PIA News Service - Friday, August 28, 2009

Deadline for the submission of entries to the 5th PopDev Media Awards extended

The Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation (PLCPD) announces the extension of the cut-off date and the deadline for the submission of entries to the 5th Popdev Media Awards.  

The new deadline for the submission of entries is on September 26, 2009. Entries should have been published, aired, or posted between August 16, 2008 and September 15, 2009 in a publication or network that has been in existence for at least one year, or in a blog site that has been created at least since January 1, 2008. 

The contest is open to all print, broadcast, online, photo, and citizen journalists nationwide. Entries must deal with population and human development issues such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), public health (especially reproductive health), reproductive health policy and governance, economic growth and poverty, climate change, housing and urban development, sustainable development, environment, education, gender, maternal health, adolescent reproductive health, family planning, food security, reproductive rights, migration, and population ageing.

For the Print and Online Category, awards will be given for Best News Reportage (should consist of a body of work or a series of at least three spot news reports); Best Opinion or Editorial Piece; Best Investigative Report, and Best Feature or Magazine Article.

For Television, awards will be given for Best TV Documentary and Best Magazine Program or Talk Show.

For Radio, awards will be given for Best Radio Program. Entries to this could be news, commentary (should consist of a series of at least three separate news reports or commentaries) or a special production of media agencies. 

For the Photojournalism category, awards will be given for Best Single Photo and Best Photo Essay. 

Citations will also be given for blog (text) and photo blogs (single photo and photo essay) in recognition of the significant contribution of citizen journalists in the discussion of population and human development issues. Entries from professional journalists may be considered as long as these were posted in their personal blogs.

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Interested parties may send as many entries in a chosen category. Winners will receive a cash prize, trophy, certificate, and a chance to go into a study trip to a PLCPD project area in the Philippines.

For more information, interested parties may contact PLCPD at (02) 9251800 or (02) 4362373 or visit http://www.plcpd.org.ph/Media%20Awards/default.asp. (Maida T. Ojeda, Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development)
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RP Volleybal Team in Caraga for an exhibition game in preparation for the SEA Games 

BUTUAN CITY – It was truly a great night of volleyball as people watched and cheered a great game between RP Women’s National Volleyball Team and Visayas-Mindanao Gay Selection sponsored by Butuan City Volleyball Association at FSUU Gym, recently.

The game lasted a gruelling almost three hours close fight tying several times rendering a deciding set race to 15 score.

RP Women’s National Volleyball Team won scoring 3-2 in 5 sets with a tight score of 15-13 against their opponent during the deciding set.

A day before the exhibition game in Butuan, both teams had a match in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur garnering a score of 3-1 favouring the RP Women’s National Volleyball Team.

RP Women’s National Volleyball team’s Head Coach is Thelma Barina-Rojas the former SEA Games best spiker and Most Valuable Player and 1993 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in Singapore. The Assistant Coach of the team is Norman Miguel from UST, Las Piñas.

“We are thankful that an invitation game was extended to us to play in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur and Butuan, we need this for our practice as part of the girls rigorous training in our preparation for the 25th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games slated on December 2009 in Vientiane, Laos,” said Head Coach Thelma Barina-Rojas.

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The national team who played in Butuan and San Agustin is composed of Mary Jean Balse, Danielle Michiko Castañeda, Dahlia Cruz, Rubie de Leon, Rhea Dimaculangan Saet, Suzanne Roces, Cindy Velasquez, Patricia Torres, Ivy Elaine Remulla, Michelle Pauline Datuin, and Marietta Carolino.

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The last time Philippines participated in indoor volleyball was in 2005 Manila Games. It was only in 2009 that a women volleyball team was reorganized after 4 years of being dormant due to the retirement of veteran players.

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Head Coach Rojas said, Thailand is still the strength to reckon with because they have years of preparation and have competed in some of the world’s prestigious tournaments.

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Rojas is optimistic the team can grab a medal for the Philippines in the SEA Games.

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Butuan City Volleyball Association President Arnold Razon meanwhile urged the youth of today’s generation to join their team and be active in volleyball. 

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Butuan has yet to organize a strong team to be able to compete in Mindanao wide competition. (Jocelyn E. Morano, dxBN-Radyo ng Bayan Butuan)

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Butuan getting ready to build Balanghai and in welcoming Diwata ng Lahi

BUTUAN CITY – The Butuan City Tourism Council is getting ready for the coming of Diwata ng Lahi sometime in November of this year and already created different committees to focus on several activities.

“First activity is the rehabilitation of Balanghai Shrine in Ambangan, Libertad by the Butuan Global Forum with an estimated funding of 500 thousand pesos,” said SP Tourism Committee Chairman Ramon Carampatana.

The Balanghai Shrine is the site of the 15 meter wooden balanghai boat excavated in the 1970’s, a proof that Philippines have a rich cultural past, and a tradition that is worth preserving.

The city government on the other hand will soon start a complete repair of the now dilapidated building of Butuan Regional Museum and appropriated 2 million peso budget.

Councillor Carampatana estimated 1.5 to 2 million funding cost in building the Balanghai. It is hoped that the City Tourism Council with the Butuan Historical Foundation and Butuan Global Forum can raise obtainable fund for the whole activity for the coming of Diwata ng Lahi that includes the holding of a cultural presentation for the welcome honours on the day of its arrival, medical mission, and the building of Balanghai.

It was earlier informed by Diwata ng Lahi Team Captain Art Valdez that the Balanghai will lead the voyage upon departure from Butuan to start another leg in going to Gingoog, Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro and other parts of the country.

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The Diwata ng Lahi tentatively will arrive in Butuan on November 16 if the weather continues to be in favourable condition.

However, Mr. Greg Hontiveros of the Butuan Historical Foundation is informing the public that there would be a delay in the procurement of the materials in building the Balanghai due to the required permits imposed by the DENR as they will be using Dungon Trees sourced out outside Butuan.

“There will be ample time because the construction of Balanghai Boat will only take a month but what we are more concerned of is the curing period of the dungon. That will take us a little more time but we’re confident we can finish it by the time Diwata ng Lahi arrives Butuan,” said Hontiveros.

The first Balanghai built in Manila now named Diwata ng Lahi officially sails on September 1 for its Phase I navigation within Philippine seas until February 26, 2010 having a grand total distance of 2,136 nautical miles or almost 4 kilometers.

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It is expected to arrive in Butuan on Novembre 16 from San Bernardo, Limasawa for its 5th leg after a short stop-over in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte on November 14, 2009.

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Balanghai will be joining Diwata ng Lahi to start with the 6th leg from Butuan to Ozamis City and every port and stop-over, the “Kaya ng Pinoy” team manning the Balanghai expedition will hold environmental awareness campaigns, outreach programs and teach the youth about the country’s rich cultural tradition.

The “Kaya ng Pinoy” team led by the former Transportation and Communication Undersecretary Arturo Valdez hopes that with this undertaking, they can effectively showcase the character, culture, ingenuity and survival skills of the Filipino.

Greg Hontiveros of the Butuan Historical Foundation meanwhile urged the public to support the undertaking in building of the Balanghai in Butuan. (Jocelyn E. Morano, dxBN-Radyo ng Bayan Butuan)
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Advocates say, stop punishing our children

Amid reports that a large proportion of children around the world experiences physical and humiliating or degrading punishment, child rights advocates call on parents, guardians and other authorities to end corporal punishment.

In a media briefing on the Advocacy and Campaign for the Promotion of Positive Discipline and Prohibition of Corporal Punishment held today, Child Rights Network (CRN), highlighted the need for a law that will ban the corporal punishment of children in the homes, schools and other settings. 
According to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, Corporal Punishment are cases where physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light. It also includes other non-physical forms of punishment that are cruel and degrading. 

In the World Studies of Abuse in the Family Environment conducted by the World Health Organization presented by Ms. Hope Tura, CRN Co-Convenor, showed that severe physical punishment is commonly used as means of discipline in the Philippines. Said study cites “21% of children are hit with an object in other parts of their body, 6% are kicked, 3% are beaten, while 1% is threatened with a knife or a gun, and another 1% is choked.”

“Unfortunately, here in the Philippines, we learn to tolerate a not so child-friendly society,” lamented Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD). “As a legislative advocacy institution, we put this challenge in legislation,” he added. “That is why we are pushing for the passage of a law that will institutionalize mechanisms to educate the general public on effective nonviolent forms of discipline and change the norms about the acceptability and use of corporal punishment.” 

House Bill 6699 or the “Anti-Corporal Punishment Act of 2009” now pending for plenary deliberation at the House of Representatives is authored by Rep. Nikki Prieto-Teodoro of the 1st District of Tarlac. 

Meanwhile, Child Rights Ambassador of PLAN International Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, expressed support for a law that will protect children. Reacting to a comment that corporal punishment is sometimes brought about by poverty, Ms. Jaworski said, “no amount of poverty is a justification for corporal punishment.” 

Meanwhile, Ms. Wilma Banaga of Save the Children offered positive discipline as an alternative approach to discipline children. She stressed that positive discipline is a process, takes time and needs family support.

Child Rights Network (CRN) is a network of organizations advocating for the passage of national laws that will protect and fulfill the rights of Filipino children. (Vigie Benosa-Llorin, Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc.)
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PNPA administers the annual CADET admission test 

The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), a constitutive institution of the Philippine Public Safety College, will administer the annual Cadet Admission Test for the Four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Safety (BSPS), full scholarship Cadetship Program. The deadline for application is on September 30, 2009 and the examination is scheduled on October 25, 2009 (Sunday)) 7:00 A.M – 12:00 noon in Twenty Six (26) test centers nationwide. Butuan City is the test center in Caraga. 

The following qualifications for admission are as follows: 

  1. A natural born Filipino citizen 

  2. A person of good moral character 

  3. Male or female, single and with no legal obligation to support a child or a children 

  4. 17 to 21 years old at the time of admission (Born between 5/2/1988 - 5/1/1993) 

5. At least 162.5 cm in height for male and 157.5 cm for female 

6. Weight not more nor less than five kilograms (5 kg) of the standard weight  

  measurement corresponding to his/her age, height and sex 

7. At least high school graduate 

8. Must be able to perform the following physical fitness exercise: pull-ups; full arms 

  hanging; 2 minute push-ups; 2 minute sit-ups; 100 meter dash; 1,000 meter run 

9. Physically and mentally fit for cadetship 

10. No criminal, administrative or civil case on file before any prosecutors Office or any 

  Court of Judgment and other derogatory record/s 

11. Not a former cadet of PNPA or other service academies 

Applicant must submit duly accomplished application together with a self-stamped WINDOW ENVELOPE to the Office of the Registrar or mail to: The Director, Philippine National Police Academy, Camp General Mariano Castaneda, Silang, Cavite 4129. No walk-in applicants will be allowed to take the examination. Notice of examination shall be sent through mail or visit: www.pnpa.edu.ph & www.ppsc..gov.ph for the list of examinees, place of examination, test requirements and for more information. Applicants can also call telephone numbers (049) 545-5939 or (02) 3964076. Application forms are available in Public Information Office, Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City. (PCI NELLY TABORNAL VILLAGARCIA, PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania

Voluntary surrender of loose firearm 

On August 22, 2009 at 11:20 in the morning, a certain Rodolfo Bual voluntarily surrendered one unit cal .9mm pistol with serial number 9335888 with one magazine and one live ammo to San Francisco Municipal Police Station, Surigao del Norte. Said firearm is now in the custody of San Francisco Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga) 

PNP arrests wanted person 

On August 25, 2009 at 7:30 in the morning, PNP elements of Butuan City Police Station 1 led by SPO3 Alexander Morgadez apprehended one Joel Chan, 33 years old, married and resident of R Palma Street, Butuan City by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) issued by Hon James V Go of MTCC Branch 2, Libertad, Butuan City for the crime of grave threats docketed under CC no. 41721 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 12,000.00.

Apprehension took place at Palma Street, Butuan City.  

At about 9:00 in the morning of same date, the same personnel proceeded to Barangay Mahay, Butuan City and arrested one Ike buniel, 43 years old, married and resident of said place by virtue of WOA dated August 10, 2009 issued by Hon Judge James V Go of MTCC Brnach 2, Libertad, Butuan City for the crime of theft docketed under CC no. 41552 and with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 12, 000.00.

Subject persons were subsequently turned over to the issuing court for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

Report in non-fatal shooting incident 

On August 24, 2009 at 7:40 in the evening at Purok 1, Barangay Dacutan, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, a certain Luceno Villa Gonzalo, married, Barangay Kagawad of Barangay Dacutan, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur was shot by unidentified suspect using cal .38 revolver.

Victim sustained gun shot wound on his left breast and immediately brought to Butuan City Hospital for medical treatment and declared on stable condition. PNP members of Esperanza Municipal Police Station is now conducting thorough investigation and manhunt operation against the fleeing suspect. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

Report on vehicular accident 

On August 25, 2009 at 5:30 in the morning at South Montilla Boulevard, Butuan City, a Fuso Truck bearing plate no. KVF 977, loaded with round logs with an estimated volume of 19.06 cubic meters, driven by one Cerilo Magnate, of legal age and resident of Bucag St, Gingoog City while on its way and maneuvering right turn from JC Aquino Avenue heading South Montilla Boulevard, Butuan City apparently the foot break malfunction.

The round logs subsequently hit to the traffic light posted at the center Island and Rotary marks and thereafter, the round logs rolled down to the opposite road and accidentally hit the street sweeper identified as Conchita Buynay, 47 years old, resident of Purok-13, San Vicente, Butuan City resulted to the injuries on the different parts of her body and immediately brought to MJ Santos Hospital for medical treatment. Progress report to follow. 

Also, on August 24, 2009 at 5:00 in the afternoon, one unit Isuzu pick-up with plate no. SHA 156 registered under the name of Department of Agriculture (DA) MRDPO, Kidapawan City, driven by Rene Gecalke, 34 years old, resident of Mintal, Davao City while traveling from Davao City and upon reaching at Purok 7, Barangay Bayugan 3, Rosario, Agusan del Sur, the left rare wheel was accidentally detached from its assembly and subsequently rolled away and bumped to the bystanders namely Dionesio Mansanades, 49 years old, Jessie Arasa, 64 years old, and Julian Makeng, 43 years old, all are residents of said place.

After the accident, said bystanders were rushed to Bunawan District Hospital for medical treatment. Unfortunately, Dionesio Mansanades was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician.

The driver and vehicle were brought to Bunawan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

PIA Dispatch - Wednesday, August 26, 2009

PGMA determined to achieve MDG targets

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed concerned agencies to develop strategies to attain commitments under the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

The President issued the directive as she welcomed Dr. Jacqueline Badcock, the new United Nations Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines.

At their meeting in Malacanang’s Music Room, President Arroyo and Badcock discussed the progress of six of the eight MDG goals and the challenges facing the Philippines and many other countries with regard to universal basic education and maternal mortality rate.

As one of the signatories of the UN Millennium Declaration of 2000, the Philippines, along with other 189 states is committed to achieve MDG goals.

MDGs is a set of clearly defined, measurable goals and targets to reduce poverty and ensure that the benefits of globalization reach everybody.

In an interview, Badcock said that President Arroyo is quite determined to make the attainment of the goals the top priority of her government.

President Arroyo, she noted, talked about developing more health facilities and building more schools.

Badcock said that these are the positive signals that the Philippine government is serious in attaining the MDG targets.

The UN, according to her, works closely with the Philippine government.

MDG aims to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, and improve maternal health; combat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and develop a global partnership for development.

Badcock, previously held the position of UN Resident Coordinator for Papua New Guinea.


Presidential prerogative to appoint national artists backed by law -- Malacanang

Malacanang maintained today President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has the prerogative to appoint national artists under a Republic act and two executive orders.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita referred to Republic Act No. 7356, which created the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), and Executive Order No. 236 of 2003, which established the Honors Code of the Philippines, and its succeeding amendment found in Executive Order No. 435 of 2005.

Ermita expressed confidence the Supreme Court will consider them when it resolves the issue with finality.

The High Court has issued an order restraining NCCA from proceeding with the conferment of this year’s National Artist Awards on certain individuals.

“We believe that the primacy of the President’s authority as the one mandated by law to make the final choice will be considered by the Supreme Court. Although we cannot dictate to the Supreme Court, I am very sure the fundamentals of these existing laws will come out,” Ermita said during his weekly briefing in Malacanang this morning.

“For as long as no law is violated and nothing illegal is done, I think the President has the final authority to confer National Artists awards on those whose names have already been submitted,” he said.


Malacanang urges NDF to reconsider position on release of 14 communist leaders

Malacanang told the National Democratic Front (NDF) to drop its demand that the government release 14 jailed communist leaders as precondition to the resumption of the peace talks.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said in a press briefing that it is unfortunate that the NDF “made a 180 degree turn on the requirements for the resumption of peace talks.”

He explained the Executive Department cannot take it upon itself to quash the warrant of arrests. The 14 jailed communist leaders, he added, committed crimes punishable under the revised penal code.

“We have to follow the rule of law. That is what we told them. They said they might just as well wait for the next administration. I wonder if the next administration will ever agree to take action that will quash the warrant of arrest just like in this particular case,” Ermita said.

Despite the setback in the peace talks with the NDF, Ermita pointed out, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is determined to continue the peace process.

“The peace process continues to be open and we wish that they will reconsider their position,” he added.

NDF is the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New Peoples’ Army (NPA).

The government panel has lifted the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG) leading to the release from detention of two of NDF’s consultants.

Talks between the GRP and NDF collapsed in 2005 after the United States and the European Union (EU) tagged NPA as a terrorist organization.


DOTC, LTFRB lay out corrective measures for PTOs

The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have laid out proposed corrective measures for public transport operators(PTOs) involved in road accidents as part of its road safety advocacy and in light of the marked increase in road accidents involving public utility vehicles.

The proposed corrective measures for PTOs involved in road mishaps would include the following: preventive suspension of franchise of the unit involved in the incident for at least one month; fleet motor vehicle inspection at the LTO Motor Vehicles Inspection Center; drivers seminar on company's account using the UP National Center for Transportation Studies (NCTS) module on Drivers' Training on Road Safety; drug testing for all drivers of the company; and performance audit of the company.

DOTC Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza pointed out "these steps are necessary to ensure the safety of road users."

Mendoza also said: "We have also planned additional programs for the next few months. We will be imposing additional requirement for public transport operators such as attendance to Short Courses on PTOs as a requisite for availing of new and renewal of franchise."

"Immediately, we are conducting a refresher course on Public Transport Operation for all operators of all modes of transport. We will also be holding a Public Transport Forum before the end of September," he revealed.

"We are calling for an emergency meeting with the public transport operators to address the recent increasing trend in road accidents involving public utility vehicles. The safety of the passengers is of paramount concern. We do not want a repeat of the collision between the Lucena Bus Lines and Bragais Liner Bus along the diversion road of the Maharlika Highway in Lucena City after midnight last Sunday, which left (at least) eight fatalities and 41 injured passengers."

PIA News Service - Tuesday, August 25, 2009

NGCP prioritizes improvements in transmission operations and customer service

New power industry player National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) says it will prioritize improvements in transmission operations and customer services to meet the demand for reliable and quality electricity.

Since NGCP took over the transmission operations business in January this year, it has been exerting extra efforts to conduct the necessary maintenance, rehabilitation, and upgrading activities on its major transmission lines and substation facilities nationwide formerly managed by the government.

In Northern Luzon, NGCP is currently rehabilitating a portion of the 230-kiloVolt San Manuel-Concepcion line which spans 80 kilometers from Concepcion, Tarlac to San Manuel, Pangasinan. Tower No. 159 located on the Agno River floodplain in Villasis, Pangasinan was threatened by strong river current and soil erosion which caused the riverbank to advance directly to the location of the tower.

To maintain the integrity of the entire line, guy wires and other protection structures have been immediately installed onsite to prevent the tower from toppling. A temporary single-circuit line is now being constructed to bypass Tower No. 159. Meanwhile, NGCP will start reconstruction of Tower Nos. 159-160 on a special foundation west of the present location of the towers.

Construction of the bypass line will take approximately 2 weeks to complete while the reconstruction of the towers on a special foundation will take about 3 months.

NGCP expects to proceed immediately with these projects considering that processes including project approvals and the procurement of equipment to operate and maintain the transmission network are much faster now. 

In terms of management style, NGCP President & CEO Dr. Walter W. Brown says the private management set-up allows the company to be more flexible and responsive, especially when it comes to serving and addressing the concerns of customers.

Brown explained, “NGCP is cutting off bureaucratic procedures without compromising the necessary controls. Like any private corporation, we have to earn profits but at the same time, we are very much conscious of the fact that we are providing a public service.”

In a recent meeting with officials of the National Electrification Administration (NEA), Brown has committed to work closely with the said government agency to improve services to its direct customers such as electric cooperatives and other distribution utilities.

Brown also appealed for NEA’s continued support and assistance as they put their minds together to seek possible solutions to problems with electric cooperatives, especially on the issue of nonpayment and disconnection. He noted that NEA has already helped some financially ailing electric cooperatives to settle their accounts through the agency’s short-term credit facility. 

“It is in the best interests of everyone that electricity be always available to direct customers but at the same time, NGCP as a private corporation is also accountable to its investors and other stakeholders. We are grateful to our customers who understand this situation,” he added.

In the mean time, NGCP has asked customers to immediately settle outstanding financial obligations to ensure continuous power transmission services. As a private company, NGCP “needs the funds to carry out its mandate of expanding and maintaining the transmission grid and providing reliable electricity to consumers.”

To maintain power reliability, security, and quality, NGCP is taking all the appropriate actions to protect and uphold the interest of its stakeholders, including power customers who dutifully pay on time. 

To enhance customer services, a focused marketing group has also been created to handle service agreements from contract negotiation to commercial connection, direct connection application services, account management, billing dispute settlement, and regular customer bulletins. (Glory Rebleza, CCS, District 4-NEM/ PIA-Caraga)


POLICE REPORTS
By PO2 Darlin Cabalinan-Migullas

Report on shooting incident 

On August 24, 2009 at around 8:00 o'clock in the morning, one Platoon of Charlie Company, 58th IB. 4ID, Philippine Army led by Lt. Palomino conducted combat patrol at the vicinity of Lianga, Surigao del Sur. When they arrived at Sitio Huangan, Barangay Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur from said patrol and while they were fetching water at the Barangay water point of the said place, they were fired upon by more or less five fully armed Communist Terrorists (CTs) led by alias “Butch” of Front Committee (FC)-19A, NEMRC.

Said incident resulted to the death of one PFC Gatera. Follow up operation of the said government troops is still on going. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

Report on robbery incident 

On August 24, 2009 at around 6:00 o'clock in the morning, a certain Chita Lagrama Quivido, of legal age, watchwoman/utility worker of DepEd, San Agustin District reported to San Agustin Municipal Police Station that unidentified perpetrators ransacked the office of the District Supervisor.

Elements from San Agustin Municipal Police Station responded to the said report. Initial investigation disclosed that culprits gained entrance from the main door by cutting/destroying the lock with the used of steel saw.

Said perpetrators carted away one LCD data projector (Taxan model no. KG-P51015) with accessories with estimated cost of PhP40,000.00, USB (Kingston Traveler brand), one unit calculator, one unit cellular phone and cash amounting to more or less PhP3,200.00.  

Meanwhile, at around 6:50 in the morning of same date, one Romalie Milo also reported to San Agustin Municipal Police Station thru cellphone call that the supply room and the BURSAS office of Saint Agustin High School at Poblacion, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur were ransacked by unidentified perpetrator by destroying the main door of the said offices.

Carted away were one unit cellular phone from the supply room and cash amounting to PhP1,407 from the BURSAS office.

Elements of San Agustin Municipal Police Station is still conducting follow up operation for the possible identification and arrest of the suspects. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Monday, August 24, 2009

POLICE REPORTS
By PO2 Darlin Cabalinan-Migullas; PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania and
PO3 Philip Amer Posas Mazo

Report on illegal drugs

On August 20, 2009 at aro1und 6:00 o'clock in the evening at Purok-5, Barangay San Ignacio, Butuan City, search warrant numbers 1061-2009 and 1062-2009 against Chona Doromal and Alwin Cuestas was served by elements of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) led by PSUPT Joseph Boquiren, together with personnel from Ong Yiu Sub-station and City Mobile Group (CMG). However, Alwin Cuestas was not around during the search.

Said Search Warrant was issued by Hon. Judge Eduardo Casals of 10th Judicial Region, RTC Branch 1, Libertad, Butuan City. Seized from the residence of Alwin Cuestas were: 19 pieces of transparent empty sachets of suspected shabu; three used disposable lighters; one scissor and strips of used and rolled aluminum foil. 

On the other hand, seized from the possession of Chona Doromal were: ten pieces transparent empty sachets of suspected shabu; strips of used and rolled aluminum foil; five used disposable lighters; one big roll of unused aluminum foil; marked money worth PhP40.00 and one unit 1100 Nokia cellular phone. 

Following persons who were inside the residence during the search were also brought to BCPO for investigation. They were Heide Gondong Busa, 30 years old; Arden Cebedan Atenta, 23 years old; Rachel Pepito Mariscal, 16 years old; Mario Cuyos, 15 years old and Edilito Estorba Catane, 35 years old. Said search and seizure was properly done in the presence of witnesses from media, Barangay Officials and Department of Justice (DOJ).

Case is now being prepared for filing in court. 

Also, on August 23, 2009 around 5:00 in the morning, personnel of PDEA 13 led by Atty Joel S Quiriones and personnel of Buenavista Municipal Police Station led by PSI Artemio Suarez together with 1401st PPMG led by SPO1 Ricardo Abrau conducted joint operation on eradication of marijuana plantation at Purok-7 Sitio Kabalalahan, Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte which resulted to the arrest of a certain Juan Francisco Cortes alias "Jun", 50 years old, married and a resident of Barangay Matabao, Buenavista, of said province.

Uprooted and confiscated at the said area were 240 hills marijuana plants and 19 dried marijuana plants. Said operation was witnessed by Ronaldo Bedrijo of Department of Justice (DOJ) representative, Auruom Satorre of Bombo Radyo, ABS-CBN crew and Barangay Captain Mariano Galinato of Barangay Guinabsan.  

Arrested suspect and confiscated marijuana plants were brought to Buenavista Municipal Police Station where final documentation was made in the presence of the above witnesses together with ABC President Barangay Captain Charito Doria and Hon Mayor Francisco Chan Jr. Suspect and documented evidences were turned-over to PDEA-13 for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)  

Report on traffic accident 

A minor was accidentally hit by a Yamaha STX-125 tricycle for hire at R. Calo Street, Purok-5, Barangay Obrero, Butuan City on August 20, 2009 at around 5:00 o'clock in the afternoon. Said minor was identified as one Hero Cabrillas Savandal, 5 years old and a resident of Purok-6, Barangay Obrero, Butuan City. 

Said tricycle bearing plate number XR-4931 and body number 1666 was driven by Garry Deleggucia Barriga, 34 years old, single and a resident of Purok-11, Barangay Obrero, Butuan City, with Professional Driver's License number KO1-06-000277, which will expire on April 7, 2011.

Victim was seriously injured and was brought by the driver to Maternity Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician. Driver voluntarily surrendered to Butuan City Police Office. 

Also, on August 21, 2009 at 8:00 am, along National Highway, Barangay 2, RTR, Agusan del Norte, one Isuzu Eight wheelers cargo truck bearing plate number KDG 836 loaded with Pepsi Cola cases, driven by Edmundo Mortos accidentally bumped a passenger jeep bearing plate number LYH 506 driven by Junie Cebrian.

Initial investigation disclosed that the Isuzu 8 wheelers cargo truck traveling towards Cabadbaran and upon reaching said place accidentally bumped to a passenger jeep running on the same direction.

The incident resulted to the serious injury of the three unidentified passengers and caused damaged to both vehicle involved.

Injured passengers were immediately brought to Cabadbaran Hospital for medical treatment. Both vehicles and the drivers were brought to RTR Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)  

PNP arrests wanted person 

On August 20, 2009 at around 3:15 in the afternoon at Purok-4, Poblacion, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, one Marlon Pandita Rojas, 20 years old, single and a resident of said place was apprehended by elements of Tagbina Municipal Police Station led by PInsp. Joseph Gementiza.

Said suspect was arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest (WOA) issued by Hon. Judge Ambrosio Moleta of 7thh MCTC, 11th Judicial Region, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur for Direct Assault docketed under criminal case number 4596-T with recommended bail bond of PhP10,000.00.

Arrested person now detained at Tagbina Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)  

Report on robbery incident 

A Municipal Health Center of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur was robbed by unidentified suspect/s. The incident discovered by Mrs Alma Otagan, 50 years old, married, municipal midwife at around 3:00 in the morning of August 22, 2009.

Culprits gained entrance at the back door of the Municipal Health Center and carted away one unit computer LCD monitor worth Php 9,000.00 and one laptop computer Neo brand, black color worth Php 30,000.00.

Initial investigation disclosed that when Mrs Alma Otagan entered the door, she noticed that the office room of Dra Bernarditha Ronquillo Resus, Municipal Health Officer was open and all of documents and drawers were scattered on the floor.

PNP elements of San Agustin Municipal Police Station led by SPO3 Virgilio P Lamila Sr conducted scene investigation and recovered one stainless kitchen knife. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)  
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Report on alleged accidental shooting 

On August 23, 2009 around 7:00 o'clock in the morning at ARTIMCO Sawmill, Purok-Golden Shower, Barangay Aras-asan, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, a certain Gilbert Kailing Mazan, 17 years old, single, jobless, and a resident of Barangay Cagbaoto, Bayabas, Surigao del Sur was allegedly shot with the use of a shotgun by one Jundel Laput, 26 years old, single, jobless also a resident of Barangay Cagbaoto, Bayabas of said province.

Investigation conducted by Cagwait Municipal Police Station disclosed that the suspect curiously picked-up the shotgun placed by one Junefer Arnego Dalayan, a security guard of ARTIMCO.

The suspect unknowingly aimed the shotgun towards his friend Gilbert Mazan who was then fetching a gallon of water when said firearm accidentally went off hitting the victim's left shoulder. He was brought by the suspect to Adela Sierra Ty Memorial Center for medical treatment.

PNP elements of Cagwait Municipal Police Station recovered from the scene one spent shell for shotgun while the OIC Security Guard of ARTIMCO properly turned-over to the responding policemen the alleged firearm used by the suspect, one unit ARMSCOR shotgun with serial number- 1071386owned by Caraga Security Agency.

Suspect is now detained at Cagwait Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)  
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Report on vehicular accident 

On August 23, 2009 around 9:15 in the morning, personnel from Butuan City Police Station 3 responded to a vehicular accident at Sitio Suatan, Barangay Ambago, Butuan City involving one Junerie Dublas Paronda, 30 years old, married and a resident of Purok-1A Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City who was found lifeless on the road.

Initial investigation disclosed that Junerie Paronda was riding an XRM 125 Honda motorcycle marked (for registration) heading north when he side swept a V2 Isuzu Passenger Jitney bearing plate number LYD- 575 traveling along Suatan Road and was heading south driven by Allan Buar Buco, 41 years old, married together with his son Colen Villegas Buco, 10 years old, both residents of Purok-2A Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City.

The body of the victim was brought to Saint Peter Memorial Chapel for autopsy while the driver of the Isuzu Jitney voluntarily surrendered to BCPS 3, BCPO. Personnel of RCLO 13 led by PSUPT Alex Rodriguez Uy arrived at the place of incident and conducted investigation thereat. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)