Zamboanga del Norte News February 2018

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Zamboanga del Norte - Archived News

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Seal of Zamboanga del Norte
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines
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Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Norte

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.



Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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Saint James Cathedral in Dapitan City
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City Hall of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
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Situbo Falls, Zamboanga del Norte

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
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Statue of Christ, Pangalalan, Sindangan
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Our lady of the most Holy Rosary, Estaka
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Manukan Mini Museum Landmark

Guerrilla, soldier slain n Zambo Norte clash

(InterAksyon)

MANILA, Philippines — A communist rebel and a soldier were killed in a clash in Zamboanga del Norte province Friday, the Army said.

Major Ronald Suscano, public affairs officer of the 1st Infantry Division, said troops of “Joint Task Force Zampelan were conducting a “strike operation” in Barangay Isidro, Sergio Osmeña town when they encountered the New People’s Army guerrillas.

The rebels retreated after 15 minutes leaving behind their fatality and an AK-47 magazine.

“One of our soldiers also died in the firefight,” Suscano said.

Robredo goes to Zamboanga del Norte to help women entrepreneurs

By Raymund Antonio

Keeping in touch with poor communities around the country, Vice President Leni Robredo went to Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte to give a platform again for private companies to provide assistance to women entrepreneurs.

Robredo visited the livelihood training center of Siayan Pangkabuhayan Federation of Cooperatives, where she learned female workers need “more processing equipment and additional capital” for the production of their goods.

The Vice President said her office will look into helping SIAPAFEDCO through its flagship antipoverty program, Angat Buhay.

Siayan, which was considered the country’s poorest municipality from 2003 to 2009, has been covered by Robredo’s poverty alleviation project.

“Initiative such as this is important in helping out women develop skills that will ensure they can be financially independent,” said Robredo who is an advocate of the poor.

SIAPAFEDCO is composed of women entrepreneurs in Siayan who process and sell banana chips, vegetable picklings, peanut butter, and hot chili sauce. They also produce decorative items made out of corn husks.

Robredo’s Angat Buhay links private companies with communities who are in need nationwide. This program has been eating much of her time since she assumed office in 2016.

Last year, the Office of the Vice President and its partners from the private sector put up a toy library and microfinance facilities for the municipality’s livelihood program.

They also initiated a feeding program for more than 800 children in the 22 communities of Siayan.

On top of these, Robredo and Anton Lim, head of Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, an Angat Buhay partner, inaugurated just last week a dormitory for boys at the Siayan National High School.

Robredo said students opted to walk more than an hour and made a long trek crossing rivers every day on the way to their school.

“Many of them would drop out because of these difficulties. Hopefully, this dormitory would help improve the school’s dropout rate,” she said.

Siayan, according to the Vice President, has turned things around from being the poorest town in the country, but it “still needs a lot of help.”

Cop injured in Zamboanga del Norte highway accident

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

A POLICEMAN was injured in a highway accident in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the police reported Friday, February 16.

The incident happened at 3:05 p.m. Thursday, February 15, in Barangay Comunal, Liloy town.

The victim was identified as Police Officer 1 Ruel Angelo Ocamia, 27, who was assigned at the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-9 and based in the village of Fatima, Liloy.

Based on investigation, Ocamia was driving a motorcycle on the way to Barangay Baybay in Liloy when he accidentally bumped a cargo truck that was parked at the opposite side of the road.

The police said the 10-wheeler cargo truck was owned by Councilor Ernesto Bihag of Liloy.

Ocamia, who suffered injuries, was brought to the Liloy District Hospital for treatment.

Dipolog airport resumes operations

By REICELENE JOY N. IGNACIO (The Manila Times)

THE Dipolog Airport in Zamboanga del Norte has resumed operations on Thursday, after it was temporarily shut down the day before because a Cebu Pacific plane failed to take its flight from the runway.

“The Dipolog Airport is now back to normal operations following the removal of the aircraft off the runway at 9:30 …yesterday, February 14, 2018,” the airline said in a statement.

“Additional flights have been mounted for today to accommodate affected passengers from yesterday’s cancellations. All passengers were also given a free travel voucher to compensate for the inconvenience,” it added.

On Wednesday, February 14, Cebu Pacific explained that it has to cancel its Cebu to Dipolog flights after pilots detected unusual vibrations from the nose landing gear of the aircraft during the landing roll out.

Affected flights were:

5J 703 Manila – Dipolog
5J 704 Dipolog – Manila
DG 6604 Dipolog – Cebu

“As a safety precaution, the aircraft stopped on the runway where all passengers were deplaned from the runway and then guided to the terminal building,” Cebu Pacific said.

Police arrest number 7 most wanted person

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

POLICE operatives have arrested one of the most wanted persons in a law enforcement operation in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, an official said Saturday, February 10.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the arrested wanted person as Benerando Eca, 35.

Galvez said Eca has standing warrants of arrest for multiple attempted homicide and double attempted homicide issued by the Court in Dipolog City.

She said Eca is the number seven most wanted person in the town of Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.

She said Eca was arrested at 5:50 p.m. Thursday in the village of Desin, Piñan town.

Eca is detained in Piñan police headquarters for proper disposition, she said.

Ex-Zambo del Norte town mayor pleads guilty to ethics rap

By Perfecto Raymundo, Jr. (PNA)

MANILA -- Former Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte Mayor Ceasar Soriano has pleaded guilty before the Sandiganbayan to charges of violating the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees” for not filing his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

During his Jan. 8, 2018 trial, Soriano, through his legal counsel, manifested in open court his intention to change his plea of “not guilty” to “guilty”.

Records of the case showed that the accused failed to file his SALN within 30 days after the expiration of his term in 2013.

Republic Act 6713 requires all public officials and employees to declare under oath their assets, liabilities, net worth, business interest, and financial connections, including those of their spouse and of unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.

This obligation is complied with through the accomplishment of the SALN to be filed with the chief or head of the personnel/administrative division or unit/human resource management office within 30 days after assumption of office on or before April 30 of each subsequent year and within 30 days from separation from the service.

Sultan ready for Jerwin

By Joaquin Henson (PhilBoxing.com)

ALA Boxing president Michael Aldeguer said yesterday his protégé Jonas (Zorro) Sultan of Zamboanga del Norte will be ready for IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas anytime, anywhere in the first Filipino versus Filipino world title fight since WBF welterweight champion William Magahin outpointed Hawaii-based Erwin Villaver at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in 1995.

Sultan, 26, zoomed to No. 1 in the IBF ratings after beating two former world champions back to back last year. First, he stopped former WBC flyweight ruler Sonny Boy Jaro in the eighth round in Angono last May. Then, Sultan decisioned former IBF lightflyweight and flyweight king Johnriel Casimero in a 12-round title eliminator in Cebu last September. Ancajas is due for a mandatory defense and his manager/trainer Joven Jimenez said the fight against Sultan will likely be in June somewhere in the US.

Sultan isn’t bargaining for a $20,000 step-aside fee to give Ancajas a chance to make his fifth title defense optional against a choice challenger. Aldeguer said Sultan isn’t backing down from Ancajas and is looking forward to his first world title shot.

“Sultan is eager to fight for the world title which has been his dream for a long time now, regardless of whom he is up against,” said Aldeguer. “I personally wasn’t open to it before since we are all Filipinos. The first time a Filipino fought a Filipino for the world title was in 1925 (when Pancho Villa retained his flyweight crown on a 15-round decision over Clever Sencio at the Wallace Field on the east end of Luneta). We are used to supporting Filipino fighters regardless of where they’re from.”

Aldeguer said Ancajas facing Sultan will be a strong statement that Filipinos are dominant in world boxing. “If you look at the bigger picture, it could put a stamp that the Philippines is a boxing powerhouse with all the Filipino fighters fighting on the world stage just like the Mexicans who fight each other all the time,” he said. “If it has to happen, we are open to it.”

Aldeguer said he’s not inclined to bid to stage the fight in the Philippines. “I think it’s best for the fight to take place in the US since it will be historical for all the Filipinos around the world,” he said. “It will be a tactical fight as both fighters are smart. Jonas showed his versatility in his last two fights against former world champions while Jerwin is on a roll. We are all so proud of Ancajas who did great last weekend and in three weeks, it’s Donnie Nietes’ turn to fight on the HBO live telecast.” Nietes will stake his IBF flyweight crown against Argentina’s Juan Carlos Reveco at the Forum in Inglewood, California, on Feb. 24.

Sultan has never fought in the US. Twice, he saw action in Japan, losing to Go Onaga on points in Okinawa in 2015 and halting Tetsuya Ikemizu in Osaka a year later. His only other defeats were by split decision over six rounds to Rolando Servania in 2013 and Jonathan Francsico in 2014. The Philippine and IBF Intercontinental superflyweight champion has won his last five outings, four inside the distance. In 2016, Sultan ventured to South Africa where Filipinos don’t usually win and bowled over Makazole Tete in two rounds. His record is 14-3, with 9 KOs compared to Ancajas’ 29-1-1, with 20 KOs.

Jimenez said the plan is for Ancajas, who has a contract with Top Rank, to fight twice or thrice more this year. Las Vegas matchmaker Sean Gibbons said a fight card featuring Manny Pacquiao and Ancajas taking on separate opponents would be an “overkill” as both are crowd drawers on their own. Jimenez said before leaving Corpus Christi for home, Gibbons and Top Rank CEO Bob Arum had a tentative agreement to set Ancajas’ next fight in June in the US.

Sibuco mayor saddened over DENR’s decision to clear two logging companies of liability

By Elinor Fernandez

Sibuco Mayor Norbideiri Edding has expressed disgust over the findings of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) investigative team clearing the liabilities of two multi-national logging firms for the flashflood and mudslides that killed dozens of people and destruction of properties in Zamboanga del Norte at the height of Typhoon Vinta last December 2017.

Edding said that he already reported the result of the DENR investigation to President Rodrigo Duterte and the president has vowed that this issue shall be investigated.

The Sibuco mayor also said that no less than Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu told him that the investigation was not yet conclusive and final.

Cimatu vowed to call for a separate investigation to compare the two findings.

Earlier, President Duterte ordered the suspension of logging operations of two big logging companies, the South Davao Development Company, Inc. and the Sirawai Plywood Lumber Corporation in Sibuco town for violations of the Industrial Forest Management Agreement (IFMA).

The DENR has issued five IFMAS to the two firms. Both companies have a combined area of 70,709 hectares, covering 12 towns traversing the boundaries of Zamboanga Del Norte and Del Sur.

Under the terms and conditions, the SPLC and SODACO are allowed to establish industrial tree plantations which they can harvest, but are not allowed to cut residual trees unless authorized by the Office of the DENR Secretary under very strict conditions such as for site development and plantation establishment.

President Duterte has instructed Cimatu to issue the suspension order based from a video presented by Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol of the deforested portion of the Zamboanga mountain range where flash floods brought down logs that rampaged through the coastal communities.

Edding along with Piñol inspected the areas on board a helicopter and both witnessed the vast logging operations that resulted to flashfloods at the height of the tropical storm.

It was then Cimatu who directed DENR investigators to be deployed in the province to conduct an exhaustive probe to see if there have been violations committed by the logging companies in their permits.

Edding thanked the president and the DENR Secretary for their immediate action and concern to the people of Zamboanga del Norte.

Security forces clash with gunmen in Zamboanga town

(Desk Man, Mindanao Examiner)

PAGADIAN CITY – Security forces clashed with a group of gunmen in Zamboanga del Norte province in southern Philippines where government forces are battling communist and Muslim insurgents, officials said Wednesday.

Officials said the fighting erupted in the village of Daniel Maing in Kalawit town after soldiers and police commandos caught up with about 20 armed men. There were no reports of government casualties, but officials claimed that an undetermined number of gunmen were believed slain in Tuesday clashes.

This was also confirmed Wednesday by the regional police with Chief Inspector Helen Galvez saying that security forces were still in the area running after gunmen who escaped the fighting along with their casualties.

“Operatives are still monitoring the area to determine the possible withdrawal of the enemies,” Galvez, a police spokeswoman, said.

She said soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Battalion and 1st Mobile Platoon of the Mobile Force Company also recovered one KG9 machine pistol, one rifle grenade, one hand grenade, assorted military uniforms and hammocks, including a pair of binoculars, flash lights and ammunition from the encounter site.

Galvez did not say if the gunmen were members of the communist rebel group New People’s Army or militants fighting for ISIS who are active in the province. The military’s Western Mindanao Command did not release any statement on the clashes.

Free mass wedding in Dipolog slated February 14

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy (ALT/EDT-Zamboanga del Norte/with reports from CIO-Dipolog)

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte (PIA) -- February 14 will not only be Valentines Day in the city. Couples who have signed up with the City Civil Registrar will be tying the knot in a free mass wedding sponsored by the local government of Dipolog.

The event is one of the highlights in the celebration of Civil Registration Month observed every year on the month of February pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 682 signed by former President Corazon Aquino.

This year’s theme is “Napapanahong CRVS,” which promotes the government’s efforts to ensure the global inclusion of every Filipino in the Civil Registry System.

However, submission of the requirements such as the Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority, birth certificate, certificate of residency and valid I.D. has already been closed last January 31 for the processing of applications as announced recently by the City Information Office in a report.

For more details, couples may visit the City Civil Registrar’s Office at the Ground Floor of the City Hall.

Man drowns in Dipolog River

By Dynah Diestro (ABS-CBN News)

DIPOLOG CITY – A 52-year-old man drowned while swimming in the Dipolog River on Sunday.

The body of Jose Ruth Bagalanon was recovered Monday.

Jose’s brother Cyrus said they tried to stop the victim from swimming that day since the water current in the river was strong.

“He was swimming right there, my other brother was trying to rescue him and I saw him sinking,” he said.

Police said there was no foul play in the victim’s death. Investigator checked the victim's body but the family refused an autopsy.

Authorities reminded residents to avoid swimming in rivers when the current is strong.

24 ZNPPO policemen undergo Anti-Terrorism training

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

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) -- Some 24 highly-skilled members of the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office (ZNPPO) will undergo a five-day anti-terrorism training dubbed as “Special Anti-Terrorism Operation Course (SATOC) on February 1-5 at Camp Hamac, Sicayab, this city.

According to OIC-Director PSSupt Raul Tacaca, the 5-day training is designed for all members of Task Force Zamboanga del Norte Anti-Terrorism Unit (ZATU). It is aimed to enhance their skills in terms of weapon handling, to include Malfunction treatment, Basic/Pistol Rifle Marksmanship and Firearms Proficiency.

Tacaca said that most of the participants are previously assigned as security personnel to some Very Important Persons (VIPs) and businessmen in the province

“Instead of serving only one specific person, Tacaca said, he decided to pull them out create and create ZATU to address terrorism, kidnapping and all forms of criminalities that may happen in Zamboanga del Norte.

Vice-Governor Senen O. Angeles, who was the guest speaker during the opening ceremony commended the effort of ZNPPO in coming up with the program that would ensure the peace and the security of the populace.

The vice-governor likewise assured and committed the readiness of the Provincial Government to extend support to ZNPPO in its effort to make the province the most peaceful and liveable place in the country. However, Angeles stressed the importance of community support in combating terrorism and preventing kidnapping in the province. “Report any unusual happenings to proper authorities for appropriate action,” Angeles said.

As a gesture of support, a group of businessmen here have donated five units of motorcycle to ZNPPO for ZATU. Apart from this, PNP region 9 has also provided additional 3 units of motorcycles; one 4-wheel patrol vehicle; 12 M-16 rifles; and 16 bullet-proof vests.

After the training, the 24-man ZATU are expected to know more on weapons handling and special tactics necessary during special operations and counter-terrorism, develop physical and mental preparedness in responding to crisis situations, as well as camaraderie and teamwork.

Last year, Tacaca launched Oplan MAAYO (Makigbatok ug Alerto Alang sa Yutang Natawhan, Obligasyon ta kini,” coupled with the creation of ZATU to combat terrorism and prevent kidnapping and all forms of criminalities in the province.

Dipolog City hosts 3-day PRISAA regional games

By R. G. Antonet Go

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- All is set for the staging of the three-day regional games of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) here in Region 9.

Councilor Elbert Atilano Sr., PRISAA executive director, on Monday said the PRISAA regional competition is scheduled to be held from February 8 until 11 in Dipolog City.

Atilano said around 700 athletes and coaches coming from the different private schools in the region will see action in the three-day athletic competition.

He said Zamboanga City is sending a 218-man delegation, while other competing cities will send the following delegations: Pagadian City, 200; Isabela City, 100; and, Dipolog City, 159.

The opening ceremony of this year’s PRISAA regional competition will be held on February 8 at the Andres Bonifacio College gymnasium in Dipolog City.

The athletic events will include the following: Baseball; Basketball; Beach Volleyball; Football; Sepak Takraw; Volleyball; Athletics; Badminton; Chess; Dance Sport; Swimming; Table Tennis; and, Taekwondo.

The PRISAA regional meet is in preparation for the holding of the National PRISAA games, which is scheduled on April 19 to 27 in Bohol. (PNA)

10 suspects arrested in joint anti-drug operation by government forces

By Alma L. Tingcang (ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay/1ID Press Release)

KUTA SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) -- Troops under Joint Task Force “ZAMPELAN” and PNP Liloy nabbed 10 drug suspects during the conduct of simultaneous joint search and seizure operation at Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte on Saturday, January 27, 2018.

The joint search and seizure operations of the 42IB, PNP personnel of Liloy Municipal Police Station and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency was conducted at Barangays Fatima, Baybay, Villa M.Tejero and Causwagan through the search warrants issued by Judge Alejandro T. Canda of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) Liloy-Tampilisan, 9th Judicial Region, Liloy, ZDN.

The suspects were identified as: Mario Vergara Cubol, Jeffrey Ortega Ehidio, Maria Sheila Luta Ehidio, Dunhill Buga-ub, Jeffrey Campaner Rusiana, Melvin Paradel Borgonia, Roger Tuting, Leo Tayrus Tejero, Francis Barbacias and Franklyn Manait, residents of the said barangays.

About 17 small transparent sachets and three (3) big plastics containing white crystalline suspected as “shabu” and illegal drug paraphernalia were confiscated from the suspects.

Maj Gen Roseller G Murillo AFP, Commander of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division (1ID) commended the troops as well as the PNP and PDEA personnel for their triumph in combating illegal drugs in that particular area.

“Our active support to law enforcement operations especially on the war against illegal drugs has been vital and momentous for the government. Certainly, it is a triumph for peace,” Maj Gen Murillo said.

New Zambo Norte PENRO assumes post

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) -- Newly-appointed Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Mr. Salahuddin A. Kaing assumed his post as the new PENRO of Zamboanga del Norte on January 30, 2018

In a simple turn-over ceremony held at the Conference Room of the PENR office in Barangay Sta. Isabel, this city, outgoing PENRO Geoffrey S. Zayas handed over the key of responsibility to Kaing.

Zayas thanked the CENROs and all the DENR personnel for the support they had given him which he considered crucial for its feat when Zamboanga del Norte was adjudged as the best performing PENRO in Zamboanga Peninsula region in 2017.

On the other hand, incoming PENRO Salahuddin A. Kaing admitted the great challenge he will facing as the new PENRO of the province, as he appealed for support from his colleagues to maintain the ranking of PENRO-Zamboanga del Norte as the top performer in the region.

He also vowed to sustain the implementation of environmental laws in the province.

It may be recalled that on April 28, 2017, then ZN-PENRO Kaing turned over his responsibility as PENRO to now outgoing PENRO Zayas. But after barely 9 months, Kaing is back to head the office.

The turnover was witnessed by Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Nelson V. Velasco, TSD Chief Chris B. Babaran and MSD Chief Sarah I. Zayas and other CENROs and DENR personnel in the province.

Dalman siblings lead MOS winners in PSL-Dipolog

By EMIL C. NOGUERA (TMT)

Dalman brothers Leodd Troy and Leano Vince ban­nered the Most Out­standing Swimmer awardees in the 130th Philippine Swimming League (PSL) National Series – Dipo­log Swim Meet held at the Dipolog Aqua­tic Center in Zam­boanga del Norte.

Leodd Troy grabbed the top spot in the boys’ 8-year category while Leano Vince took the MOS honors in the boys’ 12-year event of the tournament organized by the Dipolog Aqua Warriors headed by coach Ted Quijano.

“There are many swimmers that qualified for the international competitions and I congratulate them all. It was fun and yet competitive event. We’re looking forward to be back here in Dipolog,” said PSL President Susan Papa.

Reigning Male Swimmer of the Year Marc Bryan Dula of Wisenheimer Aca­demy shared the spotlight by claiming the boys’ 10-year class top honors highlighted by his record-breaking feats in the 200m freestyle (2:32.00) and 50m backstroke (35.50) while Tokyo Buccaneers Swimming Championship veteran Kiara Acierto also dominated the girls’ 7-year category.

“This is just the start for year 2018 for Mindanao. PSL will bring back Mindanao to the winning stage. I would like to thank Mayor Dexter Uy, City Athletic Department Chief Judge Chandler Ruiz, Tourism Head Cecelia Bilog of Dipolog and host Dipolog Aqua Warriors coaches Ted Quiano and Cora Quijano and the Department Officials,” added Papa.

Also winning MOS trophies were Janina Lintula (girls’ 6-under), Elizabeth Reqiuoma (girls’ 8-year), Ryza Camille Balandra (girls’10-year), La Ryne Paradero Girls’ 11-year), Kiara Eroy (girls’ 12-year), Jindsy Dasion (girls’ 13-year), April Dumapit (girls’ 14-year) and Hannah Kainak (girls’ 15-over).

The other recipients of MOS were Deandre Vin Uy (boys’ 6-under), Dustin Bersabal (boys’ 7-year), Myel Lisondra (boys’ 9-year), Jehu Alguno (boys’ 11-year), Neil Salvador (boys’ 13-year), Merrell James Neri (boys’ 14-year) and Enzo Malayang (boys’ 15-over).

Dipolog Aqua Warriors were hailed as the overall champions

“We would like to congratulate the Dipolog Aqua Warriors for winning the overall title and also to all those who earn spots in international competitions,” Papa added.

The PSL is recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission as an official swimming association in the country following its impressive grassroots development program that aims to train talented swimmers for future international competitions.