PIA News Service - Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011

Butuan CDCC holds emergency meeting to address calamity

By: Agnes B. Tumulak

BUTUAN CITY - On Thursday (January 6) at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon, the City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) here spearheaded by Honorable Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. conducted a meeting to discuss about the situation of the city due to the impending flood threat brought about by the heavy downpour of rain since last Sunday (Jan. 2). It was also organized to formulate rescue plans and procedures for immediate response to the current situation of the city.

The meeting was attended by the office heads of various departments at Butuan City Hall together with the line agencies of the relief operation like Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Air Force of the Philippines (AFP), and other non-government organizations like Philippine Red Cross and Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) team in the city.

The agenda during the meeting were: Rescue teams and groups are expected to stay on alert to address any assistance and emergency cases of the people even though the rain has stopped; DepEd Butuan issued a suspension order of classes to all elementary and secondary both public and private schools in the city (effective Jan. 4 and was lifted by Jan. 5 except to those areas still flooded);

Communication should be strengthened between the rescue team and relief operation group with the Barangay officials of the affected barangays for easy and immediate response to every need.

By declaring the city under the State of Calamity through the SP Ordinance No. 004-2011, the government could gain access to the 30% calamity fund which could be of great help to the relief and rescue operation of the team.

During the rescue act, more than 62 barangays consisting of 17,565 families in Butuan City were submerged to flood waters with more than 22 million pesos were tallied as agricultural damages and worthing 11 million pesos for infrastructure damages.

Hon. Amante extends his gratefulness and recognized the efforts of all line agencies and support groups by giving them certificates of appreciation for their immediate assistance and strong cooperation to help the families in distress due to the calamity. (PIO-Butuan City/PIA-Caraga)

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Legarda meets with Aung San Suu Kyi, prods PH’s continuous support to restoration of democracy in Burma

Senator Loren Legarda today called for the Philippine government’s active role and continuous support to the restoration of democratic rule in Myanmar (Burma).

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, made the statement after a recent meeting with Myanmar’s pro-democracy icon, Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma).

According to the Senator, Aung San Suu Kyi believes that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will play a very essential role in restoring the democratic institutions in Myanmar (Burma), in the same way as African nations played a significant part in resolving political disputes in Ivory Coast.

“The release of Aung San Suu Kyi last November sent us a signal that the restoration of democratic rule in Myanmar (Burma) could be on the way. We hailed her release, a hard-fought freedom that translates to a victory for democracy. Now, as member of the ASEAN, we must continue to call on Myanmar (Burma) authorities to take concrete steps towards a fair political system that would allow the involvement of all its citizens in the country's political affairs,” Legarda said.

Legarda added that Aung San Suu Kyi said she will only take part in Myanmar’s Elections under an “inclusive political process”, in which all citizens of Myanmar (Burma) can freely participate.

“We all need to do our part in helping nations, especially our neighbors in Asia, become practising democracies—the kind that works better for development. Aung San Suu Kyi has thanked President Aquino for calling her after she was released from house arrest, and she continues to be grateful to us for our consistency and vigilance in expressing our views and concerns relative to the restoration of democracy in Myanmar (Burma),” Legarda said.

“As a democratic nation, let us continue to encourage and support other nations whose citizens would also want to experience the kind of liberty that we already have—that freedom which allows all of us to use our knowledge, skills, and talent to take part in nation building,” she concluded. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)

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Chiz says vagrancy not a crime

Senator Chiz Escudero wants to strike out vagrancy from the country’s code of crimes, saying this provision only targets the poor and the disadvantaged.

Escudero proposed the decriminalization of vagrancy under Senate Bill No. 2367 because homelessness and lack of opportunities to earn a living is a minor infraction, if at all, and thus should not be lumped together with criminal acts.

He said vagrancy was often used to take advantage of people who could not really stand up for themselves.

“Take the case of that woman who was arrested by a policeman for vagrancy. She was not even loitering, yet she was arrested. Now she’s crying rape by her captor,” Escudero said.

Escudero was referring to the rape case filed against PO3 Antonio Bautista by a woman he nabbed for alleged vagrancy.

The female victim said she was arrested by Bautista while she waiting for her husband on their way to mass. At the Manila Police District where she was taken, the cop took her money amounting to P4,000 and subsequently molested her.

“This is a clear case of using the anti-vagrancy law as an opportunity for erring authorities to mulct money from and take advantage of people,” Escudero said. “Strike this provision out and we will be rid of ugly incidence such as this one brought by that abusive policeman.”

“I challenge the Philippine National Police to immediately effect the arrest of Bautista. This is an opportunity for them to prove that they can and will arrest even one of their own,” he added.

Escudero said police authorities and other law enforcement officers should be focusing on graver offenses that pose threats to peace and security of individuals rather than busying themselves with petty offenses.

“Our society and our law should be restorative and rehabilitative rather than punitive to those who simply were not given fair and equal opportunities in life” the senator said. (Office of Senator Chiz Escudero/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Friday, Jan. 7, 2011

Flood update
By: David M. Suyao
January 7, 2010
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Source: Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operation Center

Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza convened as early as 9:00 AM today all the 14 mayors province-wide in order to discuss the extent of damages brought by the recent floods in the province in order that the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operation Center can prepare the final report. Gov. Plaza also assessed volume of the relief assistance extended by every municipality to the flood victims aside from the relief goods that the provincial government has been distributing since January 5, until at present. But since the Provincial Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine Red Cross are now in the field, no data yet submitted to the PDRRMOC, where official records of the disaster are being controlled.

Since yesterday, the province experience fair weather. People in the flooded areas are doing recovery activities in order to restore their condition to normal. Since yesterday, business returned to normal.

In a special session held last Wednesday, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Resolution No. 185, series of 2011, declaring the entire province of Agusan del Sur under state of calamity, and signed by Gov. Plaza today, January 7, 2011. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Cebuano News: Libuang pamilya nga namakwit sa Caraga, nanguli na 

BUTUAN CITY - Libuang pamilya nga nanghikling sa tibuok rehiyon sa Caraga ang nanguli na sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga panimay human nihubas na ang tubig baha.

Sa pinakaulahing datus gikan sa buhatan sa Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Caraga, niabot sa 396,556 ka mga apektadong indibidwal ang inanay'ng namalik na sa ilang pinuy-anan gikan sa mga evacuation centers.

Tungod sa maong kalamidad, tulo ka probensya og usa ka siyudad ang nagdelara sa state of calamity nga naglangkob sa mga probensya sa Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur og Butuan City.

Sa datus nagbutyag nga 48 ka panimay ang totally damage og 15 ang partially damage nga nagkantidad sa kapin P140,000.

Laumang mosaka pa ang ihap sa mga namatay diin nilansang kini karon sa 18 ka tawo og 2 ang missing.

Nagpadayon usab nga nanghatag sa mga relief goods ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga sa pag-abag sa mga Local Government Unit's (LGU's).

Ang buhatan usab sa Department of Health (DoH) Caraga nagpagawas na sa P380,434.25 nga kantidad sa mga tambal alang sa mga apektadong pamilya sa tibuok rehiyon.

Padayon usab ang ahensya sa Department of Social Welfare and Development Caraga sa pagpanghatag sa mga relief goods sa mga apektadong pamilya. (dxBR-Bombo Radyo Butuan/PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog News: Danyos sa pagbaha sa Caraga, umabot na sa P259 milyon 

Patuloy ang pagtaas ngayon sa danyos sa pagbaha sa Caraga Region na umabot na sa mahigit P259, 703, 000.

Ayon sa DPWH Caraga sa naturang bilang mahigit sa P47, 422, 000 nito ang sa Agrikultura at mahigit sa P212 milyon naman sa infrastraktura.

Sa report naman ng Regional Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council sa kabuuang rehiyon, umabot sa 357 na mga barangay sa Caraga ang apektado sa tubig baha na may 75,415 ka mga pamilyang apektado na may 395,556 ka mga indibidwal.

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Sa ngayon bumaba ba ang level sa tubig baha at karamihan sa mga nagsilikas ang bumabalik na sa kani-kanilang tanahan. (dxBC-RMN Butuan/PIA-Caraga)
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Stocks of rice still sufficient for Caraganons – NFA Caraga

By Nora CL Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 7 (PIA) - The National Food Authority (NFA) Caraga regional office revealed that as of January 1, their office has a stock inventory of 962,058 bags of rice to cater the needs of Caraganons.

The province of Agusan del Norte has a total allocation of 150,121 bags; Agusan del Sur – 352,999; Surigao del Norte – 313,953 and Surigao del Sur has 144,985.

In a written statement from NFA, their office has only released a total of 3,824 bags to the different local government units (LGUs) of Caraga that experienced the massive flooding due to the effect of northeast monsoon and tail-end of cold front in Caraga region and other regions of the Visayas and Mindanao. Said bags of rice were used for the relief operations of the LGUs.

As of Wednesday, January 5, NFA distributed 280 bags of rice to the province of Agusan del Sur particularly in the municipalities of San Francisco with 150 bags, Rosario - 100 and Trento 30 bags through a Memorandum of Agreement executed between the NFA and the concerned LGUs in order to purchase rice on credit for its relief operations during calamities.

The province of Surigao del Norte, also has purchased 774 bags: 550 bags for LGU Tagana-an, Dapa-100, tubod-120, gigaguit-50 and Philippine National Red Cross – 4 bags.

The LGUs Bislig and Tandag of the province of Surigao del Sur also executed a MOA for the released of their 1,400 and 1,000 bags respectively and LGU Tago also purchased 150 bags for their relief operations.

Also, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have purchased 100 bags for their relief operations and GMA Kapuso Foundation, 120 bags.

Transport and trucking facilities for the distribution of rice are always available, NFA said. 

As of press time, no incurred damages have been reported for NFA properties and facilities. (PIA-Caraga)
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DepEd lauded Mayor Amante for responding to needs of flood victims in the city

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (7 January) – Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Schools Division Superintendent Marilou Dedumo on Thursday (January 6) lauded Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. in his effort to respond the immediate needs of victims of the massive flooding which recently hits the city.

During the assessment meeting of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) held at the conference room of Butuan City Hall, Supt. Dedumo congratulated the Mayor for the outstanding performance in responding to the problems arise during the wake of the massive flooding. 

“Mayor Amante immediately called the attention of those who are involved in the provision of the foods, medical team and for having close coordination with DepEd in monitoring the situation in all schools in the city,” Dedumo said.

Dedumo also thanked Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) through Fr. John Chistian U. Young – university President for allowing the city government to use the university’s gymnasium as the LDRRMC operation center. She likewise thanked and congratulates stakeholders of LDRRMC for a job well done.

When asked by the Mayor if there are problems and concerns which were not addressed, Dedumo said all problems were already given proper attention and were handled smoothly. (PIA-Caraga)


“Medicines are available for flood victims,” City Health explains

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (7 January) – Butuan City Health Officer Josephine Chua on Thursday (January 6) explained that the office has available medicines but were used as a buffer in the wake of the recent flooding here.

Chua explained that said medicines were given priority to flood victims. She also said the city health office has been bombarded these past days with complaints on unavailability of medicines.

“Recently, we turned down requests of those who were asking for medicines because we reserved it for the victims of the massive flooding in the city,” Chua said explaining that those requests for medicines were made before the calamity struck the city.

With this, Chua said, supply of medicines is sufficient in the height of the disaster up to the present. “Almost all barangays were provided with medicines during the disaster that the city has been experiencing these past days,” Chua said.

Chua explained before the stakeholders of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) assessment meeting held at the City Hall here, presided by City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. (PIA-Caraga)


Stakeholders urge LDRRMC to improve communication systems

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (7 January) – Stakeholders of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) on Thursday (January 6) recommended to improve communication systems especially the equipment and facilities used in times of disaster.

Speaking before the council during the assessment meeting at the City Hall’s conference room, Ms. Agnes Carlos of the Brgy. Affairs Office of this city presented the situation where communication facilities such as mobile phones will be “useless” if its battery is already drained or “lowbatt”. 

With this, stakeholders urge the council to find ways to improve communication facilities to ensure that proper monitoring will transpire during disasters.

Meanwhile, Butuan Land Traffic Transportation Management Office (LTTMO) chief Alfredo Radaza offered to use CLEAN 10 Philippines’ two repeater towers which are situated in Mt. Mayapay, the highest peak in the city. Radaza is a member of the said communication group. 

“We can offer our two repeaters in Mt. Mayapay because in time of calamities, we cannot depend on cell phones. When the networks of cell phones bagged down, it is true that cell phones will be useless”, Radaza said. 

Radaza added that using repeater tower guarantees that communication will still be delivered in times of calamities. (PIA-Caraga)

 
GMA Kapuso Foundation to extend assistance to Butuan City flood victims

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (7 January) – “GMA Kapuso Foundation of GMA 7 TV Network has extended assistance to victims of the massive flooding here,” thus reported City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Officer Aldeberan Mordeno during the assessment meeting of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) held Thursday (January 6) at the Butuan City Hall.

According to Mordeno, the foundation has already contacted Vice Mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun and has manifested to extend assistance to the city’s flood victims who are housed in evacuation centers. 

“Even if the evacuees have already returned to their homes, they can still receive such assistance from the foundation,” Mordeno said.

GMA Kapuso Foundation is a socio-civic organization organized by GMA Network Inc. to facilitate social programs and outreach to the public.

Since it was founded in 1991, the GMA Kapuso Foundation has been touching the lives of communities everywhere. Its projects help uplift the life of countless beneficiaries.

Implemented singly or in partnership with other agencies, the foundation's thrusts are focused on helping and supporting impoverished families, needy children, calamity victims, prisoners and ex-prisoners, aspiring singers and songwriters, including dependents of GMA employees.

The GMA Network-organized foundation has already extended relief assistance to flood victims in Tago, Surigao del Sur on Wednesday, January 5, 2011. (PIA-Caraga)
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Feature: “Our future cannot be put on hold”
Filipino young trade union leaders demand decent work

Manila (January 7) - “We should not spend a lifetime dreaming of decent work, we should go out and work for it,” young trade union leaders from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, called for targeted, responsive and increased investment on decent employment and genuine participation of youth in decision-making processes. 

The program, supported by the International Trade Union Confederation-Asia Pacific (ITUC-AP), in cooperation with the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and Workers Development Foundation Inc. (WDFI), participated in by around 27 young trade union leaders from TUCP affiliates, partner youth groups and other labor organizations, discussed and assessed the country’s progress in decent work, identified the needs and aspirations of youth and emphasized the roles of unions in achieving the goals of decent work. 

The youth leaders reflected on their experiences with government programs and called for serious attention to addressing the systemic problem of high unemployment among the youth and access to decent employment programs. 

“Despite the various programs and services for the youth, many young workers still end up in low-paying, poor and exploitative working environments, with limited access to social protection coverage,” noted Mary Lake Pace, Executive Vice President and Youth Representative of Philippine Integrated Industries Labour Union (PIILU) in Mindanao. 

Bitz Claros, President, VOICE of the Youth in Call Centres, called for more government attention to improving the occupational safety and health and respect for labour rights in the call centre industry.

“Young people welcome and recognize the potentials and contributions of call centres to employment, but where is decent work without regard for workers’ health, welfare and labour rights?” Claros stressed.

The conference highlighted avenues and the roles of workers and their organizations in advancing decent work promotion through the Social Protection Floor, the Global Jobs Pact, green jobs, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) among others. 
Ask us! Engage us!

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Joel Centra, President of Youth for Empowerment and Solidarity (YES)/Informal Sector, noted that his many years of working with the local government units taught him about the importance of building partnerships. 

“Governments and institutions often assume that they know what we (youth) need. We should assert our role as partners (instead of mere participants or beneficiaries) in the implementation of all youth-related programs,” Centra advised. 

Rafael Mapalo, TUCP Youth Director, stressed that youth and decent work, including youth participation in social dialogue mechanisms are among the unions’ priority concerns in the Philippine Decent Work Common Agenda (PDWCA). “We will continue to engage in dialogue, contribute and participate in the implementation and monitoring the progress of PDWCA, particularly on youth,” Mapalo said. 

TUCP Deputy General Secretary Cedric Bagtas noted that the program is part of the series of capacity building programs designed to build the knowledge, competencies and capacity of the youth, including the education and research officers, to engage in discussions and implement local decent work promotional programs in their areas of concern. 

Experts on youth employment issues and decent work from the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) and trade unions also discussed the current impacts of globalization on jobs, union organizing and collective bargaining, wages and living conditions, the state of the global and Philippine environment, the implications of climate change and government’s mitigation and adaptation strategies and developments in the proposed national labour and employment summit and on industrial reforms undertaken by the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC). (TUCP/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Surigao Norte, Surigao City now under state of calamity

Surigao City (January 7) – Surigao del Norte and Surigao City are now under state of calamity as several towns were hit by floodwaters brought about by the tail-end of a cold front.

Gov. Sol Matugas personally asked the provincial board to hold a special session on Thursday so that the provincial government can make use of the 5% calamity fund.

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Meantime, the city council also approved on Thursday, January 6, 2011 the request of City Mayor Ernesto Matugas to pass a resolution declaring the entire city under a state of calamity as many barangays were submerged with floodwaters.

Latest report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (PDRRMC) revealed that the floods killed at least three persons.

The casualties were identified as Roberto Dalangin, 35 years old, married and a native of Barangay Cawilan, Tubod; Lorena Alutaya, 27 years old, from Brgy. Cambuayon, Bacuag; and Angelo Arriba Siega, 5 years old from Nueva Street, Surigao City. 

At least 8,144 families or 38,865 persons from 104 barangays provincewide were affected.

Three houses were totally damaged, while 19 were partially damaged. Damages in infrastructure reached an estimated cost of P116.9Million. Running estimate in agriculture now reached up to P23Million. 

As of press time, distribution of relief goods in the entire city and province are still going on. (FEAbkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Gov Ecleo asks SP to declare State of Calamity in Dinagat Islands

Province of Dinagat Islands (January 7) – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) thru Gov. Glenda Ecleo recommends to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for the declaration of the province under a state of calamity.

PDRRMC Deputized Coordinator and Public Information Officer Rosario Roxas revealed that the said recommendation came up during the meeting of the council yesterday, Jan. 6, 2011after a thorough assessment made by PDRRMC members of the damages to infrastructure and agriculture and to cope up with the adverse effect brought about by the heavy rains for the past 5 days caused by the tail-end of a cold front.

The PDRRMC reported that 3,385 families or 14,424 persons were severely affected by the floods, however, only 284 families or 1,289 persons were evacuated in their 6 designated evacuation centers.

Some 180 houses were partially damaged and only two were totally damaged amounted to 1.83Million.

The total damage to both private and public infrastructure now reached to P42.57Million. In agriculture, rice fields and other crops such as banana and root crops reported an estimated damage amounted to P5.45Million.

Reports also revealed that the MDRRMCs of San Jose and Loreto, so is the PDRRMC extended relief assistance to the evacuees and affected families. (FEAbkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte with reports from PDI-PIO)

PIA News Service - Thursday, Jan. 6, 2010

Agusan del Sur PDRRMC releases flood update
By: David M. Suyao

Source:

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operation Center
As of 5:00 PM, Jan. 5, 2011

Casualties caused by the recent flood province-wide increased from reported five yesterday to nine as reports from the 13 municipalities and the lone city of Bayugan progress.

The other four reported dead are Felicitas Macuno, 65, from Barangay San Salvador, Bertoldo Ploris from La Perian all of Prosperidad town died by drowning. From San Francisco, Amando Batilaran, 70, also died by drowning while Michael John Otero died by electicution.

Yesterday, Manuel Madelo, 28, from Patin-ay, Prosperidad died of electricution, Caesar Aquilam, 51, and Junmark Castro, 21, both from Sibagat, by drowning, and Bryl Jake Mondejar, one year old from San Luis, also died by drowning. Roselyn Poras, 16, from Prosperidad was reported missing yesterday but was confirmed dead later.

Heavily affected floods victims also increased from 31,687 families or 155,475 persons to 32,598 families of 160,439 persons, now from 130 barangays. Added are the eight barangays from San Luis with 439 families or 2,634 persons, and Lapaz, with one barangay heavily affected having 332 families or 1,671 persons. Until reporting time, the municipality of Talacogon has no report yet.

As of 5:00 PM yesterday, most of the evacuees have already returned home from the evacuation centers located in all the municipalities. Almost all barangay roads are now passable so that people can move on with their living.

Sad to say, damages in houses increased tremendously, from reported 10 partially damaged yesterday to now 60, then eight totally damaged, to 45, now totaling to 105 against 18 yesterday.

On infrastructure, an increase of more than P5 million was noted. From reported P4.233,000 yesterday to P9,856,353 today, broken down as follows: Bridges – P4,000,000 and; roads – P5,856,354. Damages on agriculture also increase by almost P2 million, from P35,177,510 as reported yesterday to P37,083,980 today.

Continued monitoring are done province-wide, while distribution of relief goods by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development assisted by SARAS and the Philippine Red Cross to affected families are on-going. Families of casualties were also extended burial assistance. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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Mayor Amante declares city “safe” but state of calamity still enforced

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (6 January) - Rains eased here today (January 6) and flood waters in some areas have subsided, thus making the chief executive declared the city “safe” but state of calamity still remained to be enforced.

In today’s assessment meeting of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC), Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante said the city is already out of danger as of the moment and it is but appropriate that city will be declared safe.

“Since we’re already out of danger, I will have to call for a declaration of safety so that we can disperse our teams in the disaster operation center,” he said.

Amante clarified that the declaration of safety has been called upon but the state of calamity is not lifted yet. “This body has no power to lift the declaration of state of calamity because it’s the job of the Sangguniang Panlungsod,” the Mayor said.

The official also said the city government is set to conduct a re-training of the rescue and operation team in coordination with the barangay team to ensure that rescue operations will be conducted smoothly.

It can be recalled that the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday, January 4 enacted SP Resolution No. 004-2011 declaring the city under state of calamity. The resolution was further approved on Wednesday, January 5, 2011. (PIA-Caraga)

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Butuan Mayor assured by gov't. agencies of augmentation funds for flood victims

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (6 January) – With flood water now subsiding in some areas of the city, Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. recently said other government agencies will extend their assistance if calamity fund is not enough for the relief operations and rehabilitation of some infrastructures that were destroyed during the recent calamity that hits the city and the entire region, in general.

The assurance was made by the official in a press conference held Wednesday, January 5, 2010 at Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) gymnasium, this city.

Speaking before the local tri-media, Amante said if rain continuous to hit the city and if the 16 million pesos calamity fund is not enough, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the national government will not hesitate to extend their assistance.

Also, the city’s executive chief said all barangays may use their calamity funds once the area is declared under the state of calamity.

Meanwhile, City Social Welfare and Development head Ms. Aldeberan Mordeno also said families who were evacuated to respective barangay evacuation centers were given attention and relief operation were distributed properly.

The city was declared under state of calamity on Wednesday following the continuous rains experienced in the region causing the rising of the water levels and the consequent overflowing of Agusan River.

Based on the previous floodings experienced here, when Agusan River overflowed, the city proper flooded causing business establishments to close and some residents evacuated. (PIA-Caraga)


City dad to public: refrain from sending wrong text messages in the height of disaster

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (6 January) – In the wake of massive flooding in the city and the whole region, text messages were circulating on Wednesday, January 5, 2010 informing the public that an impending flashflood will occur here, Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. appealed to the public to refrain from sending such inaccurate information which may cause panic and eventually lead to chaos.

According to Mayor Amante, this is not the right time for disseminating inaccurate information that may somehow turn into a joke. “I would like to make an appeal to the public not to send information that may lead to panic and chaos. In times like this, we have to be responsible in disseminating information for the benefit of the majority,” Amante said.

In a related development, Father John Christian U. Young, President of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) here also informed the public that the text message circulated earlier on the possible flash out that may happen to the city due to an impending flashflood is not coming from their end.

DPWH-Caraga, on the other hand through their information officer Ms. Connie Calo said, text circulating on Wednesday morning (January 5) regarding a dam that is set to be released in Davao City is not coming from their office.

Meanwhile, DOH-Caraga through information officer Ms. Sunshine Alipayo also informed the public that DOH is not sending the text message allegedly notifying the public that DOH in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur made an advisory to public to watch out for flashflood. Alipayo said they don’t have DOH office in this area.

Also, PIA-Caraga is enjoining the public to coordinate to proper authorities and agencies in order to have accurate and real information to avoid unnecessary anxiety and fears that will eventually cause chaos. (PIA-Caraga)

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Caraga Disaster registers P 50.5M damage in agriculture

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (6 January) – The Regional Office here of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday, January 5 reported that damages in agriculture now reached to Php 50,467,061 after the region was hit my massive flooding and landslides due to northeast monsoon affecting the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

DA’s report revealed that of the four provinces and three cities comprising the region, Butuan City has the biggest damaged in agricultural products which posted 46.81 percent of the region’s total damages or Php 23,627,146.

A total of 3,045 hectares of rice fields were submerged with flood waters destroying palays, affecting 1,604 farmers, the DA report said. Also, 20 hectares of corn field were destroyed costing Php5,546,400, while 20 hectares planted with other crops were recorded that costs Php1,024,000.

Surigao del Norte followed with Php11,925,075 damages in rice, corn, other crops and livestocks. This comprises 23.63 percent.

Agusan del Sur came in next with Php 7,623,600; Agusan del Norte – Php 4,398,040; and Surigao del Sur – Php 2,893,200.

Summing it up, rice products were greatly damaged by the calamity amounting to Php 35,524,746. This is followed by other crops with Php 9,000,625; Corn products with Php 5,730,400; and livestock costing Php 211,290. (PIA-Caraga)

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MGB-13 monitors status of mining companies in Surigao Norte

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By: Susil Ragas

Surigao del Norte (January 6) – As heavy rains continue to pour in the entire province, the Monitoring Team of Mines and GeoSciences Bureau (MGB-13) has been monitoring round the clock the situation of mining companies operating along the coastal line of Claver town this province.

The MGB-13 report said the silt settling ponds of Shenzou Mining Group Corporation (SMGC) located at Hinadkaban Cove was observed to be stable. However, the coastal water along Hinadkaban Cove was noted to be turbid. Company officials from SMGC explained that excessive rainfall contributed much to the turbidity of the coastal water. Accordingly, a team of SMGC operators with fleet and mine equipments were already deployed for emergencies.

Also, the Monitoring team reported that the silt settling ponds of Platinum Group Metals Company (PGMC) located along Kinalablaban River were observed to be stable but the coastal water at the bay was turbid, there were no landslides around the area and a team of PGMC operators were also deployed for emergencies and monitoring.

The silt settling ponds of Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) located along Taga and Hayanggabon River were also stable but the floodwater from Taga and Hayanggabon River were observed to be turbid. TMC Company officials said as soon as the weather improves they will initiate a field investigation to detect sources of wayward run-off water at the upstream portion of the said river.

A minor, non-catastrophic landslide was also reported at the boundary between the barangays of Taganito and Urbiztondo covering almost the entire width of the national highway. Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) immediately responded by fielding a fleet of mine equipment to initially unload the debris to restore the free-flow of traffic.

As of press time, there were no reports of casualty induced by the intense rainfall within the area. (PIA-Surigao del Norte with reports from MGB-13)


Feature: TMC and partners build new homes for the community

Claver, Surigao del Norte (January 6) -Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) in partnership with Gawad Kalinga has opened doors to indigent residents of Barangay Taganito, Claver, Surigao del N orte and the IP tribal communities to own new homes.

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Eighty families of Barangay Taganito can now reside in 40 concrete duplex-type houses built on a lot donated by the Barangay LGU. Aside from these houses, amenities like water and electricity connection which are basic to the quality way of life of the recipients were also provided.

Recipients to these housing units are families that were identified as the poorest of the poor among the residents of Barangay Taganito. Selection process was based on the criteria set by Gawad Kalinga, the partner-NGO of TMC known for its housing project nationwide.

As practiced in several housing projects of Gawad Kalinga, recipient-families are to render 100 hours of voluntary work during the construction phase as their counterpart.

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On the other hand, the IP Tribal Communities of Taganito and Urbiztondo will soon be housed in Punta Naga, Claver. Surrounded by sprawling mountains and breath taking view of the coast, the site will be filled with colored single-detached houses for the more than 120 Mamanwa families of Urbiztondo and Taganito. A common tribal hall, elementary school, health center and motor pool will also be constructed for the ease and comfort of the IPs.

According to Reynaldo dela Rosa, Sr. Development Communication Specialist of the TMC, funds used for this multi-million settlement project for the IPs in Punta Naga is sourced from the corporate funds of Taganito Mining Corporation and Taganito Mining Corporation-Hydrometallurgical Processing Plant as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. (TMC/MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


LDRRMOC advices to lift the suspension of classes in Butuan City

Around 7:00 o'clock last night (Jan. 5), when Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operation Center (LDRRMOC) formerly City Disaster Coordinating Center (CDCC) headed by Honorable Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr gave the go signal to lift the suspension of classes althrough the city in elementary and high school, both private and public schools. However, the suspension is still advised to retain for those areas still flooded.

The said suspension of classes yesterday was to ensure the security of the students, school teachers and staff, from any untoward incident which may happen due to the impending flood threat brought about by the heavy downpour of rain here in Caraga region especially those areas already submerged with flood waters. (Agnes B. Tumulak, PIO-Butuan City/PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog News: Bilang sa mga apektadong pamilya sa baha sa Agusan del Sur, umabot na sa mahigit 31, 000

Umabot na sa 31,687 ang bilang sa mga pamilyang apektado sa lalawigan sa Agusan del Sur sa tubig baha na may 155,475 na indibidwal sa loob ng 120 na mga barangay sa lalawigan na apektado sa baha.

Ang may pinakamataas na bilang sa mga apektadong pamilya ay makikita sa bayan ng Esperanza Agusan del Sur.

Apat ang patay, isa ang missing at anim ang sugatan.

Walong bahay ang nasira at sampu ang partially damage.

Sa report ng Regional Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council sa lalawigan, initial damage sa infrastructure sa ngayon ay P233 milyon at mahigit sa P35 milyon naman sa agrikultura.

Sa ngayon bumabalik na sa kani-kanilang tahanan ang ibang evacuees matapos bumaba ang level sa tubig baha pero marami pa rin sa mga ito ang nananatili sa 17 evacuation center sa lalawigan.

Sa kabila nito nagpalabas naman ng warning advisory si Governor Eddie Bong Plaza sa mga LDRRMC na maging vigilant at paalalahanan ang mga residente na prone sa landslide at flasflood na tumira sa mga safe na lugar. (dxBC-RMN Butuan/PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog News: RDRRMC, nagpalabas ngayon ng advisory sa mga Caraganon dahil sa malakas na pag-ulan ngayon sa Compostella Valley

Nagpalabas ngayon ng advisory ang Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council sa Caraga Region sa pamamagitan ni OCD Caraga Regional Director Blanche Gobenciong para sa mga Caraganon lalong-lalo na sa mga naninirahan sa gilid ng Agusan River.

Sa advisory na inilabas sinasabing maging alerto ang lahat ng mga taong naninirahan malapit sa bundok at mga ilog sa Caraga Region dahil na rin sa malakas na pag-ulan ngayon sa Compostella Valley na maging dahilan ng pagtaas sa ngayon ng level sa tubig sa Agusan River.

Nanawagan naman si Dir. Gobenciong sa mga residente na ireport kaagad sa lokal na otoridad ang mga insidenteng mangyari sa kanilang lugar para mabigyan kaagad ng aksyon.

Sinabi ng opisyal kailangang “Proactive actions–Evacuation rather than Rescue”, kaya dapat magsilikas na ang lahat ng mga mamamayan na naninirahan sa mga lugar sa rehiyon na prone sa flashflood at landslide.

Nilinaw naman ni Gobenciong na huwag kaagad maniwala ang publiko sa mga text messages na kumalakat sa ngayon para maisawan ang panic.

Sabi ng opisyal, dapat gawin ng mga mamamayan na maging alerto sa bawat oras at makinig sa mga balita lalo na sa radyo at makipagcoordinate sa local authorities. (dxBC-RMN Butuan/PIA-Caraga)

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Patay sa baha sa Caraga, 18 na og posibleng musaka pa

BUTUAN CITY - Padayon gihapon ang gihimong consolidation sa Caraga Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council kon Caraga-RDRRMC sa ihap sa mga namatay sa pagbaha ning rehiyon uban sa dugang ihap sa mga casualties nga nakuha sa Police Regional Office 13 gikan sa nagkada-iyang munisipyo.

Sa latest monitoring sa maong buhatan kaganinang buntag, 16 ka mga patay pa ang ilang na-consolidate kondiin wala pa niini ma-apil ang narekober kagahapon sa alas 3:55 sa hapon sa patay'ng lawas sa 28-anyos nga ulitawong si Marvin Gonzales, taga-Purok 5, Brgy. Sta. Irene, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur human nabanlas sa kusog nga bul-og sa tubig sa Wawa River dihang nag-atang og troso nga ma-anod.

Nasayrang narekober usab ang patay'ng lawas ni Felicitas Macuno, 65-anyos, residente sa Purok 7, Brgy. San Salvador, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur kinsa ka-uban ni Roselyn Porras, 16-anyos, dalaga, parehong nalumos sa Kadluma creek human nadala sa sulog niini og kung i-apil kini sa listahan sa Caraga-RDRRMC, 18 na ang patay sa baha ning rehiyon.

Gila-umang musaka pa ang maong ihap tungod kay hangtud karon, padayon pang gipangita si Maxwell Tajonera, residente sa Brgy. Aras-asan, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur kinsa nadala sa tubig baha sa national highway sa Sitio Sampinit, Brgy. Unaban, Tago, Surigao del Sur dihang mitabang pagtangtang sa railing nga mibara sa ligid sa dyip nga ilang gisakyan.

Gipangita usab hangtud sa pagkutlo niini nga balita ang 19-anyos nga si Ronnie Jupson, 4th year high school sa Bunawan National High School og residente sa Purok 3-B, Sitio Mandagao, Brgy. Poblacion, lungsod sa Bunawaqn, Agusan del Sur.

Misulay matud pa siya pagtabok sa Tagbuaya Creek pasado ala 1:30 kagahapon sa hapon apan nadala sa kusog nga sulog sa tubig hinungdan sa iyang pagka-anod. (dxBR-Bombo Radyo Butuan/PIA-Caraga)

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PDRRMC bares initial reports of flooding in Surigao Norte

By: Susil Ragas

Surigao del Norte (January 6) - The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported today that only one person was reported dead as a result of the recent floods that hit the province.

He was identified as Roberto Dalangin, 35 years old, married and a native of Barangay Cawilan, Tubod. Investigation revealed 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.

As of 9am of January 6, PDRRMC report revealed that a total of 7,307 families or 38,865 persons from 85 barangays provincewide were affected, broken down as follows: Claver – 695 families or 2,415 persons; Gigaquit- 900 families or 4,688 persons; Malimono- 2,627 families or 15,455 persons; Placer- 474 families or 906 persons; Sison – 197 families or 854 persons; Tagana-an- 2,000 families or 10,400 persons; Tubod – 193 families or 965 persons; and Surigao City – 67 families or 309 persons.

In Siargao Island: Burgos- 276 families or 1636 persons; Dapa – 93 families or 511 persons; Sta. Monica – 408 families or 2,290 persons and; Socorro – 19 families or 105 persons. Flood victims totaling to 8,149 families or 41,574 persons were registered throughout the province however only 424 families were evacuated in their respective municipalities.

Reports also revealed that three houses were totally damaged, while 19 were partially damaged. Damages in infrastructure reached an estimated cost of P108,915,000. The rest of the infra damages are still under thorough estimation.

In agriculture, running estimate now reached up to P23, 507,125. PDRRMC report also revealed that there is still in-accessibility to some areas. Life lines have been restored to normalcy such as the supply of potable water in Surigao City after the 2 days disrupted services and the power supply of electric coops since they cut off power supply when flood waters were high. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Fisheries and aquatic resources register P11.8M damages in Caraga region

By: Nora CL Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA) - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Thursday, January 6, reported an estimated damaged of P11,789,195 in the fisheries and aquatic resources after the region was hit by massive flooding due to the effect of northeast monsoon and tail-end of cold front in Caraga region and other regions of the Visayas and Mindanao.

BFAR revealed that Surigao del Norte has recorded the biggest damaged in fisheries and aquatic resources having a total of P5,343,575. Damages include 52 units of fish cages, 66 hectares of fishponds, 25 units of fish corals, one unit of payao, and five hectares of seaweed farms.

Surigao del Sur followed with P3,465,500 damages in the 261 hectares of fishponds, two units of bag nets, six units of deep-sea fish corals, six units of shallow fish corals, three units of Solar Dryer, 14 hectares of seaweeds, guard house, pump boat and fishing gears.

Agusan del Norte also incurred an estimated damage of P1,874,320 that include three units fish cages and 23 units fish corals in Butuan City and 26.2 hectares of fishponds in Magallanes.

Agusan del Sur also has a total of P630,000 damages on fishponds, fish cages and fish pens.

The Province of Dinagat Islands also sustain a total of P475,800 damaged in fisheries and aquatic resources which include 4.5 hectares of seaweed farm, six units of fish cages, fish pond, fish sanctuary, fish pen and the provincial seaweed nursery. (PIA-Caraga)


No heavy damages for Caraga TREs -DOT-Caraga

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – In a written statement from the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Regional Office here bared that in the province of Agusan del Norte, the Almont Lake Resort in Kitcharao experienced flooding in eight (8) of its rooms, yet there were no heavy damages on the properties reported, and its personnel have anticipated occurrences of flooding which helped prepare the area for calamities, and therefore no guests were hurt or injured.

According to DOT, in Agusan del Sur, the governor meet all mayors within the province to assess the extent of damages brought about by the floods. There were however no reports of heavy damages in tourism-related establishments (TREs).

Also, in Surigao City, it was learned that TREs in the said city were spared of the floods’ damages, areas flooded in the city’s outskirt barangays only wherein there where no TREs.

Meanwhile, in Surigao del Norte, the effects of the floods were limited to Burgos, Placer, Taganaan and Malimono where there are no existing TREs.

DOT also reported that the area in Surigao del Sur is submerged to water but there are no serious reports of damages to TREs. (PIA-Caraga)
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To abate MRT/LRT fare hike, operational restructuring needed – chiz

Fare increase in the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT 1 and LRT 2) can be aborted but the two offices each need to restructure its operations, Senator Chiz Escudero today said.

The impending fare hikes is endorsed by Malacaňang although new fares have not been disclosed yet.

Escudero said the MRT can pursue a stop-gap measure by way of revenue sharing from non-rail revenues realized from ads and lease operations of the MRT Development Corporation (MRTDevCo).

MRTDevCo has been collecting and receiving income from ads and lease operations but the Metro Rail Transit Corporation, which operates the MRT, failed to settle its billions of pesos in outstanding debt to the government. which already totaled to more than a billion pesos.

“If only the government gets its rightful share from the non-rail revenues it can be used to subsidized fares. The government should look into its collectibles”.

In other rails in the world, non-rail revenues are actually used to supplement the income of the railway system itself so that it can subsidize lower rates to commuters.

Escudero has been pushing for a congressional inquiry to determine ownership and full operational control of MRT 3 so that proper steps could be taken on how to deal with fare subsidies, among others.

An Asian Development Bank report in 2008 recommended that “MRT 3 operations should be handed over to the Light Rail Transit Authority to achieve sector rationalization”.

Escudero said the government is hampered from taking full steps in addressing and abating fare hikes because of the ownership and operational issues.

In the same ADB report, it added that “the buy-out of MRT3 needs to consider smooth turn-over of management to LRTA, but currently this aspect is not being addressed”.

The senator said that after the government has cleared the above-mentioned issues, as well as its long-overdue collectibles, improving non-rail revenues could follow.

A Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) study conducted in 2007 showed that in LRT and MRT, non-rail revenue can improve by increasing rates of ads and retail tenant leased areas so that fare will not sharply increase. LRT’s non-rail revenue share is only a measly 2.6% of the total earnings. Whereas in neighboring countries, the government gets a 20% share from its non-revenue collection.

“The real challenge now is to restructure the whole operations to create positive benefits for the riding public and society at large” Escudero said. (Office of Senator Chiz Escudero/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2010

Agusan del Sur Flood Update
By: David M. Suyao
January 5, 2010

Source: Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operation Center
As of 10 PM, Jan. 4, 2011

A total of four persons are reported dead, another one missing and six are injured as result of the recent floods that hit Agusan del Sur.

Manuel Madelo, 28, from Patin-ay, Prosperidad died of electrocution, Caesar Aquilam, 51, and Junmark Castro, 21, both from Sibagat, by drowning, and Bryl Jake Mondejar, one year old from San Luis, also died by drowning. Paning Poras from Prosperidad is reported missing.

A total of 31,687 families or 155,475 persons from 120 barangays province-wide were heavily affected, broken down as follows: Sibagat - 169 families or 1,014 persons; Bayugan- 589 families or 2,797 persons; Prosperidad- 7,424 families or 37,120 persons; San Francisco- 1,970 families or 7,632 persons; Rosario – 2,769 families or 13,845 persons; Bunawan- 4,798 families or 19,165 persons; Trento – 901 families or 4,425 persons; Sta. Josefa – 691 families or 3,455 persons.

From Veruela, 4,362 families or 21,810 persons are heavily affected; Loreto – 2,032 families or 10,160 persons and; Esperanza – 5,982 families or 34,052 persons. The municipalities of Talacogon, San Luis and La Paz were not able to report the damages yet.

Flood victims totaling to 2,669 families or 11,961 persons all over Agusan del Sur evacuated in 17 evacuation centers located in their respective municipalities, but many have already returned home.

On the outburst of the floods, eight houses were totally damaged, while 10 were partially damaged, with an estimated cost of P140,000.

Damages in infrastructure registered an estimated cost of P4,233,000., where a hanging bridge in Sibagat called Tag-oyango claimed P4,000,000, and part of the roads also in Sibagat with an estimated cost of P233,000. The rest of the infra damages are still under thorough estimation.

In agriculture, running estimate now reached up to P35,177,510, with rice fields as most affected. Other affected agriculture products are fisheries, livestock and rootcrops.

On lifelines, road going to Barangay Ladgadan, New Visayas, San Francisco is not passable by normal means of transportation. Roads portion of San Antonio Antoquia, Trento and San Marcos, Nueva Era in Bunawan are underwater. La Caridad, Napo road in Prosperidad, Cabawan and Novele roads in Rosario are not passable by normal means of transportation. Electricity in the entire province are already restored.

The provincial government, thru the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operation Center chaired by Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza has issued warning advisory to the LDRRMCs to be vigilant and advice their constituents living in identified flood prone areas to go to safer areas or designated evacuation centers on Sunday after heavy rains that pour down Saturday evening. PDRRMC/ PDRRMO personnel SARAS Team are on standby for emergency calls. Search and rescue teams with rubber boats, rescue vehicles were dispatch immediately to respond to emergencies, backed up by military vehicles and personnel from 401st and 402nd Brigade, including the vehicles and personnel from the 52nd Engineering Brigade as augmentation force. The Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office also dispatched two rescue trucks, 15 patrol cars, 300 PNP officers and personnel to augment to the rescue, evacuation and relief operations, while the PSWD validate the extent of the damages while documenting. PSWD and the Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Sur Chapter also conducts feeding to flood victims. The DPWH Maintenance also dispatched rescue team, dump trucks, service vehicles and personnel.

The municipalities of Bunawan and Sibagat already declared under state of calamity thru resolution No. 1, series of 2011 and Resolution No. 01-11 Series of 2011 dated January 3, 2011, respectively.

Since yesterday afternoon until today, moderate rainfall are still experienced province-wide. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Mayor Amante cites priorities of calamity fund

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (5 January) – Following the declaration of the state of calamity here, Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. on Wednesday, January 5 said the local government can use 30 percent of the calamity fund to mitigate the problems brought about by the massive flooding in the city.

In a press conference on Wednesday afternoon held at Father Saturnino Urios University Gymnasium designated as the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operation Center, Mayor Amante said the 30 percent amount from the calamity fund will be used primarily for the food and basic commodities of the people especially those that are greatly affected by flood.

Mayor Amante also said, through the fund, vehicles of the city government will be mobilized to transport the victims during evacuation.

Also, the official said, with the declaration of the city under state of calamity, individuals from this city may avail of calamity loans as well as to strengthen the awareness and consciousness of all agencies in the local and national government, as well as the public and private stakeholders of the possible complications brought about by calamity.

The declaration of the city under state of calamity was enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod during the 1^st Special Session held on January 4, 2011 and approved on January 5, 2011.

On Saturday, January 1, 2011, heavy rains struck the city causing the rise of water levels and the consequent overflowing of the Agusan River including its many tributaries causing flood and destruction to the lives and properties of the residents here. (PIA-Caraga)

In the wake of massive flooding in the city

Butuan dad assures stable prices of basic commodities

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (5 January) – Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. said prices of basic commodities are stabilized in the wake of massive flooding that hits not only this city but as well as the entire region and some regions in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The assurance was made by the city’s chief executive during the press conference held Wednesday (January 5) at Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Gymnasium here.

According to Amante, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been monitoring the prices of the basic commodities and according the department’s report, prices in the basic commodities are still stabilized.

Mayor Amante also said DTI already issued an order freezing the price increase especially in basic commodities.

FSUU president Father John Christian U. Young offered the university’s gymnasium as the operation center of the Local Risk Reduction Management of this city. (PIA-Caraga)

Surigao’s Media Club elects new officers

Surigao City (January 5) – The Media Association of Surigao (MASU) has successfully conducted its election of officers on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at Peng U Grille, this city.

After a long hiatus, Jocelyn Ferol, Program Director of RMN-Surigao was elected unopposed as the new President of the club.

Elvis Romero, news anchor/reporter of RPN-DXKS won as Vice-President against his equally worthy rival Roberto Parada, Jr., Editor/Publisher of Caraga Aksyon Balita via toss coin.

Roel Catoto, the Editor of The Agusan-Surigao Enquirer was elected unopposed as the new Secretary. Elected Treasurer was Roberto Parada, Jr. of Caraga Aksyon Balita. Alexander Jalbo, news reporter of CMN-DXSN was elected as Auditor and Jose Platil, correspondent of the Mindanao Goldstar Daily was elected unopposed as the new PRO.

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Chosen to compose the 6-member Board of Directors were the Immediate Past President (IPP)/Interim President Tirso Clerigo, Jr., Program Director of RPN-DXKS; former Treasurer Reynaldo Bernadez, Program Director of CMN-DXSN; Daniel Lerio, Surigao Bureau Chief of Mindanao Goldstar Daily; Nestor Guballa, news anchor/reporter of RMN-Surigao; Joselito Gibertas, news anchor/reporter of RPN-DXKS and Prudencio Portugues, news reporter of CMN-DXSN.

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IPP Clerigo said since its inception on August 2007, MASU has been a regular member of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) representing the local media in the province. (FEAbkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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MGB-13 reports Geohazard situation in Caraga Region

Surigao del Norte (January 5) – With the continuous rains experienced in the whole province, the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau (MGB-13) reported the Geohazard situation in Caraga Region.

In its January 4, 2010 report, the evacuation had been initiated at the cites and municipalities of Butuan City, Surigao City, Bunawan and San Francisco in Agusan del Sur, Taganaan in Surigao del Norte, Cantilan, Barobo and San Miguel in Surigao del Sur.

In Surigao City and Surigao del Norte, flooding had generally subsided starting Monday afternoon. However, flooding in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur has not yet stabilized. In Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte the Del Carmen-San Benito Road is not passable due to flood.

Some roads in Dinagat Island and Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur specifically the Los Arcos Road in Awa-Azpetia area that connects the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur and the Talacogon-Lapaz Road in Agusan del Sur are reported non –passable at the moment due to minor landslides along roads.

The report also said that power outage is in effect in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur and Barobo, Surigao del Sur. Radyo ng Bayan Tower in Tandag, Surigao del Sur toppled down due to strong gale winds.

The MGB-13 is continuously coordinating with partner national line agencies and LGU for further developments. Ready alert levels for floods and landslides are still in effect. MGB monitoring team has also been deployed to monitor situation of operating mines in Claver-Carrascal area. (Susil Ragas, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Army Disaster Units full force in Caraga

The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division last Sunday, January 2, 2011 issued an order to mobilize and activate all disaster task units within the Caraga Region. The order came out after two days of non stop rain resulted in flooding and several landslide on barangays and towns all throughout the region.

The heavy rain fall which started last January 2 has caused severe flooding in some major towns along Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte. As early as January 2, the 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion responded to reports of flooding along the low lying areas in the municipality of San Miguel, Poblacion and Tago after the Tago river overflowed. The 36IB then provided support and rescue teams to the areas affected especially after some barangay roads became non passable due to landslides and flash floods.

While the disaster rescue team from Bravo Company of the 30th Infantry battalion composed of 12 enlisted personnel and two KM450 vehicles were dispatched to help augment the existing Surigao City rescue unit. A total of 47 families (203 individuals) from barangay Rizal, San Juan and Washinton, Surigao City was evacuated.

The 4th Infantry Division Deputy Spokesperson Maj. Noli Kanashiro said that all the existing disaster relief units has all been placed in full motion and our people in the ground has been coordinating with the different agencies and disaster coordinating councils from different municipalities and cities.

According to Major General Victor A. Felix, Commander of the 4ID, PA that soldiers of the division are ready and capable in reaching out and helping our people during times of such crisis and calamities. The rule of the army is not only restricted during war times but is geared toward peace building efforts and civic social responsibility such as relief and disaster efforts. (4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army/PIA-Caraga)
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Butuan City relief center, in full operation

In response to the impending flood threat brought about by the heavy downpour of rain here in Butuan City, the City Government of Butuan through the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operation Center (LDRRMOC) and in cooperation with various line agencies like the Philippine National Police, Philippine National Red Cross, City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD), City Health Office, and Father Saturnino Urios University operationalize the Butuan City Relief Center at FSUU Gym.

The center will receive and dispatch relief goods to different evacuation centers for affected families in barangays. It will be also be the information hub regarding updates and developments relating to the present situation.

Currently, the relief center is monitoring the report from the DOH San Francisco of the planned release of massive volume of water from Agusan del Sur dam which also originate from Davao City that could rise up water level here in our Agusan River that may damage properties alongside the river.

The public, especially those living along the flood way of the Agusan River, is advised to proceed to evacuation centers right away to avoid risks and accidents.

For further information and emergency assistance, the center is open 24/7 and could be reached at 341-1477; 09088847154 (look for Grace Brongcano); or 09202357777 (look for Jereze Madriaga).

The center will also accept donations for our affected families. You may contact the City Social Welfare and Development Help Desk through Ms. Aldeberan Mordeno here at FSUU Gym. (PIO-Butuan City/PIA-Caraga)

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Davao ICTSI scholar bags 3rd place in nat’l science competition

Reymond Tayone, senior high school student of Davao City National High School and an ICTSI Scholar, bag the 3rd Place in national science competition during the 6th National Biotechnology Week celebration held recently at the National Office of the Department of Education in Pasig, Metro Manila.

Entitled “Bioethanol Production from Banana Stalk Using Cow’s Rumen Fluid for Cellulose Degradation,” the science investigatory project hurdled through different competitions from different levels before winning third place in the national contest.

“We won first placer in school, division level and regional competitions in Davao Region before we tried our luck to compete in Manila,” Reymond said. “The project’s aim among others is to help find alternative source of fuel that is not destructive to humans and the environment”, Raymond added.

Besides promising usage at home and in the industry, Ethanol has positive contribution to daily life, Raymond also disclosed. Among these were: ethanol is renewable and raw materials abound in the surroundings, it is environment-friendly, it is clean fuel and when mixed with other fossil fuel; can help clean engine that reduces smoke emission among vehicles.

The project can be replicated in a bigger level, Raymond said. “In Davao Region for example, where big banana plantations are found, we can collect all the banana stalks which companies consider as wastes and turn them into ethanol using cow’s rumen fluid in the process”, he said.

Reymond Tayone is one of the 21 scholars in Mindanao being supported by the International Container Terminal Services Incorporated or ICTSI. Aside from Davao City National High School, two other schools were also being assisted namely: Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS) in Cagayan de Oro City and General Santos City High School. The educational assistance project for the 21 high school students is being implemented by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). (Danny Escabarte, PBSP-MRO/PIA-Caraga)

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Lanao Norte LGU distribute relief goods to 700 families, 1 killed in Lanao flash flood

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – A 6-year old girl was killed while more than 700 families received relief goods on Monday from the provincial government of Lanao del Norte after heavy rains flooded 3 of its coastal towns in the province on Sunday (January 2), said provincial action and information officer Lyndon Calica, on Tuesday.

He said the hardest hit by the flooding are the municipalities of Lala, Baroy and the capital town of Tubod.

Lala had 5 barangays affected, Baroy had 4, and Tubod had 4 barangays flooded, he said.

“We have been monitoring the situation since Sunday after rains did not let up for 2 days. We alerted our rescue teams and local officials to activate their contingency plans should there be a need for massive evacuation”, added Calica.

Municipal officials in the low lying areas immediately dispatched food packs containing rice, noodles and sardines.

As of presstime, 928 families have been identified by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) as flood victims.

According to initial reports received by PSWDO, there are 12 totally damaged houses and 19 partially damaged homes in the 13 affected barangays.

“We are augmenting the assistance given to these families by distributing relief goods in the flooded towns. Each relief package contains rice, sardines, noodles, beef loaf, mat, blanket and cooking pots”, PSWDO Head Annabelle Mendez said.

Minor landslides have also been observed in Barangays Lapinig and Dunggoan in Kapatagan. However, these were immediately cleared by DPWH personnel in the area.

The lone fatality in the calamity was identified as 6-year-old Cristy Jane Celocia whose house was swept away after flood waters overflowed from the Tubod riverbank.

Relief operations are still on-going as flood victims continue to rebuild their homes after the devastation left by the calamity.

Lanao del Norte Gov. Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo on Tuesday mobilized already all department heads and their respective personnel to assist on the relief operation to flood victims. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)


LGU’s, disaster councils in Agusan del Sur, Butuan City in “close watch” of more floods

BUTUAN CITY – Local government unit officials (LGU’s) and all disaster councils along the river towns of Agusan del Sur and this region’s capital city were alerted on Wednesday in a wake of continues heavy downpour along the southern part of this region and nearby Compostela Valley (ComVal) province.

The Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) also alerted all LGU’s, disaster councils and rescue teams to “standby alert” as heavy rains are already reported in ComVal province which might go down stream along the giant Agusan river where populated areas might be hit by the rampaging flood waters from the upper stream of the giant river.

Residents living along the river towns of Loreto, La Paz, Sta. Josefa, Talacogon, San Luis and Esperanza, all in Agusan del Sur; and Las Nieves town, in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City, are also advice to evacuate in a safer grounds to avert further casualties.

Disaster councils in these areas are also advice to standby alert their respective river crafts for evacuation of residents living along the river towns.

This advisory came from Dr. Blanche T. Gobenciong of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD-Caraga) at 11:50 a.m. Wednesday.

Director Gobenciong, also chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), said heavy rainfall is now occurring in ComVal province which might cause the rise in water level in Agusan river.

“We advice the local DRRMC’s and the people living near mountain slopes and in low lying areas to be “alert” and take appropriate actions for possible flashflood and landslide,” she said in her advisory.

She added: “Emphasis should be on proactive actions – evacuation rather than rescue”.

Region Xlll Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Director Abner M. Caga requested residents along the river towns to tune in local radio stations in this city and other news agencies for any further advisory.

Meanwhile, Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza and Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. already deployed their respective river crafts and motor boats along the giant Agusan river for evacuation of residents living along the river banks. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)


MGB-DENR warns Caraga region residents near river systems of continuing flashfloods

BUTUAN CITY – Residents living near the mountain slopes and in low-lying areas of the river systems of Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region) and their respective local disaster risk reduction management councils (DRRMC) have been alerted anew for the rise of water and possible flashfloods and landslides due to continues heavy rainfall in the region and nearby Compostela Valley (ComVal) province.

Region Xlll Regional Director Alilo Ensomo of the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), also advice all mining companies in the region to exercise “extra precautionary measures” for possible soil erosions or collapse of mining tunnels.

Latest report coming from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomic Services (PAGASA-Surigao), said the tail-end of a cold front has continued to affect Mindanao and the Visayas resulting in light to moderate winds in the next 24 hours today.

This PAGASA report already affected the four provinces and three cities in the Caraga region and nearby ComVal province since January 1, this year.

The waterways that affected by this weather condition are the rivers, streams and their tributaries, particularly, the giant Agusan river and its tributaries and watershed areas in the region.

“Our local government units and all disaster councils must redouble their effort to avert further destruction and loss of lives,” said Director Ensomo.

The severe flooding that currently hit the provinces and cities in this region already displaced several thousands of individuals and killed almost a dozen now, various disaster councils reported.

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The Office of Civil Defense, Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) advice fishing boats and other small sea crafts in the region not to venture out into the sea, while larger sea vessels were alerted against big waves.

The warning came from the region’s disaster risk reduction team, saying that strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of northeasterly winds, “Amihan” is expected to affect the seaboards of Northeastern Mindanao.

“We must alert at all time as this abnormal weather condition is still going on,” added Director Ensomo. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)


Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Butuan City under a state of calamity
More than Php 200-M worth of damage in infrastructure, agriculture in Caraga region flood

BUTUAN CITY – The initial worth of damage on infrastructure and agriculture in the Caraga region on Wednesday now reaches more than Php 200 million as more damage report is still coming in, while one city and two provinces in the region were already declared under a state of calamity due to flooding and landslides.

Butuan City, Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte were already declared under state of calamities.

Region Xlll DPWH Regional Director Danilo E. Versola, said the rampaging flash flood was brought about by overflowed rivers and creeks damaging several roads and some bridges while other roads were hit by landslides and soil erosion hitting the shouldering due to the past three days heavy downpour since January 1 up to the present.

Initial damage report on infrastructures from the different District Engineering Offices (DEO’s) in the region now reaches to Php 111, 388, 855, he said.

In an exclusive interview with the Manila Bulletin on Wednesday, Director Versola said road along Butuan City-Talacogon was hit by landslide; the Butuan City-Talacogon-La Paz road was also washed out by strong current of flood, the Payasan-Los Arcos road was hit by landslide, the Del Carmen-San Benito road was hit by falling rocks while the Tago-La Paz bridge (crane-way) was washed-out by the rampaging flood waters.

“Some roads at various areas in the region were destroyed by soil erosion while some roads were also partially damaged because of flood waters,” said Director Versola.

Maintenance crew from the regional office and various District Engineering Offices (DEO’s) spread at various areas in the region are already undergoing removal and clearing of debris and slides in national and secondary roads which were affected by wide flood and slides in the different parts of the region.

“Our ground personnel are working round-the-clock basis so that reported impassable roads will be immediately opened to the commuting public,” further added Director Versola.

The damaged Wawa bridge that connects Butuan and Agusan to Davao region and other national roads were already cleared by the DPWH maintenance crew despite of heavy downpour on Wednesday and already opened for land transportation, he also said.

However, the Tago bridge in Tago town, Surigao del Sur was destroyed by the rampaging overflowed flood waters. The Php 10 million worth of 70 tonner crane and Rotary machine used for board files in Tago bridge were washed out and destroyed, said Director Versola.

Meanwhile, Gov. Sol F. Matugas, Surigao del Norte solons Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st district) and Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr. (2nd district) also reported that the Lahi, Sico-Sico, Camam-onan roads in that same province are impassable and now isolated of land transportation due to damage of roads while Malimono town is not also accessible to vehicles .

Several roads are also destroyed in Surigao City when the Kinabutan river overflowed destroying the Jubgan bridge, reported Surigao City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas.

Water supply in Surigao City has been shutdown while wide areas in Surigao del Sur and in Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur also suffered power outages because of flood.

All personnel of the city government of Surigao, Constituency offices of Matugas and Romarate and provincial government of Surigao del Norte were already mobilized to assist the flood victims.

The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) in Surigao del Sur, also reported Wednesday the Php 30 million initial damage to crops and properties.

On the other hand, Dinagat Islands (Surigao del Norte) Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Coordinator Rosario Roxas also reported that damage to infrastructures has reached to Php 2.2 million, in agriculture, rice fields and other crops such as banana and rootcrops were also damaged amounted to Php 3.04 million.

Meanwhile, Region Xlll Regional Director Reinerio Belarmino, Jr. of the Department of Agriculture (DA) also reported the initial damage of agricultural crops such as rice, corn, livestock and other crops rose to Php 27, 089, 815.

Director Belarmino said at least 12, 651 hectares of rice lands, 46 hectares of corn and 346 hectares of other crops in the whole Caraga region were destroyed while 916 heads of livestock were drowned.

He said wide number of hectares of banana plantation and other agricultural crops were submerged by flood waters the past three days since January 1, this year.

At least 3, 718 farmers at various areas were severely affected by the continuing flood in the Caraga region, Director Belarmino said.

“The most devastated province brought about by floods are in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur”, he said.

Todate, about 67, 438 families or about 350, 095 individuals were already affected by floods at the four provinces and three cities in the Caraga region, a compiled report coming Philippine Information Agency (PIA-Caraga) Regional Director Abner M. Caga, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Blanche T. Gobenciong and various disaster councils spread at various areas in the region.

Initially, the relief operations conducted by the various disaster councils, local government unit and other non-government organizations already served to at least 1, 669 families or about 7, 814 individuals to various evacuation centers in the region, PIA, OCD, RDCC and DSWD report said.

At least 10 fatalities were already reported, 2 injured and 6 are still missing and still under search and rescue operation by the various disaster coordinating councils in the region.

Latest fatalities coming from Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) based at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez here on Wednesday stated that one Alberto Paradaña Rebasora, 50, Saint Peter Collector and resident of Purok 1, Jumpers Drive, John Bosco District, Mangagoy, Bislig City was drowned while swimming at the seawaters of PICOP Resources Incorporated Port, Barangay Tabon, Bislig City. On the other hand, one Rustico Labastida Pacaldo, 38, married, farmer and resident of Barangay Mat-i, Cagwait town, Surigao del Sur was also drowned and still missing. The victim was swept away while crossing Barangay Mat-i river. Another victim, identified as Ramil L. Bobiles, 36, yrs old, married and resident of Purok 1, Sitio Manlapso, Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel town, Surigao del Sur was reportedly drowned after passing across the flooded area at Purok 12, Barangay Tina, San Miguel town, Surigao del Sur province. On the other hand, one Francisco T. Eclipse, 70, married, farmer and resident of Barangay Magsaysay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte was found lifeless by the populace floating at Calinawan river, Sitio Sabang, Barangay Magsaysay, Jabonga town, Agusan del Norte. Dr. Roberto Blancano, Municipal Health Officer of Jabonga declared that drowning is the cause of his death. Meanwhile, one Ceasar A. Aquilam, 50, Barangay Kagawad of Barangay Tagoyango, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur was also reported drowned and found lifeless at the riverbank of Wawa river of that same barangay by the search and rescue team led by Ely A. Aquilam, brother of the victim. In Surigao City, one Roberto Dalangin, 35, married and a native of Barangay Cawilan, Tubod town, Surigao del Norte was also found lifeless floating at the river of Purok 2, Barangay Bonifacio, Surigao City.

Relief operation by various line agencies of the government, LGU’s and disaster coordinating councils went into high gear to flood victims in almost 900 evacuation centers at various parts in the region.

The Kapuso Foundation, Inc. Team of GMA 7 are now in the province of Surigao del Sur to distribute relief goods to provincial disaster coordinating council (PDCC). The relief assistance of the foundation was supported by M35 trucks from the Army’s 4th Division Support Area, loaded with 100 sacks of relief goods intended to 1,000 families in the municipalities of Tago and San Miguel in Surigao del Sur.

Maj. Gen. Victor Felix, commanding general of the Army’s Fourth Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID) directed Col. Efrain Oropel, 4th DSA commander based at Bancasi, this city to supervise the deployment of M35 trucks in Surigao del Sur and other areas for the rescue and relief operations. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)

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POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania

Report on robbery

One Esmeralda Joveta, 42 years old, married, owner/cashier of Fredo Junkshop and resident of Purok-3A, Brgy 23, Cabadbaran City reported to Cabadbaran Police Station on January 3, 2011 at 11:50 am that she was allegedly held-up by two unidentified suspects armed with cal .45 pistol and cal .38 revolver inside their junkshop located at said place.

Investigation disclosed that the two unidentified suspects entered the said establishment, pulled out their handguns and declared hold-up. Suspects then, carted away two units cell phone and cash money amounting to seventy five thousand pesos (PhP 75,000.00) and fled towards Surigao City riding a single Honda XRM motorcycle, color red, without plate nr.

PNP elements of Cabadbaran Police Station are now conducting thorough investigation for the possible identification and apprehension of the suspects. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on drowning incident

One Alberto Paradaña Rebasora, 50 years old, married, Saint Peter Collector and resident of Purok 1, Jumpers Drive, John Bosco District, Mangagoy, Bislig City was reportedly drowned while swimming at the seawaters of PICOP Resources Incorporated Port, Brgy Tabon, Bislig City on January 2, 2010 at 3:00 pm. The victim was found lifeless by his friends Alberto Sullano and Brendo Undag on the following day at 10:30 am at the seawater of said place.

Meanwhile, one Rustico Labastida Pacaldo, 38 years old, married, farmer and resident of Brgy Mat-I, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur was reportedly drowned and still missing.

Investigation disclosed that while the victim together with one Rogelio Sumaya were on their way home and while crossing Brgy Mat-i River on January 2, 1011 at 5:00 pm, the victim was suddenly swept by a strong current and reportedly drowned. PNP elements of Cagwait Municipal Plolice Station (MPS) are presently conducting search and retrieval operation.

One Ramil Bobiles y Lamigo, 36 years old, married and resident of Purok 1, Sitio Manlapso, Brgy Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur was reportedly drowned after passing across the flooded area at Purok 12, Brgy Tina, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur On January 3, 2011 at 4:0 pm. Search and rescue operations conducted by PNP elements of San Miguel MPS which resulted to the retrieval of the victim’s body on January 4, 2011 at 12:30 pm at the rice field of Sitio Apugan, Brgy Tina, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

On the other hand, one Francisco Eclipse y Tablon, 70 years old, married, farmer and resident of Brgy Magsaysay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte was found lifeless by the populace floating at Calinawan river, Sitio Sabang, Brgy Magsaysay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. Investigation disclosed that the victim went to his farm and was not able to return home. Dr Roberto Blancano, Municipal Health Officer of Jabonga declared that drowning is the cause of his death.

Meanwhile, One Ceasar Aquilam y Alisna, 50 yrs old, married, Bgry Kagawad and res of Brgy Tagoyango, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur was reported found lifeless at the riverbank of Wawa river of said Brgy by the search and rescue team led by Ely Aquilam y Alisna, brother of the victim. Subject person was reportedly missing last January 3, 2011 due to the flashflood in Wara river.

In Surigao City, one Roberto Dalangin, 35 yrs old, married and a native of Brgy Cawilan, Tubod, Surigao del Norte was found lifeless on January 4, 2011 at 10:00 am floating at the river of Purok 2, Brgy Bonifacio, Surigao City. Victim was reportedly missing since January 2, 2010 at 9:00 am. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Report on landslide

PNP personnel of Butuan City Police Station 4 led by PSINSP GAUDIOSO CAJUTOL JR proceeded to Brgy Maibu, Butuan City to verify the veracity of the reported landslide in the area. Investigation disclosed that on January 3, 2011 at 9:00 am at Purok 1 of said Brgy, twelve (12) miners were conducting gold panning at the secluded area of said place when a landslide hit the area.

Two victims namely Shielo Carrid y Balbuena, 43 years old, single and resident of Purok 3, Brgy Maibu, Butuan City and Deoscoro Alberto Jr y Lazaga, 17 years old, minor and resident of Purok 1, Brgy Maibu, Butuan City were instantly buried. Companions and relatives of the victims conducted rescue operation and excavated the victims but they were already confirmed dead. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
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Death toll in Caraga region flood rose to 15

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BUTUAN CITY – The death toll in the Caraga region flood now rose to 15, official report disclosed Wednesday afternoon by concerned government agencies.

In a disaster briefing conducted Wednesday afternoon at downtown hotel and restaurant here by the officials and action officers of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) led by Office of Civil Defense (OCD-Caraga) Regional Director Blanche T. Gobenciong, Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga Regional Director Abner M. Caga, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Carmencita Conchingco and other line agencies of the government including military and police commanders, said all the immediate kin of the reported fatalities are currently being attended by the respective concerned local government units and disaster councils in the provinces and cities.

Meanwhile, as of 3 o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the local DRRMC in Dinagat Islands in Surigao del Norte advices all Dinagatnons that an “alert level 3” is now being enforced in all the seven towns in the island.

“Forced evacuation is recommended to all constituents in low lying areas and steepslopes,” the Dinagat DRRMC advisory stated.

On the other hand, the Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office (PPO) based in Tandag, Surigao del Sur advisory also stated that the national highway along Matho Cortes in Surigao-Davao Coastal road is no longer passable due to landslide. However, no casualty or injured were reported when the side of the mountain gave in at 10 o’clock a.m. on Wednesday.

In a related development, Butuan City Councilor Ryan Anthony Culima also reported Wednesday afternoon that the number of families affected by flood in the city’s rural and urban areas already rose to 16, 577 or about 82, 885 persons.

He said at least 57 barangays, 25 of them along the river banks of Agusan river and its tributaries are already affected by flash flood since January 1, this year.

Councilor Culima said rubber boats, pump boats and other river crafts were already deployed along the river banks to assist the flood victims.

Initially, the city government have already allocated of at least Php 15 million or 30% (quick respond fund) of the Php 52 million calamity fund for the calamity victims, added Councilor Culima.

The city council of Butuan already declared the city under a state of calamity. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)

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Surigao del Sur declared under State of Calamity

Source: PDCC Surigao del Sur Operation Center

Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) Executive Officer Mr. Florencio Pimentel, Jr. said, Surigao del Sur was declared under State of Calamity yesterday January 4.

Mr. Pimentel also revealed an estimated cost of damages will reach to P30M in the agricultural, infrastructure, and properties.

PDCC partially recorded 131 barangays from 18 municipalities and one city reportedly was affected by massive flashfloods. Also, 27,170 families or 162,131 individuals were affected where the municipality of San Miguel recorded the highest number of families affected with 3,538 or 21,228 individuals.

As of press time, reported areas where landslide occurred are: San Pedro Lianga - Los Arcos road not passable, Pakwan KM8, KM13, Ebuan, Mampi and Nurcia-Sibahay Road all in Lanuza; Cumawas, San Isidro, Brgy San Jose, Nat’l Road, MONE-Bagwis Road all in Bislig City; MAtin-ao National Highway and alternate PICOP Road in Tagbina; Tagmalinao-Cagwait road Section and Matho Cortes National Road.

There are four persons reported missing due to flashfloods and one injured after accidentally hit by falling debris in Antao, Carmen.

As of 11:30 am today, roads bound to South and North of this province are reported passable according to DPWH. (PIA-Surigao del Sur).

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Tagalog News: Rescue team ng Surigao city, tiniyak ang kahandaan sa mas malala pang pagbaha

Nakaalerto na ang mga miyembro ng Rescue Team ng Surigao City sa posibilidad sa pagpapalikas ng mga tao lalo na ang apektado ng pagbaha.

Nasa alert Level 2 pa rin ang buong Surigao kung saan suspendido na ang klase ng mga estudyante sa elementary at sekondarya.

Naunang inihayag na ni Dr. Teofila Cabatuan, ang Schools Division Supt. na apektado na ang ilang paaralan at basa na rin ang libro ng mga estudyante dahil sa baha.

Tinatayang umabot na sa P28 million ang pinsala ng ulan at pagbaha kabilang ang pinsala sa mga eskuwelahan

Ayon kay Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas kung anuman ang mangyayari, handa na ang iba’t ibang mga ahensiya lalo na sa Rescue Team sa pagresponde kung saan ipinatawag na ang mga barangay chairman para sa mas matinding paghahanda.

Mahigpit na ring binabantayan ang pagtaas ng tubig sa Surigao river. (RMN-Surigao City/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano News: 4 ka tawo, nadugang sa mga namatay sa baha sa Caraga Region

BUTUAN CITY - Upat ka mga tawong patay ang nadugang sa listahan sa mga nakalas tungod sa pagbaha sa Caraga Region human nga silang tanan gitu-uhang parehong nalumos human napalgan sa nagkada-iyang suba og lugar nga nabahaan.

Unang napalgan pasado alas 10:30 sa buntag ning mi-aging adlaw si Alberto Paradaña Rebasora, 50-anyos, minyo, collector sa St. PeterLife Plan Incorporated og residente sa Purok Uno, Jumpers Drive sa John Bosco District, Mangagoy, Bislic City kinsa nalumos human naligo sa dagat duol sa PICOP Resources Incorporated sa Brgy. Tabon, Bislig City pasado alas-tres sa hapon niadtong Enero 2 og napalgan na lang sa iyang mga higalang sila Alberto Sullano og Brendo Undag.

Samtang napalgan usab sa iyang mga silingan nga naglutaw na og wala na'y kinabuhi sa Calinawan River sa Sitio Sabang, Brgy. Magsaysay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, ang 70-anyos nga si Francisco Eclipse, minyo og mag-uuma. (dxBR-Bombo Radyo Butuan/PIA-Caraga)