Zamboanga del Sur News October 2013

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

Police recover kidnapped rice trader of Pagadian City

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=575045
• Thursday, October 10, 2013

(PNA), HBC/TPG/CHARNYL S. ALBARRACIN/UTB

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Oct. 10 (PNA) – The police have safely recovered a rice trader who was freed Wednesday, four days after he was kidnapped by gunmen in this province, police reported Thursday.

The victim, Lee Tan, 37, was recovered around 8:45 a.m. Wednesday in a secluded place in Barangay Esperanza, Ramon Magsaysyay town, this province.

Tan, a resident of Barangay Sto. Niño, this city, was on his way last Saturday to Aurora town, also in this province, purposely to pay debt to a certain Ruby when kidnapped by gunmen.

Tan in a press briefing disclosed that he was waylaid by four gunmen wearing bonnet masks and riding tandem on two motorcycles who tailed him while he was driving his vehicle en route to Aurora town.

Tan faced the media in a press briefing together with Councilor Ernesto Mondarte and Senior Police Officer 1 (SPO1) Dexter Dalina.

He said the suspects boarded his vehicle and at gunpoint ordered him to proceed to the municipality of Ramon Magsaysay.

He said the gunmen, upon reaching Barangay Eastern Bobongan, Ramon Magsasay, transferred him to a motorcycle with his head covered with bonnet mask and sped off to unknown direction.

He said the kidnappers drove the motorcycle for several minutes before dumping him in a residential house the location of which is unknown to him.

Tan said the kidnappers took the P90,000 cash he was bringing when he was kidnapped.

Tan said the kidnappers blindfolded and brought him early Wednesday to an unknown place that later turn out to be in Barangay Esperanza, Ramon Magsaysay town, where he was safely recovered by the police forces.

He revealed they shelled out cash in exchange for his liberty but refused to specify the amount.

He was placed under the custody of the Anti-Kidnapping Group for medical examination and debriefing.

Lady lawyers conduct drug symposia to schools

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1371381292264
• Wednesday, October 9, 2013

By Gideon C. Corgue (FPG/GCC/PIA9-Pagadian City)

PAGADIAN CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) – Conducting drug symposium to public and private high schools is part of the advocacy campaign by a group of lady lawyers here.

Atty. Analyn Costanilla, president of Greater Innovation of Responsible Lady Lawyers in Zamboanga del Sur (GIRLLZ) said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) her group is now active in conducting a series of drug symposia in schools to inform the students about the ill effects of illegal drugs.

“In September, we have conducted series of symposia to high school students at Holy Child Academy, St. Columban College (High School Department), and Zamboanga del Sur National High School (main campus) to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug use,” Costanilla explained.

She pointed out that the students are a vulnerable group to drug abuse. “So, it is necessary to inform them this early of the dangers of drug abuse,” stressed the lady lawyer.

Meanwhile, Costanilla said the GIRLZZ members have agreed to expand its services to other private and public schools in the province.

Costanilla expressed her thanks to the students for their active participation in the drug fora saying “they play a vital role in making their school in particular and the country in general drug-free.”

She also thanked the following lecturers who volunteered their services by giving lectures to the students on the legal and medical aspects of drug abuse, namely, Assistant City Prosecutor Geraldine Edralin, lawyers Analyn Costanilla and Jenifer Din Mariano, and doctors Reynaldo Ortiz, Angela Española, Babie Normita Lucero, and Irmachelle Gallardo.

GIRLLZ was established in 2009 and has 30 members.

2 arrested in Zambo del Sur for violating gun ban

• Source:http://www.solarnews.ph/news/regional/2013/10/08/2-arrested-in-zambo-del-sur-for-violating-gun-ban#.UlPYgzdo6kw
• Tuesday, October 8, 2013

By Jong Cadion

Two persons have been arrested so far in Zamboanga del Sur for violating the gun ban that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) started enforcing on September 28 for the upcoming Barangay Elections.

Senior Supt Sofronio Ecaldre, Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO) Director, identified the two individuals as Servando Signar from Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur and Michael Laure from Brgy. Balangasan, Pagadian City.

Signar was reportedly under the influence of liquor when he was found to be in possession of a caliber .38 revolver.

He was arrested by police operatives of Lakewood Municipal Police Station at a checkpoint after he failed to present documents authorizing him to posses the firearm.

Laure, on the other hand, was found carrying a homemade revolver by police officers from Pagadian City Police Station.

Signar and Laure were detained temporarily while charges for violating Republic Act 8294 or the Comelec Gun Ban were readied against them.

Ecaldre says the police will be strictly enforcing the Comelec gun ban, and "even members of the police and military without proper authorization will not be exempt from it."

The Comelec gun ban will remain in place until November 12, 2013.

Probationers, parolees undergo skills training

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1361381112429
• Monday, October 7, 2013

By Alma L. Tingcang (FPG/ALT/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)

TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur, Oct. 7 (PIA) - In line with President Benigno S. Aquino III’s social contract to help alleviate the plight of the poor, the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA), in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted a livelihood skills training to its clients on Oct. 2-3 at LGU Beach Resort in this town.

Eighteen probationers and parolees received starter kits from DOLE chief Lourdes B. Amores and OIC Nicasio D. Dujali, Supervising Probation and Parole Officer to provide them with livelihood opportunities, consisting of tools and equipment for them to become self-reliant and productive.

Ms. Amores said, “You are starting a new chapter of your life. Build up your self confidence as you start your own livelihood.” The DOLE chief however made a stern warning - in the event that they do not use these starter kits wisely and let them go to waste - DOLE will take it back and give it to deserving beneficiaries.

“Please take good care of these equipments that the government is giving you, and avail of more training to hone your skills,” said Anecito Ochotorena, project in-charge of DOLE’s Kabuhayan starter kits.

According to Dujali, there are about 70 probationers and parolees in the whole province and this is the first batch of client-beneficiaries who have availed of the starter kits worth P120,000. He lauded the partnership and assistance of DOLE in this undertaking.

On the other hand, Tukuran Mayor Francisvic Villamero exhorted, “this is a sustainable approach and a challenge for you to have a bright future.”

Leonide Basillote of Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur who will be out on parole by December this year received a plow and sprayer.

“Lisod ang kinabuhi sa presohan.Nagbasol ko sa akong gibuhat. Salamat nga adunay kahigayonan nga gihatag ang gobyerno aron matabangan ang sama kanamo (Life inside the prison is so hard. I ask forgiveness for what I have done. I am grateful for this opportunity given by the government to help people like us),” Basillote remorsefully said.

Bryan Teves of Tukuran, and Nessan Bibanco of Dimataling received sprayer for mangoes. Joel Agan got a welding machine and Berto Balmadres of Tabina received fishnet. Some of them received meat grinder, cooking utensils and gas stove according to the skills they possess. Beneficiaries were from the municipalities of Pitogo, Dumalinao, Tabina, Tigbao, Labangan, Tukuran, Guipos and Dimataling.

“Take advantage of what the government has given you. This is a challenge for you to have a bright future. Be good stewards of these starter kits,” PPA Regional Director Tarcisia B. Tampus encouraged the probationers and parolees.

CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL DRUGS

• Source:http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/news/77520-CAMPAIGN-AGAINST-ILLEGAL-DRUGS.html
• Sunday, October 6, 2013

By PO2 Radzben S. Jul (PNP-PRO9)

On or about 11:00 in the morning of October 5, 2013, elements of Aurora Police Station led by Police Inspector Renante B Benitez while conducting commission of election checkpoint at the vicinity of National Highway in Barangay Romarate, Aurora, Zamboanga Del Sur successfully arrested one Rodel Lumapas Y Balolot, 28 years old, married and a certain Jason Ruiles Y Quiño, 20 years old, single, both residents of Purok Rubia, Barangay Bayabas, Aurora, Zamboanga Del Sur, for violation of RA 9165.

Both suspects were riding their single motorcycle from Barangay Kapatagan going to municipality of Aurora and upon reaching at the place of checkpoint, the arrested persons hurdled and tried to elude the checkpoint but the PNP personnel manning the checkpoint were able to chase them and flogged them down at the barangay road of Bayabas, Aurora, Zamboanga Del Sur.

When frisked by the police officers, two pieces transparent straw like heat sealed cellophane containing a white crystalline substance believed to be “shabu” were found in their possession and control.

The confiscated items were later forwarded to Provincial Crime Lab for laboratory examination while the arrested suspects were temporarily detained at the Aurora Police Station detention cell to include their driven single motorcycle.

An inquest case for violation of RA 9165 is now being prepared by the investigator on case for filing in court.

Aurora Police Station Hotline is 09216353136.

CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL FISHING

• Source:http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/news/77454-CAMPAIGN-AGAINST-ILLEGAL-FISHING.html
• Saturday, October 5, 2013

By PO2 Radzben S. Jul (PNP-PRO9)

On or about 4:00 in the morning of October 3, 2013, joint PNP personnel from Lapuyan, Vicenzo Sagun and Margosatubig Municipal Police Stations together with members of Bravo Company, 5th Infantry Battalion, PA while conducting sea born patrol at the sea waters of Vicenzo Sagun, Zamboanga del Sur, arrested the following fishermen: Alejandro Agpasa, 40 years old, married, a resident of Barangay Ambulon, Vicenzo Sagun, Rubin Pulpul, 24 years old, single and a resident of Barangay Salaogan, Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur, Ramon Legaspi, 40 years old, married and a resident of Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur, Loloy Caong, 31 years old, married, Ariel Batiansila, 43 years old, married, Ibrahim Uddin, 30 years old, married, Danny Anecito, 33 years old, married, Pablito Sacil, 24 years old, married, Joselito Luania, 26 years old, married and Mariano Batiansila, 42 years old, married, all are fishermen and residents Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur.

They were arrested for violating the Vicenzo Sagun Municipal Ordinance Number 12-05, after they were caught fishing at the declared fish sanctuary at the sea water between the island and Barangay Maculay and Barangay Lunib, both of Vicenzo Sagun.

Arrested fishermen were brought to Vicenzo Sagun Municipal Police Station for investigation.

Bayog town observes Elderly Filipino Week

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=572851
• Friday, October 4, 2013

By Charnyl S. Albarracin [(PNA), LAM/TPGJR/CSALBARRACIN/EBP]

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur, Oct. 4 (PNA) -- This municipality, located in the northern part of the province, joins the nation in celebrating the Elderly Filipino Week.

The event themed, “Nakatatanda: Pagtulungang Isulong Benepisyo’t Karapatan Tungo sa Maginhawa at Masayang Pamayanan,” is being celebrated from October 1 to 7.

Municipal Information Officer Bernadine Gabawan said that about 700 senior citizens from this town’s 28 barangays joined the “Walk for Life” that kicked off the Elderly Filipino Week.

The week-long activities include vocal solo contests, modern dance, Cha-Cha-Cha, Tango, Boogie, Balak and Kimona ni Lola Fashion Show.

Mayor Leonardo Babasa, in his message read by Vice-Mayor Celso Matias, lauded the senior citizens as he promised the local government's full support to all the activities of senior citizens.

Babasa urged the Municipal Social Welfare Development Officer (MSWDO) Conchita Sucaldito to submit to his office the list of elders aged 75-77 for possible inclusion to the Social Pension Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Babasa said he will work for the inclusion of the same amount of stipend for the elderly in next year’s local government budget while waiting the approval on the part of the DSWD.

He added the renovation of the senior citizens' building will start as soon as the municipal hall extension is completed.

Peace is everybody’s business, says Tabak commander

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1371380692679
• Thursday, October 3, 2013

By Gideon C. Corgue (GCC/PIA9-Pagadian City)

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur Oct. 3 (PIA) – Peace is everybody’s business and not of the government only, according to BGen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr., commander of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) division.

In a nationwide simultaneous candle lighting ceremony on Saturday marking the observance of national peace consciousness month, Trinidad emphasized before some 300 troopers and stakeholders gathered at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Barangay Pulacan in this town that “the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), as an organization advocating peace, sincerely performs its duties and responsibilities in safeguarding the nation.”

Trinidad said the AFP also engages itself in certain events like the candle lighting for peace to get the real essence and understanding of tranquility, adding “the activity is a symbol of renewed commitment to share and advocate peace.”

“It also helps strengthen and support our aspiration to end the turmoil in our society,” Trinidad stressed.

He also acknowledged the people as AFP’s indispensable partner in attaining peace, as “the stakeholders’ efforts are indispensable in sustaining a ‘Bayanihan’ spirit.”

“We need the continuing support and cooperation of our people in bringing peace in our life. I am very much sure that with their active involvement, it will help strengthen the military-civilian community partnerships for peace and progress,” he pointed out.

On the other hand, Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace (IFSP) convener, Fr. Felix Tigoy, said “peace plays a significant role in our lives.”

“There would be no development if there will be no peace. Peace is not the absence of war but the presence of God. If there is God, there is love and peace,” Tigoy explained.

IFSP Muslim convener Sultan Abdulmaguid Maruhom lauded the 1st Infantry (Tabak) division in conducting the activity saying “it reminds everyone of our renewed commitment to peace.”

Maruhom also thanked the officers and men of Tabak division for being an active partner in the peace advocacy programs.

Zambo Sur police files charges against 4 MNLF officials

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=572151
• Wednesday, October 2, 2013

By Charnyl S. Albarracin [(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/CHARNYL S. ALBARRACIN/UTB]

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Oct. 2 (PNA) – The Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZDSPO) has filed charges against four officials of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) based in this province, a top police official disclosed Wednesday.

Charged for violation of Articles 134 (rebellion) and 135 (inciting sedition) of the Revised Penal Code were Fernando Pagasian, Raul Manuales, Efren Vinas all of Lakewood town and Reynaldo Quezon of Bayog municipality, according to ZDSPO director Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre.

Ecaldre said that Pagasian is the Brigade Commander of 2nd Division Mobile Army of MNLF Bangsamoro Armed Forces; Manuales is Deputy Brigade Commander; Vinas and Quezon, both Intelligence Officers.

Ecaldre said the cases were filed against the four respondents last September 25. All of them however are still at large.

Ecaldre said the filing of the case materialized after two MNLF recruits voluntary surrendered in the town of Tigbao for fear of their safety after seeing on national television some of their comrades were captured at the height of the standoff in Zamboanga City.

Ecaldre identified them as Feliciano Canoy and Jimmy Morales, both Barangay Limas, Tigbao municipality.

“The two surrenderees will become our state witnesses against the four respondents of rebellion case,” Ecaldre added.

He said the four respondents have recruited some males in nine towns in this province to join the MNLF forces with the promise they will be paid from P10,000 to 30,000 monthly plus fee education for their children and livelihood for the family based on the testimonies of Canoy and Morales.

He said those recruited are from the towns of Tigbao, Kumalarang, Lakewood, Bayog, Lapuyan, San Miguel, Vincenzo Sagun, Margosatubig and Dinas in this province.

Both witnesses were bringing with them documents to prove that were active members of MNLF when they surrendered, according to Ecaldre.

Ecaldre said the two witnesses said that they and some 30 other MNLF members were told to report to Zamboanga City before September 8 to join a peaceful rally in time for the proclamation of MNLF founding chair Nur Misuari as the president of Mindanao Republic.

Ecaldre said that the four MNLF officials last September 10 have called Canoy and Morales through the mobile phone of Quezon and ordered them to report to Zamboanga City purposely to reinforce their comrades involved in the standoff.

The standoff started last September 9 when hundreds of MNLF rebels infiltrated this city.

Ecaldre said the case they filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office was docketed under IX-09-INV-131-00-462.

30 Bayog farmers undergo rubber tapping management training

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=571636
• Tuesday, October 1, 2013

(PNA), DSP/TPGJR/CHARNYL S. ALBARRACIN/UTB

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur, Oct. 1 (PNA) -– A total of 30 rubber farmers of this town have undergone a four-day rubber tapping management training in this municipality.

The activity dubbed as Rubber Productivity and Quality Improvement Training was held last week from September 24-27 at the Timbermines Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TIMMULCO) in this town.

Reynaldo Beduya of the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), said the participants were taught on the proper rubber tapping techniques with hands-on rubber tapping and latex collection.

Noli Camocamo also to DA-ATI has conducted an assessment on the skills acquired by the participants during the four-day training.

The training is a convergence project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), DA-ATI, and TIMMULCO in coordination with the local government.

Mayor Leonardo Babasa, Jr. has expressed his profound gratitude to the sponsoring agencies saying, “Bayoganons will now be able to augment their income with this newly acquired technology.”

Babasa added that the local government will soon operate its own rubber processing plant to get the “price level” stable to the benefit of both rubber traders and farmers.

Babasa said the technology transfer will absolutely help the farmers to earn more.

DOLE has provided the farmers starter kits comprising of three tapping knives, boots, two gloves, safety helmet, masks, and trouser and pants.

Trade and Industry Development Specialist Reynaldo Pintacasi Sr. said they have recently conducted similar training in the municipalities of Josefina and Dumingag in this province.