Zamboanga del Norte News December 2015

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Zamboanga del Norte - Archived News
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Seal of Zamboanga del Norte
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Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Norte

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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Saint James Cathedral in Dapitan City
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City Hall of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
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Situbo Falls, Zamboanga del Norte

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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Statue of Christ, Pangalalan, Sindangan
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Our lady of the most Holy Rosary, Estaka
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Manukan Mini Museum Landmark

Handuraw Festival 2015 celebrated in Dapitan City

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

The City of Festivals is just one among many epithets of Dapitan City, mainly because it has six festivals to date. Currently, Dapitanons are celebrating its sixth annual festival, the Handuraw Festval, which began yesterday, December 28, and will culminate tomorrow, December 30, as the whole nation celebrates Rizal Day.

Handuraw, a Cebuano term which means “flashback or recommitment to memory,” is one of two major festivals among the six annual events of the Shrine City of the Philippines; another of the city’s moniker. It is being held annually not only to commemorate our national hero’s death but also to promote Dapitan City and its booming tourism industry. It merges historical, cultural, social, and economic elements inspired by Rizal’s life while in Dapitan.

The festival activities include a motorcade, field demonstrations, a search for the Little Miss Dapitan, seminar-workshops on Rizal ‘s teachings, as well as floral offerings to our national hero’s monument among many others.

Dapitanons consider Rizal’s exile in their community as a unique element to bring Dapitan City to where it should be in the Philippine tourism map; as a place so rich in history, coupled with the beauty of its natural resources.

Former mayor Patri Chan, who is now the consultant for Heritage Affairs and chairman of this year’s Handuraw Festival, hopes that people all over the country who love our national hero, will have time to attend the festivities and join in the celebration.

Dapitan is the place where our national hero spent the most colorful years of his life while practicing his calling as an eye doctor.

Zambo del Norte provincial library receives thousands of books

By Mary May A. Abellon (ALT/MAA/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – The Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Library received 17,000 books from the Children’s International Philippines (CIP) in partnership with Rotary Club of Dipolog on Saturday, December 26, 2015.

This “Book Giving Program” of the Rotary Club of Dipolog is part of its 65th Founding Anniversary celebration.

Accordingly, these books will be distributed to 18 municipalities and 45 barangay libraries in the province.

Among the beneficiaries are the municipalities of Rizal, Roxas, Jose Dalman and Siayan.

Provincial Librarian Merely Timonan expressed her gratitude for the books they received from the donors.

“These books will be a big help to the youth, students, teachers and other professionals as they can use these books freely,” she added.

Meanwhile, she acknowledged the generosity of Rotary Club of Dipolog because of its donation and for being a channel to acts of kindness from other foundation.

Cop, guard, 2 others nabbed for illegal gun discharge

By Jaymee T. Gamil (SFM, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — A policeman and a security guard are now in the “naughty list” of those who have been arrested for being trigger-happy during the Christmas season.

According to a report from the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday, they have arrested four people for indiscriminate firing since Dec. 16, the start of a nationwide tally of firecracker and gun-related incidents over the holidays.

Of the four suspects, one was Police Officer 1 Francis Nepomuceno Flake of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). Flake, 29, was found to have fired his service pistol illegally in front of a restaurant on M.H. Del Pilar in Malate, Manila, last Dec. 22, the report from Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesperson, showed.

Flake is assigned to the NCRPO Holding and Accounting Unit in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig, where Metro Manila police with pending administrative cases are usually sent.

Flake’s indiscretion happened despite the Metro Manila police having taped over their firearms to show their commitment to their campaign against indiscriminate firing over the holidays.

Also arrested was security guard Jerry Masaoay Divina, 40, who was found to have fired his gun, repeatedly, on Dec. 26, in Barangay Villavieja in Pilar, Abra. Recovered from him was a loaded homemade handgun. Recovered from the scene were five fired cartridges from the gun.

Two civilians were earlier arrested for illegal discharge of firearms in Leyte and in Dapitan City.

Although only four have been arrested, the PNP has actually monitored six incidents of illegal firearms discharge. The other two remain under investigation. A case in Barangay Baduang, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, against barangay chair Erol Cimatu Calivoso remains pending, though his own daughter submitted five fired cartridge cases from his gun as evidence.

Also still under investigation is the shooting last Dec. 22 in Barangay Maggalang in Sariaya, Quezon province, which left two injured. The suspect, Marianito Alob, fled the scene.

Five people have been reported injured from stray bullet incidents, Mayor said.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/750922/cop-guard-2-others-nabbed-for-illegal-gun-discharge#ixzz3vjzbqGtZ Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

PNP bats for tougher laws vs illegal firearms discharge

By Aaron B. Recuenco and Charina Clarisse L. Echaluce (With reports from Liezle Basa Iñigo and PNA)

As the first stray bullet injury incident on Christmas was confirmed in Pangasinan yesterday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is calling for tougher laws against illegal firearms discharge.

Four days before the peak of New Year’s Eve festivities, five individuals have already been victimized by indiscriminate discharge of firearms across the country, based on PNP figures last updated on December 16.

Yesterday, the Pangasinan Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported that a 34-year-old man was hit on the left thigh by a stray bullet in Bayambang Pangasinan.

“A 34-year-old male from Bayambang, Pangasinan was in a drinking spree inside his house when he was hit by a stray bullet in the left thigh. The patient was admitted at the Region 1 Medical Center,” the report stated.

In Manila, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Jannette L. Garin urged gun owners to use their weapons responsibly to avoid causing injuries to innocent victims.

“Kung ikaw ay may baril, gawin po ito sa responsableng paraan. Hindi dapat na may mga natatamaan o nawawala dahil sa indiscriminate firing… hindi po natin kailangang magpaputok ng baril dahil lang Pasko o New Year (If you own a firearm, be a responsible gun owner. No one should be hit by stray bullets because of indiscriminate firing… guns should not be part of the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations),” she said.

Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman, said the yearly injuries caused by indiscriminate firing should be a wake-up call for legislators to amend the law regarding illegal discharge of firearms that would provide stricter penalties against the culprits.

“We believe that it is high time to take a look into this because the existing law on illegal discharge of firearms is very weak,” said Mayor.

Based on the PNP records, six stray bullet incidents were recorded since December 16, but only five were reported injured.

The latest victims in the record are from Ermita, Manila identified as 21-year-old Ronald Paguinto and in General Trias in Cavite identified as 32-year-old Ryan Aspa.

Paguinto was hit on the back while inside his residence while Aspa was, likewise, in his residence when he was hit on the ankle.

The youngest victim is three-year old girl Calsum Henio after she was hit in the abdomen on December 16 inside their house in Sirawai town of Zamboanga del Norte while the oldest was a 50-year old woman identified as Hawati Hanapi who was injured on the left leg in Zamboanga City on December 20.

The fifth victim was Danilo Carpio of Bayambang, Pangasinan who was injured on the left leg.

The five cases of stray bullet incidents the case of a girl in Caloocan City who was killed by a stray bullet at the height of the New Year revelries several years back. The case remains unresolved.

Mayor said that based on the , illegal discharge of firearms only fall under alarm scandal which carries 30-day imprisonment and a P200 fine.

“We are proposing that the illegal discharge of firearm should be a separate violation which has harsher penalties,” said Mayor.

But pending the action of the Congress, Mayor said they are intensifying the campaign through police visibility and aggressive action against loose firearms.

55 FIRECRACKER INJURIES

Based on the data of the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau (DOH-EB), a total of 55 firecracker injuries were recorded from December 21 to December 24; including 41 hand injuries and six eye injuries, among others.

The number of cases, however, was lower by at least 55 percent or 67 cases compared with the five-year (2010 to 2014) average; and 49 percent or 53 cases lower than what was recorded in the same period last year.

Forty-eight out of the 55 victims were male; while the victims were aged from six to 52 years old. Most of the cases were from the National Capital Region (NCR) with 16 injuries.

PNP records four firearms-related injuries ahead of New Year celebration

By Xianne Arcangel / RSJ (GMA News)

A week before the country ushers in the New Year, two individuals have already been injured by stray bullets while two more sustained injuries due to indiscriminate firing.

Latest data released by Philippine National Police spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor also showed that as of 8 a.m. Thursday, two people have been arrested for illegal discharge of firearms and 10 incidents of the illegal possession, use or sale of firecrackers have been recorded.

The individuals injured from stray bullets were identified as Calsum Henio, 3, from Zamboanga del Norte, and Hawati Asakil Hanapi, 50, from Zamboanga City.

Meanwhile, the persons arrested for the illegal discharge of firearms were identified as Willy Boca Talingting, 47, from Leyte, and 27-year-old Felix Agum Cuenca from Dapitan City.

Confiscated from Talingting was one unit of .22 caliber firearm with four ammunition and two empty shells, while Cuenca was found to be in possession of a caliber-9mm pistol with one magazine and four ammunition.

Another person suspected of indiscriminately firing, identified as Marianito Alob of Sariaya, Quezon, remains at large.

As of Christmas Eve, the police have also confiscated contraband fireworks such as watusi, piccolo and pillbox.

The PNP began keeping a tally of fireworks- and gun-related injuries since Dec. 16, when it started implementing the “Iwas Paputok/Disgrasya” program nationwide.

The campaign will end on January 5, 2016.

New Dapitan COP bares plans, programs

By Alfonso T. Ruda (FPG/ATR/PIA9-ZN)

DIPOLOG CITY,Dec. 23 (PIA) - The newly installed Dapitan City Chief of Police bares his priority plans and programs for the first quarter of 2016 during the recent “Kapihan sa Dipolog” radio program at Sunburst Fried Chicken, Hotel Camila I, this city.

Police Superintendent (P/Supt.) Eddie Pacho Recamara said that effective January 2016, he will strictly implement the “No Plate, No Travel Policy” in Dapitan City together with the “no improvised muffler.”

Recamara also disclosed his other plans to make the local police force more efficient in the performance of their mandated task as the protector of the people’s lives and properties.

Among his plans include the establishment of beat patrol along crime-prone areas and business establishments, 24/7 mobile patrol for crime prevention and to improve police response time, intensify campaign against illegal drugs, activate a dedicated investigating team for fast crime solution.

He also planned to activate a Tactical Operation Center to beef up communications with the barangays, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies and activate the barangay police and training for immediate response within the barangay especially in the remote areas, and to improve island security defense plan in barangays Silinog and Aliguay.

It may be recalled that the barangay chairman of Aliguay together with the elements of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were abducted at the said barangay by Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) last May 4. While the two PCG personnel were able to return home, Barangay Capt. Roberto Boligao was beheaded.

Recamara likewise reminded the motorcycle owners to always bring with them the registration of their vehicles with standard mufflers, as Dapitan City police will strictly implement Republic Act 4136 concerning the impounding of motorcycles with loud mufflers and motorcycles with no plate numbers.

The Dapitan City police chief pointed out that this campaign against undocumented vehicles is also a strong campaign against motorcycle-riding criminals. It was observed that majority of crimes are perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects.

“All these future actions are planned for the greater good and a more peaceful Dapitan. We are requiring all the Dapitanons to support the program and help in the dissemination of the information,” Recamara concluded.

P720-T farm-to-market road to be constructed in Dipolog

  • Source:www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2015/12/22/man-slain-zamboanga-del-norte-gun-attack-448384
  • Wednesday, December 23, 2015
By Mary May A. Abellon (FPG/MAA/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) – A farm-to-market road worth P720 thousand will be constructed in Purok Caimito, Barangay Sangkol this city in the second phase of its barangay road.

This project will be implemented through the counter-parting scheme where the recipient-barangay and the city government appropriate a corresponding amount for the said project.

Barangay Sangkol and the city government agreed to appropriate P315,200 P220, 000, repectively, for the said project.

On the other hand, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9 has given this barangay P184,800 under the Sustainable Livelihood Program through Cash for Building Livelihood Assets.

This infrastructure project is said to help facilitate the exchange and transport of agricultural products from the farm to the market, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and raising the income of farmers.

Zambo. Norte holds food handler’s class in Godod town

By Mary May A. Abellon (FPG/MAA/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

GODOD, Zamboanga del Norte, Dec. 22 (PIA) – The provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte has conducted a food handler’s class at the Auditorium Sports Arena, Godod here last week.

Some 320 participants turned up during the training, which was handled by Provincial Sanitation Inspector Restie Kyamko, Nutritionist and Dietician Rosita Gonzalez, Sanitary Inspector Catherine Barbaso and Maribel Martinez.

The participants were taught proper sanitation in order to have safe and clean food for consumers.

Vendors were also reminded that before they can be issued business permits, they need to acquire health certificate to start their business operations.

Among the lectures given include food sanitation and laws governing food handling, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitation, waste management and temperature control.

Stray bullet injures 3-year-old girl in Zamboanga del Norte

(PNA), FFC/BNB/CLTC

MANILA, Dec. 21 (PNA) -- A three-year-old girl was injured after she was hit by a stray bullet in Zamboanga del Norte, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor identified the victim as Calsum B. Henio, a resident of Barangay Sirawai Proper, Sirawai in Zamboanga Del Norte, the first reported stray bullet victim under the "Oplan Ligtas Kapaskuhan 2015."

The victim was hit by the bullet in her upper right abdomen.

According to Mayor, from December 16 to 21, there were other reported untoward incidents which include indiscriminate gun firing (1), and the use and sale of illegal firecrackers (3).

The PNP earlier called on the public to immediately report cases of indiscriminate firing especially as the New Year celebration draws closer.

The “Oplan Ligtas Kapaskuhan 2015”, which is from December 16, 2015 to January 3, 2016, is designed to minimize crimes during the Yuletide season.

With this, PNP Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez reminded anew all police commanders about the operational guidelines and procedures to be undertaken in maintaining order, law enforcement, and in providing public safety services during the traditional nine-day Simbang Gabi.

"Cub-Cuban" Boat Intercepted for Illegal Fishing in J. Dalman

By Police Chief Inspector Rogelio D. Alabata (C, RPIO9) with report from PO3 Jessica DT Sarsalejo (RPIO9)

Jose Dalman Zamboanga del Norte - A commercial fishing boat locally known as “Cub-Cuban” was spotted along the seawaters of this municipality. Accordingly, at about 12:45 AM on December 7, 2015, personnel from Jose Dalman MPS received an information that a boat was conducting illegal fishing activity in the area. Jose Dalman MPS proceeded to the area and intercepted a motorized pump boat. Operators and units are placed under the custody of said MPS for violation of Jose Dalman Municipal Tax Ordinance Number 001-2003 of section 37 “Ban on the Operation of Commercial Fishing Boat/s”. The sea vessel was released after the owners paid the penalties at the Municipality of Jose Dalman.

December 23, a Muslim legal holiday

By Sheila Covarrubias

The National Commission for Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has declared Wednesday, December 23, a Muslim legal holiday in celebration of Mauluddin Nabi marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) based on Presidential Decree 1083.

The declaration covers the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur and the cities of Cotabato, Iligan, Marawi, Pagadian and Zamboanga.

Meanwhile, Presidential Proclamation 831, series of 2014 declares December 24 and January 2, 2016 as special non-working days throughout the country “in order to foster closer family ties and enable our countrymen to observe New Year and Christmas more meaningfully.”

In addition, December 30, 2015 is a regular national holiday marking the death anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and December 31, 2015, the last day of the year is also declared a special non-working day. —

101st IB launches hot pursuit operation vs NPAs

By Alfonso T. Ruda (FPG/ATR/PIA9-ZN)

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) - Elements of the 101st Infantry Brigade (IB) are now conducting hot pursuit operations against the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who burned down three heavy equipment last Dec. 12 in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte.

According to Captain Jason Roy P. Mararac, 101st Brigade’s Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer, a platoon-size fully-armed NPA members belonging to Natarang Guerilla Flex “A” Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) burned down thee heavy equipment owned by Edana Construction Company in Purok Rosa, Sitio Kandingan, barangay Situbo at 2 p.m. last Dec. 12.

Edana Construction Company, which is now constructing the farm-to-market road in Zamboanga del Norte’s third congressional district, is owned by HJ Yusop, based in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

“We condemn to highest term this foolish act of the NPAs. The incident clearly manifests that the NPAs are against any initiatives for progress and development that would uplift social and economic conditions of the community. The NPAs don’t really care to address the poverty problems. If the NPAs are really pro-poor, then they should participate in and support developmental initiatives. The people of Zamboanga del Norte do not deserve this for Christmas. The equipment are there to construct road to lessen the burden of the farmers and the people in transporting their products and for the government to effectively deliver the needed basic services in the area,“ Col. Jesus Mananquil Jr., 101st brigade commander said.

Manangquil has called on all peace loving people to be vigilant against these dastard and irrational acts. He also urged the NPA members to come down and join the multi-sectoral peace and development initiatives to address the plight of the poor.

“The solution to our problems is not through the barrel of the gun or by burning construction equipment,” he said.

Dipolog vies for ‘Most Child-Friendy Cities’

By Mary May A. Abellon (FPG/MAA/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY, Dec. 17 (PIA) – Evaluators from the central offices of Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have come here recently to assess the city as one of the national finalists for the search for Most Child-Friendly Cities and Municipalities in the country.

Other evaluators were from Department of Justice (DOJ)-9 and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - 9.

The city would compete with other three component cities of Ilagan in Isabela, Tagaytay in Cavite and La Carlota in Negros Occidental.

The evaluators looked into the city’s programs on education, social protection, health and nutrition as well as children’s participation.

They also conducted an interview with local officials regarding the programs, projects and activities for children’s welfare and development in the city.

This search seeks that the national government together with local government units will make efforts in addressing the four categories of child’s right to survival, development, protection and participation.

Meanwhile, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted with presidents of pupils’ government council in public schools and children from the barangays of Olingan, Cogon, Estaka and Sicayab.

The Barangay Council for Protection of Children (BCPC), school principals, Barangay Health Workers (BHW), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and Day Care Workers were thoroughly scrutinized and examined in regard to their child-friendly policies and programs.

Dipolog City has been a regional hall of famer and twice as finalist in national level in the said competition.

New Zambo. Norte police director installed

By Alfonso T. Ruda (FPG/ATR/PIA9-ZN)

DIPOLOG CITY, Dec. 15 (PIA) - Philippine National Police (PNP)-9 regional director Police Chief Superintendent (PCSupt.) Miguel Antonio has recently installed Police Senior Superintendent (PSSupt.) Edwin Buenaventura C. Wagan as the new provincial director of Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office (ZNPPO) in a simple turnover of command ceremony at Camp Hamac, Sicayab this city.

PSSupt.Wagan replaced PSupt. Redentor Retusto, who is now assigned at the Police Regional Office (PRO)-9 in Zamboanga City.

In his farewell message, Retusto expressed gratitude to Governor Roberto Y. Uy and Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy as well as the personnel of ZNPPO for the support they had extended to the provincial command during his 10-month stint in the province. He also urged the men and women of ZNPPO to extend their support and cooperation to the new provincial director.

In his speech, PSSupt. Wagan said he accepted the challenge to head the ZNPPO and thanked the PRO-9 for giving him the chance to serve the people of Zamboanga del Norte.

“Pag-upo ko dito (as I assumed office here), I know it’s not always full of glory. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices like my being away from my family due to my new assignment,” said Wagan, as he urged the entire provincial police force to help him implement the mandated task.

PCSupt. Antonio also reminded Wagan has of the great task ahead of him. “We are in for a busy year ahead of us with the upcoming national and local election on May 9, 2016,” he said.

He urged Wagan to give proper attention to the implementation of “Oplan Lambat Sibat” and One-time, Big-Time Operation, which is part of the major thrusts of PNP Director-General Ricardo Marquez.

The police regional director said Wagan should address all forms of criminality and ensure peace and security in the area through the conduct of patrol operation.

In the same occasion, Retusto was awarded “Medalya ng Kasanayan” for his exemplary performance and invaluable services to the Philippine National Police from February 1, 2015 to December 12, 2015 during his stint as the provincial director of ZNPPO.

Wagan’s assumption to office was also witnessed by the officers and men of the Provincial Advisory Council of ZNPPO headed by Engr. Roland Soliva.

DOH teams up with other gov’t agencies, strengthens anti-firecracker campaign

(PNA), FPV/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 15 (PNA) – The Department of Health (DOH) has teamed up with three other government agencies to strengthen its 2015 anti-firecracker campaign here in Region 9.

Among the agencies the DOH teamed up are the Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in a bid to bring down the number of firecracker-related incidents.

Dr. Joshua Brilliantes, DOH assistant regional director, said Tuesday in a forum that this year’s campaign focuses on encouraging the public to use alternative ways in celebrating Christmas and New Year's revelry instead of using firecrackers.

In previous years, the DOH anti-firecracker campaign were by conveying messages through both scare tactics and positive approaches.

“For this year, instead of firecrackers, the public is encouraged to use safe merry-making instruments and alternative noise-makers such as party horns (torotot), car horns or by playing loud music,” Brilliantes said.

Brilliantes said they also urged the local government units (LGUs) to foster community fireworks display.

Virginia Galareta, regional health promotion officer, disclosed in the same forum that there were 16 cases of firecracker-related injuries with zero death here in Region 9 in 2014.

Galareta said the number of firecracker-related cases in 2014 were higher by 100 percent than that of eight cases registered in 2013.

She said most of the fireworks-related injuries were from the province of Zamboanga del Sur and Isabela City that registered 40 percent each, followed by Zamboanga del Norte with 15 percent and Zamboanga Sibugay with five percent.

“Notably, no cases were reported in Zamboanga City due to the total ban on firecrackers,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ruby Constantino, OIC-regional director, emphasized the earnest cooperation of the LGUs and the public to achieve zero casualty “as we welcome 2016.”

Constantino reminded the public to have fun yet be vigilant at the same time.

Carnapping Suspect, 3 Others Collared

By Police Chief Inspector Rogelio D. Alabata (C, RPIO9) with report from PO3 Jessica DT Sarsalejo (RPIO9)

Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte - Elements of Dapitan CPS with the help of the Eye in the Barangay arrested Mark Anthony Yunting Teves during the conduct of a manhunt operation in Barangay Sta. Cruz, at about 7:00 PM on December 1, 2015.

Suspect was arrested based on the warrant of arrest issued by Judge Vittorio Dante D. Dalman of MTCC, 9th Judicial Region, Dapitan City docketed under Criminal Case Number 17841. Suspect was charged for Estafa penalized under Article 315 with a recommended bail bond of Php 5,000.00. Suspect is now detained at Dapitan CPS for proper disposition.

Zamboanga Del Norte - A man charged for violation of RA 6539 (Anti-Carnapping Law) was arrested by PNP personnel of Piñan MPS during a manhunt operation in Barangay Lapu-Lapu, Piñan at about 6:00 PM of November 30, 2015. Suspect identified as Rojeansly Pularan Galanido, 20, resident of said place, was arrested based on the warrant of arrest docketed under Criminal Case Number 20007 issued by Judge Ric S. Bastasa of RTC9, Branch 8, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte with a recommended bail bond of Php 180,000.00. Suspect is detained at Piñan MPS for proper disposition.

Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte - Elements of Liloy MPS together with the “Eye in the Barangay” conducted a manhunt operation in Barangay Goaw at about 5:00 PM on December 1, 2015. This resulted in the arrest of Julito Saad Padilla, 28, resident of said place. This is based on the warrant of arrest issued by Judge Oscar Tomarong of RTC Branch 28, 9th Judicial Region, Liloy, ZDN. Suspect is charged for Qualified Theft docketed under Criminal Case Number L-002624 with a recommended bail bond amounting to Php 24,000.00. Subject is detained at Liloy MPS detention for proper disposition.

Zamboanga del Norte - A case of violation of Section 5 Article 11 of RA 9165 was filed against the suspect Vilma Jardin y Catalbas thru inquest proceedings with IS No. IX-07-INQ-15L-00851 and Criminal Case No. 20114 dated December 1, 2015 with no bail bond recommended. Subject is now detained at Polanco MPS detention cell while waiting for her commitment order.

Former Tanod, 3 Others Nabbed for Drugs

By Police Chief Inspector Rogelio D. Alabata (C, RPIO9) with report from PO3 Jessica DT Sarsalejo, RPIO9

Zamboanga del Norte - A former barangay tanod was arrested during the drug buy-bust operation held by Siocon MPS and 3rd Maneuvering Platoon of Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Safety Company in coordination with ZNPDEA in Barangay Siay, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte at about 7:15 AM on December 1, 2015.

Din Carsido y Dionga”, 36, resident of Brgy. Diangas, Baliguian. was arrested for possession of a cal .38 revolver, suspected sachets of shabu, and other drug paraphernalia. Inventory and documentation were made in the presence of a barangay councilor. Suspect is detained at Siocon MPS for proper disposition.

Zamboanga Sibugay - A 19-year old male was arrested after he was caught selling a sachet of suspected shabu during the drug buy-bust operation made by personnel of Imelda MPS in Barangay Lumpanac, Imelda at about 12:30 AM on December 1, 2015. Suspect was identified as Joey Dalugdog Sutillano, 19, resident of Barangay Lumpanac, Imelda municipality. Three suspected sachet of shabu, marked money and other drug paraphernalia were recovered from him. Arrested person is temporarily detained at Imelda MPS for proper disposition, while the confiscated items were forwarded to the Provincial Crime Laboratory Office for examination.

Zamboanga City - Two suspected sachets of shabu, marked money and other drug paraphernalia were recovered from a suspected drug dealer/user identified as Robert Luna y Saavedra, 44, resident of Sitio Calle Posporo, Brgy Vitali, during the drug buy-bust operation of ZCPS1 SAIDSOTG in Sitio Calle Posporo, Brgy Vitali at about 11:45 PM on November 30, 2015. Suspect is presently detained at ZCPS1 for proper disposition.

Zamboanga City - A constituent of Barangay Rio Hondo was turned over by security forces to Zamboanga City Police Station 6 (Tetuan) at about 12:40 AM on November 30, 2015. According to the report, tanods of Barangay Kasanyangan turned over Julhani Salam Jumampang, 18, to said police station. He was arrested for possession of one sachet of suspected shabu and other drug paraphernalia. Suspect is presently detained at ZCPS6 for proper disposition.

Ex-Councilor Collared for Usurpation of Authority; 1 Other Arrested in Dipolog

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

Zamboanga del Norte - Dipolog City Police Station personnel conducted a manhunt operation in Barangay Galas, Dipolog City at around 9:50 AM on November 27, 2015.

This led to the arrest of Antonio C. Dinaga, 46, resident of Sta. Clara, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, by virtue of warrant for violation of RA 9262 with bail bond amounting to Php 24,000.00 issued by Presiding Judge Carmelita Sarno Davin of RTC Branch 18, Digos City, Davao Del Sur. The arrested person was released from police custody after posting the required bail bond.

Zamboanga Del Sur - Elements of Labangan Municipal Police Station conducted a manhunt operation in Barangay Upper Pulacan, Zamboanga Del Sur at around 2:30 PM on November 29, 2015. This resulted in the arrest of Azralf Tapodoc Manupac, 29, a former municipal councilor of Labangan and resident of Barangay Upper Campo Islam, Labangan. This is by virtue of warrant of arrest for violation of article 117 of the revised penal code (usurpation of authority) docketed under Criminal Case Number 1564-l with a bail bond of Php 12,000.00 issued by Acting Presiding Judge Norlinda R. Amante-Descallar of Municipal Circuit Trial Court, 9th Judicial Region of Labangan-Tukuran, Zamboanga Del Sur. The arrested person is temporary detained at Labangan MPS for proper disposition.

2 crime group members slain in Zambo Norte shootout

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 11 (PNA) -– Two members of a criminal syndicate group were killed in a shootout in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the police reported Friday.

Chief Insp. Rogelio Alabata, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the slain crime group members as Eting Taupan, 36 and Taring Malabato, 45, both facing attempted murder case.

Alabata said the shootout ensued around 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Sitio Abuno, Barangay Mucas, Salug, Zamboanga del Norte.

Alabata said the shootout ensued while the police forces from Salug and Liloy towns were serving warrant of arrest during a law enforcement operation against the suspects.

Alabata said Taupan and Malabato were members of a crime syndicate known as Muloc group.

He said the raiding team recovered from the possessions of the slain crime group members two caliber .45 pistols with ammunition.

He said the remains of the slain suspects were later turned over to their relatives for decent burial.

DSWD records 538,308 poor households in Region 9, BaSulTa areas

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 10 (PNA) -– The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is conducting final validation of its list of poor households in Region 9 and in the three nearby autonomous region’s provinces.

Hasan Alfad, DSWD regional planning officer, told the Philippines News Agency on Thursday that they initially identified 538,308 poor households through the Listahanan.

Alfad said the final validation of poor households is set to complete this month.

Alfad said that 366,621 of the 538,308 poor households are from Region 9 while the remaining 171,687 are from the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa).

Alfad explained that the DSWD regional office is the one conducting the assessment for the Listahanan due to proximity though the three provinces are under the political jurisdiction of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

He said that Zamboanga del Norte has the highest number of poor households with 120,415. The other areas are as follows: Zamboanga del Sur, 103,612; Zamboanga Sibugay, 68,856; Zamboanga City, 62,629; and, Isabela City, 11,109.

In ARMM, the data showed as follows: Sulu, 106,329; Basilan, 41,522; and, Tawi-Tawi, 23,836.

“These will be the potential beneficiaries of the social protection program not just by our department but of other social protection agencies as well.” Alfad said.

Spreading positivity

By Dr. Jonathan J. Fontilla

The Philippines is one of nine countries in the world that has an increasing number of new cases of HIV or human immunodeficiency virus, with an incidence rate of more than 25 percent, according to UNAIDS. To date, there is one new case every hour as reported by the Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau in the HIV and ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP). HIV is a topic that is avoided by most people since it presents something ominous and lifelong. Add to that the manner of transmission of the virus: through unprotected penetrative sex and sharing of contaminated needles and syringes—taboo subjects that still raise eyebrows among conservatives and liberals alike. The stigma (and discrimination) around HIV is so thick and malicious, it maligns not only those living with the disease but also the people involved in HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support.

Advocacy work starts with an idea to contribute, followed by the will to make a difference. For the far-flung region of Zamboanga Peninsula, Clarisa Jose, DOH Region 9 STI coordinator, and Allan Tahamid, DOH Region 9 program assistant, came up with the idea of engaging the Key Affected Population (KAP) particularly Males having Sex with Males (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW), and creating a pool of peer educators who would provide people with information about HIV and sexually-transmitted infections, condom and lubricant provision, and referral for HIV testing. But implementation of the project in a region of many cultures and religions proved to be challenging. Solicitations for funds and support from different municipalities and LGUs were frowned upon by mayors and local government officials who were largely conservative.

Nevertheless, both Jose and Tahamid persevered. They tirelessly met and talked with local officials to allow MSM and TGW volunteers to come to municipalities for the HIV Peer Education training. Their persistence paid off.

SETTING THE STAGE

The first leg of the HIV Peer Educators training started in Pagadian City last April 2015, a three-day in-house workshop that discussed various topics on HIV basic information, sexual orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE), and, more important, how to deliver these messages to peers and other people. Dipolog City, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga City followed suit. A total of seven workshops were conducted throughout Region 9 from April to October 2015. Seeing the need for local trainers, the peer educators who did well during the training were handpicked to undergo another gruelling five-day workshop: the HIV Peer Educators Training of Trainers. These series of workshops produced 230 peer educators, 14 senior peer educators, 16 junior peer education trainers, and 12 HIV peer education trainers.

PARTNERSHIPS

Passion drives a person to pursue their goals and this was evident with the peer educators of Zamboanga Peninsula. When the volunteers went back to their hometowns, they proceeded to talk to their friends and peers about HIV, organize them into local LGBT groups, and perform outreach activities in different barangays and municipalities throughout the region. Armed only with knowledge and the fervor to serve, the peer educators encountered roadblocks in their advocacy including their capacity to move from one place to another, at their own expense. Not deterred, they reached out to their champions, mayors who recommended them, and forged partnerships with local governments and was certified as official community-based organizations entrusted with the task of providing information about HIV and STIs and making referrals for HIV testing. The leaders of the organizations, united by a singular goal of preventing the spread of HIV in the region, solidified their partnerships and formed an umbrella organization called Spectra Zamboanga Peninsula, the first and only regional LGBT organization in the Philippines. To date, Spectra has 30 partner organizations under its belt. It has provided HIV outreach and information dissemination activities to more than 13,000 people, referred almost 1,500 men and women for HIV testing, and advocated HIV prevention in various schools and offices in the region in less than six months. What started out as an idea blossomed into reality because two people chose to believe in properly investing and training individuals as frontline health workers and leaders in a health program that is riddled with stigma and discrimination.

NO SHORTAGE OF INSPIRATION

Great surprises come in unusual packages. In the world of HIV advocacy, it pays to have leaders who are rather out-of-the-box. Mitch Oral is a rambunctious but emotional transgender woman nurse, who is able to charm even the most macho military man. Philamer Baes mesmerizes everyone with his regal nature and enthusiasm. Mena Montecarlo is a Muslim beauty queen and a Person Living with HIV (PLHIV) who is straightforward and wants to help her fellow PLHIV access services and life-saving HIV treatment (Anti-Retroviral Drugs). Jaya Jaud is a teacher-turned-make-up-artist, caring and motherly, vowing to seven friends who died from complications of AIDS to make a difference in the advocacy. Marie Eguia is another beauty queen, dusky and commanding in her demeanor. Valen Valdez is the gentle soul assigned to the Zamboanga City Medical Center and attends to the needs of the patients who access its services. Ghaga Bularon is a transgender woman farmer, who barely speaks English and Tagalog but is able to communicate eloquently in her native tongue a passion for the cause. Each person offers a different facet of being an HIV advocate, all speaking a singular message of preventing HIV and caring for those who already have the infection. These peer educators have proven that, given the chance and the support, anyone can be a leader in any shape, size, or form.

In the short span of time that they have worked for the advocacy, Spectra Zamboanga Peninsula has already earned accolades from the region as best practices in the HIV advocacy. More important, several of the peer educators have been hired as part of the DOH staff, contributing greatly to the implementation of the HIV program in Region IX. The mayor of Dipolog City even granted the local organization its own sundown clinic to provide HIV services even after office hours. One of the peer educators was even recommended for a scholarship abroad, passed the qualifications, and is now getting ready for her new endeavor.

I’ve been in the HIV program since 2006 and, for me, handling various people with strong personalities has become a way of life. The stories behind each person in the advocacy are rich and colorful, oftentimes reflecting the spectrum and diversity inherent in the different cultures of the Philippines. It has been my privilege and honor to have mentored the peer educators of Zamboanga Peninsula. In celebration of World AIDS Day, let us bring to light the efforts of these heroes of the HIV advocacy.

Concreting of WB-funded Zamboanga road starts

By James Konstantin Galvez

THE concreting of a 6.5-kilometer farm-to-market road (FMR) in Baliguian, Zamboanga del Norte has started under a World Bank-funded rural development project which aims to boost agricultural production areas in the countryside, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that the P76.3-million FMR project will serve some 9,702 beneficiaries, majority of whom are indigenous people belonging to the Subanen and Lalibugan tribes, in an area covering more than 16,000 hectares.

The concreting, which will allow easier access to the Junction National Highway-Mamawan-Diculum-Milidan, will include the construction of spillways and is expected to be completed in 400 calendar days.

The project will be undertaken through a joint venture among JD Construction, River Concrete Construction and Development Corporation and Long Island Builders and Construction.

The project is answered prayer to the people of Baliguian Town, said Mayor Albina Esmali. “It is a dream come true to the people of the upland barangays [villages] who have been living in dismal conditions due to the difficult terrain,” she said.

Esmali explained that nearly half or 3 km out of the 6.5-kilometer stretch is steep slopes and round roads, making the transport of agricultural commodities a challenge.

“Re-gravelling the barangay road after heavy rains will finally end, now that it will be concreted through PRDP [Philippine Rural Development Project],” she said.

Vice Mayor Gali Esmali, who have proposed the subproject under the defunct Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) when he was still the mayor, said that Baliguian was the first and only municipality so far to have been granted with such a massive subproject.

“With a P3-million counterpart funding and endorsement from Zamboanga del Norte, the infrastructure needed by the people of five barangays in Baliguian is now in full implementation,” the vice mayor said.

For his part, PRDP Region 9’s I-BUILD component head Engineer Taripe called for support from officials of the five barangays (Mamawan, Diculom, Milidan, Tamao and Malinao) directly benefiting from the subproject to ensure hassle-free implementation.

Taripe added that the municipality Tampilisan may be the next to benefit from the PRDP, with the rehabilitation and concreting of the Galingon-Balacbaan-Cabong-Tilubong FMR covering 14.38 kilometers with an estimated project cost of P188 million.

“Another huge PRDP infrastructure subproject is the rehabilitation and concreting of Kalawit and Labason FMRs traversing six barangays reaching not less than 32 kilometers with an estimated total project cost of P462 million, the biggest so far throughout the country,” Taripe added.

The PRDP is the Philippine government’s six-year platform for an inclusive, value-chain oriented and climate resilient agriculture and fisheries sector.

Subprojects are implemented under the PRDP’s infrastructure development arm, IBUILD or the Intensive Building of Infrastructure and Logistics for Development Component.

The IBUILD component ensures that the projects are put in strategic places and have climate-resilient rural infrastructure facilities along the value-chain of the champion commodities in each province in the country.

DOH sets mass drug administration to eliminate filariasis in Region 9

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 7 (PNA) -– The Department of Health (DOH) is strengthening its campaign against filariasis in a bid to meet the 2018 deadline of filaria-free Philippines.

Dr. Sitti Nurussamsi Amilassan, DOH regional coordinator for mosquito-borne diseases, told the Philippines News Agency they are scheduled to conduct mass drug administration against Filaria this month.

Amilassan said so far, only the province of Zamboanga del Norte here in Region 9 that still have cases of filaria though it was noted to have decreased.

Amilassan said Zamboanga del Norte in previous years has 130 cases of filaria but it was reduced to only 29 cases last year.

Amilassan Labuan district in this city has six cases in 2005 and was lessened to only one case as of 2014.

“We can eliminate filaria cases once we can attain more than 85 percent mass drug administration coverage this year,” she said.

She said medicines such as Diethylcarbamazine Citrate and Albenzazole will be given to individuals two years old and above during the mass drug administration against filaria.

Meanwhile, she disclosed that the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay are already candidates to be declared filarial-free areas.

She said the two provinces registered zero filaria cases when they conducted nocturnal blood examination in October this year.

Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by an infection with roundworms of the Filarioidea type, which are spread by blood-feeding black flies and mosquitoes.

Filariais disease belongs to the group of diseases called helminthiasis.

Children’s congress showcases kids’ talents from region 9

By Felipo David G. Malcampo

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – “We are undertaking the yearly celebration of the regional children’s congress to promote and showcase children’s talents, from wherever they are in the region,” said Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional director Zenaida Arevalo during the congress held at the Zamboanga Ecozone and Freeport Authority (ZAMBOECOZONE) recently.

During the congress, children coming from key towns and cities in the region including Dipolog City, Dapitan City, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City converged at the Ecozone and performed in competitions such as the speech choir, dance sport and show and tell.

In a message read by Councilor Roel Natividad, Sr., Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar praised the DSWD for the yearly conduct of the congress. “We are sharing our felicitations to the DSWD for continuously promoting children’s welfare in the region,” she said. The message continued “we have been advocating for programs to make children’s aspirations a reality today,” citing that under her administration, security, health and education are the main thrusts.

“We believe that if our youth have access to quality education, then they will be equipped with the knowledge and skills for a better and brighter future,” the mayor said in a statement. “As elders, we are responsible for the children and the youth, we should endeavor to mould them into peace-loving citizens.”

Meanwhile, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) city director Mohammad Taha Arakama said that the DILG “fully supports programs on children, since if children are well-taken cared of, the community in turn will be the same.”

The DSWD’s flagship poverty-alleviation program is the Pantawid Pamilya, which provides conditional cash grants to extremely poor families nationwide. The program provides for the children’s good health and to ensure their continuous education for a brighter future out of poverty. (DIS/FDM/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Crewmen gunned down in Zamboanga

By Roel Pareño (philstar.com)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A fishing vessel captain shot his crew, killing one and injuring another last Wednesday in the high seas off Gutalac town, Zamboanga del Norte.

The suspect was identified as Roldan Lopez Avelino alias “Suangking,” 42, a resident of Barangay Balud, Masbate City. Avelino, a captain of Lightboat L/B KALEIGH 502 of Yap and Lim Fishing Company, was arrested during a pursuit operation.

The slain victim, 42-year-old Nestor Besanes, was a chief engineer from Barangay Tulungatung, Zamboanga City. Reynante Calunsag, another crew member shot by Avelino went missing after falling overboard off the vessel.

Meanwhile, two crew members, 49-year-old ship oiler Eduardo Lima Dela Cerna and 22-year-old cook Richard Alberto Mendoza, were rescued hours after jumping off the ship.

Police Chief Inspector Rogelio Alabata, information chief of the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO), said the shooting occurred about 9 p.m. Wednesday while Avelino and his crew members were in a fishing venture.

Based on the report, Avelino opened fire at the victims using an unknown firearm. Two survivors managed to escape by jumping off the vessel.

Alabata said the crew from another fishing vessel alerted the police which led to the arrest of Avelino about 3 a.m. at the shore of Barangay Diculom, Baliguian town.

He said the search for the missing crew member, who is feared dead, continues.

Pilmico Foods donates 20 piglets and 8 egg machines to ZamboNorte beneficiaries

By Grace Montallana (DIS/GOM/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) - The Pilmico Foods Corporation with its their “Mahalin Pagkaing Atin” program turned-over 20 piglets and eight egg machines to 18 pre-screened beneficiaries at the Zamboanga del Norte Sports Complex recently.

The piglets and egg machines came with 48 six-month-old ready–to-lay hens and rearing cages, built-in feeding trough, waterer,and one month worth of feeds.

Pilmico President and Chief Executive Officer Sabin M. Aboitiz said "this initial assistance would enable local farmers to sustain their livelihood through an easy-to-manage business with a quick return on investment amidst the threat of poverty."

“Pilmico, as Zamboanga del Norte’s partner believes in uplifting the lives of our local farmers through these donations.We hope that these piglets and egg machines will serve as the tools to our farmer friends to cultivate a sustainable livelihood in the years to come,” Aboitiz stressed.

Pilmico also hosted several seminars on animal husbandry and nutrition as well as cooking demos by Mahalin Pagkaing Atin Ambassador Chef Boy Logro to showcasing the different flavors of Dipolog City using pork, chicken and eggs.

Pilmico has already donated a total of 796 piglets and 223 egg machines, and assisted 14 agri-posts where beneficiaries received feedbags as start –up capital, benefiting 411 families nationwide.

Pilmico Foods Corporation is one of the country's largest flour milling companies providing Filipinos with world-class wheat flour and related products since 1962.

Unsung heroes recognized on Fourth Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK)

(davaotoday.com)

DAVAO CITY – Anti-mining defenders, environmental scientists, land protectors, farmers and other stewards of environment were recognized today at the Fourth Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK).

Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK) is a periodic awards event and lecture series honoring Filipino heroes and heroines who have defended the environment and people’s rights.

Frances Quimpo, Executive director of the Center for Environmental Concerns Philippines (CEC-Phils) and the lead organizer of the GBK said that in-line with the commemoration of 2015 as the International Year of Soils, the 4th GBK highlighted the people’s struggles on defending their rights as land owners and the efforts made for saving the soul of terrestrial ecosystems.

“This year’s crop of Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan heroes was acclaimed for bringing in their knowledge, capacities, and committed principles into the people’s responses to the worsening land, environment and climate crises we face. World leaders in the on-going COP 21 climate talks should be grounded in the tireless and selfless deeds of Filipino environmental heroes who stand for land, life, and the environment,” said Quimpo.

After a meticulous nationwide process of nomination and selection, the GBK honored three individuals, two organizations and the most exemplary organization.

The receiver of the Most Distinguished Award was the Talibon-Trinidad Integrated Farmers Association (TTIFA), a farmer’s organization in Bohol province whose members have occupied land areas in the cattle ranches and transformed them into a productive, sustainable and communal agricultural hub. They have done this done despite of the continuing harassments to them by private security and paramilitary forces.

“The people’s ownership of land and their collective practice of ecological agriculture have helped improve agricultural productivity across more than 30 villages in their locality,” said Quimpo.

The GBK individual awardees were Marieta Corpuz – an Aeta mother and leader of the Samahan ng mga Katutubo ng Sierra Madre, Most Rev. Jose Manguiran, Bishop Emiritus of Dipolog City who is known for opposing large scale mining projects and the late Fidela ‘Delle’ Salvador who helped in building rehabilitation for Super Typhoon victims Ondoy and Pepeng and other disasters in Cordillera region.

The other GBK organization awardees were; Bukluran para sa Inang Kalikasan-Batangas (BUKAL) and Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research (INECAR).

Quimpo said that the same with these people, the commitment to act in reducing the hazards of climate change is still in need.

“World leaders should take a leaf out of the GBK heroes’ books and assert for a new climate agreement that ensures social justice, environmental protection, and the accountability of polluter countries and companies,” said Quimpo.

The 4th GBK, was held at the UP NISMED Auditorium in the University of the Philippines – Diliman.

Police kill robbery suspect in Zambo Norte shootout

By Bong Garcia

ONE of the four gunmen that held up and robbed a copra buying station was killed in a shootout with pursuing policemen in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the police reported Wednesday.

Zamboanga Peninsula Police Office Information Officer Rogelio Alabata, said the shootout took place around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday at Sitio Magubok in the village of Poblacion, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte.

Alabata said the slain suspect was not immediately identified. The other three suspects, who were believed to have been wounded, escaped.

The officer said the suspects riding on two motorcycles held up and robbed a copra buying station, owned by John Canya, an hour before the shootout at Sitio Lipas in the village of Patawag, Labason, Zamboanga del Norte.

Alabata said the suspects carted away cash more or less P200,000, two motorcycles as well as mobile phones and fled towards the Kalawit-Tampilisan area.

He said the police in the nearby towns were immediately alerted of the incident prompting them to conduct checkpoints along the highway, thus the shootout.

Manhunt operation continues aimed to arrest the other fleeing suspects, Alabata said.

Employer loses P.5M to ‘kasambahay,’ cohort

By Steve Gosuico

SAN Isidro, Nueva Ecija -- A female househelp and her cohort were nabbed in Bulacan shortly after they robbed the former’s employer of some P500,000 in cash and jewelry here over the weekend, police said yesterday.

Town police commander Supt. Steven O. dela Cruz identified those arrested as Jonathan Pascual, 20, single, farmer, of Tutuban Sentro, Baluarte, Gapan City, and Charlene dela Rosa, 19, single, native of Poblacion, Zamboanga del Norte.

Dela Rosa is a stay-in helper of robbery victim Lorie Bernardino, 49, teacher, married, of Villa Ruz Subd., Bgy. Poblacion, this town.

The two suspects were nabbed after police were able to immediately trace their identities through the help of a CCTV camera installed at the premises.

Dela Cruz said the heist was discovered by Raul Bernardino, the victim’s brother-in-law, when he arrived home at around 11:30 a.m. and saw the master’s bedroom forcibly opened and its drawers and jewelry box empty.

Found stolen were assorted pieces of jewelry amounting to P400,000 and some P100,000 in cash.

Through the help of the CCTV footage, Dela Cruz said his men were able to trace the whereabouts of the suspects, who fled to Bgy. Tibag, Baliuag, Bulacan, where they were arrested with the coordination of the local police.

He said charges for qualified theft are being slapped against the arrested suspects before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Cabanatuan City.

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