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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- Palawan's anti-drug abuse council is set to step up its information drives about Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, particularly among schools in the province's 23 municipalities next year.

Provincial Information Officer Gil Acosta Jr., in a statement on Friday morning, said increasing campaign drives is a major consideration in Palawan's plans against hard drugs in 2018.

Tasked to lead the information, education and communications (IEC) campaign is the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), a community-based anti-drug abuse monitoring and prevention body.

"The IEC has been started in some schools in several municipalities this year, particularly on grades 9-12 students. It will be continued in 2018 in more schools in Palawan," he said.

Acosta added that young people are the most vulnerable when it comes to drugs, and the provincial government is steadfast in ensuring that they are prevented from engaging in the dangerous activity.

Based on data provided by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the province, out of 367 barangays in Palawan, 225 are recorded to be with drug incidence, while 142 barangays are not affected by hard drugs.

He said Governor Jose Alvarez is serious in the fight as illegal drugs can cause crimes, which can impede development.

"Before it grows more as a problem, we have to check every nook and cranny of the society and see where prevention is needed –- the youth. We have to protect them from illegal drugs by informing them about what it is and why engaging in it can destroy their future," he said. (PNA)

DECEMBER 2017

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CAMP MARCELO A. ADDURU, Tuguegarao City -- Seventeen newly promoted non-uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police Police (PNP) regional office here were sworn in Friday.

PNP regional director Superintendent Robert G. Quenery administered the oath-taking. He said the 17 were selected out of the numerous applicants being the most qualified for different positions.

"Let me congratulate the newly promoted non-uniformed personnel who took their oath today. It is my fervent hope that your promotion fuels more your dedication and aspiration in giving a selfless service to the clients we are mandated to serve. I strongly urge you to double your efforts to fulfill the function you play in our organization. While doing so, lead and lend a hand in bringing out the best within others," Quenery told the 17.

The promotion is part of the continuous promotion program for the calendar year 2017 to boost the morale and welfare of every member of the PNP to include the non-uniformed personnel, he said. (PNA)

DECEMBER  2017

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COTABATO CITY -- Anti-narcotics agents here have dismantled a drug den and arrested seven suspects as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) took another step in the war against illegal drugs.

PDEA Regional Director Juvenal Azurin said a joint police and PDEA operation Thursday led to the arrest of seven people, three of them are in drug watch list, following a drug buy-bust operation at Purok Pinya, Barangay Bagua Mother, Cotabato City.

Arrested were Jose Voltaire Dela Cruz Nogra, Asraf Marjone Bakil, Faisal Saban Andal, Jeff Uy Sadane, Pinandatu Esmael Dumamba, Fahad Dris Mala and Kier Rody Palumbi.

"They were caught in the act of sniffing prohibited drugs in the den," Azurin said.

But the principal target of the operation, drug den operator Tata Bai Biruar alias Bogs Biruar, eluded arrest after sensing the presence of operatives in the 4 p.m. raid.

Nogra was previously arrested in March this year for violation of the anti-drug law, but gained temporary liberty after posting bail.

Seized during the sting operation were five sachets of suspected shabu, a PhP500 bill marked money, shabu paraphernalia, a home-made .38-caliber revolver and a .45-caliber pistol with ammunition.

Cases for violation RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being readied against the suspects while Bogs Biruar will be facing additional charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Illegal Possessions of Firearms and Ammunition).

Azurin lauded the civilian informants who provided PDEA and the police with accurate information that led to the arrest of the suspects.

Early on, two big time drug peddlers were arrested by PDEA operatives in separate anti-drug operation that led to the recovery of about PhP5-million worth of shabu.

One of those earlier arrested with PhP2.5 million worth of shabu was Raffy Osama, 22, of Barangay Bagua, Cotabato City, who was nabbed in Barangay Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Juvenal said PDEA's ARMM unit had been monitoring the movement of Osama after community residents and even his relatives tipped off PDEA agents about his activities.

"We are determining the sources of his stuff and to what drug group he belonged," said Azurin of Osama who later admitted that he had stint as on-the-job trainee of PDEA.

"We were surprised when one of my operative later identified him to be one of our trainees," he said of Osama, a criminology student.

A day before Osama's arrest, PDEA agents also collared Mohammad Tuankali Macalimpas, 47 a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and two companions Samsodin Kato following a drug buy-bust operation in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.

The arrest led to the confiscation of about PHp2.5-M worth of shabu, marked money and a .45-caliber pistol. (PNA) DECEMBER 2017



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ILOILO CITY-- The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas will gather some 600 students of the Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus for a forum as it intensifies its "Iwas Paputok" campaign on Monday.

The afternoon forum will be highlighted by the "Torotot" Festival to encourage the public to use alternative means of creating noise in welcoming the New Year, according to Dr. May Ann Sta. Lucia, DOH regional coordinator for violence and injury prevention program.

Sta. Lucia said that there will be a contest for the longest, shortest and most unique "torotot". DOH will provide for those who have none, she added.

Meantime, in the morning, employees of DOH regional office will also have their own version of the 'Torotot' Festival.

The event is held as part of the nationwide simultaneous launching of the DOH awareness campaign for its "Iwas Paputok" program.

Sta. Lucia said that "torotot" happens to be the top instrument that is being encouraged as alternative for firecrackers.

"Let us celebrate New Year in a happy and complete way -- complete hands, fingers and feet," she said.

Sta. Lucia though admitted that it's difficult to go against a "tradition." The use of firecrackers to usher New Year has been the practice of Filipinos.

"Behavior change cannot be done overnight," she said.

On Tuesday, DOH already launched its Iwas Paputok campaign in Western Visayas highlighted by a caravan in the city's major thoroughfare.

During the launching, Sta. Lucia said that local government units are enjoined to observe community fireworks display.

Meantime, Mayor Jose Espinosa III said Friday that he is not keen on holding a community fireworks display because aside from it being expensive, by tradition Filipinos have to be in their homes by midnight to welcome the New Year.

Instead, the city government will just light up all plazas and hold a "parol" making contest along the city's Muelle Laney area that will stay for a month.

Meantime, he tasked city administrator Hernando Galvez to study the policy and Malacanang pronouncements regarding the selling of firecrackers.

He confirmed that there are already applications to sell firecrackers but he has not acted on them yet pending the study. He hoped to be briefed about the policy in a day or two.

"Before I will act on it I am of the total knowledge about the pronouncements of the President (Rodrigo Duterte) so we will just follow. I will not commit on anything about the selling of firecrackers in the city," he said.

He emphasized, however, that he will not allow the selling of firecrackers in district plazas. (PNA)DECEMBER 2017



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IMUS CITY, Cavite – Two of Cavite's historic towns of Maragondon and Indang are paying homage to Andres Bonifacio on Thursday (Nov. 30) which marks the hero's 154th birth anniversary in fitting wreath-laying rites in their historical landmarks.

The National Historical Commission and the Philippines (NHCP) in partnership with the Local Government of Maragondon and the local tourism office, will spearhead a simple yet solemn occasion at 9 a.m. at the Bonifacio Trial House Museum and Shrine.

Maragondon Mayor Reynaldo Rillo and Bonifacio's descendant Dr. Dey Torres will grace the occasion at the town's Municipal Hall, according to Museong Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio (Bonifacio Trial House Museum) curator Melanio G. Guevarra.

He added that the museum will have an "open house" for interested guests and visitors during the holiday.

On the other hand, Indang town also pays tribute to Bonifacio whose birth anniversary is part of the town's "22nd Indang Day" celebration highlights.

Nuestro said that the historic day commemorates the "Katipunan" movement revolutionary leader's arrest in  Barangay Limbon in Indang after his defeat in the assembly election at the Tejeros Convention.

Born on Nov 30, 1863 in Tondo, Manila, Bonifacio rose to become the tough leader who incited "The Cry of Pugad Lawin" against Spain when Katipunan followers and revolutionaries tore their resident certificates or cedulas en masse to symbolize their defiance against the Spanish colonizers.


Historical accounts revealed that Bonifacio presided over the Tejeros Convention in Rosario, Cavite on March 22, 1897 to settle the rift of two rival revolutionary councils "Magdalo" associated with General Emilio Aguinaldo and "Magdiwang" under Bonifacio.

The convention however then turned to heighten the conflict between rival factions and Bonifacio declared null and void all matters taken up in the said convention for reasons he revealed through his "Acta De Tejeros" signed by his supporters.

Having lost to Aguinaldo as leader of the Philippine Revolutionary Government, Bonifacio decided to establish another government separate from Aguinaldo's faction in accordance with the "Naic Pact" he initiated and signed by 41 supporters including two of Aguinaldo's generals.

But, historical accounts would reveal that these two generals later deserted Bonifacio after Aguinaldo prodded and won them back and pledged their loyalty to the latter.

Due to the series of fateful experiences in Cavite, Bonifacio planned to return to Montalban and San Mateo, Rizal but on their way to Montalban, at the time he and his followers passed by Limbon, Indang, Severino de las Alas turned his back against Bonifacio and the angered Supremo responded with threats and words that were wrongly interpreted by the people of Indang who sought the help of Aguinaldo who immediately ordered for his arrest.

On April 27,1897, skirmishes took place between the forces of Bonifacio and Aguinaldo.  In the said scuffle, Ciriaco was killed, while Procopio and the Supremo were caught. Bonifacio was stabbed in the neck, weakening him and soaking him in blood.

The next day, the prisoners were brought to Indang Tribunal, then to Naic.

Within the day, Gen. Mariano Noriel created the tribunal that eventually tried and convicted the Bonifacio brothers of sedition, and sentenced them to death.

Surprised by the decision of the tribunal, Aguinaldo commutated the verdict by recommending the Bonifacio brothers' exile to an isolated island in Cavite.

However, Gen. Noriel and Gen. PiodelPilar dissuaded him, arguing that by reducing the sentence, the Revolutionary Government of the Philippines would once again be at stake.  Aguinaldo, in the end, changed his mind and signed the death sentence of the Bonifacio brothers.

On May 10, 1897, the brothers Procopio and Andres were shot at Mount Nagpatong, near Mount Buntis in Maragondon, Cavite.

Andres was the eldest in a brood of five with siblings Ciriaco, Procopio, Troadio, Esperidiona and Maxima.

He was married to Gregoria de Jesus who happened to be his second wife as his first wife – Monica- died of leprosy a year after their marriage.

The two were married in 1892, both in Catholic and Katipunan rites.  Gregoria chose "Lakambini" as her nom de guerre. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija - At least 5,000 local government officials joined President Rodrigo Duterte's political party – the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban) in this province, Wednesday.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez officiated their mass oath-taking at the Nueva Ecija Convention Center here.

Three of Nueva Ecija's congresswomen joined PDP-Laban, namely First District Rep. Estrellita Suansing, Second District Rep. Micaela Violago and Third District Rep. Rosanna Vergara.

Fourth District Rep. Magnolia Antonino-Nadres is currently abroad.

The party leadership in Nueva Ecija is headed by former Gen. Tinio Mayor Virgilio Bote, who concurrently serves as vice president for Luzon and party provincial president.

During the ceremony, Alvarez asked the new PDP-Laban members if anyone of them is an addict.

He said the party mechanism prevents any politician with illegal drug connections from being accepted to the PDP-Laban.

The Speaker said he is furnished the same drug list submitted to President Duterte so the party can check on reports of anyone's illegal drug connection.

Alvarez said the Nueva Ecija contingent is one of the biggest groups to join the PDP-Laban party after some 50,000 local officials were recently sworn in in Cebu. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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DUMAGUETE CITY - Supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte in Negros Oriental are ready for a grand rally on Thursday, Nov. 30, urging him to accept the challenge of declaring a revolutionary government. 

Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo said the city has not prepared activities to commemorate November 30 as Andres Bonifacio Day.  But he confirmed certain groups are ready for the grand rally as part of an information dissemination and education campaign on what federalism is all about.   

Remollo was invited to be one of the speakers to lecture about federalism at the Quezon Park but said he had to attend to a prior commitment in Cebu, to follow up the bridge project that connects Sibulan in Negros Oriental to Liloan in Santander, Cebu and the other bridge, which is from Mactan to Bohol and Bohol to Maasin, Leyte. 

In the meantime, the rally organizers expect a sizeable number of participants coming from various municipalities to support calls for the President to accept the challenge or the sovereign grant of the people for him to declare a revolutionary government. 

Atty. Joel Obar, one of the leaders, as founder and national chairman of the People's Solidarity Federal Party, in the quest for change and reconfiguration of the present set up of government, has enjoined everybody to join the historic gathering on Nov. 30. 

He said proclamations to grant the President revolutionary powers will be simultaneously read from different rally sites all over the country with Mendiola Bridge in Metro Manila as the center. 

He assured this is going to be a peaceful revolution not for the next election but for the next generation. 

Obar made it clear there is no question about constitutionality because it is not the President who will declare a revolutionary government and he would only accept the sovereign grant to declare the same. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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SUAL, Pangasinan -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday apologized to the five Vietnamese fishermen who were detained in this town on charges of poaching, for the death of their two companions last September. 

The Chief Executive sent off the foreigners who will return to their country on board their own fishing vessel after being detained in Sual for two months.

The five Vietnamese were apprehended last September 23 by the Philippine Navy for poaching in the country's territorial waters, some 34 nautical miles off Cape Bolinao in Pangasinan.

In his speech at the Sual Wharf before the send-off, President Duterte apologized for the death of two of the vessel's crew members during their arrest and expressed hope the incident would not happen again and that it would not affect the good relations between the Philippines and Vietnam.

"We are all ASEANs and we should treat each other as brothers," the President said as he engaged the audience for more than 30 minutes.

Wearing a Barong Tagalog and gray pants, the President arrived at 4:08 p.m. onboard the Presidential chopper which touched down at Sual Wharf, just a few meters away from the fish market.

He was welcomed by Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino III, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim and Sual Mayor Roberto Arcinue.

A briefing by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) National Director Eduardo Gongona revealed that for humanitarian reason, as the detained fishermen are all indigents, they and their boats were released without having to pay the corresponding penalty.

The Vietnamese fishers were detained for more than two months in their own fishing boat moored at Sual wharf under watch by BFAR and Philippine Coast Guard personnel while their case for poaching was being heard.

The five were identified as Pham Lam, Pham Net, Nguyen Van Trong, Nguyen Than Chi and Cham To, all of whom spoke with the aid of an interpreter.

Vietnamese Ambassador Ly Quoc Tuan thanked President Duterte for sending the five Vietnamese fishermen home so they could rejoin their families.

He also thanked the people of Sual for taking good care of his countrymen while they were in their town.

Two of the Vietnamese fishers' companions died when the Philippine Navy men fired warning shots while chasing the poachers but some of the bullets accidentally hit the engine room of their boat where the two victims were hiding at that time.

The guns of the Navy men were turned over to an investigation committee headed by the Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard while some of the personnel were relieved and placed under probe.  (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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LAOAG CITY -- Ilocanos are being encouraged to level up their knowledge and skills for better work opportunities here and abroad by acquiring multi-language education.

A one-stop shop language center is set to be inaugurated here by January next year to offer Nihongo, German and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) review.

The proposed site is at the fourth floor of Kumon building in Laoag's central business district. Initiated by a Piddig-born specialist nurse who is now based in London, United Kingdom, the Talaytayan Language Center—Laoag branch is now ready to accept new enrollees.

"The world is changing in a way that familiarity of a foreign language is needed before deployment for work abroad. And the people of the north should not be left behind compared to other parts of the country," said Riza Tongson-Espe, a technical consultant of Bison Management Corporation and the current managing director of Tongson Specialist Services Ltd.

Noting that 380,000 jobs await caregivers to Japan, Espe said the language training in partnership with the Philippine Human Resource Global Information Center (PHRGIC) and SAGE Asian Language and Education Center (SALAEC) offers an edge to Ilocanos should they consider applying for work abroad.

"What we are trying to advocate here in the north is to educate everyone about the importance of acquiring multi-language education," Espe told newsmen in Laoag on Tuesday.

Suzette Vicencio, general manager of SALAEC, said their company based in Bulacan is ready to team up with Ilocos Norte in providing learners with quality education for Nihongo.

The SALAEC maintains branches in Manila and Bulacan and specializes in teaching the Japanese language and culture to the Filipinos.

Vicencio said prior to the deployment of caregivers to Japan, there is a need to pass the Japanese language proficiency test or N4 from the country of origin.

"Filipino caregivers, even if they possess the necessary skills, cannot be hired in Japan if they do not pass N4," she said, citing being proficient in Nihongo and other languages had numerous advantages not only for caregivers but also for language translators or interpreters.

Following a meeting at the Japan Diet with House Representative Congressman Hiromichi Watanabe, chairperson of the special committee for regional revitalization and Congressman Yoshitaka Sakurada with the business delegates and dignitaries from the Philippines, Japanese investors are now eyeing to set up a training facility in the Philippines to enhance the employability of Filipino healthcare professionals such as Japan-bound nurses and caregivers.

Espe, who is a part of the Philippine delegation, said it is high time for Ilocos residents to take advantage of this huge opportunity.

Clark Dexter Badaran, president of PHRGIC, said scholarship grants are also available for applicants should they wish to pursue the Japanese language course for a period of three months and one week or equivalent to 320 hours.

He assured graduates of this short-term language training course are guaranteed to have 100-percent employment assistance.

Badaran said the new language training course has so far produced at least 60 N4 passers from SALAEC. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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BACOLOD CITY --The New People's Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the explosion that damaged equipment in a quarry site at Barangay Orong, Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental on November 26.

In a press statement dated November 28 and released to the local media here on Wednesday, the Armando Sumayang Jr. Command Southwest Negros Guerilla Front in Negros Island said the blast should serve as a warning to all operators conducting irresponsible quarry operations.

The Kabankalan City Police Station reported that on Sunday night, a blast from an improvised explosive damaged a backhoe owned by Hilamonan village councilor Raquel Siguero.

Eight suspected rebels were identified as the perpetrators, who also stole the cellular phones of the two caretakers.

Andrea Guerrero, spokesperson of Southwest Negros Guerilla Front, said that since 2014, they have identified 15 quarry operators in the area, of which three were allegedly involved in harassment, land grabbing, and threat against farmers in Barangay Orong.

Guerrero also said in the press statement that a fact-finding mission conducted by the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas Southern Negros in cooperation with Defend Patrimony-South discovered that quarry operators have no permits or have expired permits to operate. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) in Palawan is set to penalize erring business establishments for delinquency in the mandatory enrollment of their workers, and under remitting and non-payment of contributions.

Marian Carlos, PhilHealth-Palawan member services officer and spokesperson, said Wednesday morning in a PIA-hosted "Kapihan" that these business employers were discovered by their mapping activities to be negligent of their obligations.

"We will now sanction those who are delinquent or non-compliant. We found out there were many, and there were also inactive accounts, or those that really closed. What we will do is just ask the City Licensing Office (CLO) for closure so we can tag them in our system," Carlos said.

She added that the number of delinquent employers had actually decreased in Palawan, but those who remain delinquent had been identified and would be placed under dispute.
"Last July, we had a forum, and there were really employers who have not remitted payments for years. Some were able to settle, but some actually refused to comply," she said.

"Based on the guidance of our collection office in the region, we will now give sanction to delinquent employers. In those I am handling, there is one in Coron, and for legal action, around seven employers. In my estimate, they're less than 50," she added.

Seeking legal action means the blundering business establishments will be called by PhilHealth to explain their failure to comply. After this, a period will be agreed on when they can settle their arrears.

"If they do not settle within the agreed period of time, then there will be fines and penalties that PhilHealth will impose," Carlos said.
She also confirmed that PhilHealth is poised to increase its monthly premium in January 2018 to scale up its health programs.

The increase is based on the government health insurance company's Circular No. ‎2017-0024 dated last September 11.
Carlos said an increase of 2.75 percent would be imposed, or from PHP250 to PHP275 for employees receiving a PHP10,000 basic salary.

The increase will be shared by both employer and employee. (PNA)
NOVEMBER 2017



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BACOLOD CITY -- Thirty agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), who are members of the Mulawin Lanatan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Barangay Poblacion in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, have completed the Farm Business School (FBS) program.

They received their certificates of completion in rites held at the said barangay on Tuesday.

The FBS is an initiative of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in collaboration with the City of Sagay in northern Negros.

FBS, which aims at enhancing the entrepreneurial and marketing skills of farmers which will enable them to run a profitable agribusiness, is an on-site entrepreneurial training and education that aims to capacitate farmers on farm technology and agribusiness.

Recipient-ARBs went through 25 sessions which started on June 19 this year.

During these sessions, the group cultivated crops like eggplant, pepper and squash which are up for harvest this month.

"Through applied 'learning by doing' approach, these farmer-beneficiaries persevered and finally reaped the fruits of their labor," the DAR said.

On November 23, 106 ARBs in southern portion of Negros Occidental also graduated from the FBS program.

The farmer-recipients, who are members of three ARB organizations in Hinigaran, Pontevedra and Sipalay City, also completed 25 sessions.

Those who graduated include 31 ARBs under the General Malvar Agrarian Reform Cooperative and Kauswagan Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Barangay General Malvar, Pontevedra; 35 ARBs from Bagong Silang Farmers Association in Barangay Tuguis, Hinigaran; and 40 ARBs from Manlucahoc Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Barangay Manlucahoc, Sipalay City.

Through the four-month program, agrarian farmers were trained on market survey, accounting, farm budget planning, benchmarking, and market forum and matching. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ILOILO CITY -- The city government of Iloilo is poised to amend its anti-smoking ordinance that will affect stores selling vapes and will impose higher fines for individual violators.

Iñigo Garingalao, executive director of Iloilo City's Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST), on Wednesday said amendment of regulation ordinance ‎2014-527 or the anti-smoking ordinance are sought to "fill in the gaps" they observed while in the process of enforcing the local law.

"As a whole we would like protection for our people and the youth. We future-proof our ordinance because cigarette companies along with technology are also advancing," he said.

Councilor Joshua Alim, author of the ordinance said that Iloilo City happens to be the "model of other LGUs" in implementing their anti-smoking campaign, hence there is a need to step up.

Garingalao, he said, is one of the national validators for the Red Orchid Award of the Department of Health (DOH) and ICAST is invited to do lectures in other LGUs.

Once the amended ordinance becomes operational, establishments selling vapes or e-cigarettes are given 90 days to change their line of business

"Vaping stores are done in enclosed areas and we do not allow smoking or vaping in closed areas, thereby they are asked to change their business," said Councilor Candice Magdalane Tupas, chair of the committee on health at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), who hears the proposed amendment.

Meantime, the proposed ordinance also sought to increase the fine for violators from PHP500 to PHP1,000 on the first offense, PHP1,500 for the second offense and third offense is PHP5,000.

The proposed amendment was passed on second reading during Tuesday's regular session of the city council.

This year, around 5,000 individuals were caught for violating the anti-smoking ordinance. Since its implementation in 2010, the violators reached up to 17,000 although more than half were not city residents, said Garingalao. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Government security forces have arrested an alleged explosive expert of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) with PhP1.3 million reward in the province of Basilan, top military officials announced Thursday.

Newly-promoted Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, identified the arrested ASG "bomber" as Rahim Abdul alias Aman Kabalu.

Uy said Abdul was arrested in a joint military and police law enforcement operation at around 3:40 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Kaumpurnah Zone I, Isabela City, Basilan province.

He said the arresting team seized from Abdul's possession a fragmentation grenade.

"Abdul was positively identified by a civilian, leading to his arrest without his resistance," Uy said.

He said Abdul is listed under the Department of National Defense-Department of Interior and Local Government (DND-DILG) Joint Order of Rewards with PhP1.3 million on his head.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, has commended the troops for the successful operation which led to the arrest of Abdul, a notorious bomber.

Galvez assured the public that the Westmincom units "will continue to keep guard as they sustain the conduct of combat and intelligence operations in their joint area of operations in order to ensure peace and security in respective areas."

Abdul was turned over to the custody of the police for proper disposition and legal procedure. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has conferred the city government the 2017 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) or the Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal.

So far, Zamboanga City is the only city and local government unit (LGU) in the Zamboanga Peninsula that received the seal, which is a DILG performance-based assessment for LGUs nationwide.

The criteria is focused on four core areas — financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, peace and order as well as business friendliness and competitiveness, environmental protection and tourism, culture and arts.

A total of 448 provinces, cities and municipalities were recipients of the SGLG. The awarding was held November 27 to 29.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar received the award on Wednesday, November 29 in Manila.

DILG Regional Director Paisal Abutazil and Executive Assistant Antonio Orendain Jr., head of the LGU SGLG technical working group, accompanied Salazar in receiving the award.

The city government also received the SGLG in 2016 with a Performance Challenge Fund of PhP3.4 million, which was used for certain projects based on the criteria set by the DILG. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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COTABATO CITY -- Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, DD on Thursday reiterated his commitment to continuously support and work for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that will hopefully bring peace to Mindanao.

"I strongly support the inclusive Bangsamoro Basic Law," Quevedo said in an interview of the BBL that was drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).

The BBL, an enabling law, will complete the government peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberaion Front (MILF) aimed at ending decades-old Moro issue and the right to self-determination claimed by Muslims in Mindanao.

"For me, the new BBL answers the centuries-old aspirations of the Bangsamoro for self-determination and it addresses the historical injustices against the Bangsamoro," he said.

The cardinal was one of the speakers of Bangsamoro General Assembly in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao early this week.

Quevedo, the country's second cardinal and Mindanao's first and only, said the new BBL "clearly recognizes and supports the fundamental rights of minorities in the Bangsamoro territory, especially Christians and Indigenous Peoples and it declares freedom of religion and freedom of worship."

Quevedo has been in the forefront of peace advocacy in his diocese and the country having experienced the cruelties of war and the destruction it brought to communities.

He heads the "Friends of Peace," an umbrella organization of peace advocates in Mindanao composed of leaders from various organizations that worked hard for the success of the government and MILF peace process.

"Friends of Peace" which was convened by the cardinal dreamed of a Mindanao where the universal rights of every Mindanaon are protected and promoted with no discrimination in relation to gender, religious belief or ethnic affiliation.

In one of his speaking engagement as Friends of Peace convenor, Cardinal Quevedo said "We look at the future with hope, we cannot look at the past only with dismay. And see the future with confusion. But we need, as peacemakers, to look the future with hope."

He repeatedly brought his peace advocacy in many of his homilies when celebrating the Holy Eucharist in Mindanao and elsewhere in the country.

Cardinal Quevedo spent most of his 50 year priesthood serving the people of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, mostly in conflict affected parishes and communities where his advocacies for peace was born.

He also heads the Bishop Ulama Conference, an organization of Muslim, Christians, Lumads and other faith that worked for inter-religious dialogues in conflict communities of Mindanao. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The military here has activated a new Army battalion specifically trained to combat urban terrorism and prevent Marawi City-like siege in the future, an Army official said.

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, chief of the Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID) civil military operations office, said the newly designated 90th Infantry Battalion will still undergo a month-long organization and refresher training at the 6ID headquarters here.

Shortly after its activation this week, the unit had been turned over to the Division Training School (DTS) for the month-long special skills and capability refresher course in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

A graduate of Philippine Military Academy "Maalab Class" of 1993, Besana was named by 6ID chief Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega to head the special Army unit.

Besana, who also earned a degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the Philippines, said the core personnel of 90th IB were from selected Army units under the 6ID command.

"All personnel who composed the unit are actually battle-tested and experienced in countering violent extremists in Central Mindanao," Besana said.

The unit is backed by new Army recruits and fresh graduates will replace veteran fighters selected from various Army battalions of the division, he said.

"Equipment is not a problem because the Army has enough but admittedly there still a need to procure or acquire new and essential equipment of course," Besana said.

He also said that the 90th IB is just one of the 10 battalions that will be activated to enhance the capacity and capability of the Philippine Army in order to better address various threats nationwide.

"We will ensure that the new battalion is ready before deploying wherever it is needed to fill in the gaps we observed," Besana said of the new Army unit. "Hence, our people will also expect that the 90th IB in particular is ready to serve them and protect them based on our constitutional mandate."

While the new unit is ready for deployment, Besana appealed to the people in Central Mindanao of their support in terms of cooperation, open communication, coordination and collaboration. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga -- Philippine Airlines (PAL) will launch more domestic flights from Clark International Airport (CRK) starting next month.

The new domestic connections are seen to help relieve the congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

On December 1, flights from Clark to Masbate, Calbayog and Catarman will be launched wherein PAL's 86-seater dual class Bombardier Q400s will serve the new domestic connections from Pampanga.

By December 15, PAL will open two new routes: Clark–Bacolod and Clark–Tagbilaran.

Clark–Cagayan de Oro and Clark–Virac flights are slated to begin on December 16 and 10, respectively.

On January 15, 2018, the airline will open Clark–Naga and Clark–Legaspi flights.

PAL's nine new routes are in addition to the current routes from Clark, Pampanga, namely: Clark–Busuanga, Clark–Caticlan, Clark–Cebu, Clark–Davao and Clark–Puerto Princesa.

Alexander Cauguiran, president and CEO of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), earlier said that the continued increase in flight operations of major airlines at the Clark airport confirms the viability of the national government's dual airport policy.

Cauguiran said that compared to previous years, more airlines are now appreciating CRK's marketability and its increasing number of local destinations.

The CRK has already recorded 1.1 million passengers from January to October 31, 2017 and passenger traffic is projected to reach 1.4 million by year-end, even before the construction of the new passenger terminal and runway has begun.

"Clark can never be the main airport of Manila and we do not compete with NAIA operations since Clark caters to passengers from Northern and Central Luzon while NAIA targets Metro Manila and the southern population," he said. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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LAOAG CITY – Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices in Ilocos Norte are open to accommodate registrants until 5 p.m. on Thursday, being the last day of voters' registration for next year's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

Tessie Diego, Comelec-Ilocos Norte assistant provincial election supervisor, said that they have not received any advisory on whether or not the voters' registration would be extended.

She said only a few registrants have so far come to the office on Thursday, which is Bonifacio Day. 

Diego reported that since Comelec resumed voters' registration on Nov. 6, about 4,109 people registered in the entire province.

Pursuant to Resolution No. 10214 which approved the postponement of the synchronized Barangay and SK elections from October 2017 to May 2018, Comelec-Ilocos Norte conducted satellite or offsite registration of voters in villages and schools. 

SK voters must be 15 to 30 years old to register while regular voters must be 18 years old before May 14, 2018. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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DUMAGUETE CITY -- The city council here has approved a resolution granting authority to Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo to sign for the city government, the proposed deed of absolute sale of a land that could be the site of a sanitary landfill (SLF).

The council voted five in favor, one against and three abstain during Wednesday's session, raising questions as to its validity, considering that the deal involves a PHP18.7-million fund for the 30,530-sq. meter lot at PHP615 per sq. meter.

Councilor Agustin Perdices said with a sizeable amount of money involved, the vote needs a qualified majority.

Councilor Manny Arbon, an environmental lawyer, however, said that only a simple majority of all the members present during the session was required because the amount had been approved and obligated in an appropriation ordinance in their previous session. 

The five who voted "yes" were Arbon, Lilani Ramon, Jo Kenneth Arbas, Alan Gel Cordova and Michael Bandal. Only Perdices voted "no" while Lionel Banogon, Jose Victor Imbo and Estanislao Alviola were out of the session hall when the voting was conducted, thus their votes were considered as abstentions.

The four, however, clarified that they support the city's desire to establish a sanitary landfill, but are awaiting the go signal of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) after an assessment is conducted on the appropriateness and suitability of the proposed site.

The site is situated more than 100 meters away from the nearest housing subdivision, which is the Bloomington housing site, and 300 to 400 meters away from the waterway.

According to Arbon, the technical working group (TWG), which he chairs, would not be surprised if there is opposition to the proposed site due to misconceptions that the city is merely transferring the garbage dumpsite to another site within the barangay.

Arbon said the city has been forced to look for sites within Dumaguete because of the "NIMBY" or the "not in my backyard" attitude of communities in at least six probable sites they have visited in Valencia, Sibulan, and Dauin.

He said the "NIMBY" attitude is a major stumbling block in the acquisition of a sanitary landfill.

But with at least three "final" orders of the DENR for the closure of the present dumpsite in Candau-ay, and a sort of sword of Damocles hanging over the head of the local government unit with a potential lawsuit against sitting officials, "by all means legal, we have to find an SLF site," Arbon said.

Councilor Imbo said if the TWG respects the sentiments of communities they have visited, there is no reason for the city not to address the question of social acceptability in the proposed SLF site in Dumaguete.

Arbon said the city government of Dumaguete is running against time, with no other possible area that can accommodate an average of 60 to 70 tons of garbage daily.

The best option, he said, is to purchase the lot for a possible site of the SLF. 

He noted that segregation at source will be strictly enforced, and that only residual waste should arrive at the SLF.

Arbon wanted to correct the notion that a sanitary landfill is no different from a garbage dumpsite.

It is called sanitary because through advanced technology, no foul odor is produced in the site, he explained, citing as an example the SLF in Bayawan City, where surrounding communities could hardly smell any foul odor since its establishment seven years ago.

In fact, he said, the recent Boy Scouts camp was held near the SLF.

Arbon emphasized the need for a thorough information campaign to address the wrong notion and perception.

This is why Liga ng mga Barangay chairman, Councilor Banogon, abstained because as punong barangay, a lot of consultations are required before any environmental project is established.

Candau-ay village chief Gregorio Oira informed him that a consultation is scheduled on Sunday. (PNA
NOVEMBER 2O17



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DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao – Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) arrested Wednesday afternoon an illegal drug courier and seized sone PhP2.5 million worth of prohibited drugs.

Raffy Osama, 22, of Barangay Bagua, Cotabato City did not resist arrest when PDEA agents collared him at around 1:30 p.m. in Barangay Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao, according to PDEA-ARMM Director Juvenal Azurin.

Azurin said Osama was arrested after he handed over a sachet of suspected shabu to a PDEA agent who acted as buyer.

"Osama, though a student, is a high value target, we have been closely monitoring his movements the past two months," Azurin said of the suspect who was driving a multi-cab vehicle at the time of his arrest.

Osama was in the driver seat when he handed over the stuff to the poseur-buyer and received the marked money.

PDEA agents on board a van waited nearby and quickly arrested Osama who was unarmed and was stunned when PDEA agents showed up.

Anti-narcotics agents recovered about 500 grams of shabu in 10 sachets, estimated to be P2.5 million, and the marked money.

Osama's arrest came after PDEA arrested two men and a woman in nearby Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on Tuesday following a buy bust operation. Seized from Mohammad Tuankali Macalimpas, 47 a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and companions Samsodin Kato, 30; and Noraida Samaon Alamada, 20; were illegal drugs with a market value of about PhP2.5 million, a handgun and mobile phones.

The PDEA–ARMM is now preparing charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 against Osama who is currently detained at the PDEA-ARMM lock up cell in Cotabato City. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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DAVAO CITY -- The Regional Civil and Security Unit (RCSU) revealed there are over 11,000 firearms in Davao Region that have expired licenses and owners had only until November 30, 2017 to renew their License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) or these will be declared loose firearms.

The Regional Civil and Security Unit (RCSU) listed 4,163 unregistyered firearms in Davao del Norte; 2,458 in Compostela Valley province; 1,351 in Davao Oriental; and, 3,069 in Davao Del Sur including Davao City.

Tamayo said the numbe has gone up due to several requirements for gun license.

He called on the gun owners to renew their licenses through online.
Supt. Cydric Earl Tamayo, chief of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 1I- Civil Security Unit (CSU), told reporters in Wednesday's AFP-PNP press forum at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, that there are only 300 owners who renewed their licenses in the region.

The requirements for applying LTOPF are clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation or the Regional Trial Court, police and barangay, proofs of billing, and valid IDs.

He said the purpose of the barangay clearance is for the office to know that a gun owner is really a resident of the area and to identify the person.

Tamayo said payment depends on types of licensee: Type 1 for two gun has corresponding fee of P1,000; Type 2 (P2,000) for five firearms; Type 3 (P3,000) for 10 firerams, and Type 4 (P4,000) for 20 firearms. The gun collectors, sports shooter pay P 5,000 and additional P1,000 payment for sports shooter. The fees are paid to Landbank.

Tamayo said the online application or renewal of the License To Own and Possess (LTOP) firearms was launched only last Monday.

This gives gun owners the opportunity to transact online if they want to apply for a license to possess firearms.

With the online application, the RCSU XI hopes it will encourage gun owners to apply for a license to possess firearms or renew their licenses.

For those who want to inquire about requirements, they can view the facebook account of RCSU at Csg Rcsu Onse or email at rcsu.eleven@gmail.com. (Lilian C. Mellejor and Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- Around 5,000 members and supporters of the Palawan for President Rodrigo Duterte Movement came together here early Thursday afternoon in a grand rally to back the declaration of a "revolutionary government."

The mass assembly started with a motorcade of nearly a hundred vehicles at the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum, in Barangay San Pedro to the People's Amphitheater in Mendoza Park, 2.7 kilometers to the center of the city.

Most of President Duterte's lead supporters here who joined the mass rally wore red with "RevGov" stickers on their cars. The rallyists also carried streamers and banners which read "Rebolusyonaryong Kapangyarihan."

Richard Arambulo, president of the movement's chapter in Puerto Princesa and one of the lead organizers of the event, said it is a "collective force of the masses" that supports President Duterte's pronouncement to adopt a revolutionary government to easily pave the way for federalism and development of the country.

"Yong purpose ng rally ay para suportahan iyong panawagan na revolutionary government. Bale ito ay sama-samang puwersa ng masa, ng mga tao, para suportahan ang ating president (The purpose of the rally is to support the call for a revolutionary government. This is shared force of the people to support the president)," Arambulo in an interview shortly before the motorcade at the coliseum.

A revolutionary government, he explained, would be beneficial to the country as it would pave the way for the review and amendment of the Philippines' charter through a constitutional convention.

It would also speed up development, particularly if legislators would obstruct the budget due to the ditching of the use of government funds for projects intended to gratify voters.

"Kung baga ito parang isang rally na sumusuporta doon sa ganoong hakbang. Maganda siya dahil magbibigay ito ng kapangyarihan sa Presidente para irepaso iyong ating konstitusyon. Kung titignan natin ang ating konstitusyon pabor siyasa... kunyari nagsasagawang korupsyon. Hindi natin maikulong agad, kulang ang ngipin ng batas, at sa ka ang bagal ng batas natin (This is like a rally that supports that kind of move. It's beautiful because it will give power to the President to review our Constitution. If we will look at our Constitution, it's favorable... to those who commit corruption. We cannot imprison them immediately, our laws don't have enough teeth, and it's slow)," he added.

Caesar Ventura of the Kilusan Love Malampaya (KLM), also one of the lead organizers, said the grand rally is a way to convince President Duterte that if there is no more hope to change the depraved system in Philippine governance, then a revolutionary government could be a solution.

"Ito ay pagkumbinsi lang sa ating Presidente Duterte na kung talagang walang pag-asa na baguhin ang sistema ay ito ang ating solusyon -- na mag-declare siya ng revolutionary government (This is to encourage President Duterte that if there is really no more hope to change the system, then this is the solution -- to declare a revolutionary government)," Ventura said.

He added that the mass movement was also to show the "leader of the land" that they will be "on his side for the good of the country."

After the rally, a manifesto of support to Duterte was signed by the organizers, the leaders of participating groups and organizations, and other movements that support him. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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LAOAG CITY -- Northwestern University (NWU) students here have organized a run for a cause to benefit Maranaos, especially those affected by the five-month long battle in Marawi City.

In partnership with the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office (INYDO) and other public and private stakeholders who are advocates of peace and anti-terrorism, the Run for Marawi City is set on December 2, Saturday, 3 p.m. at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium.

With a registration fee ranging from PHP250 (3K) to PHP300 (5K), the event's organizers said the fund-raising event hopes to encourage more young individuals in the north to expand their horizon not just in school but also in social activities.

"We believe that there is much more than learning. It is also giving, sharing and loving," said the organizers.

The INYDO is also open today, a holiday, at the Marcos Sports Stadium to accept registrants. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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TACLOBAN CITY – The fresh clash between government troops and New People's Army (NPA) in Albuera, Leyte is proof that communist rebels are not welcome even in remote communities, the Philippine Army said.

Lt. Jessel Montajes, acting spokesperson of the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division said the "shared cooperation" between soldiers and villagers prevented the NPA from conducting extortion activities.

"The villagers informed the army about the presence of the NPA rebels that continue to engage in acts of violence and hostilities endangering the lives and properties of innocent people," Montajes said in a press statement released Wednesday morning.

On Tuesday morning, soldiers of the 78th Infantry Battalion clashed against 10 communist terrorists in Talisayan village, Albuera town.

"The troops conducted security patrol and confirmed the residents' reports about the presence of communist terrorists who were extorting food and money," the Philippine Army said in its report.

The firefight lasted for 15 minutes, resulting in the recovery of two caliber .45 pistols, four magazines of calibre .45 pistol, one hand grenade, more or less fifty live ammunition, five cellular phones, subversive documents with high intelligence value, and personal belongings.

There are no casualties on the side of government troops while authorities have yet to determine if the rebels suffered any casualty, according to Montajes.

The latest clash happened five days after President Rodrigo Duterte declared the termination of peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front--Communist of the Philippines–New People's Army and all its adjuncts and organizational units through Proclamation No. 360.

The President cancelled the peace talks due to NPA's continued attacks against government troops and atrocities on civilians despite ongoing peace negotiations. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The city government is pushing for the full implementation of the ban on open burning and a local ordinance that regulates the use of plastic bags and expanded polystyrene food services containers.

This, as the local government has activated a technical working group (TWG) that will spearhead city-wide awareness campaigns on the targeted rollout of the regulatory measures starting next year.

Teresa Naranjo, TWG member, said Wednesday they had set a series of campaigns to help raise awareness and promote proper compliance among local residents and concerned establishments in the city.

She said they had partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for the awareness drive, which would focus on the negative impact of open burning and the use of plastic bags and related materials.

The campaign would kick off on Dec. 10 with an "Awareness Fun Run to Stop Open Burning" that would be led by city officials and personnel, she said.

She said the city government would also formally launch Ordinance No. 03 or the "Ordinance Regulating the Use of Plastic Bags and Expanded Polystyrene Food Service Containers in the City of General Santos."

The ordinance, which was passed in 2014, prohibits the use of plastic bags as packaging materials for dry goods and regulates its use on wet goods.

It also bans the use of expanded polystyrene or styrofoam and other similar materials as containers for food and products.

Business establishments and individuals are prohibited from "using, selling and providing plastic bags to consumers as secondary packaging materials on wet goods; using, selling and providing plastic bags to consumers as packaging material on dry goods; and, using, selling and providing styrofoam/styrophor as food service containers," it said.

Violators could face a fine of P5,000 and possible revocation of business permit to operate for businesses as well as one year imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

"Some 800 enforcers will be deputized by Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera on Dec. 10," Naranjo said in a statement.

She said each of the city's 26 barangays would have at least 20 deputized enforcers.

Local shopping malls, groceries, public markets, and other business establishments in the city have expressed support to the implementation of Ordinance No. 03, she said.

As part of the campaign, Naranjo said they would hold a one-day seminar workshop on Dec. 11 on the new integrated solid waste management program of the city.

On Dec. 12, she said the city government, Environment Management Bureau and UNIDO would unveil the central materials recovery and composting facility at the city sanitary landfill site in Barangay Sinawal.(PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The provincial government of South Cotabato turned over on Wednesday some P4.4 million worth of patrol vehicles and rescue equipment to the local police.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said the new vehicles and equipment were among the grants lined up by the local government this year to enhance the capability of police units and fire stations in the province.

She said these were earlier requested by the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office and the Bureau of Fire Protection-South Cotabato.

"These are part of the support packages that we have committed to help improve their operations," Fuentes said.

The governor said they comprised of a police patrol vehicle worth P2.3 million, a van-type ambulance worth P2 million and four self-contained breathing apparatus worth P147,500.

The patrol vehicle was turned over to the South Cotabato police and the rescue vehicle to the BPF station in Surallah town.

A breathing apparatus is a device worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others concerned to provide breathable air in an "immediately dangerous to life or health atmosphere."

They were released to BFP units or stations in the municipalities of Lake Sebu, Surallah, Sto. Nino, Norala and T'boli.

The governor said the patrol vehicle was acquired through the provincial government's peace and order fund while the ambulance and breathing apparatus from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council fund.

"This is a continuing assistance program to our law enforcement units and we're currently looking into some of their important needs," Fuentes said.

Earlier this year, the local government also turned over patrol vehicles and motorcycles to police units in the province.

The governor said they are also planning to acquire firearms to augment the capability of local police stations.(FKA/PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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TACLOBAN CITY -- A budget commercial air carrier will have its maiden Catbalogan-Cebu flight starting December.

The operations of Air Juan to Catbalogan City is projected to boosts its tourism industry, hasten transportation of people and help its economy, according to city officials.

Earlier, Air Juan executives inspected Catbalogan Airport on Buri Island for them to see the viability of the said facility.

With the new route, Air Juan now services three areas in the region including Cebu-Maasin and Cebu-Naval routes.

City tourism officer Ador Hurtado said they are excited with the entry of Air Juan to Catbalogan City, the provincial capital of Samar province, some 112 kilometers north of tacloban City -- the regional capital.

The operation of Air Juan coincides with the city's hosting of an international conference on climate change to be attended by more than 200 participants from different countries, Hurtado said.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the city's airport is now ready to accommodate light aircraft flights. The airport's runway will be expanded next year to accommodate bigger planes.

Air Juan is a pioneering aviation company in the Philippines that provides fast and hassle-free air transport services to some of the Philippines most beautiful and less-chartered destinations like Baler, Balesin, Boracay Island, Busuanga, Coron, Cuyo, Mamburao, Marinduque, Puerto Galera and Subic.

The company, the first commercial seaplane operator in the Philippines, is a duly licensed scheduled airline by CAAP, Civil Aeronautics Board, and also accredited by the Department of Tourism as a Tourist Air Transport provider. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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LAOAG CITY -- The water buffalo used to be a farmer's best friend in Ilocos Norte. Farming families highly depended on it for draft. But as heavy infrastructure developments and agricultural modernization take place, the carabao industry has waned over the years.

In Piddig town, the local government unit is making an effort to save the water buffalo from extinction. Recognizing its potential as a local source of milk and meat, town Mayor Georgina Guillen believes the water buffalo production should be conserved.

"We need carabaos, not just to help farmers to plow the land but they also give us milk and meat. They exist to balance our ecosystem," Guillen said in a radio interview on Wednesday.

As a baby step to revive the industry, the Piddig local government is conducting an inventory of the remaining water buffalo in every rural village here.

Under the animal health program of Piddig town, the local government unit here will focus on the health and welfare of water buffalo by ensuring that they get proper nutrition.

Based on the carabao situation report published by the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) in its website, the Philippine carabao has a total of 2.88 million heads as of July 1, 2017.

Compared with the stocks of the same period in previous year, it decreased by 0.18 percent. Commercial stocks also decreased by 5.50 percent while inventory in backyard farms decreased by 0.16 percent.

Guillen has also urged local farmers here to help in revitalizing the carabao industry and increase production with the right mix of technology.

Water buffalo, according to the PCC, have inherently longer gestation period than any other domesticated farm animal.

The average gestation length is 310 to 315 days. Given a post-partum service period of 60 to 90 days, yearly production of calf is not achievable even under the best conditions. This characteristic has a major effect on the measure of the overall reproduction efficiency over a given period. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Councilor Charlie Mariano of this city's first district stepped down from office after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has affirmed in finality his disqualification.

This developed as the poll body has issued a Writ of Execution, which was deemed final and executory, dated November 16, 2017 signed by Atty. Christian Robert Lim, the Comelec Acting Chairperson.

Lawyer Stephen Roy Cañete, first district election officer, on Tuesday served the writ to Mariano during the City Council's regular session.

It stated that the Comelec First Division has disqualified Mariano on November 23, 2016, after four of his colleagues and four other losing candidates in the 2016 elections filed a disqualification case against him.

The petitioners cited that Mariano is disqualified from seeking and holding an elective position as he was found guilty by the Supreme Court for violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22 or the Bouncing Cheque Law prior to the 2016 elections.

Mariano has filed a motion for reconsideration on his disqualification case but "the Commission En Banc promulgated a Resolution on August 31, 2017 denying his Motion for Reconsideration dated December 13, 2016 and, accordingly, affirming the Resolution of the First Division."

The Comelec En Banc issued a Certificate of Finality on September 26, 2017 "declaring the 31 August 2017 Resolution as final and executory."

In his farewell speech, Mariano expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and staff of the City Council and the residents of this city who voted him into office.

He vowed to be of service to the public "for as long as there is the opportunity to serve the people and to make contact with the people."

"I'm committed to coming back because my only lifelong quest is public service. I cannot work in a private capacity since my love is really in politics," Mariano, who was so emotional, said.

Mariano added that he does not hold any grudges to the petitioners on his disqualification case. (PNA)
NOVEMBER 2017

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CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- The provincial government of Bulacan will give recognition to village officials and volunteer workers who have made vital contribution to the province's progress and development.

The annual Gawad Galing Barangay (GGB) awarding rites will be held on Friday at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in this city.

The GGB is a local program equivalent to the Galing Pook Award that recognizes outstanding local officials, volunteer workers and groups and excellent, creative and effective innovations and projects in the community.

"They may be the smallest unit of all government units but they are always the front-liners in the delivery of basic services to the people," Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said of the barangay.

This year, the provincial government of Bulacan will recognize five Natatanging Gawaing Barangay wherein the winners will each take home PHP200,000 and a plaque of recognition. Three trailblazers, on the other hand, will receive PHP50,000 and a plaque of appreciation each.

Awards will also be given to the Natatanging Lingkod Barangay, including the Natatanging Punong Barangay, who will receive PHP50,000; Natatanging Kagawad; Natatanging Ingat-Yaman; and Natatanging Kalihim, all of whom will receive a plaque of recognition and PHP20,000 each.

Moreover, the winners for the outstanding volunteer workers comprising the Natatanging Barangay Tanod; Natatanging Barangay Training and Employment Coordinator; Natatanging Lingkod Lingap sa Nayon; Natatanging Mother Leader; and Natatanging Barangay Health Worker will also receive a plaque of recognition and a cash incentive worth PHP20,000 each, while the Natatanging Volunteer Group will take home PHP50,000.

Philippine National Police Deputy Chief for Operations Fernando Mendez Jr. will be the event's guest speaker. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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LAOAG CITY -- The Ilocos Norte government is set to receive an award as one of the champions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) program a year after its implementation nationwide. 

Jun Arvin Gudoy, Communications and Media Office chief of Ilocos Norte, confirmed this on Wednesday as provincial officials, led by Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa Marcos, are expected to attend the recognition rites at the Rizal Park Hotel, Manila on December 4. 

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) under the FOI Program Director and Assistant Secretary Atty. Kristian Ablan initiated the search for FOI champions to recognize the significant contributions of departments, attached agencies, government-owned-and/or-controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and local government units in operationalizing the constitutional mandate of right to information. 

Based on established criteria, the screening committee composed of representatives from the Office of the Executive Secretary, the PCOO, and two civil society organizations evaluated the nominees. 

The December 4 FOI Awards Night is part of the three-day FOI Summit organized by the PCOO and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that aims to celebrate the first anniversary of the FOI Program since it was launched on November 25, 2016. 

The FOI Bill was signed for implementation through Executive Order No. 02, Series 2016, by President Rodrigo R. Duterte last July. 

It recognizes "the fundamental role of free and open exchange of information in a democracy" and through it the government aims to "enhance transparency and accountability in government official acts, transactions, or decisions." 

While the bill only covers the state's executive branch, it also encouraged LGUs to implement the same. 

Ilocos Norte is among the first provinces in the country to implement the right of access to information as its provincial board passed Provincial Ordinance No. ‎002-2016 in September 2016, now being observed by all departments of the provincial government, including the 21 towns and two cities here. 

Amid the controversies the Ilocos Norte government got into concerning the alleged misuse of tobacco excise tax, Marcos said she is grateful to receive the FOI award, promoting transparency and accountability in government. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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TACLOBAN CITY -– The central government has already released PHP172.34 million educational assistance to college students in Eastern Visayas affected by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is eyeing to complete the release of PHP227.75 million financial aid meant for 45,551 identified students before the year ends.

Each student will receive PHP5,000 assistance from the central government as approved by CHED on Feb. 14, 2017.

Narciso Candiza, CHED regional office education program specialist here, said on Wednesday the 60 state-run and private colleges started releasing the money since last week of October.

"Qualified to receive the financial assistance are victims of super typhoon Yolanda who are enrolled in higher education institutions during the second semester of school year ‎2016-2017," Candiza said.

Funding for the program is from the budget of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

CHED has been releasing checks to higher learning institutions since last week of October this year. Schools disbursed the cash assistance to identified beneficiaries.

Based on the guideline, the schools submitted the master list of students together with the billing and certificate of enrollment to CHED regional office. After validation, the field office sent the list to the CHED central office for funding.

The financial aid covers Yolanda-hit areas in Eastern, Central and Western Visayas, and some parts of Southwestern Tagalog region.

Super typhoon Yolanda is the deadliest typhoon in the Philippines on record, killing at least 6,300 people and displaced more than a million of the population in central part of the country when it made landfall on Nov. 8, 2013. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- San Jose de Buenavista Mayor Elmer Untaran on Wednesday said the unique child-friendly programs and projects of their town enabled them to reap several gains including the 2016 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance.

In his State of the Children's Address (SOCA) at the Robinson's Mall here, Untaran said Antique's capital town was able to obtain the 2016 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance and this year's Exemplary Child Chynna P. Pajares, a high school student of the Antique National School here, won as first runner up in the regional search.

"When I assumed my post as your Local Chief Executive last June 30, 2016, I laid down my priorities with a strong conviction that I must implement programs and projects that will touch the lives of my people from all walks of life and addressing the needs of the marginalized sectors – children, women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities," the mayor said.

He said that with the strong support of the members of the Municipal Council for the Protection of Children (MCPC), people's organizations, non-government organizations and the community, the vision for "A Municipality in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation towards a child exemplary community" has been crafted and used as guide to turn the plans for children into a reality.

"Our Children's Code has inspired us to strive for a municipality that recognizes children as important assets of the society," Untaran said.

He said the two-storey Rural Health Unit II building has the amenities such as laboratory facilities, consultation room, delivery room, medicine dispensary corner, and stock room.

Prenatal checkup is being done in the RHU as well as in the Barangay Health Centers. "Eighty five percent or 1,409 pregnant women undergo regular check-up," Untaran said.

He added that a massive deworming in schools and barangays are being conducted at least twice a year.

"The LGU has been blessed to have forged a partnership with the Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation," he added.

He said the foundation has allocated PHP9.1 million for a three-year partnership for programs that prevent and treat abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children.

The joint venture of the local government's MCPC and Consuelo Foundation, Inc. has also created a venue where children can showcase their skills and talents as well as prove themselves worthy to become leaders.

Mayor Untaran vowed that more programs and activities would be crafted for the welfare of the children in the coming years. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite -- Some 21 short film entries on various developmental issues facing the new generation of adolescents have been premiered during the 2017 Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Film Festival themed "Post Millennials: Renewed Hope vs. Risks" at the Olivarez College auditorium here.

Filmfest organizers from the Commission on Population's (Popcom) offices in the CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan)regions told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday that scores of students, teachers, social welfare and the commission's population officers gathered for the film screenings.

They disclosed that the films delved on various stories on how young people confront present-day realities and issues on teenage pregnancy, internet addiction, hard drug/substances and alcohol abuse, and early exposure to pornography.

The event also discussed and addressed misconceptions on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), which, according to Department of Health (DOH) statistics, have affected about 30 percent of the youth sector from the 15 to 24 age bracket.

Cavite Provincial Population officer Lorena Coron led the support from the provincial population offices in hosting the filmfest which kicked off November 21.

The film festival screened Tanza National Comprehensive High School's (TNCHS) "Pahina"; Bacoor National High School-Molino Annex' "What If, Pero Pano?"; "Butas" by Batangas City; "Click" and "Inakay"  both by schools from Pangil, Laguna; "Ina Anak, Anak Ina" of the Regional Lead School for the Arts in Angono, Rizal; "Junior, Junior" by Camp Vicente Lim National High School; "Silang Mga Walang Mukha" by Luis Palad Integrated High School in Tayabas, Quezon; "Silip" by the Tanay Youth Center; and "Talikwas" by San Jose National High School in Antipolo City.
Eleven entries from Mimaropa (Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) were also shown during the filmfest.

The entries include "Anong Kwento Mo?" by Buenavista, Marinduque; "Bes" and "Tikom" from two schools in Oriental Mindoro; "Confidential" of Calintaan National High School; "Hi.V" of Sablayan National Comprehensive High School and "Tinik", both from Occidental Mindoro; "Gugma" by Looc National High School, together with "Tala" of Romblon National High School and "Lobo" by Odiongan National High School also of Romblon.

Palawan's entries include "Hiling" by San Vicente National High School; and "Paglaem" from Governor Abueg Sr. National High School.

"Best Picture" from the CALABARZON roster of films was "Silang Mga Walang Mukha" by Luis Palad Integrated High School, which also bagged the Best Director Award.

The winning film left the movie audience with a line to reflect: "Bago mo kilalanin ang iba, hubarin mo muna ang iyong sariling maskara."

"Paglaem" of the Governor Abueg Senior National High School from Palawan won Mimaropa's Best Picture award, besting other film entries with its subject on the misconceptions on HIV/AIDS and striking a balance in a student's life in terms of responsibilities on academics, family, friends and social life.

Miguel Balaoro of the film, "Ina Anak, Anak Ina", was named Best Actor, and Shane Ann Rodriguez as Best Actress.

Winners in the major film awards took home their trophies and cash prizes, along with other 2017 AHD Film Fest awardees, such as on Best Poster, Trailer, Supporting Role, Production Design, Cinematography, Musical Scoring, Editing and Screenplay.
Popcom-Calabarzon regional officer in charge Marlyn Ogaya and Mimaropa Acting Regional Director Lourdes Nacionales led the awards rites. (PNA)
NOVEMBER 2017

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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna -- Quezon Governor David Suarez confirmed on Wednesday that the successful implementation of Quezon's First 1,000 Days of Life or Q1K program has curbed malnutrition as pregnant mothers are given proper maternal care and early childhood care development.

Suarez also cited the program redounds to building the strong foundation of families during his presentation and discussion as resource speaker before the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) employees at the Capacity Building Bureau Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

According to Suarez, the Q1K program focuses on the importance of food and nutrition, health and sanitation and social care at the onset of pregnancy of the mother until the next two years of the child's development.

Under the Q1K program, a team of dedicated Technical Working Group (TWG) and Q1K coordinators are tasked to work closely with pregnant mothers and growing children for four years now since it was institutionalized in the province.

"It also has been my great support in governance nasa larangan ng bawat ginagawa namin at sa iba't ibang mga programang ipinatutupad namin, ang dapat lagging binibigyang prayoridad ay ang mapataas ang kalidad ng pamumuhay ng ating mga pinaglilingkuran, and this has been my battle cry," the Governor stressed.

Suarez emphasized that the core to the program objective is to develop the individual and the society.

"I think implementing the first 1,000 days is the best positive step towards that. It takes a village to raise a child, it's true. But, in Quezon province it doesn't take a village; it takes a province to raise a child and this is through the help of the Q1K program," he said. (Zen Trinidad/PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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BACOLOD CITY -- The City of Bacolod has reminded retailers of the rules on the sale of firecrackers for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

As of Wednesday, the city government has designated the lot behind the Pope John Paul II Tower at the Reclamation Area as the only "firecrackers zone" for sellers in the city.

Executive Assistant Ernie Pineda said Mayor Evelio Leonardia approved the designated area, and those caught selling outside the firecrackers zone would be penalized and their products seized.

Pineda also said firecracker retailers who attended the fireworks safety seminar held in October would be allowed to display and sell their products.

The Bacolod City Pyrotechnics Vendors Association, with 77 members, was invited to participate in the seminar conducted by the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association and the Philippine National Police.

President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order No. 28, providing for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics devices, which took effect last June 20.

Executive Order No. 28 provides that local chief executives are authorized to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations on firecrackers and other pyrotechnics devices within their territorial jurisdiction in conformity with the national standards, rules, and regulations.

Pineda said he is also scheduled to meet with village officials to tackle the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 7183 that regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics devices.

Moreover, Section 1 of EO No. 28 states that to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties, the use of firecrackers shall be confined to community fireworks displays.

Pineda said the barangay officials would be tasked to identify the designated fireworks display areas within their respective villages. (PNA)NOVEMBER 2017



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LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Plans are afoot to put up a Coconut Industry Research and Development Center in Quezon province's Bondoc Peninsula following the support of various government agencies, a provincial official disclosed on Wednesday.

The concept for the establishment of the coco center is being crafted through the support and assistance of the departments of agriculture, trade and industry, and science and technology, and other government agencies, Quezon Provincial Administrator Romulo Edaño Jr. said.

Edaño said that the coco R&D center is considered a "legacy project" of Governor David Suarez, whose governance thrust is to improve the coconut industry in the province, which is the country's leading coconut producer.
"Because of this coconut center, we could also enhance the coconut agriculture sector and improve the marketing network of the coconut products, which would be given priority by the research and development facility," he added.

He said the governor had directed the setting up of the coconut center project as proof of the provincial government's thrust to help coconut farmers and further boost the coconut and agriculture sector for inclusive development.
Edaño also announced other calendared activities such as the formal "graduation" of the drug surrenderers under the "Yakap Bayan" program on Dec. 11 after the rehabilitation program that included training courses on livelihood, disaster preparedness and other capacity and skills-building projects.

He also informed of the provincial government's formal turnover of vehicles and equipment to the Quezon police force.

The provincial administrator also said that 11 more Quezonian soldiers would be honored during fitting rites after their deployment to Marawi City. (Gideon Belen/PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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DUMAGUETE CITY - For the first time here, city officials and employees submitted themselves to random drug testing Tuesday afternoon.

The first to undergo the test was Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo along with three city councilors who were at city hall when the activity was conducted by the City Anti Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) to promote a drug-free workplace. 

City government operations officer Farah Gentuya said the law makes it mandatory for all local government units to undergo a drug test, and this was further enhanced by a local ordinance No. 67, series of 2014 authored by Councilor Lilani Ramon.

Dubbed as the ordinance enhancing the illegal drug-free workplace policy of the city government, it is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of its territory and the well being of its citizenry from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs in their physical and mental well being.

According to Gentuya, the policy applies to all employees of the city government, present, and future, elected, appointed, permanent, casual, contractual and co-terminus, without distinction as to rank, status or salaries.

She said interventions are in place for employees who would be found positive for use of the dangerous drugs.

She praised the city mayor for leading by example, with at least 17 employees under his office to undergo the random drug test and for 12 other employees of the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO). Councilors Michael Bandal, Joe Kenneth Arbas, and Alan Gel Cordova were among the first city councilors who responded to the call for a drug test.

According to Gentuya, there will be no specific day, time or venue that the drug test will be conducted per department. The first was conducted inside the city local government operations office.

Employees found positive of illegal drug use will be subjected to another round of confirmatory drug test, this time by the police crime lab.

Funding for the random drug test comes from the CADAC allocation of more than PHP 2 million.

In an interview, Mayor Remollo said this is in support of President Rodrigo Duterte's vigorous drive against illegal drugs aside from the conduct of various sporting events to keep the youth and Dumagueteños away from illegal drugs.

Remollo enjoined city hall employees to submit to the drug test because this is mandatory for all government employees.

The mayor received reports from his confidential informants that a number of employees are into illegal drugs. He urged them to voluntarily submit themselves to the test so interventions can be made, including rehabilitation, if found positive of drug use. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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DAGUPAN CITY – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez thanked the city council, department heads of the city government and the people in the city whose combined efforts enabled Dagupan to earn its 3rd unprecedented Seal of Good Local Government (SGLG) Award.

Speaking on Aksyon Radyo Dagupan on Tuesday after receiving Dagupan's 3rd SGLG award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) at the Manila Hotel, Fernandez said the city will double if not triple its efforts in the coming year in order to maintain the award.

DILG City Director Rhoderick M. Dawis said to earn its 3rd SGLG award,  Dagupan passed all assessment areas like the four indicators in the field of financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, and peace and order; and the three essential indicators in business-friendliness and competitiveness, environmental management and tourism, culture and the arts.

Along with Dawis and City Budget Officer Luz de Guzman, Mayor Fernandez  received the SGLG award from DILG Officer-in-Charge Catalino Cuy and Secretary Francis N. Tolentino of the Office of the Political Adviser in the Office of the President, who was the guest of honor and speaker during the awarding rites.

Fernandez reiterated her gratitude to the members of the city council, the different department heads and division heads, city hall employees, national government agencies in the city, and non-government organizations that had all been very supportive of all her programs and projects for the city.

Dawis said that with the SGLG award, the city has the advantage of getting accessibility on the programs and projects provided by the national government and enhancing its capability to secure loans and incentives from government financing institutions.

"This is on top of the Performance Challenge Fund, which the city will receive as an incentive for having received the award," said Dawis.

A report said the city is set to receive P2.4 million as an incentive, being an SGLG awardee.

Fernandez noted that  this year's SGLG Award's theme "Gobyernong may Malasakit Tungo sa Pagbabago at Patuloy na Pag-unlad" is synonymous to her program "Pag-asa't Pagbagbago" which, she said, is now reaping benefits for the city of Dagupan.

The mayor expressed confidence that with  the development of the three growth centers described in the city's Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance, the city is gearing towards progress and modernization aside from providing employment to the city's labor force.

Dagupan was earlier chosen by the Philippine Economic  Zone Authority (PEZA) as the newest economic zone in the country to specialize on Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing, tourism and other industries. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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CAMP VICENTE LIM, Calamba City -- The CALABARZON Police Regional Office (PRO-4A) hailed the feat of the joint government troops for their successful operations during their encounter on Tuesday evening against communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Nasugbu, Batangas where around 15 rebels were killed and several firearms and a grenade launcher were seized following the gun battle.

Chief Supt. Ma O R. Aplasca, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) Regional Police Director, led the regional police force in giving "salute to the gallantry of the personnel of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) who have successfully neutralized the communist terrorist (CT) group."

Aplasca, however, cautioned that "we should continue to be vigilant to prevent any possible retribution of this group against government personnel and facilities in the whole region."

He reported that an undetermined number of communist rebels were able to escape on foot but they are now the subject of follow-up operations by the joint elements of AFP and PNP.

The regional police command also commended the feat of the 730th Combat Group, Batangas Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) and Nasugbu police force for their continuing operations.

"This operation is a product of hard work, coordination and cooperation between the AFP-PNP and most especially the support extended by the community through the giving of timely and accurate information as to the presence and movement of the CTs in their area," the regional police commander said.

Aplasca also said the latest feat "signals the end of atrocities of the NPA and we expect that extortion activities of this terrorist group will eventually stop."

He enjoined everyone, particularly politicians and the business community, whom they have already identified as supporters of this terrorist group, to instead cooperate with the government.

Recently, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte tagged the New People's Army as a terrorist group and subsequently signed Proclamation No. 360 terminating the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army.

"Thus, we further appeal for the continued and stronger community support as we are nearing the end of the reign of terror posed by the NPA in CALABARZON particularly in the 1st District of Batangas," Aplasca said.

The police regional headquarters said the partnership of the AFP and PNP with the community is an offshoot of the joint project of mobilizing the community against all forms of lawlessness, criminalities and terrorism. (Robert A. Maico/PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Anti-drug operatives, backed by policemen, have dismantled a drug den and arrested five suspected drug personalities in separate buy-bust operations in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, an official reported Wednesday.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Director Lyndon Aspacio identified those arrested as Agnes Pondo, 37; Cherry Manalibang, 29; Jimboy Pondo, 18; Rolando Balugay, 53; and, Abdal Mabol, 42.

Aspacio said all suspects except Mabol were arrested at around 8:45 p.m. Monday in Purok Reservoir, Barangay Don Andres, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay that also resulted to the dismantling of a drug den.

Aspacio said seized from the susoects were 10 grams of suspected shabu packed in four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets worth PhP50,000, PhP500 marked money and several illegal-drug paraphernalia.

He said that cases for violations of Section 5 (Selling of Illegal Drugs), Section 6 (Maintenance of Den, Dive or Resort), Section 7 (Employees and Visitors of Den, Dive or Resort), Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Section 12 (Possession of Equipment and Drug Paraphernalia) and Section 15 (Use of Dangerous Drugs) of Article II of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against them.

He said Mabol was arrested in a separate buy-bust operation at around 6:20 p.m. Monday in Purok Neptune, Barangay Bangkerohan, Ipil.

Confiscated from Mabol's possession were a gram of suspected shabu packed in five heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets worth PhP4,000, PhP300 marked money, and illegal drug paraphernalia.
Aspacio said Mabol would be charged for violations of Section 5 (Selling of Illegal Drugs), Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 12 (Possession of Equipment and Drug Paraphernalia) of Article II of R.A. 9165.

He said all the five arrested suspects are now detained in Ipil. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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DAVAO CITY -- More than eight delegates to the ongoing 6th ASEAN Scout Jamboree at the Energy Park in Tagum City were temporarily admitted for medication after experiencing headache, cough, colds and abdominal pains, but nothing alarming, according to Tagum Health Officer Arnel Florendo.

In a phone interview, Florendo debunked speculation the abdominal pain qas caused by water or food, saying, there was no diarrhea case.

The abdominal pain was caused by no regular bowel movement.

"The bulk of the patients had headaches, cough, colds and asthma. These are isolated cases. Nothing alarming," Florendo said.

The patients were immediately discharged after medication. Florendo said there are eight cases of fracture and sprain due to the activities at the camp.

Of the eight, three were brought to the Regional Medical Center.

One delegate was admitted for chicken pox. The patient was put in isolation in order not to infect other delegates. The patient was already in the period of incubation when he arrived in the Philippines.

One patient, an adult Indonesian but who is not part of the official delegation, is admitted for pneumonia and diabetes.

Florendo assured the delegates of the safe facilities like toilets at the camp.

He said water tanks are regularly inspected and food sellers are being checked.

There is a monitoring team and a 24/7 staff to respond to the needs of the delegates. Florendo said there is a also a medical operation center manned by doctor on 24/7 duty.

The 6th ASEAN Scout Jamboree opened Monday with close to 30,000 scouts from 20 countries converged at the Energy Park,.

Tagum City Information Office reported that House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez graced the grand opening ceremonies with officials from the ASEAN Scout Association for Regional Cooperation (ASARC).

The delegates are coming from nine ASEAN countries - the Philippines, Sri Lanka, East Timor, Nepal, Netherlands, Maldives, Macau, Kuwait, South Korea, India, Hong Kong and Bangladesh.

The Tagum information office reported that the biggest delegation from among the 121 local councils of the BSP is the Davao City Council while the biggest contingent from the international participation is Indonesia, with 137 registered participants.

The ASEAN jamboree carries the theme, Growth and Stability. The event in Tagum City is the second held in the Philippines. The first was the ASEAN Scout Jamboree in Mt. Makiling held twenty years ago.

On security, 10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen Noel Clement said there are 2,000 security forces deployed to secure the delegates. These are composed of the police, unit commands, Airforce and the Navy.

Clement said the Task Force Davao is tasked to secure delegates coming in to Tagum City via the Davao International Airport. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)
NOVEMBER 2017

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The provincial government of South Cotabato is set to create a new office that will develop and manage the operations of the province's economic enterprises.

Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said the move is in line with the local government's continuing efforts to increase its revenues and provide better services to local residents.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan or provincial board recently approved Ordinance No. 29, series of 2017, which created the South Cotabato Economic Enterprises Management Office (SCEEMO).

"It (new office) will serve as a vehicle to further raise more income for the province," the governor said.

As cited in the ordinance, the new office was created to provide wider access to goods and services, with pricing that is affordable to a larger segment of the population.

It is expected to draw more investors by providing key services not provided by the private sector and contribute to local revenue and resource mobilization by generating modest financial surpluses through financial self-sufficiency.

Fuentes said the SCEEMO would mainly manage the existing income-generating services and facilities that are owned and managed by the provincial government.

These are the South Cotabato Sports Complex, Productivity and Technology Center, South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center and the Seven Falls and Zipline Ecotourism Development Project.

She said it would handle other local economic enterprise that might be declared through an ordinance.

To complement the establishment of the SCEEMO, the governor said local government would create a management regulatory board that would act as policy-making body and oversee its operations.

The board would be headed by the governor as chairperson and the vice governor as vice chairperson, she said.

Its members are the chairpersons of the provincial board's committees on ways and means a the trade, commerce and industry, economic affairs and investment; SCEEMO general manager; provincial treasurer; provincial accountant; provincial budget officer; provincial legal officer; provincial engineer; provincial planning and development coordinator; provincial general services officer; and, representatives from the South Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.(HST/PNA)NOVEMBER 2017



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BATANGAS CITY — A Batangas solon has assured his constituents here that the construction of the access road connecting the towns of Bauan and San Pascual to Batangas City is set to begin before the year ends.

Batangas Public Information Office chief Jenelyn A. Aguilera said Friday that 2nd District Representative and House Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu disclosed that the road project's PHP524-million budget will come from the national government.

Aguilera said assurance for the project was bolstered by the inspection visit of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar last November 20.   

She said Abu and 5th District Representative Marvey Marino welcomed Villar during the latter's visit to San Pascual, Batangas where they plotted the map for the proposed road construction sites and areas covered under the access road project.

She said Villar has instructed project proponents to immediately start the construction of the access road to solve the perennial traffic congestion  besetting the highway connecting the three territories.  

Abu added that the access road is projected to be passable to motorists and vehicles during its "soft opening" by 2019 and is targeted to be fully completed by 2020. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office in Western Visayas reported a 31.40 percent decline in cases of violence against women (VAW) in Western Visayas.

Inspector Joem Malong, chief of the Regional Women and Children Protection Desk, said they have been relentless in their campaign to protect the rights of women in the region and address all forms of VAW.

Malong said from January to October this year, 2,338 cases were recorded in the region, lower by 31.40 percent or 1,070 cases compared to the same period last year with 3,408 cases.

Iloilo province recorded 670 cases; Aklan, 533; Iloilo City, 472; Capiz, 393; Antique, 169; and Guimaras with 101 cases.

Majority of the VAW crimes committed were physical abuse with 1, 317 cases.

Meanwhile, Malong said the efficient campaign of the Duterte administration against illegal drugs was among the factors that contributed to the decrease in the number of cases.

"Somehow there is an effect because comparing to other years, this year recorded the biggest decrease in the number of cases," she said.

Cases included those where husbands of victims were in their illegal drug list, especially during the Oplan Tokhang.

To attain the goal of zero cases of VAW in the region, an 18-day campaign will start here on November 25 until December 12 to raise awareness among stakeholders.

Regional offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Commission on Human Rights, and the PNP have scheduled a number of activities in the region to highlight the campaign.

A public forum dubbed "Sharing of Best Practices in Operating Barangay VAW Desks" will be staged on December 5 at the Casa Real Iloilo.

The activity will gather representatives from various local government units to discuss best practices in helping the victims of violence and to come up with initiatives to further decrease or eliminate crimes against women.

Other activities include poster making and jingle writing contests that will highlight not only the protection of women but also of children. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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CAMP TECSON, San Miguel, Bulacan -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is now a proud member of the elite First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR).

Clad in a scout ranger uniform, the President on Friday was bestowed the honorary Scout Ranger badge by Brig. Gen. Rene Glen Paje during the 67th founding anniversary of the FSRR held here Friday.

Paje, commanding general of the scout ranger, said that the Chief Executive has been very supportive of military troops.

Duterte, for his part, congratulated the scout ranger troops for their efforts and sacrifices, particularly during the Marawi crisis.

Duterte also led the awarding of medals to 44 fallen soldiers of the FSRR and 83 others for their exemplary sacrifice and gallantry in battle.

In his speech, the President said he has already signed a proclamation terminating the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front and New People's Army (CPP-NDF-NPA).

The President said that he had already noted the trend of thoughts of the other side and their pure non-sense.

Duterte said he is building a strong military with modern weapons, pledging to replace all firearms used in Marawi and purchase more helicopters.

Meanwhile, the President also announced that he is set to sign an executive order returning the administration's war on drugs to the Philippine National Police (PNP) from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agencey (PDEA).

He also stressed his determined to end corruption. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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BACOLOD CITY-- Household helpers or "kasambahays" in Western Visayas (Region 6) will receive a uniform minimum wage rate of PHP3,500 starting December 8.

Based on the approved rate of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, domestic workers in cities and first-class municipalities will receive a pay increase of PHP1,000 while those in other towns will get a pay hike of PHP1,500.

Wage Order No. 2, published in local papers on Thursday, prescribed a uniform minimum wage rate of PHP3,500 for "kasambahays" in the region. It will take effect after 15 days on December 8.

In the previous wage order, which lapsed in February this year, domestic workers in cities and first-class municipalities received PHP2,500 per month while those in other towns were paid PHP2,000 only.

The new wage order no longer classifies domestic workers in terms of the location of their employment – whether they are based in cities or municipalities, labor representative Wennie Sancho said.

It's "confusing and discriminatory," he said, noting that the expenses of household helpers in any locality are almost similar.

"The gravity of their work is also the same that they all deserve to receive higher and common wage," he added.

Wage Order No. 2 shall apply to all domestic workers, whether on a live-in or live-out arrangement, such as but not limited to general househelp, "yaya" (child minder), cook, gardener, laundry person, and any person who regularly performs work in one household on an occupational basis.

The order does not cover service providers, family drivers, children under foster family arrangement, and any other person who performs work occasionally or sporadically and not on an occupational basis. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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BACOLOD CITY -- The city government here is regulating the use of electric tricycles (e-trikes) that have not been registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, chief of the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), said the BTAO impounded at least 40 unregistered e-trikes between October 1 and 31.

The drivers were apprehended on major streets and in the downtown area and were fined PHP100 each.

Acebuche said the Land Transportation and Traffic Code considers e-trikes as motor vehicles which should be registered with the LTO if used for public transport.

He added that owners should also secure a business permit from the city government if they will operate the e-trikes as "for hire" vehicles.

E-trikes are only allowed on barangay roads and interior areas, not in national highways, Acebuche said.

If unregistered with the LTO, e-trikes can only be utilized for personal use.

Earlier, the LTO reminded the public that e-trikes are not exempted from registration if they are reclassified from private to public vehicles, while drivers of "for hire" e-trikes are obliged to get professional licenses with Restriction Code 1.

LTO-Bacolod chief Renato Novero also said they have been coordinating with the local government units in deputizing their respective enforcers to carry out traffic regulations. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite – Bereaved city residents here may now heave a sigh of relief from funeral expenses of their departed kin as the city mayor is now offering free cremation services plus urn.

City Mayor Elpidio F. Barzaga Jr., in his Facebook post on Friday, announced this to all city residents and registered voters to help them shoulder expensive burial expenses.

Barzaga's post earned 556 positive reactions and 320 shares within an hour after the 12:52 p.m. message on Friday.

Aside from taking care of the dead in his turf, the city mayor likewise offered an affordable plan for non-residents with a minimal fee of PHP 8,000 covering the cremation services and urn.

Public cemetery "Panteon de Dasmariñas" officer-in-charge Liezl Camaganacan said the cremation services are held at the city's public cemetery in Barangay Sampaloc IV.

According to Camaganacan, a cremation "dry run" was held last Nov. 11 to ensure a smooth flow of operations before announcing it to the public.

She estimated that cremation services are regularly priced at PHP19,000 to PHP25,000, excluding the urn.

The mayor's project was well received by constituents, especially those in the low-income bracket and the marginalized sector, based on a preliminary assessment of their posted comments.

Cavite Vice-Governor Ramon 'Jolo' Revilla III was among the first to comment through social media on the mayor's new program for the dead.

Revilla commended Barzaga for "a good job" and referred to him in the Filipino millennial lingo as "lodi" (for idol) and "petmalu" (a metaphor for awesome or fantastic).

Camaganacan advised availing parties to submit their request personally. She said the processing of free cremation services may take a minimum of three days.

For inquiries, Camaganacan may be reached through landline ‎(+6346-683-5599) or through mobile ‎(+63917-856-9120). (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY—The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) will wait for guidance from the higher headquarters in dealing with the consultants of the National Democratic Front (NDF) who were temporarily released from detention to take part in the peace negotiations.

"We are just waiting for guidance from the higher headquarters," Eastmincom commander Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said when asked by reporters during the Hermes Club at Waterfront Hotel on the arrest of consultants.

Madrigal said the military is also waiting for the formal proclamation of the CPP-NPA-NDF as a terrorist organization, although he added that the activities of the NPA rebels such as extortion, burning of equipment and destroying agricultural plantations are tantamount to "terroristic activities."

He noted that the military is just an instrument of national power and matters on peace negotiations are decided by the political leaders.

The Philippine National Police also has the primary responsibility to arrest criminal elements, the military official added.

In an interview with Radyo Pilipinas in Davao, the government's peace panel chairman, Secretary Silvestre Bello III, said NDF consultants who were granted provisional liberty may voluntarily submit themselves to the authorities.

Bello said NDF consultants granted temporary liberty number about 40, though some of them have been granted pardon by the President.

Under the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), the protection and immunities are revoked 30 days after receipt of the formal notice on the termination of the peace negotiations.

On Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte formally terminated the peace negotiations and all other meetings between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF through the issuance of Proclamation No. 360.

Early this year, the President cancelled the GRP-NDF peace talks after the NPA terminated the unilateral ceasefire in February.

In a press statement, the NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee on Social and Economic Reforms (RWC-SER) voiced concerns over the cancellation of the talks as there are already advances achieved in forging agreements on urgently needed socio-economic reforms to alleviate mass poverty and resolve the roots of the armed conflict.

In his Proclamation, Duterte explained that the administration agreed to speed up the signing and implementation of the final peace agreement with the communist movement but that the latter failed to show "sincerity and commitment."

"In spite of the best efforts exerted by this Administration, the NDF-CPP-NPA failed to show its sincerity and commitment in pursuing genuine and meaningful peace negotiations as it engaged on acts of violence and hostilities, endangering the lives and properties of innocent people," the President said. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY -– The Energy Development Corporation or EDC's scholarship program is giving 487 junior and senior high school students in Valencia, Negros Oriental an opportunity to pursue their education.

A total of 120 students from Pulangbato National High School, 100 from San Pedro Academy Recoletos, 145 from Balugo National High School, and 122 from Valencia National High School are beneficiaries of the scholarship program, said Norreen Bautista, Head of EDC's Community Partnerships, External Relations, and Watershed Management Group in Negros Island.

Bautista said Friday the company's scholarship program reaffirms their commitment to the progress of Valencia, which hosts the geothermal power plants that provide clean, sustainable, and renewable energy 24/7.

"EDC is proud to have our scholarship program that helps 487 poor but deserving high school students in Valencia," she said.

Bautista said that hard work and determination will help these students become "self-sufficient and independent from outside aid." 

Bautista said the high school scholarship program, now on its 13th year, is "essential to achieving inclusive growth for our partner communities."

The scholarship project is part of the education module under EDC's Community Partnership.

Just recently, the EDC awarded the scholarship grants for the school year 2017-2018 to the junior and senior high school students in Valencia. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Police Regional Office in Region 9 (PRO-9) has strengthened security in areas in the region following imminent threats from the New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

This came after President Rodrigo Duterte cancelled the talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) due to continuous attacks by NPA against state forces.

President Duterte also cited the NPA ambush of a police vehicle in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon, on November 9, which resulted to the death of a four-month old infant.

Police Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, PRO-9 director, on Friday disclosed the areas they are closely watching are in the borders of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur towards the boundary to Misamis Occidental.

Supt. Beltran said they have doubled the conduct of checkpoints to deter possible attacks from the NPA rebels.

One of the areas that reported heavy NPA presence is the Baganian Peninsula, situated in the boundaries of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte.

The police official said they are closely coordinating with the different military units to ensure the security of the civilians in the region. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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ZAMBOANGA CITY—Military divers have recovered high-powered weapons on a lake as search and recovery operations continue in Marawi City, officials said.

Recovered were an M-60 machine gun, two Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, 13 high explosive RPG rounds and 18 rifle grenades, according to Brig. Gen. Roseller Murillo, commander of the Army's 1st Infantry Division.

"It has been 37 days since the liberation of Marawi, but our troops still recover armaments from the main battle area, which are believed to be from the members of the Daesh-inspired Maute terror group," Gen. Murillo said Friday.

"Search and recovery operations will continue until we are certain that Marawi (City) is totally cleared," Murillo added.

He said the firearms were recovered by the divers of the Naval Special Operations Group and Army Special Forces.

He said the reconstituted Joint Task Force Ranao sustained the clearing and mopping-up operations in the former main battle area following the liberation of Marawi City from the Maute group in late October.

Navy divers recovered 30 assorted high-powered firearms on November 12 from a lake area in front of the building that served as the last stand for the Maute group in Barangay Marinaut, Marawi City.

Earlier this week, soldiers were able to retrieve four high-powered firearms consisting of an caliber .30 machine gun, one M-16 Armalite rifle, one sniper rifle and one M4 rifle.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief commended the soldiers in Marawi City "for their unfaltering effort to ensure that every single war materiel is recovered even in the murky waters of the lake."

"This (search and recovery) mission is never easy especially that there is a possibility for these munitions to explode in the process. I am however confident that our combat divers are seasoned and well-experienced for this task," Gen. Galvez added. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- Tourists arrivals in the province of Antique have reached more than1.3 million with the town of Sebaste - and its two waterfalls- as the most visited site.

Ramlu Villaluna, Antique Provincial Tourism Officer, said an increasing number of tourists are lured by Antique's attractions. This as evidenced by the tourist arrivals that reached 1,381,909 from January to October this year, compared to 448, 101 visitors to the province for the entire 2016.

Of the more than 1.3 million recorded visitors, 3,928 were foreigners and the rest were domestic tourists.

Sebaste, which drew 626, 283 tourist arrivals during the first 10 months of the year, leads the top 10 municipalities in terms of luring tourists. Others are the capital San Jose de Buenavista, and the towns of Pandan, Anini-y, Tibiao, San Remigio, Culasi, Belison, Tobias Fornier and Barbaza.

Sebaste in northern Antique province is known for the  Kalamasag Falls, Igpasungaw Falls, and Bugtong Bukid.

It is also well-known among pilgrims because of the miraculous St. Blaise Church.

Meanwhile, San Jose de Buenavista is popular because of ongoing commercial developments such as new shopping malls, business establishments, beach resorts and training centers.

The PHP40 million for the rehabilitation and improvement of the Malandog River, believed to be where the Bornean datus landed and established their first settlement, is also being promoted by San Jose de Buenavista to attract visitors.

Meanwhile, Pandan is endowed with Malumpati Cold Spring and Bugang River, said to be one of the cleanest rivers in the country. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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COTABATO CITY – Through inclusive education, health and anti-drug programs, this city aims to be capture the distinction as one of the country's most child-friendly city .

"I am determined to pursue the dream...of having a child-friendly society here," City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said in her State of the Children Report on Friday, even as she vowed to increase the budget aimed for child welfare by 2018.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi delivered the report in consonance with the celebration of the National Children's Month, in which she vowed the local government will institute programs to protect the well-being of children.

This year, the local government has allotted P54.6-million for the establishment of a women and children's desk at the local police, construction of barangay health and day care centers in the city's 37 barangays.

Guiani-Sayadi said these programs reflect the desire of the local government to give children unrestricted access to health and education. '

She noted that for this year alone, the city has nearly 9,000 preschoolers enrolled in both public and private schools.
 
Guiani-Sayadi also underscored the city's anti-drug program, which said was vital to keep the children away from the drug menace. For the past several months, the mayor said the local police have arrested a huge number of arrest of drug peddlers.

The mayor is known to lead regular night patrols around town to monitor suspicious acitivities.

When President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law for Mindanao following the Marawi siege in May this year, the local government has enforced a 10:30 p.m.-3:30 a.m. curfew for all residents on efforts to further secure the city from lawless elements.

Guiani-Sayadi also announced that City Ordinance 4529 otherwise known as "Discipline Hour" is now in effect for minors from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. daily.

"For the protection of my constituents and the children, I will stop at nothing," the mayor said, even as she called on various local sectors to help the city to become one of most-child friendly cities in the Philippines. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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COTABATO CITY--Anti-narcotics agents arrested here Friday seven persons allegedly engaged in illegal drug trade.

Juvenal Azurin, director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM), identified the suspects as Jose Voltaire Dela Cruz Nogra, Asraf Marjone Bakil, Faisal Saban Andal, Jeff Uy Sadane, Pinandatu Esmael Dumamba, Fahad Dris Mala and Kier Rody Palumbi.

Dir. Azurin said the drug den operators where the suspects were caught in a pot session managed to elude arrest.

He identified the drug den operators as Tata Bai Biruar and Bogs Biruar, both residents of Barangay Mother Bagua here. The couple was in the PDEA ARMM drug watch.

Seized from the suspects were five huge sachets of shabu with a street value of P26,000, shabu paraphernalia, three .38 caliber revolvers, ammunition and marked money.

Charges for violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and illegal possession of firearms are being prepared against the suspects. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Social Security System (SSS) has allocated P250 million for the 13th month pay of its pensioners here in the Western Mindanao area.

Napoleon Rabanal II, SSS Western Mindanao senior communication analyst, on Saturday said the pay will be released by the end of the month but not later than December 8.

Rabanal said there are 43,949 pensioners in Western Mindanao who will receive bonus, which is the same amount to their monthly pension. Of the total, 18,677 of them are from this city.

SSS-Western Mindanao office covers the Zamboanga Peninsula provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur as well as Zamboanga City and the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi that are part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Meanwhile, Rabanal appealed the pensioners to comply with the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP), which requires them to visit the SSS office once a year, specifically during birth month.

The compliance of the ACOP requirement is to ensure the continuous payment of the SSS member's monthly pension.

It is also to ensure that the pensioner is still living and receives the monthly pension.

Rabanal said they have already requested the partner banks of SSS to make the necessary preparation for the release of the 13th month bonus. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has released 200,000 tilapia fingerlings in Lake Tambo in Barangay Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac in an effort to revive the town's aquaculture industry.

BFAR Regional Director Willy Cruz said Friday the project, "Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa" (BASIL), aims to repopulate the freshwater-like rivers and lakes with the addition of tilapia fingerlings or other species endemic in the areas.

The 25,000-hectare Tambo lake was formed after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991.

Cruz said aside from the dispersal of tilapia fingerlings, BFAR will also have a techno demo on fish cage in the area.

"Initially, we will put five fishing cages in the Tambo Lake where some 12,500 fingerlings will be seeded," he said.

He said fisher folk in five barangays of Capas, namely Sta. Juliana, Sta. Lucia, O'Donnell, Maruglo and Bueno, will benefit from the project.

"This will help improve the productivity and sustainability of the lives of the fisher folk in Capas town," he said.

The BFAR official said the project will not only enhance the aquaculture production in Capas town, but also boost the local tourism industry.

"There is also a plan to put up a floating restaurant in Tambo Lake where tourists can eat grilled fish. The income that is expected to be generated will come from aquaculture production and of course, tourism," he said.

He said the chance of survival of the released fish is high given the quality of water in Tambo Lake.

BASIL, a five-year project that aims to rehabilitate major inland bodies of water in the country, is a priority project of the Department of Agriculture.

It targets to disperse at least 210 million fingerlings nationwide in major lakes and river basins. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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PARANG, Maguindanao --Over P1-million worth of illegally cut forest products were confiscated by police operatives in separate operations here Friday and Saturday dawn.

Police immediately set up checkpoints after receiving reports that five hauler trucks loaded with illegal cut lumber and logs were to be transported to Cotabato City from the northern part of Maguindanao, said Chief Insp. Erwin Tabora, Parang town police chief.

At 4 a.m. Saturday, police seized a truck laden with lumber coming the forests of Matanog, Barira and Buldon towns, Insp. Tabora said, adding the owner failed to present pertinent permits.

Tabora said the suspects used the detour route from Matanog to Parang town in an apparent attempt to avoid police and military checkpoints.

Tabora lauded the residents for alerting the police.

A day earlier, police also flagged down around 2 a.m. four cargo trucks carrying wood products at a checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion 1 here.

Accompanying the trucks were Alimodin Zainal, 39, Ali Macauyag, 40, Samanodin Bara, 30, Lannie Tantua, 35, Mahda Ibay, 25, and Ali Capal, 35, all residents of Matanog, Maguindanao.

Tabora said the suspects could not present documents showing they are allowed to transport the wood flitches.

All seized forest products are now impounded at the Parang police station. (PNA/Edwin Fernandez) NOVEMBER 2017

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COTABATO CITY--Local officials and heads of peace and order councils here have called on Malacañang to raise the bounty for the suspects in the Maguindanao massacre who remain at large.

Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman both agreed that the bounty could help fast-track the arrest of two grandsons of principal suspect Andal Ampatuan Sr.

The two grandsons, who were not identified by police pending their arrests, have repeatedly eluded capture.

Gov. Mangudadat said he will ask the provincial peace and order council to raise the bounty so that the remaining suspects could be held liable for their participation in one of the bloodiest election-related violence that took place eight years ago.

"I believe President Duterte will not fail us because he has enough knowledge on the intricacies of the massacre case," Mangudadatu said.

For his part, Gov. Hataman said the regional peace and order council would help Mangudadatu in his bid to raise bounties for elusive suspects in the atrocity.

The ARMM governor said local government units in Maguindanao should also help locate the massacre suspects, who are reportedly hiding in areas belonging to the province's second district.

Mangudadatu lost his wife Genalyn and eight women relatives in the Nov. 23, 2009 massacre that also left 32 journalists and media workers dead. (PNA/Edwin Fernandez) NOVEMBER 2017

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BACOLOD CITY -- The City of Bacolod observed "Thanksgiving Day" for the first time on Friday, with Mayor Evelio Leonardia and religious and sectoral leaders coming together for "oneness in prayer".

"This is something overwhelming because we have seen for ourselves that we are indeed a mixture of culture, customs, traditions, and even religion," Leonardia said.

Leonardia issued Executive Order No. 34, creating the committee for the celebration of "Thanksgiving Day" in support of City Ordinance No. ‎09-17-819.

The ordinance, authored by Councilor Sonya Verdeflor, declares the fourth Thursday of November of each year as a "Day of Thanksgiving" here.

The City Council also passed Resolution No. 1285 enjoining all Bacolodnons, through the Office of the City Mayor, to celebrate "Thanksgiving Day" pursuant to the city ordinance.

Those who offered thanksgiving for the city's blessings were Fr. Farley Ray Santillan of the Diocese of Bacolod, Pastor Jessie Albestor of the Bacolod Evangelical Church, Pastor Gaudencio Buque Jr. of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pragat Singh of the Punjabi of India, Ramai Das of Hare Krishna, and Imam Omar Betita of Islam.

"It is not so often that we have these 'holy men' with us and it is amazing to think that although we differ in so many ways, somehow we have proven that, as said in the (Diwali) festival, there can be unity in diversity," Leonardia said.

The mayor said the messages in the prayers focused on "oneness", being part of humanity.

"We (can say that we) are just one family in this world. I believe that the charter of Bacolod, becoming a city, was the single significant event that catapulted Bacolod to where it is today," Leonardia added.

Prayers of thanksgiving were also offered by Councilors Cindy Rojas and Ana Marie Palermo while Councilors Renecito Novero and Wilson Gamboa Jr. also graced the occasion.

Leaders of business and socio-civic groups said prayers as well.

City Council Secretary Vicente Petierre III read City Ordinance No. ‎09-17-819 declaring the fourth Thursday of November of each year as a Day of Thanksgiving in the City of Bacolod.

It stated that the City of Bacolod, since it became a Chartered City in 1938, has become a progressive and fast-developing highly urbanized city in the Philippines, even in the midst of several crises, natural calamities, and disasters.

Divine blessings sparing Bacolod City from the worst kinds of calamities and destructions and the Bacolodnons' resilience in times of adversity paved the way for Bacolod to rise into a livable and prosperous metropolis where its constituents enjoy the fruits of economic development, for which the people should be thankful for, it added. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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BACOLOD CITY -- Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. on Friday called on the youth of Negros to engage in farming given the massive potential in Philippine agriculture,

The governor made the call as the province played host to the four-day 12th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival which ended Saturday at the Capitol grounds, this city.

He said those who want to engage in agriculture should start young.

"If they love agriculture, if they love being a farmer, it will become a habit," the governor said, noting that only "very few" young people choose to be in agriculture.

Marañon said it's "very easy to produce" in the Philippines because it has lots of endemic plants, animals, and resources.

He, however, lamented the country is deficient in research and development.

Moreover, the governor underscored the need to increase organic agriculture production in Negros Island to meet the growing global demand.

"The demand is growing, but the supply can't catch up. We have to double time in our organic movement," the governor said.

Negros Island has at least 20 percent annual growth in terms of area devoted to organic agriculture, but amid the increase in supply the demand still grows, he said.

Marañon said the festival will help equip Negrense farmers in working together to improve their production.

"Organic is the way of the future and one measure to address climate change," he added.

Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino said aside from showcasing products, the festival is also encouraging more organic produce among Negrense farmers.

"As we continue to encourage organic farmers to increase their production, we are also urging conventional farmers to shift into organic system of farming," he said.

Based on the Department of Agriculture's reports, Negros Occidental has about 16,000 hectares of agricultural lands devoted to organic farming, with almost 17,000 organic adaptors, mostly small farmers.

The area, however,is still lower by almost 4,000 hectares, based on the mandated 20,000 hectares.

Under Republic Act 10060, or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, Negros Occidental should devote five percent of its almost 400,000-hectare agriculture area to organic farming. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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BACOLOD CITY -- A total of 106 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Negros Occidental completed the four-month entrepreneurship training under the Farm Business School (FBS) initiated by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

The graduation rites held Friday at the Zaycoland Resort in Kabankalan City was led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Lucrecia Taberna.

Taberna said the FBS is an on-site entrepreneurial training and education on farm technology and agribusiness for farmers.

The training is a DAR program that helps farmers develop their own enterprises and make their business operations profitable.

Those who graduated include 31 ARBs under the General Malvar Agrarian Reform Cooperative and Kauswagan Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Barangay General Malvar, Pontevedra; 35 ARBs from Bagong Silang Farmers Association in Barangay Tuguis, Hinigaran; and 40 ARBs from Manlucahoc Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Barangay Manlucahoc, Sipalay City.

This fulfills the memoranda of agreement between the DAR Negros Occidental-South and the municipalities of Hinigaran and Pontevedra and Sipalay City.

Vilma Credo of Manlucahoc Agrarian Reform Cooperative, who was awarded with highest honors, said that through their FBS training, they are given more opportunities since they are already equipped with entrepreneurial skills, knowledge, and values.

Taberna said the trainees learned how to become entrepreneurs and to manage farms as enterprises.

The four-month FBS, which began last July, comprised 25 sessions, which covered market survey, accounting, farm budget planning, benchmarking, and market forum, and matching, among others.

Taberna assured ARBs of the agency's continued support through the delivery of various support services to their respective cooperatives and organizations. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- Mayor Edwin Santiago has sought the support of businessmen and other stakeholders here in sustaining the city's development through the correct and proper payment of taxes, citing taxpayers as "pillars that drive economic growth".

"You, as taxpayers of this city, are our pillars to make our local economy more stable and give the City of San Fernando a better capacity in implementing sustainable programs.

Thus, I am encouraging you to be with us in attaining our goals for the betterment of the city," Santiago said in his speech during the annual taxpayers' symposium held at the Heroes Hall Thursday.

He also thanked the private sector for helping the city government in steering the city's economic growth and development.

"Your diligence in paying your obligation makes the city what it is today. The reality is that tax is the lifeblood of the government. Without taxes, the government cannot run," he added.

In 2016, the City of San Fernando posted a PHP1.26 billion revenue collection, which is 45 percent of the total tax revenue collection for the whole province of Pampanga.

More than 100 participants, including businessmen and economists, attended the forum spearheaded by the City Treasurer's Office.

City Treasurer officer Mary Ann Bautista said topics discussed during the forum were the city's tax collection process, local revenues, and assessment for next year.

Bautista also urged businessmen to file their income tax earlier.

In return, she said, the city government is creating programs to ease business registration and other processes of entrepreneurs and investors in the city.
City assessor officer-in-charge Luz Bautista, for her part, explained the upcoming property assessment updates that will be implemented next year.

On the other hand, the City Planning and Development Office discussed and presented the disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation integrated land use and comprehensive plan to achieve a sustainable and livable city. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY -- A composite team of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now running after communist terrorists who ambushed members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) in Sitio Camansi, Bgy. Bolo, Maasin, Iloilo around 6 p.m. Friday.

Personnel from the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO), RMFB and the Army's 61st Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) have been deployed.

The ambush resulted in the death of PO1 Joefill Tallador Odon and the wounding of 10 other policemen.

The casualties, together with 11 other police officers, were travelling aboard two vehicles on their way back to the town proper of Maasin, when an explosive device went off followed by bursts of gunfire while they were in Sitio Camansi.

Wounded were Police Inspector Joy Melvin Dulce, PO1s Delby Bachiller, Rolando Lozada, Vincent Yasay, April Ray Ansag, Rolly Talento, Kim Iber Cornel, Kenneth Delejero, Paul John Banquillo, and PO3 Jose Manuel Bana-ay.

PRO6 shouldered all hospital expenses of the police personnel.

Meanwhile, found at the scene were Molotov bombs and the improvised explosive devices used in the ambush.

PRO 6 spokesperson, Supt, Gilbert Gorero said that what happened was a terroristic act of the New People's Army as he called on the public not to support the communist group.

The ambush happened a day after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Proclamation No. 360 terminating talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Meanwhile, the NPA Jose Percival Estocada Jr Command (JPEC), Central Panay in its website claimed responsibility for the killing.

The NPAs Napoleon Tumagtang Command on November 23 also claimed responsibility for the ambush in Sibalom, Antique where three members of the Sibalom Municipal Police Station were wounded.

The RMFB was deployed to the area following sightings of alleged communist terrorists in the mountainous portion of Maasin.

Government operations are focused in Maasin and adjacent areas following series of encounters between the Philippine Army and the NPA. On November 20, the troops clashed with around 30 members of the NPA terrorists at the boundary of Brgy. Canawilihan, Janiuay and Brgy. Trangka, Maasin.

NPA rebels also attacked the Maasin Municipal Police Station and carted away assorted firearms last June. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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CEBU CITY -- President Rodrigo Duterte will launch the "Biyaya ng Pagbabago" poverty alleviation program at the Freedom Park in Davao City on Dec. 9.

This was announced Saturday by Undersecretary Joselito "Penpen" Libres of the Office of Participatory Governance (OPG), which is initiating the pro-poor program.

Libres said "Biyaya ng Pagbabago," short for "Biyaya ng Pagbabago Tungo sa Masagana at Matiwasay na Buhay Pilipino," is a poverty alleviation program of Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr.

"Biyaya ng Pagbabago" is aligned with the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan ‎2017-2022 to reduce poverty in the country from 21.6% to 14%.

"We are targeting to alleviate poverty by 7%, or lift the lives of about six million people listed under the poverty level, before President Duterte's term ends in 2022," Libres said.

The program is aimed at making government services more responsive, adequate, effective and timely delivered to those that need them the most.

It also aims to encourage the people to become proactive in participatory governance and help in solving the problems of the country.

According to Libres, at least 100,000 supporters are expected to gather in Davao for the launching of "Biyaya ng Pagbabago" as pro-Duterte mass movement Kilusang Pagbabago (KP) will be staging a caravan from Luzon down to Davao.

Luzon chapters of KP will start the caravan days before the launching and will meet with the Visayas chapters in Cebu City on December 7.

The group will then proceed to Cagayan de Oro and to Davao the following day.

Libres is also inviting other pro-Duterte groups to join them at the launching of "Biyaya ng Pagbabago" in Davao City.

The KP, meanwhile, is mobilizing nationwide support for a complementary poverty alleviation program that stresses grassroots empowerment and participatory governance, and engaging government towards accessing and claim-taking of government services especially to the impoverish sectors and communities. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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PAOAY, Ilocos Norte -- The union of Michael Ferdinand Marcos-Manotoc and Carina Angela Gamboa Manglapus here on Saturday at the majestic Paoay Church was meant to showcase the Ilocano traditional wedding ceremony.

The nuptials, however, also showed how a union of two people can unite the Ilocanos as officials of various municipalities and residents rejoiced by singing their hearts out to express their happiness for the couple and be proud of their province.

The groom is a grandson of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos and son of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos. The bride is a granddaughter of former senator and Foreign Affairs secretary Raul Manglapus who was exiled during the term of the former president.

Local performers, mostly students, sang old Ilocano and Tagalog love songs serenading everyone who went to witness the nuptials. Traditional Ilocano dances were also presented to entertain the more than 5,000 crowd outside the Paoay Church.

The performances were all rendered by volunteers who were tapped by various local government units here,said Provincial Tourism Officer Ianree Raquel.

The people also warmly welcomed prominent wedding guests and visitors, some even coming all the way from Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio did not miss the wedding. She arrived in Ilocos Norte on Saturday with other important figures from the national government, business sector and business industry.

"It's our obligation to thank the Marcoses for extending their hand of friendship," said the presidential daughter in a brief interview.

President Rodrigo Duterte was unable to attend but was ably represented by Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, a native of Bangui town in Ilocos Norte.

Also seen among the crowd of VIPs were Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Public Attorney's Office (PAO) Chief Persida Acosta, Public Works Secretary Mark Villa, among others.

Referring to the wedding as the "first of my life", Gov. Marcos expressed gratitude to everyone who extended their help to make the grand celebration a reality.

Raquel, in an earlier interview, said the ceremony would be a fusion of modern and traditional Ilocano weddings highlighting the old cultural values of Ilocano wedding rites such as the traditional "mano" (kissing of the hand) to the principal sponsors, who in return would gift money to the newlyweds.

Proceeds collected from the wedding celebration will go to the rehabilitation aid for Marawi City. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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BOCAUE, Bulacan -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has instructed the Provincial Pyrotechnics Regulatory Board (PPRB) to bring to the grassroot level pertinent information on the implementation of Executive Order No. 28, which strictly regulates the use of fireworks in the country.

Alvarado, who is also PPRB chairman, said it is important to explain to the people that the use of fireworks and other pyrotechnics devices is only regulated and not totally banned.

He also said that under the Implementing Rules and Regulation , local government units (LGUs)  are required to conduct information campaigns on the danger of fireworks.

He said that the PPRB and the 'Task Force Paputok' headed by Supt. Gerry Andaya of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) is now coordinating with municipal, city and barangay officials in informing the public on the proper use of pyrotechnics as well as types of banned of firecrackers, which are dangerous and deadly.

"We also want to make it clear that the use of pyrotechnics and other legal fireworks is not banned under RA 7183 or Firecracker Law. The government is just strictly regulating its use to ensure public safety," he added.

The governor also asked local stakeholders to police their ranks as he disclosed that the government's  intention is to help boost the local fireworks industry and make it highly competitive in the global market through safe and quality products.

Alvarado also urged the permanent banning of the deadly chemical ingredients of chlorate and potassium which, he said are highly unstable when combined in the manufacture of fireworks.

Alvarado, together with Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando and members of PPRB and Task Force Paputok, inspected Saturday the rows of firecracker stalls in Barangay Turo in this town dubbed as the "Fireworks Capital" of the country.

The governor and vice governor took turns in urging dealers not to sell imported and dangerous firecrackers like "piccolo" which is the prime cause of injuries during the holiday season.

They also asked dealers  not to sell products made by clandestine shops.

Alvarado also urged LGUs in Bulacan not to issue permits to small vendors because selling fireworks should be in stalls that has complied with safety requirements.

"Selling of fireworks along the roads and bridges is prohibited. They will no longer be allowed to avoid incidents," he said.

Engineer Celso C. Cruz, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI), said that their group has long been calling the attention of law enforcers and other government officials to make a no-nonsense crackdown on smuggled and dangerous types of firecrackers.

"Everybody knows that Picolo is banned. We are not engaged in its production, It is being smuggled into the country and year after year everytime it causes harm, our group is always being dragged in the mess. There are many types of safe noisemakers and pyrotechnics that people can choose," he said.

He also disclosed that for the first time the government is helping PPMDAI and the local industry through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) which is now training scientists in the pyrotechnics industry by having them study in developed countries and become experts.

"We want to thank DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Pena for making such moves. It is high time that we have our own experts because pyrotechnics is science and this is what we need to boost the industry to make it safe and globally competitive," Cruz, a chemical engineer, said.

Cruz also said that under EO 28, the banned types of firecrackers are still the same.

"The law states that the ingredients for firecrackers should not exceed 200 mg. If it exceed it is oversized and banned," he said. (PNA) 

NOVEMBER 2017

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MORONG, Bataan -- Some 110 hatchlings of marine turtles were released out into the West Philippine Sea during the Pawikan Festival here Saturday.

Records showed that more than 68,000 one-day old baby turtles have been released since 1999 when the Pawikan Conservation Center opened in Morong.

"The ceremonial release signifies the continuing conservation programs of the local government units and civil society organizations to protect nature and its fauna," said Jose Marie Garcia of the Philippine Information Agency in Bataan.

Senator Cynthia Villar, guest of honor and speaker, lauded Bataan for its continuing environmental thrusts, leading to the increase in number of the marine turtles or pawikan.

Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, joined Bataan Gov. Albert Garcia, provincial tourism council foundation chair Vicky Garcia and some mayors in the release of the hatchlings.

The governor said although he wanted to achieve quality growth for the province and it should, however, be not at the expense of the environment.

Organizers estimated that more than 5,000 people from various sectors trooped to the mountain town for the festival.

Among Saturday's activities included walk for a cause, Zumba exercise, festival dance competition, trade fair, environmental forum, beach concert and contests on sand sculpture, photography and paddle painting. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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DAVAO CITY -- The New People's Army (NPA) is earning up to PHP1 billion from money extorted from agricultural and mining operations in the operational area of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom).

Eastmincom commander, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, said the estimated amount is based on intelligence information gathered by their operational units.

The money collected as revolutionary taxes is from agri-industrial firms especially the banana plantations, mining operators, transport sector, business firms and other individuals.

"That is why we need to stop this because with these funds they generate they can produce more firearms," Madrigal said.

Madrigal said the military continues in engaging stakeholders to discourage the business and industry sectors from giving in to the NPA's extortion demands.

"Ang tawag sa scheme na yan ay revolutionary tax or Rebolusyonaryong Buwis sa Kaaway na Uri (RBK) (That scheme is called revolutionary tax or Revolutionary Tax for the Enemy) which means if the group is collecting money from a certain business then they are treating them as the rebels enemy," he added.

Madrigal said the military is engaging with the business and industry sectors to advise them how to deal with the issue.

He said among the measures that can be taken by these sectors are investing on security of equipment and preparation for their projects as well as active collaboration with law enforcement authorities.

"They should ask for our soldiers help so that the projects will not be delayed kasi may iba hindi nila alam o kung papaano o kanino magsasabi (because some of them do not know how or whom they'll report to)," he added.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte said the NPA rebels are victimizing the lowly farmers in the rural areas. The NPA rebels are contributory to the high prices of goods from the farms because of their extortion activities.

It may be recalled that banana growers have called on the government to put an end to the extortion activities of the NPA which have been taking a toll on their livelihood.

Meanwhile, Madrigal said there are about 1,000 to 1,500 NPA rebels within the operational area of the Eastmincom.

"That is why we need to be successful in combating the NPA," Madrigal said. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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DAVAO CITY -- The local chief executives of Davao Oriental have asked the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to strictly regulate the operation of the Small Town Lottery (STL), voicing concerns that it is building a culture of gambling, spike theft and other petty crimes.

Davao Oriental saw the mushrooming of STL operations in Mati City and municipalities that alarmed barangay officials because of indiscriminate placement of STL booths near schools, churches and along the highways.

Karen Lou Deloso, provincial information officer, said a meeting was already held between Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, city and municipal mayors and PCSO-Davao Oriental to air the sentiments of the barangay officials regarding the prevalence of theft and petty crimes since STL started operating last October.

Deloso said the STL operation has been the subject of complaints from the barangay, church and schools.

The officials are worried STL has adversely affected the image of the province, Deloso said. Though thankful of the PCSO's assistance for medical of the province's residents sourced from STL operations, the officials are worried gambling paves way for more poverty.

According to Dayanghirang, instead of buying food for their families, people are being tempted to place bets for the game thus, affecting spending behaviors of the people in the province especially the 4Ps beneficiaries.

"We have been trying hard in our anti-poverty efforts and yet we are allowing an operation that further pushes our constituents to poverty," he said, emphasizing that it also defeats the purpose of lessening illegal gambling.

Deloso said PCSO has already promised to make necessary adjustments on the matter. These include the transfer of STL booths in less conspicuous places and dialogues between PCSO personnel and local chief executives.

Deloso said that from January to August this year, the PCSO has already released PHP6.6 million assistance funds for 1,915 indigent patients in Davao Oriental.

In an earlier interview, PCSO Deputy Manager in Mindanao Gloria Ybanez said Mindanao has 75 STL operators of the 92 approved by PCSO.

STL was launched last January primarily with the goal to increase revenues for the government and eradicate the illegal numbers game such as jueteng, masiao, swertres, last two, virtual two, and other forms of illegal gambling.

From January to September this year, PCSO already shelled out PHP44 million for the hospital and medicine needs of 1,800 patients-beneficiaries in Mindanao.

Ybanez said PCSO provides medical assistance amounting to PHP8.9 million daily. With increased revenues, PCSO records P13.55 million in medical assistance given to patients.

A patient is given of up to PHP50,000 in medical assistance per year.

As of September, the PCSO Mindanao branch has also generated over PHP200 million from STL revenues from its 21 operating Authorized Agent Corporations (AACs) all over Mindanao.

"Our 12 branches have issued guarantee letters to 5,531 patients, amounting to more than 44 million pesos (as of September), under the agency's flagship program Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP)," Ybanez said. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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BACOLOD CITY -- About 120 exhibitors of the 12th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival earned P1.649 million in sales during the four-day festival that ended late Saturday, organizers said.

The festival, hosted by the provincial government of Negros Occidental, was held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in this city.

Various food products and farm items that include fresh organic vegetables, grains, fruits, juices, honey, native delicacies, plants, farm machinery, and dried fish and dairy products were sold by participating exhibitors during the event.

Themed "Go Organic for Health and Prosperity," this year's festival was participated in by organic agriculture advocates, entrepreneurs, organic food producers and processors, farmers, cooperatives, indigenous people, and non-government organizations in Negros Island.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. earlier stressed the need to increase organic agriculture production in Negros Island to meet the growing global demand for organic products.

"The demand is growing, but the supply can't catch up. We have to double time in our organic movement," he said.

Negros Island has at least 20 percent annual growth in terms of area devoted to organic agriculture, but amid the increase in supply the demand still grows, he said.

At present, Negros Occidental has about 16,000 hectares of agricultural lands devoted to organic farming, with almost 17,000 organic adaptors, the majority of whom are small farmers.

The festival was a collaborative effort of the provincial government of Negros Occidental with the Organic Na Negros! Organic Producers and Retailers Association, Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Agriculture, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Science and Technology, Bureau of Plant Industry, among others. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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SIMUAY, Maguindanao -- Thousands of Muslims from across Mindanao started to converge along a two-kilometer stretch of the highway here to listen to President Duterte who is expected to arrive on Monday afternoon to grace the Bangsamoro General Assembly.



Roadside stores that sell foods, drinking water, even "Ukay-ukay" (second hand clothing) sprouted like mushrooms on both sides of the road leading to the old Maguindanao provincial capitol in Barangay Crossing Simuay here where the biggest Muslim gathering organized by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is taking place.

Ghadzali Jaafar, vice chair for political affairs, said the assembly aims to update the Moro people about the status of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law that will establish a new political entity to replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as a result of the GPH-MILF peace accord.



The Bangsamoro activity is expected to gather a crowd of 500,000 to one million people.

 Shamera Gundang, 30 of Pikit, North Cotabato, said she and her husband, both MILF sympathizers, wanted to hear from the President what is in store for Moro people under his government.



"I voted for him because I know he has a heart for the Moro people," Gundang recalled.



Another Moro, a 60-year-old man from Malabang, Lanao del Sur, said he endured the pain of traveling from home to this village to personally listen to President Duterte's message on the quest for genuine peace in Muslim Mindanao.


Denz Gumarandang said he vowed to support all peace efforts under the Duterte administration while he is still alive.



"Gusto ko makita ang pagkamit ng kapayapaan habang buhay pa ako (I want to see the dawning of peace while I'm still alive)," Gumarandang said. 



President Duterte is expected to arrive and land on a chopper at a sprawling Lamsan Trading compound here and motor to the old provincial capitol, about 200 meters away, to speak before the Bangsamoro crowd.



Chief Inspector Julhani Asdani, Sultan Kudarat town police chief, said no untoward incident has been reported so far during the past several days leading to the huge gathering except for some traffic problems.



Army troops in full battle gear backed by armored personnel carriers and MILF in fatigue uniform but unarmed are jointly securing the vicinity of the venue. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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TUGUEGARAO CITY — Farmers and fisherfolk in the city received farm and fishing equipment from the city government over the weekend. 



City agriculturists Dr. Evangeline Calubaquib said the equipment -- four-wheel drive tractors, 10 non-motorized fiber glass boats, 32 fish stalls and fish cladding -- were provided by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) region 2 and the Tuguegarao City government. 



"For the fisherfolks, this equipment will help them increase the productivity and profitability and thereby attain food sufficiency while on the tobacco farmers, these tractors will serve as their livelihood through income generating projects to run their cooperative and to maintain its economic activity," Calubaquib said.



Calubaquib said some 557 tobacco farmers identified and accredited by the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) and 42 fisherfolks benefited from the project. 



Vice Mayor Bienvenido De Guzman also said the equipment is a big help in increasing agricultural productivity in farm areas.

He also encouraged the farmers to strengthen their cooperatives. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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BUTUAN CITY -- Dengue cases have significantly decreased in Caraga Region by more than 60 percent in the last 10 months as compared to the same period last year, records from the Department of Health in the region (DOH-Caraga) have shown.

A total of 2,254 dengue cases in the region have been reported from January to October this year, according to the health department's Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU).

RESU noted that the cases are 68.8 percent lower as compared to the 7,233 cases reported in the same period in 2016.

The agency also reported that compared to the last two quarters, no barangays were identified as dengue hotspot in the region.

More significantly, a 71 percent drop was recorded to the number of dengue-related deaths during the same period.

RESU reported that 10 persons died from deadly mosquito bites during the January-October period, with the age of the fatalities ranging from 2 to 72 years old. Majority of the recorded deaths were male (60 %). (Noel B. Najarro/PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY—The provincial government of South Cotabato has allotted some P3 million in commodity assistance for fish cage operators in Lake Sebu who were affected by major fish kills these past months.

Justina Navarrete, head of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, said Thursday the assistance was based on the provisions of Ordinance No. 30, series of 2017, approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The ordinance authorized South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes to enter into a deed of donation with affected fish cage operators. The funds would be drawn from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fund, Navarete said.

The assistance would be utilized for the replacement of the traditional bamboo fish pens at the lake with permanent and durable plastic fish cages.  

The provincial government, municipal government of Lake Sebu and selected fish cage operators have entered into a memorandum of agreement for inclusion into the "Convert Now, Pay Later" scheme implemented by the Provincial Environment Management Office.

The Provincial Environment Management Office introduced the use of the innovative plastic fish cages two years ago to help reduce the organic load and improve water circulation at the lake.

The use of plastic fish cages was seen to help address the deteriorating condition of the lake that has led to the perennial occurrence of kamahong, a phenomenon that is mainly caused by the sudden rise in the water's temperature.

Kamahong, which usually occurs during the rainy season, triggers the rise of sulfuric acid in the lake's waters that eventually caused the massive fish kill.

Several major fish kills have hit Lake Sebu this year, the latest only in October, that destroyed millions worth of tilapia.

In February, around P125 million worth of tilapia were destroyed during a two-week fish kill, the worst-ever that hit the area. (HST/PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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COTABATO CITY—Police detained a suspect in the 2015 Mamasapano incident here on Wednesday as he was seeking clearance from the city police office.

Police Sr. Supt. Rolly Octavio, city police director, identified the suspect as Alex Ampatuan, a local resident.

"We had his records checked as he was seeking for police clearance and his name appeared in our computer list of wanted people," Supt. Octavio said.

A relative of the suspect, however, claimed in a text message sent through a local radio station that Ampatuan's arrest could have been a case of mistaken identity, as "Alex does not even know how to hold a gun."

Octavio said further verification would be initiated on the background of the suspect, pending a court order to arrest him in connection with the tragic Jan. 25, 2015 incident in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

At least 44 members of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) police unit were killed in a clash against joint Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces on efforts to get wanted Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, otherwise known as Marwan.

The SAF members managed to neutralize Marwan in the dawn operation but were met by MILF and BIFF forces in the area while on their way out.

Police have filed cases against a number of BIFF and MILF members identified by sources for their involvement in the Mamasapano atrocity.

At the time, Marwan's head carried a US$5 million and Php7.4 million bountry from the US and Philippine governments, respectively.

The Mamasapano incident, which also killed 18 MILF-BIFF combatants and five civilians, has derailed peace talks between government and MILF after Congress halted the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)—a bill seeking for the establishment of the MILF-led Bangsamoro entity that would replace and expand the old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao set up.

The administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has maintained peace overtures with the MILF through the passage of BBL with preference to shift to federalism, a move seen to end the recurring decades-old Moro conflict in Mindanao. (PNA)

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BAGUIO CITY—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources' Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) has put up a system that would check compliance and violations in the operations of mining companies in the country.





Engineer Rodolfo Velasco, chief of MGB's Mine Safety and Environment Division, during the sidelines of the 64th Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association's (PMSEA) Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference on Thursday, said the system includes standard forms reflecting priority areas that are being monitored – safety, health, environment, social programs and compliance to the conditions in the permits issued to the mining companies.



Velasco said 115 mining companies -- 55 metallic and 60 non-metallic mines – had been issued permits that allow them to operate legally.



Mining companies would be rated based on their compliance to the rules, he said, adding that non-compliance has corresponding penalties and fines that serve as corrective measures.



Velasco said the guidelines were issued after several meetings and management conferences with the MGB's regional offices, which also gave inputs.



"We are now testing the system in the Caraga region. The fourth monitoring assessment will be ironed out and will be ready for implementation nationwide starting 2018," he said.



To recall, various mining companies have been put in hot water after former environment secretary Gina Lopez issued a cease order due to violations of environment laws.



"Three aspects of operation are being monitored. For safety and health, every mining company is required to submit an annual safety and health program that will be used in implementing the safety rules and regulations stipulated in Department Order 2009-98 or the safety and health standards," Velasco said.



Mining firms also have to submit an environmental protection and enhancement program that contains their rehabilitation and decommissioning plan once mining operations cease, he said, adding that they are also asked to submit a social development and management plan for implementation in the host and neighboring communities.



Velasco said 95 percent of the 115 mining companies comply with the safety, environmental, and social aspects or are submitting the required documents.



Meanwhile, Engineer Felizardo Gacad, MGB-Cordillera Mine Safety and Environment Division chief, said that in terms of safety, all large-scale mining permittees had a high compliance rate on safety, health and environmental factors. 



"None of them wants to record any accident that will lead to injury or death but they do happen," Gacad said.



The Cordillera region, especially Benguet province, is host to the country's major mining firms.



The history of Baguio City shows that Americans constructed Kennon Road in the early 1900s and developed the area as the rest-and-recreation center of employees of mining companies, which were originally owned by Americans.

Baguio's development can also be traced to the existence of mining firms. (PNA)

NOVEMBER 2017

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ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat—Civilians and police authorities prevented Wednesday night a bombing attempt, in what could have been a bloody culmination program of a local festival here.

Police Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police provincial director, said combined police and force multipliers consisting of civilian volunteers discovered the homemade bomb left on a roadside in Barangay Kalawag here, where people had been gathering for the week-long Kalimudan (Thanksgiving) Festival.

Supt. Supiter said police bomb experts were quickly deployed and disarmed the powerful improvised explosive device (IED) made of black powder, cut nails and metal sheets with torch as triggering device around 9:30 p.m.

He said it was placed by still unidentified men in the middle of parked vehicles near the main entrance of the provincial capitol grounds, the venue of culminating program.

Supiter said the IED could blow up a car and could send its metal shrapnel to as far as 500 meters away had it exploded. He lauded the alert civilians tasked by police to serve as eyes and ears against lawless elements out to disrupt the festival.

Following the attempt, more soldiers from the Army's 33rd Infantry Battalion had been deployed as the celebration lasts until December. (PNA/Edwin Fernandez) NOVEMBER 2017

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COTABATO CITY—Peace advocates in Mindanao are not losing hope genuine peace is still attainable in the island and country as a whole.

A Roman Catholic bishop, who has been working for peace, will lead this year's celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace that features various activities promoting peace and solidary among Mindanao's tri-people constituents of Christians, Muslims and "Lumads" (natives).

The Mindanao Week of Peace starts on Nov. 29-Dec. 6 with this year's theme: "Owning Mindanao's History for Peace and Development."

In a statement released here today, Kidapawan Diocesan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, DCC, said two major activities would form part of programs prepared by peace advocates in various areas in Mindanao.

Bishop Bagaforo said he believes that genuine peace is still a big possibility in Mindanao amid rising violence and terrorism.

"We will not stop working for peace, nobody can stop peace advocates from doing their shares in our desire to have peace in our land," he said in one of his recent homilies.

For the Diocese of Kidapawan, a Peace Summit to be held at the North Cotabato provincial capitol gymnasium will kick off the weeklong celebration. Expected to participate are multi-sectoral groups to include local government units, representatives from the military, police, Moro Islamic Liberation Front and other security sectors.

Another activity where various sectors were invited to actively participate is the Bike for Peace which Bishop Bagaforo, a bike enthusiast, will personally lead.

Bagaforo said thousands of bike enthusiasts from three areas of Kidapawan, Marbel and Cotabato, more known as KIDMACO, have expressed desire to participate and share their simple contribution for the attainment of peace in the island. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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DAVAO CITY—Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio remains optimistic that all efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace will never be in vain.

Mayor Duterte-Capio expressed this Thursday during the opening of the National Women's Peace Table at the Marco Polo Hotel, a day after the national government's cancellation of the peace talks with the communist movement.

She underscored the role women in peace-building, saying she is banking on their stronger voice and involvement to break down barriers and foster positive relations.

The mayor also lauded women leaders from various sectors for their efforts to restore dialogue, trust and peace by training women to establish peace circles in their own communities.

Pointing out women's ability to resolve conflict in their own homes, the mayor said can also be equally capable of rectifying larger conflicts despite being often depicted as a victim of abuse and discrimination.

Duterte-Carpio also conceded that the road to the country's quest for peace is long and arduous but, "we also recognize that without peace, we cannot guarantee a promising future for every Filipino child."

The National Women Peace Table is an initiative of the Kahayag Foundation and the Mothers for Peace in partnership with the Institute for the Autonomy and Governance, and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung under the DELACSE Bangsamoro.

The one and a half-day workshop is attended by women leaders from the different organization from Baguio to Jolo.

Irene Santiago, the convener of the Women's Peace Table, said the Women's Peace Tables all over the Philippines will give women a significant voice in pursuing and promoting peace in the country.

Santiago, who has joined as a technical consultant of the Davao City Peace Committee created by Duterte-Carpio, said:

"Sitting at the table is an apt metaphor for a gathering of women. The table is where our families share meals. But more than meals, we share stories of how our day went, what made us laugh, what troubled us. It is where we bond as a family where each member's voice is heard."

"However, restricting peacemaking around a small table leaves the people feeling excluded. Exclusion creates resentment and feelings of powerlessness. Inclusion, on the other hand, leads to trust - sorely depleted in times of war and destructive conflict," she added.

In a press conference at the sidelines of the Peace Table opening, Santiago said that with or without peace agreements, the women peace tables will serve as a venue to reach out to everybody and to contribute to achieving peace. (PNA/Lilian C. Mellejor)
NOVEMBER 2017

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Police operatives arrested in an outskirt village in Maasim town Wednesday an alleged member of a terrorist cell operating in Sarangani Province.

Police Sr. Supt. Joseph Semillano, Sarangani police director, identified the suspect as Akbar Maguid Buyoc alias Abu Saipen, who was arrested in an operation at around 3:15 a.m. insidee his residence in Sitio Dampilan, Barangay Lumatil in Maasim.

Buyoc is tagged as directly involved in several bomb attacks in the area staged by terror group Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP).

Operatives recovered during a search at the suspect's house a PRB 423 fragmentation grenade, Supt. Semillano said.

Semillano said Buyoc was arrested based on Arrest Order No. 2 issued last June 5 by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in line with the declared martial law in the entire Mindanao.

It directed law enforcement authorities to "arrest, take into custody and conduct/continue the investigation" of the 185 persons "for violation of Article 134 (Rebellion) of the Revised Penal Code" and any crime related to it.

The listed subjects were alleged members/supporters/spies/couriers of the Maute group, Abu Sayyaf Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Maguid Group (AKP). Number 83 in the list was named "Akbar Buyo," reportedly referring to the suspect.  

Citing intelligence reports, Semillano said Buyoc was a close ally of alleged AKP founder Mohammad Jaafar Sabewang Maguid alias "Tokboy," who was killed in an encounter with police operatives in January at a beach resort in Kiamba, Sarangani.

He said the suspect handled the purchase of bomb-making materials for the AKP as tasked by Maguid.

AKP, which has pledged support to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, had been blamed over a string of terror attacks in Sarangani and neighboring areas these past years.

"We're continuously conducting intelligence monitoring for alleged regrouping activities of AKP remnants," Semillano said in a press conference. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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ZAMBOANGA CITY—The city government is set to launch on Monday, November 27, a campaign against indviduals who litter or throw garbage—or even urinate—on streets and public places.

Public Services Officer Rodrigo Pagotaisidro of the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) on Thursday said the anti-litterbugs campaign is pursuant to City Ordinance 176-2016, otherwise known as the "Solid Waster Management Ordinance."

Pagotaisidro said anyone caught throwing garbage will be fined P200 and required to attend a whole day seminar on solid waste management.

Pagotaisidro said the campaign will include those urinating in street corners and other public areas.

Violators will be given 72 hours or three days upon arrest within which to pay the fine to the City Treasurer's Office upon presentation of citation tickets issued by the arresting officers.

Police and personnel from the OCENR and the Office of the City Administrator have been deputized to enforce the law, Pagotaisidro said.

He said the first salvo of the campaign will focus on the central business district areas, covering the barangays of Rio Hondo, Mariki, Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina, Kasanyangan, San Jose Cawa-Cawa, Zones I, II, III and IV.

Meanwhile, community and concerned stakeholders will hold on Friday, November 24, a citywide motorcade to drum up public awareness on the implementation of City Ordinance 176-2016. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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ILOILO CITY -- Western Visayas' Police Regional Office (PRO-6) is urging the public to report the presence of any threat and extortion activities of the New People's Army (NPA) to the police and the military.

In a text message, PRO-6 spokesperson, Supt. Gilbert Gorero, said the PNP and the Philippine Army "at all times are ready to defend the Constitution from terroristic act and preserve peace".

This call for public support came after NPA rebels ambushed personnel of the Sibalom, Antique municipal police station on Wednesday morning, wounding three government forces.

The wounded policemen were brought to separate hospitals in San Jose and Sibalom towns but the one who sustained injuries on his stomach was brought to a hospital here in Iloilo Wednesday evening for further treatment upon order of PRO-6 director, Chief Supt. Cesar Hawthorne Binag.

Gorero said that what the rebels did was "an act of terrorism because it marred the tranquility of the province for years".
He added that while Antique is peaceful and ready for development, "this group is bent on disrupting and preventing peace and development efforts to prosper".
"The community should know that this armed group remains a threat to peace and development of the province and the entire region," he cited.

The injured police officers will receive financial assistance and PNP personnel medal. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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GUAGUA, Pampanga --The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has provided some PHP1 million worth of livelihood assistance to some 100 marginalized residents in this town.

DOLE Central Luzon Regional Director Ana Dione on Thursday said that five units of nego-trailers or mobile food trailers were distributed to the beneficiaries.

"Each of the nego-trailers will benefit at least a group of 20 beneficiaries, who for their part, will take turns through shifting periods in manning the operations of their livelihood project," she said.

Dione said the mobile food trailers, already provided with kitchen utensils and appliances, would help the beneficiaries sell their various food products to their target market within the community.

The provision of livelihood assistance was initiated by the Local Government of Guagua, through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and DOLE Pampanga Field Office.

DOLE Pampanga Field Office head Arlene Tolentino said the livelihood beneficiaries comprise solo parents, persons with disabilities, and women members of a school's parents-teachers association.

"We are hopeful that our resident beneficiaries will be able to maximize the use of the nego-trailers and transform them to sustainable livelihood projects that would benefit their respective families as well as their community," Tolentino said.

The local government of Guagua, for its part, provided a 20 percent counterpart assistance amounting to PHP250,00 in the form of various training and additional materials.

All beneficiaries have undergone an entrepreneurship development training to ensure the proper management of the nego-trailers.

The provision of livelihood assistance was sourced from the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) under its Bottoms-Up-Budgeting (BUB) funds. (PNA)
NOVEMBER 2017



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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has allocated PHP40 million for the rehabilitation and development of the historic Malandog River here.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Andres Untal, who met the different heads of national and provincial offices here in Antique on Wednesday, said the fund will be utilized for the dredging of the already silted river, removal of fish traps and debris, rehabilitation and improvement of riverbanks, and other activities.

"The project is very timely because Malandog will be the core of the Binirayan Festival re-enactment," said Errol Santillan, Sangguniang Panlalawigan chairman of the Committee on Tourism and Environment, who also attended the meeting.

Binirayan Festival re-enactment to be staged on December 26 is the highlight of the month-long celebration here.

The re-enactment will depict the arrival on board the sailboats and then the first settlement of the Malay datus in Malandog.

Santillan, who is also the chairman of the Binirayan Festival re-enactment, said there is really a need for the dredging of the heavily silted river delta so that starting December 1, the big boat or "balangay" could dock at the riverside.

"The big boat would even be an international attraction," Santillan said.

Untal, meanwhile, said that with the given budget which the DENR would start disbursing this December until next year, there is a need for the creation of a task force to oversee the rehabilitation and development of the river.

Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao is being eyed to chair the task force. (PNA)
NOVEMBER 2017

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MARAWI CITY—A more liveable place equipped with modern infrastructure will rise from this city's ruins, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque assured during a media briefing here Wednesday.

Roque said the plan includes the widening of downtown roads from two lanes to four, the installation of an underground electric cable system, and the transformation of the Agus River as a prime tourist attraction.

Describing the magnitude of the destroyed areas to be rehabilitated, Roque said that infrastructure works will focus on some 200 to 250 hectares "ground zero," which consists of 25 Barangays.

The presidential spokesman presented the government's rehabilitation plan to the media along with officials of several national line agencies involved in rebuilding Marawi.

Roque aid the government's housing program will accommodate not only those who lost their houses to the war, but also families who didn't own homes even before the May 22 Maute siege erupted.

A housing complex consisting of 6,300 temporary units will be built on an area some three kilometers away from the main battle zone, while around 2,700 housing will be built for the city's homeless families.

Roque added that government will also provide financial assistance to families who already have land but couldn't afford to build their own dwelling, including those whose houses were damaged by the war.

No less than President Roodrigo Duterte will lead the turnover of some 500 initial housing units in mid-December, Roque said.

Prior to Wednesday's press briefing, Roque and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Secretary Eduado Del Rosario graced the groundbreaking ceremony for the housing project intended for the faculty and employees of the Mindanao State University.

Sec. Del Rosario said the government will construct around 1,000 housing units for MSU employees and 100 for the university's executives.

Del Rosario and Roque assured local stakeholders that the government's rehabilitation effort will consider the religious beliefs and customs of the residents, and that regular consultation will be held to get the pulse of the local populace. (PNA/Irma S. Boza) NOVEMBER 2017

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Resuming talks with the communist insurgents remains the best option for the Duterte government if it wants to achieve lasting peace in the country, a religious leader said.

Bishop Felixberto Calang, an official of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) and co-convenor of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), noted that  negotiators from both the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) have already made progress during the several rounds of peace negotiations in Europe early this year.

Bishop Calang, who sat as observer to the rounds of negotiations in Italy and Netherlands, described how both panels adopted a two-pronged approach in the talks that was "working."

"While the chief negotiators discuss the main issues, another group would sit down and talk about concerns that were brought by both parties at the reciprocal committee level," the IFI bishop said on Thursday.

This approach, he added, was helpful in ironing out any kinks in the negotiations.

However, President Rodrigo Duterte stressed that the hindrance for the continuation of the talks was more fundamental than the technical workings of both panels.

In particular, President Duterte has expressed displeasure at the continued attacks conducted by the New People's Army (NPA)—NDF's armed component.

Prior to Wednesday's announcement by the government that it was cancelling the talks, Duterte branded the NPA as a terrorist organization.

Nonetheless, Calang maintained that the dialogue between the two panels have produced promising results as "issues were properly dealt with."

Pursuing the negotiations was better than not talking at all, the bishop said, reiterating that going back to the negotiation table remains "the best way to finally end" the decades-long conflict waged by the Maoist rebels.

Meanwhile, Datu Jomorito Goaynon, regional chairperson of the lumad (indigenous people) group Kalumbay, echoed Calang's call for the resumption of the peace talks.

Goaynon said if the government abandons the peace negotiations, it is likely that Duterte will declare an all-out war against the NPA and this would impact the lives of the tribal minorities living the countryside.

"It is a cause for concern if there is a failure in the peace talks. That's why we are asking Pres. Duterte to continue the peace talks with the NDF," Goaynon said. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem) NOVEMBER 2017

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ALFONSO, Cavite – A three-day skills and enhancement training kicked off here Thursday for the first batch of 100 members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) of the Las Piñas City police force.  

Senior Supt. Marion D. Balonglong, Las Pinas City Police chief, has embarked on a three-day capacity-building and training for the village peacekeepers as they are the frontline force multipliers in the villages.

Balonglong said his representative for the three-day event, Police Senior Insp. Erasto Baccay, would brief the trainees on the course overview, role of the BPAT, relation to the Philippine National Police (PNP), duties and responsibilities and the conduct of the BPAT.

BPAT trainees will also undergo orientation on the Filipino core values and culture. The next batch of trainees will receive similar course lectures and briefings at the Alfonso town training camp.

The BPAT was created as the primary operators to conduct Community-Oriented Policing and Public Safety System pursuant to the authority of the National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) and the PNP, which recognize the BPAT as a force multiplier.

It is composed of organized sectors in the community, such as the tanod (village watchmen), youth, women, transport, elders, and homeowners.

As a PNP force multiplier, the BPAT also supports the public safety project of the local government units, community-based activities and information campaigns. (Rogelio Limpin/PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) aims to further strengthen its programs and projects in 2018 as regional directors across the country gather here for a workshop.

DENR-Western Visayas is hosting the five-day workshop in this city attended by the department's regional directors across the country, including planning officers, finance officers, among others, to craft activities for next year. The workshop will end on Saturday.

In an interview Thursday, DENR-6 regional director Jim O. Sampulna stressed that the activity would strengthen and realign their programs and projects to the mission of DENR and direction of President Rodrigo Duterte.

DENR's proposed budget for next year amounts to PHP27.1 billion, bigger than this year's allocation of PHP26.6 billion. The Congress already approved the proposed 2018 budget of the agency last September.
"We are assuming that the proposal is already approved though we are awaiting for the President to sign it so we are reprogramming our activities in line with the direction of our President and Secretary (Roy Cimatu)," he said.

Initially, Sampulna said that they have segregated the budget intended for priority programs and projects of the President like National Greening Program (NGP), forest protection, among others.

"More or less, we have the same activities but we are strengthening them," he said.

Sampulna added that they have also tackled the foreign-assisted projects they are expecting to be implemented in the different regions in the country.

Once the President signed the budget, Sampulna assured that all the plans crafted during the reprogramming activity here will be implemented.

The National Reprogramming Workshop is an annual event of the DENR to talk about its programs and projects, including the allocation of its annual budget.

Sampulna said that their hosting is a "beautiful development" as the region is among the active implementers of the programs and projects of the agency. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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CABUYAO CITY, Laguna -- The Laguna Police Provincial Office (LPPO) has slated its two-day Provincial Director's Cup Shoot Fest from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 25-26 at the Laguna Gunners Firing Range in Barangay Diezmo in this city.

Senior Inspector Gerry L. Sangalang, Laguna police public information office chief, said the shoot fest, hosted by the Straight Shooter Gun Club Inc. and the Sandigan 94, would be chaired by Laguna provincial police director Senior Superintendent Cecilio R. IsonJr as the Match Director.

Sangalang said Ison would be assisted by the LPPO finance branch head Chief Inspector Anastacia Luis; Assistant Match Director Noriel Tan; Range Master Bien Dacasin, Assistant Range Master Apollo Panganiban and Stat Director Jericho Faustino.

According to Sangalang, over a hundred shooting enthusiasts are expected to see action in the shoot fest level II Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA)-sanctioned match and the pistol and mini-riffle match with seven stages.

He said the event is open not only to members of the police force and the military but also to interested civilians and other private individuals who want to test and enhance their marksmanship and shooting proficiency.

The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) members of the Laguna Provincial Public Safety Company (LPPSC) will serve as quarter master during the two-day event.

The awarding ceremony will be held at the Laguna police provincial office at its headquarters in Camp General Paciano Rizal in Bagumbayan, Sta. Cruz, Laguna. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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CEBU CITY -- The 1st Philippine Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Summit takes centerstage Nov. 24 here at the Victoria Hall of Cebu Parklane International Hotel.

The national TBI Summit gathers technology and startup players from all over the country to explore outstanding entrepreneurial and innovation issues.

In a press conference on Thursday, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said the inaugural TBI convention aims to maximize President Rodrigo Duterte's socio-economic goals.

"Through this TBI Summit, we hope to provide more opportunities to the people, reduce inequality among Filipinos, and spread economic growth all over the country," Guevara said.

The Summit features educational sessions, group discussions, networking, and workshops for participating incubators and stakeholders in order to help raise their potential for generating employment and investment.

DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña will be among the keynote speakers on Friday. He will speak on "building ecosystems of innovations in the regions through meaningful science and technology initiatives."

Guevara will likewise talk about the DOST TBI Program, while Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Nora Terrado will speak on the "Fablab as a strategy to capacitate technopreneurs in the region."

Dr. Azra'iShu'ib of TechnoPark Malaysia has also been invited to talk about his country's journey towards building fourth generation TBIs and their ASEAN cooperative scheme in business incubation.

The Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HeIRIT) program, which seeks to provide a platform for fuelling innovation and intrepreneurial growth, will also be launched during the Summit.

The HeIRIT program is aimed to make the country's leading universities and academic institutions as catalysts for the country's tech and startup ecosystem to grow and develop.

A memorandum of agreement will be signed between the DOST and the 20 university partners which will serve as TBI host institutions for the HeIRIT program.

The 1st TBI Summit is organized by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) in partnership with the University of the Philippines-Cebu Campus, UP-Cebu inIT, and TechTalks.ph (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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BACOLOD CITY -- A total of 295 inmates of the Metro Bacolod District Jail-(MBDJ)-Male Dormitory Annex in Barangay Handumanan here were found negative for illegal drug use following the test conducted on Thursday.

Senior Inspector Norberto Miciano, warden of MBDJ-Male Dormitory Annex, said the inmates who underwent drug test are all facing cases of violation of the Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and had been detained for more than six months.

They submitted their urine samples for the test witnessed by a representative from the Provincial Administrator's Office of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Negros Occidental.

Those tested were among the about 800 inmates of the MBDJ-Male Dormitory Annex.

The test was conducted to make sure that there is no presence of contraband, particularly illegal drugs, inside the jail, Miciano added.

Earlier, 25 inmates of the MBDJ-Female Dormitory (MBDJ-FD) were also found negative of illegal drug use during a random drug test.

The drug test, which used urine samples, was conducted by Jail Officer 1 Carmena Ingente, who is also the jail nurse.

"MBDJ-FD is one with acting BJMP chief Deogracias Tapayan in his campaign against illegal drugs inside all jail facilities," the jail management added.

The female jail facility, located in Barangay Handumanan, houses more than 150 inmates.

The tests were initiated as Chief Superintendent Deogracias Tapayan, acting chief of BJMP, expressed his commitment in September to clear all jails of illegal drugs and all forms of contrabands, and to improve the management of jail facilities as directed by President Rodrigo Duterte. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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LAOAG CITY -- Almost a thousand police personnel, soldiers and force multipliers will be deployed on Saturday to the UNESCO world heritage site of Paoay Church to secure guests and visitors attending the "wedding of the year" in Ilocos Norte.

Police Supt. Randolph Beniat of the Ilocos Norte Police said in an interview Thursday that a very tight security plan is being prepared to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and crowd control for the nuptial celebration of Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Marcos' middle child, lawyer Ferdinand Richard Michael Marcos Manotoc.

Expected to attend the traditional Ilocano wedding ceremony are prominent figures from Metro Manila, including President Rodrigo Duterte.

On Saturday, Manotoc will tie the knot with his long-time girlfriend Carina Amelia Manglapus. The couple already has a baby daughter.

Provincial Tourism Officer Ianree Raquel described the event as a showcase of traditional Ilocano wedding ritual with the so-called "dallot" (a chant for entreatment) and "bitor" (dropping of money onto plates) as highlights.

However, the money to be collected from the wedding, as agreed upon by the couple, shall be used as additional aid for the ongoing rehabilitation in Marawi City. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017



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SARIAYA, Quezon – Leaders and constituents of three barangays here have expressed elation that their rough and dusty main roads would finally be concreted using a PHP23.5-million budget from the local government.

Mayor Marcelo P. Gayeta spoke with village officials and constituents of barangays Pili, Morong and Antipolo during the formal ground breaking rite for the 2.3-km. farm-to-market roads on Wednesday.

The village leaders and barangay folks thanked Gayeta for realizing their long-time dream of well-paved roads, which would cut travel time and make the transport of their agricultural produce from the farms to their trading centers a lot easier.

They disclosed that previous town administrations did not attend to their plight of going through rough and dusty roads during summer and travelling on muddy and slippery paths during the wet season.

Gayeta assured village constituents that the road concreting project had been calendared before the year ends. (Gideon Belen/PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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INDANG, Cavite – Students from Cavite State University (CvSU) main campus here on Monday welcomed the rational use and spending of the PHP 6-billion Philippine Airlines tax settlement, which President Rodrigo Roa Duterte plan to use for free education.

Rea Marilou Martin, 4th year Journalism student, said PHP 6-billion fund for  government college scholars is good news.

Martin expressed hope that the fund would augment current scholarship program of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and be properly apportioned among recipients in government-run higher educational institutions (HEIs) on the basis of priority and need.

She said the President's gesture of attending to the needs of poor but deserving government scholars is in sync with his State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) pronouncement to invest in human capital development from the ranks of government scholars.

She suggested the funds should be properly accounted for and find its way to  beneficiaries through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the SUC administration for the purpose it is intended.

She also thanked the President's initiative in helping government scholars ease their burden on educational expenses especially amid hiked tuition fees and other school requirements.

The coed said SUCs should also open more courses and disciplines and increase the capacity to absorb more scholars in their campuses especially from the poor who cannot afford a college education.

Another student, who is an active member of the central student government and editorial staff of the university publication, Mico Agustin Baes, expressed the students' voice for the funds to be used to improve a more liberal college teaching approach and pedagogy.

"Gusto ng mga mag-aaral na madevelop yung paraan ng pagtuturo kung saan Malaya po nilang maipapahayag at nais nila na walang political na pakikialam ang (university) administration lalo na sa mga SUCs na pinopondohan primarily ngg obyerno," Baes said. (The students hope teaching methods would be improved with more academic freedom to express the students' views without political intervention from the university administration especially among SUCs that are funded by the government.)," he said.

He also hopes that the SUC administration will abide by the CHED guidelines which also heed policy directions from the national government which allocates the PHP 6 B fund and other financial assistance to poor students.

He added that aside from the fund or additional budget, the SUCs should also study and review their course offerings, improve college education and facilities.

"Dapat may pamantayan ding sundin doon sa scholarship lalo na sa higit na nangangailangan nito, yung bigyan ng priority para sila yung pangunahing matulungan," said Baes, citing scholarship guidelines should be implemented and priority should be given to those who are really in need.


He also proposed a "systematic review" on the government's scholarship program through CHED and the proper allocation of the budget "without course discrimination because the scholars no matter what courses they are taking right now also have their level-playing fields to excel."

"Kaya po bigyan natin sila ng sapat na oportunidad para maipagpatuloy nila ang pag-aaral sa tulong ng scholarship na iyan (So, let us provide them the opportunity to continue their studies through the scholarship)," he said. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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CAMP VICENTE LIM, Calamba City – Some 70 police non-commissioned officers across  CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces) region were ordered to undergo retraining under the R.E.S.H.A.P.E. or Return to the Effective, Socially, Healthy and Active Person Empowerment Program starting Nov. 20.

The second batch of trainees include one from the police Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB); 11 from regional headquarters; 13 from Cavite Police Provincial Office (PPO); seven from Laguna PPO; 13 from Batangas PPO; 13 from Rizal PPO; and 12 from Quezon PPO.

CALABARZON Police Regional Office Director, Chief Supt. Ma. O Ranada Aplasca, said the training participants are those with criminal and administrative cases like grave misconduct, infractions on conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and dishonesty, among others. Included are those who have incurred Absence without Official Leave (AWOL), physical injuries, failure to comply lawful order and even sleeping on duty.

The 30-day training focuses on strengthening and enhancing the participants' work performance, relationship with God, their families, neighbors, co-workers and the community.

"We are hoping that this will be the last class to undergo this program. But rest assured that we will continue to give focus on cleaning our own ranks from misfits and erring personnel until we fully achieve a God-centered, family-based and service-oriented CALABARZON PNP," Aplasca said.

The RESHAPE program is part of the serious Internal Cleansing Program of the Police Regional Office-CALABARZON  to transform and redirect its personnel.

Subjects during the training include Responsible Parenthood, Leadership Principles, Stress Management, Police Ethics and the PNP Code of Ethical Standards, among others. (Roselle R. Aquino/PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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COTABATO CITY -- An official of the Regional Board of Investments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-ARMM) expressed confidence Tuesday that the rehabilitation of Marawi City has opened the doors for investments.

"Now is the time to start the rehabilitation process. Though we are deeply saddened by what happened to Marawi City which is currently in serious ruins, we have to move forward and turn this crisis into opportunities," lawyer IshakMastura, RBOI-ARMM chair said in a statement.

RBOI-ARMM has been roaming around Mindanao, including Luzon and Visayas, holding roadshows on investment opportunities in a post-Marawi siege business environment.

Mastura said this event is one of the ARMM regional government's (ARG) preliminary strategies in rebuilding the city by encouraging businessmen to invest in the province of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.

"One of the priority investment areas identified for the immediate restoration of the city is infrastructure," Mastura said.

With major infrastructure facilities such as school buildings, hospitals, establishments, roads and bridges damaged beyond repair during the five-month hostilities, Mastura said there is an urgent need for investors to come and help rebuild the city to facilitate the flow and delivery of services and goods to the people of Marawi.

Mastura also said that agriculture, inclusive business, BIMP-EAGA trading, banking and financing are some of the investment opportunities that can be explored by investors. He added that these investment projects are critical to support the urgent need for Marawi to get back on track.

RBOI is facilitating the registration of qualified investors for them to avail of incentives being provided by the government.

Around 200,000 individuals were displaced, brought about by the urban war between the terrorists Maute Group and government troops from May 23 to Oct. 23 this year. It shut down the city's economy. (PNA) NOVEMBER 2017

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LEGAZPI CITY -- A rally against drug abuse in this city drew 30,000 participants pushing for more aggressive actions against illegal drugs during the observance of the Drug Abuse Awareness and Prevention Week.

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal on Wednesday expressed gratitude for the huge turnout of participants in this year's anti-drug rally saying it was the biggest so far in the city's history.

He said the rally showed that the constituents are ready to fight and crack down on drug addiction in the community and make the city peaceful and free from illegal drugs.

"We are doing this kind of campaign in order to save the lives of the younger generations and not to destroy their future for being a victim of illegal drug, it would also serve as an information tool to the public and make them more aware of the ill effect of this dangerous substance," Rosal added.

He said his administration has spearheaded community-based rehabilitation to drug victims as one way of giving them an opportunity to bring their lives back to normal.

Rosal urged officers and members of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) of the 70 villages of the city to implement the curfew ordinance and conduct regular monitoring of activities involving the youth and minors in their respective areas.

Barangay leaders and parents were also called to involve the youth in different sports activities to keep them away from illegal drugs.

The Drug and Prevention and Control Week is an annual activity of the city government. (PNA)  NOVEMBER 2017

 



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