(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Thursday, 30 April 2026) Easterlies affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Easterlies ang makaapekto sa rehiyon sa Caraga.


PIA News Service - Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009

More senior citizens benefit from Katas ng Vat: Para kay Lolo at Lola 

By Leah T. Quintana, DSWD-Caraga
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BUTUAN CITY – More senior citizens have benefited from the government’s Katas ng Vat: Para kay Lolo at Lola implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The Department has continued the one-shot provision of P500 to senior citizens taken from the collection of the oil value added tax.  

Implemented nationwide, the program requires that beneficiaries must be 70 years old and above, dependent or belonging to a family whose income is within or below the poverty threshold per are and not covered by any private and/or government agency retirement benefit like SSS, GSIS, PVAO. The guideline also provides that a ratio of one beneficiary per family shall be followed. 

The claimant, according to DSWD Caraga Director Mercedita P. Jabagat, shall present a valid identification card (OSCA ID, etc.) that indicates the birth date of the senior citizen, for validation purposes or a certification from the barangay captain as to the age of the senior citizen. In case the claimant is an authorized representative of the senior citizen, Jabagat said, he/she shall present the valid ID of the claimant and authorization letter attested by the senior citizen beneficiary. 

Last year, a total of 9,632 senior citizens received the P500. For this year, DSWD Caraga has distributed this October to 2,612 senior citizens from Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Sur. Another 2,312 beneficiaries from Butuan City will get the P500 on November 4, 2009. 

As of this report, a total of P6, 122,000.00 has been released by DSWD to senior citizens.
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POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Philip Amer Posas Mazo

Progress report re abduction of DENR personnel 

On October 27, 2009 charges for six counts of Kidnapping with Serious Illegal Detention and two counts of Kidnapping under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines were filed before the City Prosecutor's Office, Libertad, Butuan City against Leonardo "Andot" Behing, Annabel Dagium and ten John Does. The charges were filed around 3:00 in the afternoon docketed under NPS no. XIII-01-INV 09J-02133 and XIII-01-INV-09J-02134 respectively. Suspects remained at large. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

Report on shooting incident 

On October 28, 2009 around 1:30 dawn, William Vale Rañoa, 28 years old, single and a resident of Purok Lubi-a, Barangay Taligaman, Butuan City was fired upon by unidentified persons wearing bonnets along Ochua Avenue near Columbia Establishment of Barangay Limaha, Butuan City.

The victim while driving his white Mitsubishi Lancer was shot twice who barely escaped by maneuvering his driven vehicle. The vehicle incurred damages at the right side front door and the back portion of the vehicle.

Butuan City Police Station 2 personnel immediately conducted follow-up investigation which resulted to the identification of the two suspects as alias "Laway-laway" and a certain Bambie, both of legal age and residents of T. Calo St, Barangay Limaha, Butuan City. A slug from a caliber .22 revolver stocked at the front door of the vehicle was recovered. The case is still under further investigation. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

Progress report on conflagration incident  

Regarding the conflagration incident that transpired at Purok-5 Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, a case for Direct Assaults and Frustrated Multiple Homicide against the suspect Roberto Minardo Ariate was already filed before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Tandag, Surigao del Sur. The cases were docketed under NPS-XIII-07-INV-09J-00296 and NPS-XIII-07-INV-09J-00297 respectively. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

Recovery of loose firearms 

October 28, 2009 at 6:00 in the morning, a caliber .38 revolver without serial number and a home made shotgun with SN 102968 were retrieved by Tubod Municipal Police Station personnel from their Firearm Deposit Drop Box. 

At 7:00 in the morning, a caliber .357 revolver Smith & Wesson and a home made shotgun without serial numbers were retrieved by Sison Municipal Police Station personnel from their Firearm Deposit Drop Box. 

Abovementioned firearms are now in the custody of respective Municipal Police Station for turn-over to Surigao del Norte PPO for proper disposition.

Also, a caliber .38 revolver without serial number and a home made shotgun were retrieved by Alegria Municipal Police Station personnel from their Firearm Deposit Drop Box. 

Meanwhile, at 7:30 in the morning, a home made shotgun were retrieved by San Francisco Municipal Police Station personnel from their Firearm Deposit Drop Box. 

At 9:00 in the morning, a home made shotgun without serial number was retrieved by Malimono Municipal Police Station personnel from their Firearm Deposit Drop Box. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009

DSWD Caraga conducts Team Building Workshop for employees 

By Leah T. Quintana 

BUTUAN CITY - Employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Caraga Region attended a team building workshop initiated by the Field Office recently. Dir. Mercedita P. Jabagat said the field office deemed it necessary to conduct this activity to organize the workforce of DSWDF Caraga Field Office to work more effectively and efficiently as a team. 
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Participants enjoy the game - "arrange yourselves", "obstacle race", "find the Missing Card", and "chant and banner competition".
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Considering the different changes in the Field Office brought about by various factors like change in leadership and on-going repositioning and streamlining, team building workshop, according to Dir. Jabagat, has been identified as the most appropriate intervention to strengthen and sustain communication and intra/interpersonal relationships among members within the unit or division. 

To achieve the objectives of the activity, several exercises were done. The participants were grouped into four (4). Each group was asked to give a name to their team. Group 1, 2, 3, 4 called their teams Nature’s Wonder, Housemates, Buttercup ni Ondoy and The Champs, respectively. The four (4) teams competed in games like arrange yourselves, find the missing cards, hula-hoop, chant and banner, obstacle race and egg catching. The team Housemates emerged as the over-all winner followed by The Champs. Teams Nature’s Wonder and Buttercup ni Ondoy tied for the third place. 

After the games, the participants were asked of the reasons why other teams won and others lost. Some said unity, teamwork and synergy were the factors that made the team won. There were participants who honestly admitted about the teams’ weaknesses. There were also those who cannot accept defeat. 

Aside from the games, the team building activities include also lectures on components of effective team and developing/enhancing team effectiveness. 

It was emphasized in the lecture that in every organization, teamwork is very crucial to ensure the achievement of its goals and optimum success; each team member must be committed to the idea that working together as a team leads to a more effective decision than working in isolation. 

Moreover, it was stressed to the participants that the team must be accountable and responsible as a functioning unit within the larger organization context. 

The participants expressed that the team building workshop marked a positive impact on them because they learned a lot about teamwork, accountability and responsibility in relation to achieving institutional goals and objectives. They also made their commitments on what to stop, what to start, and what to continue.
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6 PNP Members Awarded with Medalya ng Papuri

BUTUAN CITY – 6 policemen assigned in Police Regional Office 13 were awarded medals by Police Regional Director Lino Calingasan in a simple ceremony at Camp Rafael Rodriguez in Libertad this City.
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PNP-Caraga Regional Director PCSUPT Lino De Guzman Calingasan awards the “Medalya ng Papuri” to deserving PNP personnel of 14th RMG led by PINSP JOEL A BINAS for having demonstrated exemplary efficiency for being 2nd runner up among 10 competing team in the 1st Directorate for Integrated Police Operation Eastern Mindanao (DIPO-EM) SWAT Team competition held at Camp Catitipan, Davao City.
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Police Inspector Joel Biñas received the Medalya ng Papuri (Medal of Commendation) for having demonstrated exemplary efficiency, loyalty and devotion to duty for being the 2nd runner-up among the 10 competing team in the 1st DIPO-EM SWAT Competition held at PRO 11 firing range in Camp Catitipan and CPR firing range, Davao City.

Same award is given to SPO1 Rico Madrona, SPO1 George Ventayen, PO3 Lucio Abrau Jr., PO3 Wilfredo Salino III and PO2 Jernyl Amarille.

Police Inspector Biñas and his men have added more laurels to organization they are now representing. (Jocelyn E. Morano, dxBN-Radyo ng Bayan Butuan/ PIA-Caraga)


PIA News Service - Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009

DSWD Caraga holds 1st regional search for Super Lolo and Super Lola 

By Leah T. Quintana 

BUTUAN CITY – A battle of talents and wits dubbed as “Regional Search for Super Lolo and Super Lola” highlighted the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week in Caraga region. 

A total of 9 male and 9 female contestants representing Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Butuan City, Surigao City, Bislig City, Bayugan City and the municipality of Buenavista vied for the title. The contestants competed in four categories - talent, question and answer, casual and Filipiniana attire. 

Initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Caraga, the objective of the activity is to recognize the important role of the senior citizens in nation building. Through this contest, the older persons were able to showcase their talents and share their wisdom to the younger generations. 

The contestants were Julius R. Inguillo and Carmen Maestrado of Agusan del Norte; Joventito B. Jongko and Aurita D. Estrella of Butuan City; Maximino S. Suazo, Sr. and Anastacia S. Suazo of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; Crisanto Relos, Sr. and Gaudencia A. Bedra of Bayugan City; Glenda P. Perdizo and Rafael D. Perdizo of Surigao del Norte; Roger P. Caballero and Marilyn S. Caballero of Surigao City; Rufino B. Tibay and Rosita P. Pascual of Surigao del Sur; Victoriano L. Sepe and Urcisia R. Masancay of Bislig City and Felipe B. Montecino and Ledenila M. Montecino of Province of Dinagat Islands. 

Mr. Roger P. Caballero and Mrs. Marilyn S. Caballero of Surigao City bested other candidates and were declared Super Lolo and Super Lola 2009 and became the first regional winners of this kind of search. Both garnered the highest points in the question and answer portion. The question for both of them was, what is your motto, and why? Mrs. Caballero’s answer was, “Love God Above All.” She explained that all the blessings and everything she has including her life come from God. On the other hand, “Live, love, and sacrifice,” was Mr. Caballero’s motto. He said that he fulfilled his promises to his lover, now wife, to live with her, to love her forever and willingly made sacrifices to give their family a better life. 

The first runners-up were Mr. Joventito B. Jongko and Mrs. Aurita D. Estrella of Butuan City and third runners-up were Mr. Rafael D. Perdizo of Surigao del Norte and Mrs. Rosita P. Pascual of Surgiao del Sur. 
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Mr. Caballero and Mrs. Pascual won the Best in casual attire. Mrs. Gaudencia A. Bedra of Bayugan City and Mr. Caballero won the best in Filipiniana attire. Their rendition of an interpretative dance about protecting the environment won Mr. and Mrs. Caballero the Best in talent category. 

All winners received a cash award and a plaque. Consolation prizes were also given to other contestants. 

The Board of Judges was composed of Mr. Rio Santos-Cagmat, AO V, Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology, Chairperson; DSWD Caraga’s Mr. Eval B. Makinano, Regional Training Coordinator and Mrs. Angelita B. Amista, Social Welfare Officer V, members. 

Mr. Ramon Carlota, Jr., Regional Federation of Senior Citizens Associations – Caraga Region, expressed on behalf of the senior citizens, their heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated in the search – the local government units and the senior citizens and the organizers for boosting the self esteem of the older persons and giving tribute to them through this activity.  

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Caraga initiated this first regional search in celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week pursuant to Proclamation No. 470 by former President V. Ramos, declaring every first week of October and every year thereafter as “Lingo ng Katandaang Pilipino” or Elderly Filipino Week. This year’s theme is “Nakatatanda: Dangal at Yaman Ng Bansa, Noon at Ngayon”.
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POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania

Recovery of loose firearms (drop box) 

PNP elements of San Francisco Municipal Police Station retrieved one unit homemade shotgun from their drop box for unwanted firearms on October 25, 2009 at 1:30 in the afternoon. 

On October 26, 2009 at 7:30 in the morning, personnel of Carmen Municipal Police Station led by PSINSP Dionesio Pingos retrieved two unit cal .22 revolver (paltik) without serial number and ammunitions from their Drop Box for Unwanted Firearms. 

At 9:00 in the morning, one unit homemade shotgun was retrieved by PNP elements of San Benito Municipal Police Station from their Drop Box for Unwanted Firearms. 

At 11:00 in the morning of the same date, one unit homemade cal .45 without serial number was recovered by Alegria Municipal Police Station from the Drop Box for unwanted firearms. 

Also, at 1:00 in the afternoon, personnel from San Benito Municipal Police Station retrieved one unit homemade shotgun from their deposit box for unwanted firearms. 

Aforesaid firearms are now under the custody of aforementioned Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Another one unit cal .38 revolver without serial number was retrieved by PNP elements of Malimono Municipal Police Station from their Drop Box for Unwanted Firearms on October 26, 2009 at 1:30 in the afternoon. 

Meanwhile, at 2:00 in the afternoon, one unit cal .38 revolver without serial number was retrieved by PNP elements of San Isidro Municipal Police Station from their deposit Box for Unwanted Firearms. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

Voluntary surrender of loose firearm 

On October 25, 2009 at 9:30 in the morning at Las Nieves Municipal Police Station, a concerned citizen, who requested for anonymity voluntarily surrendered one unit cal .22 revolver and one unit homemade shotgun without serial numbers. 

At 9:00 in the morning, a certain Irenio Deloso, Barangay Captain of Brgy. Taud-oy, Magallanes, Agusan del Norte turned-over to Magallanes Municipal Police Station one cal .38 revolver (paltik) without serial number. Said firearm was surrendered to aforementioned Barangay Official by one of his constituents who requested for anonymity. 

On October 26, 2009 at 1:30 in the afternoon at Cagdianao Municipal Police Station, one Lutgardo Eupeña, Barangay Captain of Brgy. Boa, Cagdianao, Dinagat Island dropped one cal .38 revolver without serial number to their Drop Box for Unwanted Firearms. 

Also, on October 26, 2009 at 5:00 in the afternoon at Brgy. Doongan, Butuan City, a concerned citizen voluntarily surrendered his cal .22 revolver without serial number to the personnel of City Mobile Group, Butuan City Police Office who conducted checkpoint at said place. Aforesaid firearms are now under the custody of aforementioned Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

PNP arrests wanted person 

On October 26, 2009 at 12:00 noon, a certain Charlon Congriso, 33 years old, married and resident of said place was apprehended by SPO3 Advincula of Butuan City Police Station 2 by virtue of WOA under CC number 41926 for violation of PD 1612 issued by Hon Judge James V Go of MTCC Branch 2, Libertad, Butuan City dated October 21, 2009 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 12, 000.00. Subject person is now detained at Butuan City Police Station 2 for proper disposition. 

Also, at 12:30 in the afternoon at Purok-Silangan, Barangay Agusan Pequiño, Butuan City, one Arnel Villanueva, alias Pua, 31 years old, single, resident of said place was arrested by SPO3 Advincula of Butuan City Police Station 2 by virtue of WOA under CC number 13657 for robbery with physical injuries issued by Hon Judge Augustus L Calo of RTC Branch 6, Libertad, Butuan City dated September 28, 2009 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 180,000.00. Subject person now detained at BCPS2 for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)


PIA News Service - Monday, Oct. 26, 2009

DOH opens more BnBs in the region
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BUTUAN CITY – Amidst clamor over high prices of medicines, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga intensifies campaign on availability of cheaper medicines by opening up more Botika ng Barangays (BnBs) in the region.
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DOH Caraga aims to establish one BnB outlet in two neighboring barangays before the end of 2010. 
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As of September 2009, DOH Caraga already has 439 BnBs in the region. This includes 68 BnBs in Agusan del Norte, 132 BnBs in Agusan del Sur, 128 BnBs in Surigao del Norte, 35 BnBs in Dinagat and 76 BnBs in Surigao del Sur.  
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The BnB aims to provide safe, effective, available, accessible, affordable and quality medicines to the majority of the people especially the poor. 
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BnB is a collaboration of the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC). 
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BnB is a drug outlet initially identified, evaluated and selected by the regional DOH and approved by PHARMA 50 PMU. It is duly licensed by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD). 
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BnB sells low-priced generic over-the-counter drugs and six selected prescription drugs namely Captopril, Metoprolol, Metformin, Glibenclamide, Amoxicillin and Cotrimoxazole. (Lovely Laudette Gamba, PIA-Caraga)
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10 barangays in Caraga receives best BnB award
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BUTUAN CITY – Ten barangays in the region receives Best Botika ng Barangay (BnB) award during the 1st BNB Convention and Regional Awarding, here, this city, recently. 
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The awardees were Barangay San Juan and Bonifacio of Surigao City; Barangay Camagong and Culit of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; Barangay Doña Telesfora of Tubay, Agusan del Norte; Barangay Sta. Irene and San Jose of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Barangay Panamaon of Loreto, Dinagat Province; Barangay Tubo-Tubo of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur; and Barangay Oteiza of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. 
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The awards were given to the respective mayors of each municipality and city. 
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The award aims to encourage BnB operators by recognizing and providing incentives to the best performing Botika ng Barangay outlets nationwide. 

It aims to assess the performance of BnB in terms of their contribution in making drugs available, affordable and accessible at the barangay level. 
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It is conceptualized to identify strengths and weaknesses in the performance of BnB outlets and to promote and create awareness on the use of Generic drugs and medicines through the BnBs. (Lovely Laudette Gamba, PIA-Caraga) 
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6 other remaining DENR personnel freed by kidnappers
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The DENR has succeeded in securing the freedom of the six other DENR hostages from the hands of kidnap leader Leonardo Andot Behing today without bloodshed. No ransom was paid.
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“The release of the hostages was unconditional,” the DENR Crisis Management Committee reported to Secretary Lito Atienza, Jr.
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The DENR personnel were freed by the kidnappers because of moral pressures after the negotiating panel led by NCIP Regional Director Atty.Jake Dumagan explained, the DENR programs and various assistance and projects for the lumads over the past years.
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The six remaining hostages identified as Forester Gabriel Arlan, Team leader, Rito Espenido, Teofredo E. Pujadas , Rudy A. Clar , Edgardo Abogatal and Idelfonso Jayme were accompanied by the NCIP Director in the remote mountain Barangay of Kulambogan about 25 kilometers from Butuan City. The hostages were met by the DENR Regional Executive Director Edilberto S. Buiser at the remote Barangay Kolambogan about 25 kilometers from Butuan City. 
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They were immediately brought to the house of Butuan City Bishop Juan DeDios Pueblos where they took light meals before they were taken by the Philippine National Police for proper medical checkup and debriefing. 
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DENR Secretary Lito Atienza,Jr. expressed happiness when he learned immediately of the release of the hostages.
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In a phone message Secretary Atienza said “I understand the hardship you have been through and the anxieties and untold miseries that the members of your immediate families and love ones have experienced during those period of crisis”.  
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Since the start of the crisis Secretary Atienza had been sending instruction to RED Edilberto S. Buiser about procedures and details of negotiation with the abductors.
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“The DENR Secretary was in close contact with the DENR Crisis Management Committee since the first day of the kidnapping incident” RED Buiser said. 
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Secretary Atienza congratulated the Crisis Management Team for a “job well done”. “Rest assured that I will always be at your side in guarding our critical watershed and natural resources which you have courageously demonstrated”, Secretary Atienza said. 
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RED Buiser thanked the NCIP director, the PNP Regional Director Chief Superintent Lino de Guzman Calingasan and the lumad leaders Datu Libano Iligan, Barangay Captain Tata Carlos , and other tribal elders who helped in the negotiation for the release of the abducted DENR personnel. 
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Buiser was accompanied by his senior staff Regional Technical Director for forestry Ali M. Bari, Regional Technical Director for Research Virgilio dela Cruz, PENRO Rosendo Asunto of Agusan del Sur , CENR Officers Jaime Acebu and Raul Rosales, when they fetched the release hostages in Barangay Kolambogan. 
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In his report to Secretary Atienza, the Crisis Management Committee said “the DENR personnel were freed by the kidnappers because of the moral pressures”.
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Likewise, the negotiating panel also explained to Behing about the DENR programs that made him realized his predicament and wrong actions. “The DENR has been always extending livelihood assistance to the lumads over the last two decades” RED Buiser said. (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)
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TESDA, DOLE, TSOBAN lock arms to hold Jobs Bridging Program
By: Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.

BUTUAN CITY – Amidst the blaring resonance of sound system and even under the intense heat of the glaring sun, students and graduates alike, including other job seekers, trooped and flocked into the compound of the AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC) College here as early as 8:00am this 23rd day of October 2009 in search for jobs commensurate to their respective qualifications, experiences and certification credentials.  

The Technical Schools of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte (TSOBAN) in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), trailblazed the holding of such job search mechanism – dubbed as Jobs Bridging and Blue Desk Program – in order to reach out to the growing population of Filipino individuals seeking jobs either for domestic or international market.  

Engr. Alan L. Atega, TSOBAN President and the current School Director of ACLC College, revealed that the program is a “private led-government supported” attempt, which primarily aims to cater to the students and graduates of the Pangulong Gloria Scholarship (PGS) Program. However, he deemed it proper to extend and expand the reach of the program to include also walk-in clients such as Overseas Filipino Workers, Displaced Workers, and other job seekers.

He further revealed to the ABS CBN crew that on top of the Jobs Fair and Bridging, the Jobs Center will also be launched at the compound of ACLC College featuring the Blue Desk of TESDA, the DOLE Employment Kiosk, and the ACLC Jobs Assistance Placement Office. Undergirded by JobsDB.com and PhilJobs.net respectively, the said jobs mechanism services will help the applicants be posted online and their resume will be seen here and abroad by prospective employers scouting for qualified and certified, job-fit and job-ready job seekers. He added: “This activity, specifically for Butuan City and the Province of Agusan del Norte, is actually the localized version of the Caraga-wide Jobs Bridging Program” held last June 26, 2009 at the Balanghai Hotel here.

According to OIC-Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. of TESDA Caraga, the holding of the localized version is actually part of the arrangement signed between the schools and TESDA, wherein the former ought to assist or find an employment for at least 60% of their PGS scholars.

Based on the statistics provided for by OIC-Provincial Director of TESDA Agusan del Norte, “There were actually 430 registered job seekers at the close of the whole-day Jobs Bridging Program – of whom 132 were hired on the spot and another 240 were nearly hired,” needing only additional documents for them to be eventually hired.

He likewise appreciated the private sector, led by TSOBAN, in addressing poverty through such type of program. His passionate request was that “May you continue this type of program by institutionalizing it” on a perennial basis.

The whole day activity and formal launching of the program was likewise supported by other government agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the National Statistics Office in tandem with other private sector recruiters.  

Mr. Carlos Minguita, Document Processor from the DFA, divulged that “the application of passports by the job seekers is made very easy by his office because all the applicant has to do is to show valid identification card and valid birth certificate, plus a processing fee of PhP500.00.” After complying with the requirements, he said, “the applicant will be made to wait at most 15 working days for him to get his passport at the DFA.”

Local recruiters present during the event were the Agusan Plywood Corporation; Altaka Manpower Services, Inc.; ALU Glass Design and Automation Security Services; Bayantel Communications; Enterprise Bank, Inc.; EMCO Plywood Corporation; Gaisano Mall; Green Bank, Inc.; Jolibee-Butuan Centro; Philippine Softwood Plywood, Inc. – all of Butuan City. Recruiters from other locations were the Active Works, Inc.; Admiral Overseas Employment Corporation; Careplus International Services, Inc.; and the MHHR Manpower Recruitment and Placement Agency Corporation.

Ms. Anelyn D. Antonio, Human Resource Asst. on Employee Services and head of delegation of the Enterprise Bank, disclosed that they are in search of at least 50 Marketing Officers to populate their growing number of branches in the Visayas and Mindanao. Also, they are in search of Management Trainees, Admin and Finance Staff, and Business Development Managers.

Joseph Supangan, Branch Manager of the Admiral Overseas Employment Corporation, boasted that they are one of the more established recruitment agencies for having existed for about 36 years already. When asked where lots of their recruits are headed or based now, he shared: “We have recruits mostly in the Middle East such as Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman. We also have recruits working in Nigeria.”
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DOLE, RCMBMPC, COMET turn over livelihood project 
LAWA beneficiaries optimistic of bright prospects

By: Rtn. Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.

LOS ANGELES, BUTUAN CITY – It took more than a year of planning and inception before the Cassava Flour Production Project finally took off the ground, “but it’s worth the wait,” thus said the Los Angeles Women’s Association beneficiaries here, who glowed and bellowed because of the bright prospects that it can deliver for them.  

Why can’t they when the project itself is worth the whooping sum of PhP413,000.00, which was gradually realized through a collaborative stake of land, labor and capital tempered with passion and perseverance, and tendered by at least four entities – to include them.  

Hence, in kind and/or cash, the Department of Labor and Employment Caraga Region provided the amount of PhP328,000.00; the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan Multi-Purpose Cooperative imparted its leg-working and consultancy services as Accredited Co-Partner (ACP) to the tune of PhP30,000.00; the LAWA beneficiaries themselves shared PhP10,000.00 for food for work and other contingencies; and the Cane Optimum Metals Engineering Technology, Industries (COMET, Ind.) of Engr. Roderico B. Cane shelled out at least PhP45,000.00 as stake to realize the project. But the summation of stake went beyond the estimated cost as COMET, Ind. likewise lent the land and brand new building pro bono for at least three to five years for the livelihood project to whirl and spin to a good start.  

To ignite such potential and release them to pursue their desire of launching the project, the DOLE, RCMBMPC and COMET, Ind. officially turned over to them the livelihood project recently amidst cheers and optimism that a bright prospect lay ahead for them.  

Engr. Cane, who fabricated many of the equipment at a rock bottom price, pointed out with confidence that their project is “flexible and versatile in terms of products that could be churned out”. Not only cassava flour, but other products also,” this he said. And he counted on his fingers that they can add at least five other types of products: ube flour, coco flour, banana flour, and even dried fish and dried mangoes. As if prophetic, he foresaw the day when many of them – who are currently his piece rate workers at the Joy Table Sauce Factory – would not remain as employees, but will go on as employers in the near future. “But you have to sacrifice and stay united,” this he cautioned.

Assistant Regional Director Romeo Cagas of DOLE Region XIII waxed poetic in encouraging them to strive and be counted as useful citizens. He informed them that DOLE’s role is to facilitate employment and added a challenge with a dangling carrot: “We hope to provide you with additional support – that is if you will handle the project superbly.”  

Afterwards, he handed over the PhP50,000.00 in check, which represents the final tranche of the DOLE’s support to LAWA. The fund will be used as seed capital for them to purchase raw materials, such as cassava, in order for them to keep the equipment toiling and whining with products.  
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Dr. Aurora Zaportiza, PESO Manager of Butuan City and who represents City Mayor Democrito Plaza II, lauded the project itself as a collaboration of various actors. She pointed out that her office, as a matter of policy, would be closely monitoring the project in order to use it as a benchmark or role model – that is, if it succeeds.  
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Abelardo F. Garcia, Jr., Charter President of the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan (RCMB) and the pioneering Chair of the RCMBMPC, shared also that the realization of the project was littered with “blood, toils, tears, and sweat.” Being an ACP, he admitted, “is not a walk in the park; we carry with us the responsibility and accountability of facilitating the realization and success of the project.” At the bottom line, he urged the beneficiaries to make the most out of such opportunity, because “the future – your future – lies in your hands already.”
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John Uy, current President of RCMB, likewise shared his thoughts to them in a philosophical manner: “Now we, in the Rotary Club, simply perceived ourselves to be like a wind beneath the wings of our beneficiaries. We have tried helping you soar like an eagle, but you have to do the flapping. Obviously, there will be moments that the wind would no longer be there. But we urge you to just keep on flapping until you reach your desired destiny. This means that you need to unite, sacrifice, and persevere no matter what. According to Washington Irving: ‘Great minds have purposes; others have wishes. Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them.’” 
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With aplomb, District Governor Antonio Veneracion of Rotary International District 3860, who came all the way from General Santos City, shared also that “We in the Rotary always seeks avenues to serve the likes of you.” That’s why “in the communities where we are serving, we always seek to empower our beneficiaries to become productive. And we will feel successful and effective only when you least depend on us in the end.” In conclusion, he urged the beneficiaries to give glory to God for such a wonderful breakthrough, and especially when they have been successful already as entrepreneurs.  
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 Elvira Tolentino, President of LAWA, rose up to the challenge in response, declaring the group’s commitment for them to be good stewards of the livelihood breakthrough that would help in alleviating them from the throes of helplessness and grinding poverty. 
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Handog Para kay Lolo at Lola 
By Leah T. Quintana 

BUTUAN CITY – In celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week on October 1-7, the Regional Inter-Agency Committee for Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC) recently held the Handog Para Kay Lolo at Lola, a concerted gift-giving activity of the members of RIAC-SC and other line agencies for the benefit of the 35 residents of Por Cristo Home of the Abandoned Elderly in Abilan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. 
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(left photo) Fe Saumat, SWOIII, leads the distribution of goods to the elderly residents of Por Cristo and PO3 Fernando Mejica (right photo) helps Lola Maria Guiritan while eating spaghetti.
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A total of 18 National Government Agencies joined the activity. These agencies are DSWD, PIA, PNP-PRO XIII, DPWH, NCIP, DTI, DILG, PAROLE AND PROBATION, POPCOM, DOJ-ORSP, PHIC, CHR, TESDA, DBM, DOST, DOLE, SSS, and NEDA. The City Social Welfare Office (CSWDO) of Butuan City also participated in the said activity. Another individual donor, Jeanne Marie F. Marasigan also shared her blessings to the elderly. 
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As chair of the RIAC-SC, the DSWD Caraga spearheaded the distribution of goods containing food and non-food items to the oldies including one sack of rice from the CSWDO of Butuan City. 
Ms. Fe Saumat, SWO III of DSWD Caraga, told the elderly at Por Cristo that in this celebration “it is just but right to recognize your important role in building this nation because I believe that some or all of you have contributed much for the welfare of the Filipino family at present. 
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In his testimony, Lolo Francisco de Lima, 73 years old, thanked the participating agencies on behalf of his co-residents, for remembering them and for the gifts given to them. 
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The theme for this year’s celebration is “Nakatatanda: Huwaran at Yaman ng Bansa, Noon at Ngayon.”
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PGMA, Cabinet-men sees exit-visit Mindanao Week of Peace
by Ronnel Calo, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, The People's Guardian

BUTUAN CITY – Stakeholders of the Mindanao Week of Peace set November 26-December 2, 2009 here are gearing up for the expected active participation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her top aides as she sought out closure to the elusive just and lasting peace in Mindanao, one of her avowed legacy before her term ends in June next year.
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This was disclosed by Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios M. Pueblos, DD on Monday during the Bishops-Ulamas Conference (BUC) and Indigenous Peoples’ Apostolate’s (IPA) meeting, preparatory to the Caraga-wide Indigenous Peoples’ Conference kick-off activities on October 22 at the Cabadbaran Municipal Gymnasium in Agusan del Norte. Both BUC and IPA are member-stakeholders of the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) where Bishop Pueblos co-chairs.
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Initiated in 1998 by the Peace Advocates of Zamboanga (PAZ), the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) regionwide celebrations, later vigorously promoted by the Bishops and Ulamas who forged what is now known as the BUC, have energized the people to express in many varied ways Mindanao’s need and aspirations for lasting peace.
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President Arroyo had, in the past years, hailed the inter-faith, inter-cultural gathering of Muslims, Christians and lumads in Butuan City as a triumph of constructive dialogue and faith-based pursuit of peaceful co-existence among Mindanaoans.
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This will be the President’s last foray into the ancient kingdom of Butuan and Caraga as a peace and development prime-mover.
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“In the spirit of fraternal collaboration and solidarity, we greet with respect our fellow Mindanawons as we celebrate once again the Mindanao Week of Peace, simultaneous with CCPD’s 3rd founding anniversary commemoration,” Bishop Pueblos and Ulama Alim Mapaso said in a joint statement.
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“If peace has to be brought up personally to Mindanao by every Mindanawons, this need and aspiration must influence the individual thoughts and feelings of us all,” the statement added.
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Hawodon Mansangyawan Tyrone Power A. Calo, of the IPA secretariat representing the indigenous peoples of Caraga in the said meeting clarified the statement’s message, saying: “since our Holy Scriptures remind us always that each of us bears the image of the Almighty and Merciful Creator in our souls and spirit, this godly gift must always be in our minds when we think, in our hearts when we feel, and in our behavior when entire Mindanao as one and solid community calls for a just and lasting peace.”
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According to Hawodon Mansangyawan, all the President’s men signified their solidarity and fraternity with the peace and development efforts spearheaded by the CCPD, BUC, OPPAP-SIP, Office of Muslim Affairs and the National Commission for the Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
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Among those scheduled to accompany President Arroyo are National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales, Secretaries Jesli Lapus of Education, Jose “Lito” Atienza of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Ace Durano of Tourism and National Defense chief Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro.
A series of meaningful activities relative to this year’s theme: “Think Mindanao, Feel Mindanao, Bring Peace to Mindanao” are lined-up for the individual participation of the President and each Cabinet secretary, namely: tree planting, Peace Camp, Olym-peace and Sports-peace, Walk and Bike for Peace, Peace Concert and Rally, among others.
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Gloomy atmosphere
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But the recent abduction of Irish priest Michael Sinnott in Southern Mindanao cast gloom over the round-table discussion of the MWOP as they reiterated Mindanawons appeal to the abductors to release the 79-year-old cleric.
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In a letter circulated among religious leaders, Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar of the Diocese of Pagadian in Zamboanga where the MWOP was first held under the auspices of Peace Advocates of Zamboanga, appealed to the kidnappers to free the septuagenarian priest and “have pity on him.”
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“He is a peace-loving priest and has been sincerely serving our communities for some time in good faith,” Bishop Cabajar said in his open letter.
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Muslim preachers also condemned the abduction and branded the offense as an “act of Satan” and warned his captors that they would burn in hell.
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“Islam has strong advocacy for respect or religious leaders, regardless of their religions. Kidnapping religious leaders, therefore, is a form of Satanism,” said Imam Badrudin Amerodin, a Maranaw.
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Imam Mapanao, on the other hand, said kidnappings by armed Moro groups are unduly causing constraints on efforts by Islamic and Christian communities to propagate religious solidarity among Mindanao’s culturally-diverse people.
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Hawodon Mansangyawan aired the sentiments of the MWOP stakeholders that unless the Sinnott kidnapping will be peacefully resolved soon, it will once more strain relations among Mindanawons or result to the scuttling of the fragile peace accord being pursued by the government and the remaining separatist Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) rebels.
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“We now believe that there are some sectors in Mindanao that only want conflict and do not want peace. “When will we have genuine peace? Why can’t we have peace? We do not want history to repeat itself much more if its an ugly and bloody record,” Hawodon Mansangyawan Tyrone Power Calo said.
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POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania and PO2 Darlin Cabalinan-Migullas
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PNP touts accomplishments on loose firearm campaign
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Following continuous campaign of PNP personnel against loose firearms, several unwanted firearms have been turned over to the nearest Police Station or drop in designated drop boxes in every municipality. Holders of unlicensed firearm have also availed of the firearms amnesty from October 01 to 31, 2009. PNP accomplishment on loose firearms includes the following.
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On October 21, 2009 at 10:00 in the morning, Arthur Grana, Barangay Captain of San Pablo, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte voluntarily surrendered to Jabonga Municipal Police Station six units homemade shotgun and one unit cal .38 revolver (paltik). The firearms were recovered from the Drop Box at Barangay Magdagooc, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. The firearms are now under the custody of Jabonga Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
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Barangay Captain Roger Nanol of Barangay Aclan, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte turned-over two units of caliber .38 revolver without serial number to PSI Robertito Delo Pere, Chief of Police (COP) of Nasipit Municipal Police Station around 11:00 O'clock in the morning of October 22, 2009. 
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At 12:30 in the afternoon of same date, a certain Allan Guzman, of legal age and a resident of Barangay Poblacion 1, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte turned-over his caliber .38 revolver without serial number to the above mentioned COP. Surrendered firearms are now in custody of Nasipit Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. 
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One unit of improvised caliber .22 rifle was retrieved by personnel of Claver Municipal Police Station from their drop box at around 4:00 O'clock in the afternoon on October 22, 2009. The firearm is now under the custody of Claver Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. 
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At 4:30 in the afternoon, PNP personnel of Surigao del Norte PPO upon opening the Drop Box for Unwanted Firearms retrieve five units cal .22 revolver (Magnum); 23 units cal .38 revolver (long barrel) and one unit improvised shotgun all with defaced markings and no serial numbers.  
PNP elements of Surigao City Police Station also retrieve eight units cal .38 revolver with defaced serial number; one unit homemade shotgun and one unit cal .3516 from their Drop Box for Unwanted Firearms. The firearms are now under the custody of Surigao City Police Station. 
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On October 23, 2009 at 5:30 in the morning, PNP personnel of Santiago Municipal Police Station conducted retrieval/inspection of the Drop Box for Unwanted Firearms placed at the Barangay Hall of Barangay Tagbuyacan, Santiago, Agusan del Norte and were able to recover one unit cal .357 revolver without serial number. The firearm is now under the custody of Magallanes Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
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At about 6:00 O'clock in the morning of October 23, 2009, personnel of Socorro Municipal Police Station retrieved from their drop box one unit homemade shotgun, while at 8:00 O'clock in the morning of same date, one unit homemade shotgun was retrieved by personnel of Bacuag Municipal Police Station from their drop box. 
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Also, at 8:00 in the morning, one unit cal .38 revolver without serial number was retrieved by PNP elements of Gigaquit Municipal Police Station, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte from their Firearms Drop Box. The firearm is now under the custody of Gigaquit Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. One unit cal .38 revolver with serial number 07255 was also retrieved by elements of Sta Monica Municipal Police Station, Sta Monica, Surigao del Norte from their Drop Box for Unwanted firearms on the same time and date. The firearm is now deposited at Sta Monica Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. 
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At 9:00 in the morning of the same date, two units of homemade shotguns without serial number were retrieved by elements of Mainit Municipal Police Station, Mainit, Surigao del Norte. The firearms are now under the custody of Mainit Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. 
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At around 11:00 am, Magallanes Municipal Police Station recovered one unit homemade shotgun from their Drop Box for Unwanted Firearm. The firearm is now under the custody of Magallanes Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. 
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On the other hand, at around 3:00 O'clock in the afternoon of same date, personnel of San Isidro Municipal Police Station were able to retrieved from their drop box for unwanted firearms three units of caliber .38 revolvers with defaced serial number and one unit improvised shotgun (Sumpak). Said firearms are now under the custody of the respective Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. 
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On October 24, 2009 at around 8:00 O'clock in the morning, personnel of Sta. Monica Municipal Police Station was able to retrieved from their drop box one unit caliber .38 revolver with defaced serial number. At about 9:00 O'clock in the morning of same date, one unit caliber .38 revolver was retrieved by personnel of San Benito Municipal Police Station from their drop box of unwanted firearms. At the same time, personnel of Malimono Municipal Police Station retrieved from their drop box one unit caliber .22 rifle and one unit homemade shotgun with defaced serial number. 
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Meanwhile, at 3:00 O'clock in the afternoon of same date, personnel of Butuan City Police Station (BCPS) 4 were able to retrieved eight units of homemade shotgun and one (1) unit homemade caliber .22 revolver. Said firearms are now in custody of the concerned Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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PNP arrests wanted person
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A certain Nathaniel O. Gubaton, of legal age, married, fisherman and a resident of Sitio Sta. Ines, Barangay Catangnan, General Luna, Surigao del Norte was arrested by personnel of General Luna Municipal Police Station led by PO3 Ramil Polvorosa. Said suspect was arrested on October 23, 2009 at around 10:30 in the morning at the above-mentioned place by virtue of Warrant of Arrest (WOA) issued by Hon. Evangeline S. Yuipco-Bayana, Executive Judge, RTC Branch 31, Dapa, Suirgao del Norte for violation of R.A. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children) docketed under criminal case number 09-82 with recommended bailbond of PhP 24, 000.00.
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Arrested person was now detained at Surigao del Norte Provincial Jail Sub-Office, Dapa, Surigao del Norte for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)