Chavacano de Zamboanga Junto con Felino - Part 1

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As of Janaury 23, 2018

City Council approves

Anti-smoking ordinance

By Letty M. Militante

A new anti smoking ordinance will soon be in place to implement the ban, that is already covered by an executive order emanating from Malacanang.

The City Council already passed and approved the anti -smoking during  its maiden session last January 16, 2018.

Vice Mayor Cesar Itturalde said that the proposed and already approved ordinance can only be implemented after   this will be published in the local dailies  and this will take effect 15 days there after.

It will be recalled that the city council passed and approved an ordinance on smoking .  But, this time the ordinance in line with the President. Rodrigo Duterte  on smoking law  will have stiffer fines and penalties for violators .

The ordinance now prohibits several public places  on smoking  to include among  others like business establishments. ()

Grandstand rehab

 now at 58 percent

Work for the rehabilitation of the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorail Complex or Grandstand in Baliwasan Seaside  is now about 68 perent completed.

Work in the grandstand is being supervised by expoerts of a

German firm that provided millions of pesos woth of surface materials for the oval and playing fields

A greater part of the Grandstand particularly its playground was destroyed when it was occupied by war victims of the Sept 2016 rebel attack in shorelinebarangays in the city.

These war victims have been resettled to other areas. (Letty M. Miltante)

P32-M school building

project inaugurated

Preparations are underway to seek funds from the national government for the construction of additional school building for the Zamboanga City National High School (ZCNHS)-West.

First District Representative Celso Lobregat made the announcement as he and Department of Education (DepEd) officials on Friday led the inauguration of the PhP32 million four-storey 20-classroom building at the ZCNHS-West.

Lobregat said the funding he would seek from the national government was to finance the construction of a another building that would consist of four-storey eight-classroom edifice.

He said the building to be constructed would replace the old one-storey building of the ZCNHS-West.

“I am also making a representation to ask funds from the national government for the construction of another four-storey eight-classroom building, which will replace the existing one-storey building. We will demolish the old one and replace it with parallel building with the existing four-storey 20-classroom (building) now in place,” he said.

Another building consisting of four-storey 24-classroom is under construction and is set to be completed within this quarter. It is located just beside the four-storey 20-classroom building inaugurated Friday.

The ZCNHS-West, which has a student population of 7,273, will no longer hold classes on shifting schedules since they now have 68 classrooms.

ZCNHS-West Principal Pilar Gregorio, on behalf of the teachers and students, thanked Lobregat for giving attention to their request for additional school building.

“Congressman Lobregat is very true to his advocacy in giving priority projects to education, we are grateful for this gift he gave us because this is the solution to the congestion problem in our school,” Gregorio said.

Lobregat said he gave priority to education since it was the solution to minimize if not eradicate poverty.

“My responsibility is to create an environment, to make it easier for the teacher to teach and for students to learn,” he said.

Dr. Felix Romy Triambulo, city schools division superintendent, joined Lobregat in the inauguration of the four-storey 20-classroon school building.

The activity was witnessed by the faculty members, students and barangay officials of Baliwasan, where the ZCNHS-West was located. (PNA)

No bombings/kidnappings

in Zambo for since 2016

The city of Zamboanga has registered zero cases of bombings and. Kidnapping fpor the years 2016 anf 2017.

In her Stateof the City Address (SOCA) City Mayor Maira Isabelle C.Climaco Salazar disclosed that there was no reports of any bombings as well as kidnapping incidents in the city.

It will be recalled that the city of Zamboanga had been in the lime light because of bombings and kidnaping incidents in previous years, particularly the rebel attack in this city last September 9, 2013.

Climaco Salazar said that implementation of the no id no entry policy declared along with  martial law in the entire Mindanao sealed all entry and exit points in the city.

As this developed Climaco Saalzar said that she wants a long term solution to the peace and order problem  in the city .(Letty M. Miliatnte)

DOLE adopts online

SPES applicants list

 Preparations are underway for the implementation of online registration of applicants in the government’s Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) here in Region 9.

Ofelia Domingo, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional director, told the Philippine News Agency that the online registration would be implemented starting this month.

Domingo said they were in the process of constructing a website where SPES applicants could register.

Domingo said the system, once in place, would hasten the registration and lessen the expenses of the applicants.

“The office will have a data bank of SPES workers. They will only have to submit their documents once and spend less for transportation because they can follow-up online, and an identification card will also be generated for them,” she explained.

She said there would be no more long queue of applicants for SPES which entailed efforts and expenses.

Each of the students employed through the SPES receives PhP296 daily based on the minimum wage law for Region 9. The duration of employment ranges from 30 to 78 days.

The employer shoulders 60 percent of the employees’ salary while the remaining 40 percent by DOLE.

Starting last year, SPES workers received their salary through money transfer making it convenient both for the employers and employees.

SPES is an employment bridging program during Summer or Christmas Vacation that aims to augment the family’s income of poor but deserving students, out-of-school youths (OSYs) or dependents of displaced workers who intend to finish their education. (PNA)

2 Indonesians

released in Sulu

Two Indonesians were released late Friday by the Abu Sayyaf in the island province of Sulu, the military reported Saturday.

Released were La Utu Bin La Raali and La Hadi La Edi, both skippers of Malaysia-registered fishing boats.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits seized the victims on November 5, 2016 between Pegasus Reef and Kuala Kinabatangan near the municipality of Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi.

The military said the two Indonesians were taken to the residence of former Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, Sr. by a concerned citizen around 7:30 p.m. Friday in Barangay Asturias, Jolo town.

After providing them food and other personal needs, Tan notified Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander.

They were brought to the headquarters of Joint Task Force Sulu where they had undergone medical examination.

The Abu Sayyaf Group is still holding nine people captive that include three Indonesians, one Vietnamese, one Dutch and four Filipinos.

Government troops continue to scour the hinterlands of Sulu in a bid to locate and rescue the hostages. (PNA)

Gunmen kill barangay

exec in Isabela City

Police are investigating the killing of a barangay official who recently joined the administration’s political party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

Isabela City Police chief, Supt. Restituto Pangusban, identified the victim as Kaddam Ismael, 61, who succumbed to a lone gunshot wound and died instantly.

Ismael was the barangay chairperson of Kapayawan, Isabela City, Basilan province at the time of his death.

Pangusban said Ismael was shot dead along the highway in Barangay Lumbang, Isabela City at about 6:10 p.m. Thursday.

He said the slain barangay official was onboard a motorcycle driven by his son on the way home when he was shot by one of two motorcycle-riding men.

Ismael had just arrived from Manila as he was among the 40 barangay chairpersons of Isabela City who took their oaths as members of PDP-Laban on Wednesday.

Pangusban said Ismael’s son was unscathed during the incident.

The suspects, whose motorcycle bore no registered plate number, sped towards the municipality of Maluso.

Recovered from the crime scene was an empty shell of a caliber .45 pistol. (PNA)

PDEA dismantles drug

den; seizes P115-K shabu

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested seven high-value target (HVT) personalities as they dismantled a drug den in an anti-illegal drugs operation in this city, an official said Friday.

PDEA Regional Director Lyndon Aspacio said the drug den's dismantling occurred following a buy-bust operation in Barangay Camino Nuevo, this city at about 5:45 p.m. Thursday.

Aspacio identified the arrested HVT persons as Jeanifer Mondares, 32; Paulita Tubil, 43; Rodrigo Tubil, 32; Raymond Farallon, 42; Mark Albia, 26; Abdel Alamia, 41; and Bobby Tubil, 30.

He disclosed that another HVT drug personality identified as Robert Berdin was able to elude arrest.

Aspacio said the arresting team confiscated from the suspects 23 grams of suspected shabu packed in one self-sealing transparent plastic sachet worth PHP115,000, PHP500 marked money, and several illegal drug paraphernalia.

The buy-bust operation was launched after days of surveillance on the illegal drug trade activity of the suspects, he added.

He said cases of violations of Section 5 (Selling of Illegal Drugs), Section 6 (Maintenance of Den, Dive or Resort), Section 7 (Employees and Visitors of Den, Dive or Resort), Section 11 (Possession of Illegal Drugs), Section 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia), Section 13 (Possession of Illegal Drugs during Parties), and Section 14 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia during Parties), and Section 26 (Attempt or Conspiracy) of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed in court against the suspects. (PNA)

MILF ‘platoon’ leader

arrested in anti-drug ops

Anti-illegal drugs operatives of the police have arrested an alleged “platoon” leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a buy-bust operation in Zamboanga del Sur, an official disclosed Thursday.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the arrested suspect as Askim Andam, 23, of Payong, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.

Galvez said Andam was arrested at around 1 p.m. Wednesday at Highway Aide Compound, Barangay Banale, Pagadian City.

Galvez said Andam was a platoon leader of the 105th Base Command, Central Mindanao Front, MILF “based on his admission and confiscated identification card.”

She said confiscated from the suspect were four plastic sachets of suspected shabu and PhP300 “marked money” consisting of three PhP100 bills.

She said the suspect was detained at the headquarters of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) while appropriate charges were to be filed against him. (PNA)

Westmincom neutralizes

352 Abu Sayyaf bandits

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) announced they have achieved substantial accomplishment in its fight against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in 2017.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Westmincom information officer, made this announcement Thursday during the command’s first press conference for the year, saying 352 ASG members were neutralized from January 1 to December 31, 2017.

Of the total, 128 Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while 80 were apprehended, and 144 surrendered in the Western Mindanao area.

Petinglay said most of those who surrendered numbering to 70 were from Basilan, 53 from Sulu, and 21 in Tawi-Tawi.

The troops also recovered and seized 223 firearms in 2017 from the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

“Substantial results were achieved through the intensified conduct of combat, intelligence, and civil-military operations launched by the Joint Task Forces within their respective joint area of operations,” she said.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Westmincom chief, said the Joint Task Forces Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi would sustain the conduct of focused military operations to defeat the ASG and other threat groups in their area of operations.

The other threat groups within the area of responsibility of Westmincom included the New People’s Army in Zamboanga Peninsula and Central Mindanao as well as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) also in Central Mindanao aside from the ASG.

Two members of the ASG were neutralized since January 1 until Thursday this year in Western Mindanao area.

One of the two surrendered to the Joint Task Force Basilan while the other was apprehended in Zamboanga City. (PNA)

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DOLE records 229 labor

law violations in Region

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The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has recorded 229 violations of labor law in 2017 here in Region 9.

DOLE Regional Director Ofelia Domingo on Monday disclosed the violations included non-payment of overtime pay and allowance and non-remittance of Social Security System, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth contributions.

Domingo did not reveal the names of violators except that they included shopping mall, restaurants, and offices.

She said they have already issued compliance order to the 177 of the 229 establishments while the remaining 52 are still for review and hearing.

For this year, Domingo said the target goal of her office is to inspect 1,497 establishments in the region.

Domingo’s office has 17 Labor Law Compliance Officers (LLCOs), who resumed inspection of establishments on January 8.

Among the requirements the LLCOs check whether the establishments pay the minimum wage, benefits and overtime to their workers and the workplace as well as equipment.

“We have to see to it that the workers are healthy, safe, and they are given the right wage and benefits,” she stressed.

She said they will also focus on the occupational safety and health to prevent incidents such as fire incident at the NCCC mall in Davao City. (PNA)

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Police arrest Abu Sayyaf

member in Zamboanga

·                         

Police arrested an alleged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member charged for eight counts of kidnapping at the historical Plaza Pershing in this city, an official said Wednesday.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the arrested suspect as Puyat Saiyadi, 45, who carries the aliases of Abubakar Diniri, Isikandar Saiyadi and Puyat Talib Saiyadi, of the island town of Patah, Sulu.

Beltran said Saiyadi was arrested by plainclothesmen and warrant servers of the Police Station 4 around 10 a.m. Wednesday at Plaza Pershing along I. Magno Street, downtown this city.

Beltran said Saiyadi had a standing warrant of arrest for eight counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention issued by the court in Basilan with no recommended bail.

He said the arrested suspect was involved in the June 11, 2001 kidnapping of workers at the Golden Harvest Plantation in Barangay Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan province.

The ASG is responsible for terror attacks in the country, and has carried out bombings, kidnappings, extortion, and assassination. (PNA)

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PRRD funds P260-M

projects in Sibugay

Gov. Wilter Palma has doubled his efforts to foster economic growth as he expressed gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for funding the concreting of two farm-to-market road projects worth PhP260 million.

The road projects with a total length of 20.55 kilometers are located in the nearby towns of Payao and Titay.

Palma is looking forward for the completion of the two projects.

The projects are part of President Duterte’s thrust “build, build, build” and funded through the Conditional Matching Grant Project (CMGP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“My main objective is to improve the way of life of my people, especially the farmers. It would be easier for them to deliver the agricultural products if they have a good access road,” Palma on Tuesday said.

Records from the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) showed that most of those who will benefit from the projects in the towns of Payao and Titay are poor farmers.

The concreting of the farm-to-market road in Payao town is the longest among the two projects with a length of 15.22 kilometers worth PHP186.5 million traversing seven barangays - Guintolan, Balungisan, San Isidro, Bulacan, Katipunan, Kulisap, and Poblacion.

Payao is a third class town which comprises of 29 barangays with a population of 31,686, mostly farmers and fisher folks.

A coastal town in the first district, the municipal waters of Payao is rich in marine resources like bangus, prawn, shrimps, seaweed, shellfish, abalone, sea cucumber and first class fish of different species.

The second farm-to-market road project has a length of 5.34 kilometers worth PHP73.5 million traverses the barangays of San Antonio, Dalisay, and Pulidan in Titay municipality.

Titay which comprises of 30 barangays is known as one of the province’ rice granary. The town is within the second district of this province.

Christopher Lazo, head of the provincial engineer’s office, said the contractors were speeding up the concreting of the two farm-to-market road projects owing to unpredictable weather condition.

“Unpredictable weather is making difficult to the contractors as they worry that heavy downpour will delay the on-going concreting works,” Lazo said.

But Lazo is confident they will be able to complete the projects as scheduled, which is on the second quarter of this year.

Palma said the completion of the farm-to-market road concreting would spur economic development in the towns of Payao and Titay as well as in the nearby areas.

Last year, Palma embarked on poverty alleviation program for sustainablel livelihood after the completion of the PhP87.6 million farm-to-market road concreting that traversed the barangays of Lutiman, Concepcion, and Kawayanin in Alicia municipality.

The project was implemented through the Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan ang Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang kaunlaran (KALSADA) of the DILG. (PNA)

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Bike-riding gunmen

kill barangay official

The police are conducting an in-depth investigation to unmask and arrest the three gunmen behind the killing of a barangay official in Zamboanga del Sur.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the victim as Jerry Mendoza Geromo, 40, the barangay chair of Miligan, Molave town.

Galvez said Geromo was shot at around 2:15 p.m. Monday in Purok Ferry, Barangay Miligan. The victim died an hour later while under medical treatment.

She said Geromo was overseeing the transport of a truck-load of sand when three gunmen aboard two motorcycles arrived.

She said the back rider of one of the two motorcycles pulled a gun and repeatedly shot Geromo, who was seated in his motorcycle, just as they stopped just beside the victim.

She said the triggerman fired his caliber .45 pistol thrice as they fled from the crime scene.

She said that all possible motives were being looked into in a bid to establish the identities and to arrest the suspects behind the incident. (PNA)

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DOLE to regularize

300K temps this year

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is looking to regularize some 300,000 contractual workers in 2018.

With this, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has directed regional offices to require all business establishments in the country to submit a list of their employees and the nature of their employment as well as program of regularization.

“I have instructed our Undersecretary for Labor Relations to order all our regional offices to require all business establishments throughout the country to submit a list of their employees and the nature of their employment. At the same time, they must submit a program of regularization,” he said in a statement Wednesday.

“Through our intensified labor inspections and voluntary regularization of collaborating establishments, we are expecting more workers to enjoy stable employment status. As President Duterte has committed, we are pursuing the campaign to stop this pernicious practice with more vigor,” the DOLE chief furthered.

At present, there are 541 Labor Laws Compliance Officers (LLCOs) who conduct assessment and inspection of around 937,554 small, medium and big business establishments in the country.

There were also 55 social partners comprised of 45 labor groups, five employers’ groups, and five other organizations who were trained on Labor Laws and Social Legislation.

Meanwhile, Bello said that President Rodrigo Duterte would issue “any time soon” an executive order (EO) that would broaden the prohibition of labor contracting in a wide range of industries and enterprises across the country.

“We are waiting for the meeting of the labor sector with the President anytime this week or next week. During that meeting, we are expecting the President to sign an Executive Order regarding the issue of contractualization,” he said.

Bello added that the EO, which was drafted by labor groups, was also approved by companies.

“The EO was concurred to by management groups. So, maganda ito,” he said. (PNA)

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Energy Chief underscores smart

energy use for better savings

·                           

Buying fuel-efficient vehicles and choosing household appliances with excellent energy efficiency ratings are some of the smart energy utilization tips and strategies which Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi shared recently to save on energy costs.

 “I’d like to emphasize the concept of smart energy utilization so consumers can save on energy costs based on strategies already laid down by the government,” he said.

 Among the strategies being referred to by the secretary is the use by consumers of the Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) in the purchase and the proper use of energy efficient appliances.

 The yellow/energy labels on common household appliances show its energy efficiency ratings and should be used by consumers as a guide in purchasing said items, the secretary explained.

 Consumers should also turn off and unplug unused appliances to avoid electricity wastages, and regularly clean light bulbs, refrigerator, television, electric fan and air conditioner can save power, the energy chief said.

 In view of the effects on oil and vehicle prices of the Tax Reform of Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN), Cusi urged consumers to be more rational in choosing vehicles to buy and their fuel purchases.

 Planning trips and properly maintaining vehicles will also save consumers money while prolonging the service life of their rides, Cusi added.

 The DOE also offered the following tips: gas up wisely by using quality and clean fuels and by not filling fuel tank up to the brim and tighten gas cap to avoid spillage; avoid overloading; accelerate with care and anticipate stops; avoid idling of vehicles; shift gears sensibly and pick a lane and stay on it; use windows and air-conditioning wisely; keep the music volume down or turn off other unused and fancy car accessories; check tires regularly; change oil and oil filters; and ensure regular and proper maintenance of the vehicles.

 For those planning to buy new vehicles, DOE said consumers should go for fuel economy.

 According to DOE’s data, a liter of diesel saved reduces emission of about 2.7 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2), while a liter of gasoline saved would be equivalent to 2.3 kilograms of CO2 release avoided.

 “It is the benefit for the consumers that is my primary concern,” Cusi concluded. (EDT/CAL/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur/DOE press release)

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Support to fisherfolks, farmers

ensure food security in Basilan

 By   Rene V. Carbayas

·                         

Food security remains to be one of the top concerns of the provincial government of Basilan.

As an island province surrounded by bodies of water, the island is blessed with natural resources both on land and seas. However, recent developments reveal that climate change, population explosion, and the ongoing industrialization and technological development have depleted much of the earth’s natural resources. And this has also affected the island.

 Production and domestication of food is threatened by strong winds, typhoons, flooding, and landslides because of extreme weather events brought about by climate change, which is also attributed to increased human activity.

 According to recent reports, aside from facing an uphill battle in terms of agricultural and fisheries production, the Philippines is also suffering from natural-resources depletion and is struggling to contain the rapid rate of biodiversity loss.

 Forest degradation caused by destructive human activities, including irresponsible agriculture, mining, logging, timber poaching and wildlife trafficking remained a big challenge for the local government.

 Somehow, the presence of militant and rebels in the hinterlands may have slowed down the loss of forest and other natural resources. Unfortunately, these bandits have also engaged in illegal logging as an extra source of livelihood.

 What future this situation holds to the economy of Basilan remains uncertain.

 However, hope looms when Basilan Governor Jim Hataman committed to take concrete steps to address the impending food crisis. Hataman saw the need to engage all stakeholders of the fishery and aquatic resources and provide all the necessary support that these sectors need and enjoined all local chief executives and government agencies to help.

 The Provincial Government of Basilan through the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)–ARMM provided continues livelihood support to fisherfolks and farmers in the province.

 Governor Jim Hataman Salliman with BFAR-ARMM has recently turned-over some 101 fiberglass motorized banca at the village of Balas, Lamitan City. An initial capital of P5,000 was also given to the beneficiaries.

 The first batch of 100 motorized banca was released during the First Basilan Fisheries and Aquaculture Summit in September last year. It can be recalled that during the said summit BFAR National Director Eduardo Gongona promised to support the fisheries sector in the province through the provincial government.

 Meanwhile, Lamitan City Mayor Rose Furigay together with Miss Olivia Ablao, head of City Agriculture’s Office, distributed fishing paraphernalia to 43 beneficiaries and sets of garden tools and sprayers to 23 farmers, as part of the 20% Agriculture Banner Program of the City Government of Lamitan. 

These were only some of the many engagements of the provincial government and local government units. Aside from providing livelihood support to agriculture and fisheries sectors, the province also pushes for the strict implementation of environmental laws to curb illegal fishing and logging. The provincial government also strongly encouraged municipalities and cities to maintain cleanliness and order in their respective communities with the “paglisin sin kauman project”.

 The ‘paglisin sin kauman’ or the community clean-up drive is the government’s way of reminding the public that each and everyone has a role in taking care of the entire ecosystem of Basilan.

 Providing livelihood support is one of the government interventions to address poverty experienced by the farmers and fisheries sectors today in the province. The government is also pursuing to educate the public in environment conservation and protection. All these are expected to contribute to the improvement of fisheries and aquatic resources in the hope that sufficient supply and harvest will ensure food security and sustainability in Basilan. (EDT/RVC/PIA9-Basilan) 

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NBI to submit initial result  

probe on Dengvaxia mess

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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to submit the initial results of its ongoing probe on the controversial PHP3.5 billion dengue immunization program of the Department of Health (DOH), Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Wednesday. 

Aguirre earlier issued Department Order (DO) No, 763, which directed NBI to conduct investigation and case build-up over the alleged danger to public health arising from the said program of the Department of Health and French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur.

“I was told yesterday (Tuesday) that they are going to submit to me the initial results of their investigation,” Aguirre told reporters after the groundbreaking of the DOJ Administration Building in Manila.

Apart from this, Aguirre also issued DO No. 792 which ordered the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) to provide free legal assistance to the families of all victims who received Dengvaxia shots.

Both the NBI and the PAO are attached agencies under the Department of Justice (DOJ).

On Monday, PAO Chief Persida Acosta said they were waiting for the autopsy results of the victims who died after they were given Dengvaxia shots.

Acosta said these results were essential to determine the officials liable for the controversial PHP3.5-billion dengue vaccine project of the Department of Health (DOH).

Among the more than a hundred requests, Acosta said the PAO forensics team had autopsied seven children who died after being vaccinated with Dengvaxia.

In the meantime, Acosta refused to reveal whom her office intends to sue regarding the Dengvaxia issue.

Acosta explained the PAO is focused on the civil, criminal, and administrative aspects of the case, while, the NBI is conducting its own probe to determine who should be held liable for graft and plunder.

The DOH said around 10 percent of the over 700,000 school children who received the shots were at risk to a "severe" case of the disease, prompting DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III to order the suspension of the vaccination program pending recommendation from WHO experts.

Sanofi Pasteur recently issued an advisory to the public that its product Dengvaxia is effective for people who have had dengue prior to immunization. But it puts at risk those who have not contracted dengue to a “severe” case of the disease. (PNA)

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Peace-Order Council tackles intensified security efforts

The City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) chaired by Mayor Beng Climaco  discussed Wednesday the need to further intensify security efforts to thwart any and all threats from lawless elements, even as it commended current endeavors of security forces.

Mayor Climaco said security forces to include the police, military and other law enforcement agencies have done a great job of ensuring the safety and security of the city and the residents with zero kidnapping and zero bombing and reduced crime rate in 2017. The other day, joint operatives from the police and military captured a suspected bomb maker and thwarted what could have been another violent incident in the city.

Based on the reports City Police Director PSSupt. Neri Ignacio and Task Force Zamboanga Chief Col. Leonel Nicolas, the authorities have not monitored any particular group that have direct impact in the city’s security.

Through a resolution, authored by Col. Nicolas, the police and the TFZ will augment security forces at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) considering that the port is a very crucial entry point to Zamboanga City.

The CPOC members believe that stronger collaboration between and among all law enforcement agencies is very vital in deterring lawlessness.

The CPOC also tackled the 2017 accomplishments and 2018 plans of the Zamboanga City Police Office, TFZ, Bureau of Jail Management, Bureau of Fire Protection, PPA, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Zamboanga, Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) under Dr. Elmeir Apolinario is also set to conduct a road safety summit in March to address issues related to the increase in road accidents in the city and the region.

On the other hand, City Prosecutor Ricardo Cabaron said the campaign against illegal drugs should continue unabated given that the crime incidents in the city are mostly drug-related. (Sheila Covarrubias)

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BoC names new district collector in Zamboanga

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) has assigned a new district collector of the agency in this city.

Named as the new district collector is Lawyer Jesus Balmores, who is set to arrive here on Monday, January 15, according to OIC-District Collector Darwisa Schuck.

Schuck will serve as the acting deputy district collector for operations with the appointment of Balmores as the new district collector.

Schuck said the appointment of Balmores was penned by BoC Commission Isidro Lapeña, who visited this city on Wednesday.

Balmores was previously assigned with the office of the deputy commissioner for intelligence.

Meanwhile, Schuck said Lapeña has warned to remove BoC employees in cahoots with smugglers.
She said Lapeña has ordered them to curb smuggling in this city. (PNA)

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2 ASGs arrested

at shopping mall

The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested two suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) at a shopping mall in this city, a top police official said Saturday.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the arrested suspects as Emran Ismael, who carries the aliases of Bantong Basintin and Bantong Basiri; and, Bryan Mohammad alias Pojong Attiun.

Beltran said they were arrested at around 9:15 p.m. Friday at a shopping mall on La Purisima Street, Barangay Zone III.

He said the suspects have standing warrants of arrest for the crime of seven-count kidnapping and serious illegal detention penalized under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.

He said the court of Isabela City, Basilan did not recommend bail for the temporarily release of the suspects.

He said the suspects were involved in the kidnapping of seven workers of the Golden Harvest Plantation in Barangay Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan, on June 11, 2001.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits executed by beheading some of the hostages while the others have either escaped or rescued by pursuing military troops.

Beltran said the suspects were positively identified by two witnesses who are under the witness protection and security benefit program of the Department of Justice (DOJ). (PNA)

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‘Vinta’ destroys P32.35-M agri-fishery products in Zamboanga

The Office of the City Agriculture has reported that 951.2 hectares of agricultural and fishery areas with an estimated PHP32.35 million worth of products were destroyed by Tropical Storm Vinta in this city.

Several areas in the Zamboanga region were affected by storm that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Dec. 22, 2017.

City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat stated in a report to Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar that 710 local farmers were affected by the storm.

Palacat said 224 of the 710 were rice and crop farmers covering 193.2 hectares of farmlands in the barangays of Vitali, Mangusu, Licomo, and Tictapul.

He said the remaining 486 were fishpond and seaweed farmers from the barangays of Licomo, Tictapul, Vitali, Limaong, and Taguite with reported fishery damages in more than 758 hectares.

He said assistance will be provided to the affected farmers to help them recoup their losses.

Socorro Rojas, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) reported that six barangays in the second congressional district were affected, with 763 families consisting of 3,850 individuals displaced.

The second congressional district is locally known as the east coast of this city.

CSWDO records showed that at least 12 houses were washed out by the flash floods while 24 were partially damaged. (PNA)

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NFA suspends rice

distribution in City

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The National Food Authority (NFA) has temporarily suspended the release of rice allocation to local NFA retailers for the past three weeks now due to limited supply.
NFA Provincial Manager Nieves Toca on Friday disclosed they have limited stocks due to the delay of rice importation by the government.
Toca said they only have 5,000 bags of 50 kilos each at the NFA warehouse and these are reserved to be used in case of calamity by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government.
Toca, however, said they don’t foresee any rice shortage since the NFA only supplies 10 percent of the market demand while the 90 percent by the traders.
She said there are 300 accredited NFA outlets covering the 98 barangays of this city.
She said they will resume the distribution of rice to the accredited retailers once they will have sufficient stocks.
She said they have received at least 18,330 bags of Vietnam rice coming from Cagayan de Oro City. The unloading of rice from the boat completed Friday.
She said they are also scheduled to received next month a total of 220,000 bags of rice from the NFA central office purposely for this city. (PNA)

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2 nabbed in Zambo anti-drug operation; P265k shabu seized

Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have arrested two suspected drug pushers and seized PhP265,000 worth of illegal drugs in a buy-bust operation in this city, a PDEA official announced Friday.

PDEA Regional Director Lyndon Aspacio identified the arrested suspects as Dilbert Yabo, 39, a tricycle driver; and, Federico Deles, 55, a janitor.

Aspacio said they were arrested after they sold one heat-sealed plastic sachet of suspected shabu to an undercover PDEA agent at around 5:40 p.m. Thursday on Calle Junk, Barangay Camino Nuevo, this city.

He said the buy-bust operation was carried out following days of surveillance on the illegal drug trade activity of the suspects.

He said confiscated from the suspects were 53 grams of shabu packed in a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet worth PhP265,000; one bundle of boodle money made to appear as PhP100,000 topped with one genuine PhP1,000 bill utilized as buy-bust money; and, a plastic bag.

He said a case for violation of Section 5 (Selling of Illegal Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the suspects.

They were detained at the PDEA headquarters in this city. (PNA)

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‘Vinta’ affects sardine

production: BFAR

The Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) sees a decline in sardine production as an aftermath of Tropical Storm “Vinta” that recently hit the region.

This apprehension was shared by BFAR Assistant Regional Director Al-Zath Kunting during the 2020 Roadmap Shark Utilization Round Table discussion on Thursday in Zamboanga City citing the main source of of food of the fish has been destroyed by flood and landslide brought about by the onslaught of the storm.

Kunting said the massive flood that hit the coastal towns of Sibuco, Sirawai, Siocon and Gutalac in Zamboanga del Norte has destroyed the breeding area of fish and habitat.

Data gathered by BFAR showed that the coast of the four towns including Baliguian municipality, an adjacent town of Siocon, are the main source of fish locally known as “tamban.”

Tamban (Herring) is the main raw fish for sardine-making here in Region 9.

There are 12 canning factories based in Zamboanga City and seven bottled-sardine producers in Dipolog City.

Region 9, aside from being the main source of sardine, is also the main producer of Spanish sardines in the country. (PNA)

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2 perish in Siocon fire

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A retired public school teacher and her teenage granddaughter perished in an hour-long fire in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, police reported Thursday.

Senior Supt. Raul Tacaca, Zamboanga del Norte police director, identified the fatalities as Martina Toledo, 71, and Marcelle Abby Toledo, 15, a grade nine student.

Tacaca said the fire broke out at around 11:20 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Poblacion, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

He said the elder Toledo and her granddaughter were trapped in the house that caught fire.

The case investigator said the possible cause of the fire was an unattended candle since there was total blackout at the time of the incident.

Aside from two dead, the fire has damaged PhP200,000 worth of properties. (PNA)

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BFAR also closes sardine

Fishing season in ARMM

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 The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BFAR-ARMM), for the seventh consecutive year, is imposing a three-month closed season for sardine fishing in the area.

Jerusalem Abdulahim, BFAR-ARMM Fisheries Regulatory and Law Enforcement Division chief, on Wednesday said in a statement that the fishing ban covered the Basilan Strait and the Sulu Sea.

Abdulahim said the annual fishing ban, which ran from December 1 to March 1, is implemented to give time for sardine or “tamban” to spawn.

Abdulahim said the ban also included the selling, buying and possessing of sardines caught within the conservation area.

He said the vessels of BFAR-ARMM would patrol the seas in the island provinces, specifically Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, to ensure compliance of the closed season for sardine fishing.

He said violators of the fishing ban would be penalized with confiscation of catch and gear, and an administrative fine equivalent to five times the value of the catch, or a penalty ranging from PhP50,000 for small-scale commercial fishing, to PhP5 million for large-scale commercial fishing as specified under Section 86 of the Republic Act 10654.

R. A 10654 prevents, deters and eliminates illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, amending R.A. 8550, otherwise known as “the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998,” and for other purposes.

Abdulahim said some of the fishing firms affected by the fishing ban had scheduled renovation of their ships during the period with fishing ship workers still being compensated.

ARMM has produced 1,311.9 metric tons of “tamban” in the third quarter of 2017 based on the data provided by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). (PNA)

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COMELEC to conduct public

hearings on No-EL in Mindanao

The Commission on Elections is set to conduct public hearings on the matter of postponing the May 14, 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in Mindanao for the purpose of giving all interested parties equal opportunity to be heard, in light of Resolution No. 13 of both Houses of Congress to extend Martial Law in said region for a period of one year.

The COMELEC en Banc, through Minute Resolution No. 17-0743, has set two dates in separate cities for the public hearings: on January 22, 2018 in 700 Gov. Carmins Avenue, Zamboanga City, and on January 29, 2018 at the Alnor Hotel and Convention Center, Alnor Commercial Center, Cotabato City.

The Resolution further resolves to give due notification to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National Youth Commission (NYC) , Liga ng mga Barangay, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and accredited Citizens’ Arms.

The Commission is also looking to conduct a third public hearing in Cagayan de Oro City.

Pursuant to Section 5, Article 1 of the Omnibus Election Code, the COMELEC may motu propio postpone elections in a particular location, after due notice and hearing therein, when the holding of free, orderly and honest elections should become impossible due to any serious cause such as violence, terrorism, loss or destruction of election paraphernalia or records, force majeure, and other analogous causes of such nature. (COMELEC)

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