(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Friday, 04 October 2024) At 3:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Depression "JULIAN" {KRATHON} was estimated based on all available data at 240 km North Northwest of Itbayat, Batanes (22.6°N, 120.6°E) with maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 75 km/h. It is almost stationary. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Visayas and Mindanao. 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 ITCZ. 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—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Southwest to Southeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Thursday, July 7, 2016

PNP intensifies ‘Oplan TokHang’ in Surigao Norte

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte July 7 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) Surigao del Norte has intensified its ‘Oplan TokHang‘ campaign to fight illegal drugs in the province.

PNP Surigao del Norte deputy provincial director PSSupt. Reynaldo Acosta explained that tokhang, a combination of “toktok” and “hangyo,” means knock and then request or encourage the suspected drug users and peddlers in the barangays to voluntarily surrender and stop their illegal activities.

He further explained that the house-to-house to visitation of policemen in coordination with barangay officials led to surrender of suspected drug users and peddlers and eventually live a new drug-free life.

It was learned that TokHang is part of Double Barrel campaign, which euphemistically alludes to a double-barrel shotgun – aimed at drug pushers and users of illegal drugs alike to curb and stop their illicit activities. The barrel is pointed especially at so-called High Value Targets (HVT).

Acosta revealed that through its intensified efforts a total of 89 users and drug pushers voluntarily surrendered in two barangays of Claver town, 19 in Bacuag, 41 in Tubod, and 10 in barangay Washington, this city.

“We continue our house to house visitation to known drug-affected barangays and besought drug users and pushers to surrender voluntarily and would ask them undergo drug test, and have themselves documented,” said Acosta. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


SurSur to celebrate World Population Day

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 7 (PIA) – The provincial government of Surigao del Sur thru its Population Management Division will join in the commemoration of the World Population Day on July 11, 2016.

According to provincial population program officer Milagros Arreza, the annual celebration aims to increase awareness in relation to the issue on population.

Arreza noted that the provincial government continues its campaign and program implementation on Population Health and Development.

As part of the celebration, the province will hold a forum intended for elementary grade pupils where population issues and concerns will be tackled.

Also, a script-writing contest for grade 7 to grade 11 students will be conducted.

This year's celebration carries the theme, 'Investing in teenage girls.' (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


HIV rate in Caraga on the rise

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, July 7 (PIA) – As per latest National Epidemiology Centrex update, Caraga region now has 268 HIV cases in total based from the first diagnosed cases in 1995 up to May 2016 and still on its running count.

“The Philippines and Caraga Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Registry has reported an increase of such cases in the recent years. The strategy to address the epidemic is reflected in the 5th Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) to ensure that the health sector’s program is aligned with the Universal Health Care Framework and 5th AMTDP),” said officer-in-charge of Butuan City Health Office Joyce Hidalgo, MD.

According to her, the city is the top most contributor in the region with 100 cases. “The Department of Health, along with its partner stakeholders, should not lay passive on this matter,” said Hidalgo. With this, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga – HIV and AIDS Program will conduct an HIV AIDS Core Team (HACT) meeting on July 8, 2016 at the Luciana Cinvention Center, here. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


CHED Caraga invites HEI heads to avail leadership dev't programs

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, July 7 (PIA) – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in Caraga invites presidents and chancellors of the private higher education institutions (HEIs) to take part in the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Top Management Program.

According to Engr. Ramil A. Sanchez, chief education program specialist of CHED Caraga, the program will help uplift the competencies of HEIs top management/heads. The program also focuses on institution-building, resource mobilization and academic management specifically for Private HEIs, he said.

Those qualified can apply to the Leadership Development Programs under the Professional Advancement and Postdoctoral Study Grants for full tuition coverage.

“It is a program in line with the efforts of the Commission’s K to 12 Transition Program,” said Engr. Sanchez.

The Leadership Development Programs also support HEI faculty and staff in leadership positions pursuing development programs by reputable institutions in the country or abroad.

For more information, they may refer to CHED Memorandum Order 25, series of 2016 for application guidelines and download requirements at https://chedk12.wordpress.com/profaddownloads/. (NCLM, PIA-Caraga)


Caraga RDRRMC, SMART telco to spearhead ICT Bayanihan Summit in Butuan

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, July 7 (PIA) – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) of Caraga thru the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in partnership with SMART Philippines will spearhead the conduct of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Bayanihan on July 14 to 15 in one of the convention centers here.

According to RDRRMC chairperson and OCD regional director Manuel Luis M. Ochotorena, the ICT Bayanihan is a two-day summit, which will be participated by regional key ICT players of the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster and its partners from the private sectors and volunteer groups.

Also, director Ochotorena said that the invited participants of the two-day summit are those with experience in Emergency Telecommunications at strategic level with delegated decision-making authority or recommendatory functions.

“This activity will give emphasis on the unity of efforts of all ICT key players using the existing domestic and international legal frameworks, guidelines, agreements and programs in the country,” Ochotorena said.

It will be established to address the concern on communications interoperability, commonality, and inter-compatibility and will be instituted to the national level and cascaded down to regional, provincial, city, municipal and barangay level, he added.

The participants are advised to bring a list of existing operational ICT equipment, Ochotorena said. (NCLM, PIA-Caraga)


Crisis body formed for abducted police officer in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 7 (PIA) – The local government unit of Carmen has activated its crisis management committee (CMC) to find solution to the abduction of a rookie police officer in the province.

The committee is composed of the municipal mayor, vice mayor, police, Philippine Army, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and municipal/barangay council members. Carmen Mayor Jane Valeroso was named as the CMC chairperson.

PO1 Richard Yu was reportedly abducted Tuesday morning in Carmen town allegedly by the members of the New Peoples’ Army.

According to CMC spokesperson and municipal council member Michael Escuyos, they had kept all channels open for a discussion with the abductors.

Escuyos said that Yu is in good hands, as relayed by the family of the abducted police officer.

 "The LGU is trying its best to resolve the said case and hoping for the safe release of the victim the soonest possible time," Escuyos explained. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Barangay, SK polls registration starts July 15 – Comelec Caraga chief

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, July 7 (PIA) -  The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Caraga region has announced the registration of voters for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

Comelec Caraga regional election director Atty. Francisco G. Pobe said that a simultaneous registration is set starting July 15 up to 30, including weekends and holidays this year.

“The registration is open to first-time voters in both the regular and SK polls,” he said. Also, Pobe said that those who have been deactivated for failing to participate in at least two consecutive elections will also be accommodated on the schedule set by the commission.

Meanwhile, for the barangay elections registrants, they must be at least 18 years old by the time of the elections and they must also be a resident of the Philippines for at least one year, and living in the place where they intend to vote at least six months before the elections, Pobe said.

For the SK, the registration is open for those between ages 15 to 17 and must be living in the community for at lest six months and the membership is from ages 15 to 30 years old on the day of the polls, Pobe added.

Pursuant to Section 1 of Republic Act No. 9164 as amended by Republic Act No. 9340, the subsequent Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections shall be held on the last Monday of October and every three (3) years thereafter. Therefore, the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election will be held on October 31, 2016. 

Caraga region comprises five provinces namely: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands; six cities: Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao, Tandag, Bislig and Bayugan; 67 municipalities and 1,311 barangays with Butuan City as the regional administrative center. (NCLM, PIA-Caraga)


POPCOM urges govt agencies to support World Population Day celebration

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, July 7 (PIA) – The Commission on Population (POPCOM) Caraga region will spearhead the celebration of this year’s World Population Day on July 11.

In an effort to raise greater public awareness of the celebration, POPCOM Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano urges all heads of the government agencies of the region to support the celebration by including it in their regular meetings with staff.

This year’s theme is “Investing in Adolescent Girls.”

According to Makinano, the theme highlights that marginalized girls are vulnerable to poor reproductive health and more likely to become mothers while still children themselves.

“When teenage girls are empowered, when they know their rights and are given the tool to succeed, they become agents of positive change in their communities,” says Makinano. (NCLM, PIA-Caraga)


Drug pushers, users surrender in Butuan City

By PSupt Michael Lozada

BUTUAN CITY, July 7 (PIA) - A total of 145 drug personalities in the city surrendered to the police and the local government unit (LGU) on Wednesday as part of the relentless implementation of Project Tokhang (Toktok-Hangyo) here.

In a report submitted by Butuan City Police Station 2 to Police Regional Office (PRO) 13, some 130 drug users and 15 drug pushers in Brgy. Pagatpatan signed the affidavit and promised not to engage in illegal drug activities anymore.

PRO-13 regional director PCSupt Rolando Felix said these drug personalities will be turned over to the LGU and will be monitored.

Project Tokhang, a massive campaign to convince those involved in illegal drugs to reform, is the first phase under Project Double Barrel which was implemented nationwide last July 1, 2016.

The second phase of Project Double Barrel is the Project HVT/LVT which focuses on the conduct of police operations against the high value or low value targets. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


Agusan Sur solon grants P10M to STEP

By Jemuel Bryan G. Libarios

BUTUAN CITY, July 7 (PIA) – “Some P10 million worth of scholarship slots will be allocated to the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) in Agusan del Sur.”

This was the statement of TESDA-Caraga’s former regional director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. during the provincial launching of the STEP held recently at the Kim Lope Asis Memorial Gymnasium in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

Sunico, who is now the regional director of TESDA Central Visayas, said the STEP program is the single biggest training program in Caraga region for which the grant was made possible through the support of Cong. Valentina G. Plaza of the first district of the province.

He explained the grant is for the assistance of the 685 Agusanons who are studying in 14 different educational institutions this year offering 16 courses with free training. The scholars will also be receiving allowance and tool kits.

According to Sunico, the program aims to enlighten the minds of TESDA scholars/trainees that they may strive and will be able to reach their dreams in life through the help of services offered by TESDA.

In attendance during the said the event are officials and personnel from five Local Government Units (LGUs) of Agusan del Sur namely: Bayugan City, Sibagat, San Luis, Talacogon and Esperanza. (TESDA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Mga kadagkuan sa pulisya sa probinsya nagtigom

Ni Mary Jul E. Escalante

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Hulyo 7 (PIA) – Mga kadagkuan sa kapulisan ning probinsya nakigtigom uban kang Gobernador Sol F.Matugas bag-ohay pa lamang didto sa opisina sa gobernador.

Mitambong sa maong tigom ang bag-ong PNP deputy regional director PSSupt Ernesto Flores, bag-ong deputy provincial director PSupt Reynaldo Acosta, bag-ong OIC Chief of Police sa Surigao City PSupt Noel Silvosa, mga hepe sa 21 ka mga municipal police station sa probinsya ug lain pang uban nga mga hepe.

Gihisgutan sa maong tigom ang problema sa druga sa probinsya, diin gimando sa gobernador sa paghimo og hugot ug tukmang lakang aron masugpo ang maong problema.

Atol sa maong tigom gipasalig sa gobernador ang iyang suporta sa programa sa bag-ong presidente sa pagsugpo sa druga.

Gipasabot usab ni Gobernador Matugas nga dili niya mahimo pagsumpo sa maong problema nga mag-inusara ug kong wala ang kooperasyon ug tabang sa mga kapulisan.

Matud ni Matugas nga andam ang probinsya mohatag ug pundo alang sa maong programa ilabina sa pagpahigayon sa random drug testing sa tanang kapulisan kay matod pa sa gobernador ang pag kab- ot sa kabag ohan mag-una sa kaugalingon.

Hingpit nga gipakisayran sa gobernador ang mga hepe sa kapulisan sa kada munisipyo kong unsa nay sitwasyon sa ilang munisipyo mahitungod sa druga ug unsay ilang gipanghimo nga mga lakang aron kining maong problema masulbad.

Sa taho sa mga hepe, gisugdan na nila ang duble barrel project sa kapulisan nga gitawag og “Oplan Tukhang” (Tuktok Hangyo) sa ilang tagsa tagsa ka lugar ug ang paglista sa mga naila nga mga gumagamit ug tigpayuhot sa illegal nga droga sa ilang dapit uban sa tabang sa kapitan ug sa kumunidad.

Giplanuhan usab ang pagpahigayon sa pinaka-unang Drug Summit sa probinsya ug ang pag activate sa Provincial Anti-Drug Council (PADAC). (PGO-PIC/PIA-Surigao del Norte)