Zamboanga Del Sur News

From Philippines
Revision as of 02:03, 17 May 2019 by Prdims (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.
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
Zamboanga del sur philippines map locator.png
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
Pagadian city 01.jpg
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
Civil service commission of santo niño pagadian city zamboanga del sur.jpg
Civil Service Commision office in santo niño pagadian city

1 killed, 7 hurt in Zambo Sur election eve shootout

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A political supporter was killed while seven others, including a mayoralty aspirant, were wounded in a shootout on the eve of the election in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, a military official said Monday.

Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, disclosed that the shootout occurred in Sitio Sibuan, Purok 3, Barangay Tubod, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur at about 10:15 p.m. Sunday.

Besana said the shootout broke out when the troops returned fire after the group of Domingo Mirrar, a mayoralty candidate in Lakewood, fired upon the soldiers who were on mobile security patrol.

He said the shootout resulted in the death of one supporter of Mirrar, whose identity was not immediately available.

Mirrar, although wounded, managed to escape while the troops arrested six of his supporters, Besana said, adding that they have requested the police to conduct an investigation over the incident.

Recovered at the shootout site were a caliber .45 pistol with two magazines loaded with ammunition, and three magazines of M-16 Armalite rifle with ammunition, the military official said.


Alleged NPA rebel nabbed in Zamboanga Sur

By Leah Agonoy (PNA)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested in Barangay Ocapan in the nearby town of San Miguel, this province, late Monday, police said.

Police identified the alleged rebel as Saturnino Albacia Calayca, 39, said to be a member of the Section Committee Kara under the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Calayca was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder issued by a regional court here in 2009. No bail was recommended. The suspect is under the custody of the San Miguel Police Station for proper disposition.

Pagadian City declares state of calamity due to dry spell

By Leah Agonoy (PNA)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur -- The City Council here declared the city under a state of calamity Tuesday following the estimated PHP102 million damages on agricultural products brought by the dry spell.

City Agriculturist Annie Tenorio said the drought has affected more than a thousand farmers from the city's 40 barangays.

Tenorio said damages in rice reached PHP9.3 million from the 18 barangays while corn damages reached PHP69.6 million from the eight barangays.

Tenorio said corn incurred the most severe damage as the drought transpired during the maturity stage of the crops, while the planting season for it is just about to start.

Tenorio said they quantified the opportunity loss of farmers or the supposed average of harvest for the season.

She said the other barangays also suffered damages on high-value commercial crops and seaweeds costing PHP23.4 million, with big losses in almost all their standing crops as irrigation waters fell below the ideal amount.

Dr. Leonora Sulay, city veterinarian, also declared damages on livestock products in the different barangays stating the need of farmers for assistance as they could no longer afford for the feeds since they have no income due to damages in their farmlands.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) in their resolution suggested the need for assistance to farmers through a possible cash-for-work program allocating funds from the Quick Response Fund (QRF) for their daily needs especially after Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the drought is expected until June, this year.

In the entire province, Engr. Francisco Maca, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management action officer, said the local DRRMOs in the municipalities were still conducting assessments on the damages caused by the dry season.

Maca said Dimataling town was the first to declare a state of calamity last week.

39 ex-NPAs undergo values formation, psychosocial activity

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr. (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY --Thirty-nine New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderers completed a three-day values formation and psychosocial activity on Thursday in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

The activity was initiated by the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion to address the needs of the surrenderers who recently yielded to military authorities.

“After returning to the mainstream of society, former rebels have to be indulged in activities like this (values formation and psychosocial activity),” said Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.

Dela Vega said the values formation and psychosocial activity will help the NPA’s reintegrate into the mainstream society.

The activity, which started on Tuesday, was held at the Executive Hall, capitol compound, Pagadian City.

It was made possible through the military's collaboration with the Zamboanga del Sur provincial government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Department of Agriculture.

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.

Zamboanga del Sur Archived News

The older news reports are kept here.

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Zamboanga_Del_Sur_News&oldid=1119793"