(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 16 July 2025) The Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) continues to affect Mindanao. FORECAST: The Zamboanga Peninsula will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the Southwest Monsoon. These conditions may lead to possible flash floods or landslides, especially during moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall. The rest of Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms also influenced by the Southwest Monsoon. Winds will be light to moderate from the southwest, with slight to moderate seas (wave height between 0.6 to 2.1 meters).


Wednesday, July 13, 2016


Army files charges vs left-leaning activists

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, July 13 (PIA) – In a recent development of the legal action taken by Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion Commander and executive director of the 4th Infantry Division's Advance Command Post Lt. Col. Rey Pasco against the left-leaning activists who staged a picket in front of the Bancasi Camp in the city, the rallyists now confront a criminal case filed before the trial court.

It can be recalled that it was sometime in October 2015 when the militant group carrying placards aggressively assembled for protests regarding their allegations of involvement among the military forces in the unjust killings of the ‘lumads’ (natives) in Surigao del Sur.

According to Pasco, aside from the absence of permit for them to conduct a peaceful protest, they willfully and maliciously caused damages to the military’s property by deliberately vandalizing and marking out several loud and foul words at the concrete fence of the camp’s vicinity discrediting the uniformed men in the service.

“With the kind of intolerable actuations and nuisance demonstrated by these activists, we are compelled to treat their unjust behavior the proper way, and that is through the legal act of filing a case to address this concern,” said Pasco.

Pasco added that they are here to serve, to safeguard the people and nation, and to advance peace and order activities, and not to endanger their fellow Filipinos as alleged.

Hence, in supplement to the resolution made on November 2015 and upon careful perusal of the records of the case, a probable cause against the respondents was found for the crime of alarm and scandal and malicious mischief to the following individuals identified as Isaias Genorga, Proseso “Sesoy” Torralba, Elaiza Rose “Elay” Pangilinan, Rosalinda Cunsad, and Ateliana “Atel” Hijos, among others.

Also, Pasco is encouraging those who encountered the same situation of harassment to speak out and bring the case into the proper proceeding to keep the accused aware of their offense, and be given appropriate justice of their illegal and undesirable acts. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


1,000 drug personalities in Bayugan City surrender

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, July 13 (PIA) – In line with the implementation of the Project Double Barrel dubbed “Project Tokhang” of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bayugan City Police Station has recently recorded some 1,000 drug users and pushers-surrenderees of said city.

It was learned that the city has the highest number of drug users and pushers surrenderees so far among other municipalities and cities in Caraga region.

According to PSupt. Reynante Sibayton, chief of Bayugan City Police Station, with the recent number of surrenderees, it is an indication of its intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

Based on the said police station’s report, the 43 punong barangays of the city personally accompanied and assisted the surrenderees who also took their oath in front of Mayor Kim Lope Asis, that they (surenderees) will no longer use illegal drugs.

The mayor also encouraged the surrenderees to change their lifestyle for good and find another livelihood that is legal. He also expressed his support to the programs of the government that addresses the rehabilitation and livelihood of the drug users. (JPG/MGBO/PIA-Caraga)


Govt agencies, partner stakeholders celebrate World Day Against Trafficking

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 13 (PIA) – Government agencies and partner stakeholders will once again celebrate this year’s World Day Against Trafficking on July 30, 2016 with the theme “Ituloy ang Laban Kontra Human Trafficking” (Continue the fight against Human Trafficking).

The Regional Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking – Violence against Women and Children (RIACAT-VAWC), which is composed of government agencies and partner stakeholders from the different sectors have lined-up activities for the said celebration.

The members of the council agreed to conduct several activities on July 29, 2016, a day before the actual day of celebration. Said celebration will start with a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, this city.

Motorcade will then follow from the Guingona Park going to Luciana Convention Center, where the opening program will be held.

Also, there will be an Oratorical Contest and On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest, which will be facilitated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga. In the said contests, 1st prize winner will receive P4,000.00 with certificate; 2nd prize – P3,000.00 with certificate; 3rd prize – P2,000.00 with certificate; and total of 18 consolation prizes - gift certificates for both contests.

RIACAT-VAWC aims to establish functional structures and system at the local level, which will monitor and oversee implementation of the provisions of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Person Act and Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act and other women or violence against women-related laws and policies. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


SK registration in Bislig City set on July 15

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 13 (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) here has announced that they will start receiving registration of applicants on July 15 for this year’s Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections set in October.

Young adults aged 15 to 17 and have been a resident of a barangay for six years can qualify to apply for said post.

The registration on July 15 will start at 8:00 in the morning and will end at 5:00 in the afternoon. Deadline of application will also end on July 30, 2016.

COMELEC further reminded interested new/first-timer applicants to bring with them their authenticated birth certificate and marriage license (if married). The commission will also accommodate transfer of registrations, corrections of registrations and reactivation of registrations for those who have not voted for successive elections in national and local.

It was also learned that the SK election will be held in the last Monday of October which also falls on October 31. Applicants are also encouraged to register as early as possible starting July 15, and should not wait until the last day of registration to avoid hassle and long queues.

Pursuant to Section 1 of Republic Act No. 9164 as amended by Republic Act No. 9340, subsequent Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections shall be held on the last Monday of October and every three (3) years thereafter. (JPG/BS/PIA-Caraga)


DTI launchers 3rd Negosyo Center in AgNor

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, July 13 (PIA) – Another Negosyo Center of the province of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City has been launched and inaugurated  in the municipality of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte recently.

According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director Gay A. Tidalgo, the Negosyo Center is the third in the province of Agusan del Norte and 9th in Caraga region.

During the launching, Nasipit mayor Enrico R. Corvera expressed gratitude on the setting up of the center. “I consider this establishment as among the answers of my dreams of spurring economic activity in the locality and fostering birth and growth of business enterprises in the municipality,” mayor Corvera said.

During the launching DTI Caraga assistant regional director Lolit P. Dorado commended the outstanding performance of the local government unit (LGU) of Nasipit it its revenue collection and for being the fourth most competitive municipality last 2015 for the 3rd to 6th category while at the same time securing the top spot under the economic dynamism pillar.

Also, DTI provincial director Gay A. Tidalgo thanked the LGU Nasipit for the free space provided for the Negosyo Center. Tidalgo also stressed on the different investment opportunities seen for the town and encouraged everyone to promote and make use of the center.

“Now that the DTI services have been brought  to your doorstep, take advantage of the different services offered by it,” Tidalgo said.

Tidalgo assured that the center will be offering very fast and efficient processing of business registration and delivery of services to would-be and existing entrepreneurs. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


OCD holds 1st Resilience Mobile Photography contest

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, July 13 (PIA) – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will hold the 1st Resilience Mobile Photography Contest this month of July.

The contest according to OCD regional director and RDRRMC chairperson Manuel Luis M. Ochotorena will help raise awareness on the programs, projects and activities on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) in the country.

Ochotorena also said that the contest theme would focus on the resiliency of Filipinos to adapt to and recover from hazards and emergencies. This includes various programs, activities, and project that deal with disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, rehabilitation and recovery.

“The contest is open to all Filipino secondary and college students who are 16 years old and below during the duration of the contest period, except siblings, children or grandchildren of OCD employees," director Ochotorena said.

Each participant is allowed to submit a maximum of three entries only and must register online at the official website of the OCD at www.ocd.gov.ph. Participants will fill out the online registration form. OCD will only accept entries submitted online.

The OCD’s online registration will automatically limit the submission of entries per participant to three and they are not allowed to use multiple email addresses in sending their entries.

Entries submitted should be an image/photo with corresponding “photo title” and “photo caption.” The caption must indicate the place where the image was taken, and must have an accurate description of what the photo is about.

Photographs should be created and taken by the contest participants; in full color; in landscape orientation; in digital format; taken using the best settings of the mobile device from January 1 to July 20, 2016 only.

The winners will receive P60,000; P50,000; P40,000; P30,000; and P20,000 for the first, second, third, fourth and fifth prize, respectively. The five winners will also receive a plaque and P10,000 each for seven participants as consolation prizes. A plaque and P30,000 will also be given to the Most Popular Photo.

Deadline of submission is on July 20 at 5:00 p.m. (NCLM, PIA-Caraga)


DSWD Caraga launches Listahanan 2015

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 13 (PIA) – In time with the 2016 Regional Social Welfare and Development Forum held on Monday here, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga has launched the 2015 Listahanan Database of poor families in Caraga region.

The launching was aimed to present the second round assessment and the 2015 Listahanan database users. Through the Listahanan, different sectors can keep posted of the comprehensive information on the poor families. This will also help or guide lawmakers and organizations in establishing more appropriate programs and services that directly addresses to the needs of the poor.

Formerly known as National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction or NHTS-PR, Listahanan identifies who and where the poor are in the country. It is an information management system, not a social protection program or service.

It was also learned that representatives from government agencies, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, academe, media and some of the newly-elected provincial governor and mayors graced the said occasion. 

The launching of the 2015 Listahanan Database of poor families in Caraga region is anchored on the theme “Listahanan Database: Essentials in Quality Service.” (JPG/MGBO/PIA-Caraga)


Butuan Public Safety Company plants trees at Taguibo Watershed

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 13 (PIA) – In line with this year’s Public Community Relations (PCR) Month celebration, the personnel of Butuan City Public Safety Company (BCPSC) recently conducted a tree-planting activity at the Taguibo Watershed Planting Site in Sitio Bunganman, Barangay Anticala, this city.

It was learned that said activity is primarily aimed to intensify its campaign to have a greener and healthier environment, and to sustain clean flow of water in the Taguibo Watershed area.

It also in support to the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Patrol Plan 2030 with its vision “Butuan, Premier Forest City.”

PSupt. Excelso Lazaga, officer-in-charge of BCPSC expressed that they are always guided with their mission to protect the safety and welfare of the localities and to help improve the environment.

During the tree planting activity, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Jerwin Paronda assisted the BCPSC, together with Punong Barangay Armando Boligol and “Datu Buhay” Ruben Dapeniagan, tribal chieftain in the said barangay. (JPG/MGBO/PIA-Caraga)


DAR Surigao Norte elects new sets of PARCCOM officers

By Daryll M. Tumbaga

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 13 (PIA) - The Department of Agrarian Reform provincial office in Surigao del Norte (DAR-SDN) has elected its new set of officers for its Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM) on July 8, 2016 at held at the RSY Pension House, this city.

The newly-elected seven private sector representatives were Robustiano Patayon, Jr. for non-government organizations; Antonio Garcia representing landowners with principal crops; Emmanuel Sendiong for landowners with other crops; Roberto Etac, Jr. of the farmers with principal crops; Fortunato Paje for farmers with other crops; Venancia Signar representing the agricultural cooperatives; and Nelson Ocon for farmer organizations.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I Ma. Elizabeth L. De Guzman, in her message, stressed that the PARCCOM plays a vital role in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

PARCCOM officers will coordinate and monitor the implementation of CARP in the province. It is CARP’s field level, multi-sectoral, collegial, deliberative and coordinative but not implementing body.

Relative to the PARCCOM chairmanship, three nominees were already identified by DAR Surigao del Norte that will be endorsed to the DAR Caraga regional office. The regional office will subsequently endorse it to the DAR central office and it will be the one to appoint the PARCCOM Chairman. (DAR-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Tagalog News: Selebrasyon ng World Day Against Trafficking pinaghahandaan na

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 13 (PIA) – Pinaghahandaan na ng mga ahensiya ng gobyerno ang selebrasyon ng World Day Against Trafficking sa darating na Hulyo 30, 2016 sa pamamagitan ng paglikha ng mga aktibidades na dadalohan ng ibat-ibang sector.

Napag-alaman na ang mga miyembro ng Regional Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking – Violence against Women and Children (RIACAT-VAWC) ay sumang-ayon na may ibat-ibang aktibidades na pangungunahan ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga sa Hulyo 29, 2016.

Ayon kay DSWD Caraga regional director Minda Brigoli, magsisimula sa isang Thanksgiving Mass ang nasabing selebrasyon sa St. Joseph Cathedral at susundan ito ng isang motorcade mula Guingona Park hanggang sa Luciana Convention Center dito sa lungsod ng Butuan kung saan gaganapin din ang opening program.

May gaganapin ring Oratorical Contest at On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest sa buong araw. Ang 1st prize winner ay makakatanggap ng P4,000.00 at certificate; 2nd prize – P3,000.00 at certificate; 3rd prize – P2,000.00 at certificate; at 18 consolation prizes - gift certificates para sa dalawang contests.

Ang nasabing selebrasyon ay nakabase sa temang “Ituloy ang Laban Kontra Human Trafficking.” (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Mga kawani ng PIA-Caraga sumailalim sa isang mandatory drug test

Ni Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 13 (PIA) - Bilang pagtalima sa kontra drogang adbokasiya ng bagong adminitrasyong Duterte, isang mandatory drug test ang isinagawa nitong Martes sa lahat ng mga empleyado ng Philippine Information Agency o PIA-Caraga.

Ang drug test ay sorpresang isinagawa kasabay sa ginawang strategic planning session ng nasabing ahensiya. Kabilang sa sumalang sa drug test ay ang hepe ng PIA-Caraga na si regional director Abner Caga, information center managers at coordinators ng bawat probinsiya sa rehiyon Caraga, at iba pang staff nito.

Ito ay pinangasiwaan mismo ng mga personahe ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency o PDEA-Caraga.

Ayon kay director Caga, ang isinagawang drug test ay isa lamang sa mga hakbang upang mapatotohanan na malinis ang kanilang hanay mula sa ilegal na droga at malinis na nanenerbisyo sa publiko.

Samantala, ipinahayag naman ng PDEA chemist na si Mark Roy Paguyod na wala ni isa mang kawani ng PIA-Caraga ang nagpositibo sa paggamit ng ilegal na droga.

“Lahat ng empleyado ng PIA-Caraga ay nakakuha ng negatibong resulta at ito’y patunay lamang na negatibo sila sa paggamit ng shabu at marijuana,” sabi ni Paguyod.

Anya, nakabubuti ang ginawang drug test sapagkat ito’y naaayon sa nakasaad sa Section 36 ng Article 3 na lahat ng opisyal at empleyado sa pribado at pampublikong opisina ay pasasailalim sa drug test upang maiiwasan ang dulot na panganib sa workplace.

Ipinaabot naman ni director Caga sa PDEA-13 ang pasasalamat sa suporta nito. Ayon sa kanya, bilang communication arm ng pamahalaan, plano din ng ahensiya na hikayatin ang mga miyembro ng Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters sa Pilipinas o KBP sa rehiyon na simulan ang drug test sampu ng iba pang media organizations, nang sa gayun ay magkaroon ng moral ascendancy na sila mismo bilang tagapagbalita ay hindi nasasangkot sa paggamit at pagbebenta ng ilegal na droga.

Naniniwala si Caga na sa paraang ito ay mabigyang linaw din ang mga haka-haka patungkol sa negatibong impresyon sa mga media practitioners lalung-lalol sa usapin ng droga. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Pulis nagpabiling bihag sa NPA

Ni Nida Grace P. Barcena

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Hulyo 13 (PIA) - Nagpabilin pa gihapon nga bihag sa New People’s Army (NPA) sa Surigao del Sur ang bagitong pulis nga si PO1 Richard Yu, human kini gibihag niadtong Hulyo 6, 2016 didto sa lungsod sa Carmen ning probinsya.

Matud pa ni SB member Michael Escuyos, ang tigpamaba sa Crisis Management Committee (CMC), ang impormasyon gihatag mismo sa usa ka nagpaila nga tigpamaba sa grupong NPA kinsa maoy miangkon nga nibihag sa biktima nga si “Ka Sandra.”

Kalabot sa maong taho, gikabutyag usab nga dunay kalabutan sa droga ang motibo sa pagbitbit sa NPA sa bagitong pulis, kini matud pa ni SB Escuyos, nga sumala pa anaa mipailalom sa igong imbistigasyon si Yu sa grupo nga nagunit niini.

Sumala pa sa taho nga gisaysay ni Escuyos, nga ang maong biktima, sumala pa sa taho nga gibutyag kanila, anaa sa maayong kahimtang og luwas sa katalagman samtang kini anaa pa sa mga kamot sa nagbihag niini.

Tungod sa pagpasumangil nga droga ang motibo sa NPA sa gihimong pagbihag kang PO1 Yu, gilayon midepensa ang hepe sa Municipal Police Station sa maong lungsod nga si Inspector Allan Joy Blasco. Matud pa sa opisyal nga wala pay bahid nga dautan ang pagkatao sa bagito nga pulis.

Gitin-aw usab sa maong opisyal nga walay bisyo si Yu, bisan pagpanigarilyo matud pa niya, balay, trabaho, og diha lamang sa iyahang babuyan ang lugar nga mga adtuanan niini.

Tungod sa maayong reputasyon, gilauman nga gilayon kini nga mabuhian ang among biktima. (NGBT/PIA Surigao del Sur)

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

PIA Caraga personnel undergo surprise drug test

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 12 (PIA) - All personnel of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga were subjected to a surprise drug test on Tuesday during their Strategic Planning Session held at the regional office here.

PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga ordered the drug test to all employees, including the information center managers and coordinators. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga then responded to the request and administered the test.

“In response to the request of PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga, we immediately responded and facilitated the conduct of the drug test to all the employees of said agency. It was a surprise drug-test and we were overwhelmed that all the employees have shown willingness and interest to undergo the drug-test,” underscored PDEA chemist Mark Roy Paguyod.

Daay also explained that a drug test is a technical analysis of a biological specimen, for example urine, hair, blood, breath, sweat, or oral fluid/saliva—to determine the presence or absence of specified parent drugs or their metabolites. PIA Caraga employees were tested through urine analysis.

“The test yielded negative results for 12 urine samples. We hope that more government employees from different agencies will also voluntarily undergo drug-testing,” Paguyod expressed.

Meanwhile, Dir. Caga underlined that his order to let all PIA Caraga employees undergo drug testing is in support to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to cleanse all government agencies and be free from drug users and pushers.

“This is also in response to the new administration’s call for a mandatory drug testing for government employees to regain trust of the public. This agency recognizes that drug abuse is a significant health problem for employees, detrimentally affecting overall health, behavior, working habit, reflexes, and the total development of each individual,” stressed Caga. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Army, NPA rebels clash anew in Surigao Norte

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 12 (PIA) - A firefight between the Philippine Army and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels occurred on Saturday afternoon, July 9 in barangay Tinago, Malimono, this province.
After ten minutes of intense firefight, the soldiers conducting pursuit operation discovered an encampment with 27 molotov bombs, one gallon of betadine (antiseptic) and two pairs of rainboots.

The said encampment can accommodate 60 individuals and has 15 makeshift bunkers and based on the trackings the said encampment has been abandoned for one day.

Civil Military Operations officer Lt. Ryan D. Layug of the 30th Infantry Battalion, Phil. Army confirmed that no casualty on the government side but they believed that there were wounded on the lawless group as traces of blood were found on their withdrawal route.

In his statement, 30IB Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Rico Amaro thanked the locals for timely report of information and that another terroristic plan was prevented because of community participation.

Amaro further said that people are starting to understand that security is everyone's responsibility.

"We appeal to lawless group to turn their wounded comrades to barangay officials or bring them to the nearest hospital for proper medical treatment. We reiterated that the conduct of pursuit is to apprehend the perpetrators and aid the wounded," Amaro said. (SDR, PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Army reserve command set to celebrate 37th National Reservist Week Convention

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, July 12 (PIA) – In support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP’s) operational thrusts and guidance 2016, the 15th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) will hold its 37th National Reservist Week Convention on July 23-24, 2016 at the Camp Bancasi, this city.

The two-day convention is anchored on the theme, “Laang kawal na naghahanda at nagsasanay tungo sa mapayapa, masagana at maunlad na bayan.”

“We will be hosting the said event and it will be attended by the different reservist coming from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force region-wide. Other guests from the general headquarters of the AFP have also confirmed to grace the occasion,” said Col. Maning Tawantawan, group commander of the 15th RCDG.

It was learned that a press conference will be conducted in the afternoon on the 24th of July, with LtGen Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command to sit in the panel aside from his role as the guest of honor and speaker.

Said activity will highlight the significant roles and contributions of the trained and equipped reserve force as protector of the country and its people through maintaining internal security and stability, participation in disaster/emergency response, community development activities and humanitarian assistance. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


RDRRMC Caraga to hold DRRM-CCA awareness contest

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, July 12 (PIA) – The Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Department of Education (DepEd) will hold an awareness contest for students on July 21 here.

According to Manuel Luis M. Ochotorena, RDRRMC chairperson and OCD Caraga regional director, the contest will focus on DRRM-Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) awareness in the region.

The activity is in line with the observance of this year’s National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) with the theme “Kahandaan at Pagtugon sa Sakuna, Tungkulin ng Bawat Isa.”

The contest will include Jingle, Poster Making and Essay Writing and Quiz Bee. (NCLM, PIA-Caraga)


AgNor guv commits to environmental protection

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, July 12 (PIA) – Agusan del Norte governor Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba promised to work to protect the environment and cope with Climate Change.

In her recent State of the Province Address here, Matba said the effects of Climate Change such as decreased in crop production, unreliable access to food and water and extreme weather patterns have already been felt in the province.

Thus, Matba said she has already mainstreamed the Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CCA-DRRM) plan to the Provincial Physical Framework Plan.

"The same is true in the corresponding plans of the component local government units (LGUs) of the province and this ushered the 100 percent successful implementation of several measures aimed at mitigating and preventing the drastic effects of calamities, such as, the 100 percent completion of the formulation of the Local Climate Change Adaptation Plans and a total of five disaster mitigating infrastructure projects costing to P18 million were also implemented in response to the phenomenon," she said.

In addition, gov. Matba said that in 2015, the DRRM program of the province has also provided assistance to affected families in the form of family food packs, emergency shelter assistance and burial assistance amounting to P8.266,949.92.

Gov. Matba also acknowledged that the participation of the community is instrumental in the effort to mitigate the effects of environmental hazards through their involvement in rehabilitating degraded areas that include the production of about 2.8 million seedlings for planting in the degraded areas of the province and Mangrove reforestation and rehabilitation were also carried out by planting propagules to about 215 hectares of degraded mangrove areas.

“Our efforts in this area earned for us a national recognition, placing 2nd in the 2015 National Gawad Kalasag Search for Disaster Resilient LGUs and Humanitarian Assistance in Provincial DRRMC Category,” gov. Matba said.

Also, gov. Matba said that another key point in the drive to promote environmental integrity is the approval of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Plans (ESWMP) of the five municipalities of the province. The plans of the remaining LGUs are already up for deliberation and hope to be completed by the end of this year. (NCLM, PIA-Agusan del Norte)


PAEF accepts Fulbright-Foreign Language Teaching Assistants applications

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, July 12 (PIA) - The Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) announces its ongoing screening and acceptance of qualified applicants for the 2017-2018 Fulbright-Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTA) program.

The Fulbright-FLTA program is open to young teachers of English based outside of Metro Manila who have a sincere interest in teaching their native language and culture to American students. And those who have the leadership skills, the ability to motivate students, and the capacity to relate to foreign students can potentially avail of the program.

Accordingly, the following eligibility requirements must be met by the applicants: must be no younger than 23 and no older than 29 years of age at the time of application; must be Filipino citizens; must clearly demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity and professionalism;

Ideally, FLTAs are outgoing and dynamic individuals with a great sense of humor. Candidates should possess the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree in the United States with a good academic record. Also, Master’s degrees are highly desirable by many institutions, and one who has the teaching experience is preferred.

The required documents include the completed online application; official or certified copy of transcript of records from all colleges/universities attended; certified true copy of diploma; three letters of reference (forms are found on the online application); supplemental forms; copy of passport; and TOEFL or IELTS score report, if available.

The competition for the Fulbright-FLTA program for 2017-2018 that started on March 1, 2016 will have its deadline on July 29, 2016. All interested applicants are required to complete the online application found on https://apply.embark.com/student/fulbright/flta/ page. Grantees are expected to begin their program in the United States in August of 2017.

Introduced in the Philippines in 2004, the FLTA Program has aimed to strengthen foreign language instruction at U.S. educational institutions since 1968 by establishing a native speaker presence. The FLTA Program provides an opportunity for young, international teachers of English to refine their teaching skills, increase their English language proficiency and extend their knowledge of the cultures and customs of the United States while engaging in non-degree studies. FLTAs add an energetic and up-to-date cultural component to foreign language classes as well as to student life on U.S. campuses. (PAEF/VLG/PIA-Caraga)


DOST Caraga set to hold NSTW in Butuan

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, July 12 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga will be celebrating the 2016 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) regional celebration on July 22-25 here.

DOST Caraga regional director Dominga D. Mallonga said the celebration will showcase science and technology programs and projects of the region through exhiits, for a/conferences, S&T contests and demonstrations.

Also, a press conference is set on July 22 right after the opening program which will be held at the Robinson’s Place.

Recognition of partners/adopters, kiddie magic show, poster and slogan contest will also be held on July 22 and on July 23, the S & T contests and DOST fellowship night.

On July 24, forum on food safety stakeholders’, cooking demo of chef Boy Logro, awarding of winners and scholars’ night will be held at the Dottie’s Place.

Forum on GeoInformatics and the closing program will be held on July 25.

A Travelling Science Centrum will also be held on July 22 to August 10 at Timberlines, director Mallonga said. (NCLM, PIA-Caraga)


DAR AgNor trains women farmers in coconut sugar production

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, July 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte initiated a one-day skills training on Coconut Sap Sugar production, an agribusiness development assistance to the women Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province held recently at San Isidro, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.

The training was participated by 40 women ARBs who are members of cluster of ARB organizations that include Malambuong Kahugpongan sa Kababaehan sa San Isidro (MAKAKASI), Jaliobong Masipag Farmers Organization (JAMAFO),  and Jaliobong Irrigators Services Association (JISA).

The training allows the women to learn the technology to produce coco sugar as additional livelihood. It also empowers women ARBs by making them less dependent on the income of their husbands.

Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Virginia Batosalem said, “Women ARB household members, who are looking for livelihood program to earn additional income for their family’s needs, were trained to produce coconut sugar in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)."

ARB member Flordela Galo, one of the participants, said that the inputs from the training are useful when it comes to raising more income for her family.

The activity is a continuing effort of the department to provide technical assistance to women ARBs of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Monday, July 11, 2016

Rebels seize 2 civilians in Tandag City

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 11 (PIA) – Some 60 fully armed New People's Army (NPA) rebels abducted two members of Bantay Banwa (Bantay Kalikasan) group on Friday in Barangay Pangi, this city, approximately six kilometers from the Police Provincial Office (PPO).

PPO PCR officer PCInsp. Noel Naranjo identified the victims as Ramil Aguirre, 35 years old and Jesus Matin-ao, 50 years old.

Initial investigation conducted by the authorities revealed that the victims were heading towards the coco lands when they were approached by 60 fully armed men and women with AK-47 and M16 firearms dressed in full combat “army” uniform and wearing boots led by alias “Nicko” of Guerilla Front 30 under the command of “Ka Juagpao.”  Said victims were then brought towards the remote portion of the area.

After few hours, the captors reportedly released Jesus Matin-ao, but Ramil Aguirre is still in the hands of the abductors for the reason that he was an alleged informant of the government troops.

Pursuit operations are still underway to rescue the victim, as of posting.  (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Army, rebels clash in Tandag City; soldier wounded

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 11 (PIA) – An army soldier was wounded in a clash between government troops and the lawless armed group (LAG) in Sitio Hitaob, Brgy. Awasian, this city on Sunday.

Initial report from the Police Provincial Office revealed that the wounded soldier was identified as PFC Marjun Bayo who sustained wounds in his right arm and left leg due to the landmine. Bayo is now in a stable condition, it was learned.

After the firefight, the troops recovered some personal belongings, 20 meters electrical wire and assorted medical supplies at the encounter site.

In a press statement, 36IB Civil-Military Operations (CMO) officer Captain Francisco Gallero Jr., said that they received a report from a concerned citizen of the armed rebels presence in the area extorting from the residents.

Gallero that they were the same group who was responsible to the recent abductions in the province.

It can be recalled that on July 6, PO1 Richard Yu of Carmen Municipal Police Station was abducted a distance from his residence in Carmen town. Another incident took place on July 8, in which a certain Ramil Aguirre, 35 years old and a member of “Bantay Banwa Group” (Bantay Kalikasan) was reportedly abducted by more or less 60 fully armed rebels. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Placer assumes post as Butuan police chief

By PSI Charity S Galvez

BUTUAN CITY, July 11 (PIA) - Senior Supt. Percival Augustus Placer took post as director of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) after he replaced the outgoing commander Senior Supt. Francisco Dungo during the ceremonial turn-over of command today at BCPO headquarters, this city.

Chief Supt Rolando Felix, Police Regional Office 13 director, spearheaded the turn-over ceremony around 10:00AM, Monday.

Placer was previously assigned at the regional headquarters of the National Capital Region Police Office as Regional Logistics Division chief.

Dungo is now the chief of the Regional Operations and Plans Division.

SSupt Placer and SSupt Dungo are classmates from the Philippine National Police Academy “Tagapaglungsad” Class of 1993. 

The new city’s top cop hails from this city and is an alumnus of Butuan Central Elementary School (1981) and Urios College (1985). (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


Surigao Norte has new top cop

By PSupt. Michael B. Lozada

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 11 (PIA) – The Police Provincial Office (PPO) of Surigao del Norte has a new provincial director to replace the outgoing officer-in-charge during the ceremonial turn-over of command on Saturday here.

Senior Supt. Antony Maghari is designated as acting provincial director upon the termination of Senior Supt. Ernesto Flores’ designation as officer-in-charge effective July 8, 2016 based on General Orders Number 1110.

During the turn-over of command, Police Regional Office 13 regional director PCSupt. Rolando Felix eexpressed his optimism that SSupt. Maghari can continuously build the “good foundations his predecessor has laid” and thanked the selfless service of the outgoing SSupt. Flores.

Maghari, a member of Philippine National Police Academy “Tagapagtupad” Class of 1992, is the former chief of the Regional Logistics and Research Development Division prior to his new designation.

In his message, RD Felix directed all Surigao del Norte police to continue the intensified campaign against illegal drugs and other forms of criminality. (PIO-PNP Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


PPA guards in 3 provinces, 2 cities in Caraga undergo drug tests

By Eugenio Lira, Jr.

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jul. 11 (PIA) – Around 106 private security guards deployed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in three provinces and two cities in Caraga Region recently underwent individual drug tests conducted by the PNP Crime Laboratory.

In an interview, PP/Supt Froilan Caturla, station commander of Port Police Division, said guards are currently deployed at the different ports under the Port Management Office of PPA-Surigao City covering the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands, as well as the cities of Surigao and Tandag.

“Our office had requested the PNP Crime Laboratory thru its provincial head, P/Supt Norman Jovita, to ensure that we have credible drug test results. It is because our PPA-hired guards are in the forefront who are in direct contact with the riding public and port clientele who use our ports, hence, the need for them to undergo drug tests considering that usage of prohibited drugs would likely result to mental health problems which may cause anti-social personality disorder that can affect their decision-making and/or public relations,” PP/Supt Caturla disclosed.

He said the drug testing activity is PPA-Surigao’s manifestation of support, under the leadership of Port Manager Mildred J. Padilla, to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Caturla was interviewed by the local media in connection with the 42nd anniversary of the Philippine Ports Authority, which is celebrated every July 11 by all port management offices nationwide.

The drug testing on PPA-hired security guards had started on July 6 and will end on July 12,2016, it was learned. (FEA/PPA-Surigao/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Pagtaas ng HIV rate sa Caraga ikinabahala ng DOH 

Ni Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 11 (PIA) - Nababahala ngayon ang Department of Health dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng bilang ng kaso ng human immunodeficiency virus o HIV sa rehiyon ng Caraga na maaring humantong sa acquired immune deficiency syndrome o AIDS.

Base sa tala ng National Epidemiology Center o NEC, simula ng unang nasuri ang kaso noong 1995 hanggang buwan ng Mayo nitong taon ay umabot na sa 268 ang kasong HIV sa rehiyon Caraga, at ito’y posibleng tumaas pa.

Sa isinagawang HIV/AIDS Core Team Meeting ng Department of Health-Region 13 at City Health Office sa Butuan City, sinabi ni Dr. Christine Mandin, HIV/AIDS core team physician ng Butuan Medical Center, mula Enero hanggang Hulyo nitong taon ay mayroong 83 kaso ng HIV sa rehiyon at ang 45 nito ay sa lungsod ng Butuan, kabilang na dito ang isang limang buwang taon na sanggol.

Dagdag pa ni Dr. Mandin, ang 20 ng HIV mula Enero hanggang Marso 2016 sa Butuan City ay mahigit limang porsiyentong dagdag kumpara sa kaso noong nakaraang taon.

Batay naman sa taong 1995 hanggang Marso 2016 na tala ng NEC-Manila, tinatayang nangunguna sa rehiyon ng Caraga ang Butuan City sa kasong HIV na pumapalo ng 98, pumapangalawa ang probinsiya ng Surigao del Sur na may 50 kaso, at sinundan naman ito ng Agusan del Sur.

Ang naulat na kasong HIV ay nakuha umano lalung-lalo na sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagtalik kung saan ang sekswal na kontak sa kapwa kasarian ang siyang laganap na pamaraan ng transmisyon.

Samantala, pinaalahanan naman ni Dr. Mandin ang publiko na maging sensitibo, lawakan ang pang-unawa, at iwasang ikundina ang sinumang apektado ng HIV o AIDS.


Dahil dito mas pinaigting pa ng DOH at City Health Office ang kampanya upang mabigyan ng sapat na kaalaman ang publiko tungkol sa nakamamatay na sakit upang mapigilan ang pagkalat nito. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)