(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 - Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2010

Cebuano News: OCD-Caraga, padayong alerto tungod sa natigayong pagbaha 

BUTUAN CITY - Mi-abot na sa 121 ka mga barangay sa tibuok Caraga Region ang apektado sa pagbaha tungod sa wala'y hunong nga pag-ulan kondiin 17,492 ka pamilya na ang apektado nga gilangkuban sa 91,006 ka mga indibidwal samtang 890 ka pamilya usab ang nahikling.

Sigon sa Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga, padayon pa ang ilang gihimong consolidation aron masayran ang kinatibuk-ang ihap sa mga casualty hinungdan nga hangtud karon, upat ka mga tawo pa lagn ang tanalang opisyal nga napatay, tulo ang missing og usa ang angol.

Dinhi sa Butuan, wala pa gihapo'y klase ang tanang elementarya og sekondaryang tunghaan base na usab sa deklarasyon sa Department of Education-Butuan City Division human nga 23 ka mga barangay na ang nabahaan.

Samtang tungod sa kusog nga hangin, usa ka 175-ka tiil nga gitas-ong station tower sa Radyo ng Bayan sa Tandag, Surigao del Sur ang nag-collapse pasado alas-tres sa kaadlawon.

Sigon ni Philippine Information Agency Caraga regional director Abner Caga, base na usab kini sa pagkumpirma ni Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag senior announcer Nerissa Espinosa kondiin ang tower nasulod pa sa Surigao del Sur Provincial Capitol Compound. (dxBR-Bombo Radyo-Butuan/PIA-Caraga)


POLICE REPORTS

Report on missing person

One Roberto Dalangin, 35 years old, married and a native of Brgy. Cawilan, Tubod, Surigao del Norte had been reported missing on January 3, 2011 at Brgy. Mat-i, Surigao City at 8:00 in the morning. 

Initial investigation disclosed that subject person was last seen at P-5, Sitio Tugonan, Brgy. Mabini, Surigao City while trying to retrieve some falcata logs floating along the river but was swept away by the strong current. Surigao City Police station is now conducting search and rescue operation. Progress report follows. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on stabbing incident

One Nanette Albia Agujetas, 29 years old, married and a resident of P-5, Brgy. Lawigan, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, was stabbed by Jostino Consestente resident of the same place. 

Initial investigation disclosed that the victim was attacked and stabbed several times by the suspect inside her residence located at the abovementioned place that was under the influence of liquor and went wild after being beaten in a fist fight by his cousin. 

Victim sustained five stab wounds on her back and was immediately brought to Andres Soriano Hospital for medical treatment while the suspect was arrested by the civilian volunteers of the said barangay and was turned over and placed in the custody of the responding PNP elements of Bislig City Police station. Incident took place at P-5 Brgy. Lawigan, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur on January 1, 2011 at 4:00 pm. Appropriate charges are now being prepared by Bislig City Police station. Progress report follows. 

Meanwhile, One Melvin Sullano Japay, 17 years old, single and Samuel Mondano Japay, 45 years old, married and both residents of Balilahan, Tandag, Surigao del Sur were stabbed by Romel Resullar. 

Investigation disclosed that the victims had a heated argument with Romel Resullar and Oliver Ravelo which resulted to a fist fight and stabbing incident. Consequently, both victims and suspect sustained stab wounds on different parts of their body and were immediately brought to Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center for medical treatment but the victim Samuel Japay was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician while the suspect Romel Resullar was later referred to Davao City for Medical treatment. Incident took place at Balihan Bus Terminal, Balihan, Tandag, Surigao del Sur on January 2, 2011 at 12:20 midnight. Elements of Tandag Police Station are now conducting follow up investigation. Progress report follows. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on vehicular accident

On January 2, 2011 at 2:35 in the afternoon, along Maharlika National Highway of P-3, Brgy. San Teodoro, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. One SSangyong 2.9 van, color white, bearing plate number WEA-789 owned and driven by one Virgilio Bobiles Ramos with driver’s license number KO8-04-009474, 62 years old and a resident of P-9, Palosapis St., Bayugan, Agusan del Sur accidentally bumped a Fuso Dump Truck with plate number KCZ-368 owned by Noel Nunez of Kapisnon, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City with CR number 75404722 driven by Jojie Reyes Erames, 26, years old married and a resident of Zone 4, Masara, Maco, Comval Province. 

Initial investigation revealed that the SSangyong Van was travelling from Tacorong, Sultan Kudarat heading towards Bayugan, Agusan del Sur and upon reaching at the place of incident, the van accidentally bumped hitting the rear portion of the Dump truck which resulted to the death of the three (3) persons namely: Erlyn Viola Ramos, 58 years old, married; Hershey Grace Montanes, 21 years old, single and Claudio Bobiles Ramos, 60 years old all residents of Palosapis St., Bayugan, Agusan del Sur. 

Meanwhile, persons injured are the following: Virgilio Bobiles Sr. 62 years old, married, driver of the van, Philip Angelo Viola Ramos, 2 years old, Bernadeth Viola Ramos, 28 years old, single, Virgilio Viola Ramos Jr., 19 years old, single and Virginia Viola Ramos, 19 years old single all are residents of Palosapis St., Bayugan, Agusan del Sur. Injured persons were rushed to the nearest hospital for medical treatment while the driver of the dump truck was brought to Bunawan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Apprehension of suspect and recovery of stolen items

On January 3, 2011 at 6:35 in the evening personnel of reaction team led by SPO2 Pomera of Butuan City Police Station 1 together with Jessie Dano of Gaisano Mall, brought one Rolando Morales Montilla, 54 years old, married and resident of Alviola Village, Butuan City who was caught on the act by the employees of Jollibee Gaisano Mall stealing the wallet placed inside the bag of a certain Melona Plaza Martin, 31 years old, married and resident of P-3, Block 12, Lot 30, Emenville Subdivision, Ambago, Butuan City while eating at the said food chain. 

Recovered from the possession and control of the suspect was the stolen wallet containing the following items: cash money amounting to Php 11,550.00; ATM card (BDO); Postal id and Id pictures. Apprehension of suspect and recovery of stolen items took place on January 3, 2011 at 4:45 in the afternoon inside Gaisano Mall, JC Aquino Ave., Butuan City. Butuan City Police Station 1 is now preparing a case of theft against the suspect in an inquest proceeding. Progress report follows. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
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DSWD assist victims of disaster

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Caraga Region has been monitoring the impact of the recent flooding in the region. At the onset of the disaster, DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat has ordered the SWAD teams assigned in the provinces of the region to keep monitoring and provide report to the field office in coordination with the local social welfare and development office.

As of this report, only the town of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur has sent a letter to DSWD Caraga requesting augmentation support in the form of family packs. The LGU, according to Director Jabagat has requested a total of 1,000 family packs.

Jabagat said her office has ready 1,500 family packs and is still continue to pack goods in any event that other LGUs will request for augmentation.

A family pack costs 355.60 and consists of 3 kilos rice, 3 cans sardines, 3 cans corned beef, 1box milk (grams), 3 pack noodles and 1 pack used clothing.  

Aside from the 1,500 family packs, the field office also has a standby fund of Php 300,000.00 available at any given time, Jabagat said. (Leah T. Quintana, DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)


PDCC Evaluating Team to visit flooding areas in San Miguel, Tago towns
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by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

Tandag Surigao del Sur (January 4) - The PDCC Evaluating Team is set to visit today the two municipalities affected by massive flash floods after continuous pouring of rains experienced province-wide .

As of 9:30am today as of this time that the interior town of San Miguel are still isolated due to no power of electricity since January 2 and some roads were still not passable, and some areas are still submerged in water, while some barangays in Tago are still reportedly flooded as of this time.

Meanwhile, Mr. Efren Rivas, Surigao del Sur Provincial Administrator revealed that GMA Kapuso Foundation of GMA 7 Network is set to distribute today relief goods to victims of the affected areas in Tago and San Miguel to be accompanied by PDCC Evaluating Team. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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Agusan del Sur Flood Update
By David M. Suyao
January 4, 2010

Source: Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operation Center
As of 12 MN, Jan. 3, 2011

Of the 13 municipalities and a city in Agusan del Sur, only seven has reported the effect of the recent floods that hit the province where Bayugan City recorded the highest number of families affected with 7,424 or 37,120 persons, followed by Bunawan with 4,798 families or 19,165 persons. Sibagat rank third with 4, 202 families and San Francisco ranking fourth has 1,520 families or 5,430 persons. Fifth is Sta. Josefa with 691 families while Rosario has recorded 184 families and Veruela has recorded only nine as of 12 midnight of January 3, 2010.

The 1,220 families or 4,465 person affected find their shelter in the identified evacuation centers, where Bayugan City has seven, Prosperidad with five, four evacuation centers from Bunawan and Sibagat and two in San Francisco.

Reported damages to infrastructure are the hanging bridge in Poblacion Tag-oyango, farm to market roads, footbridge and bailey bridge in Sibagat. 

In Prosperidad, the roads in La Caridad, Mapaga, Napo and the road to Talacogon were damaged including the perimeter fences of Philippine Normal University and the Provincial Government Center. A portion of the dike in PNU was also damaged, while electrical connection in 20 barangays was also damaged. 

In Talacogon, a portion of the road going to La Flora was damaged and in San Francisco, undetermined electrical power, communication facilities, water system and roads and bridges were damaged. Sta. Josefa reported landslides in three barangays while a school building in Veruela was also damaged.

Reports also said that one Paning Poras died by drowning in San Salvador, Prosperidad on January 2, 2011.
(PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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Feature: Farming in a mineral-rich soil is a huge success

Claver (January 4) - Farmers of Cagdianao in this town have proven that agriculture in a mineral-rich soil can thrive. Forty-four members of Samahang Magsasaka ng Cagdianao (SMC) with the support of the Community Technical Working Group, the Barangay LGU and Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC) ventured into a demo-farm project to showcase the growing of crops in a highly mineralized area and to address the need of the community for fresh and cheap vegetables.
Bellpepper planted at Barangay Cagdianao Demo Farm supported by Plantinum Group Metals Corporation (Photo by MGB-13/PGMC)
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This project is funded under the Social Development and Management Program of PGMC in the amount of P142,000.00. The demo farm size is 50x46 meters and is planted with bell pepper, ampalaya, eggplant, string beans and other variety of fruits and vegetables.

According to one member of SMC, Mrs. Julieta Regulada, “our market is still confined to the local consumers and our weekly produce is not sufficient to cater to the needs of the Barangay.”

The group already had their first harvest on June 14, 2010 and had scheduled a weekly harvest since then. On their September 1, 2010 harvest, the group generated P35,730.00 as income from their yield. But the income shall be distributed according to a sharing scheme that was agreed by the group. 10% shall go to the SMC Funds, 10% to the Pay-Back mechanism, 15% for maintenance, and 65% of the income will be divided among the farmers.

The farmers are currently reaping the fruits of their labor and this has greatly encouraged the members of the organization so much so that SMC plans to further enhance their farming techniques by embarking on a month-long training on organic farming. This will be not only economical and environment friendly but can also be another income generating opportunity for the members’ aside from serving their own farming needs.

The demo-farm project of the SMC is an indication that agriculture can thrive in areas that is predominantly utilized for mining. Agriculture can actually be integrated in mining as one of the greening projects of companies and as an alternative livelihood program for unemployed residents in the community. More than that, implementors of the SDMP hope that this project will encourage more farmers in various mining communities to equal if not surpass what the SMC has started. (PGMC/MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Surigao Norte to declare state of calamity

Surigao del Norte (January 4) – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has endorsed a resolution requesting the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to declare the province under state of calamity.

During the urgent meeting which was called and presided by PDRRMC Vice-Chair and Vice Gov. Carlos Egay, Jr. Monday afternoon at the SP Session Hall, the council made the recommendation after days of heavy rains caused damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

Initial reports from PDRRMC revealed that the damage to infrastructures was estimated to have reached about P9.4 million.

As of reporting time, most of the rice fields are still flooded however no report on agriculture damages has been received. 

PDRRMC reported that some portions of Surigao City are still flooded due to overflowing of Kinabutan River. Malimono town is impassable due to damage of Jubgan bridge.

Barangay Magtangale in San Francisco is impassable to vehicular traffic due to high flood. It can only be accessed by pedestrian through human chaining. 

Poblacion barangays in Tagana-an is also flooded neck-high. The flashfloods affected 1,200 families in the said town. Provincial Social Welfare Officer Rosemarie Catelo said that the barangays of Azucena, Banban and Himamaug in the said town were severely affected by the floods. The Social Welfare Office figures released showed that only 210 families fled their homes.

Flashfloods also hit the 200 families of barangays Magsaysay and Ipil in the municipality of Placer.

In Surigao City, a total of 47 families or 203 individuals in the barangays of Rizal, San Juan and Washington were evacuated since January 2, 2010.

Official reports gathered from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) revealed that 11 families from barangay Luna were evacuated at the Bernadette Chapel, 113 families from the barangays of Washington and San Juan were sheltered at Kaskag gym, and 9 families were evacuated at Rizal Multi-Purpose gym. Only one person was reportedly missing identified as Roberto Dalangin, 35 years old from Sitio Togonan, Brgy. Mabini. Dalangin was reportedly missing since Sunday morning at Togonan river.

The concerned LGUs promptly distributed relief goods to the affected families, which was immediately augmented by the province.

The province has already dispatched an initial 5 sacks of rice, 1 box of sardines and 2 boxes of noodles to the affected families in the barangays of Ipil and Magsaysay. (FEAbkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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49,472 families/253,040 persons severely affected by flash floods in Caraga region

BUTUAN CITY – Massive rescue and relief operations went into high gear as 49, 472 families of about 253, 040 persons were already severely affected by flash floods in the Caraga region as heavy downpour continue to struck the region for fours day now.

Compiled reports coming from Philippine Information Agency (PIA-Caraga region), Office of Civil Defense (OCD-Caraga) and various disaster coordinating councils spread all over the region on Tuesday stated that concerned government agencies such as Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DoH), local government units (LGU’s) and other line agencies of the government speed up their relief operations in 890 evacuation centers spread all over the region, to attend the immediate needs of the evacuees.

At least 240 barangays at various areas in the region are submerged by flood waters, disaster report said.

The DoH Caraga already distributed worth of Php 380, 434.25 assorted medicines to flood victims while the DSWD-Caraga also distributed several sacks of rice and assorted foods to various evacuation centers, said PIA Caraga Regional Director Abner M. Caga.

“Massive relief operations already went into high gear as our ground personnel already sent 105 sitreps for advisories to various local government units and other concerned government and private agencies on flood situation,” added Director Caga.

Maintenance crew, engineers and technical men and workers of the Region Xlll DPWH led by Regional Director Danilo Versola started removal and clearing debris and slides in national and secondary roads that were affected by flood and landslides as millions of the other infrastructure projects like bridges were partially destroyed by the flash flood since January 1, this year. 

At least six persons were initially reported killed in the whole region, 1 injured while 4 others are missing, 1 of them a one-year old boy as heavy downpour continue to affect the four provinces and three cities in the Caraga region.

One of the fatality was identified as Roberto Dalangin, 35 years old, married and a native of Barangay Cawilan, Tubod, Surigao del Norte. The victim had been reported missing since Monday at Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City at 8:00 a.m.. Initial investigation disclosed that subject person was last seen at Purok 5, Sitio Tugonan, Barangay Mabini, Surigao City while trying to retrieve some falcata logs floating along the river but was swept away by the strong current, police report also said.

Reports coming from the Department of Agriculture (DA-Caraga region) also stated that thousands of farm lands were submerged of flood waters as millions of agricultural crops were damaged since the flash floods hit the region on January 1.

As of this posting, the DA and DPWH cannot still determine the exact amount of destroyed farmlands and infrastructures as validation is still continuing, said PIA Director Caga.

Bridges and roads reported damaged are already being attended by the ground engineers and maintenance crew of the DPWH. Director Versola said the engineers and technical personnel and workers of the DPWH at various provinces and cities in the region were already on the ground to conduct clearing operations in landslide areas along the national highway while massive repair of damaged road and bridges also took place. “We are closely monitoring on round-the-clock basis, “ Director Versola added.

The wide flash floods at various areas in the Caraga region also resulted to power outages in flooded towns and barangays in Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur and some parts in Agusan del Norte, Butuan City, Bislig City, Surigao City and in Tandag, Surigao del Sur.

Surigao del Sur province is the most severely affected by flash floods in the whole Caraga region, the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), OCD and PIA reported.

Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel already asked the national government for assistance as some towns in the province are already engulfed with 6 feet flood waters.

Surigao del Sur Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) Tuesday report stated that about 26,032 families or 155, 303 individuals were severely affected in 72 barangays in 11 towns in the province as validation reports of other towns is still on going. At least 15 houses were swallowed by flood waters in this province.

 
In Butuan City, the city social welfare office led by City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. and members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) spearheaded the relief operations to various evacuation centers in this region’s capital city. Butuan City recorded 3 fatalities while one is still missing.

A 1-year old James Bautista in Purok 4, Barangay Bah-Bah, in Prosperidad town, Agusan del Sur was also reported dead.

Also, in Agusan del Sur, one person (name still not known as of press time) was electrocuted while 2 other persons were missing when hit by rampaging flood waters along the overflowed Wawa river in Barangay Wawa, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

 Another unidentified person was reported missing in Surigao City. Search and rescue operation is still going on by the Surigao City Disaster Coordinating Council.

Public Elementary and high school levels at various areas in the Caraga region, particularly Butuan City are already temporarily suspended by the Department of Education (DepEd) as some school buildings are submerged by flood waters while some school buildings are used as evacuation centers.

As of press time, all city, provincial and municipal disaster coordinating councils at various areas in the region are already on the round-the-clock operation as the Caraga’s Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) is closely monitoring and receiving disaster reports from the field.

Priority in the search and rescue operations occurred in Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands and Agusan del Sur where land slides were reported.

Meanwhile, Caraga region Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Director Alilo Ensomo advised the people living in areas vulnerable to landslide to be vigilant. “Our technical men are already on the ground to help in the search, rescue and relief operations,” he added. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)
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“117” Caraga News bits

2 apprehended for fake Philhealth Documents

Two suspected persons were apprehended on November 26, 2010 for using falsified documents, minutes after a certain Atty. Gilbert Galicto called Patrol 117 in Butuan City.

The two suspects, identified as Mitchel Palao and Pareda Abdulah, were in the office of Philhealth Caraga to claim for healthcare benefits. The two were required to present evidences which were found out as fake documents.

Police Inspector Junyd Maruhom and Police Officer 1 Daniel Durado immediately responded to the call resulting to the apprehension of the suspects, now temporarily detained at the Butuan City Police Office. (Lolita H. Savaria, DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)

Homicide suspect arrested

A certain Elvin Peligrino, of Purok 3, Barangay Doongan in Butuan City was into a heated argument with Bernardo Chua after a drinking spree in a nearby store. As the argument intensified, Peligrino stabbed to death Chua.

Police Officers led by PO3 Jose Madiral were deployed in the area minutes after a call was received by Patrol “117” resulting to the arrest of Peligrino. The incident happened on December 23, 2010. (Lolita H. Savaria, DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)

Husband, caught in the act 

A wife caught her husband sleeping with another woman in Maxer Lodge, Butuan City on December 15, 2010. The husband escaped before the Patrol “117” responding team led by SPO2 Alvin Pomera arrived in the area. The other woman was detained at the Central Police Precinct and was released after the wife showed no interest of filing a case against the two. (Lolita H. Savaria, DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)