116th Civil Service celebrations.
“We are budgeting for housing to IP communities by adopting municipalities in the Cordillera aside from Kibungan”, she said.
It was not clear if this town will also be adopted to be given housing program.
Her stay was such a short stint as she was set to visit municipalities in nearby Ifugao province. Besides, the threat of the “sky closing again” worried pilots.
Among the LGU officials present were Mayor Mateo Chiyawan and all Sangguniang Bayan members and barangay officials, Mayor Avelino Amangyen and vice mayor Lorenzo Carpio of Paracelis, Mayor Genesis Changilan of Barlig, and Mayor Johnson Bantog 11 of Besao.

Board Member Andre Claver was also present. This writer represented the congressman and the provincial government in the occasion.
Northern Philippine Times
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Mayor urges new John Hay agreement; BCDA: No way

October 24, 2016, 3:31 pm
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BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Mauricio Domogan is pressing re-structuring of agreements surrounding Camp John Hay here even as the Bases Conversion Development Authority said they were not negotiating lease contract of the 247-hectare economic zone.
Domogan said he hopes with new leaders of the John Hay Management Corp, negotiations with the BCDA would result to new agreements beneficial to the city government.
The JHMC is a subsidiary of the BCDA.
“We hope that we can be able to fix and re-negotiate,” the mayor told a press conference here Wednesday. 
Domogan said if amendments will be made, shares of the city from the former American military camp should be assured to compel the developer and national government to pay directly to city treasury.
“Para di na dadaan sa BCDA, diretso na sa atin,” added the mayor.
Domogan said a lesson has been learned from legal battles faced by JHMC, BCDA and Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) which put billions intended for the city in limbo.
“We have learned our lesson from the billions we have yet to receive,” Domogan said.
The city government had alleged the BCDA ignored 19 conditions the former imposed that should govern commercial operation of CJH.
The conditions, under a city council resolution, provides 25 percent annual share from revenues generated in commercial operation of the John Hay.
BCDA allegedly failed to remit city shares since legal battles started with developer CJHDevco.
Domogan said only 25 percent of the identified area in Camp John Hay was developed by CJHDevCo since the agreement was signed between the contracting parties in 1997.
Today, CJHDevCo is waiting for BCDA’s payment of P1.4 billion in cash before it vacates the property.

The payment was the result of a previous Philippine Dispute Resolution Center Inc. (PDRCI) decision urging CJHDevCo to vacate the leased areas and the BCDA to pay billions as reimbursement for rental payments of the developer.
Northern Philippine Times
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Thieves hold up gold- buy station; take P500K

October 24, 2016, 3:31 pm
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ITOGON, Benguet – Police are still trying to identify men who held up a gold-buying station here Monday and ran away with around half a million pesos worth of cash, gold dust and gadgets.
A police report said the incident transpired around 3 a.m. in Camp 1, Acupan, Virac.where victims were named as Florence Dopyao, 36, owner of the establishment and her helpers Nollie Timanang Hoggang, 20; Jossana L. Ambojnon, 23; Marilou N. Remiendo, 36 and Mary Jane Hoggang, 35, all a natives of Hingyon, Ifugao and  residents of Riverside, Balatoc, Virac.
Investigation disclosed while Hoggang was sleeping, two men entered his room, pointed a gun to him and instructed him to keep quiet or he will be shot, while their two companions were posted as back up outside the room.
The two men tied his hands and feet then covered his mouth with  packaging tape and left him.
The two suspects then joined the other two and they all proceeded to the cashier’s room where other victims were sleeping.
One of the men knocked the door and pretended to be Hoggang. When Mary Jane opened the door, the suspects declared hold-up and pointed a gun and knife to the three ladies then asked for key of the drawer but the ladies refused to give it. 
This prompted the suspects to tie the hands and feet of the three ladies, and one of the suspects forcibly opened the drawer of the cashier table  with a chisel then took P159,560 cash and  154.5 grams gold dust worth P231,610.0
The suspects also took one Nokia cellphone N series worth P7,000 and one WIFI broadband worth P2,500 owned by Ambojnon, Star mobile phone worth P2,500 owned by Nollie and wallet containing P3,000 cash and assorted ID’s and documents owned by Mary Jane.

The suspects fled to unknown directions after the heist.
Northern Philippine Times
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Sagada folks assail music, ‘panag-aapoy’ fest scams

October 24, 2016, 3:32 pm
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Don’t buy online tickets, tourists told 

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province – This tourist destination is now being used by unscrupulous individuals and groups outside town to scam unsuspecting people of their hard-earned money. 
For one, Sagada netizens and music bands identified to sing during a supposed Sagada Music Festival on Oct. 22-23 say the supposed event is a scam. 
Manila-based music bands Ransom Collective and Sud in their Facebook Accounts  warned the public not to buy tickets for the fake event.
Ransom Collective and Sud are among 12 identified bands posted in the account name Sagada Music Festival in Facebook.
The poster which registered in Facebook Sept. 27 this year was taken down October 10 after netizens alerted the public not to buy tickets to a fraudulent  event not going to happen in dates identified.
The poster identified music bands from Manila including one called Sagada Rasta to sing during supposed event. The poster did not state any exact venue except the place Sagada, no time and no organizers named.
A regular ticket was sold at P5,000 and the early registrants at P2,500 with a round trip transportation, three days, two  nights hotel accommodation, 3-day breakfast and a festival poster.
A letter sent by a certain festival organizer named Jesse Red to one of the bands  said the supposed event is in cooperation with the local government unit of Sagada. LGU officials however denied this. 
In an email sent to one of the bands invited to play, so-called sponsoring organizers  White& McGill Events and Manila Music Productions  said the band shall receive P65,000 talent fee aside from free accommodation for  two nights and three days.
A page in the internet directed ticket buyers to deposit their payment to a certain Francis Dy in money remittance outlets Cebuana Luillier and LBC Express.
Following another scam, and uproar of Sagada netizens against travel and tour agencies selling “Panag-aapoy Festival,” the Vestry of the Church of St Mary the Virgin in their recent meeting said tour groups are prohibited entrance to the cemetery during “panag-aapoy.”
“Panag-aapoy” or “panagdedenet” is a traditional practice among the people of Sagada to light the graves of their departed with “sa-eng” (fatwood) every eve of All Saints Day at the Christian cemetery here.
The CSMV Vestry said group tours are prohibited to enter the cemetery during “panag-aapoy” after the 3 p.m. church service on Nov. 1.
Earlier, Sagada netizens hit travel agencies for selling ‘panag-aapoy’ as a festival and offering to the public their packaged rates as posted in Facebook prompting netizens  to tell travel agencies that “panag-aapoy” is not a festival.   
The vestry further instructed that visits to Echo Trails at the cemetery, Calvary Hill, Echo Valley and Underground River are suspended from 8 a.m. of Nov. 1 to 9 a.m. of Nov. 2.
The cemetery, Echo Valley, Calvary Hill, and Underground River are favorite attractions that tourists visit in town, located within the Mission Compound of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines.
With the conduct of “panag-aapoy,” drinking, gambling and jamming at the cemetery are prohibited.
Vehicles are not allowed to enter the cemetery on November 1 starting from the road below the Rectory. Parking is open at the left side of the Church, at the softball ground and Tangeb soccer field. Parking at the frontage of the Church is not allowed.

Netizen Philip del Carmen suggested that travel agencies that do not remove or change their “panag-aapoy festival” advertisements be banned. 
Northern Philippine Times
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NPA hits Army search and destroy operations in Ifugao

October 24, 2016, 3:33 pm
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‘Violation of GRP-CPP ceasefire agreement’ 

SOMEWHERE IN IFUGAO -- The Nona Del Rosario Command of the New People’s Army-Ifugao assailed the Army’s 54th Infantry Battalion for allegedly conducting operations in the province contrary to ceasefire agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the Communist Party of the Philippines.   
NDRC spokesperson Ka Wigan Moncontad said military troops had been conducting search and destroy operations against NPA guerillas since August in the province despite ceasefire order of President Duterte to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Macontad said in press statement   most Army operations are now concentrated in Asipulo and Tinoc towns including Ambaguio in Nueva Vizcaya.
Macontad said army operations were in defiance to Duterte who is their commander in chief. He added targets were also organizations and individuals perceived to be sympathetic to the CPP-NPA.
Operations, Macontad said, were also in the guise of “bayanihan” purportedly to help the people but which actually were implemented to identify leftists and make them including NPA members surrender to the government.   
Farmers were reportedly being coerced to admit they were NPA members and surrender to prop up image of military officials for promotions.
He said the offer of the Army for “safe conduct passes” to injured NPA members so they could be given medical attention in health facilities like hospitals were a farce saying they could be arrested.
He cited the case of a civilian who was portrayed as an NPA member after his case for illegal possession of firearms and explosives filed by the Army was dismissed by the court in 2010.
Last month, the civilian was reportedly arrested while he was getting police clearance so he could find a job.
They Army based in the province reportedly conduct so-called humanitarian missions but stay in homes of civilians in such areas.
Following a recent typhoon, 86th IB elements reportedly went to areas saying they would help civilians without hammers or nails to rehabilitate homes but encamped in such places.

Macontad urged the GRP and Army elements in the province to honor peace agreements even as the government and CPP are still holding talks to attain peace in the country. 
Northern Philippine Times
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51 killed, 299 nabbed, 8700 surrender in Cordi drug war

October 24, 2016, 3:34 pm
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Baguio City Hall employee decapitated 

BAGUIO CITY – The decapitated body of a city hall employee who was found here Thursday morning brought to 51 the number of persons recently killed in Cordillera in relation to government’s all-out war against illegal drugs.
This, even as 8,700 surrendered, 299 arrested and 16 drug personalities arrested by police in the region last week following massive police anti-illegal drugs operations.
Police separately arrested nine individuals in the act of committing illegal drug activities.
Baguio decapitation 
In Baguio, the headless body of Alfred Sabado Juquina, 49, a driver of the city environment and parks management office, was found by relatives in his room on the third floor of a building in Barangay Quezon Hill Thursday morning.
He was believed killed Wednesday afternoon.
Police reports said Juquiana could have died over 24 hours prior to being discovered by relatives who traveled to the city for a visit.
Juquiana lives alone and has been absent from work for two days.
Police said the victim was stabbed several times on his chest aside from his head that was missing while the body was found in sitting position.
Police allegedly found two sachets of shabu in one of the tables inside the victim’s room.
Police said they have yet to confirm whether the victim is included in the drug watch list.
Relatives denied the victim was using illegal drugs or involved in the trade.
A head found in a grocery bag dumped in a vacant lot in Barangay Castillo in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya was believed to belong to Juquina.
Chief Insp. Orlando Tacio, Kayapa police chief, said a piece of cardboard identifying the owner of the head as a drug pusher was attached to the grocery bag. 
Baguio police later recovered the head of the victim in Nueva Vizcaya.
Authorities said the head was earlier in a funeral home in Aritao, which was identified by the mother of the victim.
Police are investigating motive behind the murder.
Police also captured Michael Bulataoy Villoria, Jocelyn Eduarte Vergara, both residing at Hamada Subdivision, Baguio City and Raymund Basanes Domingo residing at Lourdes Subdivision Extension, Baguio City.
Al Denver Wal Sayan, listed in the priority target drug personalities of the Baguio City Police Office and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, was collared in Adiwang Road, Dontogan by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Emanuel Rasing Cacho of the Regional Trial Court Branch 3 in the city in violation of RA 9165 known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, October 5.
Sales executive John Andrei Corpuz Malecdan and a resident of Apugan Poliwes, was also nabbed at Harrison Road.
Arrested in a buy bust operation were Jeggs Richie Panlasigui, John Paul Pabula, John Paul Corpuz, Carlo Layugan and Evelyn Balisi, all residents of Cagayan and Claver Aplod from Tabuk, Kalinga.
They were caught in the act afternoon of Oct. 9 of having drug trade at Sitio Pakak, Agbannawag, Tabuk City, Kalinga.
In Abra, authorities also nabbed Danny Beljamin Babida, Joseph Barbon Alagao and Jimmy Bisquerra Barreras.
The four, who were reported to be security guards of Bangued were arrested while having shabu session at the 2nd floor of Bangued Public Market last week.

Also caught were Benigno Peligman Bulagsay and Winnie Witawit Yatoyat in Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Northern Philippine Times
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NHC gives go signal for building of The Capitol

October 30, 2016, 2:03 am
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HAPPY WEEKEND
Gina Dizon

BONTOC, Mountain Province- The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NCHP) has given the go-signal to Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan to build the demolished part of the provincial capitol and restoration of the intact half.
The NHCP chairperson Maria Serena Diokno in her October letter to Lacwasan said the cease and desist order preventing further demolition of the old Capitol  building shall be lifted with  a “reconstruction plan of the already demolished building and restoration plan of the intact part” be  submitted.
NHCP is  mandated to determine manner of restoration of  important  cultural properties as provided under RA 10086 to  “undertake and prescribe the manner of restoration, conservation and protection of the country's historical movable and immovable objects”; and  “determine the manner of identification, maintenance, restoration, conservation and preservation of historical sites, shrines, structures and monuments”.
With the issuance of the  CDO three years ago, the Commission presented three options to the administration then of the late former Gov. Leonard Mayaen  when the half part of the capitol building was  demolished.
NHCP’s options given in dismantling the old building were: 1) preserve the building shell and reconstruct the interior with concrete or steel framework, 2) dismantle wooden building and reconstruct its architecture using simulated concrete material and 3) dismantle the wooden building and integrate its façade into a new replacement building.
The above options require prior approval of the architecture design by the NHCP and extensive photo documentation before, during and after intervention.
Rep. Maximo Dalog in his letter to Diokno early October urged  the NHC to order the provincial  government to go for  option 1 to “preserve the building shell and reconstruct the interior with concrete or steel framework.”
The favorable option of the congressman comes in the midst of a “win- win solution as it will grant the desire of those who want construction of a new provincial capitol building and at the same time preserve its original  state to the contentment of those opposed to its demolition”.
The provincial administration then opted for  Option 3  which did not take off to “dismantle the wooden building and integrate its façade into a new replacement building” with the opposition of some individuals and women groups coupled by  the  issuance of a  cease and desist order from the NHCP three years ago.
Dalog urged  the NHCP to hasten the process to be undertaken so issues surrounding the capitol “be finally put to rest for the good of our people, the provincial government and the preservation of our cultural  heritage.”
***
A forum here on  consumer issues  conducted by the  Department of  Trade and Industry with representatives from government agencies and local media noted the regional  health office lacks laboratory  facilities to test food toxicity.
Ceasar  Guillet of the Pharmaceuticals unit of the regional office of the Department of Health  detailed at the  Provincial Health Office said  tests still have to be sent to the central office at Manila.
The observation came about as diseases in the present such as cancer and diabetes and those being treated with dialysis and chemotherapy are noted to be food-related. Most food in the present are laden with preservatives to include frozen meat and 3 in 1 coffee.
The Food and Drug Authority of the Department of Health is tasked to check on safe substances for human intake be this solid food or liquid.
DTI Provincial Director Juliet Lucas urged local government officials to address complaints of consumers on the issue forwarded to regulatory office for action.
Bobby Changat , senior staff of the Provincial DTI also urged consumers to  register their complains should there be anything suspicious or hazardous  that affects  the life and  services due consumers, including deceptive and unfair business practises.

DTI officials also advise consumers to report any exploitative increase of costs of consumer goods by business owners who take advantage of any calamity to raise prices this being against the price regulation law. 
Northern Philippine Times
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