53IB thwarts New People’s Army extortion activities

Jefferson M. Somera

KUTA SANG-AN – Three (3) Platoons of 53^rd Infantry Battalion under the command of Lt. Col. Victor S Tangawohn while conducting security operations at Sitio Ludiaw, Brgy Dagum, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur encountered more or less 50 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) under the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee around 8 in the morning.

The gun fight had lasted for almost two hours leaving 5 slightly wounded in action in the government side caused by sharp nails from a detonated landmine while still undetermined to the enemy side that immediately withdrew after the fire fight.

According to Lt. Col Tangawohn, his unit received information from concerned citizens that there were groups of armed men conducting house to house visitation in their area that caused fear and panic to the residents.  This prompted him to send troops to verify the information. The responding soldiers immediately located the enemy’s whereabouts and the New People’s Army immediately fire at the troops and detonated in placed landmines when sensing that their harbour site has been penetrated by the government forces.

GSIS issues advisory on computation of GSIS retirement and pension benefits

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY, June 26 - -  “There is no truth to speculations that the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Average Monthly Compensation (AMC) will soon be based on the member’s salary for the last ten years of service.”

This was the gist of the message of Engr. Leoncito S. Manuel, GSIS branch head in an interview with Philippine Information Agency.

Manuel said the Average Monthly Compensation that is used as a basis in computing the amount of GSIS retirement and pension benefit is the average of the member’s basic salary in the last three (3) years or 36 months of his or her service in government.

Earlier, there were suppositions that the AMC will shortly be based on a member’s salary for the last ten (10) years of service. Manuel went on to explain that GSIS has no intention of revising the definition of the AMC under Republic Act 8291.

The AMC is one of the factors in the computation of the Basic Monthly Pension (BMP) of a GSIS member which is computed, BMP = (.025) x (AMC + P700) x Period of Paid Premium.

To better appreciate one’s benefits upon retirement, GSIS facilitates Pre-Retirement Counseling to its members which is scheduled every month and even accommodates special requests from national government agencies and local government units who wish to avail of such services.

For the month of May and June, it was held at the Department of Education and Department of Agriculture in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Manuel said the Pre-Retirement Counseling on July is slated to be held  in the island municipalities of Olutanga, Talusan and Mabuhay also in Zamboanga Sibugay Province to bring its services closer to the people. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sibugay)

NFA Employee survived in ambush but son killed

The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) from

the Police Provincial inspected the vehicle of the

victim shot at the drainage canal near the gate of

the NFA Office. (Photo by JONG CADION)

By JONG CADION

June 25, 2013 

The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) from

the Police Provincial inspected the vehicle of the

victim shot at the drainage canal near the gate of

the NFA Office. (Photo by JONG CADION)

PAGADIAN CITY – The National Food Authority (NFA) employee survived in an ambush but his son was declared by his attending physician as dead on arrival at the Pagadian City Medical Center this early morning while they were approaching their office.

Police investigation identified the victim as Sultan Radjak Bago, NFA employee who sustained multiple gunshot wounds at the back of his body while his son Jameril “Jimmy” Bago who is driving their car sustained fatal gunshot wounds at the head.

At about 8:00 am, the victim while on their way from their residence at Upper Campo Islam, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur going to NFA office at Brgy. Tiguma, Pagadian City and upon reaching few meters away approaching NFA office, two unidentified persons armed with M16 armalite rifle sprayed them and another person waiting near beside the NFA gate also fired at them in front using caliber 45 pistol, police investigation said.

WestMinCom sees significant progress of IPSP Bayanihan campaign

by Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, June 14 (PIA) – To determine whether the Command is right on track with its campaign, the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) hosted a command conference on June 10 to review the progress of the Internal Peace and Security Program (IPSP) Bayanihan.

Professor Mirriam Coronel Ferrer, Chairperson of GHP-MILF Peace Process, 

and Prof Howard Cafugauan, the ASEC for OPAPP programs, 

were also present and gave updates on the GPH-MILF 

peace process and Sajahatra Bangsamoro programs. (WESMINCOM/PIA9-ZBST)

Commanders from the 1^st and 6^th Infantry Divisions, 3^rd Air Division of the Philippine Air Force, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command, PNP counterparts and other senior staff attended the conference to review the progress of its Internal Peace and Security Operation efforts in Western Mindanao for the first semester of 2013.

In his Command Guidance, Gen Ardo, the Commander of Western Mindanao Command described the 1^st Semester of 2013 as a very challenging period for the Western Mindanao Command.

“Aside from having to accomplish the mandates on internal security, the Sabah crisis gave it also the opportunity to employ AFP resources and assets of large magnitude and helped resolve and diffuse the tension which could have transformed into large-scale violence, thus preventing negative international repercussions,” Ardo said.

Professor Mirriam Coronel Ferrer, 

Chairperson of GHP-MILF Peace Process receives a citation 

from WESMINCOM. (WESMINCOM/PIA9-ZBST)

He said the Command was able to successfully harness the support of all the stakeholders toward the realization of a secure, orderly and credible Elections 2013, saying that “the recently concluded national and local elections was a huge success when compared to past elections.”

Ardo also noted that after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), from a potent national security threat, is now treated as a ‘special security concern’.

“Since its signing, a significant and more improved security condition in the entire area of responsibility can be noticed. This however can be attributed to several factors such as the continued adherence and respect to the primacy of the peace process; ability to contribute and undertake confidence-building measures; and being able to put up a credible deterrence,” Ardo explained.

He said that overall, the Command made significant headway in its campaign both in addressing the local security threats, including allied threats and other maritime security concerns.

Professor Mirriam Coronel Ferrer, Chairperson of GHP-MILF Peace Process, and Prof Howard Cafugauan, the ASEC for OPAPP programs, were also present and gave updates on the GPH-MILF peace process and Sajahatra Bangsamoro programs. GPH-CCCH Chair BGen Cesar Dionisio T Sedillo also provided valuable and essential inputs.

Colonel Rodrigo T. Gregorio, Command Public Information Officer said that the conference had also determined the contributory factors which affect the success, delay or failure, and identify the gaps and challenges. He did not elaborate.

The Command conference ended with a message of rejoinder from Gen. Ardo to the subordinate Commanders and other participants/stakeholders to pursue with even greater zeal and enthusiasm in helping accomplish the mission of the Command for the remaining months of the year. (RVC/WESMINCOM/PIA9-ZBST)

Police Report

By Ariel Tolorio Huesca

Shooting incident  

On June 22,  at about 8:20 pm, at the basketball court, national highway, Purok 5, Barangay Bulaan,Buug, ZamboangaSibugay, one Martin Ampalo, 21 years old, single, BPSO member and a resident of said place was shot by identified suspect AkmadAbas aka “Toto Aning” 31 years old, married, jobless and a resident of Purok 2, Buyogan, Kumalarang, Zamboanga Del Sur. The victim sustained four (4) gunshot wounds in the different parts of his body and was rushed to Pagadian city hospital for immediate medication while the suspect fled to unknown direction after the incident. Elements of buug municipal police station immediately conducted a follow-up police operation at the mentioned barangay for the possible arrest of the suspect but the latter was nowhere to be found. Recovered from the crime scene were: three (3) empty shells of caliber .45. Initial investigation conducted disclosed that the victim and the suspect allegedly had a misunderstanding regarding their previous basketball game league held at said barangay .

Carnaping and shooting Incident

On June 23, 2013, at about 10:15 am, car napping/shooting incident transpired at Barangay Magsaysay, RT Lim, ZamboangaSibugay wherein one single motorcycle Honda XRM color black and white driven by one Ronie Cantina Y Agustines, 41 years old, married and a resident of Barangay Kulambugan, RT Lim, ZamboangaSibugaywas forcibly taken by twounidentified suspects and subsequently shot the driver resulting to his instantaneous death. Investigation conducted showed that the victim was on his way from Barangay Poblacion of mentioned municipality going to Tungawan municipality, ZamboangaSibugay onboard the twounidentified suspect pretending to be passengers and upon reaching at the abovementioned place, said passengers/suspects armed with caliber 45 pistol forcibly took his driven mc and subsequently shot him. Victim sustained lone gunshot wound at the back portion of his head that caused his instantaneous death while the suspects immediately fled towards unknown direction after the commission of the crime. SOCO team of the ZamboangaSibugay police provincial office conducted crime scene processing while a case build up and follow-up investigation is being conducted by elements of RT Lim municipal police station for the possible identification/arrest of the fleeing suspects’ prior filing of appropriate charges in court.

 Suicide Incident

On June 23, 2013, at about 9:30 am, one Rudy Talaba, a barangay treasurer of barangay Poblacion,Guipos, Zamboanga Del Sur reported to guipos municipal police station informing that a suicide incident transpired at Purok 1Poblacion,Guipos, Zamboanga Del Sur. Acted on the report, elements of guipos police station proceeded to the aforementioned place to conduct inspection. investigation conducted disclosed that victim identified as one Jomar Omaque Y Isidro, of legal age, married with four children and a resident of the abovementioned place committed suicide with the used of caliber .357 magnum pistol. Said victim sustained gunshot wound on his head that resulted to his instantaneous death. Respondingelements of the said police station recovered one (1) unit caliber .357 magnum pistols from the crime scene and now conducting follow- up investigation on the incident.

Robbery Incident

By Ariel Tolorio Huesca

On June 22, at about 8:10 pm, a robbery hold-up transpired along the national highway of Barangay Canacan, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay. 

Initial investigation conducted disclosed that while the UV passengers van color blue, bearing plate numberTEH 737 owned by Engr Reynaldo Taranza register under the name of Calixto M. Cambonga and driven by Richard R. Liberto, 29 years old, of Barangay Poblacion,Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay departed from Ipil  town going to Buug. 

Two (2) suspects boarded at the front seat beside the driver from bus stop at barangay sanito,ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and upon reaching the unlighted portion of the above mentioned place, the two suspects told the driver to stop and when the vehicle stopped, fully armed men with more or less (6) six persons surfaced at the area and declared hold – up. 

Suspects commanded the passengers to go out from the vehicle, drop at the side canal and took away all passengers belongings and cash. Taken away by the suspects from the possession of the driver were: wallet with driver’s license, cash worth of P1, 600.00, cellphone Nokia brand, necklace silver worthP1,200.00. From the possession of conductor named Carlito Dagandan Jr. was a collection worth P230.00, from the passengers Roger Ingom were wallet containing cash worthP1,500.00, cellphone, and bag containing t – shirt. From NoriPinasowere stock of board walk worth P3,000.00, cherry mobile phone, watch worthP1,500.00, necklace worth P550.00 and cash worth (P420.00). From William Lopes were his wallet with cash worth P1, 500.00, cellphone and bag. From Allan Del Rosario were his bread and P20.00. From RonjayPactolwere his wallet with cash worth P2, 500.00, cellphone, SSS record, bag containing t - shirt and short pants and driver’s license and from Carlito E. Alfereswere driver’s license, wallet containing P1,800.00, carpenter tools, and Seiko 5 watch. Victims sustained minor injuries from the different parts of their body due to excessive force applied by the suspects.

 After the incident, the suspects fled to an unknown direction. The responding elements of Kabasalan police station conducted pursuit but failed to locate the suspects. Investigators of the said police station are still conducting deeper investigation to locate and determine the identities of the suspects for filling of appropriate charges in court.

1ID sponsors free cataract operation

By Jefferson M. Somera

KUTA SANG-AN – The 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army in partnership with Mabuhay Deseret Foundation and Alpha Phi Omega- Southern Zamboanga Alumni Association (APO-ZOSA ALAS) successfully conducted the 2-day free cataract operation at Kuta Sang-an Station Hospital, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur that started yesterday around 9:30 in the morning.

The project had provided free services to the soldiers and less fortunate indigents in the area of Western Mindanao who have sight or visual problem especially cataract and pterygium cases. After two (2) days of operation, the team had successfully operated 54 indigent patients mostly belonging to Subanen tribe.

Beforehand, the team had conducted two days pre-screening operation last 19 May and 12 June 2013 respectively, out of 311 pre-screened patients coming from the four corners of the Command area of responsibility, only 54 qualified to go through eye surgery operations and subsequently entitled for free medicines.

During the culmination program, BGen Felicito Virgilio M Trinidad Jr, Acting Division Commander, thanked the partner agencies who had made the activity successful by saying; “We find this Project Brotherhood Operation Saving Sight (BOSS) a rewarding experience knowing that as members of organizations moved by public service, we were able to contribute in improving each patient’s quality of life that comes with the restoration of his vision. The activity is a concrete testimony that “Bayanihan” is very much alive. Let project BOSS be succeeded by similar activities that intend to extend help to our less fortunate kababayans in order to sustain our traditional and social responsibility of selfless dedication to the cause of the service.”

Abduction Incident

By Anden Jalali Aminulla

On or about 7:20 PM, June 22, 2013, a Public school teacher was abducted by 6 unidentified persons believed to be a member of Kidnap for ransom group at the barangay Campo Islam, Zamboanga city.

Police chief inspector Ariel TolorioHuesca, PRO9 spokesperson identified the victim as Al Roxas, of legal age and a teacher at Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City.

Huesca said, the suspects allegedly wearing a military uniform of Philippine Army and Philippine marine during the incident and fled toward Basilan Province area on board a two (2) Jungkong (motorized pump boat) color red.

The Zamboanga city police office is now conducting a thorough investigation on the incident.

Police Report

Ariel Tolorio Huesca 

June 19, PO1Jessie Rey Cabahug, Intelligence Operatives of Dumingag Municipal Police Station proceeded at Barangay Tamurayan, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur in coordination with the Barangay Chairman and Tanods successfully arrested one Edgar Lumutac Cabañero, alias Junjun, 18 years old, farmer and a resident of Siay, Zamboanga Del Norte. Subject person was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Hon Crislyn Pangindian, Presiding Judge of 11th MCTC of Mahayag, Dumingag and Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur for the crime of Reckless Imprudence Resulting to Serious Physical Injuries docketed under cc no.  4942-d with bail bond recommended at   six thousand pesos (P6, 000.00). Arrested suspect is now temporarily detained at Dumingag MPS for proper disposition. 

June 19, Barangay Comunal, Liloy, Zamboanga Del Norte, elements of Liloy Municipal Police Station successfully arrest one Chona L. Campasas, 38 years old, female, married and resident of said place.  Subject person was arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest issued by Hon. Oscar D. Tomarong - Acting Presiding Judge of RTC 9th Judicial Region Branch 8, Dipolog City, and docketed in CCNo.  18160 and 18161 for the crime of Estafa in two counts with bail recommended at Twenty Four Thousand pesos (P24, 000.00) and Eighteen Thousand pesos (18,000.00) respectively for her temporary liberty. Subject person is now temporarily detained at LiloyMPS Lockup Cellpending issuance of commitment order of concerned court.

June 20,elements of Roxas Municipal Police Station executed a Warrant of Arrest to one Andy Cariaso Bonifacio, 35 years old, married, a resident of Barangay San Antonio, Katipunan, Zamboanga Del Norte who was presently detained at Provincial Jail, Don Jose Aguirre, Manukan, Zamboanga Del Norte by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Hon Judge Ric S. Bastasa of MTC Roxas, Zamboanga Del Norte dated 14 June 2013, for the crime of Illegal Possession of Firearm and Ammunitions docketed in criminal case number 1824 with bail bond recommended at Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000.00) for his temporary liberty. Subject wanted person still detained and custody at the said Provincial Jail Station

144 candidate soldiers start training

By Jefferson M. Somera 

KUTA SANG-AN – The 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army formally declares the opening of training of the 144 selected civilians who will undergo Candidate Soldiers Course cross train with Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operations Course at Division Grandstand, Kuta Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur around 10 AM today.

Col Amadeo F Azul Jr,  Assistant Division Commander, 1ID 

 delivering his message to the Candidate Soldiers .

The 144 strong men aged 21 to 26 who came from the different provinces and tribes in Western Mindanao that successfully passed the rigid and meticulous screening and processing standard set by the Philippine Army are now ready to undergo eight (8) months of rigorous training at the 1^st Division Training School in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Col Amadeo F Azul Jr, Assistant Division Commander of 1ID, PA, congratulates the 144 successful candidates and challenges them by saying: “Kailangan ninyong malampasan ang bawat pagsubok na inyong kakaharapin sa inyong pagsasanay. Ang inyong unti-unting pagbabago ay makikita sa inyong kapasidad at kakayahang tumangap ng responsibilidad. Dapat malampasan ninyo ang pagsubok na ito upang masabing kayo ay nararapat na mapabilang sa hanay ng mga kasundaluhan, partikular sa Hukbong Katihan.”

            The event was witnessed by the Officers, Enlisted Personnel and Civilian Employees of the Command and proud parents and relatives of the selected candidate soldiers.

Police Report

By Ellen D Elican

That on or about 06:00 am of June 12, 2013, PNP elements of Sergio Osmeña Municipal Police Station led by PSI VEDASTO DASMARIÑAS III - OIC together with Dr Jaypee Pascua-MHO responded to a call from  Hon. Danilo Candillada, Barangay Captain of Dampalan, Sergio Osmeña, ZN that a killing incident  transpired  at Barangay New Tangub, Sergio Osmeña ZN. Initial investigation conducted disclosed that on or about 09:30 pm of June 11, 2013, while victim named Doy Laurel Liao y Omandam, 25 years old, single and a resident of Purok 2, Barangay Dampalan of said municipality was sleeping inside his nipa hut located at Barangay New Tangub, of said municipality, unidentified suspect/s shot the said victim hitting at the back portion of his body and exited at his stomach using undetermined caliber of firearm. Victim also sustained one (1) stabbed wound at his right underarm and laceration at his right little finger. Recovered from the crime scene was a black holster of pistol. Sergio Osmeña Municipal Police Station now conducting follow-up investigation to identify and file appropriate charges against the perpetrator/s.

That on or about 08:00 pm of June 11, 2013, elements of Jose Dalman Municipal Police Station led by SPO4 Carlito Requilme under the supervision of PSI VERGIL BRUCE DACION DARIO-OIC proceeded to Barangay Labakid, Jose Dalman ZN to respond regarding the report of PO1 Jefrey Bagantol that a shooting incident transpired thereat. Initial investigation conducted disclose that while the victim named Darwin Ayok Gonom, 16 years, single and a resident of said place, was on his way home, unidentified suspect shot the victim several times hitting the different parts of his body that resulted to his instantaneous death. Recovered at the crime scene were three (3) slugs of caliber 38. Jose Dalman Municipal Police Station now conducting follow-up investigation to identify the suspect/s and file appropriate charges against the perpetrator/s.

That on or about 12:05 am of June 12, 2013, an alleged shooting incident transpired at Baliwasan Grande, Zamboanga City wherein victim identified as Nurhaffizd Dari, 28 years old, married and a resident of Ilang Ilang Drive, Baliwasan Grande, Zamboanga City was allegedly shot by two persons one of whom he identified as certain Darwis Arabani of Ranchez Drive, Barangay Baliwasan, Zamboanga City. Investigation disclosed that victim was walking along the road of said place when shot by the suspects. Fortunately, he was not hit and prompted him to run away frantically that caused minor injury on his 2^nd digit left index finger. Suspects escaped using a motorcycle as their getaway vehicle. During ocular inspection no empty shells recovered from the crime scene. Further investigation is being conducted for the possible arrest of the suspects.

City Government prepares for the Celebration of the 54th Araw ng Cotabato

 Different events and activities to be held in connection with the celebration of the 54^th Founding Anniversary of Cotabato are now being prepared by the City Government, with the cooperation of its partners from the private sector.

                More than 1 million pesos is allotted to fund the prizes and other expenses of the events for the week long celebration of the Araw ng Cotabato.

                Highlights of the celebration will be the Annual Search for the Mutya ng Cotabato, wherein seven young ladies joined in this year’s contest, a Culinary Contest featuring prawns and “dalag” will also be held in the People’s Palace, medical-dental missions, and a Fun Run.

                In a recent meeting with the local government’s partners, Secretary to the Mayor Aniceto Rasalan said that there will be a slight change on the activities to be held on June 20. Where there was usually a civic-military parade in the morning, now it will only be the men in uniform that will march from the CCSPC Grounds to the City Plaza wherein all the city government employees and other participants will be waiting.

                Aside from the marching band, there will also be a static display of the military tanks, artillery, and their other equipments, vehicles, and machines.

                “Elements of the 6^th Infantry Division, the Philippine Marines, the City Police PRO-ARMM, and the Bureau of Fire Protection will be joining the parade with their marching bands. We prefer to have this kind of parade this year so there will be more time for the program. As we have experienced in the previous years, the parade takes more than 2 hours and pagod na ang mga participants”, Rasalan said.

                The Philippine Marines and the City Police have already been given a heads up for the security measures to be implemented in the places where the activities for the occasion will be held.

                The weeklong celebration of the Araw ng Cotabato will commence on June 15 until June 20. (with report by Becky D. de Asis)

·          

Untimely Demise of BGEN Lucero

By 1LT Claudine Sharra S. Regundique

OIC, DPAO

KUTA SANG-AN –The event was a reception and Commander’s time for the twenty one (21) Second Lieutenants who were newly assigned to the First Infantry “Tabak” Division, which was held in what is called “Tabak Beach” in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur on 01 June 2013. In line with the activity, BGen Daniel A Lucero, AFP invited Officers of the “Tabak” Division who were certified scuba divers. They were assisted by civilian friends and members of Life Time Dive Center (LTDC) of Pagadian City.  While nearing the water surfacing from a depth of less than 40 feet BGen Lucero suddenly collapsed at about 1:55 P.M. Scuba divers who were with the good General immediately applied First Aid and upon reaching the shoreline rushed BGen Lucero to the Mendero Hospital in Pagadian City for medical treatment. The Commander of 1^st Infantry Division was declared expired by the attending Physician at 3:15 in the afternoon.

BGen Lucero is a great loss in the Philippine Army and in the AFP in general. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Philippine Military Academy and is a member of the “Matikas” Class of 1983. He is the 43^rd Commander of the 1^st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army. He has extensive experience in the Army’s Civil Military Operations, shown his great interest in giving primacy to the welfare of the people by advocating the Internal Peace Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” to win peace especially in this part of Mindanao.

The remains of BGen Lucero will initially lie in state from Monday (03 June 2013) until the morning of Tuesday (04 June 2013) at the Tabak chapel, and will be subsequently transferred to HPA in Manila.