Participatory democracy and mandatory pricing

October 30, 2016, 2:08 am

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BANTAY GOBYERNO

Ike Seneres

Participatory democracy is an oxymoron because democracy is supposed to be participatory in the first place. Free enterprise could also be an oxymoron if a supposedly democratic government does not regulate the monopoly of big corporations to the disadvantage of small enterprises.

Although government regulation of big corporations might also sound like an oxymoron in a free enterprise economy, there are definitely ways to protect the interests of small enterprises, without violating the democratic rights of the big corporations. For example, certain low technology businesses and low investment industries could be reserved for small enterprises, meaning to say that these should be off limits to big corporations.

The government should have nothing to do with the law of supply and demand, because it is something that could not, and should not be regulated. However, there seems to be a widespread misinterpretation of this concept, since the government is always implementing price control measures here and there.

In many cases, businessmen who jack up their prices whenever supplies are low and whenever certain products are in demand are often seen as opportunists, if not lawbreakers. More often than not, they are being accused to be hoarders or price manipulators. Sometimes, these accusations are based on the perception that they are selling their products above the Suggested Retail Price (SRP).

As it is supposed to be, an SRP is just supposed to be a “suggestion”, and no one is legally bound to stick to it. As a democratic society, we should be careful not to assign secondary meanings to terms that could mess up our institutions, for example, we hear about ordinary citizens supposedly being “invited” only for “questioning”, but they end up being arrested and jailed, with neither a search warrant nor an arrest warrant.

Every now and then, we hear about small entrepreneurs being arrested for supposedly taking advantage of food shortages, but it seems that their only “crime” if ever is to take advantage of the law of supply and demand.

In reality, the supposed “overpricing” of products beyond the SRPs during food shortages does not even bother the rich people, because it only affects the poor people who could no longer afford these products during those times. In a way, it could be said that the government would be caught in a dilemma during those times, because it has to choose between the need to make food prices affordable, and the need to promote a free market economy by way of free enterprise.

Since a food shortage situation is only a short term problem while having a free market is supposed to be a long term institution, the government should just subsidize the short term in order to institutionalize the long term.

In theory, democracy is supposed to be a social contract between and among all citizens, wherein all citizens would participate in building and sustaining a strong society with a robust economy and a stable government. It is generally understood that under this social contract, the citizens have to participate in the process of making the government work, a process that is now presently referred to as “governance”. Going straight to the point, the more appropriate term therefore is “participatory governance”, and not “participatory democracy”. Since we now understand that governance is a two-way process, we should now also understand that the participation should come from both sides, from the side of the citizens and the side of the government.

It has been said that the Philippines is the “Sick man of Asia” and perhaps that could be explained in the sense that we have “damaged” institutions. Be that as it may, we are not dead yet, we are just sick. Our institutions are just damaged, and not totally destroyed.

We may have many other institutions to rebuild, but as far as this article is concerned, let us start rebuilding the institution of the “civil society”, and the institution of the “free economy”. Sad to say, the term “civil society” has been “damaged” by those who led it in the past. Simply put, the key to rebuilding the “civil society” is to choose new leaders who would not have political ambitions.

I know that what I am going to say will be very controversial, but I would still say that in order to protect and preserve a free economy; the government should just strengthen and expand the capabilities of the National Food Authority (NFA), beyond the function of simply selling rice.

As it is supposed to be, the NFA is supposed to sell rice only to the poor people, and not to everyone. As long as it is the NFA that is actually selling the rice, they can sell it at any price they want, without breaking the free market rules. Some sectors might complain that even the rich people are buying NFA rice, but just let leave them alone, because that is their own free will.

While it is true that the government may have to give free dole outs to the poorest among the poor, there is no problem with that, because that is already within the realm of charity. As a matter of fact, the government is already giving dole outs indirectly, by way of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program.

What could probably be done next is to ask the NFA to directly dole out food items to CCT beneficiaries, charged to their CCT accounts. I was going to suggest that we ask the NFA to start selling subsidized food items to the general public, but I realized that even now, NFA rice is already subsidized. To complete the supply chain however, the NFA should already start selling other types of subsidized food items.

Email bantaygobyerno-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or text +639956441780

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From one colonial master to another. From the frying pan into the fire.

October 30, 2016, 2:09 am

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ON DISTANT SHORE

By Val G. Abelgas

This in essence is what breaking up ties with longtime ally United States and making friends with China, as announced by President Duterte, means. Getting out of dependence from one colonial master and getting into dependence with another does not make an independent foreign policy.

“With that, in this venue, your honors, I announce my separation from the United States, both in military … not in social … both in military [and] economics,” Duterte arrogantly declares in a speech in China. “I have separated from them. So I will be dependent on you for all time. But do not worry. We will also help as you help us.”

In unequivocal terms, Duterte said he is breaking off virtually all ties with the US and will henceforth be dependent on China. Notice that the President also categorically used the word I, not the Philippines, which added confusion to the already vague foreign policy of his administration.

So, let’s be clear on this. Does this mean all that he said was his own personal position? But as President, isn’t he the sole source of the country’s foreign policy and that all his statements can be construed as part of the country’s foreign policy?

Based on his remarks, Duterte plans to go all the way in aligning the Philippines with China and eventually Russia, both communist and totalitarian states. Birds of the same feather flock together?

“I’ve realigned myself in your ideological flow and maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to (President Vladimir) Putin and tell him that there are three of us against the world—China, Philippines and Russia. It’s the only way,” he said.

In very clear terms, Duterte said he is realigning himself in communist ideology and, with his usual persecution complex, declares it’s the Philippines, China and Russia against the world, as singer Helen Reddy would sing: “You and me against the world.”

By realigning with the two communist nations, is Duterte abandoning long-revered democratic ideals, respect for human rights and the rule of law?

“The declared shift in foreign policy casting aside a longtime reliable ally to hastily embrace an aggressive neighbor that vehemently rejects international law is both unwise and incomprehensible,” former Foreign Secretary Del Rosario said. “We must be with responsible nations with whom we share our core values of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. To stand otherwise, is not what Filipinos are; it is not what we do; it is not what is right.”

Even as president, has Duterte the right to drag the whole country, the entire 100 plus million Filipinos into such an ideology or into an uncertain future with an overly aggressive and ambitious China? As the leader of his people, doesn’t the democratic way demand that he first consult with the people, including those who did not elect him, before making an unbelievable 180-degree turn in foreign policy?

Even Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had to admit before a Senate committee that the President does not consult his Cabinet before making public pronouncements. Obviously, this is the reason Cabinet members and presidential spokesmen often grope for explanation whenever Duterte explodes one of his many bombshells. In the end, we all end up asking: What is it really?

Two days after saying in no uncertain terms that he was breaking up with the US economically and militarily, Duterte was saying he has no plans of severing ties with the longtime ally. What is it really?

“It is naive to think that a single person, even if he were president, can turn this foreign policy either way more than 45 degrees,” he said. “Even the President’s Cabinet hear, but don’t accept, what this Rip Van Winkle of a President declares,” Ateneo’s Segundo Romero said, comparing Duterte to the main character in an 1800s American short story who falls asleep in the woods and awakes 20 years later to find the world around him changed.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Roberto Romulo, who was the country’s chief diplomat under President Fidel Ramos in the 1990s, said Duterte should explain his move to the more than 60 percent of Filipinos who favor the US over China, and suggested that the President call a referendum before taking the country further down this path. “Past ambassadors to China warn not to trust China,” he added.

Sen. Ralph Recto said of Duterte’s Beijing remarks: “Any drastic shift in our foreign policy direction should be well-thought-out and not simply blurted out. It should be a product of deep study and wide discussion. Because of its far-reaching implications, it cannot be an announce-now, study-later thing. Crafting an independent foreign policy requires introspection, not impetuousness. This is all the more true if the object of the President’s pique is not a backwater failed state, but a nation that is home to the largest number of Filipinos abroad, the biggest source of foreign exchange remittances, one of the biggest ODA donors, a major market of our products and services, like the BPO.”

While we give credit to Duterte for being the first Filipino president to stand up to mighty America, we must also warn that he should be careful in threading that path.

“Relating with China must not mean surrendering our claim to the West Philippine Sea. Relating with China must not also mean accepting new neoliberal dictates through entering the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is essentially a China-led free trade agreement,” said Kabataan partylist Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, who seems more mature than most of our current leaders.

One question that crops up immediately amid Duterte’s nationalist rhetoric is why does he have to ask the permission of China to allow Filipino fishermen to fish in the rich fishing grounds of Panatag or Scarborough Shoal when it is clearly within the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone and that the UN tribunal has ruled that it is Philippine territory? He stands up against the Americans and bows before the Chinese? Is that what makes for his independent foreign policy?

Acting on his personal ideological prejudices and experiences with Americans, Duterte is dragging the Filipino people down a path that is full of uncertainties. For a nation that is still burdened by nagging problems of poverty, corruption, insurgency and political stability, uncertainty is the least Filipinos need at this time.

(valabelgas@aol.com)

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Who needs an Ivadoy council?

October 30, 2016, 2:11 am

≫ Next: Digong was ‘Manchurian Candidate’ all along!

≪ Previous: From one colonial master to another. From the frying pan into the fire.

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO

March Fianza

Suddenly, people are asking about who may sit as IP representative in the city council. Suddenly, for obvious reasons, for hidden motivations and for good intentions; a handful of Ibaloys are up to the challenge.

But first, why an IPMR? Who needs an Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative for Baguio? These are just few questions that are demanding answers. Baguio’s history that dates back before its colonial past can come up with answers.

In the last assembly of Baguio Ibaloys at the Onjon ni Ivadoy Heritage Garden at Burnham Park last week, we were again reminded of the struggles that Ibaloys had to go through even prior to the appointment of outspoken leader Mateo Cariño as Ibaloy headman of Kafagway.

Mateo Cariño was the Ibaloy chieftain who sued the American government in the early 1900s for occupying his land illegally and deceptively. He won his case in court that led to the recognition of the “native title”. The court ruling is popularly known as the Cariño doctrine.

The landmark ruling by American Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes acknowledged the Native Title which ruled that “lands that were originally occupied in private capacity since time immemorial never became public lands.” The Baguio area has never been “public” as there were Ibaloy occupants even prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, later the Americans.

With this, the city council through the IPMR can now identify which areas are ancestral lands and which areas in the city may be disposed of through the TSA process (Townsite Sales Application) and other processes under the DENR.

One IPMR applicant during the Ibaloy assembly last week mentioned about looking after matters concerning the other IPs in the city. True, there are other IPs in the city, however, their concerns may not be matters that need the attention of the IPMR. These concerns may be responded to by the other 10 councilors whom they elected at large, since the IPMR’s special appointment may focus on issues linked to Ibaloy IPs.

The spirit of the law in allowing the special participation of an IPMR in the legislative council was derived from the crafting of the IPRA which basically discusses extensively IP land problems, vanishing or changing culture and identity.

To concentrate on the promotion of culture and sustaining identity may not be correct after all if the land where an IP group is anchored ceases to exist. A concrete example is the absence of the IP ancestral land claimants over lands within the Camp 8-San Vicente-Puliwes area.

Today, what we hear in that area are sounds of gongs of a northern tribe. We do not hear gongs of the Ibaloy anymore because they were displaced or have sold their lands to their brother IPs from the north or to land buyers from the lowlands.

Ironically, I look at the annual celebration of Ibaloy Day. Without that part of Burnham Park that was identified and allowed by the city and the Dept. of Tourism to be used by the Onjon ni Ivadoy, there could not be any occasion of promoting the Ibaloy culture or sustaining the “IP” (Inom and Pulutan).

But what I fear now is the hidden motivation of an IPMR applicant who is mainly after the decent salary of a city councilor. As expected, I heard his friend say that the IPMR should donate at least P5,000 to the Onjon ni Ivadoy kitchen so that they will a nonstop source of fund for their inom and pulutan.

Obviously, I noticed that one IPMR applicant is not keen on resolving Ibaloy issues by “holding the bull by its horns” so to speak. Instead, he is bound to ally with the executive department which is exactly in contrast to the spirit of the IPMR’s presence in the council. In such case, the IPMR merely becomes a “stamp pad” in the council.

If these are the people who will sit as Ibaloy representative in the council, what do we need a Baguio IPMR for?

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Digong was ‘Manchurian Candidate’ all along!

October 30, 2016, 2:12 am

≫ Next: Foreign policy Duterte style

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PERRYSCOPE
Perry Diaz

In Philippine elections, presidential candidates are labeled according to their perceived political persuasion or ideological beliefs. However, political persuasion doesn’t really matter in Philippine politics because Filipino politicians change their political affiliations to suit their personal objectives. There are the “Amboys” (American Boys). There are the “balimbings” (political turncoats or opportunists). And there are the “Manchurian Candidates” (secretly aligned with China).

The Philippines, which is considered pro-American in every meaning of the word, has always been allied with the U.S., politically, economically, militarily, and culturally (there are five million Filipinos living in the U.S.) since she gained independence from Mother America in 1946.

But “independence” from America hasn’t really been deeply rooted because of the interdependence of the two countries on matters of foreign policy, economics, and national defense, so much so that the Philippine government didn’t see the need for a strong navy and air force to defend her sovereignty and territorial integrity.

With three defense agreements that exist between the two countries – Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) – the Philippines feels safe knowing that Uncle Sam would come to her defense against foreign invaders, notably China.

And this airtight fusion, which was sealed with the blood of Filipino and American soldiers who fought side by side during World II, has endured to this day. Indeed, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey taken recently showed that Filipinos trust America more than China. It’s a testament to the strong ties between the two countries.

It is in this regard that pro-American candidates win in elections. To be perceived as anti-American would be a “kiss of death.” Take the case of then Vice President Jejomar Binay who was accused of being a “Manchurian Candidate,” which might have been a major factor in his defeat.

Extra-judicial killings

Indeed, Duterte might have been the perfect “Manchurian Candidate.” The fact that he belonged to a minor – hardly heard of -- political party and whose ideological beliefs are in the fuzzy shades of gray, Duterte marketed himself as a populist crime-fighter, which the people bought hook, line, and sinker.

Never mind that he had been suspected of allegedly masterminding the extra-judicial killings by the notorious “Davao Death Squad” or DDS – which was oftentimes referred to as the “Duterte Death Squad.” Never mind that he was once sympathetic to – or part of -- the New People’s Army (NPA). Never mind that he had admittedly killed a convicted felon for raping and murdering an Australian missionary.

He skillfully – and cleverly -- walked a political tightrope, avoiding slipping to the right or left, which if he did might have ended his campaign. He was a Don Quixote riding a motorcycle and carrying an assault rifle. And he threatened to ride a ski jet to the Scarborough Shoal and plant the Philippine flag. People could hear “Digong, Digong, Digong…” like tinnitus ringing in their ears. And they could hardly wait to see the 100,000 dead bodies that he promised to dump into the Manila Bay to fatten the fishes.

Kingmaker

But if there was one person who is credited for making Digong run for president, it was former president Fidel V. Ramos, or FVR as he’s often called. While Duterte acknowledged that it was FVR who encouraged him to run, rumor has it that on one of his trips to see Digong in Davao, FVR brought with him a huge bag, which he handed to Digong.

Apparently, whatever was in the bag, it convinced him to run. As the old adage says, “Put your money where your mouth is,” FVR might have done just that. But of course, it was just tsismis. But on a more serious tone, FVR criticized Digong in an article he wrote for the Manila Bulletin titled, “Du30’s first 100 days – Team Philippines losing.”

He said: “In the overall assessment by this writer, we find our Team Philippines losing in the first 100 days of Du30’s administration – and losing badly. This is a huge disappointment and let-down to many of us.”

On U.S.-Philippine relations, FVR – who was a West Point graduate – said: “Equally discombobulating are the mix of ‘off-and-on’ statements by P. Digong on Philippines-U.S. relations, particularly on security and economic matters.”

He also criticized Digong for berating U.S. President Barack Obama, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, and terminating RP-U.S. military exercises. “So what gives??” he asked. “Are we throwing away decades of military partnership, tactical proficiency, compatible weaponry, predictable logistics, and soldier-to-soldier camaraderie just like that?? On P. Du30’s say – so???”

“America has lost!”

In a media interview upon his arrival in Beijing last October 18, Duterte said, “The only hope of the Philippines economically, I’ll be frank with you, is China.” He described his visit as the “defining moment” of his presidency. “Maybe because I’m Chinese,” he said.

But what surprised the public was what Digong bluntly told Chinese and Philippine business people at a forum in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on October 20. “In this venue, your honors, in this venue, I announce my separation from the United States," he said. He declared that he had realigned with China, saying: “Both in military, not maybe social, but economics also. America has lost!” Nobody could have been happier than Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli who was seated a few feet away from Digong at the podium.

The new triumvirate

With $13.5 billion in deals to be signed between China and the Philippines, Duterte couldn’t contain his exuberance. He told the audience: “I've realigned myself with your ideological flow and maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to [President Vladimir] Putin and tell him that there are three of us against the world - China, Philippines and Russia. It's the only way.” Is this the “new triumvirate” that would create a new world order… or should I say, disorder?

Whatever came to his mind to include his Third-World country in the company of China and Russia against the world, reminds me of someone who once said, “It's like shooting a loose cannon. There is lot of noise, but no substance – and worst of all, no voice.”

Indeed, Digong has been trying very hard to amplify his dissatisfaction against the U.S. But the U.S. is not convinced that Digong has the courage to cut loose from Uncle Sam’s protective embrace. What is Digong going to do when the Red Dragon starts reclaiming the Scarborough Shoal? What is he going to do when China tows away the old and rusty BRP Sierra Madre that has served as the Philippines’ outpost to protect the Ayungin Reef from Chinese reclamation?

What is he going to do when China evicts the Filipino settlers on Pag-Asa Island in the Spratly archipelago? What is he going to do when China declares an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the West Philippine Sea? What is he going to do when China declares a 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) all around the islands, reefs, and rocks in the West Philippine Sea? What is he going to do when China declares the Recto Bank off limits to Philippine oil and gas exploration? And what is he going to do when China claims the Benham Rise as her territory? In the final analysis, nobody had any inkling that Digong was the “Manchurian Candidate” all along! And with all the hoopla that his pivot to China has created, the people have to look back at his first 100 days in office – just like what FVR did – and ask themselves: Do we want Digong to pursue a China-centric foreign policy at the expense of a century of building mutual trust between the U.S. and the Philippines?

(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

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Foreign policy Duterte style

October 30, 2016, 2:13 am

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

Among important government policies and directions, President Rodrigo Duterte has already hinted that he will abrogate the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement which the Philippines signed with the United States.

This early, some are already opposing his plan while members of the Left are lauding it. The pundits are saying since the President’s line is that of the communists, then he must be a communist. Others are saying Duterte “can go to hell” (like he told US President Barack Obama) for “selling the Philippines to China”

The President’s unpredictable tongue and foreign policy have made officials of this Banana Republic apprehensive -- even those of other nations who have become wary of the President’s intentions like foreign businessmen in the country who were told by the country’s top executive to just leave if they can’t stand the heat and his profanity-laden statements.

***

Meanwhile, former defense minister and senator, Juan Ponce Enrile said Duterte can end the military alliance but it should be studied carefully. “It can be done. But the question is, can we live without it? What will be the substitute? Because, currently, we don’t have the equipment to protect our security,” the veteran politician told Manila media.

Another former lawmaker said, the sentiments of the people should also be considered such as the opposition of the residents of Zamboanga when American troops were driven out of their city.

“No less than the Zamboanga City government objected to that because they said ‘No, we wanted them here because we feel more secure with them, present because they help in improving our fight against the Abu Sayyaf,” former Parañaque congressman Roilo Golez said.

***

Enrile and Golez were of the same line that Duterte should also consider the fact that as of now the Philippines doesn’t have the capability to defend our territory. They argued making friends with China is not a guarantee that it will no longer be a threat to the Philippines.

“We must always consider China as a potential intruder in our country, not because they want to hurt us, but because they probably need our resources. They want probably our market. They probably need something from us,” said Enrile.

They said, building closer ties with China is not bad but we should not break good relations with other countries such as the United States.

They added that, ultimately, our relationship with other countries should be dictated by our national interest.

Despite the major shift in the country’s foreign policy under Duterte, Golez, a former national security adviser, said China will remain a threat.

“It will continue to be a threat because they continue to claim about 90% of the West Philippine Sea. They’re not changing that,” Golez said.

“China is a potential adversary because of their claim on our exclusive economic zone,” he added.

Golez further said, the China remains aggressive in imposing its claims to the disputed waters and these are not friendly acts.

Hence, patrolling our exclusive economic zones is a must especially since the constitution mandates its protection. “How can you protect without patrolling? So, patrolling is very important,” Golez said.

Since China is a potential adversary, Golez said buying weapons from them is not a good decision. Golez suggested that we should follow the strategy of Vietnam who buys weapons from Russia since Russia has no territorial claim in the Philippines.

***

He added that we should not be offended if we are receiving lesser military aid from the United States compared with other countries like Israel and Pakistan.

“We should be thankful that we are not in a war zone because that would be the only justification for America to give us bigger military aid.”

As President Duterte moves the country away from America and builds closer ties with China, Golez suggested that we can make China a better friend, especially in terms of economy, without sacrificing the long-term friendship that we have with the US and also in due regard to the fact that there are 3.4 million Filipinos in the said country.

***

Duterte sought to assure Japan on Tuesday that his high-profile visit to rival China last week was only about economics, but had more harsh words for long-time ally Washington, saying he might abrogate defense treaties.

The volatile leader’s visit to Japan comes amid jitters about his foreign policy goals after weeks of verbal attacks on longtime ally the United States and overtures towards China.

Duterte last week announced in China his “separation” from the United States, but then insisted ties were not being severed and that he was merely pursuing an independent foreign policy.

His perplexing comments posed a headache for the Japanese government who tightened ties with Washington while building closer security relations with Manila and other Southeast Asian countries as a counter-weight to a rising China.

“You know I went to China for a visit. And I would like to assure you that all there was, was economics. We did not talk about arms. We avoided talking about alliances…,” he told an audience of Japanese businessmen.

“We did not talk about arms. We did not talk about stationing of troops. We avoided talking about alliances.”

***

Calling Japan a “long-standing friend and ally”, he also called for Japanese investment in infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors.

Duterte said he did not pick quarrels with his neighbors, but had tough words for Washington, threatening once again to revise or cancel Manila’s defense pacts with the United States and insisting the Philippines was not “a dog on a leash”.

“I have declared that I will pursue an independent foreign policy. I want, maybe in the next two years, my country free of the presence of foreign military troops. I want them out,” he said. “And if I have to revise or abrogate agreements, executive agreements, this shall be the last maneuver, war games between the United States and the Philippines military.”

***

Duterte has threatened to abrogate defense agreements with the United States several times over the past two months, but has yet to take any concrete action beyond cancelling some minor navy patrol exercises.

What’s next for our country’s top firebrand?

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PNP: Slays to lessen, top gov’t execs, celebrities to be arrested

October 30, 2016, 2:14 am

≫ Next: City jail bakeshop open for business

≪ Previous: Foreign policy Duterte style

EDITORIAL

The Philippine National Police is shifting in strategy in its bloody war against drugs to reduce the killing of suspects and put more resources into arresting prominent people tied to the trade.

This was bared by top PNP officials saying Project Double Barrel Alpha will put a stronger focus on arresting politicians, military, police, government officials and celebrities allegedly involved in narcotics. The new approach will be outlined on Tuesday at a meeting of police chiefs from each of the Philippines’ 18 regions at Camp Crame, the police headquarters north of the capital Manila, Philippines National Police spokesman Dionardo Carlos confirmed to media.

The operation will be launched within days, Carlos said, adding he did not have further details of the new operation.

This came after sources familiar with details of the plan described as “intense” discussions among law enforcement officials about the wave of killings of drug suspects.

The new approach is reportedly being taken now due to public outcry over the wave of extra-judicial killings. A recent poll showed public unease over the deadly anti-drug campaign, with 94 percent of the respondents saying it was important for the police to take suspects alive.

Another component of Project Double Barrel Alpha will see police working with community leaders to clear neighborhoods of drugs and set up local rehabilitation programs.

President Rodrigo Duterte had given police six months to suppress drugs and crime, warning the country was on the verge of becoming a “narco state”. He then extended the campaign, called “Project Double Barrel” another six months to make it a year.

In less than four months since taking office, almost 2,300 people have been slain in the crackdown, according to official figures, revised down from earlier estimates of 3,600.

The majority of the deaths – more than 1,600 – were during police operations, drawing sharp criticism from Western governments, the United Nations, human rights groups and some Catholic priests.

“If you know any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself as getting their parents to do it would be too painful,” Duterte told supporters the day after he took office on June 30 this year.

Duterte’s comments were condemned by the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary executions Agnes Callamard. “It is effectively a license to kill,” she said. At other times, however, Duterte has said he doesn’t endorse extrajudicial killings or vigilante murders of drug suspects.

“Who killed them? I don’t know but why are they pointing at me, blaming me for those deaths,” Duterte said earlier this month. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella earlier said: “Everything that the president said was always in the context of sticking within the law.”

For months, Duterte has also talked about cracking down on major drug dealers, government officials and prominent Filipinos who use drugs, take bribes from drug syndicates or are directly involved.

He has read out the names of 158 government officials with alleged links to illicit drugs. He has also boasted of a broader list of about 1,000 drug suspects.

Police have said they are compiling a list of celebrities accused of being drug users and peddlers.

The counter-narcotics campaign has focused overwhelming on impoverished drug users and small-time dealers, prompting criticism that it’s a war on the poor.

In recent years, government officials who have been arrested for drugs are more likely to be set free than serve any prison time.

Data from the Philippines Department of Justice shows that 715 officials were arrested between 2011 and 2016 on drug matters, including “law enforcers”, elected officials and government employees. Of those, 74 per cent had their cases dismissed, or were acquitted.

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City jail bakeshop open for business

October 30, 2016, 2:17 am

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BAGUIO CITY – Craving for some bread and pastries? Then place your order now at the city jail bake shop.

The city jail female dorm has a thriving bakery managed by some of its inmates who bake three times a week and accept orders from the public. They formed themselves into a cooperative called the Baguio City Jail-Female Dorm Inmates Association (BCJFDIA).

Female dorm warden April Rose Ayangwa said the idea of a bakery came from the PDLs themselves some of whom were knowledgeable in the culinary art of baking.

It was begun about two years ago but was formally launched earlier this year with a showcase area that had to be temporarily closed due to repairs.

They asked the assistance of the Daughters of Mary Institute, one of the jail’s service providers, who helped get funding from the Department of Labor and Employment regional office. The funds were used to buy the necessary equipment and materials to start the enterprise.

With the support of the city government led by Mayor Maurico Domogan, the Technical Education Skills Development Authority thru the Baguio City School of Arts and Trades provided the necessary NCII training for free in order that the baked goods are made properly and the business is managed professionally.

Ayangwa said that personnel of the health department regularly conducts sanitation inspections including seminars at the city jail to ensure that the products sold are handled well and safe for public consumption.

Proceeds of the bake shop are given as dividends to the BCJFDAI members who are also awarded “good conduct” incentives and “time allowance” as bakers.

A member said that the business has helped her financially, taught her how to bake and eased her bouts of loneliness and depression in jail.

The reasonably-priced delicacies include pandesal, ham and cheese sandwiches, Spanish bread, cassava cake, banana cake, carrot cake and other pastries. Those who would like to place an order can call (074) 442-2851 or 619-2764.- Gaby Keith

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Students urged to join 2017 Nat’l Digital Arts Awards

October 30, 2016, 2:20 am

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By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – Digital arts enthusiasts, particularly senior high school and college students, are encouraged to participate in the 2017 National Digital Arts Awards.

Belle Morales, North Luzon Manager of Brad Guerilla Ph, said the NDAA is an annual activity aimed at recognizing talents of young Filipinos in providing them an avenue to begin a career in digital arts to help their families.

“The awards hope to build a community of young people with competencies in digital art and for this year, game development would be one of the primary categories,” Morales said.

She added the contest started call for entries on Oct. 27 for senior high school to college students can join which will culminate on Jan. 31, 2017.

Among the three contest categories for this year are print, motion graphics, and digital games.

The mechanics for the contest will be announced in NDAA 2017 Facebook page which students may download before the end of the month.

NDAA 2017 hopes to gather the best and the brightest of the young digital artists from the different parts of the archipelago. It will be the most inclusive and empowering contest on digital arts as it will go around colleges and universities as well as various Philippine co-working places to promote the awards and to conduct NDAA 2017 talks on digital art and game development.

In the city, Kalye Uno, the first-ever co-working place that opened recently, hosted the launching of the NDAA 2017 that aims to attract more participants from the different private and public schools in the city with the endorsement of the education department on the need to patronize digital art for a brighter future.

NDAA was also launched in Dreamwork co-working place in Davao City for the Mindanao launch last Oct. 21.

The grand launch and call for entries was held in Metro Manila Thursday.

The partners of NDAA for this year’s awards are Globaltronics, Inc., a leading digital out-of-home advertising company based in Manila, Brand Guerilla Ph, a business and advocacy consulting group and the Cebu-based PR Works, a leading public relations firm in Visayas and Mindanao and Synchronized 11, a leading events management firm.

Nato Agbayani, founder and chief executive officer of Brand Guerilla Ph, expressed confidence that there will be an increase in the number of participants to the NDAA 2017 because of the increased categories from two last year to three for this year.

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October 30, 2016, 2:36 am

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Ifugao receives P9 million from DOLE for projects

LAGAWE, Ifugao— A total of P 9, 139, 955.50 for livelihood projects was awarded to provincial organizations here following flag ceremony of capitol employees and officials Oct. 10.

The Department of Labor and Employment headed by regional director Exequiel Ronie Guzman with his assistant Teodoro Delson with Rep. Teddy Baguilat and acting governor Jose Jordan Gullitiw led the awarding.

P6, 314, 996 was awarded to the provincial government as accredited co-partner of DOLE.

This will be implemented and monitored by the provincial governor’s Office with the Public Employment Service Office.

The provincial government had eight approved proposals: Community enterprise development, carpentry and masonry tools and equipment of Panubtuban Masons and Carpentry Association; post-harvest facilities of Viewpoint Senior Citizens Association; swine-raising of Mohicans Organization; upgrading of farm facilities of Lubu-ong Bimmoble Organization; water bottling enterprise of Hungduan Bibinnayug Indigenous People’s Organization; acquisition of mini- organic feed mill facility and mixer for production of swine poultry and tilapia of Alupapan Farmers Organization; food processing and production center of Aguinaldo, Mayoyao, Alfonso Lista Women’s Livelihood Association; and soybean processing of Nahamad Women’s Organization.

While, the municipality of Alfonso Lista received two checks one of which was under DOLE integrated livelihood emergency employment program on muscovado processing worth P551, 259. 50 and under tulong panghanapbuhay para sa ating mga disadvantaged workers, an emergency employment, a labor counterpart of DOLE in one of their community projects in the municipality received P 624, 000.

Tthe municipality of Tinoc had two: Kalanguya Cultural Multipurpose Cooperative Incorporation amounting P 839, 700 and Tinoc United Gardeners Development Federation receives P 810, 000.

Regional director Guzman reminded beneficiaries to take care of the materials and equipment.

He said money given did not come from DOLE but from the people through taxes and the government was just returning it through livelihood projects.

He said he hoped this would help in the betterment of the lives of the Ifugao people most especially to those who are unemployed.

Baguilat said it was his vision for Ifugao to strengthen and bring more funds for sustainable livelihood.

He said he hoped in 2017, there will be more livelihood projects but for now, he added there was an agreement with Gov. Pedro Mayam-o that they will have a monitoring scheme to see and ensure the success of these livelihood grants.

Gullitiw thanked the DOLE and Baguilat for the checks awarded to Ifugao. -- Florida B. Robles

2 dead in Ilocos trainer plane crash

SANTIAGO, Ilocos Sur --A pilot and his student died when a trainer plane crashed off the coast of Barangay Sabangan here Oct. 21.

The bodies of Capt. John Kaizan Estabillo, 21, and Paula Bianca Flores, 25, were recovered at around 7:10 a.m. Monday, said Eric Apolonio, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines spokesman.

The light aircraft with body number RP-C7838 reportedly took off from the Vigan City airport at 3:24 p.m. It was supposed to arrive at the San Fernando airport in La Union at 4:24 p.m.

Initial reports said the plane tripped on the zipline of the Vitalis Resort.

An investigation is underway.

37 public school-based BHS to BE set In Mt. Province

BONTOC, Mountain Province --Three government agencies have forged a partnership to establish 37 public school-based barangay health stations (BHS) in the province to make quality health care more accessible to the poor and vulnerable population.

Known as Philhealth TSeKaP (Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya) accredited Barangay Health Stations, this is a partnership among the Department of Education (DepEd), Dept. of Health (DOH) and the Dept. of Interior and Local Government.

This will be established within public elementary schools in barangays without an existing BHS to ensure that affordable health services are within the reach of every Filipino especially those poor and vulnerable sectors. This may also serve as a school clinic.

Under this partnership, the DepEd provides a lot or portion of the property not being actively utilized in public elementary schools in barangays without an existing BHS and other government health service units.

Primo Aligo of the DepEd-Mountain Province Division Office bared that the DOH has allotted 37 school BHS in the province. Eleven of these are allotted for the municipality of Bauko, 9 in Paracelis, five in Tadian, two each in Bontoc, Barlig and Sagada, and one each in Natonin and Sabangan.

Aligo said the BHS is a pre-fabricated structure worth P1.3million each. -- Juliet B. Saley

OFW one-stop shop service center to open in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY – The city government and Dept. of Labor and Employment opened the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) one-stop shop service center at the executive lounge of the Baguio Convention Center here yesterday (Oct. 29).

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan inauguration and formal opening of the center that will provide OFWs with easier access to the services of different government agencies in processing documents they need with lesser delays and inconveniences.

Earlier, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), directed to all frontline offices to establish one-stop shop centers to ensure that all requirements needed by the public are housed in one location for public convenience.

Secretary Bello issued a memorandum to all regional directors of the labor department instructing them to spearhead the establishment of one-stop shop service for OFWs in the different regions.

Included in the Baguio OFW one-stop shop service center are representatives from government agencies like Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Home Development Mutual Fund, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Social Security System, Philippine Statistics Authority, Bureau of Immigration, National Bureau of Investigation, Commission on Higher Education and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. – Dexter A. See

Ilocos Norte bags seal of good governance award

LAOAG CITY -- Ilocos Norte is among local government units (LGUs) to be awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance by the Department of the Interior and Local Government this year.

The DILG gives the award to LGUs that meet certain standards, including sound financial administration, human security, disaster preparedness, business competitiveness and peace and order. The evaluation period was from March to September.

The award entitles recipients to access the Performance Challenge Fund, which they can use for development projects.

Coffee growers get boost

with BSU processing center

LA TRINIDAD Benguet -- The Department of Trade and Industry, in partnership with Benguet State University officially launched the Coffee Processing and Cupping Laboratory at the BSU Institute of Highland Farming System and Agro Forestry last July 7, here.

The P4 million Shared Service Facility (SSF) is set to benefit the over 3,000 Arabica coffee growers in the province and the rest of Cordillera in terms of post – harvest processing and value adding that will help in increasing the growers’ productivity and better quality of products that will ensure better income opportunity.

Present during the launching of the Coffee Processing and Cupping Laboratory were DTI officials headed by Undersecretary for Regional Operations Zenaida Maglaya and Cordillera Regional Director Myrna Pablo and Benguet Provincial Director Freda Gawisan.

They were joined in the ribbon cutting, blessing and turn – over program by BSU President Feliciano Calora and Benguet officials headed by Governor Crescencio Pacalso and La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda.

Maglaya, in her keynote message, outlined the importance of DTI’s partnership with BSU for the SSF project. Aside from boosting the productivity of Arabica growers in the province, they can also ensure a certified quality coffee produce and by-products with the university’s coffee program and research and extension services.

The Coffee Processing and Cupping Laboratory is the 24th of the 120 SSF projects for Cordillera. -- Carlito Dar

Tabuk City to receive mobile dental clinic

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Delivery of dental services to poor and remote barangays in in this city is expected to be improved with the turn-over this month of a “mobile dental clinic” by the Department of Health to the city government.

DOH provincial field officer Bernadette Andaya said the dental van designed for outreach clinic is fully equipped including dental chair and generator. The facility is provided under the DOH’s Pangkalusugang Pangkalahatan Program that aims to address quality health care to indigent communities in the country.

Tabuk City Mayor Ferdinand B. Tubban welcomed the DOH project saying this will help the city government’s health program.

Tubban said the city government will share its counterpart and other necessary support to sustain the project to answer the dental needs of people in far-flung barangays where dental care and awareness is still a serious concern.

Trained CHO staff shall be designated to operate the facility to ensure proper handling and maintenance, he said. -- Larry T. Lopez

PVET teaches farmers organic feed formulation

HUNGDUAN, Ifugao --The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVET) here recently conducted skills training on organic swine and poultry raising and feed formulation to 83 farmer- recipients of native pig raising project of provincial government.

The training was to enable pig raisers gain more profit in their backyard livestock endeavor by formulating their own organic feeds using ingredients and materials that are abundant and indigenous in their places rather than relying on commercial feeds which are very expensive, said PVET training coordinator Ferdinand Dunuan.

By adopting organic farming that includes feed formulation to reduce feed cost, they can produce not only animal meat products which are safe and fit for human consumption but also earn more profit because organically produced farm products nowadays are in great demand.

Dunuan told participants pointers on animal husbandry, bio-organic inputs and good agricultural practices.

Gilbert Caclini, also of PVET, demonstrated preparation of feeds using indigenous materials with participation of farmers.-- Daniel B. Codamon

Mountain Province dads enact volunteer nurses ordinance

By Juliet B. Saley

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Every year thousands of nurses graduate and pass the board examination, with great hope and expectation to land a job locally or abroad but local employment opportunities are limited and foreign employment requires work experience as a condition before hiring.

In their desire to obtain work experience, these nurses agree to work as volunteers in local hospitals and clinics even without remuneration and continue to be dependent on their parents or guardians.

With such a situation, the provincial government stepped in to help these nurses and their parents.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan here recently enacted Provincial Ordinance No. 232 known as the Mountain Province Volunteer Nurses Program Ordinance.

This program aims to provide an opportunity for new registered nurses to put into practice the skills and core competence they have learned in school and inculcate care enhancement qualities including core values for the attainment of quality health service.

It also seeks to provide training and equal opportunity without discrimination to all qualified registered nurses to be of service to the people in the province and create a pool of good-performing nurses from which the national and local government units and other agencies (local and foreign) may recruit their staff.

Under this ordinance, each qualified volunteer nurse shall be entitled to a daily allowance of P100.00 while on duty-training.

It is also provided that the amount of not less than P1 million shall be appropriated in the annual budget for this purpose.

Kalinga crafts juvenile intervention program

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- This province is formulating its comprehensive Local Juvenile Intervention Program (CLJIP) founded on rehabilitation and reintegration of the child in conflict with the law rather than retribution.

The technical working group of the provincial council for protection of children (PCPC) composed of concerned line agencies and provincial local government met recently to start crafting the three-year plan funded from one percent of the province’s Internal Revenue Allotment(IRA) and implemented through an enabling ordinance by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

One input to the plan is for the Department of Labor and Employment to design a project for children of Overseas Filipino Workers who according to the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office are vulnerable of becoming children at risk and in conflict with the law.

It was also recommended that youth representative from in-school and out-of-school be included in the soon to be reconstituted PCPC.

The formulation of CLJIP was pursuant to Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile and Welfare Act of 2006 as amended by RA 10630 or an Act Strengthening the Juvenile Justice and Welfare System. -- Peter A. Balocnit

DA distributes P2M vegetable seeds in Abra

BANGUED, Abra -- The Department of Agriculture through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist dispensed assorted vegetable seeds amounting to P2 million to all the 27 municipalities in the province recently.

Seeds distributed were okra, tomatoes, white cabbage, eggplant, and squash, among others. OIC Provincial Agriculturist Gilbert Barbero directed municipal agriculture officers and farmers to plant the seeds immediately.

He said some municipalities like Boliney, Langiden and Licuan-Baay which did not submit their calamity report last year, but all municipalities were given their share. He said it is a need next time they submit their report for them to know how many seeds to allocate to each one.

He urged farmers to join in the Philippine Crop Insurance to even out agricultural risks like consequences of natural disasters. They will be able to get indemnity for the losses in their crops and farm lands. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

Ifugao council commits help against illegal drugs

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- The anti-drug council has started plans against illegal drug use and trafficking in the province.

Gov. Pedro Mayam-o recently led the members of the Provincial Anti-drug Abuse Council (PADAC) in signing a covenant to wage war against prohibited drugs use and trafficking. PADAC consists of heads of national and provincial and non-government organizations.

The PADAC members committed to cause the immediate arrest and prosecution of all drug pushers by reporting their presence to law enforcement authorities or invoke the power of the citizen’s arrest.

They also pledged to help in the seizure or confiscation by law enforcement authorities of any illegal drug paraphernalia as well as personal properties and vehicles being used in the proliferation of illegal drugs.

Some 250 persons have voluntarily surrendered to police and local authorities from July 6 – 17 under the intensified anti drug campaign of the Philippine National Police dubbed “Oplan Tokhang” or ‘Oplan Kulkughummangan’ of the PNP –Marcelo B. Lihgawon

IFAD conducts SIS Mission for CHARMP2 in Ifugao

BANAUE, Ifugao -- The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) conducted its 7th regular supervision and implementation support (SIS) mission in the province last July 6-8 for the Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management Project (CHARMP2).

The mission recently assessed progress of project implementationand preparatory activities for additional funding and resolve constraints.

The IFAD Team was led by Tawfig El-Zabri with Ed Questalin, an environmentalist and consultant, and Greg Aris from the NEDA.

They had a meeting with the Ifugao Project Management Group and other project provincial stakeholders.

Together with local counterparts, they visited the project beneficiary towns of Asipulo and Hingyon and inspected projects like farm-to-market road and reforestation and agro projects in the areas, had dialogue with the various people’s organizations and held meetings with the municipal officials and other project stakeholders.

Since 2010, the IFAD conducted six missions for the CHARMP2 projects. One of the recommendations of last year’s mission was for the CHARMP2 to be extended for one year without additional cost to scale up target outcomes.

This was approved and so the Project completion was extended to December 31, 2016 and closure by June 30, 2017.

Implemented by the Department of Agriculture, CHARMP 2 aims to reduce poverty and improve quality of life of indigenous people in upland communities in the Cordillera. -- Daniel B. Codamon

Sibud-Sibud Cave in Abra under DENR protection

TINEG, Abra -- The Sibud-Sibud Cave in this upland town is one of the 39 caves in the Philippines placed under protection and management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently.

Saturnina Miguel of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office said an area receives protection from DENR for its recognizable beauty and natural and cultural reserves. This is necessary to preserve the caves so the public could enjoy them.

Sibud-Sibud Cave is found along the road of Tineng. An ideal place for nature lovers, it can be reached after travelling a distance of around 33 km.

It is categorized as Class III since it is less explored and visited. Accordingly, Class III caves may also be utilized for economic activities like extraction or collection of guano or bird’s nest.

The local government units and residents are looking forward to developing the premises of the Sibud-Sibud Cave and establishing physical amenities and public utilities for the comfort of tourists and spelunkers.

Economic activities are expected to grow like tour guiding and collection of bird’s nest which is sold to foreigners as souvenir. Guano or bird’s nest is also made as soup and home remedy for certain illness.

Sibud-Sibud Cave is a threshold to all other potential natural and wildlife sanctuaries in Abra deserving protection, stressed Miguel. --Ginalyn B. Brioso

DA pours P300M to heirloom rice industry

BAGUIO CITY--The Dept. of Agriculture will pour about P300 million assistance to waning heirloom rice industry in 2017.

A recent visit of Agriculture Sec. Manny Pinol resulted to positive developments and changes the separtment will do in the industry. Among these is the categorization of the heirloom rice as high value crop.

DA- Cordillera regional director Lorenzo Caranguian said the assistance will include the rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged rice terraces and massive training of farmers with the aim of adding other sources of income.

Towards this end, the DA also plans to give two cattle to every farmer to milk for value adding.

DA also aims to mechanize some of the indigenous methods of farming employed without necessary altering the produce.

The assistance is part of the Government’s goal of rice sufficiency by 2019.

The 2015 Cordillera’s Economic Performance revealed that among the sectors contributing to economic growth, Agriculture is the only sector that poised negative growth which contracted by 4.1 percent.

Caranguian explained that the loss of 7000 hectares standing crop of rice in Kalinga and climate change that brought Two Typhoons in the country contributed to the negative growth.

He added that the heirloom rice industry which spans 12 hectares in the province of Ifugao is pulling the region “down in terms of yield”.

The P300M for the heirloom rice industry, which is on top of the regular DA funding is seen to make positive growth for the agriculture sector in the region. -- Brenden Kim Quintos

Parenting style and education are top teenage pregnancy predictors

BAGUIO CITY --Parenting style and level of education are among top predictors of early childbearing in the Cordillera.

This was revealed in a Population Commission- funded research conducted by University of the Philippines Professor Josefina Natividad which was presented during a dissemination forum held recently here at Prince Plaza Hotel.

The research titled “Predictors and Timing of Early Childbearing in the Cordillera Administrative Region” sourced its data from the 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study 4 (YAFSS 4). The sample for the study is 262 women aged 20-24.

In the YAFSS 4, Cordillera had the highest proportion of young women aged 15-19 who had begun childbearing at 18.4 percent, much higher than the national rate of 13.6%.

Child bearing is defined as having given birth before reaching the age of 20.

Results of the study indicate that the proportion that had a birth before 20 is higher among non Cordillerans, rural resident and young women who were not raised by both parents compared with their respective counterparts.

By poverty status, there is no substantial difference between women classified as poor and the non-poor.

By completed education, high school undergraduates had the highest proportion with early childbearing experiences (57 %), followed by those with elementary level schooling (38%) and high school graduates (30%).The prevalence of early childbearing is lowest among those with college education at 16 %.

The study suggests that parenting styles may be protective against the risk of early childbearing, specifically, if the parents set clear standards for children to follow while growing up.

“The proportion that experienced early child bearing increases as the level of clarity of standards of the parents on the behavior of children decreases.”

On the time of early childbearing, it showed that the proportion of childbearing before 20 is higher among non Cordillerans with a sudden increase at age 19 and it is mostly accounted for by births at ages 18 and 19. However in terms of exposure to the risk associated with early childbearing, the Cordillera women may be more at risk because they started childbearing earlier having recorded the youngest to be 13 years old.

“By marital status, four in 10 of the currently married 20-24 year olds began childbearing before the age of 20. Similarly, four in 19 of the currently cohabiting also experienced early childbearing. A small proportion of four percent of the never married had experienced early child bearing.”

The study summarized that among 20-24 year old women in CAR, 25% percent or one in four had a birth before the age 20 or were teenage mothers. The risk of early childbearing is not affected by urban-rural residence, poverty status, ethnicity or being raised by both parents. All are equally at risk. Having a college education significantly decreases the risk of early childbearing. The timing of early childbearing shows that most teenage births happen in the late teen years ages 17, 18 and 19.

The research also recommended that interventions should be age- and gender specific noting that the reception of 13 years old varies from the reception of 19 years old. -- Brenden Kim Quintos

Employees in Abra town undergo drug test

DOLORES, Abra -- Government employees from the local government unit and line agencies in this town underwent drug testing initiated by Mayor Robert “JR” Seares.

“This is not voluntary. This is compulsory,” Seares said, adding he can turn Dolores clean and drug-free by nabbing and turning over all drug personalities to the police.

Nine drug personalities in Dolores voluntarily surrendered to the police out of 393 in the whole province this month.

Seares said President Rodrigo Duterte personally advised him to run after drug personalities when he attended the president’s inauguration last June 30.

“The president said I should look after my town and never allow it to cradle narco-politics. He personally told me to look after the future of the youth because if not today, then it will probably be too late.”

In line with Duterte’s strong anti-corruption campaign, Seares vows full support in the conduct of lifestyle check to all elected and appointed government officials.

“If we want change, let us be part of that change. If we are not hiding anything, why won’t we submit to lifestyle checking?”, he said. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

Ifugao farmers groups train on livestock raising

ASIPULO, Ifugao -- Members of two farmers organizations from this town and Hingyon municipality underwent a training on poultry and swine production and hands-on preparation of fermented feeds conducted by the Provincial Veterinary Officer (PVET).

The farmers were given lectures on the health and economic significance of utilizing home-made or processed fermented feeds for their poultry and livestock industry, good animal husbandry practices, animal health management and the various animal diseases such as the New Castle Disease of poultry and fowls.

There was also hands-on demonstration on how to process their own organic feeds using raw and indigenous foodstuff that abound in the area.

The 22 members of the Haliap Farmers Organization of this municipality who attended the training received 13 piglets as their animal dispersal while the 23 members of the Bitu Resource Cooperative and Development Association, Inc. given 19 piglets.

PVET training coordinator Ferdinand Dunuan said that the project was funded by the Department of Agriculture which is mandated to exclusively promote organic agriculture in the country pursuant to Republic Act 10068. -- Daniel B. Codamon

Kalinga DENR hires 194 forest guards

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The provincial office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources here recently hired 194 forest guards under job order to patrol existing forests and reforestation projects.

Dennis Daligdig, chief administrative officer, said 169 were hired as “bantay gubat” and 25 as forest protection officers (14 for Pinukpuk CENRO and 11 for Tabuk CENRO). They are tasked to protect the forests and reforested areas especially from man-made hazards.

Meanwhile, Forester Magdalena Buyugan informed that they are now on the planting stage of the National Greening Program (NGP) project this year.

The NGP which started in 2011 is one of the commitments of the Philippine government under the Aquino administration on the global action to mitigate climate change and global warming, is now on its fifth year of implementation.

Bayugan admitted there are some projects under NGP that failed but there are also model plantations citing Kapanikian and Kalbayan in Pinukpuk; Balong this city; and Sisim in Rizal.

“Since the community people are our partner through their membership to people’s organizations, we appeal for your help in their implementation and protection,” Buyugan said. She added that contracted POs are continuing the restoration of some burned areas.

Bayugan said they have increased their target NGP area in 2017 to 4,644 hectares for planting to specific species like bamboo, high value crops and fruit trees. She said they are now on site validation to determine the suitability of these tree species to the soil. -- Peter A. Balocnit

Benguet overshoots rabies vaccination target

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The free massive anti-rabies vaccination campaign in the province was successfully conducted even overshooting its target.

An interagency collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government and municipal local governments, the anti-rabies campaign led by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, started in March as part of Anti-rabies Awareness Month observance and extended until June.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Miriam Tiongan said they have exceeded the target of the dog population by 7.34 percent which is above the national target of 70% and the region’s target of 80%.

Of the total dog population of 35,069 in the 13 towns of the province, 30,628 dogs were vaccinated.

The capital town of La Trinidad had the highest number of dogs vaccinated with 6,479 out of the 7,652 dogs.

Other towns that had high rate of vaccination are Bakun, Kapangan and Buguias. The campaign is aimed to eradicate rabies by 2020. Fortunately, no rabid dog case is recorded this year so far, Tiongan said.

The OPVet is still doing vaccination but with minimal charge. The Office is also conducting information education and administering spay and neuter to control dog population. -- Susan C. Aro

Baguio posts 82% passing rate in 2016 A&E exam

BAGUIO CITY- - The Department of Education – Alternative Learning System(ALS) Baguio Division again registered the highest passing rate in the April 17 Accreditation and Equivalency examination in the region with an average of 82.78 percent for the elementary and secondary levels.

ALS Baguio Education program supervisor Arthur Tiongan said 42 out of their 45 (93.33%) examinees for the elementary level while 410 out of the 501 takers in the secondary level passed the exam.

Passers include eight of nine examinees from the Baguio City Jail.

Ifugao was second with a passing rate of 62.44% with 11 out of the 24 examinees in elementary and 732 out of the 1166 in high school passing the exam.

Mountain Province followed at third with 58.92% passing mark with 13 out 39 in the elem. level and 357 out of 589 in the high school level making it.

Abra and Benguet followed closely with 57.58 and 57.16%, respectively, then Apayao at 43.05%, and Kalinga at 27.25%. The Schools Division of Tabuk City registered 36.49% passing rate.

Overall, there are 130 elementary passers and 5,906 high school level passers in the region.

Tiongan explained these A & E passers will get their DepEd elementary and high school diplomas equivalent to those who finished basic education and can enroll in higher level.

ALS A&E test is a paper and pencil examination designed to measure the competencies of those who have neither attended nor finished elementary or secondary education in the formal school system. Passers are given a DepEd certificate/diploma certifying their competencies as comparable graduates of the formal school system

“Those who passed the elementary level can now go to high school, while those who passed the secondary can either take technical – vocation education or college courses”, he said. -- Carlito Dar

CCTV cameras installed in Kalinga’s main road

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The city-government had installed closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras along the provincial road leading to the city proper in a bid to strengthen its anti-criminality and traffic management efforts.

City Public Order and Safety Officer (POSO) Dionisio Falgui III informed there are 15 CCTV units installed at strategic points of the 7-kilometer road to help in the solution of cases, mostly traffic-related, that usually occur in the area.

The CCTVs are operational under two centralized monitoring stations at the police provincial command and city POSO.

Falgui disclosed that the city government has approved an additional fund for the extension of the project to cover the entire stretch of the road up to the farthest barangay in Balong.

He also revealed the plan to install CCTV cameras near schools.

Police intelligence reports indicated that drug pushers are targeting schools in their illegal trade.

Other sites in the city earlier installed with CCTVs include public markets, landmarks, PNP compact posts, city hall compound and other crowded areas.

In a related report, the provincial government recently held the blessing of the four-lane improvement project of the provincial road.

Funds used for the project constructed in phases came from the province’s cash incentives on the Seal of Good Local Governance Award from the Department of Interior and Local Government for three years. -- Larry T. Lopez

Ifugaos sustain traditional forest management system

LAGAWE, Ifugao – This age when technology has invaded all aspects of life, Ifugaos are proud of still practicing the muyong, the traditional way of preserving the forest.

The “muyong” system revolves around the concept of protecting the forest as watershed and preserving its flora and fauna, its wildlife and keeping the ecological balance.

It is a private or clan-owned woodlot, which serves as a “forest zone where people can gather firewood and lumber for their house-building needs through selective harvesting.

The ‘muyong’ is one of Ifugao’s living tradition that is passed from generation to generation,” he said.

The vital water systems that irrigate the province’s famed rice terraces come from watersheds and headwaters, which traditionally have been maintained through the muyong approach.

Local officials said the muyong system should be replicated in other parts of the country as a solution to water shortage, floods, landslides that kill thousands of people every year. -- JDP/JBZ

Tabuk City shifts to high-tech waste management system

TABUK CITY, Kalinga- - This city is now going high tech in its waste management system.

The local government unit has shifted to Technology for Waste Diversion Facility and installed a granulator “Markell” machine for the processing of bio and non-bio waste materials at its Dilag open dump site in Sitio Bayabay this city.

Salud Lammawin, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer, said the machine worth P6.5 million will reduce the garbage disposed at the site. She said the supplier has already conducted training on the operation of the diesel fuel-run waste processing equipment.

Other facilities currently being constructed in the area are a materials recovery facility (MRF) and a composting unit amounting to P1 million and P500, 000.00, funded respectively by the LGU.

The installation of these facilities is in compliance with the provisions of Republic Act 9003 known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Lammawin also bared rehabilitation of dump site is underway with the city government providing P3 million funding for the first quarter this year particularly for initial perimeter fencing, leachate pond, high density polyethylene (HDPE) liner, retaining wall, guard house, gate, billboard, and gas vent among others. -- Peter A. Balocnit

DOLE allots P6 million for 16 Kalinga groups

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Sixteen associations are set to receive financial assistance for livelihood projects from the Department of Labor and Employment.

Dr. Alexander Gumabol, DOLE provincial office head here, said they are preparing the checks worth around P6 million for distribution to livelihood proponents, mostly farmer groups needing post-harvest facilities.

Organizations to be given post-harvest facilities are San Isidro Farmers Asso. of Magabbangon (P352,700.00); Lumawig Clan of Pinukpuk (P481,000); Talac Yellow Corn Upland Rice of Gogbgog(P350,000); Matagoan Lapata of Tabuk(P350,000); Mengawisan Association of Masablang(P500,000); Bulitnao Tourism Manggayadan Farmers of Magnao(P353,000); Purok 3 Matayog Farmers(P200,000); Saltan Organic Farmers(P50,000); Amlao Farmers(P450,000); Guringad-Tope Clan(P350,000); Sumadel 1 Livelihood(P420,000), and Pakawit Pumiyaan(P350,000).

Others with different livelihood are Tuga National High School (P403, 050) for bakery and pastry making; Tabuk Ornamentals, Landscaping and Nursery Livelihood (P485, 000); Purok 3 Bulanao Indigent, Tourism, Handicraft Asso. (P383, 000), and Naneng Rural Improvement Club on red rice processing (P326, 000).

These projects will have immediate impact on employment of members and additional income for their families, Gumabol said. -- Peter A. Balocnit

Doc pushes diabetes prevention among children

BAGUIO CITY -- Diabetes is now a global concern and intensive education among young ones who are potential victims, is still best prevention,

Dr. Domingo Solimen of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) said during the Department of Health media forum last week.

The World Health Organization figues said 350 million people with diabetes around the globe, and disease is the direct cause of around 1.5 million deaths.

Solimen said diabetes, a non-communicable disease that is due to high blood sugar level, is the number one cause of kidney failure.

At BGHMC, 60 percent of their dialysis patients are due to diabetic complications, he bared.

Diabetes is also considered risk factor to heart attack, blindness and traumatic amputation.

Diabetic complications can be fatal but the disease is also highly preventable and treatable especially if detected early on.

As a preventive measure, Solimen said their intensive information and education campaign is focused on orienting elementary pupils of healthy lifestyle given that obesity, a risk factor for diabetes, is now prevalent among children.

Obesity in the younger ages is related to the manifestation of diabetes in their adulthood, he said.

Solimen advised the general public to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have a balanced diet which includes avoiding salty foods, too much sweets and frozen foods, as well as smoking.

He also advised diabetic family members and those feeling the symptoms (that include frequent urination, increased thirst and increased hunger) to have their blood sugar checked.

This year’s World Health Day on April 7 focuses on diabetes with the theme, “Beat Diabetes” to scale up diabetes prevention, strengthen care and enhance surveillance. -- Leo and G. Montecastro

Kalinga barangays, schools set

sites for pre-fab health stations

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Recipient barangays and schools of pre-fabricated barangay health stations (BHS) in the province are now busy identifying and preparing the sites.

Dr. Bernadette Andaya of the Center for Health Development reported that barangay Dangtalan in Pasil was the first to prepare and concrete the site.

Andaya bared that the pre-fab BHS is 12x18 feet or 50sq.m. in dimension and worth P240, 000.00.

The pre-fab BHS project is funded under the Department of Health’s (DOH) Tamang Serbisyo sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya or TSeKaP .

She said a joint memorandum of agreement was forged between DOH, the Department of Education and barangay local government units.

The nationwide construction of said BHS projects is contracted by a single contractor. An engineer will be hired per province to supervise project implementation, she added.

TSeKaP strengthens health systems; increase the efficiency and effectiveness of delivery of basic health services and enable a more equitable distribution of national health programs through the government’s Daang Matuwid Program

In another development, Andaya announced that DOH Sec. Janette Garin will visit Kalinga in April to distribute medical equipment packages to rural health units, and barangay health stations. – Peter Balocnit

NFA-Kalinga urges bigasan outlets to renew permits

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The National Food Authority (NFA) provincial operation center here urged bigasan operators to renew their permits in order to continuously to provide accessible and cheap rice.

Assistant Provincial Manager Ric Baliang informed their office is open to renewal of 2016 permits to NFA-bigasan retail outlets and licenses for grains traders.

NFA is also accepting new applications for its rice retail service especially in remote areas of the province where there is problem on accessibility.

There are at least 80 bigasan retailers stationed in various sites in the province selling NFA cheap quality rice at P27-32/kg, Baliang disclosed.

Baliang cleared there is no price adjustment in government rice but NFA allows minimal add-on cost to defray transportation expenses by retailers from far-flung barangays.

Meanwhile, the provincial NFA warehouse has a current inventory of 23,000 bags of rice, which according to Baliang is sufficient until the next quarter.

In the last cropping, NFA procured only 2,000 bags of palay due to the province’s low palay production arising from the irrigation crisis.

Baliang hopes their procurement operation would be back to normal with the resumption of regular operation of the National Irrigation Administration’s service in the province this cropping. -- Larry T. Lopez

DOST provides baking tools to women’s group

PINUKPUK, Kalinga -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provincial office here recently provided bakery equipment to Barangay Dugpa Kalipi (Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina) Organization this town for its bakery project.

The Kalinga Science and Technology Center said their office provided P149, 000.00 for the purchase of one set oven, one set dough roller, one set dough kneader, and a blender while the proponent shared P140, 000.00 counterpart.

The group aims to produce baked products enriched with vegetables.

Raw material for the manufacture of baked products is not a problem since local raw products like malunggay and root crops are found in abundance in the place. Members of the organization will undergo training on good manufacturing practices from January 27-28.

Meanwhile, Alfonso Berto, provincial DOST officer, said they are processing approval of other proposals under the community-based program on Science and Technology Enhancement for the Advancement of Municipalities or STEAM. -- Peter A. Balocnit

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LT crafts electronic collection scheme

October 30, 2016, 2:25 pm

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By Susan C. Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Town officials crafted a measure regulating an alternative mode of payment and collection of fees through electronic means which is the emerging trend in transactions deemed convenient e nowadays with information and communications technology.

Authored by Councilor Roderick Awingan, Ordinance No. 24-2016 institutionalizes the use of access devices for payment of fees, charges, assessment, taxes and other revenues due the municipality through the electronic payment and collection system (EPCS).

The measure is anchored on Republic Act 8792 otherwise known as the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 which underscores the need to create an information friendly environment which supports and ensures the availability, diversity and affordability of ICT products and services.

Under the ordinance, various modes and channels of electronic payment such as credit cards, debit cards, cash cards, mobile phones as prescribed in the guidelines under Department of Trade and Industry-Department of Finance Joint Department Administrative Order No. 2 series 2006 will be accommodated.

Accordingly this will instill among stakeholders good governance practices making use of the advantage of innovations in information technology for a convenient, efficient and effective collection system.

The measure is elevated to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for review. JDP/SCA

↧

Philippine products sold online thru DOST website

October 30, 2016, 2:26 pm

≫ Next: Rehab awaited on MP P310-M road washouts, P96-M aggie damage, 648 houses wrecked

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LA TRINIDAD, Benguet - - The Department of Science and Technology urged Baguio and Benguet consumers to utilize the E – Commerce Web Application “oneSTorePH” wherein Philippine products made by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from various parts of the country are being offered on line.

Dr. Pita Picpican, DOST – Cordillera coordinator for techno transfer and commercialization, in a consumer welfare forum here said oneSTore was conceptualize by DOST to promote products and increase market competitiveness of DOST – assisted MSME .

It has expanded to include the other government agency-assisted MSME products.

Each DOST regional office will establish a database of MSME products that will be promoted and marketed in the oneSTore.

It will establish oneSTore hub, a physical store where the products will be consolidated, packaged and shipped per online order, Picpican said.

The hub will also be in charge of monitoring all transactions, sales and feedback and do monthly reports to be forwarded to the DOST regional office . It also carries out payment processes and delivery within the time span, she added.

She disclosed that the physical structure of the one STore hub for CAR is already under construction in La Trinidad.

Cordillera products are now being accommodated by DOST region 2 oneSTore hub.

There are already 55 products from the Cordillera MSMEs- three from Abra, four from Apayao, 11 from Baguio, 12 from Benguet, six from Ifugao, 15 from Kalinga and four from Mountain Province.

As oneSTore promotes easy shopping as promoted by its tagline “Bringing quality products at your doorstep”, Picpican reiterates DOST’s call for the people to visit its site at www.oneSTore.ph.

The DOST- led consumer welfare forum was conducted in partnership with DTI – CAR, the National Consumer Affairs Council and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

For the forum DTI consumer protection division chief Samuel Gallardo lectured on Consumer Act of the Philippines and rights and obligation of consumers while engineer Rodel Inga-an of DOST-CAR oriented participants on their regional metrology laboratory. -- JDP/CCD

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Rehab awaited on MP P310-M road washouts, P96-M aggie damage, 648 houses wrecked

October 30, 2016, 2:28 pm

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By Gina Dizon

BONTOC Mountain Province -- No casualty was recorded in the province due to Typhoon ‘Lawin’ but the super typhoon left P96 million worth of crops damaged and dead livestock; P310 million worth of damaged road systems, 648 houses destroyed with 31 totally wrecked, four persons injured and residents who evacuated.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council said damage to agriculture and road infrastructure was around P406 million.

Local government units and government agencies have yet to provide services due destruction of facilities and economic displacement in hardest hit agricultural towns of Paracelis and Bauko incurring practically 78% of the total P96 million lost in agricultural damage.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan and provincial governor and PDRRMC chairman Bonifacio Lacwasan issued resolution declaring the province in state of calamity.

Lawin left the province isolated from the main Halsema Highway linking the Province to Baguio City due the damaged Sabangan bridge and the Samoki jumbo bridge serving access to Banaue and Ifugao leaving Kalinga- Bontoc road the only passable route for motorists to pass on for those who go to Baguio or Manila.

The Nakawang Besao -Tadian Road was eventually opened for light vehicles who find exit through the Tadian-Abatan-Mabaay road to the Halsema Highway to Baguio.

The Taccong Sagada-Sabangan road supposed to be an alternative road to Baguio has since been unrepaired and impassable due to weak retaining walls which eventually gave way from rains last week of May this year.

Agriculture rehab plan

PDRRMC officer Edward Chumawar in an interview said consolidated disaster data shall be forwarded for the response of the Department of Agriculture for the P96 million damage lost in crops and livestock.

The PDRRMC disaster recovery plan noted rehabilitation fund for year 2016-2017 for the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) to allot P19 million for seeds, fertilizers and hoses and assistance to eroded farmlands.

PDRRMC’s rehab plan for the year identified the provincial veterinary office to provide P5.2 million in livestock and poultry species, cattle/carabao shed per municipality and rice assistance to affected livestock raisers.

A total of P2.3 million worth of livestock heads either died or gone astray during the super typhoon with some of these floating along the Chico River.

Corn producing Paracelis, the second most populated town registered the highest loss amounting to P60.7 million damage cost on corn, rice and assorted fruits in the eastern part of the province close to the Cagayan region where typhoon Lawin entered from the Pacific ocean.

The vegetable producing town of Bauko and the most populated town registered P15.8 million crop damage mostly in assorted vegetables, bananas and livestock.

Besao municipality suffered third in agricultural damage at P6.5 million damage mostly sugarcane and assorted vegetables, fisheries at P1.5 million losses and livestock at P450,000 loss.

Besao produces quality muscovado from sugarcane.

Sabangan incurred P6.5 million loses in assorted vegetables, bananas, and livestock, infra at P28.8 million and damaged private houses at P1.1 million. Sabangan profusely grows banana plants.

Barlig with P5.4 million damage heavily incurred losses in coffee, rice and banana. Bontoc incurred losses in livestock and assorted fruits and rice worth P1.2 million.

Sadanga incurred heavy losses in fishery and livestock while Sagada suffered losses in coffee production and 55 houses wrecked.

Calamity fund of local government units compose 5% of the internal revenue allotment (IRA) where 70% of the amount is allotted for disaster preparedness in the form of equipment and trainings and the 30% used for quick response expense.

Damaged houses and public structures

Data on damaged houses incurred by private households were forwarded to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Paracelis which was the hardest hit had 10 totally damaged houses and 212 partially damaged dwellings. Natonin located near hardest hit Paracelis registered 103 partially damaged houses.

Bauko mayor Abraham AKilit said DSWD personnel evaluated the damage done to the personal properties of affected households. Akilit said DSWD informed the mayor that the agency shall be giving P5,000 assistance per household.

Most populated Bauko registered 148 houses damaged with seven totally wrecked houses.

In Bontoc, a newly built three story concrete structure erected on a land fill area near the embankment at the Chico River toppled down. Some onlookers say the commercial building had some of its contents including gasul tanks floating downstream at the Chico river.

Affected Bontoc households with 88 individuals living near the Chico River and at the Riverside at Samoki were evacuated at the Multipurpose Hall, Pearl Café and in private houses. Members of the Provincial National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Municipal DRRMC and Provincial DRRMC and volunteer-responders were quick to bring evacuees to evacuation points before any untoward and calamitous loss could happen.

In Besao, mayor Johnson Bantog said the DWSD personnel from the Region are evaluating the state of damage. Typhoon effects in Besao noted a total P22.2 million damage cost on infrastructure at P11.9 million, damaged schools worth 2.6 million and the rest in agricultural loss.

Partially damaged infrastructures are Agawa elementary school, Agawa national high school, Ambagiw day care center, Masameyeo public school, Tamboan elementary school, 54 private houses; and totally damaged Lacmaan kinder building and 10 rice granaries.

In Sadanga, 14 rice granaries and the Sadanga Central School building were partially damaged. A total of 32 affected families evacuated to their relatives particularly barangays Poblacion, Demang, Saclit, and Sacasacan where all barangay halls were activated as operation centers.

In Tadian, 106 individuals living in landslide prone areas at Balaoa and Kayan evacuated early at public buildings Kayan barangay hall and Kayan elementary school and to relatives' houses. Fourteen houses were partially wrecked and a two- storey of the TEEP building roofing at barangay Lubon was totally damaged.

PDRRMC assistant officer Edward Padcayan said any untoward onslaught of the super typhoon had the people evacuating at an early time to prevent loss of lives. The support of the municipal disaster risk and management councils with volunteers in the 10 towns of the Province and the PDRRMC itself made it possible that there was no loss of lives. Four injured- two in Paracelis, one in Bontoc and one in Tadian- were timely responded to, are safe and in stable conditions Padcayan said.

In the capital town of Bontoc where the PDRRMC is located, the Mountain Province Emergency Operation Center dispatched emergency service assets or responders who acted as support team to assist evacuees before the heavy Lain downpour and were mobilized for clearing of blown and fallen trees after the typhoon. With the support of the responders, evacuees were temporarily sheltered at the Multi-Purpose Building and returned to their residences the next day after the typhoon.

The swelling Chico River water level was monitored all times and all road exits. Ambulance and emergency vehicles were mobilized and pick-up vehicles and vans were deployed for hauling evacuees.

PDRRMC members and volunteers disseminated weather updates and conditions to council members and stakeholders through text messages, phone calls and social media; and in close contact with the MDRRMCs for any updates within their respective areas of responsibility.

PNP personnel were mobilized to haul the road clearing equipments and relief goods from DSWD-CAR.

Relief goods from DSWD contained each box consisting of 6 kilos rice, 6 packs of 3 in 1 instant coffee, 8 canned goods were distributed to the 10 municipalities: Sagada of 1,100 packs, Sabangan of 1,100 packs, Sadanga of 1,000 packs, Barlig of 1,100 packs, Besao of 1,300 packs, Bontoc of 600 packs, Natonin of 1,500 packs, Paracelis of 1,125 packs, Bauko of 700 packs and Tadian of 1,200 packs.

DSWD already released P1.2 billion as stand by funds to ensure that typhoon victims have enough food in the coming days.

Road rehab plan

Landslides and road washouts were P199.5 million worth in damage in 10 towns of the province with provincial roads closed to traffic for days. As of October 25, roads open to traffic are Tadian to Lubon, Sagada to Besao, Nangongan to Bangaan Sagada, Bontoc to Mainit, Mabaay to Abatan, Sabangan- Data to Bangnin, Bontoc to Maligcong, Otukan to Bila, Sadsadan-Balicanao to Salin, and Balicanao to Amam. The rest of the provincial roads are undergoing clearing operations.

National roads incurred heavy loses with landslides with damage amounting to P110.7 million with the Baguio to Bontoc road having incurred heaviest losses at P54 million. Clearing operations are ongoing and vehicles stop at Sabangan due to the destruction of the Nacagang- Sabangan bailey bridge preventing motorists and passengers to travel to Sagada, Besao or Bontoc and vice versa.

To go to the other side of the river and vice versa, residents from the nearby towns of Sabangan,Tadian and Bauko and passengers along the Halsema Highway pass through a footbridge at sitio Lagan, Sabangan or be ferried along the Bayudang River to the other side of the road with waiting rides for Bontoc and vice versa at P20.00 per ferry and a motorcycle carried at P200.00 each.

PDRRMC identified a rehabilitation plan of P119 million for provincial access roads to be handled by the Provincial Engineering Office for year 2016-2017.

Mountain Province District Engineering Office (MPDEO) district engineer Wilbur Likigan said all national roads are open except for the Bontoc- Banaue road and the Baguio-Bontoc road.

Likigan said MPDEO is currently scouting for salvaged bridge materials from other provinces to replace the destroyed bailey bridge in Sabangan which is preventing access to and from Baguio City along the Bontoc- Baguio road.

Vertical displacement of the Chico River Bridge weakened due to dislocated support foundation with noticeable sagging of the left and right railings preventing vehicles to pass coming from the Banaue- Bontoc road and vice versa.

The Junction Talubin-Barlig Natonin Paracelis Calaccad road incurred various landslides with P3.3 million damage and the Mountain Province -Ifugao road having incurred P1.1 million damage. The Barlig -Paracelis road is open.

Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur via Tue road with a P30 million damage and Mountain Province- Ilocos Sur via Kayan road with a P2.8 million damage are undergoing clearing operations.

PDRRMC plans the repair and reconstruction of various national access roads to be handled by the MPDEO with P110.7million for year 2016-2017; and flood control systems to be installed along the Chico River with an estimated cost of P73 million also for year 2016-2017.

On a general note considering washed out roads and landslides in the Province, Padcayan recommends use and construction of sturdy materials for road infrastructure including installation of strong retaining walls in its program of work considering a mountainous terrain prone to landslides.

Meantime, Mountain Province Electric Cooperative general manager Nicodemus Andawi said all town centers are energized including Tinglayan, Kalinga and Cervantes Ilocos Sur. Seventy (70%) percent of the total 144 barangays of the Province were restored of electricity supply.

Andawi projected that all barangays be fully energized by third week November yet dependent on the repair of damaged road systems especially along the Bontoc-Banaue and the Baguio -Bontoc roads to carry through electric poles and transformers. MOPRECO estimates a replacement cost of P15 million to change damaged wires and electric poles all over the Province.

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2 Benguet b’gay Lupons win top national awards

October 30, 2016, 2:29 pm

≫ Next: Farmers to Faeldon: Nab file charges vs rice smugglers

≪ Previous: Rehab awaited on MP P310-M road washouts, P96-M aggie damage, 648 houses wrecked

By Isabelo M. Cosalan Sr.

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Two barangays in Benguet that consistently won municipal, provincial and regional awards in resolving conflicts through the Lupon Tagapamayapa (“Lupon”), were top national awardees last week.

The Lupon Tagapamayapa of Barangay Tuding of Itogon town placed second in the 2015 national search for best performing Lupon in the First to Third Class Municipality Category, while Barangay Ambassador of Tublay placed third.

This was the result of the evaluation by the National Board of Judges and the Secretariat of the Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards National Committee of their on-site validation conducted Dec. 8 and 9, 2015.

Punong Barangay Martin D. Chavez Jr. received the Second Place plaque for the “Lupon” of Tuding, Itogon on October 27, 2016 at the Sofitel Hotel, Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Itogon Mayor Victorino T. Palangdan, MLGOO Cesar U. Ating, Lupon Secretary Krystine Joy P. Taguda, along with Lupon and Sanggunian members witnessed the awarding.

The Lupon Tagapamayapa of the Katarungan Pambarangay Law under RA 7160 is mandated to amicably resolve personal conflicts in the barangays through mediation, arbitration and conciliation.

No personal dispute or conflict within the authority of the “Lupon” may go to a regular court of law without a “certification to file action” issued by the “Lupon”. It was noted that all barangays have “Lupons” and that if all function well, better justice may be achieved.

Except for 2012 when Barangay Tinongdan, Itogon was nominated to the national awards, Barangay Tuding was consistently the municipal, provincial, regional and national nominee for “Best Performing Lupon” for First to Third Class Municipality Category from 2010 to 2016.

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Farmers to Faeldon: Nab file charges vs rice smugglers

October 30, 2016, 2:30 pm

≫ Next: Folks want abusive troops out in North Luzon towns

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By Liezle Basa Inigo

VILLASIS, Pangasinan – The Samahang Industriya sa Agrikultura (SINAG) yesterday appealed to Bureau of Customs chief Nicanor Faeldon to immediately file charges of economic sabotage against RPR International Trading, their brokers, agents and cohorts in government by attempting to smuggle 12 40-foot container vans of rice in Manila.

Rosendo So, SINAG chairman said the case will test Faeldon’s commitment and drive against smuggling. The agriculture sector noted that here is already a law in place, R.A. 10845 or “An Act Declaring Large Scale Agricultural Smuggling as Economic Sabotage, a non bailable offense.

The BOC earlier seized a dozen 40-footer container vans with an estimated P20 million of smuggled rice from China.

Faeldon, who personally supervised the inspection of the vans, said that bureau may donate the rice to the Social Welfare department.

SINAG believed that it is not enough for the BOC to simply suspend the accreditation of the consignee and grab photo opportunities beside the confiscated containers.

So is hopeful that this time the smugglers will be apprehended, charged and punished.

Many in the agriculture sector voted for then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte because of his campaign promised to eliminate smuggling , according to So.

Under R.A. 10845 ,the amount of smuggled agricultural product, subject to economic sabotage is equal or more than P10 million for rice and equal or more than P1 million for other agricultural products such as sugar, corn, pork, poultry, garlic, onion, carrots , fish and cruciferous vegetables.

Smugglers and their cohorts will face penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of twice the fair market value of the smuggled agricultural product and the aggregate amount of taxes, duties and other charges avoided.

↧

Folks want abusive troops out in North Luzon towns

October 30, 2016, 2:32 pm

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NPA: ‘Ceasefire violations’

The New People’s Army assailed the Philippine Army for allegedly violating ceasefire declarations of government and Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front by conducting counterinsurgency operations and terrorizing folks in Northern Luzon particularly boundaries of Benguet, Abra, Mountain Province, Ilocos Sur and Quirino.

Salaknib Monteverde, spokesperson of the NPA’s Antonio Licawen Command in the areas said continuous operations of the 81st IB, Philippine Army in boundaries of Ilocos Sur and Abra started August 14 until now that some towns where they set up camp amid houses want the troops to pull out due to abuses.

He said Charlie Co. of 81st IB set up camp in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur particularly Barangay Lamag, Quirino, and Barangay Tubtuba, Alangtin in Tubo, Abra and launched operations to hunt NPA guerillas.

“Even if the Government of the Republic of the Philippines declared ceasefire on August 21 (The CPP declared ceasefire earlier on Aug 19) the 81st IB unit still did combat operations starting August 22,” Monteverde said.

The Army unit later reportedly set up “peace and development teams” in barangays Namitpit, Legleg and Iteb, in Quirino under the guise of “service to the People” but which they reportedly used to harass and identify alleged NPA sympathizers.

A team of a certain Lt. Oscar Baguio set up camp amid houses beside the Namitpit Elementary School in sitio Iteb, Barangay Malideg and Legleg.

Monteverde said local folks are now living in a state of fear, their livelihood which is mostly farming disrupted since they are being accused as NPA members for refusing to join the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

Army soldiers reportedly get drunk and patrol the streets until daybreak harassing local folks.

This reportedly made Quirino residents and officials hold a dialogue with the 81st IB on Sept. 18 attended by the army unit’s executive officer, a certain Maj.Amado Gutierez to make the army pull out from the area as they are living in a state of fear, their livelihood affected.

Despite this, there was reportedly also no action against abuses of government troops like a certain Ruby Jaime a.k.a. James Bagwis.

An NPA statement also called for a stop to search and destroy operations of the military in Ifugao and Kalinga.

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New law sets longer term for incumbent barangay officials

October 30, 2016, 2:33 pm

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Bocap posts being peddled not for sale – Sueno

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Barangay officials will remain in holdover capacity until the elections next year, Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno has reiterated amid reports that some positions are being “peddled.”

Sueno told local officials during his visit to areas affected by Typhoon Lawin here Wednesday that barangay officials could only be removed after the elections.

“There are people...asking who are interested to take over for a fee... That is not allowed,” he said.

President Duterte signed last week the law postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections from Oct. 31 this year to Oct. 23, 2017.

Under the law, the terms of incumbent officials will be extended for a year unless they are removed or suspended from office.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections said election officers should hold at least two satellite registrations in every barangay to encourage more voters to participate in the SK and barangay elections.

“The election officer shall intensify the conduct of mandatory satellite registration at least twice in every barangay,” the poll body said through Resolution 10166 dated Oct. 25.

The registration can be held in public places, including barangay halls, public and private schools, commercial establishments, detention centers, resettlement areas and indigenous community areas.

The poll body will entertain request to hold additional satellite registration subject to the approval of regional election directors or provincial election supervisors. – With Sheila Crisostomo

Incumbent barangay officials stand to enjoy an extended term of office under Republic Act 10923 or the law that resets this year’s barangay elections to Oct. 23, 2017.

Based on the law approved by President Duterte in Oct. 15, these incumbent officials would stay in office on hold-over capacity until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

The law stated that barangay officials may be removed or suspended for cause.

Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista welcomed the enactment of the law, saying he had been confident that Duterte would sign the measure.

Bautista said since the law had been signed, the Comelec could now resume voter registration in November, wherein they expect an additional two million voters for the Sangguniang Kabataan and two million more for the barangay to sign up.

Bautista assured the public that some P6 billion intended for the barangay and SK polls are intact and will be used in 2017.

The 411,000 official ballots that had been printed may be used by amending the dates indicated on it.

But for election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, the extension of term of office provided by the postponement of the synchronized polls is unconstitutional.

Macalintal said it would be like allowing the officials to hold office although they no longer have the mandate of the people.

“Holdover constitutes appointment. In a word, these holdover officials are “appointed” by the legislators in violation of the constitutional provision that barangay officials should be elected by their constituents,” he added.

Macalintal cited the 2011 ruling of the Supreme Court on the Kida vs Senate case wherein the extension of term of office through holdover was declared unconstitutional.

“The holdover provision deprives the voters of the right to choose their leaders. It violates the electorate’s right to due process because Congress, whether we like it or not, imposes upon us these ‘appointed’ barangay officials without notice or hearing, when they are supposed to be elected and not appointed,” he said.

The law also states that pending the election of the new SK officials, its funds should not be used except for youth development and empowerment programs provided under the SK Reform Act of 2015.

This, as outgoing Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) chief Henrietta de Villa is in favor of postponing the barangay elections to next year.

De Villa, who will turn over the PPCRV leadership to former Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento on Nov. 1, said past experiences showed there should be adequate spacing between elections

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Northern Luzon provinces declared in state of calamity

October 30, 2016, 2:34 pm

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AS SUPER TYPHOON LAWIN exited the country, many provinces were declared in state of calamity last week to include Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, La Union and all Cordillera provinces Ifugao, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and Benguet except Baguio City which had no casualty.

The regional Office of Civil Defense and Disaster office said the Welfare and Development office and Philippine Air Force airlifted food supplies to disaster-stricken areas even as it bared P1.17 billion worth of damages to infrastructure particularly roads.

The Disaster office said power may be restored in Kalinga in one to two months.

As of press time, there were reportedly 20 casualties in Cordillera, with 15 confirmed dead, four injured and one missing.

Some 106,456 families or 464,724 individuals were affected.

Two construction workers died when a landslide buried their shanty in La Trinidad town in Benguet, while two villagers perished in another landslide and another was swept away in a river and remains missing in Ifugao province.

A 70-year-old man died apparently of a heart attack in an emergency shelter while another man died after being pinned by a fallen tree in Isabela province.

An 85-year-old woman identified only as Cariaga perished in Pasuquin town in Ilocos Norte.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director Ricardo Jalad said landslides that hit two towns in Benguet claimed the lives of Jhon Carlos Hatop, a 19-day-old baby; Joshua Halle, 19, Jessie Hella, 28, all of Sagpat, Kibungan and 65-year-old Arsenio Lantaen of Abatan, Buguias.

Over in La Trinidad, 40-year-old Edgar Genese and Jonie Borja, 35, also died in a landslide that hit their village.

In Ifugao, a certain Junior Chawagan, 16, and Jeramel Alfaro, 17, perished in a landslide that hit residential areas in Hungduan town.

A certain Larry Duyapat, also from Hungduan, was reported missing.

Jalad said forced evacuations from high-risk communities helped prevent a larger number of casualties.

Jalad said they forced the evacuation of 18,157 families from villages in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region, Bicol and the Cordillera .

Meanwhile, the regional Highways office identified roads closed at presstime: Baguio-Bontoc Road, Cagayan-Tabuk Enrile Road, Bontoc-Banaue, Ifugao-Nueva Vizcaya and Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur via Tue.

Some 39 national, provincial and municipal roads were closed at the height of Typhoon Lawin.

Seventy-six houses were totally damaged. More than P394 million worth of agricultural produce were damaged, while more than P6 million worth of fisheries products went down the drain.

At least 36 road systems remain closed several days, while major routes to the provincial centers including Baguio City have been restored.

Although power has been completely restored in Baguio City, more than half of Benguet (59 percent) still is without power, while at Bangued, Abra’s capital town only Zone 1 had power Monday night.

Electricity in Bauko, Sabangan, Tadian, Sagada, Besao, Bontoc and Sadanga have been restored Monday afternoon, while Apayao and Kalinga provinces are still suffering from power outages.

Cagayan, La Union

With relief supplies running low and dozens of towns and villages still in shambles in the aftermath of Lawin, the Cagayan provincial government placed the entire province under a state of calamity.

Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba appealed for immediate help from the national government, saying the province is now in dire need of help as their current food stocks have been diminished and could only last for several days.

“The province is now under a state of calamity,” Mamba said during a radio interview.

He said without help from the national government, it will take months for the province to recover.

Mamba said Lawin literally damaged or destroyed everything in the province.

“Even our provincial building was damaged,” he said, describing Lawin as the most powerful typhoon in history to hit the province.

Aside from food, medicine and potable water, Mamba also appealed for tents for temporary shelters for displaced residents, most of whom are living in makeshift tents set up along roadsides.

As of presstime, the province remained without power supply, with limited electricity being provided by generator sets.

The province of La Union was also placed under a state of calamity.

Government agencies, through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, are currently organizing relief caravans for Cagayan, the Ilocos regions and CAR.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III launched an emergency employment program for affected residents.

Private donors that included the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) allocated P2 million to areas devastated by the typhoon.

A teachers’ organization is urging the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to immediately release the year-end bonus of public educators and other government officials in areas affected by Lawin.

“The severity of the blows suffered by many provinces in Luzon due to cyclones, most recently Super Typhoon Lawin, underscores the need to prioritize assistance to those affected,” the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) said.

Zero casualty forLawin in Ilocos

The Ilocos region attained zero casualty during Typhoon Lawin, the Office of Civil Defense reported.

Melchito Castro, OCD-Region 1 chief and regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) chairman, lauded the efforts of local government officials as well as the cooperation and support of the residents in preparing for the typhoon.

A reported death in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte was not-typhoon related, officials said.

Ilocos Norte was placed under a state of calamity.

The provincial DRRMC said damage to agriculture and infrastructure was placed at P673 million.

A state of calamity was also declared in Ilocos Sur. Damage to infrastructure was estimated at P324 million and P313 million to agriculture.

Meanwhile, the entire province of Abra is still without power due to electric posts felled by Lawin.

Power may be restored in Bangued sooner while the rest of the province may have to wait for a few more days, said Loreto Seares Jr., Abra Electric Cooperative (Abreco) general manager.

Seares said losses incurred by Abreco due to the typhoon reached P60 million. -- – With Raymund Catindig, Eva Visperas and Jun Elias

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Baguio’s Verzosa Wins Ms. International 2016

October 30, 2016, 2:51 pm

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By Jobelle Anselmo Batanes

Kylie Verzosa of this tourism resort was crowned the56th Ms. International 2016held on October 27, 2016 at the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

She is the 6th Filipina who won the prestigious award besting more than 65 candidates from different countries.

Verzosa’s eloquent speech during the Top 15 round has astounded the audience, “Three things come to mind when I think of Miss International — culture, education, and international understanding. These three work together to make the brand of the Miss International pageant relevant to the global community in our time. If I become Miss International 2016, I will devote my self to cultural understanding and international understanding,” she said.

“Because I believe that it is with developing in each of us sensitivity to other cultures that we expand our horizons, tolerate difference, and appreciate diversity. All these enable us to achieve international understanding. And I believe I am prepared to take on this responsibility.”

On April 17, 2016, she represented Baguio City in the Search for Bb. Pilipinas at Smart Araneta Coliseum and won the Bb. International award and also bagged two minor awards. Kylie also bagged two minor awards; Ms. Manila Bulletin and She’s So Jag on the coronation night.

Verzosa also amazed the world with her flawless answer when Olivia Jordan of USA Universe asked her,” Why do you deserve to win a Bb. Pilipinas crown tonight?” by USA Universe, Olivia Jordan during the Question and Answer portion of Bb. Pilipinas.

Ms. International is the eldest daughter among the five children of Ari and Raquel Versoza, who were both former flight attendants and now business owners in Baguio.

The 1st Runner Up is Ms. Australia while the 2nd Runner Up is Indonesia followed by Ms. Nicaragua and Ms. USA at the third and fourth runner-up spots, respectively.

The other candidates who made it to the Top 15 list were:Nicaragua, Indonesia, Finland, Mexico, USA, Japan, El Salvador, Canada, Domican Republic, Argentina, Australia, Russia, Thailand and Poland,

Verzosa humbly thank everyone who supported her especially her parents, realtives, friends, and her fans

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POLICE ROUNDUP

November 3, 2016, 4:02 am

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Man shot dead, two others wounded in drinking spree

BAGUIO CITY – A man armed with pistols in both hands barged in a drinking spree here at No. 501, San Vicente, Wednesday and shot three persons which resulted to death of one and injury to two others.

Police identified the victims as Julius Pama Ordiz, 31; Roy Soaygan Laroco, 35; and Jomel Esmale Viray, 20, all laborers.

Investigation disclosed the victims with Jason Lopez Samson, 25 and Dean Allan Lacasadille Cortez, 20 were having a drinking spree at the place. Around 10 p.m., Samson and Cortez left the place. However, at around 10:20 p.m., an unidentified man armed with two Cal .45 guns in both hands, entered the place, shot the victims then fled to unknown direction. Ordiz who incurred multiple gunshots was dead on the spot and brought to Bahay Damayan for autopsy. Laroco was shot on his left forearm while Viray was shot in the leg. They were brought to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment and still under observation. A certain Michael Almasan Tumapang, 31, laborer and resident at the place was invited for investigation.

75-year-old man nabbed for rape

BANGUED, Abra – A 75-year-old man was arrested here Wednesday for rape. Police named the suspect as Amante Blando Navarro here of Barangay Agtangao.This, after judge Corpuz Alzate of RTC, Branch 2, Bangued ordered his arrest with no bail recommended. He is now under the custody of Bangued police.

2 young men jailed for rape in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY – Two young men were arrested here Wednesday for rape. Nabbed were Rogelio Velasco Bernabe Jr., 19 and Kevin Edejer Alvarez, 29, both gas delivery boys and residents of No. 48 Purok 8, Irisan Apugan. Both were arrested at their residence after judge Ivan Kim B Morales of 1stJudicial Region Branch 59, Baguio City ordered their arrest with no bail recommended. They are now incarcerated at the city jail.

Gardener killed in Tadian explosion

TADIAN, Mountain Province – A gardener was killed here Monday when an explosion rocked their farm house in Sitio Awa, Cadad-anan around 12 noon Monday. The victim was identified as Miguel Lang-odan Abkilang, 65 who had several shrapnel wounds on different parts of his body. Lolinda, 61, wife of the victim said they left their farm house unlocked around 4 p.m. of Oct. 22 and went home to their house at Cadad-anan. At around 6 a.m. Monday, both went to Awa to tend their garden.

Upon reaching their farm house they noticed that the main door was locked inside so the victim went at the backdoor while the wife inspected the surrounding of their farm house and noticed that the corrugated G.I. sheet wall was forcibly destroyed.

When she was on her way to the back door to tell to her husband what she observed, an explosion occurred and saw her husband lying on the ground.

The husband was reportedly opening the padlock of the backdoor when the incident happened at about 7 a.m. of Oct. 24.

Farmer shoots group, misfires, hospitalized

STA. MARCELA, Apayao – A drunken farmer here barged into a drinking spree, shot a drinker with a gun several times but misfired making the son of the latter hit him on the head with a piece of wood which resulted to his hospitalization.

A police report said the incident happened Tuesday around 8 p.m wherein the victim identified as Roger Gonzales Bayded, 57, was allegedly mauled by Jerwin John Andres De San Jose, 23, student. Investigation disclosed that prior to the incident a certain Alex Calumpit with Dominador De San Jose were having a drinking session at the residence of the latter, while Jerry De San Jose was having a conversation with them.

Accordingly, Bayded, who was allegedly drunk approached the group and suddenly drew his firearm and tried to shoot Jerry De San Jose but misfired. Allegedly, Byaded fired again but he did not hit Jerry because he was restrained by Dominador.

Jerwin, son of Dominador struck the head of Bayded using a piece of wood. Bayded was wounded on his head and brought to Sta. Marcela District Hospital and transferred later to Far North Luzon General Hospital at Luna, Apayao.

Cops found a Cal. 22 revolver with two bullets, fired cartridge case and a piece of wood with blood stain. The suspect was arrested and brought to Sta. Marcela police station.

Drug suspect shot in machine shop

BAGUIO CITY – A mechanic in city police drug list was shot in his workplace Joey’s Machine Shop here along Bokawkan Road Tuesday around 5 p.m. Police identified the victim as Day Manarang, 32, of Conception, Tarlac and resident of Happy Homes here.

Investigation disclosed while work mates of the victim were all busy working, they heard three gun shots and when they looked around, they saw the victim running towards the back of the shop, so they followed him and discovered that he was wounded so they rushed him to Pines City Doctor’s Hospital. A police report said no slug or fired cartridge shell was found at crime scene. Victim was allegedly a member of Marangan Group engaged in illegal drugs.

Women thieves steal P100K of Besao businesswoman

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A businesswoman from Besao, Mountain Province who just withdrew P700,000 at the Banco de Oro Bank here was victimized by a group slashed her bag and ran away with P100,000.

A police report said the incident happened Tuesday around 10:30 a.m. at barangay trade fair site at Km 5, Pico on complaint of Judy Ann Colod Padua, 54.

A member of the group identified as Perlita Lozano Ramos, 63, widow, of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur and resident at 547 Carmen West, Pangasinan was arrested while her four more cohorts were able to elude arrest. Two suspects were identified by the victim through mug files of La Trinidad police station as Suzette Tinaza of San Fernando City, La Union and Bambie Lopez Yuco of San Carlos City, Pangasinan. The other two suspects are still unidentified.

Investigation disclosed the victim just withdrew the money and was walking and buying vegetables when one of the suspects bumped her. Ramos came beside her and she was bumped again so the victim got suspicious causing her to check her bag and discovered that it was slashed. The victim shouted for help. Ramos was arrested by concerned citizens while other suspects immediately ran towards different directions and escaped. Missing from the victim’s bag was cash worth P100,000. Charges were prepared against the suspects.

Drug surrenderee nabbed with gun in Abra checkpoint

TAYUM, Abra – A drug surrenderee was arrested at a checkpoint here at Pitao, Bagalay for having in his possession and illegal gun. Police identified the suspect as Geronimo Pasigen Andoy, 29, janitor, resident of Nagba, Pang-ot, Lagayan town.

Police said the suspect who was on board a motorcycle, without plate number, tried to evade the checkpoint. However, he was stopped by security personnel. Police confiscated from him a Cal. 45 loaded with five bullets and one extra magazine loaded with seven bullets. He was arrested when he could not produce documents for the gun.

Man nabbed in Baguio buy-bust

BAGUIO CITY – Cops conducted a buy-bust operation at Barangay Fairview here around 10 a.m. Monday that resulted to arrest of Marlou Hapag “Gemo” Labine. Confiscated from him were shabu, P500 bill buy-bust money, cellphone and drug paraphernalia like aluminum strip foils.

Two persons arrested for estafa in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY – Two persons were arrested here Oct. 17 for estafa. Irene Dela Cruz-Herrero, 41, of St. Therese St. Dominican-Mirador was arrested in Cedar Peak, Mabini Street.

Edgardo Borja Padlan, 47, programmer of University of the Cordilleras and resident of Lower Rock Quarry was arrested at the UC accounting office. Bail was set by a local judge at P40, 000 each for their temporary liberty.

Woman arrested for estafa in La Trinidad jail

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – An arrest warrant was served Monday by police against an inmate here at the municipal jail serving time for other estafa cases. Suspect was named as Feceline Kudan Apadchew, 36, married, of Cuanso Street Sto Nino Bengao, Baguio City. Her arrest warrant was issued by Maria Ligaya V. Itliong-Rivera, presiding judge of RTC First Judicial Region Branch 5 Baguio City for estafa. The judge set bail bond of P50,000 for her temporary liberty.

Teacher jailed for estafa in La Trinidad

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A teacher is now in jail for estafa after she was arrested here Monday at Caltex gas station along km 5, Barangay Balili. Police named the suspect as Loretta Caranay Fernandez, 32, of Barangay Poguis. Her arrest warrant was issued by Jennifer P. Humiding, presiding judge of RTC, Branch 63, 1st Judicial Region, La Trinidad who ordered no bail.

Jail officer jailed for syndicated estafa

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A jail officer is now in jail after he was arrested Monday for syndicated estafa. Police served two arrest warrants against Dionisio Magsino Corce Jr., 39, of Alao, Cruz after Maria Ligaya V. Itliong-Rivera, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court, Branch 5 ordered his arrest with no bail recommended. Another arrest warrant for estafa was also issued by judge Danilo P. Camacho of Regional Trial Court, Branch 62, La Trinidad, Benguet on July 11 with no bail recommended.

Corse was also facing other estafa cases when arrested.

Jobless Lamut woman arrested; no bail set

LAMUT, Ifugao – Cops nabbed a certain Jovy Padua, 42, married, jobless, of Poblacion East here after Romeo Habbiling, presiding judge of RTC, Branch 14, Lagawe, Ifugao ordered her arrest for violation of Republic Act 9165. Habbiling set bail bond of P40,000 for her temporary liberty.

Chef nabbed for stab try vs 2 female board mates

BAGUIO CITY – A chef was arrested here Monday after he tried to stab his board mates at No 31, Sumulong Extension, Holy Ghost Proper. Complainants were Rowena Baruzo Ranjo, 22, saleslady and Jessica Lamsen Salamanca, 21, student who were reportedly threatened by suspect Angel Asuncion Lenomta, 44, chef inside their boarding house.

Baruzo was at the hallway proceeding to her room, when Lenomta who was under the influence of liquor came out from his room and pushed her against the wall then pointed a baton sword on her neck.

Baruzo pushed the suspect then ran inside her room and informed her board mate Salamanca through the window about what happened. Complainants went out from their rooms and approached the suspect to confront him but instead he tried to stab them twice but they were able to evade the thrusts and ran inside their rooms and called for police assistance.

Man nabbed for drug paraphernalia

LAGAWE, Ifugao – Polcie arrested a certain Lawrence Alindayo in his residence here at Banao, Poblacion South Oct. 22 after search warrant was issued against him by Judge Romeo Habbiling, executive judge of RTC Branch 14, Lagawe for illegal drugs. Operatives confiscated drug paraphernalia from him.

‘Drug trader’ arrested in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY -- A drug trader identified as Mark Carlo Bergavera Serrano a.k.a. “Mak”, 28, from Sta. Rosa, Laguna and resident of Campo Sioco was nabbed Oct. 22 at Hillside, Baguio City for having I his possession shabu and drug paraphernalia.

Contractor arrested for illegal gun, bullets

BAGUIO CITY – A certain Augusto Naweywey Dangadang, 40, building administrator/contractor, and resident of Holyghost Extension here was arrested here at East Middle Quirino Hill Baguio City Oct. 22 for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

Confiscated from Dangadang was a Bersa Ultra Compact 40 pistol loaded with seven bullets with expired license stipulating no permit to carry outside the residence.

PRO-COR honors top policewoman, 5 others

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Six cops were awarded for exemplary service and gallantry here Monday.

Police Senior Insp. Jenelyn M. Kiwingan was awarded with Medalya ng Kasanayan for being adjudged one of the ten outstanding policewomen in the country for year 2016 by the Zonta Club of Makati.

Awardees of Medalya ng Papuri were Supt. Mark D. Pespes, Insp. George B. Antonio, PO3 Geliza M Moyao, PO2 Rodelyn Verdadero and PO2 Nestymar T. Taasin. They were cited for fighting illegal drugs.

A total of 8, 905 drug personalities surrendered, 316 arrested, 12 killed during operations and 57 deceased since implementation of Oplan Double Barrel on July 1 in Cordillera.

Motorcycle-riding man shoots dead retired cop

PARACELIS, Mountain Province – A retired cop was killed by a motorcycle-driving man here along Paracelis-Alfonso Lista, Ifugao Road at Barangay Butigue,Oct. 30. Police identified the victim as Alfredo Vuelta Bitao, 58, of Barangay Bananao whole the suspect was named as Jerry Pugao, of Pangul, Tanudan, Kalinga and resident of Butigue.

Investigation revealed that the victim with some companions were drying corn kernel at the said road when the suspect who was driving his motorcycle with his son as back rider accidentally bumped the sack of corn that caused him to fall on the road. The suspect confronted the victim about the incident until he brought out his firearm from his waist and suddenly shot the victim.

The victim was shot three times that resulted to his death while the suspect immediately fled towards Kalinga using his motorcycle. Three empty shells for Cal. 45 and one slug were found at crime scene. Pugao is no the object of police manhunt.

Truck with relief goods for typhoon victims loses breaks

BOKOD, Benguet -- A 10-wheeler truck bearing relief goods to Paracelis, Mountain Province for victims of Typhoon Lawin lost its breaks along Ambuklao Road at Apalan, Tinongdan Itogon around 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 forcing the driver to bump it on elevated roadside.

The truck owned and driven by Rey A. Depago, 39, male of Baayan, Tublay, Benguet told police the truck was rented by the DSWD regional office in Baguio City. It was loaded with government relief goods (1,800 boxes of food packs, 1,800 sacks of non-foods, 48 sacks of blankets and 15 rolls of trapal) for Typhoon “Lawin” victims in Paraceles. Police and concerned citizens transferred relief goods into another 10-wheeler truck for delivery.

82-year-old widow missing

BOKOD, Benguet – An 82-year-old vegetable vendor is still the object of a search after she went missing here Oct. 22. She was identified by police as Angelita “Manay” Deras Balagot a resident here of Minac, Ambuclao.

Investigation revealed around 8 a.m. on Oct 21, Balagot accompanied by her two granddaughters went to check their water line at her garden. The granddaughters stayed inside a shanty while their grandmother went to the source of water along the creek. At about 12 noon, their grandmother did not return which prompted them to follow but failed to locate her. At around 3, they returned again to look for their grandmother but they didn’t find her so they went home and informed their aunt and neighbors. Search operations were done by relatives, concerned citizens and police but they were not able to find the widow.

Retired US Navy officer found dead in bungalow

BAGUIO CITY – A retired US Navy officer was discovered lifeless lying on his bed around 4 p.m, Oct 23. inside his bungalow at Corral Camp Site Compound, Pinsao Proper here by Mark Bacayan, 27, resident of no. 443 Zarate Village, Pinsao Proper.

Found dead was Wallace Sinot Woolery, 60 who was living alone at his residence and was last seen alive by Bacayan when he brought food to him at about 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 22.

The following day, the victim was found lifeless by Bacayan when he went to return the motorcycle he borrowed. According to Lidia Banawag Bilag, and his other relatives, the victim is suffering from diabetes and was bitten by a dog four days ago.

Police checked the body and found healing lacerated wound and a dog bite at the victim’s right palm. An autopsy was set to be conducted. Personal belongings of the victim such as laptop and cellular phones were intact. The cadaver was moved to Bahay Damayan.

‘CIDG agent’ jailed for threatening to shoot porter

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A man who introduced himself as a member of the Criminal Investigation Detection Group who threatened to shoot a porter was jailed and charged with usurpation of authority and grave threat.

A police report said the incident happened around 8:40 p.m. on Oct. 23 at Satos Resto Bar located at Km. 4, Pico on complaint of Richard Bandiza Tiongco, 28 against arrested suspect Clifford Comelet Buagan, 31, of JE-47 Central Pico.

Investigation revealed the group of the victim and the suspect were drinking liquor in a separate tables inside the said bar when suddenly a misunderstanding ensued between them. On confrontation, the suspect introduced himself as a member of CIDG and threatened him (“Intel ak CIDG kayat mo ta paltogan ka, kayat mo ta ilugan da ka, ta gaburan da ka ti carton”). The suspect grabbed the jacket of the victim but the victim was able to escape.

Responding police brought the suspect, victim and witnesses to La Trinidad police for inquiry. Suspect was detained while cases were prepared for filing against him at the Benguet Provincial Prosecutors Office.

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5 dead in Ilocos road accidents

November 3, 2016, 4:03 am

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BANGUI, Ilocos Norte – Five persons died in separate road accidents in Ilocos Norte on Monday.  

Paz Balbag, 66, who was hit by a motorcycle in Barangay Malasin here, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Governor Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital.

The driver of the motorcycle, Christian Respicio, 16, who was thrown several meters away due to the impact, died while being treated at the same hospital.

Rodrigo Bayudan, 58, was struck by a 10-wheeler truck along the highway in Barangay Pias in Currimao town. 

Edmark Rhian Respicio, 6, was hit by a Mitsubishi space wagon (WBW-471) in Barangay Mariquet in Solsona. He died while being treated at the Solana rural health office.

Construction worker Christopher Pedronan, 34, died while Jayson Rafol, 28, was seriously wounded when their motorcycle rammed into a concrete post in Barangay Saud in Pagudpud town.

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