Mandaue City’s EOC chief notes ‘slight drop’ in active cases
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines- Mandaue City still has 964 active cases of the coronavirus disease as of March 28, 2021, data from the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) showed. But the accommodation of individuals who tested positive for the coronavirus disease is no longer a problem because of the availability of three isolation facilities […] The post Mandaue City’s EOC chief notes ‘slight drop’ in active cases appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
EOC implements granular lockdown in Guadalupe
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City Emergency Operations Center or EOC has implemented a granular lockdown in Barangay Guadalupe on Sunday, July 18, 2021, due to the increase in the number of its COVID-19 active cases. Cebu City Councillor Joel Garganera, EOC chief implementor, told CDN Digital on Monday, July 19, that they […] The post EOC implements granular lockdown in Guadalupe appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Mandaue City’s EOC chief notes ‘slight drop’ in active cases
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines- Mandaue City still has 964 active cases of the coronavirus disease as of March 28, 2021, data from the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) showed. But the accommodation of individuals who tested positive for the coronavirus disease is no longer a problem because of the availability of three isolation facilities […] The post Mandaue City’s EOC chief notes ‘slight drop’ in active cases appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Karenderyas, workplaces are top sources of COVID-19 in Cebu City
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been spreading fast in Cebu City with 2,671 active cases now. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the city said that the transmission had been higher at workplaces and at karenderyas specifically. Councilor Joel Garganera, EOC deputy chief implementor, said the establishments might be compliant […] The post Karenderyas, workplaces are top sources of COVID-19 in Cebu City appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Brgy Guadalupe still leads active COVID cases in Cebu City, chief says residents don’t believe in virus
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Barangay Guadalupe remains to have the most number of active Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Cebu City after a month of the rapid rise in cases. In the daily trend released by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) from January 26, 2021, to February 8, 2021, Guadalupe keeps the highest number […] The post Brgy Guadalupe still leads active COVID cases in Cebu City, chief says residents don’t believe in virus appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Cebu City to be under lockdown again?
CEBU CITY — A lockdown may be imposed here again after a slight increase in new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases were recorded in the past three days, the chief of the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) said Thursday. City Councilor Joel Garganera said that from Nov. 9 to 11, there were more new cases than recoveries which may lead to another lockdown before the month ends. “If this trend will continue, then it’s not isolated and that before the end of the month, we will lock down,” Garganera said. The city recorded 13 new cases last Tuesday and another 28 last Wednesday, increasing the active cases to 131 as of Thursday. “This data serves as a warning. Our government, the police, the barangays, and frontliners can only do so much. We need the cooperation of the entire populace. If other first world countries, with much superior health services, experienced second wave, lockdowns, how much more us. What good will be our gains if the few continue to violate our health protocols,” Garganera said. The councilor lamented that mass gatherings have also become common in the past few days even if the city remains under general community quarantine. Garganera said the EOC has received reports that some people are renting houses as venues for parties. “People tend to relax. There were mass gatherings and parties. Some people are renting houses or these Airbnb and hold parties there,” said Garganera. “This is very alarming. If the cases continue to increase we might implement a lockdown. This is a warning because a lot are no longer complying with the health protocols,” said Garganera. Garganera said the EOC will be meeting with the police so that stricter implementation of health protocols will be imposed. “Though the positivity rate is way below the WHO (World Health Organization) threshold which is five percent but if people tend to be not mindful of the health protocols, we will be surprised that we will celebrate Christmas under ECQ (enhanced community quarantine)......»»
44 out of 80 Cebu City barangays have zero active cases
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The deputy chief implementor for Cebu City’s Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) welcomed Mayor Edgardo Labella’s move to provide cash incentives for barangays that could achieve zero active cases of the coronavirus. Councilor Joel Garganera, who also heads the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), said […] The post 44 out of 80 Cebu City barangays have zero active cases appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Positivity rate of Cebu City goes down to 4.1% — Feliciano
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases continue to go down in the past few weeks with only 1,270 active cases left of its total 9,419 cases. Retired General Melquiades Feliciano, deputy chief implementor of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) in the Visayas, said the positivity rate had dropped to a […] The post Positivity rate of Cebu City goes down to 4.1% — Feliciano appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Davao City rape cases drop
Davao City rape cases drop.....»»
53% drop in Davao City’s road accidents: DCPO-TEU
The Davao City Police Office-Traffic Enforcement Unit (DCPO-TEU) has reported a significant 53% decrease in road accidents during the first 16 days of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Deputy Chief Pcpt. Raymundo B. Bacera Jr. revealed these statistics during the ISpeak media forum, citing 213 recorded incidents in 2023, compared to only 102 in 2024. He noted a reduction in the number of vehicles involved, from 120 to 51. Human error was identified as the primary cause of accidents, accounting for 97% of cases, while vehicle defects and road defects contributed to 2% and 1% of incidents, respectively. Private vehicles were involved in 40% of the accidents, with common human errors including texting/calling while driving, overtaking, and speeding. The peak hours for accidents were identified as between 2 pm to 4 pm. Despite the implementation of the New Speed Limit Ordinance, which came into effect on January 11, 2024, Dionisio Abude, head of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), emphasized that the ordinance cannot guarantee the absence of road incidents, highlighting the critical role of driver behavior and driving habits. Since the ordinance's enforcement, CTTMO and DCPO-TEU have issued citations to 730 violators, with private vehicles constituting 49% of the total, followed by motorcycles, taxis, trucks, public utility jeepneys, buses, and public utility vans......»»
Three times the funin Eastwood City township
The country’s friendliest global indoor multi-activity park from Finland opens in Megaworld’s 18.5-hectare Eastwood City township in Quezon City. The new SuperPark Philippines brings a plethora of fun from three themed zones and wows visitors with 21 high-energy activities that people of all ages will enjoy. Megaworld Corporation, through its subsidiary MegaPark Philippines, Inc., has collaborated with SuperPark for the exclusive license of two global multi-activity establishments in Metro Manila. “We are thrilled to open the doors of SuperPark Philippines and share the joy and adventure that SuperPark is known for worldwide. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, representing our commitment to creating a world where everyone can experience the joy of movement and play,” shared Juha Tanskanen, chief executive officer of SuperPark LTD. An unparalleled experience for thrill-seekers, sports enthusiasts and families looking for a day of fun and adventure awaits at the fourth level of Eastwood Mall in Quezon City and soon in McKinley Hills in Taguig City. Known as the world’s friendliest activity park, this dynamic facility will present a diverse range of synergetic world-class activities tailored to individuals of all ages and fitness. “We are excited to introduce a new dimension of entertainment to our valued patrons at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. SuperPark Philippines is set to be a flagship attraction at Eastwood City, providing a dynamic space for Filipinos to bond, play and create unforgettable memories,” Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls shared. Thematic zones The ADVENTURE AREA provides a play haven for kids and their parents, featuring a multi-story playground — with climbing structures and obstacles, a toddler’s ball game and a digital wall. The zone promotes an active playstyle with visitors having the option to go for TapWall, FunBall or Sliding Mountain. Participants will be tested on their reaction speed, memory power and coordination in TapWall. For free-spirited fun, the FREESTYLE HALL awaits, sharing a mission of promoting health, happiness and a vibrant fitness culture. Guests can run around, jump into trampolines complete with a giant airbag, immerse themselves in mixed-reality games and scale digital climbing walls. The professional-grade trampoline airbag is safer and more hygienic than the usual foam pit. Try the Valo Jump, which comes complete with digital sensors and allows guests to bounce with plenty of missions and never-ending fun. Enjoy the Bagjump and Augmented wall climbing for some Augmented Reality fun. Patrons can engage in sports-themed activities and unique freeform mixed-reality games with digital twist parkour experiences in the GAME ARENA. The themed activities are fully augmented to focus on enhancing motor skills, improving balance and agility, and boosting stamina. The zone with the most number of activities and attractions boasts exciting stations that include: Iwall, Superball, Sub Soccer, Hot Stepper, Street Soccer, Skill Hoop, Table Soccer, Air Hockey, Cyclobeat, Super Dash, Valo Arena and Sissy Fox, Super Pinball and Street Game Court, among others. Since 2012, it has captivated audiences from Finland and became globally acclaimed in 2017. With Finnish roots influencing its approach, SuperPark values delivering joy through active play, fostering social interaction, prioritizing inclusivity, blending digital with physical movement, investing in research, embracing their Finnish heritage and believing in the power of joyful play. Creating safe, high-quality venues brimming with fun and activity across Asia and Europe, has made SuperPark a sought-after destination for corporate team-building events, recreational activities and celebrations. It’s not just any global indoor multi-activity park, SuperPark strives to bring endless smiles, laughter and “all-you-can-play” activities to all birthday heroes and their guests. A minimum of 15 people are needed for such bookings with the friendliest indoor park. SuperPark is one with the world to celebrate the most exciting season of the year — Christmas! SuperPark is ready to provide a perfect venue for super Christmas parties, super valuable bonding and get-together experiences. The park is uniquely facilitated for a SuperTeam Building. The activities also come with a SuperSquad Challenge where teams can decide the sequence of the tasks they wish to complete. Guests can book tickets and prepare for all-out fun via the SuperPark website or pay over the counter upon arrival at the park’s reception area. Tickets come in affordable packages with Junior Tickets available for P200 all days of the week. Adults who wish to partake in the fun activities have a weekday rate of P650 from Monday to Thursday, and a “Superday” rate of P750 from Friday to Sunday. Special grip socks that are needed inside the venue are sold at P75 per pair. The friendliest indoor activity park is also open daily during mall hours. Customers can also follow SuperPark on Facebook or Instagram for more information and to avail of special promos. The post Three times the funin Eastwood City township appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hunt for ‘armed and dangerous’ US gunman who killed 18
Hundreds of police in the US state of Maine hunted Thursday for a fugitive gunman who killed 18 people at a bowling alley and a bar, as President Joe Biden mourned "yet another senseless and tragic mass shooting." The rampage in the small northeastern city of Lewiston also left 13 people wounded, three critically, in the deadliest shooting this year in America. A wide area around Lewiston was locked down during the tense search as authorities erected roadblocks, ordered schools and businesses closed, and told residents to stay indoors. Governor Janet Mills said the suspect was "considered armed and dangerous, and police advised that Maine people should not approach him under any circumstances." "This attack strikes at the very heart of who we are and the values we hold dear," Mills told a press conference. "This is a dark day for Maine." Police named the suspect as 40-year-old Robert Card -- seen in surveillance footage pointing a semi-automatic rifle as he walked into the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley. Police converged on the home of Card's father in nearby Bowdoin early Thursday evening, closing off roads. One longtime neighbor, Dave Letarte, said news of the shooting "floored me." "I would have never expected that from him," he told AFP of the younger Card. Joseph Walker, a manager at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, was among those killed the night before, his father Leroy Walker told NBC News. Walker said his family was "suffering and dying in a nightmare we don't understand. "We were up all night. We didn't know where to go, who to turn to," he said. Terror at bowling alley News outlets broadcast footage of people fleeing in terror from the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley after the shooting started Wednesday evening. One survivor told television reporters that he was 15 feet (5 meters) from the gunman when he opened fire. He thought at first it was a balloon popping. "And as soon as I turned and saw it was not a balloon and he was holding a weapon, I just booked it down the lane and I slid basically into where the pins are and climbed up into the machine and was on top of the machines for about 10 minutes until the cops got there," he said. Card is a member of the US Army Reserve. US media reported that he had recently been sent for psychiatric treatment after he said he was hearing voices. Hundreds of police in military-style camouflage gear and FBI agents flooded the search zone in what Lewiston police chief David St. Pierre called "an all-hands-on-deck approach." "We continue to work tirelessly in bringing the situation to an end," he told reporters, vowing "to locate and hold the person accountable." Biden called Maine's governor to offer federal support and ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff at the White House and all government buildings. "Once again, our nation is in mourning after yet another senseless and tragic mass shooting," he said. Biden added that the gun violence that plagues the United States "is not normal, and we cannot accept it," urging lawmakers to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Daily mass shootings Police and rescuers reportedly arrived at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley at about 7:15 p.m. in response to an active shooter, and then received reports of another shooting at the Schemengees Bar & Grille. In surveillance images of Card at the bowling alley, he appeared calm and composed as he moved through the doorway with his rifle raised. Officers located a "vehicle of interest" -- a white sport utility vehicle -- in Lisbon, a town around eight miles (12 kilometers) from Lewiston. The shooting is one of the deadliest in the US since 2017, when a gunman opened fire on a crowded music festival in Las Vegas, killing 60 people. Mass shootings are alarmingly common in the United States, a country with more guns than people, and attempts to clamp down on their spread are always met with stiff resistance. The country has recorded at least 565 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nongovernmental organization that defines a mass shooting as four or more people wounded or killed. Efforts to tighten gun controls routinely run up against opposition from Republicans, staunch defenders of the constitutional right to bear arms. The political paralysis endures despite widespread outrage over recurring shootings. The post Hunt for ‘armed and dangerous’ US gunman who killed 18 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
165 new Covid cases detected
The Philippines confirmed on Monday 165 new Covid-19 cases, increasing the country’s total cases since the outbreak’s inception to 4,118,885. According to the Department of Health’s Covid-19 tracker, active cases declined by 54 to 2,970, while recoveries increased by 558 cases to 4,049,192. The death toll has remained at 66,723 for the second day in a row. Metro Manila had the most new cases in the previous 14 days with 860, followed by CALABARZON with 397, Central Luzon with 205, Davao Region with 120, and Central Visayas with 97. Quezon City had the most new Covid-19 cases in the last 14 days with 231, followed by Cavite province (132), Rizal province (121), Laguna province (101), and Bulacan province (97). The Covid bed occupancy rate stood at 16.0 percent, with 3,196 beds occupied (including 1,932 in the ICU) and 16,736 unoccupied. The post 165 new Covid cases detected appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
3 wanted persons arrested in Pasay
Members of the Pasay City police warrant and subpoena section on Friday arrested three wanted persons, one of them a woman, for pending cases. Pasay City police chief Col. Froilan Uy identified the suspects as certain George, Melanie and Frederick. George, tagged as the number one wanted person under station level and district level for a murder case, was arrested in Don Carlos, Barangay 190, Pasay City. Uy said the suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Marjury Almojera Madrid-Songgadan of Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 117 on 26 September without bail. Police arrested Melanie arrested at around 8 p.m. on F. B. Harrison Street in Barangay 70, Pasay City for light threats. Judge Jose Cordero Jr. of Manila Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 11 recommended a bail of P3,000 for her temporary liberty. Uy said suspect Frederick who is facing a robbery case was nabbed at around 8:50 p.m. in Don Carlos Village, Barangay 190, Pasay City. The suspect was arrested by virtue of warrant issued by Judge Edilwasif T. Baddiri of Pasay City RTC Branch 115 on 14 July 2023. The post 3 wanted persons arrested in Pasay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Immigration officer convicted
The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday revealed that a Bureau of Immigration officer has been convicted for the falsification of travel records showing that former Wirecard chief operating officer Jan Marsalek was in the Philippines even if he did not arrive and leave the country in 2020. The NBI said BI officer Marcos S. Nicodemus has been found guilty by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court of violations of Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and RA 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Though the RTC decision was not provided by the NBI, it said that Nicodemus “was sentenced by the court to a maximum imprisonment of nine years for each of the criminal cases with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.” Marsalek, an Austrian national, has been wanted by the German government for his involvement in the $2.2 billion Wirecard fraud. In 2020, the Philippine government joined the hunt for Marsalek due to Wirecard’s links in the country and discovered travel records that showed that the Austrian came to the Philippines in 2020. Then Department of Justice Secretary and now Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra ordered the NBI to conduct an investigation. In August 2020, the NBI “recommended to the DoJ the prosecution of subject Marcos Nicodemus for falsifying the travel records of an Austrian national.” “Investigation conducted by NBI-IAID (NBI-International Airport Investigation Division) revealed that based on Marsalek’s travel records, he arrived in the Philippines through NAIA Terminal 1 on 23 June 2020, processed by Immigration Officer Darren Ilagan but with a mysterious ‘canceled by user’ remark and departure on 24 June 2020 at Mactan-Cebu International Airport processed by Immigration Officer Perry Michael Pancho,” the NBI said. “However, NBI-IAID discovered thru CCTV (closed circuit television) footages that Marsalek never entered the Philippines and he did not even depart through MCIA,” the NBI said. The records of Marsalek were found to be spurious due to the following: Existing immigrations protocol as of that date disallowing passengers from entering Philippine territory due to Covid situation; absence of actual scanned data page of the passport; existing protocol that incoming flights of airlines disallowing the boarding of a passenger who will be prevented entry based on the destination country’s protocol as of flight date. The NBI said that Ilagan testified that Nicodemus, who was his supervisor, “ordered him to conduct a derogatory check upon Marsalek despite the fact that he was already not on duty on that date and that Marsalek is not present during checking.” Guevarra in 2020, said that the travel records of the Marsalek were falsified possibly as “diversionary tactics to mislead his pursuers.” The post Immigration officer convicted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOTr inaugurates bike lanes in QC
Active mobility gets its fair share along the roads of Quezon City as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Quezon City government on Monday broke ground for the establishment of bike lanes in select parts of Elliptical Road and Commonwealth Avenue. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said active transport expansion not only involves the construction of bike lanes but also ensures the safety of cyclists and other road users. "We want to emphasize the safety of cyclists. We want to ensure cycling is a safe mode of daily travel, no longer just for leisure," Secretary Bautista said during the groundbreaking ceremony. "The use of non-motorized personal vehicles has been embraced by many who vouch for the health benefits of this mode of transport," he added. The transport chief expressed gratitude to the Quezon City LGU for its support of an active transport program that also aims to provide environmental and economic benefits. "The increasing number of cyclists in Quezon City can significantly help redirect this city's growth path towards preserving the environment. With clear support from the local government and civic organizations, we are confident this project will steer Quezon City away from the obnoxious sign of progress - road traffic," said Bautista. The expansion of active and public transport infrastructures in selected parts of Elliptical Road and Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City includes the construction of two-kilometer bike lanes and 10 public utility vehicle (PUV) stops as well as sidewalk improvement. Targeted to be completed by the first quarter of 2024, the active transport project will benefit almost three million constituents of Quezon City. The post DOTr inaugurates bike lanes in QC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palawan still ASF-free
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – Amid the recent outbreak of African swine fever in an island barangay in Palawan, the province’s veterinary chief said Friday that it is able to maintain its status as a “dark green zone” and can transport swine stocks to other parts of the country. The swift containment efforts of the disease, supported by vigilant surveillance conducted by the Provincial Veterinary Office and various provincial government offices, was the reason for sustaining its status as a free zone. ProVet officer-in-charge Dr. Darius Mangcucang explained that the color code shows that Palawan maintains its status as an “ASF-free zone” according to the national plan for prevention and control zoning established by the Department of Agriculture. “When we say ‘dark green zone,’ it means we are still ASF-free. Although we had an ASF incursion, the good thing is that we were able to contain it immediately. It didn’t spread beyond Barangay Cocoro,” said Mangcucang, adding that even Magsaysay remains free from ASF. His explanation followed the receipt of a letter from the Bureau of Animal Industry within the DA which supported ProVet’s request to retain Magsaysay town and the entire province in the “dark green zone,” given that the ASF case in Barangay Cocoro had been effectively isolated. In addition to reaffirming Palawan’s ASF-free status, Mangcucang highlighted that the BAI had also bestowed Magsaysay and Cuyo with Recognition of Active Surveillance for ASF certificates. The recognition was granted after blood samples collected from the swine populations in these two municipalities between 18 and 19 September tested negative for the disease. He emphasized that this successful testing was the basis for the BAI’s confirmation of Palawan’s ongoing status as ASF-free. The post Palawan still ASF-free appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Philandering Quezon City cop nabbed
Members of the anti-scalawag unit of the Philippine National Police have arrested an active Quezon City cop facing a charge of concubinage in Makati City last 30 September. In a belated report yesterday, Brig. Gen. Warren de Leon, chief of the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, said the suspect, Master Sergeant Ledesma Mollenido, 36, assigned at the Quezon City Police District was nabbed at a room at Airobez Hotel in Makati located along 5487 Boyle Street. Mollenido was arested by virtue of a warrant issued by Cavite judge Antonio Oyao Del Val last 29 September for concubinage. A P30,000 bail was set for the policeman’s temporary liberty. De Leon said the case was filed by Mollenido’s wife after discovering that her husband was cohabiting with another woman. He said Mollenido was arrested based on a tip-off of the hotel’s supervisor. Mollenido is currently detained at the IMEG custodial facility in Camp Crame “for documentation prior to the return of an arrest warrant to the issuing court,” De Leon said in a statement. The post Philandering Quezon City cop nabbed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Davao students urged: Wear masks
DAVAO CITY — The local government’s City Health Office here recently issued an advisory in partnership with the Department of Education urging parents to let their children wear masks. In a letter to the local DepEd last week, CHO officer-in-charge Tomas Miguel Ababon also urged school personnel to wear masks and the non-admission to class students manifesting flu-like symptoms such as coughs and colds. He also requested the DepEd-Davao to remind everyone of the importance of proper hand hygiene and coughing or sneezing etiquette to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses. “We issued the advisory because schools are asking us what to do as some students have manifested cough, colds, and fever, so the most effective way for us is to find preventive measures that are applicable for all and are proven scientifically,” said Dr. Margie Roa-Rubio, the assistant City Health Officer for operations. Rubio added that masks also prevent the spread of seasonal flu, which has the same symptoms as Covid-19. “We already knew that based on our experience with Covid-19, wearing a mask is really effective against respiratory infection. Our office also advised that the memo on wearing masks could also be extended to tertiary schools,” Rubio said. Rubio disclosed that the City Epidemiologic and Surveillance Unit has coordinated with DepEd clinics for the conduct of active surveillance so that the number of active cases would be determined. “Those in workplaces and those using public transport are also encouraged to wear masks for protection voluntarily,” Rubio said. The post Davao students urged: Wear masks 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......»»
Road-raging SUV driver summoned
A show-cause order was issued Thursday to the registered owner of a sports utility vehicle whose driver hit and then attacked a cyclist in another road rage incident that went viral on social media. Land Transportation Office chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said the order would determine if the registered owner of the white Nissan Patrol with license plate NFY 4437 was the driver of the vehicle when the incident took place in Marikina City. A copy of the show-cause order has already been forwarded to the office of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. “The number of these cases is increasing, but the LTO will not tire of taking action on all of them because we need to ensure that our roads are safe for all road users,” Mendoza said in Filipino. He urged motorists to control their temper and not resort to road rage when dealing with misunderstandings or traffic incidents. “This should serve as a lesson to our countrymen that the LTO is quick to act on these matters and that there will definitely be a punishment imposed,” the LTO official stressed. LTO-National Capital Region director Roque Verzosa III directed the registered owner of the vehicle to appear before his office on 2 October. If he was the man who figured in the altercation, the owner was also ordered to submit a notarized affidavit explaining why he should not be held liable for reckless driving, disregarding traffic signs, and obstruction of traffic. The show-cause order also asked the owner to explain why he should be allowed to continue operating a motor vehicle. It also suspended the vehicle registration for 90 days, unless the matter is resolved sooner. Failure to appear and submit an affidavit by the owner would be construed as a waiver to be heard, and allow the LTO to resolve the issue based on available records, Verzosa said. In the video, the SUV can be seen hitting the bicycle along Dragon Street near MG Square Auto Interiors. The driver of the SUV then alighted from his vehicle at the pedestrian lane and engaged the cyclist in a fistfight, which obstructed the traffic flow in the area. “Let us not show anger while on the road. We must respect our fellow road users to avoid these recurring road rage incidents,” the LTO chief said. The incident followed that of a man who drew and pointed a gun at a cyclist he had an altercation with, also in Quezon City. The post Road-raging SUV driver summoned appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»