PNP NVizcaya intensifies anti-criminality drive
by Ben Moses Ebreo
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (July 19) — The Philippine National Police(PNP) here will embark on an intensified activities designed to increase their vigilance and the community participation on anti-criminality efforts.
Also included in their BPP is the rationalization on the deployment of personnel in coordination with their respective local chief executives.
He added that cellphone numbers of COPs will be displayed on billboards which will be installed in strategic location of their respective areas.
“One of the main feature of this project is the establishment of the “Sumbungan ng Bayan” where the public can text any information on how the PNP can render immediate response to the public in case of emergencies using the PNP text-call hotline and cellphone numbers and email address,” Danguilan said.
Danguilan also vowed to conduct aggressive police operation particularly on the enforcement of special laws with emphasis on the execution of arrest warrants and neutralization of personalities or groups believed to hiding or keeping contrabands.
He said that conduct of security survey and inspection including the proper use of resources to secure vital installations, economic key points and places of convergence in coordination with concerned agencies, officials, owners and managers and the arrest of wanted persons in the province.
The conduct of seminars and training as a prelude for the organization of Bantay Bayans, Crime Drug Watch, Student Prevention Council, Nueva Vizcaya Rebel Returnees Association and other auxiliaries will be done, according to Danguilan to make these organizations effective and efficient partners in the maintenance of peace and order in the province.
The improvement of crime solution efficiency will also be enhanced by instituting the principle of people empowerment where people are encouraged and motivated to testify as witness for the immediate solution of crimes and the conduct of dialogues with bank managers and security officers including transport groups to forge strong alliance through a memorandum of understanding to ensure the safety of clients and customers, Danguilan stressed.
Media calls on police to hasten investigation on media murder attempt
by LS Macatangay
Nabua, Camarines Sur (16 July) — Suspects of the foiled attempt to kill another media man are still at large and currently the subject of police manhunt as of press time.
This, after a radio field reporter was seriously wounded when he was shot by motorcycle-riding gunmen on his way home, Friday night on July 9, 2010.
In a report sent by Lt. Col. Ernersto Cruz of the 42nd Infantry Battalion, Miguel Belen, 48 years old was on board his motorcycle at around 8:30pm when unidentified gun men suddenly fired on him causing him to sustain multiple gunshot wounds from a Cal.45 pistol.
Belen was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital and is now recuperating from his wounds while police authorities are still looking into various angles as to the motive of the assault.
n the wake of this incident, Emman Llagas, Camarines Sur KBP Chairman and Station Manager of Energy-FM here in Naga City, called on his colleagues to be more vigilant and observe safety precautions, especially when dealing with sensitive issues concerning their points of discussion or commentaries.
“Our job as watchdogs of our society can cause us our very own precious lives, in the name of public service and in search for truth and justice. Yet we also have to protect ourselves and be watchful on how we deal with certain issues.”
Llagas also called on the authorities and concerned agencies to hasten the investigation and bring the perpetrators behind bars.
“KBP condemns in its strongest terms the attempt on the life of Mike Belen. We are raising the challenge to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to do their best and run after the ruthless perpetrators and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring justice to the victim. I am also appealing to my fellow media men to observe utmost responsibility in performing their duties and most of all, stay alive,” Llagas said in an interview.
PNP Camarines Sur Provincial Director P/SSupt. Jonathan Ablang said that the PNP is now on its toes working for the immediate identification of the suspects. Task Force Belen was then created, with Ablang himself as head. The official also gave an announcement that all the official statement will only come from him to avoid misconceptions that might mire the said investigation.
Belen was a former barangay captain at Barangay Francia, Iriga City. He joined the media workforce after retiring from public service one month before the election. (PIA CamSur)
LTO 2 intensifies campaign against wangwang
by Thelma C. Bicarme
Tuguegarao City (16 July) — The Land Transportation Office Region 2 (LTO 2) has intensified its campaign to regulate the use of sirens, blinkers and other similar gadgets that emit loud noises of unauthorized people, who want to pull over other motorists in traffic.
Presidential Decree No. 96 (PD 96) declares as unlawful the use or even attachment of sirens, bells, horns, whistles or similar gadgets “that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds,” including dome lights and other signaling or flashing devices to any motor vehicle.
Under PD 96, the gadgets or devices mentioned above may be attached to and use only on motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Commission, Police Departments, Fire Departments, and hospital ambulances.
LTO Spokesman Manuel Baricaua said that this law (PD 96) is no longer new and the LTO has been implementing it even before. “So far there were no violators on the use of wang-wang apprehended,” he added.
Baricaua said that they immediately conducted a massive confiscation of any device or gadget installed or mounted on any motor vehicle upon getting orders from their Central Office.
Baricaua explained that Presidential Decree 96, the use of sirens, bells, horns, whistles and other gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds including dome lights and other similar signaling or flashing devices attached to motor vehicles and used on the highways will be confiscated.
For the second and subsequent offenders, they (violators) will be jailed for six months and pay a fine of P600.
In addition, the certificate of registration of the motor vehicle on which the unauthorized gadget or device herein mentioned is installed, mounted or used shall be canceled or revoked.
Meanwhile, Baricaua urged motorists and citizens to report any violations to the LTO. “We also call on the media to help us in this campaign,” he added. (PIA 2)
Pangasinan PESO elected regional federation prexy
Dagupan City (15 July) — Alex Ferrer of the Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office was elected president of the federation of PESO officers in Region 1.
The board of directors are Dr. Clemente Galiza and Norma Dafun of Ilocos Norte, Doris Manzano and Jocelyn La Madrid of Ilocos Sur, Amparo Mabalot and Charito Dator of La Union , Samuel Bugarin and Roel Sabado of Pangasinan.
Labor and employment Regional Director Henry John Jalbuena, who inducted the new officers, earlier ordered the conduct of capability trainings for PESO managers.
Jalbuena said the PESOs, being the multi-employment facilities at the grassroots, should be able to localize the programs to ensure that these reach their target beneficiaries.
The PESOs were updated with the new leadership’s priority thrusts and programs, among which are Skills Registry System, Labor Market Information, Career and Employment Coaching and Anti-Illegal Recruitment Campaign. (DOLE/PIA/dos)
Dagupan can solve its garbage problem if it wants to, says Sual mayor
By Danny O Sagun
Dagupan City (15 July) — This city can solve its perennial garbage disposal problem by allotting enough funds for the full implementation of the law on waste disposal, a municipal mayor whose town has successfully implemented R. A. 9003 said Wednesday.
Sual Mayor John Rodney Arcinue said it does not matter if the area is big or small as long as the administration really puts garbage disposal a priority. “Maliit nga yong volume ng basura namin compared sa Dagupan, siguro times 20. Pero ganon din imultiply mo lang yong pundo at bilang ng tao. Sa amin 12 tao ang naka-assign sa garbage collection and disposal,” he pointed out during the Engkwentro forum of the Pangasinan Press Club at the Jurassic Ark.
Arcinue said that he has given waste disposal a priority in his programs in compliance with the law and the directive as well of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “First warning pa lang sa amin talagang inimplement na naming yong batas,” he said.
The town has achieved “zero waste” status with its materials recovery facility (MRF) used for segregation, recycling and production of organic fertilizer. He said that plastic or sando bags are grinded and used as mix for hollow blocks and paving blocks.
Visitors from five towns with one delegation from as far as Ilocos Sur, he bared, visited the MRF and were impressed with the system. The facility was set up thru the help of the DENR.
“Doable,” he said in answer to a question whether Dagupan can solve its garbage problem given the volume of garbage produced daily and the absence of disposal facilities. “Kung kaya ng Marikina City, ng barangay Bued sa Calasiao, kaya nila yon,” he said. He noted though that some mayors do not give much priority to waste disposal.
In preparation for the expected coming of investors and locators with the completion and operation of the Sual International Seaport, Arcinue said that the town’s training center is targeting 500 trained welders and another 500 sewers. “Mayroon nang 200 na welders, saka 150 na sewers na na-trained namin,” he revealed.
Helping the municipality are Japanese trainers. The training center is accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
He said that construction of the seaport will start this month. The national government thru the Department of Transportation and Communication has pledged P200 million. The province will also shoulder P200 million and Sual, P100 million.
Income-wise, Sual is qualified to become a city with its P126 million budget. It has benefitted financially from the presence of the Sual Coal-fired Power Plant which is now being run by Team Energy. But its 32,000 population is way below the required 100,000 population.
The local executive however dreamed of having his town declared as Port City with the realization of the seaport and the coming of locator-investors. (PIA Pangasinan)
Aquino appoints Villanueva to TESDA, Rosales to CHR
Manila (July 15) (PNA) — Si President Benigno Simeon Aquino III announced Wednesday the appointment of two former partylist representatives in his Cabinet.
Rosales replaced Leila de Lima who now heads the Department of Justice.
Villanueva, son of Bangon Pilipinas presidential bet and televangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva, replaced Augusto Syjuco.
Aquino instructed Villanueva to give more scholarship grants to high school students to continue TESDA’s goal to give more opportunities to the youth who cannot afford to get a formal college education. (GCC, PIA9-Pagadian City)
Indigents benefit from free medical services in Sorsogon
by BA Recebido
Sorsogon City (15 July) — Sorsoganons overwhelmingly thanked the Bicol Clinic Foundation (BCF) following their two-month medical mission conducted in Buenavista, Brgy. Rizal, Sorsogon City that started in May and ended on July 4, this year.
“We were so glad that our health were given utmost attention through the medical mission annually conducted here by these foreign doctors,” said patients who benefited from the medical activities conducted.
Bicol Clinic Foundation vice-president James Fishelson said that Sorsoganons especially the indigents, were lucky this year to have twenty-two foreign doctors with varied specializations who stayed long here to conduct check-up and treatment of some one-hundred thirty patients daily.
“US volunteer doctors have been coming to Sorsogon for six years now to offer medical services treating minor to serious cases for free,” said Fishelson.
“We actually give general outpatient care, however, as per needed, we also conduct surgery, pre-natal and other laboratory services,”he added.
“For six months now, the BCF have already catered to more than three thousand patients including a serious case of tubercolusis with parasites and referral for kidney transplantation,” he said.
Fishelson also said that in case of serious cases beyond their physical and professional capacity, they usually refer patients to a more equipped hospital and even provide them with financial assistance.
Currently, the Bicol Clinic Foundation has twenty doctor specialists, aside from midwife, registered nurse and permanent staff working on a regular basis in thier clinic from Monday to Saturday.
Fishelson said that as long as they find patients who need assistance, the BCF will continue their voluntary medical work. “This is the mission of our foundation which our founder and chairman Dr. Mich Schuster and his Filipino wife Marites Lacsa-Schuster from Bulan, Sorsogon has instilled in us” he further added.
“We also maintain our close coordination with the city and provincial-LGU and with the Sorsogon Provincial Health Office to improve further the quality of health services we offer to Sorsoganons,” he also said.
The Bicol Clinic Foundation also looks forward to providing personal hygiene activities and lectures to patients and eventually develop their clinic into a full-grown hospital in the future.
Fishelson also said that they would want to encourage young people here through their voluntary works to partake in serving the needy and also encourage them to start helping the poor while they are still young. (PIA Sorsogon)
PNoy receives new Malaysian, Korean envoys
Manila (14 July) — President Benigno C. Aquino III yesterday received the new ambassadors of Malaysia and Korea who presented their respective letters of credentials to Malacañang.
First to meet with the President at 10 a.m. was His Excellency Dato’ Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia.
Amb. Saad was accompanied by his wife Mme. Datin Seri Dato’ Zainab Abdul Kader, Deputy Chief of Mission Zakaria Naair, Minister Counsellor Adnan Abbas, and Second Secretary Rosli Saad.
They were welcomed by Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo and Chief of Protocol Assistant Secretary Eduardo Pablo Maglaya.
Amb. Saad thanked President Aquino for welcoming him to the country and vowed to work hard to further strengthen diplomatic as well as bilateral ties between Malaysia and the Philippines.
The President, together with Romulo and Maglaya, then ushered Amb. Saad to the adjoining Music conference room for a closed-door meeting.
Next to present credentials was His Excellency Lee Hye-Min, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea.
Amb. Lee was accompanied by his Consul General Kim Yong Ho, Defense Attache Colonel Rhewy Tug Ho and Consellors Kim Kiejoo and Kim Myoung-Joon.
As with Malaysian Ambassador Saad, Foreign Secretary Romulo and Chief of Protocol Maglaya were on hand to assist the President in welcoming Amb. Lee.
Amb. Lee also thanked the President Aquino for the warm welcome and vowed to work to further strengthen relations between Korea and the Philippines.
After the ceremonial presentation of credentials, Amb. Lee had a private meeting with the President. (PIA-MMIO)
Pres. Aquino to visit wake of ambushed soldiers in Tuguegarao City, Ilagan
by Oliver T. Baccay
Tuguegarao City (14 July) — President Benigno Aquino III is set to arrive tomorrow in this city and Ilagan, Isabela to personally visit the wake of three (3) soldiers who were among the seven (7) killed in an ambush in Bontoc, Mountain Province last Friday.
The President is expected to arrive at 10 o?clock in the morning in this city to attend the wake of PFC Anthony Bunagan (26 years old) at Brgy. Cataggamman and leave the area at 10:30am to visit also the wake of Sgt. Melchor Castro (33y/o) at Brgy. Aggassian and PFC Camilo Topino (30y/o) at Brgy. Manaring both in Ilagan, Isabela.
The 3 were among the 7 soldiers killed in an ambush by suspected communist terrorists including a military officer in Sitio Sugit, Brgy. Samoki, Bontoc, Mountain Province.
The group of the 52nd Division Reconnaissance based at Saddle in Barangay Talubin, Bontoc, was on its way to conduct a medical mission in a nearby town scheduled for the weekend when they were ambushed.
Other fatalities were identified as 1st Lt. Lito H. Punio (28) of Mindanao; Corporal Cornelio Balmez (34) of Pangasinan; PFC Windez Gazingan (30) and PFC James Tio-an (25), both of Kalinga.
The ambush is the latest attacks carried out by the New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels in the province, one of the areas of concern by the military’s North Luzon Command.
The rebels carted away from the victims four M16 rifles and two M203 grenade launchers, among other firearms. (PIA 2)
Gov Dy III to address malnutrition in Isabela
by Oliver T. Baccay
Cauayan City (14 July) — Isabela Governor Faustino G. Dy III has pledge to include nutrition programs on his priority agenda within his administration to address malnutrition rate in the province.
Dy lamented when he learned that Isabela province has the highest malnutrition rate in whole Cagayan Valley region in the past years.
During the launching of One Nutrition One Nation (ONON), Dy assured that he will seriously implement nutrition programs in the province and ordered nutrition action officers of each municipality to pursue programs and activities that will eradicate malnutrition within their areas of responsibility.
“I commit to include nutrition program as one of my priorities within my administration to regain our award as one among provinces who have outstanding programs on health and nutrition and with no malnutrition rate nationwide,” Dy said.
Meantime, Ms. Rhodora Maestre, Nutrition Program Coordinator for Region 2, said Isabela province was then awarded Nutrition Honor Award, the highest Presidential Award on Nutrition nationwide, but was not sustained because it became a lest priority of the past administration.
Maestre expressed her gratitude to the Governor for including nutrition on his priorities and believed that problems on nutrition in the whole province will be addressed with the commitment of the new governor.
“I am really happy that the officials now of Isabela, not only the Governor but also the mayors are taking their bit to seriously address nutrition related problems”, Maestre added. (PIA 2)
