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TACLOBAN CITY -- The Philippine National Police Regional Office here has recognized the bravery of a junior police officer wounded while performing his duty.

PNP Regional Director, Chief Superintendent Gilbert Cruz, pinned the medal Tuesday on Police Officer 2 Frederick Samantilla of San Julian Municipal Police Station in Eastern Samar, who has been confined at a private hospital here.

Samantilla suffered gunshot wounds in the lower part of his abdomen after responding to a complaint of indiscriminate firing in Putong village, San Julian town on November 10. The suspect attacked the responding police officer with a homemade shotgun.

The police officer thanked the PNP for the recognition and hopes for the suspect's immediate arrest.

"I ordered our personnel to prepare filing a case against the suspect," Cruz told reporters.

Meanwhile, in Arteche, Eastern Samar, two soldiers who fought in Marawi City received commendation from the local government unit on Monday.

Arteche Mayor Roland Evardone led the awarding of commendation to Corporal Marlon Orsal and Private First Class Mark Anthony Pitalbo, both from the Army's 82nd Reconnaissance Company of the 8th Infantry Division. They were deployed in Marawi City for almost five months.

The local government unit gave the certificates of commendation and PHP5,000 cash gift to the two soldiers.

"We are thankful to the soldiers who risked their lives so as we can live peacefully. You made us proud," Evardone said in an interview.

In Borongan City, the provincial government recognized on November 9 the three soldiers from the province killed by the terrorist group during the siege in Marawi City.

Family members received the posthumous award for PFC Mark Anthony Moratal, PFC Marvin Abuda and PFC John Joseph Lara.

Their family also received PHP50,000 cash assistance from the provincial government.

Eastern Samar acting Governor Marcelino Picardal called the three soldiers as Marawi Heroes who gave their life protecting peace in our country and defending the rule of law in Mindanao. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY -- Bicolanos from all walks of life have a positive outlook of the ongoing 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings, emphasizing the country's gains in tourism, environment, economy and security.

Cristina Agapita Pacres, Legazpi City tourism officer, said strengthening ties between ASEAN member states and powerful nations like Japan, India, US, Russia and China opens doors for economic growth not only on the business aspect but will boost tourism development in the region as well.

She added that the ongoing summit is helping the Philippines promote economic ties with neighboring countries which will result to more business opportunities and at the same time lure more foreign visitors.

Ken Tabuena, a student from Bato, Catanduanes, said the Philippine economy and tourism will grow hand in hand.

He also cited the Filipino designers who were given the chance to create and craft modern Filipiniana outfits for the world leaders would acknowledge the skills of Filipino designers.

"We should also be proud that we are hosting this monumental event in its golden year. ASEAN continually helps to pursue equality and pushing boundaries to further strengthen the economic ties between countries (sic)," Tabuena added.

Nong Rangasa, Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development (LCCAD) executive director, for his part, said the interests of the people should be the main concern right now as member nations move forward towards a stronger ASEAN Community.

He said ASEAN's bold vision of attaining and achieving free flow of quality of goods, services, investment, and skilled labor in the region can directly help the country achieve higher productivity and economic diversification with the right action, adaptation policies and program of activities.

"As we continue to forge stronger support and collaboration to address the greatest threats to our respective nations and the region as a whole -- terrorism, global warming and climate change -- we must ensure and build on the increased competencies and capacities of our people and local communities to address and contribute towards our goal of fostering equitable and progressive sustainable economic development across the region," Rangasa said.

"As an ASEAN Community, we want an integrated, recalibrated, peaceful, stable and sustainable community. But much work needs to be done in order that this community that we all seek to build will be better and relevant and will help usher in a better life for all the people in the region," he added.

Col. Perfecto Penaredondo, former Brigade commander in Albay, said he expects the summit to be smooth sailing and substantive in terms of enabling ASEAN member states achieve collective and respective national objectives.

Police Superintendent Marlo Menese said: "Sana mag-cooperate ang mga kababayan natin to sacrifice a little inconvenience (traffic, restrictions of movement, etc.) resulting from this summit. Any positive result in business, economics, environmental/climate change, risk reduction, human rights, terrorism issues, among others, from this meeting will benefit each and every Filipino".

"Also, any good reception we gave to each and every leader will likewise benefit our OFWs working in their respective countries. If our OFWs are treated well, they earn and remit or inject more money to our economy," Meneses added.

Jocelyn Atos, a mother from Legazpi City, said, "the ASEAN Summit is in Manila yet the impact or the result would benefit the entire country. We must support our government if we want change."

Meanwhile, Christine Villanueva, a teacher from Davao City who has now made Albay and Masbate her home, said: "The government is doing what's best for us. The ASEAN summit would boost our economy and it would generate more jobs, not just here but also with the member nations. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- Newly-installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, on Tuesday ordered his men in the Central Command (CentCom) to solve the insurgency problem in the Visayas at the soonest time possible.

Guerrero, who graced the 16th founding anniversary celebration of the AFP CentCom in Camp Lapu-Lapu here, specifically addressed his order to the AFP personnel stationed in Western and Eastern Visayas, urging them to continue their efforts in neutralizing the communist insurgency in their areas.

He also urged the AFP in Central Visayas not to be complacent as they also need to address the remaining rebel threat in Negros Oriental.

Guerrero told his men that President Rodrigo Duterte's directive to the AFP is "very simple" and easy to follow, which is to wipe out insurgents and terrorist groups in the country immediately.

The AFP chief also lauded the CentCom for the capture of alleged high-ranking New People's Army (NPA) official Rustico "Paking" Tan in Santander, Cebu last Thursday.

Tan was arrested by virtue of 14 warrants of arrest issued in Bohol and Negros Occidental for multiple, frustrated, and attempted murder cases.

Members of Karapatan-Cebu, meanwhile, said Tan, a 76-year-old former priest, is no longer an active member of the NPA and that he used to be a peace negotiator between the communist rebels and the government during the time of the late president Corazon Aquino.

However, authorities claimed Tan is still an active official of the NPA, as shown by the more than a dozen warrants of arrest. (PNA)



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TAGBILARAN CITY -- Lawyer Ingemar Macarine said on Tuesday that his attempt to cross the English Channel and make history in August 2018 will be his last.

Known as the "Pinoy Aquaman," Macarine said age has started to catch up with him.

Macarine gained popularity after TV networks and other media outlets documented his exploits as the only man in the country indulged in open-water swimming.

He added that his health and the cost of crossing the channel are other reasons why the attempt in August 2018 will be his last.

The cost of the boat charter during an attempt is about PHP200,000, he said.

He added that he has occasional asthma and hypertension, which made him to re-think about any other attempts to cross the English Channel.

The English Channel is the "Mt. Everest summit" for all open-water swimmers.

Seven Filipinos have already conquered Mt. Everest, but no Filipino has been able to swim across the 21-mile distance (33.8 kilometers) across the English Channel.

Nonetheless, Macarine is busy preparing his body for the biggest challenge this fall in the United Kingdom and finally make history for open-water sport in the Philippines.

The native of Placer, Surigao del Norte was successful in another pioneering swim last Sunday when he crossed non-stop and unassisted from Baclayon town's Pamilacan Island to Barangay Bolod in Panglao town.

He managed to finish the course in six hours and 43 minutes, covering a distance of 17.83 kilometers.

The latest long-distance swim was among the series of sorties Macarine will be making to prepare for August 2018.

He said after last Sunday's swim, he is scheduled to swim for 12 kilometers from Ticao Island to Masbate City on December 10.

Macarine, who is a lawyer by profession and election officer of Tubigon town in Bohol, will also make about two or three marathon swims covering 10 kilometers or more next year as part of his training for the English Channel.

He used to do triathlons, but an injury prompted him to consider open-water swimming and give it a try. He then never looked back but swam to become the "PinoyAquaman."

Only a few open-water swimmers have been able to cross the English Channel. In fact, last year, a couple of weeks before Macarine's attempt, a swimmer lost his life attempting to cross the channel.

The number one challenge in swimming across the channel is the cold water temperature.

The nearest point between the United Kingdom and France is about 21 miles. It will take 12 to 15 hours to complete the swim and one has to swim in waters with a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius.

Sudden change of the weather can also be a huge challenge.

Macarine said, in essence, he only made one attempt, which was last year. The year was not really an attempt since he was stalled by bad weather.

His real attempt was in 2016 where he already swam for an hour, covering a distance of four kilometers, only to stop due to bad weather. (Dave Albarado/PNA)



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SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao -- Police arrested a village chair of Maguindanao town who had been hiding from the law for charges of attempted murder.

Chief Inspector Armando Liwan, Shariff Aguak town police chief, identified the village official as Basit Mama Taguigaya, 38, of Barangay Inaladan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

Liwan said Taguigaya was arrested in his second home in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak at around 5 p.m. Monday on the basis of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Aladrex Betoya of Regional Trial Court Branch 16 in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

Liwan would not say when and where Taguigawa committed the alleged crime. He said the suspect did not resist arrest.

Taguigawa refused to answer media inquiry on his case except by saying, through a representative, that his arrest could be politically motivated.

Taguigawa is seeking reelection in the next barangay and SK elections in Shariff Saydona.

Also, lawmen arrested a wanted person in Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Monday.

Chief Insp. Julhamin Asdani, town police chief of Sultan Kudarat, identified the suspect as Idzrafil Indara Kamdan, 27, of Barangay Dalumagncob who was facing frustrated murder charges.

Armed with an arrest warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 13 Judge Bansawan Ibrahim, Asdani and his men arrested Kamdan in his house. He did not resist arrest. (PNA)



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KAWIT, Cavite – The Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo (MEA), run by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), will open its annual lecture project on Nov. 18 to help impart Cavite's rich history and culture, and where the new generation could learn from local historians.

The project, dubbed "KABITEsaysayan", will open with a talk on "Pantyon: Kultura at Sosyolohiyang Kamatayan at Paglilibing sa Cavite" at the museum's audio-visual room on Saturday, MEA curator Paulette Bedruz told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday.

The project's opening salvo features Jeffrey Alfaro Lubang, an associate professor of the Social Sciences Department of De La Salle University-Dasmariňas' College of Liberal Arts and Communication.

According to Bedruz, Lubang's lecture will unravel interesting facets of the funeral and burial culture inherent among Kabitenyos.

Lubang has authored the book, "Pantyon", which documented and traced the funeral and burial practices of the province.

The museum curator said Filipinos have varying beliefs in the burial practices that stemmed from the rich pre-colonial customs and shaped throughout history by external factors and diversity of religion.

She said Lubang's "Pantyon" lecture will offer a deeper understanding of Cavite's funeral and burial practices, their origin, colonial influences, and other influencing factors brought about by the changing times.

The lecture is free but interested attendees may have to contact for reservation as seats are limited through MEA phone no. ‎+6346-484-7643, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays. (PNA)

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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The city government has allocated PhP2 million for Christmas decorations to adorn landmarks and major thoroughfares of this city this yuletide season.

Rene Dela Cruz, City General Service Office (CGSO) chief, on Tuesday said a 55-feet tall Christmas tree will be built at the Paseo del Mar and a 30-feet Christmas tree at the Plaza Pershing.

The Paseo del Mar, which is located at the back of the historical Our Lady of the Pillar shrine, is the newest leisure park while the Plaza Pershing is one of the oldest landmarks of this city.

The other landmarks that will be decorated with electric lanterns and Christmas decors are City Hall, Plaza del Pilar, Veteran's monument, and the Jardin Maria Clara at Pasonanca Park.

Dela Cruz said the target date of completion in decorating the landmarks is by the end of this month in time for the simultaneous lighting of Christmas trees on December 1.

As usual, Dela Cruz said City Hall will serve as the center of attraction and activities during the yuletide season. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The Army's 10th Infantry Division and the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 have intensified security operations in Davao Region following the killing of a police officer in Davao City by suspected New People's Army (NPA) liquidation squad.

Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, commander of 10th Infantry Division, said the NPA is targetting to abduct members of the security forces and the police.

"I have directed our troops to be vigilant not only during operations but also during administrative movement and when visiting their families," Clement said.

He said soldiers on the ground have intensified their combat operations and responded to civilians' report on NPA formation in a certain areas.

In a separate interview, PRO) 11 Director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan revealed he alerted all city, municipal police stations and provincial offices to preempt NPA-perpetrated activities.

On Monday morning, PO3 Wilfredo Garol Jr of Baguio Police Station was shot to death by suspected members of NPA hit squad in Barangay New Valencia, Tugbok district.

Also on Monday, two police officers rendering duty at the mountainous area in Placer town of Surigao del Norte were abducted by members of the NPA.

The abducted officers were identified as PO2 Alfredo Lauro Degamon Jr. and PO2 John Paul Mondaya Doverte, both assigned at Placer Municipal Police Station. (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The Army's 10th Infantry Division and the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 have intensified security operations in Davao Region following the killing of a police officer in Davao City by suspected New People's Army (NPA) liquidation squad.

Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, commander of 10th Infantry Division, said the NPA is targetting to abduct members of the security forces and the police.

"I have directed our troops to be vigilant not only during operations but also during administrative movement and when visiting their families," Clement said.

He said soldiers on the ground have intensified their combat operations and responded to civilians' report on NPA formation in a certain areas.

In a separate interview, PRO) 11 Director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan revealed he alerted all city, municipal police stations and provincial offices to preempt NPA-perpetrated activities.

On Monday morning, PO3 Wilfredo Garol Jr of Baguio Police Station was shot to death by suspected members of NPA hit squad in Barangay New Valencia, Tugbok district.

Also on Monday, two police officers rendering duty at the mountainous area in Placer town of Surigao del Norte were abducted by members of the NPA.

The abducted officers were identified as PO2 Alfredo Lauro Degamon Jr. and PO2 John Paul Mondaya Doverte, both assigned at Placer Municipal Police Station. (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)



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POLANGUI, Albay -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office turned over PHP1.6 million worth of farm equipment to 14 farmers and irrigators associations in the province of Albay during the Hybrid Rice Cluster Techno-Demo National Field Day held recently.

Emily Bordado, DA regional information officer, said Tuesday that beneficiaries were some 900 farmers and irrigators from Albay with a total of 420 hectares of rice fields in the whole municipality of Polangui.

"Five commercial seed companies which include Bayer (Bigante), Syngenta (NK5017 and S6003), Pioneer (PHB77 and PHB79), Seedworks (TH82) and SL Agritek (SL18) were also present during the activity," Bordado added.

Alfredo Mariscotes Jr., Polangui municipal agriculturist, said farmers from the municipality were so convinced of the result of the hybridization program that they even volunteered their farms as techno-demo sites for this cropping season.

Mariscotes also deployed nine agricultural technicians (ATs) to assist the farmers and ensure that the required technology will be properly implemented in their techno-demo farms.

Aside from the technical supervision of the ATs, the seed companies also assigned their own technicians to assist the farmers.

"Garo man sana kami nanggana sa lotto (It's like winning in a lottery)," said 64-year-old rice farmer Ariston B. Bonavente, describing how he felt as he received a hand-tractor with trailer worth PHP120,000 on behalf of the San Ramon-Cabangan Farmers' Association of Tabaco City.

Polangui Mayor Cherilie Sampal encouraged the participants to practice and adopt the knowledge they have learned during the field day.

She assured the farmers of the continuous support of the LGU to their agricultural endeavors. (PNA)



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CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said some parts of Nueva Ecija and Aurora provinces will experience an 11-hour power interruption on November 17.

The brownout, scheduled from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., will affect parts being serviced by the Nueva Ecija Electric Cooperative Inc. II-Area 2 (NEECO II-Area 2) and Aurora Electric Cooperative (AURELCO).

The coverage areas of NEECO II-Area 2 are the towns of Sta. Rosa, San Leonardo, Penaranda, General Tinio, Palayan City, Laur, Bongabon, Gabaldon, Llanera, General Natividad and Rizal in Nueva Ecija while those of AURELCO are the municipalities of Dingalan, San, Luis, Maria Aurora, Baler and Dipaculao, all in Aurora.

Ernest Lorenz B. Vidal, NGCP-Central Luzon corporate communications and public affairs officer, said the temporary shut-off is for maintenance and corrective works along the Bongabon-San Luis line segment.

Vidal said specific affected areas are determined by the distribution utility.

"NGCP will exert all efforts to restore power earlier, or as scheduled," he said.

Meanwhile, NGCP's customers and the general public are advised to take the necessary preparations and precautions for the scheduled interruption. (PNA)



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CADIZ CITY -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Negros Occidental-North is pushing for the creation of a federation of agrarian reform cooperatives for the entire province as a measure to mitigate the possible adverse challenges of ASEAN integration among farmer-beneficiaries.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer I Milaglores Flores, at the sidelines of the launching of the Federation of Agrarian Reform Cooperatives in North Negros (FARBCONN) at Barangay Caduha-an here Tuesday, said the economic integration had brought challenges to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

She said under ASEAN integration, agrarian reform farmer-beneficiaries are constantly challenged to develop their products and make them sustainable.

"Though the ASEAN integration is an opportunity also for us to work together, we are more challenged to further develop our agrarian reform cooperatives to become more competitive and at par with those in other countries," Flores added.

FARBCONN, the first federation of agrarian reform cooperatives formed in the province covering only the northern areas, has registered with Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in May last year.

It is composed of 23 member-agrarian reform cooperatives comprising about 1,100 ARBs with a total area of about 1,000 hectares from Bacolod City to San Carlos City.

Among its affiliates include the Dalayapan Agrarian Reform Cooperative, the largest plantation-based organization with 251-hectare land at upper portion of Barangay Caduha-an, and Pasto Agrarian Reform Cooperative in the former landholding of Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. at Barangay Magticol in Toboso town.

Flores said the member-agrarian reform cooperatives were the ones pushing for the creation of the federation mainly for stronger collaboration and bargaining of their interests, especially of small farmers in the agrarian reform sector.

She added that the federation initially planned to develop a training center site providing members the training needs required by the CDA and other capacity development for the affiliates.

"The center will also serve as a marketing support of the federation for its primary cooperative-affiliates as after the launching they are planning to hold a Market Day every Tuesday," Flores said, adding that "through these collective efforts, we are optimistic to boost our ARBs."
Themed "Pag-federate ng mga Agrarian Reform Cooperatives: Kahandaan sa Asean Economic Integration at iba pang Pandaigdigang Isyu sa Agrikultura at Ekonomiya sa mga Maliliit na Magsasaka," the launching was attended by DAR, provincial, city and barangay officials, and officers and members of the federation. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY -- Suspected members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) are believed to be behind the killing of a civilian volunteer whose lifeless body was found late Monday in Siaton, Negros Oriental.

Initial police report identified the victim as Gelino M. Vailoces, 52, resident of Sitio Ondol, Barangay Talalak in the municipality of Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental. 

Vailoces is an active member of the SCAA (Special Civilian Armed Auxiliary) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines assigned at the CAA Detachment in Sitio Cuadra, Barangay Mantiquil in Siaton.

Initial investigation showed that a group of fully armed men numbering to more or less 30 fetched Vailoces in his residence at around 8:10 in the morning of November 13.

Later on the same date, the body of Vailoces was found lifeless in Sitio Budlis in Barangay Mantiquil which was brought to the Siaton District Hospital Tuesday morning.

The victim succumbed to gunshot wounds to the head and right knee, the police report said.

Police investigators believe that the SCAA member was shot by communist rebels although no motive was given at the time of the report.

Acting provincial police director, Senior Superintendent Edwin Portento, also said Monday afternoon that alleged NPA rebels had killed the SCAA member, as he asked possible witnesses to cooperate with the police in the investigation and provide information leading to the suspects. (PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY -- Mayor Belen Fernandez said Tuesday that the city government will borrow PHP590 million for the construction of its new city hall on a donated land along the newly designated Pantal-Lucao growth center.

Fernandez refuted allegations by critics that the city is borrowing  more than PHP1 billion for the four-storey new city hall, adding that the  city council authorized her to negotiate only for a PHP590-million loan with a reputable financial institution.

Though the Bureau of Local Government Finance of the Department of Finance (DOF) has certified that Dagupan City can borrow as much as PHP886 million as computed from its approved budget next year of PHP948 million, the city is only borrowing PHP590 million, no more no less, she said.

Fernandez recalled that during the administration of former Mayor Benjamin Lim in 2004, the city of Dagupan borrowed close to PHP300 million to fund the construction of the three-storey Malimgas Public Market, when its annual budget that time was only Php345 million.       

It still has an unpaid balance of PHP45 million with PHP29 million due next year and the remaining Php16 million by the first quarter of 2019. 

Fernandez said PHP570 million will be used for the construction of the new city hall including its needed air-conditioning system, plumbing system, mechanical elevators, furniture, furnishing and other amenities.

The remaining PHP20 million of the loan amount will fund the installation of e-governance system that will modernize paper-less transactions including tax collections and other functions of the city government.

Fernandez said they will adopt the e-governance system of Milpitas, a sister city of Dagupan in California, USA, which she and other city officials studied when they visited that city sometime in September this year.

The e-governance system will link city hall with the 31 barangays of Dagupan where anybody who has business to transact with the city government,  can make use of.

Fernandez said any amount that may be left unspent from the loan will be returned to the bank. 

At least PHP25 million was also earmarked by the city from its own fund for consultancy services for the preparation of the plans and designs of the new city hall.  

Land development on the proposed location of the new city hall is expected to start shortly with a supplemental budget of PHP20 million already approved by the city council. 

Meanwhile, City Budget Officer Luz de Guzman dubbed as "fake news" or disinformation critics' claim that when the city government obtains loan from the bank, taxes will be increased  to ensure that the city government can pay its obligation.

De Guzman said the moderate increase in taxes of real properties in the city of Dagupan has just been approved by the city council this year and based on the Local Government Code, the next  increase can be implemented only after five years.  (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY – The Philippine National Police's (PNP) office in Negros Oriental province has resumed its online survey on performance evaluation as part of the PNP Patrol Plan 2030.

"The community engagement form is actually an online survey to measure public understanding and perception of the PNP," said Sr. Supt. Edwin Portento, acting provincial police director for Negros Oriental.

According to Portento, the online survey began years ago but was stopped when Negros Oriental was removed from Central Visayas or Region 7 and transferred to the then newly-created Negros Island Region (NIR) with the PNP Regional Office 18 (PRO-18) as its mother unit.

President Rodrigo Duterte, however, abolished the NIR effective Sept. 30, 2017, which returned Negros Oriental to Region 7 and Negros Occidental to Western Visayas or Region 6.

Portento said the online survey was resumed to catch up with the PNP Regional Office 7.

The survey forms are posted on social media such as Facebook, with no specific targeted number of respondents as they would like to get as many suggestions and comments as possible, he added.

This is like a "feedback mechanism if the community feels that there is an ongoing change in the PNP," Portento said, adding that it would also give the people an avenue for them to put in suggestions to improve the PNP's services.

PRO-7 is now on the third of four stages in the implementation of the PNP Patrol Plan 2030: Initiation, Compliance, Proficiency and Institutionalization, while the provincial police is on the second stage of implementation, he said. (PNA)



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LUCENA CITY, Quezon -- The Quezon's First 1000 Days of Life (Q1K) Program of this province has been adjudged finalist in the Poster Presentation Category at the 41st World Hospital Congress of the International Hospital Federation (IHF).

The Q1K's winning entry falls under the category "Innovations in delivery of healthcare and hospital services," beating 189 posters presenting various case studies on new technologies, policies, and programs implemented by their respective organizations.

The Quezon provincial information office told PNA on Tuesday that the Provincial Capitol reaped the finalist honors during the 2017 congress held in Taipei, Taiwan on Nov. 7 to 9.

The award was announced during the parallel sessions hosted by IHF member-countries, which also shared their industry experience during the three-day event themed "Patient-Friendly and Smarter Healthcare."

Around 850 delegates from across the globe took part in the parallel sessions on 10 different topics and interacted with their peers at social events.

Provincial representatives who received the award were Q1K Program Management Officer Dr. Grace V. Santiago and the general secretariat head Ma. Christina T. Lopez.

Quezon is the first province in the country to implement a comprehensive program primarily designed to implement the national and provincial programs on maternal and child care, immunization, nutrition, and sanitation.

The Q1K program is being sustained throughout Quezon to achieve a globally competitive province, when it comes to providing constituents with optimal health care services and interventions during the phases of the first 1000 days of life.

The Quezon provincial representatives shared that the IHF World Hospital Congress is a unique global forum and knowledge hub for hospitals where a multidisciplinary exchange of knowledge, expertise, and experiences in health sector management and service delivery is facilitated.

The forum brought together leaders, gurus, delegates, and participants conversant in healthcare policies and management practices to engage in a constructive dialogue on best practices and innovations in hospital and healthcare management and leadership aimed at improving the overall health and wellness of communities. (Zen Trinidad/PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY - For the first time, both the executive and legislative branches of government in Negros Oriental have admitted that the late Provincial Board Member Arturo Umbac was the emissary/bridge who opened the line of communication between the two branches of government that had been engaged in political bickering.

During the necrological service for Umbac Monday afternoon, Acting Governor Edward Mark Macias said the late "Manong Art" as he fondly calls him, was the voice of moderation, and he made it possible for both parties to talk.

That's why when he was designated the acting governor of the province following the 90-day preventive suspension of Gov. Roel Degamo, there was not much noise about his taking over the helm of the provincial government as caretaker, partly because of what Umbac has done, Macias said.

With his passing, Macias said maybe, God has taken him because he has done enough already and that his late father Gov. Emilio Macias II and the late Gov. Agustin Perdices, who are both Umbac's best friends, are waiting for him in heaven.

Macias, a medical doctor, said he felt guilty that Umbac died under his watch while having an official trip in Aklan to learn about the ISO certification of the said local government unit.

At the mangroves area in Aklan last week, Umbac was asking questions and was walking ahead of the others. Macias said he caught up with Umbac who was sitting under a shade and they talked about the big crab and the fishes at the mangroves area.

He said Umbac made no mention of being exhausted already and there was no sign whatsoever that the 83-year-old board member was in trouble.

He said he told Umbac to stay put but he continued walking until he collapsed before finishing the one-kilometer walk along the stretch of the mangrove area.

Macias said his only consolation is the fact that as a doctor, his assessment is that Umbac's death was sudden and free from pain.

Governor Degamo, meanwhile, also visited the wake of Umbac at the Legislative Building here to condole with the family.

He confirmed what Macias announced to the public that it was Umbac who made the reconciliation possible and opened the line of communications because according to Degamo, projects and development will be derailed if the executive and the legislative branches cannot see eye to eye.

Degamo recalled that it was not enough for him to extend his hand of reconciliation to members of the provincial board; he requested Umbac to make it happen, and he did.

For the governor, Umbac, who was his uncle, was one of the best advisers of the province. His late father Arturo Valencia Degamo is a cousin of the late board member.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Board passed and approved a Resolution of Condolence Monday afternoon during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The resolution of condolence was handed over by acting presiding officer Ma. Antonia Villegas during the necrological service.

Noted in the resolution were some of the important legislation that the late Umbac contributed and initiated.

These include the walking blood donor bank program, the Gulayan at Palaisdaan Alay sa Kabataan (GPAK) that became a national "Galing Pook" awardee, the Negros Oriental Disaster Preparedness community-based and management program, backyard medicine and food security program.

Umbac was also cited as responsible for energizing the entire province while he was the general manager of Negros Oriental  Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Umbac also garnered several awards and recognition such as  Outstanding Dumagueteno for public service in 2012; Most Outstanding Alumnus in public service awards from Saint Paul University of Dumaguete; Most Outstanding Reservist of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Region 7; and a national award from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, among others.

His remains will be transferred to his residence in Bagacay on Tuesday where he will lie in state until Friday, when he will be laid to rest at the Everlasting Cemetery.

Judicial Vicar Msgr. Gamaliel Tulabing, during the necrological service, said that Umbac is a great loss to his family,  the government, the people in general, and to the local parish, being a faithful member of the Catholic Church.

He also said he considered him one of the most honest government officials here who showed excellence in public service.

Msgr. Tulabing enjoined everybody to continuously pray for Umbac. (PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY -- Pangasinan Second District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil has assured the completion of the restoration of the old Casa Real, the first seat of the provincial government in Pangasinan during the Spanish era, by the middle of next year.

Bataoil said he followed up with the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) upon learning that the PHP50-million financial commitment of the agency for the project had not been released yet.

Pangasinan Tourism Officer Malu Elduayan told newsmen that the new administration of TIEZA agreed to give financial assistance but only half of its previous commitment or PHP25 million. 

Bataoil said he immediately got in touch with the officials of TIEZA and learned from the agency that it had not withdrawn its commitment and is still giving the full amount of PHP50 million but would release this on staggered basis.

The restoration of Casa Real is one of Bataoil's pet projects in his district.   

The congressman said that per his talk with TIEZA officials, the release of the amount was only delayed due to some validation that needed to be done but the first PHP20 million is "now on the way". 

The PHP50 million from TIEZA will fund the third phase of restoration of Casa Real because the first and second phases of the project are already completed.

Construction of the first phase (PHP5 million) was funded by the Pangasinan provincial government while the second phase fund of PHP30 million came from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

"We are waiting for the release of the third tranche of funds coming from TIEZA but accordingly, they can only provide for PHP20 million for now for the purpose of completing the needed special features of the project," Bataoil said.

"Third phase of the project is the completion of other features, including the perimeter fence, road leading to Casa Real and also the needed equipment and facilities which are in accordance with past agreement with the past TIEZA officials," Bataoil said.

"I was able to get the commitment of the new TIEZA chief and expect that his administration will ensure the continuity of the project," Bataoil added.

He explained the importance of the project and how it means a lot for the province and its almost 3 million population.

Bataoil said Casa Real is the centerpiece of cultural heritage of Pangasinan, being its first provincial capitol erected during Spanish time.

Casa Real was a picture of neglect until Bataoil and then Governor Amado Espino Jr., now congressman of the fifth district of Pangasinan, planned to have it restored to its original grandeur and glory to become a legacy to all the people of Pangasinan especially the coming generations.

Once restored, it will be a depository of artifacts and old mementos of the province and hopefully will turn into another tourist attraction. (PNA)



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KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Amid rising atrocities committed by communist New Peoples' Army (NPA) in North Cotabato, the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has asked the Philippine Army for augmentation force in the province's second district.

In a resolution, the PPOC, chaired by Governor Emmylou Mendoza, asked the Army's 1002nd Infantry Brigade to deploy additional troops in the towns of Makilala, Arakan, President Roxas, Antipas, Magpet and Matalam where the rebels have been active lately.

The communist rebels, on separate occasions, executed three off duty members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in the towns of Arakan, Magpet and Antipas.

During the PPOC meeting, Supt. Leo Ajero, North Cotabato police intelligence division chief, reported that the rebels launched attacks on soft targets, referring to militiamen and civilians, in North Cotabato's second district.

Col. Roberto Angcan, Army's 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander, supported the PPOC resolution and vowed to endorse it to Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, overall commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Division.

Mendoza, during the meeting, said the augmentation force will ensure civilians and non-combatants are safe from harassment by communist rebels belonging to NPA Front 53 operating at the environs of Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak.

Currently, the province's second district is within the area of operation of the Army's 39th Infantry Battalion. (PNA)



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SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao -- Local officials want the perpetrators of the arson attempt on a Catholic chapel here identified, arrested and prosecuted as soon as possible.

Mayor Marop Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak said Sunday that he has requested the municipal police to identify the culprits and prosecute them at the soonest possible time.

"This is something we cannot tolerate," the obviously angry town executive told reporters. "We cannot allow terrorists to wedge the religious solidarity of Muslims, Christians and Lumads in our municipality."

The mayor currently chairs the municipal peace and order council where the police chief is the vice chair.

At past 9 p.m. of Nov. 9, unidentified men set on fire the San Isidro de Labrador chapel's altar that damaged religious articles and statues, according to Fire Officer 1 Alonto Blaim, the town fire marshall.

Shariff Aguak is proximate to the towns of Mamasapano, Shariff Saydona and Salibo where high presence of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) is noted.

The BIFF had been espousing radicalism by stoking animosity among Maguindanaons and is promoting violent extremism.

Catholic priest Fr. Eliseo Mercado Jr. who had served in Shariff Aguak and nearby towns during the early years of his priesthood, said the government should act on the incident swiftly to give justice to the chapel and its congregation.

Hadji Akmad Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak town vice mayor, and Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu both offered reward money to any informant who could identify the people behind the attack.

"We condemn that incident. That was blasphemy. Islam teaches respect for religions and worship sites. Islam teaches religious tolerance. We have a principle in our religion that says there is no compulsion in religion," Mangudadatu said.

Army and police intelligence officials blamed the incident on a BIFF faction headed by Esmael Abdulmalik, who has pledged allegiance to the ISIS, as the group behind the attack.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is currently forging a peace deal with the government, is helping the Philippine military neutralize the BIFF Abdulmalik faction. (PNA)



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KORONADAL CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 12 has allotted some P2 million for the rollout of a livelihood project for beneficiaries here of the flagship Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program.

Abdulquddoz Barambangan, DSWD-12 project development officer, said Monday the livelihood project will be implemented under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), a support program of the CCT or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

He said the project will benefit some 200 "poorest of the poor" families in nine of the city's 27 barangays.

These are barangays Topland, Cacub, Sto.Nino, San Jose, Sta. Cruz, General Paulino Santos, Zone 2, Zone 3 and Zone 4.

Barambangan said they already completed the validation of the beneficiaries, which has organized themselves into a group and initially identified their prospective ventures.

"They're considering to put up either a piggery or rice retailing business," he said.

Under the program, Barambangan said they will help capacitate the beneficiaries on how to operate their chosen venture, especially on its long-term sustenance in coordination with concerned agencies.

These include the opening of bank accounts where they will put in their montly savings once the project takes off, he said.

Barambangan said they are closely monitoring the processes involved in the project's implementation to avoid possible bogus ventures and make sure that it would benefit the recipients.

He said their goal is to help set up a viable and sustainable livelihood venture that would positively impact the lives of the beneficiaries.

"The initial implementation process is ongoing and we're targeting to implement the project before the end of the year," he said.

SLP is a multi-stakeholder program that aims to improve the socio-economic status of 4Ps beneficiaries and generate further impact on the government's poverty reduction initiatives.

Along with the 4Ps and the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services or Kalahi-CIDSS, the SLP forms part the three-pronged anti-poverty convergence programs of the national government implemented through the DSWD.

In Region 12, the DSWD has allotted around P300 million for the implementation of the SLP.

Also known as Soccsksargen, the region comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.(PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Anti-drug operatives arrested an acting municipal treasurer in Sultan Kudarat province and her husband who were tagged as members of an emerging drug group in the area in an operation over the weekend in a subdivision here.

Gil Cesario Castro, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Region 12 director, identified the suspects as Jojo Balanay Nadar, 42, and wife Joy Salva Nadar, 46, both residents of Palimbang town in Sultan Kudarat.

He said Joy Nadar, identified as a high value drug target, was the acting municipal treasurer of Palimbang.

The couple was listed as members of the SOGIS Drug Group. They were nabbed at around 8:45 p.m. Saturday at a house in Malesido Subdivision, Barangay San Isidro here, Castro said.

The official said the operation, which was backed by elements from the Army-led Joint Task Force GenSan spearheaded by Col. Adonis Bajao, was conducted simultaneously in three "lavish houses" owned by the couple.

Castro said they recovered during the raids about 50 grams of suspected metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu worth around P250,000, a rifle grenade, a caliber .40 ammunition, a caliber .50 ammunition, two bags containing several bank checks and disbursement vouchers, a black pouch containing three 5.56mm ammunition and a metallic gray Toyota Fortuner sports utility vehicle with license plate AO 1529.

He said they also found various documents that involved cash disbursements of the municipal government of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

Citing their investigation, the official said the couple was allegedly involved directly in the operations of the SOGIS Drug Group, which operates in Sultan Kudarat province and the neighboring areas.

The suspects were subjected to a series of surveillance operations prior to the search operation on Saturday night.

"The subjects were living lavishly, having an extravagant lifestyle that exudes their means because they derive most of their income through drug dealings and illegal disbursement of public funds," Castro said in a statement Monday.

He added that the suspects, who are detained at the PDEA-12 headquarters here, would be charged for violation of Section 11 or possession of dangerous drugs, under Article II of Republic Act (RA) 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs act of 2002, and RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.(PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY – Seaborne personnel have discovered 30 assorted high-powered firearms in Lake Lanao believed to have been disposed by terrorists who fled from Marawi City, the military reported on Monday.

Brig. Gen. Roseller Murillo, Army's 1st Infantry Division commander, said the firearms were recovered at around 7 a.m. Sunday at the lake area in front one of the buildings that served as the last stand of the Maute group in Barangay Marinaut, Marawi City.

Recovered were the following firearms: one caliber 50 machine gun; three M-60 machine guns; 12 M-14 rifles; four caliber 50 sniper rifles; two AK-47 rifles; two carbine rifles; three FAL rifles; one M-79 rifle; and, two M-16 rifles.

"More search and clearing operations are underway. The recovered armaments are now in our custody while proper documentation and labeling are being undertaken by our troops," Murillo added.

Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., deputy commander of Task Force Marawi, said it is believed the terrorist threw their weapons into the lake during the last hours of the firefight when they sensed defeat.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said they deployed four scuba divers from the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) to help in the clearing operation in Marawi City.

"I would like to congratulate our soldiers in Marawi (City) for this recent accomplishment," Galvez said.

"May this inspire them to bolster their intelligence efforts in order to uproot and recover other armaments that could be left by the terrorists in the area," he added.

"The likelihood that there could be more hidden armaments is very high," he further said.

The Joint Task Force Ranao is also conducting sustained security operations outside the former Main Battle Area in Marawi City to pursue other allied terrorist groups particularly towards southern portion of Lanao del Sur.

"We will include these newly recovered firearms to be destroyed and demilitarized scheduled later this month," Galvez said.

"We will be working for a gun-free as well as a drug-free Marawi," he added. (PNA)



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MATALAM, North Cotabato -- A member of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed after a member of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) shot him on Sunday in a remote village here, triggering clashes between two Moro fronts.

Police believe family feud and not an organization conflict between the two Moro fronts sparked the shooting incident.

"We supposed the attack was due to a long standing family feud, locally known as 'rido,'" Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police acting spokesperson, said in an interview with PNA.

He identified the victim as Tony Polalon, a member of the MILF's 108th Base Command and resident of Barangay Iligan, Matalam.

The suspect who remains at large was Abdulkarim Unsil, 39, member of the MNLF Council of 15 faction and resident of nearby Sitio Kisupit, Barangay Marbel, also in Matalam.

Chief Insp. Sunny Leoncito, Matalam town police chief, said that after Unsil shot dead Polalon at past 3 p.m. Sunday, MILF members chased him as he fled toward Sitio Kisupit.

"The shooting of Polalon triggered the MILF-MNLF clashes in Barangay Marbel that left four injured," Leoncito said.

Wounded were Jocelyn Tan and Anisa Iman, 32, spouses of MNLF members.

On the MILF side, injured were Francis Abas and Rasel Naga.

Tayong said shooting ceased three hours later after leaders of both fronts intervened and declared a ceasefire. (PNA)



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SURIGAO CITY—Armed men in bonnets snatched two police officers in broad daylight while on duty at a busy intersection in Placer town, Surigao del Norte, at around 1 p.m. Monday.

Police Senior Supt. Anthony Maghari, police provincial director, identified the abducted policemen as PO2 John Paul Doverte and PO2 Alfredo Degamon, both members of Placer Municipal Police Station.

Maghari said the undetermined number of abductors used two Starex vans as getaway vehicles, which headed to the direction of the nearby town of Tubod.

A team of police and military personnel are currently on a hot pursuit as of this posting, the police official said.

Police sources said they suspect the New People's Army (NPA) was involved, although the latter has yet to release a statement as of this posting.

In July last year, NPA combatants abducted four policemen in Malimono town, also in Surigao del Norte. The victims were released months later following negotiations led by local religious groups.

In February 2015, rebels released three police officers they kidnapped months earlier in Gigaquit town, Surigao del Norte, to then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. (PNA/Danilo Adorador III)



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TACLOBAN CITY -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) is eyeing at least 5 percent growth in tourist arrivals in Eastern Visayas region with the launching of its Bring Home a Friend to the Philippines (BHAF) campaign.

DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the campaign would greatly benefit the region considering the high number of overseas workers from Leyte and Samar provinces. 

Records of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that at least 40,655 people from the region's six provinces are employed abroad.

"Our people abroad are just waiting for reason and right timing to bring home a friend. Through this campaign, we will show 365 reasons why we can invite tourists with pride," Tiopes told reporters during the BHAF regional launch Monday night in this city.

BHAF was first launched in 1994, spearheaded by then Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor. It aimed at encouraging Filipinos to invite their foreign friends to visit the country.

The program revived by Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo runs, for six months from October 2017 to April 2018.

The contest allows Filipinos residing here and abroad as well as expatriates based in the Philippines to win prizes in the electronic raffle draw for simply inviting their foreign friends to come visit the Philippines.

Prizes to be won for "sponsors" (Filipinos inviting foreign friends) include an Eastwood Le Grand Tower studio condo unit (first prize), an orange metallic Toyota Vios 2017 Model (second prize), or PHP200,000 worth of gift certificates from Duty Free (third prize).

Meanwhile, prizes for "invitees" (foreign friends visiting the Philippines) include two roundtrip international business class tickets plus two roundtrip domestic tickets to Palawan (first prize), two roundtrip international premium economy tickets plus two roundtrip domestic tickets to Cebu (second prize), and two roundtrip international economy tickets plus two roundtrip domestic tickets to Davao (third prize).

To join, the sponsor and invitee must duly accomplish the registration via the BHAF microsite accessible via the DOT website tourism.gov.ph or through the booths located at specific airports. Full instructions can also be found in the website.

The region is expecting a higher share of the BHAF to the 20 percent annual growth rate for both domestic and foreign guest arrivals.

Of the 3.23 million projected arrivals by year 2022, 81,936 of them are foreign and 3.15 million of them are domestic.

In 2016, the region welcomed 1.2 million guests, higher than the 1.09 million a year ago.

The region consists of the provinces of Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte, and the cities of Baybay, Borongan, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Maasin, Ormoc and Tacloban, the Eastern Visayas' regional center.

These areas are known for dive tourism, nature adventure, historical sites, picturesque islands, biodiversity, and nature adventure. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 is ready to implement the "one-strike policy" during the Christmas season.

PRO 11 public information officer Chief Insp. Andrea Dela Cerna said that based on the order released by PNP Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, the moment the police official could not solve crimes such as indiscriminate firing in just 24 hours, the station commander would be automatically sacked.

"Within 24 hours, if the case will not be solved, if the suspect will not be immediately identified, the higher office will relieve the station commander or the chief of police," she said.

Dela Cerna said last year, the PNP did not tape or shut the service firearms of the police during holiday season unlike in the past.

According to Dela Cerna, regional director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan already gave an order to all station commanders all over the region about the one-strike policy.

All units should have already their own security measures for the holiday season, too, she added.

She said chief of police would be relieved from the position if their police would be overrun by the lawless armed groups.

"Kapag naatake ang kanilang istasyon at nakita na wala man lang naka-retaliate sa mga lawless armed groups, hindi nakapaghanda so isa yan sa one-strike policy ng ating regional director (If their police station will be attacked by the lawless armed groups and no retaliation and no defense preparation could be seen on their part, that will be subject for the one-strike policy)," she said.

Dela Cerna said Gaerlan told all police officials to intensify their security operations in their respective area of responsibility because December 26 is the anniversary of Communist Party of the Philippines – New People's Army (CPP-NPA). (Armando fenequito Jr/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- Major General Benjamin Madrigal will assume as the new Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) commander Wednesday, replacing Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, who was named the Armed Forces Chief of Staff.

A change of command ceremony will be conducted Wednesday to formally turn over the Eastmincom leadership at the Naval station Felix Apolinario, Camp Panacan.

In an interview Tuesday, Guerrero confirmed Madrigal's appointment.
"Yes, Gen. Madrigal will be replacing me as the new commander of the Eastern Mindanao," Guerrero said.

Before making the announcement about Madrigal's appointment, Guerrero hinted to Davao reporters about his replacement.

Madrigal was previously assigned as the chief of Southern Luzon Command (SolCom). He was also the former Commander of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division based in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro city.

A member of Philippine Military Class 1985, Madrigal is also the same class of 10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Noel Clement; 4th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva; 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega; and, the Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista.

Madrigal also served as the commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade based in Mati, Davao Oriental; assistant division commander and acting division commander of 10th ID before he became the 4th ID chief in Cagayan de Oro city. (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)



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TAGUM CITY – On its second year, the Tagum City government is all set for the giant holiday tree lighting next week, promising a brighter and colorful Yuletide program led by Mayor Allan Rellon.

"This year the giant holiday tree will be more elaborate, more colorful and more symbolic, that is something different from last year," the mayor said.

He said the giant Christmas tree, which stands at the front ground of the City Hall, would be one foot higher than last year's 172 feet Christmas Tree because of a taller symbol on top of the tree. Last year it had an eight-pointed star at the apex.

The lighting of the giant Christmas tree is set in the evening of November 25, the eve of the city's Christ the King parochial feast and the arrival of the Boy Scouts local and foreign officials for the 6th ASEAN Scout Jamboree on November 27.

"The leaders of the ASEAN Jamboree will be valued guests who will witness the lighting of our giant holiday tree," Rellon said.

The new giant holiday tree located right at the New City Hall was first launched last year after the old giant Christmas tree was discontinued at the Freedom Stage grounds.

The giant Christmas tree tradition has been an attraction each Yuletide Season since the late 90s.

As in the past, thousands of multi-colored magnificent small lights and dazzling colorful lanterns and decors strewn around the holiday tree are expected to sparkle and give a good night shot ideal for selfies.

It was former Mayor Rey Uy who started the tradition during his one term as mayor in 2001-2003 at the back of the old City Hall.

The holiday tree was shorter, smaller then. Every year one foot is added to the tree. The tallest height that the old giant Christmas tree had reached was 153 feet in 2007 during the return of Uy as mayor.

In 2008 its height was lowered to 100 feet. In 2010 it was increased again reaching to 106 feet. In 2015 it measured 105 feet. (Cha Monforte/PNA)



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TAGUM CITY – On its second year, the Tagum City government is all set for the giant holiday tree lighting next week, promising a brighter and colorful Yuletide program led by Mayor Allan Rellon.

"This year the giant holiday tree will be more elaborate, more colorful and more symbolic, that is something different from last year," the mayor said.

He said the giant Christmas tree, which stands at the front ground of the City Hall, would be one foot higher than last year's 172 feet Christmas Tree because of a taller symbol on top of the tree. Last year it had an eight-pointed star at the apex.

The lighting of the giant Christmas tree is set in the evening of November 25, the eve of the city's Christ the King parochial feast and the arrival of the Boy Scouts local and foreign officials for the 6th ASEAN Scout Jamboree on November 27.

"The leaders of the ASEAN Jamboree will be valued guests who will witness the lighting of our giant holiday tree," Rellon said.

The new giant holiday tree located right at the New City Hall was first launched last year after the old giant Christmas tree was discontinued at the Freedom Stage grounds.

The giant Christmas tree tradition has been an attraction each Yuletide Season since the late 90s.

As in the past, thousands of multi-colored magnificent small lights and dazzling colorful lanterns and decors strewn around the holiday tree are expected to sparkle and give a good night shot ideal for selfies.

It was former Mayor Rey Uy who started the tradition during his one term as mayor in 2001-2003 at the back of the old City Hall.

The holiday tree was shorter, smaller then. Every year one foot is added to the tree. The tallest height that the old giant Christmas tree had reached was 153 feet in 2007 during the return of Uy as mayor.

In 2008 its height was lowered to 100 feet. In 2010 it was increased again reaching to 106 feet. In 2015 it measured 105 feet. (Cha Monforte/PNA)



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PALO, Leyte -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Eastern Visayas has reiterated its call to each government agencies based in the region to designate two Values Restoration Officers (VRO) to help eliminate corruption in government service.

The VRO is expected to carry out the campaign to restore values such as patriotism, integrity, excellence, and spirituality every week after the flag ceremony, CSC assistant regional director Rowin Riños said in an interview on Tuesday.

"People with good values are great in decision-making, therefore preventing corruption in government agencies," the official said.

The designated VRO will coordinate all program matters in their agencies and attend the trainer's trainings and other seminars and meetings to be conducted by the Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values (CRFV).

CFRV is an anti-corruption organization established in 1994 to curb the unabated rise of corruption in the Philippines through the restoration of world-renowned Filipino values that have been eroded by wickedness, greed, covetousness, compromise and sin.

"The appointed officers must be competently equipped with the skills to train and empowered with the core values. Thus, this program is designed to address both concerns by intertwining skills training and values enhancement colloquium," Riños said.

The designated VRO must be of good moral character and active advocate of good governance by modelling it before the other government personnel, according to the CSC official.

He or she is of good conduct based on the evaluation of head of office and based on the judgment and general observation of co-workers in the agency;

The VRO should have been one of the best performing employees in the government agency and have not been held guilty or liable of nonfeasance, misfeasance, or malfeasance in office or of any flagrant violation of laws and reasonable rules and regulations of the agency. (with reports from Ali Krause Gamana, OJT/PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The City of Silay in Negros Occidental has partnered with the Habitat for Humanity Philippines Foundation Inc. (HHPFI) for the implementation of a PHP45-million housing project.

Mayor Mark Andrew Golez and HHPFI Managing Director Michael Meaney signed on Monday a Memorandum of Agreement that covers the construction of an initial 100 units of cement-bamboo frame housing units in a period of 10 months in Barangay E. Lopez.

Golez expressed his thanks to the Habitat for Humanity for the partnership that would benefit the less privileged Silaynons.

In response, Meaney said he is looking forward to a strong partnership between the HHPFI and the City of Silay.

The signing rites held at the Operations Center in Silay City was witnessed by Negros Occidental Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez, chair of the House committee on housing and urban development, whose jurisdiction includes Silay, and by HHPFI project director Lili Fuentes.

For his part, Benitez noted some sustainable initiatives being piloted in some housing sites, including the provision of water to the households using solar-powered driven pumps.

Marie June Pavillar-Castro, district coordinator on housing concerns, said in a press statement that in Barangay E. Lopez, the duplexes would be constructed at BonBon Resettlement Project Phase 3.

The area was developed by the Silay City Government using financial assistance from the National Housing Authority under the LGU Resettlement Assistance Program.

Although the agreement covered an initial 100 units, the HHPFI committed to raise funds to complete the construction of 546 housing units, including some community facilities, Pavillar-Castro added. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- A town mayor in North Cotabato has vowed to continue supporting the national government's war on hard drugs even as he was stripped of his supervision power over the local police.

Mayor Christopher Cuan of Libungan town said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and National Police Commission (Napolcom) could have been misinformed and vehemently denied he was a druglord nor has been protecting drug syndicates.

Speaking to reporters, Cuan said he was convinced that the inclusion of his name among local officials who have been remiss of their duties in the government's campaign against illegal drugs was politically motivated.

"I have been an anti-drug advocate eversince," Cuan said.

Despite the removal of his supervisory power over the local police, Cuan vowed to continue supporting President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs in his capacity as town executive.

"My support for the local police remains, the LGU has been providing the police with resources and other assistance to maintain law and order in town," he said.

In Region 12, three town mayors have been stripped of supervisory powers over the police. Aside from Cuan, Napolcom also stripped of police supervision Mayor Pablo Matinong of Sto Niño town and Mayor Albert Palencia of Banga, both in South Cotabato. (PNA)



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SURIGAO CITY -- Armed men believed to be members of the New People's Army (NPA) attacked police targets in Caraga Region Tuesday (Nov. 14), a day after abducting two policemen in Surigao del Norte town of Placer.

NPA combatants torched two commercial trucks on a highway Tuesday morning in the Agusan del Norte town of Jabonga, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said in a report.

Also Tuesday morning, armed men ambushed a convoy of military tank and a light armored vehicle in the neighboring town of Santiago.

No one was hurt in both incidents, police said.

Also in the Agusan del Norte town of Kitcharao, which borders Surigao del Norte, police said PNP and military units engaged an undetermined number of NPA members who tried to set up a checkpoint on a portion of the national highway.

Fighting is still ongoing as of this posting, police and military sources said.

Residents in the area said the NPA distributed leaflets Tuesday, urging the public to rise against the presence of the military in Kitcharao. The leaflets warned residents to evacuate to safer areas if the military does not leave the town.

On Monday, suspected NPA rebels also ambushed a convoy belonging to the Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) in Brgy. Trinidad, Surigao City.

Police Supt. Diomedes Cuadra Jr., PMFC commander, said the ambush occurred around 5 p.m. when he and his team were en route to this city. No one was injured in the incident.

Hours before the ambush, at around 1.30 p.m., NPA rebels onboard two utility vans abducted PO2 John Paul Doverte and PO2 Alfredo Degamon at a busy intersection in Brgy. Bad-as, Placer town.

Ka Oto, spokesman of the NPA Guerilla Front Committee 16B, said they captured the two policemen for allegations ranging from extortion, illegal drugs and other illegal activities. (PNA/Danilo Adorador III)



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BORACAY Island, Aklan -- The Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO) together with the Joint Task Force Boracay has expressed readiness to secure the holding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) in this resort island which started on Tuesday.

"We were told to expect 30-50 ASEAN delegates coming to Boracay. They will be discussing technical framework on Intellectual Property Cooperation," said SP01 Nida Gregas, APPO information officer.

She said the organizers informed the police only last minute of the holding of the ASEAN gab which would conclude on November 17.

The ASEAN meeting will be held at the Hennan Resorts here.

The Aklan PNP leadership convened at the Camp Pastor Martelino in Barangay New Buswang, Kalibo Monday afternoon to discuss security procedure for ASEAN.

"The Police Regional Office-Western Visayas has already sent 32 men to help augment police troops. Aside from the regional augmentation, the Joint Task Force: Boracay have already started securing the resort island.

The task force includes the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Navy, and Philippine Coast Guard, among others.

"We appeal to tourists coming to Boracay to expect tighter security procedures upon their arrival at the jetty ports. The Joint Task Force: Boracay also regularly conducts patrolling at the beach," Gregas said. (JNAguirre/PNA)



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CARMEN, North Cotabato --- The local government, through the town's social welfare and development office, on Tuesday extended assistance to some 210 families displaced by military air strikes on suspected positions of an ISIS-inspired armed group over the weekend in a mountain village here.

The families fled to safer grounds after the Army's 6th Infantry Division conducted two bombing sorties Saturday in the villages of Tonganon and Bentangan where the group of Esmael Abdulmalik, alias Commander "Abu Torayfe," leader of a faction of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), was sighted.

Carmen Mayor Roger Taliño, in a statement, said the municipal social welfare office had extended rice, canned goods and other non-food items while the displaced families stay in the village of Lawili in nearby Aleosan town.

The Army also extended help to the affected families and assured them they will be safe from military action aimed at neutralizing the lawless elements.

Army Capt. Napoleon Alcarioto, 602nd Infantry Brigade Civil Military Operations (CMO) chief, said aside from Carmen, the local government of Aleosan also extended assistance to the affected families.

The ISIS-inspired group has been the subject of massive military operations in Maguindanao's second district and, according to Army intelligence reports, has moved to North Cotabato to evade the combined forces of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Under the GPH-MILF peace agreement forged in 2007, the MILF will provide intelligence information to government forces on the presence of lawless elements and terrorists in areas identified with the MILF.

Alcarioto said the military is verifying information that the air strikes led to several casualties on the armed men's side. No civilian casualty was reported. (PNA)



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CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will celebrate this year's National Inventors Week (NIW) in the province of Isabela, specifically in Cauayan City, on November 20-24.

Director of the DOST office in the Cagayan Valley region, Sancho Mabborang, said the department, its Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), the Filipino Inventors Society Producer Cooperative (FISPC, the Cauayan City government and the Isabela State University would jointly facilitate the celebration of NIW in Isabela.

Mabborang said the NIW is a week-long activity that would involve local and foreign exhibits of inventions and various symposia and would serve as a venue for the exchange of ideas and information, including the facilitation of market opportunities to encourage the generation, promotion and development of Filipino inventive capabilities.

"This is the first time that this national event will be conducted outside Manila and Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) is proud to host such event," he said.

Among the activities lined up for the celebration are symposia, exhibits of inventions, Science and Technology tour, and invention contest. (PNA)



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan-- Motorcycles regularly passing major roads and highways in this city are now restricted to the outer lanes.

The new traffic policy came after the City Council ordered the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) to direct all motorcycle drivers to use the outer lanes as "motorcycle lanes", Allan Mabella said Tuesday.

Mabella of CTMO said they held a dry-run at the National Highway along Barangay San Pedro on Monday.

"Those who will use the middle of the road are the four-wheel drives and other large vehicles," he said.

Mabella cited the traffic congestion in San Pedro as the reason why the dry-run is being carried out in the barangay.

Other major roads will be included in the scheme in the following days, he said.

These are Malvar St., where SM City Puerto Princesa is located; Rizal Ave., Puerto Princesa's major road artery; and the section of the northern and southern national highways covered by barangays Tagburos and Irawan, respectively.

Monday's dry-run proved to be successful as motorcycle drivers followed the new traffic law.
"Based on our observation, it appeared like this will be a welcome change and might indeed reduce traffic congestion," Mabella said. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Western Visayas has declared a three-month closed fishing season starting on Wednesday to allow for the spawning of sardines, herrings and mackerels in the Visayan Sea.

BFAR-6 regional director Remia Aparri said that they had already coordinated with local government units in the region to make sure that fisherfolk would follow the three-month fishing ban until February 2018 as mandated by the Fisheries Administrative Order 167-3.

The kick-off program for the declaration of the closed season will be held at Bakhawan Cultural Center, Barangay Bakhawan, Daanbantayan, Cebu City on Wednesday to be joined by concerned agencies from Panay, Negros, Cebu and Masbate.

A PHP6,000 fine, imprisonment of six months to six years depending on the gravity of offense, and forfeiture of the catch and cancellation of fishing permits or license await violators, Aparri said.

Under the FAO 167-3, catching, killing, selling or possession of sexually-mature sardines, herrings and mackerels or their larvae, fry or young known locally as "lupoy," "silinyasi," linatsay" or "manansi" in the portion of the Visayan Sea and adjoining waters enclosed by line drawn through following points and coastlines are prohibited.

The Visayan Sea stretches from the mouth of Danac River on the northeastern tip of the Bantayan Island to Madridejos, to the lighthouse on Gigantes Island, to Clutaya Island, to Culasi Point in Capiz province, eastward along the northern coast of Capiz to Bulacaue Point in Carles, Iloilo, southward along the eastern coast of Iloilo to the mouth of Talisay River, westward across the Guimaras Strait to Tomonton Point in Occidental Negros, eastward along the northern Coast of the Island of Negros and back to the mouth of Danao River in Escalante, Negros Occidental.

Despite the closed season, Aparri assured that the fish supply in the region would not be affected.

She also encouraged fisherfolk to follow the closed season and report if there are violators in their area. (PNA)



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KALIBO, Aklan -- The Aklan provincial government on Monday started its week-long consultation with town residents of both Kalibo and New Washington on the proposed expansion of the Kalibo International Airport (KIA).

The consultation, to end on November 17, is in response to the mandate of the Department of Transportation (DoTr).

"Certain parcels of land located in the barangays of Nalook, Tigayon, Estancia in Kalibo and Puis, New Washington will be acquired for the proposed expansion of KIA," said Provincial Administrator Selwayn Ibaretta, vice chairperson of the Provincial Site Acquisition Committee.

The development includes construction of new apron and terminal at the airport.

"However, prior to aviation facility improvements, site acquisition activities must be undertaken and given priority to provide the project a right of way. There is an immediate and imperative need for the DoTr to acquire properties in Kalibo and New Washington," Ibaretta said.

"The DoTr sought to expropriate properties as it will be needed for the implementation of the expansion project," he added.

Land owners affected by the said expansion are expected to attend the consultation to be held at the Aklan Trade Hall of the Provincial Capitol.

It was learned that the said discussions on the acquisition of lot of the airport started two years ago. (JNAguirre/PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY --- Preparations are ongoing for the holding of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum, a two-day meeting to be held on November 21-22 this year at the Misibis Bay Resort in Bacacay town in Albay, an official of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Bicol said Monday.

The Association of South East Asia Nations-National Organizing Council (ASEAN-NOC) issued a communication over the weekend that said it decided to hold the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum in Albay, prompting local authorities to reactivate Task Group Legazpi as the NOC local counterpart here, according to Joy Tango, DILG Bicol spokesperson.

"We were caught by surprise when the ASEAN NOC asked us to start the necessary preparations for the event which is part of the ASEAN 31st Summit held in Manila," Tango said.

Attending the forum are 90 delegates, of whom 30 are from ASEAN countries.

Since the forum would tackle coastal maritime concerns, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was placed as the forum lead agency, Tango said.

Lt. Marlowe Acebido, PCG Bicol operations officer, in an interview Monday said they are still waiting for the specific details of the forum coming from the central office.

Asked on the issues to be raised during the forum, he said among the top agenda line-up are maritime issues among ASEAN member nations.

"Based on initial information, the topics for the ASEAN Coastguard Forum 2017 to be discussed would be: Linkage and cooperation between ASEAN member nations; Training and capability buildings among ASEAN members; Adoption of maritime and relative international conventions and Harmonizations of the rules of engagement among ASEAN coastguard," Acebido said.

"The itinerary and other important details of the forum are still to be verified by our central office (PCG) since we don't have it yet," he added.

The NOC gave one week as lead time for the preparations of the venue and accommodations of delegates, forum agenda, transportations and security matters.

Travel distance from Legazpi Domestic Airport to Misibis Bay Resort in Bacacay town is about 37 kilometers.

The ASEAN Ministerial Telecommunication meeting set at the Misibis Bay Resort last August 21 to 25 was canceled because of security threats.

ASEAN NOC Director General for Operations, Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr., said the cancellation of the event was recommended by the ASEAN Committee on Security.

The cancellation was likely due to intelligence information gathered that the New People's Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), was planning to launch violent activities in the region as an act of retaliation to the successful operations of the military force against the communist group. (PNA)



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BATANGAS CITY -- The provincial government of Batangas has intensified its knowledge and capacity building and training program for women to help the sector sustain its livelihood and small businesses.

Jenelyn A. Aguilera, Batangas public information office chief, said on Monday the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), through its head Joy Montalbo, has focused on the livelihood project to boost Sectoral Productivity among the lowly earners and those engaged in other alternative livelihood for extra income.

Montalbo said her office has embarked on their packaged programs by conducting three-day orientation, lectures and actual demonstrations reaching out to the barangays and towns as municipal base.

She said that there are center-based projects at the PSWDO where they accept walk-in applicants from Batangas City and also distribute free starter kits.

The services under the program, dubbed "Handog na Kaalaman, Hanap-buhay na Pangmatagalan," include haircutting, hair treatment, hair rebonding, cosmetology, manicure and pedicure with hand and foot spa.

Aguillera added that the livelihood component under the Governor's governance thrust with the acronym "HELP" for health, environment, livelihood and protection, also engages livelihood beneficiaries for candle-making, handicrafts making, sewing of eco-bags, curtains, rags, and other crafts and recyclable materials.

She said the knowledge-sharing and capacity building sessions have benefited the towns of Taysan for manicure and pedicure training sessions; San Luis, Balayan and Batangas City for candle-making, manicure and pedicure and would cascade to other cities and towns like Tanauan City, Lobo and Mabini.(PNA)

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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Antique unanimously approved the requested PHP4.190 million budget for the month-long Binirayan Festival 2017 in December.

Antique Board Member Errol Santillan moved for the approval that was seconded by other board members present during Monday's special session.

Binirayan Festival Executive Director Eric Otayde, who attended the special session held to deliberate the requested realignment of Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao's Maintenance and Operating Expenses and Personal Services of her office to the Binirayan Festival budget, said the preparations for the annual festival will now be on full upswing.

"We will make the Binirayan a success," he said.

The requested budget will be utilized for several activities such as the reenactment of the landing of the Bornean datus who in history first settled in Malandog, Hamtic town; Search for the Lin-ay (Miss Antique); subsidy for the competing Malay Ati Tribes; and promotion.

Meanwhile, Otayde assured the SP members that within 30 days after the Binirayan Festival, he would be submitting the liquidation report for the sake of transparency. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- Elements of the Cebu City Port Police arrested two suspected gun smugglers Sunday night at Pier 1, this city.

Arrested in possession of 21 guns of different calibers were Eulidiano Galanse, 43, of Danao City and his 40-year-old sister Richel Puno of Barangay Talamban, Cebu City, who were on their way to board a passenger ship bound for Ozamis City at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Members of the Cebu City Port Police are still conducting tactical interrogation on the suspects, who claimed that they were just paid to transport the pistols but remained silent on who paid them and who will receive the firearms in Ozamis.

The port policemen were on the lookout for the suspects after they received a tip on the delivery of guns from Danao to Ozamis as early as Saturday.

Seized from the suspects were 17 .45-caliber handguns and four .38-cal revolvers which were stashed inside a sack placed inside a big bag.

Inspector Adolfo Abellana Jr., Operations Section officer in charge of the Cebu Ports Authority's Port Police Division, said the suspects claimed they don't know the real name of the person who hired them as they only know him by his nickname.

"As to the identity of the recipient of the delivery in Ozamis, the suspects said they don't know anything about him or her as they were only told that someone will meet them at the Ozamis port the following morning (Monday)," Abellana said.

Charges of illegal possession of firearms are being prepared against the suspects, who are now detained at the Cebu Port Police Division office. (With reports from Michelle Bugtai/PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- The controversial head of the Cebu Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) has been relieved from his post.

Governor Hilario Davide III, who earlier defended the said Baltazar Tribulano, said Monday that he has issued a memorandum ordering the latter's relief as PENRO officer in charge.

Tribunalo will be replaced by Rodel Bontuyan, who was instructed by Davide to report to Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino for his new assignment.

Tribunalo, however, will continue to serve as chief of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

To recall, Tribulano's concurrent PENRO position has been questioned by some within the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

Tribunalo has been hounded by a series of controversies as well, including his assigning of a job order worker to work on his farm and receiving a television set and an air-conditioning unit as goodwill gifts from a private company.

Last week, a female Capitol employee also lodged a complaint before the Provincial Women's Commission (PWC) accusing him of touching her "private hind part" during a gathering at the Capitol.

The PWC, headed by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, is currently conducting an investigation behind the sexual harassment complaint.

Tribunalo has continuously denied all the accusations against him. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- The controversial head of the Cebu Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) has been relieved from his post.

Governor Hilario Davide III, who earlier defended the said Baltazar Tribulano, said Monday that he has issued a memorandum ordering the latter's relief as PENRO officer in charge.

Tribunalo will be replaced by Rodel Bontuyan, who was instructed by Davide to report to Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino for his new assignment.

Tribunalo, however, will continue to serve as chief of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

To recall, Tribulano's concurrent PENRO position has been questioned by some within the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

Tribunalo has been hounded by a series of controversies as well, including his assigning of a job order worker to work on his farm and receiving a television set and an air-conditioning unit as goodwill gifts from a private company.

Last week, a female Capitol employee also lodged a complaint before the Provincial Women's Commission (PWC) accusing him of touching her "private hind part" during a gathering at the Capitol.

The PWC, headed by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, is currently conducting an investigation behind the sexual harassment complaint.

Tribunalo has continuously denied all the accusations against him. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY – The city government here has asked the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for a study on the traffic situation and the comprehensive drainage plan in Iloilo City.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III on Monday said that he raised said concerns before the country director of the USAID when the latter visited this city recently. He said that he requested the USAID if it could come up with a feasibility study on the two concerns.

"Unless there is really a comprehensive traffic study, you can never solve (the problem)," he said.

He also announced that he is putting on hold the proposed Intelligent Transport System (ITS) project, initiated by his predecessor, dismissed Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.

He said that he found the PHP25 million project "not doable in the meantime" and he is "not satisfied."

"We jump to the intelligent transport system when we don't have a comprehensive study. We ask first for a feasibility study," he cited.

The proposed ITS, initially proposed to be installed at the Diversion Road, has for its components the acquisition of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and the establishment of a command center.

"I want to really look at it at the perspective of practicability and the acquisition of equipment. As mayor I can review it," he said.

The project was already bid out, the winning bidder identified and just waiting for the signature of the mayor.

In addition to the feasibility study on traffic situation, Espinosa also asked for a study on the comprehensive drainage plan.

"I am waiting for a response from the USAID," he said. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Western Visayas has approved a "substantial" increase in the monthly wage of domestic workers or "kasambahays" in the region, including Negros Occidental.

This was confirmed by Wennie Sancho, labor representative to the RTWPB-6, on Monday, but said that as a protocol, the Board cannot yet disclose the amount of increase pending the affirmation of the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC).

Sancho said the RTWPB-6 unanimously approved the new wage order during its November 6 meeting in Iloilo City.

The order has been submitted to the NWPC for its affirmation.

"Once affirmed by the NWPC, it will then be subjected to publication. Fifteen days after which, the new wage order for domestic workers will already take effect," Sancho said.

With no opposition and legal impediment, "our kasambahays may expect upward adjustments in their salary most probably by second week of December," he added.

Earlier, Sancho said the initial possible increase for domestic workers in cities and first class municipalities is pegged at PHP800 per month. The monthly increase for those in remaining municipalities, on the other hand, is PHP750.

Under the existing wage order, which already lapsed last February, domestic workers in cities and first class municipalities receive PHP2,500 per month while those in other towns are entitled to have PHP2,000.

"Our domestic helpers will have a substantial increase, something that is timely and appropriate Christmas gift for them," Sancho said, adding that "the struggle of the labor sector has paid off."


Sancho, also the secretary general of the General Alliance of Workers Assembly (Gawa), said they are urging employers to respect the new wage order.

"The order will not only increase the wages of the kasambahay, it will also enhance their dignity as workers," he added. (PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY -- City Mayor Mauricio Domogan on Monday said he has been able to negotiate with officials of Hangzhou in China an exchange program wherein Baguio's medical practitioners would be sent to China to learn the latest techniques on acupuncture that will be adopted by the health and services office here.

The mayor, during the flag raising ceremony Monday morning, reported the outcome of the three sister city events abroad which he attended from October 18 to November 6.

Among the three cities is Hangzhou, Baguio's sister city in China.

Domogan said Hangzhou is considered the world's capital as the practice of the Chinese traditional medicine is concerned.

Domogan said he will discuss the details of the exchange program with the city health services offices.

Dr. Rowena Galpo, city health officer (CHO), said the mayor had long wanted city health officials to be trained on traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture and ventosa (cupping therapy).

She noted that traditional medicine has no ill effect on a person's kidneys and liver as it does not involve intake of pills.

Acupuncture, she explained, uses needles to stimulate the nerves connected to different organs of the body while ventosa is a type of deep-tissue massage using hot cups.

With the new exchange program with Hangzhou, Galpo said that they might soon be able to establish a traditional medicine center at the CHO.

She relayed that they have been implementing the traditional practice of medicine using herbal, organic and natural medicines, pushing for the patients' use of "sambong" for kidney treatment and "ampalaya" for diabetic patients.

She added that in 2013, the Department of Health  trained three medical practitioners to do acupuncture, which they hope to promote as an alternative mode of treating illnesses at lesser expense to patients. (PNA)




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ILOILO CITY -- A drug-prevention program will start in selected Western Visayas schools next week following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between concerned government agencies and non-government organizations on Monday.

Dubbed Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, it aims to bring about a drug-free environment for children.

The program will be implemented by the regional directors of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED); Bless Our COPS Movement Inc.; and Battle Against Drugs.

PNP Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag said the program would be a big help to save children from illegal drugs. He is hopeful that the program would become effective and sustainable as the current administration is relentless in its campaign against illegal drugs.

DARE is a school-based drug prevention program which will train enforcers who ill be deployed to teach drug-prevention subject in selected elementary, middle and senior high school.

There are 66 DARE officers in the region who underwent 80 training hours in classroom management, teaching strategy, school curriculum, among others and are ready for deployment.

DARE officers will offer 10 lessons per week for 45 minutes to an hour per session.

The sessions will cover teaching students the skills needed to recognize and resist social pressures to use drugs, lessons in providing information about drugs, teaching decision making skills and building self-esteem, among others.

The program will also increase police visibility in schools, prevent and control crimes, prevent children from the use of illegal drugs and other harmful substance, reduce violence and prevent the presence of gang members and fraternity wars in schools and to enhance the image of the whole PNP.

Meanwhile, education program specialist Suzett Pamplona of the DepEd expressed gratefulness for the program because it will save a lot of school children who are the "most vulnerable sector" with respect to illegal drug activities.

Currently, the agencies are still in the process of collecting and identifying schools to be prioritized for the program. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- Bago City in Negros Occidental will fully enforce its Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance with stricter penalties next week, Mayor Nicholas Yulo said Monday.

"Our ordinance is just a reflection of the national law. In Bago City, we have not received any opposition from business and other sectors, said Mayor Nicholas Yulo.

Ordinance No. 17-03, which was launched last week, "prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products and electronic cigarettes in certain places, imposing penalties for violations, and providing funds thereof, and for other purposes."

Under the ordinance, the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products is only regulated not disallowed, the mayor said.

Yulo said that through the ordinance, the medical cost for all diseases related to smoking will go down thus, government's expenses to hospital and healthcare units will also be lesser.

The ordinance stated that its purpose is to safeguard public health and ensure the well-being of all the constituents by protecting them from the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco consumption.

The local law also aims to provide support and conducive environment for tobacco users to quit, it added.

Yulo said the ordinance is "restrictive" especially in terms of identifying and providing designated areas for smoking. Under which, designated areas should be an outdoor space duly approved by the City Health Officer where smoking and vaping may be allowed.

It should meet requirements like location, which must be an open space outside the building with no permanent or temporary roof or walls in an outdoor area; not located within 10 meters from entrances and exits or any place where people pass or congregate; it shall not have an area larger than 10 square meters; food and drinks are not served here; no building shall have more than one designated smoking area; and minors should not be allowed inside.

Designated areas should have signage visible and prominently displayed like "Smoking Area" with "Minors not allowed within these premises" and graphics health warnings in the effects of tobacco use.

Also, it shall not be located in places where absolute smoking bans are in effect, such as, but not limited to schools, youth hostels, and recreational facilities for persons under 18 years old.

Yulo said establishments, including those inside the city public market, cannot display publicly and prominently cigarettes and other tobacco products. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office in Bicol has given a total of PHP3 million worth of livelihood assistance to 168 beneficiaries in Oas town in Albay.

Rovelinda Dela Rosa, DOLE-Bicol regional director, on Monday said, "Yes, we are going down to the barangay for our livelihood program in response to the order of Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III to reach the grassroots."

The first awarding of livelihood aid was recently held at San Ramon Pavillon, Barangay San Ramon, Oas, Albay, where 88 beneficiaries received assorted tools needed for food vending, hog raising, sewing, vulcanizing, welding, carpentry and hair styling, with a total amount of PHP1,634,075.

The second awarding was held at the covered court of Cagmanaba, Oas, Albay for 80 beneficiaries composed of fishermen, hog raisers and dressmakers who each received a "sibid-sibid" (local name for a small, manually operated fishing boat). The total amount for said grant is PHP1,408,986.

Fatima R. Calusim, one of the beneficiaries in Barangay San Ramos, who received a food vending package, thanked DOLE for her "early Christmas gift". She promised to make the most out of the livelihood assistance she received.

"Thank you very much, DOLE for having a program like this and for choosing me as a beneficiary. I will use the boat for livelihood," Daryl Bartolome, a fisherman, said in the vernacular.

"Let me reiterate these grants are in the form of hand tools and equipment and not cash. This is one of the main strategies of DOLE to generate employment and curb poverty by providing alternative livelihood," Dela Rosa stressed.

DOLE-Bicol said there are more grants coming before the year ends not only in the province of Albay but also in other provinces.

Dela Rosa said, "Just seeing the smile drawn on the face of our beneficiaries gives us (DOLE) fulfillment". (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- Transporting of farm products will soon be convenient for farmers in San Remegio, Cebu as the Cebu provincial government has started works on the 2.7-kilometer farm-to-market road (FMR) project in the said northern town recently.

Oscar Pineda, of the Cebu Provincial Public Information Office, said Monday the PHP27-million project is targeted for completion by summer of next year.

Through this project, which links the mountainous barangays of San Remegio to the national highway, farm products will not only reach the market fast and still fresh for consumption.

Pineda said the FMR is funded through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) soft loan program.

The loan package will be paid by the national government with a 10 percent counterpart fund from the Cebu Capitol and with no cost to the local government unit beneficiary.

Meanwhile, Pineda also bared that construction works on the Provincial Hospital in Danao City will resume next month. It was suspended last year due to lack of favorable endorsement from the Cebu Provincial Board.

Aside from proceeding with the construction, the provincial government will also add more medical professionals and equipment for the 50-bed-capacity hospital. (PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY -- City officials led by Mayor Mauricio Domogan on Monday led the launching of "Smoke-Free Baguio" —  a massive campaign encouraging residents to shy away from cigarette smoking.

Domogan said the city government is serious in its campaign against smoking and mustering public support.

"Let us start within ourselves," he said. "To you the smokers, you do not only cause health problems to yourselves and your neighbors but also makes wastes with your cigarette butts on the streets that need to be cleaned."

He said some past city officials, who have "gone ahead" due to illnesses related to smoking, were either smokers or had family members who smoke.

He said that he wants the campaign to start from the city government, making the city offices totally smoke-free.

The city government has passed Ordinance 34-2017 amending an earlier city ordinance passed in 2008 and localizing the national anti-smoking law.

The launching is also in support to President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order providing for the establishment of smoke-free environment in public and enclosed places.

Councilor Joel Alangsab, who co-chairs the Committee on Health with Councilor Elaine Sembrano, said it had been proven that smoking kills not only the smokers but also those who inhale second hand smoke.

The councilors relayed the City Health Office's seriousness in implementing  the anti-smoking law ncluding the related guidelines if only to make sure that the city will attain its goal to make Baguio a 100-percent smoke free city.

Alangsab added that after Monday's launching, a series of activities will be held to increase public awareness on the ill-effects of tobacco use.

Spearheaded by the Smoke Free Baguio Task Force, chaired by the mayor and the Health Services Office (HSO), the activities will include a fun run on November 19 in coordination with the City Sports Office.

Murals painted by Baguio City High School students near the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center and along Bokawkan Road will be unveiled to the public on November 20 while a press conference, information and education campaign and smoke cessation clinic will be conducted at Malcolm Square on November 23. 

A Zumba session will also be held at Burnham Park on November 25.

Earlier, the HSO and World Health Organization held a two-day training for barangay officials who will be deputized to assist in the implementation of the Smoke Free Baguio Ordinance.

At the central business district, establishments have started to remove their smoking areas.

Public places including parks have also been declared smoke-free. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Eight members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have surrendered to military authorities on the island province of Sulu, the military reported Monday.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the group surrendered at around 7:35 a.m. Saturday to the Army's Second Special Forces Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Jessie Montoya.

Sobejana said the surrenderers were followers of the late ASG sub-leader Alhabsi Misaya, who was killed in a firefight with government troops on April 28, this year, in Silangkan, Parang, Sulu.

They were identified as follows: Rakib Usman Mujakkir, 35; Sadhikal Sabi Asnon, 38; Jarrain Elil, 52; Wahab Buklaw, 47; Anggan Ali Sahaw, 43; Bandi Ahadjula, 56; Adih Manis Juhaini, 25; and, Alden Banon, 30.

The surrenderers operated mostly in the municipalities of Omar, Panamao, Tongkil, and Parang.

Sobejana said they turned over one M-16 Armalite rifle, one M-14 rifle, and five Garand rifles.

"Mujakkir and his companions capitulated to the troops as a result of the sustained conduct of combat and intelligence operations launched by our ground forces against the Abu Sayyaf," Sobejana said.

He said they were placed under the custody of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Samak, Talipao for documentation and custodial debriefing after they undergone medical examination.

The surrender of Mujakkir and his companions brought to 135 the total number of ASG members who surrendered since the government launched an intensified campaign against them in January 1, this year.
Of the total, 71 surrendered in Basilan, 41 in Sulu, 21 in Tawi-Tawi, and two in Zamboanga City.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said they anticipate more followers of Misaya to surrender "as we continue to pin down and pressure the bandits to cross their line and thwart their nefarious ploys in Western Mindanao." (PNA)



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CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- The province of Bulacan is planning to establish an economic zone in an effort to further attain progress and development.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer Arlene Pascual, in a orientation meeting with some officials from Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), said the application has been filed online for the 12-hectare land that the province owns. It is being eyed for the establishment of the Bulacan Techno Hub that could generate more job opportunities.

This in addition to the seven economic zones already existing in the province.

Out of these seven, Bulacan was able to gain an investment of some PHP610 million that gave employment to 5,978 people and exported goods worth some USD118 million.

Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said the move is part of the goal to make Bulacan a new engine of economic growth, having a strategic location to help spread industrialization and development in Luzon.

Meanwhile, Ma. Victoria Magsino, manager of the PEZA's Management Information System and Corporate Planning Group, cited the benefits that the host local government units receive from PEZA for having economic zones.

"We have the PEZA incentive of 5% from the gross income tax to eco zone developers and locators and from that, 2% is directly going to the host LGU," Magsino said.

Moreover, department manager Emmanuel Cortero of PEZA's Eco Zone Development Department explained the procedural guidelines for registration of economic zone developers and locator enterprises from application, PEZA evaluation, among others. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY – The Diocese of Dumaguete has created a Commission on Climate Change to be actively involved in the protection and conservation of the environment.

This is one of the new commissions created by the Diocese of Dumaguete as part of its roadmap in the next five to 10 years, which was discussed during the Diocesan Pastoral Assembly (DPA) over the weekend.

Thousands of people to include priests, religious and the lay faithful attended the event at the Lamberto Macias Sports Center in Dumaguete.

Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes said the Commission on Climate Change is part of the diocese's social concerns, "but we wanted somebody to look into just the environment, who is passionate about the environment".

"I'm still looking for that person but I have possibilities," he added.

Fr. Nathaniel Gomez, spokesperson of the diocese, explained that environmental concerns were previously under the Commission on Social Action, "but then we saw that it is something that we really have to intensify in a way, so that we can respond to climate change concerns, especially in the diocese."

"We can respond more quickly to disasters and natural calamities, and not only to respond but at least to help mitigate the effects of climate change in this part of the world, here in our diocese", Fr. Gomez said.

The creation of the Commission on Climate Change is also inspired by Pope Francis' second encyclical, Laudato Si, which focuses on irresponsible development, environmental degradation, and global warming, among others, and a call for a "swift and global unified action".

For his part, Fr. Ben Eric Lozada, president of the Dumaguete clergy, said for him, the environment "is the first bible where we can contemplate God through the work of creation."

"For me, the Laudato Si is the perfect timing and we are trying to 'Laudato Si' by the formation in the seminary now," Lozada added, referring to the diocese's St. Joseph Seminary College here where he is the academic dean. 

Citing Pope Francis, the priest said that this is not just about the environment but a new lifestyle, with the environment being the "perfect barometer of how we have treated each other".

"It comes from human ecology and how we treat the environment, such as without respect, is also how we treat human beings", Fr. Lozada added. (PNA)

 



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Police have launched a deeper investigation into an altercation between a group of soldiers and civilians outside a bar in Polomolok town in South Cotabato early Sunday that left a person dead and two others injured.

Sr. Supt. Franklin Alvero, South Cotabato police director, said Monday the shooting happened at past 2 a.m. infront of the newly-opened Blue Bar along Cannery Road in Polomolok town.

Citing their investigation, he said a group of government troops under the Army's 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) entered the bar late Saturday night to have some drinks but figured in a heated argument with a group of civilians.

He said they later clashed outside the bar that resulted to one of the soldiers shooting at the other group.

The fatality was identified as construction worker Aries John Ang, 23, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds on his legs and body.

Wounded were senior high school student John Angelo Felisilda, 18, and Freddie Simacas, 27, both residents of Poblacion, Polomolok.

Recovered at the scene were a caliber .45 handgun with eight live bullets and three spent bullets.

The suspect, who was arrested by responding policemen, was identified as Private First Class (Pfc) Reynold Londres, 28, a member of the 27IB based in Tupi, South Cotabato.

His companions were only identified as Staff Sergeant Trance, Pfc. Sabillo and Staff Sergeant Rebullos.

"We're still investigating what really happened since there were different versions given by the involved groups," Alvero said.

But based on the initial facts of the incident, he said the suspect could be charged with murder and multiple frustrated murder.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Leander, 27IB commander, said the shooting ensued after his men were supposedly attacked by at least eight bar goers, including the victims.

He said Pfc. Londres and the three other soldiers were then considered on active duty as intelligence operatives.

"The aggressors were the other party. They reportedly tried to snatch his (Londres) handgun so he reacted instinctively," he said in a radio interview.

The Army official said he is still waiting for the release of the official investigation report from the Polomolok police on the incident and only aware of the version of his men.

He said they will abide by the results of the police investigation and will fully cooperate with them as needed.

"Rest assured that we will respect the police investigation and the corresponding judicial process," he added.(PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – A member of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) assigned at the Intelligence Section of the Tugbok Police Station was shot dead by two suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) who asked for a free ride Monday morning in Barangay Valencia, Tugbok District, this city.

The victim, PO3 Wilfredo Garol, 34 and a resident of Rubber Village in Calinan, earlier transported his wife, a teacher, to school in Valencia on board his motorcycle.

On his way back, the two suspects flagged him and asked for a free ride.

But when they reached Purok 5 at Sitio Luman, Valencia the gunmen shot Garol several times resulting to his death.

Davao City chief of police Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum suspected the gunmen were members of the NPA liquidation unit.

He, however, vowed that Garol's death will be investigated thoroughly to identify those behind the treacherous killing.

His death, Tagum stressed, will not deter the police in their commitment to an intensified fight against all forms of domestic threats posed by communist rebels or criminals.

Tagum said the incident should also serve as a strong warning to all personnel of DCPO that they cannot afford to relax their personal security because "it will cause them their lives."

"We accept the danger of our chosen vocation but we will not allow his killers go unpunished. We will go after them with full might of the law," Tagum vowed.

Tagum said giving free rides to a stranger should not be entertained, as he recalled an old reminder of parents to children.

"Never talk to strangers goes in the same line that you don't give rides to hitchhikers who are unknown to you," he said.

"I have told my people, lower your guard and you are dead," he said.

The killing of Garol also earned condemnation from Police Regional Office (PRO) XI Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan.

"I condemn the senseless and cowardly attack and killing of PO3 Wilfredo Garol by suspected LAGS (lawless armed group). He was a good public servant, police officer and loving husband," Gaerlan said.

Gaerlan confirmed that Garol was shot by NPA hitmen after the police officer dropped his wife to work.

Gaerlan said the act is a manifestation that the NPA, as well as other communist front organizations, have no regard for human rights and International Humanitarian Law.

This is not the first time the NPA hitmen prey on members of the police and security forces.

Earlier, the 10th Infantry Division vowed not to let their guards down after the series of offensives launched by the NPA.

As of August, the military recorded death of six soldiers and a police in Davao region.

The NPA liquidation squad was suspected behind the spate of killings that was reportedly activated after military launched operations against them.

Killed members of the military and police were two soldiers under the 71st Infantry Battalion (IB) in Compostela Valley Province; two from the 67th IB in Davao Oriental; a member of the Scout Ranger; and a police officer in Davao del Norte. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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PANGLAO, Bohol – Lawyer and environmental advocate Ingemar "Pinoy Aquaman" Macarine endured the strong current on Sunday (November 12) to complete his swim from Pamilacan Island to Panglao Island in this province.

A long distance swimmer in his early 40s, Macarine admitted almost giving up as he experienced shoulder pain after being in the water for almost two hours.

"All of a sudden I had a problem with my right shoulder," Macarine told reporters who covered the swim.

Macarine, started the swim at 6:30 a.m. from Pamilacan Island, which is part of the municipality of Baclayon town. It took him six hours and 43 minutes to complete the swim, with a total distance of 17.83 kilometers.

Macarine got into open-water swims as part of his lifetime advocacy for marine resource protection, environmental tourism and climate change awareness.

"I hope the swim will encourage or inspire fellow Filipinos to take care of our marine environment," he said.

The Pamilacan-Panglao swim was his 34th open water swim, the 17th marathon swim in his career, and the 7th marathon swim in the Bohol seas.

Macarine said that the swim was also a part of his preparation for his last and final attempt to conquer the English Channel, a swimming route considered as the "Mt. Everest" for open-water swimming in August 2018.

Last August, Macarine was stopped by unfavorable weather conditions in his bid to complete crossing the English Channel due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Dann Diez, an environmentalist who heads the "Let's Do It Philippines" campaign, said he was amazed by Macarine's endurance.

"Even if his right shoulder was aching he decided to go on and reached the shore of Panglao," said Diez, who watched the entire swim course. (PNA/Roel N. Catoto)




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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Being the nearest region to war-torn Marawi City, the Northern Mindanao regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will play a key role in the rehabilitation of key infrastructure facilities there.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar made this clear last November 11 as he inaugurated two huge projects – the Cagayan de Oro coastal highway and Igpit bridge. Both infrastructure projects are part of the broader Laguindingan airport access widening.

Villar ordered the DPWH 10 office under director Virgilio Eduarte to assist the agency's central office and its counterpart in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Armm) while reconstructing the torn city.

The agency is set to complete on November 25 the road network leading to the resettlement site of people displaced in the five-month war against Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorists, Villar said.

DPWH said it received Thursday the P195 million allocation from the 2017 National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund as initial funding for the Marawi City rehabilitation.

Earlier, a think-thank associated with the Mindanao State University (MSU) released a proposal earmarking P67 million for the school's infrastructure rehabilitation. Earlier estimates by the government put the amount at P50 million.

The MSU Technical Working Group proposal said there must be a comprehensive reconstruction of all government facilities that were damaged in the battle that started in May and ended last month. (PNA/Mark D. Francisco)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The military has called on local government units and residents to unite and help in neutralizing the remaining members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Basilan province.

Col. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, made the call on Saturday after alleged members of the ASG killed two militiamen in an ambush in the province.

Uy said the latest ambush staged by the ASG gunmen happened at around 2:45 p.m. Friday in the municipality of Tuburan that resulted to the death of two militiamen.

Uy identified the slain militiamen as Hakim Asmawil and John Antang, both assigned at the patrol base of Barangay Duga-a, Tuburan

He said the two were aboard a motorcycle traveling to Barangay Libug, Tuburan, to attend Friday's "congregation prayer" when five Abu Sayyaf bandits led by sub-leader Ajan Apino ambushed them.

Uy condemned the barbaric act of the bandits that tainted the image of Basilan province.

He called on the residents to be always vigilant against threats posed the the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

The incident occurred a week after two militiamen were killed in an ambush by the ASG at Sitio Dak-Dak, Barangay Kaumpamatsaken, Sumisip, Basilan.

Slain on November 3, also Friday, were militiamen Samie Jairulla and Abdulla Tabjili, both assigned with the detachment in Barangay Kaumpamatsaken.

They were aboard a motorcycle on the way to Barangay Buli-Buli, also in Sumisip town, to purchase rice and other foodstuff when the Abu Sayyaf bandits ambushed them. (PNA)



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CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The military in Sultan Kudarat continued to win the hearts of communist rebels with more New Peoples Army (NPA) guerillas returning to the mainstream society.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, Army's 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the latest surrender of communist rebels took place Friday before officials of the Army's 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Esperanza town in Sultan Kudarat.

Encinas identified the four NPA rebels as Ongoy Galing aka Jeric, 23 years old, Sammy Galing, 51 years old, Archie Balabagan, 31 years old, and Ese Ginta, 49 years old who are residents of Barangay Marquez,

They belonged to the NPA Platoon My Phone of Guerrilla Front 73.
The rebel returnees turned over two Elisco rifles, 1 Bushmaster rifle, and 1 Garand rifle.

This week alone, a total of 10 communist rebels have surrendered to the military. Eight of whom yielded last Nov. 2 and another two on Nov. 6.

Since May, a total of 72 rebels from the Manobo Dulangan indigenous peoples community operating in the Daguma ranges have rejoined the mainstream.

Encinas said the former rebels have decided to return to the folds of law because of the hardship they experienced in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat and the false promises of their communist leaders.

The surrender of the rebels was a joint effort of the Army's 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (IB), 33rd IB, and 38th IB. They were presented to Esperanza Mayor Helen Latog and Sultan Kudarat Governor Pakung Mangudadatu, respectively.

As surrenderers, they are qualified to avail of the government's Comprehensive Local Integration Program where they get livelihood assistance to restart a new life. (PNA)



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BUTUAN CITY—The Regional Inter-agency Committee Against Trafficking, Violence Against Women and Children (RIACAT-VAWC) Caraga has set an 18day campaign to promote their advocacy from November 15 to December 12.

The campaign to end violence against women and children will kick-off with a fun walk activity at 4:30 a.m. on November 24, starting from Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol going to Butuan City Hall Grounds, the RIACAT-VAWC said in a statement.

The anti-abuse body has also lined up activities for the event, such as a song writing contest where the winners among the ten shortlisted entries will be revealed.

Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development , said a highlight activity will be the "Buntis Congress" in Bayugan City on November 29.

The event will gather some 100 pregnant women who are 4Ps beneficiaries to discuss about abuse prevention with their husbands, Dir. Gupana-Lim said.DSWD is the lead agency of RIACAT VAWC. (PNA/Noel B. Najarro)



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BUTUAN CITY—The Population Commission in Caraga (POPCOM-Caraga) has taken the government's family planning advocacy to the hardcourt—literally.

In coordination with local government units (LGUs) in the region, POPCOM-Caraga has organized an inter-LGU basketball tournament dubbed as the "Kalalakihang Tumutugon Sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon Para sa Pamilya (KATROPA) On the Hardcourt."

POPCOM-Caraga said the tournament's maiden games started in Surigao City on November 11, participated by teams from Surigao del Norte, Butuan City and parts of Agusan del Norte.

Competing teams under the Surigao leg see action at the Surigao City Gymnasium starting 12 noon to 4 p.m. The Agusan leg comprising teams from Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur and parts of Agusan del Norte will compete on November 17, at 4 p.m. at the Bayugan City Gymnasium. The teams will see action again on November 18, 12:00 noontime at San Francisco, Agusan del Sur Gymnasium.

The teams were selected from the best players in their respective cities and provinces, said POPCOM-Caraga Regional Director Alexander Makinano.

Makinano said the tournament hopes to convey to the players and the watching public the advocacy of responsible fatherhood, husband and men of the community.

Makinano said the KATROPA on Hardcourt advocacy is part of POPCOM's twin program of Responsible Parenthood-Family Planning (RP-FP) and Adolescent Health Development (AHD).

The tournament also features family planning orientation, film showings and distribution of leaflets and other reading materials.

Makinano said that by integrating a favorite Filipino sports into the mix, they hope to raise the level of awareness of the public on family planning and community involvement, as well as to convey to Filipino men their responsibility as head of the family and the community.

He added that part of the advocacy is the promotion of women's reproductive care to ensure safe pregnancy and child-bearing. (PNA/Noel B. Najarro)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bureau of Customs-10 (BOC-10) has denied on Saturday that the person who was killed in an altercation with a broker in Barangay Macasandig, this city,Thursday night, was one of their own.

The agency also said it is set to investigate how the victim was able to possess a Customs-issued identification card.

Roy Ancajas, 45, a resident of Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, was found dead in a ditch in front of the police precinct in Macasandig, authorities said. He was identified through an ID that says he was a member of the Customs Police.

Based on information and testimonies relayed to him, Roman Moscoso, the region's Customs Police chief, said Ancajas had a heated argument with Joed Pasasadaba, a licensed broker, prior to his death.

In an interview, Macansandig police commander Senior Insp. Abdul Alim Sumandar believes that a .45 caliber pistol might have been used to gun down Ancajas since there were eight pieces of spent cartridges found at the crime scene.

Investigators also recovered a wristwatch, a sling bag, a backpack containing several documents, and a pink Nissan Sentra sedan bearing plate no. WFG-678.
Police said Ancajas might have engaged Pasasadaba in a gunfight.

The latter was brought to a medical facility where he was treated for the five gunshot wounds he allegedly sustained.

Pasasadaba's driver Segfried Roxas was said to be in police custody. Roxas reportedly helped authorities in retrieving two .45 caliber handguns with live bullets near the crime scene.

Alvin Enciso, head of the BOC-10's Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), said Ancajas in not in any way connected with the agency.

Enciso said this has been verified by checking the records of the Customs Police and BOC-10's roster of employees.

He said the Customs Police ID taken from the victim's possession was a counterfeit.

Because of this, Enciso said the agency will look into how Ancajas was able to obtain the ID, which bore the signature of Special Agent 2 Pedro Amante Jr., the Enforcement Security Service (ESS) administrative officer.

Enciso said BOC Commissioner Isidro Lapeña, CIIS Director Wilkins Villanueva, and BOC-10 Collector Jamail Marohomsalic have already given instructions to Customs investigators to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to further investigate details surrounding Ancajas' death. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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SURIGAO CITY -- Endurance swimmer and environmental advocate Ingemar "Pinoy Aquaman" Macarine will seek another record-setting 15-kilometer open water swim in Bohol Sea on Sunday, November 12.

Macarine, an elections lawyer, will kick off from the fish-rich island of Balicasag Island to the tourist island of Panglao in Bohol. He is gunning for his eight marathon crossings this year and 34th open-water swim since starting in December 31, 2013 in Surigao City.

Macarine, who hails from Placer, Surigao del Norte, said his next marathon swim is part of his preparation for the English Channel swim conquest next year.

Macarine failed in his bid to complete his crossings in the English Channel due to unfavorable weather condition in August this year.

In the same attempt last year, the Pinoy Aquaman also canceled the 33-kilometer cold waters because of bad weather.

Macarine started his open-water swims as part of his advocacy for marine resource protection, environmental tourism and climate change awareness.

The marathon swimmer, who has an average speed of three kilometers per hour, said he has been working hard to increase his stamina.

"I've been training hard for the past few weeks that consists of a total 34 kilometers swim per week, 30-minute to one-hour run and core exercises," he said.

He added that he has never been better in shape in the last few years since he stared in the open-water swim, attributing his on his intense training, proper rest and diet regimen.

Sunday's record-setting swim is being sponsored by Municipality of Panglao through Mayor Leonila Montero, Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Bohol Chapter led by Atty. Warren B. Yap Jr., and Dagohoy Masonic Lodge 84 of Bohol headed by worshipful master Atty. Lord "Cocot" Marapao. (PNA/Roel N. Catoto)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) here will set up a passport courtesy lane for Negrense soldiers and policemen from Marawi City who will fly to HongKong for a vacation promised by President Rodrigo Duterte.

This was confirmed on Friday afternoon by the Provincial Information Office, following the courtesy visit of Carolina Constantino, officer-in-charge of the Regional Consular Office-Bacolod, to Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier this week.

A courtesy lane facility means the soldiers and police officers no longer need to set an online appointment in applying for a passport.

The President had earlier announced that those who served during the almost five-month Marawi siege will have an all-expense paid trip to Hong Kong as a reward for getting the job done.

In Negros Occidental, 81 troopers of the 31st Division Reconnaisance Company of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division were the first ones to come home.

The provincial government honored them, along with the six Negrense soldiers who died in battle, in rites held at the Capitol grounds on November 3.

Technical Sergeant Jose Lumayno of Sipalay City, who was among those honored, said he and his fellow troopers are proud to be called liberators of Marawi after almost four months of fighting the Islamic State-linked terrorists.

Lumayno said their unit came from Bohol, where they neutralized the Abu Sayyaf in April, before they were deployed to Marawi in June.

First Lieutenant Richard Paul Gobway, commander of the Army's 31st Division Reconnaissance Company, said that aside from conducting security clearing operations, their unit rescued four civilians trapped for almost a month in the main battle area, and recovered 11 high powered firearms and two rifle grenades. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- Seventy-five volunteers completed a three-day "Trainers' Training" Friday to carry out the second eight-week Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP).

Mayor Evelio Leonardia, chairman of CADAC, thanked the trainers for their dedication in helping Bacolod sustain its drug rehabilitation program. The seminar was held at the Bacolod City Government Center.

"It is recommended that we have a consistent and continuing program on drug rehabilitation," the mayor said, adding that what will happen to the surrenderers after the rehabilitation is vital.

"It is not enough that they have surrendered. They have to be guided, to facilitate their eventual return to the society," Leonardia said.

The trainers, supervised by the Bacolod City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), came from different support groups and will carry out the CBDRP based on Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order 2017-18.

Resource persons during the three-day training included Dr. Priscilla Lamis, Dr. Ronald Anotado, and nurse Emmanuel Ausmolo, all of the DOH Region 6 Treatment and Rehabilitation Center; and Carmelo Orbista, officer-in-charge of Department of the Interior and Local Government-Bacolod.

The City Health Office and the Department of Social Service and Development are in-charge of the CBDRP implementation.

Out of the 75 trainers, 10 teams were formed to be assigned to each station of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).

Each of the 10 teams is composed of seven staff, including a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a nurse, a social worker, a member of a faith-based organization, a peer counselor, and a representative from the BCPO-Women and Children Protection Desk.

The CADAC will also assign five facilitators who will assist all the teams. A support service or after-care mechanism will also be put in place.

Superintendent Levy Pangue, head of BCPO Investigation and Detection Management Unit, earlier said 544 drug surrenders are being eyed for inclusion in the second batch who will undergo the CBDRP.

In May this year, 65 drug reformists in Bacolod completed the eight-week CBDRP. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Ilonggo students lauded the plan of the Duterte administration to use the PHP6-billion fund settlement of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) for the free college tuition in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

Nicole Almodiente, senior high school student of University of Iloilo, said that it will help students, especially those who cannot afford to study in college due to financial problem.

"They will have the assurance of free tuition in government-run colleges and universities once the budget will be utilized. Through it, many of my fellow students will be able to reach their dreams in life," she added.

Era Mariz Murillo, 4th Mass Communication student of Central Philippine University (CPU), described the fund settlement as a "huge" amount that can really help the underprivileged youth dedicated to study but cannot afford to enter college.

"In this way, they can gain a degree, get a good and stable job and especially help their families overcome poverty," she said.

Meanwhile, Leonora Estanque, 4th year journalism student of West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo City., said that it is really "better" if the fund will be utilized for education.

Though Estanque assumed that she can no longer benefit from the free tuition since she will be graduating from college in 2018, she expressed gladness and optimism for the younger students.

"The amount would be a very huge benefit especially to students who cannot afford tertiary education," she said.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act in August.

Under the Act, a total of 11 SUCs in Western Visayas are expected to benefit.

These are Aklan State University, Capiz State University, Carlos C. Hilado Memorial State College, Guimaras State College, Iloilo State College of Fisheries, Central Philippines State University, Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College, Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, University of Antique, Iloilo Science and Technology University, and West Visayas State University. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- Mayor Inday Sara Duterte has credited city hall employees for their efforts to serve the people well following the city's winning of another Seal of Good Local Governance award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

"I would like to thank all the government offices within the Davao City local government for their continued effort to provide efficient and effective public service to Dabawensyos," she said.

The award was the latest for the city after winning the Seal of Good Local Governance award for the past three years.

Mayor Inday said that the fresh achievement should be taken as challenge by government officials and workers to perform their best in serving the people of Davao.
She said she will lead them into winning next year's award.

"This award will be a challenge for us to improve and do more and be innovative in our work as public servant," Mayor Inday said.

Mayor Sara said the city has always been trying its best to respond to the

One factor that helped city achieve the Seal of Good Local Governance was the continued expectation of the people that the government would always be responsive to their needs.

"The attitude of the people that they always expect that the government will always be responsive to their needs is one of the city government's motivation to do our work," she added. CIO



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SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao -- Police and fire officials here have launched a manhunt against men who tried to set on fire a Catholic chapel in Barangay Labo-Labo here on Friday night.

Fire Officer 1 Alonto Blaim, Shariff Aguak fire marshall, said local police and fire personnel have the lead that could eventually identify and arrest the suspects who set on fire the San Isidro de Labrador chapel at around 9 p.m.

Blaim said the timely arrival of the fire truck and fire fighters prevented the total burning of the chapel.

Quoting witnesses near the chapel, unidentified suspects poured gasoline at the San Isidro Labrador chapel's altar and religious articles and statues.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack on the small worship place situated beside the national highway.

Responding fire officers put off the fire 30 minutes later. Blaim said a portion of the chapel's wall was forcibly opened and used as entry point of the suspects. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- Operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 11 (PDEA 11) arrested four soldiers and a suspected gun-for-hire after a brief firefight in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Saturday.

PDEA 11 officer-in-charge Naravy Duquiatan identified the suspects as Cpl. Cristiuto G. Macagubang Jr. who is assigned to the 3rd Infantry Batallion and detailed at Barangay Malagos in Baguio District; Cpl. John Louie Segovia and Sgt. Albin Binondo, both assigned to the 10th Infantry Division; John Rey Mission, a member of Task Force Davao; and Regie Impas, an alleged gun-for-hire.

Duquiatan said PDEA operatives with assistance from Task Force Davao, Task Force Tagum, Tagum City Police Station and 46th IB, conducted a buy-bust operation at Purok Talisay, Seminary Drive in Barangay West Magugpo.

"Napalitan ni sila, nagkasinabot no sila (There were illegal drugs bought from them, and they colluded with each other)," Duquiatan said.

A brief firefight ensued as the arrested suspects tried to resist arrest prompting law enforcers to fight back and wounded in the process.

Impas was immediately brought to Davao Regional Medical Center. After treatment, he and his cohorts were brought to PDEA 11 detention facility in Davao City.

Recovered from the possession of the suspects were five grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride with an estimated value of PHP75,000, three .45 pistols, several ammunition and motorcycles.

Duquiatan said cases of violation of sections 3 for selling and 11 for possession under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the five suspects. (Armando B. Fenequito Jr./PNA)



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LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The province of Benguet will open on Monday the 12th Adivay Festival which coincides with the 107th foundation anniversary of the province focused on strengthening the culture of the i-Benguet.

The Adivay festival, an Ibaloi word meaning coming together and having fun, is an annual agri-tourism event focused on rediscovering the ingenuity of the Benguet people, their rich history, culture, arts, trades and industries.

Governor Cresencio Pacalso said different committees have been formed to prepare for the big event.

Other committees have been assigned to prepare for different activities geared towards cultural preservation coming up with activities like exhibits, fora, job fair, entertainment and others that are linked to the lives of the Benguet people.

The celebration will kick off on Monday at the Capitol grounds with an ecumenical service followed by the search for Mr. and Miss Benguet candidates' presentation.

There will be a mass wedding, job fair and a medical, dental surgical mission on Tuesday.

The agri and techno fair at the Benguet Sport Center featuring potato fiesta will open to the public on Wednesday.

"We wanted our people not just to come and enjoy the festival but at the same time we wanted to offer them opportunities to have work, to avail of free medical services, learn from the different fora and to know more about the culture, belief and practices of the other tribes," Pacalso said.

"Benguet Culture, Our Future: Sustaining Cultural Identity Amidst Global Changes" is the theme for the 2017 Adivay festival.

Pacalso added that this year's Adivay will have a mining forum, the province being host to the biggest gold mining companies as well as numerous small scale mining activities which has become a source of income of the locals.

There will also be a land congress, Feminism and Democracy forum, Gospel art show, Dongba ni Kavajo (horse racing), Philippine folk dance competition, skills competition, farmers' event and several sports competitions.

The biggest Bendian dance, an upbeat dance of the i-Benguet, which has earned national recognition after winning in various cultural festivals in Metro Manila, will also be featured as the festival's highlight. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, seven city officials and two representatives from an environment watchdog will travel to Japan next week to study the USD 70-million Waste-to-Energy(WTE) project which is eyed to improve the city's waste management.

This was announced by the mayor saying that they will be going to Japan upon the invitation of the Japanese firm in the City of Kitakyushu to observe its own WTE operation. It will be an all-expenses paid by the city government of Kitakyushu.

The Japanese firm, Nippon Steel, has offered to do the WTE facility which can accommodate about 600 metric tons daily.

The project is eyed for a joint venture initiative between Nippon Steel, the city government, and the Kitakyusho City. Duterte-Carpio said the city will be a recipient of a grant from Japan for the implementation of the WTE project.

Duterte-Carpio wants to replicate the WTE project considering that the city's landfill site at New Carmen is already in a critical stage. She said she invited two representatives of the Ecowaste Coalition, which has expressed its opposition to the WTE because it's reportedly a form of incineration.

Incineration is not allowed under the Clean Air Act law. EcoWaste Coalition is a network of community, church, school, environmental and health groups pursuing sustainable solutions to waste, climate change and chemical issues facing the Philippines and the world has called for the city government of Davao to junk the waste to energy incineration proposal.

Earlier, City Planning chief Ivan Cortez said the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) is looking new areas in the north and southern part of the city that would measure about 15 hectares each. The site will be allotted for the landfill with 10 hectares and WTE with five hectares.

Councilor Marissa Abella backs the WTE as the other answer to the city's garbage problem since the city is disposing of all garbage in the landfill. Abella said CENRO is collecting 400 to 500 tons of garbage daily.

She said the waste-to-energy will collect all residual waste and convert into energy that can be utilized by the households. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- Despite the rejection of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on the localized peace talks of Davao City government, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio would pursue the local dialogue with the New People's Army (NPA).

"Maybe that is their (NDFP) opinion but as the representative of the City Government of Davao, I have a duty to pursue just and lasting peace in the city," Duterte-Carpio said.

She added that this is her initiative which she believes can attain peace in the city.

"But, it really depends on the NPA if they really want to talk with us," she said.

Duterte-Carpio said the Local Peace Committee (DC PEACE) is given up to November 30 next year. If there is no progress with the dialogue, she will terminate as there is no point talking with the rebels if they do not want peace in the city.

She said the rebels do not need to surrender their firearms just because she only wants them to work with the government.

The NDFP posted on their website last November 2 that Duterte-Carpio's local peace talks will surely fail in its aim of dividing the revolutionary forces waging a nationwide people's war.

It stated that the Duterte regime is wasting time and the people's money in setting-up these useless local peace committees which will go nowhere and achieve nothing.

"These are mere rehashes of worn-out psywar surrender programs such as the 'balik-baril program' and the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) riding on the popular clamor for peace talks," the statement said.

The statement said the entire NPA is united under the central leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The Party and all units of the NPA support the Negotiating Panel of the NDFP in its representation of all revolutionary forces in negotiations with the GRP with the aim of forging agreements to settle the outstanding socio-economic and political questions that compel the people to wage armed struggle. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)



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IMUS CITY, Cavite -- World-class fitness gurus on Pilates, Zumba, yoga, and healthy diet will lead Cavite's First Wellness Festival on Nov. 26 at the Imus City Sports Complex.

 

Among the wellness professionals to coach the participants will be certified Pilates instructor and personal trainer and movement specialist Ryan Kenneth Escobido, international raw food advocate "Daniw;"  "The Inner Mommy," yoga guru "Raquel" of Ajarya School of Yoga in Rishikesh, India; and Zumba instructor Zin Lhenzie Azucena.

 

Hosted by Del Pilar Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (DPAAAI), the event is expected to draw hundreds of Cavite's wellness enthusiasts and fitness buffs. 

 

Levy Cayabyab Capule, over-all events  manager,  is optimistic that "the all-day event will surely ignite the communities' passion for wellness."

 

Capule assures the participants they will get their money's worth.

 

For a ticket price of PhP100 per person, one gets to enjoy a day filled with yoga, Zumba, music, arts, health and wellness education, entertainment "that will inspire all to become a better version of themselves."

 

"The event will also inspire them to achieve better life regardless of age, gender, and status in an all-out celebration of mindful living," he added, citing various activities for "Check, Sweat, and Workshop" categories.

 

Event organizers said Escobido would share his expertise after spending more than four years as a fitness and wellness trainer in Maldives, and years of wellness coaching sessions in posh local resorts, such as Amanapulo in Palawan, and Shangri-la in Boracay.

 

According to Escobido, the event is not only about the popular Zumba, Yoga, and other exercises but also about wellness tips like "decreasing exposure to cancer-causing products, eliminating the use of harmful chemicals at home, and understanding the simple adjustment to food intake that can dramatically increase well being."

 

Escobido, who has worked with high profile individuals including some Hollywood celebrities, said he would like to share his advocacy on clean and healthy living and his theory on wellness ratio, which is 80 percent nutrition and 20 percent exercise.

 

Another featured resource wellness speaker will be Daniw, who is behind the first raw and retreat centers of its kind in Asia and co-founder of "Bahay Kalipay" (House of Joy), where she introduced raw food nutrition and cuisine to scores who have later influenced the raw food support community in the country.

 

Wellness organizers said Daniw's string of achievements included the organized and managed retreats and workshops in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the Raw Food Pinoy advocacy.

 

Raw Food Pinoy is an advocacy initiative that offers support system, making raw food accessible to regular households for personal and "planetary" health and well-being.

 

Daniw also leads transformative modalities, which include Inner dance, Inner food, Inner yoga, Inner birthing, and Inner parenting.

 

Yoga 'guru' Raquel, a product of  Ajarya School of Yoga in Rishikesh, India, will also talk about steady mind and body connection.

 

Raquel's approach in her coaching session is injecting a sense of fun and freedom in her classes.

 

Licensed Zumba instructor Zin Lhenzie Azucena also gears up to pump the participants' energy during the wellness festival.

 

The day-long wellness festival, co-organized by the Rotary Club of Cavite, hopes to keep the province in pace with the ongoing global trend of health and fitness, said Festival chair and DPAAAI Class '93 president Cesar Ramos.

 

Supported by the Cavite Tourism and the Department of Trade and Industry - Cavite, local products and local business enterprises will also be on exhibit during the event. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Seventy-nine of the 747 drug surrenderers have graduated from a community-based rehabilitation program initiated by the respective rural health units of the five municipalities of Guimaras Province.

Data provided by the Guimaras public information office revealed that as of Monday, 305 drug surrenderers were assessed using the Matrix Intensive Out-Patient (MIOP) Rehabilitation.

The town of Jordan has 108 assessed out of 153 surrenderers; 174 from 209 of San Lorenzo; and 23 out of the 25 surrenderers from Sibunag. The assessment is still ongoing for 175 surrenderers from Buenavista and 185 from Nueva Valencia.

The 79 graduates were from the towns of San Lorenzo with 56 and Sibunag with 23.

The new screening and assessment using the MIOP was conducted after the Department of Health (DOH) rolled out a training series last year for personnel of the municipal anti-drug abuse council that will spearhead the rehabilitation under the helm of the rural health officer.

Information officer Jaypee Kein Entredicho said the 747 drug surrenderers yielded from August 2016 to August this year.

A total of 659 drug surrenderers were screened using a different tool but the result was disregarded after the DOH rolled out the training.

In an interview last week, Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin also revealed that they have to go back to square one for their barangays to be declared as drug-free using the criteria of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Before the new criteria, 77 barangays of the province and its five towns were cleared of drugs in 2016.

"We again work on our documents to see the clear picture based on the new criteria of the PDEA," he said.

He said that the province will not be declared as drug-free unless all the 747 surrenders complete their rehabilitation.

"If the community drug rehabilitation will last for six months, then we will be cleared by June or July next year," he added.

The provincial government has allotted PHP1.8 million for the conduct of the rehab.

The governor also underscored that compared with other big cities and provinces, the drug situation in Guimaras is "not alarming." (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- Police units in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, have launched separate intensified campaigns against loose firearms across the province.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCCPO) through the "Oplan Katok" yielded several unlicensed firearms and ammunition over the weekend, including those surrendered to the Calatrava Municipal Police Station in the northern part of the province.

Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil Jr., director of NOCPPO, said in a press statement they will coordinate closely with the local government units in carrying out Oplan Katok.

This involves a "door-to-door" visit to gun owners who have not renewed their firearms license and registration.

He urged Negrenses to support the campaign by surrendering, monitoring, and reporting incidents involving illegal use of firearms and ammunition.

Castil added that chiefs of police of the cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental will assist gun owners who want to surrender, deposit, or turn over their firearms to the Philippine National Police while their licenses are still being processed.

For its part, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) also launched the "Oplan Kontra Boga", a campaign that started last week against unlicensed firearms usually used in crimes especially robberies.

Based on the latest data released by the BCPO Firearms Explosives Security Agency and Guard Supervision Section, there are 11,734 individuals in Bacolod who possess unlicensed firearms.

In Negros Occidental, there are 3,725 juridical firearms without licenses.

The gun owners failed to process the renewal of their firearms licenses required every three years. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY-- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling on local government units in Eastern Visayas to work harder to earn "Seal of Good Local Governance" (SGLG) after only three cities and 23 towns made it to the list of awardees.

However, DILG assistant regional director Artemio Caneja said on Monday that more local government units received the award compared to only 12 qualified local government awardees last year.

"More SGLG awardees means local governments practice good and improved local governance," Caneja said.

Under the city government category, only Tacloban, Baybay, and Maasin made it to the list out of seven cities in the region.

Among the region's 143 towns, only 23 qualified for the award.

These are the towns of Guiuan, Oras, Salcedo and Sulat in Eastern Samar; Alangalang, Barugo, Leyte, San Isidro, and Tabango in Leyte; Lapinig and Lavezares in Northern Samar; Basey, Calbiga, Daram, Gandara, Motiong, and Villareal in Samar; Liloan, Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Saint Bernard, San Ricardo, and Sogod in Southern Leyte.

Caneja attributed the minimal number of awardees from its conception in 2014 up to the present to the delayed, outdated and unaccomplished documents of most towns and cities.

The absence of updated Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) has been identified as a major setback that many local governments failed to obtain the SGLG.

As a reward, each SGLG awardee is given the Performance Challenge Fund intended for infrastructure projects that will cater to the needs and improve the lives of poor families.

"The program is not about the funds or incentives the local government would get, but to promote the basic mandate of the department as a catalyst for excellence in local governance," Caneja added.

Aside from practicing accountability and transparency under SGLG, the department also aims to prepare local governments for the challenges posed by disasters and sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized sectors of the society.

The seal also drives LGUs to encourage investment and employment, protect the constituents from threats to life and security, and safeguard the integrity of the environment.

For an LGU to become an SGLG recipient, it has to pass all the three core assessment areas – good financial housekeeping, social protection and disaster preparedness, and at least one from the essential assessment areas – business-friendliness and competitiveness, peace and order or environmental management. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The province of Negros Occidental and nine of its cities and towns are among this year's awardees of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

The local government unit (LGU) recipients include the cities of San Carlos, Sagay, Silay and Bago, and the municipalities of Salvador Benedicto, Valladolid, Pontevedra, Candoni, and Hinobaan.

The DILG will hold the awarding rites on November 27 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Ma. Joy Madayag, provincial director of DILG-Negros Occidental, said the SGLG symbolizes the recipient's integrity and good performance through continuing governance reform and sustained local development.

To become an SGLG recipient, an LGU needs to pass all the three core assessment areas, including good financial housekeeping, social protection and disaster preparedness, and at least one from the essential assessment areas in business-friendliness and competitiveness, peace and order or environmental management.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer Maria Lina Sanogal said Negros Occidental has been a recipient of SGLG since it started in 2012.

Sanogal said the province has excellent performance in its programs and projects that are innovative and its finances are managed well.

"We have good financial housekeeping. There's also transparency, accountability, and popular participation, meaning we have strong civil society participation," she added. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Government troops have captured two alleged Abu Sayyaf bandits as fresh fighting erupted in the hinterlands of Sulu, military officials said Friday.

Captured were Nadsfar Abdulla and Delson Kansiong, both followers of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader Idang Susukan.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said they were captured following an hour-long firefight that broke out at around 1:50 a.m. Friday in Barangay Lagasan Higad, Parang town.

Sobejana said the troops from the Army's 2nd Special Forces Battalion led by Lt. Col. Jessie Montoya were on combat patrol when they chanced upon a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits, thus, the firefight.

Sobejana said the troops recovered from the possessions of the two captured bandits an R4 rifle and an M-14 rifle.

He said they were placed under debriefing at the headquarters of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion while coordination is being made with the police for proper legal procedures.

He said there was no reported casualty on the government forces while it is undetermined on the side of the enemies.

"The operating troops continue to scour the area to pin down the beleaguered bandits and prevent them from extricating the area," Sobejana said.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the capture of Abdulla and Kansiong has brought to 85 Abu Sayyaf bandits arrested by Westmincom troops since January, this year.

Galvez said that of the figure, 12 were captured in Basilan, 50 in Sulu, seven in Tawi-Tawi, and 16 in Zamboanga City.

"We remain decisive in our campaign to crush the Abu Sayyaf Group and end its nefarious activities to bring internal security in Western Mindanao," Galvez said as he congratulated the soldiers of the Joint Task Force Sulu for the success.

"I know this accomplishment will motivate them to work harder to defeat the terror group," he added. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY – Thirty-three young student leaders in Negros Island are campaigning for a greener, cleaner and sustainable environment as they promote renewable energy for a sustainable future.

These youth leaders from different schools in the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental compose the latest batch of the BINHI Youth Camp of geothermal power leader Energy Development Corporation (EDC) which started Wednesday and ends Friday evening in Valencia, Negros Oriental.

In an interview, Tiara Jaya Y. Jabutay, 19-year-old 3rd year Mass Communications student of Silliman University here, said that she is thankful to be part of the BINHI Youth Camp because she learned more about renewable energy, particularly geothermal energy, and how this will assure their generation and the coming generations of sustainable power.

Rennielle P. Abayon, 19, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration graduating student of Bacolod City College in Negros Occidental, assured that once they all return to their respective schools and communities, they will do their part in promoting clean, sustainable and renewable energy. 

The three-day boot camp allows the participants not only to have an exposure on geothermal energy, but to also actually take part in activities that would hone their skills as well as provide a venue for them to contribute to EDC's premiere greening program, BINHI.

This year's delegates are from Negros Oriental State University, Saint Paul University Dumaguete; Foundation University; STI-Dumaguete; Asian College of Science and Technology; Metro Dumaguete College; and Silliman University in Negros Oriental and from University of Negros Occidental Recoletos; University of St. La Salle; Bago City College; Bacolod City College; La Consolacion College - Bacolod; Visayan Maritime Academy Global College; Colegio San Agustin - Bacolod; John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod; STI-West Negros University, and Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas in Negros Occidental.

The youth camp included a talk on the role of the youth in social media, which taught them that they have a voice  to spread correct information on various topics they care about, said France Ariola of EDC's Corporate Communications.

Dr. Ted Esguerra of the Mt. Everest Team who heads EDC's disaster and crisis team, shared with the campers tips on disaster mitigation and climate change, among others.

The youth leaders, on Day 2 of the camp, took part in planting native seedlings such as red lauan, baguilumboy, almon and malabayabas, which is among EDC's 96 "flagship native tree species under its BINHI Tree for the Future", said Ariola.

The student leaders toured EDC's 50-MW Nasulo geothermal power plant in Valencia and had a first-hand exposure on how clean, renewable and uninterrupted power can be provided by geothermal energy, which is available 24/7.

As a culminating activity, the BINHI Youth Camp staged its version of the Amazing BINHI Race, where various activities tested the students' mental and physical prowess and also taught them team-building or "bayanihan" skills.

EDC employee-volunteers, and its BINHI Youth Champions from the ‎2014-2016 batches who continue to support the company in all its BINHI and its community partnership projects, were on hand to manage the camp.

"We're even more excited to come back as facilitators this year because it is our turn to guide new campers and tell them why we advocate for geo 24/7 and BINHI," Fearn Anne Acibo, a BINHI Youth Champion from last year's batch, was quoted as saying. (PNA)



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CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga -- A full lockdown in some major roads within this Freeport will be implemented effective on Saturday in time for the arrival of some of heads of state attending the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits.

Based on the traffic advisory issued by the Safety Traffic Division of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), the full lockdown will be implemented 20 minutes before the jump off of heads of state from Clark International Airport to Clark South (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) to Manila from November 11 until the termination of the event.

After the passing of the convoy, the temporary lockdown will be opened to traffic.

To be affected by the full lockdown here are the C.M. Recto Highway/Clark International Airport Gate traffic light; C.M. Recto Highway/Quezon Avenue traffic light; C.M. Recto Highway/Calvo Street traffic light; C.M. Recto Highway/Bonifacio Avenue traffic light; C.M. Recto Highway/Manila Gateway trafic light; NAIA Gateway up to Clark South (SCTEX) and Clark South (SCTEX) up to North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

On the other hand, the affected areas of the rerouting scheme from Clark International Airport to South Clark (SCTEX) to NLEX Balintwak to PICC Complex in Pasay City and vice versa are the L&T International Group; Airforce City; Clark International Airport; OMNI Aviation; IE-5 areas and the BOC, HLD and CCA.

On days with full lockdown schedule, only pedestrians and vehicles with ASEAN IDs and decals would be allowed to pass while the general public would be denied access to these routes. 

Meanwhile, maximum deployment is being observed in all places of engagement here as Task Group Central Luzon wants to ensure a zero ASEAN incident.

Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus, regional director of the Police Regional Office 3, encouraged the public to provide relevant and timely information on any unscrupulous activities which may disrupt the peaceful convening of the ASEAN 2017 through the nationwide emergency hotline 911 and social media.

"Let us work together towards the success of this international event," Corpus said. (PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – An armed group believed to be members of the New People's Army (NPA) waylaid a police vehicle resulting to the death of a police officer and four-month-old baby in a town in Bukidnon late Thursday afternoon, authorities said Friday.

A report from the Philippine National Police-10 (PNP-10) identified those killed as a SPO3 Arnel Carillo, of the Bumbaran municipal police, and a still unidentified infant. Wounded were three police officers and two civilians.

The wounded policemen were identified as Insp. Joven Acuesta, chief of the Bumbaran municipal police in Lanao del Sur, and two other police officers, identified as SPO1 Pacifico Cabudoy and PO1 Nathaniel Ibal.

The wounded civilians were Ali Citi, 53, who was hit on her left breast, and Ali Aminsalam, 37, who sustained a gunshot wound on her right arm. They were onboard a a Toyota Fortuner which was not part of the police convoy, authorities said.

The infant, who was hit on the forehead, was with Citi and Aminsalam in the vehicle when the incident happened at around 5:30 p.m. in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag town, Bukidnon. Police said the vehicle carried seven passengers, who were also wounded.

A report from the Bukidnon provincial police said the SUV was on its way to Wao town in Lanao del Sur from this city.

The PNP-10 tagged the NPA as the ones responsible for the attack but the communist rebels have yet to issue a statement as of this writing.

In an interview, one of the victims, who requested anonymity due to security reasons, said they were caught by surprise.

"We were shocked. We did not expect there were bandits firing at us," the victim said.

The victim said the shooting started when the Bumbaran police car overtook them.

"They (attackers) thought we were with the police," she said.

Senior Supt. Benedicto Pintor, Bukidnon provincial police director, believes the perpetrators to be NPA members operating in the area. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – An armed group believed to be members of the New People's Army (NPA) waylaid a police vehicle resulting to the death of a police officer and four-month-old baby in a town in Bukidnon late Thursday afternoon, authorities said Friday.

A report from the Philippine National Police-10 (PNP-10) identified those killed as a SPO3 Arnel Carillo, of the Bumbaran municipal police, and a still unidentified infant. Wounded were three police officers and two civilians.

The wounded policemen were identified as Insp. Joven Acuesta, chief of the Bumbaran municipal police in Lanao del Sur, and two other police officers, identified as SPO1 Pacifico Cabudoy and PO1 Nathaniel Ibal.

The wounded civilians were Ali Citi, 53, who was hit on her left breast, and Ali Aminsalam, 37, who sustained a gunshot wound on her right arm. They were onboard a a Toyota Fortuner which was not part of the police convoy, authorities said.

The infant, who was hit on the forehead, was with Citi and Aminsalam in the vehicle when the incident happened at around 5:30 p.m. in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag town, Bukidnon. Police said the vehicle carried seven passengers, who were also wounded.

A report from the Bukidnon provincial police said the SUV was on its way to Wao town in Lanao del Sur from this city.

The PNP-10 tagged the NPA as the ones responsible for the attack but the communist rebels have yet to issue a statement as of this writing.

In an interview, one of the victims, who requested anonymity due to security reasons, said they were caught by surprise.

"We were shocked. We did not expect there were bandits firing at us," the victim said.

The victim said the shooting started when the Bumbaran police car overtook them.

"They (attackers) thought we were with the police," she said.

Senior Supt. Benedicto Pintor, Bukidnon provincial police director, believes the perpetrators to be NPA members operating in the area. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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DAVAO CITY – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has started inspecting establishments selling Christmas lights and other electrical decors for the holidays to ensure consumers are buying products which passed quality standards.

BFP inspectors are seeing to it that a product bears the ICC stickers from the Bureau of Product Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The ICC mark includes the ICC letters in a gear but has a unique serial number for each product. It also includes the month and year the DTI-BPS issued the ICC certificate to an importer's product shipment.

The DTI-BPS issues ICC to importers of products covered by mandatory PNS in accordance with the Standards Law. All import shipments under mandatory PNS are subject to BPS evaluation, sampling and testing.

Importers of products are allowed to use the ICC mark only after undergoing and passing the BPS Certification Scheme and satisfactorily meeting the requirements of relevant Philippine National Standards (PNS) and acceptable international or foreign standards. Import shipments covered by mandatory PNS include building and construction materials, electrical and electronic home appliances, chemical products, and, consumer products.

In the coming weeks, BFP will tandem with the DTI in the inspection. Aside from inspection, the BFP also continues to conduct caravans to educate the public fire prevention at home.

This year, from January to November, BFP XI recorded 276 fire incidents in the city. This is lower compared to the same period in 2016 with 506.

Although the number of fire incidents is lower this year, Fire Supt. Honee Fritz Alagano, the Davao Fire Marshall of the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) XI, said the amount of damage is much higher at P33.6 million because the incidents included the fire which hit a coconut oil factory.

She said the cause of fire during the period was mostly electrical and cooking equipment which were unattended especially in residential houses.

"Although the firefighters responded immediately the fire really escalates faster especially in houses made of light materials," she added.

Based on their records, from January to November this year, BFP recorded 240 accidental fires, nine intentional, 25 fire cases under investigation and two of undetermined cause.

For the causes of fire, 114 were caused by electrical connection; 19 by electrical appliances; four spontaneous combustion; 11 open flame due to unattended cooking stove; 17 open flame due to unattended torch, and lighted candles/ Gasera; three LPG explosion; 27 lighted cigarette; nine incendiary device; two mosquito coil; and, 45 others (bonfire, electrical post, rubbish, open flame). (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The 7,286 strong uniformed and non-uniformed men and women of the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) have accepted the challenge of the Mission: Slim Possible Program of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

They accepted the challenge when the program was launched on Thursday at Camp Col. Romeo Abendan, that houses the PRO-9 headquarters in Barangay Mercedes in this city.

During the launch ceremony, the PRO-9 personnel performed a series of exercises and dances including "Zumba dance" orchestrated by known fitness instructors, who flew all the way from Manila.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, PRO-9 information officer, said the region's uniformed and non-uniformed personnel vowed to lose 19,460 pounds or roughly 8,845 kilos of weight loss.

The Mission: Slim Possible Program will run for about six months.

It is aimed to develop and maintain the physical fitness of every personnel in the region in order to perform their task efficiently and effectively.

The PNP Mission: Slim Possible was launched on June 13, 2017 at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The PNP has set 500,000 pounds or 227,000 kilos of weight loss target for the entire organization in the country. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – Presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio expressed happiness at the latest report on Pulse Asia which shows her father, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, recording the highest net trust rating among Philippine presidents.

"I am happy that majority of the Filipinos are behind the President," she told reporters as she rallied Filipinos to take advantage of the President who is willing to risk his life for the people and country.

The mayor supported the President's approach of balancing peace and order with the Build, Build, Build program. "It is only a matter of pushing the departments to move fast in the delivery of services so that people will see and feel their effect," she stressed.

The President's peace and order program includes the war against illegal drugs and terrorism while his Build Build Build agenda is aimed at accelerating infrastructure and the development of industries and bringing down poverty from 21.6% in 2015 to 13%-15% by 2022.

It is also envisioned to yield robust growth, create jobs and uplift the lives of Filipinos. Infrastructure is among the top priorities of the Duterte Administration, with public spending on infrastructure projects targeted to reach 9 trillion pesos from ‎2017 to 2022.

On Wednesday, Pulse Asia released a Comparative Performance and Trust Ratings of Presidents gathered from the May 1999 to September 2017 Pulse Asia surveys.

These were surveys conducted for former Presidents Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III on their first year in office.

The Pulse Asia report showed that Duterte obtained a net trust rating of +74 in its September 2017 survey, its first since Duterte turned one year in office.

According to the report, 80 percent of Filipinos expressed trust in Duterte, while six percent expressed distrust and 14 percent were undecided, yielding a net trust score of +74.

The report showed Duterte is more trusted than Aquino, who obtained a net trust score of + 70 in August 2011. Arroyo recorded a higher net trust score of +23 in April 2002 while Estrada obtained a +11 net trust rating in a December 1999 Pulse Asia survey. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY -- Thirty out of 31 barangays of Dagupan are now drug-cleared with the island barangay of Pugaro finally added to the list on Friday.

Mayor Belen Fernandez and Supt. Franklin Ortiz, chair and vice chair of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), met with their members on Friday and proceeded in clearing Barangay Pugaro.

Ortiz said Barangay Pugaro was eventually cleared following recommendation from their barangay council that the remaining drug personality in the area, Eric Garcia, could no longer be located as he had transferred to another place.

Because of this, only one barangay in Dagupan remains drug-affected. This is Barangay II & III, which is still subject of police operations.

However, Ortiz expressed confidence that Barangay II & III could be cleared of illegal drugs in a few days.

He said he has no doubt that Dagupan can meet the timeline given by the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office for the whole of Pangasinan to be cleared of illegal drugs on or before the end of December this year.

Ortiz said of the 1,350 confessed drug personalities in Dagupan who surrendered to the police, 60 are now undergoing drug rehabilitation at the Dagupan Treatment and Rehabilitation Center with the cost of their treatment bankrolled by the city government.

The rest are undergoing the barangay-based rehabilitation under the Masa Masid program.  (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office in Bicol has deployed a battalion of policemen that would augment security and assistance to the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Metro Manila on Nov. 13 to 15, a ranking police official said Friday.

Sr. Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5), in an interview Friday said  deployed were 800 police officers undergoing Basic Internal Security Operation Course (BISOC) detailed in the regional headquarters.

She said the deployed policemen would assist in ensuring a peaceful and orderly summit.

Calubaquib said each member of the team has specialized capabilities and is physically and mentally able to perform the task of safeguarding the participants in the summit.

She noted that PRO5 always sends an augmentation force to the PNP based on the directive of its leadership like during the visit of the Pope and regional religious activities like the Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City and DaragangMagayon Festival in Albay.

For his part, Chief Superintendent Antonio Gardiola, PRO5 director, assured the support of PRO5 to the national headquarters' requirements for the 31st ASEAN security coverage. (PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY -- Troops from the 50th Infantry Battalion (50IB) of the Philippine Army scored another victory against the New People's Army (NPA) following a two-hour encounter in Balbalan, Kalinga province, the 5th Infantry Division public affairs office chief reported on Friday, November 10.

Captain Jefferson Somera said the government soldiers seized five high-powered firearms from the rebels after the gun battle that happened around 3 p.m. on Wednesday in Barangay Mabaca in Balbalan town.

He reported that no casualty was recorded on the side of the government troops composed of personnel of the 50IB. He, however, said they believed the NPAs suffered about five casualties based on the blood stains on the ground and the recovered firearms.

Following the encounter and after the rebels scampered from the scene, the government troops were able to recover three M16 rifles, one M653 rifle and one M14 rifle which were left at the site. 

The government troops have launched a pursuit operation to track down the rebels.

Somera relayed the report of 50IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Martin Daiz Jr. that he dispatched his troops to verify the information provided by civilians about the presence of armed groups doing extortion activities, threatening and causing panic among the residents.

The 50IB of the Philippine Army has jurisdiction over the whole of Kalinga province.

Somera added that 5ID commander Major General Paul Talay Atal has relayed his commendation to the operating troops of the 50IB for the successful security operations in the area.

He said, "I commend the whole 50IB for their recent accomplishment. This effort once again proved your superiority against the enemy."

Somera noted that Atal also said "while the NPA are intensifying their terroristic acts against the peace-loving people of Kalinga and the Cordillera, we will always be ready to protect them, and we will not fail them."

Likewise, he said that the government is continuing its Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), encouraging members of the left-leaning organization to return to the fold of the law and live peaceful lives.

The CLIP is the government's assistance program for former NPAs, allowing them to live peacefully with their families.

Somera said that the government remains sincere in settling differences the peaceful way. "There is no substitute for peace," he stressed. (PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY -- The city of Dagupan was adjudged anew by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)  in Region 1 as the  Most Competitive City in the whole region.

This was known during the 3rd Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index (CMCI)  awards ceremony held at CSI Stadia  Friday morning, coinciding with the opening of the 10-day "RimattiAmianan" (Radiance of the North) at the adjacent CSI the City Mall. 

DTI also recognized Dagupan as the No. 1 among the nine component cities in the region in the infrastructure category, government efficiency, and economic dynamism.

DTI Region 1 Director Florante O. Leal  presented the awards for Dagupan along with Nelson Yuchongtian, president of the Pangasinan Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Leal disclosed  that the CMCI is a program being undertaken by the agency to recognize top performing Local Government Units  (LGUs) on their initiatives to improve their services in doing business in their areas.

He  said that the competitive index is very important to businessmen who depend on how ready an LGU is to accommodate and welcome new businesses in their localities.

He said he is glad to note that this year, there were at least 125 LGUs that participated in the program.

Leal added that while DTI administers the program, a private group, however, does the evaluation of all the participating LGUs.

He applauded Mayor Belen Fernandez for hauling most of the awards this year, saying he is  not surprised "because the necessary ingredients are already in place in her city with the kind of support provided by the LGU leadership.

Dagupan is now ranked 16th nationwide in infrastructure category; 9th nationwide in government efficiency; 16th nationwide in economic dynamism; and 13th nationwide as most competitive city.  (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Government forces have rescued three Vietnamese sailors and retrieved the remains of another who were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf bandits more than eight months ago in the Sulu Sea, military officials said Saturday.

Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commander, said the Vietnamese sailors were rescued in a special operation at around 7:45 a.m. Friday near Kang Tipayan Island, Langunyan, Tawi-Tawi.

Medina identified those rescued as Buy Xuan Vien, Bui Trung Duc, and Nguten Quang Huy.

Medina said the troops also recovered the remains of Nguyin Huu Trong, who died in captivity.

He said they were transported to Zamboanga City for proper disposition and medical treatment.

"Through the operations conducted by our Marines and Navy, we successfully recovered the Vietnamese hostages off Tawi-Tawi. We will intensify our offensives to pressure the bandits to yield," said Brig. Gen. Custodio Parcon Jr., Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander.

The rescued hostages were among the 17 crewmen of M/V Giang Hai 5 the Abu Sayyaf bandits had hijacked on February 19, this year, near Pearl Bank, Pangutaran, Sulu.

Government troops rescued 10 of the 17 crewmen while the bandits killed two of them when they tried to escape and took the remaining five to the mainland Sulu.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, has commended the troops of the NFWM and Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi for the successful rescue of the hostages.

Galvez said rescue operations aimed to rescue all the hostages have continued, citing there are still 15 hostages in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Seven of the 15 are foreigners and nine are Filipinos. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- Local officials and residents of Maguindanao and North Cotabato hailed the order of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to immediately dredge Mindanao's vast marshland, now heavily silted and causing misery to residents due to recurring floods.

The 220,000-hectare Liguasan Marsh usually overflows and inundated low-lying communities surrounding it in Maguindanao and North Cotabato every time weather disturbances occur in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Bukidnon.

Rivers from these provinces flow toward the marshland before exiting to the Moro Gulf via the Rio Grande de Mindanao and Tamontaka Rivers.

"This is a very welcome development," Mayor Freddie Mangudadatu, chair of Maguindanao town mayors' league. His elder brother, Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, also lauded the move of Malacañang, saying peoples' misery will soon be a thing of the past.

Farmer Eusebio Malan of Barangay Lower Inas in M'lang, North Cotabato, said the government's plan to dredge the marshland would surely improve his productivity.

"Every time the marsh overflows, my cropping went failure and lost my investment," Malan, a rice farmer who owns three hectares of ricefield beside the marshland, said.

Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, who hails from M'lang, said President Duterte has ordered the dredging of the Liguasan Marsh and the three major flood-spewing rivers of Agusan, Pampanga and Cagayan provinces.

Piñol said he recommended to President Duterte to start the dredging because frequent flooding in these areas affect and destroy crops every year.

"President Duterte approved my recommendation and it shows his love for the poor," he said, adding that floods affect mostly poor farmers around the marshland.

Abdulah Abudatu, another farmer in Datu Piang, said he hopes the dredging plan would commence soon as weather disturbances outside Maguindanao continue to affect farmers in Datu Piang.

"We catch flood waters from other provinces, we always end up the losers," he said in the vernacular. (PNA)



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CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Provincial officials, together with stakeholders from various sectors here, have pledged their commitment to make Bulacan malaria-free by 2019.

Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Vice Governor Daniel Fernando led the signing of a manifesto in support of the programs of the Department of Health (DOH) and anti-malaria advocacy groups during the observance of the "Malaria Awareness Month 2017" that was anchored on the theme, "End Malaria for Good – Lead the Way to Malaria-Free Bulacan 2019" at The Pavillion of the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here Friday.

Alvarado said the provincial government will also allocate funds for the eradication of the mosquito-borne disease.

The governor called malaria an unseen enemy and a "plague of mankind".

"Even during the Filipino-American war when the Philippines was on the twilight of its independence, malaria even helped the cause of the Filipino revolutionaries against the conquering American troops, most of whom were wiped out by the mosquito-borne killer disease," Alvarado said.

However, modern medicine has already identified the "unseen enemy" and found the cure, he said.
"Now we know the enemy – mosquitoes – and we should not let them defeat us. We should not allow the mosquitoes to ruin the strong, peaceful and progressive community.

We have to end malaria for good, we have to end it now," Alvarado said.

For his part, Fernando said the Sangguniang Panglalawigan will pass a resolution totally supporting all interventions and programs to end malaria in Bulacan.

Bulacan would be the 41st province in the Philippines and the second in Central Luzon to be declared as malaria-free if the goal to eradicate the disease would be realized, according to Dr. Antonio Bautista, the event's guest of honor and speaker.

Bautista is the deputy program manager for field operation of the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., a leading advocacy group in wiping the malaria menace in the country.

He said with the full support of the national government, local government units, the health sectors, civic groups and the community, the Philippines will be malaria-free by 2030.

Bulacan provincial health officer Joy Gomez said that this is the fifth year with no recorded incident of malaria in the province.

She expressed belief that the goal can be reached because of well-trained health workers and the full support of all sectors and stakeholders. (PNA)



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CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has recalled all police personnel on security detail with four mayors in Central Luzon allegedly linked to illegal drugs.

Chief Supt. Amador Corpus said the move was in accordance with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) resolution to strip the four local officials of their supervision powers over the police units and the withdrawal of their deputation as Napolcom representatives following their alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

The Napolcom resolution states that the local officials were allegedly "engaging in acts inimical to national security which negate the effectiveness of the peace and order campaign of the government" and are suspected of "providing material support to criminal elements".

The four mayors in the region stripped of police powers were Edgardo Pamintuan of Angeles City; Jay Khonghun of Subic; Andres Lacson of Concepcion, Tarlac; and Erlon Agustin of Camiling, Tarlac.

Corpus said the withdrawal of the police security detail was done to ensure an impartial and in-depth investigation on the matter.

He said the police security of Pamintuan reported back to their mother unit while Khonghun's police security detail was re-assigned to the Regional Holding Unit of PRO3.

The two Tarlac mayors' police security details, on the other hand, were re-assigned to other stations, he said.

Meanwhile, the four mayors vehemently denied their alleged involvement in illegal activities, saying that the Napolcom report "is baseless and devoid of any factual evidence".

"The Napolcom and PNP should be careful in releasing names of alleged narco-politicians so as not to unnecessarily impugn the character of innocent individuals. The war on drugs cannot be won through press releases but through painstaking government work, information gathering and validation, and related activities," Pamintuan said in a statement.

Pamintuan, who is also national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, said he and all the 145 city mayors in the country remain very much supportive of President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs.

Khonghun, in denying the allegation, showed in his Facebook account a plaque of recognition awarded by Philippine National Police Chief, Director General Ronald dela Rosa, that Subic is the best implementor of "Oplan Double Barrel" in the region on their campaign against illegal drugs in August 2016.

Lacson, for his part, said this the first time he got involved in such a fiasco.

"Nagsimula akong youth leader sa SK (Sangguniang Kabataan), councilor, vice mayor for three terms, at second term ko na sa pagka-mayor ngayon, never akong na-involve sa ganyan," he said. (PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY -- Mayor Belen Fernandez has welcomed the grand plan of President Rodrigo Duterte and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to build a mega economic zone in Pangasinan, the nucleus of which will be in Dagupan City.

In an interview with reporters on Saturday, Fernandez quoted PEZA Director General Charito Plaza, who was in Dagupan on November 8, as saying that the planned mega economic zone of about 1,000 hectares will be located in Dagupan City and its 10 surrounding municipalities.

"I think President Duterte is giving much importance to countryside development. That is why he would like to bring a mega economic zone to Pangasinan," Fernandez said.

Plaza presided over the First Luzon Economic Zone Summit for Pangasinan and La Union at the CSI Stadia here hosted by the Dagupan City government.

The PEZA director general said the mega economic zone for Pangasinan is programmed to be built within 30 years, to be set up by a consortium of investors to come from China, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States.

Projected to initially cost USD390 million, the mega economic zone will also require the establishment of an international airport, an international seaport and railways.

Plaza said former House of Representatives Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., now a special envoy of President Duterte, had a hand in consolidating foreign investors to come to the Philippines and build the mega economic zone in Pangasinan.

She said De Venecia has invited his friend, the Chief Executive Officer of Xian Long Company in China, which owns big hotels and three shopping malls and is also into the petrochemical industry that currently supplies 20 percent of China's requirements, to come and head the consortium.

Fernandez lauded Plaza's statement that Dagupan was chosen to be the nucleus of the planned mega economic zone because of its central location and its being the center of education, trade and commerce in Northern Luzon and Pangasinan.

Apart from this, Plaza hailed the persistence of the Dagupan mayor to have her city become part of the mega economic zone for Pangasinan in a bid to provide more employment to her constituents and boost the city's economy.

Of the municipalities identified as location of the mega economic zone, Dagupan appears to be the most ready, having just updated its Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) enacted way back in 1978.

On top of this, Dagupan was the first local government unit to offer a space at CSI Stadia to become PEZA's temporary Regional Business Center through the generosity of the local-based Urban Satellite Vision Inc.

Plaza said the American Sitel Philippines has expressed its intention to branch out to Dagupan next year because in the envisioned mega economic zone, Dagupan City will be the location of the Information Technology Park.

USATV was already endorsed by the city council of Dagupan to be accredited by PEZA, in connection with its plan to build the first IT Park on its own property in Barangay Lucao, Dagupan City.

Fernandez said the development will certainly stimulate the growth of Dagupan, given the fact that the city was recognized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as the most competitive city in the region based on its Cities/ Municipalities Competitive Index for 2017.

The mega economic zone in Pangasinan will also specialize in manufacturing, medical tourism, aqua marine and other agricultural and industrial projects, she said. (PNA)



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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The province of Pangasinan and its 32 local government units are slated to receive the 2017 Seal of Good Local Government (SGLG) awards from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

A list released by the DILG showed that leading the awardees in Pangasinan is the provincial government, which will receive the SGLG honor for the third consecutive year.

Other awardees are the independent component city of Dagupan and the cities of Alaminos, San Carlos, and Urdaneta.

Dagupan City is also receiving the award for the third time.

Twenty-eight of the 44 Pangasinan municipalities will receive the SGLG awards -- Asingan, Aguilar, Alcala, Balungao, Bautista, Bayambang, Binalonan, Bolinao, Bugallon, Burgos, Calasiao, Dasol, Infanta, Laoac, Lingayen, Malasiqui, Manaoag, Mangaldan, Mangatarem, Rosales, San Fabian, San Manuel, San Nicolas, Sta.Barbara, Tayug, Umingan, Urbiztondo, and Villasis.

Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino III and mayors of the LGU awardees will receive the SGLG awards in a ceremony at the Manila Hotel on November 25.

All the SGLG awardees passed the criteria set by the DILG, among them financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, peace and order, business friendliness and competitiveness, environmental management and tourism, culture and the arts. (PNA) 



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CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga -- Senior officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Saturday discussed preparations for the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits to be held in Manila on November 13-14.

Undersecretary Enrique Manalo of the Department of Foreign Affairs, in his capacity as ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) Leader of the Philippines, met with his ASEAN counterparts here to finalize the agenda and order of proceedings of the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, as well as the outcome documents.

Manalo, in his remarks during the welcome dinner for ASEAN senior officials Friday night, expressed his sincerest appreciation for all the cooperation and support, as well as the friendship extended by the senior officials to the Philippines during its chairmanship throughout the past months.

"Without your support and cooperation, we could not have accomplished anything we have done for the interest of ASEAN in various areas and fields. But, of course, I still need your full cooperation in the next days. Nevertheless, we do appreciate it very much," he said.

Meanwhile, the outcome documents include a number of instruments dealing with the rise of radicalization and violent extremism, innovation, cybercrime, malnutrition, and protection of the rights of ASEAN migrant workers, among other issues, as well as reports on developments in the regional bloc's external relations.

The SOM leaders also discussed preparations for the accession of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Iran's request to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation was approved by the ASEAN in the 49th Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane, Laos in July 2016.

The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation is a peace treaty among Southeast Asia countries established by the founding ASEAN members. (PNA)



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