Zamboanga del Sur News October 2014

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Province of Zamboanga del Sur - Archived News of Zamboanga del Sur
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Seal of Zamboanga del Sur Province
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Zamboanga del Sur
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Zamboanga del Sur Map Locator
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Municipalities within Zamboanga del Sur
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Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Sur
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Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Sur, Santo Niño, Pagadian city

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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Lapuyan Falls: The favorite haunt of the fair Subanen maidens of Sitio Baga and all its neighboring areas, usual meeting place with many a young country swain in some secluded cavern beneath the rocky forest lane.
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Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
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Village of Pedagan

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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Lintugop, Aurora
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Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
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Provincial human resource management office of santo niño pagadian city
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Civil Service Commision office in santo niño pagadian city

Troops complete disaster training

By Bong Garcia

A TOTAL of 40 personnel from the Zamboanga del Sur-based Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion have completed a 20-day Disaster Response Operations Training (DROT) training, an official announced.

Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Luzon said those who completed the training held from October 6 - 27 comprised of four officers and 36 enlisted personnel.

The training were held in separate areas such as in Camp David that houses the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion Headquarters in the town of Guipos; Tukuran beach; and, selected high rise building in Pagadian City.

Luzon, who acted as the course director, said the training covered topics like first aid and basic life support, actual rescue and disaster relief operations.

Luzon said they conducted the training to capacitate the troops with the knowledge on disaster response operations and management aside from combat operations.

He said they have “to prepare our troops to be the first responders because the disasters are now happening everywhere, as the world has changed because of climate change.”

The training was conducted in partnership with the Zamboanga del Sur provincial government through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management council (PDRRMC); Bureau of fire Protection (BFP); Office of Civil Defense (OCD); and, the Philippine National Red Cross (PRC)-Pagadian City-Zamboanga del Sur Council.

Farmer killed in Zamboanga del Sur

By ANTHONY VARGAS

A FARMER was beheaded by a still unidentified man while on his way home Wednesday night in a remote village in Zamboanga del Sur. Reports reaching the Philippine National Police operations center in Camp Crame named the victim as Jorge Mendoza of Barangay Tungawan in Sominot town. The reports said the victim was killed at about 8:30 p.m.

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

(PIA, Manila Bulletin)

Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur – Some 140 residents, aged 15-30 years old from 28 barangays here, participated in the five-day Youth Leadership Summit held recently at Glupa Gulian Agro-Tourism Park, Function Hall, Kahayagan, here. The summit, with the theme “Lihok Kabataan Alang sa Kalinaw ug Kalamboan (Youth Acts towards Peace and Development),” was held by the local government of Bayog in coordination with Charlie Company, 44th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army. The topics discussed in the event were Family and Community, Role of the Youth, Fire Prevention, RA 10121-An Act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, Human Rights and Children’s Rights, Criminality and Drug Addiction and Prevention, Environmental Protection, Leadership and Interpersonal Communication, the truth about CNN, IPSP “Bayanihan,” Mural Painting/Team Logo Making, Strengthening Team Spirits, Community Situation Awareness, Community Needs Assessment and Action Planning.

PhilFIDA urges farmers to plant more abaca

(MVC/DTI-9)

Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority OIC-Executive Director Eduardo Holoyohoy urged farmers and those engaging in agriculture to plant more abaca and take advantage of a bigger share of the market as Ecuador announced it is reducing its production by 7,000 metric tons.

Dir. Holoyohoy, in a press conference during the opening of the Zamboanga Peninsula Trade Exposition (ZAMPEX) 2014, said “We are really encouraging our farmers to increase their production of abaca as Ecuador, the only other source of loose abaca fiber, announced that they will be reducing their production by as much as 7,000 metric tons next year”.

Philippines is supplying 80% of the total loose abaca fiber in the world market, leaving the 20% to Ecuador. But with its recent announcement, there is no other recourse but for the Philippines to increase abaca production to grab the opportunity and supply the global demand.

PhilFIDA records show the country has shipped a total of 275,578.70 bales of commercial abaca fiber from January to July this year, equivalent to 34,447.3375 metric tons. Last year, the agency reported 389,039.70 bales of commercial abaca fiber or 48,629.96 metric tons exported.

Holoyohoy said abaca fiber is in demand world-wide, mentioning United Kingdom and Japan as two of the country’s major abaca fiber markets.

“Japan is using our abaca fiber for their paper bills. They have increased the fiber content of the Japanese Yen to 60% as it makes counterfeiting very difficult. The new Philippine peso bill, on the other hand, uses 30% abaca fiber content. United Kingdom, on one hand, uses the abaca fiber for ropes or cordages”, he explained in previous meeting.

With Ecuador’s announcement, Holoyohoy said the Philippines would be increasing its dominance in the world market, and that the country should be ready to supply the demand abroad.

“By increasing our production as early as this year, we will be increasing our market dominance and supply the demand in the world market”, Holoyohoy said.

The Department of Trade and Industry-9 has identified abaca as one of the six regional champion products as approved by the Regional Development Council-9 in 2011.

As per data from PhilFIDA-9, Zamboanga Peninsula Region, which also includes the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, produced 529.66 metric tons of loose abaca fiber last year. However, it was down from the 644.86 metric tons produced in 2012 or 17.86% decrease, due to infestation.

PhilFIDA, nevertheless, is still optimistic that the figure will improve this year as disease management initiatives were already implemented to avoid contamination of other abaca plantations in the region.

DOLE-ZamboSur implements TUPAD project in V. Sagun

By Claro A. Lanipa (ALT/CAL/PIA9 with reports from DOLE-ZdSFO)

VINCENZO SAGUN, Zamboanga del Sur, October 27 – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Zamboanga del Sur Field Office, in partnership with the local government unit here recently implemented the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD), a project under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).

DOLE Zamboanga del Sur chief Ms. Lourdes Amores said the program aims to address poverty reduction through eco-tourism projects which benefit the poor and marginalized workers in the locality.

This convergent project is also designed to conserve the environment and improve the well-being of the local people by rehabilitating the road including canal dredging and tree planting going to Ambulon Beach, an identified tourist spot of the municipality.

Amores said her office has allocated P444,000.00 for the payment of salaries, provision of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and insurance coverage of 60 TUPAD beneficiaries most of whom are farmers and fishermen of barangays Ambulon and Limason for a period of 22 days.

As a result of the successful implementation of the said project, the Limason-Ambulon road leading to the beach is now more passable by four-wheel transportation. The cottages along the beach were likewise repaired and rehabilitated.

Indeed, the project did not only generate transitional emergency employment for the vulnerable sector in the area, but also served as a vehicle towards community empowerment, making its natural resources accessible to the public.

In the long run, if this initiative is sustained by the populace, it would bring positive economic change in terms of additional income to the municipality and social services to the community.

PAGASA: Thunderstorms over Central Visayas and Mindanao

By Bianca Rose Dabu /LBG (GMA News)

Some parts of Mindanao and the Central Visayas are experiencing thunderstorms, state weather agency said Sunday.

In its 1:10 p.m. advisory, PAGASA said Davao and Caraga Regions, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and a portion of Northern Mindanao would have thunderstorms.

Also, it said the weather condition – particularly affecting Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur – may persist for the one to two hours.

Meanwhile, a thunderstorm is expected over Bohol in Central Visayas in the next two hours, particularly in the towns of Sagbayan, Inabanga, Clarin, Tubigon, Calape, Bilar, Dimiao.

Cebu province, also in Central Visayas, and other nearby areas will also experience thunderstorms.

On the other hand, light to moderate with occasional heavy rain is affecting Metro Manila and the province of Quezon. The weather condition may persist for an hour.

Raps not true, VP swears to God

By Helen Flores, Roel Pareño (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay invoked Divine Providence and said the corruption allegations against him are not true.

“I just want to tell all of you, to God and people, that I’m not the owner of that property. Even the piggery, they say it’s air-conditioned, that’s the first time I’ve heard of that,” Binay said in Filipino in an interview with radio dxCA on Thursday.

Binay also appealed to Filipinos to rally behind him amid what he said were the escalating personal attacks against him and his family.

Binay issued the statement during his visit to Pagadian City on Thursday to attend the 11th Rovers Moot of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

Binay made the statement in reference to allegations that he owns a 350-hectare farm in Rosario, Batangas through a businessman dummy.

Binay admitted owning a piggery and a flower farm – inside the nine-hectare portion of the property – but said he sold his shares to JCB Farms when he won the vice presidency in 2010.

Binay earlier said he chose to answer all the corruption allegations thrown at him by some senators directly to the people instead of attending the ongoing Senate investigation.

He branded the Senate investigation on him as a “kangaroo court.”

“They are prejudiced. It’s a kangaroo court. They already have the decision. They are not investigating …their intention really is to discredit me,” he said.

“The senators are excessively pounding on me, you should have seen their demeanor, they really wanted me destroyed… I pity the witnesses in the investigation,” Binay said.

Binay lauded businessman Antonio Tiu, who stood pat in maintaining that he was the owner of the 350-hectare property despite how he was grilled by the senators.

He challenged Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV to bring out the truth on the allegations, which he said are part of a demolition job.

On Tuesday, Binay challenged Trillanes to a one-on-one debate.

Binay said he wants to debate Trillanes so he can answer the allegations against him point by point.

Spokesman Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla said the Vice President has no plans of attending the “farcical” Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing as the senators conducting the hearing have already “prejudged” him.

Binay noted the Senate Blue Ribbon committee itself, led by Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, the mother committee of the panel investigating the allegations against him, will issue the invitation.

He said he is still considering whether to appear before the probe.

“I heard that the mother committee will be the one to lead it. I can’t call it an investigation, but I think it’s just a forum (to malign me),” Binay told a press conference in Pagadian City last Thursday. “Let’s wait for developments and we’ll talk about it.”

Guingona said on Wednesday they will invite Binay to the ongoing investigation into the corruption allegations against him.

Guingona assured Binay the panel will give him fair treatment, respect and opportunity to answer the accusations he is facing.

Binay joined local officials in a boodle fight at the Pagadian Public Market.

He recounted during their meal two elderly women approached him and were teary eyed because of the extreme accusations hurled against him.

Binay, meanwhile, thanked the people of Mindanao for their continued support for him and his family as he urged people not to listen to baseless lies and accusations.

“Let us stay together. To all the towns and cities, thank you for all your support. It started in 2010, you continued to support us with Senator Nancy Binay, now I appeal to you, please don’t believe these false accusations against me,” the Vice President said.

Zambo Sur guv declares war on illegal gambling

By Bong Garcia

ZAMBOANGA del Sur Governor Antonio Cerilles has declared war against all forms of illegal gambling and ordered an intensified campaign against all kinds of numbers games in the province.

Cerilles’ order came as he reconstituted last Monday the Task Force on Anti-Illegal Gambling to run after financiers and supporters of all forms illegal gambling in the province’ one component city and 26 municipalities.

The task force was reconstituted through Executive Order 10 penned by Cerilles.

Ceriiles has named Provincial Board Member Ernesto Mondarte, who chairs the Committee on Peace and Public Safety, as the new task force head with Zamboagna del Sur Police Director Sofronio Ecaldre as the vice-chairman.

Designated as the task force members are lawyers Attorney Cleto Edralin and Johnabel Tabunda, Department of Justice (DOJ) representatives; Fr. Leslie Bataoel and Fr. Gilbert Hingone, religious sector representatives; and Adriano Durano III, business sector representative.

Cerilles ordered the task force to conduct relentless campaign against all forms of illegal gambling, citing he envisions the province to be 100 percent free of illegal gambling.

Cerilles noted that there are still illegal gambling, especially “swertres, video karera and horse fighting,” that exist in some parts of the province.

Shopping center burglarized

By Eugene A. Lasprilla

A shopping center was ransacked by unidentified burglars who stole assorted jewelry in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, on Tuesday.

Police Regional Office 9 (PRO9), Office in-charge of the Public Information Office (OIC-PIO) Inspector Dalhan Samuddin said the People Plaza Shopping Center was burglarized by a lone intruder who carted away 925 assorted silver Italy necklaces and bracelets amounting to P210,000 more or less.

Samuddin said the still unidentified man hid inside the store before it was closed and ransacked the place. The robbery was discovered at about 7 a.m. of Tuesday.

Police said the suspect destroyed the padlock of the cubicle stand were the jewelry were placed and took the items.

Further, the suspect ate a piece of cake, 3 lollipops and drank sterilized milk at the grocery section.

Samuddin added that the suspect exited from the 4th floor of the building by tying several clothes which he used as a rope to escape.

Police disclosed that Pagadian City Police Station is conducting further investigation to establish the identity of the suspect for his arrest.

6 rescued from human trafficking

By Roel Pareño (philstar.com)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Police authorities last week rescued from human trafficking at least six females, including five minors, in a karaoke bar in a town in Zamboanga del Sur.

Police Inspector Dahlan Samuddin, public information chief of Police Regional Office 9, said the victims were rescued by the combined police operatives of Siay and Pitogo towns and social welfare development personnel in the karaoke house owned by a certain Gloria Pacatang alias Nining and Sita Mandano in Pitogo town.

Samuddin the said the rescued victims were aged 16 to 20 and came from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, and nearby towns of Siay and Pitogo.

Police investigation disclosed that the victims were reportedly recruited without the parents’ consent and worked in a karaoke bar.

The rescued victims were provided stress debriefing by the social welfare office before they were turned over to their respective families.

Would-be trafficking victims rescued

By Bong Garcia

JOINT police and social welfare personnel have rescued six would-be victims of human trafficking in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, the police reported Tuesday.

Inspector Dahlan Samuddin, Information Officer-in-Charge of the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9), said the would-be victims were rescued around 7:30 p.m. at a karaoke house in the village of Poblacion, Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur.

Samuddin said the rescue came after the parents of two of the six would-be victims, who are from Siay, Zamboagna Sibugay, reported to the police that their daughters were recruited without their consent.

Samuddin withheld the identities of the rescued youths except to say that the oldest is 20 years old while the youngest is 16 years old.

They are from the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur, according to Samuddin.

The rescued minors are presently under the custody of Pitogo police and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for further counseling prior to their turn-over to their respective families, he added.


MILF-CCCH protests arrest of Zamboanga Del Sur LMT member

(CCCH Sec. Gen.)

Early morning on October 16, 2014, operatives of the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA) raided six (6) houses at Barangay Binuatan in Dinas, Zamboamga Del Sur including the house of the Manalao Butito, MILF Political Committee Chairman of the town of Dinas and a member of the Local Monitoring Team (LMT) of Zamboanga Del Sur.

In a letter-protest dated October 17, filed by the Abbas Salung, Chairman of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) addressed to BGen. Carlito Galvez, Chair of the GPH-CCCH, he said that, “The PDEA raiding team apprehended Butito and brought him to PNP Camp Avelon in Pagadian City and is being held under custodial detention at the camp despite the committee’s persistent request for his immediate release”.

“This raid and detention of a senior MILF political leader and a member of the LMT, a mechanism of the GPH – MILF Ceasefire Agreement constitute blatant violations of the ceasefire accord and seriously undermine the GPH – MILF Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB)”, Salung said in his letter.

Salung enumerated acts that violates the GPH- MILF Ceasefire Accord as follows:

1. Raid and detention of MILF leaders and worker for the GPH – MILF Ceasefire Agreement in line with paragraphs 3.1.2 and 3.2.3 of the prohibited hostile acts and prohibited provocative acts, respectively of the Implementing Guidelines of the Security Aspect of the GRP – MILF Agreement on Peace of 2001.

2. Undermining the confidence building measure between the government and MILF pursuant to the GPH – MILF Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

3. Total disrespect and dishonor to the safety and security guarantee for the MILF personalities involved in the peace process pursuant to the GPH – MILF Ceasefire Accord.

“We take this case as direct affront to this Committee and those involved in the peace process”, he continued saying.

Salung asked the GPH-CCCH and IMT to act on the matter and for the immediate release of Butito otherwise, there is no option left but to elevate the same to the GPH – MILF Peace Panels.

BIR-Western Mindanao exceeds September collection by P102.7M

(MindaNews)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/19 October) – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) exceeded by P102,783,255.53 its target revenue collection goal for the month of September this year in Western Mindanao.

Alert Alocilja, BIR regional director, announced they collected a total of P406,346,255.52 in September, which was P102,783,255.53 more than the target collection goal of P303,563,000.

Alocilja said his office exceeded the target collection goal due to intensified tax mapping as well as tax collection and information drive.

BIR-Western Mindanao covers Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi which belong to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Alocilja said they had collected a total of P3,598,948,682.06 in revenues from January to September. He expressed optimism his office can meet its revenue target collection goal for this year.

He said the BIR central office has tasked them to collect P5.8 billion in revenues this year.

Assorted Firearms, Drug Paraphernalia Seized in Dinas, 2 Suspects Arrested

By PINSP DAHLAN T SAMUDDIN with report from PO2 Radzben S Jul (RPIO9)

Dinas, Zamboanga Del Sur - Two wanted persons were arrested while several high-powered firearms and ammunitions were seized from them by a composite PNP team of Zamboanga Del Sur Police Provincial Office, Western Mindanao Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, Provincial Public Safety Company, Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force, EOD team from Regional Public Safety Battalion and PDEA personnel during the service of search warrant against them in Barangay Poblacion and Barangay Binoatan at about 3:00 AM on October 16, 2014. Arrested were Abdulmaola Cagas Cosain, 35, and Manalao Abu Butito a.k.a. “Nalao”, 70.

The two were apprehended based on the search warrant number 169-180 for violation of illegal possession of firearms, ammunitions and illegal drugs issued by Presiding Judge Joel G Vercide of MTCC, 9th Judicial Region Branch 1, Pagadian City dated 14 October 2014. Seized from them were a cal 5.56mm rifle with serial number RP192185, one caliber .45 pistol with serial no. 1011659, a caliber .38 revolver pistol Smith & Wesson, one cal .22 rifle with serial number 457201, an H & R ARMSCOR cal 7.62 mm M14 rifle, two hundred sixty five 5.56 mm ammos, twenty-four caliber .45 rounds, nineteen cal 7.62 mm rounds, three caliber .38 rounds, black box containing rolled aluminum, two disposable lighters, assorted military uniforms, four hi-cap magazines of caliber .45 pistol, two M14 magazines, two outside holsters, two inside holsters, one pair of combat boots, one side arm holster, one gun case, one M16 bandolier, one sling bag for caliber .45 pistol, and one Samsung tablet. The arrested persons are now under the custody of the said police office while necessary documents are now being prepared for immediate filing of cases in court against them.

NMIS to celebrate Meat Safety Consciousness Week

By Gideon C. Corgue (FPG/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY, Oct. 17 (PIA) – The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) will be celebrating this year’s Meat Safety Consciousness Week on October 20-24 with the theme, “RA 101611 Food Safety Act: “Kaligtasan Ng Mamamayan At Katuwang Sa Kalakalan.”

Regional Technical Director Arturo S. De Jesus Jr. said the NMIS has lined up activities for the celebration such as radio program, hanging of streamers, thanksgiving Mass, media forum, greening activities, good handling practices for homemakers, and a fellowship.

“Since the celebration underscores the importance of meat safety consciousness among stakeholders, a seminar on good handling practices for the homemakers will be conducted in Barangay’s Manga and Tuburan here,” De Jesus disclosed.

Some 100 participants composed mostly of carenderia and sari-sari storeowners are invited to attend said seminar.

De Jesus also said a media forum would be conducted to tap the media practitioners in helping disseminate bits of information on meat safety to the public, considering mass media’s influence on the people and society.

As the agency’s corporate social responsibility, De Jesus said the NMIS staff are scheduled to plant fruit-bearing trees in a watershed area in barangay Manga and to help government address the adverse effects of climate change.

More troops arrive in Mindanao to fight for peace

(Mindanao Examiner)

PAGADIAN CITY – More troops have arrived in the southern Philippines to replace marines in Sulu and other provinces in Mindanao and help fight insurgency and terrorism and at the same time win hearts and minds of civilians in an effort to support the government’s peace and development efforts in the troubled region.

Brigadier General Gerardo Barrientos, commander of 1st Infantry Division, welcomed the troops who arrived here from Luzon Island in two batches.

The soldiers, who are members of the 21st – under Lieutenant Colonel Niceforo Diaz, and 41st Infantry Battalions headed by Lieutenant Colonel Virgilio Noora - took over the 32nd Infantry Battalion in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte and the 35th Infantry in Lanao del Norte.

Both the 32nd and 35th Infantry Battalions have replaced marine battalions in Sulu province. The marines were reassigned to Palawan province.

“The repositioning of units is part of the strengthening of the military forces to address the emerging threats in the region,” Barrientos said. “Army units are equally capable in addressing various threats whether man-made or natural such as terrorism, disaster, environmental, and support to law enforcement and many others.”

Barrientos said the two units of 1st Infantry Division deployed in Sulu will continue the thrust in “winning the peace” in the province. He said some of the soldiers sent to Sulu are natives of the province who will hopefully be a tool in creating a bridge between the local communities and the military.

“The Command will sustain the gains that the Marine units established during their stint on the island, and the Army contingent will work side by side with the remaining Marine units in Sulu and most importantly with the stakeholders led by the local chief executives and traditional leaders so that peace and development will reign in every community on the island-province,” he said.

Barrientos said the soldiers also underwent a series of orientation and lectures, including cultural sensitivity seminars, and custom and traditions of different indigenous tribes in western Mindanao, to familiarize them to their new area of operation.

Internet café off-limits to studes during school days

By Gideon C. Corgue (FPG/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY, Oct. 15 (PIA) – Elementary and high school students in Barangay Sta. Lucia here are not allowed to enter internet cafes, computer shops and other similar establishments during school hours.

Speaking during the recently held synchronized barangay assembly, Barangay Kagawad Bonifacio Boron Jr., informed the participants of the passage of an ordinance prohibiting the students from entering internet cafes/shops operating in the barangay during school days from 7-11 a.m. and from 1-5 p.m. However, those aged 16 years old and above are allowed to use the internet shops for research purposes.

Boron, the author of said ordinance, seeks to prevent the students from cutting classes and from chronic absenteeism during school days.

The students, Boron said, can make their class assignments and do research between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. only provided they present permit from their school principal or teachers.

Boron also said any person, who violates the provisions of the law, will be penalized accordingly. “Any violator shall be fined P500 for first offense, P700 for second offense, and confiscation of equipment for third offense,” Boron declared.

The proponent has expressed optimism that the ordinance, after being reviewed and approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, will be implemented immediately.

“The ordinance will benefit not only the students but their parents as well,” Boron stressed.

Meanwhile, the legislator announced that another ordinance was approved by the council regulating the operation of ‘videoke singko’ machines during nighttime.

The video singko machine is a sound system consisting of a TV monitor, a CD player, a chip for the crawling lyrics and selection gadget appended to a coin outlet, all encased in a wooden box. These machines are portable, and easy to transport to neighborhoods and villages.

Boron said with this law, the loud noise from ‘video singko’ machines would be properly addressed. He, however, said only a few ‘videoke singko’ operators have not complied with the law.

“You can now file your complaint with the barangay council if you can still hear loud noise from ‘video singko’ machines during nighttime,” Boron urged.

Synchronized barangay assembly held in Pagadian City

By Gideon C. Corgue (FPG/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY – All barangays here have complied with the order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to conduct a nationwide synchronized barangay assembly on Sunday to report and discuss important issues with their constituents.

The conduct of the synchronized barangay assembly was made in pursuance of Proclamation No. 260 dated Sept. 30, 2014 issued by the DILG mandating all barangays to hold the same on Oct. 12, 2014.

In Barangay Sta. Lucia here, Punong Barangay Nasser Caubaconducted the said activity at 9:00 a.m. with the council members reporting their respective second semester accomplishments.

Cauba also delivered his State of the Barangay Address (SOBA) highlighting his 2014 firs semester accomplishments including the ongoing programs and projects for this year.

In his SOBA, Cauba gave updates onhis programs involving barangay disaster risk reduction management, solid waste management, peace and order situation, and preventive measures against illegal drugs.

The 2014 barangay budget, statement of income and expenditures and other barangay financial transactions to include the itemized monthly collections and disbursement summary of income and expenditures were also reported by Barangay Treasurer Cherry Canales.

In Balangasan, the largest barangay in the city, havinga total registered voters of 10,300, the barangay assembly was conducted at 3:00 p.m. at the gym led byPunong Barangay Maphilindo Obaob.

Barangay Secretary MetosLibrea reported the first semester accomplishments of all the council members, specifying among others the programs and projects implemented by the council.

Issues and concerns involving peace and order, environmental protection, children’s rights and welfare, solid waste management and infrastructure development were also discussed.

Purok President Nestor Vicente of Capitol Heights proposed to the council that the 27 puroks participate in the implementation of programs and projects.

The conduct of synchronized barangay assembly has been closely monitored by DILG personnel to ensure compliance and maximum participation of all barangays here.

Winners of search for “Most Improved Senior Citizen Centers” awarded

By Gideon C. Corgue (FPG/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY, Oct. 11 (PIA) – The City Social Welfare and Development Office in collaboration with the Federation of Senior Citizen Association of the Philippines (FSCAP) on Tuesday handed cash prizes and plaques of recognition to the winners of the recently concluded search for the most improved senior citizen center, chapter president, association secretary and treasurer during the culmination program of the 20th elderly Filipino week celebration held at covered court, Plaza Luz complex here.

Social Welfare Officer Saramia Ubpon, senior citizens focal person, bared that this year’s winners were as follows: Balintawak Chapter as Most Improved Senior Citizen Center, Danlugan Chapter - Most Improved Association, Vicente Lumantas Jr. of San Pedro - Most Improved Chapter President, Resurreccion Pabingwit of San Pedro Chapter - Most Improved Secretary, and Josenio Du of San Pedro Chapter - Most Improved Treasurer.

Ubpon said the search, which started in 2012, is an initiative of CSWD and FSCAP to encourage senior citizen chapters to establish their own centers equipped with facilities to be used by their members during meetings and other activities.

In 2012 and 2013, Ubpon said senior citizen chapters of barangays Balangasan and Tuburan won the much-coveted awards. “In this year’s celebration, the duo were no longer allowed to join the search instead, we gave the opportunity for others to make their chapters vibrant and active,” Ubpon explained.

FSCAP-Pagadian City chapter has a total of 41 registered active chapters.

Meanwhile, Ubpon was happy with the active participation of almost 1,000 FSCAP members during the culmination program.

“This goes to show that despite their ripe old age, FSCAP members are actively working in our society and considered as the government’s genuine partner in nation building,” she added.

Ubpon also thanked the city government through Mayor Romeo Pulmones for the generous support extended to the FSCAP, making the elderly Filipino week observance a success.


Teenager shot in Zamboanga Sur

(Mindanao Examiner)

PAGADIAN CITY – A young man was shot dead in an attack in the town of Labangan in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur, police said Thursday.

Police said Saidaron Tahir Bago, 19, was only buying cigarettes at a convenience store in the village of Bulanit when a man, armed with a .45-caliber pistol, shot him several times. The gunman fled on a motorcycle after the killing.

Bago, a resident of Tawagan village in Pagadian City, died instantly from the attack.

Police said Bago was shot at least four times without any apparent reason. “The victim sustained gunshot wounds in his head and different parts of the body,” said Inspector Dahlan Samuddin, a regional police spokesman.

He said police are investigating the motive of the murder.

Senior citizens show off talents during elderly week culmination

By Gideon C. Corgue (FPG/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) – It was a day of entertainment when more than 600 senior citizens from the different barangays flaunted their talents during the culmination of elderly week celebration on Tuesday at the covered court in Plaza Luz here.

Sultan Pangsayan Radi Sr., president of the Federation of Senior Citizen Association of the Philippines (FESCAP)-Pagadian City chapter, said the elderly week celebration last Oct. 1-7 was capped by a foot parade along the city’s major thoroughfares.

This year’s celebration has for its theme, “Ang Nakakatanda ay Yaman. Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan, Pangalagaan Kanilang Karapatan.”

“This is the first time that the city’s enthusiastic elderlies hold parade around the city,” Radi said adding “the weeklong celebration focuses on the vital role of senior citizens and their valuable contributions to our society.”

The FESCAP, Radi said, also conducted a free medical mission, gave recognition to six most active FESCAP chapters and organized a whole-day entertainment program for the members to show off their talents before the public.

“Senior citizens were happy to share their talents through songs, dances, poems, etc. during the yearly event,” Radi said.

Radi also thanked the local government unit (LGU) through Mayor Romeo Pulmones for actively supporting the said activity by extending financial assistance and helping promote and enforce the rights and wellbeing of the elderly.

Sixty-five-year-old Lumen Abacahin, FESCAP member of Lumbia chapter and former employee of City Agriculturist Office, said she enjoyed seeing her fellow senior citizens – composed mostly of retirees from public and private organization - gathered together. “This is the only day that all senior citizens come together to mingle with each other.”

“I hope that the city government and DSWD will continue to support us- the senior citizens - particularly on our rights because when we served the government, we have contributed our knowledge, skills and experience for the improvement of our society,” she added.

Bayog town observes Senior Citizens’ Week

By Claro A. Lanipa

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur, Oct. 8 (PIA) – To pay tribute to elderly persons for their contributions to the community and in nation building, the municipal government here has feted the senior citizens with a program at the municipal gymnasium to mark the start of the Senior Citizens’ week celebration last Oct. 1.

In his inspirational message, Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa, Jr. reiterated the salient provisions of Republic Act 9994, better known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” that provides more benefits and privileges to elderlies.

Under this law older persons are entitled to 20% discount on the purchase of certain goods and services. Special 5% discount on prime commodities and basic necessities, and 5% utility discount on electric and water consumption.

On top of these, eligible indigent senior citizens are also entitled to a monthly social pension of P500 under the government social pension program implemented by the DSWD.

It can be recalled that Presidential Proclamation No. 470 has declared every first week of October each year as “Elderly Filipino Week.”

This year’s theme is “Nakakatanda ay Yaman, Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan, Pangalagaan Kanilang Kapakanan.”

Some 700 senior citizens from the municipality’s 28 barangays turned up in said activity with Vice Mayor Celso Matias and some members of the Sangguniang Bayan.

To make the program more entertaining and lively, different games and contests were given to the participants by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) led by Gloria Magtortol.

PDEA taps village officials in anti-drug campaign

By Bong Garcia

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is tapping the assistance of village officials to help them in the campaign against illegal drugs in Zamboanga Peninsula.

PDEA Regional Director Joseph Ladip said village officials will be of big help in the campaign against prohibited drugs, as “they are the first line of defense and know the people in the community.”

Ladip said the involvement of the village officials will further strengthen the campaign against prohibited drugs.

Ladip said they can help in the conduct of preventive education and community involvement program against the use of prohibited drugs.

He said the preventive education include the conduct of seminars in the villages as well as in schools.

PDEA-Zamboanga Peninsula covers the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi and this city.

12 Mindanao student writers win top awards

By A. Perez Rimando

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—Twelve student journalists from Mindanao, four of them from Zamboanga Peninsula, topped the writing and radio broadcasting contests during the recent National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) held by the Department of Education in Olongapo City.

Education Undersecretary Alberto T. Muyot through Memorandum 75, s. 2014 received by Region 9 Director Malcolm S. Garma, the annual NSPC for campus journalists and school paper teacher-advisers from 16 regions, identified the winning high school (HS) students as Johanna Dejito of Davao city who placed first in English (E) news writing; Revy Marata of Zamboanga del Sur, in (E) copy reading and headline writing; Raul Eguia of Dipolog City, in (E) photojournalism; Fainor Taug of Pagadian City, in Filipino (F) feature writing ; Bonna Claire Baliola of Zamboanga del Norte, in (E) best news presenter; and Madeline Arbis of Butuan City, in (F) best news presenter.

Ranked No. 1 in the elementary level was Surigao City’s Kristina Angela Jao in (E) editorial writing; Mati City’s Gerald Zaspa, in (E) sports writing; Koronadal City’s Nelsie Noserale, in (F) editorial writing; Cabadbaran City’s Janrove Alvez, in (F) photo journalism; Cabadbaran’s Josie Lastimosa, in (E) best anchor, and Agusan del Sur’s Michel Tumulak, in (F )best anchor.

Also cited were Mati City’s Allyster Astronomo, Davao del Sur’s Mary Claire Marcos, and Agusan del Norte’s Gessel Mae Hacan for second in (E) sports writing, in (F) health writing, and in (F )best presenter, respectively.

For the individual category, the winners were Koronadal’s Fennie Inocencio in (E) editorial writing, Maguindanao’s Denise Tonatos in (E) news writing, Bislig’s Andres Basalo in (E) news writing, and Agusan del Sur’s Denika Soberano in (F) best presenter.

Tagum’s “The Harbinger” was named best school publication followed by Zamboanga del Norte’s “The Singkulong”, and Dapitan City’s “The Equalizer.”

Cops, gunmen clash off Zambo Sur

By Bong Garcia

SECURITY has been strengthened at the municipal waters of San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur following a firefight between sea watchmen and gunmen involved in illegal fishing, an official said.

Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO) Information Officer-in-Charge Inspector Dahlan Samuddin said the firefight took place around 11:20 p.m. near Ticala Island, San Pablo town.

Samuddin said the gunmen opened fire when the police forces and sea watchmen led by San Pablo Councilor Ernesto Utlang were checking the reported illegal fishing activity in the area.

Samuddin said this prompted the lawmen to return fire, thus, the brief firefight ensued.

The gunmen aboard two motorized bancas fled towards the seawater of the nearby town of Dimataling upon sensing the arrival of reinforcement, Samuddin said.

No casualties were reported on both the lawmen and the outlaws.

Troops, police intercept rice smugglers in Zamboanga del Sur

(JDS, GMA News)

A joint team of police and military personnel intercepted four trucks loaded with allegedly smuggled rice at a Zamboanga del Sur port, the Army's 1st Infantry Division said.

According to a press statement, members of the 53rd Infantry Battalion and Margosatubig Municipal Police Station conducted the raid on sacks of rice offloaded from M/L Amesia in the town's port last week.

"The combined forces of military and police [then] established [a] blockade at the gate of the sea port to avoid pilferage or loss of the intercepted contraband," the division said.

The 7,689 25-kg sacks have been transported to Pagadian City. The rice, valued at P8 million, will be kept at the National Food Authority while the Bureau of Customs conducts an investigation.

M/L Amesia has meanwhile been escorted to Zamboanga City by a Navy patrol boat. The Customs bureau will have custody of the cargo ship once it reaches port, the division said.

"The successful operation was a result of information given by [a] concerned citizen about a suspicious sea vessel floating in Margostubig waters," Lt. Col. Alvin Luzon, commanding officer of the 53rd IB, said.

DENR-9, Ramon Magsaysay town ink MOA on Bambusetum establishment

By Franklin P. Gumapon (FPG/PIA9)

RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Zamboanga del Sur, Oct. 2 (PIA) – A memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 and this town has been signed here yesterday for the establishment of a “Bambusetum” in the municipality with Regional Director Arleigh Adorable and Mayor Leonilo D. Borinaga Sr. as signatories.

Once completed, this Bambusetum (a bamboo demonstration area) is the second in region 9; the first one was set up in a one-hectare lot in Pasonanca, Zamboanga City.

In his welcome statement, Mayor Borinaga said that bamboo is the municipality’s one town, one product (OTOP), as it is producing a variety of bamboo crafts such as “sawali” (woven split bamboo mats), baskets, furniture and many others.

Borinaga also disclosed that this bamboo craft making in his town has been in existence for more than 50 years now since it was introduced by people from Cebu and Siquijor who migrated here.

The municipality will soon be producing engineered bamboos for floor tiles, furniture, tabletops and wall panels, as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has allotted some P3.5 million for the procurement of machineries for the purpose.

To encourage the locals to go on bamboo production, the Technology Transfer Division (TTD) of DENR’s Ecosystems Research and Development Service (ERDS) is now conducting a two-day forum on bamboo production and utilization with the members of Ramon Magsaysay Bamboo Association (RAMAGBA) and those living in the municipality’s flood-prone areas as participants. The said forum will end today.

Speaking before the participants, ERDS Regional Technical Director Gil Ona told them “bamboo is now called ‘green gold of the century’ as a potential export commodity.”

Subscribing to Ona’s statement, Director Adorable has encouraged the participants to plant bamboos to ensure a continuous supply for the bamboo craft industry in the municipality.

DTI boosts Zambo Sur bamboo industry

By Bong Garcia

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has released Wednesday P3.4 million worth of equipment and machines to boost the Bamboo Industry in the Municipality of Ramon Magsaysay, Zamboanga del Sur.

DTI-Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Director Ma. Socorro Atay said the equipment and machines were released during the launching of the Bamboo-based products at a nursery in Ramon Magsaysay.

Atay said the equipment and machines they released include wood-fired kiln drier, twin rip saw, bamboo pole cutter and laminating press with pneumatic cylinder.

Atay said the beneficiary of the equipment and machines is the Ramon Magsaysay-based cooperative engaged in the production of furniture and other products made of bamboo.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Bamboo Specialist Gregorio Santos has likened Bamboo to a coconut.

Santos said if the coconut is dubbed as the “tree of life,” bamboo too can be considered as one “because every part of bamboo, like coconut, is useful.”

Santos said that there are at least 200 species of bamboo in the country.

Meanwhile, the DTI has conducted “Pulong-Pulong sa Industriya sa Kawayan” in Pagadian City as part of the agency’s consultation and at the same time an education and information campaign to Bamboo Industry stakeholders.

The activity was held in partnership with the DENR, Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Agrarian Reform, and Technical Education Skills and Development Authority.

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