Zamboanga del Norte News May 2018

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Zamboanga del Norte - Archived News

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Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Norte

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Saint James Cathedral in Dapitan City

City Hall of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte

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:

The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Statue of Christ, Pangalalan, Sindangan

Our lady of the most Holy Rosary, Estaka

Manukan Mini Museum Landmark

Fire Incident in Dapitan City

Source: http://zanortepolicereport.blogspot.com/2018/05/news-relrease-may-26-2018.html
Monday, May 28, 2018

(Zamboanga Del Norte Police Report)

May 25, 2018, this office received report from Dapitan CPS that OOA 6:20am, a fire incident transpired at Brgy Dampalan, Dapitan City particularly at the Poultry Farm owned by a certain Alfredo Sy.

Cause of fire was electrical short circuit with an estimated cost of damaged more or less P50,000.00.

The BFP Dapitan declared fire out at about 6:45AM of same date no casualty/injured reported.

Mauling Incident in Jose Dalman

Source: http://zanortepolicereport.blogspot.com/2018/05/news-relrease-may-26-2018.html
Sunday, May 27, 2018

(Zamboanga Del Norte Police Report)

May 24, 2018 at about 8:20 PM, personnel of Jose Dalman MPS responded on a reported incident wherein one RICO RADA y RABALOS, 40 yo was allegedly mauled by PRISCO LAGORRA JR y SANTIAGO, 45 yo, at Sitio Tabang, Brgy. Poblacion, Jose Dalman, ZN.

Victim was brought to RHU-Jose Dalman for medical treatment while suspect temporarily detained at Jose Dalman MPS for filing of appropriate charges in court.

Shooting Incident in Sibuco

Source: http://zanortepolicereport.blogspot.com/2018/05/news-release-may-25-2018.html
Saturday, May 26, 2018

(Zamboanga Del Norte Police Report)

Shooting incident transpired at Sitio Komonokid, Brgy. Cusipan, Sibuco Zamboanga Del Norte at about 2:00 PM of May 24, 2018.

The victim was identified as Alvin B. Musad, male, 23 years old, Filipino, single, student, a resident of Sitio Munatalaki, Brgy. Pangian, Sibuco, Zamboanga Del Norte.

He was shot and was hit at his right shoulder while riding his single motor vehicle together with his father identified as Boboy A. Musad, Male, 39 years old, farmer and a resident of said place.

The perpetrators were two unidentified persons armed with caliber. 45 pistol on board a single motorcycle.

They fled towards to Brgy. Pangian, Sibuco direction after the incident.

Elements of Sibuco Police Station together with 42nd IB Phil. Army Conducted Manhunt Operation against the suspect while the victim was rushed to Zamboanga Medical Hospital, Labuan Zamboanga City for immediate treatment but was pronounce dead while undergoing medication.

Investigator is PO3 Joebert Arsula with CP # 09355109904.

Dipolog City port ‘operating illegally’

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036273
Friday, May 25, 2018

By Gualberto Laput (PNA)

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte -- The local government-run shipping port here is operating without the authorization from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Engr. Salvador Delina, Dapitan City port manager, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency Wednesday, saying that the “holdover authority (HOA)” given to the locally-run port located in Barangay Galas, this city, expired in March, this year.

Delina said they are still waiting for the issuance of another HOA from the PPA central office for the city-managed port, whose operations have been questioned in the past for reportedly lacking adequate security and other support systems.

The port serves a lone passenger-cargo Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) ship from Cebu City plying a daily route to Cebu.

For his part, Zamboanga del Norte (1st District) Rep. Seth Frederick Jalosjos on Sunday (May 20) said the port should be closed immediately, pointing out that it does not have the presence of vital government agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard, the Maritime Group of the Philippine National Police, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

“How can we effectively protect our province’s coast from drug or human trafficking and even terrorism when there is an unsecured port operating illegally under our noses,” asked the visibly irked lawmaker, pointing to the inability of government agencies to discharge their respective mandates.

Delina said the city-run port started as a fish landing area where fishing “bancas” were anchored. Later, the city government under then Mayor Roseller Barinaga erected a structure to transform it into a functioning port.

Barinaga admitted that the initial idea was for the Dipolog port "to accommodate smaller sea vessels that cannot dock in the Port of Dapitan,” which is barely 12 kilometers away.

“But everything has changed now,” he conceded, referring to the port's expansion.

Delina said that in 2007, the Dipolog City government signified its intention to establish the “Galas Port.” It was only in 2007 that the PPA and the local government signed a three-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the operation of port here.

“But there was no ship serving the port in Dipolog until 2015,” Delina said, “and since the MOA expired in 2010 and the processing of another MOA is still going on, we have just to issue a yearly holdover authority subject to the approval of PPA head office.”

Jalosjos maintained that illicit trade can continue to flourish if the port continues to operate without government scrutiny.

“I am receiving reports that pebbles, illegally cut logs, drugs and God knows what else are passing through that port! If there are no officials that are willing to stop it, I cannot in my conscience just stand by and do nothing,” he added.

ALS holds graduation rites for A & E passers

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1008194
Thursday, May 24, 2018

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) -- The Alternative Learning System (ALS)-Dipolog City Schools Division recently held graduation rites for 408 passers of the Accreditation and Equivalency (A & E) Test at covered court of Barangay Miputak this city.

Ms. Catalina S. Barinaga, Division ALS Focal Person, said the graduates are composed of 54 Elementary and 354 Junior High School A & E passers who underwent a 10-month schooling.

Dr. Jay Montealto challenged the graduates not to be contented of what they have achieved but instead, use it to make a difference in their lives by proceeding to higher level of learning.

“You are lucky because our government has a special program for you. Remember this, money and circumstances are not hindrance to one’s success if you are determined to improve your life,” Montealto said.

Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter T. Uy, who was the graduation rites guest of honor and speaker, assured the total commitment of the City Government to support the program with additional budget for additional teachers for ALS Dipolog City Division.

ALS A & E test, formerly known as the Non-Formal Education A & E Test, is a paper and pencil test designed to measure the competence of those who have neither finished elementary and secondary education in the formal school system.

Passers of A & E test are given a certification /diploma, bearing the Department of Education seal and the signature of the Secretary, certifying their competence as comparable graduates of the formal school system. Passers of the elementary are eligible to enroll in secondary and post-secondary schools and passers of Junior High School are eligible to enroll in Senior High School. (JDP/ATR-PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

Zanorte gun-for-hire slain in shootout

Source: http://zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/23712-zanorte-gun-for-hire-slain-in-shootout.html
Wednesday, May 23, 2018

By Remus Ong

A notorious assassin operating in Zamboanga del Norte province was killed during a shootout with Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 personnel in Sibutad Municipality, Zamboanga del Norte on Sunday.

A Police Regional Office-9 report identified the suspect as Jerry Delmonte Palma, 45 years old, and a resident of Barangay New LebangonPolanco, Zamboanga del Norte.

The report said that Palma was first spotted in Sipaloc, Sibutad at around 10 p.m. last Sunday.

An hour later, police set up a checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion to intercept the suspect who was spotted riding a motorcycle.

At 11:35 p.m., the suspect’s motorcycle arrived in the area.

Police tried to approach the vehicle, but the driver made a u-turn and fired two shots toward the lawmen.

Police fired back, hitting the suspect.

Police later recovered a .38 caliber pistol, ammunition, cartridge cases, a cellular phone and CIDG identification cards identifying the suspect as a CIDG confidential agent, and personal effects.

Saint carver nabbed in drug buy-bust

Source: http://zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/23712-zanorte-gun-for-hire-slain-in-shootout.html
Tuesday, May 22, 2018

By Remus Ong

A man who carves the images of saints for a living was arrested during a drug buy-bust operation in Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte last Friday.

A Police Regional Office-9 report identified the suspect as Daryl Caipang Dialogo, 26 years old, a resident of Barangay Sta. Isabel Dipolog City.

The suspect, a newly identified drug personality, was arrested during a drug buy-bust operation in front of a store selling agricultural commodities last Friday night.

Authorities confiscated five (5) sachets containing suspected shabu, marked bills and a container.

The confiscated items were turned over to the Crime Laboratory Office in Minaog, Dipolog City.

The operation was launched by the Drug Enforcement Team of the Polanco Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Branch of the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office.

NBI ordered to probe illegal drug trade, killings in Zambo Norte

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035796
Monday, May 21, 2018

By Gualberto Laput (PNA)

DIPOLOG CITY--Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to act on a House committee report pointing to the proliferation of illegal drugs and drug-related killings in Zamboanga del Norte that allegedly involved a political scion in the province.

Zamboanga del Norte 1st district Rep. Seth Frederick Jalosjos on Saturday showed to the Philippine News Agency a copy of the memorandum dated April 23, 2018 of Guevarra, which was addressed to NBI Director Dante Gierran and contained the status of the government's war of drugs in the province.

Attached in Gueverra's order to Gierran are copies of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs' investigation pertaining to the proliferation of illegal drugs and drug-related killings in this province that allegedly involved Governor Roberto Uy, his wife and son, and several police officials.

Gov. Uy and his mayor-son, who were invited at the committee hearing sometime last year, categorically denied the allegations against them.

“These are just all politically motivated,” Gov. Uy told the committee.

Guevara's order came after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported that Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) now ranks first in barangay “drug affectation” in the country.

At a presentation with local officials in Dapitan City recently, Ricojudge Janvier Echiverri, Justice Assistant Secretary for External and Legislative Affairs, revealed that drug affectation in Region 9's 1,904 barangays rose to 96.17 percent as of January this year, from 86.29 percent in July last year.

Echiverri added that from being ranked third in July last year, Zamboanga Peninsula has overtaken the National Capital Region's (NCR) 95.37 percent barangay drug affectation rate from July last year to January this year.

“This data from the DILG and PDEA and the findings of the House (Committee on Dangerous Drugs) investigation of illegal drug trading and killings in Zamboanga del Norte, particularly in Dipolog City and (the Municipality of) Polanco has prompted the (Justice) secretary to initiate the probe,” Jalosjos said.

According to Jalosjos, the committee, which will submit to the plenary its investigation report on Tuesday, found strong indications that the governor; his wife, former Dipolog Mayor Evelyn Tang Uy; and son, former Polanco Mayor Roberto Uy Jr. were involved in the proliferation of illegal drugs and drug-related killings in the province.

Jalosjos, however, conceded that the committee largely relied on the testimonies of brothers Rolly and Roger Daligdig, who are confessed killers and drug pushers.

Rolly Daligdig claimed during the committee hearings last year that he killed at least 14 persons on orders of former Dipolog Police Chief Reynaldo Maclang, allegedly acting on the wishes of the Uys.

The Daligdig brothers are now under the witness protection program of the Department of Justice.

“I'm happy that even before the plenary has adopted the committee report, Justice Secretary Guevarra has already acted on it,” Jalosjos said.

Landmine explosion injures 2 soldiers in Zamboanga del Norte

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035778
Sunday, May 20, 2018

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Two soldiers were wounded when suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels bombed a bridge in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, a top police official disclosed Saturday.

Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga) Director, Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, said the incident occurred in Barangay Palalian, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte at about 10 a.m. Friday.

Beltran did not release the identities of the two wounded soldiers but said they belonged to the Charlie Company of the Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion.

He said investigation showed that the suspected NPA rebels detonated a landmine when they saw six soldiers approaching the bridge.

The soldiers had disembarked from a KM450 truck and were about to inspect the bridge after they saw three rebels “laying landmine at the structure,” Beltran said, adding that a brief firefight ensued when other suspected NPA rebels positioned on a high ground opened fire at the soldiers.

The suspected rebels fled towards Barangay New Salvacion, Labason, Zamboanga del Norte.

The troops later recovered more or less 100 meters of wire, three nine-volt batteries, and shrapnel.

Government troops are now tracking down the suspected NPA rebels who fled to the hinterlands.

Dipolog City marks 'Pagsalabuk Festival'

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035728
Saturday, May 19, 2018

By Gualberto Laput (PNA)

2 faces of Dipolog's Pagsalabuk Festival: 20 years of friendship, a century of hatred

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte--The “20th Pagsalabuk (Subanen for get together) Festival” is being celebrated here by the largely Catholic community that still harbor animosity to the vanishing Suban-on tribe, a historical hatred that could be traced back to the 18th century.

Suban-on or Subano means people of the river. Subanen, according to the academe, refers to the language.

The festival initiated by the city government was initially celebrated on the third Sunday of May when Dipolognons celebrate the Feast of San Vicente Ferrer. It later extended to a week and now a month-long celebration.

The 20th Pagsalabuk Festival started last May 4 and ends on July 1. Activities lined up include street dancing featuring Suban-on culture; visual art exhibit of “Ta Glibon Ini,” a group of women artists; sports; singing and dance contests; etc.

But amid the revelries, an entrenched dislike against Suban-ons could not be easily erased. After the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, Adonis Rabor posted on his Facebook timeline: “Kaning bang mga tawo nga magpost2 ug ilang kuko nga naa ink lupig pa mga suban on, murag karon pa nakabotar” (Those people who posted photos of their finger nails with [indelible] ink are worst than Suban-ons, as if it's the first time they have voted).”

A lot reacted, some harshly, saying Rabor's comment has demeaned and insulted the Suban-on tribe.

Rabor defended himself from bashers, mostly Suban-ons, saying he did not offend anybody because Suban-on is just a byword commonly used to those who act ignorantly. This even drew more flack.

“Manginit jud akong dunggan makadungog aning pulonga. Tawgon dayon Suban-on and usa ka tawo nga nasayop (I am angry whenever I hear this. Those who committed mistakes are outright called Suban-on)...My mother is a Suban-on and my grandparents are pure Suban-on. Though they are uneducated, don't know how to write, don't know how to read, but they are not ignorant,” commented Marilou Nacion.

A historian from nearby Dapitan City said that the “dehumanizing meaning or connotation” of Suban-on could be traced back to the Spanish era in the 18th century. Spanish missionaries that time described Suban-ons as “kutsino (filthy)” and “ignorante (ignorant).”

Settlers in Zamboanga Peninsula want to be associated with the Spaniards, who were regarded as superior people, and they too detested and mocked the Suban-ons. That gave birth to the phrases, “kahugaw ba nimo, mura man kag Suban-on (you are dirty, you are like a Suban-on)” or “wala ka kabalo? Suban-ona ba nimo (you don't know? you are a Suban-on).”

But if we have to compare, the historian added, Suban-ons have more civility than the settlers and even the Spaniards. Suban-ons have no history of war, they understand nature and human relations and they practice what other dominant religions preach: “don’t hurt others.”

Even our national hero Jose Rizal said in one of his letters to his German friend Ferdinand Blumentritt that Suban-ons were simple and kind, who do not want to be in trouble with anybody.

When the settlers came to the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Suban-ons just moved away from the rivers. When the Spaniards came, they were driven even deeper into the mountains.

Today our “hypocritical” society still harbor animosity against the Suban-ons. Many think that they are no good, dirty and ignorant people. But despite these, Dipolognons still celebrate Pagsalabuk, imitate their culture and copy the way they dress just to give their society an identity, and eventually attract tourists.

“If we really want to know about the Suban-on and their culture,” a comment on the Facebook said, “it would be nice if we start by learning their history, understanding them and love them by heart. For it is only through understanding, acceptance and love that we can call the Suban-ons our fellowmen in the journey called life.”

Creation of PWD offices a must, but only few LGUs complied

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1007700
Friday, May 18, 2018

By Dominic I. Sanchez (JDP/DIS-PIA9-Zamboanga City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) -- Every local government unit must have an office to address concerns of persons with disabilities (PWD) as provided under Republic Act 10070. Yet, only a handful had established such an office to date.

World Blind Union (WBU) Asia Pacific President Teddy Kahili is saddened by the fact that in Region 9, only Zamboanga City, Dapitan City, Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay, Sindangan and Manuel Roxas towns in Zamboanga del Norte have a Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO). Others have only designated a focal person for this purpose.

“This is mandated by law,” Kahil said citing RA 10070or the amendment to the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

As per experience, Kahil related that LGUs fail to establish PDAOs due to lack of budget. But they have the option to waive the budget ceiling. There is no reason not to establish a PDAO, he said.

RA 10070 provides that provinces, cities and 1st to 3rd class municipalities are mandated to establish PDAO, supported by a local ordinance. Only 4th to 6th class municipalities are mandated to have focal persons only.

“They may not be that aware of the law, and some see that the office and its positions are redundant,” he said. “But what they don’t realize is that the PDAO is not a program, it is a structure.”

In the Zamboanga Peninsula region, PWD issues remain such as lack of employment and livelihood opportunities and non-compliance of buildings to the Accessibility Law.

Several government buildings are still non-compliant to the law, Kahil noted. As a social worker, he sees this as an injustice to PWDs. “PWDs should be given the same access as non-PWDs,” he said.

Although private companies in Zamboanga have now been hiring more and more PWDs, there are still those that remain in poverty and isolation. “We do not have an official count, but many are deprived of opportunities,” he stated. This is also one of the reasons why Kahil is pushing for the PWD identification cards in all areas in Region 9.

It is also observed that disaster plans and early warning devices are not PWD-sensitive. Take for example the sirens. If there is a disaster and only the siren sounds, the deaf are not alarmed, Kahil said.

These are just some of the reasons that make establishment of PDAOs a priority, he added.

P380K shabu seized from female drug suspect

Source: http://www.zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/23671-p380k-shabu-seized-from-female-drug-suspect.html
Thursday, May 17, 2018 17:04

By Dan Toribio

Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confiscated more than P380,000 worth of suspected shabu from a female drug pusher who was arrested in Barangay Larayan, Dapitan City earlier this week.

PDEA Regional Director Laurefel P. Gabales, identified the suspect as Vierna Guinares y Pantoja alias “Bingkay Pantoja”, 43, married and a resident of Sta. Isabel, Dipolog City.

Lawmen recovered from her possession three heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu worth P380,101.64.

The PDEA agents also confiscated P1,000 marked money from the suspect’s possession .

The suspect was detained at the PDEA headquarters pending the filing of charges for violation of sections 5 and 11 of article II under RA 9165.

DOH Zamboanga del Norte seeks media assistance in promoting Ligtas Tigdas

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1007967
Wednesday, May 16, 2018

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

DIPOLOG CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- In the wake of the Dengvaxia controversy in Luzon and Metro Manila, local health officials in Zamboanga del Norte seek the help of local media in convincing the parents to submit their infants to Ligtas Tigdas Supplemental Immunization Activity which is conducted from May 9 to June 8, 2018 in Mindanao.

In a media forum held at MIbang Hotel last week, Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Health Office Head, Dr. Eduardo Luayon asked the local media to help the Department of Health in convincing the parents to submit their children ages 6 to 59 months old to anti measles immunization.

Luayon admitted that due to what happened during the National Deworming Program and the Dengvaxia controversy in Manila and Luzon, some parents seemed to lose trust in the immunization program of the DOH.

He explained that anti-measles vaccination is safe and free. It has been proven to be the most effective public health intervention. It can be prevented only if the parents will submit their babies for anti-measles immunization.

Though measles transmission had reduced after its launching in 2014, measles cases began to spread in the last quarter in 2017 that lead to outbreak in some parts of the country.

The data from the Epidemiology Bureau revealed that there were 4,168 cases reported nationwide from January 1 to March 26, 2018. Of these, 723 were laboratory-confirmed measles with 13 deaths. Most of the confirmed cases came from regions XI, (27.73 percent); ARMM (21.59 percent); IX (14.32 percent); XII (10.45 percent); and X (10 percent).

Nurse III Rommel Jamolod of the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Health Office reported that of April 30, ZNPHO has recorded a total of 13 confirmed measles cases in the province. Labason has 3; Gutalac, Liloy, Leon Postigo, and Siayan with two each and Siocon and Sindangan with one case each. “But all the patients have fully recovered and were discharged from the hospital,” Jamolod said.

Magnitude 4.9 quake hits Zamboanga Del Norte

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035191
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

By Rosette Adel (philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 4.9 earthquake has jolted Zamboanga del Norte on Monday morning.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the quake occurred at around 6:12 a.m. Its epicenter was traced at 46 km North West of Liloy, Zamboanga Del Norte.

Intensity III was felt in Liloy, Manukan and Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte while Jose Dalman, Leon Postigo and Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte experienced Intensity II.

The cities of Pagadian and Zamboanga City recorded the quake at Intensity I.

Phivolcs said there are no expected aftershocks or damage from the earthquake.

The institute recorded 13 other quakes on Monday. All were determined to be tectonic in origin.

Allowance of DepEd personnel serving poll duties given early

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035195
Monday, May 14, 2018 4:28 pm

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor (PNA)

MANILA -- Personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd), both teaching and non-teaching ones, serving in this year's barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) polls no longer have to wait longer for their allowance as delivery of cash cards have been 87 percent complete on the eve of elections.

In a press briefing on Monday, DepEd Undersecretary Alain del Pascua said that the delivery of cash cards of teachers and non-teachers with poll duties is 87 percent complete since 8 p.m. Sunday night.

"The delivery will continue up to noon today (Monday). They had the PHP475 to represent their allowance in the morning directly from their respective election officers it's cash and later in the afternoon the remaining of the allowance and the equivalent of the honorarium," del Pascua added.

As of 1 p.m., del Pascua said that only 13 percent or 55 municipalities nationwide have not received the cash card.

"These are spread out among Catanduanes, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands, La Union, Masbate, Negros Oriental Siquijor, Sulu, Surigao Del Norte and Zamboanga Del Norte," he said. "Naka-withhold na agad ang tax kapag binigay yang cash card sa mga (The tax are withheld already when the cash cards are given to the) teachers, teachers occupying positions I and II will just have a sworn statement that they're tax exempted to be submitted to the election officers. The DepEd central office will be providing Commission on Elections (Comelec) with a list of Teachers I and II and other positions that are tax exempt," he added.

In an earlier interview, Quezon City Public School Teachers Association board of director Imelda Canlas said teachers were happy about the lifting of mandatory rendering of electoral service among teachers for reasons such as laborious duties, hazards to health, harassment, and legal cases that teachers face.

She said that in her 15 years of serving during polls, there are allowances that were not given her.

No poll honoraria were ever subjected to income tax prior to the effectivity of Republic Act 10756, or the Election Service Reform Act (ESRA), DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones said earlier. A 5 percent withholding tax is imposed on the honoraria and transportation allowances that public school teachers get for serving in the polls.

To address the issue, Pascua said after the elections, the DepEd will ask Congress to amend the ESRA regarding the tax exemption of honorarium and tax allowance.

"We'll ask them na gawin ito para sa susunod na eleksiyon wala na tayong problema ng pagbibigay ng tax exemption sa ating mga teachers hindi nga sila pasok sa PHP250,000 salary per annum tax exemption (We'll ask them to do this so that in the next elections there will be no problem in providing tax exemption to our teachers because they're not included in the 250,000 pesos salary per annum tax exemption)," he said.

Del Pascua said DepEd will also review the increase of allowance and honorarium rates and if the provision of additional service credits if needed.

In case of election situations that are prone to violence, Pascua said the law enforcers can take over the poll duties of election officers.

"Standard protocol iyan sa ilang barangay (That's a standard protocol in some villages). DepEd teachers or employees may choose to be free from election service, we need to protect also the safety of our teachers," he said.

'Generally peaceful' polls

The DepEd also said the conduct of the 2018 barangay and SK polls is "generally peaceful" and smooth.

"Wala pa po kaming natatanggap na violence-related na pangyayari po sa opening ng ating eleksiyon... na meron pong nasaktan at namatay na teachers. (We haven't received any violence-related happenings during the opening of election...like hurt or killed teachers)," DepEd Election Task Force Operation and Legal Support head Marcelo Bragado said in a press briefing.

Bragado said they have received reports about poll clerks in Dalig Elementary School in Antipolo City who allegedly refused to serve, but he clarified that "this doesn't involve teachers but registered voters."

He also said they have received a report about some high school teachers in Cupang, also in Antipolo City, who figured in an accident while picking up election paraphernalia.

"Sa Cupang National High School po ito tatlong HS teachers nawalan ng preno ang jeep. Dalawa dinala sa ospital, bruises lang naman daw pero nakapag-serve na rin sila ngayong araw na ito (Three teachers from Cupang National High School High School figured in an accident when the jeep they were riding brake. Two suffered from bruises and were sent to the hospital but they were able to serve today)," he said.

Vehicular Traffic Accident in Tampilisan

Source: http://zanortepolicereport.blogspot.com/2018/05/vehicular-traffic-accident-in-tampilisan.html
Sunday, May 13, 2018

(Zamboanga Del Norte Police Report)

A vehicular traffic accident transpired along the national highway at Sitio Sawmill, Brgy Poblacion, Tampilisan, Zamboanga Del Norte at about 10:30 AM of May 12, 2018.

Upon arrival at the place of incident, a single motorcycle described as Mitsukoshi RKS color black/gray combination without plate number attached, engine number QJ157FMJB55644849, Chassis no. LBRPEKTE2FB627440, with expired Certificate of Registration and a Toyota SUV color gray metallic with number plate attached VI 5003; engine number 2GDC086261 was already at the right lane of the national highway fronting Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay direction.

Initial investigation conducted disclosed that the SUV was driven by Captain Jesus Binarao Binarao, 38 years of age, married and a resident of Dunggoan, Danao, Cebu City an active member of Philippine Army presently assigned at Finance Center, holder of license no. GO5- 08- 007051 that will expire on 2021/10/26 was travelling from Zamboanga City going to Labason, Zamboanga Del Norte.

The place of incident was under construction and it is a one-way road. Captain Jesus Binarao Binarao was driving the last car on their convoy. The traffic aid in the person of CAA Willy Mamugay Antoc signals their lane to go then they proceed and the other lane was signaled stop.

The first car in the other lane was a Van followed by other vehicles. When the Toyota SUV about to pass the van suddenly a single motorcycle overtake the van and it was hit by the said vehicle that causes to drop in the road.

Albert Bagon Lagbas Jr. 19, years of age, single and a resident of Aurora Village, Brgy, Tumaga, Zamboanga City, drove the single motorcycle holder of student permit that is Valid until 04/03/2019 with permit no. JO5-18-S01759 together with his back riders namely Cyrus Bagon Lagbas, 17 years old, minor, resident of Aurora Village, Brgy. Tumaga, Zamboanga City, Jericho Escobido Flores, 17 years old, Minor, resident of Sitio Sawmill, Brgy. Poblacion, Tampilisan and John Patrick Flores, 8 years old, minor also a resident of Sitio Sawmill, Brgy. Poblacion, Tampilisan, John Patrick Flores suffered injuries on his head and body and was immediately brought to Sibud Hospital, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay Province while the others suffered minor injuries.

The entire victims were not wearing a protective helmet during the accident. All vehicles involved with the SUV driver were brought to Tampilisan MPS for Proper Disposition. Investigator-on-case is PO3 Carim B. Magallion with contact number 09352766314.

Hacking Incident in Dapitan City

Source: http://zanortepolicereport.blogspot.com/2018/05/incident-reports-may-11-2018_11.html
Saturday, May 12, 2018

(Zamboanga Del Norte Police Report)

Be informed that at about 3:00 PM of May 09, 2018, SPO4 Jerry Sanggumay -CESPO informed Dapitan CPS that there was a hacking incident transpired at Purok Santan, Brgy Burgos, Dapitan City.

Upon the receipt of the said report, PNP personnel of Dapitan CPS led by SPO3 Noriel Bagalanon proceeded to the above mentioned place to verify the veracity of the report. Upon arrival of the abovementioned place they able to confirm the report.

The victim was identified as IVY BALASI y Omandam, 47 years old, single with live-in partner and a resident of Purok Santan, Brgy Burgos, Dapitan City. The suspect was identified as RICARDO FALCONETE y Daganasul, 30 years old, male, single and a resident of Purok Santan, Brgy, Burgos, Dapitan City.

Initial investigation conducted by PO2 Nick Quimiguing, disclosed that at around 2:50 PM of May 09, 2018, while the victim was searching her bolo outside their house, he asked the suspect if the bolo was kept by him. However, the suspect denied and got angry and immediately without apparent reason hacked the victim with the used of curve bolo hitting on her wrist.

After the incident, the suspect fled away from the crime scene but later arrested by the responding PNP personnel. The suspect believed under the influence of liquor. The victim was brought to ZANORTE Medical Hospital for medical treatment while suspect was brought to Dapitan CPS for filling of appropriate charges in court

Creation of PWD office a must, but only few LGUs complied

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1007700
Friday, May 11, 2018

By Dominic I. Sanchez (JDP/DIS-PIA9-Zamboanga City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 11 (PIA) -- Every local government unit must have an office to address concerns of persons with disabilities (PWD) as provided under Republic Act 10070. Yet, only a handful had established such an office to date.