New road in barangay Ibabao-Estancia a big help to fire-prone areas
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines – The construction of a P37.7 million road project in A.C Cortes Avenue connecting G. Ouano extension in barangay Ibabao-Estancia which is expected to be completed in five months is expected to help prevent future fires in the area. Barangay Captain Romulo Echavez Jr. said this project is a dream project of […] The post New road in barangay Ibabao-Estancia a big help to fire-prone areas appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Mandaue drug bust: P476,000 ‘shabu’ seized from HVI
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Authorities seized suspected shabu worth at least P476,000 from a 45-year-old man described as a high-value individual during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Mandaue City early on Wednesday morning, March 27, 2024. The operation took place along Realty Road in the North Reclamation Area in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Cebu. The.....»»
Authorities verifying 13 dead in North Cotabato road mishap
Authorities are still verifying the 13 fatalities in a vehicular accident involving a passenger van that collided with a dump truck along the National Highway in Barangay Luhong, Antipas, around 12:15 p.m. in North Cotabato on March 25, 2024......»»
CTTMO to close parking areas at Coastal Road in Bago Aplaya
CTTMO to close parking areas at Coastal Road in Bago Aplaya.....»»
Balamban site is for road project, not Capitol bldg – Gwen
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The cleared site in Barangay Cambuhawe, Balamban, in western Cebu, is not for the new Capitol building, but for nationally funded road projects. Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia made this clarification after photos of a deforested mountain in Balamban, initially thought to be the site development of the new Capitol building,.....»»
Nursing student killed after SUV flips over in Balamban road accident
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A nursing student died after the sport utility vehicle she was driving with 10 of her classmates onboard, flipped over while she tried to evade another vehicle in Barangay Gaas, Balamban town in western Cebu on Thursday afternoon, March 21, 2024. The road accident happened at around 5:30 p.m. along the.....»»
Masara in pictures 6 days later
Six days after the landslide that buried 50 houses and killed 68 people (confirmed as of noon of Monday), Zone 1 of Barangay Masara in Maco, Davao de Oro is now desolate. Its residents have been made to evacuate to safer areas in Maco and neighboring Mawab municipality. Only rescuers and uniformed men are in […].....»»
Sara reveals she will run in next polls
Summary: Sara Duterte, the Vice President and Education Secretary, announced her intention to run in the next election during a visit to flood victims in Barangay Bago Gallera. In a Facebook Live video, she mentioned that her brothers, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, may not run in the next election, prompting her decision to campaign. However, she did not specify the position she would be running for. The upcoming election will be the 2025 midterm senatorial elections for senators, congressmen, and local officials, with the presidential national elections scheduled for 2028. Duterte also emphasized the importance of barangay development councils in times of calamity and stressed the need for disaster resilience and awareness among barangay officials and children. Additionally, she highlighted the significance of safety and security, urging trust in security personnel and caution against scammers and swindlers. Duterte also emphasized the importance of education for the younger generation and the equal opportunities it provides. This announcement comes amidst her visits to various areas in the Philippines, where she has been extending aid and addressing pertinent issues such as disaster resilience and community safety......»»
DILG to LGUs: Conduct cleanup drives
Local chief executives and barangay officials have been tasked to conduct cleanup drives in their respective areas tomorrow in support of the Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas program of the national government......»»
Isla Verde fire engulfs 28 houses, displaces 8 families
A fire in Isla Verde has destroyed seven houses and displaced eight families, causing an estimated P150,000 worth of damage. The fire, which was caused by an electrical ignition, was quickly contained due to the presence of firewalls in the area. The affected families have been temporarily sheltered at the Mini Forest gym in the barangay. This incident marks the 11th fire in November alone, highlighting the vulnerability of residential areas with poor infrastructure and electrical connections......»»
Rep. Duterte donates motorcycle equipment to boost brgy police
First District Representative Paolo Pulong Duterte has donated motorcycle equipment to boost the barangay police in the first district. The equipment, which includes a police siren with a PA system and mic, front blinker, beacon light, front crash guard stainless, and pole stand stainless, was turned over to barangay captains for use by their barangay police. The turnover ceremony took place at the Office of the First Congressional District in Davao City. This initiative is part of Rep. Duterte's ongoing efforts to support the barangays in his district, which have included providing ambulances, multi-purpose buildings, fire stations, and evacuation centers. The donation complements the Davao City Government's provision of 55 motorcycle units to the Davao City police. The use of motorcycles will enable the barangay police to patrol their areas of responsibility more effectively and enhance general security. Rigo Duterte, the son of Rep. Duterte, expressed gratitude to the barangay police for their dedication and emphasized that the new equipment will strengthen their ability to prevent and respond to street crimes......»»
Widespread flooding in Davao City
Widespread flooding occurred in Davao City on the night of November 9, 2023, affecting several barangays. The hardest hit areas were Bago Gallera, Bago Aplaya, Talomo Proper, Matina Aplaya, Maa, and Baliok. Residents of Samantha Homes in Bago Gallera shared videos and images of cars being swept away by the floodwaters. Many homes were damaged, belongings were lost, and families were left in distress. A resident of Samantha Homes, Arlene Decinilla, described how the floodwaters rose rapidly, causing several vehicles to crash into her home. Their house suffered extensive damage, and they lost many of their belongings. Despite the harrowing experience, she expressed gratitude that her family was safe. Some residents of Bago Gallera were relocated to the Barangay Bago Gallera Gym and Don Enrique High School, where they received assistance from barangay officials and the City Social Welfare Development Office-Talomo B District (CSWDO-Talomo B District). As of 10:30 a.m. on November 9, 2023, the floodwaters had not yet receded in Cadena de Amor, Barangay Talomo Proper. Belen Mariquit, a.....»»
Villagers displaced by gunfight in Maguindanao del Norte
COTABATO CITY --- The police and military have urged the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to disengage and reconcile two of its groups that clashed on Monday morning in Maguindanao del Norte, causing the displacement of about a hundred villagers. The two groups figured in running gunfights for about four hours in Linib and Tinindanan areas in Barangay Bugawas in Datu Odin Sinsuat town, the local police stated in a report on Tuesday to Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Lt. Col. Esmael Madin, chief of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station, and officials of the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Office identified the leaders of the feuding groups as Commanders Salim and Adam, who has more than 30 followers each, armed with assault rifles and grenade launchers. Evacuees from the conflict-torn villages are convinced the hostilities were related still to the October 30 synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, where both groups had favored candidates. Talks are spreading around Datu Odin Sinsuat and in this city hinting that the incident, which affected more than 30 families, could be connected to the gun attack on Monday morning in the same barangay that resulted in the death of two residents, Juhaimen Ube and Mistah Alon and left four others wounded. The slain duo, who were attacked while on their way to a polling site, campaigned for certain candidates for barangay elective posts, according to their relatives. They are both related to members of one of the two groups that clashed in Linib and Tinindanan on Monday, according to traditional community Moro leaders. Army Major Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said he has directed their units in Datu Odin Sinsuat and nearby towns to secure Barangay Bugawas to prevent a repeat of Monday’s skirmishes in the area. The two groups scampered away when they sensed that soldiers backed by armored combat vehicles dispatched to secure Barangay Bugawas were closing in......»»
‘Ghost’ voters and sore losers
Except with the few isolated violent incidents that erupted in areas that were earlier declared as “hot spots” of contest among candidates, the just concluded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections held last Monday were the most successful......»»
Observe poll laws, Abalos tells bets
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos over the weekend said he was pleased that majority of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections bets at least in Tondo, Manila were opting to comply with poll rules. “We went around and found few violations. So I commend the city of Manila under Mayor Honey for the successful Comelec drive that ensured obedience to the poll regulations,” he said. Abalos issued the statement shortly after joining Comelec chairman George Garcia in conducting Oplan Baklas drive or the removal of illegally placed and oversized campaign materials, particularly those hanging from electric posts or wires in Barangay 128, Tondo, Manila. As per Comelec rules, all BSKE bets are required to place all their campaign materials especially tarpaulins in the common poster areas. This, as he also reiterated his call for BSKE candidates to observe and abide by all election laws, rules, and regulations to ensure the successful and orderly conduct of BSKE. “Read up on the laws. It lists all that has to be done including the use of e-payment platforms for vote-buying. Let us maintain the integrity of the election and give the voters the respect that they deserve,” he pointed out. He went on to explain that candidates who hold bingo games, distribute prices, conduct hakot system or mass transporting of voters before or during election day, and handing out cash are telltale signs of being engaged in vote buying. Meanwhile, the Quezon City Government on Saturday said it is all set for the 2023 BSKE to be held in 169 polling precincts. Mayor Joy Belmonte lauded the relevant government agencies and QC Government departments such as the City Treasurer’s Office for leaving no stone unturned to ensure that QCitizens in 142 barangays can safely exercise their right to vote. The post Observe poll laws, Abalos tells bets appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NPA leader killed in Misamis encounter
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Soldiers killed the leader of the Sendong guerilla front of the New People’s Army and captured another during an encounter in the forested areas of Jimenez town in Misamis Occidental. The soldier also recovered several high-powered firearms at the encounter site in Barangay Carmen, Jimenez. Tabak Division Commander Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III said yesterday that soldiers from the 10th Infantry Battalion, operating under the Task Unit “Eradicator” of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, engaged the rebels in a firefight. Viray identified the leader of the guerilla front as Michael Cabayag, also known as “Teddy.” He was killed during the encounter. Viray also identified the arrested NPA as Armida Nabicis, alias “Yumi.” Among the high-caliber firearms recovered by the military at the encounter site were an M16 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher, one CZ rifle, and one M653 carbine. Also recovered were the personal belongings of the NPA rebels. According to Viray, soldiers acted on a report of armed men roaming around the village. Lt. Col. Jose Andre R. Monje immediately dispatched a team of soldiers to the area, and an encounter immediately ensued between the NPA and the soldiers. “Our commitment goes beyond the battlefield. We will ensure that alias Teddy is properly turned over to his family, respecting the principles of compassion and humanity in this challenging situation,” Monje said. Viray also expressed his gratitude to the concerned citizen for providing the soldiers with critical information about the NPA-Terrorist presence in their area. The post NPA leader killed in Misamis encounter appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec says arson attacks hit 2 Maguindanao schools to be used for barangay polls
The schools – located in Maguindanao del Norte barangays listed as areas of grave concern for the 2023 barangay elections – are designated voting centers for the October 30 vote.....»»
PCG on alert for barangay, SK elections
The Philippine Coast Guard said on Thursday that it is focused on maintaining peace and order in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on 30 October. Philippine Coast Guard Rear Admiral Armand Balilo stressed that the operation units of the PCG are on full alert for the elections, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. “Almost all operating units of the Philippine Coast Guard throughout the Philippines are on alert, and our activities are focused on maintaining peace during travel [for Undas] and the SK and barangay elections on Monday,” Balilo said in an interview. “Our mandate is to prioritize those far-flung areas where assets and personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard will be needed," he added. As for the recent collision that occurred in the West Philippine Sea between Philippine and Chinese vessels, Balilo said: “Despite the recent incident of a collision in the West Philippine Sea... the Philippine Coast Guard personnel [will] not be swayed by what happened and [will] just do the duty assigned to us. We are committed to working on the RoRe [rotation and resupply] mission and we will support our colleagues in the Philippine Navy.” The post PCG on alert for barangay, SK elections appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lapid urges legislation of early voting for seniors, PWDs during BSKE
Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid is pushing the passage of a measure that would allow qualified senior citizens and persons with disabilities to vote earlier than the dates scheduled for local and national elections. Senate Bill 2361 grants the “vulnerable sectors” to cast their votes at more accessible establishments or areas—duly designated by the Commission on Elections—within seven working days before the dates set for local and national polls. Lapid reiterated this call for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on 30 October. “Eleksyon na naman po sa Oktubre 30. Ako po ang nahihirapan na makita ang ating mga lolo at lola, kasama na ang mga may kapansanan, na nakikipaggitgitan sa pilahan upang magamit lamang ang kanyang karapatang bumoto (Elections are coming up on October 30. It’s hard to see our grandparents, including those with disabilities, struggling in line just to exercise their right to vote),” he said. Senator Cynthia Villar also made the same call, allowing elderly people and PWDs to early voting. Citing the 2021 estimated data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Lapid said there are 2,754,813 females and 3,635,271 males with ages ranging from 65 years and above, who are qualified voters nationwide. “We don’t want to disenfranchise these millions of our countrymen this coming election. I hope we can pass this bill before the next elections,” Lapid stressed. He emphasized that the right to vote is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. Lapid said it is imperative for the government to ensure that every eligible citizen “has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process and have their voices be heard.” “In our country, senior citizens and PWDs comprise a significant portion of the population and deserve special attention to guarantee the realization of their voting rights,” he added. He lamented that elders and PWDs are experiencing physical limitations or health conditions, making it difficult for them to participate in the regular voting process with the general population on the designated election day. These challenges, he added, may include mobility issues, visual impairments, or other conditions that require additional attention or accommodations Hence, the passage of the SB 2361 is crucial, Lapid underscored. “By providing an opportunity for senior citizens and PWDs to vote on a separate day prior to the national election, we can ensure that these individuals are given the necessary time and support to exercise their voting rights,” he explained. For the senator, allowing early voting for senior citizens and PWDs is not “only safe but also practical, noting that separate voting days will alleviate overcrowding at polling stations on the national election day and will reduce potential long queues as well as waiting times. “With COVID-19 still around, this arrangement will also help mitigate the risk of exposure to contagious diseases, as senior citizens and PWDs would be able to vote in a less crowded environment, where health and safety measures can be implemented more effectively,” Lapid said. The SB 2361 “hereby declared the policy of the State to make voting convenient for senior citizens and PWDs by giving them the option to vote earlier than the date set for the election.” It mandates the conduct of a nationwide registration for senior citizens, PWDs, lawyers, and human resources for health to qualify them to avail of this early voting privilege. Those who are not registered under this Act shall vote with the rest of the eligible population on election day. The post Lapid urges legislation of early voting for seniors, PWDs during BSKE appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoE assurance: Barangay, SK elections brownout-free
Despite threats of yellow alerts in Luzon, the Department of Energy or DoE said there will be no power interruptions during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Monday. “Safeguarding the energy needs of the country during the critical electoral process is our foremost concern and we have enlisted the full cooperation of all our stakeholders in the generation, transmission and distribution sectors in this endeavor,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said on Thursday. “Preparations have been undertaken to ensure that there would be enough power in days leading up to, during and in the immediate conduct of the elections,” he added. Based on the latest data provided by the DoE, the demand forecast in Luzon during the election week is at 12,257 megawatts or MW. Lotilla said that he has instructed the Energy Task Force Elections to prevent any unscheduled power outages that may disrupt the voting and counting processes. The group is also tasked to coordinate with the generating companies and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines or NGCP to ensure the availability of generating units. The NGCP was likewise directed to utilize the High Voltage Direct Current and the Mindanao Visayas Interconnection Project during peak hours to balance the power supply and demand system of the grid. Additionally, the Energy Task Force Election will also manage the distribution utilities’ deployment of special and emergency line crews to check lines for any obstructions within their franchise areas. On election day proper, the special and emergency line crews will be on standby with the necessary logistical support to immediately respond to emergency cases affecting power supply. DUs were likewise directed to ensure that all substation facilities and distribution lines were in normal operations to prevent any disruptions in the energy supply. Separately, the National Electrification Administration or NEA, along with the 121 electric cooperatives under its watch, said it activated its 24-hour power situation monitoring system to help ensure a smooth conduct of the local elections. Under COMELEC guidelines, the NEA has been deputized and commissioned to "provide and maintain stable and continuous nationwide electric power requirements from the start of voting, until the termination or conclusion of the counting of votes, and the proclamation of the winning candidates." The post DoE assurance: Barangay, SK elections brownout-free appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Scarce vessels face vacationers this long weekend — PPA
The Philippine Ports Authority on Thursday advised vacationers for this upcoming long holiday not only to travel light but to bring tons of patience, as they will likely endure long queues in ports because the number of vessels servicing passengers remains scarce. “That is the concern that we always raise, that the reason why we are having passenger congestion is because we lack vessels. In fact, in my understanding, MARINA (Marina Industry Authority Authority) has already relaxed the scheduling of vessels at Matnog Port. I hope they can also do it here in Batangas Port, which is the second largest port in the country, as well as on the other side, the Calapan Port,” said Santiago during an inspection of Batangas Port on Thursday. He said that by relaxing the scheduling of vessels, turnaround time will be faster and vessels will no longer have to go through berth waiting time. Earlier, PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said they expect 1.4 million passengers to flock to various ports in the country in the lead-up to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this 30 October. Travellers are also heading to the provinces for the observance of All Saints and All Souls Day on 1 and 2 November. Santiago reminded passengers not to pay additional charges such as travel insurance, which scrupulous individuals are soliciting outside ports. “Travel insurances for passengers are covered by the common carrier insurance that is being paid by shipping companies. Do not be fooled by these individuals,” he said. Starting Friday, 27 October up to the weekend, some 17,000 to 20,000 passengers are expected to head to Batangas Port, he added. Meanwhile, MARINA on Thursday said it has already advised shipping companies to make sure their online ticketing systems are up and running to ensure the smooth processing of passengers. Eased shipping schedules In a separate statement, MARINA said that in anticipation of the forthcoming "Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election and Undas 2023," the MARINA Regional Office 4 has issued a directive to relax the authorized schedule of trips for shipping operators within its jurisdiction, in anticipation of the expected surge in passengers and cargo in the coming days. The directive aims to ensure the safe, reliable and convenient transportation of passengers and rolling cargo while accommodating the heightened demand. The relaxation of schedules is guided by the conditions outlined in MARINA Advisory No. 2015-10, which provides "Guidelines during Emergency, Holiday Season, and Special Occasion." Key provisions of the said directive include immediate departure when passenger and cargo capacities are met, prompt return to congested ports, increased sailing frequencies and a strict "First Come, First Served" policy for passengers and cargo. MARINA said that in cases where the measures taken to address congestion and meet demand prove insufficient, other shipping companies or operators may be authorized to deploy their vessels to ensure the swift recovery of affected areas from emergency situations, congestion or similar circumstances. “Changes or adjustments in ship schedules will be allowed with written confirmation from MARINA and are subject to modification, cancellation, or revocation for valid reasons. A copy of this order will be provided to concerned shipping lines and government agencies, with a particular focus on the PCG, its stations, PPA, and local government units,” the statement read. The directive is effective from 27 October 2023 to 6 November 2023, or until shipping operations on the affected routes return to normal, whichever occurs earlier. The post Scarce vessels face vacationers this long weekend — PPA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»