(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, Feb. 21, 2011

GSIS Butuan warns public against swindlers

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA)
– The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) here is warning the public against unidentified persons posing as GSIS personnel victimizing members of GSIS in different municipalities.

GSIS Butuan Regional Office in a written statement said their office has been receiving reports from its pensioner members that people claiming to be GSIS personnel personally visit their houses offering their services for pensioners to get their benefits easier and faster.

Accordingly, these swindlers would ask the member to give them certain amount of money for them to process the needed documents for the member’s claims at the GSIS office.

GSIS advices its members to be vigilant and get the names of those people who would visit their houses and claim that they are personnel from GSIS so these swindlers will be reported to authorities. GSIS maintains that they have not deployed their personnel to go on house to house visitation to offer services to pensioners. They further asked members and pensioners to personally visit the GSIS office for their transactions with the agency. (PIA-Caraga)


Bislig City leads multi-sectoral convergence for the protection and dev’t of ancestral domain

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 21 (PIA)
- The City of Bislig thru Mayor Librado C. Navarro spearheaded the Multi-Sectoral Convergence geared towards the protection and development of the Manobo/Mandaya Ancentral Domain covered in the Certificate of Ancestral Title 070 or better known as CADT 070. 

The CADT 070 covers the three areas of Bislig City, Barangay San Jose, Pamaypayan and Sitio Sikahoy.

This Multi-Sectoral Convergence is a gathering of collaborating entities like the LGU-Bislig, the National Government Agencies, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Manobo/Mandaya Ancestral Domain Council of CADT 070 with the participation and support of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Spanish International Development Agency. This endeavor gave birth to the so-called Indigenous Peoples Development Program or IPDP.

The first Multi-Sectoral Convergence was held at the Kansilad Beach Resort, Lianga, Surigao del Sur last December 2 and 3, 2010. IPDP aims to increase the capacity of the Indigenous Peoples in order to facilitate the sustainable development and protection of their ancestral domain in partnership with government, non-government and private sector service providers. 

Likewise, a results-based convergence framework composed of eight (8) parts for the development and protection of ancestral domains was discussed. The first part of the convergence framework is the Indigenous Peoples Vision for the development and protection of their Ancestral Domain; second is the results-chain that translates the vision into a hierarchy of operational purposes and describes converging and complementary paths to the attainment of the results; third is the convergence cluster of directly interrelated results; fourth is the subsidiary results-chain that further elaborates a portion of the convergence cluster; fifth are the projects and activities aimed at achieving results and sub-results; six is the convergence management structure, policies and procedures; seven are the principles of convergence and the eight is the Code of Conduct of convergence partners.

The second Multi-Sectoral Convergence with the attendance of the City Mayor of Bislig Hon. Librado C. Navarro was held at Prince Hotel, Butuan City early this yearly.

In his message, the Honorable Mayor appreciated very much the effort made by the convenors for it will put in the right perspective the direction and objectives of the Indigenous Peoples Development Program. 

He emphasized that good governance or self-governance in the indigenous communities is a process, a very difficult and complicated process that needs the concerted participation of different sectors service providers. 

All the service providers must have a leveling and setting of minds to come up with a unified vision and action for the Indigenous Peoples capability building.

The convergence concluded with the identification of the various services and the manifestation of commitment by the different sectors service providers to the Indigenous Peoples Development Program or IPDP. (Bislig City Public Information Office/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Abducted police released by NPA captors

CAMP RAFAEL C RODRIGUEZ, Libertad, Butuan City, Feb. 21
-- A member of the 1403rd Police Provincial Mobile Group in Agusan del Sur was released by his captors Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011.

PO3 Jorge Sabatin was reunited with his family after an 18-day detention from the CTs Group under Front Committee 20 (FC 20) of Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC). 

PO3 Sabatin was abducted by the NPA during the raid/attack at monitoring post of Task Force Bantay Kalikasan in Purok 3, Barangay Pulang Lupa, Trento, Agusan del Sur on February 1, 2011 early in the morning, in which two civilians were killed. Sabatin sustained splinter wounds from the firefight. 

Sabatin was immediately checked up by Police Senior Inspector Palma of Regional Health Service 13 to ensure his physical well being.

His release is a result of the week-long cease of operation and negotiations. 

The constant coordination of Police Director Victorino S Panganiban – Director, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations – Eastern Mindanao with the Crisis Management Committee, AFP and PNP in the region greatly help in the safe and orderly release of Sabatin.

Caraga Police Director PCSupt Reynaldo Serrano Rafal, said Sabatin was received by the local Crisis Management Committee and negotiating team headed by Hon. Santiago Cane - Vice Governor of Agusan del Sur; Hon. Victoria Plaza – Sanggunuang Bayan Member of Trento, Agusan del Sur representing Hon. Johnmark Billanes – Municipal Mayor; Josefina Bajade – Provincial Officer of PSWD; Bishop Constante Claro and Rev. Roderick Raut – both UCCP Ecumenical Bishop’s Forum from Davao City and Father Carlos Lariosa – SVD of Trento together with the members of Exudos for Justice and Peace (EJP) from Davao City. 

PO3 Sabatin together with the negotiating team arrived at Trento MPS at about 2:40 p.m same day and subsequently turned-over the kidnapped PNP member to PSSupt Isagani Genabe – Deputy Regional Director for Operations of PRO 13 assisted by PSSupt David Yalong Ombao; PSupt Joseph Dingle Plaza – OIC Ads PPPO; PCI Nelly Tabornal Villagarcia – Pro 13 Public Information Officer; PInsp Joseph Ejercito Plaza Lambaco – OIC Trento MPS, and other police officers from Police Regional Headquarters. Hon. Edward Adolph Plaza – Governor of ADS also arrived in Trento MPS. 

Reportedly, Sabatin was accorded humane and lenient treatment befitting his status as captured in accordance with international war protocols, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. But General Rafal denied accusations that Sabatin is a member of the abusive and mercenary police force and participated in the extortion activities as most policemen do. Rafal branded the accusations as propaganda. (PCI Nelly Tabornal Villagarcia/PIA-Caraga)


RDC-GADCC Caraga highlights MDGs in Women’s Month celeb

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA)
–- The Regional Development Council – Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) Caraga will highlight the Millennium Development Goals during the Women’s Month celebration come March 2011 with the theme: “Magna Carta of Women, Philippine CEDAW: In support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)”.

According to Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga Regional Director and GADCC Chairperson Atty. Marilyn Pintor, Presidential Proclamation Nos. 224 and 227, and Republic Act 6949 provide for the yearly observance of the month of March as national Women’s Month.

“This year’s celebration is anchored on the importance of Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, the national translation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women or the CEDAW, to the achievement of the eight (8) Millennium Development Goals: 1) Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; 2) Achieve universal primary education; 3) Promote hunger equality and empower women; 4) Reduce child mortality; 5) Improve maternal health; 6) Combat HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases; 7) Ensure environmental sustainability; and 8) Develop a global partnership for development,” Pintor stressed.

Pintor also announced that a press conference will be conducted on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 with discussants coming from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), and other duty bearers of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

GADCC also prepares different activities for the month of March to be participated by government line agencies and various stakeholders.

GADCC aims to work hand-in-hand with multi-sectors to make this year’s Womens’s Month celebration a substantive beginning of highlighting the important role of women in achieving and engendering the Millennium Development Goals. (PIA-Caraga)


RDC-GADCC Caraga enjoins all sectors to organize MDG-related activities

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) – With the government’s commitment to gear all efforts towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by 2015, the Regional Development Council – Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) Caraga enjoins all sectors to organize MDG activities.

Particularly, RDCC-GADCC asks government agencies, state universities and colleges, government-owned and controlled corporations, especially local government units to come up with programs, projects or activities along the Women’s Month celebration with the theme: “Magna Carta of Women, Philippine CEDAW: In support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)”.

According to Atty. Marilyn Pintor, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga Regional Director and GADCC Chairperson, the objectives of this year’s women’s month are: 1) to increase public awareness on the MDGs and the Magna Carta of Women, the Philippine Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); and 2) to serve as venue for synergizing efforts to address gender issues in the MGDs and develop strategies and programs to address them.

Pintor also added that agencies preferably in partnership with other sectors are encouraged to organize activities on the following: 1) On gender and poverty goal; 2) On gender and education; 3) On gender and health; 4) On gender and environment; 5) On women’s empowerment; 6) On global partnership for development and financing the MDGs.

The yearly observance of the month of March as national Women’s Month is based on the Presidential Proclamation Nos. 224 and 227, and Republic Act 6949. (PIA-Caraga)


RDC-GADCC Caraga calls public to join Women’s Month celeb

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) - The Regional Development Council – Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) Caraga urges the public tp participate in the different activities set for the Women’s Month celebration on March 2011. This year’s theme is “Magna Carta of Women, Philippine CEDAW: In support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)”.

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga Regional Director and GADCC Chairperson Atty. Marilyn Pintor said that March 1, 2011 is the opening ceremony for the month-long celebration with an Umbrella Parade at 6:00am from the City’s Rizal Park going to the Agusan del Norte Capitol Covered Court. It will then be followed with a “Hataw” exercise by the participants coming from various sectors.

Pintor also said that on March 8, the 7th Kalandrakas will be conducted at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, this city which serves as a venue for technology transfer for livelihood opportunities and skills development; trade fair; ukay-ukay; GAD film showing; beauty and massage parlors, parlor games; and creates a venue for information dissemination on GAD issues and concerns.

GADCC will also conduct Lumad visitation, medical and dental mission in Brgy. Cuyago, Jabonga Agusan del Norte on March 24, 2011.

Along with these activities, the Department of Education will also initiate the Slogan contest for the elementary pupils and Essay writing contest for high school students of different schools in Butuan in relation to the Women’s Month celebration.

Meanwhile, on March 31, a sportsfest and culmination program will be held at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), this city. Members of the Men Oppose to Violence Against Women (MOVE) will also perform an intermission number during this event. (PIA-Caraga)


AFP Diamond Division awards PIA-Caraga chief, 2 other Caraganons
for the exemplary contribution to the armed forces


By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA)
– Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga OIC-Regional Director Abner Caga on Monday received plaque of recognition from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division of the Philippine Army in an awarding ceremony held at Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City.

Dir. Caga, together with two other Caraganons: Mr. Lucio Ceniza of the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) and Judge Augustus Calo of this city were among those who were given recognition from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Dir. Caga of PIA-Caraga received the award in grateful recognition for the invaluable support rendered to the infantry division in utilizing the tri-media in facilitating the negotiation with the informal settlers and other stakeholders at Bancasi Military Reservation which resulted to the successful eviction of said settlers.

The awarding ceremonies highlighted the 41st Founding Anniversary of the Diamond Division. This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme: “Team Diamond: 41 years of Service and Commitment”.

It can be recalled that the Regional Office of the Philippine Information Agency here in Caraga are among those who supported the Bancasi Military Reservation in the successful conduct of a peaceful eviction of illegal settlers which started last year until their eviction earlier this year. (PIA-Caraga)


AFP awards stakeholders in its effort to attain peace

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division on Monday morning awarded its stakeholders in its effort to attain peace in the country during the awarding ceremonies held in time with its 41st Founding Anniversary at the 4ID Gymansium, Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City. 

In his speech, M/Gen Victor Felix, commander of the 4ID Philippine Army emphasized that the attainment and sustainability of peace is the Diamond Division’s foremost goal.

Felix said as the armed forces introduce the newly internal security plan – “Bayanihan,” we shall go for paradigm shift in its internal security effort of winning the peace through a people-centered and whole of nation approach.

“In recognition of the importance of peace, the belief that the successful attainment of peace development in the area may now be pushed- through as a tangible and concrete solution of our long-running problem on insurgency,” Felix said.

During the awarding ceremonies, three civilians from Caraga Region were given due recognition for their exemplary and extra-ordinary contribution to the armed forces: Abner M. Caga, OIC-Regional Director of Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga, Mr. Lucio Ceniza of the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) and Judge Augustus Calo.

The 41st founding anniversary of the division is anchored on the theme: “Team Diamond: 41 years of Service and Commitment”.

Meanwhile, M/Gen Felix calls on the public to support the peace-keeping efforts of the country’s armed forces by saying that the attainment of peace does not lie in the hands of the military alone, but more importantly with the collaboration and commitment of every stakeholders. “Ang tagumpay ng 4th ID, ay tagumapy din ng lahat para sa kapayapaan” (The success of the 4ID is the success of everybody to uphold peace). (PIA-Caraga)


MGen. Felix urges LGUs, civilians for continuous support to AFP

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA)
–- Maj. Gen. Victor Felix on Monday urged LGUs and the civilian sectors to help by ensuring the delivery of the things most needed by their respective constituents “because we believe that this will encourage our brothers in the mountains to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law.”

This is what the official emphasized in his speech during the 41st Founding Anniversary of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division held at the 4ID Gymansium, Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City. 

In related development, Felix reminded the members of the infantry, saying that in the conduct of military operations, the preservation of life and human dignity should always take precedence in every situation, emphasizing the need to protect the civilians who are considered victims of war.
.
With this year’s theme: “Team Diamond: 41 years of Service and Commitment,” the Diamond Division awarded some of its stakeholders for their exemplary contributions in upholding peace and security which is also the mandate of the country’s armed forces.

Moreover, some of the personnel of the division who also showed exemplary performance were recognized with the following awards: 4ID Squad Challenge Champion, Model Employee of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) of the Year, Enlisted Personnel of the Year, and Junior Officer of the Year. (PIA-Caraga)


AFP grateful to Mindanao LGU officials for support

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA)
- Maj. Gen. Victor Felix, Commander of the 4ID Philippine Army expressed his gratitude to local government officials in Mindanao for their support to the cause of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in achieving peace in the whole island.

“We are blessed with the opportunity to work with active and participative political leaders of the local government units here in Mindanao in achieving our collective objective,” Felix said in his speech during the awarding ceremonies on Monday in time with the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division’s 41st Founding Anniversary at Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City.

According to the official, these achievements are manifestation of the successful operation, in collaboration with the local government units, church leaders, the PNP, and the Armed Forces.

Felix also said the enhancement of the Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) teams with the assistance of Balay Mindanao and the Caraga for Peace and Development (CCPD) are one of the tangible examples of the AFP’s mitigation to achieve peace and security.

Felix further said by informing and educating the general public on the efforts of the government to bring progress and development, the issues raised by some sectors for so long now, are considered to be irrelevant, “the very reason of our troops’ existence in these areas,” he said.

“We also continued our efforts in going after the armed component to intensify combat operations so as to ensure that the peace will remain unchallenged and contested,” Felix said.

With these developments, the official challenged every Diamond trooper to continue to provide service with dynamism – “a trait you have been known for throughout the years,” Felix said.

Furthermore, Felix reminded the military troops to stay professional, and keep always in mind that whatever they do, they must always think of winning the peace. (PIA-Caraga)


12 year-old kid missing as 3rd flood hit Agusan del Sur

By: David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Feb. 21
-- A 12 year- old boy was missing when a rushing flood water swept him away from where he was swimming in Barangay New Gingoog, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur on Saturday.

According to report of Barangay Captain Verman Requina to Esperanza police office, the victim Wilmar Felias slipped from a rock beside Uhot River where he was standing while watching the rushing flood waters at around 5:30 PM. 

Esperanza police immediately sought the help of the Search and Rescue Agusan del Sur (SARAS) team led by Roberto Natividad to recover the body of the victim but until this time, no sign of the victim’s body is seen.

Agusan del Sur has experienced three floodings that claimed lives and millions of pesos damages on properties, infrastructure and agricultural products since the start of the new year.

The first flood was on January 3, followed by the second on February 1st and the third was last week, February 17.

Rushing flood waters continue until this time in rivers tributaries to Agusan Rriver that ends in Butuan City.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development here continue to distribute relief goods to floods victims while the SARAS continue to monitor the extent of damages that the floods left behind. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Cebuano News: Programa sa kapitolyo para sa mga Senior Citizen gilusad

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Peb. 21 -- Gilusad niadtong Febrero 17, 2011 ang “Oplan Pustiso Tabang sa Masa para sa mga Senior Citizens” didto sa Placer, Surigao del Norte.

Tungod kay ang Senior Citizen mao ang usa sa prayoridad sa HEALS nga programa nga mao ang pag–amuma sa atong mga Senior Citizen.

Gipamulong ni Gobernador Sol Matugas atol sa maong okasyon nga adunay 1% sa kinatibuk-ang budget sa probinsya ang gigahin alang sa mga programa para sa mga Senior Citizen. Si gobernador Matugas nag-awhag usab sa tanang mayor sa munisipyo nga mogahin usab ug 1% sa ilang budget alang sa maong programa.

Ilusad usab ang programa sa maayong panglawas sa mga Senior Citizen ug kabahin na niini ang pag butang ug lamesa para sa usa ka adlaw nga medical check-up matag semana ug ang paghatag sa mga CARD alang kanila, dugang pa sa Gobernador.

Sa gipasiugdang programa nga Oplan Pustiso Tabang sa Masa alang sa mga Senior Citizen, ang Munisipyo sa Bacuag adunay 20 ka mga senior citizen ang nakapahimulos niini ubos sa pagpangulo sa ilang mayor nga si Sheila Mae O. Cebedo; Munisipyo sa Claver adunay 8, Munisipyo sa Taganaan 14; Munisipyo sa Alegria 9; Munisipyo sa Gigaquit 13; Munisipyo sa Del Carmen 29 ug sa Surigao City adunay 14 ka mga senior citizen ang nakapahimulos niini.

Ang sunod nga pag lusad sa maong programa pagahimoon didto sa Siargao Island ug Bucas Grande. (Provincial Information Office/PIA-Surigao del Norte)