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SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union -- Field verification testing of the carrageenan plant as a growth promoter technology is now ongoing in Region 1 through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Flordeliza Alida, Project Assistant 1 of DOST, said the 18-month project is titled, "Field Verification Testing of Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter for Enhanced Growth and Induced Pests and Disease Resistant in Rice and Corn".

She said it started this year in the region but the first focus is on rice.

The project aims to determine the efficacy of carrageenan as plant food supplement for the growth and yield of rice, as well as its resistance to pests and plant diseases.

The technology was developed by DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) and the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) through DOST's Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

This plant food supplement (PFS) for rice and corn is an indigestible polysaccharide (carbohydrates) extracted from edible seaweeds, Alida said, adding that previous tests showed that the PFS increases the yield of rice by 15 to 30 percent. 

The carrageenan field verification testing project is a nationwide project of the DOST-PCAARRD, DA, DOST-PNRI, UPLB-NCPC, and DOST regional offices for promotion and adaptation in farming communities. 

Alida said at present, DOST and DA are working for the implementation plan and would identify the 5,000 hectares testing areas this month of November.

She said of this area, at least 2,500 hectares would be tested for the dry cropping season and another 2,500 hectares for wet cropping season. (PNA



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SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union -- Field verification testing of the carrageenan plant as a growth promoter technology is now ongoing in Region 1 through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Flordeliza Alida, Project Assistant 1 of DOST, said the 18-month project is titled, "Field Verification Testing of Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter for Enhanced Growth and Induced Pests and Disease Resistant in Rice and Corn".

She said it started this year in the region but the first focus is on rice.

The project aims to determine the efficacy of carrageenan as plant food supplement for the growth and yield of rice, as well as its resistance to pests and plant diseases.

The technology was developed by DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) and the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) through DOST's Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

This plant food supplement (PFS) for rice and corn is an indigestible polysaccharide (carbohydrates) extracted from edible seaweeds, Alida said, adding that previous tests showed that the PFS increases the yield of rice by 15 to 30 percent. 

The carrageenan field verification testing project is a nationwide project of the DOST-PCAARRD, DA, DOST-PNRI, UPLB-NCPC, and DOST regional offices for promotion and adaptation in farming communities. 

Alida said at present, DOST and DA are working for the implementation plan and would identify the 5,000 hectares testing areas this month of November.

She said of this area, at least 2,500 hectares would be tested for the dry cropping season and another 2,500 hectares for wet cropping season. (PNA



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SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union -- Field verification testing of the carrageenan plant as a growth promoter technology is now ongoing in Region 1 through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Flordeliza Alida, Project Assistant 1 of DOST, said the 18-month project is titled, "Field Verification Testing of Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter for Enhanced Growth and Induced Pests and Disease Resistant in Rice and Corn".

She said it started this year in the region but the first focus is on rice.

The project aims to determine the efficacy of carrageenan as plant food supplement for the growth and yield of rice, as well as its resistance to pests and plant diseases.

The technology was developed by DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) and the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) through DOST's Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

This plant food supplement (PFS) for rice and corn is an indigestible polysaccharide (carbohydrates) extracted from edible seaweeds, Alida said, adding that previous tests showed that the PFS increases the yield of rice by 15 to 30 percent. 

The carrageenan field verification testing project is a nationwide project of the DOST-PCAARRD, DA, DOST-PNRI, UPLB-NCPC, and DOST regional offices for promotion and adaptation in farming communities. 

Alida said at present, DOST and DA are working for the implementation plan and would identify the 5,000 hectares testing areas this month of November.

She said of this area, at least 2,500 hectares would be tested for the dry cropping season and another 2,500 hectares for wet cropping season. (PNA)



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CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has announced a 12-hour power cut on Thursday as the transmission facility would be undergoing maintenance.

Lilibeth Gaydowen, North Luzon Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Officer, said the power interruption would start at 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday.

Gaydowen said the whole franchise area of Isabela Electric Cooperative (ISELCO-I), except the Reina Mercedes substation service area, would experience the power outage.

She said the NGCP maintenance crew would conduct replacement of transformer oil, testing and commissioning of new substation equipment.

She said power interruption would likewise affect the Ifugao Electric Cooperative (IFELCO) Alfonso Lista substation service area and the entire franchise area of Quirino Electric Cooperative (QUIRELCO).

The NGCP official said normal operations would resume after work completion. (PNA)



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ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat -- Two more communist rebels have surrendered to military authorities, raising the number of surrenderees to 62 in Sultan Kudarat, the Army said Tuesday.

Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, Army's 33rd Infantry Battalion commanding officer, said exhaustion and extreme hunger forced the two New Peoples' Army (NPA) siblings to lay down arms and rejoin the mainstream society.

Jonathan Kasa, 21, and his brother Jerry, 19, joined their father Zip, in fighting government forces as NPA rebels since May 2015.

The Kasas belong to the Dulangan Manobo tribe in the hinterland village of Kabulanan here. They were members of Platoon Cloud Phone of NPA Guerilla Front 73 operating in Sultan Kudarat province, particularly in the hinterlands of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and Bagumbayan towns.

Cabunoc said the Kasas joined the rebel movement as they were fighting for their rights over a vast expanse of forested area that they claimed as their ancestral land.

"The communist movement promised to return our traditional hunting grounds. We were excited to fight for our land when they handed over high powered weapons to us," Jonathan told Army officials during the surrender rites Monday.

After two years of evading the government forces, the siblings realized their struggle was going nowhere.

"I found out that we have become wanted persons. The NPA recruiters had also failed to deliver their promises to our community," Jerry said in vernacular.

Learning about the government's offer of livelihood opportunities and other social benefits, they decided to escape with their issued M-16 rifles.

Cabunoc presented the brother-surrenderees to Bagumbayan Mayor Jonalette De Pedro who vowed to assist the "lumad" communities in resolving their problems.

"I have always supported the indigenous people by delivering social services to their communities," De Pedro said.

Since May this year, a total of 62 communist rebels belonging to IP communities have surrendered. Some of them have been given livelihood projects under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of Sultan Kudarat. (PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY -- In keeping with the trend of environment-friendly infrastructures, the city government vowed to adopt "green architecture" in the construction of a multi-level pay parking building.
Dexter See of the city information office said Mayor Mauricio Domogan had ordered the preparation of a building plan that complies with the green architecture for areas identified and earmarked for parking purposes, such as the Ganza parking.
He said "green architecture" is part of the local government’s mandate to embrace the construction of "green buildings" as part of its efforts to preserve and protect the city’s environment, which is being threatened by rapid urbanization.
“Green architecture is now part of the local government’s strategies in the put up of government structures which has been identified as one of the possible mitigating efforts to combat the serious negative effects of climate change,” See said.
The Ganza parking area has been identified and designated as a parking area even if it is part of the 34-hectare Burnham Park, to address parking woes in the central business district area.
The construction of various multi-level parking buildings had been proposed by experts to help ease the worsening traffic jams around the city caused by the absence of available and sufficient parking spaces prompting vehicle owners to simply park their vehicles in vacant areas and even in sidewalks in the different parts of the city (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- Anti-narcotics agents seized during a raid over the weekend some 2,000 marijuana plants and arrested the plantation's caretaker in Arakan, North Cotabato, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 12 reported Monday.
Gil Cesario Castro, PDEA-12 chief, identified the suspect as Jerome Tulosan, 25, caretaker of the marijuana plantation at Purok 4, Barangay Sumalili.
PDEA agents swooped down the area on Saturday and caught the suspect flat footed.
Castro said the seized marijuana plants have an estimated market value of Php400, 000; and 100 marijuana seedlings worth PHP5, 000.
The PDEA regional chief said a case for violation of Section 16 (Cultivation of Plants Classified as Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 was slapped against the suspect.
“PDEA-12 will continuously conduct antiâ€"illegal drug operation to prevent these 'druggies' on ruining the lives of the people especially our youth,” Castro said. (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY[/size] â€" A group of cooperatives here have pooled resources together to put up their own water company to bring potable water to the city’s rural areas.[/size]In a joint venture agreement signed Thursday, the Mindanao Cooperatives Water Service Federation (MCWS)--a group of cooperatives mainly based in Cagayan de Oro--and Kyogojo Engineering Service Cooperative (KESC) agreed to operate their own water system with an initial capital of PHP123 million.The agreement seeks to expand the operations of KESC, which has been supplying water to some 2,300 households, mainly in the city's upland areas that have not been served by the main water supplierâ€"the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD).“This is to prove that the people, and not huge corporations, can own and operate their own water system,” said Isagani Daba, MCWS treasurer and former chairman of the First Community Cooperative (Ficco), one of the MCWS member-cooperatives.Under the deal, KESC will provide the technical expertise and capability of the cooperative-run water firm, under the umbrella of MCWS.MCWS is composed of Ficco, Oro Integrated Coop, Xavier University Community Credito Coop, DMPI Employees and Community Credit Coop, Allied Services Multipurpose Cooperative, Oro Savings and Sharing Coop, City Hall Employees Multipurpose Cooperative, Provincial Capitol Employees Multipurpose Cooperative, Cepalco Community Multipurpose Cooperative, MOGCHS Faculty, Retirees, Employees and Students Multipurpose Cooperative, and PPSC Regional Training School-10 Employees and Staff Multipurpose Cooperative.Daba said the federation managed to generate from member-cooperatives the PHP132 million as start-up capital, and could raise more amount if needed.“So the JVA has all the necessary ingredients to upgrade and expand water distribution service â€" technical skills and experience, as well as financial resources,” the MCWS said in a statement.MCWS said it is eyeing to expand its operation from the current KESC service areas into the upland villages of Dansolihon, Mambuaya, Bayanga, and Indahag.“Our intention in this JVA is to fast-track the expansion of water systems in areas not yet serviced by the [Cagayan de Oro Water District],” KESC president Neil Bryan Oraiz said.Oraiz said although KESC has the experience and expertise, “the MCWS has the financial capability to back up the investment since putting up a water system involves a lot of money.”MCWS said it was compelled to establish a cooperative-run water system to enable "the general public, to own and manage this basic necessity."It added: “What we are seeing now throughout the country is that water distribution is owned by taipans, if not cronies. So what the coops aim for is for the general public to own and manage public utilities, like water distribution. This can happen only through cooperatives.” (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Nine more stragglers, including the cousin of the Maute group leaders, were killed in a firefight as troops are conducting relentless clearing operation in Marawi City, a military official said Monday.

Col. Romeo Brawner, Joint Task Force Ranao deputy commander, said the nine were killed in fierce firefight that erupted Sunday dawn and lasted until the afternoon in the main battle area of Marawi.

Brawner said that one of the nine slain stragglers was identified as Ibrahim Maute alias Abu Jamil, the cousin of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group leaders Omar and Abdulah.

"These nine stragglers are believed to be part of the remaining Maute-ISIS terrorists who attacked Marawi City on May 23, 2017," he said.

He said the troops are still on the lookout for more possible Maute group stragglers in the main battle area of Marawi City.

"Thus, the military is warning the public that the main battle area is still off limits because of the danger posed by terrorist-stragglers," Brawner said.

The death of the nine stragglers on Sunday came four days after the troops captured Indonesian extremist Muhammad Ilham Syahputra and killed two Maute stragglers in a firefight.

The troops captured Syahputra, 22, in the morning of November 1 in Barangay Loksadatu, Marawi City.

The two Maute stragglers, including Abu Talja the closed aide of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, were killed in the afternoon of November 1. (PNA)



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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Two brothers tagged as leader and member of an organized cattle rustling group in Pangasinan were arrested in simultaneous operations conducted by the police on Sunday in Anda and Bolinao towns.

One of the suspects was identified as Wellington Odero, 38, the alleged leader of the cattle rustling gang called Odero group, who was arrested at 10 a.m. in his house in Barangay Mal-ong, Anda by elements of the Bolinao and Anda police.    

Arrested by the police earlier at 8 a.m. in Barangay Samang, Bolinao was Darwin Odero, 34, Wellington's younger brother.

The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office said the police were armed with arrest warrants issued by Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Arginald Julius Esguerra of Branch 54 in Alaminos City. 

The suspects' cattle rustling group is believed to have been operating in Bolinao and other parts of western Pangasinan.

Wellington was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions docketed as Criminal Case No. 7807-A. He remains in police custody pending his paymentof PHP200,000 bond for his provisional liberty.

Meanwhile, Darwin Odero is also facing illegal possession of firearms charges under CC No. 7799-A and illegal possession of marijuana under CC No, 7800-A.

He has yet to post PHP120,000 bail bond for the first case and another PHP200,000 for the second case. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is hiring forest protection officers in a bid to strengthen the watch of the forestland of this city.
The DENR will initially hire 178 forest protection officers for this city’s west coast based on the representation of first district Rep. Celso Lobregat.
On Monday, Lobregat met with DENR and selected barangay officials as well as from the other concerned agencies to discuss the mechanics in the hiring and deployment of the forest guards.
The hiring is in line with the government's National Forest Protection Program, which is aimed to strengthen protection mechanism of the remaining natural forest of the country.
“This is a program of the DENR,” Lobregat said citing the agency will be the one to pay the compensation of the forest protection officers.
Each of the forest protection officers will receive PhP8,500 monthly compensation and will render duty five days a week.
Lobregat has recommended that they will be divided into two groups to ensure the forestland is guarded every day.
The first group will render duty from Saturday until Wednesday and the second group from Thursday until Monday.
Lobregat said the primary tasks of the forest protection officers is to monitor and immediately report the presence of poachers “so that appropriated action” can be undertaken by the concerned authorities.
For the first district, the distribution of the forest protection officers are as follows: Pasonanca, 50; Baluno, 16; Dulian-Upper Pasonanca, 16; La Paz, 16; Labuan, 16; Limpapa, 12; Patalon, 12; Sinubong, 10; Rio Hondo, 10; Mariki, 10; and, Sta. Barbara, 10.
Source: PNA

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A church-based peace advocacy group has expressed opposition to the localized peace talk initiative now being pushed by the government.

While they support the continuation of peace talks between the goverment and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) said the talks must be negotiated on a national scale. PEPP is a group composed of cause-oriented and religious groups supporting peace efforts in the country.

"We understand that Davao City is home to the President. But in the peace talks, the NDF is into negotiation with the national government which represents a policy of inequality and oppression that bred armed revolutionary response from the people," said Bishop Felixberto Calang of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente who is a PEPP co-convenor.

Calang was referring to the localized peace talk initiative championed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, which President Rodrigo has openly supported.

Earlier, President Duterte ordered the government's peace panelists to discontinue negotiating with their NDF counterparts stalling the talks just as it reached the fourth round.

Resumption of the peace negotiations with the NDF was one of Duterte's agenda, but was put on hold following the series of attacks carried out by the New People's Army (NPA) against government forces.

The CPP has also rejected the creation of the Davao City Peace Committee (DC Peace), the body tasked by Duterte-Carpio to initiate the localized peace talks with the communist group in the Davao area.

"Duterte-Carpio's local peace talks will surely fail in its aim of dividing the revolutionary forces waging a nationwide people's war. 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," the CPP said in a statement.

For his part, Calang said he is confident the peace negotiations between the government and the NDF will continue through political will.

Even with the breakdown of the talks, Calang said the Initiatives for Peace, together with the PEPP, continues calling for the two parties to go back to the negotiating table and talk about the roots of the armed conflict and come up with measures to resolve this conflict. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and the Kyushu Japanese Language School have partnered to provide a two-year scholarship for three Negrenses who will be studying in Japan.

The province announced Monday the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Kyushu school president Manabu Taniguchi in rites held at the Provincial Capitol.

It was witnessed by Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division head Karen Dinsay, Negros Occidental Language and IT Center administrator Cristina Orbecido, executive assistant Yoji Watanabe, and Shun Senokuchi of the Kyushu Japanese Language School.

The scholars are Kris Jane Bandejas, Arnelie Mayo, and Ria Arlos.

During their language study in Japan, they will be allowed to work 28 hours each week to support their living expenses.

The MOA also stated stated that the scholars are assured of their safety and security during their stay in Japan and will be assisted for admission to a university or employment in a company after their two-year study.

Marañon said that in Japan, there is a huge demand for Filipino human resources especially in the medical and hotel and restaurant management fields because of its ageing population.

Through the scholarship program, more Negrense students will be given opportunities to study in Japan every year, he added.

Last month, 24 Negrenses also completed the Basic Japanese Language and Culture Course in preparation for potential employment in Japan.

It is a separate Capitol scholarship program which aims to produce qualified professional and skilled Negrenses to study and work in Japan implemented with the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual, and Cultural Advancement (OISCA).

The 24 graduates, coming from various cities and municipalities in the province, trained under Japanese instructors Yoshiako Kato and Osamu Aisaka for three months.

Previous graduates are now in Japan on scholarship grants to continue their Japanese Language Training. They were allowed to do part-time work and receive allowances.(PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Negros Occidental launched Sunday its radio program "EnviroSerye."

The show, aired every first and third Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. over Bombo Radyo Bacolod, is hosted by Ma. Theresa Robles and Keith Brandon Cari-an of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Negros Occidental.

During the pilot episode, PENRO chief Edgardo Rostata talked about the jurisdiction of the DENR field office and its responsibilities.

The "EnviroSerye" was launched in compliance with the provisions of Republic Act 9512, declaring November as the National Environmental Awareness Month.

According to PENRO-Negros Occidental, listeners will be updated of its projects, programs, and initiatives, and those of its field offices in the cities of Cadiz, Bago and Kabankalan.

Environment-related matters and activities which can be participated by the community will also be discussed, it added.

The "EnviroSerye" will also involve partner agencies, local government units, and people's organizations in presenting their success stories and partnerships with the DENR.

The succeeding episodes will also be aired live through the "EnviroSerye's" Facebook page, the PENRO added.

The hosts also discussed during its pilot show the unveiling of Ramsar Site marker for the Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area (NOCWCA) in Kabankalan City last October 28.

The event organized by the PENRO also launched the six-year management plan of NOCWCA, which has a continuous coastline of 109.52 kilometers located in southern Negros.

During the rites, Llewellyn Young, senior advisor for Asia and Oceania of Ramsar, who joined DENR officials during the unveiling rites, urged members of the NOCWCA Management Alliance (NOCWCAMA) to ensure both the locals and the environment are benefitting from the site. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has formally renamed the city's 19.6-kilometer circumferential road after Albert Morrow, one of the area's pioneers and local heroes.

The renaming of the P1.135 billion vital road network, which was completed last year, was based on Department Order No. 112, series of 2017 issued by Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar.

The City Council here passed earlier this year Resolution No. 367, series of 2017, requesting the DPWH central office to name the circumferential road as Albert Morrow Boulevard.

City Councilor Rosalita Nunez, author of the resolution, said the move was aimed to give due recognition to one of the city's pioneer settlers and among the initial architects of the area's development.

"We very happy for this development. Finally I had fulfilled my promise to my late mother-in-law to give justice to our local hero Albert Morrow," she said in a statement Monday.

She credited such development to City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and other city officials, members of the Pioneers-Descendants of General Santos City Inc. and "history conscious" residents.

In January last year, the local government, through the city council, conferred a posthumous recognition and honor to Engr. Albert Morrow "for selfless act of heroism as well as his historical contribution toward the growth and development of General Santos City."

During the Japanese occupation, Morrow succeeded Gen. Paulino Santos as administrator of the then National Land Settlement Administration.

A civil engineer, Morrow designed and supervised the construction of the Siluay (now Silway) Irrigation System, the city's biggest and most important irrigation facilities.

The facility connects three major irrigation systems -- Siluay and Klaja and Konel.

"(Morrow) supervised the settlement plan, including urban layout, of what would become General Santos City," Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas-Nograles cited in a resolution.

According to historical accounts, Japanese forces based in the city had made a threat to kill 28 hostages and prisoners of war who were then suspected of aiding local anti-Japanese guerillas.

"In a selfless act of heroism, Engr. Albert Morrow, chose to commit hara kiri (suicide) through the barrel of a gun to stop the atrocities," the vice mayor noted.

As a result of his "honorable death," she said Japanese Gen. Oishi ordered to halt the killings as tribute to Morrow.

Hara kiri is a form of Japanese ritual suicide and traditional code of behavior that values honor above life.(PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- An agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is pushing for a livelihood program in poor areas of Maguindanao where communities are targeted for recruitment by extremist groups.

The ARMM-Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment (ARMM-BRIDGE) is now reviewing business proposals from Maguindanao's 17 of 36 poorest towns for its residents to earn legitimate income and do away with extremism.

Aside from providing livelihood, ARMM-BRIDGE aims to extend water, electricity, shelter and food to impoverished communities in far-flung areas in ARMM.

ARMM comprises the cities of Marawi and Lamitan; and the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, both in mainland Mindanao, and the island-provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

In a statement, ARMM-BRIDGE said it has started evaluating business proposals from villages in Datu Saudi, Talayan, Talitay, Datu Paglas, Montawal, Guindulungan, Ampatuan, General SK Pendatun, South Upi, Mamasapano, Sultan Sa Barongis, Pandag, Abdullah Sangki, Pagalungan and Kabuntalan towns in Maguindanao.

To provide economic empowerment to poor residents, ARMM-BRIDGE will raise funds for the proposed barangay businesses. Poverty, underdevelopment and illiteracy in far-flung areas make villagers easy prey of violent religious extremists put forward by Islamic militants who are experts in poisoning the minds of the locals against the state.

ARMM-BRIDGE focuses on the cooperative concept of establishing barangay businesses in far-flung areas, it said in a statement.

"The program aims to establish barangay cooperative businesses to promote religious and cultural solidarity among members," ARMM-BRIDGE said.

It is one of the four components of the ARMM-BRIDGE's "Apat na Dapat" approach in addressing socio-economic issues besetting poor Maguindanao communities.

Among the business proposals submitted for review were for small grocery stores, bakery, fishing, tailoring, food, and fruit juice production.

The agency also facilitated recently a three-day basic nutrition education campaign for residents of barangays in Maguindanao that are covered by its projects. The campaign aims to educate the local communities on proper hygiene, deworming, breastfeeding and proper preparation of healthy foods to ensure the physical fitness of children while pursuing elementary education. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Government troops are pushing for the closure of another school for indigenous peoples or lumads in an upland village in Malapatan town in Sarangani that is reportedly run by New People's Army (NPA) rebels and sympathizers.

Capt. Rodini Bogador, spokesperson for the Army's 73rd Infantry Battalion, said Monday they monitored the presence of the "NPA school" at sitio Lamsalo, Barangay Upper Suyan in Malapatan.

He said the school, which is not recognized by the local government and the Department of Education (DepEd), is being operated by several individuals who are either members or supporters of the NPA.

"This is not a regular school that has permanent buildings. This is highly mobile and moves to other areas from time to time," he said in an interview over Brigada News TV.

Citing information relayed by concerned residents and former NPA rebels, he said the school's teachers were especially trained by the NPA to run the school for propaganda purposes.

Bogador said that like regular teachers in recognized schools, these teachers were also teaching basic academic subjects.

But he claimed they also teach students about taking up arms against the government and reportedly give lessons on the handling of firearms and related topics.

"They have many students, with some as young as nine-years-old," he said.

The Army official said they are closely monitoring the school's operations and have already identified the teachers and other persons involved.

He said they have coordinated with the local government and other concerned agencies for the closure of the school.

"We have ongoing operations in the area and this is part that. This school should not continue to operate," he said.

The alleged NPA-run in Malapatan is the first that they have monitored in Sarangani Province and the second within their area of responsibility.

Bogador said they had also monitored a lumad school run by the rebels at a village in Santa Cruz town in Davao del Sur.

The Army's 27th Infantry Battalion had called for closure of a lumad school in a remote village in Banga, South Cotabato that is reportedly operated by NPA rebels and sympathizers. (PNA)



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ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat -- The campaign against loose firearms and private armed groups has been intensified in Sultan Kudarat province, a ranking police official said Monday.

Sr. Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police director, said the latest successful operation led to the arrest of 10 men over the weekend and recovery of 25 assorted high-powered firearms, explosives and over 1,400 ammunition from an armed group led by the father of a town mayor in the province.

The group was led by retired Army MSgt. Rodolfo Ecija, father of Senator Ninoy Aquino town Mayor Randy Ecija, Supiter told PNA at the police provincial office here.

"They were private armed followers of retired M/Sgt. Ecija, seven of them were also retired soldiers," Supiter said.

The 65-year-old Ecija and his men did not resist arrest when Supiter and other police officers presented the search warrant issued by Judge Alandrex M. Betoya of Regional Trial Court Branch 16, Kabacan, North Cotabato for violations of RA 10591 (Unlawful possession of light weapons).

Aside from Ecija, also arrested were ret. Sgt. Rufino Lama, 53; Augusto G. Terosa, 54; Calvin A. Lakandula Jr., Joel P. Gardose, Glenn Z. Brillantes and Richard P. Devaras; Joven Andrada, 49; Romeo Momo, 33 and Reynaldo Dalayon, 55 all residents of Purok Liwayway, Barangay Poblacion, Sen. Ninoy Aquino town.

Supiter said Mayor Ecija was not included in the search warrant although he was present during the raid.

The mayor refused to issue a statement to the media.

Supiter said the group members arrested in three houses, which served as outpost for armed men in Barangay Poblacion. Seized firearms included 10 M-16 assault rifles, one M-16 Baby Armalite with M-203, one M1 Garand rifle, one cal. 45 pistol, two 9mm pistol, two cal. 30 Carbine, one M-79 launcher, one 12 gauge shotgun, one homemade Engram rifle, one hand grenade, four rifle grenades, 40 pcs 40 mm rifle grenade, hand held radios, more than 1,400 ammunition for various calibers and magazines.

The suspects are now detained at Sultan Kudarat police provincial lock up cell in Barangay Kalawag, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Accompanying Supiter in serving the warrants were Supt. Nestor Salcedo, chief of PRO-12 Regional Intelligence Division; Supt. Salman Sapal, chief of SK Provincial Public Safety Company; Senior Inspector Jayson Manuel, chief of 1st Maneuver Company of Regional Public Safety Battalion; and Senior Inspector Kristian Ace Sularte, Sen. Ninoy Aquino town police chief. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY --  A fire razed some 73 houses in Barangay Benedicto, Jaro district, this city Saturday afternoon.

The fire of still undetermined origin happened at about 3:50 p.m. and quickly spread to houses, according to Fire Chief Insp. Bartolome Belira.

Hundreds of residents evacuated from their houses as firefighters battled the spreading fire.

Belira said all firetrucks in the city responded, including those from nearby towns of Oton and Pavia in Iloilo province.

He added that firefighters had difficulty getting to the scene because of narrow streets and heavy traffic.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

The more or less 73 affected families are now at Jaro gymnasium.

The city government is appealing to the public for donations especially clothes, kitchen utensils, sleeping mats and hygiene kits. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The banana industry continues to face atrocities perpetrated by the armed New People's Army (NPA) after it burned another equipment of a top banana producer.

An army report revealed a portable banana processor of the DOLE Philippines, Inc. was torched by alleged members of the NPA in Sitio Sta. Cruz, Barangay Casisang, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Friday.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, the spokesperson of 4th Infantry Division, said Sunday, the DOLE packing plant was burned down by an undetermined number of NPA rebels belonging to Guerilla Front Committee 68, Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCRMC).

Martinez said the incident shows another gross violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) which is the only document that was signed and agreed upon by both the Philippine government and National Democratic Front including the CPP and NPA in 1998 that clearly states that civilians and together with their properties should not be an object of attack.

Capt. Norman Tagros, the civil-military operations officer of 403rd Infantry Brigade, said there are around 50 workers affected. He said they are looking into extortion as the possible motive of the burning. Upon further investigation, the estimated damage cost has reached PHP700,000.

"What we are more concerned about also is the impact of such atrocities on the workers who are working and depending on DOLE for their daily income," Tagros said. "We also learned just this morning that around 50 workers are directly affected by the incident. We hope they will not lose their job," he added.

"As we continue to conduct investigation, we are urging the public and the local government and barangay (village) officials to perform their duties and cooperate with the authorities to maintain peace and security in the area," the military officer said.

Earlier, the banana industry stakeholders voiced concern that the continued raids by lawless elements in banana plantations have further negatively impact on the industry's sustainability as the country's top export trade.

Ferdinand Marañon, president of PhilExport, said the industry is losing billions. One company alone last year lost billions when the NPA attacked its box plant in Davao City and the plastic plant in Panabo. The company, Lapanday Foods Corporation, has since then closed the two companies.

Marañon also cited the burning of about nine trucks in another banana plantation in Agusan del Sur. He said one truck already costs more than PHP1 million pesos while refrigerated container costs PHP2 to 5 million pesos.

"We are afraid that the investments of multinational companies will be pulled-out as it would be beyond their means to cope," Marañon said, voicing concerns that if banana firms give in to demands of lawless groups, who force businesses to give revolutionary taxes, could cost them more money. (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)



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TAGBILARAN CITY -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) SecretaryMark Villar on Saturday said he supports the infrastructure plans of the province of Bohol with a PHP4 billion allotment for 2018

He gave this assurance at the sidelines of the 121st birth anniversary celebration of President Carlos P. Garcia dubbed in Bohol as "CPG Day."

Villar was the keynote speaker during the CPG Day celebrations at the Bohol Cultural Center.

He told reporters that the government has earmarked PHP4 billion for Bohol's infrastructure projects next year.

Most of the projects include the building of road networks leading to the New Bohol Airport in Panglao town which is expected to be completed and operational by second quarter of next year.

Villar said the DPWH has seen the need for more infrastructure projects in Bohol, such as iconic bridges, to support not just the province's tourism industry but also as economic drivers, especially of agriculture.

Villar said it is necessary to maximize Bohol's development potential by having more infrastructure.

"Malaki ang (budget) increase sa Bohol para pumasok ang mga investor (There is a huge budget increase for Bohol so that investors will be attracted here)," he said.

Villar, meanwhile, said PHP25 billion has been earmarked for projects in Central Visayas next year.

Most of the funding will go to the master plan projects of every province in the region.

At the same time, Villar allayed fears that the revenue of the government might not be able to support its ambitious "golden age" of infrastructure plan.

He said he is confident the government could afford to build more infrastructures as he is hoping that tax rationalization bill pending in Congress would finally pass.

Once passed, it can fuel the ambitious projects of the government and spur more economic growth. (Dave Albarado/PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY – The city government here is optimistic of surpassing the PHP468-million tax collection target for the year with the recent launching of Electronic Payment Portal (ePP) and Online Assessment designed to make tax payment more convenient.

City Treasurer Zosima Cordaño said that cutting payment transaction time will bring more funds to the local government's coffers.

"As of end of September, we have already collected PHP351 million local taxes, representing 25 percent of the target for 2017. With easier payment scheme, more people will be encouraged to pay their taxes in the last quarter of the year," Cordaño said on Monday.

With the ePP, taxpayers don't have to queue at the city hall for hours to do transactions since it can be done through smart phones and computers, according to the city official.

Taxpayers can conveniently pay online by accessing the ePP link at www.tacloban.gov.ph, which will then direct them to the Landbank ePP Website. First time users of the system will be assigned a default password which they can change anytime.

The EPP App can also be downloaded from Google Play and Apple App Store.

In a statement, Mayor Cristina Romualdez said the latest innovation of the local government, in partnership with Landbank of the Philippines, will allow taxpayers to pay their taxes through smartphones and other web-enabled devices.

"The ePP is our special way of showing how much we value our client. We are currently among the cities in the Philippines with online payment. We are also the first and only city as of now to offer an online assessment," Romualdez said.

Hotel owner Oliver Cam, vice president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tacloban - Leyte chapter welcomed the innovation, which has been strongly pushed by the business sector.

The ePP service is in line with the 9th Resolution of the PCCI submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte during the recent 43rd Philippine Business Conference & Expo at the Manila Hotel last week, according to him

"Finally, not just the payment is online. All step on the entire of our business license and registration is finally done online," Cam said.

The service is available to Landbank ATM and debit card holders, BancNet-member Banks Card holders and Gcash. A transaction fee of  PHP10 to PHP30 will be charged, depending on the mode of payment, according to the city government. (with reports from Mikaela Angelica Ramirez, OJT/PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Three Ilonggo soldiers on Monday received a Mayor's Citation during the flag-raising ceremony for their "contribution to the liberation" of Marawi City.

Private Andrew Catequista, Corporal Mark R. Gevero and Staff Sergeant Rodel T. Pacaña "not only earned distinct credit for themselves and the Philippine Army but to the people of Iloilo City for being bonafide members of the city community," according to the distinction signed by Mayor Jose Espinosa III.

The three are members of the 31st Division Reconnaissance Company of the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID). While their company was based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, they were deployed to Bohol to run against Abu Sayaff members prior their deployment to Marawi that lasted for five months.

They came home to Iloilo City on October 22.

Pacaña, 41, a father of two from Rizal Pala-Pala 2, city proper here, said he was thankful that they came home safe to their respective families. They were assigned to secure the rear end of their troops in the main battle area.

He was "proud" that he was part of the team that liberated Marawi City. He said that while there, they prayed hard that God will keep them safe as some of their comrades died while others got sick.

Gevero, 31, from Boulevard, Molo and assistant team leader, said that Marawi was his most difficult assignment as support team to the assault group.

"Time may pass but I am proud that there was an Ilonggo who was part of the Marawi history," he said.

Catequista, 22, from Quezon, Arevalo and the youngest of the three, said that he had no idea that they will be assigned to Marawi. At first he was nervous because he didn't know what awaits them in their Mindanao assignment. They were assigned within the Dansalan College area.

"I was happy that we came home alive," he said.

Catequista's aunt Diana Dumagat, 43, said that she is "proud' of her nephew. She was the first person whom Catequista called upon knowing of his Marawi assignment.

In addition to the Mayor's Citation, they also received PHP5,000 cash incentive each. (PNA)



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BAYBAY CITY, Leyte -- The city government here is optimistic of making its 16,000 Blossoms a top tourist destination in Eastern Visayas region.




The 16,000 Blossoms at the city's Linta-on Peak is dotted with LED-powered red and white colored roses inspired by the 10,000 roses in Cebu.




Mayor Carmen Cari said on Monday the local government has already earned about PHP500,000 from the PHP20 per person entrance fee at the new tourism destination.




The city government developed the site for tourism activities in the mountain, resembling the terrain of Batanes province.

It officially opened middle of June this year.


 The 16,000 Blossoms is part of the PHP20-million development plan of the city for Linta-on Peak. 




Cari said the cost of electricity is very minimal because they use LED lights. "We are paying around PHP16,100 a month because lights are energy-efficient."




The local government also acquired a generator as back-up in case of power interruptions.




"Most of the visitors especially during weekend are not from this city. We bought a generator so we can light up the place and for our visitors to enjoy the view even if there is a brownout," Cari added.




Ongoing now is the construction of a function hall for rent during special events.

The city government will also fund the construction of two viewing decks overlooking the city proper of Baybay and Cuatros Islands.




An eight-storey image of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the city's patroness, will also rise at Linta-on Peak.

The area is part of the Pomponan village, a known pilgrimage site for devotees of St. Anthony of Padua. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The city government assured immediate financial aid for owners of around 100 houses that were razed by two separate fire incidents over the weekend.

On Monday, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III ordered city administrator Hernando Galvez to expedite the release of PHP5,000 each for owners of totally damaged houses and PHP2,500 for partially damaged houses, noting that these must be released not later than Wednesday.

The Saturday afternoon incident at Sitio Langka, Barangay Benedicto in Jaro town affected 105 families staying in 72 houses. Based on the validation conducted by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), 68 houses were totally damaged and four were partially damaged.

Fire started around 4 p.m. and involved a cluster of residential structures mostly made of mixed materials under corrugated galvanized iron roofing, according to the report of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

The BFP estimated the total damage at more or less PHP4 million.

Meantime, another fire gutted 10 houses at Dela Rama compound in Barangay Zamora Melliza around 10:51 p.m. Sunday. The BFP is still investigating the cause of fire that totally damaged five houses and partially damaged five others.

In an interview, Galvez said that they will "try their best" to comply with the instruction of the mayor. In the past, financial assistance was released after one to two months due to documentary requirements.

Galvez said that as early as Sunday, they already completed the documents for fire victims in Barangay Benedicto and they are just waiting for the preparation of the payroll.

The documents were almost finished as of 3 a.m. Monday for victims in Barangay Zamora.

"We instructed them to prepare the payroll to avoid further delay. We look forward to give them tomorrow but surely not later than Wednesday," Galvez said.

The funds will be sourced from the city's assistance to persons in need account.

Barangay Benedicto declared a state of calamity Sunday evening, a move which will allow them to use their calamity fund. (PNA)



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) focused military operations in southern Palawan vowed to end the armed capability of the New People's Army (NPA) before the end of the year.

Captain Wanel Ansa, environment unit and civil military officer of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 (MBLT-4), said the Joint Task Group South (JTGS) recovered a new set of war materiel on October 30 at Sitio Arib, Barangay Culasian, Rizal town in the southern part of the province.

"Napakalaking bagay ang pagka-diskubre dito sa mga NPA war materiel sa ating focused military operations. Dahil dito nabawasan ang kanilang firepower at napakalaking kawalan sa kanilang kapabilidad upang gumawa ng anumang karahasan o terroristic activities (Our continuous discovery of the NPA war materiel is very important to our focused military operations. This means we are diminuting their capability's firepower to perpetuate violence and terroristic activities)," Ansa said.

Focused military operations have yielded 32 assorted firearms, one unit of fully assembled improvised explosive device (IED) or pipe bomb, 429 rounds of various ammunition, 16 pieces of magazine, 10 assorted IED components, innumerable subversive documents, and a total of 16 surrenderees.

To date, government troops have already had four encounters with the armed rebels in southern Palawan. The first discovery of war materiel was on June 27 when the military took over an NPA drill camp in Barangay Samariñana, Brooke's Point. It was followed by the discovery of more materiel on July 21 following an encounter in Bataraza town.

"For the past decades, the arm struggle has not done anything good for our country. It has only induced poverty and miseries to the people. The best way to deal with the problem is for all sectors, all Filipinos to work together to end insurgency here in southern Palawan," he added.

The best indication of this, he said, was the fact that the community was responsible in helping them find the hiding places of these war material that the NPA is using in sowing terror.

"Mismo ang taong bayan na nakikipagtulungan at kusang nagbibigay ng impormasyon upang matukoy ang mga kagamitang militar ng NPA (It is the people here who are working with us, and who are voluntarily offering information for us to find the NPA's war supplies and tools)," Ansa said.

As a result, many have surrendered and are currently being processed to receive financial support from the national and local government's social integration programs.

"The rebels' armed capability has downgraded, and many of their members are now surrendering. We are sure that because of our FMO coupled with civil military operations, we have build up social pressure on them," Ansa added.

All the war materiel recovered are currently being verified and under proper custody.

"Lahat ng mga nakuhang armas at dokumento ay idadaan sa masusing proseso at sa tamang pangangalaga (All the firearms, all the documents are being studied and are being taken care of properly)," he said.

Earlier, Western Command (WESCOM) commander Lt. General Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. said the focused military operations are balanced with civil military operations in their areas of operations.

"This only shows that the people are sick and tired of the crimes, atrocities and illegal activities of the communists terrorists in their area. And so, we also urge other communities to cooperate with us and report any information that would lead to the neutralization of personalities and capabilities of the enemies of peace," he said.

"Western Command shall continue to conduct focused military operations as well as civil military operations in Palawan in order to cripple and dismantle the communist terrorists in the Province to ensure that nothing and no one will stand in the way of progress and further development," Kintanar added.

President Rodrigo Duterte called on the NPA rebels to cease fighting the government, go back to the fold of the law, and rejoin mainstream society. The present administration has a pro-active program for their peaceful return that will enable them to rejoin their families and live normal lives. (PNA)

 



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LEGAZPI CITY -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised alert level 1 over Mayon volcano in Albay province after it recorded 25 volcanic earthquakes on Monday and the sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission went significantly higher than the standard measurement.

In its latest bulletin, Phivolcs said the quakes that rocked the volcano on Monday and the spewing of an above normal SO2 gas signify that the volcano remains restive. SO2 emission was measured at 633 tonnes which is significantly higher than the standard measurement of 500 per day

The volcanic quakes brings to 91 the total number of quakes that jolted Mount Mayon for the past two days.

When asked about the increasing SO2 emission, Phivolcs volcanologist Ed Laguerta said the abnormal emission could either be due to steam degassing or magma pressure beneath the volcano vent.

"Aside from the quakes and the abnormal rate of SO2 emitted by the volcano, we are still validating other given parameters using other instruments," Laguerta said.

The parameters that are directly associated with eruptions include earthquakes, gas emission, dome growth, crater glow, lava flow, pyroclastic flows, and ash fall.

In an interview, Cedric Daep, Albay Public Safety Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) executive director said with the elevated abnormal behavior of Mount Mayon, disaster authorities would strictly enforce the "no human activity" protocol inside the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

Daep said visitors as well as villages living close to the 6-km PDZ are prohibited from climbing to the Mayon crater.

He said that while the Alert Level 1 (abnormal condition) is hoisted over the volcano, those residents living outside the 6-km PDZ could continue with their normal activities in towns and cities surrounding the volcano. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Iloilo City is expecting President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to grace the golden celebration of its Dinagyang Festival this coming January.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III on Monday said the appointment office in Malacañang called on Friday instructing him to "reiterate the verbal invitation" earlier coursed through Presidential Assistant for Visayas Michael Dino.

"In the 50 years of Dinagyang, no president has ever attended the Dinagyang. We really look forward to the President joining us," the mayor said.

"Officially we are preparing the letter and we will send it immediately to the appointment office of the President. We are thankful to Secretary Dino who relayed to the President that we are inviting him to the 50th Dinagyang Festival," Espinosa said.

The fact that Duterte's office has called, "meaning there is a possibility he will come," Espinos said.

If that happens, it will be the first time that a sitting president will join Dinagyang, he said.

On Monday, Espinosa also welcomed in his office 13 candidates who will vie for the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018 title. The candidates were earlier presented before employees of the city hall during Monday's flag-raising ceremony.

The beauty pageant forms part of the highlights of the annual festival.

The candidates are Jessamyne M. Javier, Czynni Ynais Rean D. Miranda, Mary Rose A. Alayon, Demi Patria R. Jainga, Kristine Cassadra Cambronero, Brazzirie C. Yanson, Ruffa Nava, Dana Mae F. Diana, Cherry Joy V. Sulit, Shenna S. Alcantara, Patricia Mae A. Delos Reyes, Ma. Yvonne T. Galo and Ma. Liza T. Lizada.

The Dinagyang Festival is held in honor of Señor Santo Niño. Its highlights will be on January 26-28, 2018. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Iloilo City is expecting President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to grace the golden celebration of its Dinagyang Festival this coming January.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III on Monday said the appointment office in Malacañang called on Friday instructing him to "reiterate the verbal invitation" earlier coursed through Presidential Assistant for Visayas Michael Dino.

"In the 50 years of Dinagyang, no president has ever attended the Dinagyang. We really look forward to the President joining us," the mayor said.

"Officially we are preparing the letter and we will send it immediately to the appointment office of the President. We are thankful to Secretary Dino who relayed to the President that we are inviting him to the 50th Dinagyang Festival," Espinosa said.

The fact that Duterte's office has called, "meaning there is a possibility he will come," Espinos said.

If that happens, it will be the first time that a sitting president will join Dinagyang, he said.

On Monday, Espinosa also welcomed in his office 13 candidates who will vie for the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018 title. The candidates were earlier presented before employees of the city hall during Monday's flag-raising ceremony.

The beauty pageant forms part of the highlights of the annual festival.

The candidates are Jessamyne M. Javier, Czynni Ynais Rean D. Miranda, Mary Rose A. Alayon, Demi Patria R. Jainga, Kristine Cassadra Cambronero, Brazzirie C. Yanson, Ruffa Nava, Dana Mae F. Diana, Cherry Joy V. Sulit, Shenna S. Alcantara, Patricia Mae A. Delos Reyes, Ma. Yvonne T. Galo and Ma. Liza T. Lizada.

The Dinagyang Festival is held in honor of Señor Santo Niño. Its highlights will be on January 26-28, 2018. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Iloilo City is expecting President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to grace the golden celebration of its Dinagyang Festival this coming January.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III on Monday said the appointment office in Malacañang called on Friday instructing him to "reiterate the verbal invitation" earlier coursed through Presidential Assistant for Visayas Michael Dino.

"In the 50 years of Dinagyang, no president has ever attended the Dinagyang. We really look forward to the President joining us," the mayor said.

"Officially we are preparing the letter and we will send it immediately to the appointment office of the President. We are thankful to Secretary Dino who relayed to the President that we are inviting him to the 50th Dinagyang Festival," Espinosa said.

The fact that Duterte's office has called, "meaning there is a possibility he will come," Espinos said.

If that happens, it will be the first time that a sitting president will join Dinagyang, he said.

On Monday, Espinosa also welcomed in his office 13 candidates who will vie for the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018 title. The candidates were earlier presented before employees of the city hall during Monday's flag-raising ceremony.

The beauty pageant forms part of the highlights of the annual festival.

The candidates are Jessamyne M. Javier, Czynni Ynais Rean D. Miranda, Mary Rose A. Alayon, Demi Patria R. Jainga, Kristine Cassadra Cambronero, Brazzirie C. Yanson, Ruffa Nava, Dana Mae F. Diana, Cherry Joy V. Sulit, Shenna S. Alcantara, Patricia Mae A. Delos Reyes, Ma. Yvonne T. Galo and Ma. Liza T. Lizada.

The Dinagyang Festival is held in honor of Señor Santo Niño. Its highlights will be on January 26-28, 2018. (PNA)



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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Monday passed a resolution congratulating the province's athletes for placing third in the Batang Pinoy 2017-Luzon Qualifying Leg held in Vigan City from October 21 to 28.

The resolution read by Second District Board Member Nestor Reyes, SP majority floor leader, during the provincial board session hailed the 222 members of Team Pangasinan who saw action in that week-long athletic event, participated in by 84 local government units (LGUs) throughout Luzon.

Pangasinan amassed 33 gold, 28 silver and 24 bronze medals to take third place. It was only one gold shy of the second place won by Laguna which garnered 34 gold, 20 silver and 26 bronze medals.  

Baguio City was the run-away winner with 49 gold, 45 silver, and 44 bronze medals.

Pangasinan bagged gold medals in Sepak Takraw (Girls Doubles); Sepak Takraw (Boys Doubles); Tennis (Boys Team Event); Taekwondo (Individual Junior Male); Taekwondo (Junior Mixed Pair); Taekwondo (Kyorugi Cadet Boys Advance-Feather);  Karatedo (Advance Kata Boys 14-15 years old); Karatedo (Boys Kumite 14-15 years old, 52 kg.); Karatedo (Boys Kumite 14-15, 70kg.); Karatedo (Boys Kumite 8-13 years old, 45kg.); Basketball (Boys Division) and Basketball (Girls Division).

The province's girls division team dominated in Arnis (13-15 years-old Anyo Double Weapon); Arnis (Girls Team 9-10 years old Anyo Single Weapon); Arnis (Girls Team 13-15 years old Anyo Single Weapon); Arnis (Girls Team 9-10 years old Anyo Sword and Dagger); Arnis (Girls-Full Contact, 9-10 years old, 30kg and below) and Arnis (Girls-Middle Weight, 13-15 years old).

Arnis (Boys- 9-10 years old, 35 kg and below); Arnis (Team Girls 13-15 years old Anyo Double Weapon); Arnis (Team Girls 9-10 years old Anyo Single Weapon); Arnis (Team Girls 13-15 years old Anyo Single Weapon); Arnis (Team Girls 9-10 years old Anyo Sword and Dagger); Arnis (Team Girls 13-15 years old Anyo Sword and Dagger); Archery (Qualification Round-Club Girls 40M);

Team Pangasinan likewise bagged the gold in (2000M Steeplechase Girls); Lawn Tennis (Girls-Doubles); Lawn Tennis (Boys-Singles); Lawn Tennis (Boys-Doubles); Table Tennis (Mini-Cadet Boys Singles-13U); Athletics (Long Jump-Girls) Boxing (Paper Weight-42 kg.); Boxing (Feather Weight-57 kg.)

In this year's qualifying leg, the number of Pangasinan athletes who competed in different fields are as follows: Archery -- eight; Arnis -- 25; Athletics -- 28; Badminton -- eight; Basketball -- 29; Boxing -- nine; Chess -- 12; Karatedo --15; Tennis (lawn) eight; Sepak Takraw -- 10; Swimming -- 20; Table Tennis -- six, Taekwondo -- 20; and Volleyball (indoor) -- 24. (PNA)



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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has set aside PHP2.5 million to establish a showroom for Antique's local products in San Jose de Buenavista.

Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao told the media on Monday that Antique is one of four provinces given the budget for the showroom which will also serve as training center for young Antiquenos interested to develop their local craft-making such as handweaving, gemstone, and pottery.

"This will display the one-town-one-product (OTOP) of each municipality," she said.

The establishment of the showroom will make it unnecessary for the people to travel to towns to see and buy local products such as pottery products in Sibalom and hand-woven fabrics in Bugasong, the governor said.

She said that since the site for the showroom has already been identified in Antique's capital town, Cadiao is expecting to set up the showroom before the year ends.

She added that this concept has been adopted from Laos which she recently visited with key officials of the provincial tourism office and NCCA. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has funded PHP470 million worth of projects to best performing local government units (LGUs) in the Western Visayas since the implementation of the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) in 2010.

In a press conference on Monday, DILG-6 regional director Anthony Nuyda said the amount has specifically funded 202 sub-projects in the region, already completed as of October 30.

He said that bulk of the projects are in the province of Negros Occidental worth PHP140 million and in Iloilo province at PHP130 million.

PCF is an incentive provided to LGUs in the form of financial grant for local development projects. The grant is specifically given to LGUs which qualified for the Seal of Good Housekeeping or Seal of Good Local Governance.

"There are areas that we are looking in particular with the LGUs like good financial housekeeping, no adverse opinion of COA (Commission on Audit), they are following the policy of full disclosure, they have programs on disaster management and they are business-friendly and competitive LGUs," he said.

One particular recipient of the PCF is the town of Concepcion in Iloilo province.

Mayor Millard Villanueva said that their town has been a recipient of the Seal of Good Housekeeping since 2011. DILG granted them PHP1 million for the drainage system project in 2011.

Another PHP1 million fund was provided to them in 2012 to continue the drainage system project.

In 2016, they again received another Seal of Good Local Governance. DILG granted Concepcion town with PHP3 million for the construction of one-storey building for Senior Citizens Federation and Association of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The building at Barangay Poblacion in Concepcion now benefits around 3,000 members of the two organizations of the senior citizens and PWDs.

Villanueva stressed the building served as reward to the two civil society organizations, which have "contributed a in the development of the town by actively participating in municipal planning and implementation of programs and projects."

"To give them recognition, we decided to build a facility for them through the Php3 million grant. This is how significant of DILG is because it has created a great impact to the people in Concepcion," he added.

Nuyda expressed hope that they will be able to fund more projects of performing LGUs this year.

He disclosed that based on their initial and unofficial assessment, more LGUs in Iloilo are expected to receive the Seal of Good Local Governance. (PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Authorities arrested the wife of one of the leaders of the local terror group, in Iligan City Sunday morning (November 5), a report from the Philippine National Police-10 (PNP-10) said.

Police identified the person arrested as Minhati Madrais, also known as "Baby."

 Her name matches that of the passport issued by the Indonesian government taken from her possession.

Police recovered inside the house, where Madrais and her children are living in, four blasting caps, two detonating cords, and a time fuse. These components are believed to be used in making improvised explosive device (IED).

Police said a team of law enforcers and military operatives raided Madrais' residence at Steele Makers Village, Barangay Tubod, Iligan City.

Madrais is the wife of Omar Maute, one of the founders of the Maute Group, a band of extremists that fought the government forces in Marawi City, said Senior Supt. Leony Roy Ga, Iligan City police chief.

Police conducted the raid after receiving information from intelligence operatives, Supt. Ga said.

"We were able to trace her relationship with Omar through the photos provided to us. In some of the photos she was with Omar," Ga said in a phone interview Sunday.

He said Madrais could hardly speak Maranao and Tagalog, but she can converse in English.

Ga said they are in the process of establishing Madrais' participation in the terroristic activities of the Maute group, adding that it is likely that she has a role in the group's operations due to her relationship with Omar.

He said they will also conduct a forensic examination on the suspect's cellphone to check if she has any contact with other members of the Maute group considering that Omar, along with Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, was killed during a military offensive in Marawi a few days ago.

Based on the police's investigation, Madrais moved to Iligan from Marawi at the height of the conflict there. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The camp of Mayor Oscar Moreno said they are ready to face the anti-graft court, which has rescheduled the embattled local chief executive's arraignment in January next year.

Moreno said he remains optimistic that the graft charges against him will be dismissed, even as he maintained he has not committed any wrongdoing.

The case stemmed from the rental of training quarters for the city's aspiring boxers under the Sports Development Program for Professional and Amateur Boxing in the amount of P70,000 in 2013.

Moreno said he wanted the aspiring boxers' talent to be further developed, prompting him to rent a living quarters for them. Many of the young aspiring boxers have fought in local and international boxing matches and some of them have won titles.

He also maintained that the funds he used for the rental was justified as the 2013 budget ordinance allowed augmentation through a provision and could be utilized without the approval of the city council.

Moreno's lawyer, Bryan Dale Mordeno said he is confident the anti-graft body will dismiss the charges against the mayor since no public funds were misused contrary to allegation of Marvin Beja, the complainant.

Beja has also alleged that Moreno signed a contract without obtaining an approval from the city council first.

According to the Office of the Ombudsman, Moreno violated a section of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act when he signed a lease contract agreement with Engr. Jimmy Caiña, the owner of the facility that was converted as the boxers' training quarters.

Mordeno said they have filed a motion to quash since they believe that Moreno, in entering into a deal with Caiña, did not violate any law.

Should the Sandiganbayan denies Moreno's motion, Mordeno said they will exhaust all legal remedies including the filing of motion for reconsideration, and if that will not be granted, they will elevate it to the Supreme Court.

Moreno is facing a string of graft cases that the mayor characterized as politically-motivated. (PNA/Jigger J.Jerusalem)



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BAGUIO CITY -- Some 50 private media practitioners and government information officers from the different provinces in the Cordillera are attending the two-day Disaster Risk Reduction reporting here on November 6 to 7.

Jane Cadalig, president of the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC), said the activity is in partnership with the national Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD).

She said the seminar was conceptualized taking into consideration that journalists are usually first on the site during disasters and it would be good to define the role of the reporters as members of the community.

"Should we just remain as observers or should we do our part in helping alleviate sufferings?" Cadalig asked.

The seminar, she said, also hopes to broaden the knowledge of media practitioners on reporting disasters. "We want to continue to equip the practitioners with knowledge not just on disaster reporting but also emergency response."

She said that after the seminar, they are hoping to get partners who will help provide training on emergency response for the media.

"Anyway, we are all stakeholders in the community and knowing how to respond to emergencies, to help ourselves or our families and even extend the same to our neighbors will be an advantage for all of us," she said.

Cadalig relayed that there are already government offices bent on giving disaster training for the media but the commitment among members of the press remains a question.

"The compressed training is five days and it is understandable for media to have a difficulty sitting down for the training but the goal of the training, it if will materialize, will be defeated if they cannot complete the whole five-day session," she noted. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – A national environment group has declared Davao City as "Clean Air City" and Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as Clean Air Champion for keeping the airshed clean and safe to breathe despite the city's fast progress.

"Usually with progress and urbanization come air pollution," said Dr. Michael Aragon, chair of Clean Air Philippines Movement, Inc. (CAPMI), during the ceremonial kick-off of the Clean Air Month and National Environment Month at the NCCC Mall Monday.

Aragon said CAPMI has conducted a nationwide survey on Ambient Air Quality of urban centers and found out Davao City as clean.

CAPMI also cited Duterte-Carpio for initiating and implementing crucial and sustainable programs pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act of 1999.

"Davao City enjoys clean and safe air to breathe because its mayor champions the environment," Aragon said, emphasizing that it takes political will to fight air pollution.

With this recognition, Aragon urged Duterte-Carpio to join CAPMI in moving around the country to advocate for clean air for the people. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI regional director Ruth Tawantawan also lauded the city government for sustaining the standards set for clean air.

Tawantawan said Davao City is blessed because the air quality is still within the quality index level.

The suspended particulate matter (pm) or microgram per normal cubic meter (ncm) in the city is within international standards set by the World Health Organization.

Particulate matter is defined as any type of solid particles in the air in the form of smoke, dust and vapors. It is produced by many sources, including burning of diesel fuels by vehicles, fossil fuels, mixing and application of fertilizers and pesticides, road construction, industrial processes and operation of woodstoves. Some microscopic particles in the air can be breathed into the lungs causing increased respiratory disease and lung damage.

In the Philippines, Tawantawan said the air quality index is measured pm10. If measured microgram per normal cubic meter (ncm), the air quality of Davao City is 80 which is still below 150 set by the government.

Tawantawan highlighted Duterte-Carpio's bold decisons to keep the city's environment good such as the cancellation of the multi-million reclamation project along Davao's coastal area and the continued strict implementation of city ordinances like the Anti-Smoking.

In response, Duterte –Carpio likened air pollution as an irreversible disease.

She is happy that Davao City maintained good air quality index. But she said the city government and the people should not be complacent.

The index could still increase or can be reduced. People, she said are also accountable to make the airshed clean as the city remains committed to keep below the set standard.

Duterte-Carpio cited the continued implementation of Anti-Smoke Belching Law, which was passed years ago.

From January 2017, the mayor said the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) conducted emission tests to 3,215 vehicles. The mayor said this is made as the city's aim to improve the air quality. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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MORONG, Bataan -- Two picnickers, one celebrating his 25th birthday, drowned in a beach in Morong, Bataan Sunday afternoon.

 

Police Senior Inspector Christopher Lalic, Morong police chief, identified the fatalities as Arnold Pasague, 25, truck porter, and JM Flores, 15, both from Caloocan City, Metro Manila.

 

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard, police, and other rescuers found the body of Pasague Sunday afternoon and rushed him to the Morong municipal health center, where an attending physician declared him dead on arrival.

 

Flores' lifeless body, on the other hand, was recovered on Monday morning.

 

PO1 Reymar Gaffud, Morong police investigator, said the two victims were with four other companions having a picnic and bathing at the public shoreline in Barangay Poblacion, Morong when suddenly engulfed by a strong current in a deep portion of the West Philippine Sea.

 

Rescuers were able to save Bryan Tan, 25; Ruben Guray, 37; Rudy Dapat, 39; and Janice Tan, 23; all from Monumento in Caloocan City. Janice Tan was rushed to the James Gordon Hospital in Olongapo City for observation.

 

"The woman was drowning," Merlyn Pasague, Arnold's mother, related. "Flores tried to rescue her and so did my son. But, unfortunately, they were the ones who died." 

 

The mother said her son was celebrating his 25th birthday Sunday and was invited by friends to the picnic in this town. (PNA)



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BUTUAN CITY—A police station based in a far-flung barangay here repulsed a past midnight attack on Friday by an undetermined number of armed group, believed to be New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

Senior Insp. Renelle Serrano, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office here, said the attackers harassed the Butuan City Police Station 5, based in San Mateo, this city at around 1:50 a.m.

Serrano said the police station had been alerted of the attack and was prepared for it. He said the armed group positioned themselves near the banks of Subait River, approximately 50 meters away from the police station.

Serrano said the attackers fired first but withdrew to the northern direction when the policemen defending their station returned fire.

There was no casualty reported on the side of the policemen during the ten-minute firefight.

Police said they had been tipped off of the attack by their intelligence counterpart at the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion.

Police and military forces are on hot pursuit against the rebels as of this posting. (PNA/Noel B.Najarro)



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CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- Gauging from each drug addict reformed after months of treatment, the medical chief of the Mega Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (Mega DATRC) said it is well worth the efforts of all stakeholders in the year-old facility in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

Dr. Nelson Dancel, DATRC medical chief, noted that staff and personnel have wholeheartedly worked together to help each "resident" reform and be able to productively return to community.

Dancel said that 101 former drug dependents have been sent to the mainstream society in two send-off ceremonies -- 54 on Aug. 4, and 47 on Sept. 28, this year.

The third send-off will be held on Nov. 29 to coincide with the facility's first year anniversary.

There are 535 residents in the facility at present, but Dancel did not disclose how many will graduate on that day.

The DATRC, inaugurated by President Rodrigo Duterte as an important component of the government's war against hard drugs in November last year, was donated by a Chinese philanthropist and established on a 10-hectare property of the Department of National Defense (DND), particularly the Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division here.

It is being managed by the Department of Health while the provincial government of Nueva Ecija provides security. (PNA)



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LAOAG CITY — Ilocos Norte is eyeing the release of about Php800 million from the province's share in tobacco excise taxes.

Vice Governor Angelo Marcos Barba said Friday the Ilocos Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed two resolutions requesting the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release the excise tax of Virginia and Burley tobacco collected in 2014 and 2015.

Following the approval of the said resolutions required by the DBM, Barba said Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa Marcos will personally follow up the release of the said fund to the DBM central office.

Included in the approved resolutions are a detailed list of proposed programs, projects and activities, including funding for research and development, agricultural infrastructures and livelihood that would provide assistance to tobacco farmers here.

Under Republic Act 7171, tobacco-producing provinces like Ilocos Norte with an annual average production of not less than one million kilos of Virginia tobacco are entitled to 15 percent of the excise tax collections from the locally manufactured Virginia-type cigarette.

Burley and native tobacco producing-provinces are also entitled to "15 percent of the incremental revenue collected from the excise tax on tobacco products" as a result of higher tax rates way back in 1997.

Of the total amount, 30 percent goes to the provincial government, 40 percent to the municipal or city government and 30 percent to congressional districts.

The law further states the money shall be utilized exclusively for programs to advance the self-reliance of tobacco farmers through cooperative, livelihood, agro-industrial and infrastructure development.

To date, Ilocos Norte is being investigated by the House Committee on Good Government and Accountability for its alleged misuse of PhP66 -million tobacco funds for the purchase of multicabs.

Other Virginia tobacco-producing provinces in the country are Ilocos Sur, La Union and Abra while Burley and native tobacco top growers include the provinces of Isabela, Pangasinan and Cagayan. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY -- City Mayor Noel Rosal assured tourists that security measures remain tight despite the hold-up incident that took place at Mayon Volcano on All Saints Day.

"The incident was an isolated one, I assure our visitors that though security measures are in place, we will see to it that no similar incidents would take place in the future," Rosal told the Philippines News Agency.

Two robbers on a motorcycle took the cellphones, credit cards and cash of four female tourists on the trail around Mount Mayon on All Saints' Day, police said Thursday.

The victims were identified as Libbylin Barra, 49, Katrina Barra, 24, and sisters Ma. Rhea, 37, and Ma. Rhachel Cayabyab, 24.

Senior Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said the women were on board their respective all-terrain vehicles, accompanied by two guides when they were flagged down by the bandits armed with a handgun and a knife.

Rosal directed the ATV tour operators to employ additional security guards and tour guides to man the area and assist the visitors during tour sessions around the volcano.

Rosal also directed the Bicol police to assign personnel in villages where the Mayon tour is being held.

Supt. Eymaro Gomez, City Chief of Police, assured the public that security protocols are being implemented.

He added that there are presently six tourism cops trained to handle tourist visitors, and are deployed in tourist areas in the city.

Operators agreed to set up CCTVs including a drone as an additional security measure to protect tourists while on ATV trail ride along Mayon Volcano.

Operators also vowed to adopt a 2-4 ratio, wherein two tour guides would be assigned to man every four tourists engaged in ATV trail tours.

An ATV tour cruises a 2-kilometer trail that starts in Barangay Pawa and ends at the Mayon Lava wall in Barangay Mabinit, almost the height of a four-story building.

There are three operators managing the ATV tour in this city while nine operators man the ATV operations at the Cagsawa ruins compound in Daraga town. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY -- Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) thwarted an attack launched by suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels on a police station in Barangay Poblacion, Gubat town in Sorsogon province on Friday evening.

Senior Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol Police spokesperson, said a group of NPA members armed with assault rifles fired shots towards the police station in Barangay Poblacion at about 9 p.m.

Quoting a report from Gubat town police chief Nicolas Malipot, Calubaquib said a series of gunfire came from the back portion of the PNP station where the rebels were positioned some 50 meters away.

Malipot said police manning the station were able to immediately return fire and engage the rebels in a two-minute firefight that prompted the rebels to withdraw on board their motorcycles.

Police pursuit operations have been launched on Saturday to track down the rebels.

Calubaquib said the rebel attack was the second, following last month's assault on a police outpost that killed a cop. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental reported Friday that no major crime incident occurred in the province during the twin observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

Acting provincial police director, Senior Supt. Edwin Portento, said he terminated Friday morning the deployment of police personnel for the "Oplan Kalag-kalag" (Halloween) security operations.

Hundreds of police personnel plus those coming from augmentation units, such as the Regional Public Safety Battalion in Central Visayas, were deployed early this week to ensure a safe, peaceful and orderly celebration of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

According to Portento, only minor incidents were reported on these days, such as that of a pick-up truck that fell off the pier at the wharf in nearby Sibulan town.

In that incident, no one was reported hurt as initial investigation showed the driver appeared to have stepped on the accelerator instead of the brakes as it maneuvered the vehicle into a loading position on a barge bound for Cebu.

The police also have not reported any theft or robbery incident, said Portento.

He thanked the people of Negros Oriental for their cooperation and support, as this made it easier for them to carry out their tasks.

Other minor crime incidents, such as physical injuries, that took place on these dates were outside areas of convergence -- the cemeteries, churches, bus terminals, seaports and the airport, said Portento.

Because of the peaceful and orderly observance and effective security measures during All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, the Central Visayas Police congratulated the provinces of Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor.

Checkpoints put up during these days also did not yield any illegal item, such as loose firearms or prohibited drugs, the provincial police director said.

It's back to normal assignments for everyone in the PNP in Negros Oriental but Portento said they will soon be gearing up again for security plans for the Dumaguete fiesta celebration on the third week of November and all throughout the holiday season. (PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY— Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito on Friday assured the "fast" recovery of conflict-torn Marawi City, and vowed that there will be no repetition of the "mistakes" of the previous administration in handling the post-Yolanda rehabilitation period.

"Yolanda left us a lesson," Ejercito said.

Ejercito vowed that even the issue of substandard housing for the affected residents will not be left unturned.

Ejercito, who chairs the Senate committee on urban planning, said the rehabilitation of Marawi should start immediately, as soon as state troops declare it free from all Maute stragglers.

In a press conference here Friday, Ejecito said he will be joining the heads of the Task Force Bangon Marawi to assess the damage in the area and look into rebuilding efforts to get Marawi back on its feet.

He said government troops are still clearing the business district of the war-torn city, especially with the reported presence of about 30 remaining terrorist stragglers, including foreign extremists, before they proceed with the rehabilitation phase.

"We want to be sure that if there is an opportunity, we will do it the right way immediately," Ejercito added.

He explained that while rebuilding infrastructures is part of the agenda, the task force wants to fast-track building of houses for affected residents.

Ejercito also disclosed Japan's financial aid for the recovery of Marawi.

During President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Japan last week, Ejercito mentioned that Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has committed to give Php500 million for Marawi's rehabilitation.

He also bared the productive visit of the President to Japan wherein aside from the support for Marawi, Japan will also donate $942 million that will be used to build a subway from Metro Manila to La Union. (PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY -- The Dagupan City Council, in a special session Friday, appropriated PHP106 million to kick off the construction of a new government center in the city.

This was gleaned from two ordinances approved by the council on motion of City Councilor Jeslito Seen, chairman of the Committee on Appropriations.

The first ordinance approved the supplemental annual investment program in the amount of more than PHP126 million and the second ordinance realigned the surplus/savings of the city from various expenses and projects in 2016 and re-appropriated this for various projects programmed up to the end of the year.

Appropriated were PHP60 million to cover the cost for the construction of the planned government center; PHP25 million to cover the cost for the procurement of Consulting Services for the preparation of detailed architectural and engineering design and plan for the proposed government center; and PHP21 million to cover the cost for the center's road and site development.

Seen cited the importance of the funds in starting work on the new government center, to be located in Barangay Pantal, at the newly designated Pantal-Lucao growth center. 

He said since the PHP106 allocated by the council is not sufficient to complete the new government center, it is likely that the city government will apply for a PHP500-million to PHP600-million loan next year with the Land Bank of the Philippines. 

The new government center will be built on a 1.2-hectare land donated to the city by the brother of Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez.

The transfer of the present government center to the donated land was endorsed in an ordinance earlier passed by the city council with nine councilors voting 'yes', one abstaining, and one voting 'no'.

The vote was done after the council conducted a series of barangay consultations.

Also funded is the construction of a concrete foot bridge in Sitio Watak, Barangay Mamalingling worth PHP1.2 million to finally link barangays Bonuan Gueset and Mamalingling. (PNA)



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PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Sultan Kudarat – They used to shoot each other anytime and anywhere they meet. But on Friday, government forces and Moro rebels competed for a cash prize offered by Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc during the Army-sponsored "1st Makabayan Mud Run" competition, held in a rice field here.

Cabunoc, commander of the Army's 33rd Infantry "Makabayan" Battalion based here, said soldiers, police and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerillas faced one another, this time in the field of friendly competition aimed at developing camaraderie and friendship.

The government is currently in the thick of negotiations with the MILF to end the decades-old setback of Moro struggle for self-determination in Mindanao.

State forces and Moro rebels chanted, yelled and cheered their respective teams as they competed in several obstacle courses in a muddy rice field in Barangay Poblacion here.

Even farmers took time out in their daily farming activities to witness the first-ever government forces versus Moro rebel friendly competition.

Cabunoc said the most exciting part of the competition was the obstacle course with two participants, one carrying the other on his back, and hurdling mud to reach the finish line.

The Army's 33rd IB 1st Reaction Platoon won the first prize of PHP5,000, followed by Charlie Company, Bravo Company and the MILF team, winning the second, third and fourth places, respectively.

"It is not the prize that counted most, but the camaraderie, friendship and most important, the promotion of peace among us," Cabunoc said.

"We are thankful to Col. Cabunoc for reaching (out) and inviting us in this friendly competition," MILF leader Abdurahim Molilis said.

With the success of the 1st Makabayan Mud Run, Cabunoc said similar activities are in the pipeline to help boost peace between the former enemies in the battlefield. (PNA)



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CAMP PACIANO RIZAL, Sta. Cruz, Laguna – Operatives of the Laguna Provincial Intelligence Unit have recaptured one of the six inmates who bolted the Laguna provincial jail on Oct. 29.

Police Senior Inspector Gerry L. Sangalang, chief of the Laguna provincial police public information office, told PNA on Saturday that jail escapee Teddy Sarte Bucal, who is facing charges for hard drugs, was recaptured in Barangay Matalatala in Mabitac, Laguna at about 3:30 pm. of Nov. 2.

Sangalang said that during custodial debriefing, the arrested prisoner revealed that the M16 Rifle they grabbed from Provincial Jail Guards Norberto Malabanan, whom they shot during the jailbreak, was left in the grassy portion of Barangay Maahas in Los Baños, Laguna.

Sangalang added that after the custodial debriefing, a Laguna investigating team was dispatched, together with the arrested prisoner to Barangay Maahas in Los Baños, to recover the M16 Rifle.

The police team were able to recover the M16 (5.56) Rifle with Serial Nr. RP165841 ELISCO with its chamber  loaded and the inserted magazine for M16 Rifle loaded with 19 live  ammunitions around 5:50 p.m. on Nov. 2.

The recapture of Bucal brings to four the number of escapees re-arrested.

Another escapee Verjust Dizon, who is facing charges also for illegal drugs has surrendered to the Sta. Maria, Laguna chief of police Superintendent Raniel M. Balones on Nov. 1.

Two other escaped inmates Rhandel Valle, facing a murder case; and Rommel Macaraig, who is facing a case of carnapping and illegal possession of explosives, were also recaptured by Cavite joint police operatives on Oct. 31.

Police has continued their manhunt operations against the remaining two escapees identified as Rio Mahilom with a case of illegal possession of firearms, and Rayman Raymundo for murder. (PNA)

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BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO)  has reported a drop of  56.38 percent in the crime incidents during the three-day observance of Undas this year.

The NOCPPO said in a report late Friday that from October 31 to November 2,  the police listed  41 incidents down from 91 cases during the same period the previous year.

Inspector Charmae De Paz, public information officer of NOCPPO, said  in a press statement that the decrease  in  crime volume could be attributed to  the intensified security measures through the deployment of policemen in cemeteries, public markets, transportation hubs, and other places of convergence.

She added that the information and education campaign of the police against criminality also helped reduce crimes.

Police preparedness and cooperation of the public are most important factors in considering a peaceful and safer All Saints' Day  and All Souls' Day observance, the NOCPPO said.

Superintendent Rodolfo Castil Jr., police provincial director, acknowledged the sacrifices and applauded the efforts of the policemen in Negros Occidental.

Earlier, the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) lauded its units for the "generally peaceful" observance of the Undas in Western Visayas.

"It's another job excellently done together," said Superintendent Gilbert Gorero, spokesperson of PRO-6.

He said that no major untoward incident was reported in the region from Tuesday to Thursday.

October 31 was declared a special non-working holiday ahead of the All Saints' Day on November 1 and the All Souls' Day on November 2.

Gorero said heavy downpour did not stop policemen from diligently performing their respective tasks.(PNA)

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BACOLOD CITY –  A  Negrense soldier said he and his fellow troopers are proud to be called liberators of   Marawi City after almost four months of fighting the Islamic State-linked terrorists.

Technical Sergeant Jose Lumayno of Sipalay City,  Negros Occidental was one of the 81 soldiers of  the 31st Division Reconnaissance  Company of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division who were honored by the provincial government Friday in rites held at the Capitol grounds here.

Lumayno, who shared the difficulties in fighting the Mautes, said they came from Bohol, where they neutralized the Abu Sayyafs in April, before they were deployed to Marawi in June.

He added that their  first task was  to focus on security operations, including road blocks and check points.

"Kung maging history man ang Marawi siege, the 31st  Division Reconnaissance Company is one of the units that is proud to be called Marawi liberators," Lumayno said.

First Lieutenant Richard Paul Gobway, commander of the 31st Division Reconnaissance Company,  said that in Marawi,  they conducted security clearing to prevent  enemy reinforcement and withdrawal from the main battle area.

We  also  did   "foot security to allow the seamless flow of combat support operation" of the assaulting units," he added.

"During the later phase, we contributed to sandbagging. We brought  the sandbags to the frontliners for them advance because almost all of the buildings were destroyed. There was no cover for them," Gobway said.

He added that 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.

During the ceremony, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, commander of 3rd Infantry Division, led in paying tribute to the soldiers.

Marañon and Aying joined  the  families of the six Negrense soldiers (not only five as initially reported) who were killed in action during the wreath-laying rites.(PNA)

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DAGUPAN CITY--Parts of eastern and central Pangasinan will experience power interruption on Nov. 7 mainly due to maintenance activities by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) on its facilities.

Melma Batario, NGCP's Regional communications officer, said the power outage from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. would affect some of the service areas of the Pangasinan Electric Cooperative III (PANELCO III), and the Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (Cenpelco).

WIthout power are the Urdaneta (New), Rosales, Carmen, Barangobong, Tayug and Umingan power substations servicing the towns of Urdaneta, Asingan, San Manuel, Rosales, Villasis, Sto. Tomas, Sta. Maria, San Nicolas, Natividad, Tayug, San, Quintin, Umingan and Balungao

Likewise affected, according to Batario, are the Bautista and Bayambang substations servicing Alcala, Bautista, Bayambang, Basista, parts of Urbiztondo and San Carlos City

Annual preventive maintenance and testing of Nagsaag power transformer and associated equipment, simultaneous with the replacement of wood poles at Tumana-Libertad-Umingan line segments and other line maintenance activities along Nagsaag-Umingan 69kV line were cited by NGCP as reasons for the power outage. Leonardo Micua (PNA)

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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan--A vacationing student from Manila is missing and believed drowned aftwr he went swimming near Lingayen beach Friday morning, the Lingayen police reported Saturday.

The victim, Leonardo Franco, 20, of Quezon City, was dragged by strong undercurrent to the deeper portion of the sea along with Raily Bacud, 13, a Grace V, pupil, and no longer surfaced from the water.

Bacud was however immediately rescued by a fisherman, Danilo Sison, 31, of Maniboc, Lingayen.

The incident occurred when the two, together with Leonil Arnas, 17, and Venerson Arellano, 14, went to the beach to swim a day after "Undas".

Joint personnel of the Pangasinan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Lingayen Disaster RiskmResuction and Management Office are now combing the Lingayen Gulf in search of the victim. Leonardo Micua (PNA)

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TACURONG CITY -- Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested on Friday four people, including a father and son, during a drug buy-bust operation at Purok Rosas, Barangay Buenaflor here.

PDEA-12 Director Gil Cesario Castro identified the arrested suspects as John Michael Ulangkaya, 23, his father Angelito Ulangkaya 57, Freeman Ulangkaya, 38, all residents of Barangay Katunggal, GM Homes Zone 1, Tacurong City and businessman Rahib Abdullatif, 30 of Barangay Malingao, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

The raiding team seized from the suspects 30 grams of shabu contained in several sachets with a street value of Php300,000.
Dried marijuana leaves and shabu paraphernalia were also recovered from the suspects.

Charges of violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against the suspects who are now detained at PDEA-12 lock-up cell. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Pondo para sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) has already benefited 664 businessmen in the Zamboanga Peninsula as of October this year, releasing a total amount of PhP8.573 million worth of loans.

The P3, which was implemented in August this year, is one of the flagship programs of President Rodrigo Duterte to counter the "5-6" scheme of loan sharks, which is detrimental to small businessmen who have no choice but to bite into such borrowing scheme for them to stay afloat.

Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional director, on Saturday said the P3 is designed to save the micro and small entrepreneurs from being victimized further by "5-6."

Jain said that unfortunately, the businessmen who engaged in "5-6" scheme find themselves unable to grow their business because their money just went to payment and interest.

She said the P3 offers a very low interest rate of not more than 2.5 percent monthly.

Data from the Small Business Corporation (SBCor), DTI's financing arm in charge of P3 program, showed that the biggest number of beneficiaries are from Zamboanga del Sur with 461, translating to PhP4.810 million worth of borrowings.

It is followed by Zamboanga del Norte with 99 beneficiaries (PhP1.557 million), Zamboanga Sibugay with 97 (PhP2.086 million) and Zamboanga City with seven with approved loan of PhP120,000.

At present, four micro-financing institutions serve as conduits for the project where the public can apply for loan.

These are the following: Radiowealth Finance Company (RFC); Card Inc.; Lorenzo Tan Multipurpose Cooperative; and, People's Micro Finance Cooperative (PMFC).

But the PMFC is yet to accept P3 application as it is still in talks with its mother cooperative, the Mindanao Alliance of Self-Help Societies-Southern Philippines Educational Cooperative Center (MASS-SPECC) on the former's full implementation of the program.
More MFIs are expected to be accredited for the P3 program as evaluation of application are ongoing. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), backed by Naval Intelligence Service Group (NISG), seized PhP5 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested five people in a buy-bust operation in this city, an official said Saturday.

PDEA Regional Director Lyndon Aspacio said the buy-bust operation was carried at around 3 p.m. Friday along Governor Camins Avenue in Barangay Canelar, this city.

Aspacio identified those arrested as Din-din Ronie, 30; Dismar Gulam, 23; Jamesar Abdulmaid, 33; Jamesar Hussin, 33; and, Binnajar Hadjili, 30.

Aspacio said all suspects except for Ronie are from the town of Panamao, Sulu. Ronie is from Panglima Estino town of the same province.

He said confiscated from the suspects during the buy-bust operation were: more or less one kilo of suspected shabu packed in 20 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets; PhP347,900 cash; one bundle of boodle money topped with two PhP1,000 bills used as buy-bust money; one economy bag; and one biscuit box.

He said the estimated market value of the seized methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as shabu is pegged at PhP5 million.

He said charges of violation of Section 26 (Attempt or Conspiracy) in relation to Section 5 (Selling of Illegal Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Illegal Drugs) of Article II of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the suspects.

They were temporarily detained at the detention facility of the PDEA regional office, according to Aspacio. (PNA)



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BALER, Aurora--Floods spawned by tropical storm "Ramil"  destroyed more than PHP1-million worth of agricultural crops in this capital town of Aurora.

Gabriel Llave, chief of the Municipal Disaster risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), said floodwaters  destroyed some PHP1,028,498 worth of rice crops on a 21.5-hectare farm lands in the villages of Reserva, Pingit, Buhangin and Calabuanan (Setan).

Llave said torrential rains due to tropical storm Ramil caused 2 ½ feet deep floods in the said areas.

He added that water level of rivers and creeks also rose up to more than two feet during All Saints Day.

In Sitio Baclaran, Barangay Suklayin, the floodwater rose up to hip-level Thursday.

Although the floodwater already subsided in some parts here, Llave advised fishermen not to go fishing due t cloudly skies with occasional light rains. (PNA)

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SUMISIP, Basilan -- The construction of the second phase of the 14-kilometer stretch of the 55-kilometer "transcentral road" kicked-off Saturday in Barangay Tumahubong, this municipality.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman and Basilan Gov. Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman led the kick-off rites for the construction of the 14-kilometer part of the road artery that would traverse the rugged hinterland terrains at the center of this province.

They were joined during the ceremony by Department of Public Works and Highways-ARMM (DPWH-ARMM) Sec. Don Mustapha Loong, Basilan District Engineer Soler Undug and other officials including the military.

The construction of the road was supposed to have started two weeks ago but was postponed due to inclement weather condition.

Hataman said the transcentral road is designed to spur economic development and improve the peace and order condition of this province.

Hataman said the transcentral road will traverse the Punoh Mahajie-Sampinit area that serves as the remaining safe haven of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in this province.

"Its completion will provide easy access to the security forces in the maintenance of peace and order," he said.

The transcentral road will link this town through Barangay Tumahubong to the barangays of Lower and Upper Mahayahay in Maluso municipality and through Barangay Sta. Clara in Lamitan City.

Hataman said the completion of the project will shorten the travel time and will provide easy access to the transport of farm goods to the trading centers in Maluso, Lamitan City and Isabela City.

Loong said the cost for the construction of the 14-kilometer stretch of the 55-kilometer transcentral is PhP322 million. The entire project is worth PhP1.225 billion.

He said the construction of the transcentral road is a flagship project of ARMM. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY – A disaster preparedness race will be held in this city on November 8 in line with the commemoration of the 4th anniversary of supertyphoon "Yolanda".

Dubbed as "Saving Race", the competition will challenge the teams' mental resilience and physical strength in times of natural disasters and emergency situations.

An Waray Partylist Rep. Victoria Noel said the race is patterned after "The Amazing Race", a reality television game show in which teams of two people race around in competition with other teams. Contestants strive to arrive first at a pit stop at the end of each leg of the race to win prizes and avoid coming in last.

All tasks or challenges will be related to disaster preparedness and risk reduction management.

At least 20 pre-screened teams will be chosen to join the race. Each team must be endorsed by a government-recognized group, school or local government unit. Each team will be composed of two racers and one logistical support.

"Contestants will race around the city and strive to arrive first at pre-identified checkpoints and do the tasks as fast as possible," Noel told reporters.

Clues provided in each leg will lead the teams to the next checkpoint or direct them to perform a task, either together or by a single member.

Participants must be within the age bracket of 18 to 40 years old and a resident of Eastern Visayas region. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY – Bills proposing to revitalize the coconut industry and use the coconut levy fund got the full support of the An Waray Partylist.

Partylist Representative Victoria Isabel Noel said Thursday these bills are essential legislations that would help the country's marginalized coconut farmers.

"Our tree of life, properly nurtured and never neglected, can ensure a sustained quality of life for employed farmers, lessees and tillers who can, in the process, be direct participants in and beneficiaries of the industry," Noel said.

The bill on revitalizing the coconut industry aims to promote the rapid, steady and continuous integrated development and growth of the coconut industry in all its aspects and ensure that the coconut farmers, farm workers, processor, lessees and tillers and their families, shall become direct participants in, and beneficiaries of, such development and growth, thus increasing their income and uplifting their quality of life.

"Among its primary goals is to hasten and advance industrialization in the coconut industry and the diversification and proper utilization of coconut products and by-products," Noel added.

The bill, if it passes into law, will benefit the Eastern Visayas region, with coconut as one of its major products.

Revitalizing the industry would likewise boost the recovery of the region from Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which damaged a major part of the industry and displaced thousands of coconut farmers. 

Noel also expressed her full support for House of Representatives Bill 5745, which provides for the use of the coconut levy funds. The bill will establish a Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Trust Fund, which is seen to benefit the "poor and marginalized" coconut farmers.

It also provides that PHP10 billion of the initial trust principal to be used within two years from the approval of the "Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan" by the President of the Philippines.

The measure provides that the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Trust Fund Committee shall be created, under the Office of the President, which shall monitor the implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan and approve disbursements out of the trust fund.

The trust fund shall consist of the principal and income. No portion of the trust fund shall accrue to the general fund of the national government. It shall be capitalized, managed, utilized and accounted for in the manner provided in the Act.

Noel said the coconut industry's viability and sustained improvement in the areas of production processing and marketing and intensive research can guarantee the economic wellbeing of a major part of the country's population.

In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that the fees collected during the Marcos dictatorship are state-owned and should be used solely for the benefit of coconut farmers and the coconut industry.

The tax had been imposed on the farmers of the poverty-wracked industry for their benefit, but the funds were diverted instead to investments, such as in the United Coconut Planters Bank and San Miguel Corp. (PNA)



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PALO, Leyte – The only student from the Philippines shortlisted on the Breakthrough Junior Challenge is upbeat of winning the global science competition.

Hillary Diane Andales, 18, Grade 12 student of the Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas Campus has stepped up her online campaign with the help of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to USD250,000 scholarship grand prize.

Andales joined the competition online with her three-minute short film entry about Physics. She made it to the top 30 last year.

The student needs at least 300,000 likes and shares to be assured of a slot in the top 6. The deadline for voting is Nov. 2 and the announcement of winners is on Dec. 4 via Facebook live and National Geographic Channel.

Out of more than 6,000 entries from 146 countries, Andales, a native of Abuyog, Leyte, bagged a coveted place, one of the 30 semifinal spots in the Breakthrough Junior Challenge where students "make a short film about a big idea in science or math."

"I explained through medium an idea called Relativity and The Equivalence of Reference Frames. Maybe some of you have heard relativity about Albert Einstien the theory that makes him famous. I explained in simple terms about what we observe are always relative, it always depend on the observer," Andales explained to reporters on Thursday.

The Junior Challenge began in 2015 and aims to recognize "that the biggest breakthroughs start with an insight, a new way of looking at things," according to Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy.

It was launched in order to showcase the scientific knowledge of the world's young leaders in development, and also to promote science awareness among the general public.

The entrants must display skills in science communication and must be able to simplify complex ideas into basic terms. Their videos are evaluated based on four criteria: Creativity, Difficulty, Engagement and Illumination.

The sole winner of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge will be flown to the United States to accept the award along with a USD250,000 scholarship, a USD100,000 science lab for the winner's school, and a USD50,000 award for the winner's teacher. (with Mikaela Angelica A. Ramirez, Christine M. Quimbo, OJT/PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY— Different fund raising events will be held in this city to raise funds for the families of the Igorot policemen and soldiers killed in action in Marawi at the height of the government's offensive against the Maute terrorist group.

Igorot is the collective name of natives of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Attorney Alexander Bangsoy, a businessman who spearheads the Cordillera Binnadang group, in an interview on Thursday said that aside from receiving donations from individuals and groups, they would also hold golf and football tournaments for a cause.

"Binnadang" a Kankanaey word, is a century-old practice of Cordillerans of extending assistance or help to families in times of death or suffering.

Kankanaey is the indigenous spoken language of people from the Cordillera specifically from the Mountain and Benguet Provinces.

The fund raising effort dubbed "Cordillera Binndang Fund Drive for Cordillera Marawi Heroes" was launched to assist the families of the eight killed policemen and soldiers from Cordillera, similar to what was done for the families of the 14 Igorot Special Action Force (SAF) troopers who died in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in 2015.

At present, Bangsoy said they had PHP80,000 deposited in a BPI account.  

He noted that for the 14 SAF families, they were able to raise PHP2.5 million which they divided equally among the families of the fallen troopers.

The golf tournament will be held after the annual Fil-Am Golf Tournament on December 16 while the football tournament is scheduled on December 7 and 8.

"We have been doing the fund raising for eight years now and we are expecting more participants because this is for a cause. We will also be asking the mayor, office of the mayor and Baguio Country Club to co-sponsor with us," Bangsoy said.

He said that donors of the Cordillera Binndang Fund Drive for Cordillera Marawi Heroes can deposit into the account ‎8123-0427-01 with swift code BOPIPHMM - the official account for the Binnadang fund drive.

A Facebook account will also be created for transparency and update on the fund drive. This will also be used to run stories of the Cordilleran heroes.

The fund raising, Bangsoy explained, is an urgent assistance drive. "We decided that while there is a government aid, it will take time and there is urgency in assisting the  families of the fallen government troopers," he said.

Bangsoy explained that if they could get a substantial amount, they would have a partial release before Christmas and another one in January.

The fund raising campaign will run until January 2018, to be able to get enough funds for the families of the fallen Igorot fighters. (PNA)



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CAMP VICENTE LIM, Calamba City – All sea trips from the Batangas Port to destinations in Mindoro Oriental and Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan resumed as early as 1 a.m. Thursday.

The Philippine Coast Guard - Southern Tagalog (PCG-STL) and Batangas Port authorities said the trips were resumed after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued its 24-hour public weather forecast at 4 a.m. Thursday, stating that Tropical Depression Ramil was already 210 km. west of Coron, Palawan at 3 a.m., with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kph.

Coast guard and port authorities said that no passenger was stranded in the port as of reporting time and that they would ensure that vessels would not be overloaded with Undas travelers.

In another development, motorists bound for Lemery, Batangas were advised to take the Tagaytay City-Nasugbu road as the Diokno Highway (K0072+560) remained closed to vehicular traffic since the highway's slope protection, which collapsed at the height of Typhoon Nona in 2015, is still being restored. (PNA)

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ILOILO CITY -- The city government here, through its nutrition council, has devised strategies to address cases of malnutrition, city health officer Dr. Bernard Caspe said Thursday.

Such strategies, he said, include a feeding program and "adoption" by health personnel of malnourished children.

Some 439 of the city's 1,107 malnourished children whose ages range from zero to six years old are set to be rehabilitated.

Caspe said the malnutrition prevalence rate in the city is 1.84 percent, lower than the national target of around 5 percent.

The nutrition council was able to weigh under its "Operation Timbang" 61,485 of the 75,028 total pre-school population in the city.  Of those weighed, 254 were found to be severely underweight while 853 were underweight.

"This is not alarming but as much, we wanted to address this problem," Caspe said.

The city health officer said he wanted each personnel of the nutrition council to "adopt" a malnourished child to make sure that the kids are given the necessary intervention. The personnel would be made answerable if no improvement is seen on their adopted child at the end of the year.

This means they have to make a follow up on the children such as monitor the food they eat and the medical tests they need to undergo that are available in health centers, among others.

The names of the malnourished children will be provided to district health centers so they can be properly checked.

"They will be reevaluated to know their problem," Caspe said.

He added that they have embarked on a feeding program using donated fortified rice. He said they hope to find other donors to provide ingredients and make their foods palatable.

Caspe said he would also be talking with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to train their personnel on the preparation of supplemental feeding. He said they wanted the foods being provided to all day care centers of the city to be uniform.

Nutritionists were also advised to teach parents how to prepare a well-balanced meal for their children. He noted that the feeding in day care centers is done only once a day up to six months. Thus, food preparation at home is critical.

Meanwhile, the city health officer is yet to know whether or not the barangay nutrition action plan (BNAT) will be implemented in city villages. He said that villages had a budget for the plan, which is supposed to be intended for feeding. (PNA)



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LAOAG CITY--The Ilocos Norte Provincial Board is set to make some amendments to a previously crafted ordinance criminalizing theft of minerals.

From an administrative charge or a maximum fine of PHP12,000 for violators of the provincial quarry ordinance, Provincial Board member Vicentito Lazo said Thursday there is a need to file criminal charges against offenders.

"This is to give more teeth to the quarry ordinance and to send a clear message that we no longer tolerate commission of quarry thievery," Lazo said.

Quarrying is one of the top local revenue sources in the province with a total collection of PHP6 million in 2016.

Despite increasing infrastructure projects being implemented in the different parts of the province, it has been observed that the collection from quarry has been depreciating for over a period of time.

"We have numerous construction projects yet there is no substantial quarry fee increase. We tried to ask for the volume of production but it has not been completely addressed up to now," said Lazo, citing that the Department of Public Works and Highways has downloaded about PHP3 billion worth of projects but based on the assessed volume of sand and gravel need, "it is a far cry from what is being paid" to the coffers of the government.

Of the total quarry permittees in Ilocos Norte, Lazo has accused a global sand exporter, Omnico Natural Resources Inc. (ONRI) with a private port in Currimao town, of allegedly shortchanging the Ilocos Norte government in terms of payment on sand and gravel extractions.

To date, ONRI is extracting sand and gravel in Sarrat town covering 365 hectares along the Padsan River.

Lazo said the firm is merely paying for the "finished" product while other local permittees pay gross extractions.

"Is Omnico a sacred cow among the permittees? We should resolve this or else we would be remiss in our duty as lawmakers," he added. (PNA)



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BALANGA CITY, Bataan -- Most cemeteries in this province on Thursday were almost empty of visitors but conspicuously present was a mother who still tended to the tomb of her son, which she designed like a typical bedroom.

November 2 is observed as All Souls' Day in the country.

The love of a mother is endless which this businesswoman, Lilia Angeles, 59, of Balanga City, continues to pour out to her son who died seven years ago.

Lilia and her husband constructed a mausoleum at the Eternal Shrine Memorial Park in this city for their son, Jayson Aquino Angeles, a call center agent, who, at 28, died after being comatose following a heart attack.

The interior of the mausoleum looks like a typical bedroom, with the tomb covered with a bedsheet, complete with throw pillows.

With the pillows is a Kon doll, which, Lilia said, was her son's last souvenir for her that he bought while on vacation in Singapore.

A framed picture of Jayson, a Saint Benilde College graduate, is on top of a cabinet in one of the corners of the "bedroom."

Two toy cars, one of which was the last Christmas gift that Jayson received, were on display. Walls and the ceiling are complete with decorative items.

The windows are with flowing curtains and the frontage can be opened through a wide sliding glass door.

A chandelier and CCTV camera were installed on the ceiling.

There is a small sofa set and a reclining chair.

"Gusto kong ipadama sa aking anak ang habang-buhay kong pagmamahal kaya lahat ng makakaya ko ibibigay ko sa aking anak. Gusto kong ipaabot sa kanya na mahal na mahal ko siya at ginagawa ko ito para sa kanya (I want to make my son feel my eternal love for him. Thus, I will give my son all that I can. I want to tell him that I love him very much and I am doing this for him)," Lilia said.

Jayson was the second child of the Angeles couple. They have another son and a daughter. (PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY -- The chief of police of Dagupan City is confident that the city will be able to meet the target set by the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) that it will be cleared of drugs on or before the end of the year.

Superintendent Franklin Ortiz, who received his permanent appointment as chief of police of Dagupan last October 27 after serving as officer-in-charge since April this year, told newsmen Thursday that the Dagupan police is on track with its ongoing drug-clearing operations.       

Twenty-nine of the 31 barangays of the city have already been cleared of drugs to date. He said hopefully, the island village of Pugaro would become the 30th barangay to be cleared.

Ortiz said the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) of Pugaro recently told the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) that the village is ready for clearing.

CADAC, headed by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez as chair with Ortiz as vice chair, will still have to evaluate the recommendation.

If this is done, this leaves Barangay II & III as the only drug-affected village in Dagupan City. 

Asked by newsmen if there are more drug personalities being sought in Barangay II & III, Ortiz said the police continues to monitor this area till it eventually becomes drug-cleared.

"As I told the city council earlier, the BADAC should first recommend to CADAC whether their village is already drug-cleared. But the final say always on whether a barangay is already drug-cleared comes from the Philippine Drug-Enforcement Agency (PDEA)," Ortiz said.

Ortiz recalled that when President Rodrigo Duterte passed the anti-drug responsibility from the police to PDEA, only the task of initiating anti-illegal drug operations was removed from them. All the other tasks, like drug-clearing, remain with the police, he explained.

At the same time, Ortiz said the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program is now going on in earnest in all villages in Dagupan with seven clustered villages about to complete it in the next few days.

He admitted that schedules in some barangays had to be revised in order to accommodate the request of the drug surrenderers to undergo the program on weekends as they have to work on weekdays for their families' sake. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) is looking forward to producing graduates from the two-day youth camp that will gather some 50 violators of this city's curfew ordinance.

Senior Insp. Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson, said Thursday they had partnered with the Goducate Camp and Training Center in San Miguel, Iloilo for the conduct of Project BONG (Bringing Order to the Nemesis of Gangs) youth camp that would commence on Friday.

She said the activity was initiated by the ICPO after a series of incidents involving gangs in the city.

She disclosed that 34 incidents were recorded from 2016 to 2017, with physical injuries leading the list of violations with 18. Others were frustrated murder and child abuse.

Sangrines explained that the Philippine National Police (PNP) could not address the problem alone because the perpetrators are not considered as hardened criminals but victims of circumstances.

Through their advisory council, they crafted the project to help youths cope with stressors, she added.

This batch, however, was not involved in criminal incidents but were violators of the curfew ordinance that prohibits minors from loitering from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

During the youth camp, they will be guided on how to engage in worthwhile activities rather than violence, learn how to cope with the demands of their environment, and be given an opportunity to become productive members of society, she explained.

Representatives of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and personnel of the Women and Children Protection Desks (WCPD) will also join the activity.

Sangrines added that the activity does not end in the youth camp, as they would still keep in touch with the participants and even make them force multipliers in sharing information on incidents involving children. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – The local peace talks initiative of the Davao City government is getting the full support of President Rodrigo Duterte and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

In fact, Duterte even invited members of the armed New People's Army (NPA) to come down from the boondocks, "bring down your arms and surrender."

"I am addressing myself to all the soldiers of the New People's Army. Mag-surrender na lang kayo ngayon at ibaba ninyo ang inyong baril o i-surrender ninyo (You just surrender now and bring down your arms or surrender)," the President said.

The offer for jobs and housing, the President said, still stands.

"At sabi ko, may trabaho kayo naghihintay. At I am building, all throughout the country, almost 5,000 sa National Housing Authority (As I said you have jobs waiting. And I am building throughout the country, almost 5,000 houses)," he said.

He said the communist revolution in the Philippines has been running for 50 years and nothing happened.

"I do not fight them with money. I'm just saying na kung mag-surrender kayo, ayaw na ninyo gusto ng patayan, or pumatay ng kapwa mo Pilipino, mag-surrender ka na. Bigyan kita ng bahay automatic, at bigyan kita ng trabaho (I'm just saying that if you surrender, if you do not like fighting, you surrender. I will give you a house and I will provide you jobs)," the President reiterated.

But Duterte said that the NPA rebels who would surrender should really work.

"This is not an honorarium thing. You have to work for it," he said.

On the other hand, the AFP chief of staff said he believes that Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio already talked to the military commanders in Davao.

Even if the military is not a member of the Davao City Peace Committee, Guerrero said he welcomes efforts of the local government that would contribute to the peace and order condition of the area.

Last month, Duterte-Carpio convened the peace body to hold peace talks with the NPA.

Among the other initial preparation is holding a peacebuilding workshop of all members to let them understand all about peace negotiations and how to initiate peace talks.

Given that Secretary Jesus Dureza has already expressed that the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is not supporting the local peace talks, Duterte-Carpio said she would be writing OPAPP to inform of the local undertaking.

The city mayor has emphasized there is no law that prohibits any local peace engagements. She said there is a provision in the Local Government Code that LGUs could go about the local peace process. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will start next week the distribution of copies of the new suggested retail prices (SRPs) for Noche Buena products to major retailers in Negros Occidental.

Reginald Hudierez, senior trade and industry development specialist of DTI-Negros Occidental, said Thursday they will first distribute copies of the new price guidelines to supermarkets and other retail establishments in Bacolod City, where out-of-town stores source their products.

The DTI Central Office, in a report, said the new SRPs issued this week will be published this weekend. Hudierez said they have yet to get the final copy of the SRPs.

After its distribution, regular market monitoring, especially among major retailers, will be conducted.

"We will see to it that the new price guidelines are being complied by local establishments," Hudierez said, reiterating that "non-compliance with SRPs, regardless of the amount of overpricing, will serve as basis for the DTI to call the attention of erring establishments and charge them for profiteering."

Noche Buena products, under the agency's monitoring, include ham, fruit cocktail, cheese, mayonnaise, queso de bola, spaghetti, elbow and salad macaroni, tomato sauce, and creamer.

The DTI initially reported that prices of ham currently range from PHP137 to PHP949, depending on the brand and net weight.

"We have yet to get a complete list of SRPs from Central Office, especially those of other Noche Buena products, to check whether there are increases in the prices this year," Hudierez said.

DTI-Negros Occidental records show that in 2016, SRPs for ham ranged from PHP135 to PHP845.75.

Hudierez said they will also prioritize the chain of stores in their monitoring as out-of-town branches should have the same pricing as their stores in Bacolod.

They can only make adjustments if there is an instruction from their respective central offices or head companies, he added. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The National Food Authority (NFA) here is expecting the arrival within this month of an additional 200,000 bags of imported rice to augment the rice requirements of this city and its neighboring areas.

Dionisio Hectin Jr., manager of the NFA's Sarangani-General Santos provincial office, said Thursday the additional rice supplies from Thailand would be delivered through the Makar port here.e said half of the augmentation supply or some 100,000 bags was allotted for Region 12 or Soccsksargen while the remaining half was set aside for Region 11 or the Davao Region.

Although a part of Region 12, Sarangani and this city are under the operational jurisdiction of the NFA in Region 11.

Of the 100,000 bags allotted for Region 11, the official said a total of 74,000 bags were allotted for the Sarangani-General Santos area.

The other imported rice supplies will be delivered to the NFA offices in Davao City and Davao del Sur, he said.

"These will augment our current buffer stocks. With these, we will be assured of enough imported rice supplies until Dec. 31," he said in an interview over Brigada News TV.

For the first quarter requirements of 2018, Hectin said they already sent their request to the central office two months ago.

He said the request had been awaiting approval by the NFA council.

The official gave assurance that currently they have enough rice supplies and regular deliveries have continued in the local markets.

"We expect the delivery of more imported stocks in the coming months so we don't foresee any shortage (of) supplies in our area. Rice prices in the markets also remained stable," he said.

Hectin said that aside from the NFA, he said rice stocks in the local markets are being augmented by private sector importation.

He added that their office can also request for augmentation from other units in the area and the neighboring regions when needed.(PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – The issue about bank accounts can't just die down amid offers from President Rodrigo Duterte that anyone can view his waiver to open it.

"Except for Trillanes, anybody can come here and I will authorize you to take a peep," Duterte said.

He said he already had the waiver which he signed before the election after Trillanes accused him of having billions of pesos in hidden wealth.

"Nagbigay na ako and they said may expiry, walang expiry yan (I already gave it and they said there is an expiration, there's no expiration)," he said.

He said he could allow the media to see it just to satisfy their curiosity. "I stated there, no expiration so that they can use it in my whole term," he emphasized.

Trillanes, earlier, accused the president and his family of being corrupt by having millions of pesos in bank accounts.

However, Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said she already told Trillanes if he wanted a waiver, they would give it to him but he should tell first if the list revealed in public is authenticated.

Duterte-Carpio added that if the list is authenticated Trillanes should also bare the source of his list.

The mayor, however, believes that the senator could not present authenticated evidence against his father "because he knows that he is lying".

She said Trillanes is keep on blabbing his mouth telling that he had the list but he did not bare if the list is true or not.

The Davao City mayor challenged Trillanes not to hide on his parliamentary immunity in the Senate and prove his accusation against his father. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – The celebration of the rain-drenched "Undas 2017" in this city and the rest of Palawan did not record any untoward incident and went "generally peaceful," according to the city and provincial police offices.

Police Inspector Pearl Lamban-Marzo, spokesperson of the City Police Office (CPO) here, said Thursday morning that except for three sharp instruments voluntarily surrendered by owners at the Old Cemetery, no unfortunate occurrence was reported in six major cemeteries here.

"It was a generally peaceful commemoration of All Saints' Day here and nothing unusual happened except for the three bladed tools yielded to us by their owners, which we also returned when they went home," she said.

No group violating the liquor ban was also recorded, according to Marzo, showing that the people of this city have high respect for law and order in visiting their dead loved ones.

Police Senior Inspector Ric Ramos, spokesperson of the Palawan Provincial Police Office (PPO), related the same on Thursday morning.

"In the aspect of law and order, Undas 2017 all over Palawan was generally peaceful," Ramos said. 

Marzo and Ramos both informed that "police personnel will remain in detail until 6:00 a.m. of November 3" in city and provincial cemeteries to ensure that peace and security are maintained until the public concludes visiting their loved ones.

Intermittent rains that occurred the whole day of November 1 did not stop residents and families from visiting their loved ones, noted Carmen dela Vergel of the New City Cemetery.

"Residents didn't mind the rain and continued visiting their dead relatives here. They brought their big umbrellas to keep them safe from the rain; they brought flowers but were unable to light candles," she said.

Traffic management and control during the day was also convenient, said City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) chief David Martinez.

"We could say that traffic was manageable since we already sent earlier a notice to tell our public to not bring cars anymore. Just ride tricycles so we can keep traffic flowing well yesterday," Martinez said Thursday morning. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY -- At least eight incidences of landslide hit the 37-kilometer stretch of a road network that traverses the towns of Pili and Tigaon in Camarines Sur and Tiwi in Albay province, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol said Thursday.

No injury was reported as a result of the landslides, which occurred in a secondary national road.

Five out of the eight incidences covered both lanes, rendering the thoroughfare impassable to all types of vehicles.

The other three road sections hit by landslide cover only half of the road lane, allowing vehicles to pass through, according to Lucy Castaneda, DPWH Bicol spokesperson.

Castaneda, quoting a report from the DPWH 3rd District Engineering Office, said the road sections not passable are in Barangays Odiongan, Sibaguan, Bongalon and Patitinan, all in Camarines Sur.

Government engineers are currently clearing the affected road sections of a total volume of 8,400 cubic meters of landslide debris. (PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A dozen members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) surrendered to the government as the military welcomed their return to mainstream society, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

 The rebels were compensated for surrendering to authorities under the government's "Pagbalik sa Sabakan" program. The Army has yet to release the names of the 13 surrenderers.

Five of those who surrendered received P65,000 and firearms remuneration each, while the eight, who were members of the "Militia ng Bayan" (people's militia), were paid for the weapons they turned over in a ceremony in Camp Osito D. Bahian in Malaybalay, on Oct. 30.

The government's Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) offers livelihood assistance amounting to P50,000 and immediate cash aid of P15,000 to every NPA surrenderer, including remuneration for each firearm brought, the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said in a statement.

Under the CLIP, the surrenderers are also offered a re-integration package that includes livelihood and capacity development trainings.

Brigadier Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade and co-chair of the CLIP committee, has urged all the NPA members who still remain "victims of futility of the armed struggle and misguided by the ill propaganda of the NPA leaders to go down, surrender and live your lives peacefully."

Meanwhile, another batch of NPA fighters yielded to the military in Caraga on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

According to the 26th Infantry Battalion, four Maoist combatants belonging to the NPA's Guerrilla Front Committee 88 laid down their firearms in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

"Kim" (not his real name) told the military that hunger and sickness while hiding in the mountains forced them to surrender.

Lt. Col. Rommel Pagayon, 26IB commanding officer, said the former rebels will "undergo the processing for their enrollment under the [CLIP] of the government where they will get benefits to start a new and peaceful life."

Col. Andres Centino, 401st Infantry Brigade commander, said the surrender of the fighters is a "manifestation of weakness of GFC 88 due to recent setbacks."

"This is one of our advocacies to bring peace to the community through offering them (NPA) a chance to return to the folds of the law by peaceful means," Centino said. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Abu Sayyaf bandits have released a town councilor they seized over a month ago in the province of Sulu, a top military official disclosed Thursday.

Released was Councilor Ezzedin Suod Tan of Jolo, the capital of the province of Sulu.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, confirmed to the Philippine News Agency that Tan was released at around 9:20 p.m. Wednesday.

But Sobejana said they had yet to get the complete details surrounding the release of Tan.

"I offered to the family our hospital at Camp Baustista, Busbus, Jolo, Sulu for his medical examination and requested for his debriefing as part of the procedure. Will provide you the full details later," Sobejana said.

Tan was seized by the Abu Sayyaf bandits around on September 27 at the boundary of Barangays Timbangan and Tagbak in Indanan town.

Tan was with a group of 12 bikers traversing the road between Timbangan and Tagbak when six Abu Sayyaf bandits waylaid them and forced Tan to board on a Tamaraw FX.

At the time of the incident, the group was returning to Jolo after making a turn in the town of Maimbung.

Tan is also a member of the Tausog Bikers Club aside from being a councilor of Jolo, Sulu.

Octavio Dinampo, Save the Sulu Movement spokesperson, earlier disclosed he received information that the abductors of Tan was led by Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alden Bagadi also known as Sayning. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana warned soldiers accused of looting in Marawi City that they would suffer punishment if proven guilty.

Lorenzana said he would order the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to apply the "full force of the law" to address the matter.

"Hindi pwedeng, law enforcement agent ka diyan, ikaw ang inaasahan na poprotekta sa kanila, ikaw pa ang mag-aano sa kanila parang bantay salakay, ba (This should not be tolerated because you are expected to protect the civilians)," he said in an interview at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City, Tuesday night.

He said that there would be thorough investigation that would be conducted on the allegation of some residents of Marawi City who went home after President Rodrigo R. Duterte declared its liberation from ISIS-inspired Maute Group.

"Ayon naman sa mga nakausap ko na mga sundalo noon, nung pumasok sila gulong-gulo na ang mga bahay (According to the soldiers that I talked before, the houses were already in a mess)," he said.

Lorenzana said if the soldiers really did the looting, but they could not pinpoint the suspect, the government would give reparations to the owners of the house.

Joint Task Group Ranao deputy commander Col. Romeo Brawner earlier revealed that there is a military officer and five personnel of the Philippine Army who are being investigated for looting in the war-torn city.

The looting allegedly took place during the first weeks of the war.

Among the stolen items were cash, jewelry, appliances and even exercise equipment.

Reportedly, the commander of the soldiers involved immediately ordered them to return the alleged stolen items. Administrative cases will be slapped against these soldiers, whose name are still withheld by the AFP, if found guilty. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)



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ILOILO CITY – The Palm Concepcion Power Corp. (PCPC) assured the safety of residents living near its 135-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in Concepcion, Iloilo, as it undergoes a one-month preventive maintenance.

In a press conference Thursday, provincial administrator Raul Banias said people living near the power plant are all safe after they were evacuated on the night of Oct. 29 following a sudden outflow of ash in one of the plant's chambers.

"But they have cleared up immediately," he said of the ash.

Banias also assured that all the evacuees were not hurt or harmed.

In an official statement released Thursday, PCPC said the incident caused "ash clouding due to the very light weight of the ash, mistaken as smoke coming from the plant."

"To ensure the safety of residents near the plant, they were immediately evacuated by the municipal responders and attended to by PCPC representatives and municipal health workers," said Ma. Christina Cabalhin, PCPC vice president for corporate affairs.

Based on the report of the municipal health office, the evacuees were immediately attended to, to make sure that they are in good condition. They were already sent home the next day, safe and unharmed.

In a previous interview with Cabalhin, she said the power plant was shut down for preventive maintenance to improve its operations. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) on Monday filed charges against two drug suspects following their arrest Sunday.

Valente Cariño, PDEA-ARMM officer-in-charge, identified the suspects as Disomimba Abo alias Bobby Abo, member of a local drug group operating along Jose Lim Street, Cotabato City and Parida Suraik, 36 of Barangay Poblacion 2, also in Cotabato City.

Confiscated from Abo were 13 sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride with a market value of Php90,000, five short firearms with magazine and ammunition, four mobile phones and bank documents.

Abo was reported to be a middle level drug supplier in the city while Suraik, a woman, was in the PDEA-ARMM drug watch list.

Suraik was arrested after she handed over a sachet of suspected shabu to a PDEA agent who posed as buyer. Seized from her were seven other sachets of illegal drugs, marked money and shabu paraphernalia.

The two, now detained at PDEA-ARMM lock up cell, were charged for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Abo also faces charges for violation of RA 10591 or Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives. (PNA)



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BANSALAN, DAVAO DEL SUR –The Davao del Sur Provincial Office (DSPPO) relieved this town's acting chief of police after he went amok at a refreshment store in Digos City, Davao del Sur.

Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office (DSPPO) deputy director for administration Supt. Deozar Almasa said Sr. Insp. Florante Retes is now under their custody to pave way for the investigation.

"If found guilty with the case, the officer has committed misconduct that could be grounds for suspension or if grave misconduct he might be removed from the service," he said.

He said the DSPPO is now conducting pre-charge investigation to get evidence and also to hear the side of Retes.

Retes , who was reportedly drunk last Friday night, went to Sunshine 24/7 Mini Mart and Bibingka Specialty in Digos City and harassed the employees there after he was not given a liquor.

One of the employees in the said establishment, who asked not to be named for security purposes, told Davao reporters that Retes allegedly shouted at them when she refused to serve liquor to him.

"Nigawas ko kay naglubo naman gud kay gibunal na niya ang isa ka case sa Red Horse. Tapos tong akong gipangutana, iya kung gidukol tapos giingnan ko nga ngano palag ka (I went out of the store because I heard a thud because he banged a case of bottles of Red Horse and when I asked him what is happening to him, he slapped me in my nape)? " the employee said.

She explained that their establishment stop serving liquor around 9:30 p.m because the store does not want to cause disturbance to the residents in the area.

She said Retes was not satisfied on what he had done and he showed his pistol tucked on his waste and threatened them.

"Niingon pa siya nga balikan tamo ah, inig balik nako dapat sarado nami (He told us that we must close our store when he returns)," she said.

The employee said because of the incident, they took video of the incident and uploaded it to Facebook and that video became viral with 3,000 shares. However, she concealed it later on because the wife of Retes went to their store and appealed to delete the video because it will ruin the reputation of his family. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)



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LAOAG CITY — Secondary and college level students including graduates of any course who want to get employed in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in Ilocos Norte can avail of free training on communication for 18 days or 144 hours.

Ann Marie Lizette Bitancor of the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) announced this on Wednesday, saying the program is part of the province's efforts to generate more jobs.

She said the Technical Education, Skills and Development Authority (TESDA)  in cooperation with the Laoag-based Datacom Institute of Computer Technology and Ilocos Norte government would offer National Certificate II training for communication skills.

She said the training is set this November for 200 slots available as of this posting.

Bitancor said applicants aged 18 and above may submit their application requirements at the PESO located at the ground floor of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol.

Among the requirements are: resume, transcript of records or certificate of grades or diploma.

Bitancor said successful graduates of the said short term training are guaranteed to secure fast and reliable employment with the mushrooming BPO companies expanding in Ilocos Norte. (PNA)



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BALANGA CITY, Bataan -- Police in Bataan on Wednesday set up assistance hubs near 33 public and 18 private cemeteries in 11 towns and a city in the province.

Police Senior Supt. Benjamin Silo, Jr., Bataan police director, said the hubs are composed of teams from police, medic, fire and other government and private groups.

"We are in the round of the province to check our one-community concept of securing cemeteries," Silo, a lawyer, said.

He led in the inspection of police assistance desks and hubs to ensure the establishment of their so-called all-in-one security centers. The hubs can also be approached for safety and road concerns.

The Provincial Public Safety Company headed by Supt. Rommel Velasco deployed five special reaction teams visible in bus terminal and places of convergence in the observance of Undas.

"These teams work with police stations to provide patrols to barangays and subdivisions to warn residents on burglary and other crimes," Velasco said.

Meanwhile, there is prevailing bad weather in Bataan but rains do not stop people from visiting their departed loved ones in various cemeteries in the province. (PNA)



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BACOOR CITY, Cavite -- A security guard shot and wounded two fellow security guards during a squabble over their duty assignments at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office in this city minutes shortly before midnight Tuesday.

Superintendent Christopher Olazo, Bacoor City police chief, said the shooting incident happened inside the BIR Cavite office at 335 Malvar Building along Tirona Highway in Barangay Dulong Bayan here at about 11:35 p.m. Tuesday.

Olazo identified the victims as Melvin Madueño Eullo, 46, resident of Barangay Mabolo in this city; and Angelico Pequeras Martinez, 28, resident of Soldiers Hills 4 Subdivision in Bacoor City's Barangay Molino 6.

The suspect was identified as BIR security guard Joseph Cagalawan Cempron, 39, resident of Richmond Subdivision in Barangay Pasong Buaya 2, Imus City.

Investigation showed that the three BIR security guards were having a drinking spree Tuesday evening inside the BIR office premises when a heated argument on their  assignments ensued.

During the squabble, suspect Cempron took his firearm, an Armscor caliber 9mm pistol, and shot Eullo on the chest and Martinez in the buttock.

The suspect then turned to another security guard Vicente Pequiras Padillo Jr., 36, who was taking a rest at that time. As Cempron tried to fire at Padillo, the firearm jammed.  .

Padillo was then able to call the attention of Police Officers (PO3) Roberto Peregrino Dela Cruz and Jonathan Rufin Baricuatro who were patrolling the area.

They promptly arrested Cempron while the two victims were taken to Crisostomo General Hospital and later transferred to the Binakayan Medical Center for treatment.

 Investigators recovered the pistol, with serial no. ‎1434813, believed to be used by the suspect;  a magazine loaded with three live ammunition; two fired cartridge cases of caliber 9mm; a live ammo of caliber 9mm and a metallic fragment.

Investigators are set to file double frustrated homicide and attempted murder charges against Cempron. (Rogelio Limpin/PNA)

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COTABATO CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) on Monday filed charges against two drug suspects following their arrest Sunday.

Valente Cariño, PDEA-ARMM officer-in-charge, identified the suspects as Disomimba Abo alias Bobby Abo, member of a local drug group operating along Jose Lim Street, Cotabato City and Parida Suraik, 36 of Barangay Poblacion 2, also in Cotabato City.

Confiscated from Abo were 13 sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride with a market value of Php90,000, five short firearms with magazine and ammunition, four mobile phones and bank documents.

Abo was reported to be a middle level drug supplier in the city while Suraik, a woman, was in the PDEA-ARMM drug watch list.

Suraik was arrested after she handed over a sachet of suspected shabu to a PDEA agent who posed as buyer. Seized from her were seven other sachets of illegal drugs, marked money and shabu paraphernalia.

The two, now detained at PDEA-ARMM lock up cell, were charged for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Abo also faces charges for violation of RA 10591 or Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives. (PNA)



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BANSALAN, DAVAO DEL SUR –The Davao del Sur Provincial Office (DSPPO) relieved this town's acting chief of police after he went amok at a refreshment store in Digos City, Davao del Sur.

Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office (DSPPO) deputy director for administration Supt. Deozar Almasa said Sr. Insp. Florante Retes is now under their custody to pave way for the investigation.

"If found guilty with the case, the officer has committed misconduct that could be grounds for suspension or if grave misconduct he might be removed from the service," he said.

He said the DSPPO is now conducting pre-charge investigation to get evidence and also to hear the side of Retes.

Retes , who was reportedly drunk last Friday night, went to Sunshine 24/7 Mini Mart and Bibingka Specialty in Digos City and harassed the employees there after he was not given a liquor.

One of the employees in the said establishment, who asked not to be named for security purposes, told Davao reporters that Retes allegedly shouted at them when she refused to serve liquor to him.

"Nigawas ko kay naglubo naman gud kay gibunal na niya ang isa ka case sa Red Horse. Tapos tong akong gipangutana, iya kung gidukol tapos giingnan ko nga ngano palag ka (I went out of the store because I heard a thud because he banged a case of bottles of Red Horse and when I asked him what is happening to him, he slapped me in my nape)? " the employee said.

She explained that their establishment stop serving liquor around 9:30 p.m because the store does not want to cause disturbance to the residents in the area.

She said Retes was not satisfied on what he had done and he showed his pistol tucked on his waste and threatened them.

"Niingon pa siya nga balikan tamo ah, inig balik nako dapat sarado nami (He told us that we must close our store when he returns)," she said.

The employee said because of the incident, they took video of the incident and uploaded it to Facebook and that video became viral with 3,000 shares. However, she concealed it later on because the wife of Retes went to their store and appealed to delete the video because it will ruin the reputation of his family. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)



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LAOAG CITY — Secondary and college level students including graduates of any course who want to get employed in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in Ilocos Norte can avail of free training on communication for 18 days or 144 hours.

Ann Marie Lizette Bitancor of the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) announced this on Wednesday, saying the program is part of the province's efforts to generate more jobs.

She said the Technical Education, Skills and Development Authority (TESDA)  in cooperation with the Laoag-based Datacom Institute of Computer Technology and Ilocos Norte government would offer National Certificate II training for communication skills.

She said the training is set this November for 200 slots available as of this posting.

Bitancor said applicants aged 18 and above may submit their application requirements at the PESO located at the ground floor of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol.

Among the requirements are: resume, transcript of records or certificate of grades or diploma.

Bitancor said successful graduates of the said short term training are guaranteed to secure fast and reliable employment with the mushrooming BPO companies expanding in Ilocos Norte. (PNA)



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BALANGA CITY, Bataan -- Police in Bataan on Wednesday set up assistance hubs near 33 public and 18 private cemeteries in 11 towns and a city in the province.

Police Senior Supt. Benjamin Silo, Jr., Bataan police director, said the hubs are composed of teams from police, medic, fire and other government and private groups.

"We are in the round of the province to check our one-community concept of securing cemeteries," Silo, a lawyer, said.

He led in the inspection of police assistance desks and hubs to ensure the establishment of their so-called all-in-one security centers. The hubs can also be approached for safety and road concerns.

The Provincial Public Safety Company headed by Supt. Rommel Velasco deployed five special reaction teams visible in bus terminal and places of convergence in the observance of Undas.

"These teams work with police stations to provide patrols to barangays and subdivisions to warn residents on burglary and other crimes," Velasco said.

Meanwhile, there is prevailing bad weather in Bataan but rains do not stop people from visiting their departed loved ones in various cemeteries in the province. (PNA)



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BACOOR CITY, Cavite -- A security guard shot and wounded two fellow security guards during a squabble over their duty assignments at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office in this city minutes shortly before midnight Tuesday.

Superintendent Christopher Olazo, Bacoor City police chief, said the shooting incident happened inside the BIR Cavite office at 335 Malvar Building along Tirona Highway in Barangay Dulong Bayan here at about 11:35 p.m. Tuesday.

Olazo identified the victims as Melvin Madueño Eullo, 46, resident of Barangay Mabolo in this city; and Angelico Pequeras Martinez, 28, resident of Soldiers Hills 4 Subdivision in Bacoor City's Barangay Molino 6.

The suspect was identified as BIR security guard Joseph Cagalawan Cempron, 39, resident of Richmond Subdivision in Barangay Pasong Buaya 2, Imus City.

Investigation showed that the three BIR security guards were having a drinking spree Tuesday evening inside the BIR office premises when a heated argument on their  assignments ensued.

During the squabble, suspect Cempron took his firearm, an Armscor caliber 9mm pistol, and shot Eullo on the chest and Martinez in the buttock.

The suspect then turned to another security guard Vicente Pequiras Padillo Jr., 36, who was taking a rest at that time. As Cempron tried to fire at Padillo, the firearm jammed.  .

Padillo was then able to call the attention of Police Officers (PO3) Roberto Peregrino Dela Cruz and Jonathan Rufin Baricuatro who were patrolling the area.

They promptly arrested Cempron while the two victims were taken to Crisostomo General Hospital and later transferred to the Binakayan Medical Center for treatment.

 Investigators recovered the pistol, with serial no. ‎1434813, believed to be used by the suspect;  a magazine loaded with three live ammunition; two fired cartridge cases of caliber 9mm; a live ammo of caliber 9mm and a metallic fragment.

Investigators are set to file double frustrated homicide and attempted murder charges against Cempron. (Rogelio Limpin/PNA)

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POLILLO, Quezon -- Joint operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Polillo municipal police arrested on Tuesday noon a drug courier in Barangay Anawan Port here for carrying nine zip-locked plastics of suspected dried marijuana.

PDEA-Quezon provincial director Cristopher P. Viaña disclosed that his team of anti-hard drug operatives and the police were conducting routine inspection at the Anawan Port when a confidential informant tipped them off  about the suspected drug courier.

Viaña said law enforcers arrested suspect John David GunioEscala, 21, a Polillo resident and student in a Manila university, around 12:10 p.m. at the port on Tuesday.

Viaña said initial investigation revealed that the suspect was intercepted with the dried marijuana believed to be intended for clients and revelers for a big "Halloween party" in a nearby town.

Confiscated from the suspect were some 224 grams of marijuana with a street value of PHP 8,000.
 
Authorities are set to charge Escala in violation of Republic Act 9165 or the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of  2002." (Gideon Belen/PNA)

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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – All trips from Batangas Port going to the MIMAROPA region comprised of Mindoro Oriental and Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan have been suspended as of 9 a.m. on Wednesday due to Tropical Depression "Ramil."

Georgina Garcia, public information officer of the Calabarzon Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), told PNA on Wednesday that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Southern Tagalog and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA in Batangas have issued the public advisory for passengers now stranded in the port and other travelers.

Coast guard and port authorities said the trips will resume until further notice from the PCG.

The suspension was based on the severe weather bulletin #1 of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued 5 a.m. on Wednesday as the low pressure area south southwest of Masbate City has developed into a tropical depression with the local name "Ramil."

PAGASA said the estimated rainfall is from moderate to occasionally heavy rains within the 200-km diameter of the Tropical Depression which was expected to traverse the Calamian Group of Islands on Wednesday.

The government weather bureau also advised residents that Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal #1 was hoisted over Metro Manila, Bicol Region, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), the rest of MIMAROPA and advised the public to be alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

It also advised that sea travel is risky over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon.

Garcia also said that around 20 families who were evacuated to safer grounds on Tuesday evening in Lopez, Quezon have returned to their homes Wednesday after floodwaters subsided in some villages due to heavy rains overnight. (PNA)

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BACOLOD CITY – Hundreds of policemen and traffic enforcers have been deployed in this city for the observance of the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on Wednesday and Thursday.

Chief Inspector Lester Leada, deputy chief for operations of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO),  said policemen have been assigned to secure those visiting the 12 public and private cemeteries across the city.

Policemen were also dispatched to guard churches, public markets, and shopping malls.

Aside from more than 600 personnel of BCPO, Leada said they also sought assistance from 623 force multipliers and volunteer groups in the barangays.

Each of the 10 police stations also set up assistance desks.

Senior Inspector Armilyn Vargas, public information officer of BCPO, reminded homeowners to secure their houses whenever they leave for a break or to visit their departed loved ones.

Vargas also advised them to refrain from posting details of their travels on social media so that criminals, especially robbers, will not know their whereabouts.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) dispatched about 250 traffic enforcers in public and private cemeteries.

Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, head of BTAO, said these include 50 personnel at Burgos Public Cemetery and another 50 in the vicinity of Rolling Hills Memorial Park.

Up to 30 traffic enforcers were assigned in Bacolod Memorial Park and Rose Lawns Memorial Park.

Ten traffic enforcers each were deployed to other cemeteries.

Acebuche said they also implemented road closure along major cemeteries and memorial parks starting midnight of October 31, and the traffic re-routing will run until November 2.

Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial  Office (NOCPPO) also went on full alert for the observance of the occasions on November 1 and 2.

Inspector Charmae De Paz, public information officer of NOCPPO, said in a press statement security and deployment plans were laid out among city and municipal police stations in the province.

Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil Jr., police provincial director, ordered policemen to conduct intensified visibility patrols and also reminded Negrenses to stay alert at all times to preempt crimes. (PNA)



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TAGBILARAN CITY -- Boholanos and Davaoeños can now easily visit Davao City or Tagbilaran as direct flights between the two cities started on Wednesday.

Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. and Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto welcomed the passengers of the inaugural flight.

The Philippine Airlines (PAL) is plying its Tagbilaran-Davao-Tagbilaran route with an 86-seater Q4 Newgen Bombardier aircraft.

PAL flies the route four times a week --  Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday -- on the following flight schedules: Tagbilaran-Davao at 12:25 pm and Davao-Tagbilaran at 10:40 am.

Chatto said the new routes signify a new milestone in Bohol air travel as locals have long clamored for a direct flight to Davao.

Tagbilaran Mayor John Geesnell Yap and some PAL and government officials also witnessed the arrival of the inaugural flight from Davao.

The direct flights will surely help spur the tourism industry of both cities, local officials said.

Direct flights between Davao and Tagbilaran are among the additional flights at the old airport.

Earlier, PAL started direct flights from Incheon, South Korea to make it easier for South Korean tourists to visit Bohol.

It is expected that more flights will be opened once the New Bohol Airport in the island town of Panglao starts operations by middle of next year. (Dave Albarado/PNA)



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CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- A leader of the Roman Catholic Church here is urging the faithful to depart from non-Christian ways of observing All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

Bishop Sofronio Bancud of the Diocese of Cabanatuan made the call as he issued a pastoral letter that guides the faithful on the manner the annual traditional events should be observed.

"Huwag kayong umayon sa takbong mundong ito. Mag-iba na kayo magbago ng isip upang mabatid ninyo ang kalooban ng Diyos -- kung ano ang mabuti, nakalulugod sa kanya, at talagang ganap (Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will)," Bancud said, citing Romans 12:2.

He said that both All Saints' and Souls' Days are important for the Catholic faith, being about the communion of saints and eternal life which Jesus sacrificed for.

"Although these two significant events are about our faith, it is noticeable that these are being mixed with the deeds not in conformity with our Catholic beliefs," the bishop said.

Bancud also asked the people to pray and attend the masses for the dead.

"Hindi na kailangang mag-alay para sa kanilang pagkain at mga inumin na hindi nila pakikinabangan" (There is no need to offer foods and drinks to the dead which are not useful to them)," Bancud said, saying the flowers are symbols of love and candles are for the light of Christ.

Meanwhile, the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish here held a "Parade of Saints" with children dressed as their favorite saints as an alternative activity to the traditional trick or treat that features horrible or "demonic" creatures. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- All Saints' Day in Iloilo province has so far remained peaceful, according to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).

In an interview Wednesday afternoon, IPPO Spokesperson Rolando Araño said that there were no reported incidents related to All Saints' Day despite the influx of people in cemeteries.

He attributed the peace and order to the Police Assistance Desks established in cemeteries and other areas of convergence and the police personnel manning these desks.

However, Araño said a number of prohibited items were confiscated from individuals in cemeteries, mostly deadly weapons.

He said that based on the explanation of those found carrying the prohibited items, they were used to clean their respective areas in the cemetery.

Araño said they still confiscated the items to assure these will not cause harm to other people.

As the IPPO remains on full alert status, Araño hoped to sustain the peace and order in the entire province. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Police arrested a public school teacher for indiscriminate firing in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, an official disclosed Wednesday.

Arrested was Abdul Manahan, 53, an elementary school teacher, according to Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer.

Galvez said Manahan was arrested at around 5:25 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Timbabauan, Tungawan on complaints of alarm and scandal through indiscriminate firing.

Galvez said the responding team of policemen recovered from the possession and control of Manahan a caliber .45 pistol with three live ammunition and four empty shells; an empty bottle of liquor; and, a half-empty bottle of liquor.

She said Manahan was taken to the police headquarters of Tungawan for appropriate action. (PNA)



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KIDAPAWAN CITY –- Police, backed by the Army, in North Cotabato have launched a massive manhunt against two men who robbed and killed an American trader in Pikit, North Cotabato on Sunday.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, speaking for the North Cotabato police office, said pursuit operations are still on going against the suspects behind the murder of American trader Jeff Michael Keith, 60, in Barangay Poblacion, Pikit, on Sunday afternoon.

Tayong said the Army's 7th Infantry Battalion has been helping the Pikit police in hunting down the two suspects riding on motorbike after they shot dead Keith at around 2:50 p.m.

Keith was the second foreign trader killed in Pikit for the past week after a Pakistani merchant was also shot dead and robbed.

Police probers are zeroing in on robbery as the motive behind the killing as the suspects fled with the victim's cash, checks and other valuables.

Keith was with his wife Melodina, 45, and two children on board an Isuzu elf delivery truck (NGI-639) going to Pikit from Cagayan de Oro City when the shooting occurred, according to Chief Inspector Romy Castañares, Pikit town police chief.

Castañares said the delivery truck, driven by Keith, stopped in front of Khagi Saimah store for business transaction when two men armed with cal. 45 pistols showed up and fired at the unwary American businessman.

As Keith fell, the suspects took his sling bag that contained about Php200, 000 cash, checks and other valuables and fled on a motorbike.

His wife and children who were unharmed rushed him to the hospital.

Responding cops recovered from the scene several empty shells from .45-caliber pistols.

On Tuesday last week, gunmen on motorbike also shot dead Pakistani trader Estesham Ulhaq, 40, in Barangay Dalengaoen, Pikit, North Cotabato and took his cash and valuables.

One of the suspects injured in a police chase that ensued was later arrested in a hospital in Cotabato City, Tayong said. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has alerted all military units to monitor the presence of Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired groups in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

This was disclosed on Monday by Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, newly-installed AFP chief-of-staff, citing terror threat still exists in the country.

Guerrero was here for his first command visit after he assumed as the new and 49th AFP chief-of-staff on Thursday, October 26.

"Before the Marawi (fighting broke out), we have already monitored that they are moving around the country," Guerrero disclosed.

"It is highly possible that they have been able to go around to other areas as well," he added.

He said they are working with all concerned stake holders to prevent and counter violent extremism and to ensure ISIS ideology is not being spread to the other parts of the Philippines.

"Not for now. But we are not discounting the possibility," he replied when as about terrorists' threat to attack other areas in the country.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the religious leaders and local government units have joined forces to prevent the infiltration of terrorists in their respective locality.

"They don't want to experience similar to what happened in Marawi City," Galvez added.

Guerrero was given honors upon his arrival at Camp Basilio Navarro that houses the Westmincom headquarters in this city.

He met in a closed-door command conference with the unit commanders of Westmincom to be abreast of the prevailing situation in the region.

He relayed to the troops the programs of President Rodrigo Duterte for the AFP during the "talk to the men" activity that followed the conference.

Guerrero, who was accompanied by other AFP officials, later shared a boodle fight lunch with the officers, men and civilians employees of Westmincom. (PNA)



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BINANGONAN, Rizal – Eight persons, two of them children drowned while five others survived when the boat they were riding sank off  Laguna de Bay while on their way home after attending a birthday treat at one of the native huts built inside a fish pen area here Sunday afternoon.

In an interview with PNA, Nolasco Celestra, operations chief of the Binangonan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), said 13 passengers, most of them family members, boarded the fiberglass boat on their way home around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday after a birthday treat in one of the native huts on stilts in the fish pen in Laguna Lake off Binangonan town.

Celestra said MDRRMO team of emergency responders and rescuers were immediately dispatched after receiving the distress call at about 1:45 p.m. Sunday.

He said that Philippine Coast Guard rescuers and divers stationed in the area and local fishermen assisted in scouring the waters some 7.5 feet deep and were able to rescue five people and retrieve the eight bodies.

The fatalities were identifed as Rolina Parreño, 43 years old, of South Signal Village, Taguig City; Diana Parreño, 2, also of Taguig City; Frederick Orteza, 39, marine supervisor of Taguig City; Weldy Parreño, 42; Jean Wilfred Orteza, 9, student from Taguig City; Marlon Gimena Candol, 39, of San Andres, Cainta, Rizal; Marilou Barbo Papa, 44, of San Andres, Cainta; and Demaret Mendoza also of Taguig City.

The survivors included Grace Parreño, 40; Josh Parreño, 10; Maxine Orteza, 7, all of Taguig City; Merlita Dominel, 43 of San Andres, Cainta, Rizal and the boat operator Jerson Decreto of Macamot, Binangonan, Rizal.

According to Celestra, the five survivors narrated that the boat, with only one outrigger, tilted when most of the passengers converged to one side of the boat for their selfies and groupies.

He said that the boat tilted and overturned with eight passengers under it and eventually drowned as the boat capsized. Five other passengers had jumped off and struggled to swim towards the nearest shoreline when they were rescued.

The MDRRMO team of emergency responders, coast guard and fisherfolks rushed the eight fatalities and survivors to the Margarito Duavit Hospital in Binangonan.
MDRRMO said there was no overloading as the boat capacity is for 25 passengers.  (PNA)



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MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN – This province is poised to become one of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (Asean) most sought-after tourist and event destinations as two local hotel chains are expanding their business here.

 This was according to Gov. Maria Luis Romualdo, who identified the Cagayan de Oro hotel chains as Limketkai and Mallberry.

 Limketkai will construct its own hotel in Barangay Tupsan Pequeño, Mahinog town, while Mallberry will expand its existing hospitality business in Barangay Bonbon in the municipality of Catarman, Gov. Romualdo said.

In Cagayan de Oro, Limketkai operates the 213-room Luxe Hotel located within its mall complex. Mallberry, owned by Roger Chiu, has its own Mallberry Business Suites Hotel within the Limketkai mall.

With the completion of these two new hotels, Romualdo said Camiguin will be ready to accommodate any events, including those organized by the Asean.

"Camiguin will never back out [in] hosting any major event," the governor said.

On top of its white sand beaches, Camiguin is known for its Lanzones Festival, held on the last week of October.

The Lanzones Festival, an event feting the bountiful harvest of lanzones, which is abundant in the island, has been a crowd-drawer every year.

Last year, the Asean Center for Biodiversity declared Camiguin's Mts. Timpoong and Hibok-Hibok natural ranges as Asean Heritage Parks, one of the few areas in the Philippines that is recognized as such. The declaration also put Camiguin on the Asean map.

With this recognition, Romualdo said, it won't be long for citizens of Asean member-countries to visit Camiguin.

"We will never say no to anyone who would want to come and visit us. Yes, we are now ready for them," she said, referring to the potential tourists from the Southeast Asian region.

The governor added that although the whole of Mindanao is still under martial law, tourists still flock to the island for the Lanzones Festival and to enjoy its numerous attractions and amenities.

Flor Colmenas, an official of Camiguin's provincial tourism office, said the martial law has slightly affected guest arrivals as there were booking cancellations of hotel and inn accommodations, but the number of overall visitors has exceeded their expectations.

Colmenas said there were around 5,000 tourist arrivals during this year's Lanzones Festival. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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LAOAG CITY -- Local officials and residents of the Tingguian community of Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte, about 38 kilometers from here, have complained that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and a contractor have not finished the construction of a bridge that was supposed to have been completed last year.

Nueva Era town Mayor Aldrin Garvida said over the weekend that the delayed construction of the PHP250-million worth Bonggo Bridge connecting Nueva Era and Banna towns has been causing great inconvenience to commuters for over a year now since 2015.

He said almost a year had passed since its supposed completion date in time for the town's centennial celebration but up to this day the project is still half done.

Garvida sought the help of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to expedite the Bonggo Bridge construction when Vice Governor Eugenio Angelo Marcos Barba and the provincial board members conducted an out of capitol session in Nueva Era town.

He also lamented that during the construction process of the project, the contractor made some changes from the original design.

In response, Barba assured the people of Nueva Era that he would look into the matter.

Lawyer Vicentito Lazo, who is also provincial board member,  said they would summon the contractor and the DPWH-Regional Office to explain why the target completion of the Bonggo Bridge was not met.

Ilocos Norte board members have been going out of Capitol to reach out to the people in various towns of Ilocos Norte so they could personally listen to their concerns and grievances.

Apart from the Nueva Era bridge, the completion of other bridge projects in various parts of Ilocos Norte are also delayed such as those in Batac City, Currimao, Pasuquin and Pagudpud.

Commuters are made to endure heavy traffic using detour roads as they could hardly pass through the major thouroughfares during heavy rains. (PNA)



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CALAUAN, Laguna – A swimming escapade turned tragic when a four-year-old child drowned around 10:40 a.m. on Sunday at the Lucidel Fishing Resort and Restaurant in Barangay Bangyas here.

Calauan police case officer, Senior Police Officer 1 (SPO1) Lemuel T. Ilao, on Monday said that resort worker Henry Lanorio Natiola reported the incident around Sunday noon.

Ilao said the young victim, a resident of the National Housing Authority (NHA) Site 1 in Barangay Dayap, drowned in the swimming pool of the fishing resort.

According to Ilao, 12 year-old Jana Odper Mejorada, Grade 7 student and also a resident of Barangay Dayap, saw the victim and immediately sought assistance from resort worker Rudy Claro Igham.

He said Igham took the child out of the water and administered first aid before the victim, accompanied by her family, was taken to the Pagamutang Pangmasa ng Laguna (PPL), a government district hospital in Bay, Laguna.

 However, the attending physician declared the victim dead on arrival. (PNA)

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