Petition of defeated mayoralty candidate of Lugus almost approve - Comelec

by: Becky D de Asis

Jolo, Sulu - The petition of the defeated mayoralty candidate of Lugus, Sulu Hadar Hajiri to the Commission on Election declaring the barangay Laha is totally failure and 2 other barangay last national and local election.

Comelec officer Kabir Salian said that the petitioned of Hadar Hajiri is already in en banc for resolution. He added that anytime the resolution would be come out and possibly the petition of Hadar Hajiri  for special election would be positive. "Malaki and chance for  having special election sa barangay Laha because the comelec seen the real score about the incident happened last election that there will be an untoward decession or election violation in the said barangay that would be considered", Salian said during interview. "We will wait the resolution of the Comelec anytime" he added.

Salian also said that Mayor Al-Zhudurie Asmadun was also already  filed his counter petition/affidavit  against the petitioner Hadar Hajiri in the Commission on Election. (Becky D. de Asis)

ARMM, UN agency collaborate in emergency response effort

 COTABATO CITY- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) government gets support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the establishment of the ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (HEART), an emergency rapid response team intended to help curtail impact of disasters in the region.

The two parties inked a memorandum of agreement Thursday afternoon to formalize and outline their collaboration, with the UNHCR giving an initial funding of US$20,000 to help bankroll the launching of the program in identified pilot areas. 

UNHCR has earmarked a total of US$100,000 for the program, in addition to the technical support and a vehicle it is going to provide to the response team.

ARMM Governor MujivHataman said they are pushing for the creation of the ARMM HEART in view of the huge humanitarian impact of man-made and natural disasters in parts of the region.

Data gathered by the UNHCR and the Regional Human Rights Commission for ARMM show that at least 54,745 persons have experienced various displacements in ARMM over the last 18 months.

A breakdown of the cumulative data reveals natural disasters as the leading cause of displacements in the ARMM, accounting for 57% of total displacements or 199,979 persons, followed by armed conflict at 20% (70,989 persons), crime and violence at 12% (41,587 persons) and rido or clan feuds at 11% (40,885 persons).

Lawyer LaisaAlamia, the region’s executive secretary, said that apart from responding to emergencies, ARMM HEART will help ensure the protection of internally displaced persons. 

The autonomous region groups the island-provinces of Basilan Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the mainland-provinces of Maguindanao and Lanaodel Sur. (BPI)

Cotabato Gov’t conduct Mass Casualty Incident Simulation Exercises

Cotabato City - In response to the August 5 bombing in Cotabato City, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council conducted a Mass Casualty Incident Simulation Exercise last August 22, 2013 at the City Plaza.

            The activity was participated by the City Police Office, and other concerned agencies like the Philippine Marines, 6^th Infantry Division, Bureau of Fire Protection, SWAT, Office on Social Welfare and Development, Office on Health Services, Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, SOCO, and the EOD Team.

            In the simulation exercises witnessed by a large crowd, was held at the city plaza, and then a blast happened, hurting several people. Thirty volunteers acted as killed and wounded victims during the exercise and another thirty acted as bystanders. After the explosion, the victims were scattered on the ground and were crying for help from the bystanders who were panicking while some were taking photos/videos.

            Secretary to the Mayor and CDRRMC Acting Officer AnicetoRasalan said, they wanted to make the simulation as real as possible and also mimicked some scenes during the August 5 bombing were wounding several people and 8 dead on the spot during the daylight incidents.

            “Lahatnungginawangmgatao the last time nagkaroonng bombing incident sa city, ginawanatinsa simulation exercise so we will be prepared also on how to control the crowd while rescuing the victims”, Rasalan said.

            The City Police and the Philippine Marines, together with the EOD Team were the first to respond and cordoned the area. The rescue groups and the medical teams followed to assist the victims.

            “The main goal of a mass casualty incident simulation exercises is to prepare local communities and first responders to handle disasters as effectively as possible. Hindi langdapatangmga natural calamities angatingpinaghahandaan, even man-made disasters like the bombing can strike anytime so we should also be prepared for that”, Rasalan added.

            The activity was successful with all the concerned agencies able to fulfill their tasks.

            Prior to the simulation activity, the City Peace and Order Council convened and sought the active participation of the people in crime prevention. Local authorities were urging the citizens of Cotabato City to stay vigilant at all times and immediately report any suspicious men and activities happening within their area.

            “Let us not just rely on the police or the Marines to watch over us 24/7. We all know that they are really undermanned. We all have a role to play in keeping our Citysafe and secure from attacks just like what happened last August 5.”, City Mayor JapalGuiani said.

            Meanwhile, the City Government continues to assist the injured victims in their hospitalization and other expenses. As per latest record, 25 of the 30 victims are now released from the hospital and already went home. (with report by Becky D. de Asis)

Suspect threw grenade at church

JOLO—Unknown suspect threw grenade bomb in front of Jolo Cathedral along General Aurullas Street, here, that injured two passersby last August 13, said the police in a statement.

In an investigation, the SOCO identified the victims as Shaima Pakanna, 19, single, of barangay Kajatian Indanan,  Sulu and 

Romano Saijuan, 25, single, of barangay Tulay, in this place.

The Jolo police is investigating the incident.

2 victims held up by 3 suspects

PAGADIAN City—Police disclosed early that Reynaldo Bargayo Lapawan, 43, married and Jovencio Espinosa Guanzon, 36, also married, all resident of Balangasan were robbed by three unidentified suspects last August 12 at Rotonda in FS Pajares Street, this city. 

The suspects took P11,000 cash and other personal belongings from the victims, the reports said.

After the incident the suspects immediately left the area onboard on a Honda motorbike.

It said immediately the victims reported the incident to police station.

Police said that prior to the incident the victims, onboard a motorcab, were blocked by the three suspects onboard a motorbike and declared holdup.

Police operatives took action to capture the suspects but the later had left the area.

Burglar takes 500 cash, mobile phone

PAGADIAN City—Certain Evangeline Visitation Salonoy, 47, married, of San Francisco, this city was robbed of P500.00 cash and two mobile phones last August 12, police reports said early.

Police disclosed that the suspect entered at the door of her store and took all the coins in the drawer and mobile phones.

Operatives is investigating the incident for possible identity of the perpetrator.

Respondents post bail bond

PAGADIAN City—Marina Seno Tudio-Tampus and two other of the City Administrator’s Office posted bail bond after Sandiganbayan issued arrest order for violation of RA 3019.

The three voluntarily surrendered to authority when learned they have pending warrant of arrest issued by the Sandiganbayan. 

The respondents were brought to RTC Branch 19 accompanied by their legal counsel and

were released after posted required bail bond in the amount of 30,000 pesos.

2 dead bodies found along the road

PAGADIAN City-Police here received a telephone call last July 14 from barangay kagawad Jack Mayormita of barangay Poloyagan, this city, informing the station that residents found two bodies in the place.

In response to the information, police operatives went to the area to confirm the report.

In the report, police said that the corpse were women, about 18 to 20 of age and one about 5’2” in height which both were wounded at the ears.

The police found two empty shells of caliber .45 pistol at the place.

As of press time the police have to determined yet identities of the victim.

Campaign against illegal drugs arrests 1

 PAGADIAN City- The intelligence operatives here conducted buy-bust operation in barangay Sto. Niño in this city last July 24 and arrested one Francis Rabaca Belasis, 22, single and residence of the place.

The operation was led by Inspector David Amil Pintado.

Found in the place were small size heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance (suspected to be Shabu), one five hundred pesos bill as marked money, and one Samsung cellular phone, said the police.

The said suspect is now detained at the police station.

Police arrest wanted person

 PAGADIAN City – Police operatives here arrested certain Rey Jakosalem, 28, married and residence of barangay Lacturan, this city for qualified theft.

The arresting officers served the warrant of arrest issued by a judge of the Regional Trial Court with recommended bail bond of P80,000 for his temporary release.

The suspect was brought to Pagadian City Police Station to face the charges.

Victim of stabbing landed in hospital

PAGADIAN City-The police station here received a telephone call from the security guard of Pagadian City Medical Center that a victim of stabbing brought to the hospital.

Police identified the victim as Graderf Villapa Capacio, 23, single and a resident of barangay Sta. Maria in this city.

The victim was stabbed on his body by an unidentified suspect using a hunting knife.

Reports said the victim visited a friend in a boarding house in the place.

Authority is investigating the incident.

Alleged drug pushers nabbed by operatives

DINAS Zamboanga del Sur – Law enforcers here arrested two suspects on drug pushing in barangay Benuatan in this town on July 19, 2013.

Equipped with warrant of arrest, police especial forces, navy, army, arrested Mohammad Ibrahim and Pahad Modapil Tantong at their residences in the place.

The authority found nineteen pieces heat sealed sachet containing white crystalline, believed to be Shabu, one Caliber .45 Pistol with  two magazines and several drugs paraphernalia in the area.

The suspects were detained at Camp Abelon in Pagadian City. Judys Cogo

Dumingag police found five empty shells of caliber .45 pistol and at the crime scene.

Victim shot, dead in Dumingag

ZAMBOANGA del Sur--Certain Jerson Navarro Amonsot, 49, married, farmer and resident of barangay Guitran in the town of Dumingag here was shot  to death by two indentified suspects last July 17.

Dumingag police disclosed that the victim was sitting on a bench at the terrace together with his daughter when the incident happened.

One of the suspects was identified by her daughter and his uncle, said the reports.

Dumingag police found five empty shells of caliber .45 pistol and at the crime scene.

Student shot, wounded

ZAMBOANGA del Sur--Certain Jean Boy Dodo, 21, single, student and a resident of barangay Libertad in the town of Dimataling, this province was shot  and wounded at the right elbow and slightly at the stomach last July 20.

The victim was brought to a hospital for treatment.

Police said the victim bought a cigarette to the store of certain Diosdado Yecyec but on his way towards home a suspect identified as Lando Ebarial, civilian volunteer organization member, appeared suddenly and shot the victim.

Investigator  ask the public to call the no. 09298183526 for the suspect’s apprehension.

Killing at Mampang village

ZAMBOANGA City—Certain Alih M. Jani, single, was shot to death by Ustadz Arastam M. Tarasain, 53, AlsamTarasain, 14, son of the ustadz and one unidentified person in barangay Mampang in this city last July 22, police said. 

The victim was wounded on his eyes and exited at the back of his head that cause his death. The victim did not reach the hospital and die.

Police said that prior to the incident the victim was crossing the road purposely to open the installed water pipe facility when suspects onboard a single motorcycle appeared and shot the victim once then fled after the incident.

Unresolved dispute was considered by police as the motive of the killing.

Peddlers nabbed by operatives

ZAMBOANGA City—Police here arrested the couple Albina Majindi Jamiri, 30, and Shara Sapayani  Abubakar, 22, both native of Jolo in the province of Sulu and temporarily staying in barangay Luyahan in this city.

The incident happened after the suspects sold to police one small sachet of suspected shabu in the amount of P300.

Another items found with the suspects are medium size plastic sachet of suspected shabu and one defaced caliber .38 revolver loaded with four live ammunitions, said the police in a reports.

Another item was brought the police station was a motorbike found in the area.

The suspects were being detained and facing criminal charges before the court.

64th IB foils ASG ambush- scores one

KUTA SANG-AN – Troops from 64^th Infantry Battalion and members of Special CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (SCAA) encountered more or less ten (10) Abu Sayyaf Group at Sitio Manican, Brgy Sapah Bulak, Sumisip, Basilan leading to the death of one (1) ASG member identified as certain Omar Akbar Suwaire and the recovery of one M16 Armalite rifle with attached M203 Grenade Launcher around 4:30 in the afternoon of 13 July 2013

According to Lt. Col Leonardo C Dacumos, Commanding Officer of 64^th Infantry Battalion, his troops with some members of SCAA were escorting the delivery truck of Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative (TARBIDC) going home from Isabela City, Basilan Province when ambushed by the ASG but his troops immediately out maneuvered the enemy resulting to a 10 minutes fire fight.

The enemy immediately left sensing that their effort is useless to the alerted soldier. However, after an hour another group of around 10 ASG attack the deployed troops to serve as route security in the same area leading to another 30 minutes fire fight in attempt to recover the body of their dead comrade. The ASG withdrew again when sensing the arrival of government reinforcement. Luckily no one was hurt from among the soldiers during the ambush and encounter, added by LTC Dacumos.

The body of slain ASG was turned over by 64IB to Hon Gulam Hataman, Mayor of Sumisip, Basilan. The recovered war materiel alongside with the M16 rifle and M203 Grenade Launcher were with two (2) long and one (1) short magazines for M16 rifle, six (6) rounds for M203 GL and 19 live ammo for M16 rifle.

18th IB facilitates the safe release of 8 kidnap victims in Basilan

KUTA SANG-AN – The 18^th Infantry Battalion in coordination with the stakeholders in Basilan specially the MILF, MNLF and Local Government Units of Lamitan City, Tipo-tipo and Albarka all of Basilan facilitated the safe and successful release of eight (8) abducted civilians at Brgy Bohe Lebung, Tipo-tipo, Basilan Province around 11:40 in the morning today.

            According to Lt. Col. CJ Paolo P Perez, Commanding Officer of 18IB, the release of the eight (8) civilians becomes positive due to the support of Hon Damsalam Lajid, Mayor of Albarka; Hon Thong Istarul, Mayor of Tipo-tipo; former Basilan Vice Governor Alrashid Sakalahul, and the members of MILF and MNLF. The victims were identified as Faija Banua (44), Satra Banua (13), Haide Banua (9), Dalma Ambihal (50), Hapsa Ambihal (28), Kalipa Ambihal (22), Pasri Ambihal (2) and Haipa Hambihal (5). The eight (8) were abducted last 11 July 2013 in the vicinity of Triangle, Brgy Malinis, Lamitan City Basilan by the group of a certain Aka Addung.

            The release of the victims is in compliance of the other party for the release of the other three abducted (3) victims identified as Hudjaima Ahlil (21), Karima Ahlil (15) and Raida Ahlil (13) at So Riverside, Brgy Matibay, Lamitan City, Basilan around 7:00 in the evening yesterday. The three (3) were abducted last 9 July 2013, LTC Perez, added.

            Bgen Felicito Virgilio M Trinidad Jr, Acting Commander of 1^st Infantry Division commended the Local Government Units of Basilan, Officers and personnel of 104^th Brigade especially 18IB for the successful negotiation leading to the release of the victims by saying: “I congratulate the Local Government Units of Basilan, our MNLF and MILF brothers and our soldiers for making the contending parties solved their disagreement in peaceful way.” end

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Soldiers rescue two kidnap victims

KUTA SANG-AN – The joint Army and Police operation effectively thwarted the kidnapping of two female civilians when they successfully intercepted and apprehended the kidnappers at So Nunucan, Brgy Maria Cristina, Iligan City around 11 o’clock in the morning of 12 July 2013 after a successful checkpoint operation.

According to Lt. Col. Danilo Ibon, Battalion Commander of 4^thMechanized Battalion, he immediately set a checkpoint when learning that kidnapping incident transpired at 3^rd St. Palm Spring, Brgy San Miguel, Iligan City around 10:30 in the morning not far away from his base. The victims were forcibly taken and grab by a certain Mark Cabaya Cruz Rebosora, 28 years old and Mr Rogelio Bation, 60 years old inside a Toyota innova with plate number TPO 267 while they are walking in the area.

The two victims identified as Kathlyn Jane Solamin Dapol and Jingle Bation Rebosora both married and from Iligan City are now in their family while the suspects are now in the custody of the PNP Iligan for filling of appropriate charges.

Meanwhile, BGen Felicito Virgilio M Trinidad Jr, Acting Commander of 1^st Infantry Division, lauded the quick response of the 4^th Mechanized Battalion and the PNP in the area leading to the apprehension of the suspects by saying; “In time of needs, our people always look upon us to help them. Because they know that they are the reason why we are here and I applaud you for this successful operation, we helped and never failed them.”