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Septic canal where 2-year-old boy drowned, drained
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Officials of Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City have started cleaning the open septic canal in Sitio 3-H where a child drowned recently. In a post, Basak Barangay Captain Jasmine “Daday” Chan said that they already drained the water in the septiccanal, with the help of the Clean and Green personnel of the.....»»
Maguikay Brgy Captain Gumera finally proclaimed winner of barangay elections
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines — After more than a month, Maguikay Barangay Captain Eduardo Gumera Sr. was finally proclaimed winner of the last Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. Gumera on Wednesday, December 13, was proclaimed by Jomar Caborog, Barangay Board of Canvassers chairman and Maguikay National High School principal, at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office.....»»
New Zamboanga del Sur barangay captain slain
Another newly elected barangay chairman has been killed, this time in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur......»»
Davao City BSKE results: familiar names lost, but another Duterte enters politics
Ibuyan, Apostol, Ungab, and Abella are familiar names in Davao City local politics yet the first three lost their reelection bids as barangay captains, while Abella failed his comeback for barangay captain, in Monday’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. Yet, another Duterte made it into local politics......»»
Spanish national, who went missing, found dead under 14 feet of seawater in Moalboal
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A Spanish national, who went missing while snorkeling off the seawaters of Barangay Basdiot, Moalboal town on October 26, was found by rescuers under 14 feet of water a day after he went missing. Police Captain Etelmerto Timagos, chief of the Moalboal Police Station, in a phone interview with CDN Digital.....»»
Village chief aspirant dies in ambush
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Lanao del Sur Provincial Police on Wednesday reported that a barangay chairperson candidate in Barangay Sigayan, Kapatagan town in Lanao del Sur was killed while his wife and son were injured after armed men ambushed them. Lanao del Sur Provincial Police director Col. Robert S. Daculan identified the fatality as Kamar Bilao Bansil, who is running for barangay chairperson in Barangay Sigayan in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. Meantime, the fatality’s wife — identified as Jasmin and his son Manmo — both sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies. They were immediately rushed to a hospital by policemen and emergency responders from the Kapatagan local government unit. Daculan also identified the leader of the armed group as Pabil Pagrangan, the husband of Sigayan’s incumbent village chair. Initial reports disclosed that Bansil was driving his multi-cab vehicle with his wife and son on board when they were fired upon by the group of Pagrangan who positioned themselves along the road of Sigayan. Bansil was supposed to contest the re-election bid of Pagrangan’s wife, the incumbent barangay chair of Sigayan. Daculan said policemen are now conducting a hot pursuit operation against Pagrangan who fled with his cohorts to the different directions after the incident. The post Village chief aspirant dies in ambush appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mandaue hydroponics farming gets boost
The Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas has recently provided farmers of the Casili Farmers Association in Barangay Casili, Mandaue City with hydroponics farming and organic fertilizers. Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said Casili farmers started cultivating the 2,000-square-meter farmland in 2021 and it was only in January that farmers started to plant vegetables such as sponge gourd, eggplant, kamote tops and more. “The land called Casili Community Garden is a private lot. But with the effort of our Casili barangay captain, he was able to secure clearance from its owners and turn it into a farm,” the mayor said. Cortes said that the project transformed more organic waste into fertilizers and use recyclable waste, such as plastic bottles, to serve as do-it-yourself plant pots which contributed to the city’s decreasing waste collection. He added that Mandaue’s waste is 27 percent organic, 36 percent recyclable, 35 percent residual and two percent special waste such as treated medical waste, sludge and grease trap waste. The post Mandaue hydroponics farming gets boost appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bucay town poll violence spills in metro
BAGUIO CITY — Hours before the shooting of a barangay kagawad candidate took place in Bucay town, Abra province, the wife of a candidate for village chief in the same town was confirmed abducted by unknown suspects in Parañaque City. Reports from the Parañaque City Police Station disclosed that the victim — identified as Bliss Progreso Loy, a teacher of Col. E de Leon Elementary School in Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City — was abducted in the morning of 18 October 2023. Initial investigations revealed that the teacher, together with her siblings, were on board a motorcycle at Matthew Street, Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City when two male persons on board a motorcycle blocked their way. The suspects grabbed the teacher and forced her inside a black van with plate number ABR-5730. The alleged kidnap victim is the wife of Benjamin Loy, a candidate for captain of Barangay Abang in Bucay town, Abra. Days before the alleged abduction, their house in the said barangay was ransacked by unknown assailants. The police are reviewing the CCTV footages to identify the suspects and the direction where the black van headed. At past 7 a.m. on 18 October, a candidate for barangay kagawad was shot two times by unidentified gunmen at Sitio Nagpasinan, Barangay Bangbangcag, Bucay, Abra. The victim was identified as Catalino Turalba Sr., a resident of Barangay Bangbangcag. Police reported that Turalba was on board his motorcycle with his son and was said to be heading to Barangay Palaquio of the same town. On their way, a riding on tandem followed him and one of the suspects shot him two times with a pistol of unidentified caliber. The victim was rushed to the St. Therese Hospital in Talogtog, Dolores, Abra by personnel of the 1504th Regional Mobile Force Battalion. He was later transferred to the Abra Provincial Hospital in Bangued where he expired. On 9 October 2023, an encounter ensued between the Bucay police and armed men where one of the suspects died. Series of events which led to the latest incident involving Turalba have brought “fear” among the people in the province and a sense of “helplessness” as reports of armed men continue to roam around. Abra officials appealed for the deployment of more government troops in the province especially in Bucay because of the election-related violence happening in the area. While the sight of uniformed personnel helps, a number of Abrenios clamor for further intervention of various groups and stakeholders to call out presence of violence in the province. The post Bucay town poll violence spills in metro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ifugao kid dies from hacking
BAGUIO CITY — A five-year-old boy has died while 10 others were reportedly injured after a man ran amuck on Wednesday afternoon at Barangay Amduntog, Asipulo, Ifugao. Police said that the child was hacked by the suspect identified as Davis Dulnuan, Bullong, a resident of Barangay Antipolo, Asipulo. According to the Asipulo Police, he was imprisoned on 2001 to 2013 for frustrated murder. Asipulo Police Chief Police Capt. Francisco Buyuccan said that Bullong was neutralized by the police as he entered the Asipulo Elementary School. The injured victims were identified as Aldrick Hagada, barangay captain of Amdumtog, Michael Tucal, Tomas Tayaban, Ezperanza Tadao, Jenariz Dinamling, Melanie Pihlo and Jocelyn Tagnaon. Tagnaon is the mother of the boy who died while her two other sons were also injured by Bullong. Two kids aged three and six years old were also hacked by the suspect. Buyuccan said that the incident was reported to them after Bullong already hacked people in two sitios before going to the barangay hall of Amduntog, hacking more people there. The police said that the suspect again hacked another two in his way to the school. The post Ifugao kid dies from hacking appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ilocos village chief bet held for shabu
A candidate for barangay captain in Laoag City in Ilocos Norte was arrested yesterday for alleged possession of illegal drugs......»»
Maguindanao Norte ambush kills soldier
General Santos City — A manhunt operation has been launched following the death of a soldier who was ambushed by still unidentified suspects at Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao del Norte recently. The victim, identified as Staff Sergeant Darwin Alaba, was declared dead on arrival in a hospital while his companion identified as Private First Class Edwin Villa is still in critical condition. Initial reports disclosed that the two were gunned down upon reaching Sitio Sandakan, Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat last Saturday afternoon. It also revealed that the two victims just came from the 1st Brigade Combat Team Headquarters on board a motorcycle when the unidentified suspects ambushed them. The post Maguindanao Norte ambush kills soldier appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New mission: BuCor reform
Following his tenure as chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2015, retired four-star General Gregorio Pio Catapang chose to settle in Pampanga. Here, he embraced a simpler life as a farmer, relishing in the delights of native chicken, fresh produce, and the serene natural surroundings. “I am an environmentalist, so I decided to stay in Arayat, Pampanga, to be a farmer upon my retirement in October 2015, and I prayed, ‘Lord, it has been mission accomplished, so give me a new mission,’” Catapang narrated. The former military chief, the AFP’s 45th from July 2014 to 2015, is not a stranger to close encounters with mortality. Throughout his extensive service in the Philippine Army, from graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, he has endured several clashes with enemies, even more than one could count with the fingers. He held major positions in the AFP as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division — the Army’s largest unit, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, 703 Infantry Brigade, and 28th Infantry Brigade, among others. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His rise to prominence was not without hitches because he barely survived nine brushes with death. His strong faith in the Lord enabled him to be alive today. “The first incident that I encountered that almost ended my life was when I fell from the second floor of our house when I was just a kid; the second was when I was in the field where a provincial bus liner rammed the car I was in,” Catapang said. He was airlifted from Basa Airbase to V. Luna General Hospital and eventually transferred to Quezon City Medical City as he continued to bleed due to his severe injuries. “The doctor told me not to sleep because I might turn into a coma. So I fight on as the doctors continue to treat me,” he added. While still recovering, with his facial wounds still not yet fully healed, he was called by his commander to report back to work. “Nakangiwi pa ako dahil sa sugat (I was still grimacing in pain), but as a soldier, I followed the order, and that was then I realized that he was teaching me how to become chief of staff,” Catapang said, adding that as a good soldier, he had to endure the pain. He recalled that a chopper ride in the mountains of Cagayan also nearly took his life as it flew at 1,000 feet and traveled 18 knots. “The chopper is already old. I just have to make the sign of the cross as the chopper made a low-altitude flight due to poor visibility. We plunged downward, and I thought it was the end for me. But thankfully, the chopper normalized, and we safely landed,” he said. While in a restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga, Catapang said he was informed that NPA (New People’s Army) rebels would ambush him. “We ate at a chicken restaurant in Angeles and received information that I would be ambushed on returning to our camp. It was retaliation for the death of eight commanders of the NPA after movement patterns were detected based on information from barangay chairpersons,” he said. He cannot forget, too, that during the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the roof of the building they were occupying collapsed due to the accumulated volcanic ash. Catapang, named after two generals — Gregorio del Pilar and Pio del Pilar — led his soldiers in helping the indigenous peoples in the area, giving them food, clothing, and other necessities. “The natives very loved us because of that,” he added. He said he is thankful to have emerged victorious and alive from the all-out war against Muslim secessionists in Mindanao. It almost ended his life, but he survived with solid faith in the Lord. Throughout his life, he consistently believed that prayers are always answered, particularly when reciting the rosary. Proof was when he fervently prayed to the Lord to allow him to marry his first girlfriend, and his request was granted. He married Maria Lourdes and has three children. Catapang’s early life lacked the excitement it later encompassed. He was a typical teenager. He attended high school at the Claret School of Quezon City. Shortly after graduating from PMA, he pursued graduate courses at the University of the Philippines. He is the second of four children of Gregorio Catapang Sr., a lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lourdes Punzalan, an accountant at the Department of Finance, from whom he learned the value of public service. As a military officer, Catapang rallied the troops to strictly adhere to the AFP’s slogan of “Kawal DISIPLINADO, bawal ABUSADO, dapat ASINTADO” — three key words that spell out the Do’s and DON’T’s to become proficient in fire and maneuver and avoid collateral damage; be respectful of human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and the rule of law, and the rules of engagement. Catapang moved on with his career and retirement life, carrying an excellent performance standard, exemplary leadership and a keen vision. Answered post-retirement prayer After retiring from active military service spanning 34 years, he received a divine blessing through a new mission. Following seven years of working as a farmer, he experienced a life-altering moment on the evening of October 19, 2021. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla gave him an offer to lead the Bureau of Corrections. Unaware of the challenges that awaited him within the BuCor, especially at the New Bilibid Prison, he accepted the offer. It was only later that he discovered the appalling issues of corruption among the prison staff and the dire condition of the overcrowded facilities. Under the guidance of Secretary Remulla, Catapang’s mission to reform the BuCor is yielding positive results. They are actively organizing culminating activities to release eligible individuals who have been deprived of their liberty. To alleviate the overcrowding in the jail facilities, the BuCor is actively organizing and implementing various reforms. The main goal is to transfer all persons deprived of liberty from the maximum security compound of the NBP to new facilities outside of Metro Manila. Catapang is confident plans will come to fruition, as they have already presented their long-term reform plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approval. “At present, the reformation of BuCor is in full swing. I am confident we will accomplish and make things happen,” he said. The NBP, he said, is undergoing a significant transformation. The plan is to shut down the NBP in Muntinlupa and repurpose the area into a new business district similar to Bonifacio Global City in the southern part of Metro Manila. Explaining the reason behind the decision, he said high-end residential communities surround the current location of the NBP in Muntinlupa. To align with the surrounding environment, the intention is to close down the NBP and relocate all inmates to regional jail facilities nationwide. Catapang shared plans to dedicate eight hectares of land within the NBP to improve the living conditions of the settlers and provide them with opportunities for reintegration into society. “We will build condominium units for the settlers at the NBP, complete with amenities like a swimming pool, multipurpose facilities, and the like. Repair of residential houses is no longer possible, including power lines, so we decided to allocate the lands for them,” he added. The government will optimally use the land area by developing it into a business and government center, aligning with the DoJ’s plan. To support the food security initiatives of the President, he said they have already started the cultivation of approximately 10 hectares of land at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The aim is to grow rice and high-yield crops, contributing to the government’s long-term food security plans. “Hopefully, this will be done also to other penal farms of BuCor because we have ample lands for cultivation,” Catapang said. For the BuCor Director General who refused to be defined by limitations and setbacks, the relentless spirit and passion for reforms radiate triumphs against the most formidable odds. The post New mission: BuCor reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids Borongan fire victims
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided assistance to 22 fire-hit households in Barangay Calingatngan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar on Tuesday, 26 September. In coordination with Calingatngan Barangay Captain Edwin Anasarias, the affected families received financial assistance, grocery packs, clean drinking water, snacks, and shirts from the senator. Select recipients also received shoes, mobile phones, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Housing Authority conducted their respective assessments wherein qualified recipients may receive necessary livelihood support and housing assistance, respectively. “Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, ang importante ay buhay kayo. Ang gamit po ay napapalitan, ang pera ay kikitain pero ang pera ay hindi nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya pangalagaan natin ang buhay na binigay sa atin ng Panginoon,” Go said in a video message. Go then highlighted Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire (BFP) Protection Modernization Act of 2021. The said law, which was authored and co-sponsored by Go, mandates the BFP to undergo a ten-year modernization program that will improve the capabilities of the agency by implementing a ten-year modernization program, which includes recruiting more firefighters, acquiring new fire equipment, and developing specialized training, among others. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also encouraged residents with health concerns to seek the services of the Malasakit Center located at Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital in the city. Designed to assist poor and indigent Filipinos, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where all relevant agencies are brought together under one roof to ensure that medical assistance programs are within the patients’ reach. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, principally sponsored and authored by Go, has successfully assisted more than three million Filipinos with 159 operational centers nationwide. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the construction of the access road from the National Highway to Bolusao National High School in Lawaan; rehabilitation of local roads in Balangkayan, Giporlos, Jipapad, Lawaan, Maslog, Quinapondan, San Julian, Sulat, and Taft; construction of the Borongan Community Hospital; construction of a slope protection structure in Borongan City and Lawaan; construction of multipurpose buildings in Jipapad, Maydolong, and Oras; construction of a slaughterhouse in Maydolong; improvement of the drainage systems in Can-Avid; and acquisition of ambulance units for the local governments of Maslog and Quinapondan. The post Bong Go aids Borongan fire victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ex-Kapalong village chief convicted over graft
The Sandiganbayan has sentenced a former barangay captain of Kapalong, Davao del Norte over the unlawful sale of the barangay’s dump truck, the proceeds of which he allegedly embezzled. The conviction follows the anti-graft court’s Seventh Division’s decision denying the petition of Arthur Lontoc Jr., ex-chief of Barangay Pag-asa to reverse the previous ruling of Tagum City Regional Trial Court Branch 1 for lack of merit. In August 2022, Tagum City RTC Branch 1 found Lontoc guilty of graft and malversation of public funds and meted out a sentence of up to 13 years in prison for both charges. On top of the conviction, the lower court also ordered Lontoc to pay P77,000, or the amount malversed and to be perpetually disqualified from holding public office. The case against Lantoc was filed by his kagawads and other concerned citizens, who accused him of selling the barangay’s Isuzu dump truck in December 2006 without proper authority and without complying with the procedure for the disposal of government property as mandated by law. The dump truck was allegedly donated by the Kapalong municipal government to Barangay Pag-asa. Lantoc was accused of selling the dump truck without authorization from the barangay council, which he claimed to be false. However, state prosecutors’ probe revealed that Lantoc sold the dump truck for P77,000 to a certain Felix Sibonga and that the proceeds went to his personal use and court documents showed that only P45,000 was officially recorded on a handwritten receipt, which Lantoc later withdrew after remitting to the barangay treasurer. Lantoc, in his defense argued that the sum had been remitted to the barangay treasurer in December 2006 and as of that date, the amount ceased to be his accountability and claimed that he should not be held criminally liable since he refunded P150,000 to Sibonga for the returned dump truck to the barangay. The post Ex-Kapalong village chief convicted over graft appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Ilapit ang serbisyong medikal sa mga Pilipino’ — Bong Go
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, commended the local government of Zamboanga City and the Department of Health (DOH) for the successful ceremonial turnover of a Super Health Center in Barangay Sangali on Thursday, 21 September. In a video message, Go expressed his confidence that the said health facility would be able to provide accessible healthcare services to the residents. “Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya. Sa mga itinayo ng Super Health Centers, nakita namin kung gaano kalaki ang naitutulong nito sa komunidad lalo na sa malalayong lugar,” said Go. “It is a significant step towards enhanced healthcare services in communities. Yun po ang layunin ng mga Super Health Centers, ang ilapit sa mamamayan ang serbisyong medikal ng gobyerno,” he added. Through the collective efforts of Go, DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. The Super Health Center is an enhanced version of the rural health unit, offering a wide range of health services such as database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation areas, diagnostic services (including laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds), pharmacy services, and ambulatory surgical units. Additionally, these centers provide services such as eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, which enables remote diagnosis and treatment of patients. Go emphasized the critical role that Super Health Centers play in decongesting hospitals, facilitating early disease detection, and providing essential healthcare services such as primary care and medical consultations directly to the community. “Ano po itong Super Health Center? It’s a medium type of a polyclinic. Pwede po diyan ‘yung panganganak, dental, laboratory, x-ray, pagpapabakuna. Alam n’yo naisipan ko po ‘yang Super Health Center noong 2021. Sa kakaikot ko po ng buong Pilipinas, ‘yung mga may sakit anlayo ng byahe, yung mga buntis nanganganak na lang sa tricycle o sa jeepney dahil malalayo ang hospital. Ngayon po magkakaroon na kayong sarili ninyong health center. Pwede na po diyan ‘yung panganganak, pagkonsulta, at iba pa,” shared Go. “Malaking tulong po ito na ma-decongest ‘yung mga hospitals. Makakatulong rin sa early disease detection para maagapan ang sakit. Hindi na kailangang ilakbay pa natin ng napakalayo para makapunta sa hospital,” he added. Go also extended his heartfelt appreciation to the officials for their unwavering commitment to public service. Among those present were Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe, Vice Mayor Pinpin Pareja, DOH Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama, and Regional Director Joshua Brillantes. The council was well-represented by Councilors Vino Guingona, Cary John Pioc, Jerome Santos, Jimmy Villaflores, and Gerky Velasco. Barangay Captain Ruben of Ullas was also acknowledged for his contributions. Go also encouraged individuals with health concerns to avail of the services available at the nearby Malasakit Center, situated at Zamboanga City Medical Center, Mindanao Central Sanitarium, and Labuan General Hospital. Functioning as a one-stop shop, the Malasakit Center facilitates access to medical assistance from various government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. As of now, 159 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. The most recent center was inaugurated at Bislig District Hospital in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, an event Go attended on 15 September. DOH reported that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than seven million Filipinos. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go remains committed to supporting various projects in the city, aligning with his vision to foster progress even in challenging times. These projects include the construction of a multipurpose building that will be turned into a sub-national laboratory capacity building for serology and molecular testing, the construction of a children’s park, and a two-story building inside Camp Navarro General Hospital. The post ‘Ilapit ang serbisyong medikal sa mga Pilipino’ — Bong Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Paranas town mourns village chair’s death
TACLOBAN CITY — The municipality of Paranas in Samar raised the flag on a half-mast last Monday to mourn the death of a barangay captain who was shot dead by suspected members of the communist New People’s Army on 16 September 2023. The victim — identified as Tito Llamado, barangay chairman of Anagasi, a far-flung village of Paranas — is believed to have been killed by members of NPA’s Arnulfo Ortiz Command based on a hand-written note that was found on his body where the communist rebels owned up to the killing. “Kap. Tito was a dedicated leader who tirelessly served the residents of Barangay Anagasi, striving to improve their lives with purpose, choice, dignity, and respect,” a statement posted in the LGU’s social media account said. “We honor his memory and stand in solidarity with the people of Barangay Anagasi during this difficult time, forever inspired by his exemplary service, leadership, and friendship,” it added. The LGU also expressed condolences to the family of the slain village leader. “We deeply appreciate the positive impact of your benevolent actions and outstanding leadership in Barangay Anagasi. May justice be served in the wake of your passing,” it said. Meantime, Paranas Municipal Police chief PMaj. Kim Windell Montilla disclosed that responding investigators found the note of the NPA group owning up responsibility for the killing along with empty shells of 5.56mm gun. Montilla said Llamado is running unopposed in his re-election bid as barangay captain of Anagasi for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023. As the village chief, Montilla said Llamado was an active partner of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in encouraging rebels to surrender and return to the folds of the law. “Paranas Police will ensure that justice will be served and we will pursue to file appropriate criminal charges against the heartless terrorists who are responsible for this inhumane act,” Montilla said. “The government forces would not be startled nor shaken by this violence committed by the Arnulfo Ortiz Command.” “This assault on the agent of the government who vows only to serve the country and his countrymen will fuel our counter-insurgency efforts to strengthen our battle to free the municipality from the bondage of insurgency,” Montilla added. The post Paranas town mourns village chair’s death appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Barangay Captain accuser cries harassment
Days after she filed a graft case against Quezon City Barangay Kaligayahan Chairman Alfredo “Freddy” Roxas, threats that something bad would happen to her flooded her mobile phone and social media account. Aljean Abe, the village’s former teaching aide went to the Office of the Ombudsman on Friday to file another Grave Coercion charge against Roxas in relation to Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Abe in her complaint furnished to DAILY TRIBUNE narrated that when she filed the graft charges last 11 September, several messages were sent to her cellular phone by supporters of Roxas threatening to do harm to her. Abe averred that the threat messages came from Mark Roldan Santiago Sedilla and Jennilyn Guiling Montefalco both employees of Barangay Kaligayahan and avid supporters of Roxas who is also an honorary councilor for being the president of League of Barangay Chairmen in the city. Fearing for her life and her family, Abe decided to transfer to a place where Roxas and his supporters could not reach her. However, the following day (12 September) she was surprised to see their barangay vehicle parked in front of her new address where Melanie Aviguetero, Jamaica Jallorica and an unidentified man tried to take photos of her. The three are also employees of Barangay Kaligayahan, according to Abe, who informed her that she needed to go to their office and talk to Roxas. Two days after (14 September) Abe said she received a text message asking why she filed a graft case against Roxas. She was also asked if she needed monetary assistance from their barangay and if she wanted to be hired again as barangay worker. If she agrees, she needs to go to their barangay to sign a contract and some documents in front of a lawyer. These things, Abe said prompted her to file the grave coercion charges against Roxas. The post Barangay Captain accuser cries harassment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Barangay Captain accuser cries harassment, files grave coercion at Ombudsman
Days after she filed a graft case against Quezon City Barangay Kaligayahan Chairman Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Roxas, threats that something bad would happen to her kept pouring in her mobile phone and social media account. Aljean Abe, the village's former teaching aide went to the Office of the Ombudsman on Friday to file another Grave Coercion charge against Roxas in relation to Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Abe in her complaint furnished to Daily Tribune narrated that when she filed the graft charges on September 11, 2023, several messages were sent to her cellular phone by supporters of Roxas threatening to do harm to her. Abe averred that the threat messages came from Mark Roldan Santiago Sedilla and Jennilyn Guiling Montefalco both employees of Brgy. Kaligayahan and avid supporters of Roxas who is also an honorary councilor for being the president of League of Barangay Chairmen in the city. Fearing for her life and her family, Abe decided to transfer to a place where Roxas and his supporters could not reach her. However, the following day (September 12) she was surprised to see their barangay vehicle parked in front of her new address where Melanie Aviguetero, Jamaica Jallorica, and the unidentified man tried to take photos of her. The three are also employees of Brgy. Kaligayahan, according to Abe, informed her that she needed to go to their office and talk to Roxas. Two days after (September 14, 2023) Abe said she received a text message asking why she filed a graft case against Roxas. She was also asked if she needed monetary assistance from their barangay and if she wanted to be hired again as a barangay worker. If she agrees, she needs to go to their barangay to sign a contract and some documents in front of a lawyer. These things, Abe said prompted her to file the grave coercion charges against Roxas. Abe, and another barangay worker, Hernando Compedio filed charges of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Roxas a couple of weeks ago upon learning that their names were still included in the barangay payroll list even after they had already been fired and resigned from their jobs. Other charges of graft practices were also filed by Barangay Kaligayahan Kagawad laban kay Punong Barangay Allan Francisco Jr. against Roxas over a resolution passed without the proper barangay council session. Roxas meanwhile, could not be reached to comment on the charges hurled against him. The post Barangay Captain accuser cries harassment, files grave coercion at Ombudsman appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG’s BIDA Program rolled out in Zamboanga del Sur
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos led the rollout of the "Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan" (BIDA) Program in Zamboanga del Sur on Thursday morning. The BIDA Program launch was one of the highlights of the 71st Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur celebration at the Mega Gymnasium Provincial Government Complex, Dao, Pagadian City, which Abalos attended as a guest of honor and speaker. In his message before an estimated crowd of 1,500 Zambosurians, the DILG chief highlighted the critical role of local government units (LGUs) and other sectors of society in addressing the drug menace through education, prevention, and rehabilitation to complement the relentless anti-drug operations of law enforcement agencies. “Ang importante habang nanghuhuli ang mga pulis, tayong mga nasa LGU—mga barangay captain, konsehal, mayor, gobernador, bokal—community groups, religious leaders, parents, whole-of-nation approach dapat. Bumaba tayo, tulungan natin ang pulis. It’s not only about supply reduction. But most importantly, it's about demand reduction,” Abalos said. Furthermore, the DILG secretary congratulated the province of Zamboanga del Sur on its 71st Charter Day celebration. He also commended the leadership of Governor Victor J. Yu, who focused his governance through HEARTS or Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture, Roads and Bridges, Tourism, and Security. Abalos ended his message by inspiring local officials to continue heed the call of President Marcos for unity. “Iisang bangka tayo. We are given this opportunity, let's make the most out of it. It's time to make a difference for our province, for our city, and most specially for our country. Wala nang sana ganito, sa ganyan sa Pilipinas, wala na. Panahon natin 'to gawin na natin ang tama at huwag tayong matakot. Magtulungan tayo," he said. Named as one of the best government initiatives in Asia by international award-giving body GovMedia Awards, the BIDA Program has already been rolled out to over 700 LGUs nationwide since it was officially launched in November last year, initiating several activities such as BIDA Fun Runs, Serbisyo Caravans, Zumba sessions, cycling events, workshops, and seminars. Meanwhile, DILG Undersecretary for Local Goverment Marlo Iringan, during the Laging Handa press briefing in Malacañang, said the BIDA Program has been going around the country, in line with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s continued campaign against illegal drugs with a renewed focus on demand reduction through a whole-of-nation approach. "Iyong nangyaring bike fest sa Bulacan noong nakaraang Linggo ay isa lamang sa napakaraming mga event at activities na pinangunahan ng ating kagawaran, sa pangunguna ni Secretary Benhur Abalos patungkol doon sa flagship program ng ating pamahalaan na 'Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan'," he said. "Nailunsad po natin itong noong nakaraang taon, November actually, at napunta na po tayo sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas at nagkaroon ng bike fest, fun run. At hindi lang po iyon ‘no, napakarami nating mga ugnayan sa iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan at sa iba’t ibang lebel ng pamahalaan nang sa ganoon ay makuha iyong kanilang suporta sa ating whole-of-nation/whole-of-government approach against illegal drugs," Iringan explained. "Nagawa na po natin sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas at iyan nga ang isa sa mga gagawin pa natin sa mga susunod na araw. Subalit katulad ng nabanggit ko, this is only one of the strategies to generate support against illegal drugs. Nakikipag-ugnayan din po kami halimbawa sa Philippine Basketball Association, sa mga sports association nang sa ganoon suportahan ng mga athletes, na siyang tinitingala/iniidolo ng karamihan sa mga kabataan ‘no, na suportahan itong laban natin sa illegal drugs. Nakikipag-ugnayan kami sa mga iba’t ibang malalaking kumpanya katulad ng SM nang sa ganoon ay magkaroon sila ng initiative or intervention for a drug-free workplace. At iyon na nga po, pati na sa lahat ng mga eskuwelahan, mga unibersidad at mga kolehiyo ay hinihikayat din sila na tumulong ‘no sa laban sa iligal na droga," he added. DILG and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan partner on BIDA The DILG's BIDA Program has also gained anti-illegal drug advocates among the youth of Cagayan de Oro with the signing of a memorandum of agreement with Xavier University-Ateneo De Cagayan. Abalos said the important role of schools like Xavier University-Ateneo De Cagayan and the church in the whole-of-nation BIDA campaign dwells on the holistic formation of the values of the youth and helping them lead productive lives away from the temptation of illegal drugs. DILG Region X Regional Director Wilhelm M. Suyko, who signed the MOA on behalf of the DILG, said youth involvement is a significant and strategic approach to further strengthen the advocacy of the program. “The good thing about this partnership is that this will also be an opportunity to involve the youth in this campaign. We believe that our students could make a change and that they are our instruments in communicating effectively with the youth as well,” Suyko said. The post DILG’s BIDA Program rolled out in Zamboanga del Sur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More than 17K candidates seek barangay, SK positions in Palawan
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — A total of 17,815 individuals submitted their certificates of candidacy in Palawan within a week-long timeframe set by the Commission on Elections for an activity categorized as being "generally peaceful." From the total number, 2,593 individuals filed their candidacy in Puerto Princesa City, and 14,862 in various municipalities in Palawan, all competing for roles in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled for 30 October, as shared by Jomel Ordas, the spokesperson of the provincial COMELEC. Based on the information he provided, there are 172 individuals aiming to vie for the role of barangay captain and 160 individuals planning to run for SK chairman in Puerto Princesa City. In Palawan, approximately 1,034 people have expressed interest in competing for the leading position in the barangay, and 970 individuals aspire to become SK chairman. Ordas pointed out that the list must undergo submission to the Election Records and Statistics Department (ERSD) at their central office for verification before it can be determined whether all of them are eligible candidates. "The process will involve submitting the initial list of filers to the ERSD at the COMELEC main office, and it will undergo several verification steps to ensure that everyone is qualified and not disqualified by law," he explained. He noted that following the completion of the verification process, the COMELEC will furnish an official list of certified candidates. This compilation will be prominently displayed in the barangay halls before the BSKE polls on 30 October. Ordas said that the qualifications subject to assessment encompass being a Filipino citizen, a registered voter in the respective barangay, residing in the same barangay for a minimum of one year prior to the election, possessing the ability to read and write in either Filipino or a local dialect, and reaching the age of 18 or older on the day of the election. He also said that the ERSD will examine whether individuals who submitted their COCs share a second-degree civil relationship with the SK, have a criminal conviction involving moral turpitude, or an offense carrying a penalty of one year or more imprisonment within two years of the sentence, and are not barred by legal disqualifications. For the SK, in addition to some of the previously mentioned qualifications, candidates must fall within the age range of 18 to 24 during the election, possess the capability to read and write both in Filipino and English, and not have a blood or marriage connection up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity with any elected official anywhere in the country. Based further on information furnished by the provincial COMELEC, in the entirety of Palawan, which also includes Puerto Princesa City, the number of individuals aspiring to contest for barangay councilor positions is 10,371, and there are 5,108 candidates vying for SK councilor roles. The post More than 17K candidates seek barangay, SK positions in Palawan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»