Zamboanga del Sur News January 2016

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Province of Zamboanga del Sur - Archived News of Zamboanga del Sur

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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.

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.

Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines

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: 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. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Lintugop, Aurora

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur

Provincial human resource management office of santo niño pagadian city

Civil Service Commision office in santo niño pagadian city

Zambo towns build 12 new cop stations

• Source:http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-provinces/197977/zambo-towns-build-12-new-cop-stations.html
• Sunday, January 31, 2016

By A. Perez Rimando

CAMP Romeo Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City—The Police Region 9 Office here recently started the simultaneous construction of 12 new police stations in various municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

It also announced the establishment next year of another 20 police stations in as many towns in other parts of Zamboanga peninsula.

Police Regional Office Deputy Director for Administration Chief Superintendent Randolf R. Delfin said seven of the new municipal police stations are now being built in Zamboanga del Sur towns of Midsalip, Sominot, San Pablo, Pitogo, Dimataling, Tabina and San Miguel while the other five are being put in the Zamboanga Sibugay municipalities of Malangas, Diplahan, Vincenzo Sagun, Lapuyan and Dinas.

Delfin expressed optimism that the new police stations, when finally completed, will boost the morale of local law enforcers and ultimately enhance their crime prevention efforts in their respective areas of responsibilities.

Delfin, concurrent chairman of the PRO-9 Regional Bidding Awards Committee, said the initial bidding for the 12 new police stations, was attended by National Police Commission 9 officials here.

The description of the police stations is standard two-story B/C building, Delfin said, adding that the new police structures will be accompanied later with police protected equipment for law enforcers and motor vehicles for ”Internal Security Operations.”

According to Delfin, the next batch of new police stations will be established in numerous remote municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte as well as in the capital town of Ipil and island, and coastal and mountainous towns such as Olutanga, Mabuhay, Alicia, Lakewood, Ramon Magsaysay, Siayan, Aurora, Ponot, Sergio Osmeña, Naga, Kumalarang, Bayog, and Tigbao.

Zamboanga cooperative named most outstanding

• Source:http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-provinces/198074/zamboanga-cooperative-named-most-outstanding.html
• Saturday, January 30, 2016 12:01 am

By A. Perez Rimando

AURORA, Zamboanga del Sur—Aurora Integrated Multi-Purpose Cooperative was adjudged the Most Outstanding Cooperative-Best in Membership Growth and Expansion category among the country’s 24,000 registered cooperatives.

Its manager, Pacenciano Tomarong, was named Most Outstanding Cooperative Leader during the Gawad Parangal Cooperative Development Authority Day in Manila, a top CDA official said.

CDA chairman Orlando Ravanera handed to Tomarong the two national awards of GPCDA, a recognition for cooperatives, local government units, partner organizations and co-op officers for their exemplary performance, best practices and good governance and in giving responsive services to the people and community.

Tomarong attributed these awards to the 48-year-old AIMPC’s personnel “for excellently performing their job, helping promote the co-op’s image and the members’ continued trust in us,” stressing that the co-op’s main mission “is to serve the community in a friendly manner.”

He said employees of AIMPC, now with 72 offices nationwide with over one million members, are mandated by law “to be most accountable and responsible persons to protect the co-op’s investment.”

The co-op’s products and services for its members include loans, savings, cash express and free funeral services, Tomarong said, adding it also established ATM machines in its branches to promote cashless society even as it established Eskwela Kooperatiba in every school to encourage student cooperative participation.

Tomarong said that stressing its personnel’s harmonious relationship with each other is vital to its success.

Parents’ support to NSDD noted in Pagadian City

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1431453948289/parents-support-to-nsdd-noted-in-pagadian-city-
• Friday, January 29, 2016

By Franklin P. Gumapon (FPG/PIA9)

PAGADIAN CITY, Jan. 29 (PIA) – The preparations made by health and education personnel for the conduct of the National School Deworming Day (NSDD) last Wednesday have paid off.

Learning from the July 29, 2015 school deworming debacle that some 200 students from the different parts of Zamboanga Peninsula were rushed to the hospitals and health centers for dizziness and vomiting after taking the deworming tablets, the Department of Health (DOH) together with the Department of Education (DepEd) has ensured that proper information about deworming and its adverse reactions on children be properly disseminated to the parents and students.

DOH-9 personnel also conducted a series of media forums on the NSDD in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay weeks before the scheduled deworming day.

School Principal Jocelyn Perez of the Pagadian Pilot School said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the schools had also conducted parents’ orientation on the NSDD with emphasis on its benefits to their children.

Perez also disclosed that the schools had required the schoolchildren to have a full breakfast to avoid any adverse reaction after taking the deworming tablet.

“All schools started with a mass feeding before giving the children the deworming pills, Dr. Agnes Fernando, provincial head of the Zamboanga del Sur DOH office said.

Fernando also encouraged the parents whose children have not yet been dewormed to visit the health centers to avail of free deworming tablets.

“We would like to achieve 85 percent of our accomplishment [in the NSDD] or more than that,” Fernando maintained.

For his part, Romeo Cirilo, president of Parents and Teachers Association at Tomas Sagun Elementary School in this city also expressed his gratitude to the DOH for spearheading a deworming program.

NSDD is an annual deworming activity conducted by the DOH in all public schools for pupils from kinder to grade six every last Wednesday of January and July.

NSDD’s success attributed to massive info dissemination, says DepEd official

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371453951176/nsdd-s-success-attributed-to-massive-info-dissemination-says-deped-official-
• Thursday, January 28, 2016

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

PAGADIAN CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) – Exactly seven (7) months after the first round of the National School Deworming Day (NSDD) in all public elementary schools nationwide, the second round was conducted on Wednesday to keep 16-M Filipino kids free from parasites.

Medical Officer Dr. Mirriam Indin, regional health coordinator of the Department of Education (DepEd)-9 said the Department of Health’s (DOH) mass deworming dubbed “Oplan Goobye Bulate” was successfully conducted in 1,169 public elementary schools in the region.

Indin said there were no reports on students experiencing nausea, vomiting and abdominal pains after chewing or ingesting the deworming pill Albendazole.

It can be recalled that on the first round of the NSDD on July 29, 2015, a report about the supposed death of 10 children after the deworming in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur had reached the office of Dr. Joshua Brillantes, chief of the local health support division of DOH-Western Mindanao which caused mass hysteria. However, when health personnel checked and validated the report, it turned out to be false information,” Brillantes was quoted as saying.

The report said only complaints on vomiting, abdominal pain and dizziness as common side effects of Abendazole were reported to the DOH.

Meanwhile, Indin said the successful conduct of the second round of NSDD was attributed to the active support of all stakeholders—the municipal health officers, nurses, principals, teachers, parents, barangays officials, and media.

Indin said prior to the activity, the DOH and DepEd have intensified their information campaign within six (6) months to make sure that all stakeholders will be properly oriented on the effects of the deworming tablets and other vital information.

Indin said the DOH and DepEd posted “Oplan Goobye Bulate” posters in all participating schools, conducted massive advocacy campaign to head of schools and teachers, parents and guardians, barangay officials.

“We tapped the services of radio, TV, print and social media to air and print our public service announcement, uploaded relevant information at DOH websites and Facebook, hung posters in health centers, barangays, public markets, conducted press conference/briefing, media placement, TV and radio guestings.

Indin said the DOH is confident that with the good results of the activity, we have achieved our main objective - to eliminate the source of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) infections and make schoolchildren healthy, active and intelligent.

'Big time' drug pusher falls in Pagadian

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2016/01/27/big-time-drug-pusher-falls-pagadian-453990
• Wednesday, January 27, 2016

By Bong Garcia

THE police have arrested in an anti-drug operation a suspected big time drug pusher in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, the police reported.

Chief Inspector Rogelio Alabata, Zamboanga Peninsula Police Regional Office (PRO) information officer, identified the arrested suspect as Wahab Hadjiri, 32, a resident of San Pedro village, Pagadian City, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur.

Alabata said the suspect was arrested in a drug bust operation around 4:40 Monday in the village of San Pedro, Pagadian City.

Alabata said the arresting team confiscated from the possession of the suspect 81 sachet of suspected shabu and P200 “marked money.”

He said the suspect was arrested after he handed over a sachet of suspected shabu in exchange for P200.

NGCP sets 9-hour maintenance shutdown in Zamsureco-2 areas Wednesday

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=850619
• Tuesday, January 26, 2016

(PNA), ZST/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 26 (PNA) -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has scheduled a nine-hour preventive maintenance power shutdown on Wednesday in areas served by the Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative-2 (Zamsureco-2).

Elizabeth Ladaga, NGCP corporate communications officer, said on Tuesday that the maintenance shutdown is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Ladaga said the maintenance shutdown is to facilitate the commissioning of fault locator and installation of check meter at R.T. Lim Line Breaker, which requires the shutdown of Ipil-Sirawai 69-kilovolt line.

“The specific affected areas (by the shutdown) are to be determined by the electric cooperative (Zamsureco-2),” she stated in her social media account.

Zamsureco-2 serves the entire province of Zamboanga Sibugay, which consist of 16 towns, and parts of Zamboanga del Norte province, such as the municipalities of Sibuco, Sirawai, Siocon and Baligian.

She said the NGCP will exert all efforts to restore the line as scheduled or even earlier.

2 Nabbed for Gun Ban Offense in Pagadian

• Source:http://pro9.pnp.gov.ph/index.php/public-relations/news-release/2310-2-nabbed-for-gun-ban-offense-in-pagadian
• Monday, January 25, 2016

By Police Chief Inspector Rogelio D. Alabata (C RPIO9) with report from PO3 Bernard Tan (RPIO9)

Zamboaga del Sur - Elements of Pagadian City Police Station arrested Bernard Sumugat, 51, resident of block 21, lot 5, Alta Tierra Napolan, Pagadian City at around 1:30 AM on January 14, 2016, who was caught in possession of a Remington cal. 45 pistol with serial no. 748152 without a COMELEC exemption to carry firearm. Investigation disclosed that at about 1:20 AM of same date, Pagadian City Police Station were conducting a checkpoint in Purok Tugas, Brgy. Balangasan when said arrested person onboard his motorcycle was flagged down by PNP personnel manning the check point for improper placement of plate number. Upon verification of pertinent documents of said vehicle, abovementioned firearm was seen inside his bag where the documents of said motorcycle were also kept.

At around 1:30 AM on January 14, 2016, Pagadian CPS arrested Bernard Sumugat, 51, resident of block 21 Lot 5, Alta Tierra, Brgy. Napolan, Pagadian City. Subject person was caught in possession of a Remington caliber .45 pistol, bearing serial number 748152 loaded with seven rounds of ammunition at around 1:20 AM of same date. Suspect was on-board a motorcycle with improper placement of plate number together with John Lennon y Tamayo as back rider. The arrested suspect failed to present pertinent documents for him to carry and possess said firearm.

Indigents’ culture, art on display in Pagadian

• Source:http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-provinces/196647/indigents-culture-art-on-display-in-pagadian.html
• Sunday, January 24, 2016

By A. Perez Rimando

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—The National Commission for Culture and the Arts opened 2 weeks ago its “Schools for the Living Tradition Gallery” at San Francisco district here.

A city official said this was to preserve the arts and culture of increasing number of Indigenous Peoples in Zamboanga del Sur and its adjacent provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay.

City Councilor Bienvenido Culve said the gallery serves as the craft center where the artworks and hand-woven crafts—baskets, mats, hats, textile and the like—“are displayed to popularize the arts and culture of local IPs or lumad who include Subanen, Maguindanaon, Samal and Bangingi who reside in mountain and coastal villages of Zamboanga Peninsula.”

Culve stressed the building, constructed by the NCCA, through the assistance of City Mayor Romeo Pulmones, seeks “to showcase the unique arts and crafts of the IPs in the region” even as he noted that “Art is not a form of propaganda but an embodiment of truth.”

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region 9 Director Margarita Baya urged local lumad, especially the young ones, to help conserve and propagate their rich culture “by learning and using their dialects, folk dances, native songs, customs and practices,” asking that “if we don’t do this, where will we be several years from now?”

At the same time, Roservirico Tan, chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Regional Public Affairs Office, pledged his agency’s help in processing of the IPs’ ancestral domain claims and other related efforts and in promoting the National Greening Program among the lumad in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Health Dept says 12 Pinays die of cervical cancer daily

• Source:http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-provinces/197237/health-dept-says-12-pinays-die-of-cervical-cancer-daily.html
• Saturday, January 23, 2016

By A. Perez Rimando

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — At least 12 Filipino women succumb to cervical cancer every day, a Department of Health official said here on Tuesday.

Dr. Guadalupe T. Ramiso told local stakeholders during a meeting on Human Papilloma Virus at Mardale Hotel here that some 6,000 Filipino females “are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually and 4,396 of them die from the ailment during the period.”

Ramiso noted that a recent DoH survey showed the disease ranks second to breast cancer which affects women of 14-45 years old, adding that “practically all cervical cancers are caused by some type of HPV infection which usually affects women in their 40s to 50s and seldom those below 30.

She cited a United States Centers for Diseases Control study which reported that “women will get at least one HPV infection in their lifetime and 75 percent of invasive cervical cancers are attributed to the so-called HPVs 16 or 18 types that account for more than 10 percent of cervical cancers worldwide.”

The DoH official further noted that the agency’s 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality survey revealed that 1 to 3 Filipino youth engage in pre-marital sex with the males outnumbering the females, although “some females as young as 15 years old have begun childbearing.”

Ramiso told her listeners that the Health Department continues to conduct a nationwide HPV vaccination for all Grade 4 girl pupils in priority provinces, including Zamboanga del Sur in Region 9, stressing that the vaccination, to be held in city or municipal health centers, is effective when given during childhood or adolescent “before sexual debut when HPV infection is still nil and the girls’ immune system is at its strongest to mount a robust response to the vaccine.”

NPA rebel killed in Zamboanga Sur clash

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2016/01/21/npa-rebel-killed-zamboanga-sur-clash-452963
• Friday, January 22, 2016

By Bong Garcia

A MEMBER of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed while two others were wounded in a clash with government troops in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, a military official announced Thursday.

Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Luzon, Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the clash broke out around 7 a.m. Wednesday in Purok 2 in the village of Tiguha in Lapuyan town.

The firefight, which lasted for about an hour, ensued after government troopers spotted 20 NPA rebels in Barangay Tiguha.

Luzon said that one rebel died and two others were wounded.

The NPA rebels belong to the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon of Natarang Guerilla Kara operating in the province.

The troops recovered from the clash site an M16 Armalite rifle, improvised bomb, assorted ammunition, and subversive documents, among others.

PACIGEMCO distributes foodstuffs, school supplies in Manga Elementary School

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371453345413/pacigemco-distributes-foodstuffs-school-supplies-in-manga-elementary-school
• Thursday, January 21, 2016

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

PAGADIAN CITY, Jan. 21 (PIA) – At least 405 students in Manga Elementary School have benefited from the “Duaw sa Eskwelahan” (Visit the School) project of Pagadian City Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PACIGEMCO) over the weekend.

PACIGEMCO chairperson Esther Dela Torre in her message said “Duaw sa Eskwelahan” is an annual visitation of the coop members to public elementary schools where they share blessings to the students.

“We are doing this annual activity to public elementary schools especially in the remote areas as a way to praise and thank the Almighty Father for all His mercies and blessings bestowed on our coop,” Dela Torre explained. She added that community involvement is one of the seven guiding principles of the cooperative.

Dela Torre said PACIGEMCO, owned and operated by employees of the city government was established in 1994 and was formally registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in 1998.

In its 22 years of existence, Dela Torre said the coop has experienced growth and development.

She said the officers have chosen Manga Elementary School to be this year’s beneficiary of the project saying that the school has many students.

In 2015, the project was launched in Datagan Elementary School with only 200 students, but this year, the number of students was almost doubled.

The PACIGEMCO officers distributed food packs and school supplies. “We are heartily sharing these food packs and school supplies to make the students happy,” the coop chair said.

“I sincerely thank the PACIGEMCO for this ‘Duaw sa Eskwelahan” project. We are happy that the coop has chosen our school to be this year’s beneficiary,” Ms. Alice Anyayahan, the school principal gratefully said.

“Malipayon kami nga gihatagan sa PACIGEMCO sa mga pagkaon ug school supplies. Nanghinaut kami nga magpadayon ang ilang proyekto pagpaambit ngadto sa uban nga mga tulunghaan,” Joecris Custodio, first honor of the Grade 3 class said.

(We are very happy that PACIGEMCO has given us foodstuffs and school supplies. We hope that the project will be sustained and other schools will benefit from it.)

De Lima graces Pagadian City’s street dancing competition; impressed by the performances

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371453167697/de-lima-graces-pagadian-city-s-street-dancing-competition-impressed-by-the-performances
• Wednesday, January 20, 2016

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

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – Former DOJ Secretary Leila M. de Lima on Sunday thanked the city government for inviting her to witness the colorful street dancing competition — Pagadian City’s own version of Sinulog Festival.

De Lima, the event’s keynote speaker was impressed with the artistry, creativity and level of performance of the eight contingents from public secondary schools in the city during the ritual showdown held at Plaza Luz on January 17.

The contingents wowed thousands of spectators with their colorful costumes and electrifying dance performances during the six-hour street dance competition that capped the annual “Pasalamat Festival.”

De Lima in her message said on the same day, she witnessed the same event in Cebu City – the Sinulog Festival upon the invitation of Cebu Governor Hilario Davide as one of the guests but she skipped the event saying that it will be a whole day activity.

“Galing lang po ako sa Cebu kaninang umaga at pinanood ko rin po ang Sinulog Festival na experience ko for the first time. Iniimbita po ako ng governor ng Cebu pero hindi pa natapos ang okasyon umalis na ako at lumipad papunta rito sa Pagadian dahil hindi ko gusto ma-miss ang affair na ito.” De Lima explained.

De Lima said she was happy that after several years, she was able to visit Pagadian.

“Today is my second time to visit your place and I have noticed infrastructure developments. No wonder, Pagadian earned the monicker “Little Hongkong of the South,” she added.

De Lima said Pagadian is the center of different religions and culture in Mindanao because of its geographical location. “Indeed, your city recognizes the importance of unity and harmony of all Filipinos,” she added.

“In the feast of your patron saint, Señor Sto. Nino it will help you remember that the Holy Child played an important role in our lives. He serves as a symbol of love and peace,” De Lima said adding that despite the different cultures and beliefs, there is a peaceful co-existence and unity of the residents.

“As you celebrate the fiesta, I wish that peace, love and unity will continue to dwell in your hearts,” she concluded.

ZSNHS contingent bags 2016 street dance tilt

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371453080788/zsnhs-contingent-bags-2016-street-dance-tilt
• Tuesday, January 19, 2016

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

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – The Zamboanga del Sur National High School (ZSNHS) main campus on Sunday won the grand prize award for the 2016 street dance competitions, having wowed thousand of spectators with their electrifying dance performance.

Wearing chicken masks and colorful costumes, the ZSNHS dancers handily got the nod of the judges besting other seven contingents in a six-hour street dance competitions that capped the annual “Pasalamat Festival.”

In the ritual showdown category, the ZSNHS contingent took home the grand prize award of P200 thousand while the Pagadian City National Comprehensive High School (PCNCHS) was adjudged 1st runner-up and received P100 thousand; and Napolan National High School (NNHS) emerged as 2nd runner up and received P75 thousand.

In the street dance category, the ZSNHS also emerged as the grand prize winner and took home P100 thousand followed by PCNCHS as 1st runner-up P75 thousand prize, and Napolan National High School (NNHS) as 2nd runner up with P50 thousand prize.

The winners also received trophies and plaques of appreciation in both categories.

Before the final results were announced by the chairpersons of the Pasalamat Festival and street dance competition, a showdown of the queen festival were performed by eight festival queens to the delight of the audience.

City Schools Division Superintendent Marcom F. Borongan, one of the judges for the street dance competitions, announced the result of the 2016 Festival Queen with the following winners: ZSNHS-main campus – 1st prize, PCNHS-2nd prize, and Manga National High School- 3rd prize with cash prizes of P5 thousand, P3 thousand and P2 thousand, respectively.

Senatorial candidate and former Justice secretary Leila M. De Lima was the event’s keynote speaker who personally handed the prizes to the winners.

The city government appropriated more than a million pesos for the costumes of the dancers.

The ZSNHS contingent composed mostly of dancers of Melengas Dance Ensemble also won the grand prize in the 2014 street dance competitions.

NYC to oversee SKs under SK Reform Act

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1431452826035/nyc-to-oversee-sks-under-sk-reform-act
• Monday, January 18, 2016

By Franklin P. Gumapon (FPG/PIA-9)

PAGADIAN CITY, Jan. 18 (PIA) – Under the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Law, the National Youth Commission (NYC) will now be the frontline agency to oversee the SKs in the country.

This was disclosed by Assistant Secretary Earl P. Saavedra, NYC commissioner for Mindanao, in a meeting held here Thursday with the members of the Regional Youth Advisory Council (RYAC)-9.

Saavedra also told the RYAC members that the NYC’s two major thrusts now are the SK Reform Law and the Philippine Development Plan for 2017-2022.

The NYC also seeks to reach out to out-of-school youth (OSY), not only by bringing them back to school but by giving them livelihood training to capacitate them.

In a related development, the new SK law has included an anti-dynasty provision which bars relatives of local elected and appointed officials up to second level consanguinity and relatives of national and appointed officials from sitting as youth council officials.

The measure also requires the SK officials to undergo leadership training programs, and the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) to be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community, student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

It was also learned that the new SK act adjusts the age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-14 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

Pa accidentally kills son

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2016/01/16/pa-accidentally-kills-son-452121
• Sunday, January 17, 2016

By Bong Garcia

A 12-YEAR-OLD boy was killed in an accidental firing by his own father in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, the police reported Saturday.

Chief Inspector Rogelio Alabata, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the fatality as El Porlonga, Jr., 12, a student of PJC high school.

Alabata said the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the victim’s residence at NJK subdivision in the village of Dao, Pagadian City.

Alabata said investigation showed that El Porlonga, Sr., 36, was cleaning his caliber .45 pistol when he squeeze the trigger thinking the gun was empty hitting his son.

He said the younger Porlonga was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

He said the elder Porlonga voluntarily surrendered to the police after the incident.

Honest trike driver returns P12,500

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371452816827/honest-trike-driver-returns-p12-500
• Saturday, January 16, 2016

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

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – An honest tricycle driver won praise and received an unexpected reward for returning P12,500 that he found along the road in Gatas District, this city.

Abelardo Tugahan Jr., 44, a resident of barangay Alegria said while he was driving his tricycle with body cab no. 0127, he found a wallet along the road. Tugahan said his unknown passenger convinced him that the wallet was his, but he did not listen to him.

Instead of keeping the money, Abelardo without any delay turned-over the lost and found item to DXPR radio station in barangay San Jose.

A staff inspected it and found that the wallet contained P12,500 in cash and an ATM card.

Tugahan said he returned the wallet because it was not his property.

“Kinasing-kasing nga giuli nako ang pitaka tungod kay dili man to akoa ug ang Ginoo nakakita sa tanang mga panghitabo sa palibot nato, (I heartily returned the wallet because it was not my property, and God sees everything that is happening around us),” Tugahan explained.

“Ang tawo nga mawad-an ug butang nga mahalon dako gayud ang iyang kaguol. Tungod niini malipayon ako nakatabang sa akong isigkatawo pinaagi pag-uli sa nawala nga butang,(A person who loses something very precious to him would be so sad. With this, I am happy that I have helped my fellowman by returning the lost item),” Tugahan added.

The trike driver said that it is important that we live by the word of God and be honest.

“Kitang tanan temporaryo lamang ning kalibutan busa magpuyo kita sa pulong sa Ginoo ug ang pagkamatinud-anon usa ka mahinungdanon nga butang nga atong sundon, (We are all temporary in this world, thus, we live by the word of God and being honest is one of the most important things to follow),” he said.

Tugahan said this was not the first time that he returned valuables left inside his tricycle. He also returned a Cherry Mobile phone (touch screen) to his lady passenger in barangay San Jose a year ago.

Meanwhile, DXPR station manager Melchor Coronel lauded Tugahan for turning over the lost-and-found wallet to their station-- RMN DXPR.

Coronel said he was elated by the virtue shown by the driver.

“I was amazed upon knowing that there are still a few good tricycle drivers who have the value and principle of returning what is not theirs. Indeed, this tricycle driver is worthy of emulation,” Coronel said.

“The value of returning is an exemplary virtue. Even if he has less in life, he has proven that the spirit of honesty remains in his heart and mind,” Coronel added.

“May the good deeds of Tugahan serve as a challenge for all tricycle drivers to emulate what he has done,” Coronel concluded .

The owner personally handed a cash reward of P1,000 to the driver as a way of saying thank you for his act of exemplary honesty and kindness.

‘Pasalamat Festival 2016’ in Pagadian City culminates Sunday

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=12&rid=847099
• Friday, January 15, 2016

(PNA), RMA/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Jan. 15 (PNA) – The local police have enjoined the public to refrain from using backpacks in areas of activities as the “Pasalamat Festival 2016” is culminating on Sunday with the feast of this city’s patron saint, the Señor Sto. Niño.

Supt. Michael Palermo, city police chief, made the call Friday citing it is part of the strengthened security measures to ensure a peace and successful celebration of the Sto. Niño fiesta.

Palermo also urged the public to refrain from wearing sunglasses, jackets, baseball caps and bags in going to the venue of activities.

Palermo said several main thoroughfares would be closed on Sunday for the street dancing competition and for the procession to the Sto. Niño Parish Church.

Since Thursday up to Sunday security measures are also tight at the port area where the Regatta and Fluvial parade are being held.

The security in the area are being jointly handled by the Maritime police and coastguard with the support of the Barangay Emergency Response Team (BERT) from the 12 coastal barangays of this city.

Troops from the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion and police augmentation force are providing security in other parts of this city.

The Pasalamat Festival reeled-off Jan. 8 and will culminate on Sunday, Jan. 17, which is the feast day of the Señor St. Niño.

Pagadian diocese spearheads annual fiesta

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371452751791/pagadian-diocese-spearheads-annual-fiesta
• Thursday, January 14, 2016

By Claro A. Lanipa (FPG/CAL/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY, Jan. 14 – With the theme “Señor Sto. Niño: Tuburan sa Gugma, Kalooy ug Kaaghop nga nagpasinati sa Panalangin ug Grasya (Señor Sto. Niño: Source of Mercy and Kindness through His Blessing and Grace),” the diocese of Pagadian has kicked off Friday its annual fiesta celebration which will culminate on Jan. 17.

Rev. Fr. Allan Onden, parish administrator, said “the opening salvo aims to inform and make the people/devotees aware that a series of activities for the weeklong celebration already started. The rituals were presented and performed at the city’s wharf area by the Melengas Dance Ensemble of the Zamboanga del Sur National High School.

The weeklong celebration would also bring to mind how the wooden image of Señor Sto. Niño was brought to the Philippines specifically here in the city which led to the birth of “Pangadyian Festival.”

Fr. Onden explained that this year’s fiesta celebration was also anchored on last year’s theme, “The Year of Mercy and Compassion,” and this year’s theme, “Year of the Eucharist and the Year of the Family” as declared by the Roman Catholic Church headed by Pope Francis.

This year’s theme was sub-divided into nine sub themes for each Novena Masses, as follows: “Senor Sto. Nino: Kalig-on sa Nanalipod sa Kinaiyahan” (Strength in the Defense of the Environment), “Nagpatubo sa mga bili sa Kinabuhi sa Pamilya” (Enhancing the Values of Family life), “Dalangpanan sa mga Kabataan nga Hinikawan” (A Refuge of the Abandoned Children), “Nag-uban kanato sa Bayhon sa Pan sa Kinabuhi” (Our companion as a bread of life), “Prinsepe sa Pakigdait ug Kalinaw” ( Prince of Goodwill and Peace), “Mahigugmaon ug Maggiloy-on sa mga Tigulang ug Sinalikway”(Loving and Merciful for the elderly and the less fortunate), “Tigpanalipod batok sa Pag-abuso sa Tawhanong Dignidad” (Protector against Abuses of Human Dignity), “Dalangpanan sa mga Tawo nga adunay Balatian ug Kabilinggan” (A Refuge of the sick and differently abled persons).

Different groups and parishes were designated to sponsor the novena masses such as the city government offices together with the San Jose Parish in Pagadian City; the civic and professional organizations with the San Isidro Labrador Parish of Danlugan, Pagadian City; the business community and the Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Balangasan, Pagadian City; the provincial government offices together with the Vicariate of Baganian Peninsula; the law enforcement agencies and the 1st Infantry “Tabak’ Division, Philippine Army Chaplaincy Office; the institutional services groups with the San Pedro Parish, Pagadian City; the Department of Education (DepEd) regional, provincial and city divisions with the Vicariate of Salug Valley; the national government offices together with the Vicariate of ARMS (Aurora, Ramon Magsaysay, Midsalip and Sominot); and the wharf area group with the Sto. Nino Cathedral Parish Community for the “Bisperas” (eve) of the feast day celebration.

In every novena masses a “Pangadyian Sayaw Pasalamat” follows to be participated in by the following Sinulog contigents: Sta. Lucia National High School, Saint Columban High School, Gaisano Capital, Zamboanga del Sur School of Arts and Trades, Comprehensive National High School, Pagadian City Science High School and the Holy Child Academy.

The Regatta 2016 and street dancing competitions are also among the lined up activities for the weeklong “Pasalamat” (thanksgiving) celebration.

President Aquino declares January 18 a special holiday in Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur and in Santa Rosa, Laguna

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=1&rid=846210
• Wednesday, January 13, 2016

(PNA), LGI/PND/SSC

MANILA, Jan. 13 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued proclamations declaring January 18 a special non-working day in the city of Pagadian in Zamboanga del Sur province, and the city of Santa Rosa in Laguna province.

Proclamation Nos. 1191 and 1192 declared January 18 (Monday) a special holiday in Pagadian for its 16th Pasalamat Festival, and in Santa Rosa for its 224th Foundation Day.

President Aquino also signed Proclamation No. 1193 declaring January 23 (Saturday) a special non-working holiday in the province of Bulacan.

January 23 marks the anniversary of the Inauguration of the First Philippine Republic, which took place at the Barasoain Church in Malolos.

The proclamations were signed last January 6.

DOH to hold media forum on NSDD in Pagadian City

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1431452513175/doh-to-hold-media-forum-on-nsdd-in-pagadian-city
• Tuesday, January 12, 2016

By Franklin P. Gumapon (FPG/PIA9)

PAGADIAN CITY, Jan. 12 (PIA) – To encourage public participation and support to the National School Deworming Day (NSDD) on Jan. 27, 2016, the Department of Health (DOH)-9 is slated to hold a media forum at Mardale Hotel here come Jan. 14 at 9 a.m.

Radio, print and TV media practitioners based in the city and the province of Zamboanga del Sur are invited to attend the said forum to apprise them of the importance and benefits the NSDD gives the schoolchildren.

The DOH has tapped the support of the local press to drum up public awareness on the NSDD, which aims to deworm the students enrolled in public schools from Grades 1 to 7.

It could be recalled that DOH-9 had missed to realize its deworming target of more than 70 percent in the July 2015 NSDD, as many of the schoolchildren were rushed to the health centers and hospitals due to dizziness and abdominal pain after taking the deworming tablets.

Abdominal pain, vomiting and dizziness are said to be normal symptoms associated with deworming.

To avoid a repeat of last year’s hullaballoo about the deworming activity, this time the DOH is intensifying its information campaign with partner-agencies, media and other stakeholders.

Intestinal parasites such as roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) are soil-transmitted and they can cause poor physical growth, poor intellectual development in children and can result in anemia and malnutrition not only among children but also among women of childbearing age.

Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin, on the other hand, has acknowledged that the success of the NSDD relies on the support and actions of the partner-agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), development partners and local government units (LGUs).

Feature: IFFM Best Actor -- Pagadian’s pride

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371452486048/feature-iffm-best-actor---pagadian-s-pride
• Monday, January 11, 2016

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

PAGADIAN CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) – The International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM), a prestigious award-giving body in New York, USA recently conferred the Best Actor award to a Pagadianon, Alberto C. Paran who is now based in Cebu City.

Paran, 42, born and raised in Pagadian City was very happy that his talents and skills in acting and producing short films were recognized in a foreign land such as Manhattan.

He recently paid a surprise visit to the city and met with his classmates at Anastacia Restaurant here to share stories of his outstanding achievements and contribution to the American film industry.

Stunned, teary-eyed

Paran, an alumnus of Saint Columban College (High School Batch 1991) was surprised when his batchmates called for a press conference during his visit. He thought that it was only a simple gathering of all his batchmates but when he entered the venue, the backdrop onstage surprised him which read: “Welcome Albert Paran! IFFM Best Actor, Pagadian’s pride!” He was then introduced to the local media for the presscon proper.

Paran was stunned, speechless, teary-eyed, and his voice cracked when he finally spoke and expressed his gratitude to his batchmates and the media for the surprise event.

“It is a great feeling that you came from your own hometown where you were born and raised and you came back after 25 long years, then you’re given this kind of heartwarming welcome and inspiring press conference. It’s really uplifting. Thank you very much!” Paran exclaimed.

Quite emotional

“I’m quite emotional because this is the first time that my Alma Mater gave me this kind of presscon. I did not experience this in Cebu. There were no acknowledgements yet given by the city government to me,” Paran said.

However, Paran said his success story was published already in Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star and other national dailies.

Short film submitted, approved

Paran said in 2014, he met an American best actor during the Quezon City Film festival and he introduced to him the IFFM.

“We submitted the short film entitled “Julie” and when the festival director reviewed it, he cried right there and then and our entry was approved,” Paran recounted.

Julie, a drama

Paran said “Julie” is a 30-minute short film. “It tells a story of a gay construction worker trying to hide his sexual orientation for him to become a construction worker to be able to support his single parent. The film is more on drama,” Paran elucidated.

Paran said he earned his very first National Best Actor Award during the Nabunturan Indie Film exhibition in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley, Davao province last September and the Best Actor Award during the IFFM awarding ceremony in Times Square, New York on October, 2015.

Proud, happy

“I am extremely honored and grateful to receive the prestigious IFFM Award. Indeed, this is my first International best actor award for the short film. I have fulfilled my long time dream to become an actor. I feel like I am in the Academy Awards or Oscars,” Paran said adding that the ceremony was attended by celebrities in USA.

Paran said he is the first Filipino film actor/producer who received the Best Actor Award in the IFFM.

Paran has also produced another short film entitled “Ina-tay”(Mother-Father), a gay comedy film and an entry to Cinemalaya 2014.

Best Actor

Paran said he was shocked to hear the news that he was chosen as the Best Actor for the short film category in the International Film Festival Manhattan IFFM) in New York City, USA.

“At first, I couldn’t believe the news but when I received the official invitation letter from IFFM inviting me to come to New York City, I did not hesitate to fly to New York to receive the award,” Paran added .

Paran said in the best actor for short film category, his co-nominee was the well-known American actor Eric Roberts, the director of actress Julia Roberts. “It’s Philippines versus USA,” Paran quipped.

Passion, creativity

Paran encouraged the would-be film producers and actors not to put money in their mind, instead let their passion drive their creativity to work.

“To those who aspire to become a film producer and actor, continue dreaming and praying. Just hold on to your dreams, work hard and pray that someday you will be noticed,” Paran advised.

Team Grace-Chiz visits Pagadian, Ozamiz

• Source:http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/top-stories/22162-team-grace-chiz-visits-pagadian-ozamiz.html
• Sunday, January 10, 2016

By Ely Dumaboc

Presidential front-runner Senator Grace Poe and her vice presidential bet Senator Chiz Escudero have visited the cities of Pagadian and Ozamiz in Mindanao.

Poe and Escudero accompanied by Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares and Atty. Lorna Kapunan arrived at Pagadian City airport Wednesday morning, where they were met by Zamboanga del Sur political kingpin Gov. Tony Cerilles and Cong. Victor Yu.

A breakfast was tendered by the Zamboanga del Sur political leaders for the visiting Poe and Escudero and their two Team Grace-Chiz senatorial ticket candidates.

Then, Poe did radio guesting, press conference and spoke before thousands of Zamboanga del Sur residents, mostly sectoral group members and local government unit officials.

Poe tackled some problems facing the country which are the main causes of poverty and conflict in Mindanao.

"Kahit patuloy na may bumabatikos sa aking pagka Pilipino ay buo parin ang loob ko na tumakbo bilang pagka pangulo," she said in tagalog. "Kasama sa plano ko ang pagbibigay ng atensyon sa Mindanao para mas mapalago pa ang ekonomiya sa bayan."

For his part, Escudero criticized the lack of funds in some government agencies even as he asked the current national leadership for additional funds for all LGUs particularly in Mindanao.

Backing up Poe and Escudero statements, Colmenares told reporters that government should give priority for the development of various industry to address the cause of poverty in the country.

Meanwhile, Kapunan stressed that there must be a heart and good governance in the country who could lead and guide the nation towards prosperity and betterment of all the people, especially the poor . After the activities in Pagadian City, Poe also visited Ozamiz City where upon her arrival there, she immediately proceeded to the Birhen sa Cotta Shrine to light candle.

Poe also met her thousands of supporters and did radio and television guestings in Ozamiz City.

CHO records 4 firecracker, 2 gun-related incidents

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371452145856/cho-records-4-firecracker-2-gun-related-incidents
• Saturday, January 9, 2016

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

PAGADIAN CITY – The City Health Office (CHO) has recorded only four firecracker and two gun-related incidents during Christmas and New Year festivities.

In an injury registry released by City Health Officer Dr. Noel E. Ceniza, victims of firecrackers were identified as Mark Vincent Traya, 12 years old, of Barangay Danlugan who sustained injury in his right middle finger; Mark Anthony Taras, 7, of Barangay Bomba sustained injury in his right hand, Michael Angelo Caraca, 7, from Lower Mecolong, Dumalinao suffered injury in his eye and abrasions, and Alex Ancheta, 41, of Tawagan Norte, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Enecito Caño, 45, of Bulatoc, Pagadian City and Alfren Sayson, 2, from Limbayan in Pitogo town were victims of stray bullets.

Dr. Ceniza said that this year’s stray bullet incidents posted only 2 cases compared to 2014 with 6 cases, while firecracker-related incidents recorded 4 cases compared to 2014 with 6 cases.

Ceniza was grateful for the significant decrease in injuries related to firecrackers and stray bullets saying that this is a positive result of the “Iwas Paputok” campaign implemented by the Department of Health (DOH) during the holidays with the theme, “Sa Ingay Walang Sablay, Sa Paputok Goodbye Kamay.”

The campaign was supported by national line agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Education, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection.

Pagadian City holds ‘Pasalamat Festival’

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=12&rid=844659
• Friday, January 8, 2016

(PNA),FFC/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Jan. 8 (PNA) -– The 10-day “Pasalamat Festival” reeled off Friday with variety of activities sponsored by the local government and the Catholic Church.

The festival will culminate on the feast day of Sto. Niño, the patron saint of this city, which falls on every third Sunday of this month--January 17.

Councilor Bienvenido Culve, the 2016 Pasalamat Festival steering committee chairman, said the activities on the first day include Drag Race and the re-enactment on the arrival of the Sto. Niño image in this city.

The re-enactment, which will be held at the local wharf will be followed by the Street Dance procession towards the Sto. Niño Parish Church and the Novena mass sponsored by the city government.

Culve said the local government through the City Tourism Office and the City Tourism Council will host a nightly variety show at the city plaza. It will be preceded by the Dancing Fountain show.

He said the other activities will include the 2016 Regatta. Big cash prizes are at stake for the motorboat race.

There will be also competitions on street dancing, triathlon, “scubasurero,” and ball collection. The winners will receive cash prizes.

This year’s Pasalamat Festival is anchored on the theme “Senior Santo Niño: Tuburan sa Gugma, Kalooy ug Kaaghop nga Nagpasinati sa Panalangin ug Grasya (Señior Santo Niño: The Source of Love, Mercy, and Kindness that bring Protection and Blessings.”

GSIS offers emergency loans in Lapuyan, Zambo Sur; Gen. Nakar, Quezon

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=1&rid=844110
• Thursday, January 7, 2016

(PNA), JMC/PR/EBP

MANILA, Jan. 7 (PNA) -- Close to a thousand active members and pensioners who are either residing or working in typhoon-and flashflood-hit municipalities of Lapuyan in Zamboanga del Sur and Gen. Nakar in Quezon will benefit from the emergency loan that state pension fund Government Service Insurance System recently approved for release.

GSIS earmarked PHP10.44 million and PHP16.52 million in emergency loans for its active members and pensioners in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur and Gen. Nakar, Quezon, respectively.

Active members working or residing in the said areas may borrow PHP20,000 if they have no existing emergency loans. Members with existing loans may borrow up to PHP40,000, from which the outstanding balance will be deducted.

Old-age pensioners are required to apply in person to avail of the PHP20,000 pension emergency loan. If they are also active members, they may borrow only once.

The deadline for application in Lapuyan is Jan. 12 and in Gen. Nakar, Jan. 15.

Active members are eligible to apply if they are not on leave of absence without pay, have no arrears in paying premium contributions, and have no loans that are unpaid for more than six months.

They may apply for the loan through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks in the 42 branch offices, 14 extension offices, and 58 service desks of GSIS; provincial capitols; city halls; municipal offices; large government agencies such as the Department of Education; 27 Robinsons Malls; and SM Supermalls in Manila, Pampanga, and Cebu.

The loan is payable in 36 monthly installments, with a 6 percent interest rate per annum. It is covered by a loan redemption insurance, which deems the loan fully paid in case of death of the borrower, provided that he or she has up-to-date loan repayment.

Loan proceeds are electronically credited to the borrower's GSIS eCard or unified multipurpose identification (UMID) card.

Aside from the two municipalities, GSIS previously offered emergency loans for typhoons Nona- and Lando-affected members and pensioners who are based in Romblon, Albay, Mindoro, Sorsogon, and Northern Samar.

For inquiries on the emergency loan program, call the GSIS Contact Center at 847-4747 or email at gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph.

Stronger local-national coordination needed in Zamboanga for disaster measures

• Source:http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?title=stronger-local-national-coordination-needed-in-zamboanga-for-disaster-measures&id=121053
• Wednesday, January 6, 2016 10:40:00 pm

By Karel B. Mellanes

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Closer coordination between local, regional, and national disaster risk reduction councils is needed to strengthen program implementation in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region, according to an education official.

At a meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC)-Region 9 here last Tuesday, Assistant Regional Director Pedro Melchor M. Natividad of the Department of Education noted the absence of the DRRM focal persons at the city and municipal levels.

“However good our efforts and presentations, when the local government units (LGUs) are not here to learn about these, how can they be addressed?” Mr. Natividad said.

In attendance during the meeting were some 30 members of the council, including representatives from the Department of Science and technology, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, members of the security Task Force ZambaSulTa, regional police, and non-government organizations.

Mr. Natividad suggested that the council come up with a resolution that will establish closer collaboration with the LGUs and the communities.

At the meeting, spearheaded by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)-Region 9, the council members presented their respective accomplishments and ongoing programs.

“This activity would also strengthen the implementation of the DRRM system in the region through the partner stakeholders’ future plans for this year,” said Emilia V. Julhajan, OCD’s officer-in-charge regional director.

Ms. Julhajan explained that the meeting was intended for the NDRRMC members as the local DRRMCs hold their own meetings.

For this year, Ms. Julhajan said they are encouraging council members to participate and put forward nominations to the National Gawad “Kalasag” awards, which gives recognition to schools, communities, agencies and other organizations with exemplary community-based programs on disaster risk reduction and management as well asclimate change adaptation.

“Activities like these, through information sharing and the contribution of their best practices, is the right avenue to report (the council members’) activities that are not normally reported by our agency” Ms. Julhajan told BusinessWorld.

Region 9, located in the western part of Mindanao, is composed of the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City in Basilan.

Christmas, New Year revelries in Zambo. Sur generally peaceful, says ZSPPO chief

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371451972163/christmas-new-year-revelries-in-zambo-sur-generally-peaceful-says-zsppo-chief
• Tuesday, January 5, 2016

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

PAGADIAN CITY, Jan.5 (PIA) – The Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO) on Monday said Christmas and New Year revelries were generally peaceful even if it had recorded one stray bullet-related injury.

In an interview with ZSPPO provincial director Police Senior Superintendent (PSSupt.) Michael Nicolas, he said the assessment was based on the number of firecracker and stray bullet incidents recorded since Dec. 16.

“The PNP tallied only one stray bullet-related incident from Dec. 16, 2015 to January 1, 2016. We are grateful that only one person injured due to stray bullet,” Nicolas reported.

On the first day of the New Year, Enecito Cano, 45, a resident of barangay Bulatoc was accidentally hit by a stray bullet on his left foot middle finger and was brought immediately to Pagadian Doctor’s Hospital for treatment.

Nicolas said the recovered slug was submitted to the Provincial Crime Laboratory for forensic examination and analysis to identify the owner of gun.

“The investigators of the city police and the provincial command are jointly working to determine and check the slug’s trajectory and to identify the owner of the gun,” Nicolas pointed out.

Meanwhile, “Iwas Paputok” campaign coordinator Joey Quipot of the City Heath Office (CHO) here reported that a two-year old Aldren Sayson of barangay Limbayan, Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur was treated at the CHO, as he was reportedly hit by a stray on his left hand at 12:10 a.m. last Jan. 1. He was the only victim of a stray bullet recorded by the CHO during the New Year revelry.

In another development, Nicolas bared that a simultaneous removal of the tapes from firearm muzzles at Camp Abelon was done Monday morning after the flag raising ceremonies.

Nicolas noticed that the tapes on the muzzles of firearms were not destroyed, an indication that the policemen strictly adhered to the directive from the PNP higher headquarters not to illegally discharge firearms during holiday season.

The PNP officials sealed the muzzles of service firearms last Dec. 14 to prevent any PNP personnel to fire their guns during the nationwide revelry to welcome the New Year.

“I extolled my men for strictly adhering to the order from the higher headquarters. No one from among the personnel fired their guns during Christmas and New Year’s revelries,” Nicolas said adding “the policemen were not granted leave for the December holidays and the entire police force was in full alert status.”

The PNP chief attributed the successful celebration of Christmas and New Year celebrations to the local chief executives and residents for their active support.

He also thanked the chiefs of police in the 26 municipalities of the province for their active support in making the Christmas and New Year celebrations peaceful.

Nicolas, however, urged the public to report to the police if they have witnessed an incident of indiscriminate firing during the New Year's Eve revelry.

BFP records 6.7% hike in fire incidents in Pagadian City

Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=843029

• Monday, January 4, 2016

(PNA), JMC/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Jan. 4 (PNA) –- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has recorded a 6.7 percent increase in the number of fires last year, representing 19 cases from 28 in 2014 to 47 fire incidents in 2015 in the areas covered by the local fire station.

The local fire station, headed by Senior Insp. Reggy Olmedo, covers this city and the nearby municipalities of Guipos, Kumalarang, Labangan, Lakewood, San Pablo, and Tigbao.

Olmedo told the Philippines News Agency that the worth of damage to properties have also increased with the recorded rise in the number of fire incidents in 2015 compared to that in 2014.

Olmedo said they recorded 2,281 percent increase in property damaged representing PHP194.6 million from PHP8.5 million in 2014 to PHP203.1 million in 2015.

He said the biggest fire incident they recorded in 2015 was in June wherein 1,606 structures were razed in the barangays of Santiago, San Pedro and Kawit. The property damaged was placed at PHP193.5 million.

He said last year’s second biggest fire incident was recorded in December that razed 63 structures worth PHP4.6 million in Barangay Balangasan.

He disclosed that most of the fire incidents were caused by faulty electrical wirings.

He said included in the data they recorded were four vehicular fire incidents in 2015 and two cases in 2014.

He said they also recorded two fatalities and 18 injuries in 2015 while two fatalities and one injury in 2014.

Man Wanted for Frustrated Murder Netted in Talusan

• Source:http://pro9.pnp.gov.ph/index.php/public-relations/news-release/2240-man-wanted-for-frustrated-murder-netted-in-talusan
• Sunday, January 3, 2016

By Police Chief Inspector Rogelio D. Alabata (C, RPIO9) with report from PO3 Bernard Tan (RPIO9)

Zamboanga Del Sur – Personnel of Talusan Municipal Police Station conducted a manhunt operation at Sitio Tinago, Brgy. Poblacion, Talusan town at around 10:00 in the morning of December 20, 2015.

This resulted in the arrest of Ferdinand Lakibol by virtue of warrant for frustrated murder docketed under Criminal Case No. im-14-0787 issued by Judge Josefino P. Bael of 9th Judicial Region, Branch 31, in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay. Arrested person was brought to Talusan MPS for documentation prior his turn-over to the proper court.

Pagadian City records zero firecracker injury; one stray bullet victim

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=842719
• Saturday, January 2, 2016

(PNA), RMA/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Jan. 2 (PNA) – Authorities here reported zero firecracker-related injury but admitted that one person was hit by stray bullet on New Year’s revelry.

Supt. Michael Palermo, local police chief, identified the stray bullet victim as Enecito Caño, 45, a resident of Bersales Subdivision, Barangay Bulatok, this city.

Palermo said the incident occurred barely 10 minutes past 12 midnight as the residents welcomed the year 2016 with parties and family gatherings.

Palermo said Caño was having party together with his family in front of their residence when a downward stray bullet hit his left foot.

He said the victim was rushed to a hospital and undergone a surgery to extract the bullet slug on his foot.

“We are still waiting for the ballistic result to determine the caliber of the bullet that hit the victim,” he said.

He said investigation continues in a bid to unmask the culprit behind the incident for appropriation action.

College girl raped, killed in Pagadian

• Source:http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-provinces/195300/college-girl-raped-killed-in-pagadian.html
• Friday, January 1, 2015

By A. Perez Rimando

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—A 16-year-old freshman at Saint Columban College here was raped and then choked to death late Tuesday afternoon while she was alone in their home at Barangay Banale this city, police said.

City Police Chief Sr. Supt. Michael P. Palermo identified the victim as Rechilyn P. Mallo.

Mallo’s body was found by her neighbor’s older brother at 7 a.m. the following day inside her room. Her parents had reportedly gone to attend a party in an adjacent village.

Police investigators later arrested the suspect, Olecher N. Gamal, 20, a criminology student of Yllana Bay View College and reportedly a relative of the victim. Probers later noticed Gamal with several scratch marks on his neck and arms.

Medical examination showed Mallo had been sexually abused. She also had injuries in different parts of her body.

During his interview by intelligence personnel at the city police office, Gamal, a native of Tigbao town, confessed that he had entered the room of Mallo when he was drunk then raped her, after which he choked her to death. He then escaped.

Police detained the suspect and prepared charges of rape and homicide against him.