Zamboanga del Norte News March 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

4 kidnap victims in Zamboanga get financial aid

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga) has extended financial and livelihood assistance to kidnap victims, as well as distributed school supplies to children in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, the PRO-9 director, led the distribution of the financial aid and school supplies, during his visit to Zamboanga del Norte from Tuesday until Wednesday.

Beltran on Saturday told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the recipients of the financial and livelihood assistance were Roger Jung-an, 36; Jomar Maglangit, 26; Reymond Purisima, 14; Jomar Mantangan, 25; and relatives of Mario Rosales, 46.

Rosales was killed in the crossfire when troops clashed with the kidnappers in Sitio Kabatunayan, Barangay Panabutan, Sirawai on March 7.

They went to Sitio Maasum, Barangay San Nicolas, Sirawai, when the kidnappers led by Jamilon Wahab and Bating Lumiguis seized them.

The kidnappers abandoned the other four in Barangay Libucon, Sirawai on March 12 after soldiers and policemen had relentlessly pursued them.

Beltran also met with military, municipal, and village officials, religious leaders, members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during his visit to Sirawai.

Beltran was accompanied by Senior Supt. Raul Tacaca, the Zamboanga del Norte Police director, and other top police officials.

He encouraged those who attended the meeting to help the police in eradicating lawless elements as they discussed the peace and order situation in Sirawai.

He said a company from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-9 (RPSB-9) was deployed in the area to support the local police force in maintaining the peace and order in Sirawai town.

Beltran and his party also distributed school supplies to 100 pupils of Sirawai Central School and to 40 students enrolled at the Islamic School (Madrasa) in Barangay Sirawai Proper.

From Sirawai, Beltran also visited the nearby towns of Sibuco, Siocon and Tampilisan to oversee the security situation and talked to police officials and personnel of the three municipalities.

He proceeded to the town of Liloy where they held a command conference that was also attended by the chiefs of police in the province.

In particular, they discussed the overall performance of the Zamboanga del Norte Police.

The province of Zamboanga del Norte comprises 25 towns and two cities.

Suspected drug dealer killed in joint operation in Zambo del Norte

By RJ Rosalado (ABS-CBN News)

A suspected drug dealer was killed in a joint law enforcement operation of police and military in the village of Doña Cecilia, in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, Sunday.

Based on a report of the Western Mindanao Command, the suspect, Julhadi Amil, was on the list of drug personalities operating in Sirawai town.

A local court had issued a search warrant against Amil, which the police and military immediately served early Sunday morning.

However, the police and military were met by heavy gunfire a few meters before reaching the target area where Amil was believed to be hiding.

The exchanged of gunfire resulted in the death of Amil.

At least six small sachets of suspected illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia were found on Amil.

Also recovered were a grenade and two firearms—a KG9 submachine gun and a caliber .45 pistol.

Major General Roseller Murillo, commander of Joint Task Force Zampelan, assured that all his military units would continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies in a bid to execute the law.

Sirawai Mayor Gamar Janihim said there are still other drug personalities linked to Amil’s operation targeted by local authorities.

He said he strongly supports these law enforcement operations, especially against illegal drugs in his town, amid rumors linking his name to the illegal drug trade.

Janihim was among the local officials in Mindanao included in the narco-list of President Rodrigo Duterte.

However, Janihim said he has long been cleared by the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, although he failed to show official documents to back his claim.

Drug personality killed in law enforcement operation

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

A SUSPECTED drug personality was killed in a joint law enforcement operation while two others were placed under investigation in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the police said Monday, March 26.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the slain drug personality as Julhadi Amil, 49, a resident of Doña Cecilla village, Sirawai.

Placed under investigation were Marudji Tuwa, 70, and Faisal Magura, 47, both farmers.

Galvez said the law enforcement operation by way of serving search warrant was jointly carried by policemen and soldiers around 4:30 a.m. Sunday at the residence of Amil.

Galvez said the joint team served search warrants for violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and RA 9165 also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

She said that Amil was killed after the latter allegedly grabbed his firearm and aimed at the raiding policemen that prompted the police officers to open fire killing the suspect.

She said the raiding team confiscated six heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspect shabu; one KG-9 sub-machinegun with ammunition; a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition; a fragmentation grenade; illegal drug paraphernalia; a shoulder bag; a holster; a wallet with identification cards of Amil; and analog cellular phone.

She said that Tuwa and Magura were placed under investigation after thety were found at the residence of Amil during the service of search warrants.

Accidental Death of Student

(Zamboanga Del Norte Police Report)

SINDANGAN - On March 20, 2018 at about 2:00 PM, The person of Jerry Cumayas Dalagan, 27 years old, married, male, a school staff of Philippine Advent College, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, and a resident of Barangay Ramon Magsaysay Sindangan, came and reported to Sindangan MPS on the accident transpired in their school wherein Lofrey Niñal Ordialez, 20 years, old, male, a resident of Bantayan, Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte accidentally hit into the fence which caused his accidental death.

Initial investigation conducted by personnel of Sindangan MPS disclosed that the victim went out from his classroom and escape on his schedule class from 8:30AM-9:30AM because the school will not permit the students to go home prior to their class has over.

Eventually, the victim climbed at the concrete fence in front of the school with a distance away from the entrance gate and was about to escape from the class purposely to go home of which accordingly, the victim planning to turn off his cook rice in which he left in flame at home.

When he was about to jump outside the fence, his long pants accidentally snagged at the protruding metal that resulted him to reversely supine back inside that caused him to hit his head at the walling of the fence and eventually fell down into the ground in prone position.

The victim was discovered at the ground by one (1) Sweetheart Unsing y Rabanal, 14 years old, male, single, grade eight student of Philippine Advent College, a resident of Bago, Sindangan, at about 9:00AM of the same date.

Immediately, Sweetheart Unsing called up his friend Ernesto Balawig y Sumaray and they hurriedly went to the school staff to report the incident.

Jerry Dalagan and Arlene Verago- PAC (Philippine Advent College) Staff immediately went to the place of the incident and they immediately evacuate the victim’s body and rushed to the nearest hospital but pronounced dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician.

The cadaver was properly turned-over to his immediate families. Investigator on case is PO2 Roland Dolotallas with contact number 0926-136-0590.

2 killed, 1 wounded in Basilan gun attack

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

TWO people were killed while one was wounded in an attack in Lantawan, Basilan province, the police said Saturday, March 24.

Senior Inspector Nurhaib Bungkac, Lantawan police chief, identified the fatalities as Lito Avila, 40 of La Esperanza village, Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte; and, Mujan Ajulun, 35, a resident of Baungis village, Lantawan.

Wounded was Rolly Calasang of San Roque village, Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte. He was rushed to the hospital.

Bungkac said the incident happened shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday at Sitio Logeng in Baungis village.

Bungkac said the incident was reported to them by the Ajung Salim, the village chief of Baungis, and the employer of the victim.

He said the victims were in deep slumber in a nipa hut when the unidentified suspect, armed with M-16 Armalite rifle, attacked them.

He said the victims were chainsaw operators and working in the coconut farm of Salim.

He said that although investigation continues, personal grudge is being eyed as the possible motive of the incident.

Arrest of Wanted Persons

(Zamboanga Del Norte Poloce Report)

SIOCON - PNP Personnel of Siocon MPS conducted manhunt operation at Sitio Bliss, Barangay Poblacion, Siocon, Zamboanga Del Norte at about 12:00 PM of March 21, 2018, that resulted in the arrest of Abujal Isnain Ladjabulan, 32 years old (August 06, 1985), male, Filipino, married, construction worker and a resident of Brgy. Sta. Maria, Siocon, Zamboanga Del Norte, Nanot Conding Isnain, 39 years old (March 24, 1979) male, Filipino, married, farmer and a resident of Brgy.

Matiag, Siocon, Zamboanga Del Norte, Harijin Isnain Mamatol, 39 years old (March 18, 1979), male, Filipino, married, farmer and a resident of Brgy. Matiag, Siocon, Zamboanga Del Norte and Espaldon Conding Isnain, 40 years old (January 18, 1978), male, Filipino, married, farmer and a resident of Brgy. Matiag, Siocon, Zamboanga Del Norte by virtue of Warrant of Arrest issued by Hon. Laarni N. Dajao- Executive Judge of 9th RTC Branch 27-Siocon for the crime of Homicide In Relation to R.A. 7610 docketed under criminal case number 2017-06-15(1507) dated January 31, 2018 with bail bond recommended fixed to the amount of ₱40,000.00 each respectively.

Arrested suspects were now temporary detained of Siocon MPS for proper disposition.

Science and Technology Committee holds public hearing in Dapitan

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte (PIA) -- The Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives recently held a public hearing at Dapitan City Cultural and Sports Center, Dapitan City, to generate inputs from stakeholders and to come up with a consolidated version of the three (3) house bills that would strengthen science and technology.

Among the House Bills presented and deliberated during the public hearing were House Bill No. 1205, “Provincial Science and Technology Directors Act of 2016,” HB No. 7011, “Provincial Science and Technology Office Act of 2017,” and HB No. 7058, “Provincial Science and Technology Centers Act of 2018.”

HB No. 1205 authored by Zamboanga del Sur First District Rep. Divina Grace C. Yu is entitled, ”An Act Upgrading the Position of the Provincial Science and Technology Officer into The Provincial Science and Technology Director and Amending Republic Act no. 6859, Appropriating Funds Therefore, and for Other Purposes.”

HB No. 7011, authored by Reps. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, Allen Jesse C.Mangaoang and Zamboanga del Norte First District Rep. Seth Frederick P.. Jalosjos is “An Act converting The Provincial Science and Technology Center into The Provincial Science and Technology Office in Every Province and Appropriating Funds Therefore.”

Meanwhile, HB No. 7058, authored by Aklan Lone District Rep. Carlito S. Marquez is “An Act Strengthening the Provincial Science and Technology Centers of the Department of Science and Technology Amending Republic Act No. 6959, Appropriating Funds Therefore, and for Other Purposes. The bill seeks to facilitate the transfer of relevant and appropriate technologies and services to the rural areas, particularly in the enhancement and development of technology-based livelihood in the countryside in order to bridge the gap between the highly-urbanized cities and provinces by strengthening the provincial and science and technology centers in the country.

Aside from the members of the House Committee on Science and Technology, other attendees of the public hearing included the Department of Science and Technology personnel from DOST Regional Operations Services led by Undersecretary Brenda Nazareth-Manzano and other delegates from the regional offices of regions 9, 10, 11, and 13 (CARAGA).

Infant perishes in Zamboanga Norte fire

By Bong Garcia

AN INFANT perished while another person was wounded in a fire that razed a house on Sunday in Polanco town, Zamboanga del Norte province, the police reported Monday.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, said the incident happened around 11:20 a.m. Sunday at Sitio Maras in the village of Magangon, Polanco.

Galvez identified the fatality as eight-month-old Jaskevin Atab, who died in the hospital due to severe burns. Wounded was Angelo Dalagan, who along with another neighbor, Salimar Bicoy, rescued Atab from the burning house. Bicoy was unscathed.

Galvez said investigation showed the fire broke out at the bedroom of the house owned by Ernesto Atab, 43, when his stepdaughter, Jasmine Dumdumano, 5, and stepson, Justine Dumdumano, 2, allegedly played a lighter.

Further investigation showed that the elder Atab was not at home since he went to a nearby store to buy milk at the time of the incident.

Dalagan and Bicoy came to the rescue of the infant when their neighbor, Macrelita Iso, called for help after she saw fire engulfed the house of Atab.

Galvez said the fire investigator placed the damaged to property at P6,000.

PSWDO conducts medical, dental outreach in Jose Dalman

By Alfonso T. Ruda (ALT/ATR/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte, with report from MBMontederamos-PIC)

JOSE DALMAN, Zamboanga del Norte (PIA) -- Some 278 residents of Barangay Tabo in this municipality benefitted from the medical and dental outreach program conducted by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) recently.

PSWDO head Ms.Nenita Maningo, said the activity was in line with the observance of National Women’s Month and the 25th Anniversary celebration of Barangay Tabon.

PSWDO Focal Person on Women Program Miss Johanna Lozada stressed the important role of women in our society, not only as a mother but as a great contributor and partner of men in nation-building.

Lozada said the celebration of Women’s Month should inspire and empower women to become agents of change to be able to contribute in promoting gender-equality and empowerment of all women in our society. She also reminded the women of their rights and privileges.

Mr. Dante Bagarinao, Medical and Dental Outreach Program head, said the activity is one of the priorities of Governor Roberto Y. Uy, which is to provide health and social services to the marginalized sector.

Aside from the medical/dental services, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Zamboanga del Norte Chapter also extended Community Outreach 0n Legal Aid to the residents of Jose Dalman.

IBP-Zamboanga del Norte President Atty Kenneth Lim lectured on Republic Act No. 9262, otherwise known as “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.”

Some 233 individuals were given free consultation; 44 free tooth extraction; one circumcision by the medical and dental team from the Provincial Health Office (PHO); 200 individuals have availed of the supplemental feeding program; and 200 were given 5 kilos of rice and sardines by the PSWDO.

The theme of this year’s cselebration is “We Make Change Work for Women.”

Teenager-recruiter arrested; 3 rescued

By Bong Garcia

THE police have arrested a teenager for illegal recruitment and rescued three minors in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, an official said Saturday.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the arrested suspect for illegal recruitment as Carl Vincent Gumela, 19.

Galvez said Gumela is allegedly the founder of the so-called “Democratic State Armed Forces (DSAF)” based in Zamboanga del Norte.

Rescued were Shenna Mae Tinguban, 15; Ergene Salaveria, 16; and, Jason Alap-Ap, 15, all students of Punta National High School in Dipolog City.

Galvez said Gumela was arrested around 1:20 p.m. Friday in the village of Punta, Dipolog City, while the three teenagers were rescued in the village of Malugas, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte.

She said appropriate charges are set to be filed against the suspect, who was detained at the police headquarters in Dipolog City.

DAR distributes CLOAs, turns over projects to ZAMPEN ARBs

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

DAPITAN CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently distributed Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) and turned-over completed DAR projects, both funded locally and foreign-assisted to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in the three provinces of region 9.

In a ceremony held at Dapitan City Cultural and Sports Center, DAR Secretary John R. Castriciones distributed 1,034 CLOAs to 938 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay which covers some 1,575 hectares of farmlands.

“The CLOAs are just the first step towards more support from the government. We will follow President Duterte’s national goal of improving the economic lives of our farmers by pouring various support services to farm communities,” said the secretary.

He reminded the farmer-beneficiaries not to sell the land titles but instead till the land and make it an instrument to uplift their lives as he assured continuous support from the government.

During the CLOA distribution, Secretary Castriciones also turned-over infrastructure projects for the ARBs worth P404 million.

“These projects will benefit more than 10,000 ARBs. But not only our farmers, these would also directly benefit residents, around 23,000 households in Zamboanga peninsula,” said Castriciones.

The DAR chief also turned over 13 farm-to-market roads, two communal irrigation systems, and one 28.8 linear meter bridge.

“These infrastructure projects would greatly help our farmers, especially the roads and bridges which would ease farmers’ travel from farm to market centers. The two irrigation systems would boost their farm yield,” he said.

He also handed over farm tools and various livelihood projects which will be distributed to agrarian cooperatives in Zamboanga Peninsula.

DAR Regional Director Julita Ragandang said that under the DAR Partnership Development Projects, the department will construct processing centers for handicrafts like abaca mat-weaving centers and community-managed potable water supply, sanitation and hygiene (CPWASH).

“These processing centers will be where the farmers, who are mostly women, will conduct their livelihood projects like mat-weaving and handicrafts out of abaca to sell for additional family income,” Ragandang said.

“The CPWASH will be constructed to provide potable water to remote farming communities,” she added.

Other top DAR officials present during the CLOA distribution and turn-over of projects include DAR Undersecretaries Luis Pangulayan - Legal affairs office, Karlo Bello - Field operations office, Rosalina Bistoyong - Support Services, David Erro -Policy & planning office, Bernie Cruz - Special Concerns Office, Public Assistance & Media Relations Service Director Leomides R. Villareal, and Land Registration Authority (LRA) Administrator Renato Bermejo.

Local officials present during the event included Dapitan City Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos and representatives from DILG, DA, NIA and DENR.

96 Police non-commissioned officers promoted

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

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) -- A total of 96 Police Non-Commissioned Officers from Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office (ZNPPO) were given promotion during the traditional flag-ceremony Monday morning at Camp Hamac, Sicayab, this city.

Of these number, 26 Police Officer 1(PO1) were promoted to Police Officer 2 (PO2);31 PO2 were promoted to PO3; 25 PO3 were promoted to SPO1; 4 SPO1 were promoted to SPO2; 9 SPO2 were promoted to SPO3 and SPO3 Nerio A. Malacat was the only one promoted to SPO4.

PSSupt. Raul M. Tacaca, administered the mass Oath-taking and pinned the ranks to the newly-promoted PNCO, assisted by their loved ones.

Tacaca urged the newly-promoted PNCOs to use the promotion as an inspiration to do better. He reminded them of the PNP mandate which is to serve and protect the people and the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

He also thanked the loved ones and encouraged them to continue supporting their spouses who have to leave them even in times of need to answer the call of duty. “Habaan sana ninyo ang inyong pasensiya na hindi ninyo makakasama ang inyong asawa sa panahon ng inyong pangangailangan, dahil lamang sa tawag ng tungkulin, kasi iyan ang buhay ng isang pulis,” Tacaca said.

In his acceptance speech, SPO4 Malacat vowed to do his best in the performance of his work as a police as he thanked the God Almighty and the leadership of PNP for fulfilling his long dream of becoming SPO4 before he retires from service.

Meanwhile, 13 ZNPPO newly-promoted Police Commissioned Officers also took their Oath of Service at the PNP Regional Office in Zamboanga City. Eleven SPO4 were promoted to Police Inspector (PI) and 2 PI were also promoted to Police Senior Inspector (PSI).

Similar mass oath-taking and donning of ranks were also conducted at all regional and Provincial PNP offices as part of the PNP’s 2nd Level Regular Promotion Program for PNCOs.

Dipolog joins National Women’s Month Celebration

By Alfonso T. Ruda (ALT/ATR/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte/with report from GPV-CIO)

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) -- More or less 9,000 women from 21 barangays of Dipolog City converged recently at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center for this year’s National Women’s Month Celebration spearheaded by the Dipolog City Social Welfare and Development Office(CSWDO).

Former Dipolog City Ms. Evelyn T. Uy, who is also the president of the Federation of Local Council of Women, in her speech commended the so called “empowered women” for joining the celebration.

She pointed out the important role of women in our society as a wife and mother that must be given due love and care by men.

Some of the highlights of the celebration include the free manicure and pedicure, haircut, massage therapy and parlor games.

Meanwhile, the entry of Barangay Barra came out victorious in the “Millennial Dance Competition” participated in by the women from Barangays Barra, Sinaman, Olingan, Dicayas, and Turno. Barangay Dicayas won as first runner-up and OLingan as second runner-up.

Among those who joined the said celebration were Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter Uy; Hon. Marilou Calibo; City Local Government Operations Officer, Anabella A. Jatico; Girls Scout of the Philippines, Zamboanga del Norte Chapter; 4Ps Women Association; policewomen of Dipolog City Police Station and other women’s association in the city.

This year’s Women’s Month celebration carries the theme, ”We make Change Work for Women.”

TS Vinta victims get financial assistance from Provincial Govt.

By Alfonso T. Ruda (ALT/ATR/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte, with reports from MBMontederamos,ZNPIC)

SIOCON, Zamboanga del Norte (PIA) -- The Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), has provided financial assistance to the victims of typhoon Vinta in the Southern part of the province..

Ms. Merlyn Santillana, AICS focal person said PSWDO head Ms. Nenita Maningo led the team which extended a total of P125,000.00 financial assistance to the typhoon victims in the municipality of Salug and Siocon under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of PSWDO.

According to Santillana, Maningo handed P5,000.00 for every household with family members who died in that tragic incident in Salug, and another 8 households in Siocon where 9 individuals also died due to flash floods.

TS Vinta victims in Salug and Siocon expressed their gratitude to Governor Roberto Y. Uy for the said assistance.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government is now processing similar financial assistance to be given to typhoon Vinta victims in other municipalities like Liloy, Baliguian, Gutalac and Sibuco.

SWD to provide free potable water to gov’t facilities in Sindangan

By Alfonso T. Ruda (ALT/ATR/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte/with reports from MBMontederamos)

SINDANGAN, Zamboanga del Norte (PIA)-- Sindangan Water District (SWD) has committed to provide free water to three government facilities located at Barangay Misok, this municipality.

This developed after the Board of Directors passed a resolution that granted the request of Governor Roberto Y. Uy asking for the provision of free potable water supply to Sindangan District Hospital, Provincial Motorpool, and the Department of Agriculture.

According to the SWD board of directors, the provision of free potable water to the 3 government facilities was in response to the financial assistance extended by the Provincial Government for the development of its water source.

In its resolution, the SWD Board hoped that the total water consumption of the said facilities won’t exceed 50,000 litters per month based on the previous consumption of Sindangan District Hospital which has only an average consumption of 10,000 liters per month.

To closely monitor its compliance to the agreement, the SWD will provide individual water meter to the said offices to monitor their water consumption and to prevent possible abuses in the utilization of free water that may result to the financial loss of the water provider.

The said resolution, which will be in effect for five years, also stated that the Local Water Utilities Administration is closely monitoring Non-Water Revenue consumption.

Kidnap victim killed in firefight

By Ely Dumaboc

A timber cutter who was earlier reported missing in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte was killed during a firefight between government troops and lawless elements in Barangay Panabutan, Sirawai last Wednesday.

Police Regional Office-9 Chief Inspector Helen Galvez identified the kidnap victim as Mario Rosales aka Mario Ungok, 46 years old, single and a resident of Barangay San Nicolas, Sirawai.

Galvez said that goverment troops were conducting combat and rescue operations on the five missing timber cutters at Sitio Kabatunayan when they encountered ten members of a lawless group under Jamilon Wahab Tukalan.

The encounter led to a 10-minute firefight where Rosales was killed in the crossfire.

His body was later identified by his employer, Tata Subebe of Barangay San Vicente.

Rosales together with four timber cutters identified as Roger Jung-an, Jomar Maglangit, Reymond Purisima, and Jomar Mantangan, were reported missing last Saturday.

The five timber cutters reportedly went to Sitio Maasum, Barangay San Nicolas purposely to cut timber in the area at around 6a.m. They failed to return to their respective homes that evening.

Last Monday, a certain Jojo Ebalde, a chainsaw operator, received a telephone call from an unknown individual who was demanding P10-million in ransom for the release of the victims.

The amount was subsequently reduced to P15,000 for each of the victims.

A crisis management committee meeting presided in by Sirawai Mayor Gamar Janihim led to the identification of Jamilon Wahab and Bating Lumiguis as leaders of the lawless group which kidnapped the victims.

At around 10:30 a.m. last Wednesday, elements of the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company together with personnel of the 42nd Infantry Battalion were conducting rescue operations when they encountered the alleged kidnappers.

5 persons missing in Sirawai

(LAJ)

Five persons, including a minor, have been reported missing in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte last Saturday.

Police Regional Office-9 Information Officer Chief Insp. Helen Galvez identified the missing persons as Roger Jung-an, 36; Jomar Maglangit, 26; Reymond Purisima, 14; Jomar Mantangan, 25; and Mario Rosales, 46.

The five are all working as laborers.

Galvez said that the missing persons went to Sitio Maasum, Barangay San Nicolas purposely to cut timber in the area at around 6 a.m. last Saturday.

The victims have reportedly failed to come home, prompting their families to report to authorities.

Sirawai PNP personnel are conducting hot pursuit operations for the possible recovery of the missing persons.

In a telephone interview, Sirawai Municipal Police Investigator PO2 Rashid Paniorotan said that there is still no information leading to the whereabouts of the missing persons as of presstime yesterday.

Dipolog local school board earmarks P18-M for school year 2018-2019

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy with reports from CIO-Dipolog (ALT/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte (PIA) -- For an improved and better quality education, a total budget of P18 million from the Special Education Fund (SEF) by the Local School Board here was allocated to four major education programs.

These include the operations and maintenance of schools with a budget of P2.8 million; construction and rehabilitation of school buildings with a budget of P6.4 million; land titling and acquisition of school sites with a budget of P300 thousand; provision of facilities, equipment and other materials for Senior High School with a budget of P150 thousand; and improvement of sports in the district, division, regional and national level with a budget of P8.2 million.

Dr. Ma. Liza R. Tabilon, Dipolog City Schools Division Superintendent explained that under operations and maintenance budget, about four Madrasah teachers will be hired, 20 teachers for Alternative Learning System (ALS), five teachers for kindergarten, and three teachers for Senior High School for school year 2018-2019.

Tabilon said teachers will be hired based on the standard qualifications. They must register on DepEd’s Registry of Qualified Applicants; passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) or Philippine Board Examination for Teachers (PBET), English Proficiency Test, and with sufficient teaching experience and trainings.

Senior citizens in Dipolog to receive additional P200 social pension benefit for a year

By Phres Evardone with reports from CIO-Dipolog (ALT/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, March 03 (PIA) -- Aside from the P500 social pension that the senior citizens here are receiving every month, an additional P200 will soon be granted to them as “Unconditional Cash Transfer.”

However, Ms. Florentina Reambonanza, head of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs clarified that this will only be given once for a year with the total amount of P2,400.

She said the processing of senior citizens’ personal data is still on going for endorsement to the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Moreover, she said they are experiencing a bit of difficulty in the personal data of the pensioners due to Tax Identification Numbers (TIN), mobile number, profession, source of funds, gross salary and email addresses considering they are all indigent.

She also added that even their mother’s maiden name, which is also important in the personal data, is hard to remember at times for the senior citizens.

DSWD advised that the applicants may put on “N/A” on spaces of the form that are not applicable to the beneficiaries.

DSWD aims to complete the release of the grant to the social pensioners before the month of March ends.

City Vet urges pet owners to avail free anti-rabies vaccine

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy (ALT/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte (PIA) -- The City Veterinarian Office offers free anti-rabies vaccination for pets like dogs and cats in the different barangays in Dipolog City starting March 1.

The activity kicked-off yesterday at the Central Barangay and will continue at Barangays San Jose on March 6, Sta. Felomina on March 7, Sangkol on March 15, and Punta on March 20.

All pet owners with 2-month old and above dogs and cats are encouraged to bring their pets at the above-mentioned barangays.

Those interested may visit their respective barangay halls for more details.

Zambo Norte joins “Lakad Tokhang”

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy with reports from Dipolog City information Office (ALT/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, March 02 (PIA) -- In support to the government’s nationwide campaign against illegal drugs, “Lakad Tokhang” was launched recently at the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office (ZNPPO).

With the theme: “Lipunin at Kalampagin ang Droga”, Provincial Director PSSupt Raul Tacaca stressed that the event hopes to raise further awareness on the ill-effects of drug abuse and encourage the public to continue to support and participate in the campaign.

ZNPPO disclosed there were about 400 drug pushers registered in the province on 2017-2018. Present surrenderees numbered to 364 with 6 drug pushers who were reported killed from resisting arrest and fought with the police.

Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter Uy urged all sectors from both public and private to support the PNP’s call to achieve a “Drug-Free Community”, citing schools and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils as the first line of defense.

The event, which was simultaneously conducted all over the country, was attended by local officials, representatives from national government agencies, some colleges, and law enforcement agencies, among others.

Baby survives 3-km drift in floods

By LEAH AGONOY (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

DAPITAN CITY—For several hours on Sunday, Mary May Porongao, 18, was separated from her more than a month old baby, Zian Miles, as floodwater rose in their hut in the village of Opao.

What happened next was a story of a mother’s anguish at the thought of losing her child and of sheer luck.

When heavy rains started to turn Opao into a body of water, Mary May was asleep with Zian Miles. Her siblings and other relatives were asleep in the same hut as Mary May’s.

Rising waters roused them from sleep. In a few minutes, Mary May recalled, it was more than 5 feet deep.

Mary May, her baby and relatives soon found themselves in the raging water, clinging to whatever they can to avoid being swept away.

Broken ref

They clambered onto a broken refrigerator, using it as a buoy. Mary May placed baby Zian Miles atop it.

But the current was too strong for the broken ref to stay afloat. Mary May held her baby in one hand while she frantically paddled with the other hand to safety.

In the darkness, she saw the outlines of a box and swam to it, failing to reach what turned out to be Styrofoam thrice because of the strong current.

When she succeeded in getting to the Styrofoam, she placed Zian Miles inside. But as soon as the baby was in the box, strong currents swept it away. “My baby disappeared in the flood and darkness,” said Mary May.

When she and her siblings found safety, Mary May said she started searching for Zian Miles. “She was nowhere to be found,” she said.

Mary May and her partner reached the next village in the frantic search for their baby. The search went on for five hours without results.

Mother’s intuition

Mary May refused to give up. “Her intuition was so strong that the baby was alive somewhere,” said Mitzie Dulawan of the Dapitan City Information Division.

At 5 a.m. on Monday, a neighbor told Mary May a Styrofoam box was seen by the riverside, still in Opao. When Mary May found the box, her baby was still there, sleeping but at least 3 kilometers away from home.

Dulawan said it could be sheer luck that the box got entangled in the bushes which prevented it from being swept into the river.

Zian Miles was brought to a hospital where she was declared out of danger.

Nelson Quimigin, city disaster management officer, said no casualty was reported from floods that swept the other villages of the city.

But there was damage to crops, according to city Councilor Dug Christopher Mah.

Top bets seek PPS Dipolog spotlight

(Tempo Online)

Close to 200 entries from various cities and provinces gear up for the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala age-group tennis circuit which starts today at the RGS Tennis Club in Dipolog City.

Faye Lim and Anne Ramillete hope to live up their top billing in both the 16- and 18-and-under play in the girls’ side with Kristine Bandolis and Jedidiah Gupit (16-U) and Rica Ligason and Audrey Quimbo (18-U) out to spoil their title bids in the Group 2 tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger.

Keen competition is also seen in the boys division, particularly in the 12-, 14- and 16-U classes which all feature 32-player draws.

Kurt Bandolis, Mari Erquita, Andrei Esick and Matthew Sanchez banner the field in the 12-U side while Oroquieta’s Nash Agustines seeks to make it two-in-row in the 14-U section after a victory at home last week in the five-day event backed by Asiatraders Corp. and Dunlop as the official ball.

Out to foil Agustines are Ashton Villanueva, Russell Daarol and Kurt Bandolis with Villanueva and Daarol also vying in the 16-U side topbilled by Nilo Ledama, who also gains the No. 2 seeding behind fancied Jose Maria Paguia in the premier 18-U category of the event sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines, made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg, are the players to beat in the girls’ 14-U division.

PEREZ DECISIONS GONZALES IN INDIO

By Lito delos Reyes (PhilBoxing.com)

FILIPINO boxer Rey “Technician” Perez bounced back from a disappointing comeback in the United States by scoring a convincing unanimous decision against Mexican-American Christian “Chimpa” Gonzales last Feb. 22 (Friday in Manila) at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.

Judges Fernando Villareal and Lou Moret both scored 79-73 while judge Raul Caiz Sr. saw it 78-74 all in favor of Perez, who posted his 22nd win with six knockouts against nine losses and no draw.

“I thank all those who supported and helped me especially to our boss Sir Cacoi,’ said Perez.

Perez is now handled by a US-based Filipino boxing manager Rey “Cacoi” Rodis II of the RED International Boxing.

“It was a tough fight,” said Rodis, a nephew of former WBC world super featherweight champion Rene Barrientos of Cagayan de Oro City.

Gonzales, who suffered a cut on his left eye due to an accidental headbutt, was almost knocked down in the second round.

“We won all rounds,” added Rodis.

The 22-year old Gonzales absorbed only his second defeat against 18 wins with 15 knockouts. He first suffered also to another Filipino Romero “Ruthless” Duno via a 2nd round knockout last March 10 at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles in their battle for the vacant WBC Youth Intercontinental lightweight title.

Perez, a native of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte earlier suffered a unanimous decision loss to Lamont Roach last November 30 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill in his first assignment under RED International Boxing.

But Perez not in his comfortable fighting weight at 130 lbs. only unlike against Gonzales in the 135 lbs. division already. “As what I had earlier said that I’m more comfortable now in the 135 lbs.,” said Perez.