(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 - Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009

Feature: Chrysotile industry faces ’scientific reality’ 
Insists chrysotile asbestos is safe
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MANILA, PHILIPPINES (NOVEMBER 17) – The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) study in March 2009 reconfirming the carcinogenicity of all forms of asbestos – including chrysotile – and confirming that there is sufficient evidence that asbestos causes ovarian cancer provides the ‘new evidence’ and ’scientific reality’ on the issue, replied the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and the Associated Labor Unions (ALU) to the chrysotile industry’s claim that those against chrysotile asbestos must be open to ‘new evidence’ and ’scientific reality’.
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Studies by independent experts, individuals and organizations must be the basis when citing scientific and medical studies and the IARC is one such organization with experts on the subject, TUCP and ALU said further in a consultation on 4 November 2009 on developing a national program for the elimination of asbestos related diseases (NPEAD) called by the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and attended by other government agencies and stakeholders.
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Chrysotile is ’safe’, used in malls
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The Association of Chrysotile Industry of the Philippines (ACIP) maintained that chrysotile is safe and that the industry has been in existence for more than 50 years with no casualties. Negligible fiber exposure due to ‘controlled use’ does not pose hazards to human health. Chrysotile is less dangerous than the other forms of asbestos and is safer and better than substitutes.
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To prove its point, ACIP said SM and other malls, the Iglesia ni Kristo and Gawad Kalinga use asbestos products in their buildings. The MWSS (Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System) also asked ACIP to operate its water pipes made of asbestos because the pipes are still in good condition compared with other pipes.
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Since the industry believes that chrysotile is not hazardous, listing it in the PIC (Prior Informed Consent) process of the Rotterdam Convention is not warranted. But the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) said the PIC process would help track the entry of chrysotile in the country when the Bureau of Customs (BOC) suggested cross checking the EMB and BOC records on import clearances to address misdeclaration of imports.
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Medical surveillance and mesothelioma cases
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The Occupational Safety and Health Center, the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) requested sufficient medical records of workers of ACIP members to determine the health status of their workers. Companies engaged with asbestos should be doing medical surveillance of their workers, which is far more different from medical records of a few workers shared by ACIP.
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The Philippine Cancer Society confirmed that lung cancer is the number one killer disease in the country and asbestos could be a factor. They will separate mesothelioma cases – cancer caused only by asbestos – when getting reports from hospitals to find out the effects of asbestos on public health. There was no decision on how to address installed asbestos in, or to make an inventory of, buildings and structures until this data is available. (DTuvera-TUCP/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Cebuano News: People’s Day sa Lungsod sa Tagana-an ipahigayon sa probinsya
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SURIGAO DEL NORTE (NOVEMBER 17) – Gipaningkamutan gayud ni Gov. Ace Barbers nga mapadayon ang paghatag sa tiunay ug de kalidad nga serbisyo sa tanang katawhang Surigaonon pinaagi sa pagpahigayon sa People’s Day sa pipila na ka mga lungsod sa probinsya ug ngani sa adlaw’ng Miyerkules, Nobyembre 18, 2009, ang susamang grupo motuyo na usab ug bisita sa Lungsod sa Tagana-an aron pagsusi sa kasamtangang kahimtang sa tanang lumulupyo sa maong lungsod.
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Sa gihapon, ang maong kalihukan sugdan sa usa ka Medical, Dental ug Surgical Outreach Program nga pagadumalahan sa mga medical practitioners sa buhatan sa Prov’l Health Office nga gipanguluhan na ni Dr. Ramie G. Hipe, ang Officer-in-Charge karon sa Prov’l Health Office dinhi sa atong probinsya.
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Ug sa may alas 2 sa hapon, magpadayon ang maong programa pinaagi sa usa ka pulong-pulong o ang gitawag nga open forum alang sa tanang katawhan sa Lungsod sa Tagana-an. Mao kini ang paagi sa Gobernador aron nga iyang direktang mapaminawan ang tagsa-tagsa ka mga hangyo, pangutana ug mga mulo sa katawhan ug aron nga kini mahatagan dayon sa dali nga kasulbaran.
Sa nasayran, si Gov. Ace Barbers moapud-apud sa mga financial assistance sa matag barangays, Philhealth Cards, food packs, vegetable ug palay seeds, mga sinako nga organic fertilizers ug mga deworming drugs alang sa mga kahayupan. Mas gipalapdan pa karon ang People’s Day ni Gov. Ace tungod aduna nay dugang mga serbisyo ang gitanyag nini sama sa Libreng Gupit ug free legal consultation.
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Gipanghinaut ni Gov. Ace nga ang maong kalihukan makahatag gayud ug dakong tabang, dakong kabag-ohan sa ilang panginabuhi-an ug inspirasyon diha sa uban nga gusto usab nga motabang sa mga katawhan sa Lungsod sa Tagana-an. Dugang pa niini iyang gi-awhag ang tanang residente ug mga opisyales sa maong lungsod nga motambong niining talagsa-ong programa nga walay laing tumong kung dili ang paghatag sa ubay-ubay nga mga kaayuhan alang sa kalambo-an sa tanan. (PGO-Prov’l Information Office/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Cebuano News: Empowerment and Strengthening of Cooperatives Seminar pagahimuon sa Surigao
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SURIGAO DEL NORTE (NOVEMBER 17) - Giawhag karon ni Mr. Pol Lugo, Chief Executive Officer sa Surigao del Norte Alliance of Copperatives (SUDENACO) ang mga kooperatiba sa probinsya, syudad sa Surigao, Dinagat Province, Siargao ug Bucas Grande sa pag-apil sa usa adlaw nga “Seminar on Empowerement and Strengthening of Cooperatives” karong Sabado, November 21, 2009 diha sa Audio-Visual Room. 3rd Floor, Building 5 sa Surigao Education Center ning dakbayan sa Surigao.
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Ang topico nga pagahisgutan mao kining mosunod:
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Sa buntag:
1. Financial Discipline
2. Lending Dilemma
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Sa hapon:
1. Leadership and Teamwork
2. Parliamentary Procedures
Agig pakapin kon duna pay igong panahon hisgutan ang : Procedural Guidelines in the Re-Registration of Cooperatives.
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Basi sa Acta Republica 9520 nga ang mga Coop Officers mo-apil gayod sa mga coop trainings sa dili pa sila mo-asumer sa ilang position sa Coop. Adunay registration fee nga P300.00 sa matag participant alang sa meals and snacks ug mga training materials. (SUDENACO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Building of Butuan Balangay Starts
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BUTUAN CITY – The construction of the second replica of Balangay has begun at Luna Compound in Bading this city.
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It was estimated to be finished within 33 days and undergo test sailing on December before it sails off for the 6th of 10 leg journey joining the Diwata ng Lahi by January 2010 of the Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation Voyage of the Balangay project.
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A team of 8 Badjao’s from Sibuto and Sitangkay in Tawi-Tawi who built the first Balangay replica now called Diwata ng Lahi are the one’s who also tasked to build the Butuan Balangay using their ancient method and carpentry tools. 
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The Master Balangay Builder, Professor Judail Muyong along with his 5 crew members to complete the team of 8 Badjao’s, will be arriving on November 15 to build Butuan Balangay. 
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The Badjao’s were said to have acquired the knowledge of building the Balangay from their ancestors.
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The Balangay is a plank boat adjoined by a carved-out plank edged through pins and dowels instead of metal nails.
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It was first mentioned in the 16th Century in the Chronicles of Pigafetta, and is known as the oldest Pre-Hispanic watercraft found in the Philippines, large enough to hold 60 to 90 people and used for cargo and raiding purposes, a proof that Butuan played a central role in trade. 
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Diwata ng Lahi measured 15 meters long by 3 meters wide, but Butuan Balangay will be 20 meters long by 3 meters wide.
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There were nine Balangays discovered in the late 1970’s in Butuan City by archaeologists from the National Museum of the Philippines. 
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The first Balangay now preserved and displayed in Balangay Shrine in Ambangan, Libertad, this city.
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It was radiocarbon tested and was dated to year 320. The second boat was dated to 1250, and is now located at the Maritime Hall of the National Museum in Manila. The third Balangay was transferred to the Butuan Regional Museum and is still undergoing preservation. The six other boats, which are yet to be excavated, remain in their original waterlogged condition which is proven to be the best way to preserve the said artifacts. (Jocelyn E. Morano, dxBN-Radyo ng Bayan Butuan)
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Cebuano News: Elemento sa 58IB naghatag ug desenting lubong sa duha ka patay nga NPA
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DAYOAN, TAGO, SURIGAO DEL SUR (November 17) - Nagkahiusa ang elemento sa 58IB ug PNP Lanuza pinaagi sa koordinasyon sa LGU Lanuza sa paghatag ug desenting lubong ngadto sa duha ka wala mailhing membro sa NPA nga gibiyaan lamang sa ilang mga kauban mahuman ang nahitabong enkwentro niadtong Novembembre 11, 11:00 AM sa buntag didto sa Km 18, Brgy Pakwan, Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur.
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Human sa enkwentrong nahitabo niadtong Nobyembre 11, alas 6:00 sa gabii, naungkat ang patayng lawas sa NPA didto sa encounter site diin gibiyaan lamang kini sa ilang mga kauban. Busa, gikarga kini sa sakyanan ug gidala kini sa tropa sa 58IB didto sa pinakaduol nga morgue sa Madrid aron mahatagan ug maayong pagtagad. 
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Pinaagi sa pagtabang sa kapulisan ug LGU sa Lanuza, nahatagan kini sa lungon ug ingon man ang usa ka simpling seremonyas pinaagi sa pagbendisyon sa patay’ng lawas usa kini ilubong. Eksakto 4:40 sa hapun diin pormal nga gilubong ang patay’ng lawas sa NPA didto sa sementeryo sa Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur.  
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Petsa 14, alas 11 sa buntag niining bulana, nagpahigayon na usab ug clearing operation ang 58IB, DRC ug ang kapulisan sa Lanuza, SDS. Sa ikaduhang higayon, nakakaplag na usab ang tropa ug laing patay’ng lawas nga giputos sa iyang kaugalingong duyan ug gilubong taman lamang sa taga tuhod sa tawo ang giladmon nga gawas ang ulo niini. Nakit an ang maong patay’ng lawas 400 metros ang gilay-on gikan sa nahitaboan sa engkwentro didto sa km18 sakop sa Barangay Pakwan, Lanuza, SDS. 
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Gikalot dayon kini sa tropa sa 58IB, gialsa ug gikarga sa sakyanan ug gidala ngadto sa morgue sa Madrid. Sa susamang higayon, gipahiluna ang maong patayng lawas pinaagi sa paghatag ug desenting lungon apil na ang paghatag sa simpleng pagbendisyon sa patayng lawas niini. Alas 7:00 sa gabii diin pormal nga gipahigayon ang lubong sa biktima pinaagi sa pagtabang sa kapulisan ug lokal nga panggamhanan sa Lanuza.
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Niini nga sitwasyon, ang mga kasundaluhan ilabina sa 58IB Troopers kinasing kasing nga mirespeto gayod sa tawhanong katungod diin bisan sila nakalapas sa balaod ug tungod usab nga sila mga Pilipino man usab, ato ra gihapon nga mga kadugo ug kaigsoonan, angayan lamang nga mahatagan ug maayong pag-atiman. (CMO, 58IB, 4ID/PIA Surigao del Sur)
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Lanuza Surfing Festival opens
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TANDAG, SURIGAO DEL SUR (NOVEMBER 17) - The Lanuza Surfing Festival Celebration will be opened on Tuesday November 17 at Stage 1, Boulevard in Lanuza Surigao del Sur to be joined by international surfers from Australia and Korea and local surfers from Manila, Aurora, Siargao and other parts of the country. 
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Rogelio Sering Info Officer on a phone patch interview said, this year’s event competition are the following: 1st International Surfing Open; 5th International Longboard Invitational, 6th Wahine Surfing Open for women and 7th National Surfing Open.
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On its first day of celebration, Agri, Agro and Eco Tourism Fair will be open in Lanuza Municipal Hall. Environmental Show to be performed by a theater group of Tandag and Cagwait will be seen at 4:30 in the afternoon. The Festival Welcome Opening Program will be highlighted with a Fire Dance/Sports unlimited followed by a Live Band Disco to be held at Stage 1, Boulevard.
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The second day will be the opening of the 7th National Surfing Open to be held at Doot Poktoy and Pinoy Games/Sports unlimited will be done in two separate venues. General Alarm Band-BFP will perform Live and Open Disco/Sounds in the Boulevard during the evening.
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The 3rd day will be the Opening for 6th Wahine Surfing Open competition and Surf ‘n Plant a Tree at Doot Poktoy. There will also be a Surfers Night Gala Show in the evening.
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The 4th day will be the Opening for the 1st International Surfing and 5th international Longboard Invitational. It will also be the time for the final competition of the 6th Wahine Surfing Open and 7th National Surfing Open. At night will be the 1st “Dyosa ng Lanuza ‘09”, which will showcase Rene Salud’s Filipiniana Collection and Agsam fashion accessories, accessories made locally by Lanuzanons.
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On Day 5, Motocross Elimination will be held in Gamuton Track and there will also be a Gawad Kalinga turn-over of 10 units of Houses to qualified beneficiaries. There will also be a live band and open sounds/disco at Boulevard during the night.
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On the last day will be the final competition for the International Longboard and 1st International Surfing at Doot Poktoy. During the night will be the Hip-hop Dance Contest and Awarding of prizes to all winners.
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Meanwhile, a One-stop-shop Services consisting of jobsfair, passporting and NBI clearance processing will be offered in Lanuza Freedom Stage on November 19 and 20. (Nida Grace B. Tranquilan/Pia Surigao del Sur)
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POLICE REPORTS
By PO2 Darlin Cabalinan-Migullas
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Crime rate during Pacquiao's fight 
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Police Regional Office 13 has negative crime incident reported from 10:00 O'clock in the morning to 1:00 O'clock in the afternoon, November 15, 2009 within the duration of the boxing fight of Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Report on loose firearms
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Elements of Butuan City Police Station (BCPS) 5 led by PSI Ferdinand Dacillo conducted Barangay visitation at Brgy Manila de Bugabos, Butuan City on November 14, 2009 at around 8:00 O'clock in the morning. During the aid visitation, one Cecilio Donoso, Brgy Captain of the said place voluntarily surrendered one (1) unit caliber .38 revolver without serial number and one (1) live ammunition. 
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On the other hand, at 9:00 O'clock in the morning of same day, a certain Carlos Disin, of legal age, married and a resident of Sitio Dalingdingan, Brgy Pinamangculan, Butuan City voluntarily surrendered one (1) unit caliber .38 revolver with defaced serial number to elements of BCPS 3. Said firearms are now under the custody of the respective station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Explosion incident 
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One unit of 40mm projectile also known as M203 grenade launcher was accidentally exploded inside the store owned by one Jaime Mangubat at P-1, Brgy Jagupit, Santiago, Agusan del Norte on November 14, 2009 at around 7:30 in the evening. Said incident resulted to serious injuries of the three victims identified as: Jefrel Tupos Mangubat; Erwin Tupos Larong; and Jomar Bahan Petalino, all of legal ages and a residents of the said place. Said victims were brought to Cabadbaran Emergency Hospital for medical treatment.
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Initial investigation disclosed that the threevictims were having a drinking spree at the said store. Jefrel Mangubat went home and returned to the group carrying the said 40mm projectile and showed it to his companions. After few minutes, he threw the said projectile to the ground, which resulted to the said explosion. Santiago Municipal Police Station still conducting further investigation on the case. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Incident report on Pacquiao-Cotto boxing bout 
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On November 15, 2009 at around 2:00 O'clock in the afternoon, one Concordio Jorege Paredes, 70 years old, married and a resident of P-5, Brgy Lapu-Lapu, Butuan City died while watching the Pacquiao-Cotto boxing bout. Initial investigation disclosed that the said victim and his son Jonathan Saligumba Paredes were watching the said boxing bout at Yetan eatery located at J.C. Aquino Avenue , Butuan City , when at the second round of the said bout, victim fell down from the chair and became unconscious. Said victim was immediate brought by his son to MJ Santos Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician due to cardiac arrest. Remains of the victim now lies at St. Peter Funeral Homes.  
(PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Recovery of unidentified male cadaver 
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On November 14, 2009 at around 9:00 O'clock in the morning, joint elements from Lanuza MPS led by PInsp. Renars Salubre and 58th IB, Philippine Army led by Col Jalad conducted retrieval operation at Kilometer 18, Brgy Pakwan, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, which resulted to the recovery of one unidentified male person with heavy built, black complexion and estimated age from 30-50 years old, which was buried 50 meters away from the highway. Said cadaver was believed to be member of the NPA/CTs and it was dug out at around 1:00 O'clock in the afternoon of same date and was brought to Madrid , Surigao del Sur for possible identification and proper disposition. 
(PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Illegal discharge of firearm 
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Service firearm of PO1 Jahzeel Mabras, 28 years old, married, PNP member presently assigned at Malimono MPS accidentally burst while attending a birthday party at the residence of retired PNP member Edgardo Bonotan. When the said firearm burst, the bullet hits the cemented ground then recoiled and hitting the neck of one Sheena Pajo Amalia, 24 years old, single and a resident of the same place. Victim was brought to Caraga Regional Hospital and now under medical treatment. Said service firearm is a caliber 45 Norinco pistol bearing serial number BA 098333, registered by virtue of Executive Order 817 otherwise known as "Firearms Amnesty Program". Said police officer is now under the custody of the Chief of Police of Malimono MPS, while the case is under investigation. Surigao del Norte Police Provincial office assures the victim's family that the case shall be given appropriate action, if evidence warrant, appropriate case shall be filled against the suspect. Progress report follows. 
(PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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PNP arrests wanted persons
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A Rape suspect was apprehended by elements of Tandag Municipal Police Station (MPS) led by SPO2 Loreto C, Suarez at Granex Copra Buyer, Brgy Rosario, Tandag, Surigao del Sur on November 12, 2009 at around 9:00 O'clock in the morning. Suspect was identified as Rexan Lavilla Datites, 20 years old, single and a resident of Purok Quintos, Brgy Mabua, Tandag, Surigao del Sur. Said suspect was arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest issued by Hon. Judge Ermelindo Andal of RTC Branch 27, Tandag, Surigao del Sur for the said crime docketed under criminal case number 5489 with no recommended bail bond. Arrested suspect is now detained at Tandag MPS for proper disposition. 
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On the other hand, at 2:30 in the afternoon of the same day, joint elements of RTR MPS led by Pinsp. Adrian Antonio, OIC and 1403rd RMG led by PInsp Abraham Mangelen apprehended a certain Patricia Latunan, 64 years old at P-4, Brgy Poblacion 1, RTR, Agusan del Norte. She was arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest issued by Hon. Judge Dax Gonzaga Xenox of RTC Branch 34, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte for the crime of Qualified Theft docketed under criminal case number 09-82 with recommended bail bond of P24,000.00. Said suspect is now detained at 1403rd RMG Coy for proper disposition.  
(PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Recovery of carnapped motorcycle 
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One Honda XRM motorcycle color yellow with plate number MR-1489, engine number XRM110ME-7094870 and chassis number XRM 12058-094870 was being intercepted by personnel of BCPS 4 led by PInsp. Chito P. Querubin while they were conducting checkpoint along the National Highway , P-1, Brgy Ampayon, Butuan City at around 9:50 in the evening, November 12, 2009. Said motorcycle was owned by Christina Gultiano Villahermosa, of legal age, married and a resident of P-16, Mandacpan, Brgy San Vicente, Butuan City . Said motorcycle was allegedly carnapped and driven by the suspect Bingo Cinco Sales, 20 years old, single and a resident of Bingkilan, San Vicente, Butuan City when intercepted. Initial investigation disclosed that the said motorcycle was parked by the owner's son Rolly Cris Gultiano Villahermosa at R. Calo Street , Butuan City and he discovered missing on or about the same time it was intercepted. Suspect and said motorcycle were turned-over to the Theft and Robbery Unit (TRU) of BCPO for proper disposition. 
(PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Report on shooting incident 
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On November 12, 2009 at around 9:05 in the evening, PSI Nemesio Espinoza, Chief of Police (COP), Tago MPS received a cellphone call from Hon. Merculito Quico, Brgy Captain of Brgy Umbay, Tago, Surigao del Sur that there was a shooting incident at the said place. Elements of Tago MPS proceeded to the said area and found out that one Roger Racasa Baes, 31 years old, single and a resident of Purok Avocado-Maroon, Brgy Purisima, Tago, Surigao del Sur was shot to death by one Eric Lozada Elimanco, 34 years old, married and a resident of Brgy Umbay, Tago, Surigao del Sur with the use of caliber .38 revolver.
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Victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the different parts of his body, which resulted to his instantaneous death, while the suspect voluntarily surrendered to Tago MPS and now detained at Tago Municipal Jail for proper disposition. Motive-jealousy. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)