Dipteria cases in 3 city's barangays

At least three (3) out of the 98 barangays have reported   cases of Dipteria in this city .

This came after,  three children in Barangay Cawit were infected by Dipteria followed by and other two barangays in Mampang and Recodo that also reported  similar cases. 

City Health Officer  Dr. Rodelin Agbulos  is advising the public to have  their children  undergo  “ DPT vaccination”. against the dieases.

Records showed that symtoms of Dipteria are sore throat,  weakness and fever that usually infect  children.

Earlier, Mayor Maria Isabelle C. Climaco Salazar warned  the public on  the infections of Dipteria.  (Letty M. Militante )

     

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DOH: full implementation of key strategies needed to reverse HIV-AIDS increasing trend

The Department of Health (DOH) sees the need to fully implement the four key strategies spelled out in the Sixth Medium Term Philippine Development Plan for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquire Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) to reverse the increasing trend of the dreaded disease in the country.

DOH Sec. Paulyn Jean Rossel-Ubial disclosed that the latest study showed around 26 new cases are registered daily or about 7,200 HIV-AIDS cases in one year in the country.

“It is really alarming because in 2008, we have only one case per day or about 360 cases a year. Eight years later, we have increased 25 times the cases in 2008,” Ubial disclosed.

Ubial disclosed that the region that has the highest number of cases is the National Capital Region (NCR), which accounts for 36 percent of the total registered HIV-AIDS cases.

She said NCR is followed by Region 4A, 18 percent; Region 3, 10 percent; Region 7, eight percent; and, Region 11, six percent. The rest of the country accounts for 22 percent of the cases.

She said majority of those afflicted with HIV-AIDS are males, which accounts for 96 percent and the rest are females. They are from the age group of 25 to 34 followed by the 15 to 24 years old.

She disclosed that the Philippines is one of the two countries in Southeast Asia that has increasing rate of more than 20 percent new HIV cases yearly. There are about 30 countries in Southeast Asia.

The health chief said the four major strategies to halt the increase in HIV-AIDS cases are the following: increase awareness and knowledge among the youths as well as access to safe sex and access to condom; improve in terms of voluntary counselling and testing; provide anti-retroviral or medications for those who tested positive; and, prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV-AIDS.

"Unfortunately, we are doing the three. We are not doing the number one, which is improving education, awareness and practice of safe sex,” Ubial said.

“In most countries of the world, condom access program is really a center point to the halt and reversal of the HIV-AIDS epidemic. Until our country accepts that, then I don’t think that we can reverse the (increasing) trend in the near future,” she added.

“That is the reality. I’m not glossing over or I don’t want to be controversial but I have to say the truth. That’s the fact and that’s the truth,” she further added. (PNA)
FPV/TPGJR

VVV

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DA readies climate change mitigation measures in R-9

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is undertaking several climate change mitigating measures to cushion the impact of global warming to the agriculture sector in Region 9.

DA Regional Director Constancio Alama told the Philippine News Agency these measures include color coding of the soil, defining of rainfall pattern, and planting of drought and flood-resistant crops.

Alama said color coding of the soil is done based on the outcome of the study on its fertility and climate pattern to determine what variety of crops would be planted in a particular area.

“This will ensure that the right variety of plants will be planted in the area, including fertilizers to be used,” Alama said.

He said they already have the rice variety that is drought and flood-resistant, and low fertilizer requirement.

He added that the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) is now plotting the color coded map based on soil sampling they conducted in the last quarter of 2016.

He said they are also consolidating data gathered for the past five years, to identify the rainfall pattern of the region. (PNA)
FPV/TPGJR/RGAAG

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Bakery owners in Region 9 asked to register with FDA

 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised owners of bakeries to register with the agency as mandated under existing law.

Eng’r. Annette Tan, FDA-Mindanao west cluster director, on Tuesday made the call following reports there are some of the bakeries in the region that remain unregistered with the FDA.

“We encourage the local government units to help us especially in the licensing of these bakeries as they are popping out like mushrooms in every municipality and city,” Tan said.

She said bakeries are required to secure a license from the FDA based on Republic Act 9711 otherwise known as the FDA Act of 2009 since they sell and serve food products to the public.

She said the FDA license is a separate requirement from the business permit from the local government and registration of business name with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

She said the products sold in FDA-registered bakeries are ensured safe for consumption since they are properly checked and inspected by the agency.

“You will never know how it’s being done in bakeries unless there are inspections being conducted,” she said.

Tan said they will not hesitate to initiate imposition of sanctions and penalties against bakeries operating without the required FDA license. (PNA)

FPV/TPGJR/RGAAG

XXX

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Mangahas to campus journalists: Be accurate, fair and simple

- Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism Executive Director Malou Mangahas shared some tips on how to be an effective and responsible journalist during the recently concluded 2017 National Schools Press Conference in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

In her keynote speech, Mangahas mentioned that journalists must write accurately, and emphasized that “accuracy” means getting your stories right on the level of facts and context.

“Get it right on the level of facts. Iyon yung pangalan, address, edad, spelling, etc. Also, get it right on the level of context. Ibig sabihin, hindi natin sasabihin na may delubyo kung maliit na sunog lamang ang nagaganap,” Mangahas explained.

Mangahas also noted the importance of being fair when writing a story.

“Fairness means best effort to get all sides of the story… There will always be two or more sides to every story,” Mangahas said.

Furthermore, Mangahas discussed another discipline that writers must embody, “I always tell my students in journalism to use ‘simple, not multisyllabic words’ because we are not here to impress but to communicate.”

Mangahas reminded the NSPC 2017 delegates that the role of a journalist is not just to tell the acute, obvious and loud stories, but also, to tell stories about crisis, which may become bigger and more essential for the betterment of the nation.

The NSPC enhances the journalistic competence of students through healthy and friendly competitions.

Moreover, it promotes responsible journalism and fair and ethical use of social media.

In 2018, the Department of Education (DepEd) Negros Island Region (NIR) will host this most coveted campus journalism competition in the country. (PNA)

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Lobregat files bill to upgrade Labuan Public Hospital

First District Rep. Celso Lobregat has filed a bill that seeks to amend Batas Pambansa Bilang 517, in a move to upgrade the Labuan Public Hospital to a Level II General Hospital.

Lobregat on Wednesday said the passage of H.B. 4945 will upgrade the 10-bed Labuan Public Hospital to a 200-bed capacity, for it to cope with the increasing number of patients.

The hospital, which is located in Barangay Labuan, 36 kilometers west of City Hall, provides preventive and curative services to residents in the barangay and nearby areas such as the municipality of Sibuco and Sirawai in Zamboanga del Norte.

Lobregat said with the rapid increase of population in this city, the existing health facility of Labuan Public Hospital is extremely inadequate to accommodate the increasing number of patients coming to the hospital daily.

The Labuan Public Hospital was created through Batas Pambansa Bilang 517 issued on June 10,1983 or 33 years ago.

“If Labuan Public Hospital will be upgraded to Level II, it will be upgraded into a 200-bed capacity from the recent 10-bed capacity. We have to prepare it for the future especially with the increasing number of population and patients in the west coast,” Lobregat said.

He said given its limited capacity and resources, it is therefore imperative that the Labuan Public Hospital be converted into Level II General Hospital in order to provide more adequate services to its patients.

He said its existing service facilities, professional health care services and the number of personnel have to be upgraded to conform with and be commensurate to its increased functional capacity. (PNA)

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Troops recover war materials of NPA rebels in Zambo del Sur

Government troops recovered war materials following a clash on Wednesday with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Zamboanga del Sur, province, an official said.

Lt. Col. Virgilio Hamoy Jr., commander of the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB), said the clash occurred around 1:15 p.m. in Barangay Mati, Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur.

Hamoy said the clash occurred after troops of the 53rd IB’s Bravo Company led by 1Lt. Justin Michael Rabino received intelligence report that the NPA rebels were extorting from the residents in Barangay Mati, Tigbao.

Hamoy said the clash lasted for about seven minutes after which the NPA rebels belonging to the Sandatahang Yunit Panggubatan Kara of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee fled to different directions.

Hamoy said the troops recovered four units of mobile phones, ammunition for AK-47 rifle and caliber .45 pistol, medical kits and backpack with personal belongings and documents of high intelligence value.

He said the troops are tracking down the fleeing NPA rebels.

The military continues to assist the police and the local government units in the intensified conduct of law enforcement operations to expedite the arrest of NPA members in this province.

“We will not allow the NPA to create fear and havoc in any of the communities under Westmincom area of operations, we will make them want to surrender and go back to the folds of the government," Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr, Westmincom chief said. (PNA)

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Ex Councilor files complaint vs Puericulture over property lease

Former  Councilor Atty. Abelardo “Tonggo” Climaco  with a  companion will file a  formall complaint against one officials in the Zamboanga Puericulture Center  in this city .

This came after,  a  fast food outlet opened to the public on na property  leased by the center.

Climaco told newsmen that   Puericulture Center is a government property

In pursuant to Proclamation Decree NO. 121  issued by the late President  Ramon Magsaysay.

Climaco  said some officials in the center will have to answer for this "anomaly,"

He also questioned the issuance of a business property for the food outlet located in puericulture property or lot.

Cliamco will also include some offices at ity hall who helped secure the business permit for the outlet.. (Letty M. Militante )

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Police to set up detection system vs Abu Sayyaf men

The regional police command will set up a system to help the authorities detect the presence of the Abu Sayyaf in the city and the region.

Regional Director Billy Beltran of the Philippine Regional Office –IX (PRO 9)  

“We need  to set up early detection  system in the region , “ Beltran said .

Beltran said that this  early detection system  will help them watch  the presence of ASG particularly along the coastal areas of the city .

ON record  Zamboanga City has  large coastal areas to watch that any attempt of ASG  entry to the city are close being monitored .

According to Beltran,  the police force is closely coordinating with Wesmincon who  is leads enforcement agency against ASG.

In other related development,  Beltran said that the are reports on  the recruitment of young one’s particularly on internet to join the so-called “ISIS”.

The threats is still there and Zamboanga City is in danger  for possible spill over  following the operations against terrorist in  Sulu and Basilan.

The threats of ASIS on the region is very serious. (Letty M. Militante)

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44 of 80 erring cops reasigned to Mindanao from other parts of RP

Some 44’s out of the some 80 erring police personal from other parts of the country  were brought in Mindanao.

These cops were said to be involved in anomalies in the anti- drugs campaign in the country.

Regional Director Billy Beltran of the PRO -9 said that   these police personnel were removed from their respective comfort zone and sent in Mindanao .

But this does mean that though they were brought to Mindanao, there is a  program – a chance  to redeem themselves.

Beltran said that this is part of the process because it is difficult  to assess a person  immediately , it needs evidences .

And , one of the solution is to remove them from their  comfort zones , Beltran said . (Letty M. Militante )

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Anti-drug drire now with Phil Drug Enforcement Agency

Police Regional Director  Billy Beltran has reported that   the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency or PDEA is now the lead agency on anti-drugs campaign in the country.

Beltran told newsmen that  while PDEA' now leads in the anti-drug campaign this does not  t mean that the PNP has stopped  the offensive against them.

Beltran said that the police force is ready to assist the PDEA in terms of technical support,” they can count on us .”

“One hundred percent (100%)  tutulong tayo,” Beltran said .

According to Beltran, the police force will turn over all the lists and records of those involved in the anti- drug campaign in the country.

Beltran further  said that  further assure the public  that the police force will be back  in better force – and better than before.

“ I call everybody to  be vigilant  and call the attention of the police , Beltran said . ( Letty M. Militante )

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The latest from Zamboanga

Shooting incidents

in the rise-  police 

City Police Director Sr. Supt Luisito Magnaye of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) reports  on increasing cases of shooting incidents during the month of January 2017 in this city .

Magnaye compared  the crime statistics  from the year 2015 with a number of 12 cases of shooting incidents;  seven (7) in 2016 and eight (8)  for the current year 2017.

These shooting incidents occurred in separated places in the city  Magnaye said.

These places include  Curuan, Siramonon Island, Sta. Catalina, Recodo, Lunzuran and Tetuan .

As this developed, Magnaye   has intensified police visibility, police patrols and more checkpoints  in the city .

Magnaye said that  as off presstime  the number of shooting incidents for January alone has  already increased and  reached to 8 cases as compared in the previous year 2016.

 In term of crime statistics compared this month of January alone shooting incidents now are eight , “ Magnaye said.

As this developed, the police  motorcycle tandem can now be seen on streets as part of the visibility patrols.

It will be recalled that Mayor Maria Isabelle C. Climaco Salazar issued single motorcycles to the local police force  to augment the police visibility patrol on streets . ( Letty M. Militante )  

x x x x x

Council Oks P1M donation

for Cagayan flood victimd

The City Council passed and approved a resolution granting one million pesos (php 1,000.000.00)  as cash donation to Cagayan de Oro recently affected by heavy flooding  that resulted to damages to property and  the like.

Councilor Teodiver Arquiza who sponsored said resolution recalled that Cagayan de Oro was also the first city  to assisted  the city government  last  2013 Zamboanga City Siege.

Cagayan de Oro  that was   recently affected by  heavy flash floods  is now under the State of Calamity .

Reports revealed that  cars submerged  in Cagayab de Oro last January 16, 2017 during the heavy rainfalls that  affected  thousands of commuters , including students and malls goers who were stranded by the chest deep flood waters in low lying areas.

Aside from the stranded commuters, there were hundreds of vehicles stuck in many flooded streets  causing  massive traffic jams.

 Furthermore, landslide has also been reported  along the city’s west district  and half of the city has no electricity .

This as , the power firm has cut the power supply distribution in flooded areas for safety measures.  (Letty M. Militante)

x x x x x

Andanar leads PCO 

Roadshow in Zambo

Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Sec. Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar spearheaded on Saturday the conduct of the PCO Roadshow in this city.

Andanar said the roadshow was aimed to update local stakeholders from different sectors on areas of national interest.

Among the issues that were tackled during the roadshow was the Freedom of Information, its accomplishments and challenges with Lawyer Kris Ablan, PCO Assistant secretary, as the resources speaker.

The other topics that were discussed included the New Media Communications for Participatory Governance by Princess Pebbles Duque and Carlos Munda; Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN 2017 by the Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ma. Hellen De La Vega; and, Administrative Order No. 1 and the Protection of Journalists by Undersecretary Jose Joel Sy Egco, executive director, Presidential Task Force on Media Security.

Administrative Order No. 1 was the first order the President signed on Oct. 11, 2016, creating the Presidential Task Force on violations of the right to life, liberty, and security of the members of the media with the PCOO co-chairing the Task Force with the Department of Justice.

The other officials who joined Andanar in the PCOO Roadshow were Philippine Information Agency Director General Harold Clavite and Deputy Director-General Gregorio Angelo Villar.

The roadshow held in this city was the second to be held in the country. The first was on Jan. 15 in Davao City.

The PCOO is conducting roadshows all over the country focusing on its current programs as well to provide easily accessible information about the national government programs, projects and services to the public. (PNA)

x x x x x

Police, Lobregat initiate rehab 

program for drug surrenderees

 The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) is conducting citywide campaign encouraging drug surrenderees to avail of the Project Healing in Oneness and Policing through Education (Project HOPE) to start a new life.

Initiated by the ZCPO, Project HOPE is a community-based rehabilitation program that includes the conduct of skills training for the eventual employment of the drug surrenderees.

Senior Supt. Luisito Magnaye, ZCPO director, said an initial batch of 1,000 drug surrenderees could avail of the Project HOPE program.

Magnaye said that first district Rep. Celso Lobregat had sourced out Php 6 million funding from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the implementation of the program.

“We admit that illegal drugs is one of the serious problems in the city, we have to address this, in the manner that while the police continues to implement “Oplan Tokhang,” I also do my part to assist in rehabilitating those users and pushers for them not to go back anymore in their vices,” Lobregat said.

Magnaye said the drug surrenderees could avail of DOLE’s Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantage (TUPAD) program for temporary employment. TUPAD’s program budget is Php3 million.

He said the DSWD had also allocated Php 3 million for the drug surrenderees to avail of the agency’s Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

Lobregat said he would continue to look for funding for rehabilitation program in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against illegal drugs and to assist the local police in their drug rehabilitation efforts. (PNA)

x x x x x

San Roque open

recreation park

A recreational park  opened  on Saturday, January 28, in one of the barangays in the west coast area of this city.

The park, known as the Bog Lake Recreation Park, is located in Barangay San Roque.

Its opening is expected to provide a nature-based recreation park for the residents of this city.

San Roque Barangay Chairman Joselito Macrohon said that they have allocated PHP 1 million to improve the park.

Macrohon said the park will serve as an economic enterprise of San Roque. It will be managed by the San Roque barangay council.

The amenities of the park include the following: zip line; boating; mini zoo; tree house; play ground; zorb ball; water walking ball; cottages; horse riding; fishing; fish feeding; and floating cottage.

A drone is also available for rent for visitors who want to document their visit at the park.

Macrohon said entry and use of amenities in the park on Saturday is free of charge on Saturday since it is the opening day.

He said that initially, the park would be opened to the public from Friday to Sunday.

Later on, the park would be opened from Monday to Sunday.

Macrohon said they have come up with the project to provide the opportunity to the people to enjoy nature while bonding with family members. (PNA)

x x x x

President Duterte to MNLF, MILF: Do

 not provide sanctuary to terrorists
By Noel Y. Punzalan

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has urged both the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) not to provide sanctuary to perceived terrorists to keep the peace in Mindanao.

The President made the call in Camp  Siongco, Maguindanao,  Friday following a closed door meeting with military officials assigned at various parts of the island-region.

“We are facing a more dangerous enemy, I am referring to the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), but I am more worried with (suspicious–looking) Islamic scholars wandering around here (nowadays),” the President said as he addressed men of this camp, which is the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID).

He assured the 6ID men that he is with them all the way in the fight against the enemies of the state.

“We are facing a serious problem so let us not wait,” he said.

President Duterte said he recognizes the fact that the Moro people were the first settlers of Mindanao but urged Muslim brothers to just talk peace and make necessary adjustments.

“It is because if we would not covert Mindanao into a federal state, walang katapusan ito (there won't be an end to this),” he stressed.

Mr. Duterte noted that if the economy of Mindanao, wh suffers from being the breadbasket of the country as brought about by threats of terrorism, then the problem should be faced head-on.

“I still want peace. I want to talk, but if extremism persists, wala na ako magagawa (I cannot do anything), he said.

The Chief Executive then added, "Nakikiusap po ako sa (I appeal to) MILF at (and) MNLF not to provide sanctuary to these terrorists kasi hinahanap namin sila dahil may atraso sila (we are hunting them because they have committed crimes).”

The President then warned the two Moro fronts against welcoming members of the Maute terror group into their camps as he would be forced to order the military to enter their encampments.

“I have so much to give but wag nyo akong pigain because I do not own the government. I am guided by the will of the majority in the government,” he said.

While here, the President also awarded 12 soldiers wounded in a day-long gun battle with armed men in the interiors of Ampatuan town on Thursday, particularly in Barangays Salman and Saniag, in search for Ampatuan Mayor Rasul Sangki.

Sangki is included in Malacañang's list of politicians allegedly involved in trafficking of the illegal drug methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu."

The soldiers bestowed by the President with wounded personnel awards were Ssgts. Manuel Asania and Arvin Esperanza; Sgts. Elmer Pelle and Leonardo Remulta; Cpl. Raffy Matingkal; Pfc. Jerusel Castaneda; and Pvts. Alden Cahoy, Eldie Mallorca, Erwin Mistoso, Harold John Dionisio, Cresaldy Coronado and Vincent John Gregorio.

Apart from terrorism, the Duterte administration is also committed to clearing the country of illegal drugs. (PNA)

x x x x x

Troops arrest ASG 

sub-leader in Zambo

Joint police and military operatives arrested Friday a sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) facing 87 counts of kidnapping charges in this city.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the arrested ASG bandit as Faizal Jaafar, who carries the aliases of Jaafar Mundi, Abu Jaafar, Abu Aren, Abu Ben and Abu Raba.

Beltran said Jaafar was arrested around 12:30 a.m. in Barangay Cawit, some 13.35 kilometers west of City Hall.

Beltran said Jaafar was arrested in a law enforcement operation by way of serving warrant of arrest for the crime of 87-count kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Beltran said Jaafar was involved in the 2001 kidnapping of 21 people, mostly Europeans, in Sipadan, Malaysia.

He said that Jaafar has also standing warrants of arrest for murder and illegal possession of firearms, issued by the courts of Isabela City, Basilan and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, respectively.

He said Jaafar was placed under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-9 (CIDG-9).

Beltran lauded and commended the operating police and military units for a job well done and for their utmost efforts that resulted to the arrest of Jaafar.

He urged the general public to continue to support and cooperate with the police by providing timely and relevant information on any wanted person and terrorist who may be hiding in their respective places.

“Report any suspicious persons to the nearest police station or to PRO-9 Hotline 0917-577-19-97,” he added. (PNA)

x x x x x

Police nab KFRG man

in Zamboanga del Sur

 Government intelligence operatives have arrested a member of a kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, a top police official announced Friday.

Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre, Zamboanga del Sur police director, identified the arrested KFRG member as Benhar Abdusalam, who carries the aliases of Jaylene, Helen, and Rajak.

Ecaldre said Abdusalam is a member of the Zamboanga Sibugay-based Abdusalam criminal group that is engaged in kidnapping for ransom, extortion and other criminal activities.

Ecaldre said Abdusalam was arrested around 10 a.m. Thursday at the municipal gymnasium of Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur.

He said Abdusalam is facing charges for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 12 in this city.

Abdusalam, according to Ecaldre, is listed as number 12 in the Abdusalam criminal group and has a standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

He said Abdusalam was taken to the Region Intelligence Unit-9 headquarters in this city. (PNA)

x x x x x

Shipping firm, bus company ink 

passenger service agreement

Two firms of public conveyances have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Thursday to hasten the travel of people from key cities of the country to provinces here in Region 9.

The signatories of the agreement were Jojo Dabi, 2Go Travel area manager for passage; and Noel Fuentes, Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI)-Zamboanga branch manager.

The MOA signing was held at the local Philippine Ports authority (PPA) office.

Stipulated in the MOA is that starting next month, RTMI buses would directly fetch passengers of arriving 2Go vessels from the local wharf to their destination in the nearby provinces.

The MOA initially covers RTMI buses coming from this city bound for Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte; Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; and, Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur.

Dabi said they have come up with the scheme to provide comfort and convenience to the passengers of 2Go vessel bound to the provinces.

The vessel of 2Go Travel arrives in this city every Tuesday, coming from Manila via Dumaguete City.

The maximum capacity of the vessel is 1,900 passengers.

Arriving passengers bound to the provinces would have to ride a passenger jeep or tricycle from downtown to the Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) in Barangay Divisoria, some six kilometers east of the city proper, to take the bus bound for nearby provinces.

Oftentimes, passengers from provinces are victimized by city tricycle drivers who charges exorbitant fare that reach more than PhP 1,000 especially if they are bringing many baggage.

Such malpractice of unscrupulous tricycle drivers would be minimized, if not eliminated, Dabi assured.

He said passengers bound to the provinces will be notified that a bus would fetch them from the port upon boarding the vessel from its point of origin bound to this city.

"There will be no extra charges," he stressed.

Fuentes, after signing the MOA, said it is a welcome development not only for the RTMI but also for the riding public.

Engr. Liberto Dela Rosa, PPA general manager, has assured that they would provide a bus holding area at the local port.

Dela Rosa said his office would issue permit to operate inside the port to RTMI buses that will fetch passengers from the vessel of 2Go Travel. (PNA)

xx x x x

Lamitan City eyes 

airport construction 

The city government in Lamitan  is set to undertake a gargantuan project that would boost local economic development as well as that of the entire province.

Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay announced Thursday they have tapped the expertise of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ (CAAP) consultant and an airfield developer to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of an airport in this city.

Furigay said the feasibility study would also determine the cost of the airport project that could accommodate smaller and medium-size passenger planes.

Furigay said the stretch of the runway of the airport they envisioned to be constructed would range from 1.2 to 1.4 kilometers in length.

He said the city government led by his wife-mayor, Rosita, have identified the border of barangays of Buahan, Calugusan, and Luksumbang as the airport site.

Furigay said the owners of the lands in the three barangays are willing to allow the construction of the airport.

He said the construction of an airport in this city would lure businessmen to pour investment in this province.

He said the airport, once completed, would hasten the shipment of fresh local agriculture and marine products to supermarkets in key cities of the country. (PNA)

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Shooting Incidents on the rise

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31 front items zampen jan 2017

Shooting incidents

in the rise-  police 

City Police Director Sr. Supt Luisito Magnaye of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) reports  on increasing cases of shooting incidents during the month of January 2017 in this city .

Magnaye compared  the crime statistics  from the year 2015 with a number of 12 cases of shooting incidents;  seven (7) in 2016 and eight (8)  for the current year 2017.

These shooting incidents occurred in separated places in the city  Magnaye said.

These places include  Curuan, Siramonon Island, Sta. Catalina, Recodo, Lunzuran and Tetuan .

As this developed, Magnaye   has intensified police visibility, police patrols and more checkpoints  in the city .

Magnaye said that  as off presstime  the number of shooting incidents for January alone has  already increased and  reached to 8 cases as compared in the previous year 2016.

 In term of crime statistics compared this month of January alone shooting incidents now are eight , “ Magnaye said.

As this developed, the police  motorcycle tandem can now be seen on streets as part of the visibility patrols.

It will be recalled that Mayor Maria Isabelle C. Climaco Salazar issued single motorcycles to the local police force  to augment the police visibility patrol on streets . ( Letty M. Militante )  

x x x x x

Council Oks P1M donation

for Cagayan flood victimd

The City Council passed and approved a resolution granting one million pesos (php 1,000.000.00)  as cash donation to Cagayan de Oro recently affected by heavy flooding  that resulted to damages to property and  the like.

Councilor Teodiver Arquiza who sponsored said resolution recalled that Cagayan de Oro was also the first city  to assisted  the city government  last  2013 Zamboanga City Siege.

Cagayan de Oro  that was   recently affected by  heavy flash floods  is now under the State of Calamity .

Reports revealed that  cars submerged  in Cagayab de Oro last January 16, 2017 during the heavy rainfalls that  affected  thousands of commuters , including students and malls goers who were stranded by the chest deep flood waters in low lying areas.

Aside from the stranded commuters, there were hundreds of vehicles stuck in many flooded streets  causing  massive traffic jams.

 Furthermore, landslide has also been reported  along the city’s west district  and half of the city has no electricity .

This as , the power firm has cut the power supply distribution in flooded areas for safety measures.  (Letty M. Militante)

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Andanar leads PCO 

Roadshow in Zambo

Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Sec. Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar spearheaded on Saturday the conduct of the PCO Roadshow in this city.

Andanar said the roadshow was aimed to update local stakeholders from different sectors on areas of national interest.

Among the issues that were tackled during the roadshow was the Freedom of Information, its accomplishments and challenges with Lawyer Kris Ablan, PCO Assistant secretary, as the resources speaker.

The other topics that were discussed included the New Media Communications for Participatory Governance by Princess Pebbles Duque and Carlos Munda; Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN 2017 by the Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ma. Hellen De La Vega; and, Administrative Order No. 1 and the Protection of Journalists by Undersecretary Jose Joel Sy Egco, executive director, Presidential Task Force on Media Security.

Administrative Order No. 1 was the first order the President signed on Oct. 11, 2016, creating the Presidential Task Force on violations of the right to life, liberty, and security of the members of the media with the PCOO co-chairing the Task Force with the Department of Justice.

The other officials who joined Andanar in the PCOO Roadshow were Philippine Information Agency Director General Harold Clavite and Deputy Director-General Gregorio Angelo Villar.

The roadshow held in this city was the second to be held in the country. The first was on Jan. 15 in Davao City.

The PCOO is conducting roadshows all over the country focusing on its current programs as well to provide easily accessible information about the national government programs, projects and services to the public. (PNA)

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Police, Lobregat initiate rehab 

program for drug surrenderees

 The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) is conducting citywide campaign encouraging drug surrenderees to avail of the Project Healing in Oneness and Policing through Education (Project HOPE) to start a new life.

Initiated by the ZCPO, Project HOPE is a community-based rehabilitation program that includes the conduct of skills training for the eventual employment of the drug surrenderees.

Senior Supt. Luisito Magnaye, ZCPO director, said an initial batch of 1,000 drug surrenderees could avail of the Project HOPE program.

Magnaye said that first district Rep. Celso Lobregat had sourced out Php 6 million funding from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the implementation of the program.

“We admit that illegal drugs is one of the serious problems in the city, we have to address this, in the manner that while the police continues to implement “Oplan Tokhang,” I also do my part to assist in rehabilitating those users and pushers for them not to go back anymore in their vices,” Lobregat said.

Magnaye said the drug surrenderees could avail of DOLE’s Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantage (TUPAD) program for temporary employment. TUPAD’s program budget is Php3 million.

He said the DSWD had also allocated Php 3 million for the drug surrenderees to avail of the agency’s Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

Lobregat said he would continue to look for funding for rehabilitation program in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against illegal drugs and to assist the local police in their drug rehabilitation efforts. (PNA)

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San Roque open

recreation park

A recreational park  opened  on Saturday, January 28, in one of the barangays in the west coast area of this city.

The park, known as the Bog Lake Recreation Park, is located in Barangay San Roque.

Its opening is expected to provide a nature-based recreation park for the residents of this city.

San Roque Barangay Chairman Joselito Macrohon said that they have allocated PHP 1 million to improve the park.

Macrohon said the park will serve as an economic enterprise of San Roque. It will be managed by the San Roque barangay council.

The amenities of the park include the following: zip line; boating; mini zoo; tree house; play ground; zorb ball; water walking ball; cottages; horse riding; fishing; fish feeding; and floating cottage.

A drone is also available for rent for visitors who want to document their visit at the park.

Macrohon said entry and use of amenities in the park on Saturday is free of charge on Saturday since it is the opening day.

He said that initially, the park would be opened to the public from Friday to Sunday.

Later on, the park would be opened from Monday to Sunday.

Macrohon said they have come up with the project to provide the opportunity to the people to enjoy nature while bonding with family members. (PNA)

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President Duterte to MNLF, MILF: Do

 not provide sanctuary to terrorists
By Noel Y. Punzalan

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has urged both the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) not to provide sanctuary to perceived terrorists to keep the peace in Mindanao.

The President made the call in Camp  Siongco, Maguindanao,  Friday following a closed door meeting with military officials assigned at various parts of the island-region.

“We are facing a more dangerous enemy, I am referring to the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), but I am more worried with (suspicious–looking) Islamic scholars wandering around here (nowadays),” the President said as he addressed men of this camp, which is the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID).

He assured the 6ID men that he is with them all the way in the fight against the enemies of the state.

“We are facing a serious problem so let us not wait,” he said.

President Duterte said he recognizes the fact that the Moro people were the first settlers of Mindanao but urged Muslim brothers to just talk peace and make necessary adjustments.

“It is because if we would not covert Mindanao into a federal state, walang katapusan ito (there won't be an end to this),” he stressed.

Mr. Duterte noted that if the economy of Mindanao, wh suffers from being the breadbasket of the country as brought about by threats of terrorism, then the problem should be faced head-on.

“I still want peace. I want to talk, but if extremism persists, wala na ako magagawa (I cannot do anything), he said.

The Chief Executive then added, "Nakikiusap po ako sa (I appeal to) MILF at (and) MNLF not to provide sanctuary to these terrorists kasi hinahanap namin sila dahil may atraso sila (we are hunting them because they have committed crimes).”

The President then warned the two Moro fronts against welcoming members of the Maute terror group into their camps as he would be forced to order the military to enter their encampments.

“I have so much to give but wag nyo akong pigain because I do not own the government. I am guided by the will of the majority in the government,” he said.

While here, the President also awarded 12 soldiers wounded in a day-long gun battle with armed men in the interiors of Ampatuan town on Thursday, particularly in Barangays Salman and Saniag, in search for Ampatuan Mayor Rasul Sangki.

Sangki is included in Malacañang's list of politicians allegedly involved in trafficking of the illegal drug methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu."

The soldiers bestowed by the President with wounded personnel awards were Ssgts. Manuel Asania and Arvin Esperanza; Sgts. Elmer Pelle and Leonardo Remulta; Cpl. Raffy Matingkal; Pfc. Jerusel Castaneda; and Pvts. Alden Cahoy, Eldie Mallorca, Erwin Mistoso, Harold John Dionisio, Cresaldy Coronado and Vincent John Gregorio.

Apart from terrorism, the Duterte administration is also committed to clearing the country of illegal drugs. (PNA)

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Troops arrest ASG 

sub-leader in Zambo

Joint police and military operatives arrested Friday a sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) facing 87 counts of kidnapping charges in this city.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the arrested ASG bandit as Faizal Jaafar, who carries the aliases of Jaafar Mundi, Abu Jaafar, Abu Aren, Abu Ben and Abu Raba.

Beltran said Jaafar was arrested around 12:30 a.m. in Barangay Cawit, some 13.35 kilometers west of City Hall.

Beltran said Jaafar was arrested in a law enforcement operation by way of serving warrant of arrest for the crime of 87-count kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Beltran said Jaafar was involved in the 2001 kidnapping of 21 people, mostly Europeans, in Sipadan, Malaysia.

He said that Jaafar has also standing warrants of arrest for murder and illegal possession of firearms, issued by the courts of Isabela City, Basilan and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, respectively.

He said Jaafar was placed under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-9 (CIDG-9).

Beltran lauded and commended the operating police and military units for a job well done and for their utmost efforts that resulted to the arrest of Jaafar.

He urged the general public to continue to support and cooperate with the police by providing timely and relevant information on any wanted person and terrorist who may be hiding in their respective places.

“Report any suspicious persons to the nearest police station or to PRO-9 Hotline 0917-577-19-97,” he added. (PNA)

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Police nab KFRG man

in Zamboanga del Sur

 Government intelligence operatives have arrested a member of a kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, a top police official announced Friday.

Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre, Zamboanga del Sur police director, identified the arrested KFRG member as Benhar Abdusalam, who carries the aliases of Jaylene, Helen, and Rajak.

Ecaldre said Abdusalam is a member of the Zamboanga Sibugay-based Abdusalam criminal group that is engaged in kidnapping for ransom, extortion and other criminal activities.

Ecaldre said Abdusalam was arrested around 10 a.m. Thursday at the municipal gymnasium of Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur.

He said Abdusalam is facing charges for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 12 in this city.

Abdusalam, according to Ecaldre, is listed as number 12 in the Abdusalam criminal group and has a standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

He said Abdusalam was taken to the Region Intelligence Unit-9 headquarters in this city. (PNA)

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Shipping firm, bus company ink 

passenger service agreement

Two firms of public conveyances have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Thursday to hasten the travel of people from key cities of the country to provinces here in Region 9.

The signatories of the agreement were Jojo Dabi, 2Go Travel area manager for passage; and Noel Fuentes, Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI)-Zamboanga branch manager.

The MOA signing was held at the local Philippine Ports authority (PPA) office.

Stipulated in the MOA is that starting next month, RTMI buses would directly fetch passengers of arriving 2Go vessels from the local wharf to their destination in the nearby provinces.

The MOA initially covers RTMI buses coming from this city bound for Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte; Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; and, Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur.

Dabi said they have come up with the scheme to provide comfort and convenience to the passengers of 2Go vessel bound to the provinces.

The vessel of 2Go Travel arrives in this city every Tuesday, coming from Manila via Dumaguete City.

The maximum capacity of the vessel is 1,900 passengers.

Arriving passengers bound to the provinces would have to ride a passenger jeep or tricycle from downtown to the Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) in Barangay Divisoria, some six kilometers east of the city proper, to take the bus bound for nearby provinces.

Oftentimes, passengers from provinces are victimized by city tricycle drivers who charges exorbitant fare that reach more than PhP 1,000 especially if they are bringing many baggage.

Such malpractice of unscrupulous tricycle drivers would be minimized, if not eliminated, Dabi assured.

He said passengers bound to the provinces will be notified that a bus would fetch them from the port upon boarding the vessel from its point of origin bound to this city.

"There will be no extra charges," he stressed.

Fuentes, after signing the MOA, said it is a welcome development not only for the RTMI but also for the riding public.

Engr. Liberto Dela Rosa, PPA general manager, has assured that they would provide a bus holding area at the local port.

Dela Rosa said his office would issue permit to operate inside the port to RTMI buses that will fetch passengers from the vessel of 2Go Travel. (PNA)

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Lamitan City eyes 

airport construction 

The city government in Lamitan  is set to undertake a gargantuan project that would boost local economic development as well as that of the entire province.

Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay announced Thursday they have tapped the expertise of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ (CAAP) consultant and an airfield developer to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of an airport in this city.

Furigay said the feasibility study would also determine the cost of the airport project that could accommodate smaller and medium-size passenger planes.

Furigay said the stretch of the runway of the airport they envisioned to be constructed would range from 1.2 to 1.4 kilometers in length.

He said the city government led by his wife-mayor, Rosita, have identified the border of barangays of Buahan, Calugusan, and Luksumbang as the airport site.

Furigay said the owners of the lands in the three barangays are willing to allow the construction of the airport.

He said the construction of an airport in this city would lure businessmen to pour investment in this province.

He said the airport, once completed, would hasten the shipment of fresh local agriculture and marine products to supermarkets in key cities of the country. (PNA)

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