(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Monday, 11 November 2024) At 3:00 AM today, the center of Typhoon "NIKA" {TORAJI} was estimated based on all available data at 120 km East Southeast of Casiguran, Aurora (15.9°N, 123.2°E) with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h and gustiness of up to 150 km/h. It is moving West Northwestward at 20 km/h. TROPICAL CYCLONE OUTSIDE PAR AS OF 3:00 AM TODAY SEVERE TROPICAL STORM YINXING (2422) (FORMERLY "MARCE") LOCATION: 880 KM WEST OF NORTHERN LUZON (18.5°N, 112.2°E) MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 110 KM/H NEAR THE CENTER GUSTINESS: UP TO 135 KM/H MOVEMENT: SOUTHWESTWARD AT 15 KM/H TROPICAL STORM MAN-YI (2424) LOCATION: 3,555 KM EAST OF CENTRAL LUZON (15.2°N, 154.8°E) MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 85 KM/H NEAR THE CENTER GUSTINESS: UP TO 105 KM/H MOVEMENT: EASTWARD SLOWLY TROPICAL DEPRESSION LOCATION: 1,685 KM EAST OF EASTERN VISAYAS (11.4°N, 141.2°E) MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 45 KM/H NEAR THE CENTER GUSTINESS: UP TO 55 KM/H MOVEMENT: WEST NORTHWESTWARD AT 35 KM/H 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: 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 Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


PIA News Service - Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Agusan del Sur Gov orders full implementation of environmental laws
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By: Dave M. Suyao
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Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza warned “illegal and opportunists” logging and mining operators to be fair and align their businesses according to the requirements of the law, or will suffer the consequences when the government will apply sanctions to its fullest.
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Speaking before the members of the Agusan del Sur Environment and Sustainable Development Council - Save Agusan Task Force (ASESDC - Save Agusan TF) Gov. Eddiebong said, even before his assumption to office on July 1st, he already learned that many logging and mining businessmen are operating illegally in the province of Agusan del Sur, using the lumads as fronts, in order that they can operate.
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“I know these people who are taking advantage of fooling the lumads in order that they can continue their illegal activities in the province. But I am warning anybody, that the law will prevail, and I will make sure they will pay all the consequences of the violations they committed”, Gov. Eddiebong said.
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In support to the seventh point program of the provincial government which is Environmental Protection, officers and members of the ASESDC - Save Agusan TF convened recently so that former Gov. (now Congresswoman, 1st District) Maria Valentina “Tina” Plaza could turn-over one of her pet programs to Gov. Eddiebong, and to formulate the annual work program of the council which will serve as the council’s bible of operation.
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Inspired by Gov. Eddiebong’s message, the members thoroughly reviewed the duties and responsibilities of the Save Agusan Task Force as stipulated in the Executive Order No. 04-09 signed by then Gov. Tina Plaza on February 6, 2009, amending Executive Order 05-05, renaming the Provincial Task Force on Natural Resources Protection and Utilization into Save Agusan Task Force.
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The Task Force also reviewed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Executive Order No. 04-09 in order that it will become effective and fair for both the capable investors, the lumads and the government.
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On July 21, the Save Agusan Task Force will again meet to finalize the IRR and the work program so that full implementation of Executive Order No. 04-09 will take effect. The work program will also include the mitigating measures on global warming and climate change. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Infant treated for burns receives cash assistance from prov’l gov’t

SURIGAO DEL NORTE – Gov. Sol Matugas personally visited the 7-month old Baby Angel who was treated for burns after falling from a frying pan last Tuesday, July 6.

The lady governor made an unscheduled visit to the victim at Caraga Regional Hospital Monday afternoon, July 12 to personally see the condition of the baby. She stayed for a couple of minutes at the hospital. 

Gov. Matugas also handed over to the family her cash assistance of P10,000.

It may be recalled that Baby Angel was rushed by her parents at the hospital after her mother accidentally dropped her into the frying pan. The infant suffered second-degree burns in the face and half of her body. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Surigao Norte lady governor asks SP’s support on HEALS agenda

SURIGAO DEL NORTE - Governor Sol Matugas has asked members of the new Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for support on her development agenda and platform dubbed as HEALS which stands for Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture and Aquaculture, Livelihood and Tourism, Spiritual Renewal, Senior Citizens and people with Special Needs, Security and other Social Welfare initiatives.

The lady governor sounded the appeal during the 25th regular session at the SP session hall, Monday, July 12. 

“I look fully well that I shall always earnestly seek the cooperation of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan thru your political and legislative support to my policies,” she said. 

Under her watch as the first lady governor of the province, she said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) would be a partner for development not lenient and subservient. 

Presenting her HEALS agenda, Matugas hoped that SP would act: 1) On Health: that BHWs will be institutionalized and that common policies and standards be crafted to be able to implement the program throughout the province effectively; 2) On education: SP should craft a provincial education roadmap that is responsive and relevant to the needs of our people; 3) On environment: SP should conduct a thorough investigation on illegal mining, fishing and logging as identified in the SWOT analysis and to craft possible regulatory policies; 4) On livelihood: conduct a study on micro-financing as a provincial flagship program on livelihood; 5) On social problems: find an urgent solution to the ever growing problem of illegal drugs in the province; 5) On spiritual enhancement: request all departments/agencies in the province to revitalize and institutionalize the Moral Recovery Program as a vehicle for values formation.

Gov. Matugas said the agenda would only be realized with the support of the members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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News Feature: Surigao needs to be ‘healed’ 

SURIGAO DEL NORTE - For the province to recover from its shameful tag as one of the poorest provinces in the country, there is an urgent need to inject the right medicine to cure its abject poverty – thereby healing its lingering illness of economic uncertainty and eventually bring back life to its once-bubbly local economy. That medicine is actually a multi-faceted program capsulized as HEALS which will be implemented by the new governor, Dr. Sol Forcadilla-Matugas, the first lady chief executive of the province. HEALS stands for Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture and Aquaculture, Livelihood, Spiritual Renewal, Social Welfare and Security. 

As the new administration of Governor Sol F. Matugas would start moving this month of July, Surigaonons are enjoined to help and participate in transforming our province into Ang Bag-ong Surigao (The New Surigao). This was the gist of the inaugural speech she delivered before an estimated crowd of 6,000 spectators who attended the installation ceremonies of newly-elected and reelected provincial officials, which included Cong. Francisco Matugas and Cong. Guillermo Romarate, Jr. of District 1 and District 2, respectively, which was held at the Provincial Gymnasium in Surigao City on June 30, 2010. 

“Out of this beautiful province blessed with rich natural resources and a strong human resource of almost 481,000 people all vibrating with one vision, the solid cornerstone for “The New Surigao” will be planted. Under my watch, “Ang Bag-ong Surigao” will emerge as a living testament of good governance and true dedicated service aimed to achieve Surigao’s unity, peace and progress. 

“In achieving this, we should bring with us our individual commitment to hold the delicate balance of priorities in the areas of Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture and Aquaculture, Livelihood, Spiritual Renewal, Social Welfare and Security. 

“This platform symbolizes a leadership that is God-fearing, compassionate, innovative, focused, creative, but most importantly, accountable,” the attractive governor stressed. 
  
Gov. Matugas also bared the roadmap to healing, renewal and eventual progress of our province which, until now, is suffering from the stigma of being one of the 10 poorest provinces in the country. 

The road to healing and progress has set the journey with a clear vision of a province and people who will live in dignity and who will care for one another in a free, peaceful, progressive and environment-friendly Surigao del Norte - anchored on their faith in the Divine Providence, it was learned. 

Prior to her speech, Sol Matugas was sworn into office as the duly-elected and first lady governor of Surigao del Norte by Associate Justice Isaias Dicdican of the Court of Appeals who administered her oath. 

CHALLENGES AHEAD 

Matugas said the province was facing a difficult financial problem that would literally confront her new administration. 

“We all have to bear and suffer – most pressing of which is the staggering debt payments of over 8 MILLION PESOS to be paid every month for the next seven years which the province is compelled to fulfill. This debt service will certainly cause more misery and deprivation of the fruits of development,” she lamented. 

It has been noted that during the incumbency of the two Barbers scions, namely, ex-governor Robert Lyndon Barbers and ex-governor Robert Ace Barbers, the province incurred huge debts amounting to hundreds of millions in pesos for various projects wherein some of which became controversial. 

Aware of the financial burden she inherited from the past administration and the lack of “cure-all or quick guide” in solving the said problem, she appealed to every Surigaonon to come out and help her in shaping up the province to become progressive by giving the best of what they have in their respective chosen fields. 

AGENDUM 

Gov. Matugas revealed that in pursuing her dreams and aspiration of establishing ANG BAG-ONG SURIGAO, she had come up with her pet project called HEALS which encompassed the areas of Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture and Aquaculture, Livelihood, Spiritual Renewal, Social Welfare and Security. 

The said areas were considered as serious concerns which would merit efficient and effective study, immediate attention and action. The said urgent needs came out after a serious analysis of the condition of our province, she emphasized. 

In her 40-minute speech, the lady governor enthralled the audience with her sincerity, wit and sense of humor. Astonishingly, she got 40 rounds of applause and a dozen bursts of laughter from the receptive audience during her entire oratory. (Roel N. Catoto, The Agusan-Surigao Enquirer/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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DILG XIII conducts Regional Capacity Development Exposition (CDEX) 2010
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BUTUAN CITY - The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region XIII will hold its Regional Capacity Development Exposition (CDEX) 2010 on July 14, 2010 in Dottie’s Place Hotel. The said activity is aimed to showcase the capacity development programs, interventions and innovative strategies on good local governance in Region XIII. CDEX will also be an avenue for local governments and stakeholders in forging alliances in addressing the challenges on capacity development.  
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The highlights of the activity include: presentation of capacity development programs for LGUs, recognition of LGU’s exemplary performance in governance, covenant signing, one-on-one dialogue between local chief executives and capacity development agents, exhibits/display of knowledge products of the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC).
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Hon. Austere A. Panadero, Undersecretary for Local Government, will grace the activity and provide insights on how CDEX can improve governance in addressing LGUs performance and bridging competency gaps. (Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise, DILG-13/ PIA-Caraga)


PULIS REPORTS
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Cebuano News: Mag-uuma gibugha
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Ni Michael Imbo
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BUTUAN CITY- Gipusil ang usa ka 33 anyos mag-uuma sa wala pa mailhing suspek nga miresulta sa hinanali niining kamatayon, didto sa Purok 7, Sitio Andaman, Barangay Maygatasan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, dili pa lang dogay.
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Sa pulis report nga nakutlo gikan sa PNP 13, nahibaloan nga pasado alas 7:00 ang takna sa gabii nahitabo ang insidente.
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Ang biktima giila sa pangalan nga Ranilo Tariao Morales, minyo ug nanimuyo sa Purok-7, Sitio Andaman, Brgy Maygatasan, Bayugan City.
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Sumala sa report nga napusilan pud ang anak niini nga giila sa pangalan nga si Rena Tariao Alaba kinsa naigo tumong sa paa.
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Gidala ang mga biktima didto sa New Bayugan Medical Hospital alang sa pagpatambal.
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Ang elemento sa Bayugan City Police Station (CPS) pinanguluhan ni SPO4 Lito Libres ang daling mi-responde sa insidente.
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Apan sumala pa nga abtik nga nakasibat ang suspek paingon sa wala masayring direksyon.
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Padayon ang gihimong imbestogasyon sa kapulisan alang sa pagsuta sa motibo ug pag-ila sa suspetsado. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
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Cebuano News: Barangay tanod gipusil sa CAFGU
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Ni Michael Imbo
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BUTUAN CITY- Naligo sa kaugalingong dugo ang usa ka Barangay tanod kinsa gipusil sa matud pa sakop sa Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), didto sa Purok 1, Barangay Balobo, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.
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Sa nakuhang report gikan sa PNP 13, nasayran nga ang pasado alas 7:00 ang takna sa gabii nahitabo ang krimen.
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Ang biktima naila sa pangalan nga Junifer Navasca, hamtong ang panuigon, Barangay Tanod, minyo ug residente sa Purok 1, Barangay Balobo, Esperanza.
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Ang suspek gitudlo sa pangalan nga Carmilito Jovillar Indoc, 47 anyos, member sa CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) of 23IB, Philippine Army ug residente sa Purok-2, sa maong lugar.
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Sa imbestigasyon nga gilusad sa kapulisan nahibaloan nga gigamit sa suspek ang usa ka home made shotgun (surit-surit).
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Ang biktima naigo sa dughan hinungdan sa hinanali niining kamatayon.
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Ang suspek naaresto ni Brgy. Captain Marcelino Singatao Jr. uban ang armas nga gigamit sa suspek.
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Ang suspek gihatod sa Esperanza Municipal Police Station alang sa insaktong disposisyon. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
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4ID Chief bares officers to occupy key positions in the division

CAGAYAN DE ORO - Following the reassignment of officers from the Diamond Division to other units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the unit, through its spokesperson, Lt Col Triumph Dominic G Bagaipo recently announced the names of officers who would be occupying key positions in the division.

Some of the posts include the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, G7, the office concerned with the dealings of the division with the different stakeholders within its area of operation such as the media, non government organizations, government line units and communities.  

In a turnover ceremony held at Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, it was announced that the chiefs of offices of Operations, Civil Military Operations, Training and Education, together with the Commanding Officers of 58th, 36th, 30th, and 23rd Infantry Battalions as well as 4th Division Training Unit will be reassigned and designated to their respective units with military orders effective July 09, 2010.

“I feel happy hearing that these gentlemen spoke with confidence, experience and background.” MGen Mario F. Chan AFP, the Commander of the 4th Infantry Division said in his remarks, referring to the speeches earlier delivered by the newly designated unit commanders.” I felt that I made the right choice designating them in their respective positions.” He continued.

Before assuming his post as Assistant Chief of Staff for Training and Education, G8, Col Cresente O Maligmat was the Commanding Officer of the 4th Division Training Unit . The outgoing Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3, Lt Col Erwin Rommel P Lamzon was reassigned to the 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion in Placer, SDN while the outgoing Assistant Chief of Staff for Training and Education, G8, Lt Col Jose Manuel L Mariano was sent to lead the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion stationed in Tago, SDS. Meanwhile, Lt Col Rene R Canete, the former Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, G7, now commands the 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion in Bislig , City SDS.

Lt Col Roberto A Valencia was the Battalion commander of 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion stationed in Placer, Surigao del Sur prior to his assignment as the Battalion Commander of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion while Lt Col Benjamin S Pedralvez, Commanding Officer, 4th Division Training Unit was with the 23rd (Masigasig) Infantry Battalion stationed in Patag, Cagayan de Oro City. 

Chan stressed the importance of the change of “players” of the Diamond Division as a need for improvement in strategies employed in continuing counterinsurgency. 

“This is life in the military. Once in a while you would have to change players so as we can improve the way we do things. It is also a method wherein we are able to help our progress in their career: we make them experience both field and staff work so as they would become more effective officers now and they advance in their careers.” Chan ended. (4ID, PA/PIA-Caraga)


36IB encounters NPA

DAYOAN, TAGO, SURIGAO DEL SUR - On Sunday afternoon, July 11 at around 1 o’clock, troops of 36IB encountered terrorist New Peoples Army (NPAs) in the mountainous part of Brgy Castillo, San Miguel, this province.

The military troop was led by 2Lt Pueblas when they clashed with about 80 Communist Terrorists carrying assorted high powered firearms. The fire fight lasted for 30 minutes where Private First Class Monding was wounded in action and undetermined casualty on the enemy side.

In line with this mission, the troops of the “Valor” Battalion continuously conducts security operations within its Area of Operation. This is another awakening for the local populace that the military is doing their duty whole-heartedly. There is no need for anybody to dictate them on what is supposed to be done, they just march forward and sincerely fight for every Filipinos human rights. 

The enemy is surely hurt by now one way or the other, the military is always willing to help them, and all they have to do is surrender and take advantage of the government initiated projects like the Social Integration Program or the “Balik Baril” program for the preservation of peace and the protection of the masses especially the children. 

We need not enter into a bloody revolution which the communist is so fond of believing, we need to be hand in hand in promoting a peaceful environment that will be conducive for development and lasting peace for generations to come.

Meanwhile, the 36 Infantry “Valor” Battalion is now under the new leadership of LTCOL JOSE EMMANUEL MARIANO INF (GSC) PA. The turn-over ceremony took-over last July 7,2010 at exactly 10 o’clock in the morning presided by COL AUGUSTO L TOLENTINO INF (GSC) PA as the able representative for MGEN MARIO F CHAN AFP. (36IB GABATIN/PIA-Caraga)