Difference between revisions of "Zamboanga Del Sur News"

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==[[Army to build halfway houses, farms for ex-NPAs in ZamboSur]]==
==[[Army to build halfway houses, farms for ex-NPAs in ZamboSur]]==

Revision as of 10:31, 29 March 2019

Province of Zamboanga del Sur - Archived News of Zamboanga del Sur
Zamboanga del sur seal.png
Seal of Zamboanga del Sur Province
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Zamboanga del Sur
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Zamboanga del Sur Map Locator
Zamboanga del sur with municipalities.jpg
Municipalities within Zamboanga del Sur
Zamboanga del sur provincial capitol.jpg
Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Sur
Provincial capitol of zamboanga del sur of santo niño pagadian city zamboanga del sur.jpg
Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Sur, Santo Niño, Pagadian city

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Zambosurlapuyanfalls.jpg
Lapuyan Falls: The favorite haunt of the fair Subanen maidens of Sitio Baga and all its neighboring areas, usual meeting place with many a young country swain in some secluded cavern beneath the rocky forest lane.
Zamboanga del sur lakewood.jpg
Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
Pedagan Zamboanga del Sur.jpg
Village of Pedagan

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
Lintugop Aurora Zamboanga del Sur.jpg
Lintugop, Aurora
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Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
Provincial human resource management office of santo niño pagadian city zamboanga del sur.jpg
Provincial human resource management office of santo niño pagadian city
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Civil Service Commision office in santo niño pagadian city

43 Zambo Sur rebel returnees get P2.7 million aid

By Roel Pareño, Raymund Catindig (The Philippine Star)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — At least 43 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Zamboanga del Sur have received livelihood and emergency assistance worth P2.7 million.

The rebel returnees each received P65,000 under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the 53rd Infantry Battalion in Guipos town on Friday, Capt. Clint Antipala, public affairs officer of the Army’s First Infantry Division, said.

The military said surrenderees who turned over their firearms also received remunerations ranging from P50,000 to P60,000.

The groundbreaking ceremony for a halfway house in Zamboanga del Sur that will serve as the venue for the rehabilitation and skills training of former NPA rebels was also held on Friday.

In Mountain Province, an NPA guerrilla identified only as Bonie surrendered in Barangay Poblacion, Sagada also on Friday.

Senior Inspector Carolina Lacuata, Cordillera police spokesperson, said they are assisting the surrenderee avail himself of government assistance.

Army to build halfway houses, farms for ex-NPAs in ZamboSur

By Leah Agonoy (PNA)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur -- Halfway houses and farms are set to be developed on a 19.5-hectare land of the provincial government for the “From Arms to Farms” project.

Intended for former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, the project is a joint undertaking of the provincial government, Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion, and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The half-way houses and farms will be located at the back of Camp David Sabido that houses the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion headquarters in Guipos town.

This, after an agreement was signed Friday by Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio Cerilles and Lt. Col. Marlowe Patria, Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion commander.

Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, the chairperson of the Task Force Balik Loob, witnessed the signing of the agreement.

In his speech, Mapagu noted that insurgency has been contributing to the deterioration of peace and order in the countryside.

"This should be ended, with the unity of each Filipino," Mapagu said.

“We converge for a common goal that is peace and development,” said Mapagu, adding that “former rebels are also victims as they were deceived”.

PHP5-million budget

Patria said the half-way houses and its facilities are worth PHP5 million, funded by the DILG through the Task Force Balik Loob.

The houses will serve as temporary shelter for surrenderers before they return to their communities. It will also become a venue for livelihood education and processing of the former rebels.

In his speech, Cerilles told the former rebels to strive and learn good farming methods as well as avail of scholarships under the state colleges in this province.

Changing lives

Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan commander, said the activities in the halfway house will help former NPAs recuperate from the "bad experiences they’ve encountered at the hands of the NPA".

Ancan also called for the remaining NPAs in the mountains to come down and take advantage of the Enhanced Comprehensive Localized Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“We will also ensure their safety and well-being and assist them together with other stakeholders for them to become productive Filipino citizen,” he said.

Financial assistance

After the groundbreaking of the project Friday, 43 former rebels received PHP2.75-million financial assistance from E-CLIP and firearms remuneration from the DILG.

Each surrenderer received PHP65,000 as livelihood and emergency assistance while those who surrendered firearms received additional cash as remuneration.

Drought damages 143-ha rice fields in Pagadian City

By Leah Agonoy (PNA)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur -- Extreme drought has brought damages to an estimated 143 hectares or 90 percent of the rice fields in Barangay Tawagan Sur here.

Dennis Peralta, a farmer of Barangay Tawagan Sur, on Thursday said his five-hectare land was among the estimated 143 hectares now filled with dried grass, that even his two cattle died after experiencing extreme heat.

It only rained once in the area last January and could not suffice the needed water for another crop planting, he said.

Peralta disclosed that they were also challenged by insufficient water their irrigation could provide, and decided not to gamble into planting rice after their last harvest in October last year.

He said their family attempted to plant watermelon thinking that the crop could survive even on dry season but later failed as there was no water available.

“Even the simple lemongrass could not survive despite being known to grow in warmer areas,” Peralta said.

City Agriculturist Annie Tenorio told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that her team is on the process of consolidating all reports from the 39 agricultural barangays in this city, which will be presented in a meeting with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) on Friday.

Alvin Rex Lucero, Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) focal person of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, quoted the Mindanao office of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Regional Services Division announcement of a weak El Niño presence in the tropical Pacific that will likely continue until June this year.

Both Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur were seen to experience drought while Zamboanga del Norte is projected to experience dry spell.

According to PAGASA, a drought is defined as three consecutive months of way below normal (60 percent lower than average) or five consecutive months of below normal (21 to 60 percent lower than average) rainfall.

Dry spell, on the other hand, is three consecutive months of below normal (21 to 60 percent lower than average) rainfall or two consecutive months of way below normal (more than 60 percent lower than average) rainfall.

Priest reminds Catholic faithful of 'meaning' of Ash Wednesday

By Leah Agonoy (PNA)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur -- As Ash Wednesday opens the Lenten season, the Catholic faithful were reminded that it is the time for fasting, prayer and perform acts of charity.

“Repent and believe the gospel,” Rev. Fr. Rolando Allan Onden said as he put a cross using ashes on Catholic believers’ foreheads during the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Sto. Niño Cathedral in this city.

In his homily, Onden said Ash Wednesday is the start of fasting and abstinence pointing to each individual to “not being imprisoned in our physical desire, which is a way to cleanse our hearts.”

He added that practicing the acts of mercy could be sharing “of the food that we will not eat today and we give them instead to the poor and hungry.”

The cross on the forehead “reminds us that we will go back to ashes,” he said.

Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting using ashes of the branches blessed on Palm Sunday on the previous year.

“These branches are now browned, made to ashes and are not good to look at, like us in imperfections and sins,” the priest said.

He said the placing of the cross using ashes on the forehead is not a private affair but a community act, showing publicly each individual’s penance.

Philippine Army, stakeholders join simultaneous coastal clean up

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur, March 6 (PIA)-- In support to the Philippine Army’s environmental restoration program, the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army in collaboration with the CMO Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, and 9th Regional Community Defense Group, and other stakeholders participated in the Army Wide Simultaneous Coastal Clean Up Drive held in Barangay Combo, Labangan town.

The activity served as the kick-off ceremony of the month-long celebration of the 122nd Philippine Army Anniversary this March.

LtCol. Manuel Valdez, commander of the CMO Battalion, thanked the stakeholders for joining the coastal clean-up activity saying that their participation contributed in bringing back the cleanliness of the coastline as they collected volumes of trash and debris scattered in the area.

“It’s overwhelming to see the different units of the Philippine Army and stakeholders joining in the clean up, which means that more people are now proactive in caring for our environment,” Valdez said.

“We were inspired to help remove the huge trash and debris in the coastline. In fact, our troops alone were able to collect 15 sacks of trash from the area,” Capt. Dandy Nelmida, CMO officer of the 1st Field Artillery (Beat ‘Em) Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment, said.

Nasser Tabuan, barangay councilor of Combo, said they feel very happy and proud that their barangay was chosen by Tabak Division as pilot area for the clean up drive, considering that their barangay is about five kilometers from the highway.

Meanwhile, Valdez urged the parents to make the children aware about the impact of throwing garbage indiscriminately.

“We will teach our children the proper methods of waste disposal so that they will become part of the solution,” he concluded.

Drought to hit 10 provinces in March

(DZMM, ABS-CBN News)

The number of provinces grappling with drought will double to 10 from 5 this March, the state weather bureau said Tuesday.

PAGASA defines drought as either 5 consecutive months of 21-60 percent rainfall reduction, or at least 60 percent rainfall reduction for 3 consecutive months.

Ilocos Norte, Zamboanga Del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Maguindanao and Cebu are experiencing drought since February, said PAGASA climate monitoring chief Analiza Solis.

The weather condition is also expected to blanket Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Ilocos Sur and La Union provinces this month, she told DZMM.

The number of drought-hit provinces can hit up to 22 in April, Solis added.

The country is experiencing less rainfall and warmer temperatures due to a weak El Niño, PAGASA earlier said.

On Monday, the country's highest temperature was recorded in Tuguegarao at 34 degrees Celsius, said PAGASA weather specialist Ezra Bulquerin. The temperature in Metro Manila peaked at 33.6 degrees Celsius, he added.

Shooting Incident

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

TIGBAO, Zamboanga Del Sur - Shooting incident transpired inside the house of Teddy Tampos Y Dumaging, situated at Purok 1, Barangay Maragang Tigbao, Zamboanga Del Sur at about 8:50 PM of February 25, 2019.

The victim was identified as Max Dequito Y Rebatado, 42 years old, Filipino, married, farmer and a resident of Purok 4, Barangay Maragang, Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur. He was sustained one (1) Gunshot Wound on his left forearm and passed through his right chest and was immediately rushed to Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center, Dao Pagadian City for medical treatment.

The unidentified suspect fled unseen to vegetated area of said place after the incident.

Investigation conducted disclosed that victim visited the house of his cousin identified as Teddy Tampos to celebrate the birthday of Teddy’s son, however, while they were preparing to cook a native chicken for their dinner, unfortunately they heard a one (1) burst of a fire arm coming from outside of said house while the main door was opened, both of them was shocked, fortunately victim evade fatality and able to run towards the kitchen of said house.

Responding team recovered one (1) piece cartridge case of alleged caliber .45 pistols. Motive of the incident is apparently personal grudge.

Stabbing Incident

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

LAKEWOOD, Zamboanga Del Sur - Stabbing incident transpired at Purok Mauswagon, Barangay Tubod, Lakewood, Zamboanga Del Sur at about 3:15 PM of February 24, 2019.

The victim identified as Jessie Recaña y Magdadaro, 35 years old, married, farmer and resident of Purok Bagong Lipunan, Tubod, Lakewood, Zamboanga Del Sur.

The suspect identified as Wilfredo Magdadaro y Dabalos, 53 years old, married, farmer and resident of Purok Mountain View, Barangay Bolisong, Kumalarang, Zamboanga Del Sur.

The victim allegedly stabbed by his uncle the suspect with the use of gaff or locally known as “Bulang” and upon arrival of the responding PNP elements of Lakewood MPS at the area of incident, the said victim was already brought to Hemillarin Hospital, Pagadian City while the suspect voluntarily surrender to Hon. Arnel Pano, Barangay Captain of Tubod, Lakewood, Zamboanga Del Sur before it was turned-over to the responding team.

The suspect is now under custody of Lakewood MPS for proper disposition.

Top 9 Most Wanted Person, Captured in Tabina, Zambo Sur

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

TABINA, Zamboanga del Sur - Joint PNP personnel of Zamboanga Del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company and Tabina MPS conducted manhunt operation against Top 9 most wanted person (Municipal level) at Purok San Lorenzo, Brgy. Baganian, Tabina, Zamboanga del Sur at about 11:20 PM of February 25, 2019.

The operation was resulted to the arrest of Junrel Paalisbo y Enanor, 34 years old, single and a resident of Brgy. Baganian, Tabina, Zamboanga Del Sur.

The suspect was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest docketed under Criminal case Nos. 18-097 issued by Hon. Ruben N Bance, Presiding Judge, Regional Trial Court, Branch 29, 9th Judicial Region, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur for the crime of Murder with No Bail is recommended for his temporary liberty.

San Fernando, Cebu Councilor shot dead in Zamboanga del Sur

By Dona Magsino (/BAP, GMA News)

A councilor from the town of San Fernando in Cebu province was shot dead in Zamboanga del Sur, according to a report on Saksi.

A motorcycle-riding suspect shot Alfonso Donaire, who was on foot and on his way to his house in Ramon Magsaysay town.

Donaire is the fourth San Fernando town official who was killed since January.

He was arrested in 2017 in cases related with illegal drugs and firearms.

In January, Barangay Chairman Ricardo Reluya, the husband of incumbent San Fernando, Cebu Mayor Lakambini Reluya, was also killed in an ambush.

2 Hurt in Shooting Incident, suspect arrested

(Zamboanga del Sur Police Report)

PAGADIAN CITY. Zamboanga Del Sur – Two person was wounded in Shooting incident that transpired at Barangay Hall Basketball Court, Purok Talon 1, Kahayagan, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur at about 12:05 AM of January 11, 2019.

PCSUPT Emmanuel Licup, PRO9 Regional Director identified the two victims as Dennis Magsayo y Natividad (Barangay Kagawad), 35 years old, male, married, and Juvy Siaboc y Cañada, 40 years old, married, both resident of Purok Talong 1, Kahayagan, Pagadian City.

The two were shot by the suspect identified as Timoteo Sabate y Narsico (Barangay Kagawad), 59 years old, married and a resident of aforesaid place.

Investigation disclosed that on or about 12:05 A.M of January 11, 2019 a commotion ensued between Juvy Siaboc and Marjun Villaganas inside the ongoing disco party held at basketball court of Purok Talong 1, Kahayagan, Pagadian City.

Barangay Kagawad Magsayo pacified the two in which said Villaganas fell into the ground as a result Kagawad Sabate, who is the relative of Villaganas reacted to the incident, draw a pistol and shot the two victims several times.

Fortunately, only Dennis Magsayo sustained lone gunshot wound at the right leg.

The Victim was rushed by Juvy Siaboc at Cabahug Hospital, Pagadian City for immediate treatment.

PNP personnel of Pagadian CPS responded at the area of incident and recovered from the crime scene were 4 fired cartridges of alleged caliber 45 pistols.

The suspect was successfully arrested at the crime scene and brought to Pagadian CPS for proper disposition of the case and is now temporarily detained at Pagadian CPS Detention Cell.

The investigator is now preparing the inquest case against the suspect. Said incident was witnessed by Nelbert Getigan y Cabataña and Arnold MArchan y Narsico, both resident of the aforementioned place. The suspect refused to undergo paraffin examination.

PNP spearheads unity walk, covenant signing for peaceful 2019 polls

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA)-- As a show of full support for the holding of a safe and peaceful May 2019 mid-term polls, the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office spearheaded the unity walk, Interfaith prayer rally and peace covenant signing on Sunday, the start of the election period.

The activity started with the unity walk from City Comelec Office to Plaza Luz, followed by the Interfaith prayer and ended with the signing of peace covenant by the candidates.

Candidates from different political parties, religious and civic groups, private and government agencies and media participated in the event.

Police Sr. Superintendent Redentor Retusto said, “as we draw nearer to the May 2019 polls, it is very important to maintain peace in our communities.”

“We are conducting this activity because we want to have a peaceful and orderly elections in May 2019,” Retusto explained.

He said the presence of the candidates and other stakeholders show their sincere commitment to peaceful elections.

The candidates pledged to conduct their campaign activities in peaceful manner in line with the provisions of the laws of the country.

Atty. Jossil Macute, provincial election supervisor, led the integrity pledge that encourages the aspiring candidates to support the conduct of an honest, orderly, peaceful and credible elections (HOPE).

The candidates also signed the integrity pledge as a commitment to peace.

Macute said the Comelec believes that election is not only the work of one sector. “It needs other groups of people for us to attain our main objective,” he added.

He said in attaining its objective, it needs the active support and involvement of line agencies of the government such as the Armed Fprces of the Philippines, Phili[[ine National Police, Department of Education, and Dept. of Public Works and Highways, the candidates, and the electorates.

“Without them, we cannot have an election,” Macute explained. “In achieving our goal, these groups must work and unite as one,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lt Colonel Marlowe Patria, commanding officer of 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion, Philippine Army said the unit pledged to remain neutral, fair, apolitical and non-partisan for the 2019 midterm election. He said the unit will heed only one call and our loyalty remains to the flag alone.

“We assure you that our unit will always be faithful and dedicated defenders of lasting peace and your reliable partner in nation-building,” Patria added.

He also announced that their unit will continue to intensify its efforts against loose and undocumented firearms in accordance to Republic Act 10591 and the nationwide gun ban imposed by the Comelec that took effect on Jan. 13.

The Comelec, PNP and AFP expect candidates to fulfill their pledges and contribute in the the attainment of peaceful and orderly elections.

Wife takes over city councilor post vacated by dead husband in Pagadian

By LEAH AGONOY (/lzb)

PAGADIAN CITY — After the death of City Councilor Dominador Yocogo Jr. last month, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Pagadian City has installed Yocogo’s wife, Raquel, as his successor.

DILG Pagadian City officer Farouk Escobar installed Yocogo’s wife, Raquel, as successor during the 116th Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Tuesday.

Councilor Raquel was chosen by her husband’s political group, the National People’s Coalition and later appointed by Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio Cerilles.

Councilor Raquel, who was due to retire in 2020, resigned from her post in the Pagadian City local government to accept the offer. She would take over her husband’s position as head of the city council committees on ecology, market, and slaughterhouse.

Yocogo was known for his hands-on implementation of the city’s solid waste management.

2 Dump Trucks Loaded with Sand, Held in Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The PNP personnel of Labangan Police Station duly Deputized by Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) while conducting checkpoint operation along the National Highway, Brgy. Tapodoc, Labangan Zamboanga Del Sur about 7:30 PM of January 8, 2019.

The operation was in coordination with the office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Regional Office 9, they apprehended/ confiscated two (2) Units 10-wheeler Dump Truck (Sinotruk HOWOA7 bearing Plate No. NBC9506, Engine No. DIO3840180517022427, Chassis No. IZZ10800JA37564, Color Yellow driven by one Eric Alejo Acuesta, resident of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay registered under the name of a certain Ronald Lim of Caloocan City and Hyundai HD270 bearing Plate No. AAI1930, Engine No. DGACD249210, Chassis No. KMCDB18CPDCO76724, Color White driven by Rogerick Amistoso Rentuaya of Brgy. Don Andres, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay registered under the name of a certain Armando U. Khong Hun, resident of Wawa, Taguig, NCR).

Both dump truck were loaded with 10 Cubic Meters Sand each without Permit to Transport and/or Delivery Receipt from concerned government Agency.

Investigation conducted disclosed that the confiscated Dump Trucks with its load (Total of Twenty (20) Cubic Meters Aggregates/Sand) are owned by Provincial Board Member Marlyn N. Revelo of ESR Construction and Development Corporation with business address at National Highway, Tiguma, Pagadian City purchased from JMI Sand and Gravel and Truck Services Corporation of Barangay Gang, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao based on the copy of Bill of Lading and other documents presented by mentioned drivers.

The Said dump trucks are now in the custody of Labangan MPS while process of preparing the filing appropriate charge through the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Zamboanga del Sur against mentioned suspects.

1 person shot to death by 2 motorcycle suspects

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

AURORA, Zamboanga del Sur - Shooting incident transpired at Purok Santo Niño, Brgy Libertad, Aurora, Zamboanga Del Sur at about 6:10 PM of January 8, 2019.

Initial investigation conducted by Aurora MPS disclosed that about 6:10 in the evening of same date, victim identified as Jumary Mangubaty y Romarate, male, 36 years old, married, vendor and a resident of Purok Santo Niño, Brgy Libertad, Aurora was inside of his store when two (2) unidentified male person arrived and pretended to be a customer and without any provocation shot the victim (Jumary Mangubat) several times.

Right after the incident the suspects onboard a Single Motorcycle heading towards Brgy. Monte Alegre, Aurora, Zamboanga Del Sur.

The victim sustained four (4) gunshot wound on his chest, abdomen and right arm was immediately rushed to Aurora Community Emergency (ACE) Hospital, Brgy. Cabilinan, Aurora, Zamboanga Del Sur but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician.

During the processing of the crime scene, the responding team was able to recover one (1) pcs 50 peso paper bill, seven (7) empty shells of caliber 45 pistol, four (4) slug of caliber 45 pistol.

The recovered item were turned-over to Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Crime Laboratory, Camp Abelon Pagadian City for Ballistic Examination; The motive of the incident is still to be determined.

Village dad nabbed in Zambo Sur for criminal rap

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A barangay councilor was arrested in a law enforcement operation in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, a top police official announced Thursday.

Chief Supt. Emmanuel Luis Licup, Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) director, identified the councilor as Dionesio Vender Cabalay, 30, of Barangay Bag-Ong Kauswagan, Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur.

Licup said Cabalay was apprehended after authorities served him a warrant of arrest in Barangay Bogo, Molave at about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

He said Cabalay has a standing warrant of arrest for attempted homicide with recommended bail of PHP36,000 issued by the court of Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur.

He said the councilor was temporarily detained at the police headquarters of Tambulig awaiting court disposition.

Soldiers tender ‘Handog Pamasko sa Kapayapaan’ to former rebels

ByBy Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

GUIPOS, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA)— Fifty (50) former rebels (FRs) spent their Christmas and enjoyed a festive holiday with the officers and men of the 53rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army and their families in an activity dubbed “Pamaskong Handog Para sa Kapayapaan” held at Camp David Sabido in barangay Poblacion, Guipos town.

The activity which is in collaboration with the Pagadian City Health Office and Pagadian Pharmacists Association was highlighted by medical and dental services, giving of shoes, raffle draw, fun games and boodle fight.

Lt Col.Marlowe Patria, 53rd IB commanding officer said Christmas is the season of giving and sharing with loved ones and less fortunate people, and this is an opportune time to spend with former rebels (FRs) and their families.

“We can find the true meaning and real spirit of Christmas when we give our time to others, especially the FRs,” Patria said who hailed them as essential partners of peace and development.

“We are spending time with FRs thru the Pamaskong Handog. We are not only giving gifts but also strengthening our relationship with them,” Patria added.

Meanwhile, Colonel Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr, 102nd brigade commander said the activity is conducted to show to the people the sincerity and commitment of the Philippine Army in serving the FRs.

“Ipinakita namin sa mga tao na ang mga sundalo ay makabansa makatao, at lalong-lalo na, maka-Diyos,” (We show to the people that the Philippine Army is patriotic, pro-people, and above all, pro-God), Gaerlan proudly said.

Gaerlan said the country is truly blessed to have President Rodrigo Duterte who seriously implemented the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for the rebels to avail livelihood assistance and re-integration package, and other benefits.

He appealed to the FRs to convince their comrades who are still in the hinterlands to surrender and go back to the folds of law to live peaceful and normal lives.

One FR @Aka Kim, 19 year-old said she was grateful that the activity was conducted by the unit for them to come together.

“Dako kaayo akong kalipay nga nakita nako ang akong mga kauban kanhi sa CPP/NPA nga mibalik na sa sabakan sa balaod ug malipayon nga nakig-uban sa ilang pamilya,” she said.

(I am very grateful that I have seen my former comrades in the CPP/NPA who returned in the folds of law and now living with their families happily).

Kim surrendered to the 53rd IB in 2016 and have availed livelihood assistance and re-integration package under the E-CLIP of the government.

Another former rebel @Aka Angkol said it was his second time to attend a gathering of his fellow FRs, the first was during the fellowship for peace held last year, and the “Handog Pamasko sa Kapayapaan” held recently.

“I thank the 53rd IB, Philippine Army for the help and support they have provided to us. I wasn’t wrong in my decision to surrender to the government because of their sincerity in implementing the E-CLIP program,” Aka Angkol said in vernacular.

DA-Zamboanga turns over P4-M multi-pass rice mill to Bayog

(PR)

A MULTI-PASS rice mill worth P4-million under the Post Harvest Processing Equipment Facilities Rice Program of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office-Zamboanga Peninsula was turned over to Timbermines Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Timmulco) in San Isidro, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur on January 4.

“The wait is over because it is already here. Our cooperative is so honored to operate a multi–pass rice mill here in San Isidro, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur. We have more than 1,000 hectares rice fields and we can guarantee that this rice mill will be beneficial to all the farmers in our municipality. As one of the Rice Achievers in the region, Bayog will continue to produce quality milled rice, clean and with minimal grain breakage,” said Engr. Mario Baterna, Timmulco chairman.

Department of Agriculture OIC Regional Director Engr. Dennis Palabrica assured that the agency will continue to support and provide services that will boost rice production in the region and uplift the status and increase the income of farmers.

The multi–pass rice mill project is a package of warehouse and equipment. It has a milling capacity of one ton per hour, and a milling recovery of 65 percent.

Ex-solon George Hofer dies

By Ellson Quismorio

Former Zamboanga del Sur 3rd district congressman, Dr. George Hofer passed away on Sunday, Jan. 6, a report reaching the House of Representatives said. He was 80.

The late solon is the father of incumbent Zamboanga Sibugay 2nd district Rep. Ann Hofer.

The cause of death wasn’t mentioned in the report, which was sourced from acting House secretary general Dante Roberto Maling.

“Dr. George T. Hofer was the founding father of Zamboanga Sibugay. He served as the first governor of the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, a post he held from 2001 to 2010,” Rep. Hofer said in a message regarding her father’s death.

“He served as Congressman of the 3rd District of Zamboanga del Sur from 1998 to 2001, and as mayor of Titay for two terms from 1992 to 1998,” she added.

Dr. Hofer’s remains will lie in state at Cosmopolitan Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City beginning Sunday, Jan. 6 up to Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019.

On Jan. 10, Thursday, his body will be flown to Zamboanga Sibugay to lie in state at the GTH Compound, Kitabog, Zamboanga Sibugay until the burial day, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019.

Interment will be at the George T. Hofer Park in Barangay Bangko, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

He is survived by his wife Dulce; children Marietta, Jet and Pauline, and Rod and Ann; and grandchildren Ralph, Pava and Klaus.

One killed, 3 seriously injured in Zamboanga del Sur motorcycle collision

(Politiko Mindanao)

A motorcycle rider was killed and three others were seriously injured in an accident in Zamboanga del Sur, police said Sunday.

Police Regional Office 9 said that the two motorcycles, one with two back riders, collided along the National Highway in Barangay Dipolo in Molave Saturday night, January 5.

The driver of Honda XRM, identified as Barnabe Amad, 30, a laborer and resident of Bag-ong Kauswagan, Tabulig town in the same province.

Those injured were 16-year old driver of a Suzuki motorcycle and his two back riders, ages 16 and 18, all from Barangay Blancia, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur.

Stabbing Incident

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

MAHAYAG, Zamboanga Del Sur - Stabbing incident transpired at Purok 3 Barangay Kaangayan, Mahayag, Zamboanga Del Sur at about 1:00 PM of January 1, 2019.

The victim was identified as Jonard Fortilla Y Maningo, 28 years old, single; farmer and a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Kaangayan, Mahayag, Zamboanga Del Sur who was stabbed to death by the suspect identified as Arnel Mariano Y Balhasan, 34 years old, with live in partner, male, farmer and a resident also of the above-mentioned place.

Initial investigation conducted disclosed that prior to the occurrence of said incident victim was sleeping at the house of suspect and when the latter arrived, thereto without any hesitation intentionally stabbed the victim ones hitting his stomach that resulted to his instantaneous death.

Motive of the incident is believed to be extreme jealousy. The PNP personnel of Mahayag MPS are now conducting hot pursuit operation for the possible apprehension of the suspect.

Fire destroys P1-M properties in Zamboanga del Sur

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

SOME P1 million worth of properties went up in smoke after fire broke out in a restaurant in Zamboanga del Sur on New Year’s Eve, December 31.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, said the fire was reported at 8:05 p.m. Monday in Purok Imelda in the village of Poblacion, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.

Galvez said the blaze started at the restaurant owned by Edilberto Panugan. It rapidly spread and razed four adjacent market stalls as well as six makeshift stalls.

Galvez said the four burned stalls were owned by Marcial Replagao, Erwin Gaas, Eugenio Librea, and Arman Ruben.

She said the six makeshift stalls belonged to Merlyn Sugabo, Edrolin Palgan, Mary-ann Imperial, Flordelyn Camanian, Roynick Imperial, and Junie Rex Sugabo.

The fire was declared under control at around 8:30 p.m. by the responding firemen from the towns of Lapuyan, Dinas, Guipos, Margosatubig and Pagadian City.

Galvez said the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is still conducting investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Boy injured by firecrackers in Pagadian City

By Leah Agonoy (Inquirer Mindanao)

PAGADIAN CITY–A 15-year-old-boy was injured by firecrackers on New Year’s day, Tuesday, the Department of Health in Zamboanga del Sur reported.

Cedric Bernal, a Grade 8 students from Sta. Lucia village here, had picked up a left-over kwitis by the roadside around 5 p.m. on New Year’s day. He attempted to light it up but it exploded on his right hand.

Bernal was the only recorded firecracker injury here, as of Tuesday evening.

DOH Zamboanga del Sur Surveillance Officer Wilfred Agtina said they were still waiting for reports from the local hospitals in the province.

The boy sustained minor injury and was immediately taken cared of by local volunteers.

Agtina told the Inquirer that last year, there were two reported injuries in Zamboanga del Sur as people welcomed the New Year.

Trader killed in gun attack

By BONG GARCIA (SunStar Philippines)

A TRADER of farm products was killed in a gun attack in the province of Zamboanga del Sur on Monday, December 31, police said Tuesday.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the victim as Reynaldo Buenafe, 67, a trader of vegetables and other farm products.

Galvez said Buenafe was shot to death around 8:40 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at Purok Bagong Silang in the village of Diplo, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur.

She said before the incident, “someone knocked on their door and asking to open it” while Buenafe and his family were watching television.

According to witnesses, the victim went outside and stood at the balcony to check on who knocked on their door when they heard a burst of gunfire.

When the family went out to check, Buenafe was already lying on the floor and bathed in his own blood. He was rushed to the hospital but failed to reach it alive.

Galvez said bystanders informed the police they saw a man wearing a bonnet ski mask escaped aboard a motorcycle towards the town of Buug after the incident.

Militiaman shoots wife in Zamboanga del Sur

By BONG GARCIA

A MILITIAMAN shot his wife in the midst of verbal altercation in Zamboanga del Sur, the police reported on Saturday, December 29.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer said the incident happened at 12:30 a.m. on Friday, December 28, in Sitio Samalan in the village of Balanagan, Dimataling, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Galvez identified the victim as Emily Calibo, 31, who was allegedly shot by her militiaman-husband, Jomar, 32.

Galvez said investigation showed the couple were walking home coming from a disco party when a heated altercation ensued between them.

She said that Jomar shot Emily with the use of .9-mm pistol when they reached the vicinity of the residence of his in-laws.

She said Emily was hit in the left leg and was rushed to the hospital in Dinas, an adjacent town of Dimataling, while Jomar voluntarily surrendered to the police.

HIV/AIDS awareness important to prevent its transmission

(ALT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY, December 27 (PIA)—HIV/AIDS awareness is very important so that the infection and transmission of the deadly disease could be prevented,

Thus disclosed City Health Officer Dr. Noel Ceniza during the World AIDS day celebration held at the Executive Function Hall, City Mayor’s Office here.

Speaking before the crowd of professional health care providers, commercial sex workers, LGBT community, and other stakeholders, Ceniza said that Philippines is one of the ‘fastest growing’ HIV epidemics in Asia.

“In 2018, as many as 32 people were diagnosed with HIV-AIDS every day,” Ceniza said quoting DOH report on television.

He said that the government is exerting efforts to address the growing epidemic yet the number of people with HIV-AIDS is increasing, Ceniza said, as current data showed individuals who were tested at the City Health Office.

The City Health Officer announced that Pagadian has recorded 29 people living with HIV AIDS.

“About 14 of them are residents of the city, while the other 15 are from neighboring cities who underwent screening test at the CHO,” Ceniza announced.

Carleen Jerusalem, STI HIV/AIDS coordinator, said that majority of new infections were also likely to be adults aged 25 to 30 years old and one (1), 8 year old boy.

“These were also among males who had sex with males, which the CHO refers to as MSMs,” she added.

Meanwhile, Ceniza said one factor for the increase of HIV-AIDS was the lack of knowledge and information on how the infection is transmitted and could be prevented.

Screening test, he said, is also important because it would lead those with the infection to receive treatment.

“The CHO provides free screening test for them to know their HIV status and then lead them to care,” he said.

“Correct information on the disease should be given to decrease stigma against HIV-AIDS,” he concluded.

643 inmates receive Christmas package from civic, religious groups

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) — To fulfill its mission to help other people who are in need, the Rotary Club of Pagadian in partnership with the 1st Field Artillery (Beat ‘Em) Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment, Philippine Army, Inner Wheel Club, and Bukas Loob Sa Diyos distributed Christmas package for inmates here.

The packages containing grocery items and personal essentials were distributed to 643 inmates of the Provincial Jail by members of the respective organizations.

Severino Tan, president of Rotary Club of Pagadian (District 5) said the organization is regularly conducting gift-giving activity to underprivileged sectors of society, but for this year, they decided to hold the activity at the Provincial Jail to give joy to the inmates who have been away from their families for several years.

Corazon Punzalan, president of Bukas Loob sa Diyos Covenant and Charismatic Catholic Community, Pagadian District said it’s a gift and grace from God that the civic and religious organizations have chosen inmates to be recipients of this year’s gift-giving activities.

Indeed, the celebration was very special and memorable. “It reminds us that the inmates are not being forgotten and will always be remembered as part of the community,” Punzalan said.

“They were very happy upon watching us visiting and giving them gifts,” she added.

During the gift giving, the inmates also showcased their talents in singing to entertain the visitors.

“We were also happy that the inmates offered several Christmas songs just to entertain us, 1Lt Edward Cuaresma, civil-military officer of 1FAB said.

The gesture of charity work was appreciated by recipients of the Christmas presents and the jail officers.

4 slain in attacks; 4 dead in road accidents

By Ed Amoroso, Emmanuel Tupas, Roel Pareño, Eva Visperas, Cesar Ramirez (The Philippine Star)
Bloody Christmas

MANILA, Philippines — Four persons were killed, three of them in gun attacks, while four died in road accidents in Rizal, Cavite, Pangasinan and Zamboanga del Sur in the past two days.

Esmail Usman and Hernane Esparas were having a drinking spree in Barangay Calumpang, Binangonan when they were shot by a lone gunman at around 10:30 p.m. on Monday.

Usman died at the scene. Esparas was wounded and brought to the Margarito Duavite Memorial Hospital for treatment.

A manhunt for the assailant identified as Renato Saldo is ongoing.

In Antipolo City, the bullet-riddled body of Andres Laming, who according to the police was a drug user, was found by barangay officials in Barangay Dela Paz.

Jolly Butawan, a public school teacher, was found dead by her father Delfin in the toilet of her house in Barangay Poblacion 5, General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite at 2:50 p.m. also on Monday

Police are eyeing robbery as the motive for the killing, noting that the personal belongings of the victim were missing.

In Trece Martires also in Cavite, the body of a woman who has yet to be identified, was found in a grassy area in Barangay Cabuco.

Probers said the victim could have been killed elsewhere and dumped in the city to mislead investigators.

Meanwhile, in Zamboanga del Sur, Jonathan Timbawas, 17, and his cousin Marvin Gandamon, 16, residents of Barangays Anonang and Buenavista, respectively, in Pagadian City, were riding a motorcycle when it collided with a Bongo truck in Purok Santan, Barangay Locuban, Dumalinao town, according to Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Zamboanga peninsula police spokesperson.

Timbawas died at the scene. Gandamon was declared dead on arrival in a hospital.

In Pangasinan, Resty de la Cruz, 23, died when the motorcycle he was riding crashed when the driver avoided a man who suddenly crossed the street in Barangay Baay, Lingayen after midnight yesterday. His two companions were wounded.

The victims had reportedly came from a drinking spree when the accident occurred.

In Bolinao, Mike Orteras died when his motorcycle collided with a tricycle in Barangay Sampaloc at 2:30 a.m. yesterday.

The tricycle driver and his four passengers were injured.

Eight other persons were injured in road accidents in Manaoag, Calasiao and Sta. Barbara.

3 die in Zambo highway mishaps on Christmas Eve

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Three people died in two separate highway accidents on Christmas Eve in Region 9, police said Tuesday.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the fatalities as Jonathan Timbawas, 17; Marvin Gandamon, 16; and Robert Reyes, 45.

Galvez said Timbawas was driving a motorcycle with Gandamon as his back-rider when they collided head on with a Bongo type utility vehicle, which was driven by Mark Anthony Embores, 30, around 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve along the national highway in Purok Santan, Barangay Locuban, Dumalinao, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Galvez said Timbawas encroached the opposite lane as they were on a descending curve road while traveling from Dumalinao to Pagadian City.

Timbawas and Gandamon were rushed to a private hospital in Pagadian City but were declared dead on arrival.

Embores was unscathed while his vehicle was damaged due to the impact of the collision.

Meanwhile, Reyes was driving a motorcycle when he was accidentally bumped by a 10-wheeler cargo truck driven by Richie Apduhan around 4:35 a.m. on Christmas Eve in Barangay Curuan, this city.

He suffered multiple injuries and was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician at the Cristino Paragas Memorial Hospital in Barangay Quiniput, a nearby village of Curuan.

House OKs curfew for kids, approves penalty for parents, guardians

By Ben Rosario

The imposition of “curfew hours” for children advanced in the House of Representatives following second reading approval early this month, it was gathered on Monday.

This time, lawmakers avoided human rights implications on affected youths as authors of House Bill 7513 put blame for straying children to their parents or legal guardians.

Unanimously passed on second reading during a recent plenary session, HB 7513 consolidates three bills separately filed by Reps. Gus Tambunting (PDP-Laban, Parañaque City); Carlos O Cojuangco (NPC, Pangasinan); Ma. Lourdes Aggabao (NPC, Isabela); Chiqui Roa-Puno (Lakas-CMD, Antipolo City) and Alexandra P. Gonzales (LP, Mandaluyong City), among other authors.

Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Divina Grace Yu, chairperson of the House committee on the welfare of children, said that under the bill “children” refers to persons below 18 years old or those over 18 years old but are unable to fully take care of themselves due to physical or mental disability or condition.

HB 7513 declares unlawful for parents or guardians to “knowingly or by insufficient control, allow their children to loiter, roam around or sleep in any public place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. without any justifiable reason.

These hours are considered as unsafe for children.

Aggabao, one of the authors of the measure, said the bill seeks to promote the well-being of children and their families by ensuring their safety and at the same time reduce the time when children could be used as instruments or victims of crime.

Not covered by the prohibition are children accompanied by either parent or guardian, those traveling aboard a motor vehicle due to long distance between school and home and those engaged in an authorized employment activity.

Children who are involved in emergency or out of their residence to attend official school, religious, recreational, educational, social and community activity organized by government, school or other private civic organizations are also exempted.

Aggabao said barangay government units are instructed to refer to the Local Social Welfare and Development Office children who have become regular fixture on the street and found to have been abandoned or are without parents and guardians.

She noted that the bill also prohibits law enforcement officers from exhibiting behavior that may traumatize children. Among these are the use of vulgar words, sexual harassment or abuse, displaying instruments of intimidation and inflicting or unnecessary force on the apprehended child.

Parents and guardians found guilty of violating the provisions of the measure face a graduated set of penalties ranging from a fine of P2,000 and/or rendering of community service for 48 hours for the first offense; to P3,000 and/or community service for 72 hours for the second offense and to P5,000 and/or 100 hours community service for the third.

Public officers who knowingly and maliciously prevent or refuse to implement the provisions of the measure face a prison term of six to 12 years.

On the other hand, law enforcers or any other public officer who violate the law by reason of inexcusable negligence or ignorance will be imprisoned from 30 days to six months.

PRO-9 on full alert for NPA’s 50th Anniversary

By Girlie A Francisco

The Police Regional Office- 9 in Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) has placed all its police forces on high alert to thwart possible attacks of the New People’s Army (NPA) on or before the celebration of their 50th founding anniversary on Wednesday, December 26.

Chief Supt. Emmanuel Luis D Licup, PRO-9 Regional Director, yesterday ordered all police field units in the region to be on alert to thwart attempts from the communist group to disrupt peace in the community.

All provincial and city directors were directed to adopt target hardening and strengthen security measures in all vital government installations, including undermanned municipal police headquarters.

Licup also ordered all personnel to adopt the necessary counter-measures “to strengthen defenses of “soft targets” and avoid being caught flat-footed in case of enemy actions.”

Based on historical data, the CPP/NPA is known to launch tactical offensives to commemorate the founding anniversary of the local communist movement every 26th of December.

The NPA traditionally marks the CPP -NPA anniversary with atrocities to portray that the communist movement is still a potent force to reckon with, Licup said.

The NPA rebels in Region 9 are under the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee and are concentrated in the three provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Licup said Secom Feliciano A is operating in four municipalities of Zamboanga Del Norte, Secom Feliciano B – operating in four municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay, SYP Kara – operating in nine municipalities of Zamboanga Del Sur, Secom Joji – Operating in four municipalities of Zamboanga Del Sur and Secom Sendong.

Licup enumerated some of the atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA in the region as the burning of construction equipment at the construction yard of the CTS situated at Sitio Milaned, Talinga, Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte on May 13, this year and the burning of heavy equipment owned by Ramona Construction at Purok-1, Barangay Licabang, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur among others.

Pagasa on dry spell watch

By Bong S. Sarmiento

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Seventeen of Mindanao’s 27 provinces have experienced below normal rainfall in the past two months, a weather condition that was likely to evolve into an El Niño phenomenon, or dry spell, an official said.

Anthony Joseph Lucero, acting chief of the Mindanao Pagasa Regional Services Division (MPRSD), said the rainfall decline, which ranged from 21 to 60 percent from the average, triggered dry conditions in the affected areas.

The affected provinces included Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay in western Mindanao; Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao and Compostella Valley, Davao Oriental and Davao Occidental in southern Mindanao.

3 dry months

Below normal rainfall was also noted in Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani in central Mindanao.

North Cotabato was hit by a dry spell, according to the advisory dated Dec. 17 issued by the MPRSD, which is based in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental.

A dry spell meant three consecutive months of below normal rainfall (21 to 60 percent reduction from the average) or two consecutive months way below normal rainfall (more than 60 percent reduction from the average).

Lucero said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) is on an El Niño watch status, which meant conditions were favorable for a dry spell to occur in the coming six months.

Moderate

“Due to the high probability of El Niño conditions, dry conditions over most provinces of Mindanao are likely to persist in the coming months,” he said.

In a radio interview, Arnulfo Villaruz, North Cotabato’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division action officer, said the dry spell now being experienced in the province was moderate compared to the one that hit more than two years ago.

In January 2016, North Cotabato declared a state of calamity after a strong El Niño ravaged crops in at least 27,558 hectares worth some P238 million.

The Department of Agriculture has not received any reports of damage on the impact of lack of rain in the area.

On Wednesday, several provinces in Mindanao experienced moderate to heavy rains.

Police on alert against NPA attacks

By BONG GARCIA (SunStar Philippines)

THE police force has been placed on high alert to thwart possible attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the Zamboanga Peninsula following the extension in the imposition of martial law.

Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Luis Licup, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula director, placed his personnel on alert after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ordered the NPA, its armed wing, to launch offensive across the country in response to the extension of martial law here in Mindanao.

In a joint session of Congress, 235 voted in favor for the extension of martial law until December 31, 2019 while 28 voted against and one abstained.

Licup said that all provincial and city directors have been ordered to adopt target hardening and strengthen security measures in all vital government installations, including undermanned municipal police headquarters.

He said that all units have also been ordered to launch offensive against the NPA rebels in their respective areas.

The NPA rebels in the region are under the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee and they are concentrated in the three Zamboanga provinces--Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Licup has also ordered the conduct of counter-strike operations against members of the NPA’s sparrow unit, who are going around the region.

The police official said they have received information that all of the lawmakers who voted in favor for the extension of marital law here in Mindanao are targets of the NPA attacks aside from policemen and soldiers.

He said that coordination has been made with their counterpart in the military for a coordinated efforts in maintaining law and order in the region.

200 alleged communist rebels surrender in Zamboanga Peninsula

By Roel Pareño (philstar.com)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — More than 200 alleged communist rebels surrendered in the Zamboanga Peninsula this week, a military official said Wednesday.

Capt. Clint Antipala, public affairs chief of the Army's 1st Infantry Division, said three of those who surrendered were New People's Army fighters and 38 were Militia ng Bayan. The bulk, 162, of those who surrendered were identified as "supporters."

They surrendered to units of the 102nd Infantry Brigade under Col. Bagnus Gaerlan based in Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Antipala said an initial 81 surrendered Saturday to the 44th Infantry Battalion in Kabasalan town. The three NPA fighters and 74 "active front supporters" surrendered to the 53rd Infantry Battalion in San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.

He said another group—14 Militia ng Bayan and 31 supporters—surrendered to the 44th IB in Titay town, Zamboanga Sibugay on Tuesday.

The surrender of the CPP-NPA members comes within days of President Rodrigo Duterte announcing the military will continue operations against the CPP-NPA instead of the traditional holiday truce.

"Their surrender will be a setback for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines because of weakening mass base support," Gaerlan said.

Those who surrendered will be included in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program meant to help former rebels return to mainstream life.

The CPP-NPA has played down the reported surrenders, saying the military should already have defeated the communist insurgency if the reported number of surrenders—said to be in the thousands—is accurate.

Subanen tribal chief gunned down in Zamboanga del Sur

By LEAH AGONOY (Inquirer Mindanao)

PAGADIAN CITY – A 70-year old tribal chief of the Subanen tribe was shot to death by unidentified gunmen in Sayog village, Lapuyan town, Zamboanga del Sur Tuesday evening.

Police Regional Office 9 spokesperson Chief Inspector Helen Galvez said Quizon Situl, a Timuay or the tribal chief of the Subanen living in Sayog village, was at his cornfield at Purok Lenaw Gabi when unidentified gunmen shot him, causing his untimely death.

The Lapuyan police have yet to identify the motive of the killing and the gunmen who fled on foot towards the boundaries of Lapuyan and San Miguel towns.

2 nabbed for illegal possession of gun, grenade

By BONG GARCIA (SunStar Philippines)

TWO people, including an elected official, were arrested for violation of Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as the comprehensive firearms and ammunition regulation act in Zamboanga Peninsula, the police said Friday, December 14.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified those arrested as Gonzalo Galvez, Jr., 64, and Reneboy Ordaniza, 28.

The police official said that Galvez was arrested in a law enforcement operation by way of service of search warrant around 7 a.m. Friday in Basagan village, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Galvez is the incumbent village chief of Basagan, Katipunan.

Confiscated from Galvez’ possession was a caliber .45 pistol with two magazine assembly.

Galvez said that Ordaniza was caught in possession of a grenade assembly with safety case at 5:45 a.m. Wednesday in the village of Buburay, Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur.

Both the village chief and Ordiniza were detained while appropriate charges are set to be filed against them.

2 Germans nabbed for physical abuse

By BONG GARCIA (SunStar Philippines)

POLICE authorities have arrested two Germans in Zamboanga del Sur on complaints of physical abuse filed by the common-law partner of one of the two foreigners, an official said.

Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Luis Licup, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula director, said Hans Weber, 35 and Jasmin Binder, were arrested around 9 a.m. in their temporary residence at Purok 5 in Bogo village, Pagadian City.

Licup said that Weber and Binder, both from Mancfalls, Germany, were arrested based on complaints of physical abuse filed by Lucel Mercurio, 28, Weber’s common-law partner.

He said Mercurio complained that Weber slapped her while Binder grabbed her hair and punched her.

Licup said that when the victim shouted for help, the father and neighbors of Mercurio tried to pacify but to no avail, which prompted them to seek police assistance.

The two Germans were detained at the police headquartetrs of Pagadian City pending the filing of appropriate charges against them, he added.

(Celebration turns tragic)1 dead, 30 injured as van falls off cliff

(Daily Zamboanga Times)

A van filled with passengers from a birthday celebration fell off a cliff in Barangay Pantad, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur last Wednesday, killing one and injuring 30 others.

The fatality was identified as 24-year-old farmer Melardo Bertodaso.

A report from the Police Regional Office-9 disclosed that the victims were onboard a van travelling to Barangay Rebokon in Dumalinao when they figured in the mishap.

Upon reaching an ascending road in Purok Bolinao, driver Jerry Besade failed to engage the gear of the vehicle causing it to run backward and out of control until it fell over the cliff, causing the vehicle to turn upside down, according to the report.

The victims were brought to a nearby health facility where Bertodaso was declared dead on arrival.

The victims reportedly attended a birthday party at the Pantad Beach prior to the incident.

'Most wanted' fugitive nabbed in Pagadian City

By Ely Dumaboc (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Policemen arrested a fugitive who has been in hiding for the past 16 years in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, a top police official said Tuesday.

Chief Supt. Emmanuel Luis Licup, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the fugitive as Paulino Campomanes, 67.

Licup described Campomanes as among the most wanted persons in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

Campomanes was arrested by joint Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) agents and local policemen around 7:40 p.m. Monday in Purok Bakhaw B, Barangay Kawit, Pagadian City.

Licup said Campomanes has a standing warrant of arrest for the crime of murder with no recommended bail issued on March 25, 2002 by the court of this city.

He said the suspect is now in the custody of the CIDG in Camp Abelon in Pagadian City.

Drug dealer killed in drug bust

By BONG GARCIA

A SUSPECTED drug dealer, who is also tagged as “contract killer”, was killed in an anti-drug operation on Saturday, December 8, in the village of Poblacion, Buug, Zamboanga del Sur.

Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Luis Licup, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula director, identified the slain drug dealer as Esmael Lucman Ebrahim, 38, alias Tata Kidlat.

Licup said Ebrahim was killed in a drug bust around 2:30 p.m. Saturday in an abandoned house at Purok 2 in the village of Poblacion, Buug.

Licup said Ibrahim pulled a handgun upon sensing he was transacting illegal drugs with an undercover policeman.

Licup added Ibrahim “tried to shoot” but “failed to fire” his handgun while running towards the back of the house.

The suspect was wounded and was rushed to Saint John Hospital where he was declared dead by the attending physician.

Recovered from the suspect was a caliber .38 revolver with live ammunition, four small heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride commonly known as shabu, and illegal drug paraphernalia.

Licup said Ebrahim is a high-value target “level 2” drug personality and a contract killer commonly known as “gun for hire.”

Drug personality refers to either drug pusher or user.

Men rob Pagadian apartelle

By Ely Dumaboc

Four robbers pretending to be clients took off with cash and other valuables from workers of an apartelle at San Pedro District, Pagadian City last Thursday dawn.

A Police Regional Office-9 report said that the four suspects inquired about room rates from employees of the ENW Apartelle located at Purok Adelfa in Pulmones Street before declaring the heist.

Three men proceeded to rob the employees of cash and valuables while another served as lookout.

The suspects carted away a cellular phone and cash amounting to P7,000.

The suspects then took off for Purok Sampaguita after the robbery.

Police are checking the establishment’s CCTV equipment as part of their investigation.

The apartelle reportedly does not employ security personnel to guard their premises, based on a police report.

Man dies from electrocution

(Daily Zamboanga Times)

An electrician died while doing repairs at a house in Vitalea Homes Subdivision, Manga, Pagadian City last Friday.

A Police Regional Office-9 report identified the victim as Janefell Bangquiao Dodo, a resident of the same village.

Investigation showed that the victim was doing electrical repair work with his brother at the house of a certain Mabel Sumpiao y Ovalo when he was electrocuted.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending doctor.

6 injured as jeep falls into ravine

By BONG GARCIA (SunStar Philippines)

SIX people were injured when the jeep they were riding fell into a ravine around 6:40 p.m. Sunday, in Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur, police said Monday.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, said the incident happened around 6:40 p.m. at Purok 4 in the village of Tuburan.

Those injured were Nul Vizier Tandih, 39; Crem Dan Dagohoy, 32; Roderick Baylon, 46; Romy Lumigues, 36; Rommel Baylon, 42; Arque Declinis, 43; and, Oktober Garay, 30.

The vehicle allegedly fell into a ravine after the driver accidentally bumped the roadside railings and lost control of the steering wheel.

She said the group were traveling the road from a spring resort in the village of Tuburan, Mahayag town to Pagadian City, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur, at the time of the incident.

The victims were rushed to a hospital in Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur for treatment.

(Another boarding house suicide)Woman hangs self after lovers’ quarrel

By Remus Ong

A woman who had a heated quarrel with her lover took her own life inside the latter’s boarding house in Pagadian City last Thursday.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 Information Officer, said that the body of the 18-year-old female victim was found by Natividad Tisio Derong, the landlady of the boarding house located at Purok Lower Golden Shower, Balangasan District.

Prior to the incident, Derong heard the victim and her boyfriend having a heated argument inside the latter’s room.

The man then went out, leaving the girl crying inside the room.

After a few minutes, the landlady knocked on the door to ask about the girl’s condition.

After failing to receive an answer, she barged into the room and was shocked to find the girl’s lifeless body hanging from the upper level of a double-decker bed.

The female victim was brought to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Arrest of Wanted Person

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

MOLAVE, Zamboanga del Sur – The PNP personnel of Molave MPS, conducted police operation on wanted person (Service of Arrest Warrant) at about 10:00 PM of December 06, 2018 at Purok Pag-asa, Brgy. Madasigon, Molave, Zamboanga Del Sur.

The operation was resulted to the arrest of two suspects identified as Ryan Bertulfo Pielago, male, 34 years old, married, resident of purok Pag-asa, Brgy. Madasigon, Molave Zamboanga del Sur and Jerry Habla Balsa, 51 years old, with Live-in Partner, Tricycle Driver, resident of Lagata Compound Brgy. Sudlon, Molave Zamboanga del Sur.

The teo suspects were arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest issued by Hon. Mary Ann D Real, Presiding Judge at Municipal Trial Court 9th Judicial Region, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur dated December 04, 2018, for the Violation of Attempted Homicide with docket Criminal Case No. 7364 with bail bond recommended of Twelve Thousand (Php12, 000.00) pesos and Ernesto Bertulfo Pielago, male, 37 years old, Brgy. Councilor with live-in partner a resident of purok Pag-asa, Brgy. Madasigon, Molave Zamboanga del Sur.

Another Warrant of Arrest issued by Hon. Mary Ann D Real, Presiding Judge at Municipal Trial Court 9th Judicial Region, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur dated December 4, 2018, for the Violation of Article 208 Of The Revised Penal Code with Criminal Case No. 7363 with bail bond recommended Six Thousand (Php6, 000.00) pesos.

The arrested persons were now under the custody of Molave MPS for proper disposition.

Zamboanga del Sur town councilor gunned down

By Nonoy E. Lacson

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A municipal councilor of Sominot, Zamboanga del Sur was shot to death by two unidentified men riding a motorcycle shortly before noon Tuesday in Ramon Magsaysay, Zamboanga del Sur.

Philippine National Police Regional Office 9 director Chief Supt. Emmanuel Luis D. Licup said the shooting incident transpired in Purok 4, Barangay Bobongan at about 11:50 a.m.

Licup identified the victim as Romeo Tumapon Mainar Sr., 54, married, a Sangguniang Bayan member of Sominot and a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Lantawan, Sominot.

According to Licup, initial investigation conducted by the police disclosed that the victim was traversing the road from Sominot on board his motorcycle towards Pagadian City.

The gunmen tailed him and upon reaching Purok 4, they opened fire at the victim. Mainar crashed on the grassy side portion of the road and the suspects alighted from their motorcycle and continued firing at the victim.

The suspects fled towards Molave, Zamboanga del Sur while the victim was taken to the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in Pagadian City where he was declared dead.

The Ramon Magsaysay Municipal Police Station is conducting hot pursuit operation against the suspects.

Diocese of Pagadian has a new bishop

By Leslie Ann Aquino

Pope Francis has appointed a new bishop for the Diocese of Pagadian in Zamboanga del Sur.

Father Ronald Lunas has been appointed Thursday (November 22) following the acceptance of the retirement of 76-year old Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar.

Born in Bala, Magsaysay, in Davao del Sur on November 27, 1966, Lunas was ordained a priest for the Digos diocese on April 7, 1992, and was assigned as parochial vicar at the Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Caburan.

In 1996, he finished his Licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

After his studies in Rome, he was first Professor and then Dean of the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary. From 2005 to 2008, he was assigned as Chancellor of Digos.

In 2008 he became parish priest of the parish of St. Isidro Labrador in Davao City.

Since 2013, he has been serving as the Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy, Member of the College of Consultors and of the Presbyteral Council.

Lunas is also the parish priest of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

According to a CBCP News post, Cabajar will serve as Apostolic Administrator of the diocese until Lunas takes canonical possession.

VG Ace Cerilles takes pride in Zamboanga del Sur Champs

(Politiko Mindanao)

Congrats to these participants!

When it comes to being competitive, Zamboangeños certainly know how to do it best. On his Facebook account, the Politiko expressed his conratulatory message to the team who competed at the Regional Integrated Competition 2018.

“Congratulations Team Zamboanga del Sur for being the Overall Champion of this year’s Regional Ingtegrated Competition. We are so proud of you! #TeamZamboSur”, the Poltiko wrote on his page.

Regional Integrated Competition, popularly known as Regional Meet, is a joint partnership between Samboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association, Regional Schools Press Conference and Regional Festival of Talents as well as DepEd Zamboanga del Sur.

Federal party endorses Anakalusugan

(The Manila Times)

The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), a national political party composed of key allies of President Rodrigo Duterte, has endorsed Anakalusugan party-list for the 2019 mid-term elections.

“Anakalusugan is the only party-list of Partido Federal,” said Harvey Lauglaug, who is running for vice mayor in the municipality of Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur, under the PFP banner.

The endorsement was given during a meeting between local officials and candidates from Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte and Anakalusugan nominee Ower Andal, former general manager of the Philippine National Railways, as well as members of the health advocacy group in Pagadian City on Monday.

According to James Adraincem, PFP provincial officer for Zamboanga del Norte, having a health-oriented partner like Anakalusugan in Congress will help ensure all Filipinos have access to medical services and products.

“After our discussion, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas has decided to carry Anakalusugan party-list for the 2019 elections. We have committed our support for the group as we are impressed with its health agenda,” Adraincem said.

“Our principles are aligned when it comes to taking care of the health of all Filipinos, especially those in marginalized sectors who have little to no access to health services,” he added.

Andal thanked PFP for its invaluable support, saying this bolsters the position of Anakalusugan as the sole party-list running on a health platform in the 2019 polls.

“Health should be part of the agenda for next year’s elections. It is the constitutional mandate of the state to adopt a comprehensive approach to health development and to make essential goods and health services available to all people at affordable cost. It is our right and duty as Filipinos to fight for our health,” he said.

‘Notorious carnapper’, cohort nabbed in Zambo Sur town

By Ely Dumaboc (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY--A man accused of murder and carnapping and his alleged accomplice were arrested in a law enforcement operation in Zamboanga del Sur, police said Friday.

Chief Supt. Emmanuel Luis Licup, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the suspects as Noel Lumisa, 25, and his alleged accomplice, Jaseon Digan.

Licup said they were arrested through warrants of arrest around 9:30 p.m. Thursday in Purok 3, Barangay Dongos, Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur.

Licup said that Lumisa is allegedly a notorious carnapper and has a standing warrant of arrest for the crimes of murder and carnapping issued on February 7, 2014 by the court in Dipolog City.

Police said Digan is involved in several carnapping cases along with Lumisa.

3 Zambo provinces formulate 'governance reform roadmap'

By Dennis Baguio (PNA)

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay--The three Zamboanga provinces have recently completed the formulation of provincial governance reform roadmap (PGRR) for their respective five-year development initiatives.

Representatives of the three provincial governments formulated their PGRRs during a five-day writeshop held in Dipolog City from November 19 to 23, attended by selected technical working personnel from this province as well as that of nearby Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.

The writeshop participants fine-tuned their respective plans with the technical assistance of Elpidio Lapad, a consultant of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga del Norte are among the 21 provinces to pilot the PGRR that seeks to provide support to governance reform and quality assurance components of the Conditional Matching Grant to Province (CMGP).

Lapad said formulation of the PGRR is geared towards achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while ensuring the quality of road infrastructure operations at the provincial level.

Lapad said the PGRR demonstrates the performance targets for each reform area and the strategies to achieve and sustain the reform agendas.

He said its implementation will positively influence and contribute to the realization of SDGs at the local level.

The program has seven components: local road management, public financial management, internal audit, budgeting, revenue generation, and expenditure management.

“This is truly the foundation what was started under CMGP,” Lapad said.

The CMGP is the successor of the KALSADA Program based on Department of the Interior and Local Government-Department of Budget and Management Joint Memorandum Circular (DILG-DBM JMC) No. 2017-2.

‘Protect the rights and interest of children,’ urges legislator

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) --Pagadian City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mondarte encouraged local government officials and employees of national government agencies to protect the rights, interests and well-being of children and young people for them to become productive members of society.

During the flag raising ceremony on Monday, Nov. 26, LGU officials and employees signified their support to the 26th celebration of National Children’s Month this November with the theme, “Isulong: Tamang Pag-aaruga sa Lahat ng Bata,” by reciting the “Panatang Makabata.”

“As parents, it is not only our moral and social responsibility to send our children to school, but also to raise them decently,” Mondarte said in his message, adding that it is very important to respect children’s rights and welfare.

He also called on parents to monitor their children’s activities in school and at home so that they won’t become victims of illegal drugs. He underscored the vital role of the family in supporting the programs of government.

“Government programs, especially against all forms of illegal drugs and criminalities would be useless without the support of our families,” Mondarte said saying that the family is the basic foundation of our society.

In a related development, the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office together with selected students of Zamboanga del Sur National High School recite the pledge for children every Monday during the flag raising ceremony as a gesture of support to children's cause.

Senior Supt. Redentor L. Retusto, ZSPPO provincial director, said the Command also hang tarpaulins and streamers inside Camp Abelon, participated in signature campaign for the passage of Positive Discipline of Children Act, and distributed IEC and other NCM advocacy materials.

Best places for children to live in ZamPen named

By Dominic I. Sanchez (ALT/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA)-- The best places for children in the region are Dipolog City, Liloy and Rizal towns in Zamboanga del Norte, and Dumingag and Dimataling towns in Zamboanga del Sur, according to an audit by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).

The local governments units (LGUs) from the said areas topped the ranking for the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance in a conferment ceremony held in the city on November 22 after being subjected to a thorough Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit.

The tool, after having been administered in all LGUs within the region, was able to identify 50 municipalities and cities as child-friendly.

To be conferred with the seal, LGUs must have high scores in certain indicators that spell good health, education and overall well-being of children. The seal is one of the prerequisites for LGU to be awarded with the Seal of Good Local Governance.

Dipolog City, which topped the list, is a consistent awardee for ten consecutive years. Mayor Darel Dexter Uy said the LGU and residents have always been serious about the welfare of children. “This is a mutual responsibility. Each of us makes sure that children’s needs are met.”

Other awardees include the municipalities of Alicia, Siay, Tambulig, Piñan, San Miguel, San Pablo, Tukuran, Sibutad, Bayog, Dumalinao, Molave, Pitogo, Vincenzo Sagun, Manukan, Tampilisan, Mahayag, Aurora, Imelda, Josefina, Labangan, margosatubig, Tabina, Mutia, Siocon, Dinas, Kumalarang, Midsalip, Tungawan, Ramon Magsaysay, Diplahan, Lapuyan, Sominot, Salug, Sergio Osmeña, Buug, Ipil, Baliguian, Polanco, Mabuhay, Naga and Titay, and the cities of Zamboanga, Isabela, Dapitan and Pagadian.

1 killed in hit and run mishap in Kumalarang

By Remus Ong

A 42-year-old woman was killed while two others were injured during a hit-and- run incident in Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur last Friday.

A Police Regional Office-9 report disclosed that a motorcycle driven by Abdillaha Glang y Ahmad, 56, together with back riders Laila Mangilin, 42, and Abdul Azis Glang y Mangilin, 7, were traversing the national highway at Siio Sulabot, Barangay Picanan when the mishap occurred.

A white Bongo passed by and sideswiped the motorcycle throwing the riders to the ground.

Abdillah and 7-year-old Abdul Azis sustained a fracture in their legs while Laila sustained multiple injuries and later died at the hospital.

Police are still investigating the incident.

Woman killed, 2 others hurt in vehicular accident

(SS)

A woman back-rider was killed while the driver and another minor were seriously injured after the motorcycle they were riding was bumped by a Bongo pickup on Friday afternoon along the highway of Barangay Picanan, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur.

Police Regional Office 9 PIO Chief Insp. Helen Galvez identified the victim as Laila Mangilin, 42, of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The injured driver was identified as Abdilaha Glang y Ahmad, 56 while the minor was named as Abdul Azis Glang, 7, both residents of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Police investigation disclosed the victims were on board a motorcycle en route to General Santos City coming from Kabasalan Municipality when they were sideswiped by a white Bongo pickup at around 3:30 p.m.

The driver and his two companions fell from their vehicle and hit the concrete highway, but the pickup did not stop to assist the victim and even fled the scene.

Laila suffered severe injuries in the different parts of the body from the reportedly and died just several minutes after the vehicular accident.

Abdilaha and the minor were later transferred to a hospital here in Zamboanga City for further treatment.

The police are now trying to identify the identity of driver and the owner of the white bongo pickup.

Van crashes along Zambo Sur highway; eight hurt

By Hader Glang

A passenger van carrying more than a dozen people, including two children, fell into a ravine in Zamboanga del Sur province on Wednesday morning, police reported.

The van, carrying 16 passengers, was navigating the national highway coming from Pagadian City bound for Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay when the accident happened, the report said.

In a statement, Police Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, police regional office spokesperson said, eight people sustained multiple physical injuries and were immediately brought to Tigbao Rural Health Unit for medication and then referred to Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in Pagadian City.

The accident transpired along the National Highway of Purok 3, Barangay Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur at about 8:20 in the morning of November 7, 2018.

Galvez said a Toyota Hi-ace Commuter Van, 2017 model, color Silver Metallic, bearing plate number ADO 9556, was travelling from Pagadian City to Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, driven by Orlando Ocampo y Simblante, 42, married, resident of Purok 4, Poblacion Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur, fell into an estimated 5-meter deep ravine.

According to Galvez, the accident happened when the van driver was trying to evade a single motorcycle that was about to crash along the national highway.

She added the van driver maneuvered his vehicle to the right side of the road but failed to manage the same which resulted to the accident.

Quoting the van driver, Galvez revealed that the driver exerted effort to avoid the contact and save the lives especially of the people on board his driven vehicle, but failed.

The van incurred major damage as a result of the incident. Its driver was unharmed and was brought to Tigbao Police Station.

Soldiers, LGUs strengthen security force in coastal municipalities

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

GUIPOS, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) -- To address kidnapping, piracy and insurgency in the province, the 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion, Philippine Army and the coastal municipal mayors recently inked two (2) Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).

The first MOU entered into by the 53rd IB and coastal municipal mayors defined their respective roles for the enhancement of security forces in the coastal municipalities by providing logistical support to the troops and CAFGUs, and the second provides financial assistance to former rebels (FRs) and their immediate families while waiting for the support package from the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government.

LtCol. Marlowe Patria, 53rd IB commanding officer was deeply grateful for the strong support given by the local chief executives in the peace initiatives implemented by the unit adding that it cannot be realized without their cooperation.

“We have to maintain zero kidnapping and other related atrocities incidents in our area,” Patria urged.

Mayor Angelito Martinez of San Miguel, vice president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), Zamboanga del Sur Chapter said the coastal municipal mayors strongly support the campaign saying that the unit and the LCEs are partners in peace-bulding initiatives.

“We strongly support the campaign because it is our constituents that would benefit. We need to work hand-in hand with the military to maintain peace and order in our province,” Martinez proudly said.

Meanwhile, LtCol. Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr., 102nd brigade commander lauded the unit for proactively implementing the anti-kidnapping initiatives.

“We do not want that kidnapping, piracy and extortion will happen in our province,” Gaerlan explained.

“I am optimistic that with the anti-kidnapping campaign jointly organized by the unit and LCEs, lawless elements will be afraid to do kidnap-for-ransom activities. The presence of ‘Task Force Baganian’ in the coastal waters is a deterrent in the commission of crimes,” he added.

Gaerlan said since January this year, Zamboanga Peninsula region has recorded five (5) kidnapping incidents: three (3) in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, one (1) in Malangas, and one (1) in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Series of robbery hold-ups hit Pagadian City

By BONG GARCIA (SunStar Philippines)

FOUR people were robbed of valuables by two motorcycle-riding gunmen in a series of robbery hold-ups that took place 15 minutes apart from each incident in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, the police said Thursday, November 08.

The police said the gunmen, riding a black motorcycle, claimed they were agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in one of the three incidents.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, said the first incident happened at 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Jamisola Street, Santa Lucia village where Entisam Palada, 24, a tricycle driver, reported that he was fetching two passengers when one of the gunmen, armed with a caliber .45 pistol, approached him and “declared that he was a member of NBI.”

Palada told the police the suspect forcibly took his cellular phone worth P6,000 and his identification card and “thereafter fled towards Jamisola Street corner Duterte Street, Santa Lucia, Pagadian City.”

Galvez said the second incident was at 8:45 p.m. where Elmer Gravador, 25, said he was walking along Urro Street in Sto. Niño village when a man also armed with caliber .45 pistol approached and ordered him to get down and took his cellular phone.

Galvez said the third one was around 9 p.m. where the students Rachelle Gonzales, 18 and Jomar Sarino, 18, were walking along Consolacion Street corner Rizal Avenue in Balangasan village when held-up and robbed by a man armed with the same pistol.

She said the suspect forcibly took the cellular phone of Gonzales worth P8,000 and fled towards an alley at Rizal Avenue.

The three separate robbery hold-up cases are being investigated to determine the suspects behind the incidents, the information officer added.

17 hurt in Zambo Sur town highway mishap

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – At least 17 people, including two children, were injured when their vehicle fell into a ravine along the highway of Zamboanga del Sur, a police official said Thursday.

Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) information officer, Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, said the road accident happened in Purok 3, Barangay Tigbao, Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur at about 8:20 a.m. Wednesday.

Galvez identified the victims as Charmange Merontos, 28; Maria Rollylus Jawel, 52; Arnulfo Jawel, 48; Semin Amboangan Jr., 31; Maria Nura Labiaga, 67; Ivy Paclibar, 25; Leken Bari, 29; Teresita Caudia, 57; Merryjoy Maguinda, 15; Glaidylle Solis, 21; Mayjie Ardiente, 35; Vicky Lagchana, 48; Julito Campus, 37; Melanie Campus, 24; and Heidilou Sumamban, 22.

Two children were also hurt --a two-year-old and a six-year-old.

Police investigation showed the victims were on board the van driven by Orlando Ocampo, 42, who lost control of the steering wheel and fell into a five-meter-deep ravine after avoiding a collision with an oncoming motorcycle that encroached their lane.

The van was traveling to Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur at the time of the accident.

Police said Ocampo was unscathed while the van was wrecked due to the impact of the fall.

‘Contract killer’ slain in Pagadian shootout

By Ely Dumaboc (PNA)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur--An alleged “contract killer”, commonly known as “gun-for-hire”, was killed in a shootout with lawmen in this province, a police official announced Wednesday.

Supt. Alvin Saguban, local police chief, identified the suspected contract killer as Epipanio Inso alias Yong-Yong, a resident of Barangay Langilan, San Miguel, this province.

Saguban said the shootout happened around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday after Inso pulled a handgun and opted to fight it out with the police during a counter-strike operation, a regular stop and frisk measure.

He said the police team launched the counter-strike operation “in response to an urgent intelligence information indicating that a crime is about to be perpetrated by a gun-for-hire personality.”

No one among the responding joint team of policemen was harmed during the shootout.

Saguban said they recovered at the shootout site a caliber .45 pistol with 24 live ammunition; 10 live ammunition for 9-mm pistol; gun parts for caliber .45 and 9-mm pistols; one fragmentation grenade; 19 pieces of 12-gauge shotgun shells; and empty shells belonging to caliber .40 and 9-mm pistols.

Road accident kills 4, injures 6 in Zambo Sur

By ANTONIO P. RIMANDO

CAMP ABELON, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur: Four persons were killed and six others were seriously injured on Saturday when a cargo truck loaded with 800 sacks of sugar cane collided with three other vehicles along the national highway in Ramon Magsaysay town here.

Senior Supt. Redentor Retusto, Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police director, identified the fatalities as Armando Bunayog, 41; Banosia Macabinta, 34; Benny Caballero, 52, and Julio Andales, 54.

Three of the six seriously injured victims were truck driver Fructoso Bation, 54, Edgar Muerong, 48, and Reglin Pepito, 37.

They suffered broken ribs and arms as well as head injuries. They were brought to the Blancia Hospital in adjacent Molave town where doctors gave them a slim chance to survive.

But the identities of the other injured were not immediately known.

Initial investigation showed that as the truck, driven by Bation, was negotiating a downward sharp downward curve, it hit an incoming KIA car loaded with dry goods near Barangay Esperanza. Instead of stopping, the truck bumped three other vehicles, including a tricycle with two passengers onboard.

The truck later fell into a five-meter-deep roadside canal throwing out all its cargo.

All the four vehicles were totally wrecked, police added. Bation was taken to the Ramon Magsaysay Municipal Police Station where he will be charged with multiple homicide through reckless imprudence, multiple serious physical injuries and damage to properties.

Pagadian City Mayor denies NDRRMC earthquake report

By Ely Dumaboc

Pagadian City Mayor Romeo Pulmones denied reports of a magnitude 6 earthquake rocking Pagadian City after reports of seismic activity in their area spread late afternoon yesterday.

The source of the information was a report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) about a magnitude 6 earthquake happening in Pagadian City at 3:52 pm. Sunday.

“Isang lindol na may magnitude 6 ang naganap sa Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur kaninang 3:52pm. Aftershocks ay inaasahan. Maging handa at siguraduhing ligtas ang sarili at pamilya,” the message of the NDRRMC said. It was sent at 5:05pm.

The information quickly spread and caused apprehension to residents in nearby provinces and cities in the Zamboanga Peninsula and confusion among residents in Pagadian City.

At around 6pm, Pagadian City Mayor Romeo “Tata” Pulmones sent a text message addressed to his constituents denying the NDRRMC report.

According to the text message, the magnitude 6 earthquake happened in Balindong town in Lanao del Sur and not in Pagadian City as earlier reported.

Pulmones also advised Pagadian City residents not to worry.

The earthquake in Lanao del Sur came a day before the 4th Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, a regular exercise spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to prepare citizens against the occurrence of massive earthquakes and tsunamis.

Ironically, Pagadian City is host to today’s earthquake drill in Region 9.

The drill also coincides with the World Tsunami Awareness Day today.

Escapee, most wanted person nabbed in 2 Zambo Sur towns

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- An escapee and a top wanted person were arrested in separate manhunt operations in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, a police official said Saturday.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, information officer of Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), identified the two as Bernabe Lumawas, who escaped from prison more than five years ago; and Edwin Ongub, 45, listed as most wanted person.

Lumawas was arrested in Purok 3, Barangay Macasing, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur at about 5 a.m. Friday.

He is facing an additional charge of illegal possession of firearms after a caliber .38 revolver with six ammunitions was seized from him during his arrest, Galvez said.

Lumawas was serving prison time for double homicide when he escaped from the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Barangay Talisayan, this city on May 12, 2013.

Meanwhile, Ongub was arrested in Purok Matamad, Barangay Tabon, Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur at about 3:30 a.m. Friday. He yielded two fragmentation grenades.

Galvez said Ongub is listed as the No. 1 most wanted person in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur.

He has two standing warrants of arrest for the crime of murder with no recommended bail and qualified theft with PHP24,000 recommended bail.

NPA rebel surrenders in Zamboanga del Sur town

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) has yielded to authorities in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur, military officials said Friday.

Lt. Col. Marlowe Patria, the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, identified the surrenderer only as a certain Ka Pipoy, a member of Platoon Basil of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Patria said Pipoy gave himself up on Tuesday and turned over two AK-47 assault rifles.

“The initial custodial debriefing found out that he (Pipoy) was tired of hiding and evading our troops,” he said.

“Rest assured that we will enroll and facilitate him to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government,” he added.

Major Gen. Roseller Murillo, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, has commended the troops for the success of their campaign that led to Pipoy’s surrender.

He called on other communist rebels to yield and take advantage of the benefits being offered by the government through the E-CLIP.

“It will provide them an opportunity to return into mainstream society and together, we will solve their problems in a peaceful way,” added Murillo, who is also commander of Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao).

2 Most Wanted Person Arrested

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

LAKEWOOD, Zamboanga del Sur – The Combined operatives of Lakewood MPS, Zamboanga del Sur and Siayan MPS, Zamboanga del Norte arrested two wanted persons during the conduct of law enforcement operation at Penolis, Lakewood, Zamboanga Del Sur at about 4:45 pm of October 23, 2018.

The operating team arrested the two wanted person identified as: Junrel Landong Dayna, aka “Junjun” 35 years old, married, Filipino, Elementary Level and a farmer by occupation, Top No.: 5 Most Wanted Person-Municipal Level; and Teofilo Melian Dayna, 67 years old, married, Filipino, Elementary Level, and a farmer by occupation, Other Wanted Person Category, both with residence at Purok 2, Penolis, Lakewood, Zamboanga Del Sur.

The two suspects was arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest issued by Presiding Judge of Branch 2, Regional Trial Court, Ninth Judicial Region, Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte dated March 6, 2018 for “Murder” docketed under Criminal Case No.: S-5727 with no bail recommended.

The Arrested persons were now detained at Katipunan MPS for proper disposition.

Zamboanga del Sur mayor, 9 others charged for graft over P9.45-M grader

By JOSEPH TRISTAN ROXAS (/NB, GMA News)

The mayor of Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur and nine others have been charged with graft at the Sandiganbayan over the allegedly anomalous purchase of a P9.45-million motor grader.

A charge sheet signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on October 11 showed that Mayor Francisvic Sudaria Villamero would face one count of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Other accused named in the case include then-Bids and Awards Committee members Roberto Mislos Sayson, Loreto Lacierda Penaranda, Rogelim Cabrales, Noe Cabrido Gozalo, Ricardo Tumpag Solis, Wildreo Basic David, Jovito Sibonga Ondiano, and Solomon Eva Donor.

IVAN CARR Industrial Supply and Construction Inc. president Cesario Advincula Jr. is the lone private individual charged.

GMA News Online is still reaching out to Villamero's camp for comment.

In May 2011, Villamero and the accused BAC members allegedly took advantage of their official positions in granting unwarranted benefits to Advincula and his company for the purchase of one Chenggong MG1320C Motor Grader worth P9.45 million.

The Ombudsman said the procurement plan had no advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation and lacked an invitation to bid posted in the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System website.

The reference to a brand name "Chenggong" in the purchase request and the payment to IVAN CARR despite its failure to comply with requirements also violated the Government Procurement Reform Act.

A bail bond of P30,000 has been recommended for each accused in the case.

1 person killed in Shooting Incident

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

PAGADIAN CITY – One person was killed in Shooting incident transpired Beton’s sari-sari store, Purok 6, Barangay Manga, Pagadian City at about 11:00pm of October 14, 2018.

PNP Personnel of Pagadian City conducted initial investigation revealed that the victim was identified as Alberto Binting y Patak, 41 years old, with live-in partner carpenter and a resident of Barangay Manga, Pagadian City. The victim sustains one gunshot wound at the forehead that resulted to his death.

Investigation is now conducted by Pagadian CPS for possible identification of the suspect and the motive of incident.

Farmer Held for Frustrated Homicide

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

MOLAVE, Zamboanga del Sur – The Combined PNP personnel of Molave Police Station, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur and Naawan Police Station, Naawan, Misamis Oriental conducted law enforcement operation at Purok 6, Don Pedro, Naawan, Misamis Oriental at about 10:00 PM of October 16, 2018.

The operation was resulted to the arrest of Alexander LorioBataluna, 38 years old, male, married, farmer and a resident of Purok 6, Don Pedro, Naawan, Misamis Oriental,

The accused was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest docketed under Criminal Case# 2011-10-2416 for Frustrated Homicide issued by presiding judge Hon. Jaime B. Caberte of RTC branch 23, Molave, ZamboangaDel Sur with bail bond recommended fixed at PHP 24,000.00 for his temporary liberty.

The said accused was temporarily detained at Molave MPS for proper disposition.

Bus falls into ravine; 1 dead, 24 injured

By Bong Garcia

AN ELDERLY died while 24 others, including five children, were injured as the bus they were riding fell into a ravine in Zamboanga del Sur province, the police said Saturday, October 27.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, said the accident happened around 3:25 p.m. Friday in Purok 4 in Balintawak village, Aurora town.

Galvez identified the fatality as Rogelio Alagenio.

Wounded were Evangeline Larede, 55; Justin Larede, 11; Kim Larede, 6; Princes Larede, 13; Junmark Ginulos, 28; Marlon Cariaga; 40; Diovin Vergara, 23; Efijenia Bidal, 55; Catherine Lagare, 26; Esterlita Padillau Duhilag, 58; Jezrael Lantaya, 22; Flora Garcenes, 42; Suzzett Mindoza; Niño Sebastian Mindoza, 12; Anna Tura, 69; Ceceil Lauron, 42; Bejon Batoy, 26; Solidad Patalinghug, 48; Helen Diaz, 50; Arlyn Montilla, 40; Angel May Velasco, 13; Edmalyn Dollente, 34; Rey Lerasan, 38, bus conductor; and Andres Bacaling, the bus driver.

The bus was traveling from Ozamiz City to Pagadian when Bacaling lost control of the steering wheel, said Galvez.

The bus rolled after it fell into the ravine.

Galvez said the bus of the Rural Transit was wrecked.

The injured passengers were rushed to the hospitals in Aurora and Pagadian City.

Cops arrest 2 most wanted persons in Zambo Sur

By BONG GARCIA (SunStar Philippines)

Police arrest 2 most wanted persons in Zamboanga del Sur

THE police have arrested two of the most wanted persons in a law enforcement operation in Zamboanga del Sur province, the police said Thursday, October 25.

The Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office identified the suspects as Junrel Landong Dayna, 35 and Teofilo Melian Dayna, 67. They were arrested at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday in Penolis village, Lakewood town.

The police said the younger Dayna is listed as the number five most wanted person while the older Dayna as “other wanted person category” in Lakewood.

The police said they have standing warrant of arrested for the crime of murder with no recommended bail issued by the court of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

The police added that they were arrested at the police headquarters of Katipunan of the same province.

2 most wanted persons nabbed in Zamboanga

By BONG GARCIA (SunStar Philippines)

AUTHORITIES have arrested two most wanted persons in separate police operations in Zamboanga City and in Zamboanga del Sur, the police said Wednesday, October 24.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified those arrested as Gerich Gandasan, 21, and Edgar Dayna, 45.

Galvez said Gandasan was arrested around 8 p.m. Monday by joint operations of Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga City Police Office in Ayala village, Zamboanga City.

She said Gandasan is the Top 3 most wanted person in Sibutad and has standing warrant of arrest for the crime of murder with no recommended bail issued by the court in Dipolog City.

Gandasan was transported and detained at the police headquarters of Sibutad while waiting for his commitment order, Galvez added.

She said Dayna was arrested around 11 p.m. Monday at Purok 4 in Poblacion village, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur. Dayna is included in the list of most wanted persons in the municipality of Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte.

The information officer said Dayna has standing warrant of arrest for the crime of murder with no recommended bail issued by the court in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Driver in ZDS collision faces multiple homicide

By Ely Dumaboc

A truck driver is now facing multiple homicide charges in relation to a multi-vehicle collision which took five lives and injured six others in Ramon Magsaysay Municipality last Saturday.

This as police report another fatality in the incident, a man who was declared dead on arrival at the Blancia Hospital in Molave Municipality.

A Police Regional Office-9 report said that a complaint for Multiple Homicide with serious physical injuries and damage to property was filed by the police before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Pagadian City against Fructosa Poce Bation.

Bation is the driver of an Isuzu Prime Mover Truck which collided with four vehicles while travelling along the national highway in Barangay Esperanza, Ramon Magsaysay Municipality.

Meanwhile, police identified another fatality in the incident as 54-year-old Julio Andales, the truck man of another vehicle which figured in the collision.

Five, including Andales, were killed while six others were injured when the truck driven by Bation careened out of control and crashed onto four vehicles along the highway.

10th most wanted person nabbed in Zambo Sur

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

AUTHORITIES have arrested one of the most wanted persons in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, the police said Thursday, October 18.

The Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office said Edgar Dela Cruz, 45, a resident of Matas, Magpet, North Cotabato, was arrested at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday at the Justice Hall in Gatas village, Pagadian City.

The police said that Dela Cruz is listed by the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) as the number 10 most wanted person in Zamboanga del Sur for carnapping.

The police said Dela Cruz has standing warrant of arrest for violation of Section 5 of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 with no recommended bail.

The suspect also has two other warrants of arrest and this is for violation of Section 11 of R.A. 9165 with recommended bail of P200,000 and carnapping case with P140,000 bail bond.

The suspect was arrested by joint team of HPG personnel, policemen, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel.

4 dead in 7-vehicle collision in Zamboanga del Sur

By Leah Agonoy (Inquirer Mindanao /ee)

PAGADIAN CITY— A case of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides was filed against an Isuzu truck driver here after four individuals were killed and three others were severely injured in a seven-vehicle crash along the national road in Barangay Esperanza, Ramon Magsaysay town in Zamboanga del Sur on Saturday afternoon.

Senior Inspector Ryan Wakat, Ramon Magsaysay police chief, identified the Isuzu trailer truck driver as Fructoso Ponce Bation, 54.

According to reports, he was driving a truck loaded with 800 sacks of raw cane sugar, but he lost control of the vehicle while overtaking a dump truck. It plowed through five other cars and a motorcycle along the highway.

The drivers of a Kia Bongo vehicle and a motorcycle died on the spot while the driver of blue Bongo truck, identified as Armando Bunayog of Kapalaran Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur, was declared dead on arrival at the Blancia Hospital in Molave town, Zamboanga del Sur.

Meanwhile, Kia Bongo truckman Julio Andales, who was among the severely injured, died on Sunday.

A policeman driving the blue Bongo truck was confined at Salug Valley Medical Center in Molave town while two other severely injured persons, including the trailer truck driver, were confined at the Blancia Hospital in the same town.

Shooting Incident

By JONG CADION

MAHAYAG, Zamboanga del Sur - Shooting incident transpired at Purok 1 Bayanihan, Brgy. Lower Salug Daku, Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur at about 5:18pm of October 11, 2018.

The Victim identified as Teomila Nobleza Y Aclon, 40 years old, married, female, an incumbent Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member of Mahayag, Zamboanga Del Sur and a resident of Purok 2, Brgy. San Jose, Mahayag, Zamboanga Del Sur.

The victim was shot by riding in tandem criminal suspects but fortunately she was unharmed.

Suspects fled heading to Brgy. Upper Salug Daku, Mahayag this province. Mahayag MPS conducted hot pursuit operation for the possible arrest of the suspect/s. Motive of the incident is still to be determined.

1 killed in Stabbing Incident

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

GUIPOS, Zamboanga del Sur – One person was killed in Stabbing Incident transpired at Purok 1B, Barangay Dalapan, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur at about 8:30 PM of October 11, 2018.

The victim identified as Crispino Tual y Coronel, 36 years old, married, farmer by occupation and a resident of Purok 4, of the aforesaid place was stabbed by the suspect identified as Moses Supelanas alias Oting, 50 years old, married, CAA/CAFGU member presently assigned at Purok 3, Brgy, Dalapan,Guipos with the use of Bolo.

Initial Investigation conducted by the PNP personnel of Guipos MPS disclosed that while the victim together with his wife Josiphine Tual and four children were walking going toward to his residence, upon reaching at the place of incident particularly at Purok 1B, Barangay Dalapan, Guipos, Zaboanga del Sur the suspect suddenly appeared armed with a bolo and without apparent reason stabbed the victim twice hitting on his left chest and left armed that caused his instantaneous death.

Rape Suspect Arrested

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

MOLAVE, Zamboanga del Sur - PNP elements of Molave MPS, Zamboanga del Sur and Maigo MPS, Lanao del Norte conducted police operation on wanted person at Purok Makuguihon, Barangay Blancia, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur at about 6:00pm of October 11, 2018.

The operation was resulted to the arrest of Rito Calopes Y Celorio, 37 years old, single, laborer and resident of Balatagasa, Maigo, Lanao del Norte.

The accused was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Hon. Judge Basilio Gabo Jr., Presiding Judge of RTC, Branch 11, Malolos, Bulacan dated January 20, 2012 for the crime of Rape docketed under Criminal Case no. 2930-M-2012 with no bail bond recommended.

The arrested subject person is now under custody of Maigo MPS, Lanao del Norte for proper disposition.

Rainbow-like unicorn cloud spotted anew

By Dona Magsino (/NB, GMA News)

A unicorn cloud—one painted with the colors of the rainbow—was sighted anew, this time in Lipa City.

Photos captured by YouScoopers Prince Khalid Cantos and Gabrielle Lheen show the "unicorn cloud" occurrence in Batangas on Thursday.

It was not the first time that such a magical sight captivated eyewitnesses.


A "unicorn cloud" that appeared in Pagadian City also went viral in the social media last year.

According to experts, the sight was is due to "cloud iridescence."

This occurs when tiny frozen water droplets in the clouds are hit by sunlight at just the right angle to form a rainbow of colors.

Jobless Arrested in San Pablo for Homicide Case

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report

SAN PABLO, Zamboanga del Sur – The PNP elements of CIDG and San Pablo MPS conducted joint manhunt operation particularly at Barangay Kapamanok, San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur at about 09:30 in the evening of October 11, 2018.

The operation was resulted to the successful arrest of one Wilmar Calamba y Wamilda , 31 years old, single, jobless and a resident of Barangay Kapamanok, San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur.

The accused was arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest docketed under cc# 14029-2k18 for violation of Homicide issued by Honorable Romeo T. Descallar, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court 9th Judicial Region Br 19, Pagadian City with fixed amount of Php120,000.00 bail bond recommended for his temporary liberty.

The arrested person was apprised of his constitutional rights and the nature and cause of his arrest and subsequently brought to San Pablo Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and documentation.

Zamboanga del Sur councilor hurt after armed man stages ambush

(KG, GMA News)

Zamboanga del Sur Councilor Teomila Nobleza was slightly injured after an unidentified armed man staged an ambush and fired at her vehicle on Thursday.

Nobleza was hit on the face and body, according to a report by Jam Sisante-Cayco on GMA News TV's Balitanghali on Sunday.

She said she was driving her pickup truck when her vehicle was fired upon in Barangay Lower Salug Daku.

Nobleza immediately bent low to avoid the gunman.

She said she thought of running over the gunman but there were motorcycles around so she did not do it.

Nobleza believes the attempt on her life was politically motivated.

She planned to file her certificate of candidacy on Monday for the May 2019 elections.

Investigation showed the gunman immediately fled after the slay attempt.

Police are investigating to determine the suspect's identity and motive.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde ordered station commanders to meet with candidates for the May 2019 polls to map out security measures for the coming elections.

RACE team issues show cause order to delinquent employers

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) on Monday served “show cause orders” to 10 delinquent employers who failed to remit employee contributions.

Judge Voltaire Agas, senior-vice president for Legal Enforcement headed the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) team on Monday in conducting inspection on business establishments in Pagadian City as part of the agency’s drive to enforce the SSS law.

He said the RACE campaign is designed to raise awareness of employers’ obligation, exact employer compliance and to facilitate apprehension and filing of cases against non-compliant and delinquent employers in violation of the SS Law and remind them of their responsibilities under the Social Security Act of 1997.

“Today, we had an operation in Pagadian City and we targeted to visit 15 employers who were verified to have non-compliance or delinquency with the SSS law. Out of 15 employers, 10, basically General Merchandise stores were not remitting the employees contributions as required by law while five immediately complied with the law,” Agas announced.

He said upon inspection of the account officers, “we have found out that there were more employees who were not reported to the SSS. " Some employers reported but failed to pay the SSS contributions of their employees.

The RACE team posted show cause order in the premises of JKLEM Enterprises, Aquawold Purified Drinking Water, KSY General Merchandise, ZDS Buffalo Industries Incorporated, Pagadian Modern Shopping Center, Lucan Polytechnic College, and Fortune Shopping, Happy Feet General Merchandise, JB’s Inato Grill, and Philippine Technological and Marine Sciences and gave them 15 days to comply with the law.

The SSS official said they have chosen Pagadian in the regional RACE campaign because it is a developing community that needs to be reminded of their obligations to SSS and their employees.

“The present administration is bent on making sure of the compliance so that every worker’s interests will be protected and we will give them a bright future,” Agas concluded.

The RACE operation was already conducted in the cities of Bacolod, Dagupan, Davao, General Santos, Manila and Puerto Princesa.

Pagadian welcomes new GSIS branch manager

By Alma L. Tingcang (ALT-PIA9)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) - - The Government Service Insurance System Pagadian Branch has a new manager in the person of Ms. Willa Guantero-Mangubat who hails from Dipolog City, married and with three wonderful children. She was previously assigned as Branch Manager of GSIS Dipolog Branch.

As former Branch Manager of GSIS Dipolog Branch Office, her branch was awarded twice with the CSC ARTA Seal of Excellence (2014 & 2015), two GSIS Galing Sangay Awards as a result of the two ARTA Seals of Excellence during her stewardship.

She also received an award as Outstanding Alumni for Government Service given by her High School Alma Mater, Saint Mary’s Academy ,Dipolog City.

She graduated from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Accounting. Shortly after college graduation, she worked with a private company engaged in the manufacturing of fertilizers from carrageenan, for two years in Consolacion, Cebu.

BM Guantero-Mangubat joined the Government Service Insurance System, Dipolog Branch Office on August 8, 1991 and has been with the GSIS for a span of 27 years.

She rose from the ranks and became a Division Chief in June 11, 1998 at the age of 32, as Branch Head in June 8, 2009 and Branch Manager in August 5, 2014.

She was among the GSIS Pool of Promotables in December 14, 1996 and passed the Career Executive Service Board (Management Aptitude Battery) on December 9, 2001.

The lady executive was conferred the Career Service Executive Eligibility (CSEE) in May 24, 2004 by the Civil Service Commission and holds a Degree of Master in Public Administration.

On September 18, 2018 Ms. Guantero-Mangubat assumed as Branch Manager of GSIS Pagadian Branch Office replacing Engr. Leoncito S. Manuel who was transferred as Branch Manager of GSIS Dipolog Branch.

150 Pagadian City fishers receive motorboats

By Hirohito Cadion (PNA)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – A total of 150 fishermen here are expected to get a boost in their livelihood after receiving motorboats from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the local government on Wednesday.

Mayor Romeo Pulmones led the distribution to the beneficiary fishermen from the 12 coastal barangays of this city held at the fish port in Barangay San Pedro.

Pulmones said DOLE allotted PHP3 million with PHP750,000 equity from the city government to realize the implementation of the project.

Each unit, which is powered by a 6.5 horsepower engine, costs PHP25,000.

Bienvenido Culve, public employment service officer and project coordinator, said the fishermen will undergo orientation to sustain the project.

He told the beneficiaries that the motorboats are non-transferable and that they will be monitored monthly through the barangay councils.

Pulmones expressed gratitude to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Undersecretary Renato Ebarle, who is from Pagadian City, for providing the fishermen a livelihood project.

The distribution of the motorboats was witnessed by other officials of DOLE, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and local government officials.

Over 1,000 residents benefit from ‘Biyaya ng Pagbabago’ roll-out in Dumingag town

By Gideon C. Corgue (EDT/GCC/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

DUMINGAG, Zamboanga del Sur, Sept. 25 (PIA) - - - Over a thousand people have availed of the programs and services of the government in the regional roll-out of “Biyayang Pagbabago Para sa Masagana at Matiwasay na Buhay Pilipino” held recently at the municipal gym here.

“Biyaya ng Pagbabago”, an anti-poverty program of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, was launched in the province by the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, through the Office of Participatory Governance (OPG) being one of the 20 poor provinces in the country.

Under the KP roll-out program, participating national government agencies and civil society organizations set-up kiosks to showcase the various programs and services.

Secretary Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr., the event’s guest of honor and speaker, said the pupose of “Biyaya ng Pagbabago” is to help alleviate poverty and improve the living conditions of people, especially the marginalized and impoverished sector of the municipality.

Evasco said the residents cannot access government programs and services because they are living in the remotest barangays of the town.

“But with the ‘Biyaya ng Pagbabago’ program, we are bringing the government closer to the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Mark Pacalioga urged the residents to unite to achieve sustainable development and make use of the opportunity brought by the program.

A total of P16 million worth of checks were awarded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Irrigation Administration, and other government agencies to eight fisherfolks and farmers’ associations in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Other government agencies present during the activity were the Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Coconut Authority, Commission on Human Rights, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Statistics Authority, Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, among others.

Motor Vehicular Traffic Accident

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

DUMALINAO. Zamboanga del Sur - A Motor vehicular traffic accident (MVTA) transpired at about 5:20 PM of September 14, 2018 along the National Road Boundary of Barangay Tickwas crossing of Purok Magallanes, Barangay Malasik, all of Dumalinao, Zamboanga Del Sur.

The accident was involving one utility passenger van (Nissan Brand), color white with black combination on his lower part of the vehicles body with Plate Nr GSB-539, owned and registered under the name of certain Mr Ezomarr Nitollama, a resident of Poblacion Lapuyan. The vehicle was driven by Melvin Christian Lahagan Montibon, 25, married, and a resident of Purok Villiana, Barangay Salambuyan, Poblacion Lapuyan, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Accordingly while traversing on the abovementioned placed, the said driver accidentally loss control of his vehicle due to mechanical brake failure in which the said driver eluded one passenger van on his front and overtaking going to his right side of the road in which also during that time disembarking passengers.

As a result instantaneously hitting/bumped the following persons namely: Michael Rullen, 33 yrs. old, married, a conductor by profession and a resident of Purok Bonifacio, Brgy Tickwas, Dumalinao, One bystander named Cesar Carpentero Dela Torre, 20, single, student, and a resident of Purok Magallanes, Brgy Tickwas, Dumalinao, and three other passengers from the passenger van namedly: Jessel Gaston, 24 yrs. old, single, plain housewife by proffession with his one month old baby and her mother Mrs Kristina Gaston, 47 yrs old, both resident of Purok Marang, Barangay Malasik, Dumalinao.

All victims’ suffered head contusions; fractured legs, thigh and knees, and multiple serious physical injuries to the different parts of their bodies were immediately rushed to the nearest hospital for medical treatment, while the baby is now under observation by the doctors at Zamboanga Del Sur Medical Center, Dao Pagadian City.

VG Ace Cerilles graces San Pablo fiesta

(Politiko Mindanao)

Sunod sunod ang guestings ni Congressman!

Maguindanao 2nd District Representative Zajid “Dong” Mangudadatu recently graced the 61st Founding Anniversary of San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur. On his Facebook account, the 2019 senatorial candidate shared some photos from his trip to San Pablo. VG Ace Cerilles graces San Pablo fiesta

It was surely a fun-filled event for the cool Politiko!

Zamboanga del Sur Vice Governor Ace Cerilles recently graced the 61st Founding Anniversary of San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur. On his Facebook account, VG Ace shared some photos from his trip to San Pablo.

“Daghang salamat, San Pablo for the warm welcome”, he wrote on his page.

He also went on to express his gratitude to Mayor Danny Taucan, the local Municipal Officials and “the good people of San Pablo” “Daghang salamat, San Pablo for the warm welcome”, he wrote on his page.

He also went on to express his gratitude to Mayor Danny Taucan, the local Municipal Officials and “the good people of San Pablo”

Man Arrested for the crime of Grave Threats

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

TAMBULIG, Zamboanga del Sur – The PNP personnel of Tambulig MPS conducted police operation on wanted person (Service of Arrest Warrant) at about 12:05 PM of September 13, 2018 at Purok Jakarta, Brgy Alang-alang, Tambulig, Zamboanga Del Sur.

The operation was resulted to the arrest of one Albert Arado Y Lagunay 49 years old, married, resident of Purok Jakarta, Brgy Alang-alang Tambulig,, Zamboanga del Sur.

The accused was arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest for the crime of Grave Threats with Criminal Case number 3126 issued by Hon. Carol M. Morales, Presiding Judge of 1st Municipal Trial Court, 9th Judicial Region, Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur dated September 13, 2018 with a bail bond recommended of Twelve Thousand Pesos(Php12,000.00) for his temporary liberty.

The subject arrested person is now under the custody of Tambulig MPS for proper disposition.

1 person died in Vehicular Traffic Accident

By JONG CADION

DUMINGAG, Zambonga del Sur. – One person was died in Vehicular traffic accident transpired along National Highway of Sitio Mauswagon, Barangay Lower landing, Dumingag, Zamboanga Del Sur at about 4:50 PM of September 13, 2018.

Victim was identified as Erie Saren Maata, 24 years of age, single and a resident of Brgy. New Basak, Dumingag, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Investigation conducted disclosed that the victim was driving his single motorcycle Honda XRM 125 color red without plate heading towards town proper of Dumingag, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Upon reaching at the above said place of incident, it instantly crashed and headed directly to the crick of the road.

As a result thereof, the above-named person sustained multiple head injuries and lacerations that resulted to his untimely death. The Said person is under the influenced of liquor.

Businesswoman gunned down

By Remus Ong

A businesswoman was shot and killed at Purok Malipayon, San Pablo Municipality, Zamboanga del Sur last Monday.

A Police Regional Office-9 report identified the victim as Norma Apiag y Edimne 64 years old, married and a resident of Purok Malipayon.

The victim was shot by an unidentified suspect and pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital.

Witnesses said that the suspect withdrew towards the western part of San Pablo.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the incident and arrest the perpetrator.

‘Exercise your power with great responsibility,’ KBP official tells media

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – “There is power in holding a microphone and with great power comes great responsibility.”

Thus declared Virginia T. Velasco, performance officer of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas-Standard Authority (KBP-SA) during the induction ceremony of the newly elected officers of KBP Zamboanga del Sur Chapter recently at Guillermo Hotel here.

The following officers took their oath: Chairman – Melchor U. Coronel (dxPR), Vice-Chairman for AM- Joann A. Guangco (dxBZ), Vice Chairman for FM – Bienvenido C. Culve (dxMD Radyo Natin), Secretary- Roqueza D. Pagara (dxWO), Treasurer – Emelyn S. Campilan (dxKP), Auditor –Teodoro F. Albiso (dxKV), and Performance Officer – Gideon C. Corgue (dxBZ).

Velasco said it is not easy to become a broadcaster. “To be a broadcaster, one should strictly adhere to the principles of broadcasting,” she explained.

She challenged the officers for the ethical exercise of their power.

“I challenge you, as station managers and leaders of your respective stations to exercise your power in accordance with well-established rules and regulations of the Broadcast Code of 2007.”

“I salute you active officers of the local chapter on your accomplishments. Indeed, you are a role model worthy to be emulated by other chapters in the country,” Velasco proudly said.

The local chapter conducted various community services such as: tree planting, coastal clean up, feeding program, distribution of garbage receptacles to public elementary schools, sportsfest, and team-building activity.

In partnership with different units of the Philippine Army, they also assisted in the conduct of medical and dental outreach programs (MEDCAPs), Brigada Eskwela, distribution of relief goods to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Marawi City, fellowship for peace, and peace dialogue.

She encouraged the local chapter to continue the mission and vision of KBP and support one another to keep the fire burning.

Woman held for estafa

(Daily Zamboanga Times)

Police arrested a 40-year-old woman in Pitogo Municipality, Zamboanga del Sur for alleged Estafa.

The suspect was identified as Divina Buton y Ruiz, married and a resident of Purok 1, Lower Panikian, Pitogo.

Buton was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court of Pagadian City.

Bail was set at P80,000.

The subject was placed under the custody of the Pitogo Municipal Police Station.

50 families evacuate as southwest monsoon, ‘Ompong’ felt in Pagadian City

By Leah Agonoy (Inquirer Mindanao)

PAGADIAN CITY – At least 50 families evacuated to a barangay hall of San Pedro village here on Thursday, fearing their houses made of light materials would not be able to stand the strong winds and downpour brought about by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and Typhoon “Ompong.”

But San Pedro Barangay Chairman Dionisio Sumampong said the 50 families from Purok Kabingaan have finally returned home on Friday. They voluntarily evacuated to the barangay hall to secure the elderly, women and children.

“Their houses were all on stilts, while the main bridge they use regularly was a bit unstable,” Sumampong said.

Village officials had conducted a house-to-house campaign on Wednesday to encourage pre-emptive evacuation as Ompong entered the Philippine area of responsibility.

Boat operations suspended in Pagadian City

By Leah Agonoy (Inquirer Mindanao)

PAGADIAN CITY – Despite not being directly hit by Typhoon “Ompong” (International name: “Mungkhat”), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Maritime Police here stopped sea vessels and small boats from going offshore as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) said the Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi would be affected by enhanced southwest monsoon and the trough extension of the typhoon.

PCG deputy commander Adonis Marzo told more than 100 fishing vessels and boat operators in Pagadian City and neighboring towns Thursday not to go offshore anymore because of the risks presented by the enhanced southwest monsoon.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council here targeted zero-casualty amid the upcoming stormy weather.

Marzo also warned those who would leave the port without clearance.

VG Ace Cerilles meets the Crazy Duo

(Politiko Mindanao)

Gracing Zambo’s festivities for the second time already!

Zamboanga del Sur Vice Governor Ace Cerilles happily took the chance to take photos with the popular tandem from It’s Showtime, the Crazy Duo. On his Facebook account, the Politiko shared a photo of him with the popular comedian duo who rose to fame after joining the Funny One competition.

The two hosted the 66th Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur celebration. It’s the second time for the group to grace the said event.

2 fugitives arrested in Zamboanga

By BONG GARCIA

THE authorities have arrested two of the most wanted persons in Zamboanga Peninsula, the police said Monday, September 10.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the suspects as Joven Labor, 32 and Kith Hanzelle Realiza, 17.

Galvez said Labor was arrested around 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Purok 6 in Sugod village, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.

She said Labor has standing warrants of arrest for the crimes of murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder with no bail recommended issued by the court of Pagadian City.

The information officer said he is listed as the number five most wanted person in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur.

She said that Realiza was arrested around 4:45 p.m. Sunday in Estaka village, Dipolog City. He has standing warrant of arrest for the crime of frustrated murder with P200,000 recommended bail issued by the court of Dipolog City.

Realiza is listed as the number seven most wanted person in Dipolog City, Galvez added.

She said the two were detained for proper disposition.

Work on Visayas-Mindanao power grid begins

By REUEL JOHN F. LUMAWAG

PRE-CONSTRUCTION activities for the Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project has already begun, an official of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said.

Mae Roselle Curiano, NGCP North-Central Midanao corporate affairs and public relations department officer, said during the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw press conference at SM City Davao that these activities include the ancillary survey, securing of needed permits, right-of-way (ROW) valuation, and processing of other necessary documents.

On July 11, 2017, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) granted provisional authority to NGCP to implement the interconnection project.

Curiano said a submarine cable, approximately 92 kilometers, will be laid down to connect Santander, Cebu and Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte.

The ERC, in a statement, also said converter stations will be located in Sibonga, Cebu and Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, respectively.

She said the project is targeted to be completed by 2020 and has an estimated cost of P52 million. The project is fully funded by the NGCP.

"If we are interconnected, this will help lessen the outages not only in Mindanao but also nationwide. This will enable the maximize use of energy sources and ensure power sharing resources across the country," Curiano said.

Curiano said NGCP will also construct 350-kv overhead transmission lines from Zamboanga del Norte to Lanao del Norte.

However, ERC said in a statement that the green light for NGCP’s Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project comes with some conditions: the proposed project shall be subject to optimization based on its actual use and/or implementation during the reset process for the next regulatory period; NGCP is required to conduct competitive bidding for the purchase of major materials in the implementation of the project; and NGCP’s payment of the permit fee.

140 NPA ‘mass base supporters’ pledge allegiance to government

By Gideon C. Corgue (EDT/GCC/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

DUMINGAG, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) - - - Alleged supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels formalized recently their return to the fold of law at the barangay hall of Saad village here.

About 140 CPP-NPA members and supporters from the remote barangays of Dulod, Saad and Sunop of Dumingag town withdrew their support from the communist movement during the dialogue dubbed "Panagtigum Alang sa Kalinaw ug Kalamboan" (Meeting for Peace and Development) held at the barangay hall of Saad.

They took their oath of allegiance after they decided to renounce the CPP-NPA.

The ceremony was also highlighted with the burning of CPP-NPA flags.

The withdrawal of support was the result of 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion’s community support program and the close coordination and collaboration of the security sector, government agencies, local government units, and the general public, as well as the efforts for localized peace talks with the CPP-NPA in the region.

Noting this development, LtCol. Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr., said the CPP-NPA “without its mass base, without the supporters, cannot survive”.

He also encouraged the neighbors, friends and relatives of the rebel returnees who are still in the communist movement to return to the fold of the law.

“Bukas ang AFP na tanggapin ang sino mang mga rebelde na magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan upang mamuhay na tahimik at makatanggap ng financial assistance mula sa Comprehensive Local Interation Program (CLIP) ng gobyerno,”(The AFP is open to any rebel who wishes to return to the fold of law to live peacefully and receive financial assistance from the CLIP) said Gaerlan.

Moreover, he expressed his gratitude for the oath of allegiance made by the mass base supporters to the government, adding that “it is great factor to finally attain peace in our communities in the region”.

Meanwhile, Punong Barangay Jeffery Señara urged the residents in his area that it is only right to cease the support to the rebel group as it would only hamper any developments in their area.

“Undangon nato ang pagsuporta sa CPP-NPA aron nga magpabilin ang atong barangay nga hapsay ug linaw ug mabatonan nato ang kalamboan sa atong dapit,” Señara appealed. (Let us stop supporting the CPP-NPA to make our barangay peaceful, orderly and progressive)

Señaraalso noted programs and infrastructure projects implemented by the local government unit in their barangay such as the basic services on education, healthcare including the creation of road that connects the village of Saad to the Katipunan town in Zamboanga del Norte province.

“We will support the government. We cannot achieve lasting peace and development if we are not united,” vowed Señara.

House panel OKs substitute bill seeking stiffer penalties for child abuse

By Jerome Aning (/atm, Reporter, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

The House Committee on Welfare of Children has approved a substitute bill that seeks to deter the the exploitation of minors and impose stiffer penalties for those who abuse them.

Following a hearing conducted last Sep. 3, the committee members approved a substitute bill that seeks to amend several sections of the “Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act” (Republic Act No. 7610).

The substitute bill was authored by Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman and 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Michael Romero.

In a statement, Roman said the law needed updating as the penalties imposed do not seem attuned to the 21st century.

She said the government enacted RA 7610 in June 1992 to allow the state to play a vital role in the safe and wholesome rearing of children for them to become good citizens.

“[The year] 1992 was a quarter of a century ago and now there are still numerous instances where minors are exploited by both foreign and domestic abusers,” Roman said.

The co-authors of the bill are the committee chair, Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Divina Yu, and Reps. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado of Bulacan, Wilter Wee Palma II of Zamboanga Sibugay, John Marvin Nieto and Manuel Luis Lopez of Manila, Manuel Jose Dalipe of Zamboanga City, Ma. Lourdes Aggabao of Isabela, Gus Tambunting of Parañaque, and Rene Relampagos of Bohol.

The bill seeks to amend Section 9 of RA 7610 which provides the penalty of reclusion temporal in its medium period (14 to 17 years) to any person who will hire, employ, use, persuade, induce or coerce a child to perform in obscene exhibitions and indecent shows, whether live or in video; pose or model in obscene publications or pornographic materials; or to sell or distribute the said materials.

If the child used as a performer, subject or seller/distributor is below 12 years of age, the penalty, as proposed bythe bill, will be reclusion perpetua, or 20 to 40 years.

Meanwhile, the penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period, or 17 to 20 years, will be imposed on any ascendant, guardian, or person entrusted in any capacity with the care of the child who shall cause or allow such child to be employed or to participate in an obscene play, scene, act, movie or show and other illegal acts.

The measure also seeks to amend Section 10 of RA 7610 so that the penalty of reclusion temporal in its minimum period, or 12 to 14 years, will be meted on any person who commits any other acts of child abuse, cruelty, or exploitation or be responsible for the conditions prejudicial to the child’s development including those covered by Article 59 of Presidential Decree No. 603, as amended, but not covered by the Revised Penal Code, as amended.

Moreover, the penalty of reclusion temporal in its medium period and a fine of not less than P500,000 will be imposed upon any person who will keep or have in his company a minor, 12 years or under or who is 10 years or more his junior, in any public or private place, hotel, motel, beer joint discotheque, cabaret, pension house, sauna or massage parlor, beach and/or other tourist resort or similar places.

The bill further states that any person who will induce, deliver or offer a minor to any one prohibited by this act to keep or have in his company a minor will suffer the penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period, or 10 to 12 years, and a fine of not less than P400,000.

Should the perpetrator be an ascendant, stepparent or guardian of the minor, the penalty will be reclusion temporal in its medium period, a fine of not less than P500,000 and the loss of parental authority over the minor.

The offender will also be required to undergo a reeducation and reorientation program on child protection to be conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period and a fine of not less than P500,000 and the loss of the license to operate such a place or establishment will be imposed on any person, owner, manager or one entrusted with the operation of any public or private place of accommodation, whether for occupancy, food, drink or otherwise, including residential places, who allows any person to take along with him to such place or places any minor as described in the act.

The bill imposes the penalty of reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua to any person who will use, coerce, force, or intimidate a street child or any other child to conduct any illegal activities.

The penalty of imprisonment of one year and one day to six years or a fine of P100,000 to P400,00, or both, at the discretion of the court, will be imposed on any employer who violates Section 12, 12-A, and Section 14 of the act.

Section 12 of RA 7610 states that “children below 15 years of age may be employed except when a child works directly under the sole responsibility of his parents or legal guardian and where only members of the employer’s family are employed.”

Section 12-A provides that the employer will ensure the protection, health, safety and morals of the child.

Section 14 prohibits any person from employing child models in all commercials or advertisements promoting alcoholic beverages, intoxicating drinks, tobacco and its byproducts and violence.

The bill also seeks to amend Section 20 of RA 7610 which provides that children of indigenous cultural communities will not be subjected to any and all forms of discrimination, providing a penalty of prision correccional in its medium period, or two to four years, and a fine of P50,000 to P100,000 on the offender.

The offender will also undergo a reeducation and reorientation program on the indigenous peoples culture of the Philippines, to be conducted by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples or the Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples Rights.

PCSO warns public vs “hearing” scheme

(R.G. A A. Go)

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has advised the public not to rely on the so-called “hearing” scheme in playing games operated by the PCSO.

Raul M. Regondola, PCSO Zamboanga del Sur Branch Manager, explained that there is no way one can know or predict what numbers will come out during the PCSO games.

“No cre na hearing cay hende se deverasan,” Regondola said. He made the warning following reports on the public’s reliance on “hearing” in playing PCSO games.

The branch manager explained that if the “hearing” scheme can guarantee winnings, then PCSO employees will surely be the ones to win since they themselves are betting.

Some of the PCSO games include 6/42, 6/48, 6/55, 6/58, 6/45, Keno, STL and others.

Thirty (30) percent of earnings go to charity.

“Si ya sale man el numero cosa sila ta abla then chamba ese,” Regondola said.

Crime syndicate member arrested

By BONG GARCIA

AN ALLEGED member of a crime syndicate was arrested in a manhunt operation in Zamboanga del Sur on Friday, September 7.

Diamaludin Hasim Panandigan, alias Tiaw, was arrested at around 7 a.m. Friday in Purok Baltagi in Nian, Dinas town, based on a warrant of arrest issued by a Pagadian City court for four counts of murder and attempted murder.

Chief Superintendent Edwin De Ocampo, deputy regional director for administration (DRDA) of the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula, said Panandigan is an identified member of Anwar Ansang Group, a criminal group engage in narcotics trafficking, robbery extortion and gun-for-hire or contract killing activities.

He said the suspect was allegedly involved in a series of ambush and shooting incidents, including an incident in 2016 involving an Army officer and militiamen.

Panandigan was arrested in a joint Manhunt Operation “Charlie” and is now detained.

Man Arrested for Illegal Possession of Firearms in Pagadian City

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

PAGADIAN CITY - The Pagadian City Police personnel was successfully apprehended one person for Illegal Possession of Firearms transpired at about 10:00pm on August 31, 2018 at Porcing Store, Sagun Street, Gatas District, Pagadian City.

The operating team identified the arrested person as Macelo Pielago Tabudlong, 34 years old, male, married, fisherman and a resident of Purok Sandayong, Brgy. Santo Niño, Pagadian City.

Investigation disclosed that there was a concern citizen informing the police that there was an unidentified male person wearing black t-shirt with a black body bag drinking inside the video k bar at the above-mentioned place and allegedly drew a short firearm and smashed it on top of the table several times.

Acted to the said report, Pagadian CPS personnel immediately proceeded to the reported place. Thereat, in close range from the alleged suspect, the responding Police Officers saw in plain view, the handle of the firearm place inside an opened black body bag that prompted them to frisk and arrest the suspect.

After that, the suspect was informed in his basic rights and immediately brought to Pagadian CPS.

The operating team Confiscated from the possession and control of the suspect one unit Para Ordnance caliber .45 pistols with serial number 428237, one live ammunition loaded at the chamber and one short magazine assembly with six live ammunitions.

Further, the above-arrested person now temporarily detained at Pagadian CPS custodial facility for proper disposition.

Fire razes 50 Pagadian homes amid heavy rain

By Leah Agonoy (/cbb, Inquirer Mindanao)

PAGADIAN CITY – While heavy rain poured on Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur, fire was razing houses in Purok Romblon, Balangasan District, Saturday afternoon. The blaze left more than a hundred families homeless.

Zenaida Lim, a fire victim, told the Inquirer that she immediately carried her two grandchildren, 1-year-old Breyshell and 3-year-old Bryan, after hearing a neighbor shout ‘Sunog!’

But seeing that they were caught in the middle of burning houses, she decided to jump into the river beside their house, notwithstanding the strong current caused by the heavy rain.

Wading in waist-deep water, Lim carried the two children safely until barangay-trained rescuers pulled them out of the river.

House owner Leslie Paraguya said she was fetching water from a deep well when she saw the flames, so she immediately grabbed her 5-year old son, Kian, and ran barefoot to safety.

Paraguya said she wanted to go back to their house to get important documents and belongings for her son but decided otherwise.

Lim and Paraguya are among victims who sought shelter at the Balangasan covered court.

Relief team in-charge Robino Avila said 108 families were accommodated at the evacuation area while others were taken in by relatives in other barangays.

Andrew Jade Mantos of the City Health office talked to the fire victims and found some complaining of fever and flu. One victim was recently discharged from the hospital after an operation.

City Fire Marshall Herman Ting said an initial investigation disclosed that the fire came from the house of Flordelyn Emperial, particularly from a room rented by a certain Ella Kabuntalan.

Authorities have yet to talk to Kabuntalan about the fire that quickly spread to about 50 houses made of light materials.

Gunmen kill 4 people, seize couple in Zamboanga town

(Desk Man, Mindanao Examiner)

PAGADIAN CITY – Gunmen clad in camouflage uniform seized a Filipino couple and killed four people, including a government militia, who tried to stop them in the town of Sirawai in the southern province of Zamboanga del Norte.

The fate of the duo, Rufo, 62; and Helen Roda, 64, is unknown, but they were abducted in the village of Piakan late Friday afternoon by a group of gunmen, believed to be rebels.

The gunmen also seized 3 civilians and used them as shield against pursuing soldiers and eventually killed them along the way. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the abduction and slaying of the four people, but security forces continue Saturday its operation to rescue the victims.

There were no details about the two hostages or whether they are traders or belong to an affluent family in the town.

Last June 28, gunmen also kidnapped 6 people, including an infant, from a farm in San Nicolas village in Sirawai town and demanded P400,000 for their safe release.

The victims, Feliciano Javier, 28; his wife Elsa, 28, and their five-month old baby Vincent; and Junior Javier, 22, and wife Rica, also 22-years old and their five-year old son Val, are keepers of farm owned by Valiente Tolo Felizarta, the town’s municipal engineer. They were eventually released in Gata village in Talipao town in Sulu province two weeks later and fetched by soldiers.

Molave’s most wanted person falls in Cavite

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

GOVERNMENT authorities have arrested in an operation dubbed as “manhunt charlie” one of the most wanted persons in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur, the police said Saturday, September 01, 2018.

The Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office identified the arrested fugitive as Charlito Mariquita, 36, who is listed the Top 5 Most Wanted Persons in Molave.

Mariquita was arrested in a joint police operations around 8 p.m. Friday in Buenavista 2 village, General Trias City, Cavite.

He was arrested by joint police team from the Aurora and Molave towns, Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Mobile Company and General Trias City.

The police said Mariquita has standing warrant of arrest for the crime of rape with no recommended bail issued by the court of Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur.

Crime gang member nabbed in Zamboanga del Sur drug bust

By Leah Agonoy (/kga, Inquirer Mindanao)

PAGADIAN CITY – Another member of the notorious criminal group in Dinas town, Zamboanga del Sur was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation on Friday afternoon.

A team of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) along with the Zamboanga del Sur police intelligence operatives and the Dinas police arrested 26-year-old Norcid Ansang Fermin aka “Katid”, a resident of Sitio Balaisan, Barangay East Migpulao, Dinas and a member of Anwar-Ansang criminal group operating in the town and neighboring areas of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Supt. Jason Apana said the buy-bust operation at Purok Sampaguita in Barangay Poblacion also led to the confiscation of five pieces small-sized plastic sachets of “shabu”, 1 caliber 45 pistol with 1 short magazine containing seven live ammunitions.

Fermin is being detained at the Dinas police station.

Dinas Mayor Felicito Chavez said businessmen were relieved by the arrest of Fermin.

Militiaman killed, niece wounded in Dinas gun attack

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Police are conducting a probe to unmask the gunmen behind the attack that killed a militiaman and injured an 8-year-old girl in Dinas town, Zamboanga del Sur.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga) information officer, disclosed that the incident happened in Purok Tula-Tula, Barangay Tarakan in Dinas at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Galvez identified the fatality as Marjon Rondina, 26, a militiaman under the Army’s 5th Infantry Battalion.

Wounded was Rosel Rondina Amodia, a niece of Marjon's. She was rushed to the Dinas Rural Health Unit and later transferred to the Margosatubig Regional Hospital.

Galvez said initial investigation showed the victims were asleep when unidentified persons, armed with high-powered firearms, arrived and opened fire, killing Marjon instantly.

She said the responding policemen recovered from the crime scene 18 empty shells of M-16 Armalite rifle and six empty shells and a deformed slug of a Caliber .45 pistol.

290 Subanon integrated into Philippine Army

By ANTONIO P. RIMANDO

CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur: About 290 indigenous peoples, locally known as Subanon tribesmen, have been integrated into the Philippine Army’s First Infantry (Tabak) Division (1st ID) based in this five-hectare mountain camp.

Major Gen. Roseller Murillo, Tabak Division chief, said the Subanons comprise almost half of the newly recruited Christian and Muslim troops who completed a recent four-month Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) of the First ID Training School headed by Lt. Col. Rufino de Leon.

The CSC closing ceremony was held at the 1st ID grandstand.

Murillo said of the 736 new soldier-graduates, aged 18 to 25, who will be given a rank of private, 29 percent have college degrees, 28 percent are high school graduates, 23 percent are college students and 20 percent have finished technical-vocational courses certified by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

Subanon Timuay leader Jose Macareal, a Multisectoral Group Council official who represented his tribesmen in the graduation rites, advised the new privates to safeguard and utilize their firearms (mostly M-16 Armalite rifles) carefully and as needed “in order to protect our people and to maintain peace and order in Mindanao.”

The Subanon chief expressed his gratitude to the 1st ID officers “for considering the enlistment in the Philippine Army of qualified members of his tribe who are also always ready to protect our constituents wherever they are deployed.”

Murillo thanked the parents of the new troops for allowing their sons to enter the military service whose main mission, he said, is “Army core purpose. Serving the people. Securing the Land.”

He said the 1st ID covers the entire Zamboanga Peninsula comprised of the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Misamis Occidental in Northern Mindanao and the component cities of Dipolog, Pagadian, Zamboanga, Dapitan, Ozamiz, Oroquieta and Tangub.

Pagadian gears up to attract locators, increase investments

(BusinessMirror)

PAGADIAN City, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur, is ready to attract more locators and increase investments as the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), the country’s lead industry development and primary investment promotion agency, recently capacitated key stakeholders in the province on the investment opportunities under the 2017-2019 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP).

The IPP, a three-year rolling plan, lists the preferred invesment activities that may be given incentives by the BOI. With the theme “Scaling Up and Dispersing Opportunities,” the IPP brings forth significant additions and changes, following the President’s Zero + 10-point Socioeconomic Agenda, the aspirations embodied in AmBisyon Natin 2040, and the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.

The BOI, through its Domestic Investments Promotion Service-Cagayan de Oro Extension Office, facilitated the road show participated by 92 representatives mostly from the business sector, local government units (LGUs) and other government agencies in Zamboanga del Sur.

Commercial banks Land Bank of the Philippines and Security Bank, likewise, presented during the road show their financing windows for micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The forum concluded with a one-on-one consultation with the investors on agribusiness and tourism.

“We are happy to note the active participation of Pagadian key stakeholders in the road show. Such enthusiasm means the readiness of the city to attract more locators, thus increasing investments and generating more employment opportunities for the people,” said Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo, who added locators in the city may enjoy various investment incentives offered by the agency.

The city has four less-developed areas (LDAs), namely, the municipalities of Josefina, Sominot (Don Mariano Marcos), Tigbao and Vicenzo A. Sagun. Investors who locate in these areas are considered pioneers entitled to six years of income-tax holiday.

Investment projects registered with the BOI located in Region IX or the Zamboanga Peninsula Region where Pagadian City belong is also very minimal, only at P2.554 billion from 2013 up to the first seven months of the year. Ranking as last among the regions in terms of project cost, the industries registered with BOI in the region include accommodation and food service activities; agriculture, forestry, and fishing; arts, entertainment, and recreation; electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply; manufacturing; and real estate activities.

“We hope that investment roadshow conducted in Pagadian will serve as a take-off point and jumpstart the interest of investors in the area. The BOI is more than willing to assist the local government in promoting and facilitating investments in the city as well as the entire region,” Rodolfo added.

The new IPP has a broadened coverage to encourage and attract fresh capital in new sectors and regions, thus addressing the inequality in economic growth and employment. Among the new priority activities in the 2017-2019 IPP are: Innovation Drivers, to underscore the important role of research and development, innovation ecosystems and infrastructures in modernizing our economy, which includes commercialization of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) or government-funded research and development; and Inclusive Business Models for agribusiness and tourism, which fosters income and business opportunities for the poor or low-earners of society by integrating them into the supply chain of medium or large companies.

“It serves as a blueprint in guiding local and foreign investors in matching their entrepreneurial and financial capacities with the identified opportunities to steer the country’s economic growth to a broader and sustainable path. It aspires to maintain the Philippines’ competencies while developing sectors with potential for inclusive growth by connecting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to the global value chain.” Rodolfo said.

Fire Incident

(Zamboanga Del Sur Police Report)

MOLAVE, Zamboanga del Sur - Fire incident took place at the corner of Rizal Avenue and Yangco Street, Brgy Makuguihon, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur at about 11:00 AM of August 11, 2018.

The two story house/building owned by the late Judge Glicerio Cariaga of Ozamiz City was burned at about 10:45 AM of same date.

The PNP personnel secured the traffic and motorist along Yangco St and Rizal Avenue, Fire trucks coming from Jollibee, YM, and Molave BFP helped each other in extinguishing the fire.

Initial Investigation disclosed that the building was already left abandoned by the care taker Amelie Quimson Livestre since it was already dilapidated, since it was very old having been built in the 70’s and made of wood and light materials. No one was reported harmed in the said fire incident. The estimated cost of damage is not more than fifty-thousand pesos (P50, 000.00).

Rebel returnee shot by ex-comrades in Army uniforms in Zambo Sur

By Leah Agono (Inquirer Mindanao)

PAGADIAN CITY – A former member of the New People’s Army was waylaid and shot by former comrades in Purok 3, Barangay Guitalos, Midsalip town in Zamboanga Del Sur on Saturday.

Major Ronald Suscano, spokesperson of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army confirmed the incident on Monday and identified the victim as Benben Gumandag Mandao, 27 years old, a rebel returnee and a resident of the same barangay.

The Midsalip police reported that Mandao was walking alone on his way home and upon reaching a secluded area near a river, he was confronted by four unidentified men wearing Philippine Army uniforms. Two of the assailants armed with rifles shot the victim several times, the military said.

Cop, 2 pals wounded in Pagadian gun attack

By BONG GARCIA

THREE people, including a policeman, were wounded in a gun attack in Zamboanga del Sur Friday, August 10.

Police Officer 2 Prometheus Remolador, 41, and two of his employees were wounded when two men on a motorcycle opened fire at them at 8:45 p.m. Friday.

The wounded employees were identified as Glendel Delator, 33; and, Melchor Siso, 21.

All three were manning the lechon outlet owned by Remolador on Jamisola Street in Barangay Santa Lucia, Pagadian City when they were attacked.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office (PRO)-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, said Remolador is assigned to the 902nd Maneuvering Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Zamboanga Peninsula.

The suspects fled after the incident while the victims were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Recovered from the crime scene were four empty shells and a deformed slug of caliber .45 pistol. (SunStar Philippines)

Senior citizen is HVT in Dinas

By Remus Ong

Combined Philippine National Police (PNP) elements raided a house in Barangay Tarakan, Dinas Municipality last Tuesday and arrested a senior citizen who is also identified as a high value target for illegal drugs.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 Information Officer, identified the suspect as Bashir Alibasa y Manguda aka Kanuto Alibasa, 61 years old, a drug surrenderee.

Alibasa was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for violation of Republic Act 9165, the 2002 Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, issued by the Regional Trial Court in San MIguel, Zamboanga del Sur.

Police confiscated fourteen (14) sachets of suspected shabu from the suspect.

Alibasa’s live-in partner, Maribel Berual y Udtohan aka Dadan, was also arrested by the police for allegedly trying to dispose of evidence.

The suspects were placed under the custody of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Units responsible for the arrest are the Provincial Intelligence Branch of the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office, Provincial Mobile Force Company, police personnel in Dinas, San Miguel, Margosatubig and the PDEA-9.

59-year-old rape suspect arrested

By Ely Dumaboc

A 59-year-old rape suspect was arrested during manhunt operations at Barangay Mecolong, Dumalinao Municipality, Zamboanga del Sur last Saturday.

A Police Regional Office-9 report identified the suspect as Serapion Barselo, married and a resident of Barangay Mecolong.

Barselo was arrested during a joint manhunt operation by personnel of the Pagadian and Dumalinao police stations.

The suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for the crime of rape issued by a Pagadian City court.

The suspect was brought to the Pagadian City Police Station for documentation and booking procedure prior to his turn over to the proper court.

Fun run boosts physical health, relieves stress

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY , August 9 (PIA) -- Some 1,000 personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA), criminology students of Pagadian Capitol Colleges, JH Cerilles State College and Southern Mindanao Colleges participated in the recent 3K Fun Run and bloodletting activity organized by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

In his message delivered by City Councilor Adriano Durano III, Mayor Romeo Pulmones conveyed his sincere thanks and congratulations to the BFP for organizing the event saying that the fun run and bloodletting are laudable activities for the participants to boost their physical health and relieve stress, and donate blood to save lives.

“The fun run helps shape your physical health and relieves stress brought about by the various pressures of your work and at the same time, create awareness about the events that the BFP is holding,” Durano said quoting the mayor.

He said this year’s theme, “BFP AT 27: Upgrading Capabilities, Empowering Communities” gives all of us the challenge to perform our duties and functions efficiently and effectively.

“Part of this goal is to get closer to the community and encourage stakeholders to be participative of BFP’s programs and services, and to prevent incidents that cause fire and its ill effects,” the mayor said.

During the event, a 5-minute video was shown highlighting the accomplishments of BFP on its 27th year of existence, plans and programs, policies, effective and efficient public services.

The top 3 finishers, and the youngest and oldest runners were awarded with medal and goodies by the sponsors in a closing program held a Plaza Luz stage.

Octogenarian rescued from flood in Zamboanga del Sur

By Leah Agonoy (/kga, Inquirer Mindanao)

PAGADIAN CITY — An 82-year-old woman was rescued as she got trapped inside her house amid floodings in three villages in Tukuran town, Zamboanga del Sur on Monday.

Maximina Sinoy was alone when water inundated her home in Tagulo village. Neighbors managed to get to her and carry her to higher ground amid heavy downpour.

Sinoy said her children were away for work. She thanked her neighbors for saving her.

Tukuran Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) Action Officer Rolando Tangub told the Inquirer the villages of Tagulo, Sugod and Sto. Niño of Tukuran town have been flooded as torrential rains began early dawn.

In Tagulo area alone, around 15 hectares of rice fields and fish ponds were damaged while vegetables and corn crops were destroyed in nearby areas.

Nenita Ramirez, a resident of Tagulo said they usually experience flooding in their area three to five times a year as the Tagulo River overflows. In the past, floodwater swept away their livestock and crops.

Tukuran Mayor Maychel Rota has suspended classes on all levels in the coastal town.

The Tukuran LDRRM team has yet to assess the damages caused by heavy rain and floods.

Dinas and San Miguel towns in Zamboanga del Sur also suspended classes on all levels due to heavy rain.

Magnitude 4.2 quake jolts Zamboanga del Sur

(ABS-CBN News)

MANILA - A magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck Zamboanga del Sur province early Tuesday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The tremor hit at 6:18 a.m., some 26 kilometers southeast of Tabina town.

It was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 16 kilometers.

Phivolcs said intensity 1 was felt in Zamboanga City.

The tremor will not spawn aftershocks or cause damage.

Woman killed in front of young nephew in Zamboanga

By Zaida Delos Reyes

A woman walking home with her 7-year-old nephew was gunned down by a motorcycle-riding suspect in Zamboanga del Sur Saturday.

Local police said around 5:45 p.m., Roan Montegreho, 32, of Purok 5, Barangay Poblacion, Ramon Magsaysay, Zamboanga del Sur, and her nephew Romel Adrian were a few meters away from their house when the suspect on a motorcycle blocked their path and shot the victim in the neck.

The victim, who was previously arrested for drugs, later died at the Blacia Hospital.

Heavy rains destroy P2M crops, fishponds in Zamboanga del Sur

By Leah Agonoy (Inquirer Mindanao)

PAGADIAN CITY – Heavy rains in the past two days destroyed crops and fishponds here amounting to P2.09 million.

Engr. Francisco Maca of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, said the towns of Tambulig, Mahayag, Dumingag, Molave and Dinas of Zamboanga del Sur were flooded as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued heavy rainfall warning caused by southwest monsoon affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Dinas MDRRM Action Officer Wilfredo Asoy Jr. said the rains destroyed up to 70 hectares of rice fields and crops amounting to P490,000, affecting 85 farmers; 75 hectares of fish ponds, worth P1.2 million, affecting 100 operators; and seaweeds amounting to P400,000, affecting 500 planters.

Asoy said they were still conducting evaluation and analysis of the damages.

In Pitogo town, 32 fishing boats were forced to dock on Panikian Island due to strong winds and heavy rains while two more boats were forced to dock in the coastal barangay of Talaungan, according to MDRRM Action Officer Rolando Caliguid Jr.

In Dimataling town, a private chopper driven by pilot Major Omar Kahon was forced to make an emergency landing on a coastal road in Dimataling town, police said. The aircraft was flying from Cotabato to Zamboanga City.

Maca said they were still monitoring other areas for possible landslides and floods as rains continued to pour in Zamboanga peninsula areas.

Region 9 most wanted 'kidnapper' nabbed

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Police operatives arrested the region’s most wanted person during a law enforcement operation in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, an official said Monday.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the suspect as Jehar Nalangan alias Amer Palada, allegedly a notorious kidnapper.

Galvez said Nalangan, listed as high value target and most wanted person in Region 9, was arrested in an operation around 9:30 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Militar, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.

Nalangan has a standing warrant of arrest for murder and kidnapping, with no recommended bail, issued by a regional court in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The Regional Intelligence Division personnel brought Nalangan to Imelda town for disposition and issuance of commitment order by the court.

Woman drowns in Zambo river

By Zaida Delos Reyes

A 20-year-old woman drowned while swimming in a river the other day in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur.

The victim was identified as Rosmela Gapino, single, of Bgy. Guitalos, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur.

Reports from Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 said the victim drowned at around 4:40 p.m. at Guitalos River.

The victim’s body was discovered by her nephew, identified as Ricky Placido.

Accordingly, the victim told her relatives that he would go swimming in the river but failed to go home.

Investigators said the victim was swimming when heavy rains occurred, triggering flashflood and swept her away. The victim sustained wounds and bruises in the body when found.

Flash flood inundates 20 homes in Zambo del Sur

By Chrisel Almonia (ABS-CBN News)

TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur – An estimated 20 houses and some road railings were damaged after a swollen river at Barangay Camanga here overflowed on last Friday afternoon.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee proceeded to the affected barangay to give warnings and assist families evacuating from their flooded homes.

Heavy rains from the town’s mountainous areas inundated Barangays Camanga and Upper Bayao and also submerged ricefields.

The flood quickly receded after an hour.

Lance Galanida, officer-in-charge at state weather bureau Pagasa's office in Zamboanga, said the heavy downpour in some parts of the Zamboanga Peninsula was due to a localized thunderstorm.

Ticala Island gets solar power kits

By Bonita Ermac

Tarlac Heritage Foundation led by its co-founder Dra. Isabel C. Suntay has given 105 Solar Power Kits to 100 households from barangay Ticala Island in San Pablo town, during the project launched, Wednesday.

Residents of barangay Ticala island hold over the Solar Power Kits given by the Tarlac Heritage Foundation through its co-founder Dra. Isabel C. Suntay in partnership with the military troops and the local government unit of San Pable Zamboanga del Sur. (Bonita Ermac/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The solar project was made possible through a partnership with the 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army and the LGU of San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur.

A solar power kit is composed of a solar panel, inverter, storage battery, LED lamps and phone chargers. The system can provide power to three to six LED bulbs which is roughly enough to light a household and charge their cellular phones which, especially to island dwellers, is important to maintaining contact with the mainland.

The island village of Ticala is a coastal barangay of the municipality of San Pablo, ZDS. It has a total land area of about 1,150 hectares currently inhabited by a population of 512 people. The island is separated from the rest of the municipality by several square kilometers of thick mangrove forest.

Because of the absence of a road network to connect it to the rest of the municipality, it is also out of coverage by electric grid system from the local electric cooperative.

“We are here as partner of our government and help you have electricity in your dwellings through our solar panel set-up. This can help our children study their school lessons during the evening. It can also power your cellular phones for you to be able to continuously communicate with the rest of the world,” said Dra. Suntay.

Tarlac Heritage Foundation is a non-stock and non-profit corporation focused primarily in preservation, promotion and enrichment of the province of Tarlac.

The foundation expanded its private-public partnership through giving and assisting communities more wanting of their projects.

Notable of these projects are the Bahay Pag-asa in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur and the electrification through Solar Panel at Barangay Pisaan.

Prior to this in March 19, 2018, Lt Col Marlowe E Patria, Commanding Officer 53IB, 1ID together with Hon Belman Mantos, Board Member of 2nd District, ZDS conducted site inspection for the possible recipient of the project and had a dialogue with the residents.

“Soldiers today are far different from those in the past. We could see how they get themselves involved in community works to help improve the plights of our people especially those in far-flung and isolated barangays,” Board Member Bellman Mantos emphasized in his speech.

“We came here today together with Dra Isabel Suntay to help you have electricity which can be used lighting your houses and for charging your cellular phones. We will continue to be a potent partner of our LGU so that peace and order will continue to reign in your island,” Lt Col Patria, added, as he addressed the residents.

“We should be very thankful that of all those who are in need of these solar panel set-ups, we are among the first to be given. We should take care of these gadgets as our expression of gratitude to the THS, the military and the government for their care to us,” Hon Danilo Taucan, the Municipal Mayor of San Pablo, ZDS also stressed during his speech.

Also present during the activity were; Hon Yassel Samal, Brgy Captain of Brgy Ticala, Hon Erlinda Castillo, SB Member, Dra Isabel C Suntay, Co-Founder, Tarlac Heritage Foundation, Maj Geomar L Pepit and the residents of Barangay Ticala, San Pablo, ZDS.

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