JULY 8 - 14, 2009 VOLUME 1 NO. 9 BUTUAN CITY PHILIPPINESBy Obet Samonte/Correspondent
BUTUAN CITY – A wood processing firm has recently accused l9 deputized agents of the Caraga’s Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) inclu
ding a retired police colonel for allegedly entering its premises, harassment and hampering its normal operations on June 30 without apparent reasons in Magallanes, Agusan del Norte.
In its complaint, EMCO Plywood Corporation said the PASG agents and retired police Senior Supt. Celso Curitana entered into the firm’s compound without a “valid search warrant”, seized a towed logs owned by Agusan del Sur suppliers, and questioned the shipment’s “legality”.
When shown with shipment documents, the agents were adamant in holding the logs until their source and ownership were verified. The EMCO management, however, appealed to lift the logs from the pond and placed it at their stockyard while the documents were on process for verification to ensure it would not be washed-out by Agusan River’s changing currents.
The apprehending agents allegedly ignored the firm’s request.
In its complaint docketed under Civil Case No. 5884, EMCO sought for a temporary restraining order citing that the PASG’s moved would cause “great and irreparable damages” should the logs be left unattended and subsequently washed-out.
The complainant noted that it would cause irreparable financial losses to the wood-based company and would affect thousands of workers who may lost their jobs since the firm would be forced to recommend for a “stoppage of operation”.
Presiding Judge Augustus Calo, Agusan del Norte and Butuan City Trial Court Branch 5, granted EMCO to secure a 72-hour TRO and extended it to 20 days in his second order dated July 3, 2009.
PASG-Caraga director Philip Placer, denied he knew the operation of Curitana’s group and refused to comment “on matters I know about”. He clarified that (Curitana’s) group is only “deputized” personnel and not an organic part of PASG.
The day after the logs were cleared, the deputized PASG group said it was not that they were after of the logs but on the report that EMCO allegedly involved in illegal “logs importation”.
In a related development, a group of Caraga businessmen has set a meeting with journalists to announce their intent to sue the PASG for alleged abuses and alleged extortion activities.
An official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Caraga who requested not to be identified said that PASG should not have been allowed to operate in the region.
BUTUAN CITY – A wood processing firm has recently accused l9 deputized agents of the Caraga’s Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) inclu
ding a retired police colonel for allegedly entering its premises, harassment and hampering its normal operations on June 30 without apparent reasons in Magallanes, Agusan del Norte.In its complaint, EMCO Plywood Corporation said the PASG agents and retired police Senior Supt. Celso Curitana entered into the firm’s compound without a “valid search warrant”, seized a towed logs owned by Agusan del Sur suppliers, and questioned the shipment’s “legality”.
When shown with shipment documents, the agents were adamant in holding the logs until their source and ownership were verified. The EMCO management, however, appealed to lift the logs from the pond and placed it at their stockyard while the documents were on process for verification to ensure it would not be washed-out by Agusan River’s changing currents.
The apprehending agents allegedly ignored the firm’s request.
In its complaint docketed under Civil Case No. 5884, EMCO sought for a temporary restraining order citing that the PASG’s moved would cause “great and irreparable damages” should the logs be left unattended and subsequently washed-out.
The complainant noted that it would cause irreparable financial losses to the wood-based company and would affect thousands of workers who may lost their jobs since the firm would be forced to recommend for a “stoppage of operation”.
Presiding Judge Augustus Calo, Agusan del Norte and Butuan City Trial Court Branch 5, granted EMCO to secure a 72-hour TRO and extended it to 20 days in his second order dated July 3, 2009.
PASG-Caraga director Philip Placer, denied he knew the operation of Curitana’s group and refused to comment “on matters I know about”. He clarified that (Curitana’s) group is only “deputized” personnel and not an organic part of PASG.
The day after the logs were cleared, the deputized PASG group said it was not that they were after of the logs but on the report that EMCO allegedly involved in illegal “logs importation”.
In a related development, a group of Caraga businessmen has set a meeting with journalists to announce their intent to sue the PASG for alleged abuses and alleged extortion activities.
An official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Caraga who requested not to be identified said that PASG should not have been allowed to operate in the region.
Gen. Milla orders prove on NPA raid in Agusan
By Herne Bagaslao and Obet Samonte
BUTUAN CITY- Police Chief Supt. Jaime Milla, Caraga regional director, recently ordered an in depth investigation on possible criminal or administrative liability of a police chief when suspected New People’s Army rebels overran in a broad daylight a town police station in Agusan del Sur over a weekend
Sr. Supt. Nestor Fajura, police regional information officer, said Gen. Milla also called on all field commanders to be “extra vigilant” and intensify its “intelligence” gathering to avoid of being caught in a “surprise” by enemy attacked.
Report reaching the police regional office here said an estimated 50 NPAs aboard a truck passed through the populated town center heading towards the town police station unnoticed. It said the rebels clad in army’s camouflage uniform disembarked some 200 meters away from the station and casually walked towards their target. Sta. Josefa, a southernmost town in Agusan delSur, is 151-kilometer away from Butuan City
Fajura said five policemen were inside the office when caught surprised and failed “ to retaliate” when NPA rebels suddenly rushed into the station on July 1 at about 9:15 in the morning.
He added the policemen were “deceived” since the NPAs wore army uniform when they parked their vehicle in front of the station and immediately went inside the office. The police station is located besides the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) building where other offices are also housed. The report said an NPA leader, who introduced himself as a friend of Inspector Elizer Pido, looked for the police chief. It said that Pido was not in the office when the incident happened.
At the time of the attack, report said Pido was on leave to fetch his wife in Davao while only five policemen of the 12-man force were on duty. Seven others were dispatched to respond a call for assistance by the Sta. Josefa high school principal.While a group of NPAs went inside the police office, the report said some 30 other rebels also positioned themselves at Sta. Isabel, a nearby village of the town’s center and set-up road blockades. It said that the rebels also conducted “inspection” to passers-by.
Fajura, who is also head the operation and planning division, said the communist rebels belongs to the NPA’s Front Committee 35, Southern Committee Command operating in some parts of Agusan delSur. The NPAs reportedly grabbed a policeman whom they mistook to be the station’s chief as when the rebels went out at the police station but later released before leaving the place.
Fajura said the investigation would determine whether Inspector Elizer Pido, Sta. Josefa town police chief and his men have “incurred administrative or criminal liability under the circumstances.”The communist-led NPA rebels carted away three M16 rifles, one M14 rifle and a 9mm pistol during the raid that lasted for only 10 minutes. No casualties were reported.
In a related development, a combined team of Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion and police had engaged in a bloody firefight with some 30 New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Camboayon, Bacuag, Agusan del Norte early dawn of Thursday.
Lt. Col. Cristobal Zaragoza, army’s 30th commander, said the rebels were led by alias Matt of Front Committee 16 which operates in Claver and Alegria. Surigao del Norte areas.
Zaragoza said the government troops inflicted several casualties on the NPAs citing reports from his field men about traces of bloodstains on the paths of fleeing rebels as “they dragged their wounded comrades”.
He said no casualties on the government side. Recovered at the battle site were a M16 baby armalite rifle, two claymore mines, three rifle grenades, several improvised explosive devices, subversive documents and personal belongings, Zaragoza said.The soldiers led by First Lieut. Voltaire Purugganan and the Bacuag police led by Insp. Mariano Lukban were still pursuing the rebels as of press time, he added
Sr. Supt. Nestor Fajura, police regional information officer, said Gen. Milla also called on all field commanders to be “extra vigilant” and intensify its “intelligence” gathering to avoid of being caught in a “surprise” by enemy attacked.
Report reaching the police regional office here said an estimated 50 NPAs aboard a truck passed through the populated town center heading towards the town police station unnoticed. It said the rebels clad in army’s camouflage uniform disembarked some 200 meters away from the station and casually walked towards their target. Sta. Josefa, a southernmost town in Agusan delSur, is 151-kilometer away from Butuan City
Fajura said five policemen were inside the office when caught surprised and failed “ to retaliate” when NPA rebels suddenly rushed into the station on July 1 at about 9:15 in the morning.
He added the policemen were “deceived” since the NPAs wore army uniform when they parked their vehicle in front of the station and immediately went inside the office. The police station is located besides the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) building where other offices are also housed. The report said an NPA leader, who introduced himself as a friend of Inspector Elizer Pido, looked for the police chief. It said that Pido was not in the office when the incident happened.
At the time of the attack, report said Pido was on leave to fetch his wife in Davao while only five policemen of the 12-man force were on duty. Seven others were dispatched to respond a call for assistance by the Sta. Josefa high school principal.While a group of NPAs went inside the police office, the report said some 30 other rebels also positioned themselves at Sta. Isabel, a nearby village of the town’s center and set-up road blockades. It said that the rebels also conducted “inspection” to passers-by.
Fajura, who is also head the operation and planning division, said the communist rebels belongs to the NPA’s Front Committee 35, Southern Committee Command operating in some parts of Agusan delSur. The NPAs reportedly grabbed a policeman whom they mistook to be the station’s chief as when the rebels went out at the police station but later released before leaving the place.
Fajura said the investigation would determine whether Inspector Elizer Pido, Sta. Josefa town police chief and his men have “incurred administrative or criminal liability under the circumstances.”The communist-led NPA rebels carted away three M16 rifles, one M14 rifle and a 9mm pistol during the raid that lasted for only 10 minutes. No casualties were reported.
In a related development, a combined team of Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion and police had engaged in a bloody firefight with some 30 New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Camboayon, Bacuag, Agusan del Norte early dawn of Thursday.
Lt. Col. Cristobal Zaragoza, army’s 30th commander, said the rebels were led by alias Matt of Front Committee 16 which operates in Claver and Alegria. Surigao del Norte areas.
Zaragoza said the government troops inflicted several casualties on the NPAs citing reports from his field men about traces of bloodstains on the paths of fleeing rebels as “they dragged their wounded comrades”.
He said no casualties on the government side. Recovered at the battle site were a M16 baby armalite rifle, two claymore mines, three rifle grenades, several improvised explosive devices, subversive documents and personal belongings, Zaragoza said.The soldiers led by First Lieut. Voltaire Purugganan and the Bacuag police led by Insp. Mariano Lukban were still pursuing the rebels as of press time, he added
Military destroys 7 NPA camps in Esperanza town
AGUSAN DEL SUR- At least seven suspected New People’s Army camps were discovered by government soldiers during their intensified ground military operations in the hinterlands of Esperanza here according to a military report.
Army Col. Andres Centino of the 26th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army told members of the Provincial Peace and Order in a meeting that the NPA camps were located in Barangays Bunaguit, Balobo, Agsabo, Massisn, Kasiklan and Kinamaybay areas, all in Esperanza town.
“While we were operating and chasing the enemy, we overrun the first camp and discovered some subversive documents, ammunitions, and personal paraphernalia of the rebels. The first camp we discovered can accommodate around 50 persons.” Centino said.
Col. Emeliano Gupana, Army’s commanding officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade , added that the soldiers also found some ready to cook food when they overrun the camps.
“Some of the camps that we discovered can accommodate 150 persons, some 75, some 80 and the least that a camp can accommodate is 50 persons. We therefore believe that the camps in area inside that six barangays in Esperanza, are not just mere training camps, or meeting camps, but they are what we call complex where the rebels spend their rest and recreation, their big meetings, and a haven for meeting other rebels from other places,” Col. Gupana said.
Belying the reports by a Butuan-based radio station alleging that the residents were harassed by the military, Col. Centino said the residents are even grateful because of the military operations.
In fact, Centino claimed that the many residents complained that they have suffered long from the extortion done by the rebels. He added that the residents were very thankful that the camps were destroyed displacing the rebels in the area, and ending their covert operations for a long time.
“The residents are at peace now. When we entered the area, we told them that the existence of the military in the area means peace and harmony that will lead to development because the army are government troops sent by the government to protect the people from bad elements,” Miss Lipanhug, a representative of Father Carlito Clase said. During the PPOC meeting, 21 former rebels or Kauban sa Reforma (KRs) were also awarded with P20,000 as immediate assistance from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process. These KRs are part of more than 450 former rebels who were awarded immediate and livelihood assistance in Agusan del Sur since March this year.
Army Col. Andres Centino of the 26th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army told members of the Provincial Peace and Order in a meeting that the NPA camps were located in Barangays Bunaguit, Balobo, Agsabo, Massisn, Kasiklan and Kinamaybay areas, all in Esperanza town.
“While we were operating and chasing the enemy, we overrun the first camp and discovered some subversive documents, ammunitions, and personal paraphernalia of the rebels. The first camp we discovered can accommodate around 50 persons.” Centino said.
Col. Emeliano Gupana, Army’s commanding officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade , added that the soldiers also found some ready to cook food when they overrun the camps.
“Some of the camps that we discovered can accommodate 150 persons, some 75, some 80 and the least that a camp can accommodate is 50 persons. We therefore believe that the camps in area inside that six barangays in Esperanza, are not just mere training camps, or meeting camps, but they are what we call complex where the rebels spend their rest and recreation, their big meetings, and a haven for meeting other rebels from other places,” Col. Gupana said.
Belying the reports by a Butuan-based radio station alleging that the residents were harassed by the military, Col. Centino said the residents are even grateful because of the military operations.
In fact, Centino claimed that the many residents complained that they have suffered long from the extortion done by the rebels. He added that the residents were very thankful that the camps were destroyed displacing the rebels in the area, and ending their covert operations for a long time.
“The residents are at peace now. When we entered the area, we told them that the existence of the military in the area means peace and harmony that will lead to development because the army are government troops sent by the government to protect the people from bad elements,” Miss Lipanhug, a representative of Father Carlito Clase said. During the PPOC meeting, 21 former rebels or Kauban sa Reforma (KRs) were also awarded with P20,000 as immediate assistance from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process. These KRs are part of more than 450 former rebels who were awarded immediate and livelihood assistance in Agusan del Sur since March this year.
Tandag Bishop is new CBCP president
By Roy Lagarde
SUIRGAO DEL SUR- The new president of the influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is based in Diocese of Tandag here.
Winning by an overwhelming majority of bishops from 86 dioceses in the country, Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar would succeed outgoing CBCP chief Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.
Odchimar, a canon lawyer, is currently serving his first term as vice president of the bishops’ collegial body.
Odchimar was elected during the 99th Plenary Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila Saturday.
CBCP secretary general Msgr Juanito Figura said the vote was taken among the 88 active bishops at the meeting. Several of the bishops earlier expressed support for his election.
As president of the CBCP, the 68-year-old prelate will also chair the organization’s Permanent Council
The council acts for and in behalf of the entire conference whenever the plenary assembly, which meets only twice a year, is not in session. The body may be convened by the CBCP president at any time.
The council is also mandated to work with the commissions and assign them functions of urgent character that were not taken up in the plenary.
One of the council’s main functions is to prepare joint statements or pastoral letters of the Catholic hierarchy on matters decided upon by the plenary assembly, provided that copies are sent to other members for comment and approval before they are officially released.
Meanwhile, the CBCP leadership also elected Palo Archbishop Jose Palma, 59, as the new vice-president. Msgr. Figura was reelected secretary general and Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco was reelected treasurer.
Other council members serving as regional representatives were also elected. For Luzon, elected were Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena, San Fernando (Pampanga) Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David, Infanta Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona, Taytay Bishop Edgardo Juanich and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes.
Elected for the Visayas were Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso and Jaro Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Alminaza. Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo Valles and Pagadian Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar were elected for Mindanao.
Odchimar and other members of the permanent council will start serving their terms in December 2009.
The president and the vice-president are elected for two-year terms and can serve for a minimum of two terms.
SUIRGAO DEL SUR- The new president of the influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is based in Diocese of Tandag here.
Winning by an overwhelming majority of bishops from 86 dioceses in the country, Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar would succeed outgoing CBCP chief Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.
Odchimar, a canon lawyer, is currently serving his first term as vice president of the bishops’ collegial body.
Odchimar was elected during the 99th Plenary Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila Saturday.
CBCP secretary general Msgr Juanito Figura said the vote was taken among the 88 active bishops at the meeting. Several of the bishops earlier expressed support for his election.
As president of the CBCP, the 68-year-old prelate will also chair the organization’s Permanent Council
The council acts for and in behalf of the entire conference whenever the plenary assembly, which meets only twice a year, is not in session. The body may be convened by the CBCP president at any time.
The council is also mandated to work with the commissions and assign them functions of urgent character that were not taken up in the plenary.
One of the council’s main functions is to prepare joint statements or pastoral letters of the Catholic hierarchy on matters decided upon by the plenary assembly, provided that copies are sent to other members for comment and approval before they are officially released.
Meanwhile, the CBCP leadership also elected Palo Archbishop Jose Palma, 59, as the new vice-president. Msgr. Figura was reelected secretary general and Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco was reelected treasurer.
Other council members serving as regional representatives were also elected. For Luzon, elected were Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena, San Fernando (Pampanga) Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David, Infanta Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona, Taytay Bishop Edgardo Juanich and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes.
Elected for the Visayas were Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso and Jaro Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Alminaza. Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo Valles and Pagadian Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar were elected for Mindanao.
Odchimar and other members of the permanent council will start serving their terms in December 2009.
The president and the vice-president are elected for two-year terms and can serve for a minimum of two terms.
CIDG cops, “bombay” face 2 kidnapping, robbery raps
By Jun Parada
Two intelligence personnel of the PNP-CIDG and an indian national believed to be their accomplice are now facing two counts of kidnapping and robbery charges after their alleged victims recently filed criminal complaints before the Surigao City Prosecutor’s Office..
P/Supt Arthur Sanchez, city police director, identified the suspects as PO3 Nomer Sabacan and PO2 Jessie Rama, both assigned at the PNP-CIDG Surigao City, while their accomplice identified as a certain Palwender Singh (a.k.a. PAL), an indian national residing along Gemina corner Burgoz Sts., Surigao City. They were allegedly involved in two separate incidents of kidnapping and robbery involving two indian nationals.
P/Supt Sanchez said the first incident allegedly happened on May 11, 2009 at about 9:00 a.m. in Brgy. Mabuhay, Sison, Surigao Del Norte, when two persons who introduced themselves as police officers forcibly took a certain Paramjit Singh Dhaliwal, an indian national, In his complaint-affidavit, Dhaliwal said that once inside the vehicle, the said persons introduced themselves to him as agents of the Bureau of Immigration. Then one of them alighted and drove the single motorcycle of Dhaliwal tailing their vehicle which was carrying the victim and heading toward Surigao City.
While inside the vehicle the suspects asked how much money he had at the time, he replied that he only had a little amount which he showed to them but the suspects did not take it. He noticed that one of them kept on texting and calling somebody through his cellular phone. Upon reaching the junction of the Gateway Hotel, the vehicle carrying the victim turned left and headed toward Brgy. Rizal. But before reaching Mana Pepang Village, it stopped at the right side of the road. Then the person driving Dhaliwal’s motorcycle also stopped. The suspects then took the victim’s money worth P50,000.00, which he placed inside his motorcycle’s “U-box”, while he was held at gunpoint.
When the vehicle carrying Dhaliwal reached Brgy. Lipata and stopped near the intersection road going to Brgy. Sabang, one of the suspects alighted and went to a waiting shed. The driver then divested him of his Nokia 6233 cellphone worth P9,500.00. Minutes later, “PAL” arrived and told him to give P100,000.00 to his captors for his release. The victim could only shell out P70,000.00 but was still released by the suspects. “PAL” demanded an additional amount of P20,000.00 which the victim gave to him on the following day, May 12, 2009, at Capitol Road near “Jannex Pension House” the victim said..
Dhaliwal was able to uncover the true identities of the two suspects, PO3 Nomer Sabacan and PO2 Jessie Rama, who turned out to be CIDG police operatives, after he saw their pictures at the Surigao City Police Station.
The second incident occurred on May 21, 2009 at about 11:30 a.m. at Sitio San Roque, Brgy. Ipil, Surigao City, when three persons introduced themselves as police officers grabbed and dragged an indian national identified as Kuldeep Singh Sekhon into a waiting vehicle. Once inside the van, they introduced themselves as immigration agents and asked the legal documents of Sekhon as an alien and his business permit from the city hall.
Sekhon narrated in his complaint-affidavit that the suspects even asked him of the identities of other indian nationals who have businesses in Surigao City but told them he had no knowledge of it. The suspects allegedly took his Nokia 5310 cellphone worth P9,600.00, immigration I.D. and driver’s license. They later demanded P80,000.00 for his release. Moments later, “PAL” arrived and told the victim to give P60,000.00 to the suspects in exchange for his release. Sekhon negotiated to give the money later as he had no cash on hand at the time. The suspects agreed and released him with the threat: “DON’T TELL TO SOMEBODY WHAT WAS REALLY HAPPENED, IF WE KNOW YOU TELL THE SAME WE WILL KILL YOU!”, the report added.
Eventually, Sekhon gave the suspects the amount of P60,000.00 through “PAL” and the latter returned to him his driver’s license and immigration I.D.
P/Supt Arthur Sanchez, city police director, identified the suspects as PO3 Nomer Sabacan and PO2 Jessie Rama, both assigned at the PNP-CIDG Surigao City, while their accomplice identified as a certain Palwender Singh (a.k.a. PAL), an indian national residing along Gemina corner Burgoz Sts., Surigao City. They were allegedly involved in two separate incidents of kidnapping and robbery involving two indian nationals.
P/Supt Sanchez said the first incident allegedly happened on May 11, 2009 at about 9:00 a.m. in Brgy. Mabuhay, Sison, Surigao Del Norte, when two persons who introduced themselves as police officers forcibly took a certain Paramjit Singh Dhaliwal, an indian national, In his complaint-affidavit, Dhaliwal said that once inside the vehicle, the said persons introduced themselves to him as agents of the Bureau of Immigration. Then one of them alighted and drove the single motorcycle of Dhaliwal tailing their vehicle which was carrying the victim and heading toward Surigao City.
While inside the vehicle the suspects asked how much money he had at the time, he replied that he only had a little amount which he showed to them but the suspects did not take it. He noticed that one of them kept on texting and calling somebody through his cellular phone. Upon reaching the junction of the Gateway Hotel, the vehicle carrying the victim turned left and headed toward Brgy. Rizal. But before reaching Mana Pepang Village, it stopped at the right side of the road. Then the person driving Dhaliwal’s motorcycle also stopped. The suspects then took the victim’s money worth P50,000.00, which he placed inside his motorcycle’s “U-box”, while he was held at gunpoint.
When the vehicle carrying Dhaliwal reached Brgy. Lipata and stopped near the intersection road going to Brgy. Sabang, one of the suspects alighted and went to a waiting shed. The driver then divested him of his Nokia 6233 cellphone worth P9,500.00. Minutes later, “PAL” arrived and told him to give P100,000.00 to his captors for his release. The victim could only shell out P70,000.00 but was still released by the suspects. “PAL” demanded an additional amount of P20,000.00 which the victim gave to him on the following day, May 12, 2009, at Capitol Road near “Jannex Pension House” the victim said..
Dhaliwal was able to uncover the true identities of the two suspects, PO3 Nomer Sabacan and PO2 Jessie Rama, who turned out to be CIDG police operatives, after he saw their pictures at the Surigao City Police Station.
The second incident occurred on May 21, 2009 at about 11:30 a.m. at Sitio San Roque, Brgy. Ipil, Surigao City, when three persons introduced themselves as police officers grabbed and dragged an indian national identified as Kuldeep Singh Sekhon into a waiting vehicle. Once inside the van, they introduced themselves as immigration agents and asked the legal documents of Sekhon as an alien and his business permit from the city hall.
Sekhon narrated in his complaint-affidavit that the suspects even asked him of the identities of other indian nationals who have businesses in Surigao City but told them he had no knowledge of it. The suspects allegedly took his Nokia 5310 cellphone worth P9,600.00, immigration I.D. and driver’s license. They later demanded P80,000.00 for his release. Moments later, “PAL” arrived and told the victim to give P60,000.00 to the suspects in exchange for his release. Sekhon negotiated to give the money later as he had no cash on hand at the time. The suspects agreed and released him with the threat: “DON’T TELL TO SOMEBODY WHAT WAS REALLY HAPPENED, IF WE KNOW YOU TELL THE SAME WE WILL KILL YOU!”, the report added.
Eventually, Sekhon gave the suspects the amount of P60,000.00 through “PAL” and the latter returned to him his driver’s license and immigration I.D.
A 13-year old girl killed in Butuan fire
By Obet Samonte/Correspondent
By Obet Samonte/Correspondent
BUTUAN CITY – An epileptic 13-year old girl was killed in a fire that guttered Saturday evening a shanty in Purok 8, Barangay Taguibo, this city
Acting City Fire Marshal Antonio Restauro identified the victim as Jocelyn Sarino, a physically ill (epileptic), who was alone in the shanty when the fire occurred at around 9:30 pm.
Police said the victim’s father, Jose, a widow, was with his friends in Purok 3, Barangay Taguibo when the fire started.
Fire Investigator SFO1 Dindo Burnea said that according to Lolita Abao, 48, a neighbor of the Sarinos, she saw Jocelyn “use a kerosene lamp” but was not absolutely certain if it was the cause of the fire.
Burnea said the fire started from inside the bedroom and immediately enveloped the shanty made of light materials and covered by nipa roof. Firemen from the nearby Barangay Ampayon fire substation put out the blaze 10 minutes after it started and recovered the victim’s remains.
Cost of damage was estimated at P10,000.
Acting City Fire Marshal Antonio Restauro identified the victim as Jocelyn Sarino, a physically ill (epileptic), who was alone in the shanty when the fire occurred at around 9:30 pm.
Police said the victim’s father, Jose, a widow, was with his friends in Purok 3, Barangay Taguibo when the fire started.
Fire Investigator SFO1 Dindo Burnea said that according to Lolita Abao, 48, a neighbor of the Sarinos, she saw Jocelyn “use a kerosene lamp” but was not absolutely certain if it was the cause of the fire.
Burnea said the fire started from inside the bedroom and immediately enveloped the shanty made of light materials and covered by nipa roof. Firemen from the nearby Barangay Ampayon fire substation put out the blaze 10 minutes after it started and recovered the victim’s remains.
Cost of damage was estimated at P10,000.
285 new enlisted PNP took their oath
Two hundred and eighty-five enlisted personnel comprising of 223 males and 62 females have recently took their oath as probationary Police Officers 1 before they would undergo a training on basic police course at the Philippine National Police regional training school in Lipata, Surigao city.
The oath-taking rite was attended by the top officials of the regional police office led by Caraga PNP chief CSupt. Jaime E. Milla and CSupt. Nelson P. Nario, his deputy. Also in attendance were the members of the selection board, the family members, the relatives and friends of the new recruits.
Chief Supt. Nelson Nario, deputy regional commander, said there were 405 applicants at the start of the selection process but it was trimmed down to 272 after series of examinations. He said 23 applicants have failed the physical agility test, another two failed the physical, mental and dental health test.
Nario, who is also the selection board chair for 2009 PNP recruits, said on the remaining 383 applicants, 58 of them have failed the neuro-psychiatric test.
when the final result of the drug test was given along with the background investigation and the final interview, Nario noted that only 272 had passed.
Police Regional Office 10, based in Camp Alagar at Cagayan de Oro City sent 14 of their excess recruits who had passed all requirements as fillers, thus rasing the number of recruits to 286.
Unfortunately, when the pregnancy test for the female recruits were given the day before, one female recruit was disqualified after she was found to be two months pregnant.
Supt. Illuminado Espina, a staff for Human Resource Doctrine and Development Office read the Special Order Nos. 751-760, making official the enlistment of the recruits to the PNP rolls, entitling them to receive the basic salary of P10,880.80 starting July 1, 2009; while training at the Regional Training School at Brgy. Lipata, Surigao City.
Milla reminded the new members of the police force that being enlisted into the police rank is a noble profession.
But it differs, he said, from the other professions as “it is demanding, exacting and requires the concerned to be oftenly away from his family.” He also said that even a police personnel’s Christmas is at times lonely, but this is a sacrifice according to him, on the part of the police personnel so that the community or the nation may celebrate the holiday peacefully and with joy. he reminded them that the call to service must always come first at all times.
After the oath-taking, seven buses awaited the recruits which will take them to Camp George Barbers, the PNP Regional Training School, where they will be trained there for the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC). After which, they will undergo the so-called Fteld Training Program (FTP) at a designated police office anywhere in the region for another six-months and then the 45-day PNP Scout training will follow. (Herne N. Bagaslao/Correspondent)
The oath-taking rite was attended by the top officials of the regional police office led by Caraga PNP chief CSupt. Jaime E. Milla and CSupt. Nelson P. Nario, his deputy. Also in attendance were the members of the selection board, the family members, the relatives and friends of the new recruits.
Chief Supt. Nelson Nario, deputy regional commander, said there were 405 applicants at the start of the selection process but it was trimmed down to 272 after series of examinations. He said 23 applicants have failed the physical agility test, another two failed the physical, mental and dental health test.
Nario, who is also the selection board chair for 2009 PNP recruits, said on the remaining 383 applicants, 58 of them have failed the neuro-psychiatric test.
when the final result of the drug test was given along with the background investigation and the final interview, Nario noted that only 272 had passed.
Police Regional Office 10, based in Camp Alagar at Cagayan de Oro City sent 14 of their excess recruits who had passed all requirements as fillers, thus rasing the number of recruits to 286.
Unfortunately, when the pregnancy test for the female recruits were given the day before, one female recruit was disqualified after she was found to be two months pregnant.
Supt. Illuminado Espina, a staff for Human Resource Doctrine and Development Office read the Special Order Nos. 751-760, making official the enlistment of the recruits to the PNP rolls, entitling them to receive the basic salary of P10,880.80 starting July 1, 2009; while training at the Regional Training School at Brgy. Lipata, Surigao City.
Milla reminded the new members of the police force that being enlisted into the police rank is a noble profession.
But it differs, he said, from the other professions as “it is demanding, exacting and requires the concerned to be oftenly away from his family.” He also said that even a police personnel’s Christmas is at times lonely, but this is a sacrifice according to him, on the part of the police personnel so that the community or the nation may celebrate the holiday peacefully and with joy. he reminded them that the call to service must always come first at all times.
After the oath-taking, seven buses awaited the recruits which will take them to Camp George Barbers, the PNP Regional Training School, where they will be trained there for the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC). After which, they will undergo the so-called Fteld Training Program (FTP) at a designated police office anywhere in the region for another six-months and then the 45-day PNP Scout training will follow. (Herne N. Bagaslao/Correspondent)
Surigao street dancers declare champ in Leyte’s sayaw festival 2009
SURIGAO CITY - The Bonok-bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw contingent of this city walked away victoriously from this year’s Sangyaw Festival after bagging the championship crown in the competition held Monday, June 29, 2009 in Tacloban City.
The Surigao City contingent brought with them P500, 000 as their winning prize. It was learned that prior to the competition, several contingents backed out upon learning that the Bonok-bonok festival of Surigao City joined the event.
In this year’s festival, the Banigan Festival from Basey, Samar was named as second prize winner with P300, 000 cash prize. The third price winner was the festival from Santiago City in Isabela, the Pattaraday Festival: Araw ng Santiago, that won a P200,000 cash prize.
Also, special awards for Best in Music, Best in Costume, and Best in Street dancing all went to the Bonok-bonok Festival contingent.
Ms. Malou Tabal, City Tourism Officer of Tacloban in a radio interview extended her congratulations to the Surigao City contingent.
”Maganda talaga ang Bonok-bonok festival, the costumes are very, very colorful. Deserving talaga ang Surigao. Congratulations.”
Tabal assured the Surigaonons that the city of Tacloban will also participate in the 2009 Bonok-bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival this coming September.
Meanwhile, Harold Antallan, choreographer of the Surigao City contingent thanked all the Surigaonons for their prayers.
”Sa tanan mga Surigaonon na nag-ampo sa amo kadaugan, salamat karajaw sa ijo tanan. (To all Surigaonons who offered prayer for our victory. Thank you very much),” Antallan said.
Tourists, neighboring townfolks and covering journalists were once again treated to a cultural festivity as Surigaonons showed off not only their rich culture but also their unique rhythm in Tacloban’s Sangyaw Festival 2009. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
The Surigao City contingent brought with them P500, 000 as their winning prize. It was learned that prior to the competition, several contingents backed out upon learning that the Bonok-bonok festival of Surigao City joined the event.
In this year’s festival, the Banigan Festival from Basey, Samar was named as second prize winner with P300, 000 cash prize. The third price winner was the festival from Santiago City in Isabela, the Pattaraday Festival: Araw ng Santiago, that won a P200,000 cash prize.
Also, special awards for Best in Music, Best in Costume, and Best in Street dancing all went to the Bonok-bonok Festival contingent.
Ms. Malou Tabal, City Tourism Officer of Tacloban in a radio interview extended her congratulations to the Surigao City contingent.
”Maganda talaga ang Bonok-bonok festival, the costumes are very, very colorful. Deserving talaga ang Surigao. Congratulations.”
Tabal assured the Surigaonons that the city of Tacloban will also participate in the 2009 Bonok-bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival this coming September.
Meanwhile, Harold Antallan, choreographer of the Surigao City contingent thanked all the Surigaonons for their prayers.
”Sa tanan mga Surigaonon na nag-ampo sa amo kadaugan, salamat karajaw sa ijo tanan. (To all Surigaonons who offered prayer for our victory. Thank you very much),” Antallan said.
Tourists, neighboring townfolks and covering journalists were once again treated to a cultural festivity as Surigaonons showed off not only their rich culture but also their unique rhythm in Tacloban’s Sangyaw Festival 2009. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Study says exercise develops a healthy body and mind
BUTUAN CITY- Daily regular exercises would develop a healthy body and mind, according to a study of the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).
This was explained by Marilou Galang, FNR-DOST senior research specialist, during the 6th NUTRICOMNET Media Forum held recently at Northern Mindanao School of Science Institute and Technology in Ampayon here. She encouraged people to do a regular exercise to have a healthy body and mind.
Galang said that walking, running, bike riding, playing sports, dancing, doing push-ups, and simple stretches, such as touching your toes or side stretches are simple exercises that you can enjoy doing.
“When you exercise, you are helping build your body to be strong. This will enable you to move around and do all the things you need and want to do”, she said.
Also, according to Galang, one should start by talking to his/her doctor. She stressed that “this is especially important if you haven’t been active, if you have any health problem or if you are pregnant or an elderly. You start it out slowly, beginning with a ten-minute period of light exercise or brisk walk everyday and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the exercise”.
When asked what best exercise to apply, the Research specialist explained that the best exercise is the one that you will do. She added that “walking is considered one of the best choices because it’s easy, safe and cheap. It doesn’t require training or special equipment, except for a good pair of shoes. Walking is an aerobic and weight-bearing exercise, so it is good for your heart and helps prevent osteoporosis.”
It was also learned that the benefits of doing regular exercise are the following: reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity; keep joints, tendons and ligaments flexible so that it’s easier to move around; reduces some of the effects of aging; contributes to your mental well-being and helps treat depression; helps relieve stress and anxiety; increases your energy and endurance; helps you sleep better; helps you maintain a nrmal weight by increasing your metabolism, that is, the rate you burn calories.
Making exercise a habit is beneficial to your body. All you have to do is give your time, commitment and dedication. At the end of the day, what is important is that you have done great things for your body.
In a related development, the FNRI-DOST has also advised the people to practice a healthy lifestyle to stay healthy and live longer.
“For a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition, exercise regularly, do not smoke and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages”, according to the 10th message of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos.
This health advice is not only to prevent chronic degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cancer but is also helpful in preventing osteoporosis.
NGF was developed by the technical working group of health and nutrition professionals led by the FNRI-DOST.
According to Dr. Zenaida Narciso, Chief Science Research Specialist and Officer-in-charge in the Office of the Deputy Director of FNRI-DOST, there are simple tips to follow for a healthier lifestyle.
“Increase consumption of vegetables particularly leafy and yellow vegetables like alugbati, saluyot, malunggay, kamote tops, kankong or fresh salads; eat at least 2-3 servings of fruits, these are rich sources of vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium; also limit consumption of fatty foods especially those from animal sources; eat breakfast that is high complex carbohydrates like oatmeal, rootcrops, whole grain cereals, and bread; avoid excessive intake of sugar and salt,” Dr. Narciso added.
FNRI-DOST is hoping that the general public would follow the simple tips towards a healthy lifestyle. (Jennifer P. Gaitano, PIA-Caraga with reports from FNRI-DOST)
This was explained by Marilou Galang, FNR-DOST senior research specialist, during the 6th NUTRICOMNET Media Forum held recently at Northern Mindanao School of Science Institute and Technology in Ampayon here. She encouraged people to do a regular exercise to have a healthy body and mind.
Galang said that walking, running, bike riding, playing sports, dancing, doing push-ups, and simple stretches, such as touching your toes or side stretches are simple exercises that you can enjoy doing.
“When you exercise, you are helping build your body to be strong. This will enable you to move around and do all the things you need and want to do”, she said.
Also, according to Galang, one should start by talking to his/her doctor. She stressed that “this is especially important if you haven’t been active, if you have any health problem or if you are pregnant or an elderly. You start it out slowly, beginning with a ten-minute period of light exercise or brisk walk everyday and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the exercise”.
When asked what best exercise to apply, the Research specialist explained that the best exercise is the one that you will do. She added that “walking is considered one of the best choices because it’s easy, safe and cheap. It doesn’t require training or special equipment, except for a good pair of shoes. Walking is an aerobic and weight-bearing exercise, so it is good for your heart and helps prevent osteoporosis.”
It was also learned that the benefits of doing regular exercise are the following: reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity; keep joints, tendons and ligaments flexible so that it’s easier to move around; reduces some of the effects of aging; contributes to your mental well-being and helps treat depression; helps relieve stress and anxiety; increases your energy and endurance; helps you sleep better; helps you maintain a nrmal weight by increasing your metabolism, that is, the rate you burn calories.
Making exercise a habit is beneficial to your body. All you have to do is give your time, commitment and dedication. At the end of the day, what is important is that you have done great things for your body.
In a related development, the FNRI-DOST has also advised the people to practice a healthy lifestyle to stay healthy and live longer.
“For a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition, exercise regularly, do not smoke and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages”, according to the 10th message of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos.
This health advice is not only to prevent chronic degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cancer but is also helpful in preventing osteoporosis.
NGF was developed by the technical working group of health and nutrition professionals led by the FNRI-DOST.
According to Dr. Zenaida Narciso, Chief Science Research Specialist and Officer-in-charge in the Office of the Deputy Director of FNRI-DOST, there are simple tips to follow for a healthier lifestyle.
“Increase consumption of vegetables particularly leafy and yellow vegetables like alugbati, saluyot, malunggay, kamote tops, kankong or fresh salads; eat at least 2-3 servings of fruits, these are rich sources of vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium; also limit consumption of fatty foods especially those from animal sources; eat breakfast that is high complex carbohydrates like oatmeal, rootcrops, whole grain cereals, and bread; avoid excessive intake of sugar and salt,” Dr. Narciso added.
FNRI-DOST is hoping that the general public would follow the simple tips towards a healthy lifestyle. (Jennifer P. Gaitano, PIA-Caraga with reports from FNRI-DOST)
DENR pays tribute to Bishop Pueblos
BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) paid tribute to His Eminence Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos of this city for his great contribution in the sustainable development of environment and mining industry in Caraga Region.
DENR represented by Regional Executive Director Edilberto S.Buiser gave the plaque of recognition to Bishop Pueblos in a simple program fitting for the Bishop’s Pre Episcopal Silver Anniversary celebration held at the Bishop’s Palace in Barangay Ampayon, this city on June 23,2009.
Director Buiser said the DENR family is very much grateful to Bishop Pueblos for his great contribution in the protection and preservation of environment since he took the mantle of leadership of the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) which is in line with the pursuit of DENR Secretary Lito Atienza to “protect the environment and our natural resources to the best that the laws intend.”
One of the priorities of Secretary Atienza is to curb air pollution and replenish the forest cover even as he encouraged all sectors to do their share to solve the “biggest challenge that our environment and natural wealth are facing which is the climate change.”
It has been the emphasis of Secretary Atienza to inform the public that the DENR is doing its best to contribute to the worldwide effort to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, whose destructive effects are likely to be felt in the country’s long shorelines with the warming up of sea temperatures.
Director Buiser said the efforts made by Bishop Pueblos in holding forums as co-convenor of the CPPD is very effective which has somehow changed the lopsided – public perception of the DENR attributed to the “complex and interlocking socio-economic , political and environmental factors in Caraga region.”
“Bishop Pueblos is very much active in mobilizing the members of the CCPD and other sectors in the region, particularly in drawing up strategies to mitigate climate change. The members of the CCPD also included the military sector, local government executives, leader of the different indigenous group, non-government organization, academe, government officials of the national government and many other private organizations.He said Bishop Pueblos has a strong influence in promoting transparency thus, the DENR concerted efforts in pursuing its mission and mandate are appreciated by the stakeholders and the public in general.
DENR represented by Regional Executive Director Edilberto S.Buiser gave the plaque of recognition to Bishop Pueblos in a simple program fitting for the Bishop’s Pre Episcopal Silver Anniversary celebration held at the Bishop’s Palace in Barangay Ampayon, this city on June 23,2009.
Director Buiser said the DENR family is very much grateful to Bishop Pueblos for his great contribution in the protection and preservation of environment since he took the mantle of leadership of the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) which is in line with the pursuit of DENR Secretary Lito Atienza to “protect the environment and our natural resources to the best that the laws intend.”
One of the priorities of Secretary Atienza is to curb air pollution and replenish the forest cover even as he encouraged all sectors to do their share to solve the “biggest challenge that our environment and natural wealth are facing which is the climate change.”
It has been the emphasis of Secretary Atienza to inform the public that the DENR is doing its best to contribute to the worldwide effort to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, whose destructive effects are likely to be felt in the country’s long shorelines with the warming up of sea temperatures.
Director Buiser said the efforts made by Bishop Pueblos in holding forums as co-convenor of the CPPD is very effective which has somehow changed the lopsided – public perception of the DENR attributed to the “complex and interlocking socio-economic , political and environmental factors in Caraga region.”
“Bishop Pueblos is very much active in mobilizing the members of the CCPD and other sectors in the region, particularly in drawing up strategies to mitigate climate change. The members of the CCPD also included the military sector, local government executives, leader of the different indigenous group, non-government organization, academe, government officials of the national government and many other private organizations.He said Bishop Pueblos has a strong influence in promoting transparency thus, the DENR concerted efforts in pursuing its mission and mandate are appreciated by the stakeholders and the public in general.
.jpg){kind=link}
No comments:
Post a Comment