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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A former barangay official was executed by beheading by alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the nearby province of Basilan, a top police official said Monday.

Senior Supt. Nickson Muksan, Basilan police director, identified the victim as Hadji Najer Bohong, 58, former barangay chair of Mahatalang, Sumisip town.

Muksan disclosed that the decapitated cadaver of Bohong was found by his relatives at around 10 a.m. Sunday in Sitio Upper Bato Lareg, Barangay Mahatalang.

He said investigation showed the victim went to Sitio Upper Bato Lareg on Saturday purposely to pick up Yakal round timber to be used in his house.

But he said that investigation further showed the followers of ASG sub-leader Furuji Indama seized the victim who was reported missing since then.

He said the relatives took the victim's decapitated remains to Sitio Matias, Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip where they buried him at around 5 p.m. Sunday.

The victim's head is still missing. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The City Council, in a special session on Thursday, has approved a resolution declaring Zamboanga City under the state of calamity.

Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde said the resolution was approved on recommendation of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) as this city has been experiencing inclement weather condition the past five days triggering flashfloods in several areas.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) reported that 3,666 families with 18,330 individuals were displaced by flash flood that inundated 17 of this city's 98 barangays.

This city has been experiencing heavy downpour coupled with strong winds since Sunday brought about by inclement weather condition triggered by intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and with the entry of Typhoon Paolo into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Personnel of the CSWDO have provided assistance and distributed relief goods to the families displaced by the flashflood.

The CSWDO established community kitchens to cater to the food needs of the displaced families staying in evacuation centers.

The CSWDO said that 158 houses were totally destroyed while 327 partially damaged.

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief, said that seven people have perished.

Of the seven, Apolinario said four of them drowned; one electrocuted; and, two died when a fig (balete) tree crashed on a semi-concrete house.

The City Engineer's Office reported that PhP15 million to PhP20 million infrastructures consisting of slope protection, shoreline protection and bridges have been destroyed.

The Office of the City Agriculturist reported that PhP45.7 million worth of crops and fisheries as well as poultry and livestock were damaged.

The Office of the City Agriculturist said these consisted of 310 hectares of rice fields; 477 hectares of corn farms; 144 hectares of land planted to vegetables; 200 hectares of seaweed; and, 857 hectares of fishpond.

It said that some PhP30 million irrigation infrastructures were destroyed while 1,150 farmers were affected.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has mobilized the resources of the local government to provide assistance to the affected families.

Salazar spearheaded the distribution of relief goods to flashflood victims just after the City Council placed this city under the state of calamity. (PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY — Muslim leaders residing in this city welcome the latest developments in Marawi City, after President Rodrigo Duterte declared Marawi "liberated from terrorist influence" on Tuesday.

Imam Bedi Jim Abdullah, who traces his roots in Marawi, on Wednesday said, "Praise the Almighty for the development! With the recent event, it is a welcome news."

He said he is happy to hear that the government was able to neutralize Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon, who led the terrorist group that took-over the city for almost five months.

Abdullah expressed confidence that with the demise of the two leaders, the entire terrorist group would fall.

"How the leader of a group thinks affects his whole organization. If his goal is to sow terror, his group will follow but if he thinks/ acts for the welfare of his people, then the good things will come out of his leadership," he said.

He also said they had high hopes that the government under the leadership of President Duterte would be able to successfully rehabilitate Marawi and bring normalization to the lives of the Muslims in the city.

Abdullah assured that the Muslims, including those outside Mindanao, are ready to help rehabilitate and rebuild Marawi.

"While it is the obligation of the government to rebuild Marawi, we can contribute. The Muslim leaders can contribute and can give wisdom," he said.

Abdullah also said the war in Marawi has awakened Muslims, not just in Mindanao but all over the country, raising questions among themselves, which gave an opportunity for the government to see the pressing issues affecting their communities.

Muslim leaders, he pointed out, can help promote the real essence of Islamism and correct the fake sensitivity and defiant teachings inculcated in some of them, which led some to go astray.

Calling on his fellow Muslims, Abdullah said, "let us maintain the smooth and the correct teaching of Islam, practice it, and we will all be well."

Another Muslim leader in the city, Imam Samsodin Monib, said the demise of Hapilon and Maute is a long awaited respite from the many weeks and months of sufferings of the Muslims in Marawi and elsewhere.

"Napakasaya po, para kaming nabunutan ng tinik na pinakamalaki sa lalamunan (We are joyous, it's like a huge fishbone was taken out of our throats)," he said.

Monib said that in the past months, they had been doing their share in easing the sufferings of their fellow Muslims, collecting and sending cash and goods to their brothers who were housed in evacuation centers. This was aside from assisting students who sought refuge here in Baguio City, to be able to continue their education.

Monib relayed that there were about 45 students from Marawi who transferred to the different elementary and high schools in the city after the war broke out in Marawi.

He said they had always believed that when good and evil clash, the good would always prevail. (PNA)



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BOLINAO, Pangasinan -- A company executive from Quezon City drowned at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday while swimming with members of his family and friends at Patar beach here, the Pangasinan Police reported on Wednesday.

The victim was identified as Christian Andrew Avila, 33, logistics head of Monde Nissin Corp. and resident of Project 4 in Quezon City, Metro Manila. He was declared dead on arrival at the Rillera Medical Hospital in Bolinao.

Police said the victim and his companions were suddenly dragged by strong current into the deeper portion of the sea, causing Avila to drown.  

The victim was retrieved by rescuers and rushed to the hospital but died on the way.

Meanwhile, his niece Gabrielle Alexis Batalla, 19, a student from Camiling, Tarlac, fell unconscious as a result of the incident but is now in stable condition after undergoing treatment. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will focus on the fight against New People's Army (NPA) after their success in battling Maute Group in Marawi City.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año, in a speech during his visit at the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) Tuesday, said that there will be more Army battalions deployed in the Eastmincom area since most of the places are NPA infested.

"Ngayon natapos na yung Marawi crisis, mag-re deploy na tayo ng presence, may ibabalik na tayong pwersa dito (Now that the Marawi crisis is over, we will re deploy more military presence, we will return the troops here ), " he said.

Año also said the Philippine Army (PA) will activate additional 10 Infantry Battalions, six of which will be deployed in Eastmincom areas.

"Ito'y para tuldokan na natin yang CPP-NPA na yan (We want to end the CPP-NPA)," he said.

He said this new mandate came from the order of President Rodrigo Duterte who early pronounced the war against the communist groups.

Año said the 8,000 new recruits for the Army will be completed by November this year. Majority of the new recruits will be deployed in Eastmincom.

"By January, additional 5,000 troops will be recruited sapagkat gusto natin mangyari na sa katapusan ng 2018, wala ng CPP-NPA kahit isa sa buong Pilipinas (because we want to happen that by the end of 2018 there will be no CPP-NPA in the whole Philippines)," he said.

"And we can start the massive economic development especially in the area of Mindanao," he said.

He said the government will be constructing big highways, bridges and railway stations in different parts in Mindanao and this will not be attained if there is peace and order problem. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)



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PILI, Camarines Sur -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administered the oath-taking of new Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) member, Camarines Sur Governor Miguel Luis Villafuerte and thousands of other political leaders and supporters from various political camps in the province at the Capitol Convention Center, Pili town here Tuesday night.

In his speech during the event, Duterte said, "I encourage all of the Bicolano local leaders to begin discussions in Federalism in your communities, even strengthen efforts against illegal drugs, together with crime and corruption."

The President inspired and motivated the leaders present to continuously aspire for a progressive and people-centered government.

"It is my hope that you will do everything to prevent these (crime and corruption) from contaminating and taking root in your areas. It is our vision to create a system of government that will give lasting peace, progress and prosperity for all of our people, so let us now begin the process of transformation that will usher a better Philippines, for us and future generations," Duterte told the political leaders of Camarines Sur.

Villafuerte, for his part, expressed sincere gratitude to the President for his unwavering support for the people of Camarines Sur and personally administering their oath as new members of the ruling party.

"Ang mga proyekto, programa na dumarating sa Camarines Sur na walang hinihinging kapalit o kondisyon, kaya Mr. President, ramdam na ramdam po namin ang pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit sa amin -kaya sa atin pong lahat, magsama-sama po tayo para sa isang malaya, progresibo at maunlad na Pilipinas (We are given projects and programs without anything in return, that is why Mr. President, we feel your love and concern for us. So for us [here in Camarines Sur], let us unite for a free, progressive and developing Philippines)," the provincial chief executive said.

On the other hand, Representative Luis Raymond Villafuerte, father of Gov. Villafuerte, signified his support for the Federalism movement.

The Camarines Sur political leaders who took their oath as new members of PDP were 26 municipal mayors; 10 board members; one city mayor; 20 vice mayors; 191 municipal councilors; 700 barangay (village) chairmen and 5,100 barangay kagawad or councilmen.

The province has 35 towns and two cities.

Aside from the President, former Senate president and father of the Local Government Code Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr. shared the importance of Federalism in the country through a talk and an open forum with Camarines Sur officials.

Tuesday night's activity was organized to shed light on the necessity, importance and benefits of Federalism in the Philippines and to give the new PDP members a better understanding and education on the movement and form of government. (PNA)



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BUTUAN CITY—An audit team from the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now in Caraga Region to conduct a performance assessment of the regional police unit.

Headed by Chief Supt. Lurimer B. Detran, the Camp Crame audit team arrived at the PNP regional headquarters here Tuesday to look into the proficiency stage of the performance governance system of the Police Regional Office -Caraga.

Detran's team immediately conducted an entry audit together with PRO-Caraga Director Rolando B. Felix, along with the PRO-Caraga Command Group, the Regional Advisory Council (RAC), as well as the chiefs of the local police units in the entire region.

Felix, who briefed the audit team on the regional police's accomplishments, expressed optimism that PRO-Caraga will come out with "a very satisfactory rating."

Felix noted that PRO-Caraga was a "silver eagle" awardee during the first two stages of the performance audit.

PRO-Caraga was also adjudged as the best Regional Police Strategy Management Unit (RPSMU) in the entire country recently, with no less than President Rodrigo Duterte handing the award himself.

"I'm confident that we will also come out this time with flying colors," said Felix, who added that the audit is expected to conclude its audit on Friday (Oct. 20).

Within that period, the Camp Crame audit team will conduct documents review, on-site visit and interviews with the personnel and the members of different police units in the region. (PNA/Noel B.  Najarro)



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DAVAO CITY -- A coconut industry player in Davao Region is embarking on new innovation to increase production and value-adding as coco by-products are in demand in the international market.

Benjamin R. Lao, president and chief executive officer of the Lao Integrated Farms, Inc., said there was huge demand in the international market for products derived from coconut such as coco sugar, syrup, virgin coconut oil, desiccated coconut, coco water, juice, and coco coir.

Lao said his company, for instance, ships 50 percent of the production of coco syrup, sugar and teriyake sauce to the United States while the other international markets were Australia, France, Canada and Japan. He said they could produce 2,500 liters of coco syrup and 1,000 kilos of coco sugar daily.

The production farms of the company are located in Bansalan, Magsaysay, Padada, Sulop and Malalag, consisting of 85 hectares fully planted with coconut.

Starting only with five hectares and five workers, the company expanded through acquisition or lease agreement of land. It already has 110 employees.

The tuba harvesters that he tapped years back were only five, but now it had increased to 300.

"We are expanding this year in South Cotabato with 24 hectares in Tampakan town as we will be finalizing agreement with our buyers in Canada," he said.

As the demand continues to increase, Lao said the company needs to open new production area if only to meet the requirements. But Lao said the company was tasked to improve operation.

He is proud that his firm is Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certified by TUVSUD of Germany.

"Our organic farming is also certified by ECOCERT of France and by NICERT (Negros Island Certification Services, Inc.) Philippines and the OCCP or the Organic Crop Center of the Philippines," Lao said.

For the capitalization, Lao said he availed of the Start Up program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and also got support from the Peace and Equity Foundation when he started his business.

To date, he said he conducted briefing-lecture for free to interested coconut farmers who wanted to improve their production as part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) program.

Meanwhile Edwin Ceniza, member of the board of Cocolife Cooperative in Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province, said his group was organized in 2006 with only 24 members. Membership has increased including small farm coconut owner who decided to beef up their production through value adding.

The cooperative is also a beneficiary of the Start Up program of the DOST, the Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Coconut Authority and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The Philippine Center for Post Harvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMec) has extended the cooperative a grant of P5 million for the acquisition of additional equipment.

The cooperative produces virgin coconut oil and coco vinegar while the coco juice is under study for finalization to commercial production, Ceniza said.

He said the cooperative's products are available in supermarkets locally "but we have resellers in the Middle East through our OFWs."

"Once we improve our capacity with an additional three more equipment, our current production of 3,000 liters per month of VCO will increase to 6,000 liters monthly," Ceniza said.

The coop is also working on expanding to international market with the help of concerned government agencies.

Both the Lao Integrated Farms, Inc. and the Cocolife Cooperative of Pantukan will be sharing their Best Practices during the 2nd International Coconut Conference and Expo Cocolink 2017 that will be held on November 7 to 9, 2017 at SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

Cocolink 2017 is a platform for convergence where stakeholders of the coconut industry discuss new technologies, best practices, research findings, market demands and opportunities for farmers suppliers, processors and entrepreneurs. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not yet lift the Martial Law in Mindanao despite the killing of the two leaders of Maute Group in Marawi City.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said even if the crisis in Marawi City is already finished there are still terror threats in other places in Mindanao that need to be addressed.

"Meron pang mga threats dito na kailangan pang tapusin katulad ng Basilan at Sulu pati na rin Maguindanao, yan ay ang susunod na step na ating gagawin (There are still threats that need to be done such as in Basilan, Sulu and Maguindanao and that is our next step to be done)," he said during a press briefing on Tuesday night at the Eastern Mindanao Command in Panacan, Davao City.

Año said the troops deployed in Marawi City during the siege will be brought to these places for them to address the threats.

"Pagpupursigihan natin na masupil ang mga terrorists sa mga lugar na iyon (We will do our best to eradicate the terrorists in those areas)," he said.

However, the lifting of Martial Law will be the discretion of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Ano said that he can recommend to the president to lift the Martial Law only to some areas.

"Magkakaroon pa tayo ng assessment (We will still have an assessment)," he said.

Meanwhile, Año bared that the 8,000 new recruits for the Philippine Army will be completed by November this year of which the majority will be deployed in Mindanao.

He also saidafter the Marawi City crisis, the whole force of AFP will be focusing on eradicating the New People's Army (NPA).

"By January, additional 5,000 troops will be recruited sapagkat gusto natin mangyari na sa katapusan ng 2018, wala ng CPP-NPA kahit isa sa buong Pilipinas (because we want to happen that by the end of 2018 there will be no CPP-NPA in the whole Philippines)," he addedd. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)



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'SURIGAO CITY — Sea travel to and from Surigao and Dinagat areas have been cancelled in the wake of typhoon Paolo, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

The cancellation took effect at 5 a.m. Wednesday and will last until the weather clears, said Deputy Commander Romelito Lomat of PCG-Surigao Station.

Typhoon Paolo has brought rains and strong winds in the two provinces since Tuesday.

Although the state weather bureau PAGASA has not issued a directive to halt sea travel, Lomat said they decided to bar vessels and motor bancas from traveling because of the rough seas.

Lomat said they might allow sea voyages later Wednesday or Thursday if the weather condition improves.

Port Manager Allan Yap said at least 50 passengers and 19 vehicles are stranded at the Lipata Port Terminal as of 5 a.m. Wednesday. (PNA/Rey C. Suravasquez)o



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A couple died while their two children survived, though wounded, when a fig (balete) tree pinned down a semi-concrete house and partially damaged three others in a coastal village west of this city.

The incident happened at around 5:50 a.m. Wednesday in Purok 5, Barangay Sinunuc, this city amid heavy downpour coupled with strong winds spawned by inclement weather condition.

The fatalities were identified as Nasser Sajili, 53, and his wife, Nursilin, 40.

Injured were Sajili's children, namely Rakib, 15, and Hadiya, 11. They sustained bruises and contusions and were taken to the hospital.

Tammang Musa, a neighbor of the Sajili family, said there was a rambling sound, but all they thought that what they heard was wind gusts coupled with heavy downpour.

Musa disclosed she and her neighbors rushed to the Sajili's residence upon seeing an uprooted fig tree pinned the victims' house.

They managed to pull the two children of the Sajili couple from the rubbles. Hadiday was still inside a mosquito net.

Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief, said in a text message that the medics declared Nursilin dead on site.

Nasser, who was plucked out from the rubbles at around 8 a.m., was rushed but failed to reached the hospital alive.

Zamboanga City had been experiencing inclement weather condition since Sunday brought about by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ).

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday reported that 'Paolo' had strengthened into a typhoon and would bring rains over most parts of the country.

Scattered light to moderate with occasionally heavy rains caused by Typhoon Paolo will prevail over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bicol region, Visayas, Mindanao and the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Aurora. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The partnership between the local government and a private higher education institution here -- University of Iloilo-Phinma — will further strengthen the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Resiliency (ICDRR) hub.

Donna Magno, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), in an interview today, said that UI-Phinma through its Information Technology program, will "develop and provide animations that will tell stories about responsibilities of every person in relation to disaster risk reduction management."

Also, the university will conduct a pilot test for the flood monitoring and early warning device developed by its students. It will be piloted in Barangay Sooc, Arevalo.

A memorandum on this was signed between the city government and the B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) Friday last week.

The ICDRR also known as Kabalaka Gallery is located inside the JBLFMU-Molo campus.

This city government had also entered into an agreement with the West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Mass Communication and the JBLFMU for the operation of the hub.

The hub has three zones to include information, learning and "kabalaka", which means worrying over or caring. The information zone talks about hazards and disaster timeline, among others. The learning zone talks about what to do about before, during and after disasters, risks, games and other how to do materials. The kabalaka area talks about the initiatives of the city government in line with DRR.

The WVSU produced short films on handling persons with disabilities (PWDs) during disasters while JBLFMU produced videos on how to prepare kits and how to use scarf during disaster.

"We dubbed this as the first DRR hub in the country," Magno said.

The hub was recognized as one of the country's best practices in an event organized by the Local Government Academy (LGA) of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Galing Pook Foundation.

She said that Iloilo City and Batanes were chosen to present during the two-day "Festival of Best Practices" social resiliency category held in Manila last week. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- A medical surgeon and a provincial environment officer of Albay were arrested in a illegal drug operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 on Tuesday afternoon in Davao City.

The two suspects were identified as Dr. Stephen So Tay, a surgeon of the Metro Davao Medical Center, and Benjamin Jaraplasan Medel, chief Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of the Department of Natural Resources regional office 5, Legaspi, Albay.

The 56-year-old Tay and Medel were caught inside the residence of Tay on No 3, Marigold Street, San Pedro Village, Davao City. San Pedro Village is a high-end subdivision.

Medel, resident of Teachers Village, Legaspi City, Albay, is in Davao City to attend a seminar.

Medel was invited to a pot session by Tay to his residence. Both are fraternity brothers from UP Los Banos.

PDEA 11 officer-in-charge, Agent Naravy Duquiatan, said both are considered high-value targets.

Tay is the son of the owner of the VS Tay, a wholesale and retailer of school supplies.

Duquiatan said the operatives also confiscated from the possession of Tay about five grams of suspected shabu and one grenade.

The operatives also took samples of medicines found inside Tay's house.

Duquiatan said the estimated value of the confiscated drugs is about P60,000.

PDEA 11 legal officer Ben Joseph Tesiorna said Medel and Tay also tested positive of drug use.

Tesiorna said Tay has been under surveillance.

He said Tay has been in the radar of PDEA as he is also involved in selling drugs.

Tesiorna said PDEA has no information yet if Medel is also a pusher. It happened that Medel was in the company of Tay when PDEA operated, he said.

According to Tesiorna, the house of Tay has been habitually used as drug den.

As per intelligence report, Tay allegedly swaps sex for drugs as part of his modus operandi.

Meanwhile, PDEA has recorded 1,094 arrests from January to September, this year. This was the result of 908 operations.

In the same period, PDEA also recorded 1,671 grams of shabu and 6,000 grams of marijuana with an estimated value of P8 million.
There are 2,107 cases filed in different courts for violation of the dangerous drugs law. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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LAMITAN CITY, Basilan -- Three more Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members, who are relatives of the slain emir of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS) for Southeast Asia Isnilon Hapilon, have surrendered as government offensives continue in this province.

Lt. Col. Jonas Templo, Army's 74th Infantry Battalion commander, identified the surrenderees as Ben Salim Sapilin alias Been Sapilin; one alias Attik, 23, and Mohammad Endeng alias Aburayhan, 22.

Templo said the three are cousins of Hapilon, who was killed in a firefight on Monday dawn with government forces in Marawi City.

Templo said the three surrendered at around 4 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Macalang, Al-Barka, Basilan.

He said they are currently undergoing custodial debriefing facilitated by the intelligence operatives of the Army's 74th Infantry Battalion.

Since January this year, a total of 123 ASG members have surrendered in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and in this city. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- Local officials here and in nearby towns in North Cotabato suspended on Wednesday afternoon classes due to heavy rains brought about by a Low Pressure Area that is affecting Central and Western Mindanao areas.

Aniceto Rasalan, secretary to Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, said the city government decided to suspend classes in the afternoon to safeguard school children.

Rasalan said classes have been suspended from kindergarten, elementary and high school levels both in public and private institutions.

Torrential rains coupled with strong winds also triggered power interruption in the city for about an hour when trees touched high-tension cables of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

Rasalan added that village officials and residents living near rivers and tributaries have been reminded to immediately evacuate if the water level continued to rise.

In Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, the local government also suspended classes in elementary and high school levels due to floods affecting low-lying areas.

In Maguindanao, the office of Governor Esmael Mangudadatu left the decision to suspend classes to school officials and local executives.

Mangudadatu also reminded residents living near the 220,000 - hectare Liguasan Marsh to be ready for evacuation should the water level of Rio Grande de Mindanao rises to critical level.

Residents living in coastal areas of Maguindanao are prompted for possible water surge or tidal waves as winds from the west are moving relatively strong toward mainland Maguindanao.

The governor also reminded residents in the upland towns to be cautious about possible landslides due to incessant rains.

Light to moderate rains have been hitting Maguindanao since Tuesday night due to the LPA.

PAGASA, in a statement, said the LPA would bring scattered light to moderate with possible occasional heavy rains over Palawan, Zamboanga Peninsula, Lanao and Maguindanao provinces. Sea travel is unsafe over the eastern seaboard of Visayas and of Mindanao due to Tropical Storm Paolo. (PNA)



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CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- Police authorities arrested 21 individuals as part of anti-illegal gambling operations launched in Bulacan Tuesday. 

Joint operatives of the San Ildefonso Municipality Police and Special Concerns Unit of Regional Intelligence Division 3 arrested Jocelyn Manabat, 37, and Jong Coloma, 33, both residents of Barangay San Juan, San Ildefonso, after they were caught collecting bets for an illegal numbers game known as "jueteng". Confiscated from the duo were assorted gambling paraphernalia, one cellphone and PHP1,230 in cash bets. 

In similar operations in San Miguel town, police arrested Marvin Villegas, 32, and Analyn Tecson, 36, also for collecting bets for "jueteng". Confiscated from them were assorted gambling paraphernalia and PHP900 in cash bets.

Likewise arrested were Roland Gamboa, 61, owner of a gambling den, and 16 others for online cockfighting. Seized from them were gambling paraphernalia and PHP7,290 in bet money.

"We will continue to step up our illegal gambling drive as we vow to stop illegal gambling in the region," Police Regional Office 3 Director Amador V. Corpus said. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY -- Vice Governor Edward Mark Macias officially took over as acting governor of Negros Oriental province on Wednesday after Governor Roel Ragay Degamo was served a 90-day preventive suspension.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Region 7 Regional Director Atty. Rene Burdeos served the Sandiganbayan order early Wednesday, which was witnessed by DILG provincial head Dennis Quiñones, Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial director Sr. Supt. Edwin Portento, and the head of the legal division of DILG-7.

The preventive suspension order was received by assistant provincial administrator Atty. Froilan Joseph Pinili at about 7:45 a.m. at the Office of the Governor.

Pinili reiterated statements issued by Degamo earlier that the preventive suspension was not a penalty but part of the process when an information was filed before the Sandiganbayan or graft court, relative to the PHP460-million calamity fund.

In an interview, acting Governor Macias said his assumption to office was not automatic as he was also served an order to assume the governor's post and took his oath before Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Gerardo Paguio Jr., along with Board Member Mariant Escaño Villegas, who also took her oath as acting vice governor for 90 days.

It was the second time for both officials to assume the same positions when Degamo was also served a suspension order by the Ombudsman. They served for only five days the first time, as the governor was able to secure a temporary restraining order.

This time, the suspension is for 90 days.

Macias' first order of business was to inform everybody in the provincial government, the department heads, local government units and mayors that he was the province's acting governor starting Wednesday.

On Monday, he will gather all the department heads and key personnel for a meeting to lay down what he intends to do in the next 90 days.  He stressed the importance of the continued delivery of basic services and that all officials continue serving in their present capacity.

During the meeting, Macias wants to be briefed on the personnel in every department, their budget, programs and projects, their problems and concerns. In the next 90 days, the acting governor said he wanted to help find solutions to these concerns and not to add to the problems of the provincial government.

Macias confirmed that he had met with Degamo before the shake-up to say that he wanted a smooth transition, unlike the first time when the delivery of basic services was affected.

During the meeting, Macias made known to Degamo his plans, adding that he needed everyone's cooperation.

Although the Local Government Code says he can hire, fire and suspend erring personnel, Macias said he would do it only when necessary.

As to programs and projects, the acting governor assured Degamo these would continue as programmed and that he would monitor them to make sure they were implemented to the letter.

Macias is also looking into the status of quarry operations in the province, following reports of closure orders that are not implemented.

He, however, said he was not privy to such reports and needed to be briefed by the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD).  He said he would not issue permits unless these concerns were addressed because Macias said he might be adding to the problem.

On the status of job orders, Macias said he was aware they had contracts that would expire in December in time for the return of the governor in January. The only thing that he could do, he said, was to make an inventory of their whereabouts so he could plan and make the deployments if needed.

The acting governor said if these job orders were really working, they don't have a problem with him.

"Our end will honor as agreed, for as long as they honor theirs," Macias said, referring to his discussion with Degamo in a meeting before the preventive suspension was served.

Macias thanked Degamo for enjoining employees of the provincial government to support him during his stint as acting governor.

For her part, acting Vice Governor Villegas said she would give the necessary support to the acting governor to fast-track the implementation of projects.

She said she would continue holding a caucus with Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial council) members before the regular sessions so there would be a smooth discussion of issues and approval of proposed resolutions and ordinances that would redound to the benefit of Negrenses.

Macias, likewise, called on Negrenses to continue celebrating the Buglasan Festival and participate in other activities lined up so the next 90 days could go without a hitch for the provincial government. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY -- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) assured passengers that night flights to the Legazpi domestic airport would be restored by Sunday, October 22.

This, after technicians finished installing ground wires and calibrating spare parts that would operate the Runway Threshold Indicator Lights (RTIL), said Erick Apolonio, CAAP spokesperson.

Apolonio, in a phone interview on Wednesday, confirmed reports that the lightning bolt that hit the RTIL indeed damaged the runway lights of the airport, forcing CAAP to suspend night flights since Saturday. 

Apolonio said, "the damage was a minor one where the ground wires and some parts there were destroyed by the lightning bolt."

He said a team of technicians from the CAAP central office would take three days to complete the repair works by installing new wires and calibrating new gadgets to make the runway lights operational by this coming Sunday, October 22. 

As a precautionary measure, the CAAP issued an advisory to airlines operating in Legazpi airport to limit their flights to daytime in the absence of working runway lights, Apolonio said. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- Cebuanos are in mourning after their beloved Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal died at the Perpetual Succour Hospital here at 7:28 a.m. Wednesday. He was 86.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña expressed sadness over the passing of his friend, especially because they had not seen each other for quite some time.

"On behalf of all the people of Cebu, we are mourning the loss of a great leader who has guided us through the years. I'm really saddened by his death," Osmeña said. "The last time I saw him was last year pa, before he got sick."

The mayor said that while Vidal was from Marinduque, he was an adopted son of Cebu and a Cebuano at heart.
"Although he's not from here, he has chosen to be a Cebuano till the very end," said Osmeña. "My entire career as a public servant, he has always been there."

Former mayor Michael Rama also lamented the death of Vidal, whom he said was like a dear old brother to him.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, meanwhile, exhorted his men to pray for Cardinal Vidal's eternal repose.
Dela Rosa said although the Catholic Church had spoken up against the PNP's campaign against illegal drugs, Cardinal Vidal was never vocal and remained silent on the issue.

"We are sorry for the loss of the most respected prelate in the country," said dela Rosa, adding that Cardinal Vidal was the only church official who understood "our ground situation" in the campaign against illegal drugs.

The PNP chief was in Cebu on Wednesday to give the "Medalya of Sugatang Magiting" to Police Officer 3 David Naraja Jr. of the Regional Special Operations Group, who was wounded in the operation against the killer of a government employee's son last Monday.

Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer, one of Vidal's attending physicians and personal friend, confirmed his death after almost an hour of resuscitation efforts by doctors.

"His blood pressure abruptly dropped and doctors tried to resuscitate and revive him. After an hour, I was told that he expired," Bullecer told the media.

As of Tuesday, Vidal's condition was stable after dialysis although he was unconscious at the intensive care unit of the hospital.

However, Bullecer said the prelate's heart posed a big problem as it was very weak. Even if the Cardinal had regained consciousness, he would still have suffered from life-threatening hypotension, or extreme drop in blood pressure, because of his weak heart.

The country's most senior Cardinal was brought to the hospital last Oct. 11 due to fever and shortness of breath but later lost consciousness and remained in coma since then.

The prelate's wake will be held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, which is considered as the mother parish of the Archdiocese of Cebu.

Vidal had a mild stroke on Sept. 23, 2013 and had been in and out of the hospital due to pneumonia since 2014.

He was Cebu's archbishop for 29 years prior to his retirement in 2011. He was succeeded by now Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

Vidal, who spent his retirement years in Cebu, was born in Mogpog, Marinduque on Feb. 6, 1931. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa conferred the "Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting" to Police Officer 3 David Naraja Jr. on Wednesday at the Cebu Doctors' University Hospital here. 

Naraja, of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG), was wounded during a police shootout with notorious hitman Jessie Largo in Talisay City last Monday. 

Dela Rosa commended Naraja for his bravery and expressed hope that other policemen would duplicate the latter's courage, risking his life in the campaign against criminality. 

"I hope to see more policemen like Naraja here," Dela Rosa said. 

Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino joined Dela Rosa at the hospital in handing the cash assistance from President Rodrigo Duterte to the family of Naraja. 

With Dela Rosa and Dino during the awarding were Rep. Gerald Anthony Gullas, Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas, Police Regional Office - 7 Director Jose Mario Espino, and Regional Intelligence Division chief, Senior Superintendent Jonathan Cabal. 

Earlier, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña also paid Naraja a visit and promised to provide the wounded law enforcer any assistance he needed. 

Cebu Doctors' Group of Hospitals president and chairman of the board, Dr. Potenciano "Yong" Larrazabal III, meanwhile, assured that Naraja would not be charged for his medical expenses, including his surgery. 

Naraja was hit on his face when Largo tried to shoot it out with the authorities in Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City late Monday afternoon.

Largo, who was killed during the shootout, was the suspect in the killing of Jon Ronli Calizar, son of Ferliza Contratista of the Philippine Information Agency. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY – Bishop Edwin dela Peña of the Marawi Prelature said the conflict in Marawi City had brought together Muslims and Christians, fostering brotherhood and providing a venue for compassion, help and understanding. 



Working continuously to this day to provide relief and rehabilitation for the countless refugees who have fled Marawi City, Bishop dela Peña thanked the inestimable aid from various local and foreign donors for the displaced Muslims and Christians who have practically lost all that they owned.



The conflict in Marawi that is expected to soon come to an end has opened doors for Muslims and Christians to transcend religious barriers and work hand in hand to survive the consequences of the war, the prelate pointed out in an interview Monday evening.



Emphasizing cultural sensitivity where Maranaws and Christians were giving mutual aid to one another, he said that there were "beautiful stories about Muslim-Christian engagement, their mutual help for each other that we would like to highlight."



"Mubati ta ugkalooysausagusa (we feel compassion for each other"), he added.



The Marawi bishop is hopeful that the experiences of the war will change the way "we look at them (Muslims) and that it will break the cycle of prejudices and biases."



The Marawi prelate presided the Holy Mass during the 58th Alumni Homecoming of the St. Joseph Seminary of the Diocese of Dumaguete on Monday evening.  

In his homily, he spoke of the pain and agony of the people of Marawi since Day 1 of the conflict until now.



The bishop, who hails from nearby Siquijor Island and an alumnus of the St. Joseph Seminary here, recounted the painful experiences the Catholic Church in Marawi had gone through, to include the kidnapping of one of the priests, Fr. Teresito "Chito" Suganob and some staff.

 


He expressed gratitude that Fr. Chito and another hostage of the Maute terror group were rescued last month but it was unfortunate that two of their working students who were taken along with the priest as hostages did not make it.



He disclosed that prior to the siege in Marawi by the extremist Maute terror group, the Church had already known that they were to be targeted, that priests and people living there would be killed.



"That was the original plan of the terrorists — to cleanse Marawi of Christians whose presence in an Islamic City is an anachronism and Muslims who do not live up to the true spirit of Islam," dela Peña told alumni-priests and former seminarians in his homily.



Fr. Chito is still undergoing debriefing after having gone through a traumatic experience and it is going to be a long process, Bishop dela Peña said.  

The priest thinks he is still with the ISIS and is going through very rough times, the bishop added.



Three of their women-hostages had also been freed recently, along with others, as the leadership of the Maute group has crumbled, Bishop dela Peña added.



Expressing thanks amid the tragedies of the war in Marawi, Bishop dela Peña highlighted humanity as a means to fight terrorism.



"There is much violence, lots of senseless killings. Violent extremism can only be countered by our common experience of our humanity, that we are all humans, that we feel the same for one another," he stressed.



"Really, we should thank the Lord for such an experience that has brought us to a realization that we really should not take our faith for granted. We have to promote what is best for humanity", he added.

  

"Now that the leaders of the Maute Group, Isnilon Hapilon (the supposed emir), and Omar Maute have been killed in a clash with government troops, I believe the war is already over," said de la Peña.



The biggest challenge now for the government and for the different sectors is the relief and rehabilitation efforts of what is left of Marawi City, the prelate noted.  (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY -- The two-day nationwide jeepney strike has no impact in this city as most drivers and operators snubbed the call to join the nationwide protest against jeepney modernization, the city police office here confirmed Tuesday.

Senior Inspector Jessica Ortega, spokesperson of the city police office here, said the regional capital is generally peaceful since Monday.

Not a single rally against the jeepney phase out was held in any part of the city.

"Public transport is normal in the city and the situation is generally peaceful based on our monitoring," Ortega told PNA in a mobile phone interview.

Francisco Penedilla, Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) Eastern Visayas president said their group did not officially declare a strike in the region, but some joined the nationwide protest.

"Many of our jeepney drivers opted to operate Monday and Tuesday to support their families' hand-to-mouth existence and we respect them," Penedilla told reporters.

Most of those who joined the transport strike are drivers of San Jose-bound jeepneys. The route is from the city's downtown to airport.

In the region's capital, public transport was not paralyzed with the presence of multicabs transporting passengers from downtown to different parts of the city. A multicab is a small light truck in the Philippines generally used for public transport.

Patricia Salvo, a student intern from Tanauan, Leyte, some 18 kilometers south of the city, said it's like a normal day for jeepney commuters in Leyte.

"It's even easier to catch a jeepney ride especially that the government suspended classes in public schools," Salvo said.

Malacañang cancelled government works and classes in all levels nationwide on Monday and Tuesday due to the two-day transport strike.

Piston organized the nationwide protest to oppose the government's planned jeepney modernization program.

Under the modernization program, jeepneys older than 15 years, would be replaced with electric-powered and Euro 4-compliant vehicles.

"Instead of phase out, regulators should check if a jeepney is road worthy or not. The Land Transportation Office is very strict with minor violations, but doesn't even strictly check if a jeepney is really safe," Penedilla added. (PNA)



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TUGUEGARAO CITY -- Two newly constructed police stations were inaugurated on Monday in the municipalities of Angadanan and Benito Soliven in the province of Isabela.

The inauguration of the two police station buildings was led by Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2) head Chief Superintendent Robert G. Quenery. Deputy regional director Chief Superintendent Renato C. Angara and other municipal officials were also in attendance.

Quenery said the projects were part of the continuing PNP modernization program.

He said the PHP4.5-million Angadanan police station's new building stands on a 536 square meter lot.

The PHP4.9-million Benito Soliven police station building has a land area of 536 square meters.

The local governments of Angadanan and Benito Soliven provided the land as their counterpart for the construction of the said buildings.

The construction of the said building of Angadanan started on March 10, 2016 and was completed on June 21, 2017 while the construction of Benito Soliven building started on March 4, 2016 and was also completed last June 21.

Quenery said the project was made possible through the capability enhancement program of the PNP with the support of the local government units.

"The project expresses unity and commitment to increase effectiveness and productivity of the police in the performance of their duties and functions as law enforcers", said Quenery. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Association of Negros Producers (ANP) is urging Negrenses to patronize locally-made products as they opened a second showroom to reach out to more customers in the province.

"We continue to urge Negrenses to support local by buying ANP products which are all made in Negros," ANP president Christina Gaston said.

Gaston led the grand launching rites Monday of The Negros Showroom at the ground floor of SM City Bacolod.

The ANP's first showroom here is located at Robinsons Place Bacolod.

Gaston said she is upbeat that by establishing a showroom in points of convergence like shopping malls, member-producers will attract more buyers.

The showroom brings "tatak local" products closer to the people, she added.

Gaston said the SM City Bacolod showroom would serve only as "temporary exhibit" until this December 31 since there is a plan to open a permanent store next year.

Majority of the products displayed at the newly-opened store are under furniture and furnishing sector.

"The ongoing exhibit is proof of ANP's commitment to reach new markets and continuously promote the unique products of its members and the communities it serves," she said.

During the 32nd Negros Trade Fair held at Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City from September 27 to October, participating ANP producers earned a total of PHP25.5 million in sales, which is 30 percent higher than PHP19.5 million recorded last year. (PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY -- Three high value targets (HVTs) for illegal drugs were arrested Monday in Barangay Lucao here.

The suspects were arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted around 2 p.m. by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents with the help of the Dagupan City Police.

A report of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) on Tuesday stated that this was the first operation of PDEA against illegal drugs since after President Rodrigo Duterte pulled out the Philippine National Police (PNP) from the fight against drugs.

Arrested were James Madison Manaoat, Maja Demah Bajunaid and Jone Alexan Villamor, who were allegedly supplying illegal drugs to students, especially foreigners, in various colleges and universities in Dagupan. Maja is reportedly half-Filipino.   

Confiscated from them were one wrapped elongated bundle of dried marijuana leaves and stalks estimated at 750 grams with a street value of PHP90,000 and 33 sealed transparent sachets containing dried marijuana leaves weighing 280.5 grams worth PHP33,660.

Also found from the suspects were one genuine PHP1,000 bill placed on top of 13 pieces of boodle money paid to the three by the poseur buyer, one black Mitsubishi Mirage car with Plate No. ABO-3148, one blue travel bag and one brown-white coin pouch.

The suspects said they sourced out the dried marijuana leaves from Baguio City. In fact, they just came from Baguio when they transacted business with an agent of PDEA who acted as poseur buyer. 

The PDEA said the three had long been placed under surveillance due to reports they are peddling marijuana to students in various universities and colleges in Dagupan. 

The suspects are now facing cases of violation of Section 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 (the anti-drugs law as amended). (PNA)



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MAWAB, Compostela Valley --A total of 280 members of Indigenous People (IP) communities in Davao Region took their oath as candidate soldiers of 10th Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army.

In a ceremony Tuesday at the 10th ID Headquarters in Mawab Compostela Valley, members of different tribes vowed to defend the Constitution and the country against the lawless elements.

10th ID assistant commander Brig. General Bienvenido Datuin said the IP soldiers would get the same salary, allowances and other benefits granted to regular soldiers.

"When they graduate, the same benefits and privileges will be given and they are also given the same serial number," Datuin said.

He said these IP soldiers were chosen by different Brigade commanders in the region.

Among the Brigades under 10th ID are 1001st Brigade in Compostela Valley, 1002nd in Davao Del Sur, 1003rd in Davao del Norte and 701st in Davao Oriental.

"We are making sure that all of the Brigades are well represented," Datuin said.

He said these soldiers would also be given the same training like the regular soldiers which would last for eight weeks.

"The training will be focusing on how to execute our campaign plan; community support program, respect for human rights and we will make sure that it will be people centered and developmental in nature, " Datuin said.

He emphasized that the 10th ID took a lot of IP to become soldiers of the country because it is important for them involved the tribes in the community in terms of nation building.

"My experience as 28th IB (Infantry Battalion) as well as 701st Brigade, I've been so long in these areas, it is important that we have to involve brothers and sisters in the tribe," he said.

Datuin added that according to the tribal leaders within the area of 10th ID, the move of the division might be the solution to everything end insurgency.

"You get the people involved, it's a collective responsibility," he said.
Datuin hopes that there will be more batches to come that will help them in their campaign. (Armando B. Fenequito Jr./PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY – The ND Motor Piston has sent a 200-man delegation, composed of transport leaders and officers from all over Negros Oriental, to Cebu for a four-day activity that will culminate on Saturday in line with the nationwide transport strike.

This, as Malacanang declared the suspension of classes in public schools and work in government offices under the executive branch due to the nationwide transport strike on Tuesday.

NP Motor Piston provincial chairman Cirilo Collado and Dumaguete ND Motor Piston chairman Eddie Lazaro said they had actually scheduled a transport caravan starting Sept. 20 to let President Rodrigo Duterte know that the transport sector is vehemently against Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade's proposal on the jeepney modernization program.

However, they had called off the scheduled caravan at the request of Governor Roel Degamo because of the Buglasan Festival activities, which are ongoing until Oct. 22, and out of respect for Negrenses who are celebrating their provincial fiesta.

Collado said upon their arrival in Cebu on Tuesday, they would proceed to Plaza Independencia for the so-called "Salubong sa Independencia", where different transport groups from the whole of Central Visayas would converge to express their sentiments against policies, which they believe are contrary to what the President was espousing during his campaign.

The ND Motor Piston leaders in Dumaguete and the province said they are going to Cebu to sympathize with their counterparts from Regions 6, 7 and 8 and to express their sentiments against certain proposals, at their own expense.

Meanwhile, 16 different tricycle associations in Dumaguete united for a cause -- a basketball tournament organized by the sectoral desk of Dumaguete headed by Pastor Laping.

Lazaro said they had scheduled games on Monday so many of the pedicab drivers could join the games at the Tinago gymnasium.

According to Lazaro, the declaration of a public holiday on Monday was timely, and paved the way for several games to be held.

The national transport strike on Monday had no effect on Dumaguete and Negros Oriental as most, if not all, of the 500 to 600 different units of multicabs, public utility jeepneys and buses plying the routes Dumaguete to Siaton all the way to Basay in the south and Dumaguete to Bais up to Canlaon City in the north, were on the road as usual.

According to Collado and Lazaro, Mayor Felipe Remollo of Dumaguete and Degamo understand their predicament regarding the planned phase-out of old jeepneys and the proposal of Senator Francis Pangilinan in Senate Bill 1540 to replace the tricycles with e-trikes.

According to Lazaro, they have intimated to Remollo their objection to the replacement of the more than 2,500 tricycles in Dumaguete with e-trikes, adding that if the city would allow the deployment of e-trikes, they could co-exist. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- The second day of transport strike was scratched here on Tuesday but flow of traffic was disrupted by thousands of protesters from different parts of the Visayas who converged in the city for "Lakbayan."

Greg Perez of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) - Cebu said they decided to suspend the jeepney strike on Tuesday to give way to the "hunger rally" organized by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) - Visayas, adding that their strike would just be another exercise in futility anyway.

Perez said Piston-Cebu is not joining the rally but is not forbidding their members to take part in the protest participated in mostly by farmers and fisherfolk from Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol, and Leyte.

Jaime Paglinawan of Bayan-Visayas said Monday's "little" march rally was actually just a kick-off of their much larger movement to be held at the Plaza Independencia, where there would be cultural and solidarity activities, among others.

"The government should focus on poverty alleviation instead of phasing out old passenger jeepneys," Paglinawan said in Cebuano.

The "hunger rally" and protest march were carried out as part of "Lakbayan" which also calls for the holding of a summit.

Over 700 members of Bayan, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Kadamay, Anakbayan, and other cause-oriented groups from other parts of the Visayas arrived in Cebu on Monday night for the summit.

City Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters, said the summit organizers had earlier coordinated with the city government and he was informed that at least 4,000 people are expected to join.

"As long as they can ensure a peaceful gathering, we would not prevent them from doing their activities," Tumulak said.

Cebu City Police Office Director Joel Doria, for his part, said uniformed and plainclothes policemen have been deployed to monitor the rallyists and that they would exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with them. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The 22-member delegation, composed of city government officials and the private sector, brings the "Life is Here" brand of Davao during its five-day tourism and investment roadshow in four major cities in Japan.

Led by the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) and City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), the Davao delegation is on a five-day tourism and Investment Roadshow in Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Yokohama on October 16-20 aimed at enhancing linkage and partnership with investment, trade, and tourism marketing in Japan.

Japan has been a strong partner of Davao in history. Davao City's barangay Mintal was known as the "The Little Tokyo" being the settlement of many Japanese during the World War 11.

Up to this time, Japanese descendants still visit Davao City on a "Sentimental Journey" to visit the graves of their loved ones every September.

Chief Information Officer Jefry Tupas said this year's roadshow is to promote Davao City as the preferred tourism and investment destination in the Asia Pacific region.

Tupas said the delegation is happy for the warm reception from the meetings.

From these meetings with Osaka officials and the business community, Tupas said there are already commitments to help promote Davao City and hopefully translate these to actual visits and investments in Davao.

Tupas said the delegation also met with the officials of the Osaka City Government International Relations Department, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and various tourism associations, tour operators, and travel agencies in Osaka City.

The Osaka City Government facilitated the visit of the Davao delegation to the Osaka Central Wholesale Market Honjo to provide the group information on the goods that are in demand in Osaka.

Tupas said the Osaka officials also had a glimpse of Davao City's tourism products with the presentation of the City Tourism Operations Office.

Aside from Tupas, the Davao delegation is composed of DCIPC Chief Lemuel Ortonio, Councilor Jimmy Dureza, City Administrator Zuleika Lopez, Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre and Tourism Officer Generose Tecson, and the representatives from the private sector like Damosa Land Inc., Yovel Agri Enterprise and Yovel East Research and Development Inc., Bloomers Travel and Tours and Bloomers Marketing, Eden Nature Park and Resort, Gasera Corporation, Waterfront Insular Hotel, and Ana's Breeders Farms. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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GUIGUINTO, Bulacan -- Police intelligence operatives rescued Monday night a Korean national who was reportedly abducted by suspected members of a Chinese gang in Malate, Manila and brought to a place in Barangay Sta. Cruz here in the morning of the same day.

Supt. Marlon Santos, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Branch and concurrent officer-in-charge of the Bulacan Police, on Tuesday identified the rescued victim as 42-year-old Yeum Sun Ki.

Santos said a still unidentified Chinese national was also rescued from the safehouse of the Chinese kidnappers. No other information was given about the Chinese victim.

In an initial report sent to Central Luzon Police regional director, Chief Supt. Amador Corpus, Santos said the Embassy of the Republic of Korea received information that a group of Chinese men forcibly took the Korean victim in Malate, Manila and was later brought to a safehouse in Barangay Sta. Cruz where he was detained.

Santos said the Korean Embassy emailed the information to the Guiguinto Police, which sent intelligence operatives to the location.

He said the Guiguinto Police also informed the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Group of the incident.

He said at about 8:30 p.m. Monday, one of the occupants of the alleged safehouse went out of the gate on board a car, prompting undercover policemen to flag him down.

Santos said the suspect was taken into police custody while waiting for the team from the PNP Anti Kidnapping Group and representatives of the Korean Embassy.

He said when the intelligence team confirmed the whereabouts of the victim, the police operatives swooped in on the safehouse and safely rescued the Korean and the unidentified Chinese.

Five Chinese nationals, whose identities are still being verified, were arrested.

Santos said the Guiguinto Police turned over the arrested suspects to the PNP Anti Kidnapping Group for further investigation while the kidnap victims were safely turned over to representatives of the Korean and Chinese Embassies. (PNA)



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BORACAY Island, Aklan -- The Aeta community here is preparing for the visit of Filipina-British James Bond girl star Rachel Grant.

Raffy Cooper, marketing officer of the Boracay Foundation Incorporated, said Tuesday that Grant is expected to visit Boracay on October 23-24.

Cooper serves as the contact of Grant in Boracay for her visit.

"Among her itineraries include a visit of the Aeta community here," Cooper said.

She will also document a boodle fight restaurant here for her travel video blog.

Grant played the character "Peaceful Fountain of Desire" in a James Bond movie "Die Another Day" in 2002. The movie starred Hollywood popular actors Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry.

Grant's character in the film is a Chinese intelligence operative posing as a masseuse at the Royal Rubyeon Hotel in Hong Kong. (Jun Aguirre/PNA)



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STA. CRUZ, Laguna – The Laguna Police has re-launched its anti-criminality drive dubbed Project Janitor Fish to weed out criminals, especially those wanted by the authorities, who may be lurking in the province.

"With the new directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to halt the PNP's (Philippine National Police's) anti-illegal drug operations, we will be focusing on the arrest of riding-in-tandems. We will be intensifying our PNP checkpoints and the arrest of wanted persons," Laguna Police director, Senior Supt. Cecilio R. Ison, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday.

In an interview, Laguna Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) chief, Senior Supt. Vicente S. Cabatingan, who initiated Project Janitor Fish last Sept. 10, vowed to re-launch the "cleansing" drive against criminals in pursuit of the President's relentless campaign against criminality and hard drug trafficking.

"We will focus our intensified campaign against most wanted persons and other wanted persons. We will arrest both wanted persons who have newly issued warrants of arrest and those whose warrants of arrest are already archived," Cabatingan said.

The project was named after the "janitor fish" or "plecostomus" which is known for its "janitorial trait" of cleaning aquariums.

The project also follows through the Letter of Instruction (LOI) "Manhunt Charlie", which involves the simultaneous serving of warrants of arrest in cooperation with the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU), the city police, municipal police, and other operating units of the provincial police.

"The project initiative aims to thwart or neutralize all most wanted persons (MWP) and other wanted persons within the province and even those wanted criminals who elude arrest and hide in other provinces," Cabatingan said.

He said the launch of Project Janitor Fish on Sept. 10 led to the arrest of 53 most wanted persons.
With the re-launch, some 40 MWPs were arrested during the simultaneous serving of warrants of arrest on Oct. 13-16 -- 38 were wanted persons from different cities and municipalities of Laguna, and two were from Lucena City and Tanauan City, Cabatingan said. (PNA)

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TAGBILARAN CITY -- Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto on Tuesday expressed his gratitude to the local business sector for its efforts to place Bohol among the 14 finalists in the search for Most Business-Friendly Province by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

Chatto said the province would not have been able to achieve such feat without the concept of shared leadership, which has brought Bohol to where it is today.

"Our collaboration in Bohol, being nationally highlighted and recognized, is already an achievement," the governor said.

Bohol's advantage is how it managed to recover from the devastating earthquake four years ago and become a stalwart in business, especially in tourism.

According to the Capitol's Effective Development Communication (Edcom) agency, other finalist provinces include Aklan, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Cebu, Davao del Norte, Isabela, La Union, Negros Occidental, Pangasinan, South Cotabato, and Tarlac.

The winners will be announced on Thursday, the agency said.

Chatto considers being a finalist already an achievement, saying it is an "instant endorsement" of the province to attract potential investors.

"More investors will find Bohol because the PCCI recognition is a testimony that our collaboration is working," he said.

The PCCI presented Chatto a plaque recognizing Bohol's finalist status in the search.

During the presentation for the final judging, the governor was assisted by Provincial Planning and Development officer John Titus Vistal, Bohol Investment Promotions Center head Ma. Fe Dominise, consultant Linda Paredes, and BIPC research assistants Emerson Pinos and Gian Lamdagan, said the Edcom. (Dave Albarado/PNA)



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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- Business transactions in Antique province on Tuesday continued without any hitch and unaffected by the two-day suspension of government work and classes due to transport strike.

Lynna Joy Cardinal, information officer of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) -Antique Province, said the flow of selling basic necessities in the province was unhampered since there were many public transport that plied the streets.

"There has so far been no big impact among businessmen," she said.

She said consumers even visited the last day of their "Consumer Welfare Month Diskwento Promo" in Dalipe Tradetown in San Jose de Buenavista due to the suspension of work and classes. The discount promo started on October 14.

Glen D. Fernando, DTI Antique provincial office trade and industry development specialist, said the suspension of work gave opportunity for the government employees to avail of the 5 to 25 percent discounts offered by the participating firms like Nestle Philippines, LVS Commercial, and other local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

"The suspension of government work even favored the 'Diskwento Promo'," he added.

Fernando said the gross sales generated from the three-day "Diskwento Promo" amounted to PHP67,907, higher than last year's PHP60,436 only.

He added that many consumers took advantage of the offer to buy candles for All Saint's Day, personal care products and muscovado sugar sold by the Laua-an Multi Purpose Cooperative.

The National Food Authority (NFA) Antique provincial office also joined the promo by selling affordable rice to consumers. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY -- Negros Oriental Governor Roel Ragay Degamo is awaiting his 90-day suspension order by the Sandiganbayan that will be served anytime this week to coincide with the major activities of the Buglasan Festival.

In its order, the Sandiganbayan made it clear that under Section 13 of Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as the Anti-Graft Law, it is mandatory for the court to place the accused Degamo under preventive suspension once the validity of the information is positively determined.

This refers to the criminal case filed by June Vincent Gaudan against Degamo for alleged violation of Article 217 in relation to Articles 171 and 48 of the Revised Penal Code as amended, or for malversation of public funds through falsification.

Degamo's legal counsel, Richard Enojo, said this is not a surprise to the governor and his lawyers because after the arraignment of the criminal complaint, preventively suspending Degamo is a matter of course.

Upon hearing that the preventive suspension will be served Tuesday by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Degamo said he will accept the same even if it is against his will because this is part of the process and he still believes in the rule of law.

The governor was waiting for the preventive suspension order today, but a public holiday was declared for government employees and public and private schools in all levels due to the nationwide transport strike.

Meanwhile, the governor's legal team had already petitioned the Supreme Court for the reversal of the order of the Sandiganbayan through a certiorari.

Enojo clarified that a preventive suspension is not a penalty nor punitive suspension but merely to prevent the governor from holding office while the investigation is going on.

Degamo expects the service of the preventive suspension order on Wednesday as he enjoined Negrenses not to be wary or sad about it because this is only temporary unlike the first suspension by the Ombudsman.

In the first suspension order, Degamo was able to get a temporary restraining order and favorable decision from the Court of Appeals that there was no criminal intent on his part in using the calamity funds to rehabilitate the province after it was battered by typhoon "Sendong."

The governor said the PHP460-million calamity fund was downloaded into the coffers of the provincial government following the issuance of a notice of cash allocation (NCA) and that a negative Special Allotment Release order or negative SARO could not supersede the same.

That is why the Court of Appeals, Degano said, ruled he had no criminal intent in using the funds, believing it was the best decision at that time to prevent loss of lives and properties and so the charge was reduced from grave to simple misconduct.

As soon as he is preventively suspended, Vice Governor Edward Mark Macias will automatically assume as acting governor, Degamo said. 

Degamo is hoping Macias will make good a verbal agreement with him witnessed by Board Member Miguel Dungog that everything will be orderly and that no major changes will be made in the organization until he comes back in January next year.

With such verbal agreement, Degamo enjoined employees of the provincial government and Negrenses to support Macias while he is under preventive suspension.

Degamo issued the statement while delivering a message during the opening of the three-day Buglasan Farm and Livestock Congress today at the provincial Capitol. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY -- At least two suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) and a government trooper were killed on Tuesday in a clash in Barangay (village) Joroan in the geothermal town of Tiwi in Albay.

Albay Provincial Police Office (APPO) spokesperson, Chief Inspector Arthur Gomez, quoting an initial report, said that around 8:30 a.m., a platoon of Army soldiers on combat patrol engaged a 30-man group of suspected NPA guerrillas in a 15-minute firefight.

Gomez said the identities of the slain rebels are yet to be determined as their bodies are still being transported to the town hall for identification and documentation purposes.

Recovered from the encounter scene were four M16 rifles and two M203 grenade launchers, two bandoliers with seven magazines with ammunition, 13 backpacks, two cellular phones, one hand-held radio, two landmines and subversive documents.

Army soldiers are now scouring the neighboring villages to capture some of the fleeing NPA rebels who might have sought refuge in the area . (PNA



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CEBU CITY -- Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal died at 7:28 a.m. Wednesday at the Perpetual Succour Hospital here. He was 86.

Dr. Rene Bullecer, one of the cardinal's attending physicians and personal friend, confirmed his death after almost an hour of resuscitation efforts by doctors.

"His blood pressure abruptly dropped and doctors tried to resuscitate and revive him. After an hour I was told that he expired," Bullecer told reporters.

As of Tuesday, Vidal's condition was stable after dialysis although he was unconscious at the intensive care unit of the hospital.

The country's most senior cardinal was brought to the hospital last Oct. 11 due to fever and shortness of breath but later lost consciousness and remained in coma since then.

Vidal served as Archbishop of Cebu from 1982 until his retirement in 2011. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- An estimated 5,000 participants, mostly students, joined Tuesday's Global Hand Washing Day celebration here in a bid by the city to enter the Guinness Book of World Records on having the most number of people washing their hands in one event.

Amid bad weather the city experienced on Tuesday, day care pupils, elementary and high school students, parents, and teachers participated in the simultaneous hand washing activity as the city established a two-kilometer long temporary hand washing facility to vie for the record.

The "tippy taps" stretched from the frontage of the City Hall area up to Sero Central Elementary School, both situated along Sinsuat Avenue here.

Non-government organizations, barangay officials and civic groups also joined the activity.

In his speech during the opening program, City Vice Mayor Graham Dumama commended the efforts of Cotabateños for the successful conduct of the event.

"Cotabato City has been participating in the observance of the Global Hand Washing Day ever since it started a few years ago. Congratulations to the city government and to all our partners for a very successful celebration this year", Dumama said.

Early on, City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi also expressed her support to the activity, declaring that the city government is committed to upholding the rights of the youth to a healthy and sound environment conducive to their overall growth and success.

"The city government strongly supports the Global Hand Washing Day as we are committed to promote cleanliness and proper hygiene to our youth for their overall well-being," the mayor said.

To date, almost all of the day care centers in the city's 37 barangays have functioning hand washing facilities for children to use.

Schoolteachers are encouraged to promote regular hand washing routines to the pupils as part of their daily activities. (PNA)



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ORMOC CITY, Leyte -- The country's giant geothermal power producer based in Leyte handed out on Tuesday PHP1.6 million worth of assistance and stipend to its student scholars.

The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) gave half of its financial help for the whole year to 16 elementary schools in Kananga town and in this city as miscellaneous fees for selected scholars in Grades 7 to 10.

This is aside from the PHP716,925 cash that were directly given to 460 Grades 11 and 12 scholars as stipend for this semester at PHP2,000 each to 230 scholars from Ormoc and same number from Kananga.

Erwin Magallanes, EDC's community partner division head said "of all the company's projects, education is given more focus because EDC believes that through education, the lives of the poor people in our partner communities will improve and prosper, living with the belief that education is the poor's passage to prosperity."

Priority for scholarship are children of poorest families who reside in geothermal power plants' host villages. They have an average grade of not less than 80 percent and with good academic standing.

The philanthropic company allocated PHP781,981 for Ormoc and PHP854,944 for Kananga.

The school heads received the check for the miscellaneous fees for Ormoc's nine elementary schools from upland villages that were also affected during the recent 6.5 magnitude earthquake namely: Cabintan, Dolores, Gaas, Liberty, Milagro, Nueva Vista, Cabaon-an, Tongonan and Lake Danao.

The same with Kananga's seven elementary schools: Aguiting, Hiluctugan, Lim-au, Montebello, Rizal. San Ignacio and Tongonan received by the school heads.

During the turnover program, Magallanes announced, "the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) is anchored to Helen projects – Health, Education, Livelihood and Environment."

Despite calamities, the company sustained from the typhoon Yolanda and the strong earthquake wherein power plants experienced twice the damage, Magallanes assured the Helen program continues and education remains the top priority.

"With the company's available resources, we will try to give our best efforts so that we can help the students complete the basic education of our recipients, take a right course, and find the right job with a right career pattern towards destiny, fueled by EDC's new slogan: Powered by Good," Magallanes explained.

Mayor Richard Gomez vowed support for the young learners, saying, the current administration has tripled the number of college scholars compared to the previous.

He encouraged the students to work hard and grab the chance provided by the EDC saying they are lucky that a company is offering such an opportunity.

He cited himself as example being also a product of public school, has gone through a lot of struggles and now enjoying the fruit of his labor.

"Life is full of struggle, but you have to work for it (to become successful in chosen field)", Gomez said.

The EDC's education program is part of its corporate social responsibility that started in 2005 for elementary pupils. With the implementation of kindergarten and 12 years of basic education, the company extended its assistance.

Next year, it will re-establish the Career program with 14 college scholars to be enrolled in state colleges or universities.

Presently, they are assisting review to 26 takers for the University of the Philippines College Admission Test and passers are groomed as potential college scholars. (PNA)



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TAGBILARAN CITY -- Boholanos commemorated on Sunday the fourth anniversary of the strong earthquake that hit the island province on Oct. 15, 2013 and how the experience made them more resilient against disasters.

Governor Edgar Chatto led the series of commemoration activities held here and Loay town.

Chatto said the earthquake has created an indelible mark in the history of Bohol and brought about the now-renowned "Boholano resiliency."

The Boholanos learned the essence of cooperation and mutual trust among each other out of the experience.

After the earthquake four years ago, Bohol came out unscathed from other disasters, both natural and man-made, that followed and the province and its people remain strong.

To date, the province remains to be a tourism powerhouse in the country as it has shown the ability to host, not just tourists, but big international meetings and conventions.

Data from Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) head Anthony Damalerio said 965 rebuilding projects after the earthquake have been completed.

Meanwhile, a branch of the National Museum also had a soft opening at the old Capitol building, which was abandoned after the earthquake.

A new Bohol Capitol building is currently being constructed and expected to be completed by first quarter of 2018.

Other commemoration activities included the formal turnover of the Holy Trinity Parish Church in Loay to the Diocese of Tagbilaran from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the opening of the Loay Museum. (Dave Albarado/PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- An official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region made an appeal anew on Monday to drug lords and members of drug rings to voluntarily surrender or face the consequence.

SOCCSKSARGEN, officially designated as Region 12, comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani; and also the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, Kidapawan and General Santos.

In this city, PDEA–12 Director Gil Ceasario said their counterparts have the full support of the local government in running after suspected drug lords and drug peddlers alike.

Speaking over a local radio station, Ceasario mentioned the arrest over the weekend of an agricultural dealer for possession of prohibited drugs and firearms following a dawn raid in his home in Koronadal City.

He said Alvin Valerio of Quality Agricultural Supply, a store selling agricultural products and fertilizers, did not resist arrest when PDEA-12 operatives raided his home in Barangay Gen. Paulino Santos at around 3 a.m. Saturday.

Prior to Valerio's arrest, PDEA agents also nabbed a town mayor in Sarangani and seized from his home more than PhP1 million worth of shabu substance, a mini-laboratory and high-powered guns.

Also arrested were another businessman and several drug peddlers and users in the lower level of a drug syndicate operating in SOCCSKSARGEN.

Castro said El Patron drug ring is the biggest drug group operating in the region and has links to the Maute Group - Anzar al-Kilafa Philippines, a local terrorist group in Sarangani and the Parojinog drug ring of Ozamiz City.

Castro said a "green book" seized from the house of Maasim, Sarangani Mayor Aniceto Lopez, showed the personalities in the region who belonged to the drug ring.

Castro refused to name them except saying three mayors in the region are within the radar of PDEA, including several village officials.

"It's better for them to come forward and peacefully surrender," he said of local officials now under surveillance," he said.

Castro said PDEA is facing a bigger challenge now after President Duterte issued an executive order entrusting back to PDEA the war on drugs.

In the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), PDEA Director Juvenal Azurin also said his office is facing huge and multiple challenges after Malacañang named PDEA as the sole agency in the war on drugs.

Speaking to reporters, Azurin admitted lack of manpower, firepower and facilities make the new task very challenging. With that, he said, PDEA in enforcing the war on drugs of Duterte administration still needs the support of the Philippine National Police, the military and other security agencies for the task.

He said PDEA-ARMM assessment showed the illegal drug situation in his area of jurisdiction is still in "red," meaning it remained one of the major threats to society.

The ARMM comprises the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Lanao del Sur and Basilan. Due to its proximity to Maguindanao, the PDEA-ARMM has included Cotabato City to its area of operation. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- The police here have vowed to continue the campaign against illegal drug personalities in support to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) after President Duterte removed lead roles in the drug war from the police.

The PDEA–ARMM includes Cotabato City, which forms part of Region 12, in its area of operation for being contiguous to Maguindanao, a province component of the autonomous region.

Aside from Maguindanao, the ARMM comprises the cities of Marawi and Lamitan; and the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.

"We will provide intelligence information and support, both manpower and firepower, to the PDEA-ARMM," Supt. Joane Maganto, Cotabato City PNP deputy director for operations, told reporters Monday.

"Any information about illegal drug activities, drug syndicates, selling, pushing and using of prohibited drugs will be immediately forwarded to the PDEA for appropriate action," he added.

The city government has been providing intelligence information to police and PDEA-ARMM, which maintains its headquarters here.

With the lead role in the hands of the PDEA-ARMM, police and the city government have vowed to continue supporting the Duterte administration's war on drugs.

In Maguindanao, Sr. Supt. Agustin Tello, police provincial director, said his office would continue supporting the war on drugs in support roles.

Tello said anyone arrested in possession of prohibited drugs at police checkpoints would be turned over to PDEA, including all the evidences, for further investigation and filing of appropriate charges. (PNA)



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PALO, Leyte -- It's all systems go for the 73rd Leyte Gulf Landings Commemoration on October 20, the largest naval battle in the Pacific that ended the Japanese invasion in the Philippines.

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will represent President Rodrigo Duterte in the commemoration, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla confirmed on Monday.

Expected to grace the 73rd Leyte Landing Commemoration are the ambassadors of the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

"This year is just a simple celebration. The grand celebration will be the 75th anniversary in 2019," Petilla said.

Before the commemorative program on Oct. 20 at the MacArthur Park National Shrine, the local government has lined up several activities for the annual celebration that started on Oct. 8.

These activities include the scout jamboree, Leyte Business Month celebration, Agri-Aqua Trade Fair, Trade and Business Expo Fair, concert, dance competition and band blast.
In Guiuan, Eastern Samar, town residents will commemorate the "Sentimental Journey". The event will recall the "Battle of Suluan" which was the beginning of the return of Allied Forces lead by Gen. Douglas MacArthur to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation.

On October 18, there will be a "Signal Day" re-enactment in Tolosa town. "Signal Day" commemorates the heroic acts of Scouts Valeriano Abello, Antero Junia Sr. and Vicente Tiston.

These young scouts were at the hilltops of Telegrafo village in Tolosa and used the scouts' signs to ask incoming Allied Forces on Oct. 18, 1944 to spare the shorelines from Abuyog to Tacloban City from bombing because thousands of local residents are living in the area.

"Don't bomb the beaches, there are civilians. If possible let me direct the shelling." This was the message sent to the US Forces through semaphore flag signalling which saved the lives of thousands of people in Leyte.

On October 19, activities will be centered at Hill 120 where the American Forces first hoisted their flag in Leyte Island symbolizing the start of liberating the country.

Aside from commemorative programs, other activities on October 20 are Subiran Regatta at Red Beach in Palo town; Liberation Day Parade and band competition in Tacloban City. The commemoration will culminate through a Sunset Ceremony at the MacArthur Park National Shrine.

The Leyte Gulf Landing is a commemoration of the Battle of Leyte Gulf the largest naval battle in the Pacific, and the largest naval battle in recorded history. The battle spanned 100,000 square miles of sea; and was fought for three days, from Oct. 23 to 25, 1944, during the invasion of Leyte by the Allied forces.

The battle signalled the fulfilment of Gen. MacArthur famous words, "I Shall Return," who left the country and escaped to Australia to gather support from Allied Forces in quest to liberate the Philippines from Japanese Forces occupation. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- The transport strike on Monday led by the  Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) failed to paralyze Cebu City, said City Councilor Dave Tumulak.

The Cebu City Transportation Office noted that about 80 percent of passenger utility jeepneys (PUJ) were plying the streets and not a single commuter was stranded. However, the office did not give the exact number of PUJs registered in the city.

"We (city government) have not received any report of stranded passengers," Tumulak said. "This only proves that the strike was not able to paralyze the transport of commuters in the city."

Tumulak said the city government has prepared 15 public buses and tapped the assistance of Ceres Bus Line for the affected riding public.

"I guess we won't be needing theses buses anymore as we have more than enough PUJs plying the streets," Tumulak said.

Greg Perez, Cebu coordinator of Piston, which spearheaded the strike, even admitted that their protest action did not paralyze the traffic in the city.

Perez said Piston-Cebu did not intend to paralyze transport but just wanted to express their concerns, especially on the phasing out of jeepneys 15 years old and over.

Piston-Cebu, likewise, did not get the support they needed from the public as less than a hundred only joined their protest rallies in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.

Among those who joined the strike were from the Kilusan ng mga Mambubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) - Cebu and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) - Central Visayas.

However, Perez denied that Piston is not part of any plot to destabilize the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, saying that the leftist groups joining the protest are just showing their support to their cause.

A retired university professor, meanwhile, commented that no cause would succeed without the public's support.

"You can mount as many protest strikes or rallies you want. But you would never succeed unless you have the public behind you," said the professor, who only wanted to be known as Mr. Bacalla, told the Philippine News Agency while observing Piston's gathering along P. Del Rosario St. here.

"Those old jeepneys, most are dilapidated anyway, really have to go," he said. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- One person died while thousands of families were displaced as flashfloods inundated 10 villages in this city due to inclement weather condition.

The flashflood was triggered by hours of continuous heavy rains starting Sunday dawn. The displaced families have remained in evacuation centers set up in schools and barangay centers as intermittent rains continue until Monday.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Monday that Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao continue to experience scattered light to moderate with occasionally heavy rains which may cause flood, landslide, strong winds and lightnings brought about by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

On Sunday, October 15, the ITCZ caused cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bicol, Mimaropa, Western and Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan.

Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief, on Monday said that 2,206 families consisting of 11,221 individuals have been displaced by flash flood triggered by storm surge and swelling of rivers.

Apolinario said the lone fatality was Sonny Tadiari Panglima, 65, a is a Muslim preacher (Imam), who drowned as his house was swept by big waves while trying to save the family's belongings.

Panglima's house, which was made of light materials, stood at the shore of Barangay Labuan.

The affected families are from the following barangays: Vitali, 1,200; Manguso, 151; Labuan, 496; Maasin, 17; Patalon, 35; Limpapa, 62; Sinunuc, 51; Ayala, 108; Talisayan, 50; Campo Islam, 36.

Apolinario said the city government has mobilized its resources to provide relief goods such as food packs, blankets and kitchen utensils. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) led the distribution of relief goods.

He said they have also established community kitchen to cater to the food needs of the displaced families while they are housed at the evacuation centers. (TPGJR/PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental on Monday reported that there are no monitored transport strikes or rallies in the province.

Sr. Supt. Edwin Portento, acting PNP provincial director, in an interview Monday afternoon said the province remains peaceful and orderly.

Portento, however, disclosed that he has received reports some "cause-oriented groups" have gone to Cebu, another island in the Central Visayas region, to participate in the transport strike rallies.

He assured that the PNP is ready to take on the responsibility to maintain peace and order, especially with the deployment of hundreds of police personnel for the Buglasan Festival from October 13 to 22.

Portento believes, however, that peace will prevail in Negros Oriental, especially in Dumaguete City where Buglasan Festival activities are being held.

As of noon today, public transport such as pedicabs, jeepneys and buses continued plying the city and other routes.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is also monitoring the situation here following a directive from their regional office regarding the nationwide transport strike.

LTO-Bayawan City District Office chief Alberta Janine Lawas  disclosed that her office has not received any report of transport strike or similar protest activities that may paralyze public conveyance services.

Monday was declared a holiday with classes suspended in public schools and work in government offices in anticipation of the nationwide strike by the transport sector that is opposing, among other things, the jeepney modernization program. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Philippine Coastguard (PCG) suspended boat trips for the second straight day on Monday to prevent sea tragedy amid inclement weather condition prevailing over Region 9 or Western Mindanao.

Lieutenant Commander Alvin Dagalea, Zamboanga Coastguard Station chief, told the Philippine News Agency the boat trips have remained suspended since Sunday as rough seas prevailed in the Basilan Strait due to inclement weather thereby dangerous for boats to sail.

"The boat skippers themselves have even decided (on Monday) not to sail due to big waves 'outside,' referring to the Basilan Strait," Dagalea added.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Monday that Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will experience scattered light to moderate with occasionally heavy rains which may cause flood, landslide, strong winds and lightnings brought about by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

On Sunday, October 15, the ITCZ caused cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bicol, Mimaropa, Western and Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan.

Affected by the boat trips' suspension since Sunday are those plying from this city to the nearby provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi as well as to Zamboanga del Sur.

Dagalea disclosed that hundreds of passengers have been stranded brought about by the suspension of boat trips.

"Some of them slept overnight (Sunday) at the passenger terminal building but most went home," Dagalea said, adding that at least 265 passengers showed up on Monday at the local port.

Stranded passengers, especially those from Basilan, have sought refuge from their relatives in this city.

Dagalea said the boat trips will resume Tuesday but it will depend on the weather condition.

He added that the passenger and cargo ferries plying to the nearby provinces have already sought safe refuge at this city's shipyard in Barangay Cawit, this city. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY-- It's business as usual for establishments in Negros Occidental, including its capital Bacolod City, since the three major transport organizations in the province on Monday decided not to join the two-day nationwide transport strike.

However, all government offices and local government units here suspended work, adhering to the Malacañang directive as stated in Memorandum Circular Number 28 "to minimize public inconvenience arising from the planned nationwide transportation strike."

Frank Carbon, regional governor of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Western Visayas and Negros Occidental, confirmed "it's business as usual" in the province.

With the ongoing 38th MassKara Festival in Bacolod, the United Negros Drivers Operators Center (UNDOC), Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros (SSTONE), and Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association (FEBACDA) decided not to join the strike.

UNDOC Secretary-General Diego Malacad said they don't want to cause inconvenience to tourists during the city's festival.

Still, he stressed that they are supporting the protest of the transport sector, seeking to oppose the phase-out of old jeepneys.
Malacad's group held a rally in Bacolod Monday noon.

He added that more than 3,000 protestors from Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental are joining the protest in Cebu.

In Bacolod, Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued Executive Order No. 31 suspending classes both in public and private schools, and work in all offices and departments of the city government.

On Facebook, private schools in Bacolod like the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, University of St. La Salle, and Colegio San Agustin also announced the suspension of its classes in all levels. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- A caravan protest and not a jeepney strike was staged here on Monday by transport groups objecting the government's plan to phase out old jeepneys by 2018 as part of the modernization program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

In an interview, Edgar Salarda, president of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), said a total of 18 public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and 50 drivers that joined the caravan protest in this city.

They roamed around the city and had several stopovers at different PUJ terminals.

Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 spokesperson, Police Supt. Gilbert Gorero, said the caravan protest has "no impact on transportation and mobility of goods" in the city.

While the nationwide transport strike is scheduled until October 17, Salarda said they have no more activities on Tuesday.

He assured that transport groups in the region would also continue regular operations.

Salarda said they did not join the transport strike as they want to have a coordinated effort in the whole of Visayas.

He said there are currently several activities in Bacolod City in celebration of Masskara Festival, as well as in Cebu with Lakbayan Festival.

Salarda said their protest focused on their appeal to the government to rehabilitate old units of PUJs instead of phasing out them out.

He said that more or less 90 percent of PUJs in the region would be affected by the modernization program.

Aside from the protest against modernization program, transport groups also protested against the continuing hike in petroleum prices. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)



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CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- Drivers and operators of passenger jeepneys in this province did snubbed the nationwide transport strike spearheaded by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston).

The drivers said they opted to ply their usual routes in order to meet their families' needs.

"My family will have nothing to eat if I stop the trip,"  Nelson, a driver plying the Cabanatuan-San Jose route, explained when asked why he went to work despite the transport strike.

He, however, admitted that he and his fellow drivers had "very little"  income on Monday as there were few passengers.

Malacañang on Sunday declared the suspension of government work and classes at all levels in both public and private schools nationwide to minimize public inconvenience arising from the planned nationwide transportation strike.

Jeepney associations led by Piston have been protesting the proposed public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program of the government.

Based on the program, public utility vehicles that are over 15 years old will be banned from the national highways and will be replaced with "low-carbon and low-emission technology" vehicles. (PNA)



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BALANGA CITY, Bataan -- Some 200 drivers and operators of passenger jeepneys, out of the total of 1,200 units in the first district of Bataan, on Monday joined the nationwide transport strike in opposition to the proposed modernization of public utility vehicles.

Those participating in the one-day transport strike from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. were passenger jeepneys plying the Balanga–Abucay and Balanga–Orani routes.

Meanwhile, passenger jeepneys in the second district plying between Balanga to Pilar, Orion and Limay towns did not join the strike.

The jeepney drivers and operators held a short program and said a prayer on the corner of the four-lane road in Balanga City, watched closely by police, after they marched briefly from their terminal.

"Tutulan ang Jeepney Phaseout. No to PUV Modernization Program," their big streamers read.

"Tinututulan namin ng modernization plan ng gobyerno. Hindi namin kaya ang halaga na sinasabi nilang Php1.8 milyon na huhulugan namin araw-araw ng P600. Mahirap ito para sa aming maliliit na operator (We are opposing the modernization plan of the government. We cannot afford the PHP1. 8 million with a daily installment payment of PHP600.

This would be hard for us--small operators)," Eman Cruz, spokesman of the Balanga-Orani Drivers, Operators Association, said.

"We can pay the installment obligation but what will happen to our family?" he added.

The protesters claimed that the modernization program would greatly affect the livelihood of jeepney operators and drivers and the riding public as well with the increase in fare.

Meanwhile, the provincial government and some barangays dispatched vehicles offering "libreng sakay" (free rides). (PNA)



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MAASIN CITY -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Southern Leyte field office will kick off the construction of PHP84.55-million disaster-resilient school buildings under the 2017 Basic Educational Facilities Fund.

In a statement released Monday, DPWH Southern Leyte district engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia said bidding for the 24 buildings would be on October 18 to 20. Construction in 13 towns of the province would proceed within the year.

Junia said the new school buildings would have an average of two classrooms each with upgraded designs, enough to withstand strong winds and destructive earthquakes.

"For the past years, the country has experienced series of strong typhoons and lately series of ground tremors, specifically areas here in Eastern Visayas, prompting the Department of Education (DepEd) and DPWH to upgrade its standard classroom design," Junia said.

The structural component of the buildings such as footing, columns, and beams will be expanded for safer and more conducive learning space for students.

Of the 27 buildings, four will rise in Hinundayan town; three each in Sogod, St. Bernard, Bontoc, and Padre Burgos; two each in Limasawa, Silago, and San Francisco; and one each in Liloan, Pintuyan, Malitbog, Macrohon, and Tomas Oppus towns.

Junia added that these new school buildings are only part of its massive DepEd projects under 2017 fund, that is why the district is working double time for its prompt implementation.

Bidding was not pushed through early this year, according to Junia since it takes time to complete the soil test, which serves as the basis in coming up with final design of a school building project.
In a separate statement, the education department said delays were encountered early on as DepEd and DPWH thoroughly conducted its joint validation of school sites from January to April of this year.

"The unavailability of funds for soil testing and the need to review existing classroom designs were also issues at the onset, as these factors necessitated the computation of new rates and costing for construction," the DepEd stated.

Overall, the school building projects for Southern Leyte will cost PHP1.21 billion designed to curb classroom shortage in public elementary and high schools in the province.

According to DepEd Southern Leyte division listings, there are 61 sites for one-story school buildings and 55 for multi-storey buildings, however, some are still under validation for final listing and release of fund. (PNA)



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PALO, Leyte --The Philippine National Police (PNP) is eyeing to distribute half a million flip flops to poor children in Eastern Visayas as part of the National Children's Month celebration in November.

The PNP will end the "Half Million Tsinelas Campaign" this week after soliciting support from government and private sectors in the distribution of flip flops to children from poor families.

Target areas are poor communities and rebel-infested areas.

"The flip flop is just a symbol of government's help for them to progress. Every day, they use the footwear to take a step towards progress," PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director Gilberto Cruz said on Monday.

Participating in the collection of slippers are police stations in towns and cities in the region where individuals and groups place their donations inside a box for the campaign.

Among the biggest donor of this initiative is the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCCI). The group donated at least 800 slippers to the PNP.

FCCCI President Jack Uy said that the donation is just one of the many partnerships they have with the PNP in the region.

"We appreciate this project and the business community in Tacloban will always be at the back of the PNP supporting them in every program that will benefit not only for safety of people but also for the improvement and development of their living condition," Uy added.

Last September 29, key PNP regional officials visited the town of Maslog in Eastern Samar to distribute flip flops, school bags with school supplies to children.

During the activity, some 499 individuals also availed of the PNP's medical and dental mission services.

"Our role as police officers does not end in enforcing the law nor in ensuring safe and secured communities. It is also our objective to ensure the wellness of the people we serve. It is not just a call of social responsibility, it is our advocacy," Cruz said. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 on Monday held the official send off of 4,365 policemen, soldiers, and volunteers who will secure the 38th MassKara Festival on its final week.

The festival highlights is set from October 19 to 22, with President Rodrigo Duterte as the guest of honor during the final day on Sunday at the Bacolod public plaza, where the much-awaited barangay street and arena dance competition will be held.

Chief Superintendent Cesar Binag, director of PRO 6, with Mayor Evelio Leonardia led the send-off rites held at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds.

Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Secretary-General for Luzon Martin Diño was also present during the program.

 Of the 4,365 security forces, both the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines deployed a total of 1,481 personnel.

The remaining 2,884 are volunteers from various anti-crime groups in Bacolod.

Leonardia ordered Superintendent Rhoderick Minong, officer-in-charge of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), to ensure peace and order during the MassKara Festival with a large crowd expected especially during the highlights.

The mayor also ordered the police that he wants MassKara to be the safest and most orderly festival in country.

The BCPO conducted simulation exercises at the plaza twice, the second was held on October 13.

Senior Inspector Armilyn Vargas, public information officer of BCPO, said the drill at the public plaza, which is part of the contingency plan, involved a response to a possible bomb threat.

A simulation exercise was also held last Friday at the Bacolod City Government Center, one of the three festival sites aside from the plaza and the Lacson Tourism Strip. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – At least 20 percent of the 7,199 jeepney drivers in Davao did not join the nationwide transport strike in Davao City Monday, which was described as generally peaceful.

This was reported by City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) Chief Dionisio Abude, who was City Hall's focal person on the transport strike.

"As per assessment, more or less 20 percent PUJ did not join the strike," Abude said.

For Davao Region, the TRANSMISSION- Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) reported that 90 percent of the 16,000 public utility vehicles plyi within the city and inter-city (Digos, Davao del Sur and Panabo and Tagum in Davao del Norte) had crippled public transport.

TRANSMISSION-PISTON chair Charito Junares confirmed that not all of the 90 percent who joined the transport strike totally stopped plying their routes especially in Davao City.

He said many of them have to ply their routes at least two to three rounds to earn for the day's food need. A driver earns at least P500 per day.

Despite lesser jeepneys, commuters especially the private sector workers and vendors travelled to downtown Davao utilizing the fbus ride provided by the city government.

In fact, commuters were happy. Inside the bus from Mintal bound for the downtown area, a male in mid-40s commented, "Sige na lang unta strike para libre ang pamasahe kanunay (I wish it's transport strike always so we can have free rides)."

Buses were full. One bus from Calinan was full of passengers mostly workers, farmers, vendors, and a family when it reached mid-way of the Davao-Bukidnon highway.

City Hall deployed 36 public utility buses from Bachelor Bus Company with 12 units; Metro Shuttle - 12, Mindanao Star - 10 and LCL with 2 to serve major areas in Davao.

Abude said buses were available in Toril, Calinan, Maa, Catalunan Grande, Lasang via Sasa and R. Castillo; Lasang via Catitipan in Buhangin; and, Agdao via CM Recto.

Drivers and operators have asked to scrap the PUV Modernization Program launched by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) through the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on July 2017 the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines, which pushes for the modernization of public utility vehicles.

Junares said majority of the drivers and operators could not afford to buy the units because it would require them to put up P1.2 – P1.6 million to own one unit.

Earlier, Manuel "Maning" Duran, chair of the Southeastern Mindanao Diversified Drivers and Operators Cooperative (SEMDDOC) said several drivers cannot afford the modernization program much more borrow money from the bank to buy the new jeepneys at P1.2 million to P1.6 million.

He said most operators cannot even afford to replace or rehab their jeepneys.

The government, however, envisions the PUV modernization program to meet safety, energy efficiency, and emission standards in order to enhance commuter convenience.

Under the modernization program, jeepney units that are 15 years old will be replaced with Euro 4 engines or electrically-powered engines with solar panels for roofs. Units will also be equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, a GPS navigation system, an Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), speed limiters, dashboard cameras, and Wi-Fi.

Junares is concerned that government will only give one franchise for 10 units, which drivers and operators cannot afford to buy or loan money from the bank to invest on the units. Junares hoped that government will also take their side on the issue.

Junares said the transport strike will end with a program at the Freedom Park at 5:00 p.m. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Government troops are tracking down the whereabouts of five fishing boat crew seized by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in an island town of Sulu, a military official disclosed Monday.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, identified the victim as Vergel Arquino, 25; Jushua Ybanes, 23; Emo Fausto, 63; Junald Minalang, 24; and, Spriano Sardido, 53.

All except Arquino, who is from Davao City, are residents of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. They are all crew of F/B Danvil 8 owned by Danvil Yanoc of Pagadian City.

Sobejana said the victims were seized at around 8:15 p.m. Saturday by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in the island municipality of Pangutaran, Sulu.

He disclosed that the five crewmen were forced to board on two motorized bancas that sped off to unknown direction.

He said Yanoc reported to the Coastguard Station in Pagadian City that his two fishing boats, F/B Danvil 8 and F/B Danvil 2, together with nine ligthboats have took shelter at the port Poblacion in Pangutaran due to bad weather at the time of the abduction.

He said the troops are scouring all the possible areas where the victims could have been taken by the bandits. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- A joint task force has been created to primarily protect the marine resources in Northern Iloilo, particularly in the coastal towns of Carles and Concepcion.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Western Visayas signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday together with the local government units in Northern Iloilo and other enforcement agencies creating the "Task Force IUUF", that would deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF) activities in the coastal towns of the area.

The MOU was signed between BFAR-6 regional director Remia Aparri together with Mayor Siegfredo Betita of Carles; a representative of Mayor Milliard Villanueva of Concepcion, Iloilo; and signatories from other enforcement agencies.

The signing of the MOU was done during the 54th Fish Conservation Week Celebration here.
In her speech, Aparri stressed the importance of preservation, conservation and protection of the coastal and marine resources as the main source of livelihood of the coastal communities.

She said the task force will specifically prohibit the use of destructive gears locally known as "hulbot-hulbot," and active gears in the operation of commercial fishing vessels.

She said the joint task force in the towns of Carles and Concepcion would convene regularly and conduct regular patrols to increase visibility in the municipal waters. They would also hold information campaign on fishery laws.

As stated in the MOU, the task force would impose "no tolerance" policy to violators of fishery laws.
Aparri said that another MOU would be signed on October 18 together with Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. to create another joint task force for the province. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY--- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman on Monday said the death of Isnilon Hapilon and Omarkhayam Maute signalled the end of the crisis in Marawi City.

"This victory marks the end of the siege in Marawi, but it also means the beginning of a long but necessary process of healing and recovery among our people," Hataman said in a statement hours after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año confirmed that the recovered bodies belong to the terrorist leaders.

"What happened in Marawi (City) is sheer violence and terror rearing its ugly head against true Muslims and Moros, and yet it has failed to break our shared faith and our collective spirit," Hataman said.

Elite forces from the Army's 3rd Scout Rangers led the operation at dawn on Monday with the target to neutralize the top terrorist leaders.

The hunt culminated on Monday after the military received a reliable information from a female hostage rescued over the weekend.

The fighting in Marawi City stemmed when the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) joined forces in an attempt to establish a caliphate in the Philippines on May 23.

The crisis dragged on for more than five months and triggered a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people flee from the country's lone Islamic City - Marawi.

Año said the terrorist leaders were killed when soldiers advanced as they flee from one of their strongholds dragging along some hostages.

At least 17 hostages were rescued following the skirmish.

"Today, the end of five months of fighting in Marawi (City) can finally begin," Hataman said citing it has been 145 days since the conflict in Marawi City started.

Hataman underscored that despite the crisis actions of compassion were witnessed.

"In these dark times, we have become a source of light and warmth for each other. In the face of conflict, it is the Meranao people who have taken the lead in reclaiming peace in the Islamic City," Hataman said.

"In the midst of terror, we have seen defiant heroes rising among us despite adversity and selflessly offering themselves despite the risk of losing everything they had--government workers, non-profit and private organizations, and volunteers," he said.

"It is this faith and spirit that we will carry with us as we end not only this time of conflict, but as we uproot the terrorism that traitors have planted in our land," he added.

"And we will be with you, today and in the days ahead. In moving forward, we remain one with Marawi," he added. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY – The public transport system here remained normal, as it did not join the two-day nationwide transport strike called by Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON).

"Everything is normal here since early today." Halima Satol–Ibrahim, city information officer, told the PNA in an interview Monday.

She said local public utility jeepney (PUJs) drivers are pre-occupied with earning an honest living for families rather than join the transport slowdown.

"I think because of such reason, majority of our PUJs did not join the PISTON activity," she said.

PISTON has launched its Oct. 16-17 transport strike in response to the government program to phase out public utility vehicles 15 years of service and above. The group wants government to junk the public transportation modernization program.

Earlier, the Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator tutol sa Phase out (STOP) said it would not join the move as it would be their respective families that would be affected foremost. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP 11) wants all high risk detainees in Davao Region to be transferred at the BJMP national detention facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City so that these prisoners could not influence other prisoners with their ideology.

"We want to avoid inmates to radicalize other detainees because there are tendencies that they instigate using their ideology," BJMP 11 community relations service office chief Jail Insp. Edo Lobenia said.

Lobenia said the BJMP 11 has five suspected members of the Maraw City-based Maute terror group, three Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members, 47 alleged members of the New People's Army, seven members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), five members of kidnap for ransom gangs and 47 members of organized crime groups.

He said these prisoners should be handled under the Special Intensive Care Are (SICA) at the BJMP national detention facility because inmates have different policy compared to the ordinary detainees.

"The escort for these detainees should not only one is to one but it should be more jail officers for every one high risk inmate," he said.

Lobenia said that their office is trying to transport these inmates to its national facility, but there is no order yet from the Supreme Court.

"We are still waiting for the Supreme Court order because we need to secure a commitment order before transporting inmates," he said. (Armando B. Fenequito Jr/PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- Former Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) head Chief Inspector Rolan Aliser was appointed as the new police chief in Dalaguete, Cebu on Monday.

Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) spokesperson Superintendent Virgilio Bayon-on said Aliser replaced Senior Insp. Verminio Noserale, who was recalled to the CPPO headquarters.

Bayon-on said newly-installed CPPO Director Edgar Allan Okubo is currently going around Cebu Province checking police stations in the different municipalities, particularly those which are not performing quite well.

So far, Okubo inspected the police stations in Dalaguete, Argao, and Sibonga towns on Monday.

Meanwhile, Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) chief Supt. Emerson Dante was also named as the new deputy provincial director for operations.

Dante replaced fellow Supt. Ryan Manongdo, who was likewise appointed deputy commander of the Public Safety Company in Iloilo.

The CPPO has yet to name Dante's replacement as Provincial IDMB chief. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY -- The local government of Dumaguete City has allocated PHP20.5 million for the establishment of a sanitary landfill as mandated by law.

Engr. Leonides Caro of the Secretariat of the City Development Council on Monday said the budget is consisted of a previous allocation of PHP5 million taken from the city's 20 percent Development Fund and the PHP15.5 million the city council recently approved and to be taken from the unappropriated surplus of the General Fund.

To make the appropriation easier, the city council was asked to transfer the funds to the Development Fund instead, Caro said.

Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo had earlier requested the city council for the appropriation of funds for the sanitary landfill.

The establishment of a sanitary landfill is one of Remollo's priority concerns to address the growing garbage problem in Dumaguete City.

Until today, the city has yet to find an area suitable for a sanitary landfill as its open pit dumpsite in the outskirts barangay of Candau-ay is now outlawed.

Likewise, the volume of garbage is increasing by the day considering the boom in the city's economy and population.

Remollo and the Technical Working Group (TWG) have been scouting for lots in Valencia, Sibulan, Bacong, Dauin and Zamboanguita to serve as the site of the landfill, said City Information Officer Dems Rey Demecillo.

Should the sites outside of Dumaguete fail to secure the support of the local officials and population, the TWG would have to pursue its plan to utilize a lot in the Candau-ay-Camanjac area, he said.

However, the Candau-ay-Camanjac area is smaller in size and will only be for the sole use of the city and not as earlier proposed as a cluster for the Metro Dumaguete area comprising this capital city and nearby towns.
Caro stressed that it is up to the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to determine which is the most appropriate and suitable site for a landfill.

A representative from the DENR-MGB here has been going with the TWG to the different sites eyed for the sanitary landfill, she added. (PNA)




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CAMP GEN. CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Some 238 soldiers were enlisted in the Army Support Command (ASCOM) of the Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division (2ID) following their completion on Monday of the Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) at the Division Training School in this camp.

The new soldier graduates came from the ASCOM CSC Class 445 and 446-17.

Brigadier General Glorivine R. Dida, 2ID Assistant Division Commander, led the declaration of graduates followed by the army division adjutant Major Demier A. Bacasmas, who read the "Termination of Training and Enlistment Order."

The  newly enlisted soldiers were presented by Colonel Rogelio P. Percol, commanding officer of the 2ID Training School  presented the newly enlisted soldiers, 120 of them came from Class 445-17 while 118 belong to Class 446-17.

Major General Elmer S. Pabale, Commander of the Army Support Command and the guest of honor Pililla Mayor Dan Masinsin, assisted by Brig. Gen. Dida, awarded the certificates and awards.

Pabale with Mayor Masinsin also pinned the ranks while Dida led the awards for the top three of the CSC classes.

By military tradition, the enlistment ceremony includes the pinning of the soldiers' ranks and the symbolic turnover of firearms.

Col. Arnold M. Macadangdang of the 2ID-IG led the oath of enlistment and the enlistment rites culminated to the mass singing of the 2ID song accompanied by the 2ID Band. (Pau Mojar/PNA)

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ILOILO CITY -- The Iloilo International Airport on Monday afternoon has returned to its normal operations after the stalled Cebu Pacific plane was extracted from its accident site, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said Cebu Pacific Flight 5J 461 which veered to the side of runway after landing Friday night (October 13) had been extracted by the technical team from its muddy and grassy location.

The runway was cleared before 2 p.m.

Apolonio said the aircraft is now parked at Bay No. 7 of the airport.

"Aircraft investigators will extract the flight data recorder for analysis (to be sent) to Singapore," he said.

Apolonio said the extraction took almost three days as the technical team had to analyze what equipment to use to lift the plane.

He added that the inclement weather also contributed to the delay of the plane's removal.

"In fact, the nose gear of the aircraft sunk 20 inches into the ground because of the rain," he said.

They also requested additional lifting equipment from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to remove the aircraft.

The airport was shut down before midnight of October 13 after the accident. All the 180 passengers and six crew members of the Cebu Pacific were safe.

Flights were suspended for the past three days after the facility was temporarily closed to enable the plane's extraction.

The Iloilo International Airport has 42 inbound and outbound flights daily.

Stranded passengers were provided by their airlines with free transportation for the re-routing of their flights, either through Roxas City Airport in Capiz or Bacolod-Silay Airport in Negros Occidental.

As of posting time, Apolonio said they are still waiting for an incoming flight at the airport.

"Again, we thank the riding public and the affected passengers for their kind understanding," Apolonio said. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- Thirty-three policemen in Negros Occidental received awards from the Police Regional Office (PRO 6) in rites which coincided with the send-off of the security forces for the 38th MassKara Festival held at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds Monday.

The awarding ceremony was led by Chief Superintendent Cesar Binag, director of PRO-6.

Thirteen police officers of La Carlota City Police Station headed by Superintendent Cresenciano Cordero received the "Medalya ng Kagitingan" or the Philippine National Police (PNP) Merit Medal for the conduct of anti-illegal drugs operation on July 14, 2017 which led to the arrest of subject Anson Tan and the confiscation of PHP326,000 worth of hard drugs shabu (metamphetamine hydrochloride).

Other awardees were Senior Police Officers 4 Edgar Salde Jr. and Jerry Rumbines, SPO3s Joery Tibang and Donel Tangub, PO3s Alvin Pereira and Jollymar Acosta, PO2s Milky Natuel, Rovelon Pieldad and John Mark Honesto, and PO1s Charles Gabales, Jilbert Locsin, and Metche Lomugdang.

Ten personnel of San Carlos City Police Station led by Superintendent Arturo Fullero also received the PNP Merit Medal for the successful drug bust operation conducted on June 12, 2017 which led to the arrest of suspect Corsiden Pangkatan and also yielded PHP1.615 million worth of shabu.

The nine other awardees were Inspector Lamberto Mirande, SPO2 Jose Roy Sandoval, PO3 Clark Nieves, PO2s Dwight Fajardo, Archie Alfajora, Erwin Logarta, Jimmy Dumdum, R.C. Magpusao, and PO1 Michael de la Torre.

The recognitions for the personnel of the cities of La Carlota and San Carlos Police Station were given by the defunct Police Regional Office-18 which was officially dissolved last October 6 after the abolition of the Negros Island Region.

Recipients of the "Medalya ng Papuri" (PNP Commendation Medal) were six personnel of Cauayan Municipal Police Station headed by Chief Inspector Gary Alan Resuma.

Resuma received the award along with SPO1 Jeorge Anthony Lorenton, PO3 Turk Libo-on, PO2 Thom Amable Mamigo, PO1s John Mabayag and Sunny Boy Llena.

They were commended for their "invaluable services rendered to PRO-6" for responding to a call for assistance for alleged robbery hold-up October 3, 2017. On their way to the site, they were ambushed by more or less 30 armed men. They fired back and were unharmed.

"By this noteworthy achievement, (they) have earned credit and honor not only for themselves, but also for the entire police organization," the PRO-6 said.

Four personnel of Bacolod City Police Station 6, including Chief Inspector Jovil Sedel, SPO2 Ian Piano, SPO1s Noli Fregil and Inocencio Batisla-ong, also received the PNP Commendation Medal.

They were recognized for a successful drug bust that resulted to the arrest of suspect Joerem Valois and confiscation of 11 sachets of shabu on September 21, 2017.(PNA)



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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan --The Drug Enforcement Team (DET) of the police in this province stays despite the withdrawal of the police from the war on drugs as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte.

This was disclosed by Chief Inspector Norman Florentino, head of the police community relations (PCR) of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office, who said DET will continue to gather intelligence information concerning illegal drugs and relay this to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

It is PDEA that will operate on illegal drugs with the PNP extending its full assistance whenever it is requested, he said.

He said the PNP will now concentrate on crime prevention particularly in running after criminals riding in tandem.

The police, he said, will still still support drug clearing operations in areas where drug personalities in the watch list have not yet been accounted for.

He said if there are illegal drugs seized in police checkpoints, they will inform PDEA about it.

Despite the pullout of PNP from the drug war, Senior Supt. Ronald Lee, Pangasinan police director, remained confident that the Pangasinan police can meet its target to make Pangasinan drug-free by December this year.

To date, there remain only 48 barangays or villages in 39 towns and cities of Pangasinan that have yet to be cleared of illegal drugs. (PNA



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SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna – City residents have been reminded that toy guns are a no-no as Christmas gifts for children, according to a police official on Monday.

Police Sr. Insp. Julius B. Almeda, San Pablo City police station's investigation division chief, is advising city folks who have plans of giving Christmas gifts for children to avoid toy guns.

The police official also cautioned traders preparing their stock inventory for  Christmas sale to "never sell any toy gun or the replica of any firearm."

City Ordinance No. 2000–02 prohibits or bans the manufacture, selling, distribution and carrying of toy guns.

He said the city ordinance was enacted on Feb. 14, 2000 by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (city legislative council) that prohibits toy guns after police blotters, law enforcement journals, and even CCTV-captured incidents revealed toy guns and firearms replica had been used by criminals during robbery, hold-up, hostage-taking and theft cases.

The police official added that the local measure aims to stop the practice of converting or recycling metallic toy guns into "paltik" using live bullets or pellets.

Under the local law, cops have to remind sidewalk vendors, hawkers, stall holders, market tenants and traders, shops and malls to avoid displaying and selling toy guns or replicas of firearms.

The ordinance also directs law enforcers to confiscate these banned or prohibited items from the manufacturers, producers, sellers and traders. (Ruben E. Taningco/PNA)

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DAGUPAN CITY -- Jeepney drivers here and in other parts of Pangasinan did not join Monday's transport strike staged by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON).

This was bared by Benny Aquino, president of the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization Provincewide (AUTOPro), saying that they received no word from their national president regarding their participation in the strike.

AUTOPro is affiliated with the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO) headed by Efren de Luna who earlier said the latter will not join PISTON's nationwide strike.

De Luna, in an interview early Monday before the local station over Bombo Radyo Dagupan called on their members in Dagupan and Pangasinan not to join the strike.

De Luna said his group agreed to the call of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for as long as the existing jeepneys are modernized and rehabilitated for the comfort and safety of commuters and that they would not be phased out from the roads.

He criticized PISTON for opposing the modernization program without proposing any alternative measure to the government regarding the matter.

De Luna maintained that only dilapidated jeepneys would be phased out and operators of the same would be given the chance to apply for loan by the government to buy modern jeepneys such as those models presented by DOTr and no capital would be coming out from them.

In Dagupan, Rolly Dioquino of Calasiao town, said operations of jeepneys in the town remain normal despite the suspension of classes and work in government offices nationwide. (PNA)



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PALO, Leyte -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here has already mapped out plans and security measures for foreign dignitaries, tourists, war veterans, servicemen, and other visitors attending the 73rd Leyte Gulf Landings on Friday.

PNP-Eastern Visayas regional director, Chief Supt. Gilberto Cruz, said they had discussed security preparations early on, particularly in areas where big events would be held, such as at the Leyte Landing Memorial in Palo, commemorative rites in Tolosa, and at Hill 120 in Dulag town on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

"We are prepared for the security requirements of the Leyte Gulf Landings and if needed, there is a ready augmentation force from other PNP units in Eastern Visayas," Cruz said Tuesday.

Hundreds of PNP personnel will be deployed to identify areas where invited foreign dignitaries will be in attendance, before the commemorative program on Friday.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will be the guest-of-honor and speaker for the commemoration, themed "Keeping Alive the Valor of the Heroes of World War II".

Meanwhile, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla said Tuesday the province leads the yearly commemoration to show the "brave warriors" of the Second World War the people's gratitude for their courage and bravery and for "laying their lives so freedom can be enjoyed".

Petilla said he wants the celebration to educate the younger generation about the significance of the annual commemoration, as well as the role of World War II and Filipino veterans in the history of the world.

The sunrise activity will be held at the park, while the sunset ceremony will be led by the veterans' organizations and their sons and daughters.

The governor added that the provincial government had opted for a low-key celebration this year as it gears up for the 75th diamond commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landings in 2019.

On Oct. 20, 1944, American forces landed on the Red Beach, led by US Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who two years before vowed, "I shall return!", as well as former Philippine president Sergio Osmeña and Brig. Gen. Carlos P. Romulo.

The landing at Candhug village, 11 km. from Tacloban City, marked the return of the Commonwealth government to the country after years of exile in the US.

The Allied Forces won the two-month Battle of Leyte that ended on Dec. 31, 1944. A battle was also fought on Ormoc Bay and Camotes Sea in November of that year. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- Police here are hot on the trail of a motorcycle-riding gunmen who ambushed and killed Monday an employee of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and wounded two others.

Sr. Supt. Rolly Octavio, city police director, said probers have initial information about the suspects who ambushed and killed Abdulgani Guiama, 38, driver of DENR-ARMM, but declined to give further details pending follow up operations.

Guiama of Barangay Tamontaka 1, this city, was driving the DENR-ARMM van with Manuel Capin, DENR-ARMM supply officer, and Pablo Amador, a miner and visitor of the environment office when attacked ar around 3:30 p.m. along Ramon Rabago Sr Street when attacked.

The suspects sped off towards the direction of nearby De Mazenod Avenue.

Responding police officers rushed the victims to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center but Guiama, a relative of DENR-ARMM Regional Sec. Kahal Kedtag, was pronounced dead upon arrival by attending physicians.

The two other victims are still confined at a local hospital. Police said the suspects were on board a Honda motorbike without license plate.

Police said motive of the attack could be robbery since the victims had just withdrawn cash from a bank. (PNA)



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CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Government forces, backed by allied Moro combatants, seized motorboats, assorted firearms and improvised explosive devices during clearing operations in Barangay Poblacion, Datu Piang and Barangay Katibpuan, Talayan, all in Maguindanao.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID) spokesman, said the explosives and other war materials were owned by the ISIS - inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The Army and its ally, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), jointly carried out the clearing operations.

"Civilians provided us the information about the armed men in their villages so we launched clearing maneuvers," Encinas said.

Among those recovered were one M-653 rifle, one M-203 grenade launcher and assorted ammunition as well as bomb making components.

Encinas said a still unidentified supporter of BIFF sub-leader Abunawas Damiog alias Bayawak, kept the firearms of the militants underneath Olandang Bridge in Datu Piang town.

Civilians from Katibpuan, Talayan, meanwhile, pointed to the Army 10 motorized boats used by the BIFF in cruising tributaries of the 220,000–hectare Liguasan Marsh in the area.

Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, 6th ID chief, lauded the civilians for helping the military hinder the movement of the lawless elements sans their motorboats and firearms.

"The successful operation was a result of the focused and intensified military operations against local terror groups in Central Mindanao," he said.

This developed as five members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to elements of the Army's 57th Infantry Battalion and Philippine Marines in Barangay Nililidan, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat on Monday morning.

Encinas said the NPA rebels belonged to the Platoon Myphone of NPA Guerilla Front 73. The surrenderers turned over an M16 rifle, M14 rifle and an Ultimax caliber 5.62 rifle.

"This is one of the positive outcomes of an effective collaboration between the military and the civil authorities," Dela Vega said. (PNA)



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – A 50-km. PHP900-million road project in the town of Bataraza in Palawan province, which will connect to the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) roll-on/roll-off port, is expected to boost southern Palawan's economy before the end of the year.

Provincial information officer Gil Acosta Jr. said Tuesday the road project that would connect "the bustling mining community" of Barangay Rio Tuba to Barangay Buliluyan in Bataraza is expected to be completed soon.

"It will link the BIMP-EAGA roll-on/roll-off (RORO) port in Buliluyan to the arterial road network in the mainland when it opens its doors in the first quarter of 2018 for tourists and merchants from destinations like Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia," Acosta said in a statement.

The flow of people, goods, and services to and from Palawan from these countries will likely commence, he added.

"The efforts of Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez to make things happen for the southern Palawan economy is about to pay off. While the neighboring northern Palawan is basking in the limelight of economic development, attributed primarily to its thriving tourism industry, the south has somewhat lackadaisically maintained the status quo in the last decade. Tied up to its modest agriculture industry, southern Palawan's economy is unable to keep pace with the robust growth of the tourism-rich north in the race for economic progress," Acosta said.

However, with the infrastructure developments, the economic landscape in southern Palawan is set to change, he said.

"At the onset of Alvarez' administration in 2013, the provincial government has put a premium on the development of southern Palawan's important infrastructure facilities," he added.

Quick to capitalize on the economic upswing, some of the country's top companies, among them Del Monte Philippines, Kennemer Foods, Agumil, and Singapore's Lionheart Ltd., are now establishing their respective bases of operations in the south in the municipalities of Brooke's Point, Bataraza, Rizal, Quezon and Sofronio Espaňola.

Acosta said with President Rodrigo Duterte pushing for BIMP-EAGA to drive growth, believing it is a locomotive for stronger cooperation and development among member countries, the province would partner with the national and local governments in "putting up projects that would improve the delivery of basic services like water, electricity, roads and bridges, airports and seaports, school buildings and hospitals in southern Palawan, in anticipation of the economic boom."

"As Governor Alvarez puts it, 'We must increase our agricultural production to cope with the food requirements of the growing population and the expected influx of tourists to our shores in the years to come,'" he said. (PNA)



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BALANGA CITY, Bataan -- Passenger jeepneys in this province on Tuesday are back on the roads after joining the transport strike Monday in opposition to the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program of government.

Drivers of jeepneys in the first district of Bataan resumed their regular trips but it was noticeable that the vehicles were mostly with less number of passengers.

Jeepneys left the terminal without being filled with passengers.

"The low number of passengers is due to the suspension of classes and work in government," a passenger said.

Malacanang suspended classes and work in government offices nationwide Monday and Tuesday.

Jeepneys with routes from Balanga to Abucay and Balanga to Orani and vice-versa are back in their slots in the Bataan Transport Terminal in Balanga City.

These two slots were empty Monday after drivers and operators of four jeepney associations in the first district joined the nationwide "tigil pasada."

Passenger jeepneys in the second district with routes from Balanga City to the towns of Pilar, Orion and Limay did not join the transport strike. (PNA)



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SAN FABIAN, Pangasinan -- A new bike trail will be formally introduced to enthusiasts in Pangasinan on October 21 by Fourth Dist. Rep. Christopher de Venecia to promote tourism in the town.

The activity will follow shortly after the unveiling of the winning logo of the San Fabian Bike Trail project at Sitio Tagaytay, Inmalog, San Fabian initiated by De Venecia's office.

Bikers from all around the province were invited to try out the trail from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.

He said the new bike trail will give an enticing view of the "Tatlong Suso" (three mountains) and the vast expanse of the Lingayen Gulf.

The bike trail features lush greenery along the sides and perfect blue skies and is a certified perfect trail for bikers, he added.

De Venecia initiated the San Fabian Bike Trail Official Logo design contest as the winning entry is intended to be used by the municipal government of San Fabian as directional signs along the bike trail.

The logo contest was endorsed by the municipality of San Fabian led by Mayor Constante Agbayani.

De Venecia said he wants to make tourism a driver of the local economy to enable the people of local communities to improve their living condition.

He seeks to develop existing and potential tourist sites, improve tourism products, and improve facilities and services of tourist establishments.

The bike trail, he said, also seeks to increase tourist arrivals through packaging, and intensive promotions and marketing.

San Fabian, the corridor of Pangasinan from the north, boasts of its beautiful beach, clean rivers and green mountains. (PNA)



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CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has cautioned officials of water districts in the province, particularly the City of Malolos Water District (CMWD), against making moves that will compromise the ongoing Bulacan Bulk Water Project (BBWP) as well as the general welfare of the public.

The governor made the call after he received a letter and several documents from the CMWD Employees Union informing him that officials of the city water district have allegedly entered into a "joint venture" agreement with Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation (PWIC), a private firm.

Alvarado said this move is illegal since all the water districts in the province have signed a binding contract supporting the BBWP.

"We (provincial government) will not allow it.They have to talk with the provincial government. I would also like to remind them (water district officials) that they have signed a contract with the Bulacan Bulk Water Project," the governor said.

He also said that the reported "scheme" will not push through due to clear and simple reason, "where will they get the water supply."

Alvarado said that the provincial government has been working hard for the implementation of the BBWP and now that the project is on its pipelaying stage, they will see to it that it will not be hampered by the interests of some people.

"Now that we were being given the chance to taste the water that coming from our mountains, we will not allow the project be sabotaged by some people," he said, adding that BBWP will reach Malolos City before the end of 2018 or early 2019.

Under the BBWP, Alvarado said Bulakenyos will now taste the gift of nature's bounty from Angat dam.

He said fresh potable surface water will now flow to every home in the province once the project is completed.

Alvarado said the underground water source for the different water districts in Bulacan is already depleted.

The governor said that he will call a meeting with the officials of the different water districts to discuss this matter and the inspection of their giant water tanks to ensure the structural integrity.

Earlier in the weekly radio program, "The Governor's Hour," anchor/broadcaster Rommel Ramos interviewed Malolos City Vice Mayor Gilbert "Bebong" Gatchalian on the controversial issue of the joint venture agreement between CMWD and PWIC, but it appears that the city executive, who is the presiding officer of the city council, have no idea about it.

Gatchalian told Ramos that they will investigate the controversy surrounding the joint venture agreement. (PNA)



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DINALUPIHAN, Bataan -- Police officers, who tested positive for drugs, have no place in the Philippine National Police organization.

This was the stern warning of PNP-Police Regional Office director, Chief Superintendent Amador V. Corpus, as he disclosed that several policemen have already been removed from service after they tested positive for drugs.

In fact, Corpus said he will recommend the immediate dismissal of a police officer from Nueva Ecija and another from Angeles City (Pampanga) who tested positive in a recently-concluded drug test.

"I would prefer a former drug addict of becoming a police officer rather than a policeman who turned drug addict. The one that came from Bahay Pagbabago who turned into a policeman is better than a police officer who became drug addict (sic)," he said.

He urged qualified graduates from the Bahay Pagbabago Reformation Center in Dinalupihan to apply as the PNP needs 10,000 police officers next year.

"General Bato (PNP Director General Ronald Dela Rosa) would be happy if there is a former drug addict that applied to become police," he said.

Corpus was in this town with Senior Superintendent Benjamin Silo, Jr., Bataan police director, and other guests to attend the first anniversary of the Bahay Pagbabago Reformation Center in Barangay San Benito.

Also in attendance were officials from the Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman also graced the occasion.

Mayor Maria Angela Garcia said 400 drug surrenderers in Dinalupihan graduated in nine batches in one year since the drug reformation center started operation on Oct. 14, 2016. The mayor scheduled a job fair for the former drug dependents.

"Bahay Pagbabago is like a nipa hut. A home that values family where there are love and responsibilities of the parents to their children and the society," she said.

"The Bahay Pagbabago is not only for drug surrenderers but for all of us who must change to solve together the ill of the society which is illegal drugs," Garcia added.

Dolphy Quizon, Jr. sang inspirational songs and delivered a heart-warming message that made graduates and guests teary-eyed. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- A series of employment fairs will be held in three cities in Negros Occidental, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) local office said.

The first, dubbed MassKara Job Fair, will be held on October 16 at the Bacolod Arts, Youth and Sports Center led by the city government of Bacolod through the Public Employment Services Office (PESO).

At least 21 licensed recruitment agencies will offer both local and overseas jobs.

This will be followed by another fair on October 20 in Talisay City, at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College Multi-Purpose Gym.

PESO Talisay will accommodate 17 licensed recruitment agencies hiring for jobs abroad.

Bago City will also host a jobs fair on November 2, with the Overseas Filipino Workers Day at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center.

Glenda Aligonza, coordinator of POEA Bacolod Satellite Office, said in a press statement that for overseas employment, there is more demand for service crew in the food sector as well as skilled and professional workers in construction and medical fields.

Aligonza said job fairs are coordinated with the POEA which provides recruitment agencies the clearance to recruit once determined they have legal job orders.

She applicants should check the background of agencies to avoid being victimized by illegal recruiters.

Aligonza also earlier urged prospective applicants to undergo Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar to avoid becoming runaway workers. (PNA)



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PAGUDPUD, Ilocos Norte—Amidst a stormy weather, at least 10 delegates of the Miss Earth International visited Ilocos Norte over the weekend to experience what the province has to offer in terms of eco-tourism.

Hosted by Hannah's Beach Resort and Hotel dubbed as the 'crown jewel of the north" in Pagudpud town, retired Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr. said it has always been a pleasure to welcome international beauties.

"It has been a commitment of Hannah's to make Ilocos Norte a world class capital. We do this every time not only for Miss Earth but all year round," said Nolasco.

The 10 delegates representing the countries of Austria, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Israel, Korea, Guatemala, Sweden, Thailand, Uganda and Venezuela arrived in Pagudpud town on Friday and left for Manila on the evening of October 15.

Amazed by the beauty of Pagudpud, Miss Venezuela Ninoska Vasquez said she was very impressed of the warmth and hospitality of Filipinos.

"The people are very happy and good. I like their hospitality," said Vasquez, citing Filipino food is excellent, too.

"Before the competition, I had been on diet but in the Philippines, there is no diet. I like it," she added.

For Paweensuda Drouin of Thailand, she said trying Hannah's superman zipline, the longest zipline over water, excited her the most. "I feel like I was flying and the scenery was so amazing," she said.

But beyond the natural beauty of Pagudpud's crystal clear ocean and green mountains, Drouin said it's the Filipinos that made her stay most memorable.

"Everybody is friendly and they are so helpful. No matter where I go, they always say, hello, good morning. It's always a nice feeling and it's like I'm always at home," said Drouin.

When asked about her environment advocacy, Drouin believes that educating children about environment protection should start at home. "I believe that education about environmental awareness should start at home. That parents should not just be educating but also as role models to their kids. So that the concept of environmental awareness—the 5 Rs—rethink, reduce, reuse, recycle and respect will be engraved into their minds," she said. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- One of the suspects in the Sept. 2016 Davao City night market bombing, arrested and released last year, has yielded anew to the Cotabato City police office on Sunday.

Sr. Supt. Rolly Octavio, Cotabato City police director, said Mohammad Lalaog Chenikandiyil, accompanied by his counsel Wilmer Donasco, voluntarily surrendered to him at 1:20 p.m. Sunday.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-ARMM) is set to turn him over Monday to Davao police authorities.

"He insisted he was not involved in the Davao bombing and he wanted to clear his name," Octavio told the PNA.

Octavio said Chenikandiyil, alias "Boy," was included in the Department of National Defense (DND) arrest order No. 2 that DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana issued following the declaration of martial law in Mindanao in the aftermath of the Marawi siege.

Chenikandiyil was among the four other bombing suspects arrested on October 27, 2016 in separate raids by CIDG-ARMM in Barangay Rosary Heights 7, Cotabato City and in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Also arrested in the raid were Zack Haron Villanueva Lopez, Jackson Mangulamas Usi, and Ausan Abdullah Mamasapano, according to then CIDG-ARRM Director Supt. Jimmy Daza.

All those arrested were then turned over to the Davao City police. But the Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 13 ordered the Davao police office to release Chenikandiyil on Nov. 11, 2016 after it granted the petition for writ of habeas corpus filed by his wife.

RTC-13 Presiding Judge Jill Jaugan-Lo, in special proceeding Nov. 9 last year, heard the petition of Allysanor Chenikandiyil against the police and CIDG-11 office.

Through lawyer Donasco, she stressed that her husband's continued detention was unjustified since no formal charges have been filed against him since his arrest in Cotabato City up to the time he was transferred to CIDG Davao.

She said her husband detention exceeded 36 hours as allowed by the Revised Penal Code. If a case had been filed, she received no notice that a criminal case had been filed and his continued detention was not justified since no inquest proceeding was ever conducted.

At least 14 people were killed in the Sept. 2, 2016 bombing in the Davao night market along Roxas Boulevard and more than 50 others injured. (PNA)



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TAGBILARAN CITY -- Boholanos commemorated on Sunday the fourth anniversary of the strong earthquake that hit the island province on Oct. 15, 2013 and how the experience made them more resilient against disasters.

Governor Edgar Chatto led the series of commemoration activities held here and Loay town.

Chatto said the earthquake has created an indelible mark in the history of Bohol and brought about the now-renowned "Boholano resiliency."

The Boholanos learned the essence of cooperation and mutual trust among each other out of the experience.

After the earthquake four years ago, Bohol came out unscathed from other disasters, both natural and man-made, that followed and the province and its people remain strong.

To date, the province remains to be a tourism powerhouse in the country as it has shown the ability to host, not just tourists, but big international meetings and conventions.

Data from Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) head Anthony Damalerio said 965 rebuilding projects after the earthquake have been completed.

Meanwhile, a branch of the National Museum also had a soft opening at the old Capitol building, which was abandoned after the earthquake.

A new Bohol Capitol building is currently being constructed and expected to be completed by first quarter of 2018.

Other commemoration activities included the formal turnover of the Holy Trinity Parish Church in Loay to the Diocese of Tagbilaran from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the opening of the Loay Museum. (Dave Albarado/PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- An official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region made an appeal anew on Monday to drug lords and members of drug rings to voluntarily surrender or face the consequence.

SOCCSKSARGEN, officially designated as Region 12, comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani; and also the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, Kidapawan and General Santos.

In this city, PDEA–12 Director Gil Ceasario said their counterparts have the full support of the local government in running after suspected drug lords and drug peddlers alike.

Speaking over a local radio station, Ceasario mentioned the arrest over the weekend of an agricultural dealer for possession of prohibited drugs and firearms following a dawn raid in his home in Koronadal City.

He said Alvin Valerio of Quality Agricultural Supply, a store selling agricultural products and fertilizers, did not resist arrest when PDEA-12 operatives raided his home in Barangay Gen. Paulino Santos at around 3 a.m. Saturday.

Prior to Valerio's arrest, PDEA agents also nabbed a town mayor in Sarangani and seized from his home more than PhP1 million worth of shabu substance, a mini-laboratory and high-powered guns.

Also arrested were another businessman and several drug peddlers and users in the lower level of a drug syndicate operating in SOCCSKSARGEN.

Castro said El Patron drug ring is the biggest drug group operating in the region and has links to the Maute Group - Anzar al-Kilafa Philippines, a local terrorist group in Sarangani and the Parojinog drug ring of Ozamiz City.

Castro said a "green book" seized from the house of Maasim, Sarangani Mayor Aniceto Lopez, showed the personalities in the region who belonged to the drug ring.

Castro refused to name them except saying three mayors in the region are within the radar of PDEA, including several village officials.

"It's better for them to come forward and peacefully surrender," he said of local officials now under surveillance," he said.

Castro said PDEA is facing a bigger challenge now after President Duterte issued an executive order entrusting back to PDEA the war on drugs.

In the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), PDEA Director Juvenal Azurin also said his office is facing huge and multiple challenges after Malacañang named PDEA as the sole agency in the war on drugs.

Speaking to reporters, Azurin admitted lack of manpower, firepower and facilities make the new task very challenging. With that, he said, PDEA in enforcing the war on drugs of Duterte administration still needs the support of the Philippine National Police, the military and other security agencies for the task.

He said PDEA-ARMM assessment showed the illegal drug situation in his area of jurisdiction is still in "red," meaning it remained one of the major threats to society.

The ARMM comprises the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Lanao del Sur and Basilan. Due to its proximity to Maguindanao, the PDEA-ARMM has included Cotabato City to its area of operation. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- The police here have vowed to continue the campaign against illegal drug personalities in support to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) after President Duterte removed lead roles in the drug war from the police.

The PDEA–ARMM includes Cotabato City, which forms part of Region 12, in its area of operation for being contiguous to Maguindanao, a province component of the autonomous region.

Aside from Maguindanao, the ARMM comprises the cities of Marawi and Lamitan; and the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.

"We will provide intelligence information and support, both manpower and firepower, to the PDEA-ARMM," Supt. Joane Maganto, Cotabato City PNP deputy director for operations, told reporters Monday.

"Any information about illegal drug activities, drug syndicates, selling, pushing and using of prohibited drugs will be immediately forwarded to the PDEA for appropriate action," he added.

The city government has been providing intelligence information to police and PDEA-ARMM, which maintains its headquarters here.

With the lead role in the hands of the PDEA-ARMM, police and the city government have vowed to continue supporting the Duterte administration's war on drugs.

In Maguindanao, Sr. Supt. Agustin Tello, police provincial director, said his office would continue supporting the war on drugs in support roles.

Tello said anyone arrested in possession of prohibited drugs at police checkpoints would be turned over to PDEA, including all the evidences, for further investigation and filing of appropriate charges. (PNA)



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PALO, Leyte -- It's all systems go for the 73rd Leyte Gulf Landings Commemoration on October 20, the largest naval battle in the Pacific that ended the Japanese invasion in the Philippines.

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will represent President Rodrigo Duterte in the commemoration, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla confirmed on Monday.

Expected to grace the 73rd Leyte Landing Commemoration are the ambassadors of the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

"This year is just a simple celebration. The grand celebration will be the 75th anniversary in 2019," Petilla said.

Before the commemorative program on Oct. 20 at the MacArthur Park National Shrine, the local government has lined up several activities for the annual celebration that started on Oct. 8.

These activities include the scout jamboree, Leyte Business Month celebration, Agri-Aqua Trade Fair, Trade and Business Expo Fair, concert, dance competition and band blast.
In Guiuan, Eastern Samar, town residents will commemorate the "Sentimental Journey". The event will recall the "Battle of Suluan" which was the beginning of the return of Allied Forces lead by Gen. Douglas MacArthur to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation.

On October 18, there will be a "Signal Day" re-enactment in Tolosa town. "Signal Day" commemorates the heroic acts of Scouts Valeriano Abello, Antero Junia Sr. and Vicente Tiston.

These young scouts were at the hilltops of Telegrafo village in Tolosa and used the scouts' signs to ask incoming Allied Forces on Oct. 18, 1944 to spare the shorelines from Abuyog to Tacloban City from bombing because thousands of local residents are living in the area.

"Don't bomb the beaches, there are civilians. If possible let me direct the shelling." This was the message sent to the US Forces through semaphore flag signalling which saved the lives of thousands of people in Leyte.

On October 19, activities will be centered at Hill 120 where the American Forces first hoisted their flag in Leyte Island symbolizing the start of liberating the country.

Aside from commemorative programs, other activities on October 20 are Subiran Regatta at Red Beach in Palo town; Liberation Day Parade and band competition in Tacloban City. The commemoration will culminate through a Sunset Ceremony at the MacArthur Park National Shrine.

The Leyte Gulf Landing is a commemoration of the Battle of Leyte Gulf the largest naval battle in the Pacific, and the largest naval battle in recorded history. The battle spanned 100,000 square miles of sea; and was fought for three days, from Oct. 23 to 25, 1944, during the invasion of Leyte by the Allied forces.

The battle signalled the fulfilment of Gen. MacArthur famous words, "I Shall Return," who left the country and escaped to Australia to gather support from Allied Forces in quest to liberate the Philippines from Japanese Forces occupation. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- The transport strike on Monday led by the  Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) failed to paralyze Cebu City, said City Councilor Dave Tumulak.

The Cebu City Transportation Office noted that about 80 percent of passenger utility jeepneys (PUJ) were plying the streets and not a single commuter was stranded. However, the office did not give the exact number of PUJs registered in the city.

"We (city government) have not received any report of stranded passengers," Tumulak said. "This only proves that the strike was not able to paralyze the transport of commuters in the city."

Tumulak said the city government has prepared 15 public buses and tapped the assistance of Ceres Bus Line for the affected riding public.

"I guess we won't be needing theses buses anymore as we have more than enough PUJs plying the streets," Tumulak said.

Greg Perez, Cebu coordinator of Piston, which spearheaded the strike, even admitted that their protest action did not paralyze the traffic in the city.

Perez said Piston-Cebu did not intend to paralyze transport but just wanted to express their concerns, especially on the phasing out of jeepneys 15 years old and over.

Piston-Cebu, likewise, did not get the support they needed from the public as less than a hundred only joined their protest rallies in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.

Among those who joined the strike were from the Kilusan ng mga Mambubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) - Cebu and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) - Central Visayas.

However, Perez denied that Piston is not part of any plot to destabilize the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, saying that the leftist groups joining the protest are just showing their support to their cause.

A retired university professor, meanwhile, commented that no cause would succeed without the public's support.

"You can mount as many protest strikes or rallies you want. But you would never succeed unless you have the public behind you," said the professor, who only wanted to be known as Mr. Bacalla, told the Philippine News Agency while observing Piston's gathering along P. Del Rosario St. here.

"Those old jeepneys, most are dilapidated anyway, really have to go," he said. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- One person died while thousands of families were displaced as flashfloods inundated 10 villages in this city due to inclement weather condition.

The flashflood was triggered by hours of continuous heavy rains starting Sunday dawn. The displaced families have remained in evacuation centers set up in schools and barangay centers as intermittent rains continue until Monday.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Monday that Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao continue to experience scattered light to moderate with occasionally heavy rains which may cause flood, landslide, strong winds and lightnings brought about by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

On Sunday, October 15, the ITCZ caused cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bicol, Mimaropa, Western and Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan.

Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief, on Monday said that 2,206 families consisting of 11,221 individuals have been displaced by flash flood triggered by storm surge and swelling of rivers.

Apolinario said the lone fatality was Sonny Tadiari Panglima, 65, a is a Muslim preacher (Imam), who drowned as his house was swept by big waves while trying to save the family's belongings.

Panglima's house, which was made of light materials, stood at the shore of Barangay Labuan.

The affected families are from the following barangays: Vitali, 1,200; Manguso, 151; Labuan, 496; Maasin, 17; Patalon, 35; Limpapa, 62; Sinunuc, 51; Ayala, 108; Talisayan, 50; Campo Islam, 36.

Apolinario said the city government has mobilized its resources to provide relief goods such as food packs, blankets and kitchen utensils. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) led the distribution of relief goods.

He said they have also established community kitchen to cater to the food needs of the displaced families while they are housed at the evacuation centers. (TPGJR/PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental on Monday reported that there are no monitored transport strikes or rallies in the province.

Sr. Supt. Edwin Portento, acting PNP provincial director, in an interview Monday afternoon said the province remains peaceful and orderly.

Portento, however, disclosed that he has received reports some "cause-oriented groups" have gone to Cebu, another island in the Central Visayas region, to participate in the transport strike rallies.

He assured that the PNP is ready to take on the responsibility to maintain peace and order, especially with the deployment of hundreds of police personnel for the Buglasan Festival from October 13 to 22.

Portento believes, however, that peace will prevail in Negros Oriental, especially in Dumaguete City where Buglasan Festival activities are being held.

As of noon today, public transport such as pedicabs, jeepneys and buses continued plying the city and other routes.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is also monitoring the situation here following a directive from their regional office regarding the nationwide transport strike.

LTO-Bayawan City District Office chief Alberta Janine Lawas  disclosed that her office has not received any report of transport strike or similar protest activities that may paralyze public conveyance services.

Monday was declared a holiday with classes suspended in public schools and work in government offices in anticipation of the nationwide strike by the transport sector that is opposing, among other things, the jeepney modernization program. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Philippine Coastguard (PCG) suspended boat trips for the second straight day on Monday to prevent sea tragedy amid inclement weather condition prevailing over Region 9 or Western Mindanao.

Lieutenant Commander Alvin Dagalea, Zamboanga Coastguard Station chief, told the Philippine News Agency the boat trips have remained suspended since Sunday as rough seas prevailed in the Basilan Strait due to inclement weather thereby dangerous for boats to sail.

"The boat skippers themselves have even decided (on Monday) not to sail due to big waves 'outside,' referring to the Basilan Strait," Dagalea added.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Monday that Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will experience scattered light to moderate with occasionally heavy rains which may cause flood, landslide, strong winds and lightnings brought about by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

On Sunday, October 15, the ITCZ caused cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bicol, Mimaropa, Western and Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan.

Affected by the boat trips' suspension since Sunday are those plying from this city to the nearby provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi as well as to Zamboanga del Sur.

Dagalea disclosed that hundreds of passengers have been stranded brought about by the suspension of boat trips.

"Some of them slept overnight (Sunday) at the passenger terminal building but most went home," Dagalea said, adding that at least 265 passengers showed up on Monday at the local port.

Stranded passengers, especially those from Basilan, have sought refuge from their relatives in this city.

Dagalea said the boat trips will resume Tuesday but it will depend on the weather condition.

He added that the passenger and cargo ferries plying to the nearby provinces have already sought safe refuge at this city's shipyard in Barangay Cawit, this city. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY-- It's business as usual for establishments in Negros Occidental, including its capital Bacolod City, since the three major transport organizations in the province on Monday decided not to join the two-day nationwide transport strike.

However, all government offices and local government units here suspended work, adhering to the Malacañang directive as stated in Memorandum Circular Number 28 "to minimize public inconvenience arising from the planned nationwide transportation strike."

Frank Carbon, regional governor of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Western Visayas and Negros Occidental, confirmed "it's business as usual" in the province.

With the ongoing 38th MassKara Festival in Bacolod, the United Negros Drivers Operators Center (UNDOC), Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros (SSTONE), and Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association (FEBACDA) decided not to join the strike.

UNDOC Secretary-General Diego Malacad said they don't want to cause inconvenience to tourists during the city's festival.

Still, he stressed that they are supporting the protest of the transport sector, seeking to oppose the phase-out of old jeepneys.
Malacad's group held a rally in Bacolod Monday noon.

He added that more than 3,000 protestors from Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental are joining the protest in Cebu.

In Bacolod, Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued Executive Order No. 31 suspending classes both in public and private schools, and work in all offices and departments of the city government.

On Facebook, private schools in Bacolod like the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, University of St. La Salle, and Colegio San Agustin also announced the suspension of its classes in all levels.



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ILOILO CITY -- A caravan protest and not a jeepney strike was staged here on Monday by transport groups objecting the government's plan to phase out old jeepneys by 2018 as part of the modernization program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

In an interview, Edgar Salarda, president of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), said a total of 18 public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and 50 drivers that joined the caravan protest in this city.

They roamed around the city and had several stopovers at different PUJ terminals.

Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 spokesperson, Police Supt. Gilbert Gorero, said the caravan protest has "no impact on transportation and mobility of goods" in the city.

While the nationwide transport strike is scheduled until October 17, Salarda said they have no more activities on Tuesday.

He assured that transport groups in the region would also continue regular operations.

Salarda said they did not join the transport strike as they want to have a coordinated effort in the whole of Visayas.

He said there are currently several activities in Bacolod City in celebration of Masskara Festival, as well as in Cebu with Lakbayan Festival.

Salarda said their protest focused on their appeal to the government to rehabilitate old units of PUJs instead of phasing out them out.

He said that more or less 90 percent of PUJs in the region would be affected by the modernization program.

Aside from the protest against modernization program, transport groups also protested against the continuing hike in petroleum prices. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)



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CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- Drivers and operators of passenger jeepneys in this province did snubbed the nationwide transport strike spearheaded by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston).

The drivers said they opted to ply their usual routes in order to meet their families' needs.

"My family will have nothing to eat if I stop the trip,"  Nelson, a driver plying the Cabanatuan-San Jose route, explained when asked why he went to work despite the transport strike.

He, however, admitted that he and his fellow drivers had "very little"  income on Monday as there were few passengers.

Malacañang on Sunday declared the suspension of government work and classes at all levels in both public and private schools nationwide to minimize public inconvenience arising from the planned nationwide transportation strike.

Jeepney associations led by Piston have been protesting the proposed public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program of the government.

Based on the program, public utility vehicles that are over 15 years old will be banned from the national highways and will be replaced with "low-carbon and low-emission technology" vehicles. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in Negros Occidental has partnered with local poultry integrators to design initiatives to ensure biosecurity and address pollution and fly control.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said Friday that as part of the efforts, the Poultry Integrators Association was organized and elected its interim officers.

Eight poultry integrators provide support to animal production, including broiler stocks, feeds, medicine and technology in the province.

Decena said that since Negros Occidental has a chicken-eating populace, these integrators are the provincial government's partner in ensuring food security.

The association has the capacity to produce 1.5 million to 2 million heads of broiler every month.

Decena added that eight personnel of their office are currently conducting a reevaluation of farms of all poultry integrators in the province. The integrators have 168 contract growers.

"We will further know the real picture of the broiler industry after the evaluation is done in three weeks," he said.

Decena said the poultry producers can only renew their registration if they follow the biosecurity, pollution, and fly control techniques.

Biosecurity measures seek to protect or reduce the risk of animals against diseases.

He added that the PVO would also open the laboratory services to the integrators and involve them in outreach activities.

"Our concern is more on the production side, integrators will just compete on the marketing aspect," Decena said.

He also said that similar to what the PVO did with the Alliance of Hog Raisers Association, they would also work to improve chicken production among big businesses and backyard scale. (PNA)



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CLARK, Pampanga -- The Department of Labor and Employment - Occupational Safety and Health Center (DOLE- OSHC) Regional Extension Unit (REU) III in Central Luzon is now operating at the Clark Freeport Zone.

With this, DOLE Regional Director Ana Dione said that clients will no longer need to travel to the OSHC head office in Metro Manila to avail of its various programs and services.

"We are pleased to announce that we now have a DOLE-OSHC Regional Extension Unit housed at the DOLE Clark Satellite Office here at the One-Stop Shop Center for OFWs (OSSCO) located at the Clark Polytechnic, Clark Freeport Zone. This REU is intended to bring various OSH services closer to our workers residing in different parts of the region," Dione said in a statement.

"Now, our clients from Central Luzon and nearby areas need not spend more on their travelling expenses and endure the long traffic conditions in Manila just to avail of our various OSH services. With the existence of this unit, we can further strengthen our campaign for safety and health at the workplace as a way for life," she added.

The DOLE-OSHC REU III offers various trainings on basic occupational safety and health, construction safety and health, drug-free workplace, and work environment measurement (WEM), among others.

The DOLE-OSHC REU also provides technical assistance on safety and health audit, tests on various personal protective equipment and occupational health examinations.

The DOLE-OSHC REU in Central Luzon is the latest and 13th installed REU in the country.

Other DOLE offices, such as the DOLE Clark Satellite Office, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and Professional Regulation Commission, are also housed in the OSSCO in Clark. (PNA)



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GUAGUA, Pampanga -- Officials and residents here Friday commemorated the life and heroism of Aurelio Tolentino during the celebration of his 105th birth anniversary held at Manuel P. Santiago Park, Plaza Burgos.

The event was graced by 2003 National Artist for Literature, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) chairman Virgilio S. Almario; former president, now Pampanga Second District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairman Rene Escalante; NHCP executive director Ludovico Badoy; Dr. Becky Singson, granddaughter of Aurelio Tolentino; and some local officials.

The program started with the unveiling of the historical marker and wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Tolentino.

In his welcome remarks, Mayor Dante Torres expressed hope that the event would serve as an inspiration to everyone, while Tolentino articulated his love for Guagua and the country through writing and other forms of arts.

Pampanga Board Member Rosve Henson, who represented Governor Lilia Pineda, requested the KWF to republish Tolentino's works to be distributed to Kapampangan students.

Arroyo, on the other hand, cited Tolentino's efforts as a writer and orator, and for being one of those who engaged in revolutionary activities and joined Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and other Katipuneros to plan the revolution against Spain.

Almario, for his part, said that the works of Tolentino were at par with those of other great heroes like Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio and are being recognized by the NHCP.

Meanwhile, Tolentino's granddaughter Dr. Singson, thanked the local officials and townsfolk for commemorating her grandfather's legacy.

Tolentino was born on Oct. 13, 1867 in Barangay Sto. Cristo here.

He was a known playwright, orator, and writer whose works became propaganda materials during the American occupation. He was also known to be a good friend of Andres Bonifacio and became an early member of the Katipunan.

Tolentino died on July 5, 1915 and was buried at the Manila North Cemetery. His remains were transferred to this town in 1921. (PNA)



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ALLACAPAN, Cagayan -- The Sangguniang Bayan here Friday declared the town of Allacapan in Cagayan province under a state of calamity after Tropical Storm Odette immersed 27 villages in floodwaters and destroyed 9, 680 hectares of rice fields.

In a special session, the municipal council passed Resolution No. 102 series of 2017, placing the town under a state of calamity after receiving the report of the Municpal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) on the damages left by "Odette".

Mayor Harry Florida said the declaration would enable the affected farmers to access the municipal government's PHP2-million calamity fund. (PNA)



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TARLAC CITY, Tarlac -- Some areas in this province and nearby Nueva Ecija will experience a 10-hour power interruption on Tuesday, according to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).

Ernest Lorenz B. Vidal, NGCP Central Luzon corporate communications and public affairs officer, said the 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. scheduled shutdown of its transmission facilities would affect areas being serviced by Tarlac I Electric Cooperative Inc. (TARELCO I) and Tarlac II Electric Cooperative Inc. (TARELCO II).

Vidal said the affected areas are the towns of Bamban, Capas, Concepcion and La Paz, all in Tarlac, and Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija.

"The NGCP will conduct maintenance activities inside the Concepcion sub-station and Concepcion-Camiling 69kV line," he said.

Vidal asked NGCP's customers and the general public to take the necessary preparations and precautions for the scheduled power interruption as he assured that normal operations will immediately resume after work completion. (NGCP)



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DAGUPAN CITY -- The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) of Dagupan has been on standby since 10 a.m. Saturday as moderate to heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Odette continue to batter the city and Pangasinan province.

Dagupan Mayor Belen T. Fernandez ordered the CDRRMC to strictly monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate residents whose lives might be put at risk because of the storm.  

A number of villages, especially those located near rivers, were placed briefly under water when tidal waters rose by 1.4 meter at 4:21 a.m. Saturday.

A rescue boat, dump trucks and equipment have been readied by the CDRRMC in case evacuation of affected residents is necessary.

Despite the rains, however, market vendors continued to peddle their wares at the Malimgas Public Market and other public and private markets in the city. 

Meanwhile, the CDRRMC advised owners of fishing boats and small crafts not to venture yet into the Lingayen Gulf as strong to gale force winds prevail due to "Odette".

The advisory, issued at 10 a.m. Saturday, stated that the sea is still rough to very rough with waves as high as 3.4 meters to 4.5 meters, which would be very dangerous for fishing boats and small crafts. (PNA)



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CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- The entire Central Luzon police force was placed on full alert status on Friday over the plan of some transport groups in this province to join the nationwide strike on October 15 and 16 in protest of the government's gradual plan of phasing out public utility jeepneys (PUJs). 



Philippine National Police-Police Regional Office Region 3 (PNP-PRO3) Regional Director , Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus, said the full alert was raised to ensure the safety and security of the commuting public that might be affected by the transport strike. 



Corpus said he has directed all unit commanders within the region to strictly monitor the areas of convergence of public transport drivers and operators.  



"I also asked them to ensure high state of operational readiness to thwart any action that may be launched by some groups," he said.
 


To assist the stranded passengers, he said the PNP-PRO3 will deploy trucks, buses and other vehicles. 



Meanwhile, the city government of San Fernando declared the suspension of classes on Monday from pre-elementary to college levels, both in public and private schools due to the looming transport strike. 



Jeepney drivers and operators have been protesting the proposed public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program of the government. 



Based on the program, public utility vehicles that are over 15 years old will be banned from the national highways and will be replaced with "low-carbon and low-emission technology" vehicles. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY -- Retired Brig. Gen. Claudio Yucot, former commander of the Philippine Army in Albay, on Thursday assumed his post as director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional office for Bicol. 



He replaced OIC for Bicol Eugene Cabrera, regional director of OCD-Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan).  

Cabrera served in Bicol for two months.

Yucot assured Bicolanos, during the change of command ceremony on Thursday, that he would do his best in serving the region.



"This is the last quarter of the year, and this is the time our 'visitors' will be coming -- we still have much to do. Starting today, I will hit the ground running to make sure what are expected of me shall be done," he said. 



"Wala akong ibang maipapangako sa inyo kung hindi ang aking hard work, commitment at dedication to the duty (I cannot promise anything but my hard work, commitment and dedication to my duty)," Yucot added.



His appointment was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last September 7.



The new OCD-Region 5 chief thanked Albayanos for being good to him while he was Army commander in the province even if he is not a native of Bicol.



"I have reached the peak of my career here, I've earned my star rank during my stay here as commanding officer of the 901st Infantry Brigade," he said.



Yucot was born in Bohol but is now a resident of Pili town in Camarines Sur where he decided to raise his family.  



"This place is good for my family, this is payback time. I have to repay the goodness of the Bicolanos and my payment should be better -- this is to serve better," he said.



Yucot also served as Director of Army Personnel Management Center of the Philippine Army at Fort Bonifacio in Metro Manila.



He said he applied as OCD chief a month before his retirement in the military service, since he still wants to serve the country. 



Asked why he chose OCD, Yucot said, "I believe the OCD is the best employment for me after retirement, since my knowledge in the military way back when I was assigned here, can be applied in the new field of my career. My harmonious relationship with the different agencies here in Bicol during my time as commanding officer is also an edge to be the new regional director of OCD."



Yucot is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sinagtala Class of 1986. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY – A number of Ilonggos who are working abroad have expressed appreciation for the government's creation of a bank that makes overseas Fiipino workers (OFWs) a priority in its list of clients.

Jen Equipado, 27,  native of Tapaz, Capiz, began working as a beautician in a parlor in Brunei three months ago. She left her two kids – ages six and four – with their father in Iloilo to try her luck abroad.

Before going to Brunei, Jen worked as a geriatric caregiver in Iloilo.

However, her income was barely enough for her children's needs, especially since their father had no permanent work.

In an interview through Facebook, she narrated that she decided to work abroad, battling homesickness just so she could raise funds for her children's education.

On the other hand, Arman Lucero first worked as a contract worker in Saudi Arabia for four years prior to his transfer to Australia.  A native of Lambunao, Iloilo, Lucero has been in Australia for a decade. He became an Australian citizen three years ago.

Both acknowledged the difficulty of being away from their families.

Equipado said adjustment was initially difficult due to the language barrier. She also had to deal with her co-workers.

"I learned to love my work. I had to focus because I have my family waiting for me back in the Philippines," she said.

"I've been there before and it's hard working away from your family," Lucero said.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Western Visayas has recorded 62,409 active members as of September 26. Of the figure, 50,174 were land-based workers, 11,683 were sea-based, and 552 did not state their work category.

President Rodrigo Duterte in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered last July stated that the government has "been hard at work in securing the rights and welfare of our OFWs".

Part of the initiative of his administration would be the establishment of an Overseas Filipino Bank (OFB), which was realized when he signed Executive Order No. 44 last September 28.

The order allows the acquisition of the Philippine Postal Savings Bank by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and its conversion into an OFB.

"There is a need to establish a policy bank dedicated to provide financial products and services tailored to the requirements of overseas Filipinos, and focused on delivering quality and efficient foreign remittance services," the order stated.

Equipado said she appreciates the setting up of a bank that makes OFWs its priority.

"I will surely avail of the programs it would offer," she said.

"If it benefits our OFWs, why not? It's about time I guess that they give priority to OFWs," Lucero said.

Lucero shared that he is "planning to apply for dual citizenship".

"If there is a chance, I still would want to put up some businesses (in the Philippines)," he said, noting that life in the country is different, even though it faces many issues.

"Babalik ka rin (Your will eventually return)," he said, quoting Filipino singer Gary Valenciano's popular song.

Meanwhile, also in a Facebook chat, Leilanie Ostan, 45, a Filipino caregiver in Israel for eight years, expressed hope that the bank would make it easier for her to send money to her family in the Philippines.

"I hope the bank would offer a lower charge for our remittances and our families would claim it in a shorter time and easier way," she said.

On the other hand, Precious Gono, 29, who has been working in Macau, China for almost three years now, also welcomed the creation of the OFB.

"I hope it would provide many benefits to us who are working away from our family," she said, calling the bank's creation as a "reward" for OFWs like her who have long been working abroad.

"I hope what will be promised will really be granted," she further said.

Both Ostan and Gono are from Bugasong, Antique. (With report from Cindy B. Ferrer/PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Boat trips from Iloilo to Guimaras and vice versa, may be temporarily suspended anytime today due to heavy rains brought by severe tropical storm "Odette." 


In an interview Saturday, Lieutenant Commander Ramil Palabrica of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Iloilo said that boat trips were temporarily suspended three times this morning due to zero visibility of the island province of Guimaras. 


The trip was first temporarily suspended at 9:07a.m, resumed at 9:17 a.m; 9:40 a.m, resumed at 9:45 a.m; and 10:00 a.m, resumed at 10:15 a.m. 


"Anytime the rain will pour heavily and there will be zero visibility of the island of Guimaras, expect that we will again automatically cancel the boat trips," he said. 


Boat operators are currently still carrying 100 percent of the passenger boat capacity but Palabrica said that they they would reduce the boat capacity to 75 percent this evening to ensure the safety of passengers. 


Meanwhile, the operations of fastcraft boats from Iloilo to Bacolod and vice versa continues.  


In a latest advisory from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), light to moderate rains with occasional heavy rains and moderate to occassionally strong winds affecting Visayas and Mindanao will be experienced today. 


While there are no reported incidents of capsized boats here, small fishermen are advised not to venture into fishing for their safety.  


Palabrica reminded the passengers to secure safety when traveling and continue to monitor the weather updates. 


Boat operators are strictly advised to comply with safety requirements, especially the provision of life jackets to all passengers and check the engines of their boat before departing. 


Palabrica assured that coast guard personnel are on standby to respond to any untoward incidents. (PNA)



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