Big time drug peddler nabbed in North Cotabato town

MLANG, North Cotabato, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- The local government said it has neutralized the leader of a gang who supplied prohibited drugs in remote villages here with the arrest of a major supplier.

Mayor Joselito Pinol said the arrest of Joel Agustin, a resident of Sitio Pinantao, Barangay Sudapin, Kidapawan City, solved the proliferation of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally 

known as shabu in Mlang's remote villages.

Agustin was nabbed with about P20,000 worth of heat-sealed shabu during a buy bust operation at 10 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Dugung.

Pinol said Agustin has long been placed under tight surveillance by Mlang police operatives for supplying shabu from Kidapawan City and Kabacan, North Cotabato.

"Our patience paid off, we have been closely watching this man for quite sometime and his arrest would hopefully stop the distribution of shabu in Mlang," Pinol told reporters.

According to Pinol, the prohibited substance are only peddled in Mlang but its supplier are from nearby Kidapawan City, in Matalam or in Kabacan, all in North Cotabato.

There were also reports that drugs are peddled by pushers from nearby Buluan, Datu Paglas and other Maguindanao towns.

"Big time suppliers do not come here and make our town trans-shipment point, those coming here are small fry that carry five to 10 sachets of shabu because they know we mean business here," Pinol said even as he declared serious campaign against prohibited drugs.

Pinol also lauded the village officials and the community in general for providing the local authorities with right and fast information about the pushers that sells drugs in town.

While community participation was instrumental in the neutralization of lawless elements and drug peddlers in town, Pinol urged the community to remain vigilant and cooperative with the local authorities to prevent crimes and drug addiction.

Mlang is a first class municipality in the province of North Cotabato, a population of 113,366 people in 22,573 households as of 2010 census. (PNA)
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President Aquino thanks Malaysian gov’t for support in peace talks, 'Yolanda' recovery

MANILA, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday thanked the Malaysian government for showing support to the Philippines in facilitating peace talks and giving aid in wake of typhoon "Yolanda" (international name: Haiyan).

In his speech during the joint press conference with His Excellency Najib Razak, the President said he was grateful to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Prime Minister and the people of Malaysia for the warm welcome.

He said the welcome was extended not only to him and his delegation but also, and more importantly, to the thousands of Filipinos who live and work in Malaysia.

President Aquino noted that the Philippines and Malaysia have worked hand in hand given intertwined history as Malay peoples.

“I wish to thank Your Excellency for the significant support your government has demonstrated in facilitating and hosting the peace talks between my government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF),” the President said.

He said the successful conclusion of the Mindanao peace process “finds root in the determination of both our peoples to strengthen the foundations of peace and justice.”

“This makes possible the empowerment of all the peoples of Mindanao,” he added. “I look forward to welcoming Your Excellency in Manila for the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.”

The President also thanked the Malaysian government for the solidarity the people of Malaysia showed Filipinos in the wake of "Yolanda", which he said was a “true display of our common commitment to look after the well-being of each other.”

“Your Excellency, I speak on behalf of our people when I say: the Filipino people will never forget an act of kindness. On behalf of my countrymen, please accept my sincerest gratitude: Terimah Kasi. Maraming salamat,” he said.

President Aquino also said that the meeting between two governments “reflects the respect and friendship that peoples with a shared and inextricable history accord one another.”

“Truly, our ancestors would have been proud to see their sons and daughters banding together to realize a common vision: Citizens empowered to live dignified and productive lives, so that they themselves may help open the doors of even greater opportunity for their fellow Filipinos and Malaysians,” the President said. (PNA)
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Bizman’s son kidnapped

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN City, Philippines—A son of a businessman was kidnapped last night February 27 in this city, police said.

Victim was identified as Stephen M. Tan, 19, civil engineering student and son of a businessman here.

Investigators said the victim was abducted in front of Phil Health Office along Cabrera Street, Gatas District.

Suspects armed with high powered firearms forcefully dragged the victim inside a vehicle, city director chief police Superintendent Glenn Dulawan said.

Investigations showed that witnesses have identified the gate away vehicle as Service Utility Vehicle Ford with plate number KJS-723.

The relatives of the victim reported the incident to the police station three hours after the incident, Dulawan said.

The parents of the victim is the owner of the Raymund Resort in this city.

Robot detects explosive device

PAGADIAN City, Philippines—Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Team of the Philippine National Police of region 9 demonstrated recently here how the EOD Robot Caliber MK3 operates to detect an improvised explosive device.

Robot Caliber MK3

The demonstration was conducted at the city hall complex by the EOD team led by Senior Police Officer 1 Jonathan Nodato.

The occasion were witnessed by the members of the Pagadian City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, committee members of the Public Safety and Peace and Order in the Sangguniang Panglunsod and few reporters.

EOD Robots Caliber MK3 with code name “Wayne” (named after its operator) has a total weight of 90 kilos and operated by a remote control up to 5 kilometers radius with a duration of 3 hours battery powered device.

It can also drag an object weighing up to 150 kilos.         

The EOD Team demonstrates how Wayne climbs the stairs carrying caliber 22 shotgun.

During the bomb disposal operation, Wayne worked together with a K9 sniffing dog.

Nodato said the machine is a great help to possible zero human casualty.

Worth of three million pesos, the machine can be operated in all weather condition with built-in camera and x-ray to determine an object.

The robot arrived in Zamboanga City one week before the Zamboanga Siege.

His fighting capability has been tested during the conflict in Zamboanga City.

The Philippines is a recipients of three EOD Robots Caliber MK3 from the U.S. Government through  donation.

Coal power plant in LaNorte soon to rise

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte , Philippines February 13 (PIA)– The GNpower plant project received a highest acceptability score from different stakeholders in the community during its conduct of public consultations on the anticipated coal power plant in the province.

“We are very pleased with the outcome we got so far from a host community,” expressed GNPower’s Project Engineer Neil Carlo Francisco.

The coal-power plant of GNPower will soon start to rise in the coastal town of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, sometime in the third quarter of this year, revealed Engr. Francisco to the media men when  asked during the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB) meeting on February 6, 2014 at the Macapagal Training Center, Tubod, this province.

Upon its full operation, the plant will help solve the power crisis in Mindanao and allow for expansion of local industries with the stable supply of power now readily available, said Francisco.

We have a signed contract with AMRECO (Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives) composed of about 20 electric cooperatives from all over Mindanao for a total of 300 megawatts, Francisco added.

GNPower already operates two coal-power plants in Luzon, the Mauban Plant in Quezon province and  Mariveles plant in Bataan.

“What’s good about GNPower is that they meet the international standards in environmental and work safety. DENR is also on board to ensure that there is minimal impact to the environment”, Governor Khalid Dimaporo said.

GNPower’s investment here in Lanao del Norte not only addresses the Mindanao power crisis but it also shows that it’s easy to invest here in the province.

From the municipal level, provincial even up to the congressional level, we all work hard together for development. This is our style of leadership, Dimaporo stressed.

While on their part, Project Engineer Francisco assured the people of Kauswagan and the province' constituents that they  will comply with all the requirements for this vital project as they continue to partner with the local community.

More than P22-million pesos are also earmarked annually as GNPower’s livelihood assistance to local residents and nearby communities. This fund will also help in the electrification of remote barangays in the province. --PIA

NorMin 4th highest in cancer cases

CAGAYAN De Oro City Philippines—Non-Communicable Diseases Coordinator, Dr. Andresa Beñas reminded the public to be extra cautious of their lifestyle after baring on Monday, February 10, Northern Mindanao’s rank as the fourth highest in cancer cases throughout the country over the last three years.

Beñas noted that among all forms of cancer affecting the population, the most common are the breast and cervical cancer for women, while men are commonly diagnosed with lung cancer.

“Colon cancer is also one of the top 10 deadliest types of cancer not just in the region but across the country, as well,” she added.

Alleged causes of cancer include heredity, diet, physical inactivity, and exposure to chemicals.

Meanwhile, the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) will soon open its own oncology unit to cater to the rising demand of cancer patients in the region. --PIA

Wanted fall in Zambo City

ZAMBOANGA City—A man was arrested by police here on February 12, 2014 for a case of adultery, police said in a report.

Equipped with warrant of arrest, police arrested an accused identified as Silverio S. Marcial Jr. of Barangay Tumaga with a case of adultery before the 9^th Municipal Trial Court, Branch 3 in this city.

Meanwhile, the accused has posted cash bond in the amount of P12,000 for his temporary liberty.

Faith healer nabbed for molesting minor

ZAMBOANGA City—One faith healer was detained at the police station here for allegedly molesting a minor last February 14, police said.

Police identified the suspects as Alberto V. Bartolome, 49, married and a resident of Barangay Labuan, this city.

Investigations showed the victim, female and a minor, went to the house of Bartolome, known as faith healer in the place, with her grandmother for treatment. The victim is suffering pain in her arms.

However, when the girl fell sleep the suspect allegedly molested her.  

With the help of some barangay officials, the suspect was arrested and detained at the police station.

Criminal charge is readied against Bartolome.

Wife accidentally shot by her husband

PAGADIAN City—A 40-year-old woman was shot accidentally by her husband last February 14 in Barangay Muricay, this city, police said early.

Victim was identified as Farida N. Mapait of the place.

Investigators said after a squabble her husband identified as Liwa B. Mapait, 40 and a Barangay Tanod of Barangay Tiguma, this city, left the place and while discharging his (suspect) firearm accidentally hit the victim.

Farida was taken to nearby hospital for treatment of gunshot wound. 

Suspect as of press time have not visited her wife at the hospital but only contacted her thru a mobile phone.

Investigators are investigating the case.

Widow arrested by police

PIÑAN, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines—A woman was arrested by a police team led by PO1 Alma Pajaren last February 20 in this town, police said.

The suspect was identified as Marivic Icao, 54, widow and a resident of this town.

Icao was accused for Grave Oral Defamation before the sala of Judge Vittorio Dante Dalman of MCTC Piñan-La Libertad in this province.

Icao was released at about 5pm of same day after posting a bail bond.

Man shot to dead in Bayog town

ZAMBOANGA Del Sur, Philippines – One man was shot dead by an unidentified gunmen using a homemade shot gun on February 20, 2014 in Bayog town in this province, police said.

Police indentified the victim as Richardo L. Enomo, 33, single, and resident of said barangay.

Victim was wounded on the deferent parts on his body which believed to cause his death.

After the attack the suspect fled to unknown direction.

Police here are conducting investigation for the identity of the attacker.

3 suspects arrested for robbery

PAGADIAN City, Philippines—One man was robbed by three suspects in Barangay San Francisco of this city on February 20, 2014, police said in a report.

Victim was identified as Dexie T. Vega, single and resident of Barangay Paglaum, this city.

Investigation showed that while the Vega was walking at Oval in San Francisco District three suspects approach the former and grabbed her mobile phone.

Vega immediately went to the police station to report the incident.

In a manhunt operation launched by the police the three suspects were arrested.

The suspects were identified as Joel Mendig, 16, resident of Barangay Danlugan; Jestoni S. Cardosa, 23, single and resident of Barangay Sta. Lucia, all of the city; and Rutsel I. Briones, 17, single, of Ramon Magsaysay town in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.  

The two suspects are detained at the DSWD, while Cardosa at the police station.

Documents show Enrile authorized staff to sign PDAF papers

Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter “Companero” S. Cayetano on Monday 18 February 2014 questioned why Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile has yet to file charges against his former Chief-of-Staff Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes and another staff, one Jose Evangelista after they were implicated by whistleblowers and state witnesses in the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

Cayetano said that if Enrile is denying any participation in the alleged abuse and misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), then the natural course of action to pursue is to file charges against his staff implicated in the controversy.

“Bakit hindi pa kinakasuhan ni Sen. Enrile ‘yung mga empleyado niya? If I found out na may kalokohan sa opisina ko, I have two choices lang: I fire them and file a case or i-coddle ko sila at itago,” he said.

Cayetano disclosed that there are documents to show that Sen. Enrile authorized Gigi Reyes and Evangelista, listed as a deputy chief-of-staff, to sign his PDAF papers on his behalf. The two were implicated by Ruby Tuason during the last hearing of the Blue Ribbon panel on the pork barrel scam.

The said documents were allegedly signed by Enrile and addressed to the Commission on Audit. They authorize Reyes and Evangelista to sign pertinent documents to ensure proper implementation of livelihood projects funded allegedly by Enrile’s PDAF.

Cayetano said he came out with the documents amid discussions on the failure of Ruby Tuason to directly link Enrile to the pork barrel scam.

“I brought this out to prove na hindi naman palaging kailangan testimony [to link anyone to the controversy],” he said.

The Senate leader also chided Enrile’s statement that the minority leader will be facing the allegations of his participation in the pork barrel scam once they are filed in court.

“But remember, he’s a public servant. He owes it to the public, all of us owe it to the public to explain. Can you imagine what will happen if sa korte lang magpaliwanag lahat ng public officials, ayaw nilang magpaliwanag sa media and then ma-acquit ka dun and then ang tingin sa iyo ng tao ay guilty ka,” Cayetano said.-Press release from the office of Sen Alan Cayetano.

House damaged by fire

SAPANG DALAGA, Misamis Occidental Philippines—A man reported to the police station last January 16 that his rest house has been razed by fire, police said in a report.

The structure is made of light materials located in Barangay Mabuhay, Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte.

Investigations showed that the fire originated from the floor beam at the back portion of the house.

Authority has the suspect the structure was burned by a perpetrator as bundle of dried coconut leaves were found at the place.

Fire officers estimated the cost of damaged to P180,000.

5-year-old girl released

PAYAO, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines—After 31 days at the hand of its abductors, a 5-year-old girl was finally released Tuesday, February 11 in this town, police said in a report.

Victim identified as Alexa del Cruz was abducted in Sitio Tabion, Barangay Kima, this town on January 11, 2014, said Police Inspector Danilo Jore Pailden, chief of police in this town, saying, however, no ransom was given.

The girl was received by her father Alejandro dela Cruz in the presence of the chief executive of Payao town, this province.

The victim will received some form of psychological handling with the town’s social workers.

Law enforcers arrest gunman in Marawi

Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines—Army and police arrested a man Monday, February 11 in Barangay Bangon, Marawi City for attacking a victim, police said.

Authority identified the suspect as Lito Sarip Mala of Tugaya, Lanao del Sur.

Police said Mala is a suspect in shooting certain Usoph Manalusog, 23, married and a resident of Barangay Padian, Marawi City.

Lieutenant Colonel Ralp Raul Sespeñe, commanding officer of the 9^th Infantry Division’s 65^th Infantry Battalion based in Marawi City, said while the government troops were on roving patrol at the billeting areas of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association delegates they heard a gun shot fired at nearby distance.

The troops launched an operation to hunt down the suspect and was apprehended along the Pumping Bridge in the place.

Authority recovered a caliber 380 Bersa brand from the suspect with one magazine loaded with three ammunitions.

Mala was turned over to the Police Provincial Office in Barangay Langcaf, Marawi City.

“Rido” is believed to be the motive of the attack.

‘Tanod’ shot dead in Midsalip

MIDSALIP, Zamboanga del Sur Philippines —A village chieftain reported to the police station here that a man was shot to death by a gunman last February 12 in Barangay Pisompongan in this town, police said.

Victim identified as Pending Mansip, 54, married and barangay tanod of Sitio Upper Pawan, this barangay, was wounded on his hip and died at the crime scene.

Police recovered five bullet casings of M14 rifle at the area but the motive of the killing is still unknown.

Police have launched a manhunt operation to determine the identity of the suspect and the motive of the attack.

Male shot to death

PAGADIAN CITY, PHILIPPINES -- Man was shot to death by lone gunman last February 10 in Barangay Laperian, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, police said in a report.

Victim was identified as Roel C. Bordalba, 54, married, farmer and a resident of the place.

Suspect was identified as Rolly C. Tatoy, 30, married, also a farmer and a resident of same place.

The victim was wounded at the right portion of his head which exited at his left ear and died on the spot. 

The suspect fled heading to unknown direction after the shooting.

The motive of the killing is believed to be personal grudge.

Ramon Magsaysay Police Station has launched an operation to hunt down the gunman.