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


PIA News Service - Monday, Jan. 3, 2011

Massive flooding hits Caraga region

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (3 January) – It’s been three days now when the world welcomed year 2011 and while other regions in the country are still celebrating the coming of the “year of the rabbit,” some areas in the Visayas and Mindanao regions are experiencing massive floodings and even landslides, and Caraga Region is not exempted to these calamities.
As of today (January 3), City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) of Butuan assured that water level in Agusan River is still manageable following the almost three-day continuous rain which hits the region since Saturday, January 1, 2010. Photos show water level of Agusan River in Butuan City. (PIA-Caraga)
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As of press time, in Caraga Region, all the four provinces are already experiencing massive floodings while some portions of the said areas are also experiencing minor landslides.

These disasters were confirmed today by officials of the respective Provincial Disaster Coordinating Councils (PDCCs) in a phone-patch interview with a local radio station here.

According to Ms. Rosario Roxas, officer of PDCC-Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte there are already areas in the province that were affected with minor landslides. Some roads are also impassable because of flashfloods.

However, Ms. Roxas said, the local government unit has been constantly coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways to clear roads and areas affected by minor landslides.

In Surigao del Norte, as heavy rains continue to pour, a total of 47 families or 203 individuals in the Barangays of Rizal, San Juan and Washington were evacuated since yesterday.

Information gathered from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) as well as the Quick Action Response Team (QART) revealed that 12 families or 59 individuals were coming from Brgy. San Juan specifically in the area of Navalca and 19 families or 84 persons were from Brgy. Washington. They are currently sheltered at Kaskag gym.

Also, around 16 families or 60 individuals mostly from Sitio Lamintaw of Brgy. Rizal were evacuated at the barangay’s multi-purpose gym. As of press time, only one person was reportedly missing identified as Roberto Dalangin, 35 years old from Sitio Togonan, Brgy. Mabini. Dalangin was reportedly missing since yesterday morning at Togonan river.

Meanwhile, Agusan del Sur provincial capitol building can no longer be accessed by light vehicles due to high rise of flood water surrounding its vicinity.

As per information from PIA-Agusan del Sur Information Center, only dump trucks can go to the capitol buildings to gather rescue equipment and supplies. Portion of the front concrete fence along the national highway collapsed.

With these developments, no official transactions are going on at all LGU offices as all are concerned with the search and rescue operations, including the local government officials.

According to PSWD chief Josefina Bajade, this is the worst scenario for the past 10 years. As of reporting time, no official report on damages yet reached PDCC office because all municipalities are on search and rescue operations as the rain continues to fall heavily. Many portions of the national highways are now impassable and only roofs of schools in Bunawan town are visible being submerged underwater.

In Surigao del Sur, Provincial Disaster and Coordinating Council (PDCC) Officer of Surigao del Sur Mr. Florencio Pimentel, Jr. today confirmed that the municipalities of San Miguel and Tago are already engulfed with water.

Pimentel also said flashflood occurred in San Miguel town. He also reported that there are already barangays whose roads are not passable anymore as of press time.

In related development, the 175 feet tall tower of dxJS Radyo ng Bayan Tandag was reportedly tumbled at around 3 am of January 2.

In Butuan City, Mr. Tata Flores of the City disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) today said Agusan River water level is still manageable. However, all authorities and concerned agencies and individuals are on red alert status since it is expected that flood waters from Davao City will flow to Agusan River that may cause massive flooding in the city.

It can be recalled that whenever Agusan River started to overflow, the city is already in danger of flood.

However, he said speed boat and ambulance are on standby at the river base for possible search and rescue operations while the city streets are now engulfed with water causing vehicle engines to shut off. (PIA-Caraga with reports from PIA Provincial Information Centers)
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RDRRMC-Caraga bares impact of 2-days continuous rain

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (3 January) – Office of Civil defense (OCD)-Caraga Regional Director and Chairman of Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Dr. Blanche Gobenciong in an interview this with a local radio station here said the whole region is still experiencing continuous rains due to north wind monsoon.
City streets in downtown Butuan is already submerged today (January 3, 2011) resulted from continuous down pouring of heavy rains which started Saturday night, January 1 – new year’s day. (PIA-Caraga)
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Dr. Gobenciong said water systems in all provinces are already rising. She also reported that two barangays in Surigao City and another two in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur are already flooding.

In Surigao City, she said, 31 families have been evacuated and were temporarily housed at Kaskag Gymnasium. Also, 151 families in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur were already evacuated in the municipal gym.

Gobenciong added communication system is one of the problems experienced by RDRRMC and that they don’t received feedbacks from local chief executives in all the provinces as to the situation of their respective AORs.

Gobenciong further said local disaster coordinating council has been regularly sent with advisories from DRRMC. (PIA-Caraga)


DepEd: School heads to determine if classes will be suspended or not

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (3 January) – Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Schools Division Superintendent Marilou Dedumo today said everytime there is flood, school administrators are given the authority to decide if classes in their respective AORs will be suspended or not.
Photos show some of the city streets in Butuan photographed today (January 3, 2011) as it already submerged with flood during the three-day continuous rain in the city brought about by tail-end of the cold front and northeast monsoon affecting the Visayas and Mindanao regions. (PIA-Caraga)
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As of press time, Dedumo said Lemon Elementary School and Gabriel Elementary School are among those who were already submerged with flood waters.

Meanwhile, in Agusan del Norte, Asst. Schools Division Superintendent Mr. Cornetes reported that some schools in Agusan del Norte are already submerged with flood waters but the division office has no advisory of classes’ suspension.

However, he said school heads are advised to report to their respective district supervisors.

Based on assessment, Supt. Cornetes said flooding is still manageable in all Agusan del Norte public schools.

Also, national highway along Cuyago and Tagmamarkay in Agusan del Norte are now barely passable to light vehicles while rivers in these areas are nearly to overflow. (PIA-Caraga)


Portion of Dinagat Islands experienced minor landslides, PDCC official says

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (3 January) – Province of Dinagat Island Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) Officer Ms. Rosario Roxas today said in an interview with a local radio station here that there are already areas in the province that were already affected with minor landslides.

As of press time, Roxas said, some roads are already unpassable. “The rain started last Saturday evening and frequency on Sunday is from moderate to heavy,” he said.

Roxas also said, some wooden bridges are already flooded. However, he said PDCC has already coordinated with DPWH regarding the matter.

According to Roxas, no evacuation has been made yet since the people are already oriented what to do in times of rains or storms to avoid disaster such as landslides.

Roxas further reported that roads in the municipalities of Basilisa and Cagdianao are not passable as of press time. (PIA-Caraga)


PDCC confirmed floodings in Surigao del Sur

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (3 January) – Provincial Disaster and Coordinating Council (PDCC) Officer of Surigao del Sur Mr. Florencio Pimentel, Jr. today confirmed that the municipalities of San Miguel and Tago are already engulfed with water.

In a phone-patch interview with a local radio station here, Pimentel said Brgy. Poblacion is flooding due to overflowing of Tago River which started yesterday, January 2 at 11 pm.

Pimentel also said flashflood occurred in San Miguel town. He also reported that there are already barangays whose roads are not passable anymore as of press time.

In related development, the 175 feet tall tower of dxJS Radyo ng Bayan Tandag was reportedly tumbled at around 3 am of January 2.

Ms. Nerissa Espinosa, senior announcer of the said station confirmed today (January 3) that the said tower located at the back portion of their station near the Gregorio Murillo Sports Complex was tumbled down after strong wind hits the tower yesterday morning. Espinosa added that because of the incident, the station is off the air. However, Espinosa said no properties reported damaged. (PIA-Caraga with report from PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Agusan del Sur LGU, on red alert status in the wake of massive floodings in the province

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (3 January) – Following the massive floodings experienced by Agusan del Sur at present, the provincial government is on red alert status to ensure that preventive measures will be undertaken in times of disasters.

In today’s interview with a local radio station in Butuan City, Agusan del Sur Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) Officer Anoy Ronquillo today said that Governor Eddiebong Plaza has already instructed their office with the respective municipal DRRMC to look for the status of every barangay in their respective municipalities.

Ronquillo said municipality of San Francisco is greatly affected with flashfloods. He also said, Prosperidad experiencing flooding, as well as the municipalities of Trento and Rosario.

With these developments, Ronquillo said PDCC and the provincial government is on alert but no advisory of work suspension has been issued as the “provincial government is eyeing to serve the Agusanons especially during times of calamities,” Ronquillo said. (PIA-Caraga)


Butuan CDCC assures Agusan river level still “manageable”

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (3 January) – Mr. Tata Flores of the City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) here said Agusan River level is already measured at 110 meters but is still manageable, following the massive rain that hits Visayas and Mindanao regions since Saturday, January 1.

However, all authorities and concerned agencies and individuals are on red alert status since it is expected that flood waters from Davao City will flow to Agusan River that may cause massive flooding in the city.

Flores also said CDCC have not received reports yet as to the status of the 86 barangays in the city. Meanwhile, he said, speedboat and ambulance are on standby at the River base for possible search and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, some city streets here are already not passable to light vehicles as street canals starting to overflow. The famous Langihan lagoon located near the Butuan City Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal is also overflowing as of this morning.

Agricultural rice fields within the city were also submerged with flood waters while some elementary and high schools here have declared suspension of classes. It was learned that school administrators were given authority to decide whether or not classes in their respective areas of responsibilities will be suspended or not. (PIA-Caraga)
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DPWH-Caraga issues public advisory on flood

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (3 January) – The Regional Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways here issued today public advisory following the continuous rain that brought about by tail-end of the cold front and north wind monsoon affecting the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

According to the advisory that as of 10 am today, January 3, Wawa Bridge in Wawa, Agusan del Sur approaching from Butuan City are impassable to all types of vehicles.

Vehicles are on standby in Sibagat while Bunawan station km 1361 + 363-563 is passable only to six-wheeler vehicles.

Majority of the houses in these areas are already submerged in flood water. Due to continuous rain, some portions of the national roads are flooded.

Also, Awa-Azpetia road in Agusan del Sur is no longer passable as of 1:00 p.m. today. The weighbridge in Brgy. Ampayon here is hardly passable as the water level is already rising.

With these update, all travelers are advised to be cautious and be vigilant for possible falling debris caused by landslides.

Meanwhile, in Dinagat islands, damaged infrastructures were already repaired by DPWH. (PIA-Caraga)
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Gov. Pimentel requests SP to pass resolution declaring state of calamity in Surigao del Sur

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (3 June) – Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel thru Provincial Administrator Efren Rivas spearheads today, January 3 an emergency meeting participated by national line agencies and members of Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council at the provincial capitol conference room, Surigao del Sur.

During the meeting, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Administrator Abel de Guzman suggested to form a special task force as validating team from the attendees to consolidate all the reports coming from the LGUs to have a synchronized report.

The said task force is also suggested to be on duty 24/7 at the office of PDCC. Members of the created task force "validating team" chaired by PGO are the following agencies: PRC, PNP, PA, PSWD, PEO, DPWH, DILG, PHO, DA, SURSECO and PIA.

In related development, Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel is requesting today the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pass a resolution declaring the province under state of calamity as many municipalities and barangays are already submerged with flood waters.

According to the official, the municipality of San Miguel is already submerged with six feet flood water affecting all barangays.

Also, Gov. Pimentel said the municipalities of Barobo, Cantilan and Lianga are engulfed with water (PIA-Caraga with report from PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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Police Reports
by P03 Philip Amer Posas Mazo


Report on injuries resulting from fire crackers

Butuan City Police Office conducted daily monitoring on incidents involving firecrackers that were referred to the hospitals in Butuan City area. As a result, on January 1, 2011 around 12:30 dawn, information received from the duty nurse of MJ Santos Hospital revealed that there were three (3) victims injured by firecrackers.

1) On December 31, 2010 around 10:30 PM, Jerome Mapula, 27 years old, single and a resident of Saint Joseph Subdivision, Brgy Villa Kananga, Butuan City, sustained injury on his left hand from an explosion of a firecracker known as “whistle bomb”.

2) On January 1, 2011 around 1:25 o’clock dawn, Jose Cane, 55 years old, married and a resident of Brgy Taguibo, Butuan City sustained injuries on his left face, ear and shoulder from an explosion of a firecracker known as “triangle”.

3) On January 1, 2011 around 4:00 o’clock dawn, Yuan Ruiz a 3 year old child and a resident of T. Calo Extension, Butuan City was also accidentally hit by a firecracker known as “piccolo” & got bruises on his right thigh.

All injured individuals were treated in the same hospital & were sent back home safely. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on shooting incidents

On December 31, 2010 around 6:00 PM in front of San Lorenzo Ruiz Cathedral at P-4 Brgy Fili, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, one Jhonny Gongob Laylay alias “Junjun”, 33 years ols, single and a resident of P-2 Brgy Fili was shot to death by two (2) unidentified suspects with the use of a caliber .45 pistol.

Immediately, Bayugan Municipal Police Station (MPS) led by PCI WARREN M DABLO, COP coordinated with the SOCO Team led by PSI BRYAN CRES GONZALES CAMPOS and immediately went to the crime scene to conduct on scene investigation & hot pursuit operation for possible identification and arrest of the suspects.

Initial investigation disclosed that while the victim was onboard a black Honda Wave 1OO single motorcycle driven by Ronel Canoy, a caretaker of Villa Amor Hotel was fired upon by the suspects who were also riding a single motorcycle.

One of the suspects shot the victim several times then fled away after the shooting. Jhonny Laylay sustained multiple gun shot wounds on the different parts of his body which resulted to his instant death.

SOCO Team recovered four (4) pieces fired slugs and six (6) pieces fired cartridges of a caliber .45 near the body of the victim at the crime scene. Bayugan MPS took cognizance of the case.

On January 1, 2011 around 1:00 o’clock dawn at P-7 Brgy Katipunan, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, Michael Anyag Patiluna, 21years old, single, a laborer and a resident of P-3 of the same barangay was shot to death with the use of a yet to be identified firearm by Julieto Lavilla Malinao, 35 years old, married & a resident of the same barangay.

Upon receipt of the report, Bayugan MPS PNP personnel led by SPO4 Lito J Libres again coordinated with SOCO Team led by PSI BRYAN CRES GONZALES CAMPOS & proceeded to the area & conducted on scene investigation & hot pursuit operation for possible identification & arrest of the suspects.

Initial investigation disclosed that both the victim & the suspect were on a drinking session when a heated argument aroused which resulted to the shooting of the victim in the head by the suspect Julieto Malinao.

Victim was immediately brought to DO Plaza Memorial Hospital for medical treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician while the suspect fled after the incident. Bayugan MPS took cognizance of the case. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on found dead body

On January 1, 2011 around 7:00 AM at Brgy Tinigbasan, Tubay, Agusan del Sur, a Brgy Kagawad of the said barangay was found dead inside his residence by his cousin Adonis Alido which he immediately informed Brgy Kagawan Narciso Del Sala who then reported the incident to the police around 8:30 AM.

The victim was identified as Brgy Kagawad Roque Guzo Magpale Jr, 33 YO. A caliber .38 handgun believed to be owned by the victim was seen beside him where he was seen lying dead. The gun was turned over by the victim’s brother Brgy Captain Mayonito Magpale to the responding police from Tubay MPS. PI NERI DATAHAN, OIC of Tubay MPS immediately requested the SOCO Team from the Regional Crime Laboratory 13 to perform the on scene investigation.

Initial investigation revealed that possibly the victim tried the tuck the handgun on his waist when it accidentally fired hitting his right thigh which caused the loss of blood and eventually triggered his death. The remains of the victim was submitted for the Crime Lab 13 to conduct paraphine test & autopsy while the handgun was also submitted for ballistic examination for further investigation. A Follow-up investigation is being conducted by Tubay MPS. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
Report on carnapping incident

One unit Honda XRM, color blue with plate number 1516 owned by Danilo Azur Salingay, 26 years old, single and a resident of P-4, Brgy. Ampayon, Butuan City was allegedly taken by two (2) unidentified suspects, around 11:00 O’clock in the evening of January 1, 2011 at the said place. 

Initial investigation disclosed that while the victim was on board the said motorcycle, traversing along the road at Brgy. Villa Kananga, Butuan City when the said suspects flagged him down and hired him (victim) to take them (suspects) to Brgy. Ampayon. But upon reaching the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) road, P-1, Brgy. Ampayon, one of the suspects aimed towards the victim an unknown caliber of firearm then tied him with a straw thread and fled on board the said motorcycle heading towards Butuan City. 

Elements of Butuan City Police Station (BCPS) 4 conducted follow up investigation for possible identification and apprehension of the suspects. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on conflagration

Two residential houses located at P-1 Karaos, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur owned by Colorado and Antolin family were razed by fire around 3:45 in the afternoon of January 1, 2010. Initial investigation conducted by Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) disclosed that the fire begins at the bedroom of Colorado family. 

Elements of BFP declared fire out, around 4:30 in the afternoon of same date with estimated damages of more or less P130, 000.00. Caused of fire is the unattended lighted mosquito coil. Elements of San Francisco Municipal Police Station provided security during the incident. Case was referred to BFP for further investigation.
(PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on vehicular accident

Around 11:58 in the evening of December 31, 2010, one (1) unit Rusi MP 125‑Z single motorcycle, color black/white owned and driven by Pablito Monteclaro y Orillo, 52 years old, married and a resident of P-6, Brgy. Curva, Santiago, Agusan del Norte was accidentally hit and ran over by a Philtranco passenger bus with body number 338, plate number EVK-561, driven by Renato Biros y Belaje, 44 years old, married and a resident of Rizal, Babatngon, Leyte. 

Initial investigation disclosed that the victim on board his motorcycle was traveling along the National Highway, P-1, Brgy. Curva, Santiago, Agusan del Norte from his residence going to Poblacion, Santiago and upon reaching at the said place, victim was accidentally crashed into the cemented road and eventually ran over by the said passenger bus, traveling from Surigao City heading towards Butuan City, which resulted to his death and total damaged of the said motorcycle. 

Remains of the victim was brought to Juni Funeral Home, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte while the driver of the said passenger bus voluntarily surrendered to Butuan City Police Station 4, Ampayon, Butuan City and subsequently turned over to Santiago MPS together with his driven passenger bus for proper disposition.
(PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
   

On arrested wanted person

Elements of Las Nieves Municipal Police Station (MPS) led by SPO1 Peter Gala Cutao arrested one Jonathan Lopez y Baclayo, 34 years old, single and a residence of P-8, Brgy. Mat-i, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, around 3:30 in the afternoon, January 2, 2011 at P-7, of the abovementioned place. 

Said suspect was arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest issued by Hon. Augustus L. Calo of RTC, Branch 5, Libertad, Butuan City, charged for the crime of Robbery with Homicide with Multiple Physical Injuries and no recommended bail bond. Arrested suspect is now detained at Las Nieves Municipal Jail for proper disposition. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

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PNP Caraga establish regional disaster operation center

Camp Rafael C Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City - Police Regional Office 13 as member of Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council in Caraga Region through its Operational guidelines is ready to respond to any calamity brought about by incessant rains in the entire region. In this regard, Caraga Police Director Police Chief Supt REYNALDO SERRANO RAFAL, CEO VI activated the PNP Regional Disaster Operation Center to closely monitor areas prone to flood and landslide in order to save lives and properties.

It will also responds to the call of the community for assistance and evacuation. He also directed the City/Provincial Directors, Chiefs of Police in City and Municipal Police units to be in full alert status and to constantly monitor their areas of responsibility. He also directed the Battalion Commander of the Regional Public Safety Battalion to establish Regional Rescue Teams at PNP regional level as the downpour of rains continues in the region. He also advised the affected residents to coordinate with the nearest Police station in their area and to be vigilant to avoid becoming victims of the calamity. He also encouraged the involvement of NGOs, volunteer groups and the tri-media in all aspects of the security operations and other public safety remedies in relation to the calamity.

General Rafal shall supervise the implementation of this directive to ensure that peace, security and public safety prevail during the calamity crisis brought about by the calamity. (PCI Nelly Tabornal Villagarcia, PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)