PIA News Service - Friday, Feb. 5, 2010

Cebuano News: PGMA mihimo sa Cyber Corridor Tour sa nasud

BUTUAN CITY (05 February) – Gikatakda ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo motapos sa iyang tibuok semana nga cyber corridor tour adto sa Asiatown Information Technology (IT) Park gikan sa nagkadaiyang sentrong syudad sa Pilipinas. 

Si Pangulong Arroyo ang mibisita sa nagkalain-laing call center sa nasud, Gipaneguro sa presidente nga mahimong sentro ang taas nga byahe sa BPO (business process outsourcing) gikan sa Luzon, Visayas ug Mindanao aron masuta ang epekto sa pagtaas sa kalidad sa IT nga trabaho.

Giingon nga didto sa syudad sa Cebu adunay naitala nga nagpa-trabaho og 2,100 ka trabahante ug gikatakdang magbukas sab kinig laing puwesto sa Dumaguete City. 

Bisitahon sa Presidente ang mga job applicants ug mga empleyado didto, ug molibot sa training ug demonstration rooms. 

Nahimutang sa kanhi 23 hektarya nga Lahug airport, ang Asiatown naglangkob sa 44 ka mga IT ug IT-enabled industries ingon man mga BPO facilities nga direktang nag-hire sa 23,500 ka mga tawo. 

Ang mga IT services naglakip sa kasagaran nga voice/call center service ngadto na sa software product development/engineering nga gigamit sa mga multinational IT-enabled firms sa tibuok kalibutan. 

Kabahin ang Asiatown sa cyber corridor project sa administrasyong Arroyo, nga sa mga centers of technology and learning gikan sa Baguio, Bacolod paingon sa Mindanao sa syudad sa Davao City.

Nasayran nga misaka sa P24 million dolyares ang abot sa nasud niadtong tuig 2001, ang sektor sa ICT ug BPO naghatud kapin P7.3 billion dolyares sa revenues sa miaging tuig. (Michael A. Imbo, PIA-Caraga)

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San Isidro, Lianga - lone beneficiary of StRIDe Mindanao Proramme in Surigao del Sur

TANDAG, SURIGAO DEL SUR (05 February) – The Strengthening Response to Internal Displacement in Mindanao (StRIDe-Mindanao), a new component of GoP-UN ACT for peace programme recently identified San Isidro, Lianga as the lone municipality of Surigao del Sur to benefit its programs.

StRIde Mindanao aims to strengthen peace building efforts and sustain the gains of peace and development in Southern Philippines by contributing to the establishment of durable solutions to internal displacement in the affected areas by conflicts from 2003 to present.

During the presentation of the project held here recently, Mr. Chinot Adao, Area Technical Assistant discussed the component and purpose of the programme including the cooperation of the Local Government Unit (LGU) and Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) in the implementation which, according to him, is the most important.

The provincial Technical Working Group of Act for Peace (PTWG-A4P) had assisted the programme in identifying existing organizations, guiding them in policy-making, validating the data gathering from the Community Organizers during the Social Preparation and Prepared Terms of Conditions that was conducted in the area.

The programme will establish barangay health stations, potable water system and livelihood programs for the public, to be realized the soonest possible time.
The thrusts and programs of StRIDe Mindanao is in line with the priorities of the Government and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework which seeks to strengthen peace-building efforts and sustain the gains for peace and development funded by the European Commission (EC). (Nida Grace B. Tranquilan, PIA Surigao del Sur)

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Cebuano News: Warrant of arrest batok DENR kidnappers migawas na
By Noel Najarro

Gipakanaog na ang warrant of arrest batok kang Leonardo “Andot” Behing ug sa iyang mga kauban kinsa suspek sa pagpang-kidnap og pito ka mga personahe sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources sa rehiyon sa Caraga niadtong Octubre sa milabayng tuig.

Ang maong warrant ang gipagawas ni Judge Edgar Manilag saregional Trial Court Branch 33 sa dakbayan sa Butuan, sa kasong “kidnapping and serious illegal detention” diin walay piyansa nga girekomenda.

Ang grupo ni Behing mao ang mga suspek sa pag-atake sa DENR checkpoint nga nahimutang sa Barangay Anticala, Butuan City, kaadlawon niadtong Oktubre 20, sakay sa motorsiklo dayong pagpangdagit sa pito ka mga taga DENR nga nagbantay sa Anticala Task Force Watershed checkpoint.

Niana, gimaneho usab sa grupo ni Behing ang Toyota Hilux service vehicle sa DENR ug gihimong get-away vehicle sakay ang ilang mga gi-hostage, nga nailang sila Gabriel Alran, Rudy Clar, Eduardo Abugatal, Rito Espinido, Teofredo Pujadas, Efren Sabuero ug Emiliano Gatillo Jr.

Gidala ang maong mga empleyado sa DEnr ngadto sa bukirang bahin sa Sibagat, Agusan del Sur ug dinhi ilang nahibaloan nga aduna pa diay laing nadagit nga mao si Idelfonso Jayme, Forest rangers sa Community Environment and Natural resources Office sa Butuan, nga mas unang gikuha sa grupo ni Behing.

Duha ka adlaw ang milabay, duha sa mga nadagit nga sila Gatillo ug Sabuero ang gipangbuhian sa grupo ni Behing dala ang mga demanda sa mga kidnappers.

Paglabay sa pipila ka adlaw, luwas usab nga gipangbuhian ang nahabiling unom ka mga bihag.

Ang mga demanda sa grupo ni Behing naglangkob sa 1) pagkansela sa Community Based Forest management Agreement sa Sibagat area; 2) pag-award kanila og certificate of Ancestral Domain Title; 3) pag-apruba sa customary farming; 4) pagkansela sa mga operation sa Integrated Forest Management Agreement sa ilang lugar.

Human sa usa ka meeting sa crisis committee, si DENR Caraga Regional Executive Director Edilberto Buiser ang mipasuspende sa operasyon sa 6,005.58 ka ektarya sa tulo ka CBFM holders sa Padiay area sa Sibagay nga gituohang maoy hinungdan sa pagbuhi sa unom ka mga hostage. (PNN/ PIA-Caraga)
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40 armed men attack farmers’ outpost, burned toll gate in Surigao del Sur

BISLIG CITY (05 February) - At least 40 heavily armed men clad in fatigue swooped down on farmers’ outpost and burned toll gate in Bingcongan area, Bigaan, Surigao del Sur, police reported Friday.

The police report also said the armed men attacked without any a single shot being fired the out post of the Bislig, Barobo, Hinatuan, Lingig and Tagbina (BIBAHILITA) Farmers Association at 1 a.m. on Wednesday.

According to the report, the armed men also carted away the firearms and live ammunition of the farmers’ security at gun point.

The armed men also burned the toll gate of the BIBAHILITA then fled towards unknown direction.

No one was reported hurt during the incident.

Identities and motive of the perpetrators is still not known.

Elements of Hinatuan Municipal Police Station are now conducting follow up operation.

Chief Supt. Lino D. Calingasan, regional director of Police Regional Office 13, ordered massive manhunt against the suspects. (muc/PIA-Caraga)
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Caraga region youth leaders express concern over Lumads' plight

BUTUAN CITY (05 February) - Some 300 youth leaders from various colleges and universities in the Caraga region on Thursday issued a statement on their “deep concern” over the plight of Lumads (natives) who are now in their fifth day of picket rally at the regional office of the National Communities and Indigenous People (NCIP) here.

In their statement personally handed over to the Philippine News Agency, the Caraga Youth Leaders Network (CYLN) calls on the national government for prompt and immediate resolution of the Lumads' problem.

The CYLN, a region-wide alliance of youth leaders in various colleges and universities and various youth sectors in the Caraga region, which is also affiliated and accredited with the United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines calls for a united approach of all concerned government agencies, especially the NCIP to resolve the conflict.

In their statement also distributed to other news agencies in the Caraga region, the CYLN also calls for a thorough implementation of Republic Act 8371 or the 1997 Indigenous People’s Rights Act.

The CYLN, led by its president Rex F. Ybanez, also hopes for an honest and peaceful conference between the top NCIP officials and Manobo, Mamanwa and Higaonon tribal chieftains, sectoral datus and elders.

“Their (natives) problem must be resolved in a peaceful means to stop their long agony,” said Ybanez in an exclusive interview with the PNA.

He noted that the CYLN statement was already forwarded to John Philipp Morgadez, regional coordinator of the United Nations Youth of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Manobo tribal chieftain Hawudon Udyutan Daging of Caraga Indigenous People’s Conference on Thursday said their protest action would “not stop” until their demands were met.

The Manobo, Mamanwa and Higaonon tribes from far-flung villages in Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Norte, along with women and children are now on their fourth day of rally at the premises of NCIP regional office to press the ouster of NCIP Regional Director Jose Dumagan for alleged inaction on their problem.

The protesting natives demanded a thorough implementation of the IPRA Law, giving of their one percent royalty share of their ancestral lands allegedly being used by some mining and logging companies since year 2005 and proper accounting and liquidation of their royalty share.

However, in an earlier interview with Dumagan, he said the demands of the indigenous people have already been acted upon by the NCIP Caraga. The region’s NCIP head even assured the natives of resolving their concern on the one percent royalty share and other problems. (muc/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: 2 National Awards naangkon sa BCPO
By Noel Najarro

BUTUAN CITY (05 February) - Naangkon sa Butuan City Police Office ubos sa pagdumala ni PSupt. Joseph D. Plaza, niining sinugdana pa lamang sa tuig ang duha ka mga managluyong nasudnong pasidungog.

Dili pa lamang dugay nga gidawat sa Butuan City Public Safety Management Company (ang kanhi Butuan City Police Mobile Group) ang nasundnon ug prestihiyosong pasidungog atol sa kasaulogan sa PNP Day nga gipahigayon didto sa Campo Crame, ang nasudnong buhatan sa kapolisan ang “Model City maneuvering Unit For The Year 2009 Award.

Kini ang labing una ning rehiyon ug labi na sa Butuan City Police Office, Sumala ni PSInsp. Ronaldo Plaza ang Company Commander sa maong “elite fighting and service unit” sa BCPO.

Si Plaza maoy midawat sa award uban sa Director sa BCPO nga si PSupt. Joseph D. Plaza.

Si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo mismo uban nila ni DILG Sec. Ronie Puno ug CPNP PDGen. Jesus A. Versoza ang mitunol sa maong pasidungog.

Sumala ni SInsp. Plaza nga dako ang nahimong pagpalig-on sa maong kompaniya sa iyang gisundan nga opisyal nga si PCInsp. Manuel Jimenez, nga mao na karon ang station commander sa BCPS4 nga nakabase sa Barangay Ampayon.

Gituki ni Plaza ang modernisasyon ug kumputirisasyon sa ilang buhatan, ang pagpahaluna sa kooperatiba nga maoy naghatag panginabuhian sa ilang mga sakop, ang mga pasidungog nga ilang naangkon, ang ayuda sa nasyonal ug lokal nga pangagamhanan u gang ilang mga accomplishments.

Matud sa opisyal nga nahimong sayon ang ilang mobilisasyon tungod sa mga sakyanang ayuda sa LGU sa Butuan ug sa Congressional Office ni Cong. Jose “Joboy” Aquino II.

Matud ni Plaza nga ilang gipanglantaw pa ang dugang pagbansay alang sa kahanas sa ilang mga ginsakpan ug mga ekipo nga ilang gipaabot alang sa dugang pagsangkap sa ilahang kompaniya.

Padayonon gihapon nila sa mas mainiton pa ang ilang kampanya batok sa krimen ug illegal nga mga kalihokan ning syudad.

Samtang sa laing bahin, nadawat usab sa sakop sa administrative section sa BCPO dili pa lamang dugay ang pasidungog isip usa sa mga “Ten Outstanding Policewomen of the Philippines (TOPWP).

Si SPO1 Marifel Cortez, midawat sa maong pasidungog uban sa siyam niya ka mga kaubanan didto sa Rizal hall sa palasyo sa Malacañang, diin si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ang mitunol sa maong award.

Napasidungan si Cortez tungod sa iyang epektibong adbokasiya sa kaayohan sa mga kababayen-an ug mga kabataan ug mapadayonongpag-edukar sa publiko sa mga balaodnong RA 9262 (Anti-violence against women and Children) ug RA 7610 (Protection Against Child abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination).

Dugang programa nga gipasiugdahan ni Cortez mao ang paghatag ug mga gamit pang-eskwela sa mga tinun-ang kabus nga gitawag “gamit pang-eskwela, Alay sa Pulisya” nga gisundog sa ubang mga buhatan sa kapolisan ning rehiyon.

Ang TOPWP gipasiugdahan sa Zonta Club sa Makati, Paseo de Roxas Foundation ug sa PNP. (PNN/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Bag-ong programa sa DOLE-Caraga gilauman’g magpa-angat sa employment rate

BUTUAN CITY (05 February) - Gilauman nga pinaagi sa bag-ong programa sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) moangat ang employment rate sa rehiyon sa Caraga.
Ang Career and Guidance Employment Coaching maoy bag-ong programa nga gitutokan karon sa DOLE-Caraga.

Matud ni acting regional director Romeo Cagas, tumong sa maong programa nga magiyahan ang mga bag-ong mo-gradwar sa kolehiyo sa trabaho nga angayan nilang sudlan sa ingon mubagay kini sa kursong ilang nakuha o natapos.

Matud sa report sa Bombo Radyo nga gituyo usab kini human nakumpirma nga kadaghanan sa mga dunay trabaho ning rehiyon, dili haom sa kurso nga ilang natapos ang ilang kasamtangang trabaho. (PNN/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010

11 towns set to receive 4P’s Set 3 program in Surigao del Sur 

CANTILAN, Surigao del Sur (04 February) - Several towns were identified as this year’s potential recipient of the government’s “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” or 4P’s Set 3 in Surigao del Sur province. 

Leah T. Quintana, regional information officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Caraga region, said that at least 6,516 potential target beneficiaries are set to receive the 4P’s assistance under the Set 3 program for 2010. 

She said these potential towns are Tandag City with 1,000 target beneficiaries; Tago town with 933 beneficiaries; San Agustin with 583 beneficiaries; and the municipalities of Carrascal, Madrid, Carmen, Cortes, Bayabas, Cagwait and Lianga with 500 beneficiaries each. 

“We are already conducting our registration phase for this year,” added Quintana. 

She said that Caraga DSWD Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat is spearheading the Set 3 program in the areas. 

The 4P’s program which is being implemented by the DSWD, along with local government units (LGUs) have already served at least 15,395 household beneficiaries in Set 1 and Set 2 in six municipalities in Surigao del Sur alone. These municipalities were San Miguel, Marihatag, Tagbina, Lingig, Hinatuan and Lanuza. 

4P’s, a poverty reduction strategy that provides cash grants to the poorest households, has been implemented in Northeastern Mindanao since August in 2008. 

The program involved livelihood, health and education. 

This poverty reduction program of the government had already disbursed at least Php 178,705,000 to household beneficiaries in Northeastern Mindanao. 

The 4P’s Set 1 and Set 2 program in Caraga region have already benefited close to 80,000 household beneficiaries spread in five provinces and six cities in the region. 

4P’s is a poverty-alleviation strategy by the national government which provides cash grants to the poorest households in the country. 

The program invests on human capital primarily focusing on the improvement of health, nutrition and education of children aged 0-14 years old. The beneficiaries will have to comply with the conditionalities required by the program to continue receiving the grants and remain in the program. 
The successful implementation of 4P’s prompted the implementing agency, the DSWD, to continue the release the 4P’s grants to new identified 300,000 beneficiaries in targeted areas across the country. The release will start in the first quarter of this year. 

The 4P’s provides monthly cash grants of as much as P1,400 to 700,000 poor families to meet their health, nutrition and education needs. (muc/PIA-Caraga)

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Police nab kin of shabu peddler for bribery

BUTUAN CITY (04 February) - A relative of a suspected shabu pusher, who was arrested in a buy-bust operation, ended up in jail after allegedly attempting to bribe police intelligence operatives right inside the compound of Caraga police regional office here. 

The Regional Intelligence Division office identified the suspect as Pontino Macunte Dayondong, 68, married and a resident of Montilla Extension, Barangay 15, Butuan City. 

Investigation showed that Dayondong offered money to regional intelligence operatives to spring out his relative Anwar Sarip Hadji Jameel, 35, married and resident of Barangay Ong Yiu, whoi was arrested in a illegal drug buy-bust operation on Sunday. 

The bribe marked money, amounting to P40,000 was now at the custody of the Regional Intelligence Division. 

Said bribery was captured by a hidden camera installed inside the Regional Intelligence Office. Criminal charges have been already filed against the suspects. (Ben Serrano/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010

4.7 magnitude quake rattles Surigao City

SURIGAO CITY (03 February) - A 4.7 magnitude quake rattled city folks and nearby areas in Surigao City Tuesday night.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries from the tremor, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Caraga region reported.

“We are still monitoring if there are damages, but to date still there is no reported damages,” said Caraga region OCD Director Blanche T. Gobenciong.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology  and Seismology (Phivolcs) said quake struck off Surigao del Norte at 7:19 p.m.

Phivolcs said the tremor was recorded 97 kilometers northeast of Surigao City in the northeastern part Mindanao.

It occurred at a depth of 126.18 kilometers in Surigao City.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where continental plates collide causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity. (muc/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: Hostage taking sa Agsur, gipa-imbestigahan ni Chairperson De Lima
By Michael A. Imbo

BUTUAN CITY (03 January) – Gi-utingkay ang kasong hostage-taking sa Agusan del Sur ug extra-judicial killing sa rehiyon sa Caraga atol sa gihimong imbestigasyon sa Commission on Human Rights nga gipanguluhan ni Chairperson Leila De Lima, didto sa Malvar Hall, Barangay Doongon, ni’ng dakbayan, dili pa lang dogay.

Si Commissioner De Lima uban si Focal Commissioner Jose Manuel Mamauag (For Mindanao-CHR) ang mibisita sa rehiyon sa Caraga alang sa gipahigayon nga duha ka adlaw’ng public inquiry sa imbetigasyon lambigit sa nahitabong hostage taking sa Agusan del Sur niadtong December 10,2009 apil na ang mga naitalang extralegal killing sa probinsya.

Sa unang adlaw gisusi ni De Lima ang kaso sa pamilyang Perez batok Tubay sa Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Gi-imbetahan ang mga sakop sa pamilyang Perez aron sa pagpadayag sa ilang mga nasaksihan ug mga nasayran lambigit sa kasong pagpang-hostage ug pagmasaker nga matod pa dunay lalom nga bikil ang duha ka pamilya hinungdan sa padayong gubot sa probinsya.

Si Aniana Perez kinsa inahan ni Danilo “Ondo” Perez ang lider sa Hostage Taking nga kapin 50 ka estudyante apil magtutudlo didto sa Barangay Maitum, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Sa pamahayag nga gibuhian ni Aniana emosyon nga misumbong kang Chairman De Lima nga matod pa wala nahatagan sa hustisya ang kamatayon sa unom (6) ka kabanay niini hinungdan nga nabuhat ni Perez ang pagpang-hostage niadtong (Disyembre 10).

Lain pang Hadji Nora Pundogar Buyog ang misugyot sa iyang kadismaya nga matod pa walay aksyon nga nahimo ang gobyerno lambigit sa nahitabong kamatayon sa iyang ugangan ug bana.

Misutoy ang grupo ni De Lima didto sa Provincial Jail sa Agusan del Sur aron susihon ang kahimtang ni Ondo Perez uban ang grupo niini. Nasuta sa imbestigasyon nga dunay duha ka menor de edad ang apil sa 15 ka dinakpan.

Apan si Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer Josefina Bajade ang mipasabot nga ang gibasehan sa pagtanggong sa grupo ni Perez ang nasubay sa pending nga warrant of arrest nga gipakanaog sa korte sa ilang mga nauna nga kasong serious criminal charges batok kanila.

Giklaro hinuan niini nga dili kasong pagpang-hostage ang ilang gi-atubang.

Sa ikaduhang adlaw, gipaatubang ni De Lima si Calpito Egua alyas “Datu Calpit” alang sa pagyagyag sa tinood nga nahitabo nga gipasangil batok kaniya lambigit pod sa mga masaker ug pagpamusil sa ilang baryo.

Ang nagkadaiyang mga opisyal sa gobyerno, kapulisan, military ug pribadong sektor sa mga abugado ang gitag-sa tag-sa pagpasulti sa ilang katungod ngadto sa publiko.

Si Chairperson De Lima kauban ang hut-ong sa CHR sa rehiyon pinangunahan ni Caraga Regional Director Atty. Marylin Pintor ang mihipos sa mga impormasyon, detalye, mga taho ug mga sumbong aron sa lalom nga pakigsusi sa mga nahitabong krimen ug pagtan-aw kung adunay mga nalapas nga tawhanong katungod. (PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010

Cebuano News: Paglawig sa Balangay, gi-inagurahan sa tradisyun nga kultura
By Mike A. Imbo
 
BUTUAN CITY (02 February) – Pormal nga gi-inagurahan ang bag-ong replica sa gitukod nga BALANGAY BOAT kon “Masawa Hong Butuan” niadtong Domingo (31 Enero) didto sa riverside sa Brgy. Bading ni’ng dakbayan.

Masigarbohon nga natukod pagbalik ang istraktura sa tradisyunal nga “baoto” o baroto kaniadtong unang panahon nga miduso sa pagbarog sa kultura sa “Balangay” kon bayanihan.

Sa pakighinabi kang Chairman Greg Hontiveros ang nagkanayon nga nadiskubrehan ug nakalutan ang karaang “Balangay” dri sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte, partikularmente sa Brgy. Ambangan, Libertad, sakop sa Northwestern sa nasud. Gigamit ang Balangay Boat sa mga sina-unang kaapohan nga Pilipino sa paglawig ngadto sa tubig-dagat alang sa pagnegosyo ug panginabuhian tabok sa laing isla lukop kalibotan.

Ang grupo sa komitiba, uban ang mga opisyal ug espesyal nga researcher inabagan sa mga religious group pinangunahan ni Rev. Fr Joesilo Amalla ang misubay sa rehiyon sa Caraga aron sa pagpangita sa kahoy nga “dungon” usa ka ancestor nga troso ug matud pa nakaplagan kini didto sa lasang sa Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Adunay gitas-on nga 15 metros ug 3 metros ang gilap-don sa maong baroto (15m long & 3m wide) nga sundogon ang orihinal nga porma sa Balangay. Mikabat sa kantidad nga P1.7 milyon ang kinatibuk-ang nagasto gikan sa kooperasyon sa mga sponsor.

Nasayran nga gimugna kini pinaagi sa grupo sa Balangay Master builders gikan gyud sa Sibuto ug Sitangkay sa Tawi-Tawi pinangunahan ni Maestro Professor Judail Muyong gamit ang seremonyal nga istilo ug abilidad sa paghulma niini.

Ang Balangay Boat Building project giabagan sa pagpaningkamot gikan sa private sector; Butuan Historical and Cultural Foundation ug Butuan Global Forum, Inc.

Nahimo nga malampuson ang proyekto subay sa Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) nga gipalig-on sa National Museum sa Manila kauban ang Metro Manila Chapter sa Butuan Global Forum, Inc. niadtong Mayo 2009.

Si Former Usec of DOT Art Valdez kinsa lider sa Mt. Everest Expedition ug miyembro sa “Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation Inc.” nagkanayon nga “masukod na pod sa kalibotan ang laing hagit sa Pinoy diin markahan ang bag-ong adventure sa paglawig niini manukad sa Pilipinas ug molibot sa Southeast Asia, China, Vietnam, Peninsula sa Malaysia ug lukop Pasipiko.

Ang grupo ni Valdez uban ang Philippine Mt. Everest Team, ug pipila ka delegado ang mosakay sa Balangay Boat libot sa ilang destinasyon.

Human sa presentasyon gipanalanginan sa nagkalain-laing relihiyosong sektor ang Balangay Boat, pinaagi sa usa ka tribung sayaw sa mga lumad nga Manobo-Banwaon ug Talaandig Tribal Council. Gipangunahan usab ni Rev. Fr. Joecilo Amalla ang usa ka sagradong seremonya.

Mihandog sa komposisyon nga awit si Dr. Ted Esguerra nga gipanguluhan “BUTWAN BALANGAY-LUMAYAG KA” nga iyang gikanta atol sa maong programa.

Misaksi ang nagkadaiyang mga opisyales sa gobyerno, empleyado, mga lokal nga media apil na mga foreign media, bisita gikan sa laing nasud, ug uban pa.

Gikatakdang molawig ang Balangay Boat uban ang Diwata ng Lahi karong (04 Pebrero) kung diin ang send-off ceremony pagahimuon sa Philippine Port Authority-PPA grounds, ni’ng dakbayan. (PIA-Caraga)
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CHR conducts public inquiry in Caraga 
By Mike A. Imbo

BUTUAN CITY (02 February) – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Caraga Region recently conducted public inquiry on extralegal killings and hostage taking graced by CHR Chairman Leila De Lima and Jose Manuel Mamauag, focal Commissioner on human rights for Mindanao held at the Malvar Hall, Balangai Hotel, Barangay Doongan, this city.

During the activity, CHR-Caraga Regional Director Atty. Marylin Pintor elaborated the unsolved killings in Agusan del Sur. 

Also present during the activity is a lumad named Aniana Perez, mother of Ondo Perez the alleged hostage taker who made statements related to clan war of the Perez’s and the Tubay’s.

Meanwhile, some government officials of the province of Agusan del Sur, military and alleged suspects, among others were invited to deliver facts and statements to clarify the killings in the province and hostage-taking involvement. 

Prior to the public inquiry, CHR led by Chairman De Lima left the forum and traveled to Agusan del Sur Provincial Jail last Thursday to investigate the status of hostage taker Danilo “Ondo" Perez and his group.

During the investigation, the group found out that Perez’s group was arrested due to impending warrant of arrest orders issued by local court due to an earlier serious criminal charges hurled against him and his group. 

Agusan del Sur Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Josefina Bajade had earlier taken note of the fact that three out of the 15 members of Perez’s group were minors. 

“Perez and his armed group were jailed due to earlier serious criminal charges with pending warrant of arrests order and not for the hostage taking incident that transpired December 10, 2009" Bajade said.

However, CHR Chairperson De Lima and Commissioner Mamauag, along with CHR personnel from Caraga office headed by Regional Director Atty. Marylin Pintor, were alarmed that three minors were held in a detention cell. 

In any case, Bajade said it is now up to the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office to decide on the fate of the three minors still at the Agusan del Sur Provincial Jail.  

The purpose of the two-day public inquiry of the fact finding committee is just to gather data and information to create a complete and thoughtful solution if there was human rights violation occurred, it was gathered. (PIA-Caraga)  
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Lumads call off picket rally at DENR 
By Herzon F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY – A group of disgruntled indigenous people belonging to the Mamanwa –Manobo tribe in Agusan del Sur have decided to call-off their picket rally at the regional office of the DENR in Barangay Ambago, Butuan on Thursday after a dialog with the top officials of DENR.  

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In his report to the Acting Secretary of the DENR Eleazar P. Quinto, the DENR regional Executive Director of DENR Caraga Region Edilberto S. Buiser said the so-called Mamanwa and Manobo “lumads” who are members of the Regional Tribal Consultative Assembly have decided to end their planned picket-rally after they were assured of immediate actions of their demands that concern the DENR.

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These demands include a) the ocular inspection by the DENR of the alleged illegal mining activities at Mt. Agutayan, particularly at Barangay Puting Bato in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte, b) the alleged irregular environmental practices of a Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) holder in Barangay Padiay, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur and c) the cancellation of EPA-000145-XIII applied by Abner P. Cagaanan at Calamba, Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte. 

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The lumad leaders have also requested the DENR to help them in their request for congressional inquiry about Presidential Proclamation No. 1747 which declare an area of 43,601 hectares of forest lands as protected watershed at the municipalities of Carascal, Cantilan and Madrid in Surigao del Sur and the municipality of Santiago and Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte. The said proclamation according to Datu Eddie Ampo violated their rights because there was “no free and prior written consent” made to them.

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The lumad leaders have also asked the help of the DENR to facilitate their demands of payment of Royalty Shares to the tribal community in Barangay San Antonio, RTR, Agusan del Norte by the Butuan City Water District. 

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The rest of their 20 demands, however, were address to the regional officials of the National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) headed by Regional Director Atty. Jake Dumagan. 

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The Regional Technical Director for Protected Areas and Wildlife, Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS) Mario C. Eludo who presided over the dialog held at the Regional Conference Center of the DENR said a technical team from the DENR which will also composed of the leaders of the lumads will be organized shortly to investigate the reported CBFM operations in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. Specifically, the DENR team will conduct the performance inventory evaluation of the CBFM holder ITRIFADC to find out if there were violations committed by its board officers.

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The DENR will also looked into the reported illegal small-scale mining operation in Barangay Agutayan, in RTR Agusan del Norte.  

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The tribal leaders and the members of the Regional Tribal Consultative led by Datu Ampo have expressed their deep appreciation to Director Buiser and other senior officers of the DENR for helping them in finding solutions to their problems.

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According to Datu Ampo, their tribal council will form a general assembly shortly to settle “once and for all” the major issues and concerns and difference affecting their tribe members to achieve a lasting peace in their different tribal communities.  

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The dialog was also attended by PENR Officer Rosendo Asunto of Agusan del Norte, CENR officer Raul Rosales of Tubay, Agusan del Norte, OIC CENRO Michael Montalban of Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, CENRO Iniego S. Collantes of Cantilan, Surigao de Sur among other field officers of the DENR. (Herzon F. Gallego, DENR RPAO-13)
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Filipinos urge to take pride on historic Balangay boats’ feat

BUTUAN CITY (02 February) - With the second replica of the ancient boat that was used by Filipino seafarers many centuries ago is now in the water and geared up for an epic voyage. 

Voyage organizers and even crew members urged Filipinos to take pride on the feat of the historic Balangay. 

“The significance of this voyage will not only show that the Filipinos despite surmounting odds can do it if we are united. It will also manifest that Filipinos are among the best in seafaring skills displayed by our earlier ancestors”, said former Transportation and Communications Undersecretary Art Valdez, leader of the Mt. Everest Team now crew leader of the epic Balangay voyage, which will start on February 4. 

Last Jan. 31, Sunday, the 24.7-meter-long balangay, christened "Masawa Hong Butuan," was finally cut loose from its moorings and was greeted by a riot of cheers and applause from the crowd of well-wishers and tourists who witnessed the event. 

It took more than four hours of hard work and two backhoes to lift the wooden boat from the muddy grounds of Luna compound and place it into the churning waters of Agusan River. The seven-ton boat was then towed by a tugboat up north towards the Masawa delta. 

"Masawa hong Butuan" will join the newly-repaired "Diwata ng Lahi" when it leaves this city for the second phase of its voyage on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the coastal waters of Barangay Masawa. 

A third boat, LEPA, will also join in the later part of the expedition, which will start with several stops in Mindanao before proceeding to an Asian tour. 

"We are showing the whole world now that we Filipinos can do the impossible because we by nature are born natural seafarers," said expedition leader Art Valdez of Kaya Ng Pinoy Foundation. 

“The Balangay will become the catalyst to stir up historical consciousness among Filipinos today, a sine qua non in transporting our people to our cherished goals. Without that keen knowledge of history, our people will continue to suffer as our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, aptly described Ang taong hindi lumilingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa patutunguhan”, Valdez said. 

According to the expedition's one-page itinerary of the Mindanao voyage, the first stop will be the seaside resort Jurassic Park in Carmen, Agusan del Norte and then Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental. 

From Gingoog City , the boats will dock in the smaller ports of Balingoan town in Misamis Oriental, Benoni town in Camiguin Island , and the Cagayan de Oro City pier. From Cagayan they will pass Initao town port in Iligan City , and the cities of Ozamis and Oroquieta in Misamis Occidental. 

In Zamboanga del Norte, the all-Filipino crew will pay homage and respect to the Jose Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City. From there, they will pass and dock in towns of Manukan, Sindangan, Labason, Siocon, and Sibuco all in Zamboanga del Norte before proceeding to Zamboanga City pier. The last port of call for the around Mindanao trip is Sibuto in Tawi-Tawi. 

Once the Mindanao adventure is completed in March, the next phase of the voyage - one that will take the fleet to many island stops throughout Southeast Asia - will begin, according to Valdez. 

The construction of the wind-driven boat worth P1.6 million was shouldered by the Butuan Global Forum Inc., an association of Butuanons based locally and abroad; the Kaya Ng Pinoy Foundation; and the Butuan Historical and Cultural Foundation Inc. 

Butuan folk consider the vessel meaningful after remnants of around eight ancient balangay boats were excavated around the province in 1978. 

The oldest boat that was dug was carbon-dated at 320 AD. (Ben Serrano/PIA-Caraga)
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A gift for the Filipino child from union bank

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Jeremiah, 7; went home very happy that Friday afternoon; clutching in his arms the book given recently by Union Bank for Grade II students at Don Manuel Gutierrez Sr. Elementary School in Matina, Davao City.

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“I am very happy, I have my new book,“ he said in local dialect. He called his friends Ismael and DM as he excitedly scan pages of the book and started coloring some of the activity sketches on the page. In Basilan where Jeremiah came from, seldom do students like him receive nice work books, he disclosed.

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What an appropriate gift for the young minds, Union Bank’s “As A Filipino: A Gift to the Filipino Child; teaches school children Love of God and country, Filipino values and encourages kids how to become good citizens.

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“As A Filipino: A Gift to the Filipino Child”, is Union Bank’s first commissioned book, that also teaches reading and comprehension aside Filipino values. The book reflects Union Bank’s expression of corporate social responsibility as they invest in education for the Filipino young minds, Mr. Justo A. Ortiz, Chairman and CEO of the bank said in its foreword.

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“As A Filipino.,”is authored and illustrated by Davaoeña Mrs. Marcy Dans Lee. (Danny Escabarte, PBSP-MRO)
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SJIT offers ETEEAP for AB, Commerce Programs

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The Saint Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT), an ISO internationally certified and a PACUCOA accredited higher education institution in Butuan City and Caraga Region is now offering the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).

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SJIT is the only school so far in Caraga region being deputized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the Certificate of Authorization issued on December 21, 2009 duly signed by Chairman Emmanuel Angeles in pursuant to Executive Order No. 330, and by virtue of the Commission en banc approval on May 18, 2009.

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The ETEEAP is an equivalency and accreditation program granted to individuals who have been working for so many years but are not bachelor's degree holders based on their line of work. With ETEEAP, their work experiences are given direct equivalency and accreditation, and their competency is the basis for assessment. After undergoing the phases of assessment, the ETEEAP applicants are granted the diploma and other credentials for a bachelor's degree.  

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Applicants for ETEEAP are not required of formal schooling unlike in the regular course or program wherein attendance to classes and enrolment every semester is required. They just have to comply with the assessment requirements.

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SJIT has been authorized to offer ETEEAP for the following programs: 1) Bachelor of Commerce major in Management and Marketing; and 2) Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, Psychology and English.

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Interested applicants are advised to visit SJIT and see Dr. Mansueto P. Atillo, ETEEAP Coordinator or call tel no. 225-5930 or cel. no. 09177037540. Applicants are further advised to bring original copies of credentials for intial evaluation. (MPA/PIA-Caraga)
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Assassins of Lakas-Kampi-CMD local leader arrested, Surigao solons commend PRO 13 for quick arrest

SURIGAO CITY (February 2) - The Lakas-Kampi-CMD leaders on Tuesday commended the leadership of the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) for the quick arrest of suspects on the slaying of their local leader in Taganaan town, Surigao del Norte province Monday morning. 

Pursuing police force arrested the two suspects after less than eight hours of extensive manhunt. 

Rep. Fracisco “Lalu” T. Matugas (1st district, Surigao del Norte), vice-president of Lakas-Kampi-CMD for Mindanao and Rep. Guillermo “Jun” Romarate Jr., party’s provincial chairman of Surigao del Norte (2nd district), both extended their separate congratulatory message to PRO 13 under the leadership of Chief Supt. Lino D. Calingasan. 

The two solons however requested the PRO 13 to fast-track the investigation for the immediate filing of murder charges against the suspects. 

The victim Oscar Cayumo Anino, 55, a former Army soldier, was a local leader of Rep. Romarate under the ruling party and an employee of Taganaan town, said Rep. Matugas. 

Anino was shot at close range while riding on a single motorcycle on way to Taganaan town proper by suspects in Sitio Binggale of Barangay Banban of that same town Monday morning. 

Initial report reaching the police regional command and tactical operation center at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez in Butuan City stated that the victim was a miner in Taganaan town. 

After learning of the incident, Chief Supt. Calingasan immediately mobilized pursuing police force to arrest the perpetrators. The order was “a region-wide manhunt” against the suspects. 

In less than eight hours, pursuing police force arrested the two suspects where the .45 caliber pistol and 357 revolver were also recaptured from the suspects. 

Identities of the suspects were temporarily withheld pending interrogation to determine the motive and possible identity of the mastermind of the killing. 

“Both (suspects) were positively identified by the victim’s son,” said Chief Supt. Calingasan, based on the initial investigation. 

 
Murder charges will be filed against the suspects, added the region’s police chief. (muc/PIA-Caraga)


LGU establishes “Barangay Bagsakan” terminal to help thousands of farmers in Agusan del Sur 

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur (February 2) - The provincial government of landlocked province of Agusan del Sur established “Barangay Bagsakan” (BB) terminal, also known as “Food Depot Terminal (FDT), to further assist thousands of farmers and strengthen the “food security” program of the province. 

The creation of BB-FDT aims to address the five major concerns of the provincial government: food security, poverty alleviation, social equity, income enhancement and profitability of farm and global competitiveness and sustainability. 

This program, through the Patin-ay Farmers Association in Prosperidad town, is also in line with the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) of Republic Act 8435 under the Department of Agriculture’s Goal 2 Program. 

The BB-FDT, solely operated by the farmers, with complete amenities such as weighing scales, modern food storages, freezers, water facilities has the capacity to cater various agri-products from nearby villages. 

The project is designed purposely to eliminate the middlemen in the farm to consumer food supply chain, thereby offering low-price or affordable and quality food products such as meat, poultry, fresh vegetables and fruits from farms. 

Besides ensuring stable, fair price of said food supplies and other commodities, the terminal develops alternative market to farm's produce and eventually increases the farmers' income. 

With her incessant desire to help alleviate the farmers' income, Gov. Maria Valentina G. Plaza released an allocation amounting to P325,000 from the provincial coffers with counterparts of funds also from municipal, barangay, Department of Agriculture, through National Agribusiness Corporation. 

“This program is a big help to our farmers in the province and also a contributory factor to our continuing higher income of the province," added Plaza. 

Meanwhile, Pastor Sergio M. de Jesus, president of Farmers Association, has been so grateful for the livelihood project shared to them by the government, adding with a promise that they will give enough care and attention to it. 

The BB is one of the priority projects of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the coordinating agency and local government units as the implementing agency. 

The new FDT in the provincial capital town of Prosperidad is the first established by the local government and would become a model of all other food terminals soon to be recognized to other strategic villages of the 14 towns of the province. 

Recently, President Arroyo inaugurated the P68-million corn processing plant at “Pagkain ng Bayan”, in Barangay. Mabuhay, Bayugan City, also of that same province. 

The corn processing plant is also a big boost to the farmers in the Caraga region, especially in Agusan del Sur province, said DA officials. 

Agusan del Sur is acknowledged as the “food basket” province in Northeastern Mindanao. (muc/PIA-Caraga)
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Chrysotile industry fails to present medical results of workers

MANILA (01 February) - The Association of Chrysotile Industry of the Philippines (ACIP) has insisted that chrysotile asbestos is safe. During the December 2009 meeting on the development of a national program for the elimination of asbestos related diseases (NPEAD), ACIP agreed to present results of medical surveillance of workers as proof that their workers have not contracted asbestos related diseases. 

ACIP went on to address the matter during the 6 January 2010 meeting, or so they thought. Instead, ACIP presented biopersistence studies in 2005 for chrysotile by Dr. D.M. Bernstein and others showing that chrysotile fibers do not stay long in the lungs to cause diseases. 

The presentation did not go uninterrupted.

Dr. Teresita Cucueco of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) who was chairing the meeting reminded ACIP that the presentation was supposed to be about the results of medical surveillance of workers. Dr. Maria Beatriz Villanueva, also of OSHC, explained that medical surveillance is not about one-time results but summary of results over the years in reply to ACIP’s contention that they already submitted some documents and results of medical records of some workers in previous meeting. 

ACIP backtracked and said it was their understanding to present why chrysotile asbestos is safe based on the biopersistence studies. Biased biopersistence studies have been misused by the industry as shown in a paper released in January 2009 by independent scientist Dr. Henri Pezerat, countered the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and the Associated Labor Unions (ALU).

Quoting from the paper, TUCP and ALU said that “This dangerous assertion [that chrysotile is harmless] particularly compromises the health of workers in developing countries where living and working conditions, combined with inadequate health care, add to the morbidity and mortality resulting from exposure to chrysotile.” 

Results of medical surveillance would show the health situation of workers. It was the consensus that companies are required to keep and submit to the government annual medical reports of their workers so ACIP must have records to start with. The Department of Health volunteered to help in analyzing the results if needed.

Cornered, ACIP asked for two months to compile the medical records of their workers when asked how soon they could present the results. The next meeting was scheduled on 12 March to give ACIP time to prepare their presentation.

Asbestos substitutes and health hazards assessment was also discussed in the meeting by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO/ILO (International Labor Organization) outline for the NPEAD was discussed by TUCP/ALU with emphasis on actionable items and timelines. The WHO would be willing to find resources for some activities leading to the adoption of a national program. (DMT/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Cebuano News: 17 ka lungsod sa Surigao Sur ang ang nakatagamtam sa 4Ps
By Nerissa Espinosa, Radyo ng Bayan Tandag

Mokabat na sa 17 ka mga lungsod sa Surigao del Sur ang kabahin sa set 3 sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Matud pa ni Mrs. Angelita Amistad, DSWD-Caraga Coordinator nga bugtong ang Lungsod sa Bislig ug Barobo na lamang ang wala maapil sa programa. Nahibaloan gikan kang Mrs. Amistad nga basehanan niini kadtong mga lugar nga adunay pinakataas nga poverty incidence on daghan ang nahimutang sa pobreng pamilya base sa gitakda nga poverty indicators.

Ang pagtuhaw sa mga pangalan sa empleyado sa potential beneficiaries sa Pantawid Program sa DSWD maoy gitawag matud pa nga inclusion ug exclusion error. Kini ang pagtin-aw na usab ni mrs. Amistad. Sumala pa niya nga dili sa tanang higayon ma-perfect ang proseso sa pagpili tungod kay ang programa nga nakabutang sa computer ang bugtong magpili sa mga ngalan nga giencode base sa resulta sa National Household Survey nga gihimo sa miaging tuig. Gawas niini, possible usab matud pa nga wala magsulti ug tinuod ang tagbalay nga naagihan sa survey mao nga lahi ang impormasyon nga nakuha sa computer. Gani naghangyo si Mrs. Amistad nga unta magmatinud-anon lamang ang tanan aron unta walay susamang problema nga motuhaw. Apan gisiguro niya nga kini nga mga tawo mo-agi ug laing re-assessment aron pagsusi kung kwalipikado o dili sa programa.

Buot sa DSWD Caraga nga maklaro sa katawhan nga adunay mga kondisyones nga angayang subayon sa matag benepisyaryo sa pantawid program niini. Gani ang pagsunod sa niini nga kundisyones i-monitor sa pipila ka line agencies sama sa DepEd kung ang mga anak kanunay nagsulod sa klase kon 85% ang attendance matag bulan. Anaa usab ang DOH kung ang mga anak nahatagan ug bakuna ug kung ang inahan nga mabdos nagapa-pre natal sa barangay Health Station o Municipal Health Center. Samtang anaa usab ang DILG kung aktibo ba nga nagatambong sa mga panagtigum ang mga benepisyaryo. Ang kapakyasan sa benepisyaryo nga matuman ang kondisyones maoy mahimong basehan aron mawad-an sila ug binulan nga ayuda.

 
Cebuano News: Gipanghimakak sa DSWD ang taho nga naimpluwensiyahan ug pulitiko ang pagpatuman sa 4Ps
By Nerissa Espinosa, Radyo ng Bayan Tandag

Hugot nga gipanghimakak sa DSWD Caraga regional office ang taho nga na-impluwensiya ug mga pulitiko ang pagpatuman sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Sumala pa ni Mrs. Angelita Amistad DSWD-Caraga Coordinator nga walay higayon nga maka-apil ang mga local nga kgamhanan sa proseso tungod kay computer ang nagtrabaho tanan. Gani, bisan ag mismong taga DSWD matud pa wala mahibalo kung kinsa ang mag qualify sa programa. Mahuptan na lamag nila ang listahan sa panahon nga himoon na ang proseso ug validation sa potential beneficiaries. Giklaro niya nga dili usab nila itugot nga maimpluwensiyahan sila sa politiko.

PIA News Service - Monday, Feb. 1, 2010

Balangay Boat shines at the heart of Butuan
By Mike A. Imbo

BUTUAN CITY (01 February) – The Balangay Boat named “Mazaua hong Butuan” was officially launched yesterday, Sunday, January 31, along the riverbank in Brgy. Bading, this city.

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In a simple ceremony attended by state employees and the private sectors, the Butuan Boat-Building Committee proudly presented a “one-of-a-kind craft” that embodied the rich history and culture of the ancient kingdom of Butuan.

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Prior to the launching at 8:00 in the morning, the newly-renovated Balanghai Museum in Brgy. Ambangan, Libertad here was also officially turned-over by Butuan Global Forum, Inc., a non-government organization, to the National Museum.

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This is the culmination of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) executed by the National Museum in Manila and the Metro Manila Chapter of Butuan Global Forum, Inc. in May, 2009.

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Upon launching unto the Agusan River from the boat-building site at the Luna Compound in Bading, Butuan City, Butuan's BALANGAY Boat will undergo sailing tests and final checks before joining the voyage to Southeast Asia. The two-boat flotilla will sail off from Butuan's Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) pier on February 4, 2010. 

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It was learned that the construction of Butuan's Balangay Boat is a joint project of Butuan Global Forum, Inc., Butuan Historical & Cultural Foundation, and Kaya Ng Pinoy Foundation. The boat was crafted by master boat builders from island of Sibutu in Tawi-Tawi.

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The Butuan's Balangay Boat was supported by Butuanon communities all over the world through donations in cash, in kind and in services. 

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The initial budget for the boat-building project was funded by Butuan Global Forum Inc. with a total cost of P1.7 million worth of support activities like the kick-off symposium, streamers, flaglets, fencing of site, PR coordination, information and communication, etc.

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Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Joesilo Amalla started the blessing ceremony assisted by Former USEC of DOTC Art Valdez, Team Leader of Balangay Voyage.

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It was participated by the Banwaon, Manobo, and Talaanding Tribal Council with their special tribal dance.

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According to Committee Chairman Greg Hontiveros in his speech, thousand years ago, the ancestors of the Filipino people, the Austronesians, traveled from the Asian Mainland by land bridges across the continental shelf to the South East Asian archipelago. They then sailed onward to as far east as Polynesia, and as far as Madagascar, aboard the ancient vessel. 

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The voyage of the Balangay will showcase and challenge Filipino ingenuity and native survival skills in this modern age. (PIA-Caraga)

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Agusan del Norte towns receive AECID health, education assistance 

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte (February 1) – Several towns in Agusan del Norte province received health and education projects from the Spanish aid agency Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional pare el Desarollo (AECID). 

Beneficiary towns are Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez, Magallanes, Tubay, Buenavista and the City of Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte. 

These towns received shelter, school buildings, health facilities and foods. 

The different projects are being implemented by Fundacion Humanismo Y Democracia (H+D) and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in partnership with the parents, teachers association (PTA), health authorities and local government unit in the place where they are being implemented. 

To this end, the AECID just last week delivered equipments to Carmen Rural Health Unit to be used by personnel in serving poor families in Carmen town, Agusan del Norte. 

The AECID assistance seeks to improve access to maternal and child healthcare (MCH) services which is one of the problems affecting families in the province. 

Carmen Mayor Ramon Calo expressed elation with the assorted equipment provided to them. 

"We will compliment the generosity of AECID and the Spanish people. We will ensure that budget for health is included in our priorities," stressed Mayor Calo. 

The medical equipment includes emergency lights, sterilizer, adjustable beds with bed sheets, assorted forceps, BP apparatuses, gooseneck lamps, I.V. stand, suction machines, surgical scissors, wheelchairs, flashlights, weighing scales, thermometers, boxes of disposable syringes and needles and bassinet newborn carriers, among others. 

Also included in the assistance package in upgrading of RHUs are training and mobilization of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), construction of lying-in clinics among others. 

The health initiative in Carmen is only part of a bigger undertaking by AECID to assist children and families gain access to basic services. 

Parallel to the health-related project, the Spanish aid agency is also engaged in education-focused project for school children in Agusan del Norte. 

Carmen town is a fourth class municipality with most of its basic services for the people being funded by the internal revenue allotment (IRA) from the national government. (muc/PIA-Caraga) 

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First mental health facility to rise in Caraga region 

SURIGAO CITY (February 1) - The region’s first mental health facility will soon rise in Caraga region’s nickel city of Surigao. 

The formal ground breaking of the site for the construction of the building was held over the weekend right behind the Surigao City Health Office. 

It was attended by top local government health officials led by Surigao City Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra and City Councilors Peñaflor Laxa and Floripen Tating, region’s health Asst. Regional Director Dr. Cesar Cassion and Program Manager on Drug Abuse Dr. Flordeliz Llesis and City Health Officer Dr. Aldine Morales. 

During the ground breaking program, Mayor Casurra emphasized that the center will initially serve as a half-way house for the temporary accommodation and treatment of said patients. 

"Let us help these people today because tomorrow will be too late. They are also human beings who need care and attention,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the local government of Surigao City is also set to construct a school building in a new site of Cantiasay National High School also of that same city. 

The new school building is targeted to be completed by the end of June this year. 

Casurra wanted students to have a more conducive place for learning. 

At present, the high school students are temporarily sharing an area with the elementary pupils. (muc/PIA-Caraga) 
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De Lima to police: Arrest fugitives to stop clan wars in Agusan del Sur

BUTUAN CITY (February 1) – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday said the fugitives from justice, who are still roaming around the remote villages in a town of Agusan del Sur province, must be “arrested and disarmed at all cost” so that peace will reign in some highland villages in Prosperidad town. 

CHR panel, led by chairperson Leila De Lima, said that law enforcement agencies, particularly the police must serve warrants of arrests to the Joel Tubay group to stop the tribal war between the two Manobo clans in the area. 

“The law enforcement agencies must do their job now. Hintayin pa ba natin na maging maulit ang Maguindanao incident dito?” asked De Lima. 

Another member of the panel, CHR Mindanao focal person lawyer Jose Manuel Mamaoag , also made the same statement during the conclusion of the two day public inquiry at downtown hotel and convention center here on extra-legal killings of at least 18 persons. 

In the two day marathon hearing, the CHR found that the string of extrajudicial killings that happened last year in Mahulayan area at Barangay La Purisima, in Prosperidad town, Agusan del Sur province victimized mostly indigenous people (IP’s) and related it to the rivalries between two warring clans of Manobo tribe- the Tubay group and Ondo Perez group. 

The alleged series of killings last year of the family members of Ondo Perez made the latter and his group to abduct 57 civilians on Dec. 10 last year due to alleged unfair treatment on their case. However, the hostages were released unharmed as a result of negotiations made by the provincial crisis committee. 

But due to the standing warrant of arrest for murder hurled by the Tubay group last year, Perez was jailed after his surrender, despite of the promise made by the crisis committee that he would not be jailed but only tried by the natives’ customary tradition under the IPRA Law. 

“The residents, especially lumads in the area are now living in fear on the alleged presence of armed groups who have also standing warrants of arrest. They must be arrested and must be disarmed,” said De Lima. 

At least 1,000 Manobos’ are currently residing in La Purisima. 

“Arrest and disarm the remaining armed group in the area” De Lima said. 

She urged top police and military commanders in the area who were present during the two marathon inquiry to disarm and arrest the remaining armed group in villages of Prosperidad and nearby areas. 

Top provincial officials in the province of Agusan del Sur, led by Vice-Governor Santiago B. Cane, representing Gov. Maria Valentina Plaza, government prosecutors and lawyers, concerned government agencies and media were also present during the public inquiry. 

The CHR panel was saddened by the absence of the officials of the National Communities on Indigenous People (NCIP) under Director Atty. Jose Dumagan despite being summoned for their presence during the inquiry. 

“NCIP chose to ignore IP’s problem causing their conflict,” added De Lima. 

“We are certain that the string of killings and abduction last Dec. 10 was only a strand in a greater scheme of impunity, criminality and violence gripping Agusan del Sur. We will continue gathering facts,” she further said. (muc/PIA-Caraga)
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Provincial gov't to look into operations of mining areas in Agusan del Sur 

BUTUAN CITY (February 1) – The legislative body of Agusan del Sur has assured the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that it will look into the permits of small-scale mining operators in the 200,000-hectare mining areas in the landlocked province. 

Vice Gov. Santiago B. Cane, chair of the provincial legislative body, said on Friday he will specifically look into the mining operations at Manhulayan area in Barangay La Purisima, Prosperidad town where many small-scale mining operations are being reported. 

Cane made the assurance after learning that Mahulayan area is where several killings were reported last year between Manobo clans and other groups, mostly indigenous people (IPs). 

This development came out during the last day of the two-day public inquiry of the CHR on the root causes of alleged killings and hostage-taking last Dec. 10, 2009, where 57 civilians were victims in La Purisima. The hostages were released unharmed after negotiation with Ondo Perez, the alleged leader of the hostage-takers. However, the Perez group members, some of them minors, were put in jail in Agusan del Sur jail after their surrender. 

In the CHR inquiry, it also came out that the two warring Manobo clans –- Perez group and Joel Tubay group (still at large) -- are both armed with high-powered firearms and have existing warrants of arrests due to their alleged tribal war. 

Aside from ancestral land problem, gold mining operations also surfaced as one of the root causes of the breakdown of the peace and order in the area. 

It also came out that illegal logging operation also exists in that same area.

“The provincial board will look into these mining permits of operators,” Cane said before the panel of CHR led by CHR Chairperson Leila De Lima and other government lawyers and representatives from various concerned government agencies, military and police commanders. 

Cane also assured that the provincial board will help the CHR to investigate and look into the mining permits of the small-scale mining operations. 

During the same inquiry, Col. Emiliano Gupana, commanding officer of the Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, also confirmed the involvement in the mining operations of some natives in Manhulayan. 

Gupana also confirmed that some members of the groups of Perez and Tubay were formerly affiliated with the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) assigned in the area but already disbanded in 2008. (muc/PIA-Caraga)

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Caraga Region needs 2,145 PCOS machines for May 2010 polls 

BUTUAN CITY (February 1) - The Caraga or Northeastern Mindanao Region comprising five provinces and six cities needs a total of 2,145 precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines for the May 10, 2010 automated national and local elections, it was learned Saturday. 

Composing the region are the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands and the cities of Butuan, Bislig, Surigao, Tandag, Bayugan and Cabadbaran. 

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) regional office said the 2,145 voting machines will be distributed to the clustered precincts in 1,310 barangays throughout Northeastern Mindanao. 

The Comelec-Caraga said the number of registered voters for the 2010 elections in Northeastern Mindanao has reached 1,378,132 to date, reflecting an increase of 11.29 percent from the 1,238,327 registered voters in 2007. (muc/PIA-Caraga)

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Lakas-Kampi-CMD leader slain in Surigao del Norte 

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CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City, Feb. 1 - A local leader of the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD was gunned down Monday morning by unidentified gunmen at Sitio Binggale, Barangay Banban, Taganaan, Surigao del Norte, according to a sketchy report reaching the police regional command and tactical operations center here. 

The report to Chief Supt. Lino D. Calingasan, regional director of the Police Regional Office 13, identified the victim as Oscar Cayumo Anino, 55, a former Army soldier and a miner in Taganaan town. 

Initial investigation showed that Anino was riding his single motorcycle toward Taganaan Proper at 9 a.m. when he was shot at close range by the suspects in Sitio Binggale. 

In a telephone interview with the Philippine News Agency, Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco T. Matugas stated that the victim was a local leader of Rep. Guillermo “Jun” Romarate (2nd District, Surigao del Norte). 

“Isa siya (Anino) sa aming political leader sa bayan na iyan (He was one of our local leaders in that town),” Matugas said, adding that the killing of Anino could be linked to the May 10, 2010 national and local elections in Taganaan town. 

Romarate could not be contacted for comment regarding the killing of Anino. 

Field reports stated that the gunmen immediately fled after the incident. 

Upon receipt of the report, Calingasan deployed police investigating team and scene of the crime operatives to thoroughly investigate the killing of Anino. 

He also ordered the deployment of regional and provincial mobile force and Taganaan police force to conduct a region-wide manhunt against the suspects. (muc/PIA-Caraga)
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GSIS members get to hand free college scholarship to lucky youths

Members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) once again get to help fulfill the scholastic dreams of a number of lucky youths through the 2010 GSIS Scholarship Program, wherein winning members get to select any incoming college freshman or current college student of their choice to be the beneficiary of the said scholarship.

All GSIS active members with updated premium payments can join the program. To join, members just need to fill up an application form available in all GSIS offices nationwide and also downloadable from the GSIS website (www.gsis.gov.ph). 

Duly accomplished forms must then be submitted to any GSIS office for processing. 

Winning members will be drawn through an electronic raffle. Two-hundred slots are available this year.

Under the program, scholars enjoy tuition and miscellaneous fees of P20,000 per semester and a monthly stipend of P2,000. 

“The GSIS Scholarship Program is one of our premier Corporate Social Responsibility programs. With it, we can help a lot of our youths achieve their goals and live their dreams by providing them free tertiary education,” said GSIS President and General Manager Winston F. Garcia.

GSIS scholars may enroll in any school or degree of their choice. Records show that since the program’s inception, majority of the grantees have pursued engineering, accountancy, and nursing courses.

The application period is currently ongoing and will last up to April 23, 2010. The electronic raffle draw is on May 19, 2010. (GSIS)
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POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Philip Mazo

Recovery of alleged carnapped motorcycle

The Elements of Talacogon Municipal Police Station led by PO3 Leonardo Duyan while conducting mobile patrol at Sitio Poblacion, Barangay San Nicolas, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on (30 January) around 1:00 in the afternoon were able to recover an abandoned single Honda XRM 110 motorcycle color green with chassis number XRM-12-058-097905 & engine number XRM10ME-7097905. 

Investigation revealed that said motorcycle is owned by Mary Ann Uy Azote of purok 10, Barangay 18, Obrero, Butuan City which was carnapped while parked at her residence on January 26, 2010 around 3:00 dawn. 

Recovered motorcycle was turned over to Butuan City Police Office for proper disposistion. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

PNP arrests wanted person

Philippine National Police Personnel of Bislig City Police Station led by SPO4 Elmer dela Cruz brought Floro Salveria Calapano, 23 years old, single, jobless, and a resident of Purok 3A, Barangay Tab0n, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur before the Regional Trial Court branch 29 in Bislig City.

A warrant of arrest was issued for the arrest of the said suspect by Hon. Merlyn Canedo, presiding judge of RTC 11th, Judicial Region branch 29 Bislig City dated 26 February 2007 docketed under Criminal Case number 2085-8-3067 charged for rape with no bail bond recommended.

Calapano was arrested by PNP elements of Nabunturan police Station on January 25, 2010 at Purok 8, Sakay St., Barangay Poblacion Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province and presently detained at Bislig City Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

Report on fire incident

Two houses were raced down by fire at Purok 8, Barangay 16 Ong Yiu, North Montilla Blvd. Butuan City on January 30, 2010 around 5:30 in the morning. 

The two houses were owned by Harbom Navasa of legal age, married; and Harry Narvasa of legal age, married.

Personnel of BCPS 2 led by PSI Alex Anachay Celez, Station Commander immediately proceeded to the scene and provided area security and traffic control.

Estimated cost of damage is more or less P300,000.00.

The fire was controlled by the Bureau of Fire protection around 5:40 a.m. of the same date and no casualties were reported.

Cause of fire is yet to determined by BFP personnel. (PNP 13/ PIA-Caraga)