Northern Philippine Times

By Gaby Keith and Glen Balangao

BAGUIO CITY – The city council passed on first reading a proposed ordinance “providing amnesty on building permit requirements for those in actual, physical and notorious possession of public lands in the concept of an owner and for other purposes”.

Councilor Edgar Avila, the measure’s proponent, explained that because of the special nature of lands in Baguio, a majority of its constituents have not been given the opportunity to have the lands they have constructed on, titled under the present Torrens System.

“Though they have been in actual, physical and notorious possession of public lands in the concept of an owner defined in the Civil Code, the threat of being declared illegal settlers, squatters and violators of PD 1096 as amended by RA 6541 (National Building Code) continue to hang over their heads like a Sword of Damocles,” he added.

Avila said oppositors, claimants, prospective buyers and speculators “have time and again used a complaint for Violation of PD 1096 or building without permit as a potent weapon to dispossess, harass or even grab possession and ownership over the lands in question”.

The councilor, admitted, however, that his proposed ordinance could not and never would amend and/or revise PD 1096 as amended by RA 6541.

“It is most humbly submitted that in the exercise of its legislative power and invoking parens patriae, a local law can provide for measures to curtail the impact of a national law which is proving to be ‘injurious’ to the rights of its people,” Avila said.

Effective upon approval of the proposed ordinance, the City Mayor of Baguio upon the recommendation of the city council’s committee on urban planning, lands and housing chairman, shall issue a Mayor’s Tolerance Permit (MTP) to any individual who has been or through his predecessor-in-interest have been in actual, physical and notorious possession of public lands in the concept of an owner defined in the Civil Code for thirty years or more, provided that a residential house or structure has been built therein provided further that within the said period, he has declared the improvements thereon for taxation purposes with the office of the city assessor.

The applicant for an MTP shall submit to the chairman of the city council’s committee on urban planning, lands and housing an undertaking that he will “perfect” his claim, application and/or award into a “private right” or Torrens Title issued by the Register of Deeds for the city of Baguio within ten (10) years from the issuance of the MTP in his name, otherwise the said MTP shall be automatically revoked and appropriate action shall be taken by the concerned city department.

Upon application and approval of an MTP, the effects of a demolition order issued by the city anti-squatting group under the city administrator’s office or the city building official shall be suspended for a period of ten (10) years from the issuance of the MTP in his name to afford the applicant the last opportunity to “perfect” his claim, application and/or award into a “private right” or Torrens Title issued by the Register of Deeds for the city of Baguio.

Thereafter, the MTP shall be automatically revoked and appropriate action shall be taken by the concerned city department.

By Manny Galvez

CABANATUAN CITY – Environment Secretary Gina Lopez has fired two environment provincial chiefs and put four lower officials on floating status.

Joselito Blanco and Raul Urmamac, provincial environment and natural resources officers of Aurora and Bataan, respectively, have been relieved from their posts.

Blanco was replaced by Nicomedes Claudio, community environment and natural resources officer based in Casiguran, Aurora.

Urmamac was replaced by Raymond Rivera, a community environment and natural resources officer based in Masinloc, Zambales.

Placed on floating status were community environment and natural resources officers Jimmy Aberin of Dingalan; Gerundio Fernandez of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; Meliton Vicente of Baliuag, Bulacan, and Laurino Macadangdang of Tarlac.

Central Luzon director Francisco Milla of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) confirmed the relief of Blanco and Urmamac.

Milla said he is not aware of the reasons behind the relief of the two officials, noting it was the decision of a group formed by Lopez.

A DENR official claimed the relief was due to feng shui.

Lopez is said to be a believer in Chinese geomancy.

By Jamie Joie Malingan

BANAUE, Ifugao – The Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council firmed up strategies to fight against illegal drugs in the region during their recent first quarter meeting here at Banaue Hotel.

The RDC decided to push creation of drug rehabilitation centers, like the Ifugao Reflection Camp, in each province and chartered city.

RPOC chair Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan urged local officials to incorporate existing programs to come up with improved drug rehabilitation framework for surrenderrees in their localities.

Police Cordillera police director Chief Supt. Elmo Sarona raised the issue of sustaining the momentum on the war against illegal drugs now that the Philippine National Police has been ordered to stop drug-related operations nationwide.

During the meeting, LGUs were advised to coordinate with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and PNP who are still bound to uphold peace and order in communities.

The council also proposed improving roads in hardest-reached municipalities and barangays, where marijuana plantations are often found.

Among the municipalities and barangays included in proposed road network improvement projects are Tinglayan, Kalinga; Tadian, Mountain Province; Takadang in Kibungan, Benguet, and Ahin in Tinoc, Ifugao.

Improved road networks were seen to encourage marijuana planters to shift to legal activities.

Planned interventions for surrenderers through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan program, other projects under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and reactivation of regional Presidential Management Staff were also discussed after presentation of updates on the peace and order situation and recent attack of alleged members of the National Peoples’ Army.

The RPOC second quarter meeting is set on June 23 in the City of Tabuk, Kalinga.

By Ma. Angela Baylon

BAGUIO CITY – Chewing “momma” (betel nut) can cause cancer while using DIY or “do-it-yourself” braces can harm teeth and oral health of its user.

With almost all products now available online, health experts advised the public especially young adults against use of DIY or “do-it-yourself” braces as it may cause harm to the teeth and oral health of its user.

Dentist Anabelle Bawang bared this during recent Dept. of Health media forum here at DOH – CAR Regional Training Center.

Bawang said DIY braces are not certified or proven to fix teeth alignment. Moreover, using it will not ensure proper cleaning and maintenance procedures that are being applied by dentists to their clients.

She warned the public against chewing beetle nut locally known as “momma”, which is a common practice in the highlands of Cordillera, as it can damage a person’s teeth.

The health department does not advise this for oral health concerns as there are studies which support that it is a contributing factor in acquiring oral related diseases and worse, in having oral cancer.

Bawang encouraged the public to practice proper teeth hygiene especially on regularly and properly brushing the teeth every after meal.

February is observed as Oral Health Month pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 559 signed by former President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo in 2004.

For the observance, Bawang disclosed that there will be dental jamborees and caravans that will be conducted in far-flung areas and among the urban poor. Orally Fit Child Campaign will be conducted in the different barangays where a “Sabayang Pagsisispilyo” and free dental cleaning services will be held.

By Juliet B. Saley

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region approved nine community-based projects with a total worth of P2, 470,160 in the province last year.

Approved projects included Basi processing of Anabel Rural Improvement Club in Barangay Anabel and Fvayash processing of Charwichew-Finnong Lower Bitwagan Association, Inc. in Barangay Betwagan both in Sadanga town; upgrading of soybean processing project of Lubon Rural Improvement Club in Barangay Lubon and wild honey processing of Bunga, Tadian Livelihood Organization, Inc. in Tadian; development of peanut butter products of Bayyo, Kakapuyan Farmers Association, Inc. in Barangay Bayyo, Tadian; coffee production of Madchikom Coffee Producers Multipurpose Cooperative in Aguid, Sagada; peanut butter processing projects of Bila Rural Development Club and of Inglayan di Ibila Barangay Bila, and production of Bauko souvenir items of Abante Bauko Movement Inc. –Abatan Chapter in Barangay Abatan in Bauko town.

The amount appropriated to each project was for equipment upgrading, laboratory analysis of the product and initial printing of new label design.

The assistance was given to beneficiaries in the form of materials/ equipment based on identified needs of the project.

The DOST-CAR through the Provincial Science and Technology Center – Mt. Province has turned over one sugarcane juicer each for Anabel Rural Improvement Club in barangay Anabel and Charwichew-Finnong Lower Bitwagan Association, Inc. in barangay Betwagan, and peanut grinder, roasting machine, combi oven and industrial mixer to Kakapuyan Farmers Association, Inc.

The project is covered by a memorandum of agreement between the local government units and DOST-CAR.

The LGUs assist in monitoring the project to ensure that the purpose of the project is attained as specified in the project summary.

The ownership of the equipment procured out of the DOST fund shall remain with DOST-CAR until successful project completion at which time the same could be donated to the beneficiaries through the LGUs.

BAGUIO CITY -- The Cordillera has a strong potential to sustain its financial capacity if it becomes an autonomous region, according to National Economic Development Authority Region 10 Director Maria Lourdes Lim, who also chairs the technical working group on wealth sharing and revenue generation of the Bangsamoro.

During “forum on fiscal viability of an autonomous region” here Jan. 5, Lim said the strong potential of the Cordillera Administrative Region for fiscal sustainability can be attributed to its high per capita transfers or national government allocation per person and its locally-generated revenues.

Only CAR shares this status with the National Capital Region, she added.

Despite CAR’s constant receipt of the lowest national government allocation as compared to other regions, she said it has the highest capacity to generate local revenues, a major determinant of its potential for fiscal sustainability.

Lim suggested that local government units in CAR should lower their high Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) dependency ratio which ranges from 72 to 93 percent, broaden their tax base and increase efficiency in collecting revenues.

Meanwhile, Cordillera RDC vice-chairperson and NEDA director Milagros Rimando said the forum served as venue to learn and evaluate whether the Cordillera, as an autonomous region or as a federal state, can be financially sustainable.

She added the RDC-CAR is planning to partner with the Local Government Development Foundation and Philippine Institute for Development Studies for the conduct of fora within the year.

She said the NRO-CAR is coordinating with the NEDA central office regarding funding of a study on the fiscal viability of the Cordillera as an autonomous region.

The forum, coordinated by the RDC-CAR, was attended by local government assessors, line agency representatives, the academe and autonomy partners and advocates from the government and civil society organizations.

11 arrested in Abra for illegal gambling in carnival

BANGUED, Abra – Police arrested 11 men for playing illegal “drop balls” here Tuesday.

Nabbed at the Fiesta Carnival here in Zone 2 were: Reyquel Esta Samusam, 27; James Baptista Duyao, 26; JR Matinez Marquez, 28; Glenford Ebangelista Vicencio, 24; Darrel Doroni Banguilan, 22 and Arnel Bersamina Rebaula, 26, all operators of “drop ball.”

Arrested bettors were Mark Ver Batalao Valeros, 29; Joel Bayang Collantes, 32; Twinks Doroni Banguila, 18; Dennis Gabu Barreyro, 26 and Erwin Gabay Guzman, 23.

Confiscated from their possession were six pieces of “embodo,” six “labayan”; 24 “tapete”; 13 pingpong balls and cash bets of P88,941.

Trader gunned down in Bantay

BANTAY, Ilocos Sur --A livestock trader was shot dead by a lone assailant here Feb. 17. Efren Taguipuro was waiting for his wife in front of a restaurant in Barangay Sinabaan when he was shot. He died while being rushed to a hospital.

Case investigator Police Officer 3 Aniceto Gelacio is eyeing business rivalry as motive for the killing. – Raymund Catindig

3 men nabbed in Baguio for illegal gambling

BAGUIO CITY – Three men were arrested here Tuesday at the parking area of Maharlika Building for illegal gambling. Arrested were Raymund Operario Batang, 36; Alejandro Bienes Besa, 52 and Alejandro Galvan Quibote, 61.

Police said they were informed by concerned citizen informing that illegal gambling was in progress prompting operatives of Station 7 to speedily respond that led to arrest of suspects.

Confiscated from the suspects were playing cards and cash bets of P750.

A case for illegal gambling was filed against arrested suspects at the Prosecutor’s Office.

“The PNP crackdown on illegal gambling in the region will carry on as long as there are tough gambling operators that keep on operating their illegal activities,” said Chief Supt. Elmo Francisc Oco Sarona, regional police director.

Drug suspect shot dead in Bulacan

HAGONOY, Bulacan -- John Michael Trinidad, 21, was shot by motorcycle-riding men here in Barangay San Pablo Feb. 16. He died while being treated in a hospital.

Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat, Bulacan police acting director, said the fatality was a known drug pusher and surrendered under Oplan Tokhang last year. – Ric Sapnu

Teen, scolded by mother, hangs self

SAN NICOLAS, Ilocos Norte -- A 19-year-old pizza shop service crew hanged herself at their house here Tuesday.

Chief Insp. Dexter Corpuz, Ilocos Norte Police Office spokesman, said the victim’s cousin Lovely Guieb told investigators that her aunt, who is in Manila, called the teen to scold her over her habitual tardiness.

The victim, he added, left a note expressing her frustration about the incident. – Raymund Catindig

Tourist police deployed in Baguio due to pickpockets

BAGUIO CITY – “Tourist policemen” were deployed here as Panagbenga Festival hiked into high gear. Several tourist assistance desks were deployed along strategic areas along Session Road with others deployed at Burnham park.

Chief Insp. Eddie Bagto, chief of tourist urged locals and tourists joining revelries to be alert since pickpocket cases are rampant. He urged the public to support the programs of the police to efficiently maintain peace and order. -- Gaius Cabrera

Hogtied body found in Cagayan

ENRILE, Cagayan – The decomposing body of an unidentified man believed to be a drug suspect was found here in Barangay Liwan Feb. 17.The body was hogtied and bore multiple gunshot wounds. Police have yet to determine the motive for the killing. – Raymund Catindig

Taxi driver nabbed for selling shabu

BAGUIO CITY – A taxi driver was arrested by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera agents here Monday afternoon during a buy-bust operation at First Road, Quezon Hill Proper. Brian Bulante Llabres, 30, native of Masbate and resident of Pinsao Pilot here was arrested when he sold shabu worth P6,000 to a PDEA undercover agent.

The suspect is now detained at the Baguio City Jail while a case for illegal drugs was filed against him.

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan underscored that the proposed autonomy law must be enacted into law by the first quarter of 2018 to allow the plebiscite for the provinces and cities that will be included in the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera to be done before the end of 2018.

In the said case, the local chief executive said election of regional officials could be done simultaneously with the conduct of the mid-term elections in May 2019 and to subsequently start the operation of the autonomous regional government in the same year.

“If we miss this target, it will be very difficult for us to come up with a special election for the establishment of the autonomous government, thus, we will have to wait for the next election which will be on 2022 for us to realize our aspiration of becoming autonomous,” Domogan stressed.

Domogan expressed his appreciation for Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Duerza’s support for the region’s clamor for autonomy, citing that in the draft autonomy law, for the functions of the autonomous regional government, it should include specific functions now being done by the national government such as, but not limited to, the issuance of water rights, hydro power plants, mining and exploration.

Since the next election will be in May 2019, he claimed Cordillera leaders must be able to convince Congress to pass the autonomy law by the end of 2017 and the plebiscite should be done within the first semester of 2018 so that the region will be ready to elect the officials of the autonomous government by the next election.

Earlier, representatives of the Cordillera in Congress committed to filing the new draft of the autonomy bill before they go on recess on March 18, 2017, to start the ball rolling for its enactment into law.

The Regional Development Council (RDC) in the Cordillera endorsed to the Cordillera congress representatives the new draft autonomy bill after a thorough review by the technical working group to iron out the issues raised by some lawmakers on the contents of the bill.

He claimed there is still time to enhance the contents of the new draft of the autonomy law to address all the issues and concerns raised by some sectors on some sections but he expressed support to the overall contents of the bill which will be subject to certain changes once submitted to the House committee on local government for further deliberations in the future.

Domogan met with the members of the RDC technical working group to have a last ditch effort to further enhance the contents of the autonomy bill before being formally transmitted to the Cordillera congress representatives for filing in the House of Representatives.

For her part, Milagros Rimando, RDC-CAR vice chairperson and regional director of the Cordillera office of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA-CAR), said the existing draft of the autonomy bill is the third version of the draft House bill as the first draft was conditionally approved by the RDC-CAR on November 21, 2016, and was enhanced by the technical working group.

The second draft was presented to the Cordillera congressmen on January 24, 2017, where issues were raised and changes once again were done by the technical working group.

TUBA, Benguet – While Philex Mining Corp. supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s drive against irresponsible mining, it takes exception of the latest move by Environment Secretary Regina Lopez to cancel 75 mining contracts, saying this seemingly disregard of due process resulted in a P6.5-billion loss in the company’s shareholder value in one day.

The company’s president and CEO, Eulalio Austin, Jr., said the “ensuing confusion and uncertainty” brought about by Lopez’s announcement done in a press conference Tuesday has endangered the Silangan project of Philex Mining’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., in Surigao del Norte.

“This has eroded investor confidence in the midst of a worrisome regulatory landscape that appears to disregard due process and interprets applicable laws as it wishes,” said Austin, who stressed that unofficial information received Tuesday pointed out that the 75 Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs) are located in watershed areas.

He also said Tuesday it “appears” that Silangan Mining’s MPSA was included in the list, although it has not received any cancellation order or any notice of a cancellation proceeding from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) or any other government agency.

“While the DENR, as regulator, has the right, if not also the duty, to enforce faithfully all mining laws, and to act against erring mining companies, it must do so within the bounds of the Constitutionally-mandated due-process procedure,” Austin stressed.

Four tenements of another Philex Mining subsidiary, Philex Gold Philippines Inc. (PGPI), have also been included in the list for MPSA cancellation, even if all these have been validly issued and, contrary to the assertions in the press conference, are not located in proclaimed watershed forest reserves.

Austin said Philex Mining and its subsidiaries are willing partners of the government in protecting the environment, and in its fight against poverty and unemployment, and in upholding the rule of law and supporting due process.

“Philex continues to support President Duterte in his drive against illegal and irresponsible mining, and rally behind the President in promoting responsible and community-oriented mining,” he added.

Contrary to Lopez’s statements in the press conference, Austin said, none of the areas covered by the Silangan Mining MPSA is located in a proclaimed watershed forest reserve, where mining is not allowed. “Silangan Mining is, therefore, confident that its MPSA is valid and can withstand any legal challenge,” he stressed.

The Silangan project, which is nearing implementation, has an expected investment opportunity of P40 billion in Mindanao, where Duterte declared his fight against hunger, poverty, and underdevelopment. A copper-and-gold project, Silangan is expected to generate P170 billion in revenues, P31 billion in local and national taxes, and at least 8,000 jobs for the first 10 years starting from 2020; and is also seen to spend P6 billion over the same period for social development and infrastructure programs that will benefit Mindanao.

“The project will promote the much-needed development in an area which, in the words of President Duterte, has long been neglected,” Austin said. He added that Silangan Mining secured its MPSA for the project from the national government only after a thorough review process by all relevant government agencies and the endorsement of the host communities and local government units.

He said Philex Mining has a long-standing policy of strictly complying with all applicable laws and regulations, and especially those pertaining to social development and environmental protection and rehabilitation.

By Aldwin Quitasol

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur – The Ilocos Network for the Environment (Defend Ilocos) urged Environment Sec. Regina Lopez to cancel mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs) that straddle watersheds supporting Ilocos rivers, even as officials of Cervantes started a signature campaign against mining in the town among other areas.

“We urge Sec. Lopez to include in the cancellation order all applications that cover watersheds areas in the region and in other parts of the Cordillera,” the group said after Lopez cancelled 75 MPSAs of mining companies nationwide.

The group said the region suffers from dry spells and drought almost annually and “mining operations in watershed areas will increase the suffering of the people, especially the farmers who largely depend on creeks, streams and rivers for irrigation”.

Based on records of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, seven companies have applied for permits covering key watershed areas in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, namely, Cordillera Exploration Company, Inc., Newmont Philippines, Olpaten Resources Corporation, Diamond Drilling Corporation, Rhenzel Resources Corporation, Benguet Corporation, and Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company.

“The cancellation of MPSAs in Baay-Licuan, Abra and Mankayan, Benguet are commendable since streams and rivers in these locations drain to the Abra River but the surface water system in the region remains under threat because applications and permits of other companies remain active,” said Sherwin De Vera, regional coordinator of the group.

He added that Lopez should support the clamor of environmental groups to repeal the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and passage of the People’s Mining Bill to realize watershed protection against corporate plunder.

This, as the Cervantes municipal government here, in a public statement urged residents to sign a petition supporting resolutions opposing entry of large scale mining companies passed and approved by the municipal officials.

“Just like what we did when we voiced out our deep implementation of Aluling Bridge for several decades, we believe that the stand of the stakeholders would be heard too and this will counter the petition being passed around by (Cordillera Exploration Company, Inc. (CExCI), which was allegedly signed by several people from Cervantes who already sold their souls over ‘thirty pieces of silver.’ Watch out for their ‘Kiss’,” the LGU officials expressed as one in the statement.

Aluling bridge was dubbed “longest bridge “in Ilocos Sur because it took 35 years to be completed.

Some critics said the project was completed after more than three decades because of corruption and inefficiency.

CExCI is a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corporation, the Philippines' largest producer of lateritic nickel ore and one of the largest in the world.

It has a pending Exploration Permit Application (EXPA No. 116) before the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) covering 11,170 hectares in Mankayan and Bakun, Benguet and in Cervantes.

It has also an Application for Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement (AFTA) No. 8, covering 43,524 hectares in Mankayan, Bakun, and Buguias, Benguet; Tinoc, Ifugao; Bauko, Sabangan, Besao, Sagada, Bontoc, and Sadanga, Mountain Province; Cervantes, Quirino, Gregorio del Pilar, and San Emilio, Ilocos Sur; and Luba, Abra.

According to the statement, the municipality of Cervantes for several administrations takes its stand against mining in the town. “Your elected officials are united in this stand, from the Mayor, Vice Mayor, Councilors and the barangay representatives in the municipal council or Sangguniang Bayan. Silently and without fanfare, your officials had been fighting for this battle,” the officials added.

In the statement, the officials revealed that just recently, the officials were solicited by Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (Lepanto to pass a resolution opposing the appointment of DENR chief Gina Lopez. “…but this request by Lepanto Mines, was politely denied with the explanation that Ms. Gina Lopez could be of great help in disapproving any mining activity in our beloved town,” read the statement.

The Cervantes officials mentioned that “while everyone believes they have good reasons and goodwill, no one holds the monopoly of it.”

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Thirteen erring Cordillera police officers have been reassigned to Basilan in line with the Philippine National Police – Cordillera’s bid to cleanse its ranks.

Seven were sent on Wednesday to augment Task Force Basilan on orders of PNP national headquarters, said Senior Supt. Angelito Casimiro, deputy regional director for operations.

There were eight of them but one filed for retirement after learning of the order, Casimiro said.

Last year, six Cordillera police officers were dispatched to Basilan after they were found to be involved in illegal drugs and other lawless activities, he said

A task force, Casimiro said, has been formed to focus and monitor police officers who are involved in illegal activities, those facing various cases, the subject of complaints from citizens and those who do not report for work.

Casimiro said like Basilan, the Cordillera has also received rogue police officers from different provinces and regions.

He said 124 police officers from Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and ARMM were reassigned to the Cordillera regional police force.

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Four workers were hurt when a bridge collapsed here on Tuesday afternoon.

Vevencio Conise, 57; Kenneth Castro, 21; Roberto Llanillo, 38, and Bartolome Aqui, 48, were taken to Lingayen District Hospital for treatment.

Reports said the workers were demolishing the San Jose Bridge in Barangay Baay when the accident occurred at around 3 p.m. – Eva Visperas

Cordillera’s top most wanted person killed

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga – Four police officers were killed while three were wounded when they engaged in a firefight Cordillera’s “top most wanted person” and his group here around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at Malusong, Antonio Canao.

Also killed was the TMWP identified as Willy Sagasag of Lubuagan, who had monetary reward of P600,000 on his head.

Sagasag was wanted for multiple and frustrated murder, robbery and intimidation filed with various courts in Cordillera and nearby regions.

Killed in action were PO3 Cruzaldo Lawagan, PO1 Jovenal Manadao Aguinaldo, PO1 Charles Ryan Dongui-is Compas and PO1 Vincent Tay-od.

Wounded policemen were Senior Insp. Eduardo Liclic, PO1 Ferdie Liwag and PO1 Ferdinand Asuncion.

The cops were serving warrant of arrest against Sagasag and seven John Does issued by presiding judge Milnar Lammawin of Regional Trial Court, Branch 25, 2nd Judicial Region of Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga for multiple murder and frustrated murder.

Sagasag was subject of several police operations which did not succeed until this incident.

A police report said cops led by Kalinga police director Senior Supt. Brent Madjaco served warrant of arrest against Sagasag who was cornered.

However, they were met by volley of fire from Sagasag’s group who were positioned in different directions that led to a firefight. As a result, four cops were killed while three were critically wounded which included Senior Insp. Eduard Liclic.

During clearing operations, operatives found the body of Sagasag in encounter site while undetermined number of his group were wounded but managed to escape.

Sagasag’s body was brought to Malusong.

The wounded were evacuated to nearby hospital for treatment. Personnel of Regional Health Service facilitated medical welfare of wounded cops.

Relatives of casualties were notified and provided initial cash assistance for immediate medication of the wounded and bereaved families.

Regional police director Chief Supt. Elmo Francis Oco Sarona extended his condolences to bereaved families and relatives of the wounded.

The police report said investigators are trying to identify cohorts and coddlers of Sagasag.

The team of investigators from police regional investigation and detective management was dispatched to assist Kalinga police in investigation and filing of cases against Sagasag’s group responsible in the wounding and killing of PNP personnel.

The Kalinga Provincial Crime Laboratory Office and personnel of Kalinga Provincial Investigation and Detection Branch recovered from firefight site 36 pieces of 5.56 mm cartridge cases, one M16, one black rig, one long plastic magazine, three short and three long metal magazines with 127 rounds of live ammunition for M16 owned by Sagasag.

Sarona urged Kalinga residents provide information about identity of other suspects.

By Erlindo Agwilang

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Rep. Maximo B. Dalog assailed provincial and regional Highways officials saying they have been delaying important infrastructure projects whose construction could have redounded for benefit of the people.

The fate of various calamity-related projects for Mountain Province is now up to the Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera Administrative Region and the Mountain Province First District Engineering Office whether or not its officials are seriously bound to implement such by simply doing the job required of them, Dalog said.

“The DPWH-CAR and MPFDEO have yet to act on early recommendations of the agency’s central office to already proceed with preparation of program of work, bidding and implementation of said projects.”

He added said projects should be immediately constructed due to serious damages caused by Typhoons Ineng, Mario, and Lawin.

On Jan. 17, the DPWH central office reportedly endorsed immediate repair and rehabilitation of at least two major bridges in Mountain Province damaged by last year’s Typhoon Lawin.

A month after the memorandum was issued, DPWH officials in the region and district have yet to act on it, Dalog said.

DPWH Sec. Mark A. Villar, in a meeting with Dalog approved the immediate restoration of the Chico-Karayan Bridge located at Samoki, Bontoc, Mountain Province linking the capital town of Bontoc to Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya and the rest of the country.

A span of the bridge was damaged Oct. 20, 2016.

It is still closed to heavy vehicles.

As a result, Villar sent a panel of experts to evaluate the said bridge.

After the inspection made by a bridge specialist, Dante B. Potante, director of Bureau of Design of the DPWH, retrofitting of piers 6 and 7 of the bridge was recommended by underpinning the foundation and replacing the deck slabs from spans 5 to 8 including replacement of all girders of spans 6 and 7.

He also recommended repair of all defects on the rest of the bridge.

Potante said the Chico-Karayan Bridge needed immediate remedial measures like temporary shoring to support defective girders to avoid span failure including maintenance of two tons load limit capacity of the bridge.

However, concerned officials of DPWH-CAR and MPFDEO have yet to take action in response to the recommendation of the central office as it is already more than a month after the Bureau of Design issued its memorandum.

Likewise, the rehabilitation of the detour bridge in Sabangan connecting Mountain Province and Baguio City and the Ilocos Provinces remains in limbo.

Dalog said DPWH-CAR and MPSDEO officials have yet to put their acts together and manifest sense of urgency to implement the project, considering the central office already gave the go-signal to proceed with the bidding.

Numerous other calamity-related projects that should have been bid out and implemented last year reportedly lapsed because of the seeming negligence of some of the agency’s officials for not proceeding with the bidding even if their counterparts in the national level told them so.

A few of these projects that have been halted because of pure laxness were cited: Bayoyo Drainage, Talubin River Control, Teng-ab Retaining Wall, Pey-esan Flood Control, Upper Chico Flood Control, and Drainages in Bauko, Mountain Province. The total amount of calamity fund that has supposed to have benefited Mountain Province last year is about P135 million.

“Lest these officials perform their ministerial functions and rise up above their personal interpretations over communications and memorandums issued them, infrastructure projects as such will be wasted to the loss of Mountain Province and its people,” Dalog said.

EDITORIAL

Administration lawmakers removed last week plunder, treason and rape from the list of offenses covered by a bill restoring the death penalty and retained drug-related cases as among those qualified for capital punishment.

This is the second time that House members decided to remove plunder from the bill. Drug offenses will make it easier for lawmakers to pass House Bill 4727, according to administration congressmen.

The House voted last week to terminate the period of debates and will now focus on individual amendments to the measure.

Lawmakers earlier included four offenses – plunder, treason, rape and drugs – among 21 heinous crimes to be covered by death penalty bill.

If plunder was taken out from the bill, the answer is obvious, according to political analysts, referring to wayward congressmen.

President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign to bring back the death penalty for drug-related crimes has cleared a major hurdle, with supporters backing it in congress but critics denouncing the plans as "inhumane".

The death penalty bill, along with a proposed measure to punish children as young as nine as adult criminals, are key planks of Duterte's controversial drug war that has already claimed more than 6,500 lives.

A majority of politicians in the lower house of congress passed a second reading of the bill on Wednesday night, clearing one of the biggest obstacles in proponents' plans to have make the death penalty legal by May.

A third and final reading still needs to be held next week, although with no more debates both sides agree passage is a formality. Then the Senate, which is similarly dominated by Duterte's allies, would pass a counterpart bill.

Opponents voiced anger the Philippines would bring back the death penalty, 11 years after it was revoked, highlighting among many concerns a corrupt justice system that would lead to innocent people being executed.

"The decision is inhumane, shameful and blatantly disrespectful," Father Jerome Secillano, executive secretary for public affairs at the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, said in a press statement. "Let me reiterate this, criminals should be punished and victims should be aided, but the punishment should not be death. Due to our flawed and dysfunctional criminal justice system, there is a great chance that innocent people may become victims of wrongful convictions."

The Catholic Church, which counts 80 percent of Filipinos as followers, had led the opposition to abolish the death penalty in 2006.

Secillano and opposition lawmakers also criticized the tactics used to ensure the bill was passed, such as curtailing of debates and only allowing a vote by voice so lawmakers would not be specifically identified as having supported it.

The speaker of the house also threatened to strip lawmakers of committee leadership positions if they voted against the bill.

"This is a chamber of puppets and bullies," Rep. Edcel Lagman, a longtime opponent of capital punishment, said after his efforts to block the bill were voted down.

The bill limits the death penalty to drug-related crimes.

Possessing 500 grams of marijuana, or 10 grams of cocaine, heroin or ecstasy, would be crimes punishable by execution, as would manufacturing and selling drugs.

People who commit serious crimes such as murder and rape while under the influence of drugs could also be executed.

However committing those crimes without being under the influence of drugs would only be punishable with jail terms.

The United Nations had warned bringing back the death penalty would violate international conventions the Philippines had already ratified.

After capital punishment, another priority bill for Duterte is a companion bill lowering the age of criminal liability to as low as nine years old, from 15 currently.

By Redjie Melvic Cawis

KABUGAO, Apayao-- The celebration of the 22nd founding anniversary of Apayao was highlighted with the creation of an administrative barangay in this town named after the its founding father, the late Elias K. Bulut.

The provincial board unanimously approved an ordinance creating the Elias K. Bulut (EKB) Administrative Barangay in Kabugao during a special session at the site Feb. 12.

The barangay was named in honor of the “Old Man of Apayao” who made possible the long cherished dream of an independent Apayao in 1995 through Republic Act 7878 he lobbied when he was a congressman.

Board members acknowledged the accomplishments of the late Bulut which started development and envisioned a well-developed and progressive province for its people.

The creation of the EKB Administrative Barangay was an offshoot of popular clamor, desire and aspirations of the inhabitants, mostly indigenous peoples from the sitios in Barangay Lenneng and recommended by the Sangguniang Bayan of Kabugao.

Sitio Buyucan in Lenneng which composes EKB Administrative Barangay is the sixth administrative barangay in Apayao since its separation in 1995 from the Province of Kalinga.

The new barangay is located along the Luna-Pudtol-Kabugao Road along the famous Paco Valley. This newly opened road inter connects the municipalities of lower and upper Apayao without passing thru Region 1 or Region 2 and connects the province to the rest of the Cordillera provinces.

Resolution author Jeofrey Blas, chairman of committee on barangay and community Affairs, said the creation of EKB administrative barangay will bring development to aid locality through enhanced delivery of basic services.

After the declaration of the EKB administrative barangay, Gov. Bulut and Rep. Eleanor Begtang with provincial and municipal officials led the ground breaking of the EKB Tourism Park, which will be developed into a tourism destination due to its rich natural resources and accessibility.

In behalf of the Bulut family, the governor expressed gratitude to the people behind the creation of the EKBs.

“It is a great honor for the late founder of Apayao to have barangay named after him,” the governor said.

By Angela Baylon

BAGUIO CITY-- The Department of Health- Cordillera recognized its partners in implementing programs in the region towards a better and healthier life among Cordillerans.

DOH-CAR regional director Dr. Lakshmi Legaspi and assistant director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan awarded cash prizes, trophies, certificates and health packages to local government units, government line agencies, government and private hospitals, individuals and groups from the private sector who have been doing their best in promoting health in the Cordillera region during awards ceremonies at Crown Legacy Hotel here last week.

Benguet bagged “best barangay health workers performance-based incentive.”

Benguet Barangay Health Worker Federation president Maria Jimenez received P500,000 cheque and certificate from DOH.

Mountain Province Association of Barangay Health Workers also received P250,000 while Barangay Health Workers Federation Baguio City Inc. got P100, 000.

Winners in “barangays with best sanitation practices were Barangay Guinsadan Norte in Bauko, Caluttit in Bontoc and Alunogan in Natonin, all in Mountain Province who each received P100, 000 and plaque.

The Apayao Provincial Health Office was recognized as “best performing epidimiology surveillance unit in provincial level while Bangued Regional Health Unit in Abra, Luna RHU in Apayao, Tuba RHU in Benguet, Kiangan RHU in Ifugao, Lubuagan RHU in Kalinga and Besao RHU in Mountain Province won in municipal level.

For hospital category, Abra Provincial Hospital, Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center in Luna, Apayao, SLU Hospital of the Sacred Heart and Notre Dame De Chartres Hospital in Baguio City, Lutheran Hospital Incorporated in Buguias, Benguet, Panopdopan District Hospital in Ifugao, Kalinga Provincial Hospital and St. Theodore’s Hospital in Mountain Province won awards.

Awardees of the Sandugo Award for Local Chief Executives category who won were Municipality of Balbalan, Kalinga with P20,000 cash prize; Kapangan, Benguet in second place with P15,000 and Lamut, Ifugao third place with P10,000 cash prize.

For “best community health teams, awardees were Nungawa Oban-ayod CHT, Asipulo, Ifugao who received a cash prize of P20,000; followed by Madongo, Sagada, Mt. Province and Bakakeng Central of Baguio City winning cash prize of P15,000 and 10,000,respectively.

Gadang CHT in Kapangan, Benguet was given special recognition.

For the ‘best performing aksyon barangay kontra dengue” or those who performed well against the spread of dengue, winners were Flora, Apayao, Mankayan, Benguet and Tadian, Mountain Province in first, second and thrid places with cash prize of 20,000, P15,000 and P10,000, respectively.

Other awardees with P5,000 cash prize each were Bauko, Sabangan and Paracelis in Mountain Province; Kabugao, Apayao; Kapangan, Benguet; Luba, Abra and Loakan-Apugan Barangay in Baguio City.

For “best in local incentive towards leprosy- free municipality, Bauko RHU in Mountain Province was first with P10, 000 cash prize and Mankayan RHU in Benguet with P7, 000 prize.

For “best performing newborn screening facilities, winners were Abra Provincial Hospital, Lagangilang RHU, Pidigan RHU, Villaviciosa RHU, and Peñarrubia RHU, all in Abra; Conner District Hospital in Apayao; Notre Dame De Chartres Hospital, Pines City Doctors Hospital, Baguio Medical Center in Baguio City; Pinukpuk RHU in Kalinga and St. Theodore’s Hospital in Mt. Province.

For “functional mobile BS teams,” awardees were Bangued RHU, Luba RHU and Lagayan RHU in Abra; Pudtol RHU, Pudtol in Apayao; Buguias RHU in Benguet; Mayoyao RHU in Ifugao and Sadanga RHU in Mt. Province.

For “outstanding smoke-free environment, Conner District Hospital was first place with P20, 000 cash prize; Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, second with P15, 000 and Benguet Provincial Health Office, third with P10,000 cash prize.

“Most functional inter-local health zones” winners were Dolores/Lagangilang/San Juan (DoLaSan) ILHZ in Abra who came in first place with P20, 000 cash prize; Mountain Trail ILHZ in Benguet, second with P15, 000 and Luna-Pudtol ILHZ in Apayao with P10, 000 cash prize respectively.

The DOH also recognized partners in the private sector: NLCP Management Office, Novartis Foundation, PHILCAT, PBSP, NTRL, KMITS and IMPACT.

Special recognition was also given to TB health workers Rebecca Guanzon, Purita Magen and Helen Tiwaken.

Legaspi thanked partners in health programs and promotions and expressed hope the awards would serve as encouragement to their partners to continue to working with the DOH and the present administration in realizing the health agenda for all Filipinos.

‘Carrot Man’ graces event

By Jen Tabangcura

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Benguet State University had its mini flower festival here Feb. 20, at the Balili Experiment Station as one of activities of Centennial Foundation Anniversary as well as its longstanding partnership with the Allied Botanical Corp. (ABC).

Dubbed “Salad Crop and Flower Festival”, the event featured a short farm tour and a vegetable salad making competition.

This was attended by regional Tourism director Venus Tan, Benguet provincial agriculturist Lolita B. Bentres, ABC executive assistant, Rowena Bienes, Jerick “Carrot Man” Sigmaton and BSU officials and staff.

“It is really important now to pursue the program of agri-tourism because we feel that there is a need for something more experiential. The paradigm of travel and tourism now has changed, hindi lang po gustong makita ngayon ang mga magagandang tanawin, mga waterfalls, mga bundok, travelers want a more experiential way to travel now and therefore farm tourism is something very experiential…it is also important for me to look for potential farms and certainly BSU has provided an exemplary way to moving forward,” said Tan.

Participants were grouped into three; each group was toured around the area where ABC planted various vegetable and flower breeds for showcasing.

These included sunflowers, marigold, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, spinach, kohlrabi or turnip cabbage being introduced by ABC to the locality, Swiss Chard also being introduced and new varieties of pepper.

Meanwhile, 11 teams of students from the different colleges and campuses got busy for the salad making competition.

The competition was managed by the College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET) and was judged by Chef Elmer Macalingay of Health 100 and 101, Chef Vonn Ryan Esquivel of 2600 Gastro Pub and Chef Lawrence Luna of Inglay Restaurant.

Winners of the competition: Maria Elena Atos and Fernan A. Bangonan of the BSU Bokod Campus at 1st Place with their salad named “Lemonada Ensalada.” At 2nd Place are Cherry P. Cuyan and Maravila M. Senado of CHET with their “Cordilleran Salad” and at 3rd Place are Megnon Lapo B. Tudlong and Raymond S. Salagat of the College of Agriculture with their “Globalization Dish.”

BSU and ABC have been partners since 1984. Bienes related how ABC founder, the late Willy Co worked out a partnership with BSU to be able to conduct field trials on crop varieties before distribution.

“Dapat yung mga ini-introduce na varieties should be tested first in the locality kung saan mo itatanim, dapat confident ka when you market a certain product, masasabi mo na ito ay naitanim na sa lugar na to, ito ay magiging adapted sa ganitong kondisyon at higit sa lahat yung farmer na magtatanim, hindi sila madi-disappoint,” said Bienes. She added that this was among the legacies of BSU to ABC. ABC employs a lot of BSU graduates and provides scholarship to BSU students as well.

BURGOS, La Union — Broom-makers of this town were acknowledged in launching of the first “Broom Caravan” last week in front of the Municipal Hall, here.

Locally known “boyboy,” soft brooms expertly crafted from 12 barangays take center stage in the booth devoted to the promotion of this town’s No. 1 product.

The boyboy industry is the source of livelihood of up to 70 percent of the residents here, said Mayor Robert Madarang Jr. so the Broom Caravan is just a fitting tribute to them for the makers of “the best soft brooms in the country.”

“This town had been known as a producer of quality brooms, but we want to improve it further and organize the broom makers to make their prices uniform and allow everyone to earn more,” Madarang said.

Madarang was joined by Department of Tourism Region 1 Director Martin Valera in opening of the Broom Caravan booth where quality and colorful brooms can be bought.

Martin said the caravan will help the industry especially so, the cooperation, unity and participation of the stakeholders are into place and this would also allow tourists to visit the place.

Although this town is only a 30-minute drive from Baguio City via Naguillian Road, Madarang admitted that this fifth class town does not have the funds to boost the industry, so an event such as this hopes to reel in support and assistance of other local governments and national agencies in terms of training on product improvement and marketing.

He said the “Boyboy Festival” was conceptualized to announce to the world that the municipality is one of the main sources of tiger brooms of high quality.

Pugo group rules street dance contest

By Fely Guanzo and Karen Valle Copa

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan with Panagbenga Festival officials declared winners of this year’s float competition during a media forum here Wednesday.

First time contender Maybank float won champion in small float category taking P150, 000 prize.

Coca-Cola using their ironic red and white color scheme bagged P120, 000 for second place.

One Atomic Marketing Corporation (Zenfone) featuring Asus mascot won third place withPp100, 000 cash prize.

Meanwhile, for the grand float category, NLEX- Manila North Tollways Corporation was once again the champion taking P250,000 while SITEL float which showed colorful parrots and butterflies won second place with P180,000 prize.

Third place went to REVBLOOM float of the Department of Tourism Cordillera taking P150, 000 cash prize.

This, as La Union’s Pugo Catholic School street dancers captured top honors in the open category of Panagbenga street dancing competition. The winning contingent, which also ruled the 1st Tinungbo Festival competition, depicted the traditional way of cooking food using young bamboo (tinungbo).

“It was surprising but an honor for a small town like us to win considering the quality of performances of the participants and to be included in the history of the Panagbenga,” retired Gen. Eugene Martin, organizing chairman of the Tinungbo Festival, said.

Pugo Mayor Priscilla Martin thanked the Flower Festival Foundation and lauded the Pugo Catholic School street dancers for their stellar performances in the first Tinungbo and Panagbenga festivals.

The i-Lubuagen Performing Group of Kalinga bagged second place honors while the Virac-Itogon Drum and Lyre Corps finished third.

The Pugo, La Union team also won a P120,000 cash prize, while the second and third placers bagged P100,000 and P80,000, respectively.

In the high school division, Baguio City National High School bested all participants to bring home the championship trophy and P100,000.

Second place honors went to Saint Louis High School which also bagged P70,000 while Pines City National High School wound up in third place and bagged P50,000.

In the elementary division, Apolinario Mabini Elementary School reigned supreme for the fourth straight year.

Runners-up were Baguio Central School and Emilio Aguinaldo Elementary School.

Freddie Alquiros, of executive committee said infusion of culture for the celebration came full circle during Session Road in Bloom.

Alquiros said there was wide cultural spectrum in celebration of Panagbenga. The cultural aspect of it did not get lost but did not overpower also the other dynamics of the festival, he said.

Domogan they went back to how there was a balance of culture and entertainment.

He said people did not like it when they focused too much on the cultural aspect and some people got a little bored with it that’s why they made sure there is harmony and balance in all the aspects of Panagbenga.

Chief of staff secretariat Evangeline Payno said that there were changes in the street dancing and landscape competition. She said they minimized the use of massive props.

The use of novelty songs were also removed, instead they used OPM songs aside from playing the Panagbenga Hymn.

Payno added they emphasized on the story line wherein participants concentrated in their performance rather than their props.

For the landscape competition, Cordillera Sky Landscaping was featured.

Panagbenga is a ‘festival of inclusion,” Domogan said as he urged everyone to join especially those from nearby towns of Benguet.

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Apayao creates barangay to honor Bulut, its founder

DOH-CAR awards partners in regional health programs

BSU promotes agri-tourism with Salad Crop and Flower Festival

Burgos launches Broom Caravan

Winners in Panagbenga float parade competition bared