(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 27 March 2024) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies / Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


PIA News Service - Friday, July 24, 2009

PIA MEDIA RELEASE
July 20, 2009

DOH: Anti-H1N1 vaccine possibly available in October

Dr. Eric Tayag, chief epidemiologist of the Department of Health (DOH), hinted that A(H1N1) flu vaccine might be available in the market by October this year.

In a television interview, Dr. Tayag said the production of the vaccine is now being fast-tracked and this may be available first in the United States of America (USA).

The DOH chief revealed that the development of the anti-swine flu vaccine was not subjected to the usual rigorous step-by-step process in order to be approved due to its immediate necessity.

While the vaccine is still being developed in Australia and the United Kingdom, the DOH is reminding the public to continue practicing the following health tips:
a.) to keep your three feet distance
b.) wash your hands regularly
c.) cover your mouth when coughing
d.) stay at home if not feeling well

He warned also the public that the high risk individuals – such as people with respiratory problems, of old age, and pregnant women – should be more extra careful so as to avoid infection.

In the same interview, Dr. Tayag performed a sample of the ‘Jai Ho H1N1 campaign’ dance steps which will be launched to make the health tips on anti-influenza be more retentive in the public’s mindset.
The DOH official likewise announced that the recovery rate from A(H1N1) infection in the country is very positive saying, “halos lahat gumagaling kasi mild lang ang virus at hindi parin nagbabago”. (PIA)
AFP Officer begs ALCADEV and media to be fair and honest

BUTUAN CITY (July 24) – “I beg our friends in the media and the teachers of the ALCADEV to be fair and honest. I call on them to prove their allegations regarding our troops.” Lt. Col. Benjamin Pedralvez, Jr., 58IB Commanding Officer implores during a press conference here, in this city, recently.

The press conference is the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) response amidst reports of a military combat operation in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur that resulted to the mass evacuation of the residents in the area.

LTC Pedralvez disproves reports that his troop is conducting a military combat operation in the area.

“The troops assigned in the area are not for combat operation but for the peace and development project of the government under the Kalayaan program,” explains LTC Pedralvez.

LTC Pedralvez relates that his troops conduct research and development project in the area and have in fact completed several projects. These projects include roads, water systems and school buildings.

“We do research and development projects. We determine what the residents need and act on them. In some areas in Surigao del Sur, we have built schools, roads, water systems and even bridges,” says LTC Pedralvez.

LTC Pedralvez alleged that the mass evacuation is instigated by the Alternative Learning Center of Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) Inc., a tribal school.

According to him, ALCADEV coerced the residents of the area to leave their houses because the military will bomb the school and indigenous people’s (IP’s) communities due to the presence of communist terrorists in the area.

LTC Pedralvez said that this is clearly a manipulative feat of the ALCADEV to taint the image of the armed forces and spawn chaos.

“What ALCADEV is doing is clearly misguiding and misinforming the public so as to taint the image of the military and at the same time spawn chaos,” says LTC Pedralvez.

Based on reports, ALCADEV, accused by the military of misinforming the residents also points a finger to the military for branding them as leftist.

Pedralvez clarifies that they are not saying that ALCADEV is a front or an NPA group but it could be that the group is infiltrated by NPA members, which could be using the organization to further their own agenda.

Pedralvez elucidate that some of the members of the ALCADEV are actually members of the National People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

“According to our intelligence reports, some members of the organization are sympathizers and even members of the left wing party,” explains LTC Pedralvez.

LTC Pedralvez also dismissed allegations of ALCADEV regarding the troops. Among these is the alleged espionage of the government troops on the residents of the area, using binoculars and other gadgets.

LTC Pedralvez said that the military is well-disciplined and are gentlemen.

LTC Pedralvez also belies reports that some troops are sleeping on the houses of the residents in the area. He challenged those who have personal knowledge on the incident to file an affidavit and take pictures.

“We couldn’t act on an allegation, so we ask them to furnish us with proofs and we will act on them. Submit an affidavit and take pictures, then we will act on it,” says LTC Pedralvez.

LTC Pedralvez also reveals that they do not have problems in implementing the peace and development projects of the government in other areas, only in the areas where there is the presence of ALCADEV. (Lovely Laudette D. Gamba, PIA-Caraga)



POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania

PNP arrests wanted person

On July 23, 2009 at 10:00 in the morning, PNP elements of Butuan City Police Office led by SPO3 Alexander Morgadez served the warrant of arrest (WOA) to a certain Daniel Esguerra, 22 years old, single and resident of Purok-2, Imadejas Subdivision, Butuan City.

Said WOA was issued by Hon Judge James V Go of MTCC Branch 2, Libertad, Butuan City for the crime of resistance and disobedience to agents of person in authority, docketed under CC no. 40271 dated July 9, 2009.

Subject person was turned over to the issuing court for proper deposition.

Also, on July 21, 2009 at 6:10 in the evening at San Isidro, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, PNP elements of Marihatag Municipal Police Station led by PO3 Reynaldo S Macheca arrested a certain Jingle Tejero alias “Tata”, 22 years old, married and resident of said place by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Alfredo P Jalad of RTC Branch 28, Lianga, Surigao del Sur for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, docketed under CC no. 2192.

Tejero is now detained at Marihatag Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

Report on surrendered firearm

A certain Marshial Beran Duarte, 37 years old and resident of Barangay Maasin, Pilar, Surigao del Norte voluntarily surrendered one unit S&W 357 magnum (paltik) without serial number and with 3 live ammos to 144th RMG Company, Barangay 11, Dapa, Surigao del Norte on July 23, 2009 at 3:00 in the afternoon.

The surrender was the result of the effort made by RMG personnel by conducting dialogue and information drive at said place regarding National Firearms Control Program.

Surrendered firearm is now at the custody of 144th RMG Company for documentation and proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

Report on vehicular accident

On July 22, 2009 at 6:30 in the afternoon, one single motorcycle with plate no. KV 8739 driven by one Ernesto Sabio, 60 years old, married and resident of District 1, Barangay Aclan, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte while running at the National Highway of Barangay Aclan going to Cagayan del Oro City was accidentally bumped by a delivery van (canter), bearing plate no. WNN 766 running on the same direction.

Said Van was driven by a certain Pablito Gonzaga, 30 years old, married, resident of Barangay Tiniwisan, Butuan City.

Motorcycle driver died instantly while the driver of the delivery van voluntarily surrendered to Carmen Municipal Police Station. Case is on the process of investigation for filing of appropriate charges in court. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

Report on illegal gambling

On July 21, 2009 at 4:55 in the evening at Barangay San Nicolas corner Diez Street, Barangay Taft, Surigao City, PNP elements of Surigao City Police Station led by PINSP Renel E Serrano apprehended the two suspects identified as one Meson Febra, 39 years old, married, tricycle driver, resident of Purok-2, Barangay San Juan, Surigao City and a certain Jason Malto, 19 years old, single, driver and resident of Purok-3, Barangay Canlanipa, Surigao City.

Suspects were actually caught engaged in illegal gambling known as Bale-bale.

Confiscated from their possessions were bet money amounting to Php 380.00 in different denominations and two pieces .25 centavos cents and other gambling paraphernalia.

Case was filed at City Prosecutor's Office in an inquest proceedings docketed under NPS-XIII05-INV-09G-00169 dated July 22, 2009.

Suspects are now temporarily detained at Surigao City Detention cell for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)