Marawi troops get 500 sacks of rice

By Priam Nepomuceno

December 22, 2017

MANILA -- Showing appreciation to troops who helped in the liberation of Marawi City from the clutches of the Maute terrorist group, the Lim Seh Leng Foundation, through SL Agritech Corporation, donated 500 sacks of rice to soldiers stationed in the war-torn city Friday.

The turnover ceremony took place at the Armed of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters Conference Room in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

SL Agritech Group chair Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong handed the rice to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP chief-of-staff Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

"The sacks of rice containing 25 kilos each are intended for soldiers assigned in Marawi City. The rice donation is in support and recognition of the services of soldiers who are fighting violent extremists and terrorists," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia said.

He added that the distribution will be facilitated by the AFP Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel through the Western Mindanao Command.

The donated rice is of the Jasmine variety called "Dona Maria" with market value of about P95 per kilo.

"We are grateful for the act of kindness by our citizens who continue to appreciate the sacrifices of our soldiers especially those in Marawi," Guerrero added. (PNA)

WHO to member states: Limit Dengvaxia use

December 14, 2017

MANILA -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday advised its member countries to limit the use of the controversial dengue vaccine Dengvaxia only to those who had contracted the disease.

"Dengvaxia prevents disease in the majority of vaccine recipients but it should not be administered to people who have not previously been infected with dengue virus," the WHO said in a statement.

It noted that the WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety considered Dengvaxia manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur’s new results from clinical trial data analyses.

“Those studies indicate that increased risk of severe dengue disease in people who have never been infected affects about 15 percent of the vaccinated individuals. The magnitude of risk is in the order of about four out of every 1,000 seronegative patients vaccinated who developed severe dengue disease during five years of observation,” the WHO said.

“The risk of developing severe dengue disease in non-vaccinated individuals has been calculated as 1.7 per 1,000 over the same period of observation. By contrast, for the 85 percent who have had dengue disease before immunization, there is a reduction of four cases of severe dengue per 1,000 who are vaccinated,” it added.

The international health body said that they raised the possibility of risk for seronegative people, stating in a position paper published in July 2016 that “vaccination may be ineffective or may theoretically even increase the future risk of hospitalized or severe dengue illness in those who are seronegative at the time of first vaccination regardless of age".

“As this risk had at that time not been seen in the age groups for which the vaccine was licensed, the WHO issued a conditional recommendation, emphasizing the use of the vaccine in populations having been previously infected with dengue virus,” it added.

The WHO recommended that areas where the vaccine has already been administered should enhance measures to reduce exposure to dengue infection.

“For vaccine recipients who present with clinical symptoms compatible with dengue virus infection, access to medical care should be expedited to allow for proper evaluation, identification, and management of severe forms of the disease,” it added.

In the Philippines, some 830,000 children had been vaccinated with Dengvaxia under a government immunization program, which has already been suspended until WHO experts have reviewed the new developments on the vaccine.

Since it became commercially available in 2016, Dengvaxia has been licensed in 19 countries. (WHO)

1-year martial law extension a 'blessing in disguise: Lacson

 By Azer Parrocha 

December 13, 2017

MANILA -- The one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao from January 1 to December 31, 2018 is a blessing in disguise because security forces will now be more conscious of committing human rights abuses.

Senator Panfilo Lacson made this remark after the Congress, in a joint session, approved the one-year extension in Mindanao voting 240-27.

Lacson, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, was one of the 14 senators who voted for the extension.

“Di ba parang blessing in disguise pa, na na-extend ang martial law kasi masyadong  conscious   ang security forces natin na kung sakaling mag-commit ng abuses ang mga tauhan nila, alam nilang maraming nagbabantay kasi may martial law (Isn’t it like a blessing in disguise that martial law was extended because our security forces will now be conscious of committing abuses because they know that there will be a lot of people watching them)," Lacson told reporters in an interview after the session.

Lacson said that without martial law, these abuses would be given less attention.

“Ang consciousness, ang awareness ng tao na may martial law nakatuon ang attention natin sa security forces natin. So nakakabawas pa sa mga possible abuses na mako-commit (People’s consciousness and awareness that there’s martial law will allow them to pay attention to our security forces. It could even reduce the possible abuses committed)," he said.

Lacson said that the reason why majority of lawmakers voted for the extension was because they saw that it was nothing like the martial law imposed during the term of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

“Kaya nga siguro yan din ang tinitingnan ng mga bumoto na wala naman peligro na maabuso ito (Perhaps the reason those who voted for the extension saw that it was no longer prone to abuse),” he added. 

He also said that he expected that the one-year martial law extension would provide a “psychological boost” which would allow them to better combat terrorist forces. (PNA)  

Ombudsman suspends Dapitan City treasurer

December 13, 2017

MANILA -- Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the Secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF) to suspend Dapitan City treasurer Medelyn Pacatang for one year without pay after she was found guilty of two counts of simple misconduct, two counts of violation of reasonable office rules and regulations, and gross insubordination.

In case the penalty of suspension can no longer be implemented due to separation from service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to the respondent’s one year salary.

In its probe, the Ombudsman found that the respondent patently declined to pay the salaries of two newly-appointed personnel despite the directive of Dapitan City Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos.

As a defense, Pacatang justified the refusal to process the salaries in view of her own interpretation of the Civil Service Law and Rules, particularly the Revised Omnibus Rules on Appointments and other Personnel Action.

The respondent also refused to follow the mayor’s directive for all city government employees to use the biometric machine system, attend the flag-raising ceremony, and wear the prescribed office uniform.

In its ruling, the Ombudsman said Pacatang’s adamant refusal to pay the salaries of the employees without justifiable reason and her mere reliance on her misguided interpretation of the civil service rules “is a clear defiance and violation of the established rules, which constitute Simple Misconduct, in the absence of the elements qualifying the same to Grave Misconduct.”

The Ombudsman also ruled that failure to attend flag ceremony and wear the prescribed uniform constitute a violation of reasonable office rules and regulations. (Ombudsman PR)

Pinoys abroad urged to be vigilant in wake of foiled NY attack

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

December 12, 2017

MANILA -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday called on Filipinos abroad to exercise "higher level of vigilance" in the wake of another attempted terror attack in the United States.

The DFA issued the advisory after a morning rush hour explosion at a major transportation hub in New York that left at least four persons injured on Monday.

As per the agency, no Filipino was reported among the wounded.

In its initial report to Manila, the Philippine Consulate General in New York said the incident involved the premature detonation of a pipe bomb at the Port Authority Terminal, which is the main transport hub for buses going in and out of New York.

Consul General Maria Teresa Dizon De Vega said a suspect, who was also injured in the incident and was also reported to have been in possession of a second explosive device, is now in police custody.

The consulate, immediately after the attack, issued an advisory requesting the 56,100 members of the Filipino community to avoid the area and to observe usual precautions while the investigation is ongoing.

Dizon-De Vega said she was relieved no Filipino was among the injured since the Port Authority Terminal is used by Filipinos from New Jersey and other nearby areas.

These include personnel of the consulate and the Philippine Mission to the United Nations who take their connecting subway rides to their offices.

The latest attack came more than five weeks after eight persons were killed and 11 others were injured in Manhattan after they were ran over by a truck driven by a follower of the Islamic State.

It also followed warnings issued by the terrorist group that it would undertake more attacks worldwide.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Philippine government joins the international community in condemning the attack.

"Terrorism and hate have no place in the society. We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," he said in a press briefing.

For his part, DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano reminded Filipinos traveling abroad for work, business or even pleasure to secure the contact details of Philippine embassies and consulates in countries they would be going in case of emergency.

“It is important for our kababayans (nationals) wherever they are abroad to know how to respond in the event of a terror incident,” he said. (PNA)

1 Communist Terrorist killed, Camp Seized in Zamboanga del Sur

 Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur – A communist terrorist was killed and a camp was seized by operating troops of 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion in the vicinity of Mt Ganaan, Km 22, Barangay Gasa, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur during an encounter with more or less 30 communist terrorists on Thursday, December 8.

According to LTC VIRGILIO C HAMOS JR, Commanding Officer of said unit that firefight started at about 11:10 AM and lasted for almost 3 hours and 10 minutes which resulted to numerous enemy killed and wounded based on the bloodstains in the encounter site, recovery of one (1) body count, one (1) M16 assault rifle, one (1) M203 grenade launcher, one (1) M4 assault rifle, four (4) rifle grenades, one (1) claymore mine, assorted magazines and ammunittions, assorted medical and dental supplies, personal belongings and voluminous subversive documents.

The unit responded to the reports that armed men believed to be members of the combined elements of Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) and SECOM- KARA both of Western Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) have been harassing and extorting the residents in nearby communities.

The unit, which is directly under 102nd Infantry Brigade was commended by BGEN JACINTO R BARENG for its accomplishment and efforts in protecting the Province of Zamboanga del Sur and its people from the influence of communist terrorist groups.

Meanwhile, the three (3) wounded-in-action personnel of the unit was immediately transported to Pagadian City Hospital for medical intervention and now all in stable condition.

BGEN ROSELLER G MURILLO, Commander of 1st Infantry Division visited and awarded the three (3) personnel with the Wounded Personnel Medal and personally congratulated the troops on Dec 9.

DOH intensifies rehab efforts in Marawi

December 9, 2017

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) is stepping up its efforts to help rebuild the war-torn city of Marawi.

In a news release issued Friday, the department said that as Marawi enters its seventh week of freedom from the Maute terrorist group, the DOH continues to respond to health challenges faced by displaced families through the Tamang Serbisyo Para sa Kalusugan (TSeKap) program, as well as psychological intervention and proper nutrition for the young and the elderly.

Recent data from the DOH-Health Emergency Management Bureau indicated that the five-month fighting displaced 77,955 families or 367,990 individuals. A total of 18,801 families or 106,598 individuals from 40 barangays in Marawi have already returned home, while 2,532 families or 8,574 individuals are still being sheltered in 76 evacuation centers.

A total of 86 deaths had been recorded in these facilities since May 23, with common causes varying from pneumonia, sepsis, cardiovascular diseases, acute gastroenteritis to prematurity.

According to the DOH, Marawi’s Amai Pakpak Medical Center and the Dr. Abdullah Hospital are providing round-the-clock relevant medical services, with support from 27 active referral hospitals near the city, 22 serviceable barangay health stations and outposts that are open to the public.

The DOH central and regional offices and partner agencies have given a total of PHP222.38 million worth of logistics and funding assistance to the hospitals and evacuation centers.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III visited the cities of Iligan and Marawi last November 10. (PNA)

Maguindanaons urged to be vigilant after twin blasts

By Edwin Fernandez

 December 10, 2017

NORTH UPI, Maguindanao -- Local officials of this town have appealed to the public to be vigilant and help prevent crimes and violence following the grenade attack that hurt a police officer on duty and another blast that injured members of Philippine Marines on Saturday dawn.

Mayor Ramon Piang appealed to the public not to allow saboteurs to disrupt the peace and order of this town in Maguindanao.

“To all Upians (people of Upi), please let us not allow anyone to destroy the prevailing peace and order condition of our town,” Piang said following the twin blast that hurt eight government forces.

“Let us work with Task Force Upi and the local government. Be agents of peace and be vigilant in our surroundings,” he added.

PO2 Esmael Alabat, a member of Upi town police force, was seriously injured when a rifle grenade fired from M-203 rifle from a distance landed at the roadside police outpost at about 12:15 a.m. Saturday.

Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said Alabat was one of the police officers assigned with the 1st Maneuver Platoon of the Provincial Public Safety Company.

Alabat sustained shrapnel injuries in the head and body and is now recuperating at a private hospital here.

Members of the Philippine Marines had just provided security to police personnel and bomb experts in the post-blast investigation and were heading for home base when a roadside improvised bomb was detonated by still unidentified suspects at about 1 a.m. on the same day.

The soldiers were heading towards Barangay Mirab when the explosion occurred hurting Major Romulo Ducay, Corporals Ryan Cabual, Arnel Jiun, Oliver Albo, Alvin Sangadan and Privates 1st Class Johnny Panday and Gerwin Perez all of the 5th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-5).

The injured Marines are now confined at Camp Siongco Hospital inside the Army’s 6th Infantry Division headquarters situated in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack and military officials are still determining the perpetrators’ identities and their group affiliation. (PNA)

Japan to sign 5 grant contracts for classroom const’n in PH

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

 December 9, 2017

MANILA--Japan is set to provide the Philippines a new package of assistance amounting to USD477,444, or about PHP 23 million, for school building projects.

 Ambassador Koji Haneda and President  Rodrigo Roa Duterte 

 The projects will be funded through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) implemented by the Embassy of Japan.

Japanese Ambassador to Manila Koji Haneda is scheduled to sign five grant contracts for school building projects in the Philippines on Dec. 13.

In a statement, the embassy said the new package of assistance will form part of Japan's commitment to development efforts in the Philippines.

This includes construction of 22 units of school buildings with school furniture such as armchairs and blackboards in four elementary school and one high school.

The contracts are for classroom constructions for schools Santo Niño High School in Talibon, Bohol; Bagong Buhay Elementary School in Ormoc City, Leyte; Bonifacio Elementary School in Surigao City; Catalunan Grande Elementary School in Davao City; and Julian P. Gomilla Elementary School in Ilog, Negros Occidental.

The Government of Japan, as the top official development assistance donor for the Philippines, launched the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects in the Philippines in 1989 to reduce poverty and help various communities engaged in grassroots activities.

At present, the embassy said 525 grassroots projects have been funded by GGP.

"Japan believes that this project will not only strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines but also contribute to further fostering a strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines towards the future," it added. (PNA)

Gov't strives to help returning Marawi IDPs start anew: Andanar

By Jose Cielito Reganit 

December 8, 2017

 

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar 

MANILA -- Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday said the government, through Task Force Bangon Marawi, is striving very hard to keep up the hope that returning Marawi residents would go back to a peaceful and prosperous Marawi as more internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the battle-scarred city return to their homes.

In a Palace briefing, Andanar said that as of December 7, 14,319 families or 71,595 persons have already returned to their homes in the 19 barangays (villages) that were previously cleared by the military.

He said these returnees are being provided with basic services and livelihood programs for them to start a new beginning.

According to him, the returnees have already accessed support and maintenance services from the Department of Social Welfare and Development amounting to PHP116,530,934.

This included financial assistance, pabaon food packs, hygiene kits and kitchen kits.

“On the supply of electricity, 54.12 percent of Marawi City is energized, according to the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO). This includes barangays where residents have already returned during the first and second batch of Kambalingan (homecoming),” Andanar reported.

Additionally, LASURECO, in cooperation with other electric cooperatives in Mindanao have also already completed 73 percent of the primary electric lines in Barangay Sagonsongan, where the transitional shelters for IDPs are being constructed.

“The Small Business Corporation, a government corporation under the Department of Trade and Industry that assists the micro, small, and medium enterprises have distributed up to PHP10,000 worth of loans to each of 100 eligible IDP borrowers to help them start businesses,” the Palace official said.

These were distributed last December 5 and 6. "The sub-committee on business and livelihood also continues to provide sari-sari store kits, sewing tools and machines, carpentry and electronic technician kits to the IDPs in different evacuation centers and to those residents who have already returned home to Marawi,” Andanar said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) is set to launch “Brigada Eskwela sa Marawi” on December 13 at Amai Pakpak Elementary School, with the actual implementation beginning on December 14 to 15.

The Palace official said that each DepEd division office (DO) in the country will be paired with a Marawi City division school to assist.

Only the Mindanao offices will facilitate the actual implementation, while the DOs from Luzon and Visayas will mobilize the resources they would need.

“After the kickoff, quick school level programs will be conducted, which will consist of a community signing session for a manifesto ensuring schools as zones of peace,” Andanar said.

In the meantime, the local government unit of Marawi has already conducted community mapping in barangays under cluster number 3 for the forthcoming next leg of Kambalingan.

Andanar said the result of the community mapping will be triangulated with the DSWD database while the concerned barangay LGUs will submit a master list of the returning IDPs.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that DOH continues to respond to the health challenges faced by displaced families.

He said the IDPs are being regularly provided medical check-ups through the “Tamang Serbisyong Pangkalusugan para sa Pilipino Services,” which included a provision of medical supplies as part of the ongoing medical assistance to all IDPs, whether staying in evacuation centers or home-based.

Nutrition, especially of the young children and the elderly, is another important consideration being responded to.

“Moreover, psychological intervention has been made available to affected families and service providers in an effort to address their mental health needs,” Duque said.

According to DOH data, a total of 86 deaths were recorded from May 23 up to the present -- with common causes being pneumonia, sepsis, cardiovascular diseases, acute gastroenteritis, and prematurity.

The Health Secretary said that there are currently two Marawi hospitals -- the Amai Pakpak Medical Center and the Doctor Abdullah Hospital -- that are operating on a 24-hour basis, providing relevant medical services.

Furthermore, there are 27 active referral hospitals near the city and 22 serviceable barangay health stations and outposts in Marawi City itself that are open to the public.

According to Duque, the DOH central office, as well as its regional offices and partner agencies, have so far given a total of PHP222,388,985 worth of logistics and funding assistance to the hospitals as well as to the evacuation centers in the concerned areas.

“We, at the DOH, assure the people of Marawi that we will not waiver in our efforts to rehabilitate the city through ensuring that their health needs are met on a day-to-day basis, and we ask our fellow Filipinos there to stay strong and be resilient in the everyday challenges of life,” Duque said.

After liberating Marawi City from Islamic State-linked terrorists, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have also continued to progressively help the people of Marawi.

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. said that aside from conducting clearing operations in the most affected area, military engineering units are proactively engaged with their counterparts from other government agencies in the continuous construction of temporary shelters in the designated area.

However, he admitted that progress in clearing the 36 barangays comprising the most affected area, where most of the vicious fighting have taken place, has been slow due to the presence of unexploded ordnance as well as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and booby traps left by the extremists.

The military official said the slow progress is necessary to ensure that the area is totally safe before the evacuees return.

“Sana po nauunawaan po ng ating mga kababayan diyan sa Marawi ang ating kinakailangang gawin upang ganap nating masabi na ito’y maayos na at maaari na nilang balikan ng hindi sila mapeperwisyo ng anumang klaseng hazard o anumang patibong o IED,” Padilla said. (PNA)

Pres. Duterte gives cash, gifts to returning OFWs

December 8, 2017

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga -- President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his gratitude to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for their contribution to the country's economic progress during the Overseas Filipino Workers Welfare

Administration's (OWWA) "Pamaskong Salubong Para sa OFW" program held at the Clark International Airport here on Thursday, December 7.

“So I represent the Filipino nation in thanking you for your sacrifice and for helping us keeping the gross domestic product. Malaking share ‘yan. Gross domestic product is simply income. Income of government ang ibig sabihin niyan,” President Duterte said adding that part of the government's income came from the "toil and sweat" of OFWs.

To show the government's gratitude for their sacrifices, the Chief Executive offered assistance to returning OFWs who would want to start a business or work in the country.

“Whatever is doing brisk business in your place. We will try to find out kung paano ito malakasan, how we can help by marketing it,” he said.

He added that the country will need more workers in the construction sector with several projects in the pipeline under the administration's Build, Build, Build program.

“Marami sa akin sa Davao, maraming construction, ang problema wala silang mga professional plumber, ‘yung mga electricians na marunong, eh halos kasi nagsilabasan,” he said.

“And even those trying to build meron ngayong gagawin sa Maynila dalawang bridges and they require, you know, expertise --- something has a little bit of what a construction is all about," he added.

He noted that the Department of Trade and Industry is also helping small and medium enterprises start a business or market their products.

Thirty nine OFWs out of more than 200 Filipino workers who arrived from Qatar Thursday afternoon were preselected to receive cash gifts and other surprises from the OWWA.

Among those who received I-DOLE were David Dionisio, Mellie Ramirez, Rodylyn Morada and Carlo Redoble.

Eight OFWs also received PHP50,000 cash gift from OWWA namely Jerson Villamero Zamora, Felix Sbrigo Bambilla, Carlo Dalaguit Redoble, Alan Javalde Gonzaga, Ronald Panahon Ballicud, Judith Soto Gonzaga, Fatima Venancio Bibangon and Wellnor Gonzaga Zamora. Ten thousand worth of appliances were also given to Grace Lyn Jimenez Colot, Marlondino Olarte Bambilla, Diosdado Gonzaga Laylay Jr., Joy Pinero Militante, Allan Manliquez Militante, Jocelyn Militante Labajo, Joy Manliquez Dalagon, and Prisco Villamero Zamora Jr.

Five repatriated OFWs also received PHP3,000 worth of appliances. They were Gerlie Gonzaga Laylay, Lowelyn Militante Gonzaga, William Sabado, Manolo Mediavillo and Rey Chua Jr.

Special gifts were also given to Julie Rose Mediavillo, Eller Ocampo, Eric Bacolod Delos Reyes, Nelson Dumantay and Fely Dumantay.

Before leaving, the President invited the repatriates to a simple gathering in Malacañan Palace to be able to discuss with them other programs that would help them start a new life in the country. (PND)

No dengvaxia vaccine delivery to Zamboanga City

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr 

December 6, 2017

ZAMBOANGA CITY--The City Health Office said that not a single child had been immunized with dengvaxia, the first vaccine to be licensed globally for the prevention of dengue.

Dr. Rodelin Agbulos, City Health Officer, on Wednesday said there was no delivery of Dengvaxia vaccine in this city.

Dr. Agbulos said the Department of Health (DOH) initially planned to deliver the vaccine when dengue cases soared in this city, but it did not push through. She did not elaborate.

Dengvaxia, manufactured by French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, has been granted marketing authorization in 2015 by Mexico, making it the first vaccine to be licensed in the world for dengue prevention.

However, the DOH has suspended the dengue vaccination program after it was reported that Dengvaxia has dangerous side effect.

The DOH reported that 733,713 children from three regions in Luzon had been vaccinated with Dengvaxia under the agency’s school-based immunization program launched in 2016. (PNA)

DPWH pulls out P4.8-B right-of-way funds from Region 12

December 5, 2017,

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) pulled out some PhP4.8 billion in road right-of-way (RROW) funds for Region 12 in the wake of the alleged multibillion scam involving fake claims in this city and the neighboring areas.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar

 Deputy House Speaker and South Cotabato Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez said Tuesday DPWH Secretary Mark Villar ordered the return of the funds from the region to the central office pending proper validation of the RROW claims.

He said the move was in response to a letter that he and the eight other House members from Region 12 submitted to Villar regarding the fake RROW claims and settlements in the area.

"He (Villar) pulled out the money so it would be returned to the central office. Right now they're carefully looking at all the (RROW) claims," he said in an interview over Brigada News TV here.

Hernandez cited that their July letter mainly focused on the pending P4.8 billion worth of RROW claims in Region 12.

It was signed by South Cotabato first district and General Santos City Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr., Sultan Kudarat first district Rep. Suharto Mangundadatu, Sultan Kudarat second district Rep. Horacio Suansing Jr., Sarangani Rep. Rogelio Pacquiao, Maguindanao first district and Cotabato City Rep. Bai Sandra Sema, North Cotabato first district Rep. Jesus Sacdalan, North Cotabato seond district Rep. Nancy Catamco and North Cotabato third district Rep. Jose Tejada.

Also known as Soccsksargen, the region comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

He said the letter was based on a complaint initially received by Rep. Acharon regarding supposed fake RROW claims and settlements in the city.

Hernandez said they immediately reported the matter to Sec. Villar, urging the latter to look into the complaint to protect government funds.

By then, he said they were informed that the DPWH regional office already received some P4.8 billion for the settlement of pending RROW claims.

Owing to this, Hernandez said they asked Sec. Villar to stop the processing of pending RROW claims involving the P4.8 billion funding until they are convinced of the legitimacy and whether the claimed amounts are reasonable.

"We wanted to make sure that all claims would be properly validated and audited to make sure that the valuations are correct and the money would be paid to the rightful claimants," he said.

Aside from the pullout of the RROW funds, Hernandez said Villar ordered changes in the procedures regarding the claims.

It involves the conduct of separate stringent validations by the district and regional offices of all RROW claims.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II disclosed two weeks ago an alleged scam involving some P8.7 billion in RROW settlements in the city and neighboring areas based on supposed fictitious and fabricated documents.

He has directed the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the scam, which was based on revelations made whistleblower Rodolfo Catapang Jr.

Catapang, who hails from this city, said the fake claims were made by a syndicate that he was previously a part of and involved prominent personalities, among them Eldon Cruz, brother-in-law of former President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The ongoing investigation has included former Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad and former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson.(PNA)

DOJ orders probe on killing of university president

By Jigger Jerusalem 

December 5, 2017

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the killing of the head of a state-run university here.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II

 In his Department Order 764, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II directed the NBI to conduct an investigation and case build-up on the death of Dr. Ricardo Rotoras, “and if evidence so warrants, to file appropriate charges thereon.”

Aguirre said he has delegated NBI Director Dante Gierran to look into the killing of Rotoras, president of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP). He also headed the Philippine Association of State Universities and College (PASUC) at the time of his death.

Rotoras was gunned down by still unidentified assailants outside his home at Golden Glow North, a posh housing subdivision in Barangay Carmen, this city, on Dec. 2.

Aguirre also ordered Gierran to submit a report to the Office of the Secretary on its “current activities related to the implementation of this Order.”

NBI-10 Regional Director Sally Hans Barbaso said that local agents have been deployed to gather information on the case.

“Even before I received the order, we started initial investigation on the case. We can investigate motu propio,” Barbaso said in an interview Monday afternoon.

Barbaso said the agency is closely coordinating with other law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, a holy mass was held for Rotoras at the USTP gymnasium Monday morning.

USTP teacher Nef Luczon said about 2,000 people, composed of the school faculty and staff, students and visitors, occupied the 1,500-capacity facility to attend the mass.

Luczon said Rotoras' remains will be brought to the USTP gymnasium for viewing on Dec. 6-8.

In a related development, the city government has offered to give a P1 million reward for those who can lead to the arrest of the perpetrator in the Rotoras killing.

Mayor Oscar Moreno has also asked the DOJ to help in the speedy resolution of the case, said Maricel Casiño-Rivera, the city information officer. (Jigger J. Jerusalem/PNA)

FVR urges AFP, PNP to tighten security amid NPA attacks

By Ben Cal 

December 4, 2017

Former President Fedil V. Ramos and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte 

MANILA – Former President Fidel V. Ramos on Saturday urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be “alert and watchful” in the government’s war on terror following the spate of attacks mounted by the New People’s Army (NPA) on government forces in the past few weeks in various parts of the country.

 “Our troops must always be alert of any attack, especially ambuscade by the NPA in any part of the country, including Metro Manila,” Ramos said in an exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency in Camp Aguinaldo.

Ramos stressed that the military and police must be ready to protect President Rodrigo Duterte as commander-in-chief.

Ramos also expressed concern for the security situation in the country, after the peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) bogged down.

The NPA’s recent atrocities, including the killing of a policeman who was shot 73 times and the NPA ambush in Sitio Camansi, Barangay Bolo, Maasin town in Iloilo, dismayed Duterte.

Peace talks between the government and the communist rebels have been on-and-off for more than a decade now with no peace accord reached.

Ramos said government forces must be on guard to thwart rebel attacks, especially with the onset of the Christmas season.

Last week, Duterte told security troops to shoot armed rebels even as an executive order is being prepared to proclaim them as terrorists.

The President has signed Proclamation No. 360 terminating peace negotiations with the NPA.

He told troops of the Philippine Army that he would not allow the military to be at a disadvantage in the war against the NPA, the CPP’s armed wing, which has been waging a protracted Maoist-type of revolutionary warfare for nearly five decades. 

4,747 barangays now drug-free: PDEA

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

  

December 3, 2017

MANILA -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced that 4,747 out of 42,036 barangays in the country have been cleared of drugs in line with the government's ongoing anti-narcotics campaign.

This was disclosed by PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino based on the monthly update on "#RealNumbers".

"These barangays have reached drug-cleared status after issuance of a certification by members of the Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug-Clearing Program," Aquino said.

The Oversight Committee, which is chaired by PDEA, is composed of provincial representatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH) and local government units.

"Before declaring that a barangay is free from illegal drug activities, the committee must convene and validate the non-availability of drug supply in the area and the absence of drug transit activity, clandestine drug laboratory and chemical warehouse, marijuana cultivation site, drug den, drug pusher, and user," the PDEA chief emphasized.

The declaration is pursuant to the parameters set forth by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) as provided in Section 8, DDB Board Regulation No. 3 Series of 2017, otherwise known as “Strengthening the Implementation of the Barangay Drug-Clearing Program”.

A barangay is said to be drug-affected when there is a reported presence of drug users, pushers, manufacturers, marijuana cultivators and other infrastructure related to the illegal narcotics.

There are three basic parameters in determining barangay drug-affectation: slightly affected, moderately affected, and seriously affected.

Barangays are considered slightly affected if there is a reported presence of user/s of illegal drugs are drug personality in barangays; moderately affected if there is a reported presence user/s and pusher/s of illegal drugs are drug personality of a barangay; and seriously affected if there is drug laboratory, den, dive or resort, marijuana plantation, are reported to exist in the community.

On June 2, 2017, Batanes has earned the distinction of being the country’s first province to be proclaimed drug-free.

In its monthly update on "#RealNumbers", Aquino said from June 2016 up to November 27, 2017, 163 drug dens and nine clandestine shabu laboratories were dismantled while different illegal drugs were seized worth PHP18.92 billion.

PDEA said authorities also arrested 118,287 individuals involved in illegal drugs from July 2016 to November 27, 2017.

Included in the total figure are 435 government workers -- 185 of them elected officials, 42 uniformed personnel, and 208 government employees.

Around 79,193 anti-illegal drugs operations were conducted by by joint law enforcement agencies during the period.

As of November 27, 2017, the consolidated report showed that 3,967 drug suspects have died during operations while 86 were killed in action and 226 wounded from the law enforcement agency during the anti-illegal drugs operations.

Aside from PDEA, agencies involved in the anti-illegal drugs operations are the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) among others.

The joint law enforcement agencies rescued 589 minors during the anti-illegal drugs operations from July 2016 to November 27, 2017.

According to Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD), those rescued minors, after court proceedings, will be turned over to the Bahay Pagasa centers of local government units (LGUs) within eight hours of police custody, before turning them over to the DSWD centers to undergo counselling to help reform them back to society.

Since they are minors, DSWD said they would not be put in prison together with hardened criminals. (PNA)

Dasmariñas City all set for 6th ‘Paru-Paro’ Festival

By Gladys Pino 

November 23, 2017

DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite -- This city is slated to observe its annual butterfly-inspired “Paru-Paro” festival on Nov. 26 with city folks and participants donning colorful butterfly costumes and revelry motifs.

Mayor Elpidio F. Barzaga Jr. is expected to lead city officials, students and multi-sectoral groups in the annual celebration of the city’s official festival, created by the virtue of City Council Resolution No. 069-s-2011 and Special Ordinance 02-s-2011 initiated by his predecessor, City Mayor Jennifer Austria Barzaga.

In an interview, City Administrator Aisa Sango said the festival reflects the city’s transformation from a former small village of Imus City and its separation as a full-fledged progressive city and Cavite’s “university center” and one of the province’s vital hubs dotted with various services, commerce, trade and industries.

Sango added that Sunday’s main highlight is the 3 p.m. grand parade participated in by city officials, sectors and the 36 groups of elementary and secondary school division contingents.

The city parade route covers Gov. Mangubat Road, General Aguinaldo Highway and traverses Daños Street to P. Posadas and converge at the city hall.

Prizes at stake for the participating parade contingents of 40 to 50 each group are: PHP75,000 cash for the champion; PHP50,000 -- 2nd place; and PHP 25,000 -- 3rd place while a consolation prize of PHP 10,000 each for non-winners. The “Best in Costume” will receive PHP 10,000 cash prize.

Sango added that this year’s celebration will not feature the usual parade of floats due to various road rehabilitation works which may stall heavy traffic.

The city administrator also said  that the city’s Pagamutan is now in full operation and the city mayor wishes to prioritize fund allocation for various public health/service programs, which is also a reason to celebrate.

She also disclosed the city’s plan to open its own public university soon. (PNA)

AFP ready to fight rebels, accept surrenderers

By Priam Nepomuceno

 November 26, 2017

MANILA -- While prepared to carry out its constitutional mandate against rebel groups threatening and harassing peaceful communities, the Armed Forces of

AFP Chief of staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero

the Philippines (AFP) said it strongly support efforts by local elected officials to convince these individuals to surrender and live peacefully with their loved ones.

This was emphasized by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, in a statement forwarded by military public affairs office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo, late Saturday.

“The AFP supports the decision of the President to cancel talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) and to go ‘all out’ against the NPA terrorists. The AFP also supports peace initiatives by our local elected officials including programs that seek to integrate NPAs back to mainstream society," he added.

In Proclamation 360 signed Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the scrapping of talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF following the series of atrocities committed by NPA bands against military and civilian targets in various parts of the country.

Around 64 soldiers, police officers and militiamen were killed while another 127 wounded in various attacks and ambushes conducted by the NPA on this year alone.

Aside from these, rebel attacks also accounted for 70 civilian deaths, including those of a four-month baby girl in Bukidnon last Nov. 9, along with 13 wounded and another 28 missing. (PNA)

Aguirre welcomes PDEA, BuCor deal to rid jails of illegal drugs

Christopher Lloyd Caliwan 

November 19, 2017

MANILA -- Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II welcomed the renewed partnership of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to curb illegal drug activities inside government prison facilities and penal farms.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II 

“I don’t see anything wrong with it. As a matter of fact, it is good. We all know that before President Rodrigo Duterte took office around 70 to 75 percent of illegal drugs in the country are cooked at the national penitentiary,” Aguirre said.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino and BuCor Officer-In-Charge Valfrie Tabian signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) last Tuesday at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, aimed at continuing cooperation and enhancing organized and systematic implementation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, particularly inside correctional institutions.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino

According to Aquino, the MOA is an extension of the previous agreement between the two agencies signed on March 25, 2015, except for the inclusion of additional provisions prescribing PDEA to secure its own office inside the BuCor’s jurisdiction, to effectively address trafficking and other drug-related activities.

Aside from the MOA signing, the PDEA Liaison and Coordinating Office was also inaugurated inside the NBP.

Aquino said the office will have a canine unit so that they can conduct a 24-hour PDEA visibility as well as perform regular greyhound operations in a bid to finally get rid of drug proliferation inside the NBP.

Aquino added that BuCor personnel are also expected to lend assistance in the day-to-day operations of PDEA office inside the NBP.

Aquino noted that despite rigorous security measures in place, illegal drug trade remains prevalent in the NBP, highlighting the necessity to "establish (PDEA's) own liaison and coordinating office based inside NBP premises to address rapidly the immediate concern of possible entry of drug contraband."

The MOA ensures intelligence-sharing and joint investigation efforts in the conduct of anti-drug operations within jail premises under the jurisdiction of the BuCor.

“Under the said agreement, PDEA is also authorized to conduct greyhound operations inside BuCor correctional facilities pursuant to the standard operating procedures,” Aquino said.

Aside from NBP, the prison facilities under BuCor’s supervision include the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan, Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro, Leyte Regional Prison in Leyte, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City, and Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Davao del Norte.

Prior to the agreement, PDEA and BuCor also created a joint manual of operations last year to provide a synchronized conduct of search and seizure of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals and drug paraphernalia in all BuCor prisons and penal farms. (PNA)