Friday, October 18, 2019

4ID chief directs new 36IB commander to clear CNTs in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Oct. 18 (PIA) -- MGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), has directed the newly-assumed commander of 36th Infantry "Valorian" Battalion (36IB), Philippine Army, to clear the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in his area of operation during the change of command ceremony held at the 36IB headquarters in Barangay Dayoan, Tago, Surigao del Sur. 

Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel assumed as the new commander of 36IB after Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad turned-over his responsibility last October 4, 2019. Lt. Col. Diagmel is the 29th commander to man the Valorian troopers.

“I am directing you (Lt. Col. Diagmel) to clear the CNTs within your area of operation,” said MGen Gacal.

He also said that he does not want that the CNT will celebrate its anniversary in the province. It can be recalled that the province has been the venue of the CNT in the previous anniversary celebrations.

“I do not want the communist terrorists to be able to celebrate any anniversary in your area of responsibility (AOR)… Do not allow them to disturb the peace of the people and conduct atrocities," said MGen. Gacal.

MGen. Gacal has also reminded the troopers to always uphold the rule of law.

Meanwhile, during the time of the then commander Lt. Col. Trinidad, the battalion participated in the conduct of 14 brigade initiated operations, 33 battalion-initiated operations, and 106 company initiated operations. Those initiatives led to 32 successful encounters against the CNT that  resulted in the four enemies killed and recovery of 52 firearms, 23 anti-personnel mines, and the discovery of 21 CNT hideouts.

Under the leadership of Lt. Col. Trinidad, 14 Community Support Programs (CSP) operations have already launched. There were also 14 CNT infested barangays that were cleared and validated. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DILG Caraga monitors 2nd semester barangay assemblies

By Marilou Autor-Salad

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 18 -- Tasked to monitor the conduct of the barangay assemblies, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) field officers across the region consolidated the schedules of barangay assemblies and ensured compliance to the semestral assembly as stipulated in the Local Government Code (RA 7160) as an avenue for transparency, accountability and participation.

As in previous runs, the DILG regional management took part in the monitoring by observing the conduct of the assembly in showcased barangays. This semester, the showcased barangay was Taglatawan in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

DILG Caraga assistant regional director Donald Seronay who headed the regional monitoring team relayed the message of DILG Secretary Eduardo Año to the barangay officials and constituents. The message emphasized the importance of the assembly day, the fact that it recognizes the active cooperation and participation of the residents on various matters that affect them, directly or indirectly.

“Malaki ang tiwala ng Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa kakayahan ng mga barangay na maging kaagapay sa pagsasakatuparan ng ating mga mithiin para sa bayan. Sa katunayan, noong nakaraang SONA, malugod na ibinalita ng ating Pangulo ang ambag ng mga Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils o BADAC sa tagumpay ng pamahalan sa kampanya laban sa iligal na droga. Kami sa DILG ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong masigasig na pagtulong sa kampanyang ito,” relayed Seronay.

Bayugan City mayor Kirk Asis also made the rounds to interact and deliver his message to the constituents. One lucky 93-year-old, the most senior among the crowd, amassed claps and cheers from the crowd when he was awarded by the mayor with P5,000 cash for making it to the barangay assembly.

Constituents in barangay Taglatawan were fortunate to hear more substantial messages from the key officials of the city such as the city health officer, city social welfare and development officer, local police, Philippine Army officers. They also listened to the Barangay Financial Status Report and the State of the Barangay Address (SOBA) of punong barangay Marianito V. De Chavez.

Consistent with the thrust of the government to promote peace and development, government efforts towards providing services that matter to the livelihood and well-being of the constituents were extensively discussed.

Two other barangays of Bayugan City, Saguma and Magkiangkiang, were also visited by other monitoring teams from the DILG regional office as these were two of the 80 priority barangays under the Duterte administration’s Executive Order 70 to end local communist armed conflict.

“Samantala, gusto rin nating palakasin ang Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council na layuning siguruhin ang kaligtasan ng bawat pamayanansa mga sakuna. Hinihiling ko rin ang tulong at pakikiisa ng mga barangay sa ating adhikaing puksain na angmga mapanlinlang na teroristang komunistang grupo. Dapat malaman ng mamamayan na wala sa komunismo at pakikisali sa mga grupong ito ang progreso ng ating mga buhay at bayan. Hindi mahahanap sa kanila ang solusyon sa ating mga suliranin,” mentioned Seronay as he read the message of DILG Secretary Eduardo Año.

With the theme, “Barangay muna: Nagkakaisang barangay, kaagapay ng bansang maunlad,” barangay assemblies in the region were set to be conducted on any of the Saturdays or Sundays of October 2019, as directed through the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-158 dated September 20, 2019. (LGOO V, DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)

AgNor town forms MTF-ELCAC

1Lt Roel T. Maglalang

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Oct. 18 -- The local government unit of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte together with different sectors, Philippine National Police and the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army created a Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) on October 1, 2019 at the Mayor’s Conference Room, Municipal Hall, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

The MTF-ELCAC was organized through a Joint Resolution between the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) and Municipal Development Council (MDC) of Las Nieves.

Chynthia Binondo, MLGOO, Las Nieves, presented and discussed the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-125, the Guidelines for Local Government Units in Implementing Executive Order 70-Institutionalizing the Whole of Nation Approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, the creation of MTF-ELCAC and the role of every sector during its implementation.

Meanwhile, Mayor Avelina S. Rosales said the creation of MTF-ELCAC will ensure that all sectors are sustainably taking the lead in peace building efforts to attain inclusive and sustainable peace in conflict-affected communities. "The creation of MTF-ELCAC is the bases and guide in crafting the BTF-ELCAC in the Barangay level. Through this, we will know the task, duties and function of very person who will handle it," Rosales added.

Moreover, Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina, Jr., 23IB commanding officer, supported the creation of MTF-ELCAC to address the primary and secondary problems and issues of the identified conflict affected Barangays. “In the past 50 years, it is only the AFP who confronts insurgency. Good thing our President Rudrigo Roa Duterte passed the Executive Order 70-Institutionalizing Whole of Nation Approach in solving insurgency. The convergence effort of LGUs, the civilian sector and stakeholders is a big push in addressing and solving insurgency,” Lt. Col. Molina said. (CMO Officer, 23IB Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Agusan Norte creates task force to end communist armed conflict

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 17 (PIA) -- To ensure coherence in the realization of Executive Order Number (EO) 70,  series 2018, or the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, the province of Agusan del Norte has created the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) and its Executive Committee during the recent joint Provincial Development Council (PDC) and Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting held in this city.

Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera said the creation of the task force will help the province in solving insurgency because peace and development can only be obtained if  the insurgency problem in the area is solved.

“There can be no development without peace, and there can be no peace without development. United effort is needed to solve insurgency,” Corvera said.

The mayors of the different municipalities and city have expressed their hundred percent support in the implementation of the EO 70 in ending local communist armed conflict in their area of responsibilities. Most of the municipalities have already organized and others are on the process of creating their municipal team in implementing the EO70.

Also, as a support to the task force, Provincial Police Office of Agusan del Norte provincial director Police Col. Ramir Perlito Perlas said that a 24-hour PNP personnel-manned check points are operating in the different areas of the province to ensure and maintain peace and order situation in the area.

Deputy brigade commander of 402IB Philippine Army Colonel Cerilo Balaoro also said that from January to October 10, 2019, they were able to neutralize 898 CNTs (NPA-54; Militia ng Bayan-130; Underground Movement Organization (UGMO) Members-714) that include 896 who surrendered, one killed and one being captured.

First district representative Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba is positive that with the concerted efforts of the Agusanons, the implementation of EO 70 will pave the way for a lasting peace where areas and vulnerable communities in the province will be accorded priority through the delivery of basic services, social development packages and infrastructure projects.

The Agusan del Norte task force was created through a Joint PDC-PPOC Resolution No. 2019-1.

It will be chaired by provincial governor Dale Corvera with the following members: Congressional representatives (1st district and 2nd district), all local chief executives, all department heads, provincial planning and development officer, SP member – chair of the peace and order committee, DILG provincial director, PNP provincial director, PDEA provincial director, 23rd and 29th IB Philippine Army battalion commanders, PSWD officer, provincial prosecutor, PIA provincial information officer, NBI director, DTI provincial director, DAR provincial agrarian reform officer, DENR PENRO, NCIP provincial director, DepEd schools division superintended, CHR regional director, PAO prosecutor, OPAPP area manager, TESDA provincial director, DPWH district engineer, Provincial health Officer, BFAR provincial  director, DOST provincial director, DOLE provincial director, CHED regional director, LTO provincial director, DA provincial officer, and civil society organization representatives.

Meanwhile, to ensure speedy action of the immediate concerns relative to the roles and responsibilities of the task force, an Executive Committee of the PTF-ELCAC was also created chaired by governor Corvera; vice chaired by vice governor Ramon A.G. Bungabong; DILG Agusan del Norte provincial director Ellen Vee Chua and Provincial Planning and Development Officer Rofel Cabaltera comprising the secretariat, with members from the 12 PTF-ELCAC cluster leads, indigenous peoples mandatory representatives (IPMRs), SP Peace and Order Committee chairperson, and League of Municipalities of the Philippines president. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Modern PUV caravan goes to Tandag City

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Oct. 17 -- Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Caraga regional director Maria Kristina Cassion and her team organized and led the second leg of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Caravan in the region at the Tandag City Gymnasium on Tuesday, October 15, 2019.

The event was attended by Surigao del Sur governor Alexander Pimentel and Tandag City mayor Roxanne Pimentel who rallied behind the program and delivered messages expressing strong support to the program.

Gov. Pimentel told cooperative members it would be hard to modernize their fleet individually with the current cost of modern vehicles, but through the cooperative, it would not be too much of a burden especially with the loan assistance and subsidy program of the national government.

Meanwhile, mayor Pimentel said the local government unit (LGU) fully supports this program of the Duterte’s Administration and assured cooperative members they will provide assistance to the affected operators.

A motorcade around the event area showcasing the various modern PUV-compliant units signaled the start of the program and was followed by a short program with presentations by key national government agency partners discussing the significant details of the PUV Modernization Program (MP) such as consolidation of franchises, fleet management, subsidy, and loans.

It was also announced that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in the Region has already consolidated seven routes under various transport service cooperatives (TSC). 

The cooperative members, operators, and drivers also participated in the open forum to share and clarify their concerns on the PUVMP. Some 300 participants including the members of seven cooperatives from Surigao del Sur province have attended the event which was part of the information campaign and communication component of the PUVMP.

The activity was anchored on the theme, “Modern PUV Caravan: Arangkada ng Pagbabago Tungo sa Kaunlaran,” as it is part of the government’s efforts to engage stakeholders across the country to support the program that aims to modernize PUV in the country.

Representatives from key national government agency partners were also present such as the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Landbank of the Philippines (LBP).

The PUV Modernization Program is the flagship non-infrastructure project of the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte with the goal of providing a comfortable life for all Filipinos through a safe, reliable, convenient, affordable and environmentally-sustainable transportation system in the country. (LTFRB-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

IP to Cullamat: Will genuine peace prevail or another scheme to play?

By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan

"Together, let us end insurgency and commit to peace." 

This is the call of the indigenous peoples (IP) community to representative Eufemia “Ka Femia” Campos Cullamat of Bayan Muna who invited the IP mandatory representative (MR), Philippine Army and Surigao del Sur provincial government in a peace dialogue on October 21 at Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9), Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

The last dialogue conducted with the militant group Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) was aimed at convincing Governor Alexander Pimentel to pull-out the community support teams (CSTs) of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) citing the rehash false and malicious accusations against the Army personnel who religiously work to attain sustainable peace in the Km. 9 IP community.

They also threatened the governor to stage their usual scripted “Taktikang Bakwit” to hamper the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and conflict-affected areas (ConAAs) in Andap Valley Complex.

“We greatly hope that this dialogue will be about peace and reflect their sincere support to end local communist armed conflict in the area, not the other way around. It is our fervent prayer that they will not make any scene to trigger any conflict and chaos to discredit our peace and development efforts in the community because we are sincere in what we do for the community. It is also our hope that representative Cullamat will support our community support program or CSP; the aim of the President [Duterte]; and vocally stand firm in condemning the Communist NPA Terrorists," said Hawudon Jumar Bucales, IPMR of Lianga.

This is a test of Cullamat’s genuineness to end the local communist armed conflict. Despite being the sister of a communist NPA terrorist (CNT) leader, Pablito Sinzo Campos alias "Batik," front secretary of GF 21A who was captured by the 3SFBn last 2018 with his M4 rifle, a grenade and subversive documents, should prove and show to the people that being a government official, blood is not thicker than water because the rule of law must always prevail.

Another sister of Cullamat is Bae Gloria Campos Tumalon, chair of Katribo Mo, a non-government organization (NGO) that promotes communist principles as revealed in the statement of Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines deputy chief-of-staff for civil-military operations.

Peace dialogues should make ends meet. It must promote reconciliation, synergy, convergence, and cooperation among the government and the community to harmoniously resolve basic social delivery services issues used by the CNTs to agitate, organize and mobilize the affected IP community to turn them into rebels.

“Let’s see what happens on October 21, if their peace dialogue invitation is aimed at supporting the peace initiatives of the government and the IP community or just a mere scenario to discredit the whole-of-nation approach to end the insurgency. If they create a scene to hamper the peace efforts of our government, then she is really not for peace. Her own actions and attitude on that event will define her. Deception and commitment to peace are two different things,” Bucales said. (3SFBn-CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

CNT leadership crumbles in Surigao Sur

By 1Lt Jonald Romorosa

TAGO, Surigao del Sur, Oct. 17 -- The Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) leadership is crumbling down in Surigao del Sur as CNT leaders and supporters surrendered to Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion (36IB) at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Dayoan, Tago of this province.

A former mess officer of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) Platoon, Guerilla Front (GF) 30 alias Justine and his wife, a mass supporter, voluntarily surrendered to 36IB on October 2, 2019. They brought along with them one KG9, an empty magazine, and a hand grenade.

On October 3, 2019, another two NPA leaders identified as alias Julian/Ronnie, a commanding officer of Platoon 8, Weakened Guerilla Front 19 (WFG 19), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and Libra/Marquez, team leader Abe, Squad 2, Sub-Region Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 1419, NEMRC, and a civilian from Carromata, San Miguel and an active Milisya ng Bayan (MB) member voluntarily surrendered to 36IB commander Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad.

Alias Julian/Ronnie brought along with him one M16 rifle and a magazine with 13 ammunition. He revealed that he decided to surrender due to distrust in their organization's leadership and integrity, and that most of them are already surrendering to the government.

He said they have experienced hardship inside the communist movement and the lost struggle of his fellow "tribu" who were deceived by the CPP-NPA and were fighting for a lost cause.

It can be recalled that alias Hasan, a former squad leader of Squad Uno, Platoon 8, GF 19 NEMRC also surrendered to this unit last January 1, 2019 and has already received the assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) as the government’s intervention package for former rebels. The CNTs have learned the genuine offer of the government towards achieving peace in their communities.

Lt. Trinidad said that “the series of surrender among the communist terrorist group (CTG)  to the government is a clear manifestation that they are crumbling down and will soon become irrelevant to the peace-loving community of Surigao del Sur. The government’s thrust for genuine peace has awakened not just the community but also the regular members of the CNTs to include their ground leaders who were deceived by the CPP-NPA and were blinded by false ideologies."

The surrenderers will be processed and validated for enrollment to the E-CLIP, the government intervention package for former rebels. (CMO, 36IB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DOH Caraga advises DepEd to lift deworming MDA in Surigao Norte

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 17 -- The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga finally recommends lifting of suspension of deworming activities in Surigao del Norte following the findings of the investigation and examination from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory received on October 10, 2019 where results revealed that deworming drug did not cause an untoward demise.

It was on July 26, 2019 when DOH Caraga issued an advisory to the Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga to suspend all the deworming Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in Surigao del Norte due to the alleged death of a young girl in one of the schools in the province.

“The histopathological and toxicological examinations disclosed that the patient died of natural death. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration – Davao Office also stated that the deworming drug samples sent to them were free of any contaminants and has passed the assessment. With these developments, we advise DepEd Caraga to continue deworming our students in Surigao del Norte,” said DOG Caraga regional director Jose Llacuna, Jr.

DOH Caraga through its Provincial DOH Office in Surigao del Norte has also provided feedback and assistance to the affected family while contracting their consent to release the results and findings following the child’s autopsy.

“We strongly reiterate to the public the agency’s nationwide drive to eliminate intestinal parasitism which is detrimental to our child’s growth and development. We urge parents and the community to let us help your children by providing necessary health services to combat the burden of the worms, and this is through deworming,” Lacuna said.

The National Deworming MDA is a simultaneous activity by the DOH together with its partners in schools and the local government units (LGUs) to deworm preschool and school-aged children to improve their health and nutrition. (DOH Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

CNTs torch construction equipment in Surigao del Norte anew

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 17 -- The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorists or CNTs start again its extortion-arson antics as they burned one backhoe loader and strafed the equipment of CTB Construction at its stock area at Barangay Campo, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte morning of October 14, 2019.

Around seven CNTs led by spouses Alberto Castañeda alias JD and his party wife alias Menchie of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16C2, Guerilla Front (GF) 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), perpetrated said atrocity.

CTB Construction was conducting road widening works at Bacuag-Gigaquit road stretch in line with the Build, Build, Build Program of the national government.

After the incident, the CNTs withdrew towards the west direction. Troops of 30th Infantry "Python" Battalion (30IB) immediately proceeded to the crime scene that resulted in an encounter that lasted for about five minutes. No casualty was reported on the government side while undetermined from the enemy side.

Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey A. Villarosa, the commanding officer of 30IB said the incident was a clear manifestation of the CNTs gross disregard for the safety of civilians and affront to development. He added that the equipment they burned are not military targets and are not in any way involved in any armed conflict.

Villarosa said that it was just fortunate that no construction workers and civilians from the nearby houses were hit by CNTs indiscriminate firing. This shows that they will sabotage and even murder and abduct innocent civilians in order to extort regardless of the damage they inflict to the community, added Villarosa.

"To our peace-loving Surigaonons, your AFP and PNP will always work to support our local government units and national line agencies as they provide their services especially in our Peace and Development Zone in SALASICAM (Brgy. Sapa of Claver and Barangays Lahi, Sico-sico and Camam-onan, all of Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte). Continue to extend your cooperation with us and finally end the destruction of the CNTs,” Villarosa said.

Meanwhile, BGen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, deplored the CNTs’ continuing atrocities that hamper the peace and development of the communities. "The CNTs use terror and threat as their way to control people. Let us not faint on these treacherous tactics and instead bring these terrorists to justice," said Licudine. (30IB/402nd Brigade/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Butuan senior citizens seek additional free meds 

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 16 (PIA) -- Though provided with complete meals daily inside the Por Cristo, a center for the abandoned elderly, the senior citizens asked for free medicines for different types of medications including vitamin supplements.

Because of old age, they said they sought the love and care from people around them, especially those who were neglected by their family and has no one to turn to.

During the visit of the members of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC) Caraga at Por Cristo, the elderly men and women received personal hygiene kits and food packs. The department of health also conducted free blood sugar testing.

Lola Remedios Ambal, 69 years old from Gingoog City was one of the elderlies inside the Por Cristo who benefitted from the said activity.

She said she was delighted to have been visited by a group of individuals from various organizations and brought in-kind donations and food. However, she also wished that the government would provide them free medicines for hypertension, diabetes, and the like.

Ambal was emotional as she shared how she missed her family, who have not visited her for a long time. “We’re very happy to see you here visiting us. There were times when nobody visits us, and it really makes us sad and alone,” she said.

Free medicines were also the main request of lolo Alfredo Luna, as he also is suffering from arthritis. He said, Por Cristo could not sustain the provision of medicines due to budgetray constraints. Hence, he asked for long-term support of medicines by the government and other concerned organizations.

According to Susan Maestrado, home supervisor of Por Cristo, with the increasing number of senior citizens sheltered at the said center, they continue to give their best to provide the daily needs of the elderly.

She also hopes that the local government unit and other stakeholders would continue to reach out and give their donations.

“We are thankful to the city and provincial government for they are very supportive to Por Cristo. We hope that they would continue to extend assistance to sustain our services for the senior citizens here in the center,” said Susan Maestrado, home supervisor, Por Cristo.

Meanwhile, Ana Semacio, focal person for senior citizens of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga emphasized that children should never abandon their parents. They must love and take good care of them instead.

“Children should love and take good care of their parents until they get older. This is our way to pay them back from their hard work and for the incomparable love and care they show to us when we were still young,” said Semacio. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Gob Corvera kanunay gibandera ang 'pro-active' nga panerbisyo

By Aimee B. Sienes

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Oktubre 16 -- Tinuod sa iyang istorya ang amahan sa lalawigan, si Agusan del Norte Gobernador Dale B. Corvera, nga iyang gilakaw iyang mga pulong nga ‘mag-pro-active sa pagpanerbisyo,’ alang sa kalamboan sa katawhan.

Mao kini ang usa sa naapil sa iyang agenda nga iyang gilatad atol sa Transition Ceremony sa unang adlaw sa iyang pagpanerbisyo isip gobernador.

Sulod sa halos tulo ka bulan sugod paglingkod pagka-gobernador, gituman na ni Gob. Dale ang iyang saad nga molihok alang sa maayong serbisyo sa katawhan.

Niadtong Agosto 30, adunay breakfast meeting sayo sa buntag kauban si Budget Secretary Wendel E. Avisado aron sakto ang paggamit sa badyet sa probinsya ug unsaon ang mga pamaagi nga mamenosan ang pagsalig sa Internal Revenue Allotment kun IRA.

Sa susamang adlaw aduna usab meeting sa mga staff sa Cabadbaran District Hospital aron mas mapalambo pa ang mga serbisyo ug pasilidad sa ospital ug personal nga nag-preside sa budget hearing alang tuig 2020.

Adlawng Dominggo, Setyembre 1, nakig-meeting si Gob. Dale sa tibuok Barangay Council sa Cabinet, Cabadbaran City ug iyang gi-share iyang mga eksperyensya sa mga pamaagi sa budgeting kauban si City Budget Officer Bernand O. Ladaga.

Didto usab sa Manila si Gob. Dale niadtong Setyembre 3 aron sa pagtambong sa meeting pinangunahan ni Agriculture Secretary William Dar kauban ang ubang Provincial Governors sa tibuok nasod ug Land Bank President Cecilia Borromeo aron sa pag-discuss unsa ang mga pamaagi nga makatabang sa sector sa agrikultura ilabina sa ubos nga farm gate buying price alang sa palay ug pangita og pamaagi nga masulbad ang maong problema.

Sa kataposang iskedyul ayha mibalik sa lalawigan si Gob. Dale, aduna pay laing meeting iyang gitambongan kauban si Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año nga gitambongan usab nila Cong. Angel Amante-Matba ug Cabadbaran City Mayor Judy Chin Amante didto sa Quezon City niadtong adlawng Miyerkoles, Setyembre 4. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Surigao City Airport Development Project

Rehabilitation of a portion of Surigao City Airport Runway done ahead of schedule

SURIGAO CITY - The partial rehabilitation and repair of a portion of the Surigao City Airport runway is now complete, much earlier than the committed November 2019 deadline.
With the additional restored 400 meters of the provincial airport's runway now ready for use, it is expected that the number of flights by commercial airlines in the city to and from Cebu and Manila will increase.

The airport has been limited in its operations after a magnitude 6.7 quake damaged the runway on February 10, 2017 and is only able to utilize 1 kilometer of its runway since.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, who was requested to intervene and help fast track the rehabilitation efforts for the airport welcomed the speed with which the contractors finished the project.
Sec. Andanar also thanked the Department of Transportation for closely monitoring the progress of the ongoing repairs.

"Thanks, Asec [Giovanni Lopez]! We, Surigaonons, owe you and Secretary Art [Tugade]," he said in a text message, further requesting the DoTr chief to inaugurate the runway once it is fully restored.

According to the airport's contractors, Vicente T. Lao Construction and Pacific Concrete, on Tuesday their works on asphalt overlay and pavement concreting projects are already done.

The airport development project which covers 700 meters repair and rehabilitation of the runway is expected to be completed by February of next year. (PCOO/PIA-Surigao) 

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Pinoy pro surfer wins 25th Siargao International Surfing Cup

By Venus L. Garcia

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 15 (PIA) -- Filipino professional surfer John Mark Tokong captured the championship title during the 25th Siargao International Surfing Cup at the world-famous Cloud 9 in Siargao Island.

Tokong, a 23 year-old and locally known as “Marama,” defeated all other competing surfers from 13 countries and received a prize of US$5,000. 

Apart from the impressive skill of Filipinos in surfing, the annual sporting event has once again proved Siargao Island as one of the top ten best surf sites in the world and the surfing capital of the Philippines.

In his messgae as the guest of honor in the awarding ceremony, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar cited surfing as a sport that transcends divisions in society just the same as diplomacy that aids in advancing country’s diplomatic aims.

“Surfing as a sport is like the art of diplomacy. One has to be strong enough to stand on a board, cruise over the ranging heights of the wave. Our foreign missions sail through the tides of different cultures and political waves enclosing us in the center of negotiations and dialogues,” Andanar said.

Secretary andanar also underscored the importance of cultural fusion in achieving peace and order, may it be in politics and sports, just like the success brought by President Rodrigo Duterte from his recent state visit in Russia.

“On his second state visit and meetings with the Russian President Vlademir Putin and Prime Minister Medvedev. Our Mayor and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has once again surfaced with agility. Like our renewed relations in the global realm, may the Siargao International Surfing Cup flourish and may also serve as an avenue for the convergence of cultures,” said Andanar.

The event is sanctioned by the World Surf League and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Tourism. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PH justices discuss money laundering, financial crimes with US experts

 

MANILA, Oct. 15 -- Twenty-one Sandiganbayan justices participated in a roundtable with United States (US) experts organized by the US Embassy in the Philippines - US Department of Justice Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (DOJ/OPDAT), the Supreme Court of the Philippines, and the Philippine Judicial Academy. 

The event aimed to enhance participants’ capabilities, competencies and skills in examining and adjudicating money laundering and financial crimes; deepen understanding on how to freeze assets, recover laundered property; and ensure proper preservation and management of assets. 

Judge Bernice Donald of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit shared her expertise on traditional and emerging methods of money laundering, discussing the role that bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies and the dark web can play in money laundering, as well as other money laundering methods, including using money cards and gift cards, and through online networks.

The knowledge-sharing program was designed to inform justices on relevant laws and decisions; sharpen justices’ ability to analyze accounts and follow the money trail; review emerging methods of money laundering and the role of electronic evidence and best practices for applying court technology in adjudicating cases.

‘’The Sandiganbayan justices truly appreciate the DOJ/OPDAT for organizing the roundtable discussion.  The topics, especially the rules on electronic evidence, were a valuable revisit of the laws and rules and made the justices realize that there is still room for more improvement in the delivery of justice,” said Justice Geraldine Faith A. Econg.

As a friend, partner and ally, the United States will continue to support the development of the Philippines justice system through judicial training of judges on cybercrime and financial crimes to help ensure that all Filipinos are served by a swift, fair and  modernized court system. (U.S. Embassy - Manila/PIA-Caraga)

Pinoy surfer, kampeon sa 25th Siargao International Surfing Cup

LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO, Surigao del Norte, Oktubre 15 (PIA) -- Wagi ang isang Filipino professional surfer na si John Mark Tokong na buong tapang na nakisabay sa alon ng tagumpay at tanghalin bilang kampeon sa katatapos lang 25th Siargao International Surfing Cup na ginanap sa Cloud 9, bayan ng General Luna, Siargao Island.

Tinalo ni Tokong o mas kilala bilang “Marama,” 23 taong gulang, ang 64 na surfers mula sa iba’t ibang bansa. 

Nakatanggap siya ng $5,000 bilang premyo sa kumpetisyon.

Maliban sa galing ng mga Pilipino pagdating sa surfing, pinatunayan rin sa nasabing annual sporting event ang Siargao Island bilang isa sa top ten best surfing sites sa mundo at surfing capital ng Pilipinas.

Sa kanyang mensahe bilang panauhing pandangal sa awarding ceremony, sinabi ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar na ang surfing bilang sport ay gaya rin ng diplomasya na isang sining at pagsasanay ng pangangasiwa ng mga negosasyon.

“Surfing as a sport is like the art of diplomacy. One has to be strong enough to stand on a board, cruise over the ranging heights of the waves. Our foreign missions sail through the tides of different cultures and political waves enclosing us in the center of negotiations and dialogues,” sabi ni Andanar.

Mahalaga rin anya ang pagsasanib ng iba’t ibang kultura para sa layuning makamtan ang kapayapaan at kaayusan...mapulitika man o palakasan gaya ng tagumpay na dala ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte sa kanyang katatapos lang na state visit sa Russia.

“On his second state visit and meetings with the Russian President Vlademir Putin and Prime Minister Medvedev. Our mayor and president Rodrigo Roa Duterte has once again surfaced with agility. Like our renewed relations in the global realm, may the Siargao International Surfing Cup flourish and may also serve as an avenue for the convergence of cultures,” sabi ni Andanar.

Kinikila ang nasabing torneo ng World Surf League at suportado ng Philippine Sports Commission at Department of Tourism. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Mahigit 2K residente nakinabang sa serbisyong hatid ng gobyerno sa Agusan Norte

By Nora L. Molde

BAYAN NG NASIPIT, Agusan del Norte, Oktubre 15 (PIA) – Pusposan ang ginagawang kampanyan ng Agusan del Norte Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) sa pamamagitan ng ‘PPOC Immersion’ sa iba’t ibang barangay ng probinsya.

Mahigit 2,000 residente sa tatlong barangay sa bayan (Camagong, Aclan at Jaguimitan) ng Nasipit sa Agusan del Norte ang nakinabang sa mga serbisyo mula sa iba’t ibang sektor sa ginanap na  PPOC Immersion sa pakikipagtulungan ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno.

Ayon kay Nasipit Mayor Enrico Corvera, malaking tulong ang PPOC Immersion para maihatid sa kanilang mga residente ang mga serbisyo mula sa gobyerno at malaman ang iba pa nilang pangangailangan.

Kabilang sa mga hatid na serbisyo ay medical, dental , legal consultation, at marami pang iba. Namahagi rin ng seedlings ng mga prutas at iba pang mga halaman sa mga residente.

Lubos ang pasasalamat ni Belmore Diamante dahil isa sya sa mga nakatanggap ng serbisyo. Anya sa ganitong paraan ay naiparamdam sa kanila na mahalaga sila sa  gobyerno.

Kabilang din sa nakinabang ay ang mga senior citizens na nakatanggap ng ibat-ibang benipisyo gaya na lamang ng libreng salamin, bunot ng ngipin, gamot, at libreng kosulta.

Ayon kay  Juanita Prejoles, residente ng barangay Camagong, ito ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon na siya ay nakatanggap ng ganitong tulong mula sa gobyerno. Sana magpatuloy ito at upang mas malaman pa kn gano ang ma pangangailan ng mga tao lalo na ang nasa malalayong lugar.

Naniniwala naman si Gobernador Dale Corvera na ang kahirapan at kakulangan sa serbisyo ay kabilang sa mga dahilan kung bakit ang iba ay naniniwala sa mga propaganda ng new people's army (NPAs) at mga tagasuporta nito.

Dagdag pa ni Corvera, ang PPOC ay gumagawa na ng paraan upang dalhin ang mga serbisyong kailangan ng mga mamamayan lalo na ang mga nasa malalayong barangay kung saan may impluwensya ang mga NPAs.

Umapela din si Rep. Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba ng pangalawang distrito ng Agusan del Norte sa mga NPAs na magbalik-loob na sa gobyerno. Walang rason ang mga NPAs na kalabanin ang gobyerno dahil ginagawa lahat upang matulongan ang mga tao.

Ayon din kay Department of the Interior at Local Government (DILG) provincial director Ellen Vee Chua, ang PPOC immersion ay isa lamang sa mga programa na naaayon sa executive order number 70 ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na tapusin ang local communist armed conflict. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

LGU Santiago napatuman ang 100% road clearing

By Aimee B. Sienes

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Oktubre 15 -- Nakab-ot sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Santiago ning lalawigan ang 100% rating nga hawan sa kadalanan human kini ma-assess ug ma-validate sa Department of Interior and Local Government Agusan del Norte bag-ohay pa lamang.

Mituman si Santiago Mayor Franklin D. Lim sa DILG Memorandum Circular 2019-121, ang direktibo gikan ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte aron mahawan ang mga kadalanan sa mga ilegal nga istruktura ug mga konstruksyon.

Ubos sa maong direktiba, gi-awhag ang tanan local chief executives sa pagpatuman sa ilang gahum sa pag-reclaim sa mga pampublikong kadalanan nga nagamit na sa ubang lumolopyo isip pribado nga dalan.

Obserbasyon usab nga ang mga panpublikong dalan gigamit sa mga negosyante nga butangan sa ilang mga struktura ug mga baligya.

Sa taho ni DILG Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Ellen Vee Chua, atol sa 1st Joint Provincial Development Council (PDC)- Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Meeting niadtong Oktobre 11 didto sa Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, syudad sa Butuan, ang uban lungsod ug syudad sa lalawigan nakakuha sa rating nga: 90 – Cabadbaran, 85- Buenavista, 80- Carmen, 95 – Jabonga, 90 – Kitcharao, 85 – Las Nieves, 70 – Magallanes, 90 – Nasipit, 90- RTR, ug 75 – Tubay.

Mipadayag ang uban mayor atol sa nasangpit nga joint meeting nga ilang isiguro nga mamahimong 100% rating na ang road clearing sa sunod nga assessment ug validation sa DILG. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

AgNor province, Cabadbaran City magtinabangay pagpalambo sa Cabadbaran district hospital  

By Shiene Deligero

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Oktubre 15 -- Pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 066-2019 nga gipanginahanan ni Bokal Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, gitagaag otoridad si Gobernador Dale B. Corvera sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte sa pagpirma sa kasabotan o Memorandum of Agreement tali sa probinsya ug siyudad sa Cabadbaran, alang sa pagpalambo sa mga serbisyo sa panglawas ug pasilidad sa Cabadbaran District Hospital nga gidumala sa probinsya.

Kini pagahimoon pinaagi sa paggahin og pondo sa gobyerno sa siyudad aron suportahan ang pagpatuman sa mga programa ug proyekto alang sa giingon nga ospital.

Sulod sa maong kasabotan mao ang mga programa ug proyekto sa ospital, labi na ang pagdugang og trabahante, pagkuha og mga bag-ong gamit para sa ospital ug pagpaayo sa mga pasilidad.

Aron matubag ang mga panginahanglan sa siyudad ug mga nasakopan niini, hugot nga mihatag og suporta ang probinsya alang sa pagpalambo sa mga pasilidad ug aron masiguro ang paghatod sa serbisyo nga adunay pasalig nga mahatag ang kalidad nga pag-atiman sa pasyente ug masiguro ang 24 oras nga operasyon sa lain-laing mga serbisyo sa Cabadbaran District Hospital alang sa katawhan sa syudad sa Cabadbaran ug ang mga silingang lungsod.

Ang pagpasar sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 066-2019 nahitabo niadtong ika-9th regular sesyon sa SP. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)