(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 25 June 2025) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Surigao del Sur will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to ITCZ. Possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 1.5 meters).


PIA News Service - Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010

AgSur PPOC condemns terroristic act of LTG

By: David M. Suyao

The Agusan del Sur Peace and Order Council officially condemns the terroristic act of the Local Terrorists Group (LTG) in Agusan del Sur for the series of unconventional and terroristic act inflected to the non-combatant military personnel and killing innocent civilians.

In a resolution passed recently by the PPOC attested by Vice Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. and duly approved by Gov. Adolph Edward G. Plaza, the PPOC specifically pinpointed the gruesome killing of five Civil Relations Officers of the Philippine Army who have just concluded conducting pulong-pulong in Barangay La Fotuna, and killing one innocent child who was at that time in an errand.

In a statement released by 26th Infantry Batallion Commander Lt. Col. Neil Richard Patricio, he said the area surrounding Barangay La Fortuna are known to be rebel infested and are dependent of their consumption out of the “revolutionary tax” they are collecting from the poor local residents.

“The main reason why these local communist terrorists harass the army is because their atrocities are contained with the presence of our forces. We are there to secure the area and maintain peace and order in order that economic activities will flourish,” Col. Patricio said.

It can be recalled that series of unconventional and terroristic attacks were inflected by the LTG in Agusan del Sur and some part of Caraga Region, and one concrete example was the ambush of the evaluating team of the army in Lianga, Surigao del Sur some months ago using land mines and killing non-combatant members of the army and some civilians. 

Because of these atrocities done by the LTG, another resolution was passed by the Agusan del Sur PPOC requesting Mr. Nilo Manpatillan to establish a good relationship between the tribal leaders and the Armed Forces of the Philippines stationed in Agusan del Sur in fighting terroristic acts of the LTG with the support of other agencies whose mandate is the preservation of peace and order in the province. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)


OWWA Caraga to hold OFW Family Day in Surigao

Surigao City (December 7) - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-Caraga) is set to hold an Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) “Family Day 2010” on December 11, 2010 at the new provincial gymnasium this city.

OWWA-13 OIC Director Marietta Lumawag said the event will pay tribute and celebrate the worthy contributions of our modern day heroes -- the OFWs and their families, “for keeping the country’s economy afloat.”

Some 2,000 OFWs along with their family members coming from the different municipalities all over the region are expected to participate in the activity.

“We have a number of activities prepared for them and these include raffle draw, games, fun & entertainment, production numbers, and Christmas carol contest for OFWs and their familes. They will definitely enjoy,” Lumawag said. 

Lumawag also said that OWWA will award the outstanding OFW organizations and social partners and the “OWWAish Ko Lang” OFW Family beneficiaries. The said award according to Lumawag will be given to OFWs who decided to work abroad for a certain dream or wish for his family, but was forced to return home without finishing their contracts because of misfortune or uncontrollable circumstances. “The winners for OWWAish Ko Lang will be given a P10,000 cash prize as a gift from OWWA,” she added.

A Medical-Dental mission will also be offered to the OFW participants and their families in partnership with DOH, Red Cross, PCSO, Philippine Army and the Office of Sen. Many Villar.

Meantime, Dir. Lumawag revealed that with their strong partnership with the local government units (LGUs), a MOA signing with the LGUs and the Congressional Districts on the establishment of the OFW Help Desk will also be held on the same day.

Lumawag also announced that POEA will conduct a mini-jobs fair with 5 recruitment agencies already confirmed to participate. 

The OFW Family Day, which is an annual activity of the agency, is OWWA's way of thanking OFWs and aims to highlight the sacrifices of the OFWs and their families, especially, those who are displaced and those who bear the social cost of migration. 

This year, Globe Telecoms, BPI Pinoy and Banco de Oro are the OWWA's major private partners. (FEA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Caraga registers add’l 8K households for 4P’s

BUTUAN CITY – An additional 8,555 potential households were registered in DSWD Caraga for its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4P’s.

DSWD Regional Information Officer Leah T. Quintana disclosed that these are part of the expansion of 4P’s in set 3-D areas to accommodate more household beneficiaries.

The newly registered 4P’s beneficiaries are from the municipalities of Tubay in Agusan del Norte, San Agustin, Tago and Cortes in Surigao del Sur, Alegria and Sta. Monica in Surigao del Norte and San Jose in the Province of Dinagat Islands.

At present, the total number of 4P’s beneficiaries in Caraga region already reached 86,726 who already received their monthly cash grants.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education needs particularly of children aged 0-14 with the objective of providing social assistance and social development. (Jocelyn E. Morano, Radyo ng Bayan Butuan/PIA-Caraga)


DepEd gearing up for 2011 NSPC

BUTUAN CITY – Preparations are underway for the holding of the National Schools Press Conference to be hosted by Butuan City in 2011.

The Department of Education Caraga Region recently held a two-day conference for the Technical Working Group to ensure success of the event where students from different regions in the country will participate in the country’s biggest campus journalism competition.

Dep-Ed Caraga Information Officer Isidro Biol said the meeting was attended by representatives from the Bureau of Elementary Education and Bureau of Secondary Education.

Discussions were focused on the different activities on the scheduled NSPC, venue of the contest, board and lodging of evaluators, judges, facilitators and the participants, finances among others.

Dep Ed Officials likewise made an ocular inspection to schools in Butuan City for possible billeting quarters.

Part of the preparation according to DepEd Caraga Information Officer Biol is the on going negotiation with the FSUU Basic Education Campus in Libertad as the contest venue.

The organizers are expecting more than 4,000 delegates from 17 regions who will be joining the 2011 National Schools Press Conference in Butuan City that would converge in friendly competition and exercise the freedom of expression.

The date for the said event will be in February 2011 with the theme: “Freedom of Expression: Rights and Responsibility.”

Next month, a coordination meeting will be held between the provincial governments of Butuan and Agusan del Norte, the PNP, Department of Tourism and other regional government agencies. (Jocelyn E. Morano, Radyo ng Bayan Butuan/PIA-Caraga)


POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania


Malimono, SdN cops arrest wanted person 

One Arnulfo Mangaring y Quinto, 54 yrs old, married, farmer and res of said place was arrested by PNP elements of Malimono MPS led by PINSP JOEL P LAGTO by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Rolando T Literato of 1st MCTC, Malimono/San Francisco, Surigao del Norte, dated December 2, 2010, docketed under CC Nr 2073 for violation of RA 8048 (The coconut preservation Act of 1995) with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 12,000.00. 

Apprehension took place at Brgy Bunsayan, Malimono, Surigao del Norte on December 5, 2010 at 7:00 am. Subject person now deatined at Malimono MPS for proper disposition. 

One Balvoncent Tanduyan y Colon, 22 yrs old, single and res of P-1, Conception, Cabadbaran City was apprehended by PNP elements of 133rd Regional Public Safety Company led by PINSP BRENT H LICCUD, under the supervision of PSUPT FRANCISCO DUNGO, Batallion Commenader of Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB). 

Apprehension took place at P-1, Conception, Cabadbaran City on December 6, 2010 at 6:40 am by virtue of WOA docketed under CC nr 10905 and 0906 for the crime of 2 counts direct assault with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 6,000.00 each, issued by Hon Judge Nemesio S CaΓ±ete of 4th MCTC Cabadbaran-RTR dated July 21, 2010. Subject person was brought to 133rd Public Safety Company headquarters for proper disposition. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on illegal gambling 

PNP elements of Butuan City Police Station 1 led by SPO4 Demetrio C Castolo Jr in coordination with Butuan City Police Station 2 under PSINSP ALEX A CELIZ executed the search warrant with number 113-2010, dated December 5, 2010, issued by Hon Judge Eduardo S Casals of RTC Branch 1, Libertad, Butuan City against one Annabel Pejoles y Recamadas, alleged swertres/lotto general coordinator, 47 yrs old, married and res of P-8, Langihan Road, Brgy Limaha, Butuan City. Seized were 59 pcs filled-up swertres tally sheets, 1 pc swertres tip, 81 pcs filled-up swertres ticket stubs, 1 pc calculator, 3 pcs ballpen and bet money amounting to Php 8,743.00. Case against subject person was already filed at City Prosecutor’s Office in an inquest proceedings under NPS docket nr XIII-01-INQ-10L-00259. Subject person signed a waiver, a detention for 15 days. 

PNP elements of Surigao City Police Station under the supervision of PCINSP CHARLIE A CABRADILLA conducted operations against illegal gambling as amended by RA 9287 (illegal numbers game locally known as swertres) on December 5, 2010 at 5:30 pm which resulted to the apprehension of one Julieto Munez Gonsaga, 76 yrs old, separated, swertres usher and a res of Brgy Lipata, Surigao City. 

Subject was actually caught soliciting bet money at the vicinity of Public Market, Surigao City. Confiscated from his possession were several illegal gambling paraphernalia and bet money amounting to Php 280.00. 

The team proceeded to Purok 6, Brgy San Juan, Surigao City and apprehended one Renelyn Peril Elizaga, 36 yrs old, married, swertres usher and res of said place. Subject was actually caught engaged in illegal gambling and confiscated from her possession were several gambling paraphernalia and bet money amounting to Php 30.00. Subject persons and confiscated items were brought to Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Voluntary surrender of loose firearm 

One Victor D Buenaflor, legal age, res of Gonzales St, Surigao City surrendered two (2) units loose firearms to PSSUPT EMMANUEL M TALENTO, Provincial Director of Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office on December 6, 2010 at 12:00 noon. Firearms surrendered were one 12 gauge shotgun with defaced serial nr and one carbine .30m1 with defaced serial number. Said firearms now deposited at supply section of Surigao del Norte PPO. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on suicide incident 

One Elizabeth Sagrado y Mosende, 23 yrs old, married, res of P-6, Sitio Tinago, Brgy Matabao, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte was found hanging and dead with the use of nylon string tied on her neck inside their house by her husband Ryan Sagrado y Amamio on December 6, 2010 at 1:00 am. 

Victim was rushed to Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital but declared dead by the attending physician. PNP elements of Buenavista MPS now conducting thorough investigation of the case. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Recovery of stolen motorcycle 

PNP elements of San Francisco MPS received information about carnapping incident on December 5, 2010 at 7:30 pm that transpired at Bgry 2, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur involving one unit Honda XRM motorcycle color blue, for registration and owned by one Mailito Cabanos y Iamais, 36 yrs old, married, businessman and res of P-3, Brgy 2, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. 

PNP elements of San Frnacisco MPS led by PO3 Warren Joy Moreno Urbistondo under the supervision of PSI JOEL A BIΓ‘AS immediately conducted operations which led to the apprehension of the suspect identified as Helyfred Arcin y Gerondio, 21 yrs old, single, gold panner and res of P-8, Sitio Sinug-ang, Bayugan 3, Rosario, Agusan del Sur after he was chased and caught by the owner at National highway, Brgy Hubang, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. 

Suspect now detained at San Francisco MPS and subject motorcycle was turned over to the owner. Progress report to follows. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Progress report: 

A case for illegal possession of firearms now filed at Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, Libertad, Butuan City under IS Nr INQ-10K-0017 against Vergar Fernandez Umas-as, 25 YO, married & a resident of Sitio Suakay, Brgy Dona Telesfora, Tubay, Agusan del Norte. 

Subject person was arrested by PNP elements of Cabadbaran MPS led by PCI RAINIER P DIAZ, OIC for possessing a .45 caliber pistol (paltik) with serial number 432210 loaded with one (1) live ammo along the National Highway of Brgy 9, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte on December 2, 2010 around 12:45 dawn. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)


DENR employee shot to death by unidentified gunmen

By: Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) employee, Rolando Sinday was reportedly shot by unidentified assailants at the vicinity of Sitio Panlamaan, Barangay Aniobongan, Lianga this province at around 5:30pm yesterday, December 06, 2010.

According to Police Provincial Office (PPO), the victim was riding his single motorcycle red Honda XRM going to Lianga from Barobo this province when the two gunmen riding on a black XRM without plate number followed him.

Report said, upon reaching at the vicinity of Sitio Panlamaan of Brgy Anibongan, the two gunmen wearing Black Karancho sweatshirt shot the victim three (3) times at the close range using pistol whose caliber is unknown. The victim sustained multiple gunshots wounds on the different parts of his body that resulted in his instantaneous death.

The victim was a regular employee a of DENR in CENRO Lianga as Tree Marker covering the municipality of San Agustin, Marihatag, Lianga and Barobo this province. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Over 17,000 jobs awaits applicants for DOLE’s 77th Anniversary Job Fair

A ranking labor and employment official here says that there are 17, 769 job orders available, waiting for applicants during the Department of Labor and Employment’s three-day job fair dubbed as JOB EXPO “Trabahong Pamaskong Handog” to be held at Almont Inland Resort, in December 8-10.

This was announced by Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Caraga OIC Marieta M. Bellotindos, during a press forum held recently. Attending the said forum were other ranking DOLE regional officials and of its attached line agencies led by DOLE Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo.

Dir. Bellotindos said that her agency was tasked by RD Domingo and their department to invite agencies which can offer job openings and opportunities, both for domestic and overseas employment during the job fair. The activity is part of the month-long celebration of DOLE’s 77th Anniversary.

Bellotindos said that there were at least 16 agencies who had responded to their invitation, out of which they had gathered the aforementioned figure of available job orders. “We hope that applicants here and those coming from the neighboring places can find their opportunities and settle for employment here in the country or abroad during the job fair,” she said.

She assured the prospective applicants that all of the participating agencies are active and legitimate and the job orders offered really exists and available. The official said that they had given their invitation only to those agencies which they found out to have sufficient job orders. 

Some of the invited agencies she said are coming from Manila, Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City while six of them exists here in the region; one from Surigao while five of them are located just right here in Butuan City. According to her that the agencies invited were all active, licensed and accredited with the POEA. The available job orders, Bellotindos said, consisted of household workers, professionals and skilled workers. These included opportunities for local employment and for countries overseas such as the UAE, Qatar, KSA, Hongkong, Singapore, Kuwait, Malaysia and Taiwan. (Noel B. Najarro, The Butuan Star/PIA-Caraga)
   

DOLE inks MOA with KBP; FSUU

The Regional Office of the Department of Labor and Employment of Caraga region recently signed a memorandum of agreement between the Kapisanan Ng Mga Brodkaster Sa Pilipinas (KBP Butuan –Agusan Chapter) a foremost media organization and Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), a leading university of the country aiming for a wider exposure, information dissemination and participation of the forthcoming JOB EXPO “Trabahong Pamaskong Handog” activities in December 8-10, 2010 and other activities in line with the departments 77th Anniversary month-long celebration.

The activity is set at Almont Inland Resort, this city starting on Wednesday, (December 8) until Friday (December 10).

Signing in behalf of DOLE in both agreements was DOLE Acting RD Ofelia B. Domingo. Kapisanan Ng Mga Brodkaster Sa Pilipinas (Butuan City-Agusan del Norte Chapter) President Rommel Zerrudo signed in behalf of the media organization and journalists present.

The KBP is a foremost broadcast media organization composed of the owners and managers of television and broadcast outlets in the country which has its local chapters nationwide. It is also a public service organization serving the widest coverage, and has maintained its standing as a reliable and credible media organization.

The memorandum of agreement between the DOLE stipulates that local KBP commits to be partner in the dissemination of information to the public, and the media outfits under the said organization be available to cover the significant events in line with DOLE’s 77th Anniversary month-long celebration. Zerrudo during his message for the occasion pointed out that he is signing the agreement not only in behalf of the local KBP Chapter but he is including the other journalists present during the affair. He said that the DOLE’s program especially the job fair and other various labor and employment related activities of the month-long celebration were all noble and worth supporting, even for accommodation as a public service of a respective media outfit. He also thanked DOLE for trusting KBP for counting the organization as one of its partners for the occasion.

Also signing in behalf of FSUU was the institution’s President Fr. John Christian Young, who attended the occasion together with the vice-President Fr. Chito Butardo and some other university officials. DOLE explaining on why it tapped FSUU as a partner for the celebration said the university is known for its quality education not only in the area but in the other places as well, and maintained its status as one of the leading universities of the country. The institution is also known as well as an active private entity that contributes to the developmental efforts through their program and services anchored on their corporate social responsibility. The university also, according to the DOLE is known for their public services through its placement and alumni office.

Their agreement stipulates that DOLE and FSUU will also be partners on the present endeavor, to advocate the job expo to their graduates and the general public through their alumni and placement office and also to provide the cultural and intermission numbers in order to give color during the opening of the job exposition.

FSUU President Young in his message for the occasion assures DOLE of their full support of the endeavor with a hope that the present program of the department and its attached line agencies may somehow address the “mismatch” between the skills needed in the country and most of the courses offered in most institutions. He disclosed that their university even offers technological/vocational (Techvoc courses) through TESDA, in their effort to help close the said skills mismatch.

He said that they fully support the partnership as they believed that it will not only benefit the region but even the country as well. (Noel B. Najarro, The Butuan Star/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Mindanao Peace champions gi-abagan sa 5 ka peace advocates ug 2 ka grupo  

Ni Michael Imbo

Butuan City - Gipasidunggan ang GoP-UN Action for Conflict Transformation (ACT) for Peace Programme sa kontribusyon niini sa pagtukod sa Mindanao Peace Champions sa pagtukod sa “Kalinaw sa Mindanao”, dili pa lang dugay atol sa selebrasyon sa pagpasalamat sa gitawag nga Kanduli didto sa dakbayan sa Davao.

Si Former Mindanao Development Authority chair, lawyer Jesus G. Dureza kinsa nakaserbisyo isip National Programme Director sa ACT For Peace ang gipasidunggan usab nga haligi sa kalinaw ug kalamboan sa isla sa Mindanao gumikan sa pakigtakdo sa nasyunal nga kagamhanan sulod sa daghang katuigan aron makab-ot ang kalihukan sa gipangita nga kalinaw sa Mindanao. 

Apil nga gipasudunggan si Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, commanding officer sa Western Mindanao Command kinsa naila nga strong advocate to incorporate peace lens alang sa seguridad sa kumunidad.

Nasayran usab nga si Atty. Mary Ann Arnado ang secretary general sa Mindanao People’s Caucus, ang mipadayag sa nagkalain-laing grupo aron magkatigum ug magpatigayon sa diyalogo, usa sa nahimo niini ang opurtunidad sa mga bakwit nga mabatian ang ilang tingog ngadto sa local ug nasyunal nga kagamhanan. 

Samtang si Ms Irene Santiago, chair sa Mindanao Women’s Commission ang nakigbisog nga makasalmot ang kababayen-an aron matutukan ang dugang kasulbaran sa kalinaw sa Mindanao. Ug si Ms Amina Rasul-Bernardo, director of the Philippine Council on Islam and Democracy ang subling misuporta sa paglambigit sa tingog sa publiko ug pag-organisa sa kababayen-an nga Moro ug Ulama para sa tinood nga pagkab-ot sa kalinaw.

Ang organisasyon sa mantalaan sama sa Mindanao News and Information Cooperative Center kon MindaNews ang migahin sa ilang dedikasyon aron masuta ang matood nga impormasyon sa Mindanao lakip na niana ang kultura, katawhan, lugar ug ang mga nag-unang isyu nga naka-apekto sa isla.

Sa laing bahin ang Bishops-Ulama Conference mitumbok usab sa ilang katuyuan pinaagi sa panagtigom alang sa diyalogo, tumong niini nga maghisgut sa kausa nga dili maka-apekto sa relihiyon, nagkalain-laing tinoohan, pagrespeto, pagsinabtanay ug kasabotan alang sa kalinaw.  

Ang programa gi-implementar sa Mindanao Development Authority kauban ang ARMM Regional Government ug gisuportahan kini sa gobyerno sa Australia, New Zealand, Spain ug European Union.
(PIA-Caraga)
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Amora, elected Butuan Liga ng mga Punong Barangay President

BUTUAN CITY - The elections for the Liga ng mga Barangay was successfully conducted early today at Luciana Convention Center, attended by all 86 Barangay Captains in the city.

Libertad Barangay Captain Vincent Rosario acts as the Chairman of the Election Committee while the City DILG supervised the activity ensuring an orderly process.

Barangay Captain Nestor Amora of Barangay Banza who ran for Liga President garnered a total of 50 votes against his lone contender, Barangay Captain Derrick Plaza of Barangay Agusan PequeΓ±o who only got 34 votes.

For Liga Vice President, the brother of Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. won by a margin of 16 votes against his opponent Constancio Napana Jr. of barangay Rajah Soliman who both got the same votes as the Liga President candidates.

Ambago Barangay Captain Monico Bustilo runs unopposed as Liga Auditor who got 56 votes.

Of the total 18 barangay captains who ran as Liga Board of Directors, only 8 were chosen based on the highest votes gathered.

Limaha Barangay Captain Victor Abucejo got the highest vote (56) followed by Barangay Captain Edgardo Amigos, Eddie Baltazar of Barangay Doongan, Ma. Theresa Banate (Pagatpatan), Jeremiah CafΓ© (Baan Riverside), who all tied at 49 votes, Taguino Barangay Captain Jose NemeΓ±o Jr. had 48 votes, Obrero Barangay Captain Fernan Rivero with 46 votes and Jessie Josue with 42 votes.

Apart from the support from the majority of barangay captains, newly sworn in Liga President Amora is also enjoying the full support of the incumbent Butuan City Mayor, and the Amante’s of the province of Agusan del Norte.

The president of the Liga ng Mga Barangay sits as ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and will chair the Committee of Barangay Affairs.

Liga President Amora vowed to have a fair and just distribution of projects regardless of political affiliations.

On the other hand, Mayor Ferdinand Amante appealed to barangay officials to move forward in the administration’s objective of attaining progress in the city of Butuan and to avoid conflict-ridden relationships.

Mayor Amante officiated the oath taking of the newly elected officers of Liga ng mga Punong Barangay. (Jocelyn E. Morano, Radyo ng Bayan Butuan/PIA-Caraga)
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4P's beneficiaries reach 86,726 families in Caraga

TUBAY, Agusan del Norte - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region) said at least 8, 555 potential household beneficiaries have registered to avail of the newly expanded Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s), the government’s poverty alleviation program. 

The Caraga region DSWD hopes to enlist as beneficiaries under the expanded program households from the municipalities of Santiago and Tubay, both of Agusan del Norte province; San Agustin, Tago, Cortes, all of Surigao del Sur province; Alegria and Sta. Monica, both of Surigao del Norte; and San Jose of Dinagat Islands in Surigao del Norte province. 

According to Region XIII DSWD director Mercedita P. Jabagat, the additional 4P’s potential households were part of the expansion of 4P’s for set 3-D area in order to accommodate more poor households in the region. 

The registration of 4P’s potential household just ended last week. 

The registered 4P’s beneficiaries will receive a monthly cash grant of as much as P1,400.00 to meet their needs in health, nutrition and education, provided that they will comply to the conditions set by program. 

"As a 4P’s beneficiary and a parent leader, I am aware of the conditionalities set by the program. We need to comply these conditionalities for us to remain in the list of beneficiaries," said Gracelyn Baton of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. 

Baton said under the program, the family with 0-5 years old children must ensure that they have regular check-ups. 

She said, children aged 3-5 must be enrolled in day care and must have at least 85 percent of the school attendance while children aged 6-14 must be enrolled in elementary or high school and must also have at least 85 percent of the school attendance. 

Baton added that pregnant women beneficiaries must avail of the pre- and post-natal care and must be attended by skilled health personnel. The 4P’s also requires the parents or guardians to regularly attend Family Development Session." 

To date, a total of 86, 726 beneficiaries are already receiving the cash grant throughout Caraga region. 

Juliet Bustano, a mother of eight and a resident of Purok 1, El Rio, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur was so elated when she became a beneficiary of 4Ps. Julieta is always thankful to the program "4Ps help us in the school expenses of my children, we were also able to buy nutritious foods and I am just so happy that somehow we will not be too burdened with it," Juliet said. 

4P’s is one of the flagship programs of the government in reducing poverty in the country. 

With this, only the department and no other government agencies and LGU’s could add and exclude beneficiaries in the program. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Monday, Dec. 6, 2010

5 peace advocates, 2 groups cited as ‘Mindanao peace champions’

DAVAO CITY – A former cabinet secretary, a general, three women peace advocates and two organizations were recognized as Mindanao Peace Champions of the GoP-UN Action for Conflict Transformation (ACT) for Peace Programme for significantly contributing to building peace in Mindanao during a Kanduli, a thanksgiving celebration, in Davao City Thursday night.

Former Mindanao Development Authority chair, lawyer Jesus G. Dureza, who also served as national programme director of the ACT for Peace, was acknowledged for “being at the forefront of peace and development efforts in Mindanao, linking the island to the national government for many years at the same time doing peace work on the ground.”

Also recognized were Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, commanding officer of the Western Mindanao Command, for “being a strong advocate to incorporate peace lens in the security sector;” Atty. Mary Ann Arnado, secretary general of the Mindanao People’s Caucus, for “bringing different groups of people to dialogue… and creating opportunities for bakwits to be heard and listened to at the local, national and international arena;” 

Ms Irene Santiago, chair of the Mindanao Women’s Commission, for being a “strong advocate for women empowerment in Mindanao and for her untiring campaign for women to get involved and be recognized as a key stakeholder in the peace process;” and Ms Amina Rasul-Bernardo, director of the Philippine Council on Islam and Democracy, for “lending voice to the marginalized in the public discourse and organizing women, particularly Moro and the Ulama, to get involved in peacebuilding.”

The news organization, Mindanao News and Information Cooperative Center, known as MindaNews, was also cited for “its steadfast dedication in providing reliable and exhaustive news and information on Mindanao – its culture, its people, its places and issues affecting the island – that have contributed to the meaningful discourse on Mindanao and the building of an informed, strong peace consitutuency in the island region;” and the Bishops-Ulama Conference for “relentlessly pursuing dialogues across religious lines and harnessing religious beliefs of Mindanaoans to promote mutual respect and understanding as well as reconciliation, unity and peace in Mindanao.”

Aside from peace champions, the Programme also paid tribute to partners who have demonstrated meaningful changes as a result of applying peacebuilding principles, approaches and processes. These changes can be glimpsed in various areas – from conflict prevention, building relationships to policy change. At least 18 partners – individuals, groups and institutions – from across Mindanao were acknowledged.

The ACT for Peace Programme has been supporting the transformation of 278 conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable barangays into peace and development communities in Southern Mindanao. It also assisted 60 ‘schools of peace’ as its contribution to the promotion of culture of peace.

 Implemented by the Mindanao Development Authority in partnership with the ARMM Regional Government, the Programme is supported by the governments of Australia, New Zealand, Spain and the European Union.
(ACT for Peace/PIA-Caraga)


POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania

Agusan del Sur cops arrest wanted person 

One Allan Tomas y Justo, 28 years old, married, farmer and resident of Brgy OsmeΓ±a, Lapaz, Agusan del Sur voluntarily surrendered to La Paz Municipal Police Station (MPS) on December 2, 2010 at 4:30 pm. Subject person has a standing Warrant of Arrest (WOA) issued by Hon Judge Dante Luz Viacrusis of RTC Branch 6, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur for homicide docketed under CC nr 7289 dated November 22, 2010 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 40,000.00. Subject person now under the custody of La Paz MPS for proper disposition. 

One Marlon Tanduyan y Colon, 28 years old, single and resident of Brgy Magsaysay, Placer, Surigao del Norte was apprehended by PNP elements of 133rd Public Safety Company led by PINSP MANOLO ANDREW M CAOILE by virtue of WOA, docketed under CC nr 10905-10906 for the crime of 2 counts direct assault with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 6,000.00, issued by Hon Judge Nemesio S CaΓ±ete of 4th MCTC, Cabadbaran-RTR. 

Apprehension took place at Brgy Magsaysay Placer, Surigao del Norte on December 3, 2010 at 8:00 am. Subject person was brought to 133rd Public Safety Company Headquarters for proper disposition. 

One Lemuel Callano y Capuras, 18 years old, single, jobless and resident of P-2, Brgy 8, Cabadbaran City was apprehended by PNP elements of 133rd Public Safety Company led by PINSP BRENT H LICCUD by virtue of WOA docketed under CC nr 10-37 for violation of RA 8049 (anti-hazing law) issued by Hon Judge Emmanuel E Escatron of RTC Branch 34, dated May 26, 2010. Apprehension took place at P-2, Brgy 8, Cabadbaran City on December 3, 2010 at 1:00 pm. Subject person was brought to 133rd Public Safety Company Headquarters for proper disposition. 

One Jonard Catarman, 24 years old, married, fisherman and resident of Brgy Day-asan, Surigao City was arrested by PNP personnel of Surigao City Police Station by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Evangeline Yuipco S Bayana of RTC Branch 30, Surigao City, dated November 4, 2010 for the crime of attempted homicide under CC nr 9002. Apprehension took place at Brgy Day-asan, Surigao City on December 2, 2010 at 9:00 am. Subject person now temporarily detained at Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on shooting incident 

One Jonathan Ugyam y Sabas, 21 years old, single, laborer and resident of P-6, Brgy Sta Irene, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur was shot by unidentified suspect on December 2, 2010 at P-1, Brgy Bocac, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur. 

Victim sustained gunshot wounds on his left shoulder and right forearm and rushed to New Bayugan Medical hospital for medical treatment while suspect fled to unknown direction. 

Upon receipt of the report, PNP elements of Bayugan Police Station proceeded to the crime scene and conducted follow-up investigation. Recovered from the crime scene were 2 spent shells of undetermined firearm. Progress report to follow.
(PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on robbery incident 

The residence of retired PSINSP RAYMUNDO CANO Y AGBUHO, 58 yrs old, married and res of P-2, Brgy Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur was allegedly robbed by unidentified suspects. 

Initial investigation disclosed that prior to the incident, PSINSP RAYMUNDO CANO went to Davao City and upon return of his wife came from office work at Provincial Capitol in Agusan del Sur on December 2, 2010 at 12:50 pm, she discovered that their personal belongings inside their Master’s bedroom were already scattered. 

After conducting investigation by PNP personnel from Prosperidad MPS and Agusan del Sur SOCO team led by PSINSP BRYAN CAMPOS, it was found out that the suspects gain entry at the window of their Master’s bedroom and while inside, carted away one (1) pc antique bronze bill weighing ore or less fifteen (15) kgms, one (1) pc gold plated citizen wrist watch amounting to Php 3,000.00. Evidences were brought to Provincial Crime Laboratory Office for latent print examinations. Progress report to follows. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)


Legarda leads disaster-resilient cities campaign in Metro Manila

Taking notice of Metro Manila’s high vulnerability to disasters, Senator Loren Legarda has invited local chief executives of the National Capital Region (NCR) to join the “Making Cities Resilient: My City is Getting Ready!” campaign of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).

Legarda, the UNISDR’s Asia-Pacific Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation, invited NCR local executives and the Alliance of Six Mayors (Marikina City, Pasig City, Antipolo City, Cainta, Rodriguez, and San Mateo towns) to a commitment signing ceremony on December 9 at the Manila Yacht Club.
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“Metro Manila has been dubbed as the convenience store of disasters because based on the latest Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) risk assessment synthesis report, NCR is most at risk of flooding and earthquakes within the region,” she explained.

“Presented with such facts, the logical step would be to put in place proactive measures to reduce the cities’ risk to disasters. We cannot be complacent and wait for another Ondoy or Pepeng to start doing what we ought to have done many years ago. A great start would be to take part in the UNISDR’s crusade to build more sustainable and disaster-resilient towns and cities,” she added.

The UN ISDR’s program encourages towns and cities to commit to the “Ten Essentials” to scale up investments in urban planning, infrastructure and building safety; protect ecosystems to mitigate floods; and install early warning systems, among other measures.

“The impact of disaster risks can be more pronounced in more urbanized societies, where higher concentrations of national population and economic power are located. As elected leaders we have a moral obligation to the people. We must lead responsibly and wisely. We must reduce disaster risks in our midst. We must prepare our people to adapt to a changing climate,” Legarda stressed.
(Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)


CAFGU man killed in Bislig City ambush 

BUTUAN CITY – A member of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) was killed in an ambush staged by at least 10 suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sitio San Agustin, Barangay San Roque, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur Friday afternoon, the police reported. 

Initial report reaching the police regional command and tactical operation center at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez here stated that First Sergeant Mariel Felipe of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion and CAFGU man Reynaldo A. Yucaran were on their way back to their camp in Barangay Maharlika of the same city when they were ambushed. 

The gunmen were believed to be members of the Front Committee 14 of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Party Committee (NEMRPC). 

The report received by the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) from Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office (PPO) and Bislig City Police Office (BCPO) said Yucaran was killed during the incident. Felipe managed to escape unhurt. 

Police said Yucaran was a former member of the NPA operating in the area before he joined the CAFGU in 2007. 

Felipe and Yucaran were on board their respective motorcycles when the ambush took place, the police report said. 

Initial Surigao del Sur PPO and BCPO investigation disclosed that Yucaran was one of the government’s “point men” when government troops recently overran an NPA camp and confiscated several land mines and other explosives in that province. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)
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Cebuano News: Tribung Manobo ug Mamanwa gi-seminar

Ni Michael Imbo

Butuan City - Ang kagamhanang probinsyal sa Agusan del Norte uban ang city government agencies pinangunahan sa National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) uban sa koordinasyon sa International Labour Organization (ILO), Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion International para el Desarrollo (AECID) nagpatawag sa tigum alang sa mga lider sa tribung lumad sa Manobo ug Mamanwa, dili pa lang dugay, dinhe sa dakbayan.

Gilusad ang seminar/ workshop alang sa programang Indigenous People Development Programme (IPDP) dinhe sa rehiyon sa Caraga.

Katuyuan sa maong seminar aron matudluan ang mga tribu sa pagpalambo ug proteksyunan ang Mamanwa ug Manobo Ancestral Domain sa CADT (Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title)134.

Kini nga titulo naglangkob sa mga munisipyo sa Jabonga, Kitcharao ug San Tiago sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ug adunay CADT 135 nga gilangkuban sa barangay Anticala ug Barangay Pianing sa Butuan City. 

IPDP-Caraga Operation Manager Mr. Domingo Nayahangan namahayag sa iyang mensahe nga ang tumong sa IPDP nga ipasaka ang kapasidad sa mga lumad aron matugunan ang hingpit nga kalamboan ug pagpanalipod sa ilang ancestral domain. 

Sumala ni Sibog Katawhan Alang sa Paglambo (SIKAP) Executive Director Ms. Christine Ampon ang kalihukan nagsubay sa pundasyon sa framework. : 1) IP vision for the development and protection of their ancestral domain; 2) Results-chain that translates the vision into a hierarchy of operational purposes and describes converging and complementary paths to the attainment of the vision; 3) Convergence clusters of directly inter-related results; 4) Subsidiary results-chain that further elaborates a portion of the convergence cluster; 5) Projects and activities aimed at achieving results and sub-results; 6) Convergence management structure, policies, and procedures; 7) Principles of convergence; and 8) Code of conduct for convergence partners,” 

Human sa seminar ang mga partisipante sa gobyerno ang misaad nga andam ang ilang mga buhatan nga motabang sa ilang dugang serbisyo ngadto sa mga tribung lumad.

Dugang sa mga lider sa tribung mamanwa ug Manobo nga ila usab nga buhaton ang kooperasyon ug responsibilidad sa programa ug serbisyo sa gobyerno.
(PIA-Caraga)


SAMMICCO complains vs. BAGANI-Task Force Gantangan

By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

Tandag, Surigao del Sur (December 06) - The San Miguel Manobo Indigenous Cultural Communities Organization (SAMMICCO), an Indigenous People’s Organization (IPO) complained against Task force Gantangan or members of the BAGANI in 3 Communities under the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title 116 (CADT 116) in San Miguel, this province.

The complaint was revealed by SAMICCO members led by Hawudon Jethro Montenegro, during the previous workshop . To resolve the issue, the 1st Convergence Cluster Meeting for Peace and Justice was held at Shacene Pension House, here last December 02.

During the forum, Chair Montenegro revealed that BAGANI members were strengthened by the Philippine Army and later became a paramilitary called as “Task Force Gantangan”. The group was equipped with arms. Montenegro added, presently this group is considered threat to IP communities because of some personal interests. He also said that he has already received death threat from said group.

Datu Luciano Wagdus, IP leaders from Brgy. Bolhoon also explained that BAGANI is originally a consecrated tribal group aimed to defend the ancestral domain under the control of the IP elder leaders. According to Datu Wagdus, during the organizing of the BAGANI in Bolhoon, , being a leader in the community he was the one who gave consent to the IP to be a members of the BAGANI, but now was not able to gain respect from the members and even to control their activities within the Ancestral Domain.

Chair Montenegro also explained, BAGANI group will supposedly defend the whole Ancestral Domain in accordance to their tradition and customary laws of the Lumads under the control of the elder leader.
 
LTC Rene CaΓ±ete of 36IB on the other hand, clarified on issues raised that the Task Force Gantangan known as paramilitary before was falsely claiming as Bagani members. This group was already deactivated/ dismantled by former President Arroyo but maybe was not disarmed. 

Meanwhile, the convergence members explained to the IPOs, that the issues and concerned cannot be solved by these members alone. “We need a support from other councils to resolved,” the members said.

At the end of the discussion, members of the Peace and Justice Cluster suggested the IPOs to make a resolution and furnish a copy to the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) & Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) in order to ask support on how to solve said issues and concerns raised by SAMMICCO. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)


IP leaders reveal plan to protect CADT 070

By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

Tandag Surigao del Sur (December 06) - The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion International para el Desarrollo (AECID) and Government Agencies with Private Stakeholders of Bislig City recently convened with the Indigenous People Development Programme (IPDP) for a Multi-Sectoral follow-up Workshop at Kansilad, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

During the workshop, the Indigenous People (IP) leaders of the of Certificate Ancestral Domain Title 070 (CADT 070) from Bislig City presented their plans to protect their Ancestral Domain suited to their culture and tradition under the IP/Lumad Customary Law. 

Representatives from different government agencies, stakeholders and LGU Bislig observed what the IPs needed for peace, development and protection of the whole CADT 070. 

The CADT 116 in San Miguel composed of Manobo tribe covering 13 Barangays and CADT 070, composed of the Manobo and Mandaya tribe in Bislig City.

Provincial NCIP of this province, as lead agency for program implementation was already an outline plan for 5 years in CADT 116 that recently conducted with the joint effort of the council members. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PIA News Service - Friday, Dec. 3, 2010

Therma Marine, Inc. to launch CSR programs for Butuan, Agusan del Norte

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (03 December) – Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation (APC) will launch its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program here on Thursday, December 9, 2010.

The launching will be highlighted by the distribution of the company’s fifteen (15) high school educational grant to beneficiaries from whom the first batch of college scholars shall be chosen when they finish their secondary education.

In other development, TMI will also conduct ceremonial signing of a Deed of Donation and Deed of Acceptance of 15 computer units with complete peripherals to Nasipit National Vocational School (NNVS) on Friday, December 10. 

Therma Marine, Inc. owns and operates two power barges located in Maco, Compostela Valley and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. Together, these power facilities supply the Mindanao grid with up to 200 megawatts of Electrical energy. (PIA-Caraga)


Multi-sectors converge to give welfare to Manobo, Mamanwa tribes

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – Government agencies in this city and province of Agusan del Norte with the lead agency – the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion International para el Desarrollo (AECID), and together with the non-government and private stakeholders with the program – Indigenous Peoples Development Programme (IPDP) Caraga, recently convene for a follow-up convergence seminar/workshop in one of the convention centers here.

The programme is a multi-sectoral convergence for the development and protection of the Mamanwa and Manobo Ancestral Domain in CADT (Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title) 134 which covers municipalities of Jabonga, Kitcharao, and Santiago, Agusan del Norte, and CADT 135 covering barangays Anticala, and portion of Pianing, Butuan City.

IPDP-Caraga Operation Manager Mr. Domingo Nayahangan said IPDP’s goal is to increase capacity of Indigenous Peoples to facilitate the sustainable development and protection of their ancestral domains in partnership with government, non-government and private sector service providers.

Also, Sibog Katawhan Alang sa Paglambo (SIKAP) Executive Director Ms. Christine Ampon said the convergence partners are guided by its framework. “Parts of the convergence framework are as follows: 1) IP vision for the development and protection of their ancestral domain; 2) Results-chain that translates the vision into a hierarchy of operational purposes and describes converging and complementary paths to the attainment of the vision; 3) Convergence clusters of directly inter-related results; 4) Subsidiary results-chain that further elaborates a portion of the convergence cluster; 5) Projects and activities aimed at achieving results and sub-results; 6) Convergence management structure, policies, and procedures; 7) Principles of convergence; and 8) Code of conduct for convergence partners,” she said.

Meanwhile, during the seminar/workshop, all representatives of different sectors bared their offices’ services that may also help the tribes. 

With these developments, representatives from the Mamanwa and Manobo tribes ensured the convergence partners that they will do their responsibilities and will cooperate to the programs and services of the agencies.

The convergence partners will meet again on January 2011 to discuss its commitments for the development and protection of the said tribes. (PIA-Caraga)
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GSIS releases P18.78-billion in pension benefits for Jan-Oct ‘10
 
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has disbursed close to P19 billion in monthly pension benefits in the first ten months of the year, up 11.36 percent from last year’s P16.87 billion.

The increase was attributed to the growing number of pensioners the GSIS services every year and the pension increase that was implemented by the pension fund in January 2010.

The GSIS declared a 1.5 percent increase in pension for existing and qualified regular pensioners. The increase was based on their 2005 monthly pension. 

At the same time, a 1.5 percent pension increase was granted to pensioners whose pensions started after 2005. The increase was based on their original monthly pension.

Data showed that of the total amount of pension benefits paid in January to October this year, P16.38 billion were paid to old-age pensioners, while P2.4 billion were given to survivorship pensioners.

The GSIS has close to 280,000 active pensioners, old-age and survivorship combined and disburses an average of P1.7 billion in pension benefits every month.

Pensioners of the GSIS remain the highest earning retirees in the country today. Apart from their monthly pension, eligible old-age pensioners are entitled to cash gifts at the end of the year which they receive electronically, a service unique to pensioners of the pension fund.

With the use of their eCard, GSIS pensioners can withdraw their monthly pension, cash gift, and even the proceeds of their pension loan from any Megalink, Bancnet, or Expressnet ATMs nationwide.

Meanwhile, pensioners living abroad can also withdraw the same benefits and loan proceeds from any ATM abroad with a VISA Plus Network at the currency of the country they are in.

The GSIS has also made it easier for its pensioners to renew their active status. The annual renewal of active status anytime within the birth month ensures that pensioners continue to receive their monthly pension.
 
Before, pensioners living in the Philippines or abroad, had to make personal appearances in any servicing GSIS office in the country once a year, during their birth month, to avoid suspension of monthly pension. 

Today, pensioners, both old-age and survivorship, can already renew their active status through SKYPE or through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (G-W@PS) kiosk using their eCard. 

These kiosks, which now total to 263, are available in all GSIS servicing offices and selected government agencies nationwide. By the first semester of next year, GSIS will deploy additional 500 kiosks in all division offices of the Education Department, provincial capitols, city halls and clusters of municipalities as well as government agencies across the country. 

GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara said Management and the Board of Trustees are studying ways to make it more convenient for pensioners to renew their active status. “Our vision is to harness technology so that eventually, all our pensioners need not come to the GSIS office for renewal of their active status. They can just do it in the comfort of their own homes through technology-enabled means.”

He reaffirmed the mandate of the pension fund “to provide retirement benefits to our stakeholders, especially our pensioners who have rendered years of public service to our nation.”
(GSIS/PIA-Caraga)


POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Philip Amer Posas Mazo


Campaign against loose firearm

Elements of Cabadbaran Municipal Police Station (MPS) led by PCI RAINIER P DIAZ, OIC arrested a man for possessing a .45 caliber pistol (paltik) with serial number 432210 loaded with one (1) live ammo along the National Highway of Brgy 9, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte on December 2, 2010 around 12:45 dawn. The man was reported of drawing his firearm causing panic to the residents in the area. 

The suspect identified as Vergar Fernandez Umas-as, 25 years old, married & a resident of Sitio Suakay, Brgy Dona Telesfora, Tubay, Agusan del Norte who was under the influence of liquor during the arrest. Vergar Umas-as is now detained at Cabadbaran MPS for proper disposition and filing of appropriate case in court. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on illegal gambling

Elements of Surigao del Norte PPO led by PSI JEFFREY FALLAR, Intel Officer, conducted operations against Illegal Gambling which resulted to the following arrests: 

1. On December 1, 2010 around 6:OO PM at Brgy Taft, Surigao City, one Porferio Nueva Tero, 50 years old, married & a resident of 238 Borromeo St, Surigao City was caught in the act accepting bets for Suertres & confiscated from his possession were gambling paraphernalia & bet money amounting to Php 271.00 in different denominations.

2. On December 1, 2010 around 7:30 PM at Capitol Road, Surigao City, one Jimuel Villaza Baybay, 50 years old, married & a resident of Purok Everlasting, Capitol Road, Surigao City was arrested while engaging in Illegal Gambling activity locally known as Swertres. Confiscated from his possession were gambling paraphernalia & bet money amounting to Php 310.00 in different denominations.

Arrested persons & confiscated items were brought to Surigao del Norte PPO for proper disposition. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga) 

Report on stabbing incident

On December 2, 2010 around 9:2O AM at P-2 Cebuano, Brgy Bitan-agan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, one Leonardo Andunga Sr y Becerra, 51 years old, a gold miner & a resident of the same place was stabbed by his own son Leonardo Andunga Jr y Barrios, 26 years old, single, also a gold miner. 

Initial investigation disclosed that prior to the incident the two were on a drinking session inside their residence when Leonardo Jr stabbed his father Leonardo Sr with the use of a kitchen knife after a heated argument. 

Victim sustained a stab wound on his left chest & was rushed to DOP Memorial Hospital but died the following morning. Motive of the incident is misunderstanding & the suspect is now in the custody of San Francisco MPS for proper disposition of the case. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)


Dinagat Islands celebrates 3rd BUGKOSAN sa Isla Dinagatan Festival

Dinagat Islands (3 December) - The 3rd BUGKOSAN sa Isla Dinagatan Festival commemorated through a weeklong festivity of enrichment, of the province’s heritage and a pageant of historic authenticity, successfully commenced last November 28 and will be concluded on December 7, 2010.

BUGKOSAN is a mnemonic that stands for Best Unique Gathering for Kudos (credit and glory for achievements) Organized for Sustainable Advocacies and Networking developments. It is a celebration of Dinagat Islands’ charter embodied by the R.A. 9355, of the people’s dreams, and outpourings of respect and high revelry. Thus, quintessentially instill awareness to its people the significance of the province’s cultural integrity and picturesque environment. 

The festival elucidates a time of reaping in Agricultural & Aqua Marine Programs, exhibition of Traditional & Modern Medical Tourism, Sports Tourism, Cultural and Historical Tourism, Bio-Diversity and Eco-Tourism; showcases a dazzling array of the Dinagatnons’ talents in different fields of visual art works, handicrafts, developing a high valued local food and beverages, and fostering/cultivating traditional songs and dances.
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It depicts the thanksgiving ritual of collectivity geared in the spirit of bayanihan, and the continuing aspiration of the province to uplift its local economy. The BUGKOSAN-fest is a collaborative effort of the seven dynamic municipalities, the National Line Agencies, Non-Government Organizations and People’s Organizations. 
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Highlights of the BUGKOSAN festival are culture-laden programs that feature theSearch for Prinsesa Dina and Prinsepe Gat, BUGKOSAN Street Dancing Mardi Gras Competition, BUGKOSAN Stationary Dancing Competition, Sad-Sad sa BUGKOSAN (Disco), Inter-Office Sports Tournament, and simultaneous switching ON of Christmas lights. (Provincial Information Office, Province of Dinagat Islands/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Brgy. Officials urge to hold Barangay Assembly

Barangay officials are enjoined to conduct a Barangay Assembly in their respective areas on December 11, 2010 pursuant to Proclamation No. 74 dated November 24, 2010 of President Benigno S. Aquino III. The assembly is designed to enable the new set of barangay officials to meet their constituents and enhance the process of institutionalizing the principles of transparency, responsiveness and accountability in public service as tools in attaining good governance. 

During the assembly, the barangay officials are enjoined to present the current state of development and financial status of the barangay, consult and discuss the proposed plans and programs to be implemented for the next three years and, discuss DILG MC No. 2010-122 which provides for the posting of itemized barangay financial records in prominent places in the barangay hall.  

Barangay officials are likewise enjoined to recite the “Panunumpa Para sa Mabuting Pamamahala Tungo sa Tuwid na Landas,” which will serve as their commitment to promote and uphold barangay good governance and to manifest their solidarity in supporting the DILG’s program dubbed “Biyaheng Pinoy: Tapat na Palakad, Bayang Maunlad,” in celebration of the 20 years of local autonomy in the Philippines.

The barangay officials are encouraged to embark on activities that will build awareness and generate participation of the constituents like hanging of streamers or banners for at least one week before the assembly date.

Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, DILG XIII Regional Director, calls on the barangay residents to actively involve and participate in the barangay assembly to allow them to propose innovations and measures which will contribute to the attainment of good governance in their respective barangays. (Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise, DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)


Two bodies found dead in bathroom

Surigao del Norte (Dec. 3) - Two bodies have been found dead inside the bathroom of their residence in Brgy. Timamana, Tubod this province.

The bodies of Mirasol B. Gloria, 36 years old, married, housewife and her 3 year-old daughter Jessa Mae B. Gloria were found inside the bathroom of their residence located at Purok 2, Brgy. Timamana on Dec. 2, 2010 at 7:30 am.

Initial reports revealed that the suspect is still unidentified.

The Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO) of Surigao del Norte PNP are now looking into the crime scene to determine the cause of death of the victims. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Sarangani, Basilan kids get books from balik baterya program

Mark Delantar 6, Grade I pupil of H. Diamalod Ebrahim Elementary School in Lun Padidu, Sarangani; were glad to witness the turn over of textbooks held recently in their school. He was among the beneficiaries of textbooks donation from the Balik Baterya Program.
Textbooks on English and Filipino were handed to the school to help schoolchildren overcome academic challenges on the said subject areas. “Thank you very much for the books, these will really help me and my classmates”, Mark said in local dialect as he held a book during the simple turn over ceremony.

The school has a total enrolment of 275 students, Mrs. Gaudencia Briones, the principal disclosed. “Improved reading skills and comprehension, this is our goal for each pupil. The textbooks would be a great help in achieving our goal for them”, Briones added.

Another school in Basilan, Atong-Atong Elementary School, also received similar kinds of textbooks. Both schools have been chosen as beneficiaries of the book donation initiative of Metrolab Industries, Inc., Edward Keller Philippines, Inc., Blue Bell Commodities, Inc., SPI Global, ePLDT and Ventus.

Funds generated from the sale of recycled used batteries under the Balik Baterya Program were used to buy the textbooks for the children in the said schools. The program is being implemented by Motolite and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). (Danny Escabarte, PBSP-MRO/PIA-Caraga)  

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Cebuano News: Massive Real Properties Tax Information and Education Campaign, gipangusgan sa City Assessor’s Office

Hingpit nga gipangusgan sa buhatan sa City Assessor’s sa Butuan ang pagpahigayon ug Massive Real Property Tax Information and Education Campaign sa unom (6) kadapit sa syudad sama sa: Brgy. Libertad, Brgy. Villa Kanangga, Brgy Buhangin, Bgry. Tagabaca, Brgy. San Vicente, ug Brgy. Taguibo. Nagsugod kini nga kalihukan kaniadtong Nobyembre 30 hangtod petsa 3 sa Disyembre niining tuiga.

Tumong niini nga aktibidad ang pag-edukar sa katawhan hilabi na sa mga negosyante sa paghatag ug bili sa pagdeklara sa mga propriedad diin dakong tabang ang mahatag niini sa panudlanan sa Dakbayan hilabi na sa pagpatuman sa mga proyekto, mga programa, ug mga serbisyo alang sa kaayuhan sa mga Butuanon.

Giawhag sa atong Halandong Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr., ang mga opisyales sa kabaranggayan sa pagtabang niini nga kalihukan pinaagi sa padayon ug makanunayon nga pagpakaylap ug mga impormasyon sa ilang tagsa-tagsa nga lugar kabahin sa responsibilidad sa buwisan isip katawhan sa syudad. Apil usab ang pag-awhag sa ilang mga lumulupyo nga mukooperar pinaagi sa on-time nga pagbayad ug buwis ug pagdeklara sa ilang mga kabtangan ug katigayunan alang sa kalambuan sa syudad. (Agnes B. Tumulak,Butuan City-PIO/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: CCPD Gisaulog ang Ika-upat nga Kasumaran

Subay sa tema nga “Responsive and Responsible Governance: Key to Peace, Development, and Sustainability”, gisaulog sa Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) ang ika-upat (4th) nga anibersaryo niini dinhi sa Butuan kaniadtong Disyembre 1, 2010 sa Dottie’s Grand Convention Center sa Dakbayan sa Butuan.

Gisugdan ang maong selebrasyon pinaagi sa misa pasalamat nga gipangunahan ni Most Reverend Juan De Dios Pueblos, D.D. of Diocese of Butuan nga kon kinsa maoy nagpasiugda sa katukuran sa maong panagkatigum.

Gitambungan kini sa mga nagkalain-laing sektor sa komunidad lakip ang atong mga igsoong Kristyano,mga lumad, Muslim, PNP, Military, indigent groups, mga delegado sa kabatan-onan ug mga mag-uuma, mga LGU, ug uban pa.

Sa laing bahin, dungan ani nga aktibidad ang Culmination Program sa Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) 2010, diin nagmugna sila ug nagkadaiyang mga kalihukan susama sa Walk for Peace, Sports for Peace ug Tree Planting For Peace nga gisalmutan sa mga nagkalain-laing sektor sa syudad. Nagsugod ang MWOP kaniadtong Nobyembre 29, 2010.

Hingpit kini nga gisuportahan sa atong Halandong Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr., ug giawhag niya ang tanan nga musalmot sa mga kalihukan susama niini isip paghatag pagtagad sa kalinaw ug kalambuan dili lamang sa Butuan, kun dili sa tibook Mindanao. (Agnes B. Tumulak,Butuan City-PIO/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: BPLS Training gilunsad

Nagkatipok ang mga hepe sa mga nagkadaiyang buhatan sa City Government sama sa: City Treasurer’s Office, Bussiness Permits and Licensing Division, City Department of Interior and Local Government, Bureau of Fire, City Legal Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Architecture Office, City Health Office, IT Division, ug City Planning and Development alang sa pagtambong sa “Capability Building on Streamlining Business Permitting of Business One Stop Shop” training ,nga napahigayon didto sa Dottie’s Place ning Dakbayan, Desyembre 2, 2010. Sa pakipag alayon sa United States of America International Development – Local Implementation of National Competetiveness for Economic Growth (USAID – LINCEG).

Nasayran nga niadtong Oktubre 20, 2010 gilusad ang programa kung diin makabaton ug business permit ang usa ka negosyante sulod lamang sa 15 minutos. Ang tumong sa maong training mao nga mapahanas ang kaalam ug pagpangandam sa maong pagimplementar isip mga frontliner sa maong programa.Aron usab hapsay ug malampuson ang pagpatuman sa mong programa ngadto sa katawhan.

Sigon ni Halandong Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. mapasalamaton siya nga ang dakbayan sa Butuan ang pinakaunsa sa tibook Mindanao nga naglusad. Ug tungod sab niini makainganyo kita ug ubay-ubay nga mga dagkong negosyante dinhi sa dakbayan. (Rio Connie Leah Flores, Butuan City-PIO/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: OSCA padayon sa pag-apod-apod ug Mortuary Assistance 

Ang Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) nga gidumalaan ni Mrs. Joanne A. Ancheta nagpadayon ug panerbisyo sa atong mga halandong senior citizens sa dakbayan sa Butuan sa programa nga Mortuary Assistance.

Mapuslanon kini nga programa tungod kay daku ug ikatabang ngadto sa atong mga senior citizens nga meyembro. Ug pinaagi niini ubay-ubay na ang nakabenipisyo. 

Sa laing bahin adunay libreng ibot sa daot nga ngipon nga maoy kasagarang hinungdan sa mga kakuliang midangat sa mga hingtungdan, pagahimuon kini kanunay sa buhatan sa OSCA matag lunes lamang, kada adlaw usab adunay mga medical check-up ug libreng tambal ipang-apod-apod ngadto 0sa mga Senior Citizens.

Kanunay ang Panggamhanan sa Butuan nagapadayon sa pagsuporta niini nga programa ubos sa administrasyon ni Halangdong Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. (Ritchelle Encabo, Butuan City-PIO/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: Farmer’s Field School gipahigayon sa Bit-Os

 Ang buhatan sa City Agriculture’s Office nga gidumalaan ni Engr. Alberto B. Buca, nagpahigayon ug Farmer’s Field School sa Brgy. Bit-os niadtong Disyembre 02, 2010, kabahin sa Specific Technology Development.

Ang tumong ug dakong tuyu niini mao ang pagpalambo sa mga produksyon ug kabahin sa Agri – Industrial Development niing atong syudad aron mahatagan ug dugang kahibalo ug pamaagi ang atong mga mag-uuma ug negosyante.

Mapasalamaton si Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. nga nahatagan ug pagtagad ang atong pang-agrikultura dinhi sa Dakbayan aron makab-ot ang abundang produksyon ug abot sa mga kaumahan sa katawhan. (Ritchelle Encabo, Butuan City-PIO/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: World Aids Day giselebrar

Nagmalampuson ang gipahigayon nga World Aids Day nga gipasi-ugdahan sa City Health Office (CHO) ubos sa pagdumala sa hepe, Dr. Josephine C. Chua niining Syudad niadtong adlaw sa Miyerkules, Disyembre 1, 2010 sa Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center.

Tumong niini nga maabot sa tanan ang panawagan sa kabag-ohan diha sa atong mga pamatasan, komunidad, ug ingon man ang tibook kalibutan nga atong gipoy-an nga apektado sa nagkakusog ug nagkadaghang biktima niining problema sa HIV-AIDS.

Gisugdan kining maong programa sa usa ka-Walk for a cause against AIDS problem arun ibalita sa tanang katawhan ang nagkagrabi kataas nga porsyento sa AIDS dinhi sa nasud ug ingon man sa kalibotan. Sa mensahe ni Dr. Josephine C. Chua, hepe sa CHO, siya ngakanayon nga mentras dili pa kayo daghan dinhi sa atong rehiyon ang maong sakit dapat pangandaman kining maong AIDS pinaagi sa pagpaabot sa tanan sa kakuyaw nga mahimong resulta gumikan aning HIV-AIDS. 

Gitambungan usab kini sa ubay-ubay nga mga health workers gikan sa mga pribado ug pampublikong tulongha-an dinhi sa Syudad.

Sa mensahe nga gipaabot ni Hon. Vergilio G. Nery, Chairperson sa Committee on Health niining dakbayan nga angay likayan ang maong sakit pinaagi sa paggamit ug mga contraceptives susasama sa Condom ug uban pa basin pa malikayan ang pagkaylap sa AIDS ug moagi sa saktong proseso ang pagkuha sa blood donors gikan sa hingtungdan nag-abuno para sa uban. (Gerry G. Gabiana, Butuan City-PIO/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Groundbreaking, distribution of Certificates of Lot Awards Ceremony sa Pianing nagmalampuson

 Nagmalampuson ang gipahigayon nga Groundbreaking and Distribution of Certificates of Lot Awards Ceremonies niadtong Disyembre 02, 2010 didto sa Pianing Subdivision, Barangay Pianing niining dakbayan sa Butuan nga gipangunahan ni Halangdong Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. ug inubanan ni Hon. Jaime A. Cembrano Co-chairman sa Committee on Lot Awards ug kasamtangang SP committee chair on Human Settlement and Land Use; Engr. Lorden G. Vismanos, Head City Housing & Dev’t. Office (CHDO), Ms. Aldeberan H. Mordeno sa City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD), Ms. Lily Marie MC Ocampo sa City Budget Office, Mr Victor Ozarraga sa Gawad Kalinga , ug sa Punong Barangay Lecenia C. Sumaylo ug iyang mga Brgy. Kagawad. 

Kini nga programa ilalum sa R.A 7279 o ang Urban Development and Housing Act Of 1972 nga hugot nga gisuportahan ni Mayor Amante diin tumong ug tinguha nga makabaton ug kaugalingon nga yuta ang katawhan pinaagi niini nga programa nga makabaton sila sa kahigayonan nga adunay ilang katukuran sa ilang ginaplano nga puloy-anan sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka pamilya.

Niabot ug 144 ka recipient ang nakadawat sa ilang mga lot certificates nga gitunol mismo sa atong Mayor ngadto sa katawhan.
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Dako ang kalipay sa mga lumulupyo sa maong Barangay nga nahatagan na gayod ug katumanan ang dugay nang gipangandoy nga yuta nga alang sa maayong kaugmaon sa ilang mga pamilya.

Mapasalamaton ang mga lumulupyo sa maong Barangay sa atong Halangdong Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr.sa maong programa sa paghatag niini ug katumanan diin gibutyag usab ni Mayor ang plano sa pagtukod ug Gawad Kalinga Housing Project sa maong Barangay, ug ang pagpadayon sa pamaskong handog, ug plano nga mountain resort sa nahisgut nga Barangay. (Jovelyn Mejorada, Butuan City-PIO/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Moral Recovery Program Padayon sa pagpahigayon ug Pre- Marriage Seminar

Ang Moral Recovery Program (MRP) sa City Hall nga gidumala ni Rev. Pastor Charlie Prior, MRPO-IV, sa panggamhanan sa Butuan ubos sa Administrasyon ni Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. padayon sa pagpahigayon ug pre-marriage seminar ngadto sa nagplano nga musulod sa talad sa kaminyoon kini nga programa inabagan sa City Population Office ug City Social Welfare and Development. Padayon usab ang MRP sa paghatag ug Values Formation Seminar sa matag Departamento dinhi sa City Hall aron mahisgutan ang nagkalain-laing aspeto ug pamaagi sa pagpanerbisyo ngadto sa katawhan.

Sa laing bahin ang staff sa MRP ug CSWD nibisita sa Barangay Sumile aron sa pagtunol sa usa ka wheelchair alang sa usa ka lumulupyo sa maong Barangay nga adunay balatian aron makatabang kini sa adlaw-adlaw niyang mga buluhaton.

Ang maong mga programa hugot nga gisuportahan ni Halangdong Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. aron mapadayon ang kahapsay ug positibo nga pagpanerbisyo ngadto sa katawhan ug pinaagi niini makab-ot ang malinawon ug malambuon nga panggamhanan sa Dakbayan sa Butuan.
(Jovelyn Mejorada, Butuan City-PIO/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: Food processing seminar gipahigayon

Ang City Nutrition Office ug Staff nagpahigayon ug Food Processing Seminar sa Barangay Bitan-agan karong semanaha nagsugod atong Disyembre 1-6 karong tuiga alang sa mga inahan nga adunay mga malnourished nga mga anak tumong ug tinguha nga maedukar ang mga inahan sa insaktong pagmatuto ug pagpakaon sa mga anak sa mga pagkaon nga adunay sustansya aron makahatag ug resistensya nga maoy gikinahanglan sa mga kabataan.

Ug tungod usab niini nga programa mahatagan usab ang mga inahan ug panginabuhian nga makadugang sa ilang pang adlaw-adlaw nga galastuan bisan sa ginagmay’ng pamaagi nga makatabang sa ilang pamilya.

Kini nga mga programa gipaningkamutan ni Halangdong Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. nga ipadayon ngadto sa ubang kabarangayan aron makadugang sa kahibalo sa panginabuhian ug makatabang sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka pamilya ilabina kadtong adunay mga anak nga kulang sa timbang o malnourished aron malikayan na ang malnutrisyon sa mga kabataan sa kabarangayan ug mahilayo sa mga sakit. (Jovelyn Mejorada, Butuan City-PIO/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: Teachers’ Day gisilibrar

Nagkatigum ang mga magtutudlo ning Dakbayan karong adlawa, Biyernes, Disyembre 3, 2010 arun sa pag-selebrar sa Teachers’ Day nga gipahigayon didto sa Agusan National High School Covered Court.

Sa temang, “My Teacher My Hero”, gihatagan ug dakong importansya ang kamahinungdanon sa mga magtutudlo dili lang sa eskwelahan, komunidad, ug syudad, apan labaw sa tanan sa kinatibok-ang nasud sa responsibilidad sa pag-umol sa katakus sa mga magtutungha. 

Gipasidunggan usab sila sa dakong sakripisyo ug suporta sa mga magtutudlo sa pagtudlo ug paghatag og kabag-ohan sa matag istudyante nga ilang gikaptan. 

Sa emosyonal nga mensahe ni Mrs. Marilou B. Dedumo, ang Officer-In-Charge (OIC) sa Office of the Schools Division Superintendent niining Dakbayan, iyang gipahibalo sa tanan kabahin sa mga kadaugan sa division taliwala sa gipit nga pundo, apan siya mapasalamaton sa mga paningkamot sa mga maestra/maestro nga naggmakanunayon ang ilang paghatag sa ilang suporta sa mga aktibidad sa DepEd diin, sa unang higayon, adunay delegasyon ang atong Syudad didto sa international mathematics competition.

Dugang pagpadayag sa OIC nga tungod sa kakugi sa mga magtutudlo, ang Dakbayan nahimong Over-all Champion sa nasyunal Science Competition ug Regional Schools Press Conference karung tuiga. 

Gipaabot usab sa maong OIC, nga kini nga kalampusan nahitabo tungod sa suporta sa Lokal ng Panggamhanan pinaagi sa atong halangdong Mayor.

Sa iyang mensahe, gipaabot ni Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. ang iyang pagsaludar ug kinasing-kasing nga pasalamat sa tanang magtutudlo tungod sa ilang padayon nga paghatag ug inspirasyon ug serbisyo sa tanan diha sa komunidad ug tungod niini, gipahibalo sa atong mayor nga mugahin siya ug tag-usa ka libo isip Additional Cash Gift ngadto sa mga maestro isip pasi-unang pamasko ngadto kanila.

Mapasalamaton ug nalipay ang tanang magtutudlo sa suporta sa Mayor ngadto kanila taliwala sa laing financial assistance nga P240, 000.00 para sa Division Meet ug P50, 000.00 para niini nga Teachers’ Day celebration nga gihatag usab sa city hall kanila. (Gerry G. Gabiana, Butuan City-PIO/PIA-Caraga)


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, DoΓ±a 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. DoΓ±a 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. DoΓ±a 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)