(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Tuesday, 10 December 2024) Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting the western section of Mindanao and Palawan. Shear Line affecting the eastern sections of Central and Southern Luzon. Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon and the rest of Central Luzon. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Moderate to Strong winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


PIA News Service - Friday, May 10, 2013



Amante files petition for disqualification vs Aquino

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, May 10 – Incumbent Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. on Thursday filed a petition for disqualification against his rival, incumbent Cong. Jose S. Aquino II before the Regional and City Comelec here.

The petition was filed against the respondent for having committed the prohibited acts defined under the Omnibus Election Code.

Specifically, the petition was based on Section 68 of the code which states that any candidate who, in an action or protest in which he is a party is declared by final decision of a competent court guilty of, or found by the Commission of having violated Section 85, shall be disqualified from continuing as a candidate, or if he has been elected, from holding the office.

The petition also stated that under Section 85B - prohibited forms of election propaganda, it shall be unlawful to erect, put up, make use of, attach, float or display any billboard, tinplate-poster, balloons and the like, of whatever size, shape, form or kind, advertising for or against any candidate or political party. It is also unlawful to show or display publicly any advertisement or propaganda for or against any candidate by means of audio visual units.

Also, under Section 2-3, the Comelec shall exercise the power and function to decide all questions affecting elections. Thus, the jurisdiction of the Comelec to disqualify candidates is limited to those enumerated in Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code.

The petition’s cause of action stated that on or about April 17, 2013 and within the election campaign period, respondent installed, or, at the very least, has allowed the installation of a large billboard, with a bulldozer displayed at its side.

The billboard and the bulldozer were displayed along J.C. Aquino Avenue, the main thoroughfare and the National Highway in this city, fronting the respondent’s Political Headquarters.

Thus, the billboard, notably without any identification as to source and in whose favor it was made, conspicuously made announcements of an allege evidence portraying petitioner as a corrupt public official who allowed the sale of alleged serviceable heavy equipment owned by Butuan City as scrap at a much lower price than the prevailing market value.

Amante’s petition also stated that the issue of an alleged anomaly in the sale of the city’s heavy equipment has been one of the central issues in the public rallies of respondent, urging the public not to vote against the petitioner.

The petition continued that in the political campaign materials distributed by respondent’s supporters to the electorate of this city, the same issue involving the alleged anomalous sale of heavy equipment, particularly a D6C bulldozer unit, has been at the fore.

It was also stated that while it was made to appear in one of the political ads that Norbert Pagaspas, presently a Mayoralty candidate in the Municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, bought the unit, the pertinent Deed of Sale showed that the same was bought by a certain Angelo C. Pomar from Cagayan de Oro City. The personal connections between Pomar and Aquino are beyond dispute. In the FaceBook account of Angelo Pomar, numerous pictures were shown where he was with the respondent in several occasions, together with immediate members of their families.

The petition likewise stated that the use of billboards as political advertisement is one of the prohibited forms of election propaganda under Section 85 of the Omnibus Election Code.

Mayor Amante is seeking his second term as mayor of this city while Cong. Aquino is now on his second term as representative of the first district of this city and in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, and is eligible to run for his third and last term. (Media ng Bayan/PIA-Caraga)


Naliyagan Festival 2013: Unveiling Agusan’s culture, wealth and beauty

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, May 10 (PIA) -- The province of Agusan del Sur will unveil its rich culture, natural wealth and beauty in the upcoming 21st Naliyagan Festival from June 12-17, 2013.

The formal opening program on June 12 is in time with the celebration of the 115th Philippine Independence Day which will start at 4:30 in the morning with an ecumenical dawn prayer. This will be followed by the holding of the holy mass at 6 a.m. in all Parish churches in the province.

While the holy mass is on-going, a Manobo ritual called the “Panawagtawag” (Calling of the good spirits) will also be conducted. The wreath-laying at the Rizal monument will highlight the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.

At 10:30 in the morning of the first day, the opening of the Naliyagan Trade, Services and Entertainment Center (NTSEC) will be held. At the NTSEC, various booths by the 13 municipalities and the lone city of Bayugan will be proudly displaying their best products, including farm produce and handicrafts.

The aroma of Agusan delicacies will surely fill the air as booths of food and entertainment will also be opened to the public. Agusan del Sur will also showcase the best practices of the local government and the different services offered by the provincial government.

The evening will even be more colorful with the presentation and talent showdown of the 2013 Bai Naliyagan. Back to back concert will be held at the Naliyagan Main Stage and the Rizal Stage, with performers coming from Manila. A fireworks display will brighten and color the skies at 9:30 in the evening and the live bands will play until 12:00 midnight.

During the duration of the six-day festival, various displays of region’s indigenous culture and sports competitions can be witnessed. A bauto (canoe) race will take place at the lagoon right at the center of the Naliyagan cultural area.

All 114 barangays will participate in the Barangayan sa Naliyagan. Every barangay is expected to send a delegation and hold a presentation during this event. And just like the past Naliyagan Festival, motorcycle drag race and motocross will highlight the fourth and fifth day of the festival.

On the sixth and awarding day, the 46th Foundation Day Anniversary Celebration will take place, and the famous “Binaga” or the roasting of hundreds of kilos of mudfish will be the highlight the day. Everybody is encouraged to join and take part in the famous and longest binaga. During this time, Agusanon’s hospitality, kindness and friendliness will be seen and felt by those who want to know who they are. (DMS/RER/PIA-Caraga)


94 Surigaonon Youth leaders join Leadership Seminar

By 1LT Stephen G. Basco, Jr.

SURIGAO CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- Around 94 youth leaders representing the in-school-youth, out-of-school youth, the Sangguniang Kabataan, and youth church leaders participated and successfully completed the three-day live–in Youth Leadership Seminar from May 4 to 6, 2013 at Anao-aon Central Elementary School, Poblacion, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte.

Led by the 30th Infantry "Python" Battalion, Philippine Army (30IB PA), the three-day live-in seminar geared towards guiding the youth to become more disciplined and responsible citizens and it also aims to empower the youth to be more responsible, productive, and well-informed in fulfilling their active roles in building a morally and spiritually upright society.

A series of lectures and interactive discussions focusing on four key topics were discussed, to wit: leadership development; interpersonal communication; moral value enhancement; and drug prevention and security awareness. Other undertakings include team building activities, small group discussions, tae-bo exercises, and musical activities.

In his message, 30IB PA Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel Vincent B. Iringan said that the Youth Leadership Seminar is an activity focusing on the youth, "it was conceived to generate awareness and goes further by developing and nurturing the youths’ leadership potentials."

He also said that the activity helps the youth to have a “paradigm shift” that will enhance their personality, "and at the same time appreciate the necessity for an accurate and positive social participation and responsibility."

It is to this effect that all stakeholders that are concerned with youth development should make it a personal commitment to be “youth keepers,” by equipping them with the right information and education and to re-direct their creativity and passion to advocacies that will truly benefit the schools and communities where they belong, he added.

The activity was made possible through the collaboration of the Provincial Local Government Unit of Surigao del Norte; the Local Government Unit (LGU) and Local Government Agencies (LGAs) of San Francisco; the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) of San Francisco, Surigao del Norte; and the 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion, 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army. (SDR/PA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Tagalog News: DENR pinaigting ang anti-illegal logging task force sa Caraga

Ni Joan Yaesu Pepito

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 10 (PIA) -- Pinaiigting ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ang anti-illegal logging task force bilang suporta sa nasyunal na pamahalaan sa pagsisikap nitong makontrola ang patuloy na illegal logging na gawain sa bansa.

Sa ginawang pagtitipon ng Executive Committee ng Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) na ginanap kamakailan sa Bishop’s Home, Barangay Ampayon, binigyang-diin ni Forester Achilles Ebron ng DENR-Caraga na ito ay daan para malabanan ang patuloy na ilegal na pamumutol ng kahoy sa Caraga.

Dagdag ng opisyal na ang checkpoint ay itinatag sa pangunguna ng DENR-Caraga upang matugunan and gawaing illegal logging sa mga hot spot areas.

Ipinaliwanag rin ni Ebron na ang implementasyon ay nasa ilalim ng Serial No. 2012-005.

Napag-alaman na ang planong pagtatatag ng checkpoints ay ideya ng mga representante ng ilang ahensiya ng pamahalaan, kabilang na si PNP-Caraga Regional Director PSupt. Getulio NapeΓ±a na nagmungkahing pag-isahin ang DENR, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police at iba pang mga ahensya at magmonitor sa nasabing checkpoint.

Isa sa mga tungkulin ng naturang checkpoint ay ang pagsasagawa ng self-monitoring sa mga ilegal na produktong kahoy at pagbibiyahe nito, hindi lamang sa pagkukumpiska ng mga pekeng dokumento.

Maliban pa dito, nagrekomenda din si Forester Ebron ng operationilization ng anti-illegal logging task force operation center.

“Our basis for establishing anti-illegal logging task force operation center is the executive order No.23 issued in February 1, 2011 referring to the moratorium of the cutting and harvesting of timber in a natural and habitual forest then creating the anti-illegal logging task force.” (Ang aming legal na basihan ng pagsasagawa ng anti-illegal logging task force operation center ay nasa executive order No 23 na inilabas noong Pebrero 1, 2011, na sumasangguni sa moratorium ng pagputol at pag-aani ng kahoy sa natural at habitual forest at pagsagawa ng anti-illegal logging task force),” pahayag ni Ebron.

Isinalin sa pamamagitan ng Resolution No. 2012-005, ang anti-illegal logging task force operation sa Mindanao ay mula sa sibilyan hanggang sa aktibong operasyon ng militar. (RER/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog news: BIR Revenue District Office-17 ginawaran ng Seal of Excellence Award ng CSC

Ni Hyazel Rose M. Ampo

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 10 (PIA) -- Ginawaran ng Civil Service Commission (CSC) ng titulong Seal of Excellence Award ang tanggapan ng Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District Office sa ilalim ng Revenue Region 17 kamakailan lang sa BIR Grounds dito sa lungsod.

Ito ay iginawad bilang gantimpala sa maayos na pamamalakad at serbisyo ng BIR sa publiko kasunod sa ulat na survey na isinagawa ng CSC sa ilalim ng Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA).

Ayon kay CSC-Caraga Regional Director Adams D. Torres, ipinahayag nito na ang tanggapan ng Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ay matagumpay na naipasa ang mga nailatag na requirements ng nasabing pagsusuri.

“In the month of June of every year, the CSC is conducting simultaneous survey to all BIR offices to assess their performance on the compliance of the ARTA law. There are thirty respondents for this survey who are taxpayers and are directly transacting at the respective BIR office” (Tuwing buwan ng Hunyo taun-taon, ginanaganap ng CSC ang magkasabay na survey sa lahat ng BRI offices upang ma-assess ang performance sa compliance ng ARTA law. May 30 respondents sa nasabing survey na pawing mga taxpayers na direktang nagta-transact sa BIR office sa kani-kanilang lugar), paliwanag ni Torres.

Binigyang diin din ni Torres sa kanyang pananalita na kinakailangan magtalaga ng Agency’s Citizen Charter sa pasukan ng building ng ibat-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno.Sa ganitong pamamaraan, ang publiko ay agad malalaman ang awtorisadong tao kailangan kailangan nilang isangguni para sa mga transaksyon at proseso. Kasabay na rin nito, ang pagpapaskil ng Anti-Fixer Campaign Material.

Napag-alaman din na ang mga sumusunod ay mga kinakailangan i-comply ng mga ahensya o sangay ng gobyerno upang maigawad ang Seal of Excellence: 1. Kalidad na Serbisyo 2. Pisikal na kondisyon ng mga pasilidad sa opisina 3. Pagbibigay ng pangunahing kagamitan sa mga buntis, senior citizen at mga taong may kapansanan 4. Pagpapatupad ng “No Noon Break” rule.

“We have assessed the BIR’s performance on the compliance of the ARTA through the 30 respondents of the Report Card Survey that our office has conducted which showed an excellent public performance in the overall rating,” diin ni Torres.

Ginawaran din ng CSC ng kaukulang cash reward na nagkakahalaga ng P75,000 sa opisina ng BIR Revenue District Office-17 sa pangunguna ni Regional Director ROD-13 Samer Muti at Regional Director BIR Revenue Region-17 Norberto Vitug kasama si Assistant Commissioner, David Cabanag.

Ang natanggap na cash reward ay gagamitin sa pagbibili ng mga kinakailangan na kagamitan sa opisina tungo sa pagpapalago ng serbisyo ng tanggapang ng BIR sa publiko. (RER/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog news: Krimen sa Lungsod ng Butuan, bumaba ng 9% ayon sa PNP

Ni Mikee Joy Rodriguez

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 10 (PIA) -- Bahagyang bumaba ng siyam na porsyento ang krimen dito sa lungsod sa buwan ng Abril ngayong taon kung ikukumpara sa parehong buwan noong nakaraang taon.

Ayon sa ulat ni SSupt Nerio Bermudo, hepe ng BCPO, sa buwan ng Abril sa taong ito, may naitalang 223 crime incidents na mababa ng siyam na porsyento sa nakaraang taon.

Sa Average Monthly Crime Rate (AMCR), may naitalang 17.23 incidents kada 323,520 populasyon na nagpapakita ng pagbaba ng siyam na porsyento kumpara sa 18.93 sa parehong buwan noong nakaraang taon.

Sa 223 na naitalang insidente sa Abril 2013, 92 na rito ang naresolba na may 41 percent efficiency rating.

Sa Statistics Per Crime (SPC), bumaba ng 10 porsyento ang murder incidents, habang ang homicide cases ay nanatiling 3 porsyento, ibig sabihin hindi ito tumaas.

Tumaas naman ang physical injuries incidents ng 38 porsyento at ang rape incidents naman ay tumaas rin ng 5 kumpara sa naitalang 3 nang nakaraang taon.

Samantala, ang robbery at theft incidents ay bumaba naman ng 5 porsyento at 26 porsyento, habang sa carnapping ay walang naitalang insidente, bagkus ang cattle rustling incidents tumaas ng 2 kumpara sa nakaraang taon na 0 crime incident.

Ayon kay Bermudo, may naitalang 624 crime incidents sa taong 2012 kumpara sa 772 incidents sa taong 2011 na nagpapakita ng pagbaba ng 19 porsyento.

Ang Average Monthly Crime Rate para sa 2012 ay may naitalang 16.07 kada 323,520 populasyon na nagpapakita ng pagbaba ng 19 porsyento kumpara sa 2011 na may 19.86 incidents.

Sa mahigit na 624 na naitalang insidente sa 2012, 264 na rito ang naresolba na nagpapakita ng 42 porsyentong efficiency rating.

Ayon sa kanilang ulat, ang kaayusan at katahimikan ng lungsod ng Butuan ay kontrolado. Dagdag ni Bermudo, may maliit na pagbaba sa mga krimen kumpara sa mga huling taon.

Ayon naman kay Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., kahit na may pagbaba sa crime rate, hindi pa rin siya gaanong nasiyahan sa resulta. Hinimok rin nito ang pulisya na taasan ang "solution rate" sa lungod ng Butuan.

Sa huling mensahe ng Mayor, sinabi niya na ang pulisya ay dapat may magandang pakikitungo sa mga tao, ngunit kinatatakutan ng mga kriminal. (RER/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano news: Presidente Aquino mipahayag og katagbawan sa mga preparasyon nga gihimo sa umaabot nga piniliay

Ni Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

MANILA, Mayo 10 (PIA) -- Si Presidente Benigno S. Aquino III mipadayag sa iyahang katagbawan niadtong Huwebes sa gihimong preparasyon sa gobyerno alang sa umaabot nga piniliay karong Lunes, Mayo 13 diin gipasidunggan ang Armadong Kusog sa Pilipinas kon Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ug Philippine National Police (PNP).

Siya miingon nga ang AFP ug ang PNP mituman sa paghimo sa iyahang gimando sa pagpatuman sa regulasyon pinasubay sa balaod sa loose firearms ug private armies sa 15 ka probinsiya nga gitoohan nga electoral hotspots.

Sumala pa sa Presidente, “dunay 15 ka mga probinsiya ang gibantayan ug maayo ug daghan sila ug mga napatuman pinaage sa pagpuhag sa mga “private armed groups kon PAGs; pagpangumpiska sa mga armas, pagpangsikop sa mga tawo nga dunay warrant of arrest, ug apil na ang mga lisensyadong mga armas nga nilapas na kon expire na ang lisensya diin nalangkob na nila ang pag adto sa mga kabalayan niini; ug padayon ang pagproseso kon kini isurender na sa kapulisan o kaha i-renew ang mga lisensya niini".

Dugang pa niya, “tanan nga boot ipahamtang nato gikan sa imaging tuig natuman sa paghimo ug hataas ang kumpiyansa nato na…. akoa ng nakaestorya ang mga area commands… nga andam na kita sa pagsanta sa mga mohimo ug mga bayolente nga lihok,” (So, lahat ng pinag-utos natin from last year ay ginagawa at mataas ang kumpiyansa natin na... naka-usap ko lahat ng area commands na rin ...na ready na tayo to forestall any more acts of violence).

“So, kutob sa atoa makaya… matood lang nga ato gipangandaman kini nga piniliay matud pa sa Presidente. (RER/NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)