Zamboanga del Norte News June 2017

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

Zamboanga del Norte - Archived News
Zamboanga del norte seal.png
Seal of Zamboanga del Norte
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines
Zamboanga del norte philippines map locator.png
Zamboanga Peninsula MAP.gif
Zamboanga del norte provincial capitol.JPG
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.

Dapitan city saint james cathedral.jpg
Saint James Cathedral in Dapitan City
Dipolog zamboanga del norte city hall building.jpg
City Hall of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Situbo Falls.jpg
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.
Statue of Jesus Christ Pangalalan Sindangan zamboanga del norte 1.jpg
Statue of Christ, Pangalalan, Sindangan
Our lady of the most holy rosary cathedral parish estaka dipolog city zamboanga del norte.jpg
Our lady of the most Holy Rosary, Estaka
Manukan landmark mini museum poblacion manukan zamboanga del norte.jpg
Manukan Mini Museum Landmark

Liloy NHS wins DENR Environmental Quiz

By Alfonso T. Ruda (ALT/ATR/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) --- Students from Liloy National High School, Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte won this year’s Provincial Junior High School Environmental Quiz held on June 23, 2017 at Bamboo Garden, this city.

DENR-PENRO Officer-in-Charge Geoffrey S. Zayas, in his inspirational message cited six reasons why one has to protect the environment and the role of the youth in advocating the value of environment protection amidst the ever-changing climate we are confronted with.

“Climate change is real and this is the new normal,” Zayas said.

Chief Planning Officer Maribel C. Acama said the quiz was held in line with the celebration of Philippine Environment Month (June), World Environment Day (June 5)and Philippine Eagle Week (June 4-10).

According to Acama, the Provincial Junior HS Environmental Quiz was participated in by 21 public high schools and one private high school in Zamboanga del Norte.

Tampilisan NHS topped the elimination round with 47 points, followed by Liloy NHS and Punta NHS (40) and Sindangan NHS, Katipunan NHS and Compra NHS with 35 each.

However, Liloy NHS won the final round with 20 points and Punta NHS and Sindangan NHS tied with 15 points.

Sindangan NHS won over Punta NHS in a sudden-death tie-breaker to get 2nd and 3rd prize respectively.

For its feat, Liloy NHS received P5,000.00 and a medal as first prize; Sindangan NHS received P3,000.00 and a medal as second prize winner and P1,000.00 and a medal as prize for third place. Aside from cash prizes, each school also received a trophy.

OIC Zayas, together with Dr. Amelinda Montero of DepEd and EPS Zyhrine P. Mayornita awarded the cash prize, medals and trophies to the winners.

Liloy NHS was represented by James Al S. Serondo and Kent Edu Michael E. Montaño, with coach Ms. Delia E. Cabildo; Sindangan NHS represented by Griffin Pacatang and Clara Alosbanos, Mr. Siegfred F. Tagupa and Punta NHS was represented by Khayla Binghay and Dea Marie Dahili, coached by Lanidela Cruz.

OIC Geoffrey S. Zayas, in his inspirational message before the quiz cited several reasons why one has to protect our environment and the role of the youth in advocating the value of environment protection amidst the ever-changing climate the whole world is facing at present.

2 cops, fireman, 3 others fall in drug bust

By Bong Garcia

SIX people, including two policemen and a fireman, were arrested in series of anti-drug operations in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the police reported on Thursday, June 29.

The Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office identified the arrested suspects as Senior Police Officer 1 (SPO1) Gilbert James, 46, SPO1 Raul Maguinsay, 47, Fire Officer 3 (FO3) Ramil Mosqueda, 48, Rolando Mosqueda, 57, retired fireman, Leopoldo Dangase, retired jail officer, and Emmanuel Velasco, 39.

The police said that (Rolando) Mosqueda was arrested in a drug bust operation around 6:58 p.m., Tuesday, at Room 315 of Pepic's lodge in the village of Central Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

James was caught seated in a bed holding two cut rolled aluminum foil. He is assigned with the Provincial Intelligence and Detective Management Branch.

The police said Velasco was arrested in a separate drug bust around 10:30 p.m. also on Tuesday at Room 206 of the same lodging house.

The police said that Maguinsay and Dangase were caught in the act holding hard drugs paraphernalia while on pot session in the same room.

The younger Mosqueda was arrested in a drug bust around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday in the village of Santa Isabel, Dipolog City.

The drug busts were carried out jointly by the police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Dipolog City.

Confiscated from the suspects were marked money, suspected shabu, .9-mm pistol with ammunition, mobile phones, motorcycle and prohibited drug paraphernalia.

8 people injured in Zamboanga highway accident

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

EIGHT people, including a physician, were injured when the vehicle they were riding crashed on a pile of hollow blocks and a parked tractor after evading a carabao pulled sledge in Zamboanga del Norte, the police said Wednesday, June 28.

The Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office said that the incident took placed around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday in the village of Bago, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

The victims were identified as the following: Dr. Marcelito Lacaya, 58; Melvin Salinas, 50; Maritoni Lacaya, 56; Doris Bataga, 59; Abigail Khio, 51; Rene Hernan, 39; and, Lester Abog, 31, all government employees.

A bystander identified as Ronald Gamboa, 32, was also injured.

Investigation showed the government employees were aboard a van driven by Salinas traveling from Dipolog City to Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte when suddenly a carabao pulling sledge crossed the highway.

The police said Salinas lost control of the steering wheel and crashed on a pile of hollow blocks and a tractor parked near a store when he evaded the sledge.

SP approves Zamboanga del Norte’s GAD Code

By Alfonso T. Ruda (ALT/ATR/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte/with report from EPT/KsD)

DIPOLOG CITY, June 27 (PIA)---Zamboanga del Norte has already its own Gender and Development Code.

This developed after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, in its regular session presided by Vice Governor Atty. Senen O. Angeles approved in the third and final reading Provincial Ordinance No. ZN-SP-17-171, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Enacting the Gender and Development Code for the Province of Zamboanga del Norte and Mandating the Implementation of a Comprehensive and Sustainable GAD Program.”

The newly-approved Provincial Ordinance was primarily crafted by lawmakers to give appropriate attention and consideration to the rights of all women in Zamboanga del Norte.

According to Zamboanga del Norte 3rd District Board Member Ruth Brillantes, author of ZN-SP-17-171, who is also the chairman on the Committee of Women, Children and Family Affairs, the new ordinance aims to protect and preserve women’s rights against all abuses from men.

The ordinance further provide for women’s equal opportunities against men in the field of employment and for promotion if situation warrants.

Section 2 of the new ordinance requires the local government unit of Zamboanga del Norte to ensure that in all instances, women are treated equally with anyone. The LGU is also obliged to implement gender-related programs that would lead to the upliftment of women’s lives, their family and the community as a whole.

Vice Gov. Angeles said the new ordinance was unanimously supported by all members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as it conforms to the priority programs of the Uy Administration.

He said the approved ordinance will now be forwarded to Governor Roberto Y. Uy for his signature and subsequent implementation.

Onggocan retains IBF youth belt, TKOs Pantilgan in Calamba

By Ryan Songalia (Rappler.com)

Robert Onggocan becomes the first boxer to stop Marjun Pantilgan after Pantilgan remains on his stool following the ninth round

CALAMBA CITY, Philippines – Robert Onggocan made a successful homecoming to the Philippines, stopping Marjun Pantilgan after the ninth round to retain the IBF youth flyweight title in Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines on Friday, June 23.

Onggocan (9-1, 5 KOs) of Dapitan City became the first to ever stop the hard-punching Pantilgan (14-5, 11 KOs) of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, after a steady body punching attack in the ninth convinced Pantilgan to not come out for the tenth and final round.

The fights were the highlight of the penultimate night of the Buhayani Festival and will be shown on Rappler in the coming days.

The 21-year-old Onggocan was fighting for the first time since his biggest victory, a seventh-round technical knockout of Iwan Zoda in Indonesia to win the belt. He trains out of the nearby Olivetti Boxing Gym in Biñan City and had the local fans on their feet with his flashy southpaw combinations which kept Pantilgan, 22, off balance.

Standing atop the corner post in prayer after the victory, Onggocan had come a long way from just 4 years ago, when he was kicked out of his house in Zamboanga del Norte by his father after a fight over money shortly after graduating high school. After watching a YouTube video of Manny Pacquiao’s win over Miguel Cotto, Onggocan decided he’d become a boxer.

He took a bus to Dipolog City and slept on the street before walking into the boxing gym the next morning and trying out for the gym. Onggocan turned professional two years ago and has won his last 5 fights.

He’ll return home with the belt and will buy his father Ronnie, a part-time construction worker, a tricycle worth P45,000 so his father can earn an easier living.

Dino Olivetti, who trains Onggocan and promoted the show, says he intends to move his career slowly, but would be open to challenging newly-crowned OPBF flyweight titleholder Keisuke Nakayama.

In other results, Warren Mambuanag (11-7-2, 3 KOs) scored a minor upset, knocking down Venson Delopere (5-2-3, 2 KOs) in the third round to send him to a second straight unanimous decision defeat in their 10-round junior featherweight fight.

Mark Rey Taday (8-2, 4 KOs) won a unanimous decision over Vincent Bautista (5-8-4, 1 KO) in their 10-round junior flyweight fight. Taday has now won his last 3 fights, including an upset over the 7-0 Carlo Caesar Penalosa in February.

A 6-round fight featuring the boxing return of former IBF flyweight titleholder Amnat Ruenroeng was originally slated for the card but was canceled earlier in the week, with the promoter citing an unspecified injury.

Zanorte launches Tourism program

By Allen Abastillas

Zamboanga del Norte will launch a tour package focusing on tourist destinations in the entire province.

Dubbed as “DDPKAROMAS,” the program was the subject of a meeting with government officials in Dipolog city last Wednesday.

“DDPKAROMAS” means Dipolog city-Dapitan city-Katipunan-Roxas-Manukan- Sindangan, areas where tourist destinations are concentrated in the region.

Department of Tourism-9 Supervisor Bernard C. Gregorio said that discussions focused on plans for the program’s launch.

Among tourist sites included in the circuit are Sungkilaw Falls, Linabo Peak, Dakak Beach Resort, Rizal Shrine, Aliguay and Silinog islands, the US-Japanese World War II warship beach site, and caves in Katipunan and Roxas.

The program is reportedly financed by USAID.

Plans for the development of tourism in the region include infrastructure development and organization of the community for tourism purposes.

Floating fetus found in Sindangan

(LAJ)

A fisherman discovered a fetus floating off the seas of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte last Saturday (June 17) afternoon.

A Police Regional Office-9 report said that the fetus was found by a certain Andres Balawing, 46 years old, male, married and a resident of Sitio Siari Valley, Barangay Siari, Sindangan municipality.

Balawing was reportedly on his way to fish when he saw the female fetus with an umbilical cord still attached to the body, floating around 100 meters away from the shore of barangay RG Macias.

Balawing retrieved the cadaver and informed the barangay chairman.

Based on examination by Rural Health Unit personnel, the female fetus was thrown to the sea just a few hours before it was sighted.

The Sindangan Municipal Police Station is conducting a thorough investigation.

The Chief of the Women’s and Children’s Desk also directed midwives assigned in coastal barangays to submit the names of pregnant women who have undergone pre-natal check up in their 7th to 9th month of pregnancy.

Coast Guard: 23 fishermen sent back to Zamboanga

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

THE 23 fishermen from Mindanao who reached Negros Island Region in the past days returned to Zamboanga del Norte after they signed an affidavit of undertaking.

Lieutenant Senior Grade Jimmy Vingno, chief of Philippine Coast Guard in Bacolod City, said the four fishermen from Dapitan City, who were seen in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental Monday, June 19, were advised to go home after they were profiled by the police.

The fishermen on board a fishing vessel reached Sipalay City as they were supposed to go fishing before going to Oriental Mindoro.

They have no pertinent documents, but they were allowed to go home Tuesday, June 20, a day after authorities checked their identifications and did not see any threats.

In Negros Oriental, 19 fishermen on board F/B Hermen from Sindangan town, Zamboanga del Norte were also seen in the sea waters of Bayawan City last Saturday, June 17.

Police Officer 2 Jerry Manguilimutan, investigator of Bayawan City Police Station, said the fishermen left Sindangan port around 8 p.m. on the same day to go fishing, and eventually reached the Negros waters after they were carried by strong winds.

Around 5 a.m. the following day, authorities intercepted them.

After the investigation, police discovered that the vessel headed by crew captain Clark Junfrin Ladiana is owned by Sindangan Municipal Councilor Herbal Abapo.

The group was endorsed to the Coast Guard, and they were also allowed to leave Bayawan City Sunday afternoon.

3 persons with spurious identification papers nabbed in Zambo Norte

(TPGJR/PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 21 - The police on Wednesday announced that three persons have been detained and placed under investigation to determine whether they are fleeing members of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute Group.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, said they were arrested around 2 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Palandok, Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte.

Beltran identified them as Ismael Amado, 28, of Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay; Khalid Amiludin, 21, of R.T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay; and, Karim Manisan, 21, of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

He said they were arrested by joint police and military forces following the reported presence of “unidentified suspicious looking persons” in Barangay Palandok, Leon Postigo.

He said the three were detained for thorough investigation after it was discovered their identification papers were spurious.

“They presented their respective BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) Tax Identification Number (TIN) cards and found out that their TIN cards were believed to be fake to hide their real identity,” the Zamboanga del Norte Police Office reported.

Last week, the police have arrested 13 suspected members of the Maute group who sought medical at a hospital in Pagadian City. Two of them were found positive of traces for gunpowder nitrate.

They were brought on Monday to the headquarters of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City.

The police and military authorities have tightened security to monitor and arrested members of the Maute group fleeing from Marawi City.

Some of the local government units here in Region 9 have adopted the “No ID, No Entry” policy to shut possible entry of terrorists in their respective areas.

Fighting continues as government troops continue to press on the Maute group members, who laid siege in Marawi City.

2 fall in Dipolog City drug bust

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

Combined police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives have arrested two people in an anti-drug operation in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, an official announced Monday, June 19.

Zamboanga del Norte Police Director Edwin Buenaventura Wagan identified the arrested suspects as Alven Eguia, 35, and Gina Eguia, 33, both residents of the village of Dos, Katipunan town.

Wagan said the suspects were arrested in a drug bust around 6:45 p.m. Saturday along Martinez Street in the village of Miputak, Dipolog City, Zamboanga Del Norte.

He said the arresting team confiscated from the suspects’ possessions were two big-size and two small-size sachets of suspected shabu, P4,000 marked money consisting of eight pieces of P500 bills, a P20 bill, three cellular phones, and an envelope.

He said the suspects were detained for filing of appropriate charges in court.

NFWM joins Araw ng Sirawai

(PR)

Naval Forces Western Mindanao joined the constituents of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte in their celebration of its 49th Founding Anniversary collectively known as “ARAW NG SIRAWAI 2017” on June 15, 2017.

The Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Rear Adm. Rene V. Medina AFP, who is a native of Sirawai, graced the said occasion and was welcomed by the Mayor of the Municipality of Sirawai, Mayor Gamar A. Janihim. Together with the Commander, NFWM was Team NAVFORWEM with Civil Military Operations Unit - Western Mindanao (CMOU-WM), Naval Reserve Center (NRCen) and Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 (MBLT11) to conduct Medical/Dental Outreach Mission with a theme “Kauban Ninyo Ang Inyong Navy sa Kalinaw ug Paglambo”. The CMO initiatives is in support to Higher Headquarters’ development support and security plan “KAPAYAPAAN 2017-2022” in promoting peace, ensuring security, helping maintain public order and supporting the overall development initiatives of the government.

The conducted Medical/Dental Outreach Mission included Medical/Dental Consultation, Feeding Program, Free Haircut, Operation Tuli and Film Showing. The Philippine Navy mobile recruitment team was also there to scout for those who would like to serve the country under the Navy. The Command likewise turned over assorted goods and trash bins to the community.

Team NAVFORWEM was overwhelmed by the warm welcome of the residents of Sirawai which was evident in their prepared program for the said activity which included an Amateur Boxing competition participated by the youth of Sirawai and other festivities participated by the men and women of the municipality.

The participation of NAVFORWEM in the Municipality of Sirawai’s celebration of their 49th Founding Anniversary has left a mark on the citizens as they engaged in the event leaving them the assurance that the Navy in Western Mindanao is one with them in their pursuit of peace, public order and overall development.

Top 20 Agri students to train with PRI

By RG ANTONET GO

The Department of Agriculture will send the top twenty Agriculture graduates of a Zamboanga del Norte school to train at the Philippine Rice Institute in Nueva Ecija this month.

Constancio G. Alama, DA-9 Regional Director, said that beneficiaries are the top 20 students of the Jose Rizal Memorial State University students taking up Agriculture-related courses such as Agri Business, Agriculture and Agriculture Engineering.

Beneficiaries will be composed of a mixed group of first to fourth year students of the school.

They will be accompanied by three professors and the Municipal Agriculture Officer.

The students will be trained on the science of rice, rice production, and will be allowed to undergo field demonstration.

“Man prepare este kanila na technical skills si queda sila agriculturist and agricultural technicians after graduating. Pwede kanila man employ el Agriculture Officer later on cay tiene ya sila buen training,” said Alama.

The students are expected to undergo briefing this Saturday.

The activity will be held this June since the school closes this month and opens the school year in August.

Alama said that the program is a manifestation to the commitment of DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol to support Agriculture students and encourage others to take up Agriculture.

DSWD-SWADT Office inaugurated

By Alfonso T. Ruda (ALT/ATR/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has recently inaugurated its newly-completed Social Welfare and Development Team Office/Regional Satellite Office situated beside the Department of Trade and Industry at Barangay Sta. Isabel, this city.

DSWD-9 Regional Director Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo and Dipolog City Councilor Atty. Roger Asprer, representing Mayor Darel Dexter T. Uy led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a ceremonial mass and blessing which formally signalled the opening of the new building to serve its clients.

The construction of the two-storey new SWADT Office started in December 2015 and was completed last February 28, 2017. It is erected in a 250 square meter lot owned by the City Government with P6.689 million budget from DSWD’s Trust Fund.

In her message, RD Solamillo expressed her gratitude to the Dipolog City Government for providing a lot for DSWD. She also urged the social workers to serve its clients with sincerity and dedication as pointed in its core values, “Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo, Serbisyong Walang Puwang sa Katiwalian, Patas na Pagtrato sa Komunidad.”

SWADT Leader Eva Avila, reiterated her thanks to the City Government for giving them a new home as she narrated their sad experience with a rented office where they have to transfer from one place to another for some reasons which also created confusion among their clients.

The SWADT Office building is the fourth government office to rise in the government-owned lot in Sta. Isabel. Dipolog City Police Office was the first to settle in the area, followed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and soon, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

Other personalities present during the inauguration ceremony and thanksgiving were Zamboanga del Norte Second District Board Member Romulo Soliva, DSWD Regional, Provincial and City Social Welfare and Development Office personnel.

Top 20 Zambo Norte agri students to train in PRRI

(RGAAG/PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 15 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is sending the top 20 agriculture students from Zamboanga del Norte to a seven-day training at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PRRI) in Nueva Ecija.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Director Constancio Alama on Thursday said the training of the students will commence on Sunday, June 18, and ends on June 24.

Alama said those who will undergo the week-long training are students enrolled in Agriculture, Agri-Business and Agriculture Engineering at the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

Alama said they will be taught the science of rice, rice production to include field demonstration.

“The training is to impart to them the needed technical skills,” he added.

After the training, they will undergo summer job training at the Municipal Agriculture Office in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

Alama said the training will be conducted this month since the JRMSU closes its school year in June. The school year opens in August.

He said the training, which is free of charge, forms part of the program of DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol in support to agriculture students.

Piñol’s program is also one way to encourage students to study agriculture courses.

Secretary Ubial graces 119th Independence Day celebration in Dapitan City

By Alfonso T. Ruda (ALT/ATR/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

Dapitan City (PIA)--- Dapitan City joined the whole Filipino nation in celebrating the 119th Philippine Independence Day held at Punto de Disembarco de Rizal at Barangay Sta. Cruz.

Health Sec. Paulyn Jean Russel-Ubial, who was the guest speaker of the memorable event stressed the great challenge faced by the Philippine government, citing the crisis in Marawi City due to the ongoing battle between government forces and the Maute Group.

Ubial said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will never allow the ISIS flag to be hoisted in Marawi City, as he ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to crush the enemies of the Philippine Republic.

According to her, the most important message in today’s Independence Day celebration is to have a change in ourselves to attain a lasting peace. “Let us have reform in ourselves, on how we deal with one another, how we think of ourselves and how we could help in attaining peace,” Ubial said.

Sec. Ubial expressed her gratitude to Dapitan City Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos, Vice Mayor Ruben Cad, local officials and employees for the warm welcome accorded to her delegation.

“Let us have peace in ourselves, in our thinking and spiritual peace. This will lead us to have good dealing with one another in the community. Peace is also the answer to have a progressive and independent nation,” Ubial said.

Joining in today’s celebration here are the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, national government agencies, non-government organizations, and the academe, among others.

Liloy adopts Maritime boats

By Allen Abastillas

The municipality of LIloy in Zamboanga del Norte has committed to adopt two boats of the Regional Maritime Unit under the “Adopt a Boat of RMU-9” project.

Zamboanga del Norte Maritime Station Chief SPO4 Allan Pestañas led officials last Friday in the ocular inspection of the Catamaran boats, docked at a finger wharf in Taluksangay, Zamboanga city.

Under the project, the Liloy local government will shoulder the acquisition of the new engines of the Catamaran two-hull speedboats to replace the previous engines which have been retired after being used for the past three decades.

The Liloy government will also shoulder repair of the two boats.

RMU-9 Chief Supt Pedro Soliba thanked Liloy Mayor Felixberto Bolando for the municipality’s commitment to adopt the two vessels.

Soliba also thanked Dapitan Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos for the latter’s commitment to adopt another boat under the program.

The boats will be utilized by Maritime Station troopers in Zamboanga del Norte for seaborne operations.

6 Bar 2016 topnotchers join OSG

By Christopher Lloyd T. Calwan (PNA)

MANILA -- Six out of the 12 topnotchers in the recent Bar examinations will be joining the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

Solicitor General Jose C. Calida said that Alanna Khio, (2nd place), Athalia Liong (3rd place), Justin Morilla (5th place), Mark Dave Camarao (6th place), Nia Rachelle Gonzales (9th place) and Andrew Stephen Liu (10th place) in the recent 2016 bar examinations will reinforce OSG’s thrust to make the OSG home to the best and the brightest lawyers in the country.

“Six topnotchers from the most recent bar examinations will be joining the OSG in its pursuit of social justice as the Republic Defender and the Tribune of the People,” Calida said in a statement.

According to Khio, joining the OSG will help her realize her full potential.

“In order to become the best lawyer I can be, I need to be trained in the best law firm in the country,” the second placer from Dipolog City said.

For her part, Liong, who also hails from Dipolog City, the OSG will give her the best training, experience and exposure in order to hone her full potential as a lawyer. Liong, married with three children, placed 3rd in the 2016 bar examinations.

For Camarao, 6th placer from Ilocos Norte, joining the OSG is a lifelong dream and to act as counsel for the Republic of the Philippines is, to him, the highest form of service.

Gonzales, married with two kids, who is currently working as a court decongestion officer in Batangas, said that joining the OSG is the best way to serve the country.

Liu from Dumaguete said “when I got invited to join the OSG, there was no doubt that I would accept the invitation. What better place to start your career than the best law firm in the country.

For the first time, no Metro Manila-based school landed in the top 10 of the 2016 Bar examinations, according to results released by Supreme Court last May 3.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno urged the country's new lawyers who took their oath last May 22 to empower the provinces with better legal services, particularly the poor sectors of the society.

“We need to talk about encouraging more Mindanao, Visayas and non-Metro Manila lawyers to consider staying and rendering service where they are.I understand that for a young lawyer wishing to provide his or her future family access to top-level education, Metro Manila is the business residence of choice. But, I ask you, batch 2016, to consider that it has been the historical neglect of the countryside that has created the understandably myopic view of the problem of justice in our country,” the magistrate told to 3,747 new lawyers who took their oath last May 22 before the Supreme Court (SC) magistrates sitting in special en banc session held at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

She said that in pushing for reform we must recognize the historic inequalities that have disadvantaged many regions and populations outside Metro Manila and other major urban centers – and in so doing seek to rectify them on all fronts: through rules and procedures, as the Court is doing; through continuous improvement of legal education throughout the country; and also through the presence of lawyers such as yourselves in regions that sorely need practitioners who are dedicated to addressing these inequities and contributing to their local communities.

Sereno said that country need lawyers who will not back down from serving the rule of law even at great personal cost; who will not bend to pressures to set the law aside in favor of expediency; committed to justice for all; dedicated to equal rights for the oppressed and disenfranchised; who serve where the need is greatest; who contribute to the conversation not only of their local community but to the national conversation as well, of how we might better serve our people.

”My dear batch of 2016, I call upon you to commit yourselves with all passion and drive to join us in changing this. For this is the heart of our reforms: that we must work to ever more closely hew to our people’s deep desire for justice throughout the entire Philippines, for all kinds of Filipinos.

According to 2016 Bar Chairman and Supreme Court Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco, the country needs more lawyers today to attend the needs of the marginalized.

Velasco said that he is truly happy with the result of this year's bar examinations with the high passing rate of 59.06 percent with total of 3,747 out of the 6,344 examinees who took the 2016 Bar examinations.

He noted that this is the second highest passing rate in the history next to the 1954 Bar examinations with 75.17 percent passing rate. The all-time low was set at 16.5 percent in 1999.

Karen Mae L. Calam, a graduate of the University of San Carlos, topped this year's Bar Examinations with the highest over-all rating of 89.05 percent.

10 must-visit historical sites in the Philippines

By Lui Batongbakal, Jr.

In celebration of Independence Day, we give you these under-the-radar destinations that will take you on the best journey yet—back in time

Old places have souls, but none as palpable as those found in landmarks of great historical importance. These places are mute but great storytellers; stationary yet the closest thing to a time machine you’ll ever experience. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, you can know more about the Philippines—its past tragedies, triumphs, and defeats—by going beyond the trite Luneta or National Museum. Although relatively less popular, these captivating parks and buildings helped shape the Filipino identity in ways that are both profound and unforgettable.

The Aguinaldo Shrine (Kawit, Cavite)

Emilio Aguinaldo has been vilified as one of history’s bad guys. In his house in Cavite, however, only the greatness of his life and achievements take center stage. Standing at 4,864 square meters, the Aguinaldo House is located along the main road called Camino Real, suggesting of his connections to the Spanish authorities as a member of the principalia or the ruling elite.

Indeed, the items inside the mansion are the stuff of luxury: from the bowling alley to a swimming pool with a secret door to the grand salon and 1924 Packard limousine—far from its humble beginnings in the 1840s as a nipa-and-thatch structure.

From its front window, the first Philippine flag was unfurled and our independence from Spain was proclaimed on June 12, 1898. Several renovations later, the mansion of mixed Baroque, Malayan, and Romanesque architecture is now a museum showcasing Aguinaldo’s most prized possessions and a colorful history presented through hologram, diorama, and multimedia presentation.

Barasoain Church (Malolos City, Bulacan)

Few Philippine churches can equal the historical significance of Barasoain Church, also known today as Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. Not only did it become the venue for two Presidential inaugurations (Aguinaldo and Estrada), it was also the site where the Malolos Constitution was drafted, the First Philippine Congress (Malolos Congress) was convened, and the First Philippine Republic was born.

Proclaimed a National Shrine by President Marcos in 1973, Barasoain Church complements its history with charming old-school architecture evident in its picturesque facade and perfectly preserved wood carvings. Visit it on Sundays to attend the mass or immerse yourself in its rich history through the light and sound museum at the second floor.

Rizal Park and Shrine (Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte)

While Jose Rizal’s birthplace and execution site have always been part of many educational tour itineraries, the same can’t be said for Dapitan City’s Rizal Park. In addition to its distance from Manila, Rizal’s life in Dapitan is greatly underplayed. But a glimpse of the park’s attractions suggests that the four years Rizal spent in exile are just as noteworthy as the days leading to his death.

Bought using his lottery windfall, the 16 hectares of land in the seaside barangay of Talisay holds structures and buildings (mostly replicas) that are proof of how Rizal lived productively instead of wallowing in self-pity. Great for nature lovers and history buffs alike, the Rizal Park and Shrine features must-see attractions like the Mi Retiro Rock, or the heart-shaped rock where our national hero scribbled words from his poem; Casa Cuadrada, his official residence; Casa Redonda, which served as his pupil’s dormitory; Casa Redonda Pequena, or the chicken house; and an aqueduct made by Rizal himself to provide irrigation for farmers.

DTI convenes Dipolog local price coordinating council

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA)--- In line with the proclamation of President Rodrigo R. Duterte which places the whole of Mindanao under Martial Law, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Zamboanga del Norte has recently convened the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) here with Dipolog City Acting Mayor Dr. Horacio Velasco presiding.

Also in attendance were Dipolog City Councilor Atty.Cyril Ruiz, market supervisor, Phil. Statistics Authority, City Agriculture Office, Consumer Watch Group, Retailers Association and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

DTI-Zamboanga del Norte OIC-Provincial Director Maridel Dengal said the meeting was called to remind concerned agencies to monitor the price of the commodities under its watch to ensure that no businessmen could take advantage of the situation.

Under Martial Law, the DTI is mandated to impose price freeze in all basic and prime commodities for the protection of consumers from the malpractices of unscrupulous business traders as provided under Republic Act 10623.

The members of LPCC agreed to strengthen the monitoring of the basic and prime commodities in the local market.

Among the measures to be undertaken include the posting of suggested retail price of different grocery items in a very conspicuous place in the establishment and the imposition of price tags in all items they are selling including fish and meat.

Maila Dinolan of DTI clarified that they are not the only agency that monitors the price of the prime and basic commodities in the market. DTI monitors only processed food in the groceries, DA for rice and other agricultural products, DOH for medicine and pharmaceuticals, DENR for charcoal and firewood, and DOE for liquefied petroleum gas and gasoline.

Zamboanga Peninsula security council backs martial law, national ID

By Roel Pareño (philstar.com)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Zamboanga Peninsula leaders have expressed strong support for the declaration of martial law in Mindanao to fight terrorism and crime.

The Regional Peace and Order Council 9, chaired by Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, also backs the proposal for a national identification (ID) system.

Salazar said the RPOC's support was expressed in a resolution passed Wednesday during the second quarter meeting held in this city.

The resolution supporting the martial law declaration was proposed by Zamboanga del Norte Gov. Roberto Uy’s representative, Andrew Noralle.

The RPOC members believe that the Mindanao-wide declaration of martial law on May 23 in response to the clashes in Marawi in Lanao del Sur will help address security concerns in this part of the country, Salazar said.

The council noted tighter security and higher alert levels since the Maute group and a faction of the Abu Sayyaf attacked Marawi and the declaration of martial law.

Last month, Mindanao business leaders also said they support martial law because they believe it will create a more inviting climate for investors.

The declaration of martial law has also been met with overwhelming support from Congress, which did away with holding a joint session to discuss the declaration. There have been a handful of rallies protesting martial law, but no real opposition to it.

Salazar said the RPOC also unanimously approved a resolution expressing the support for a national ID system and a mandatory registration of prepaid SIM cards for mobile phones and gadgets.

Prepaid SIM cards are readily available and sales are unregulated.

The national ID system and SIM card registration were proposed by National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Assistant Regional Director Hernie Mabalo.

Salazar said the RPOC believes that the national ID system and SIM card registration being pushed by lawmakers would be a deterrent to crimes and terrorism.

According to Salazar, security council also discussed the ongoing anti-insurgency campaign, security situation and the anti-illegal drugs situation in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Former Zamboanga del Norte town mayor arrested

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

A FORMER municipal official was arrested for failure to render accounts in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the police said Wednesday, June 7.

Arrested was Anjanette Sulit, 38, the former mayor of La Libertad town in Zamboanga del Norte, according to Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (Western Mindanao) information officer.

Galvez said Sulit was arrested around 5 a.m., Monday, at Sunset Boulevard in the village of Central, Dipolog City, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte.

Galvez said Sulit was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant dated March 7, 2017 issued by the sixth division of the Sandiganbayan with recommended bail of P6,000.

She said Sulit is facing charges for violation of Article 218--failure of an accountable officer to render accounts, of the revised Penal Code of the Philippines.

No. 8 Most Wanted Arrested in Polanco

By PSUPT ROGELIO C ALABATA, Chief with report from PO3 Radzben S. Jul (RPIO9)

Operatives of Polanco MPS and Sindangan MPS conducted a manhunt operation in Sitio Lumbia, Barangay Bago, Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte at about 3:00 AM on May 14, 2017. This led to the arrest of Leoly Balang Laranjo, 36, resident of Barangay Obay, Polanco, Zamboanga Del Norte.

Said accused is listed as the no. 8 Most Wanted Person (municipal level). This is by virtue of arrest warrant for murder with no bail-bond recommended issued by Presiding Judge Ric S. Bastasa of RTC 9th Judicial Region, Branch 8 in Dipolog City dated November 10, 2015 docketed under Criminal Case Number 19631. The arrested person is temporarily detained at Polanco MPS for proper disposition.

Villager dies in Siocon town firefight

By Bong Garcia

A VILLAGER, who was taken as human shield, was killed in a Saturday (June 3) dawn clash between government forces and armed men in the town of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

The clash ensued as the pursuing troops caught the fleeing armed group around 4:30 a.m. Saturday in the village of Dionisio Riconalla, Siocon town.

Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office (PRO)-Zamboanga Peninsula director, said that at the height of the firefight on Saturday, the gunmen took hostage three villagers and made them as human shields.

Senior Superintendent Edwin Buenaventura Wagan, Zamboanga del Norte police director, said two of the three hostages were safely rescued by the troopers but one was killed in the crossfire.

He identified those safely rescued as Marjun Alanao, 29 and Carlo Cariño, 23. Killed was Ronie Tangupan.

Wagan said that the presence of lawless elements in Barangay Dionisio Riconalla was reported to them by a villager.

He said they are conducting investigation to determine whether the armed group is affiliated with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

The same group was involved in a skirmish with government forces last Tuesday, May 30, in the village of Doña Cecilla, Sirawai, a neighboring town of Siocon.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, said that some 40 families from four sitios of Dionisio Riconalla village evacuated to safer areas.

Galvez said the Siocon police have already coordinated with the Municipal Government to provide the necessary assistance to the evacuees.

Police identify suspects in Zamboanga del Norte town clash

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

AUTHORITIES are preparing to file criminal charges against the 10 gunmen behind the recent atrocities in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the police reported on Sunday, June 4.

Senior Superintendent Edwin Buenaventura Wagan, Zamboanga del Norte police director, said two of the 10 gunmen have been identified through the help of the witnesses.

Positively identified by witnesses through the photographs at the rogue gallery of the police were Halid Antao Yacob, 28, and Faizal Indal, 29, both residents of the village of Panabuatan, Sirawai, Zamboanga Del Norte.

The suspects figured in a firefight when pursuing security forces caught them around 4:30 a.m., Saturday, June 3, in the village of Dionisio Riconalla, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

The suspects held hostage three villagers and made them as human shields to stop the troops from pursuing them.

The troops safely rescued two of the hostages who were taken as human shields. Unfortunately, the third hostage was killed in the crossfire.

The suspects were also involved in a skirmish with government forces last Tuesday, May 30, in the village of Doña Cecilla, Sirawai, a neighboring town of Siocon.

Wagan said the motive of the suspects in staging the atrocities is extortion.

“Documentation is being prepared by Siocon MPS for filing of appropriate charges in court against the suspects,” he added.

The Municipal Government of Siocon headed by Mayor Julius Lobrigas has provided the 10 family-evacuees of their basic needs and commodities.

They fled for fear of their lives. They are temporarily sheltered at the village hall of Dionisio Riconalla, Siocon.

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Zamboanga_del_Norte_News_June_2017&oldid=1033054"