With or without martial law, Army to intensify
security measures in Caraga
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA) - The
Philippine Army assures the public that they are heightening security measures
in the Caraga region despite the lifting of the martial law in Mindanao.
This was reiterated by Brigadier
General Maurito Licudine, commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army,
as he stressed the directive of President Rodrigo Dutere on the implementation
of the Executive Order 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local
communist armed conflict.
He said, there has been a
significant number of former rebels who brought along their high-powered
firearms as they voluntarily surrendered to the authorities. These former
rebels have chosen to live a normal and peaceful life with their families and
availed of the assistance from the government for a decent livelihood.
“With or without Martial Law, we
can manage. We are intensifying our security measures to preempt any lawless
elements from causing any danger to the populace,” cited Licudine.
The official added that Caraga, as
well as other regions in Mindanao would become more progressive if peace and
order is sustained, and the safety and security of the local populace are
ensured. More investments would also come in for Caraganons.
Col. Allan Hambala, commander of
401st Infantry Brigade, also revealed that former rebels have already availed
and benefitted from the different programs and services of various government
agencies, aside from the financial assistance that they would receive by the
time of their surrender through the Enhanced – Comprehensive Livelihood
Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The troops also continue to pursue
the other members of the New People’s Army who are causing violence and abuses
to various sectors particularly the indigenous peoples.
Meanwhile, it can be recalled that
Butuan Bishop Most Reverend Cosme Damian Almedilla has also expressed his
support to the implementation of the Martial Law in Mindanao. He emphasized
that martial law has brought more developments in the region, as it helped in
maintaining peace and order in the different areas of the region.
(JPG/PIA-Caraga)
This will be made effective
through the directive of Police Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel, Jr.,
Police Regional Office 13 Director, to lower units to step-up conduct of
Special Police Operation such as checkpoint in different areas of the region,
the conduct of which is part of crime prevention activities of PNP Caraga.
PNP Caraga to intensify operations despite lifting of martial law
BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 -- The
Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga vows to strengthen police operations
even after the lifting of the martial law in Mindanao last December 31, 2019.
Data from the Regional
Investigation and Detection Management Division (RIDMD) 13 shows that PNP
Caraga recorded a crime volume of 14,331 for 2015; 10,029 for 2016 and 3,491
for January 1 to May 22, 2017, having a total of 27, 851. While for the period
May 23, 2017, to December 31, 2017 crime volume recorded was 5,650; 9,348 for
2018 and 9,555 for 2019 yielding a total of 24,553.
“PNP Caraga will continue to
improve our crime prevention activities to suppress all forms of lawless
violence despite the expiration of martial law. Caraganons will live in a
peaceful region where progress continues through the help and active support of
the community,” said Esquivel.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017, after the Islamic State of
Iraq and Syria (ISlS)-inspired Maute terrorist group attacked Marawi City,
Lanao del Sur. (DMRosales/PNP13/PIA-Caraga)
Lianga Bay in SurSur positive for shellfish
poisoning; other areas in Caraga remain red-tide free
By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA) -- The
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has identified Lianga Bay in
Surigao del Sur, as one of the seven areas all over the country, positive for
paralytic shellfish poison that exceeded their regulatory limit.
This was after the death of a
couple on November 27 who consumed uncooked shellfish, which was a popular dish
in the Lianga Bay.
A sample collected from the area resulted to a 130.34-417.32 ΞΌgSTXeq/100g (microgram of saxitoxin equivalent per 100 grams) of shellfish meat which exceeds the regulatory limit of 60 ΞΌgSTXeq/100g of shellfish meat.
The other six areas positive for
paralytic shellfish poison the BFAR has identified are: Bataan coastal waters
(Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Hermosa, Orani, Abucay, and Samal);
Puerto Princesa Bay in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Dauis and Tagbilaran City
coastal waters; Western Samar – Irong-irong, San Pedro and Silanga Bays;
Eastern Samar – Matarinao Bay; Leyte – Cancabo Bay, Tacloban City.
Meanwhile, Hinatuan and Bislig
Bays in the province of Surigao del Sur continue to be free from the toxic red
tides as well as the following areas: Coastal waters of Cavite, Las PiΓ±as,
ParaΓ±aque, Navotas, and Bulacan in Manila Bay; Bolinao, Anda, Alaminos, Sual
and Wawa, Bani in Pangasinan; Pampanga; Milagros, Mandaon, and Placer in
Masbate; Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay in Palawan; Gigantes Islands in Iloilo;
Pilar, Panay, President Roxas, and Roxas City in Capiz; E.B. Magalona, Talisay
City Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, and Victorias City in Negros
Occidental; Daram Island, Cambatutay, Maqueda, and Villareal Bays in Western
Samar; Leyte, Calubian, Carigara, and San Pedro Bays in Leyte; Biliran
Province; Santa Maria in Davao Occidental; Juag Lagoon, Matnog and Sorsogon Bay
in Sorsogon; Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa City; Sapian Bay (Ivisan and Sapian
in Capiz; Mambuquiao and Camanci, Batan in Aklan); Altavas, Batan and New
Washington in Batan Bay, Aklan; Tambobo and Siit Bays, Siaton and Bais Bay,
Bais City in Negros Oriental; Dumaquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Taguines
Lagoon, Benoni, Mahinog in Camiguin Island; Balite and Pujada Bays, Mati in
Davao Oriental.
According to the data released by
the agency on December 27, 2019, all types of shellfish and species related to
the Acetes sp., local name “alamang”, are declared not safe for human
consumption. Toxins present in the said species cannot be removed as the
organisms releasing the toxins are heat-stable and cannot be disintegrated by
any means, even when subjected to cryogenic temperatures.
However, fish, squids, and crabs
are considered safe provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, with
the internal organs removed prior to cooking.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
(PSP) is one of the most common shellfish poisoning syndromes in the country
caused by the high concentration of algae in bodies of water known as red tide.
This gives discoloration to the shellfish, ranging from yellow, brown, green,
blue, or milky, depending on the organisms present.
Symptoms of shellfish poisoning
are tingling sensation in the lips and tongue, which typically spreads to the
face, neck, fingertips, and toes within 30 minutes, proceeded by headache,
dizziness, and nausea.
Severe cases include muscular
paralysis and respiratory difficulty within five to 12 hours. Deaths caused by
respiratory paralysis from the poisoning have also been reported.
(BFAR/PIA-Caraga)
CNT member surrenders to Caraga PNP on New Year
BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 -- Another
active member of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army
terrorist (CNT) group has withdrawn from terrorism by surrendering to the
Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga on January 1.
Jose Capilitan Rivero, Jr, a
20-year-old resident of Purok-2, Barangay Upper Patag, Sison, Surigao del Norte,
was a member of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG), Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 16,
North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) known with aliases “Ka
Diesel” and “Ka Ichigo” surrendered and turned-over a hand-grenade to the Sison
Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office
after three years of being an active member of the CNT group.
Police Brigadier General Joselito
TEsquivel, Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Director, further disclosed
that a former member of the CNT group, a certain Discoro Tumboc, Jr. alias “Ka
Judy” who surrendered to Sison MPS last September 29, 2019, convinced him to
surrender to the government and start anew as a law-abiding civilian.
Upon further investigation, it was
discovered that Rivero, Jr. became a CNT member when he was just 17 years old
after having been convinced with their propaganda and false promises. As it
bore no substantial changes to his life, he decided to change paths and
renounce terrorism.
Caraga police view such incident as
an example for remaining members of terrorist groups to reflect on and follow.
The government has promised to provide support upon their surrender through the
Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which will help them
establish their lives as functional members of society.
(DMRosales/PNP13/PIA-Caraga)
Young NPA vice leader surrenders to AgSur police
BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 -- The vice
squad leader of the Sandatahang Yunit Pangpropaganda of the Guerilla Front 19,
Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army (NPA)
surrendered recently to the Agusan del Sur Police in their provincial office in
Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
The 20-year-old squad leader,
identified as alias “BL” from Brgy. Los Arcos, Prosperidad, has now vowed to
renounce terrorism as he yields his Norinco caliber .45 pistol and disclosed
some of the personal details of his three-year service to the NPA.
He cited the hardships he has
encountered in the armed struggle along with the persistent counterinsurgency
drive of both the military and police forces in the region as his motivators to
act on his decision to surrender.
The Philippine National Police
(PNP) Caraga was in full support of his decision and promised to assist him in
creating a new life as a law-abiding civilian. As such, he will be granted
access to livelihood programs such as the Enhanced Local Integration Program
(E-CLIP), firearm remuneration, and immediate cash assistance.
Brigadier General Joselito T.
Esquivel, Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Regional Director, commended the
now-former rebel's decision and assured him that he had made the right
decision. The police official also urged remaining active members of the
terrorist groups to abandon terrorist ideologies which will serve as their
contribution to the on-going peace development in the country.
(DMRosales/PNP13/PIA-Caraga)
AgNor town leads indignation rally vs
CPP-NPA-NDF
By Arvin Reyes Silvosa
“There’s no place for terrorism
and communism in Magallanes. Sama-sama nating labanan ang terorismo sa
pamamagitan nang pakikipagtulungan sa awtoridad at Gobyerno,” said PLt. Tejanne
Q. Zarzoso, OIC Chief of Police of the Magallanes Municipal Police Station
(MMPS) during the indignation rally conducted at the People’s Park, on the same
day the Communist Party of the Philippines celebrated its 51st founding
anniversary.
“We, the people of Magallanes have
spoken. We want peace as we believe there can only be development if there is
peace,” said Mayor Cesar “Bubu” Cumba, Jr., in his message of support for the
Whole Of Nation Approach as he condemned the evil ways of the CNN which
hampered the development of the town from decades ago.
Among the activities during the
indignation rally include the following:
- Motorcade / Caravan during the
Indignation Rally while showcasing Placards/Tarpaulins re: NO TO CPP/NPA/NDF;
- Messages on expression of
support and indignation by the local officials, national agencies, former
rebel, and barangay officials;
- Reading of the
Municipal Resolution Declaring the CNN and all its legal fronts as Persona
Non-Grata in the Municipality of Magallanes by Sangguniang Bayan Member James
dela Fuerta, as based on the consolidated Barangay Resolutions of all barangays
of Magallanes approved during the barangay assemblies;
- Video presentations
depicting the lies and evils of the CNN; and
- Burning of Joma Sison
Effigies/NPA Flag during CPP/NPA/NDF Indignation Rally Leaflets distribution
re: NO TO CPP/NPA/NDF during CPP/NPA/NDF indignation rally.
Cpl Jovanne Elleso, of the 29IB
Philippine Army, said that the CNN continues to thrive on three kinds of
support from the people: (1) financial; (2) material; (3) moral. He further
explained that in order for the terrorists to cease to exist, this support must
be stopped, for the government cannot end the communist insurgency problem
alone without the active participation of its partners from the different
sectors.
The said rally is a nationwide
protest against violence, terrorism, and all forms of atrocities. Said
undertaking is also in line with the implementation of President Rodrigo
Duterte's Executive Order No. 70 on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict
(ELCAC) as part of the Whole Of Nation Approach (WONA). (DILG Magallanes, Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Caraganons closely observe the promulgation of
judgment on Maguindanao massacre case
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA) - The
Caraganons fixed their attention in witnessing the promulgation of judgment on
the Maguindanao massacre case via live telecast.
Alexander Lopez, bureau chief of
the Philippine News Agency based in Caraga region and formerly assigned in
Cotabato was one of those who closely monitored the verdict against the
accused.
He said, despite the hard wait for
the decision of the jury, he still feels happy that the court has finally
released the judgment against the accused individuals who are responsible for
the detestable crime that they committed.
Lopez further revealed that one of
the victims was his former colleague and he was disappointed with his untimely
death especially that the victim was just doing his job as a media
practitioner.
“I feel relieved that finally the
verdict against the suspects was released, though we waited for a long time,
yet I’m happy that justice was served to the victims,” cited Lopez.
Ramil Bangues, president of the
Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City
Chapter, also expressed his joy on the verdict specified by the Regional Trial
Court against the responsible individuals, particularly the influential family
of the Ampatuan.
“This only shows that the justice
system in the country is working and justice for our co-journalists who were
killed were served to them,” bared Bangues.
Meanwhile, Dina Torrepalma, a
resident of Barangay Doongan, Butuan City, conveyed her hope that the other
suspects of the Maguindanao massacre who are still at large would now surrender
and face the consequences of the crime they committed.
“I hope that those other eighty
suspects would surrender and face the consequence of what they have done, so
justice be served to the victims,” said Torrepalma. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Caraganons nakinabang sa libreng wifi ng
gobyerno
By Nora C. Lanuza
LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 6 (PIA)
-- Libo-libong Caraganons ang nakikinabang ngayon sa free wifi sites na hatid
ng Free Wifi For All Project ng Department of Information and Communications
Technology o DICT sa Caraga region.
Ayon pa sa DICT, sa taong 2019,
may 105 free wifi sites na ang na-install nila at patuloy pa itong dadami dahil
patuloy pa rin ang kanilang proyektong mabigyan ng libreng connection ang
publiko.
Nasa 84 na sites na ang ang
na-installan ng libreng wifi sa lungsod ng Butuanat iba pang mga bayan ng
Agusan del Norte; apat sa Agusan del Sur; 13 sa Surigao del Norte; at apat din
sa Surigao del Sur.
Masaya din si Abril Romano, isang
Cabadaranon at miyembro ng Agusan del Norte Emergency Response Team sa libreng
wifi ng gobyerno dahil malaki ang tulong nito sa kanila, lalo na sa pagbibigay
ng impormasyon sa panahon ng kalamidad.
Ayon naman kay Direktor Evamay
Dela Rosa ng DICT Mindanao Cluster 2, sa kabuoang target ng ahensya, ang Agusan
del Norte ay magkakaroon ng 212 free wifi services.
Ayon naman kay Engr.
Lawrence Salang ang provincial officer ng DICT Agusan del Norte tinututukan rin
nila sa pagkakabit ng wifi services ang Siargao island at Dinagat islands sa
taong ito.
Upang mas lalo pang mapakinabangan
ang proyektong ito ng Gobyerno, pinaalalahanan din ni Agusan del Norte governor
Dale Corvera ang mga nakikinabang nito na dapat gamitin ang free wifi sa
mabuting paraan at pangalagahan ito ng maayos. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)
Caraganon
sinubaybayan ang pagbaba ng hatol sa mga sangkot ng Maguindanao massacre case
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 6 (PIA) -
Seryusong sinubaybayan sa telebisyon ng mga Caraganon ang pagbaba ng hatol sa
mga sangkot ng Maguindanao massacre case. Isa na dito si Alexander Lopez,
bureau chief ng Philippine News Agency – Caraga region, na dating nakadestino
sa Cotabato.
Ayon kay Lopez, mabagal man ang
naging takbo ng hustisya, ngunit masaya siya at mananagot na ang mga akusado sa
nangyaring karumal-dumal na krimen.
Kwento pa niya, ang isa sa mga
media practitioners na nadamay sa insidente ay dati niyang kasamahan at lubos
nilang ikinalungkot ang sinapit nito lalot ginagawa lamang niya ang kanyang
tungkulin bilang isang mamamahayag.
“Bagamat matagala na panahon din
an gating hinintay, sa wakas ay nailabas na rin ang hatol para sa mga suspek at
nakamit din ang hustisya ng mga biktima. Nakakalungkot man balikan ang mga
pangyayari, subalit masaya ako at naibigay na rin ang hustisya sa kanila,”
banggit ni Lopez.
Lubos naman ang galak ni
Ramil Bangues, presidente ng Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP)
Agusan del Note-Butuan City Chapter sa naging hatol ng Regional Trial Court
lalu na sa maimpluwensyang pamilya ng mga Ampatuan.
“Nagpapatunay ito na gumugulong
talaga ang hustisya sa Pilipinas. Nakamit na rin ng ating mga kasamang
journalists na napatay ang hustisya para sa kanila,” sabi ni Bangues.
Samantala, umaasa rin si Dina
Torrepalma ng Barangay Doongan, na mahuhuli na rin ang iba pang suspek na
hanggang sa ngayon ay at large pa rin at makasuhan na rin ng korte.
“Umaasa ako n asana ay sumuko na
ron ang iba pang mga salarin at harapin ang kanilang pagkakasala sa batas,” ani
ni Torrepalma. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
