Friday, January 24, 2020

Caraga RTF-ELCAC reaches out to Bayugan villagers during Peace Caravan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- Thousands of villagers in Mt. Carmel, this city have availed and benefited from the free basic social services from various government agencies during the Peace Caravan conducted by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) Caraga.

With the presence of Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexie Nograles, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) Caraga, the provincial government of Agsuan del Sur led by Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., and local officials in Bayugan City headed by Mayor Kirk Asis, have converged their efforts to meet the objectives for the conduct of Peace Caravan, as well as the host for the scheduled 4th RTF-ELCAC Meeting at the city gymnasium.

Diosdado Cabilogan, 55 years old and a resident in the said barangay, came early morning at the barangay gymnasium of Mt. Carmel to avail of the free medical checkup and medicines from concerned government stakeholders. He expressed his gratitude to the officials of the city government and all the regional and national line agencies for visiting their place and for bringing to them the services they need.

“Despite living in a remote area, away from the metropolis life, the government took extra miles to reach us and bring to us the services we need for free. I’m very thankful that our mayor and barangay officials are really working hard in ensuring our welfare,” said Cabilogan.

Imerald Narra, together with Junde Faith Tacio, and Charlie Verra, all in Grade 8 of Mt. Carmel National High School also participated in the orientation and lectures on the ill effects of illegal drugs, recruitment of the New People’s Army, including the programs and services of the government for the children and youth sectors.

“I’m happy that we’re able to join in this event here in our barangay. We were given seedlings for our backyard gardening and even for our school. My peers have also availed of the free haircut and beauty care services from the government agencies. This is really a fun experience for us,” cited Narra. 

Eager to go home after availing the free consultation/check-up and free vitamins  from the Department of Health (DOH), Dionisa Lariosa, four months pregnant, also received a buntis kit, which she could soon use for her baby.

“This is really a blessing for me and for all of us here in Mt. Carmel. We always feel that the government really cares for us. I hope this kind of activity will continue and even reach other remote areas like us,” shared Lariosa.

Merla Ajan, punong barangay of Mt. Carmel also appreciated the government’s effort and initiative for continuously providing the necessary services in their community.

She also asked the government for a Farm-to-Market Road which will improve their livelihood and a building for their secondary school. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

30 FRs undergo ALS skills training

By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang 

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 24 -- Thirty former rebels (FRs) undergone 10 months Alternative Learning System (ALS) skills training at the headquarters of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Jamboree Site, P-6 Barangay Alubihid in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The activity was made possible through the convergence effort of the Department of Education (DepEd) of Agusan del Norte headed by Dr. Romeo Aprovechar, Schools Division Superintendent of Agusan del Norte and the 23IB headed by Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina, Jr., Commanding Officer.

In his message, Dr. Aprovechar inspires the FRs by citing his experiences in life that bring him to what he is now. He shares that it takes a lot of effort and hard work in order to reach their dreams as long as they do not lose hope, they will surely succeed in life.

Further, he said that education teaches the ability to read and write. It is extremely important for employment and an opportunity to make a decent living. This is due to the skills of a high paying job that Education provides. "Uneducated people are probably at a huge disadvantage when it comes to jobs. It seems that many poor people improve their lives with the help of Education," Aprovechar added.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Molina encouraged the participants to take advantage of the program to be enlightened and equipped for their future. The ALS provides an opportunity for the FRs to develop their knowledge and skills in communication and teaches them the value of education in applying what they've learned when they become reintegrated in mainstream society. (CMO Officer, 23IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

P600-B GRDP for Caraga possible in 10 years, says DTI regional chief

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 24 -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) revealed that Caraga region will reach a targeted P600-billion gross regional domestic product (GRDP) within 10 years if potential productivity of agriculture, forestry, and fishery sectors is maximized.

DTI-Caraga Regional Director Brielgo O. Pagaran said that from its creation, the region started with only P29-billion GRDP in 1994 and reached P100-billion in 2019.

“If we dream of prosperity for all, we should set a target; if you cannot quantify, you cannot target,” Pagaran said.

He also pointed out that with a total land area of more than 2-million hectares, Caraga will yield great productivity potentials through quantifying a macro-development plan.

Pagaran further explained that for agro-industry alone, the 600-thousand hectare agricultural land can generate P60-billion, summing up the P50,000 annual productivity per hectare and the value added pegged at 100 percent.

The region’s top DTI official also sees that the potential of the forestry industry will earn Caraga an estimated P540-billion productivity. This was after considering the region’s capacity to produce bamboo and bay-ang for chopsticks, wood for biomass, and plywood, among others.

An additional P800-million is also expected from the fisheries industry especially through the utilization of mariculture park zones.

Pagaran is hopeful that with the programs of DTI and support from the local government units and regional line agencies, the 28 percent poverty incidence in the region will drop.

In fact, to provide a holistic approach toward agro-agri productivity, DTI Caraga conceptualized and initiated Palm Oil and Agricultural Land Management for Economic Re-integration and Sustainability (PALMERS) which is a development model and framework to develop, expand, rehabilitate and replant palm oil areas.

PALMERS will be the implementing mechanism to the Palm Oil Roadmap for the palm oil industry.

“Palm oil industry is one of the eight national priority industry clusters and it will generate more income and employment opportunities in Caraga,” said Jorge P. Silaga, national palm oil cluster focal person.

Silaga, who is also PALMERS project coordinator, shared that an executive order supported by the Board of Investment Governor Napoleon Concepcion and endorsed by the office of Representative Maria Angelica Matba has been drafted to create the regulatory body for palm oil.

“The said executive order known as the Philippine Palm Oil Development Authority (PPODA) is now at the office of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea for review and comments from involved national agencies,” Silaga added.

Silaga further said that the palm oil industry will help reduce the poverty incidence in the region and in the country basing on the low poverty incidence of Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand which have palm oil as a common denominator of economic development. (DTI-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD-Caraga hits Social Pension 2019 target

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 24 - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga ended 2019 with flying colors as it was able to surpass expectations, especially in hitting its targets for its programs and services for the year.

One of its programs, the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens (SocPen) was able to serve 140,000 senior citizens for 2019 – the set target for the Field Office for the year.

The field office has worked tirelessly to disburse the P840-million allocated budget for the program to the beneficiaries of the said program in 73 local government units in the region. A series of payouts were conducted so that beneficiaries could claim their P3,000 stipend every semester.

A total 29,176 beneficiaries were served in Agusan del Norte province; 35,324 in Agusan del Sur; 10,715 in Dinagat Islands; 30,468 in Surigao del Norte; and 38,091 in Surigao del Sur.

The Social Pension program provides a monthly stipend amounting to P500 to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of indigent senior citizens. This is in line with the fulfillment of the government’s obligation to the most vulnerable sector through social protection, and for the full implementation of Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

“Nagpasalamat ko sa Ginoo nga naay pension para sa mga senior. Makatabang gyud sa kawad-on. Gamiton ko ning akong nadawat para ipalit bugas ug tambal (I thank God that there is such pension for the senior citizens. Indeed, it’s a great help. I will use the pension to buy rice and medicine),” beneficiary Rosenda Mabilog, 76, said after she received her pension in San Jose, Dinagat Islands last year.

Another beneficiary, Fernando Bauso, 74, a resident of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, was more than thankful to the program. “Nagpasalamat kog dako sa DSWD sa akong nadawat…nga di pud ko magsalig sa akong mga anak kay naa napud silay mga pamilya (I’m thankful to DSWD for the pension I got. I will no longer rely on my children as they already have their own families),” Bauso said.

Eligible for the program are senior citizens who are 60 years old and above; frail, sickly or with disability; no pension from government agencies or any other insurance company; no permanent source of income; and no regular support from their family for their basic needs.

Based on the 2015 Census of Population, there are over 7.5 million senior citizens in the country. The number is expected to hit 9.5 million by 2020. DSWD will be ready to cater to their needs, through the different programs and services. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)

AgSur FRs receive cash assistance as part of reintegration program

By 1Lt. Percival Carido

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Jan. 24 – Two former rebels (FRs) have received cash assistance amounting to P5,000.00 each from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on Monday afternoon, January 20, 2020.

The said FRs were identified as Jovelyn L. Tahudan and Robert H. Lipanda, both residents of San Luis, Agusan del Sur. Prior to the said aid, they also received an immediate cash assistance amounting to P25,000.00 each from the local government of San Luis few days after their surrender last October 25, 2019.

The two were just few among the enlightened individuals who finally went back to the mainstream society after being deceived by the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) propaganda and are currently undergoing reintegration program as part of the Enhanced - Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) from  the national government.

They were happy and overjoyed upon receiving the cash benefit. “Dako kaayo akong pasalamat kay tinood gayud ang gisaad kanamu nga kami pagatabangan sa goberno alang sa among pagsugod sa bag-ong kinabuhi nga gawasnon kauban ang among pamilya (I’m thankful because the government has fulfilled its promise to help the former rebels like us, that we could start a new life with our family),” Tahudan said.

The 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army led by its commanding officer Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea, in collaboration with the PSWD officer Razel Montemor, assisted the enrollment of the FRs to the E-CLIP, which will cover their reintegration, livelihood, educational and  housing benefits.

“We are committed to help and assist to the needs of our brothers and sisters who finally returned to the folds of the law and chose to live in harmony together with their families,” Montemor said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jimenea congratulated the two FRs after receiving the said benefits. "Said cash assistance is just an initial prize for your surrender. There will be more benefits that will be given to you to help you all in starting anew through E-CLIP," he said.

The official also called on the remaining members of the NPA to stop causing conflicts in the communities, and surrender to the government. "Our door remains open in accepting you all back to the folds of the law. We are offering you a way out but if you continue to resist, then it will cause your own ruin,” Jimenea added. (CMO officer, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Thursday, January 23, 2020

PRRD’s excellent rating means ‘real change’ felt: Andanar

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos 

EXCELLENT RATING. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte greets some of the guests as he joins the Cebuanos in celebrating the 40th Sinulog Festival at the Cebu City Sports Center Grandstand on Sunday (Jan. 19, 2020). Social Weather Station’s latest survey showed that Duterte’s net satisfaction rating hit a new record high in the fourth quarter of 2019, registering an “excellent” +72. (Presidential photo by Toto Lozano)

MANILA -- The new record-high “excellent” public satisfaction with President Rodrigo Duterte’s performance only proves that Filipinos are impressed with his “legacy of real change,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Wednesday.

Andanar issued the statement, as he welcomed the results of the Social Weather Stations’ December 13 to 16 poll, which showed that Duterte earned a net satisfaction score of “excellent” +72 in the last quarter of 2019.

“The President has consistently enjoyed a high satisfaction rating, even reaching a record-high after the midterm period unlike past administrations,” Andanar said in a press statement.

“This means that the President has the support of the people, for which he is very thankful. But more than that, the people support him because they feel his legacy of real change,” he added.

According to the SWS survey, around 82 percent of adult Filipinos expressed satisfaction with Duterte’s performance, while only 10 percent were dissatisfied and the remaining 8 percent were ambivalent on the matter.

The poll results yielded an “excellent” +72 net satisfaction rating, higher than seven points from September 2019’s “very good” +65.

The PCOO chief was elated that there was also an increase in satisfaction with the President's performance across all geographic areas, as well as among all age groups, both men and women, and in urban and rural areas.

Andanar assured the public that Duterte, with the help of his administration, would continue to take initiatives aimed at improving the lives of all Filipinos.

“President Duterte has been reliable and as good as his word in responding to the needs of Filipinos, with his service and concern being felt by all,” he said.

“With clear vision and goals, this administration continues to undertake necessary reforms and implement programs that benefit the country and every Filipino,” Andanar added.

Andanar also welcomed the SWS survey results which revealed that 52 percent of adult Filipinos are expecting the President to fulfill “all or nearly all/most of his promises.”

On Friday, the PCOO launched the “Duterte Legacy” campaign, which showcases the three key pillars of the President’s legacy -- peace and order, infrastructure and development, and poverty alleviation.

The government’s efforts lifted around 5.9 million out of poverty, according to the PCOO infographic.

Andanar guaranteed that the current administration’s programs and policies on poverty would still be pursued to address the basic and immediate needs of the people.

He also said that Duterte’s “no compromise stance” on the alleged onerous deals with water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad stays.

He added that the anti-illegal drugs campaign launched by Duterte since he assumed the presidency in 2016 would remain relentless.

Such reforms, he said, are meant to fulfill the President’s vow to give Filipinos a “comfortable life.”

“It is with steadfast commitment that this administration will continue to undertake the necessary programs and services in order to provide a comfortable life for all, as a fulfillment of his promises, as a testament to the ‘Duterte Legacy,’” Andanar said. (PNA)

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

DOH Caraga to strengthen measures vs polio

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- With the recent launching of the second round of the "Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio" on January 20, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga vowed to reach the 95 percent target coverage in the region through its intensified measures.

Apart from the house-to-house vaccination, the agency has situated health workers in strategic checkpoints all over Caraga to vaccinate children below five years old. The health agency has also encouraged the cooperation of more medical practitioners, especially pediatricians, to provide vaccination to their clients belonging to target age group.

According to DOH Caraga Assistant Regional Director Dr. Rodolfo M. Alboronz, it is important for the health agency in the country to achieve the given target coverage to ensure prevention and control of future cases of polio.

“The goal here is to leave no child unvaccinated,” he affirmed.

Previous accomplishment of DOH Caraga shows that the region has attained a 94 percent coverage. Among the provinces, Agusan del Norte has achieved the highest number of vaccinated children with over 99 percent covered. Meanwhile, Tandang City in Surigao del Sur has achieved a whopping 100 percent while the rest of the cities in Caraga completed the 95 percent target coverage. (PIA-Caraga)

Slain IP leader's son cries for justice

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 22 (PIA) - The family of Datu Bontula Tinaghao Mansinugdan, an Indigenous People (IP) leader in a village in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, welcomed the new year with grief as they learned the killing of their family member by the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Datu Bontula was found dead near the Kinabonglohan Creek, Barangay Kinamaybay, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur on January 1 after he was shot dead by the terrorist CPP-NPA.

At his young age, Gali – not his real name, an 11-year old son of Datu Bontula, accompanied by their punong barangay asked for help from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the national government and pleaded for justice to be served for the untimely death of his father.

Gali could not accept and understand until this time as to why the CPP-NPA inhumanely killed his father. He was with Datu Bontula on December 31, 2019, when the terrorist group had forcibly tied his father and abducted them.

He was also saddened to recall that one of the NPA members who called his father "bayaw" or brother-in-law did not help them.

While Gali was recounting the details to the media, he also stressed that he would never forget how his father suffered from the hands of the NPA, and he would fulfill his dream to become a soldier when he grows up, so he could protect his tribe.

Meanwhile, NCIP Caraga Regional Director Ferdausi Saniel Cerna said that the Commission and other concerned agencies will give the needed assistance to the bereaved family of Datu Bontula.

“We will be giving assistance to the family of Datu Bontula and we will help their adoptive family so they could cope with life,” cited Dir. Cerna.

Datu Manligonan “Larry” Mansinugdan, punong barangay of Kinamaybay also asked for government’s intervention particularly in addressing the security needs of the IPs in their respective communities, with the hope to curb the insurgency problem in the region.

“I hope the government could also place a patrol base for us to be secured in our community,” said Datu Manligonan. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Slain IP leaders in Caraga reached 15

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 22 (PIA) - Due to the relentless violence and abuses of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the Caraga region, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) bared that some 15 Indigenous People leaders were already killed and left their families in grief.

According to NCIP Caraga Regional Director Ferdausi Saniel Cerna, the Commission has condemned at the highest level the ruthless acts of the terrorist CPP-NPA and the killing of IPs and their tribal leaders in the region.

He stressed that the withdrawal of support and the cutting of ties with the terrorist CPP-NPA by the IPs have caused the surge of attack and killing of the tribal leaders.

“In Caraga alone, I think more or less 15 tribal leaders were slain by the terrorist group because the IPs no longer give any form of support to the group,” cited Cerna.

Since the start of the implementation of Executive Order 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte, the IPs have shown higher trust and confidence to the government and have become more active in participating in the efforts towards addressing the insurgency problem.

The official added that the IPs are naturally peace-loving people, who just want to live a harmonious life in their respective communities.

With the help of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the NCIP director hopes that a patrol base or army detachment will be established in every IP community that is affected by the insurgency, in order to protect them from the violence and abuses caused by the CPP-NPA.

“For me, I believe establishing a patrol base or army detachment in the area would really aid in securing the safety IP community,” added Cerna.

Datu Jumar Bucales, Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga, Surigao del Sur, who was once ambushed by the terrorist group and survived from the incident, also asked the government for protection. He expressed with high hope for more IPs to avail and benefit from the programs and services of the government.

"We asked the government to continue to help the IPs, especially in their safety and security. We also hope that whatever would be beneficial to the community would really be given to them,” said Bucales. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DA to provide livelihood to CAFGUs in SurSur

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- Aimed to uplift the lives of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU)- Active Auxiliary (CAA) members, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Region in partnership with the 75th Infantry Battalion (75IB), Philippine Army has strengthen its support to the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and CAAs by providing livelihood assistance.

According to Captain Edwin Leo Francisco, 75IB Civil-Military Operations (CMO) officer, the livelihood program is under the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) implemented by the DA. This program is funded by the DA’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) as part of the government’s effort of empowering the IPs to alleviate their lives from poverty.

The 4Ks project implementation is one of the directives of President Duterte’s administration through the provision of assistance in the form of agriculture and fisheries-related livelihood opportunities intended for IPs, it was learned.

“This is another milestone for the 75th IB since the CAAs of the unit will be first to avail of the 4Ks program throughout the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division,” said Captain Francisco.

This project will certainly elevate the lives of the CAAs who only received subsistence allowance which is not enough to sustain the needs of their respective families, Captain Francisco added.

Meanwhile, 75IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Warren Munda expressed his gratitude to the DA-Caraga for the opportunity that could benefit the 554 CAA members under his command.

“This project will have a great impact on the welfare and progress of our CAAs under the 75IB. This simply shows that the government is indeed pushing forward their services to make it closer to our CAAs,” Lt. Col. Munda said.  (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

POPCOM partners with pharma for FP service delivery

By Angelita B. Antonio

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Jan. 22 -- The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga in partnership with DKT Philippines is set to conduct three Family Planning (FP) service delivery activities in select health facilities in the region this month, providing free bilateral tubal ligation (BTL), non-scalpel vasectomy (NSV), and progestin subdermal implant (PSI) for qualified individuals.

The three-round service delivery starts at Cabadbaran District Hospital (Cabadbaran City) on January 20; followed by Surigao del Norte Provincial Hospital (Placer, Surigao del Norte) on January 21; and Bunawan District Hospital (Bunawan, Agusan del Sur) on January 23.

Both BTL and NSV are permanent modern family planning methods. BTL (for women) is a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are permanently blocked or removed while NSV (for men) involves cutting and tying the vas deferens to prevent the sperm from entering the urethra, thereby preventing fertilization. PSI, on the other hand, is a long-acting method that uses a matchstick-sized rod that contains the hormone progestin inserted in the left arm of women to prevent impregnation up to three years.

POPCOM and DKT will grant material and financial support to the successful clients of the said FP services.

POPCOM encourages all qualified individuals to avail of the free service, especially those who are situated near the aforementioned facilities. Interested individuals may visit their local health units and signify their interest to the family planning (FP) coordinator. The FP coordinators will administer the pre-counseling and the consent form before finally referring the client to the procedure.

These activities form part of the intensified implementation of the National Program on Population and Family Planning (NPPFP), as one of the strategies in attaining and sustaining zero unmet need for modern family planning. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

SurSur IP reveals CNTs’ plan to harass military, civilians

By Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan 22 -- A concerned Indigenous People (IP) member in Diatagon, Lianga, revealed on January 21, the plans of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists (CNTs) to harass the Community Support Teams of the 9th Special Forces “Hounds” Company and the IP community in Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9), Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

Alias Uway (who requested anonymity for security reasons) said that before the lifting of ceasefire from January 3 to 6, the leaders, and members of the Weakened Guerilla Front 19 (WGF19) and Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa mga Sumusunod (MAPASU), a militant and an alleged CNT-affiliated group conducted a meeting in Sitio Panukmuan, a far-flung sitio of Diatagon. Accordingly, they plan to harass the government troops in Kilometer 9 despite the presence of innocent civilians. Alia Uway said, he overheard the meeting since he was invited by a friend, who was also a MAPASU member.

“Nagplano ang MAPASU na irequest sa armado nga harason ang komunidad sa Kilometer 9 para magbakwit ang mga tao (MAPASU plans to request the armed group to harass the community of Kilometer 9 so that the people will evacuate). Nireport ko agad kasi may pamilya ako sa Kilometer 9,” Alias Uway said.

The 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn), on the other hand, is still validating the veracity of the information and this will not be taken lightly as this involves innocent civilians who are now working hard to attain lasting peace in the sitio through the various government programs and delivery of basic services.

Lt. Colonel Joey Baybayan, 3SFBn Commanding Officer, said that this might be the desperate move of the CNTs to hamper the development in the area and once again trigger IPs’ displacement, then falsely accuse and demonize the military on the harassment.

“They are trying to preempt the peace in the sitio because they are now on the losing end. Survival mode na sila at hirap na sila makagalaw dahil sa Whole-Of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Gusto nila guluhin ang sitio para matakot uli ang mga tao, then, magbakwit nanaman para magkaroon ng rason to remove military presence in the community,” LTC Baybayan said.

"Whatever happens, we will not leave the area as ordered by our Commander-in-Chief and until the objectives of the Surigao del Sur Task Force to end Insurgency are attained,” he added.

The 3SFBn official, further, said that in fairness to the group, they will continue to reach out to the MAPASU leadership for dialogues and hear their side since this is, by far, still an allegation and they cannot just accuse anyone.

“If there will be no harassments, well and good. If the allegation will materialize, then we already have a lead and suspects and this would only mean that the report against the alleged meeting and plot of MAPASU and the Communist NPA Terrorists to harass the Community Support Teams and the community is true and criminal charges will be filed against them as we have a witness,” said Colonel Allan Hambala, 401st Brigade Commander.

“If they will harass the community, mas magagalit ang mga tao sa kanila because the terroristic act will definitely be condemned by the peace-loving IPs in the sitio,” Colonel Hambala added. (3SFBn/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Army offensive vs NPA resumes in AgNor

By 1Lt Miguel O Borromeo

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Jan. 22 -- Troops of the 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion resumed their offensive against the Communist New People's Army terrorists (CNTs) as they clashed with them again on January 16, 2020, in an uninhabited area of Maribuhok, Brgy. Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.

While on a combat operation, the 29IB troopers encountered more or less 10 CNTs believed to be members of Sentro De Grabidad (SDG) 16, Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 16 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC) under alias Weng.

The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes; the troops continued to pursue the enemy but they hastily scampered in different directions leaving some of their valuable war materials such as one anti-personnel mine, two 40mm ammunition for M203 Grenade Launcher, 10 ponchos (raincoats), food supplies, other personal belongings, and subversive documents.

There was no casualty among the troops while there was an undetermined number of casualties on the side of the terrorists as indicated by bloodstains along their routes of withdrawal.

Such a positive encounter is a result of the civilians' cooperation with the Army to end the conflict in their area. It can also be recalled that Brgy. Bangayan of Kitcharao is one with the government in ending insurgency as they have declared CNTs as Persona Non-Grata (PNG) in their community through resolution No. 08 dated May 7, 2019, as well as the creation of their Barangay Task Force- ELCAC through resolution no. 01 on October 27, 2019.

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB, was grateful for the information provided by the residents about the whereabouts of the CNTs. "This only proves that the residents are now ready to embrace change and peace in their area. This is evidence that you are now willing to 'walk the talk' which you have made as you signed the resolutions on PNG and BTF-ELCAC," he said.

"I know that the peace which we are all longing for is near at hand; we just need to believe so and do all we can to achieve it. Your Matatag troopers are always here to support and help you achieve the peace and development which you are all hoping for. We just need your continuous support and trust. In return, we promise to do our part," Criste added. (CMO Officer, 29IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

DPWH Caraga puspusan ang road projects para sa mabilis na byahe

By Nora C. Lanuza

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 22 (PIA) -- Patuloy ang ginagawang road construction project ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga para sa mga kalsadang makakatulong para mapabilis ang biyahe sa iba’t ibang lugar ng Caraga region gayundin sa ibang lugar ng Mindanao.

Kabilang dito ang construction ng Agusan-Malaybalay road na nagkakahalaga ng P1.1 at nasa 77.62 percent sa buwan ng Disyembre noong nakaraang taon.

Sinimulan ang construction nito taong 2015 at inaasahang makakatulong ng maraming mamamayan.

Malaki ang pasasalamat ng mga residente ng Esperanza, Agusan del Sur sa ginagawang Agusan-Malaybalay road. Anila, bagamat hindi pa ito tuluyang natatapos, nakatulong na ito para mapadali ang pagdadala nila ng kanilang mga produkto sa merkado.

Naging emosyunal naman si Rosie Echinique habang nagpapasalamat sa gobyerno partikular na sa  DPWH dahil sa halos 30 taon na siya ay nakatira sa lugar, ngayon lang niya naranasan ang magkaroon ng magandang daan.

Ayon kay DPWH Caraga Regional Director Pol delos Santos, kabilang din ang Buenavista-Lawan lawan-boundary Bukidnon road sa mga inaasahang malapit ng matapos.

Samantala, dahil sa sunod-sunod na naranasang lindol sa iba’t ibang parte ng Mindanao, binigyang diin din ni director delos Santos ang patuloy na pag-iinspeksyon ng ahensya sa mga imprastraktura ng rehiyon at kabilang na ang Magsaysay bridge ng Butuan City na binuksan sa publiko noong Mayo 19, 1953. Ayon kay delos Santos nasa maayos pa na kondisyon ang tulay at walang pinsalang natamo sa sunod-sunod na lindol na naranasan sa Mindanao. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)

Pinaslang na IP leaders sa Caraga umabot na sa 15

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 22 (PIA) - Nasa mahigit kumulang 15 Indigenous People-leaders na ang binawian ng buhay dahil sa karahasang dulot ng Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) sa rehiyon ng Caraga.

Ayon kay Direktor Ferdausi Saniel Cerna ng National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga, lubos na kinokondena ng komisyon ang pagpatay ng rebeldeng grupo sa mga IPs at tribal leaders.

Napag-alaman na ito ay sa kadahilang ayaw nang magbigay suporta ng IPs kaya sila ay inaatake at pinapatay ng grupo.

“Sa Caraga, siguro nasa mahigit-kumulang 15 na yata ang napatay, puro IP leaders. Sa kadahilanan na ayaw na ng mga IPs na sumapi doon sa kabila na kilosan. Kaya po sila tinaguriang demonyo ng kabila kaya po sila pinatay,” ani ni Cerna.

Sinabi din ni Dir. Cerna na magmula nang masimulan ang implementasyon ng Executive Order 70 ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, ay mas lumakas pa ang tiwala at mas naging aktibo pa ang mga ips sa ginagawang hakbang ng gobyerno upang labanan ang insurgency.

Dagdag pa ng opisyal, ang mga IPs ay likas na mapagmahal at ayaw ng gulo dahil nais lamang nilang mamuhay nang matiwasay sa kanilang komunidad.

Hiling ng opisyal na sa tulong na rin ng National Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) ay malagyan ng patrol base o army detachment sa mga IP communities na apektado ng insurgency. Ito ay upang mas maprotektahan ang mga IPs mula sa karahasan at pang-aabusong dulot ng CPP-NPA.

“Mas maganda po talaga na magkaroon po ng patrol base o detachment at nang sa ganun po ay meron silang matatakbuhan sa oras na kakailangin nila ng tulong at maprotektahan ang mga buhay nila. Kasi nga nasa malayo po yung mga IPs natin,” sabi ni Cerna.

Sang-ayon din dito si Datu Jumar Bucales, Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) sa Lianga, Surigao del Sur, na minsang na ring na-ambush at nakaligtas sa karahasan ng CPP-NPA. Hiniling din niya ang proteksyon at mapagpatuloy pa ang programa at serbisyo ng pamahalaan sa mga komunidad ng rehiyon.

"Nais naming masiguro talaga ang proteksiyon ng IPs at kung ano man ang makabubuti para sa sektor ay sana maibigay ng gobyerno,” banggit ni Bucales. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DOH Caraga papaigtingin ang kampanya kontra polio

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 22 (PIA) -- Sa paglunsad ng pangalawang round ng Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio noong Enero 20, mas papaigtingan pa ng Department of Health (DOH) Caraga ang pagpapabakuna kontra polio upang makamit ang 95 porsyento target coverage.

Bukod sa house-to-house na pagbabakuna, nagdestino din ang ahensya ng mga health workers sa mga checkpoints sa iba’t-ibang lugar sa rehiyon upang bakuhahan ang mga batang may edad limang anyos pababa. Nakipag-ugnayan din ang ahensya sa mga health practitioners, lalo na sa mga pediatricians, upang hikayatin ang kanilang mga pasyenteng kabilang sa target age group na magpabakuna.

Binigyang-diin ng Assistant Regional Director ng DOH Caraga na si Dr. Rodolfo M. Alboronz ang kahalagahan ng pagkamit ng nasabing target coverage kung saan magiging mas madali nang maagapan ang pagkalap ng polio sa bansa.

“Ang pangunahing layunin ng ahensya ay ang mapabakunahan ang bawat bata sa bansa,” dagdag niya.

Ayon sa datos ng ahensya sa naunang round ng pagbabakuna, nakamit ng rehiyon ang 94 porsyento na coverage. Sa lahat ng probinsya sa Caraga, nakamit ng Agusan del Norte ang pinakamataas na coverage na 99 porsyento samantalang nakamit naman ng lungsod ng Tandag sa Surigao del Sur ang 100 porsyento na coverage habang ang natitirang lungsod sa Caraga ay nakamit ang 95 porsyento na coverage. (PIA-Caraga)