Friday, January 03, 2020

Caraga IPs join gov't in solving insurgency problem

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 3 (PIA) - The Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Caraga region are getting more participative in their involvement to government’s activities, particularly in solving the problem on insurgency. This is their way of support to the implementation of Executive Order 70 (EO70) of President Rodrigo Duterte to end local communist armed conflict.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga has intensified the conduct of capability building to IP leaders in the region to equip and give them the opportunity to contribute in finding solutions on the different issues and concerns, as well as the challenges that every community are facing today.

According to Director for Operations Leouel Santos of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the IP sector is voluntarily getting involved in the activities that form part to the efforts and initiative of the government to address the concerns particularly in the conflict-affected areas.

“We continue conducting dialogue with the IP sector to know their issues and concerns and to assess what instrumentalities that the government has in order to address these concerns and help the sector excel in what they do in their respective communities,” bared Santos.

For Bae Bebeth Enriquez, a Mamanwa from Barangay Mahaba, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, the New People’s Army (NPA) has been causing too much chaos and distress to the IP communities, which hinders development among the tribes. Hence, she hoped for the defeat of the NPA terrorists in order to ensure bright future of the next generation.

“We could no longer take what the NPAs are doing to our communities. They have been abusive to the IP tribes and they are the main reason why we do not progress. We really hope and pray that with the government’s effort to put a stop on the armed conflict, the IP tribes would also experience a peaceful and developed life,” underlined Enriquez.

Meanwhile, NCIP-Caraga Regional Director Ferdausi Saniel Cerna encouraged all IPs to continue to have perseverance in all their undertakings and to remain strong along with the government in the fight against the NPAs in Caraga region.

“The President has always been very supportive to the IP sector and I believe it was among his inspiration in coming up with the implementation of EO70,” Cerna cited. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Army belies alleged ceasefire violation in AgSur

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 3 -- The Philippine Army in Caraga was quick to address the allegation against them by the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) groups operating in Agusan del Sur regarding the violation of the ceasefire last December 23, 2019.

The 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB) allegedly staged attacks against the New People’s Army (NPA) near the village of San Vicente, Esperanza in Agusan del Sur despite the declaration of the Christmas truce, according to a certain Nicolas Marino of the Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the NPA.

Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea, 26IB Commanding Officer,  clarified that such statements are fabricated and that no such attack transpired and no personnel of his battalion were involved.

“Such statement is to further their ploy to redeem themselves in the eyes of the public, especially after the cruelty they displayed in the killings made in the different areas in Visayas,” the Army official said.

The killings that were referred to are the encounters in Labo, Camarines Norte and Tubungan, Iloilo that resulted to the death of one soldier while over eight more were injured.

The act of perpetuating lies by the CNT groups for the purpose of tarnishing the reputation of the Philippine Army is not a recent phenomenon, as clarified by Brigadier General Maurito L. Licudine of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army. BGen. Licudine expressed his support to the 26IB should they choose to resort to such countermeasure especially when circumstances require it.

“Your soldiers are disciplined, responsible and professional. We support whatever the Commander-In-Chief declares as long as it is within the bounds of our constitutional mandate,” he added. (DMRosales/402nd Brigade/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga LGUs intensify protection, preservation of Agusan Marsh

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 3 (PIA) - To further ensure protection and preservation of the Agusan River, being the largest wetlands in Caraga region, various government agencies led by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and private sector convened recently and planned for ways and means on how to prevent it from possible deterioration.

The Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary forms part of the Agusan River, which was declared as protected area by former President Fidel V. Ramos. The marshland acts like a sponge, as it nestled in the midwaters of the Agusan River drainage basin.

It also helps Agusanons to be spared from floodings during rainy season or typhoon.

According to Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., the government sternly implements the Environment Code for the Agusan Marsh.

He also urged the Caraganons to take responsibility and help preserve the naturally grown trees within the wetlands, as it gives life to the Agusan Marsh.

For a grade 12 student like Eugene Taw-on from Bayugan National Comprehensive High School, the youths play a vital role in the fulfillment of the ongoing research of the government and private institutions, as well as in maintaining the beauty and usefulness of the wetlands in the region.

“We are working closely with the local government units in the province and we are glad that they are recognizing us in whatever contribution that we could give especially in the field of research to ensure the protection and preservation of the Agusan River and the Agusan Marsh,” bared Taw-on.  

Meanwhile, DENR-Caraga regional director, Atty. Felix Alicer emphasized the importance of the Agusan River and the benefits it provide to the Caraganons. This, he said, is known to be one of the tourist attractions in the region.

The Agusan Marsh covers the municipalities of San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Veruela, Loreto, Talacogon and La Paz in the province of Agusan del Sur. It was declared as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 1999. Ramsar Convention is a multilateral agreement aimed at protecting wetlands globally. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga LGUs receive awards from DOH-NNC 

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 3 (PIA) - The Department of Health – National Nutrition Council (DOH-NNC) has recognized the local government units (LGUs) in Caraga region that consistently implement quality programs and services that promote the welfare of the children particularly in ensuring that they get proper nutrition.

According to Dr. Gerna Manatad, OIC-administrative officer of DOH-Caraga, this is a yearly activity as their way of thanking and acknowledging the efforts and initiatives of the LGUs for their dedication and sincerity in providing the people with the right programs that address malnutrition in the region.

“In this annual event, the DOH-NNC recognizes the local government units and other partner stakeholders who are consistent in providing the programs and services that ensure good nutrition of the children,” cited Dr. Manatad.

Solidad Garcia of Barangay Baan, Butuan City was one of the awardees for this year. She was recognized for being the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar. She also shared their best practices towards achieving community development by providing locals with the basic social services they need.

“We do various activities in our barangay. We allow the local residents to actively participate in community activities which would benefit especially the children. We also provide seedlings for the families so they could have backyard garden and eat nutritional food in their respective homes,” said Garcia.

Meanwhile, Leah Vina Vargas, Nutrition Officer of NNC-Caraga called on LGUs of Caraga region to be more sensitive in assessing the needs of the populace particularly the health and nutrition concerns. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Army, PNP in Caraga to continue operations amid ceasefire

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 3 -- Despite the declaration of ceasefire between the military and police forces and the terrorist groups last December 22, 2019, the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police (PNP) in Caraga remain vigilant as they continue operations to ensure peace in the region during the Yuletide season.

This is in response to the threat posed by the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) groups even after the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire by the National Democratic Front (NDF) representing the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and New People’s Army (NPA).

Brig. General Maurito L. Licudine, 402nd Brigade Commander, clarified that the ceasefire is only inclusive of the suspension of the military offensives of the troops under the 402nd Brigade, which means apprehension of items and individuals that are deemed suspicious and accomplice of crimes are not a violation to the said truce, which will take effect from December 23, 2019 until January 7, 2019.

“As such, we shall be on guard and will continue to be vigilant to thwart any CNT planned atrocities in a manner that is in line with the ceasefire mechanisms as this is also deemed significant to create the lasting peace that we yearn to promote here in our region,” added Licudine.

Such operations resulted in the postponement of the plenum, an annual gathering among the leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) which was scheduled to take place on December 29 at Sitio Bay-ang, Bgry. Lahi, Gigaquit in Surigao del Norte, according to the statement released by Ka Oto, spokesperson of the Guerilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Command, to the media practitioners from cities Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Davao whom they invited specifically for the event.

The push for the continued operations by both the military and police forces in the region served as reinforcement as previous records involving ceasefires also showed the CNTs dishonoring the agreement and instead utilize the time to plan for a Tactical Offensive (TO) against the military. (DMRosales/PIA-Caraga)

Different sectors learn good saving techniques, planning of family expenses

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 3 (PIA) - Different sectors in Caraga region have learned the effective ways and tips on how to save money, as well as financial planning for their family.

The Financial Literacy Forum held in Butuan City was made possible through the help of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga, together with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and other financial institutions.

According to Michelle Palacay-Dela Calzada, chief economic development specialist of NEDA-Caraga, the government aims to teach Caraganons to be responsible enough in budgeting their hard-earned money in their daily expenses, and the importance of saving a portion of their earnings which they can use in times of emergency.

This also forms part of the government’s advocacy towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

“The NEDA-Caraga, together with other financial institutions in the region have converged efforts to help Caraganons become financial literate in a way of capacitating them on how they could better save money for their family and plan on the future of their children. This is also one way of making Caraganons get rid of debts and suffer poverty,” bared Dela Calzada.

Clyde Hikilan, a media practitioner in Butuan also shared his positive views on the said forum. “This is very useful. I learned the advantage of investing money to business especially that Caraga has a growing economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, for Marko Davey Reyes, an employee of the DSWD-Caraga, this kind of forum is a great help particularly to the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“This forum really helps especially for us in DSWD because we have programs for our beneficiaries and through this, we could also help them make use of the government’s funds provided to them be used responsibly. We will be imparting this kind of information to them so they could plan better on how to spend their money well,” said Reyes. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Mga IP sa Caraga region, aktibong nakikilahok sa implementasyon ng EO70

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 3 (PIA) - Dumarami pa ang mga Indigenous Peoples (IP) sa Caraga region na  aktibong nakilahok sa mga aktibidad ng gobyerno tungo sa epektibong implementasyon ng Executive Order 70 (EO70) ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte o ang whole-of-nation approach na layong sugpuin ang insurhensiya sa bansa.

Sa pangunguna ng National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga, puspusan ang pagsagawa ng capability building ng ahensiya kasama ang mga IP leaders ng rehiyon upang sila ay mahasa at makatulong rin sa pagbibigay solusyon sa mga kinakaharap na hamon ng bawat komunidad.

Ayon kay Director for Operations Leouel Santos ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), boluntaryong nakikilahok ang mga IP leaders ng Caraga at nakikibahagi sa diskusyon ng gobyerno sa pagtugon sa mga isyu at concern ng lipunan lalu na sa mga conflict-affected areas.

“Patuloy ang gobyerno sa pagsagawa ng dayalogo sa ating mga kababayang IPs upang sa ganun ay makuha natin mula sa kanila ang kanilang mga isyu at concern at malaman natin kung anong mga instrumento meron ang gobyerno na maaaring makatulong sa sektor. Mas nagiging aktibo na sila ngayon lalu na sa pagresolba ng insurgency sa rehiyon,” sabi ni Santos.  

Para naman kay Bae Bebeth Enriquez, isang mamanwa sa Barangay Mahaba, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, sobra-sobra na ang pasakit na idinudulot ng New Peoples Army (NPA) sa kanilang tribu dahilan kung bakit mabagal ang pag-usbong ng kanilang mga tribu. Kaya nais na nilang mawakasan ito para na rin sa magandang kinabukasan ng susunod pang henerasyon.

“Hindi namin lubusang maranasan ang kaunlaran sa aming komunidad dahil pa rin sa presensya ng mga NPA. Sana ay mawakasan na ang kanilang pang-aabuso sa aming mga tribu at tuluyan na kaming mamuhay nang matiwasay at makaranas ng maginhawang buhay sa tulong na rin ng gobyerno,” ani ni Enriquez.

Samantala, nanawagan naman si NCIP-Caraga Regional Director Ferdausi Saniel Cerna sa lahat ng IPs na patuloy na maging matatag at matapang sa pagharap ng hamong ito at patuloy rin sa pakikipagtulungan sa gobyerno sa pagsugpo sa mga karahasan at pang-aabuso ng NPA sa buong rehiyon. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

NPA na namatay sa Luzon, naiuwi na sa Agusan

By Nora C. Lanuza

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 3 (PIA) -- Labis ang pagdadalamhati ni Erlinda Cabachete, ina ng rebeldeng si Bertoldo Cabachete, Jr. o kilala sa mga kamag-anak na si Junjun at alias LJ sa mga NPA na namatay dahil sa pneumonia habang siya ay myembro pa ng New Peoples Army (NPA) sa kabundukan ng Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.

Mula Luzon, dinala ng mga military ang labi ni alias LJ o Junjun at dumating sa kanilang tahanan sa bayan sa Nasipit, Agusan del Norte noong Disyembre 29 ng hapon.

Isinisi ni Erlinda ang pagkamatay ng kanyang anak sa grupong NPA. Ayon kay Erlinda, ang NPA ang nagdala sa kanyang anak sa kamatayan kaya't nanawagan siya ng hustisya para sa kanyang anak.

Ayon din sa kapatid ni Junjun na si Roberto, noong taong 2018 magkasama pa sila sa Maynila. Nagpaalam daw sa kanya si Junjun na pupuntang Nueva Ecija upang doon magtrabaho, ngunit hindi na ito bumalik pa. Hindi nila inakalang isa na pala siyang miyembro ng NPA.

Dahil sa tulong ng isang dating rebelde na kasama ni Junjun sa Nueva Ecija, nalaman ng pamilya ang mga nangyari kay Junjun gayundin ang mga gawain ng mga NPA.

Sa kwento nito, pinabayaan ng mga NPA si Junjun dahil siya ay nagkasakit ng pneumonia at wala ng silbi sa kanila hanggang ito ay mamatay. Itinuro din niya sa mga militar kung saan siya inilibing kaya’t nagkaroon sila ng panahon na hukayin ang kanyang mga labi at ihatid sa kanyang pamilya sa Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

Dahil sa nangyari, nananawagan si Mayor Enrico Corvera ng Nasipit sa mga kabataan na maging aktibo at huwag magpalinlang sa mga NPA. Ayon sa alkalde, patuloy ang pinaigting na paglaban ng local government unit at militar sa pagrerecruit ng mga NPA sa kanilang lugar.

Malaki ang paniniwala ni Lt. Col. Francisco Molina, Jr., ang commanding officer ng 23rd Infantry Batallion na isang biktima ng pagbrainwash ng NPA si Junjun, pinangakuhan ng tulong ngunit pinabayaan. (with reports from 23IB/NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Ibat-ibang sektor tinuruan ng mga techniques sa pag-iipon at tamang pagplano sa gastusin

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 3 (PIA) – Iba’t-ibang sektor sa Caraga region ang tinuruan ng mga epektibong paraan para makapag-ipon, maging sa tamang pagplano ng pera para sa mga gastosin ng pamilya sa pang-araw araw.

Ito ay sa tulong na rin ng National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), kasama ang Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) at iba pang financial institutions sa isinagawang Financial Literacy Forum sa lungsod ng Butuan.

Ayon kay Michelle Palacay-Dela Calzada, chief economic development specialist ng NEDA-Caraga, layon ng pamahalaan na ituro sa ating mga kababayan ang kanilang responsableng pagasta ng pera at ang kahalagahan ng pag-iipon o pagkakaroon ng savings para matustusan ang mga pangangailangan ng pamilya.

Ang hakbang na ito ay parte rin sa isinusulong ng gobyerno na Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

“Nais ng gobyerno na matulungan ang ating mga kababayan at isa lamang ito sa mga hakbang para matugunan ang mga isyu ng mamamayan lalu na ang tamang pagasta ng pera ng bawat pamilya upang maging maginhawa ang kanilang buhay at matutung mag-ipon,” pahayag ni Dela Calzada.

Ibinahagi naman ni Clyde Hikilan, isang media practitioner ang kanyang natutunan sa nasabing forum. “Marami akong natutunan sa forum. Isa na rito ang kagandahan ng pag-iinvest sa negosyo para lumago pa ang perang inilaan dito lalu na’t patuloy na umuusbong ang ekonomiya ng Caraga region,” banggit niya.

Para naman kay Marko Davey Reyes na isang government employee ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, malaking tulong ang ganitong forum lalu na sa mga benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“Malaking tulong talaga ang ganitong forum lalu na sa amin sa DSWD dahil mayroon kaming mga benepisyaryo sa mga programang ipinapatupad ng ahensiya at isa na rito ang 4Ps. Sa pamamagitan ng forum na ito, maibabahagi rin naming sa kanila kung papaano maging epektibo sa pagplano ng gastosin sa pamilya sa pang-araw-araw at nang makapag-ipon din sila. Mahalaga na maging responsible sila sa pagamit ng pera na mula sa gobyerno,” sabi ni Reyes. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Tuig 2020 tahakon sa probinsya pinaagi sa Agusan Up – Gob. Corvera

By Angel F. Gaviola

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Enero 3 -- Tahakon sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang tuig 2020 ug mosunod pang mga tuig nga naay klarong panglantaw sa kalambuan pinaagi sa "AGUSAN UP!" ug gihangyo ni gobernador Dale B. Corvera nga suportahan kini sa mga Agusanon.

Gihimo ni Gob. Corvera ang maong panawagan sa post sa iyang Facebook page niadtong Disyembre 31, 2019. Sa iyang mensahe, gipadangat usab niya ang iyang pasalamat sa suporta nga gihatag kaniya sa mga Agusanon isip gobernador sa probinsya sulod sa unang unom ka bulan sa iyang termino.

“As we are about to bid goodbye to the old year and say hello to the new year, let me take the opportunity to thank each and every Agusanon for their support in my first six months at the Provincial Capitol of Agusan del Norte. We covered a lot of grounds under the “Hiniusang Liderato” or a unified leadership of team Agusan del Norte with Cong. Angel Amante-Matba, Cong. Law Fortun, the provincial, city and municipal officials at the helm,” sumala pa ni Gob. Corvera sa iyang post.

“The challenges in the coming years will be faced with a clear vision through our program called AGUSAN UP! Continuity and teamwork run the game but the same support that you gave us in 2019 is the key to make things happen in 2020 and beyond,” dugang pa sa iyang gipadangat nga mensahe.

Mahinumdoman nga susamang mensahe ang gipadangat ni Gob. Corvera sa nakalabay’ng pasko. Sa iyang mensahe sa mga empleyado sa kapitolyo atol sa ilang Christmas Party, iyang gihangyo ang suporta sa tanan sa AGUSAN UP!

Sa samang Christmas Party giawhag usab ni Cong. Angel Amante-Matba ang 100 percent nga suporta sa mga Agusanon alang sa AGUSAN UP!.

Ang AGUSAN UP! mao ang walo ka punto nga development agenda sa team Agusan del Norte ubos sa administrasyon ni Gob. Corvera. Nagtinguha kini pagmugna og mga oportunidad aron mapalambo ang kinabuhi sa mga residente sa probinsya.

Gilangkuban ang AGUSAN UP! og upat ka flagship programs: 1) Agus 3Ps o Plant and Process for Prosperity (alang sa ekonomikanhong kalambuina); 2) Amumang Agusanon (alang sa sosyal nga kalambuan); 3) Lunhaw’ng Agusan (alang sa pagpasiuli sa kabaskug sa kinaiyahan); ug 4) Hiniusang Lihuk Agusan (alang sa mga serbisyo pagpalambu sa sistema ug proseso sa pagdumala).

Gilunsad ang AGUSAN UP! niadtong Nobyembre 8, 2019 ug sa kapin sa usa ka bulan pa lang nga pagpatuman niini nakatikang na kini og mga panukaran alang sa malampusong implementasyon sa mga proyekto niini ning tuiga ug sa mosunod pang mga tuig.

Sa pagka karon mokabat sa 8,000 ektaryas na ang gi-enroll sa 78 ka mga organisasyon sa mag-uuma mismo alang sa siyam ka mga nag-unang crops nga gipunting nga itanum ilawom sa Plant! Plant! Plant! Project ubos sa Agus 3Ps. Pagproseso sa bulanghoy, lubi, ug cacao usab nga mga proyekto ubos sa Process! Process! Process! ang naa nay mga interesado.

Mokabat sa 30 usab ka mga kooperatiba na ang mikometer nga magsilbing conduits sa Land Bank Of the Philippies ug Development Bank of the Philippines alang pinansyal nga panginahanglan sa mga mag-uuma ug entereprenuers nga mananum o mo-proseso sa abot sa kaumahan.

Nagdagan na usab karon ang mga Amomang Agusanon Centers sa Provincial Hospital ug sa Cabadbaran District Hospital. Gipunting nga ang tanang lungsod naa nay Amomang Agusanon Center sa tuig 2020. (Agusan Up, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Thursday, January 02, 2020

Caraga VAW desk officers join 1st Regional Quiz Bowl in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 2 (PIA) - To equip them and widen their knowledge on gender and development (GAD) campaign against any form of violence and abuses to women, as well as women's rights, the 1st Caraga Regional Quiz Bowl for Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk Officers was recently conducted in this city.

This was spearheaded by the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (RIACAT-VAWC) composed of various government agencies in the region.

The VAW desk officers had performed well and gave their best to win in the competition with the full support of their respective local government units from the different provinces of Caraga.

Joan Bitos, VAW desk officer of Barangay Taglatawan, Bayugan City was one of the participants who prepared for the said event and who wanted to show dedication in her duties and responsibilities and be able to raise public awareness on women's rights, as well as gender mainstreaming.

“It’s a privilege to work in public service and being a public servant is a great opportunity for me to help my constituents particularly the women sector. We should not only be a good public servant but also equipped with knowledge and skills to perform well in our respective functions,” said Bitos.

Lt. Ruth Cullantes, officer-in-charge of the center for women and children protection desk - Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office, said that this initiative of the government contributes much to the development of the VAW desk officers, as it will also aid them to effectively address the issues and concerns that women and children are facing today in every community.

“This kind of activity is very useful for the VAW desk officers, and we believe that they would be more effective in their function, along with the PNP in handling cases from the barangays,” Cullantes said.

Meanwhile, Catherine Aranas, social welfare officer and focal person for RIACAT-VAWC Caraga emphasized that through the conduct of the quiz bowl, local chief executives would also be able to determine what specific trainings they are to provide for their VAW desk officers to make them more capable of their function. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Abandoned NPA cadaver, brought home by Army

By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Jan. 2 -- "Justice for my son." This was an outcry of a mother whose son was abandoned by his comrades in the mountains of Sierra Madre when he got sick and was unable to carry firearms and cannot anymore fight the government forces. This was what Erlinda Cabachete of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte was begging when she saw and received her son, Bertoldo Cabachete.

He was brought home by the government troops from the hills of Sierra Madre in Luzon to their house in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. It can be recalled that last November 30, 2019 the cadaver of late Bertoldo Cabatchete alias “LJ”, male, 29 years old, and a regular member of NPA’s Komiteng Larangang Gerilya Sierra Madre, Central Luzon Regional Committee (CLRC) operating in the mountain ranges of Sierra Madre was found at the vicinity of Mt. Olong Amot, Barangay General Luna, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija by the elements 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division after receiving an information from a former rebel that one of his comrades was left alone by his fellow NPA members.

Alias LJ died due to severe illness and was just abandoned and buried by the CPP-NPA Terrorists at the hinter area of Barangay General Luna, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. His family was not informed of his situation. He was not even given medication nor brought to a hospital.

The remains of alias LJ was then exhumed by the soldiers after a former rebel gave the information and location of where his dead body was buried. It was then brought to Villamor Airbase, Pasay City and through a C130, he was flown to Languindingan Airport, Cagayan de Oro City on December 29, 2019 where his mother, Erlinda, was waiting.

With great sorrow, Mrs. Erlinda Cabatchete, mother of alias LJ poured out her grievance against the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) who recruited her son. “We are very saddened by the death of our son. He left our home way back 2016 and said that he will apply for a job in Manila. But then he didn’t communicate with us anymore. We don’t have any idea that he was recruited by the CNTs and what happened to him now really broke me into pieces. It's hard for me to know that I can no longer see my son alive anymore. The heartless NPAs recruited my son, but they never help him when he was sick. They should have brought him to the doctor because we usually admit him to the doctor when his illness attacks. If only the NPAs did not recruit my son, he is still alive up to now because I can take care of him,” said Mrs. Cabatchete.

Moreover, Mayor Enrico Corvera of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte said that "this is another incident that shows the CPP-NPA Terrorists don't care and value life. That is why, we initiate programs to insulate the youth from being recruited by the CPP-NPA.”

Likewise, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco L. Molina Jr, Commander Officer, 23IB covering the area of Nasipit expressed his condolences to the bereaved family of LJ. "Kung hindi sana siya niloko at nilinlang Ng CPP-NPA, marahil ay buhay pa siya ngayon. Everyone must be vigilant from the deceit of the CPP-NPA," he said.

"They take advantage on the weaknesses of the poor people in staging their nonsense business," Molina added. (CMO Officer, 23IB, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Army, locals hold indignation rally vs NPAs 

By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, Jan. 2 - “NPA salot sa lipunan.”

This was the drumbeat of citizens from all walks of life during the recently held indignation rally against the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists in Bayugan City and Lianga Peoples’ Park in Lianga, Surigao del Sur, simultaneously.

The local government unit (LGU) representatives, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), youth organizations with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn) attended the anti-NPA campaign.

Lianga Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Hawudon Jumar Bucales said the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) are the ones who destroyed their IP culture by disrespecting the IP’s tribal governance system.

“Gusto nilang ipalit na mga lider sa IP ay yung mga kaya nilang kontrolin at gamitin ang tribo para iabante ang political at armadong pakikibaka ng CPP-NPA (They wanted to post leaders for the IPs those that they could easily control and use the IP tribes to pursue the political and armed struggle of the CPP-NPA),” Bucales said.

He also called on the militant groups to stop using the tribe as props to gain sympathy from foreign funding institutions.

“Pauwiin niyo na ang mga katribo naming nasa Maynila, nandyan sa UP Diliman, ginagawa niyo silang kasangkapan para kumuha lang ng simpatya at siraan ang gobyerno at military na tumutugis sa mga teroristang NPA (Release our co-IPs who are now in Manila, particularly in UP Diliman, you are just using them as your instrument to get sympathy from the public and force them to revolt against the government, and prevent the Army from pursuing the terrorist NPA),” Bucales added.

This year, Agusan, Surigao del Sur municipalities and various provinces in Mindanao have declared the CNTs as persona non-grata making them more irrelevant and their cause useless.

Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, commander of 3SFBn, called on the remaining terrorists to surrender and lay down their arms as the whole nation stands against them.

“With the Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, many people became enlightened with their deceitful tactics making them more cautious and concerned because anyone could be a target and a victim of NPA recruitment, extortion and many other atrocities committed by the CNTs,” LTC Baybayan said.

“Filipinos are peace-loving and if you really fight for the people, hear their cry against you. The people want you out. They want you to stop your crimes and atrocities. The people don’t need you (NPAs) because you are a hindrance to attaining lasting peace in the country,” he added.

Meanwhile, Hands off of Our Children, League of the Parents of Philippines, Citizen Crime Watch at Manila NGO Alliance, Bantay Bayan and other concerned citizens rose up against the CNTs, Communist Party of the Philippines and National Democratic Front, who have caused divisiveness, terror and unrest especially in the conflict-affected areas around the country through mass rallies in Metro Manila. (CMO officer, 3SFBn/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Pangangalaga sa Agusan Marsh, pinaigting pa ng lokal na pamahalaan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 2 (PIA) - Para mas maprotektahan ang Agusan River na pinakamalaking wetlands sa Caraga region, nagpulong ang iba't-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno sa pangunguna ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at ng pribadong sektor para bumuo ng plano na makakatulong sa pagsalba rito mula sa posibleng pagkasira.

Malaking parte ng Agusan River ang Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, na idineklarang protected area sa Agusan del Sur ng dating pangulong Fidel V. Ramos.

Nagsisilbi itong drainage basin na malaking tulong sa mga Agusanon tuwing panahon ng tag-ulan at mula sa pagtama ng bagyo.

Ayon kay Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., mahigpit na pinapatulad ng gobyerno ang Environmental Code sa Agusan Marsh.

Nanawagan din sya sa lahat ng Caraganon na tumulong sa pagpreserba ng mga natural-grown trees na malapit sa  wetlands dahil  ang mga ito ang  nagbibigay-buhay sa Agusan Marsh.

Para naman kay Eugene Taw-on, isang mag-aaral sa Bayugan National Comprehensive High School, mahalaga ang papel ng mga kabataan sa research ng gobyerno at pribadong institusyon maging ang mga hakbang nito para mapanatiling buhay at kapaki-pakinabang ang wetlands ng rehiyon.

Samantala, binigyang-diin ni DENR-Caraga regional director, Atty. Felix Alicer ang kahalagahan ng Agusan River at ang binibigay na benepisyo nito sa mga Caraganon. Isa ito sa mga kilalang tourist spots sa rehiyon.

Sakop ng Agusan Marsh ang mga bayan ng San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Veruela, Loreto, Talacogon At La Paz sa probinsya ng Agusan del Sur. Idineklara rin itong Ramsar Wetland Site noong 1999. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

VAW desk officers nakilahok sa 1st Reg'l Quiz Bowl sa Butuan City

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 2 (PIA) - Sa layong mahasa at lumawak pa ang kaalaman ukol sa gender and development (GAD) at kampanya laban karahasan sa mga kababaihan, isinagawa sa lungsod ng Butuan ang 1st Regional Quiz Bowl for Violence Against Women (VAW) desk officers ng Caraga region.

Ito ay sa pangunguna ng Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (RIACAT-VAWC) na binubuo ng ibat-ibang ahensiya sa rehiyon.

Aktibong nakibahagi ang VAW desk officers mula sa ibat-ibang probinsya ng Caraga.

Isa si Joan Bitos, VAW desk officer ng Barangay Taglatawan, Bayugan City sa mga naghanda para sa nasabing quiz bowl.

Ayon kay Bitos, nais lamang niyang maipakita ang kanyang dedikasyon sa kanyang tungkulin na mapalawak ang kamalayaan ng mga kababayan sa karapatan ng mga kababaihan.

“Isang karangalan ang maglingkod sa bayan at mapagsilbihan ang ating mga kababayan lalo na ng mga kababaihan. Importante talaga na hindi lang magaling magsilbi sa bayan, kundi may alam din at marunong mag-handle ng mga kaso sa sinasakupang komunidad ang kagaya naming VAW desk officers,” sabi ni Bitos.

Para naman kay Lt. Ruth Cullantes, officer-in-charge ng center for women and children protection desk-Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office, malaking tulong ang inisyatibong ito ng gobyerno upang matugunan din ang mga isyu at concern na kinakaharap ng mga kababaihan at mga bata sa bawat komunidad.

“Malaking tulong para sa ating mga VAW desk officers sa bawat barangay na mas mapalawak pa ang kanilang kaalaman at mahasa pa ang kanilang galing sa pagresolba sa mga isyu lalu na sa mga kababaihan. Patuloy naman ang aming koordinasyon sa kanila,” ani ni Cullantes.

Samantala, binigyang-diin din ni Catherine Aranas, social welfare officer at focal person ng RIACAT-VAWC ang kahalagahan ng pagbibigay ng naaayon at nararapat na skills training at capability building nang mas maging epektibo sila sa paganap ng kanilang tungkulin. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)