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


PIA News Service - Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010

News Feature: FNRI-DOST promotes daily vegetable consumption

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – The Food and Nutrition Research Institute – Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) promotes daily vegetable consumption. This was learned during the Nutrition Communication Network (NUTRICOMNET) and media forum, recently held at the DOST-Caraga Conference Hall, this city.

Mr. Salvador Serrano of FNRI-DOST said that eating green leafy and yellow vegetables can help people maintain good eyesight; keep the red blood cells; maintain healthy nerves; and make bones strong.

“There are also other types of vegetables that contain vitamins and minerals but in smaller amounts compared to green leafy and yellow vegetables. It helps in digestion and removal of waste; have cholesterol lowering effects due to its fiber; and provide roughage and bulk to prevent constipation,” Serrano added.

 FNRI-DOST hopes that the general public will realize the benefits of daily-eating vegetables to human’s health. (PIA-Caraga)


News Feature: FNRI-DOST encourages mothers to feed their babies with complementary foods

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – The Food and Nutrition Research Institute – Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) encourages all mothers to feed their babies with complementary foods, held recently during the Nutrition Communication Network (NUTRICOMNET) and media forum, recently held at the DOST-Caraga Conference Hall here.

According to Mr. Salvador Serrano of FNRI-DOST, after 6 months, breastmilk alone is not enough for the baby’s nutrient needs. At this stage, introduce baby to a variety of foods, and color, texture and taste of food. 

“Benefits of making your own baby foods are as follows: 1) helps provide variety and therefore balanced diet; 2) you know what the baby is eating; 3) you are assured of quality and safe food; 4) it’s cheap and fulfilling; 5) you are able to encourage healthy eating habits to the family; and 5) easily taken from family food,” said Serrano.

Serrano also added that when introducing solid foods to the baby’s diet, it must be given one at a time. Allow three days before trying out a new one. The purpose of the 3-day allowance before introducing another type of food is to know whether the baby has allergies/reactions on the food. 

Meanwhile, FNRI-DOST also emphasizes the best foods for babies and young children which are the cereals, root crops, fruits, legumes and beans, meat, fish and poultry, and other foods that contain fiber.

FNRI-DOST aims to achieve its vision and mission in providing information to the general public on the benefits of having a good and healthy lifestyle. (PIA-Caraga)


POLICE REPORT
By PO2 Darlin Cabalinan-Migullas



Agusan del Sur authorities arrest wanted person 

Joint elements of Regional Investigation Division, Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Intelligence Unit and San Luis MPS led by Police Chief Inspector Nilo Texon, COP conducted operation against wanted person on December 1, 2010, around 6:30 in the morning at Brgy, Doña Maxima, San Luis of the said Province. 

Said operation resulted to the arrest of one Jaime Robella Madalo, 47 years old, married, former Brgy. Kagawad and a resident of the abovementioned place. Said person was arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest issued by Hon. Hector Salise, Executive Judge, RTC Branch 7, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, charged for the crime of Murder docketed under criminal case number 2916 with no recommended bail bond.

On the other hand, around 8:00 O’clock in the morning of same date, another suspects identified as James Rico Monterel, 28 years old, single, farmer and a resident of Brgy. Doña Maxima, John Rey Robella Majadas, 23 years old, single, farmer and a resident of Brgy. Maritula and Jovie Cimafranca Bascon, 38 years old, married, farmer and a resident of Brgy. Doña Flavia all of San Luis, Agusan del Sur voluntarily surrendered to the said operating team. 

Said suspects have pending Warrant of Arrest charged for Murder docketed under criminal case number 2916 with no recommended bail bond. Said suspects are now under the custody of San Luis MPS for proper disposition. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on illegal gambling

On November 30, 2010, around 7:30 in the evening, a certain Gregoria Paler Malbas, 60 years old, widower and a certain Roldan Balansag Andora, 33 years old, single both residents of P-6, Brgy. Obrero, Butuan City. Said suspects were apprehended during the operation conducted by elements of Butuan City Police Station (BCPS) 2 and Butuan City Police Office, who were caught in the act, engaging in illegal gambling activities. 

Confiscated from the possession of the apprehended suspects were illegal gambling paraphernalia bet money amounting to P206.00 and P239.00 respectively. Suspects and confiscated items were brought to BCPS 2 for proper disposition. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

 
New Agusan del Norte police provincial chief installed today

Camp Rafael C Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City - CARAGA Police Director PCSUPT REYNALDO SERRANO RAFAL, Ph.D, CEO VI personally graced today the turn-over ceremony for the new Police Provincial Director in Agusan del Norte. The newly installed PSSUPT MANUEL DE GUZMAN OBRERA assumed office replacing PSSUPT NESTOR MONTON FAJURA, now the Regional Chief of Directorial Staff.  

The ceremony held at Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office, Libertad, Butuan City was attended by Honorable Erlpe John M Amante, Provincial Governor of Agusan del Norte as Guest of Honor and Speaker.  

Also attended the activity were PCSUPT NELSON PONSONES NARIO, Deputy Regional Director for Administration; Staff of PRO 13; Chiefs of Police in Agusan del Norte and other guests.  

RD RAFAL is optimistic that the policemen in the region can surely do the sworn tasks and prove its competence, time and again despite the challenges, through the CPNP’s Eight (8) Foundation Initiatives and Operational Imperatives which are: Doing and Training in the Basics; Procurement Review; Equipage; Police Community Partnership; Doctrine Development; Reward and Punishment; Human Rights and Mentoring Leadership. He emphasized that the priority actions should start with Good Manners and Right Performance of Duty.  

He firmly believed that the Eight Policing Foundation Priorities identified can be understood, can be implemented and can be put in motion immediately. The priority actions are all intended to push the reform agenda and strengthen the police service in real-time; meant to strengthen the institution and help to withstand the challenges confronting the PNP.

RD RAFAL made sure that every policeman commits himself completely to the Filipino people through maintaining peace in the streets, in the darkest alleys and in the community as a whole, clarifying that the police force is anywhere and everywhere, adding that the police stations shall be the frontline forces in accomplishing the PNPs mission of enforcing the law, preventing and control crimes, maintaining peace and order, and ensuring public safety in their respective area of responsibility. 

He also encouraged the public to take an active part in supporting the police and made sure to get rid of misfits and undesirable members of the police force in the region. The Provincial Chief Executive of Agusan del Norte, promised support to the police under his province. (PO2 Darlin Cabalinan-Migullas, PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)


197 new police officers take oath

Camp Rafael C Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City - Police Regional Office 13 inducted yesterday One Hundred Seventy Six (176) more recruits into the police service to beef-up manpower requirements for police operations. 

The oath taking ceremony held at the PRO 13 grandstand yesterday was personally graced by Caraga Police Director PCSUPT REYNALDO SERRANO RAFAL, Ph.D. CEO VI as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.  

The new PNP recruits in the region, 25 of which are female will undergo 6 months training on Public Safety Basic Recruit Course in Camp George T. Barbers, Lipata, Surigao City. The manner of the training is designed to make the trainees withstand all pressures at extreme conditions and do the police work well. The standard set forth for them is aimed at coming up with highly disciplined, effective and efficient PNP member. They will prove their competence by performing well in the training.

The oath taking ceremony started with an invocation by PCI MARLOU NERICUA LABARES, Regional Chaplain, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. PCSUPT NELSON PONSONES NARIO, Deputy Regional Director for Administration gave his Welcome Remarks, subsequently followed by the reading of appointment orders of PNP recruits’ regular quota (Phase 2) by PCINSP ILUMINADO V ESPINA, JR, Deputy Chief, Regional Personnel Human Resource Doctrine Development followed by the presentation of recruits for oath taking by PSUPT EUGENIO BELARMINO PAGUIRIGAN, Acting Chief HRDD. RD RAFAL led the mass oath-taking of the recruits and subsequently gave the award of plaque of appreciation to the members of the Regional Screening Committee of the Regular Recruitment Program CY 2010 led by its Chairman PCSUPT NARIO.

RD RAFAL is optimistic that the new police recruits can surely withstand the challenges in the training and survive and prove its competence. 

In his inspirational message, General RAFAL encouraged the new recruits to always put the institution above all else, especially in making crucial decisions, and to always abide by the Constitution that they have vowed to uphold as a police officer and public servant. Government career with the PNP will mean many things: opportunity to make a real difference to the people in the community; variety of work and assignments; satisfaction with the career; and, pride in being part of one of the noble professional organization. He also emphasized to preserve the integrity of the PNP. (PO2 Darlin Cabalinan-Migullas, PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)


DILG conducts Training Workshop on Conflict Transformation

Consistent with President Aquino’s aim to strengthen public-private partnership, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XIII in cooperation with German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) conducted a training workshop on Conflict Transformation held at the Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant, Butuan City on November 17-20, 2010. 

The said workshop was designed to enable the participants learn and discuss the basic conflict transformation skills needed to equip them with the basic knowledge they need when handling conflicts or disputes in their areas. The workshop also provided the participants the skills they need to champion conflict analysis in their respective work environment.  

During the workshop, LGUs role in peace building was clearly defined. The participants were also briefed on the importance of conflict analysis and were made to understand how the tool works in minimizing conflicts or disputes. The 4-day activity was facilitated mainly by GTZ facilitators. 
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The activity was graced by no less than the Regional Director of DILG XIII, Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, who elaborated the purpose of the activity and Mr. Holger Zahn, the GTZ Project Manager. Mr. Manuel Domes, representative of the GTZ Program and one of the facilitators welcomed the participants to the activity. Also in attendance was Ms. Lilibeth Famacion, the Assistant Regional Director of DILG XIII. 

The workshop was attended by participants from the local government units, the business sector, the academe and from the PNP and the DILG LG Sector. (Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise, DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)


4th ID to Advocate Peace Building

Cagayan de Oro City - During the culminating program of the Mindanao Week of Peace Celebration the Commander of the 4th Infantry Division Major General Victor A. Felix said in a speech last Wednesday that “the struggle for peace has never been an easy one. There has never been a proven short cut formula recorded all throughout history that will be able to guide us. For each situation, especially in our case, will rely purely in our understanding what is needed to be done. Because peace starts when people would learn to listen, respect and understand each and everyone's opinion.”

Mgen Felix further added that we all have different struggle, and different ideology, but we all have one goal. That is to achieve peace, we just hope that we would be able to work hand in hand in achieving this goal. Because we will be able to properly start nation building when we had achieve peace as one people all under one nation.

The General clearly emphasized that the Philippine Army specifically the 4ID that peace is not won through more bloodshed but through peaceful means and efforts in understanding and unifying each Filipino citizen, especially the people here in Mindanao. 

The army will promote peace and development in this part of the country. MGen Felix also requested that the church, the community and the various socio-civic organizations would be there to work hand in hand and be partners in the effort in advocating peace building. (4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army/PIA-Caraga)

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New EastMin Chief visits CDO

Cagayan de Oro City – Newly installed commander of the of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Major General Arthur Ibanez Tabaquero visited the troops of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division last Thursday at Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City. 

Last November 18, 2010 MGen Tabaquero former NCR Command Chief and 8th Division Commander replaced LtGen Raymundo Ferrer who got a new command assignment after a successful stay with EastMinCom. Together with Mgen Tabaquero are Police Chief Superintendent Victorino S. Panganiban Jr. the director of the Eastern Mindanao Police and Region 10 Police chief Police Chief Superintendent Conrado E. Laza. 

The first visit of the EastMinCom Commander was to see the status of the division under his command. 

MGen Tabaquero during the command conference then gave specific guidelines to the command on how to strengthen the 4ID's peace and development efforts in Northern Mindanao. 

He also added that the men under his command and the officers should be strict in upholding Human Rights, and will not in any way or another tolerate military abuses.  

MGen Tabaquero then expressed his commitment to support MGen Felix's project of Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) which now has about more than 250 troops in the Surigao area. COPD is the main effort of the division in securing lasting peace in Northern Mindanao. (4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army/PIA-Caraga)


Legarda: Including DRR in national budget is a step in the right direction

The United Nation’s Asia-Pacific Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation, Senator Loren Legarda, today said that the inclusion of funds for disaster risk reduction measures in the 2011 national budget is a step in the right direction for combatting the impacts of climate change.

Legarda made the statement as she noted that within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), it is Metro Manila that is “most at risk” of flooding and earthquake based on the latest regional risk assessment synthesis report.

“It is the unfortunate reality that the Philippines, particularly the National Capital Region, is one of the most vulnerable places when disasters strike. Natural hazards are inevitable, but disasters can be prevented when the proper programs and measures are institutionalized,” she said.

“I am glad that from the P1.645-trillion national budget for 2011, we have allocated more than two percent for climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR),” she added.

Under the 2011 General Appropriations Bill, roughly P44.8-billion is allotted for CCA and DRR measures. This translates to 2.72% of the total national budget, surpassing the one percent minimum requirement put forth in the 2010 Manila Call for Action, which was forged by Asian Parliamentarians at the recent UNISDR consultative meeting on DRR.

“This is a good start, but we still have a long way to go in terms of the actual implementation, and if necessary, the improvement of current programs on CCA and DRR,” Legarda said.

“It is not enough that we have the necessary funds. The efficient and effective implementation of these programs is the most crucial part, because a single mistake that we make here can cause hundreds of deaths and destroy thousands of lives,” she concluded. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)

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197 new PNP recruits off for training

One hundred and ninety-seven new police recruits comprising of 173 males and 24 females were sent off for their basic training after a massive oath-taking ceremony held at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Brgy Libertad, Butuan City yesterday.

The new police recruits were part of the current year 2010 Police Officer 1 Recruitment Program for the Regular Quota Phase 2.

They were sworn in before Caraga PNP Director CSupt. Reynaldo S. Rafal, as new Police Officers 1 (in temporary status) based on Camp Crame Special Orders No. 684-690, dated Nov. 30, 2010. They were, based on the same order, entitled to receive a monthly salary of P12,150.00 effective December 1, 2010 as read by the Deputy Chief of the Regional Personnel Human Resource Development Division Police CInsp. Illuminado V. Espina, Jr. They were, thereafter presented to Gen. Rafal by PSupt. Eugenio Paguirigan, RHPDD chief.

PCSupt. Nelson P. Nario, PRO 13 DRDA and the chairman of the Regional Selection and Screening Committee (RSSC) said that the 197 new police personnel were selected out of 363 applicants who were screened through the sequential selection processes such as the written examination, physical and agility test, neuro-psychiatric test, medical/dental examination, drug test, hepatitis examination and lastly for the female recruits, the pregnancy test done very early morning yesterday.

The regional selection committee which he chaired, Nario said, were composed of PSupt. Eugenio Paguirigan, acting chief of PRO 13 RHPDD (serving as the secretariat), Rev. Teresita Chua (representative of the women and the civil sector), Ms. Annabel “Ivy” Boquerin (representative of the Regional Peace and Order Council), Atty. Anthony Bitor (DILG) and Atty. Wilfredo Salino, Jr. (NAPOLCOM), the Vice-Chairman.

The new recruits will undergo the six-months Public Safety Basic Recruitment Course (PSBRC) at the PRO 13 Regional Training School, at Camp Barbers, Lipata, Surigao City. They may have their Field Training Program for two years after their basic course and may also undergo the 45-day PNP Scout Training afterwards before becoming regular police personnel.

CSupt. Rafal during his message for the occasion, called the recruits as the “new breed of peacemakers.” He also said that he is looking with optimism that the newly sworn-in policemen and women will be more focused and enthusiastic in the advocacy to help transform the PNP. He reminded them of two things: to carefully follow instructions while on training and to keep always in their minds to do more good to the people, to apply what will be learned in their training once they will be assigned in their respective fields after their graduation. The regional director also admonished them to heed the chief PNP’s call “to do their jobs and to do it well.” “This should be your guiding principle and everybody’s marching orders,” Rafal said.

The new police recruits were given sometime to bond with their families, loved ones and friends before they were sent off to Lipata on board four buses. (Noel B. Najarro, The Butuan Star/PIA-Caraga)


New director assumes Agusan del Norte PPO

A new provincial police director assumes the top post of the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office, when its current acting director is re-assigned back to the regional police office to the post he concurrently held while also serving his vacated post.

In a simple turn-over ceremony yesterday, held at the conference room of the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office, Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City, Police Senior Supt. Nestor M. Fajura, the acting Provincial Director of Agusan del Norte PPO, yielded his post to Police Senior Supt. Manuel DG Obrera, even as he is re-assigned back to the Regional Police Office 13 to assume as Chief of the Regional Directorial Staff, a position he concurrently held while serving as acting director of the Agusan del Norte PPO.

The turn-over ceremony was presided by Caraga PNP Director CSupt. Reynaldo S. Rafal with Agusan del Norte Gov. Erlpe John M. Amante as the guest of honor and speaker. Also attending the activity were CSupt. Nelso P. Nario, the Deputy Regional Director for Administration, PRO 13, Tubay, Agusan del Norte Mayor Sadeka G. Tomaneng, top officials of the Agusan del Norte PPO and the municipal chiefs of police.

SSupt. Fajura during his almost five month stint of office was known to implement physical and organizational improvement of the said police office. Among the physical improvements under his short term were: the repainting of the administration building, the renovation of the offices, the renovation and air conditioning of the conference room, the comfort room, the office lobby and the putting up of the PNP Integrity Transformation Program Park at the western side of the administration building.

The official during his relinquishment message said that he is leaving his post with “a heavy heart” as he had just started implementing his programs at his present post when the re-assignment order back to the regional office came. However, he took it as a great challenge he said as greater tasks may have await for him at his new post.

SSupt. Obrera in his acceptance message commended his predecessor for making it easy for him as he assumes his present post. This may mean that he may save some ample time for his adjustment and more in implementing his plans and visions.

Gov. Erlpe John M. Amante also commended the provincial police, especially SSupt. Fajura, for making the most with very least resources. He said that when he entered the government service, he understood that this is a common problem to any public office, so much needed to be done with so meager resources available.

However, he challenged the incoming director to be creative, resourceful and to make the most of what available resource he may have at hand. He said that he wanted the police force to maintain the peacefulness and orderliness of the province and assured SSupt. Obrera of his full support.

He said that like Fajura, he did not know the incoming director very well, but Col. Fajura ( whom he described as the shortest serving PD) surprised him with so much accomplishments not only in the provincial police headquarters but also in some of the municipal police stations. He said that he is expecting no less from the incoming provincial police director. (Noel B. Najarro, The Butuan Star/PIA-Caraga)