Friday, August 23, 2019

SurSur PRLEC expands members

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

PRLEC members convene during its 5th regular meeting sponsored by the Police Provincial Office of Surigao del Sur held at the Conference Hall, PPO, Camp Vicente L. Pimentel Sr., Telaje, Tandag City on August 19, 2019. (Photo by TESDA-SDS)

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 23 (PIA) – Aimed to combat insurgency thru the implementation of skills training and livelihood programs, the Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) has expanded its membership during its 5th regular meeting held on Aug. 19 at the Police Provincial Office (PPO) Conference Room, Camp Vicente L. Pimentel Sr., this city.

Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) Director and PRLEC Chair Rey Cueva said the expansion of membership implies additional intervention and livelihood program opportunities for the identified communities in the province.

The following agencies and stakeholders that were added included: Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Science & Technology (DOST), Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA). 

Also, the three other battalions based in the province - the 75th Infantry Battalion (75th IB), 67th IB, and the 3rd Special Forces (3SF) were included in the expansion of membership.

Director Cueva also presented the updates on the program implementation to the pilot area in Sitio Ibuan, Barangay Mampi, Lanuza town.

As suggested by NCIP Chief Engr. Charlyn Binghoy and Provincial Tourism Representative Michelle Pareja, the preservation of the IP customs and traditions (rituals, songs, making their costumes and accessories, etc.) will be included in the program implementation.

Also included in the discussion is the identification of the next target barangays.

The shortlists included Barangay Carromata in San Miguel under the AOR of 36th IB, Rajah Cabunsuan in Lingig town under the AOR of 67th IB, (Kilometer 9) Barangay Diatagon in Lianga town under the AOR of 3SF and Doña Carmen in Tagbina town under the AOR of 75th IB. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

 Former teacher yields in SurSur

 

TAGO, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 23 (PIA) -- A former teacher of the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) voluntarily surrendered to the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion (36IB), bringing along with him one carbine and magazine with ammunition on Monday, August 19, 2019, at the 36IB headquarters, Barangay Dayoan, Tago, this province.

The said armed TRIFPSS teacher was identified as Alias Val, 25 years old, single, a Manobo tribe and a resident of Sitio. Baroboan, Barangay Carromata, San Miguel.

According to Val, he was recruited as TRIFPSS teacher from May 20, 2012 up to January 25, 2017, and his recruiters promised him that his families would be supported financially while he is teaching and serving on the armed struggle.

Due to the strong campaign of the army, tribal leaders and the Department of Education, the School of Living Tradition (SLT) was established, while TRIFPSS schools began to stop its operation in the said community. Val, accordingly, decided to continue to serve the armed struggle as a "Milisya ng Bayan" from February 2017 to March 2019.

Val said he voluntarily surrendered because he wanted to live in peace and harmony without fear to the security forces. He also wanted to help the government in the pursuit of achieving genuine peace and preserving the cultural integrity of every tribal community.

“I want to take part and help the government to combat insurgency especially to my fellow IPs because I saw that the government is serious in helping the marginalized sector of the society especially the indigenous people's communities,” Alias Val said.

According to 36IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the surrender is a clear manifestation that the NPA is using TRIPFSS schools as their breeding ground for their future cadres and fighters.

"Alias Val is a proof that there is a link and support system between the TRIFPSS schools and the NPA Communist Terrorist Group," Lt. Col. Trinidad said.

The official further said that the radicalization process is being taught at TRIPFSS schools through poisoning the innocent minds and instilling hatred to the government.

Alias Val is still undergoing custodial debriefing and interview and will be processed and validated for enrollment to avail the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government. (CMO, 36IB/PIA Surigao del Sur)

Army troopers, LGU launch activity for peace, dev't

By 1Lt. Wifredo Quilang

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 23 – The local government unit (LGU) of Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, in partnership with the 30th Infantry Python Battalion (30IB) and other stakeholders, launched recently the peace and development program to the constituents of Barangay Camam-onan in Gigaquit town.

Among the activities included supplemental feeding, provision of slippers for children, free medical check-up, provision of vegetable seedlings, disaster kits and sanitary toilet bowls, free haircut, and massage.

Gigaquit Mayor Chandru Bonite, in his message, thanked all the government agencies, private sectors, and to the python troopers for their continued support to promote peace and development in the province particularly in the municipality of Gigaquit.

“We made this commitment to support and provide necessary help to extend the delivery of basic services to the indigenous peoples and marginalized sector to promote health, wellness, skills development and enhancement especially here in the far-flung areas of the Gigaquit,” Bonite said.

Meanwhile, 30IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jeffrey A. Villarosa said that it is their mission to bring peace and security, especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), Conflict-Affected Areas (ConAAs) and Conflict Vulnerable Areas (CVAs) in order to allow services and programs from the local government unit, provincial government, national government agencies and civil society organizations (CSOs).

Villarosa then urged the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and their supporters to surrender now and lay down their arms and avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and not waste the opportunity to live a normal life once again with their families. (Acting CMO Officer, 30IB-Philippine Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Thursday, August 22, 2019

AgNor IOs unite, plan for effective strategies to support EO No. 70

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- As the nation implements Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to stop the insurgency in the country, the newly-designated information officers of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte converged as they plan for effective strategies to intensify the campaign against terrorism and fake news.

According to Raymond Maglanoc, information officer of the Community Affairs Office of the provincial government, it is important that people especially those in the far-flung areas are well-informed so they are not easily deceived by the terrorist groups Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

He stressed that the government would have to intensify its programs and ensure that these reach even the remote areas. Through constant dissemination of timely, accurate and relevant information and reports to the locals in all barangays, it would help deepen the connection between the government and the constituents.

He further called on all the information officers to be responsible and do their functions seriously and heartily to truly achieve their mission for the people in the communities.

Engr. Charyll Rosario, division chief of Project Development Office also emphasized on the importance of undertaking constant training on journalistic writing thru the help of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga.

“The training is very advantageous and essential to us. It is very important because somehow on my personal capacity, it gives me the knowledge to articulate the technical aspect into a layman’s perspective. It also equips us to be more effective and efficient in community relationship,” said Rosario.

Ronald Filipinas, planning officer of the Provincial Agriculture Office also elaborated the significant role of the government information officers.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Public Information Office ensures that IOs would be more engaging and would have more activities that will address the problem on insurgency. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

33 NPA members, supporters yield

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, August 22 -- A total of 33 New People’s Army (NPA) members and supporters surrendered to the Community Support Team (CST) of Bravo Company under the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion led by Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste on August 10, 2019 in Brgy. Doña Telesfora, Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

The said surrenderees were composed of six members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB), five members of the NPA allied organization Unyon sa Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte (UMAN) and 22 NPA courier and supporters. All have been revealed as having assisted the terrorist group in financial, material and moral ways.

The unearthing or discovery of these organizations allied with the NPA is a result of the combined efforts of the Matatag CST and personnel from the PNP, in coordination with the local government unit (LGU) of Brgy. Doña Telesfora in the municipality of Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

The council and citizens of the said barangay showed their support and loyalty to the government by signing Resolution No. 0149 Series of 2019 declaring the members of the NPA terrorists and its affiliated organizations as persona non-grata, and subsequently burning the NPA flag as a sign of their unity in condemning and withdrawing support from the terrorists.

Rafael A. Mondejar III, Barangay Captain of Doña Telesfora urged his constituents to help their barangay to attain a peaceful and abundant life.

“Tabangan nato atong barangay ug atong kaugalingon nga magmalinawon ug magmalambuon ang atong pagpuyo. Kaning atong kalihukan karon dili lamang kini diri sa atong barangay kung dili sa entero barangay ug lungsod sa entero Pilipinas pinaagi sa mando sa atong Presidente. Ang atong kooperasyon ngadto sa gobyerno kinihanglan dili lamang karon hangtod sa dili mawala na ang NPA nga dugay ng nagpalisod ug naghatag kagubot sa atong pagpuyo (Let us help our barangay and ourselves to have a peaceful and abundant life. This action which we conducted is not just for our area, but should also be done by all the other barangays in each city of the whole Philippines as mandated by the President. This cooperation with the government must not end here but rather must go on until the NPA is gone, who has caused us to greatly suffer in misery for a long time),” he said.

Meanwhile, Major Roger N. Gersava, Executive officer of 29IB emphasized the importance of the Executive Order No. 70.

“The whole of nation approach is not new. We have been applying it even in our previous endeavors but only with minimum effort for compliance purposes. But now might be the best time for us to intensify our efforts to work together to fully end this longtime insurgency.” (29IB, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Various sectors express support to Rehabinasyon program 

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 22 (PIA) - Various sectors here have expressed their support to the unified campaign of the government against illegal drugs dubbed as "Rehabinasyon".

Among these sectors include the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation, senior citizens, barangay officials, media, and employees of government agencies.

“Through this forum on Rehabinasyon, people get to have a better understanding on the campaign of the government against illegal drugs and allow different sectors to be clarified on different issues and concerns,” said Noel Najarro, correspondent of Philippine News Agency.

Jose Antonio Sean Bayotas, Public Services Officer II of Butuan City Admin Office also expressed that the local government has been keen on the implementation of the law against illegal drugs and has been working on other programs that would also address the problem on the illegal drug trade.

Concerned government agencies also shared their initiatives and programs in the continued campaign of the Duterte administration against the illegal drug menace, as well as their accomplishments from the successful operations in Caraga region.

According to Asec. Ramon Cualoping III of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the Rehabinasyon program aims to help those who have been victims of illegal drugs and give them the opportunity to start a new life.

The official also clarified that victims or those who were reported to be involved in the illegal drug trade are not being killed, instead, they are given the opportunity to be rehabilitated and be guided in the right path.

“The PCOO, together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and other concerned agencies work hard in attaining the main purpose of Rehabinasyon. Rehabinasyon means rehabilitate and nation. Hence, the government helps in rehabilitating those people who became victims of illegal drugs,” said Cualoping.

Unity and collaborative efforts among sectors are also emphasized so that more barangays in Butuan City would be declared as drug-cleared.

Meanwhile, other local government units of the different provinces of the region are conscientiously working in ensuring the functionality of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs). (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Dengue prevention drive gipahigayon sa lungsod sa San Jose

By Susil D. Ragas

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Agosto 22 (PIA) – Ang lokal nga pangagamhanan sa lungsod sa San Jose probinsya sa Dinagat Islands mipahigayon sa usa ka adlaw nga hiniusang dengue prevention drive niadtong Agosto 16, 2019.

Gipasiugdahan ang nasangpit nga kalihukan subay na sa pag-awhag sa Department of Health (DOH) nga batonan kanunay ang kalimpyo ug sa pagsunod sa 4 o’clock habit aron malikayan ang virus nga dala sa lamok.

Ang maong kalihukan gisugdan sa usa ka hiniusang pagpanglimpyo sa mga dapit nga diin posibleng puy-an ug itlogan sa mga lamok nga nagdala sa virus nga dengue.

Gitutukan sa maong kalihukan ang barangay Aurelio sakop sa maong lungsod diin adunay natala nga nagpositbo sa sakit nga dengue.

Gimugna ang maong kalihukan sa pagpangulo ni Mayor Yngwie Hero B. Ecleo kauban ang Municipal Health Officer nga si Dr. Everbelle A. Hidalgo, Rural Sanitation Inspector Irene Rose E. Siarez, DOH Representative Mirarose L. Maribao, barangay health workers, purok and barangay officials, barangay tanod, 4P’s members ug mga residente. (Dinagat Islands-Prov’l Information Office/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

Programang ‘Rehabinasyon’ ng pamahalaan, umani ng suporta mula sa ibat-ibang sector

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Agosto 22 (PIA) -- Nagpahayag ng suporta ang iba't-ibang sektor dito sa lungsod sa mga programa ng pamahalaan kontra ilegal na droga partikular na rito ang Rehabinasyon.

Kabilang sa mga sektor na ito ay ang ang Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation, senior citizens, barangay officials, media at mga kawani ng gobyerno.

“Nagsusumikap ang local na pamahalaan ng Butuan upang patuloy na matugunan ang problema sa illegal na droga at para rin sa mga barangay na maging drug-cleared,” pahayag ni Jose Antonio Sean Bayotas, Public Services Officer II ng Butuan City Admin Office.

“Nakatutulong ang ganitong forum sa Rehabinasyon upang mas mapag-usapang mabuti ang mga problema ng rehiyon sa iligal na droga at malinawan ang publiko sa mga ginagawang hakbang ng pamahalaan ukol ditto,” sabi ni Noel Najarro, correspondent ng Philippine News Agency.

Ibinahagi rin ng mga kinauukulang ahensiya ang mga inisyatibo at programa sa patuloy na kampanya nito at kanilang mga napagtagumpayang operasyon laban ilegal na droga sa rehiyon ng Caraga.

Ayon kay Asec. Ramon Cualoping III ng Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), ang Rehabinasyon ay layon rin na matulungan ang mga nabiktima ng ilegal na droga na makapagbagong buhay. 

Paglilinaw ng opisyal hindi pinapatay ang mga nahuhuling gumagamit o sangkot sa illegal drug trade, kundi binibigyan sila ng pagkakataon na mabigyan ng rehabilitasyon at hindi maligaw ang landas.

“Ang PCOO, kasama ang Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency at iba pang ahensiya ng pamahalaan ay nagtutulungan para matugunan ang problema sa illegal na droga sa bansa. Tinutulungan ng pamahalaan ang mga nabibiktima ng illegal na droga at sila’y binibigyan ng opurtunidad na makapagbagong buhay,” sabi ni Cualoping.

Binigyang-diin din ang pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan ng bawat sektor upang marami pang barangay sa Butuan City ang maging drug-cleared.

Samantala, nagsusumikap naman ang mga local na pamahalaan sa ibang probinsya ng Caraga na maging drug-cleared na rin ang lahat ng barangay, at hindi na ito ang nagiging sanhi ng kriminalidad. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

PNP-Butuan creates 1st all-female SWAT in PH

By Police Cpl. Laarni M. Mabilog

Nowadays, the cry for gender equality has become a recurring issue in the society.

With this, the government agencies, which include the Philippine National Police (PNP), are faced with the challenge of ensuring a service that would be gender-sensitive and would be able to provide equal opportunity for both male and female personnel.

Women of the PNP are examples that the female populace can do so much in our society.

We see them as strong, intelligent and assiduous women of the society.

When it comes to work, PNP women contribute in resolving crimes in our community.

Their presence alone can suppress criminal activities which are associated to the lowering of criminality rates in this city.

To highlight and give emphasis to the service of the female personnel and to promote women empowerment, Police Col. Albert G. Magno created the all-female Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) which is called the SWEET16 or the Special Women Elite Enforcement Team.

The said group is composed of 16 female police personnel of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO).

The new elite team of BCPO was introduced to the public last March 8, 2019 during the women’s month celebration at Butuan City Hall ground.

They were presented to encourage all women of Butuan City to continue to aim high and to embody strength and passion of an empowered woman.

The said all-female SWAT will undergo the specialized training at Regional Training School Unit of Region 13, Santiago, Agusan del Norte.

This training would equip them with advance knowledge about special combat operations, close quarter battle, knowledge and techniques in different weapons available in Philippine National Police.

Currently the SWEET16 are undergoing rigid physical conditioning supervised by SWAT personnel of BCPO in preparation for the upcoming training.

The BCPO is already drafting the final Program of Instruction (POI) which will guide the course of training.

The members of the SWEET16 expressed their commitment and excitement in their new journey as police officers.

After the training they will become the only all-female elite team that would be based in this city that would serve as front line defense in times of threats, crimes and chaos which may jeopardize civilian’s safety and security.

According to Magno, this SWEET16 would be his legacy given that this is the first ever all-female SWAT in the country.

“This team would relay the message of equality that in PNP we value and trust police women the same way as we give importance to our policemen,” Magno added. (BCPO/PIA-Caraga)

Monday, August 19, 2019

Butuan students reminded on anti-discrimination ordinance

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 19 (PIA) -- With the implementation of the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance here, the students of various schools were reminded on the provisions of said ordinance during a symposium conducted by the Ladlad Caraga, Incorporated, a non-government organization that promotes the rights and welfare of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) community.

According to Isagani Bacasmas, Jr., chairperson and chief executive officer of Ladlad Caraga, the youth or the students are vulnerable and have been prone to discrimination and bullying especially inside the school.

He said there were times where these students are not prioritized in several opportunities as they are being discriminated by other people.

“We are conducting this symposium because we want to educate the students in all schools about the anti-discrimination ordinance, as we observed that there have been students who were bullied and discriminated by their peers,” said Bacasmas.

He emphasized that this is of great help in order to prevent anyone from committing violation of human rights, and discrimination against the LGBTQI sector.

Jun Mechael Sacurom, grade 12 student, said he supported the ordinance since he believed that everyone should be respected regardless of their preference or sexual orientation.

Also, Lianna Alissandra Caponpon, grade 12 student, underscored that this kind of symposium helped the students became more aware of the said ordinance and would always be reminded not to discriminate anyone.

It can be recalled that SP Ordinance Number 4998-2016 was approved on June 30, 2016, which prohibits anyone to discriminate a person on the bases of age, disability, ethnicity, gender and expression, gender identity, health status, physical appearance, political affiliation, religion, sexual orientation, social and marital status. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Ex-NPA leader surrenders in Agusan Norte

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Aug. 19 --  The former team leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the Community Support Team (CST) of the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion (29IB) in Barangay Del Pilar, this city on August 5, 2019.

Alias Cyrus, 25 years old and a member of Sandahang Yunit Pangproganda (SYP) 21B, Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 21C, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), surrendered and brought along his issued AK47 rifle and subversive documents of high intelligence value.

He is the son of alias Giveheart who surrendered to 29IB on January 11, 2019.

In his statement, alias Giveheart thanked the Lord and the army for their efforts to reach out to the NPA members.

“Nagpasalamat ko ug dako sa Ginoo ilabi na sa 29IB sa walay hunong nga pagtabang nila sa mga myembro sa NPA nga gusto na mubalik sa sabakan sa balood. Atong una naglisod ko ug kombinsi sa akong anak tungod kay gahi kaayo siya pasabton ug dili siya gusto musurender kay patyon radaw siya sa sundalo. Ako siyang gipasabot nga dili kana tinood tungod kay ako mismo nakasaksi kung unsa ka buotan ang mga kasundaluhan karon ilabi na ang 29IB. Ako syang giingnan nga ayaw paminawa ang gisulti sa mga NPA kay ila lamang kanang propaganda aron punggan ug hadlukon ka nga musurender (I am thankful to the Lord and the troops of 29IB for their never-ending efforts to reach out to the members of the NPA who want to return to the folds of the law. At first, it was so hard for me to convince my son because he is so hard-headed and would not listen. He thought that the military will kill him if he surrenders. I made him understand that his expectation had no basis, for I have proven how good the military is, especially the 29IB. I also told him not to listen to the NPA because it's part of their propaganda to threaten him and stop him from surrendering)," he said.

Alias Cyrus said, “Nakamata nako karon sa tinood nga katuyuan sa NPA ug akong nasabtan nga wala silay maayong nabuhat sa katawhan kung dili puro pagpatay sa inosenteng tao, pagpanunug ug mga kabtangan ug pagguba sa kaugmaon sa mga kabatan-onon. Mao ng nangita ko ug pamaagi nga makaikyas sa ilaha.Naningkamot ko nga makaikyas sa kalihukan kay gikapoy nako ug pakigbisog sa walay hinungdan nga idilohiya tumong nga idilohiya. Nagpasalamat ko sa 29IB sa higayon nga gihatag nila sa ako para musurender ug para akong makauban ang akong pamilya ug usab. (I have been awakened now to the real intent of the NPA, and realized that they bring nothing beneficial to the people- they kill the innocent, burn properties, and destroy the lives of the young people. And so, I tried to make a way to escape from them, because I'm already tired fighting for an ideology that doesn't make any sense. I'm grateful to the 29IB for giving me a chance to surrender and be with my family once again.)"

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB said, Alias Cyrus made the right decision. "I admire him for the courage he had shown to turn his back to the NPA to live a new life with his family. It wasn't easy for him, but he has shown that it is possible if one has the desire to change," he said.

"To those others who are still in the snares of the NPA, surrender now while you still have the chance. The government is here to support you, with its arms of help extended to all of you who will have the desire to surrender," Criste said. (29IB, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)

AgNor IOs bumuo ng stratehiya bilang suporta sa EO 70

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Agosto 19 (PIA) - Alinsunod sa implementasyon ng Executive Order No. 70 o whole-of-nation approach sa pagsugpo ng insurgency sa bansa, nagkaisa ang mga bagong itinalagang information officers ng provincial government ng Agusan del Norte na bumuo ng mga stratehiya kung papaano mapapaigting ang kampanya laban sa terorismo, maging sa paglaban sa fake news.

Ayon kay Raymond Maglanoc ng Community Affairs Office ng Agusan del Norte, mahalaga na mabigyan ng sapat na impormasyon ang mga mamamayan partikular na sa mga nasa liblib na lugar upang hindi malinlang ng grupong Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Sa pamamagitan din ng kanilang patuloy na pagbigay impormasyon at reports sa barangay level, mas magiging maigting pa ang komunikasyon ng gobyerno sa mga mamamayan.

“Kinakailangan naming mas mapabuti pa ang mga programa ng probinsya lalo na sa health, social welfare at sa mga anti-poverty intervention natin para at least makuha natin yung heart and soul ng ating mga mamamayan,” sabi ni Maglanoc.

Panawagan din niya sa lahat ng information officers na maging reponsable at isapuso ang kanilang tungkulin upang makamit ang hangarin nito para sa ibat-ibang komunidad.

“BIlang mga kawani ng gobyerno at information officers, obligasyon natin sa mga tao na ipaalam sa kanila kung ano yung ginagawa ng gobyerno para sa kanila.kasi doon tayo minsan nagkakaroon ng problema, sa dami ng ginagawa ng gobyerno para sa mga mamamayan, hindi na na-iinform yung mas nakararaming tao. Kaya siguro yun yung kinakailangan namin na i-fill up yung gap sa misinformation at saka doon sa lack of information na nangyayari ngayon sa mga probinsya,” dagdag ni Maglanoc.

Binigyang-diin naman ni Engr. Charyll Rosario, division chief ng Project Development Office ang kahalagahan ng pagsasanay sa journalistic writing ng information officers sa tulong ng Philippine Information Agency.

“Mas nagiging epektibo kami sa aming komunikasyon at pakikisalamuha sa mga komunidad ng probinsya,” sabi ni Rosario.

Ipinahayag din ni Ronald Filipinas, planning officer ng Provincial Agriculture Office na malaki ang ginagampanang papel ng mga government information officers.

“Bilang information officers, responsibilidad namin na maiparating sa taong bayan ang kung ano ang mga nangyayari lalu na sa mga programa namin na aming ibinibigay na serbisyo doon sa mamamayang Pilipino,” pahayag ni Filipinas.

Pagtitiyak naman ng Provincial Public Information Office ng nasabing probinsya na marami pang hakbang na tatahakin ang mga kawani nito upang matugunan ang problema sa insurgency. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Mga pelikulang likha ng mag-aaral sa Caraga, nagpamulat sa mga kabataan sa kaguluhang dala ng CPP-NPA-NDF

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Agosto 19 (PIA) - Ibinida ng mga mag-aaral mula sa ibat-ibang paaralan ng Caraga region ang kanilang mga nagawang pelikula na binuo sa layuning maipakita sa lahat ng kabataan at mamamayan ang panlilinlang at kaguluhang dulot ng rebeldeng grupong Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Sa isinagawang 1st Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga Film Fest sa Butuan City at Surigao del Sur, dagsa ang mga manonood mula sa ibat-ibang sektor at sumuporta sa mga kalahok.

Nasaksihan ng mga manonood ang sampung napiling entries sa nasabing Film Fest at kinilala ang galing ng mga mag-aaral na siyang bumuo ng konseptong nagpapahiwatig na kailangang maging alerto ang mga kabataan na huwag magamit ng mga makakaliwang grupo.

Ang mga pelikulang ito ay ang: "Kulintas", at "Bala" - dalawang pelikula na gawa ng Agusan National High School sa Butuan City; "Karapatan sa Kapahamakan" ng Tubay National High School sa Agusan del Norte; "Gamu-Gamo", At "Gomad" ng Northwestern Agusan Colleges Sa Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; "Eli, Eli Lama Sabachthani" ng Nasipit Vocational School, Agusan del Norte; "Uniporming Kupas" ng Northern Mindanao Colleges Inc. sa Cabadbaran City; “Ang Ugma" ng Mother of Mercy Academy sa Barobo, Surigao del Sur; "Blood" ng Saint Theresa College sa Tandag City, Surigao del Sur; at "Magkabilang Panig" ng Saint Michael College sa Cantilan,  Surigao del Sur at Maalman Community Christian Center.

Kaugnay nito, pinuri ni Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, ang lahat ng mga mag-aaral na aktibong nakilahok sa kauna-unahang Film Fest ng PNP Caraga at sa pagpapakita ng kanilang galing.

Ito ay bilang suporta rin sa implementasyon ng Executive Order No. 70 o ang whole-of-nation approach sa pagsugpo ng insurgency sa bansa. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)