Zamboanga del Sur News April 2016

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Province of Zamboanga del Sur - Archived News of Zamboanga del Sur
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Seal of Zamboanga del Sur Province
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Zamboanga del Sur
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Zamboanga del Sur Map Locator
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Municipalities within Zamboanga del Sur
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Provincial Capitol 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.

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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.
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Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
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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.
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Lintugop, Aurora
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Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
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Provincial human resource management office of santo niño pagadian city
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Civil Service Commision office in santo niño pagadian city

3 wounded in Zamboanga Sur election-related incident

By Bong Garcia

THREE people, including a 12-year-old girl, were wounded in an election related incident in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, the police reported.

Senior Superintendent Michael Nicolas, Zamboanga del Sur police director, said the incident took place around 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, at Purok 4 in the village of Guma, Midsalip town.

Nicolas identified the victims as follows: Leonida Ganar, 50, Mario Diosmano, 60, and Junieza May Dumaog, 12.

Nicolas said they were hit by stray bullets after the suspect, Michael Umban, opened fire but missed his target, Eduardo Selim, the village chairperson of Matalang, Midsalip.

Selim was driving a motorcycle when Umban, also driving a motorcycle, overtook and shot him as the would-be victim was about to stop in front of the residence of Midsalip Vice Mayor Leonila Angcap, who is a candidate for mayor, according to Nicolas.

He said Selim is a supporting the candidacy of Angcap while Umban is a supporter of mayoralty candidate Condrado Lumacad.

He said Umban sped off but crashed into the banana plants 50 meters away from the crime scene. The suspect fled on foot.

Angcap said they were conducting voters’ education with their leaders and supports when Umban shot Selim. She was inside her residence at the time of the incident.

Aside from Angcap and Lumacad, the other mayoralty candidate in Midsalip is Nene Lumaad. All of them are former mayors.

Meanwhile, Nicolas said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has placed the municipality of Midsalip in the list of areas of concern in relation to the conduct of local and national elections on May 9.

Nicolas said Midsalip is the fourth municipality in Zamboanga del Sur to be placed by Comelec under the list of areas of concern.

The other three towns are Aurora, Dinas, and Tukuran, he said.

Comelec to voters: Go out and vote early

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

PAGADIAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) – “Go out and vote, exercise your right of suffrage and vote early,” Atty. Ellis L. Miguel, provincial election supervisor of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-Zamboanga del Sur told the electorate.

He reminded the voters not to “over vote” in filling the ballot - meaning voting in excess of the required number of candidates in a certain position - because excess votes will certainly invalid all other candidates in that position. The votes for candidates in other positions will still be counted, though.

He also encouraged the voting public to bring enough provisions such as water and something to eat while waiting for your turn to vote.

Atty. Miguel said: “At present all our election officers in the entire province are conducting a refresher training/seminar for the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) who will be serving in all precincts in Zamboanga del Sur. Initial training of BEIs was conducted earlier this month.”

Meanwhile, all Vote-Counting Machines (VCMs) for the province are now deposited in a safe hub at Ozamis City. These VCMs will be simultaneously brought to all polling centers on May 5, 2016 for testing and sealing on the same day.

“To iron-out preparations for the May 9 elections, a coordinating conference is scheduled this week to finalize all security preparations, deployment of security personnel and the deployment of election paraphernalia,” Atty. Miguel emphasized.

Zamboanga del Sur has 563,155 registered voters and 1,053 clustered precincts.

DPXR to hold Run for HOPE

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

PAGADIAN CITY, April 28 (PIA) – To raise the level of awareness of voters towards an honest, orderly and peaceful elections, Radio Mindanao Network (RMN)-dxPR will hold a 3-kilometer fun run dubbed “RMN Run for HOPE (honest, orderly and peaceful elections) on May 7.

“For the first time, a running event like this is initiated by the dxPR to raise awareness among the voting public in the conduct of honest, orderly and peaceful elections on May 9,” Melchor U. Coronel, DxPR station manager said.

At the same time, it will encourage runners to actively participate in order to achieve and maintain good physical and mental health, foster fellowship and camaraderie among stakeholders.

Coronel said RMN Run for HOPE is open to entrants of all ages and abilities.

“It is also a fund raising event to conduct distribution of school supplies to economically disadvantaged children in public elementary schools in the city,” he added.

Participants should register first at the secretariat and pay a registration fee of P300. Each registered runner will receive a singlet, free bottled water, pandesal, coupon for raffle draw and certificate of participation.

Meanwhile, student participants should pay P50.00 and for 18 years old and above, P150.00 and without singlet.

The fun run will start at exactly 5:00am and will end at 6:30am. The route will start from Plaza Luz stage down to Sto. Nino Cathedral (Ariosa Street) to Rotunda (F.S. Pajares Avenue) and back to Plaza Luz.

The top 3 winners will receive the following cash prizes: P3,000, 2,000 and 1,000, respectively.

Special awards for youngest and oldest runner and biggest delegation will also be given away.

After the run, Coronel said participants will join the covenant signing to get the commitment of local candidates and stakeholders.

At least 500 people are expected to join the Fun Run.

Interested participants may register at dxPR, Mercedes Street, San Jose District, Pagadian City or may text or call mobile phone numbers: 09208418182, 09072955155.

Five PRO-9 police stations receive new vehicles

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 27 (PNA) -– The Philippine National Police (PNP) has released five Mahindra-type vehicles to five city police stations under the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9).

The newly-acquired vehicles were handed over on Wednesday by Chief Supt. Miguel Antonio Jr., PRO-9 director, to the representatives of the beneficiary-police stations.

The newly-acquired vehicles were given to the Dapitan City Police Station; Dipolog City Police Station; Isabela City Police Station; Pagadian City Police Station; and, police Station 8 of the Zamboanga City Police Office.

Antonio said the release of the vehicles would boost the mobility of the five police stations.

The release of the Mahindra jeeps on Wednesday brought the total number of vehicles of similar brand to 72 that were given to the police in the region.

Earlier, the Zamboanga del Sur police Office received 26 vehicles; Zamboanga del Norte Police Office, 25; and, Zamboanga Sibugay Police Office, 16.

DOLE gears up for Labor Day activities

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

PAGADIAN CITY, April 26 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will celebrate the 2016 Labor Day (Araw ng Manggagawa) on May 1 at Saint Columban College gymnasium. The 114th Labor Day celebration carries the theme “Kinabukasan Sigurado sa Disenteng Trabaho” which recognizes the efforts and contributions of our workers to societal development.

Supervising Labor Employment Officer Camilo A. Encila, Jr. said the annual activity, in partnership with the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC)- Pagadian chapter is both a celebration and promotion for the respect of the rights and benefits that should be afforded to our human resources in the workplace.

The celebration will be infused with activities that that will help promote decent job agenda, according to Encila.

At exactly 7am, a motorcade will start at the DOLE office and to culminate at Saint Columban College gymnasium for the program and games.

After the brief program, a workers’ “showtime” will follow where they will showcase talents in singing and dancing. Team fun games, raffle draw, Diskwento Fair, and other activities will also be conducted.

Comelec, police conduct Oplan Baklas in Pagadian City

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR/HDC

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, April 25 (PNA) -– The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in partnership with the local police on Monday removed all the campaign materials posted on unauthorized areas in this city.

The campaign, dubbed as Oplan Baklas, was focused along the north diversion road that connects Barangay Tiguma to Barangay Buenavista in this city.

Anacleta Balinton, acting city election officer, told the Philippines News Agency all of the campaign materials that were removed belong to candidates seeking national elective posts.

Balinton said the campaign materials were placed on electric posts and trees, which are prohibited base on Comelec regulations.

She said all of the campaign materials will be properly inventoried and will be reported to the Comelec central office for proper disposition.

She warned candidates to refrain from posting campaign materials in unauthorized areas as they will face sanctions.

Last week, the Comelec in partnership with the police and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) conducted Oplan Baklas along the national highway in this province.

Olutanga Wanted Man Cuffed in ZC; 2 Others Arrested

By PSUPT ROGELIO C ALABATA (Chief RPIO9) with report from PO3 Bernard Tan (RPIO9)

Zamboanga del Sur - Elements of Margosatubig MPS held a manhunt operation in Purok Macopa, Barangay Lumbog, Margosatubig, Zamboanga Del Sur on April 13, 2016 at about 5:00 AM. This resulted in the arrest of Sammy Miro Juguilon, 42, farmer and resident of said place. Suspect was arrested by virtue of warrant for frustrated murder docketed under Criminal Case Number 15-130 issued by Presiding Judge Felix B. Rodriguez Jr. of RTC Branch 29, San Miguel, ZDS dated March 15, 2016, with a recommended bail-bond amounting to Php 200,000.00. Suspect is temporarily detained at Margosatubig MPS for proper disposition.

Zamboanga Del Sur - Personnel of Ramon Magsaysay MPS held an operation in Purok Tinago, Barangay Campo V, Ramon Magsaysay town on April 13, 2016 at about 10:00 AM. This resulted in the arrest of Danny Morales Lagahit, 52, farmer and resident of same place. Suspect was arrested by virtue of warrant for acts of lasciviousness in relation to R.A. 7610 docketed under Criminal Case Number 16-10, 1235 issued by Assisting Judge Romeo T. Descallar of Regional Trial Court, Branch 30, Aurora, Zamboanga Del Sur dated April 1, 2016, with a recommended bail-bond amounting to Php 80,000.00. Suspect is temporarily detained at Ramon Magsaysay MPS for proper disposition.

Zamboanga City - Joint elements of S2,ZCPO, ZCPS4 (Culianan), and Olutanga MPS conducted an operation at the vicinity of Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City on April 13, 2016 at about 10:35 AM. This resulted in the arrest of Roel Catong Canumay, 34, resident of Brgy. Mampang, this city, by virtue of warrant for Rape docketed under Criminal Case Number i-3008 issued by Judge Reuben L Maraon of RTC Branch 24, 9th Judicial Region, Zamboanga Sibugay, dated August 7, 2006 at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Suspect is temporarily detained at Olutanga MPS for proper disposition.

HPG-9 seizes, impounds 43 motorcycles in Pagadian City

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR/HDC

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, April 18 (PNA) -– Operatives of the Highway Patrol Group-9 (HPG-9) have seized and impounded 43 motorcycles in its One Time Big Time (OTBT) operations in this city.

Supt. Joel Dimaano, HPG-9 director said the OTBT operation is in line with Republic Acts 4136 and 6539. The campaign started Friday and is ongoing.

R.A. 4136 is otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code while R.A. 6539 is known as the anti-carnapping act of 1972.

Dimaano said most of the impounded motorcycles were found to be unregistered which is in violation of R.A. 4136.

He said the campaign is also to help the police to lessen if not eliminate crimes by riding in tandem gunmen.

5-hr brownouts implemented in Zambo Sur

(Philippines News Agency)

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – The local electric cooperative here has implemented daily rotational brownouts of as long as five hours after one of its power providers had to undergo an emergency shutdown.

Liberal Cabatcha, Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative-1 (Zamsureco-1) spokesman, on Monday said that the emergency shutdown came after one of the four units of the Therma South Power Station conked out last week.

Cabatcha said the Davao del Sur-based Therma South power plant supplies 10 megawatts (MW) of the 34 MW-power demand of Zamsureco-1.

Cabatcha said they had to implement the four- to five-hour daily rotational brownouts to enable them to serve all the consumers of Zamsureco-1.

The schedule of rotational brownouts is two to three hours in the morning and one to two hours in the afternoon.

Cabatcha said they have not received notice from the power provider as to how long it will take to complete the repair works on the power station.

Zamsureco-1 serves this city and 24 of the 26 towns of this province with 69,857 active connections.

Zamboanga Peninsula gears up for cacao boom

By Janina C. Lim

THE GOVERNMENT is intensifying its efforts to boost cacao production in the Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) with aims of making the province the ‘Cacao Capital of Mindanao.’

“The world’s demand for cacao (cocoa) and its products is increasing and we need to plant now, so eventually, we will become the Cacao Capital in Mindanao,” according to Angelo H. Sunglao, chairman for the private sector on the multi-sectoral Zamboanga Peninsula Cacao Industry Cluster Team, as quoted in a statement released on Tuesday, by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Mr. Sunglao added that the country should step up to the challenge of producing 100,000 metric tons of cacao beans by 2020, the target set by the government.

“We consume 50,000 metric tons of cacao while we only produce 10 thousand metric tons. Majority of cacao production was supplied by Davao region followed by Eastern Visayas, and the Zamboanga Peninsula is third,” he added.

As one of its interventions for the cacao industry, the regional office of the DA has distributed 450 thousand cacao seedlings this year to benefit farmers of ZamPen.

“The Department alone has allotted P16 million for cacao planting materials and this would cover 900 thousand hectares for the entire region. We will likely to have a booming cacao industry here in the peninsula in the coming years,” said Ana S. Aying, High Value Crops Coordinator for Region IX, in the statement.

Since early last year, experts have been forecasting a world shortage of one million metric tons of cacao on account of surging chocolate demand.

Additionally, the DA and the Mindanao Development Authority are also seeking to develop cacao nursery facilities in aid of the Cacao Double-Up Program, according to Ms Aying.

“There will be four structures to be established regionwide, one in Zamboanga City, one in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur and two in Zamboanga del Norte. Each facility will cost P1.3 million, totaling P5.2 million under the High Value Crops Development Program,” Ms. Aying added.

DXPR, PIA to host Candidates’ Forum

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

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – The Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) DXPR radio station, in partnership with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 9 will hold a Candidates’ Forum on April 30.

Station manager Melchor U. Coronel said DXPR and PIA, through Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga have agreed to conduct the forum to give voters the opportunity to become better informed about their choices for local positions during the May 9, 2016 elections.

The forum will allow candidates for public office the chance to present their platforms of government and express their views openly on certain issues affecting the city. Only local candidates running for mayor, vice mayor, and congressman will attend the forum.

Coronel said the forum which will last for one hour and a half will be aired live on Saturday, April 30 at 9:00 am, DXPR radio station.

The good manager said a similar forum was first conducted during the May 2013 elections, and it will be conducted this year as part of voters’ education.

Meanwhile, RD Edaga said that each candidate will be given ample time to answer questions from the panelists. She hopes that the forum will help the electorate decide who will be the most deserving candidate to lead in the next three years.

Expected to grace the forum are mayoralty candidates: incumbent Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones – LP and Roseller L. Ariosa – Aksyon Party; vice mayoralty bets incumbent City Councilor Ernesto Mondarte – LP and City Councilor Glavys Gavenia – Aksyon Team; and for first district representative: incumbent Vice Mayor Divina Grace Yu - LP and Atty. Alex L. Acain, Jr - National Unity Party.

DTI ZamboSur turns-over P2.8M SSF to seven beneficiaries

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

PAGADIAN CITY, April 19 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Office simultaneously turned-over the Shared Service Facility (SSF) amounting to P2.8 million to seven co-operators/associations in the province recently at the Liga City Convention Center.

DTI Provincial Director Maria Socorro Malate-Atay said,“in order to save time and effort, we decided to hold a joint launching, turn-over, signing of Memorandum of Agreement and Usufruct Agreement ceremony in one venue.”

“In the past, we usually turnover such facilities one at a time and in areas where the equipment will be used or where the cooperators are situated,” Director Atay explained.

The following recipient cooperators/associations of the SSF are as follows: the local government unit of PagadianCity- meat fabrication equipment; LGU Dumingag and Zamboanga del Sur Best Producers Association – food processing equipment; LGU Midsalip, Sominot Federation of WEM-RIC,Women-Widow Apostolate of Pagadian City Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Youth Development Association (Young Muslim Women of Labangan) were given sewing machines.

Meanwhile, Assistant Regional Director Engr. Noel R. Bazan said that the SSF projectis aimed to address the gaps and bottlenecks in the value chain of priority industry clusters such as the absence or lack of needed facility, cost of services is not affordable and inadequate technical and administrative services that will promote and facilitate the growth of MSMEs.

‘The SSF are given to LGUs, NGOs and associations so that this facility can be shared to its members and even to non-members depending on the manual of operations,”Bazan emphasized.

He also urged the cooperators to allocate a certain amount for maintenance cost and asked them take good care of the equipment.

Under the Usufruct agreement, these facilities shall be given to co-operators for their existing venture and after two years of successful operation, these will be turned-over to them at no cost, according to Bazan.

SSF is a major component of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) program of DTI which aims to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by providing them with machinery, equipment, tools, system, skills and knowledge under a shared system.

Zamsureco-1 implements 4-5 hours daily rotational brownout

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

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, April 18 (PNA) -– The local electric cooperative is implementing daily rotational brownout as one of its power providers is on emergency shutdown.

Liberal Cabatcha, Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative-1 (Zamsureco-1) spokesman, on Monday told the Philippines News Agency that the emergency shutdown came after one of the four units of the Therma South Power Station conked out last week.

Cabatcha said the Davao del Sur-based Therma South power plant supplies 10 of the 34 megawatts power demand of Zamsureco-1.

Cabatcha said they have to implement four to five hours daily rotational brownout to enable them to serve the consumers of Zamsureco-1.

The schedule of rotational brownouts is two to three hours in the morning and one to two hours in the afternoon.

Cabatcha said they have not received notice from the power provider as to how long will it take to complete the repair works.

Zamsureco-1 serves this city and 24 of the 26 towns of this province with 69,857 active connections.

The other power suppliers of Zamsureco-1 aside from the Therma South are the following: Davao-based Aboitiz Power Corporation, 5-MW; Misamis Oriental based Mindanao Steag Power Station 5-MW; and National Power Corporation (Napocor) 14-MW.

OTBT in Pagadian Leads to Confiscation of Several Guns and Drugs

By PCINSP ROGELIO C ALABATA (Chief RPIO9) with report from PO3 Bernard Tan (RPIO9)

Zamboanga del Sur - Personnel of Pagadian City Police Station and Provincial Intelligence Branch ZSPPO, conducted a “one-time, big time operation” (OTBT) on April 8, 2016 at about 3:30 PM, for the implementation of search warrant issued by Presiding Judge Joel G Vercide of MTCC 9th Judicial Region, Branch 1, Pagadian City dated March 30, 2016 for violation of R.A 10591 (Comprehensive Law On Firearms and Ammunitions) at the rented boarding house of a certain Romulo Sandiag Sudiang in Purok Sandayong, Barangay Sto Ñino, Pagadian City.

The search resulted in the recovery one 12-gauge Norinco shotgun, two caliber 9mm (Colt and Armscor) pistols, one caliber .38 revolver, two caliber 9mm magazine clips, eighteen 12-gauge shotgun rounds of ammunition, four caliber .38 ammunitions, and six 9mm rounds of ammunitions. Suspect is temporarily detained at Pagadian City Police Station for proper disposition.

Intelligence operatives of Pagadian City Police Station conducted an anti-illegal drug buy-bust operation and implemented Search Warrant Number 352 issued by Presiding Judge Joel G. Vercide of Branch 1, 9th Judicial Region, MTCC dated March 30, 2016 for violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) at the house of Marvin Roque Dy, 26, in Purok Capitol Creek, Barangay Sto. Niño, Pagadian City. Recovered from him were a small sachet of suspected shabu and numerous drug paraphernalia.

4 Qualified Theft Suspects Arrested in V. Sagun

By PCINSP ROGELIO C ALABATA (Chief RPIO9) with report from PO3 Bernard Tan (RPIO9)

Zamboanga Del Sur - Elements of Vincenzo Sagun MPS conducted a manhunt operation in Barangay Lunib, Vincenzo Sagun municipality at about 6:00 PM on April 8, 2016.

This resulted in the arrest of four suspects named Francisco Guiting, Estrellita Guiting, Celsa Ronrique and Cagdong Bacaoall residents of same place, by virtue of warrant for Qualified Theft docketed under Criminal Case Number 15-113 issued by Acting Presiding Judge Felix B Rodriguez Jr. of RTC of Branch 29, Zamboanga Del Sur. Suspects are temporarily detained at Vincenzo Sagun MPS for proper disposition.

MSMEs grateful to DTI for Shared Service Facilities

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

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) here were glad to receive the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) distributed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Wednesday during the launching and turn-over of SSF held at Liga City Convention Center.

SSF worth P 2.8-M were given to the following MSMEs: LGU-Dumingag – Packaging and Labelling of Organic Food Products worth P761,750; Zamboanga del Sur Best Producers Association – Packaging and Labelling of Food Products (706,750.00); LGU-Pagadian- Meat Processing (678,000); and the Women-Widow Apostolate of Pagadian City Multi-Purpose Cooperative , Youth Development Association of Labangan, LGU-Midsalip and Sominot Federation of Women Empowerment Movement-Rural Improvement Club received wearables and homestyles worth 164,500 each.

City Councilor Bienvenido Culve, in his acceptance speech, said the local government unit of Pagadian was blessed to receive the meat processing facility from the DTI saying that it will help meat vendors to process their products.

Culve said before, the meat vendors used to cut meat with a sharp bolo but with the acquisition of the facility, vendors can now easily process their meat products.

Thelma Dullin, municipal social welfare and development officer of Midsalip said the LGU officials were delighted to receive the sewing machines since it can help improve the livelihood activities of women.

With the facility, ten (10) members of WEMRIC who are already sewing clothes for sale have additional facilities to use. “I am optimistic that the sewing machines will uplift the living condition of women in our place,” she added.

In a related development, Angelique Acosta, president of the Federation of WEMRIC-Sominot said they were very happy and grateful for the SSF saying that it can help improve the skills and productivity of women.

“Through the facility, the women can continue sewing clothes,” Acosta announced. “Some of them also know how to make bag packs,” she added.

Acosta said they are now negotiating with the school principals to encourage students to buy their products to be used during the opening of classes in June, this year.

New NEDA-9 home inaugurated in Balintawak

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

PAGADIAN CITY, 14 April (PIA) –A newly-constructed 3-story building worth P45.9 million which will house the regional office of the National Economic and Development Authority IX (NEDA-9) at the President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center, Balintawak, this city was inaugurated on Monday, April 11, 2016.

Socio Economic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra together with Deputy Director General Margarita R. Songco graced the occasion and led the ribbon cutting ceremony and unveiling of the marker assisted by Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos.

“I am very much thankful to the Lord for the blessing, the city government led by Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones and to everyone who found the time to join us today on this very special occasion,” a teary director said.

“NEDA is the catalyst of development in the region,” Director Ramos emphasized, adding that,“we have to be the trailblazing office, we have to start, we have to do the difficult thing of really pushing for certain development strategies to take place.”

On the other hand, Secretary Esguerra in his keynote speech said, “indeed, this is a very special day for several reasons.First, it is another step closer to meeting one of NEDA’s vision which is for all NEDA regional offices to have their own building.”

“This is important to us because we believe that a conducive and functional work environment affects an organization’s productivity. And this is why we at NEDA sought all possible means to fast-track our building improvement program,” Esguerra said.

Secondly, he thanked Mayor Pulmones for the two lots given to NEDA at no cost, Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H.Cerilles for providing NEDA-9 a home for the past three years at the Provincial Government Complex in Barangay Dao free of charge, DPWH-9 for the assistance in the preparation of the building design, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for making the funds available and former NEDA Director General Arsenio Balisacan for making the construction of the building possible.

Thirdly, Esguerra said,“this is a special day because of what this event signifies. This is an opportunity for us to reflect on the more than four decades of NEDA’s growth story as an institution. Through the years, we have seen the agency not only grow but also evolve into what it is now in terms of the development of our human resources and in our physical facilities.”

“This new building will then serve as an emblem of NEDA-9’s vision of becoming a catalyst in regional socio-economic development serving with excellence and professionalism in the pursuit of inclusive growth in the Zamboanga Peninsula,” Esguerra stressed.

He announced that last March 30, 2016, NEDA Central Office has launched “AMBISYON NATIN 2040,” a project which essentially summarizes the Filipinos’ collective aspirations for the next 24 years.

Accordingly, the project will serve as the basis for planning for the next four administrations until we reach the year 2040.

NEDA Regional Office transferred from Zamboanga City to Pagadian City on March 23, 2009 under thestewardship of Regional Director Arturo Valero. The marching order to transfer was issued by then Director General Ralph Rector based on Executive Order No. 429 signed by President Corazon C. Aquino,declaring Pagadian City as the new regional government center of Zamboanga Peninsula.

World Mission Society conducts bloodletting activity

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

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – A total of 49 blood bags (22,050 cc) were collected from the blood donors during the blood drive conducted by the World Mission Society of Church of God (WMSCG) on Sunday at Gaisano Capital Mall here.

Ahn Ji Man, overseer of the World Mission Society in his message said the blood drive is a simultaneous nationwide blood letting activity aimed to encourage people in the community to donate blood to help those who are in need of blood transfusion, ensure that the donated blood is safe, and more importantly, to save lives.

Man said the blood drive is essential for our physical and spiritual life. “Jesus Christ shared his blood and gave salvation through his love and Passover of the new covenant,” Man pointed out.

He believes that there are still many people in this world who are suffering from shortage of blood due to lack of voluntary donors.

“I am hopeful that that the blood drive will benefit those people who are in need of blood,” he said.

Man considered the blood donors as heroes because they voluntarily donated their blood to people whom they do not know.

“You are all our heroes,” Man declared adding that through their blood, they can save lives of others.

Philippine Red Cross administrator Hildaliza Munoz is optimistic that the activity can provide the blood needed in the province. “If we have enough supply of blood, there will be no more brothers and sisters who will die due to shortage of blood supply,” she added.

Munoz lauded the WMSCG for conducting the activity saying that it provided help to the PRC in its campaign for voluntary blood donation.

She said the blood that the WMSCG has donated to the PRC is a great help to their campaign.

In a related development, Munoz said that the PRC, Zamboanga del Sur chapter is already a regional blood testing center where it has acquired blood bank facility that can collect, process, and store blood components, platelet concentrate, packed red cells, among others.

With the acquisition of this facility, Munoz said dengue patients who are required to undergo platelet transfusion will no longer be brought to neighboring hospitals since the center can already provide what the patients need.

Man thanked the blood donors for actively supporting the activity and who have selflessly donated their blood.

The activity was participated mostly by young adults, members of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, media practitioners, and other concerned individuals.

Gov’t officials extol valor of Filipino forebears

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

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) –Government officials here extolled the valor and heroism of Filipino forbears in a simple but memorable celebration of the 74th Araw ng Kagitingan on Saturday, April 9.

MGen. Gerardo F. Barrientos, Jr., 1st Infantry “Tabak” commander in his message delivered by Colonel Casimero R. Tamparong of the Service Support Battalion during the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) rites held at the Veterans Memorial at City Hall compound here said, “the whole nation is remembers the courage of the people who took arms against enemies of our country, and led the nation to freedom and democracy during the dark period of our nation’s history.”

“Today, we are celebrating the steadfast conviction of our forefathers who faced the enemies audaciously for the love of our country,” Tamparong said quoting Barrientos statement.

“Our forebears, indeed have pledged their lives and their sacred honor to rise against tyranny and oppression,” he added.

Board Member Marilyn G. Pajares of the first district of the province said she felt honored to be part of the historic and momentous event.

“This historical event is commemorated every year, to pay tribute and respect to our forebears who died and survived to defend and protect our country,” Pajares, whose father was a veteran and her mom an army nurse during World War II, said.

She said the Battle of Bataan which was fought on April 9, 1942 where Filipino and American soldiers have fallen where 76,000 starving and disease-ridden soldiers surrendered to the Imperial Japanese army in the infamous 140-kilometer Bataan Death March to Camp O’Donnel in Capas, Tarlac.

“In today’s celebration, Pajares said, we have been reminded that it was because of those brave countrymen who fought not just to protect our Motherland but also to fight for our freedom.”

City Councilor Bienvenido Culve, officer-in-charge of the City Mayor’s office said, “we commemorate the efforts of our veterans in order to promote and preserve their principles, ideals, and deeds as a means to enhance the love of country, peace and progress.”

This year’s Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration carries the theme “Isabuhay ang Kagitingan, Isulong ang Kapayapaan, Kamtin and Mithing Kaunlaran.”

Comelec trains BOC members in Zambo City, Zambo Sur

(PNA), FFC/NYP/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 11 (PNA) -– The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has completed the training of 196 members of Board of Canvassers (BOC) who would serve in the forthcoming May 9 local and national elections.

Lawyer Lerdo Matildo Jr., first district election officer, told the PNA that those who completed the training would serve as BOCs here and adjacent Zamboanga del Sur province.

Matildo said the Comelec trained them on the consolidated canvassing system that included transmission of election results and general instruction.

He said the BOC plays a vital role in the polls, particularly in proclaiming the winning candidates after the canvassing of votes.

The BOC usually comprise of an election officer, a prosecutor, and an education official.

In this city, Matildo said the BOC would comprise Second District Election Officer Stephen Roy Cañete, City Prosecutor Ricardo Cabaron, and Department of Education Assistant Regional Director Pedro Melchor Natividad.

Rugby-sniffing street kid now a college grad

By Julie Alipala (Inquirer Mindanao)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—He used to beg on the streets to fund his compulsive habit of substance abuse.

Dennis Sumampong, a former “Rugby boy,” spent his tender years on the streets of this city relying on the kindness of strangers after being abandoned by his parents and subsequently fleeing his abusive adoptive family in Margosatubig in Zamboanga del Sur province.

Now 25, he has walked free from the addiction, thanks to the social workers from Akay Kalinga Center, a program of the Catholic Church-based Katilingban sa Kalambuan (Community for Development) Inc., who plucked him from the dead end.

Not only that. Because of Akay Kalinga, he has earned his bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management.

Akay Kalinga not only provides a safe and comfortable shelter for street children, it also sends these out-of-school kids to school. It is currently sending 127 street kids to school—from elementary to college.

Loida Sapalo, head of Akay Kalinga, told the Inquirer that like other street kids, the glue-sniffing Sumampong initially resisted help.

“We followed him, we talked to him and we convinced him to avail himself of our services. At first he hesitated. He wanted to always be free. He reached as far as Sulu and Basilan by himself,” she said.

After three years of constant prodding from social workers, Sumampong finally agreed to submit to their care.

Reuniting with dad

When he turned 9, Akay Kalinga brought Sumampong back to Margosatubig to be reunited with his father.

“He stayed with his father for almost a month. We thought it was for good. Then he came back and he was quiet and never left Akay again,” Sapalo said.

Sumampong said his father, who had abandoned him and a sibling, had told him to leave because he could not feed him. His mother died when he was barely 3 years old. His younger sibling, Lovely, was also adopted by another family.

Like a slave

Sumampong said he was 6 when his father abandoned him. He was left in the care of another family, whose members took turns in physically abusing and treating him like a slave.

“I escaped from my adoptive family. A failure to fetch water would mean hanging me inside a sack … or hitting my head, beating me black and blue,” Sumampong said.

He then decided to leave and traveled between Zamboanga City, Basilan and Sulu just to beg.

“It was really hard. Every time I was sick, I just slept. Sometimes there were those who pitied me and gave me food. But I longed for the love of a mother or a father,” he said.

True family

He said he came to realize that the nearest family he could have were the workers of Akay so he agreed to be put under their care.

Last week, Sumampong received his diploma from Nuevo Zamboanga College in the presence of her four surrogate mothers—social workers Loida, Jamilla, Marcy and Janeth—and his surrogate father, Fr. Angel Calvo, the president of Katilingban sa Kalambuan Inc.

He spent a total of 16 years under their care.

Sapalo said Sumampong was among their three original wards when the center opened on Feb. 2, 1998.

Of the three, only Sumampong got through college. The other one got married at an early age while another one now makes money by watching over cars.

Sumampong said children are forced to live in the streets because of poverty and the lack of a loving family.

His advise to street children: “Work on your dreams, love yourself.”

225 hired in DOLE’s jobs fair in Pagadian

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

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – A total of 225 job applicants were hired on the spot in a jobs fair organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the city government here on Thursday at the New Executive Function Hall this city.

DOLE-Zamboanga del Sur officer-in-charge Camilo Encila Jr. in his message said the applicants who were hired on the spot were composed of 162 males and 63 females.

The participating recruitment agencies, Encila added, include Century Pacific Foods , Permex Producer and Exporter Corporation, South Asia Canning, and Universal Canning are based in Zamboanga City.

“The canning industry and allied services allocated 1,973 vacant jobs for the job seekers in the city consisting of factory and production workers, office workers, etc.,” Encila dislcosed.

The jobs fair is a free employment facilitation program of the agency that ensures quality and decent employment for applicants from the region, facilitating the meeting of employers and job seekers.

The DOLE chief said the applicants would no longer exert time, money and efforts in finding job because vacant jobs are already available in the venue. “It is the employers who give the unemployed the opportunity to find a job,” he maintained.

City Councilor Bienvendio Culve, officer-in-charge of city mayor’s office said he was delighted that the DOLE and the city government partnered in launching the program saying, “It helps the unemployed persons especially the poor find job.”

Culve considered the recruitment agencies from Zamboanga City as partners in national development.

“The canning industry and allied services are partners of the DOLE and city government in providing jobs to the unemployed persons,” Culve added.

Encila said the first leg of the jobs fair was held in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on April 6 followed by Pagadian on April 7, and on April 8 in Dipolog City.

Zamboanga Sur mayor sued for malversation

By Rhealyn C. Pojas

A MAYOR in Zamboanga del Sur province is facing multiple charges after the Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to charge him for malversation of public funds.

Charged for violation of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 and 30 counts of violation of Article 218 of the RPC is Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur Mayor Wilfredo Remulta Asoy.

The charges filed against respondent Asoy stemmed from the complaints of the members of the Municapal Council in Dinas who alleged that the respondent conspired with the municipal treasurer in misappropriating collections worth P3,714,096.30 and made it appear that the funds were irregularly deposited and that he failed to liquidate his cash advances, among others.

Respondent Asoy denied the allegations that he conspired with the treasurer and stated that he cannot be accused of misappropriating the collections because his function as a Mayor had nothing to do with the fund collections. He asserted that while he may have lapses in liquidating his cash advances, he had supporting documents which will prove the legitimacy of the expenses for which the cash advances were obtained.

In a 13-page resolution, Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer 1 Nelson Edralin resolved that though the Commission on Audit (COA) report does not showed that the respondent conspired with the Municipal Treasurer to misappropriate public funds, there is a probable cause to charge the respondent for malversation of public funds worth over P2 million, representing his unliquidated cash advances still worth over P2 million, and for his less liquidated cash advances worth P59,915.90.

The resolution also revealed that the COA report showed that the cash advances which the respondent failed to liquidate were done between 2003 and 2009 and that it was never liquidated.

"It is clear that respondent is required by law and has failed to render account on his cash advances within the specified period. [The] records on the case indicate that he failed to render account on 30 of his cash advances," the resolution reads.

For allegedly misappropriating his unliquidated cash advances, the OMB will also charge the respondent for violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019 and another charged for violation of Article 218 of the RPC for his failure to render his accounts.

DSWD: government’s 4Ps produces 218 college graduate in Region 9

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 7 (PNA) -– The Department of Social Welfare and Development announced that 218 students who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) have graduated college this year here in Region 9.

Evangeline Poquita, DSWD regional 4Ps program coordinator, on Thursday told the Philippines News Agency that the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) based in this city has the highest number of 4Ps beneficiary graduates at 106 for the school year 2015-2016.

Poquita said the other student-beneficiaries of 4Ps graduated in the following schools: Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College, 39; Jose Rizal Memorial State University (Zamboanga del Norte), 34; Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, 29; and, Josefina Cerilles State College (Zamboanga del Sur), 10.

Poquita said two of the 10 graduates of the Josefina Cerilles State College graduated as Dean’s Lister. Both finished education course.

Poquita said they graduated from different courses through the expanded student’s grant-in-aid program of the DSWD in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

She said each of the students received PHP30,000 per semester through the grand-in-aid program. The PHP10,000 is paid to the school and the remaining PHP20,000 is for the student’s books and allowance.

“These 218 grantees are the fruits of labor hindi lang ng CHED at DSWD but also of the parents who supported them because the allowance they are receiving are not really enough to suffice all the needed requirements especially of a college student,” she said.

“We are hoping they will land a good job so that they can help their families,” she added.

She said those who availed the expanded student’s grant-in-aid program were screened by the city, municipal and provincial social welfare offices. The DSWD regional conducted the final screening.

Meanwhile, Poquita said student-beneficiaries of 4Ps who wish to avail the expanded students’ grant-in-aid program may apply through the city, municipal and provincial social offices.

The deadline for the submission of application is April 30.

Search for 2016 Bayani ng Kalusugan Award is on

By Claro A. Lanipa (CALT/ALT/DOH/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY, April 6 (PIA) – The Search for the 2016 Bayani ng Kalusugan Award is on, the Department of Health (DOH) announced.

The said award seeks to honor individuals and organizations, who in the small and large circles that they move in, have rendered time, effort and a part of their life, in meaningful contribution to move the country closer to the attainment of Universal Health Care (UHC).

Ms. Virginia Galaretta, health and education promotion officer II of DOH-9 said the search is open to all individuals, institutions and organizations both public and private who have caused change, have had impact on the health of others and on UHC.

“The nominee should be chosen based on achievements made from 2010 to 2015, which exemplify excellence, commitment, innovation and leadership in line with the objectives of UHC,”Galaretta said.

Areas of achievement covers: health financing, health service delivery, health information and research, excellence in health governance, and innovation and technology.

Eligible nominees may include, but not limited to, healthservice managers (city health officer/municipal health officer/development management officer/ non-governmental organization (NGO) leaders);

Health service providers (doctor, nurse, dentist, med-tech, and other allied health professionals); health support staff (barangay health worker, barangay nutrition scholar, aide, janitor, 4Ps parent leader).

LGU officials (governor, mayor, committee on health chair); citizens doing extraordinary work for health; and organizations (NGO, people’s organization, civic organization, health center, rural health unit, hospitals and other organizations).

Nomination forms are available at the Bayani ng Kalusugan website, or maybe secured at any DOH regional offices. Duly accomplished nomination form and other requirements can be electronically submitted to https://sites.google.com/site/dohheroes or email to bayaningkalusugan_twg@gmail.com or personally delivered to DOH Central Office, Sta Cruz, Manila. Deadline of submission of entries is on April 14, 2016.

Twenty (20) winners shall comprise the 2016 Bayani ng Kalusugan Award and awarding ceremony shall be conducted on June 23, 2016 in Manila.

PRO-9 nets 136 Comelec gun ban violators

(PNA), ZST/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 5 (PNA) -- The Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) has arrested 136 persons as of April 3 for violation of the election gun ban that took effect on January 10 this year.

Chief Supt. Miguel Antonio Jr., PRO-9 director, on Tuesday said that they have so far confiscated 106 firearms of different calibers, 25 grenades, 863 assorted ammunition and 31 bladed weapons.

Antonio said the arrest and confiscation of firearms were made in the different parts of the region during the conduct of Commission on Elections (Comelec)-led checkpoints.

The PRO-9 has jurisdiction over this city and the nearby provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte.

Antonio said records showed that the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) has the most number of confiscated firearms at 38.

He said that ZCPO is followed by the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Office (ZSPPO) with 26 confiscated firearms.

Both the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office (ZDSPPO) and Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office (ZDNPPO) confiscated 21 firearms each of different calibers.

Meanwhile, Antonio announced that they have arrested 310 wanted persons in Region 9 since January this year.

Antonio said the arrested wanted persons by police office are as follows: ZDNPPO, 127; ZDSPPO, 85; ZCPO, 56; and, ZSPPO, 42.

Antonio said he ordered all the police offices under his jurisdiction to continue the law enforcement to ensure the peaceful conduct of the elections in May, this year.

Women entrepreneurs share successes in business

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

PAGADIAN CITY, April 4 (PIA) – Successful women entrepreneurs shared their experiences in running their respective businesses in a forum dubbed “Abante Juanang Negosyante” organized by the provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last March 30 at New Roxan Hotel here.

DTI Provincial Director Marichu M. Atay said the activity, which invited women who succeeded in their entrepreneurial activities, was in line with the 2016 Women’s Month Celebration in consonance with Presidential Proclamation No. 227 issued by then President Corazon Aquino.

“Women today have proven themselves to earn the same respect with men. Many women are successful in their respective careers. They are working as engineers, pilot, police and army officers, drivers, rubber tappers, etc. that never happened before,” Atay declared.

“The women of yesterday were confined only to do the household tasks and raise the children but with the implementation of Republic Act 9710 otherwise known as “Magna Carta of Women Act,” the gender-based discrimination was eliminated, and the rights of women are promoted,” Atay explained.

Mercedes Lourdes Quisumbing, president of the Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur Commerce and Industry (PCZI) said she thanked the DTI for spearheading the forum, as it helped promote the rights and well-being of women and their significant roles in the community.

“As a businesswoman I performed my role like a “3-in-one coffee,” because I am a wife, manager of our business, and a president of PCZI,” Quisumbing said.

During her stint in the PCZI in the last 10 years, Quisumbing said, the association garnered three national awards, and five Mindanao and Regional awards.

Engr. Grace M. Silla, owner and manager of Goldas Cakes and Pastries, said she did not practice her profession as chemical engineer but she ventured into business by making cakes and pastries.

Silla said she took a short course in culinary arts in Cebu City to improve her skills.

Silla, who owns four bakeshops in the city, said her small business enabled her to send her three daughters through college.

“I was able to send my daughters in college and they are now professionals. My eldest daughter Jezzel Mica, is a resident doctor at the Philippine General Hospital, Gianne, my second daughter, is a teacher and entrepreneur, and my third, Goldah, is a graduate of Masters in Baking and Pastries in California and now working in Manhattan, New York,” she shared.

“In business life, it is very important to have commitment, dedication, passion, and patience,” Silla said as she also attributed her success to God.

No. 1 Most Wanted in Manukan and Margosatubig, 1 Other Arrested

With report from PO3 Bernard Tan (RPIO9)

Zamboanga del Sur - A joint operation conducted by Police Intelligence students, PIB-ZSPPO, Tambulig Municipal Police Station, V. Sagun MPS, Labangan MPS, Margosatubig MPS, RPSB9 2nd Maneuver Company and Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Public Safety Company for the implementation of Lambat-Sibat service of warrant of arrest in Barangay Liloan, Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental at about 2:00 PM on March 20, 2016.

This resulted in the arrest of Allan Montefalcon, 44, resident of said place, by virtue of warrant for Double Murder filed under Criminal Case Number 23-P issued by Presiding Judge Edilberto G. Absin of 9th Judicial Region, Municipal Circuit Trial Court, Branch 15, Margosatubig, Zamboanga Del Sur, with no bail recommended. Suspect is listed as the number one most wanted person of Margosatubig Municipal Police Station. The accused is now under the custody of PIB-ZSPPO awaiting for commitment order.

Zamboanga del Norte - Combined personnel of Liloy MPS, Manukan MPS, Provincial Intelligence Branch-ZNPPO, and Police Intelligence students arrested John Robert Orcia Razo, 28, resident of Barangay Kayok, Liloy Zamboanga Del Norte on March 20, 2016 at about 9:40 AM. Suspect is listed as the no. 7 Most Wanted Person (Provincial level) and no. 1 Most Wanted Person in Manukan town. This is by virtue of arrest warrant for violation of R.A. 6539 docketed under Criminal Case No. 19478 issued by Judge Oscar D. Tomarong of RTC Branch 8, 9th Judicial Region, Dipolog City with bail bond fixed at ₱180,000.00 and another arrest warrant for theft filed under Criminal Case Number 19854 issued by Judge Victoriano DL Lacaya Jr. of 9th Judicial Region, Dipolog City with bail bond fixed at ₱20,000.00. Subject person is now detained at Liloy MPS for proper disposition.

Zamboanga del Norte - The tracker team of Dapitan City Police Station and Titay MPS personnel conducted a joint manhunt operation in Brgy. Sto. Niño, Dapitan City at about 5:20 AM on March 20, 2016, based on the information from a BIN. The team arrested Rodgelie Sanico, 30, resident of aforementioned place. Subject person was arrested by virtue of warrant for homicide docketed under Criminal Case Number I-5177 issued by Acting Presiding Judge Josefino P Bael of Branch 24, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay dated October 14, 2014, with recommended bail bond amounting to ₱40,000.00. The said accused was turned-over to Titay MPS for proper disposition.

Guingona underlines importance of Senate blue ribbon committee hearings

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA9/ZamboSur)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee underscored the importance of the hearings conducted by the government against corruption.

Guingona, the champion of good governance and enemy of corruption was the keynote speaker in the grand culmination program of the 2016 Women’s Month Celebration spearheaded by the Women Empowerment Movement-Rural Improvement Club (WEM-RIC) on Thursday at the Amusement and Events Center, Provincial Capitol Complex here.

In a press conference following the said program, Guingona said casino agent Kim Wong testified before the Senate blue ribbon committee on March 29 and vehemently denied that he had neither knowledge nor participation in the entry and transmittal of stolen funds to the Philippines via RCBC which eventually ended up in Midas and Solaire casinos.

Guingona said Kim Wong delivered $4.63 million to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) office at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) headquarters in Manila.

“Nalipay ko nga adunay maayo nga resulta sa gipahigayon nga hearings tungod kay pipila sa mga kinawat nga kwarta nabalik sa nasud nga Bangladesh (I am happy that there are good results in the hearings because some of the stolen money were returned to Bangladesh),” Guingona exclaimed.

With this initiative, Guingona is optimistic that the stature of the Philippines in the world has been restored.

“Malaumon ako nga mabalik nato ang dungog sa atong nasud isip masaligan sa financial system ug ang atong mga bangko dili modawat sa kwarta nga mga kinawat (I am optimistic that we could regain our good reputation, with a reliable and trustworthy financial system and that our banks will not accept stolen money),” Guingona opined.

“Kinahanglang ipakita nato sa tibuok kalibutan nga ang Pilipinas dili mosugot nga tagoanan sa kinawat nga kwarta (We need to show to the world that the Philippines will not be a hiding place of stolen money),” Guingona declared.

The good senator said the scam had a negative impact to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) adding that remittance companies and banks of 14 countries were closed. “With this, our OFWs will experience difficulty in sending money to their families in our country,” he concluded.

DBM allocates P390-M for ZamboSur under BUB

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

PAGADIAN CITY April (PIA) – To get rid of corruption and to ensure that Filipinos in the rural areas will benefit from government projects, the present administration introduced the so-called Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BUB), where the people themselves are involved in the implementation of projects in their respective community.

A total of P 389,997,020.00 was allocated by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the implementation of different identified projects in Zamboanga del Sur in 2016. These projects comprise of roads, bridges, water systems, flood controls, agro-fisheries equipment and facilities, day care and health centers, skills training, livelihood programs and support services, among others.

According to DBM, BUB is an approach to preparing the budget proposal of agencies, taking into consideration the development needs of poor cities/municipalities as identified in their respective local poverty reduction action plans that shall be formulated with strong participation of basic sector organizations and other civil society organizations (CSOs).

BUB is a game changing mechanism that allow citizens, local CSO’s and local government units to contribute directly in deciding how the national budget pie is subdivided every year, DBM described.

This mechanism changes old paradigm in national budgeting process, making it more decentralized and participatory, according to the DBM.

Its ultimate goal is to bring genuine equity, development and empowerment to the poor households and communities and it makes growth more inclusive and transparent.

Meanwhile, DBM also allocated for Zamboanga del Norte a total amount of P462 million, Zamboanga Sibugay with P243 million, Zamboanga City – P50 million and Isabela City with P16 million with a total of P1,160,988,620 for the entire Zamboanga Peninsula.

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