Renewals of Business 

Permits starts January, 

The City Permit and Licensing Division (CPLD) will start  the renewal of   Business Permit for the year 2017 on January 2-20, 2017.

 The plan to renew business permits at the fourth quarter of the year did nonmaterial.

 In previous hers the renewal of business permits start by the last quarter of the year.

But this time, the process will start by It will be recalled that during the past years the CPLD started to receive the renewal o Business Permit  during  the end of the 4^th quarter of each year .

  But, this time the renewal will start by the first Monday of January, 2017.

 This renewal is expected to be speedy because of the establishment of the  so –called “Business One Stop Shop or BOSS “  composing the different concerned  government  agencies that will stay in one place to make it more comfortable and faster to the licensees.

 Furthermore , this is also to complete the preparations next year for the BOSS following the Executive Order No. 225, Series of 2016.

Under the  BOSS the procedure wil be simplified as the renewal of business permits will consists mostly in the payment of licenses fees and compliance with requirements.

Those  applying for new Business Permit (New)  will have to pass the various verification processes  and the payment of license fees. . (Letty M. Militante )

Lobregat doubts construction of 

impounding dam due high costs

Congressman Celso L. Lobregat of District I   doubts plans for the  Zamboanga City

Water District (ZCWD)   as well as the City Government of Zamboanga to put up  an “Impounding Dam “  as this  will  cost  billions of pesos .

 Lobregat told newsmen that   an impounding dam will cost about $ 600 millions or about Php 30 Billion.

“The Zamboanga City Water District  can not do this, “ Lobregat said . adding that “bien alto gayot  el costs.”

 According to Lobregat,even with the help of the city government still it can not be realized  for the Php 30 billion costs .

 Lobregat said that there should be a “pre-feasiblity studies “ and it needs big funds for  the conduct of surveys.

 That, the feasibilities studies alone , it will already cost some Php 50  million and funds surveys about Php  30 million .

 As this developed, Lobregat also said that there was a resolution filed urging National Economic Development  Authority (  NEDA ) to support  ZCWD for  the impounding program including  national funding  of the government  in the barangays of  Tumaga , Manicahan and  Limpapa. (Letty M. Militante )

Pres. Duterte to impose 2-bodyguard

 limit per politician starting next year

– Politicians with bunch of security escorts will have to be contented with only two bodyguards starting next year.

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday that he will impose next year a two-bodyguard limit for every politician, particularly at the local government level.

”Next year I will impose the two limit. Two security officers and the rest will go back and that’s what I said,” President Rodrigo Duterte said in his speech during the awarding of the 2016 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organization Overseas at Malacanang Palace.

”That’s why you saw people running that you cannot imagine a mayor who moves like a swagger, like a tough guy and when I gave the warning, you surrender or I will kill you within 24 hours, they went to Crame perspiring and sweating all over,” he added.

Earlier, President Duterte said he will revive the implementation of the Alunan doctrine, referring to the “Oplan Pag-lalansag” initiated by former Local Government Secretary Rafael Alunan III who served under former President Fidel V. Ramos.

Under the Alunan doctrine, local officials will be arrested if they have more than three bodyguards.

”Do you know these politicians they have an Army escort of two and then a police, so nobody would touch them,” the President said.

”Every time they go to places people would know that there is an idiot there pretending to be a big one when he is not. He wants his presence felt by the crowd. Rides on a plane with arms. Well, not in my term,” he warned.

The President said when he was mayor of Davao City, he used to patrol the city without bodyguard.

”I have been mayor of Davao City. I do not even appear on national TV. I find it corny and makatindig balahibo (goose bumps),” the President said. (PNA)
RMA/JFM

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 AFP Modernization not taking the 

backseat in Duterte administration

With the country undergoing a massive campaign to eliminating the illegal drugs menace, criminality and corruption, the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not taking a backseat amidst these initiatives as the six-month administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has given the green-light for the construction and acquisition of the nation's first two missile-armed frigates.

Contract signing for this project took place last Oct. 24. The winning bidder is South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana formally inked the contract for the project as principal signatory along with ranking officials and delegates from HHI.

Signing took place at the Philippine Navy (PN)'s headquarters in Naval Station Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

The project involves the construction and delivery of two missile-firing frigates to the PN.

The signing of the contract signals the start of the construction and is the culmination of the long and tedious procurement process for the project.

As background, the Notice of Award was approved, issued and was duly conformed by HHI on Sept. 13 with the amount of US$ 336,912,000 or PHP15,744,571,584.

Another PHP2 billion was also allocated for the acquisition of assorted anti-air, anti-sub, and anti-surface weapon platforms and munitions for the two frigates.

Lorenzana said the project is of utter significance to the DND and to the PN, in particular. It is the single most expensive modernization project signed by the Duterte administration as of this time.

Signing of the missile-firing frigate contract demonstrates the willingness of the Duterte administration to go ahead with projects started by its predecessors provided no evidence of anomalies are unearthed or discovered.

The DND chief earlier said the AFP Modernization Program remains a priority of the new defense leadership.

This is because the program jibes with the Duterte administration's plan of having a credible deterrence to secure Philippine territory especially the maritime ones.

"In the long run we will still follow our modernization because you know it jibes with what our long term plans (of) having credible deterrence to secure our territory (especially the) maritime plan," he said.

And while some projects may be fast-tracked to address criminality, terrorism, and insurgency threats in southern Philippines, Lorenzana said they will follow the plans laid for the AFP Modernization Program.

"The 15-year modernization program of the AFP will continue as scheduled," he earlier stated.

Some of the equipment acquired in this period include the three Hamilton-class cutters, the latest of which is the BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17) who arrived last Dec.9, six multi-purpose assault craft, 114 armored personnel carriers, three brand-new C-295 medium lift aircraft, three C-130 heavy transports, four FA-50PH light-interim fighter aircraft, the last two jets arriving last Dec. 1; five utility versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopters, eight of its attack versions, five landing craft heavies, three multi-purpose attack craft, and two strategic sealift vessels to name a few.

As this develops, plans to acquire modern weapons from other countries like Russia and the People's Republic of China are now in the works as ranking DND officials are coordinating with their counterparts to see what types of equipment can be sourced from these two countries.

Lorenzana said he is scheduled to meet with ranking Chinese officials to discuss China's firearms offer to the country.

These officials are Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jinhua and the Chinese Defense attache.

Lorenzana said the meeting is to determine what type of firearms China is willing to provide to the country

"If its already available, we will look into it and see if we need it," he added.

The DND chief also said he sees no problem for Filipino troops in handling Chinese firearms especially if it etched with Chinese characters.

"(Firearms are) mechanical. One doesn't need to read the guide to operate it. All you have to do it operate it manually. That will not be a problem," he said.

With regards to quality, the DND chief said they will know it once they see the weapons first hand.

The DND chief also said they are gearing to acquire sniper rifles from Russia.

This was based on the orders by President Rodrigo Duterte, he added.

"The President told us to look into the sniper rifles being produced by Russia as these are good. Although we are still to see anything yet, they (Russians) will show us some models for testing to (determine whether are suitable for our needs)," Lorenzana said in Filipino.

Earlier, DND undersecretary for finance, munition, materiel Raymund DV Elefante said the country is open to acquire weapons of all kind from Russia but said these are dependent on the nation's capabilities to handle these equipment.

Capabilities refer to the funding and manpower capable of handling these weapons.

"It depends. As long (as) we have capabilities (i.e funds and manpower) but this is still a long-term (plan)," he added.

Elefante made this statement when asked if the Philippines is interested in acquiring attack helicopters, diesel electric submarines and fighter jets from Russia aside from small arms like the AK-47 automatic rifle and longe-range sniper rifles.

Aside from upgrading the AFP, the Duterte administration also made significant headway in bringing peace to the countryside due to ongoing peace talks with the New People's Army (NPA).

Armed confrontation between the AFP and the NPA finally ceased after PRRD restored the declaration of ceasefire on Aug. 21 after lifting it noting violations from the rebel group.

President Duterte's gesture in restoring the erstwhile unilateral ceasefire declaration effectively reimposed the suspension of military operations earlier issued by the AFP to its field units.

Further, peace-building efforts were exerted to ensure that line units are aware of the advocacy of the Commander-in-Chief, including the dissemination of the proposed reconstituted JASIG (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees) list and the release of detained alleged political prisoners.

The original JASIG list was meant to identify communist members who will figure in the peace negotiations with the CPP-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front) and will aid in the implementation of the ceasefire with the rebels.

On the other hand, the AFP attended the workshop of the combined Secretariat of the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Davao City on Aug. 28.

The workshop reviewed the signed agreements/guidelines of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities that will aid refresh talks with the MILF as well as the Moro National Liberation Front to come up with a more inclusive peace plan.

In the ongoing war against illegal drugs, the military's participation in the campaign was propelled by the signing of the Joint Letter of Instruction on Aug. 24, prescribing the mission, concept, and tasks of the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the war on drugs.

It also activated on July 24 with the PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other law enforcement agencies also activated Task Force Noah mandated to conduct intelligence and counterintelligence operations.

These inter-agency efforts enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the steps taken to implement President Duterte's order to end the proliferation and use of illegal drugs in the country.

To manifest its adherence to the campaign, the AFP conducted random drug testing within its ranks.

Through Task Groups Jacob, Midas, Joshua, and Salamander, the AFP conducted random drug tests on 19,163 military and civilian personnel, allowing the identification of 44 individuals who tested positive to the use of certain illegal drugs.

With the purpose to establish a drug-free country leading towards a peaceful and secure environment conducive for sustainable development, the AFP also supported the implementation of "Oplan Tokhang" of the PNP through the conduct of 169 anti-illegal drugs operations, resulting to the arrest and apprehension of 191, surrender of 689, and killing of eight drug suspects.

Meanwhile, three AFP personnel offered their lives in this campaign while five others were wounded during the joint operations with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency against the group of Moks Masgal in Barangay Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato in Aug. 14.

The AFP opened its camps to host the rehabilitation facilities for drug dependents. The Philippine Army committed areas in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal; Camp Alfredo Santos in Calauag, Quezon; Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz; Camp Kibaritan in Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Camp Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato; Camp Paulino Santos in Alamada, North Cotabato; and the 401st Brigade Headquarters in Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur.

The construction of the drug rehabilitation facility in Fort Ramon Magsaysay on a 10-hectare land in Nueva Ecija is nearing completion. The project, a joint venture of the Department of Health and the Army Real Estate Office, is expected to accommodate around 1,200 individuals. (PNA)
LGI/PFN

Duterte vows stronger family planning anti poverty measure  President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he will be instituting a stronger family planning policy in order to reduce poverty and uplift the country’s economic growth. In his speech before members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) prior to the command’s Christmas boodle fight, the President said that he does not want a quarrel with the church but a smaller family is needed to cope up with present realities. “Every time I go to other countries like Indonesia and Singapore, and you can see the progress of the country, I get misty-eyed when I think of my country. Why is it that up to now, we are still like an airplane ready for takeoff but has no lift?” he said. “We are not really taking off. I really do not know. Maybe it’s sheer population, talagang marami lang. And, of course, I do not want a quarrel with the church, but I will be ordering a stronger measure this time for family planning,” Duterte said. The Philippines has an estimated population of almost 103 million with an annual growth rate of 1.54 percent. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there are three babies born every minute throughout the country, or around 1.7 million additional Filipinos per year. The PSA also reported that for 2015, the Philippines has a poverty incidence of 21.6 percent, with 8.1 percent living below the poverty line. “Maawa ako sa tao, sobra-sobrang...hindi mo mapapa-aral. We really need to have to do some programming and just say to the people: two or three (children) that is enough,” the President said. Duterte has been pushing for an aggressive implementation of the country's family planning law to push his economic growth agenda even before he was sworn in as President of the Republic. Congress passed the "Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012” despite strong opposition from the church. Republic Act No. 10354 was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on December 21, 2012 but its full implementation was suspended by the Supreme Court. In 2015, the High Court stopped the Department of Health’s program for the distribution and sale of contraceptive implants that can prevent pregnancies for up to three years. Under the same ruling, the SC also barred the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from "granting any and all pending application for reproductive products and supplies, including contraceptive drugs and devices." The Commission on Population (PopCom) had warned that as result of the prohibition on the FDA almost 90 percent of contraceptive brands will no longer be available by 2018, unless the TRO is lifted. This, according to PopCom, would render the RH Law ineffective. Meanwhile, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that full implementation of the RH Law would help accelerate the government’s program for poverty reduction in the country. Last October, NEDA Director General Ernesto M. Pernia said that in order to achieve a 17-percent poverty incidence by the end of the term of President Duterte, “it will have to be a combination of strong economic growth, lots of jobs, complemented by the full implementation of the RH law so that the poor are able to limit and/or space their child bearing.” “Limiting the number of children to three per family is the desire of many Filipino couples. This also helps keep them from poverty,” Pernia said. (PNA)		==============
ACE Medical Center to open  branch in Zamboanga City The Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center, a fast-growing chain of hospitals, is opening up a branch to provide quality medical services in this city and to the nearby provinces. Dr. Amado Enriquez, ACE Medical Group president, said that entry of ACE Medical Center is to provide opportunity to medical specialists to serve their native place. “What is happening now is that after the doctors undergo specialization in Manila, they stay there because the facilities where they can practice are there,” Enriquez explained. Enriquez said the opening of the ACE Medical Center-Zamboanga would provide the needed facilities for medical specialists to serve their town mates. “We will bring back the specialists to their localities,” Enriquez stressed. He said the opening of the ACE Medical Center - Zamboanga would also provide the residents the opportunity of availing services of medical specialists and to lessen the lack of good and fully equipped hospitals. He said the standards of the World Health Organization is one bed for every 500 Filipinos “but what is happening now is one bed is to 1,000 Filipinos.” He said the benefits that ACE Medical Center - Zamboanga would grant to their clients will be honored by ACE sister hospitals in other parts of the country. The ACE Medical Center operates hospitals in Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Pateros, and in Subic. Here in Mindanao, ACE Medical Centers will be established in the cities of Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog and General Santos aside from Zamboanga City. The ACE Medical Center that would be opened at Barangay Tetuan here is a one - basement, eight - storey fully equipped hospital to be manned by medical specialists. Enriquez and Engr. Ibrahim Nuño, president of the Metro Stonerich Corporation, on Sunday led the signing of the construction contract in this city. Nuño said the construction of the ACE Medical Center would commence on January 9, 2017 and expected for completion within a 10-month period although the contract is 18 months since the laying of the foundation has been completed. (PNA)

Zambo OCVet intensifies 

monitoring of meat sales

 The Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet) has intensified its monitoring to ensure that meat products sold in the markets and meat shops are safe for human consumption.

Dr. Portia Quintas, OCVet chief for veterinary inspection services, on Monday said they intensified the monitoring since there is an increased in demand of meat products brought about by the yuletide season.

Quintas disclosed they have so far confiscated 102 kilograms of hot meat from various meat outlets since December 1 in this city.

Of the total, Quintas said 17 kilograms were roasted meat or “lechon” while the rest are raw meat.

“Hot meat is dangerous since there is the possibility it has prognostic diseases which might be transferred to humans,” Quintas said.

She advised the public to ensure the meat products they buy has meat inspection certificate.

The certificate is a proof the meat is clean and slaughtered in licensed slaughterhouses.

She said the meat is fresh when it is colored pinkish to red and without foul odor.

She discourages the public from buying meat products from peddlers since these did not pass sanitary inspection.

She said the public may slaughtered animals in their backyard provided it is for the consumption of the family and not to be sold.

She meat products sold in markets and meat houses are safe for consumption since it is regularly inspected by OCVet meat inspectors. (PNA)

Zambo Sibugay places 7 inundated 

villages under the state of calamity

The Zamboanga Sibugay provincial government on Monday placed under the state of calamity seven of the 27 barangays in the nearby town of Buug.

The seven barangays were inundated by flood brought about by three-day continuous heavy downpour spawned by inclement weather condition that hit the municipality over the weekend.

Governor Wilter Palma on Monday said that the flood had damaged hundreds of hectares of agricultural crops in Buug.

Placed under the state of calamity with the concurrence of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan were the villages of Talamimi; Talairan; Labrador; Poblacion; Manlin; Pulog; and, Pamintayan.

Palma said the seven barangays were isolated since the bridge along the Pamintayan provincial road had collapsed due to the flood.

The provincial road serves as the main access of the seven affected barangays to the town proper of Buug.

Palma said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has yet to assess the worth of properties and agricultural crops damaged during the flood.

The declaration of the state of calamity enables the local government to impose price ceiling on basic commodities based on Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.

The declaration also enables the local government to reprogram funds for repair and safety upgrading of public infrastructures and the granting of no-interest loans by government financing or lending institutions. (PNA)

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Zamboanga  eyes P20 million take                                                                        In integrated bus terminal  income

The city government anticipated  to earn PHP20 million annually from the operations of the newly-completed Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT).

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, OIC-city administrator, talked about this estimated collection during the Dec 10 opening of the IBT for public use..
The IBT is located in Barangay Divisoria, 6.40 kilometers east of City Hall. It will cater to five bus firms serving this city to the nearby provinces and as far as Cagayan de Oro City.
Apolinario said the IBT, which is one of this city’s economic enterprises, will earn revenues through collections of terminal fee, parking fee and rentals of food concessionaires.
He said the terminal fee is PHP15 for adult and PHP10 for child. The parking fee is PHP75 for big buses and PHP50 for small buses.
The rental of food concessionaires ranges from PHP5,000 to PHP6,000 monthly. Soon, the 1.5-hectare vacant lot at the IBT will be leased out.
The other amenities of the IBT include five comfort stations; a breastfeeding room; a clinic; an administration office with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras; a scanner machine for security purposes; and, 19 stalls occupied by business concessionaires to cater to the needs of passengers.(ZNS)

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ZCCI sees traffic woes as

similar to those in Manila

The President of the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) forsees traffic problems in this city similar to those in Metro Manila.

Chamber President Pocholo Soliven said traffic flow in the city are aggravating day by day with no solution in sight.

Talks about opening roads in the city with hundreds of millions of pesos appropriated  for the projects remain talks as the funds for these projects remain deposited in banks.

Soliven said the local government should now start to look for solutions to these traffic congestions in the city, particularly during rush hours of the day.

He said that while the opening of malls in the city indicate progress and development in the city, the local government appears to be slow in ancitipating and finding solutions to the growing traffic congestion in the city.

Local residents said that no one, if any, in the city council or the city government, have come up with proposals to add more roads to provide alternate routes for vehicules entering and leaving the city proper.

Aside from the traffic problem brought about by people converging in malls and business establishments, Soliven said city leaders should also anticipate power problems and the peace and order as well as the rising criminality in zamboanga. (ZNS)

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French power firm plans 300 MG 

solar Zamboecozone power farm 

A French investors plans to establish a solar power plant or farm at the Zamboecozone are that could produce some 300 megawatts or more than what the city power consumer can use in years to come.

The company identified as Ecoglobal will establish the solar farm inside the Ecozone to produce electricity for local use.

This development was announced by City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar during the Christmas party she hosted for the barrio officials   the other day.

On the other hand Jean Phillip Henry, Chief Executive Office of Ecoglobal assured that power farm can produce 300 megawatts of electricity within five years.

Initially, the solar power farm will produce about 30 megawatts by about March next year.

Henry said the proposed solar plant planned for Zamboanga will be the biggest in the entire country.

He admitted that his company has long planned to establish the farm in this city but has taken the official move only this time after the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) rescinded its contract with the management of a proposed coal fired power plants in the Ecozone.

Incidentally , the recently conclude World Summit on Climate Change has denounced the use of coal fired power plants as the emissions pollute the environment.

Meantime, Ecozone Chairman Christopher Arnuco confirmed that Ecoglobal is now a locator at the Ecozone.

The company will lease 200 hectares for the solar power farm but initially, the company will use only 60 hectares for the project.

The Board of Directors of the Ecozone has already approved the project that will have an initial invest of 42 million dollars. (zns)

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Climaco, Iturralde thumps

down mandatory drug test

Both City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar and Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde are against plans or suggestiong to subject or require city government employees and officials as well as those in the barangays to submit to mandatory drug testing to weed out drug addicts in the service.

The mayor said mandatory drug testing is a violation of the human rights of citizens.

In the same manner, she said she does not want the local government to violate the human rights of city residents.

On the other hand, the vice mayor shares this opinion of the mayor against mandatory drug testing.

Their reactions came about after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) suggested that the city council approve an ordinance mandating mandatory drug testing for local government and barrio officials. (ZNS)

Senatorial bet wants to                                                                                    pursue claims to Sabah
A senatorial candidate of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) led by the Binay-Honasan tandem stressed Muslims in the Philippines are Filipinos and for the longest time already they have no representation in the Senate.
Princess Jaycel Kiram said this has prompted her to aspire for a seat in the Senate and if elected, she would want to pursue claims to Sabah which she said has been the cause of conflicts in Mindanao through Malaysia.
She believes all insurgent groups in Mindanao are being funded by Malaysia with the end in view of prolonging the conflict and for the country to lose focus in its claim to Sabah.
According to Kiram, until today, Malaysia is paying rent to the Sultanate of Sulu, which is enough proof that they, who are Filipinos, own the territory.
Kiram said no less than 72 billion dollars is the projected income of Sabah from oil, gas and other natural resources, and the sad part is that the Philippines does not benefit from it.
With such a huge amount of income, the government of Malaysia is subsidizing the basic needs of its people, from food, electric consumption, gasoline, and other related expenses.
If such claim is decided in favor of the country, no Filipino will live in hunger, she said, as this can subsidize the more than 100 Filipinos with one sack of rice monthly.
Kiram pointed out this is not a personal fight of the Sultanate of Sulu but for every Filipino to claim jurisdiction and ownership of Sabah.
She said she is saddened by the fact that the Philippines’ claim to Sabah has not been pursued. (PNA)
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2 killed, 6 wounded in ‘one-big-                                                                                                                         time’ operation in Zam Sibugay

Two people were killed while six others, including a policeman, were wounded in a shootout in a “one-time-big-time (OTBT)” operation in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, the police reported Tuesday.
At the same time, the police have arrested one person and seized seven high-powered firearms with ammunition during the operation.
Supt. William Gadayan, Zamboanga Sibugay Public Safety Company (PPSC) chief, said the OTBT operation was conducted around 3:50 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Poblacion, Talusan municipality.
Talusan is one of the three municipalities in Olutanga Island. The other two towns are Mabuhay and Olutanga.
Gadayan, who spearheaded the operation, said the shootout ensued after some of the subjects of the search warrants they served opened fire prompting the policemen to return fire.
Gadayan identified those killed in the shootout as Edris Mohammad, former barangay councilor of Poblacion, and Basilisa Llanos, who were among the subject of search warrants.
Gadayan identified the wounded policeman as PO2 Noriel Laureta, who is assigned with the PPSC.
The wounded civilians were identified as follows: Lydia Mohammad; Albaina Mohammad; Noriba Amsani; Kisma Mohammad; and Fatima Ayesha.
Gadayan said Kisma and Fatima are minors though he did not say their ages.
He said the seven high-powered that they recovered were Garand rifle; AK-47 rifle; M4 rifle; baby Armalite rifle; Carbine rifle; 12-guage shotgun; and, a caliber .45 pistol as well as were assorted ammunition.
The OTBT operation is a nationwide campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP) against syndicated criminal gangs, wanted criminals and loose firearms.
The OTBT operation is part of the PNP’s “Operations Plan (OPLAN) Lambat Sibat", an anti-criminality campaign of the government. (PNA)

Pagadian City Paskuhan 2015
Thousands of people witnessed the switch-on ceremony of the Christmas decorations on Tuesday night in Pagadian  city’s Plaza Luz in front of City Hall.
At the same time, the “Christmas around the city contest” dubbed as Paskuhan 2015 kicked-off.
Gov. Antonio Cerilles congratulated the city officials for initiating the activity.
Mayor Romeo Pulmones said there will be nightly variety shows until New Year’s Eve for the entertainment of the public, including the visitors.
The Paskuhan 2015 kicked off with a program at 7 p.m. at the Taklobo Stage of Plaza Luz and was followed by a 15-minute fireworks display.
Among the Christmas decorations that were switched-on were the giant Christmas Tree at the Rotonda Hills, Christmas lights at the Plaza Luz and along this city streets.
The dancing fountain at the Plaza Luz was also the center of attraction during the program.
The participants of the Christmas around the city contest are the business establishments.
Eng’r. Nelly Sisona, Paskuhan 2015 committee chair, said the contest has four categories such as hotel and restaurant; department stores and shopping malls; gasoline stations; hardware and electrical supply stores; and, banks.
The prizes include PHP25,000, first prize; PHP15,000, second prize; and PHP10,000, third prize. (PNA)

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Traffic scheme for

KCC up by Dec 10

The city government will put in place a traffic scheme in relations for the operation of the KCC Mall de Zamboanga   on December 10,2015 .

Acting City Administrator  Dr. Elmier Apolinario said that  the traffic  scheme  will help avoid traffic congestion in the vicitity.

As planned, vehicles coming from Sta. Cruz  can not turn  left  to go inside  or at the entrance  of  the Mall.

Instead only those vehicles coming  from  the intersection of Governor Camins  like those coming from the airport, Sta. Maria  and Pasonanca will be allowed to pass.

Apolinario said that parking for  vehicles are also provided wherein  single motorcycles  will be parked inside the Pastoral Council ground while the four wheels vehicles will be parked inside the Mall.

 Apolinario said  that the setup was discussed and approved in a  meeting conducted  among the KCC Mall de Zamboanga  Management together with the local police authority  and  CA office  to  include among others  concerning  on the entrance and exit of the mall .

The 0KCC Mall de Zamboanga was formally inaugurated and blessed last December 4, 2015.( Letty M. Militante ).

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ASG bandit captured

in Jolo, Sulu hospital

Government security forces arrested an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit during operations in Jolo, Sulu Friday morning.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, identified the arrested ASG bandit as Kadaffy Muktadil/Khadaffy Camsa, a resident of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi.

He was nabbed while undergoing treatment at the Integrated Provincial Hospital in Sulu at around 11:10 a.m.

The suspect has an outstanding warrant of arrest for kidnapping issued by courts in Sandakan, Sabah.

Arrojado said Muktadil is now being secured by the Jolo Municipal Police.

He added that it is very likely the captured ASG bandit was among the group who abducted Malaysian Bernard Then and a female companion during a raid in Sandakan early this year. (PNA)

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DOST develops two kinds

of emergency relief foods

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) has developed two kinds of emergency foods that can be used relief foods in times of calamities.

Dr. Anthony Sales, Mindanao DOST cluster chairman, told the Philippines News Agency in an interview at the sideline of the 2015 Mindanao Science and Technology (S&T) Fair that one of the two kinds of emergency foods is ready for mass production while the other is undergoing storage stability study.

The 2015 Mindanao S&T Fair showcased the various innovative technologies the DOST has developed. It reeled off Thursday and ended Saturday.

Sales said the first kind of emergency food was the high energy “polvoron bar,” which is fondly known as “Filipino crack.”

Sales said the polvoron bar was already being produced by a small and medium enterprise (SMEs) in Luzon while they were eyeing the food innovation center of the Philippines Women’s College to produce it for the Mindanao area.

Sales said the second kind of emergency food ITDIdeveloped was the ready-to-eat rice porridge (arroz caldo), which is undergoing storage stability study and analysis.

He said the rice porridge, like the polvoron bar, would be mass produced once the storage stability study is completed.

He said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) could stock the emergency foods, which can be distributed as relief foods to disaster victims in times of calamity.

He said the production of the emergency foods would be helpful for the DSWD in addressing the needs, especially food, of disaster victims.

“Once the emergency foods are ready, we can immediately distribute it to the people affected by disasters in times of calamities,” he added. (PNA)

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Christmas Bazaar at

Paseo reels off 6-12

The biggest Christmas Bazar in the city is coming soon!!

Mark your calendar from December 06-12, 2015 as we give the buying public a new venue to shop till you drop this Christmas season!

The City Government of Zamboanga is giving you the CITY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR 2015 from December 06-12, 2015 at the Paseo del Mar Plaza. This will start from 4 pm until 12 midnight and is open to the public. Anything that you would want to buy for the yuletide season can be found in the area – toys, ready to wear items, apparels, shoes, bags, fashion accessories, pasalubong and gift items that you would like to give to yourself or loved ones. You can also take a rest from your busy schedule as you just stroll inside the venue and enjoy the nightly entertainment with the variety of foods served by our food concessionaires.

Application form for those who would like to participate as exhibitors are ready at the Zamboanga Investment Promotion Services, at the City Mayor’s Office. You can also call at landline number 991-4525 and look for Chalie or Mila for assistance.

Celebrate the Christmas Season with shopping, entertainment and a lot more at the CITY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR 2015!!! (Investment Promotions PR)

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DOH warns of

flu, coughing

The Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public against the spread of colds, flu and coughing due to climate and temperature changes  this month.

Local Health Support Division Chief Dr. Agnes Mabolo said residents can now feel the cold season from night to dawn this December.

These changes can cause sickness and discomfort to people, the doctor said.

She has also caustioned the public against staying our under the sun to 10:00 am to 3:00 pm because of the heat.

Parents should also check and see to it that their children to not play outside or in the sun during the period.

The busy hours of the day during the Christmas season also make the people careless about their health.(ZNS)

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In reaction  to Council Resolution:

City now implementing ordinances

The City Government is now implementing some ordinances, particularly those relating to sanitation in this city.

Acting City Administrator Dr. Elmier Apolination said his office is now implementing city ordiances.

This is in reaction to a resolution of the city council that called on the city administarators  office to implement ordiances that are already a part of the city’s laws.

The city council has singled out the city’s sanitation ordinance as the anti-littering law,  in the wake of the unsanitary and unhealthful condicions in the city.

Apolinario said that his men have actually arrested violators of these ordinances.

Those arrested include vilators of the jay-walking, anti- littering and the  sanitary code.

He admitted that not all of the violators can be arrested for lack of personnel for the job.

There are only two sets of personnel assigned to the job with 8 members each. One team is fielded in the day while the other group is deployed at night. (ZNS)

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Iturralde says “no problem”

with Biel also in the running

Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde does not see any problem with party mate Councilor Noning Biel running for the position of vice mayor.

Iturralde is running for reelection, although earlier he announced he was running for the position of congressman for the Second District now occupied by Congresswoman Lilia Nuño.

Iturralde said Biel has his right to run for the position.

Biel is serving his third and last term as a city councilor and is therefore, not eligible to run for the city council anymore.

Iturralde also said that it will not be an issue whether Biel will run as an indepenndent candidate or if somebody else is sponsoring his candidacy against him (Iturralde)

Among other, he said, that counts is that he sill abide with the arrangement made by Presidential Aspirant Mar Roxas and the group of Congressman Celso Lobregat.

That arrangement resulted to the withdrawal of Iturralde’s earlier announced candidacy for congressman of the second district to preserve the unity of the political camps of Congressman Lobregat and Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar.

That Roxas-brockered arrangement prevented the political confrontation of Nuno and Iturralde for the second district congressional post and the possible clash of Lobregat and Mayor Climaco Salazar for the position of chief executive of the city. (ZNS)

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IDPs at Masepla, Mampang

without water for 2 months

The war victims of 2013 or the so-called Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) now resettled at the Masepla Transitory Site at Mampang barangay have been without a reliable water supply since two months ago.

(The hot climate is aggravated by their lack of water supply to the area.)

Residents at Masepla have to buy water from other water sources. The water is for their everyday needs.

Residents told media that they spend P10 per gallon of water purchased in nearby barangays.

Since most of the war vicrims resettled at Masepla are jobless, they have resorbed to seelling their personal belongs, including clothes, so they can buy water for their needs.

Other than buying water, they also collect water from rains and store these in big contrainers provided them by a Non Government Organization or NGO. (ZNS)

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DPWH Secretary Singson checks                                                                       projects; bans erring contractors

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has banned a number of contractors from participating and undertaking DPWH-initiated projects in Zamboanga  city.
DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson made this announcement after he inspected on Tuesday the ongoing housing projects under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R), which are intended for Zamboanga-siege displaced families.
Covered by the DPWH ban are the contractors undertaking Z3R projects and are beyond the 15 percent allowable slippage.
Singson declined to publicly identify the erring contractors.
“We will not allow them to join our biddings (in the DPWH), they are identified,” he added.
He asserted that disallowing them to join future biddings will have a bigger impact when asked whether or not formal charges will be filed against the erring contractors.
The National Housing Authority (NHA) reported that 30.37 percent or 1,974 out of the 6,500 housing units have been completed with only 869 legally turned over to the beneficiaries as of Nov. 21 this year.
NHA said the total accomplishment has reached 39.03 percent, adding that the houses were done through the home materials assistance (HOMA) program.
Among the reasons cited by some of the construction firms handling numerous contracts which are way behind schedule in the project implementation are the lack of materials, lack of manpower and slow release of government permits, among others.
Originally, the timeline for the completion of the Z3R project set be President Benigno S. Aquino III was June 2015.
However, the extended timeline for the Z3R project is March 2016 notwithstanding the challenges besetting the implementation of the housing projects.
Singson met with the line agencies supervising the implementation of the housing projects before he inspected the Z3R projects.
Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar accompanied Singson during the inspection of the projects.
Singson inspected the projects after the Local Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC) chaired by Salazar asked the national government through a resolution to rescind contracts as well as to impose liquidated damages on construction firms with long overdue Z3R projects. (PNA)


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Police starts anti-crime

drive in wake of shootings

The police will start an aggressive anti crime campaign in this city following the almost daily shooting and killing incidents in zamboanga.

Police authorities assure that the campaign will be aggressive including the arrests of motorists violating traffic laws.

City Police Director PSSupt Angelito Casimiro said that while the rules said there must be signboards for checkpoints, there is no need for such rules if

Violators or criminals are seen commiting crimes right in public view.

The police will conduct their drives against crimes even at night. (ZNS)

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Zambo provinces

clear of Filariasis

The department of health (DOH) has announced that the department has complted ist drive against the disease filiariasis in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Specifically, the DOH said that filiariasis has been cleared in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

DOH Filaria coordinator Dr. Sitti Amilassa said that since 1998 the region registered more than 1,000 cases of Filariasis.

However, for this year, it was only in Zamboanga del Norte where the disease was registered.

According to Amilassan, the incidrence of Filariasis in Zamboanga del Norte has been reduced by 70 to 80 percent.

The DOH is confident that the disease will be eradicated in Zamboanga del Norte by the year 2018.

The department has undertaken mass drug campaign against the diseases in affected areas in the peninsula by providing residents with anti filiriasis drugs as Albendazole for those aged two years old and above.

Filiriasis can be compared to Elephantiasis which is a chronic disabling disease considered endemic in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Like Elephantiasis, Filiriasis also cause the enlargement of certain parts of the body that is affected by the disease.

The disease is spread by insect bites of mosquitores that transfer worms into the body of humans and affected the lymphatic system of the sick.(ZNS)

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More talks needed

for CCTV ordinance

The city council has delayed approval of a proposed ordinance requiring establishment to install Closed Circuit Televion (CCTV) cameras in business establishments has been delayed due to calls to expand its coverage.

The proposed ordinance   to require  the  different business establishments  to provide  CCTV cameras are still in the first reading   status pending inclusion or modification of some provisions in the proposed law.

 In an interview, Ordinance Author Councilor BG Guingona  said some of its proposed  provisions  need to be clarified .

The original target of the proposed law was that medium and large scale businesses should be required the installation of these cameras.

However,  the local police authority led by Sr. Supt. Angelito  Casimiro wants to include even the small time  businesses .

According to Guingona ,  though they already conducted several  public hearings  still it needs to encourage  the business sectors  to include the  private sector for that matter.

“We have to talk more , “ Guingona said  referring to the  various business sector  in the city.

Under the proposed ordinance , all business establishments ranging from P 3 to P 5 million   capital investment are required  to install the CCTV cameras. ( Letty  M. Militante)

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Pareja calls on barangay’s officials

to report anomalies in communities

City Councilor Josephine “Pin-Pin” Pareja has called on barangay leaders, particularly  barangay Kagawads and concerned residents to report anomalies in their respective barangays to the Department of Interior and Local Government or DILG.

Pareja made this call following reports that allowances and monetary benefits due barangays officials or employees are on hold or cannot be paid because of anomalies in the disbursement and theft of barangays funds.

While she declined to name the barangays concerned, Pareja said some barangay officials connive with each other to steal funds intended for public use or expenditures.

These include the alleged purchase of office supplies, which are instead converted to cash and pocketed by some naughty barangays officials.

There are also cases of “ghost employees” who are listed in payrolls of barangay governments but are not paid the amount due them.,

There are unconfirmed reports that barangays projects are not implemented but that some officials already collected their kickbacks from their favored contractors contracted to undertake these project.

Some barangays officials also fabricate resolutions because there are no regular sessions held in the barangays government.

Some barangays officials fail to meet in session regularly and some do not even conduct the yearly general assembly as required by the Local Government Code.

She said cases should be filed against erring barangay chairmen in cahoots with their secretaries and treasurers.

If no cases or complaints are filed that could indicate that some Kagawads are in cahoots with their erring barangays officials or chairmen. (Letty M. Militante )

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Anti-fireworks ordinance

In place to 2016 yearend

The ordinance that prohibits the use and sale of fireworks and pyrotechnics will stay in place as this will stay  before the year end of 2016.

The city government has implemented an anti-fireworks ordinance since December of 2013 following the rebel attacks in this city of September of the same year.

Local officials, particularly councilors, who could have developed phobias to the exploding of guns and heavy weapons during that Sept 9 war in the coastal areas of the city  have expanded their fear to the exploding of firecrackers, some pundits in this city sa.

Councilor BG Guingona said that that as far as the  ordinance  banning the use  , display and sale  of fireworks and pyrotechnics  “Status quo kita.“  

According to Guingona , the passage on the ordinance that prohibits the sell, display and sale l of fireworks and pyrotechnics  are for two (2) reasons 1.) the trauma left during the  Zamboanga Siege last September 09, 2013  and  2.) the  zero (0) casualties.

“I am with the Department  of Health (DOH)  -  “iwas pa-putok “ Guingona said .

Guingona said that as off press time , he has not receive any  directive coming from the local chief executive  regarding  the uses  and sell fo fireworks  and pyrotechnics .

Guingona said that whatever the people  say – sentiments  he will abide  by it .

“I stand firm with my decision  because for the past two years  we have zero casualties, Guingona said .

On the other hand , there are still individuals who are longing to bring back on the uses of fireworks and pyrotechnics because   it brings them   joys   and  the beauty  of it considering other countries are  even using it as was to attract tourists.

 Guingona said that  if the majority will rule to bring back the uses , display  and sell of fireworks and pyrotechnics ,  “I will abide .” ( Letty M. Militante) 

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City buries unclaimed

cadavers in Talabaan

The city government buried in one common grave the 19 cadavers of  unclaimed dead kept since last year at a local funeral home.

The mass burial  was held at the Talabaan cemetery last Friday.

The activity was facilitated by Social Worker Lucy Francisco.

The 19 unclaimed cadavers included that of a fetus.

Two of the cadavers have been kept or stored at the funeral homes for a year now while the rest were kept there all these months as none of the relatives visited the facility  to claim the remains.

Of the 19 unclaimed cadavers, 17 are males , with one female and a newborn fetus.

Five of the cadavers were remains of people who died from bullet wounds, four from sickness, one a drowning victim, two of old age and one of malnutrition.

Two of the cadavers were in an advanced stage of decomposition.

Sanitary Inspector Edwin Natividad said the common grave was from 10 to 12 feet deep to prevent escape of foul odor from the decaying cadavers.

The government has so far buried  300 unclaimed cadavers in the  Talabaan cemetery

since last year.

The unclaimed cadavers include alleged members of the  rebel group who died during the assault in the city last September 9, 2013. (ZNS)

City eyes P1 billion

projects before polls

The city government has aligned projects worth over a billion pesos to be implemented this year.

City Engineer Luis Vicente Despalo of  the City Engineer Office (CEO) yesterday said that these several infrastructure projects are all scheduled   to be implement until March 2016 .

The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) is conducting a series of bidding for the implementation of these projects.

According to Despalo,  there are several infrastructure projects both major and minor  to be implemented up to March of 2016.

In other development, Despalo said that  in as far as the Integrated  Bus Terminal (IBT) is concerned , the CEO has not turned over the project to the city government for actual use.

The IBT is between 97 % to98 % in completion Despalo  since the work on the overpass is still ongoing.

He also said that the city administrators office will be the office to schedule its turnover.

Work on the building has been completed in December of last year, but the delay in its use is due to the on going work on the overpass.

There is no official work on work to be done to repair the structure destroyed at the old public market at Magay. (Letty M. Miltante) 

City, PLDT tackle

connectivity woes

The City Government convened a meeting with representatives of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) November 25, Wednesday, at City Hall to discuss the connectivity disruptions in the City and the measures being undertaken to address it.

City Mayor Beng Climaco, together with Investments and Promotions Head Apple Go and City Planning and Development Officer Rodrigo Sicat, sat down with executives from PLDT led by Emeraldo Hernandez, Vice President of the Technical Operations Center, to go over PLDT’s interventions and future plans to strengthen and maintain internet connectivity in the City and the region.

Recall in July, Climaco convened a meeting of representatives from telecommunication companies to help address the frequent connectivity disruptions. A task group composed of the LGU, PLDT, Smart, Globe, DPWH, the PNP and the AFP, and other agencies was created by the chief executive to coordinate and collaborate efforts to address glitches and ensure uninterrupted voice and data services in the City.

According to Hernandez, PLDT has already installed a fiber optic core swap with Globe from Ipil and Zamboanga to address immediate connectivity gaps.

Short term and long term goals include the establishment of a resilient transport network looping Zamboanga City, Ipil, Pagadian, Ozamiz, Sindangan, Dipolog and Oroquieta slated to be completed by the end of the year, and the establishment of the underground fiber optic resiliency between Zamboanga City and Ipil by the second quarter of 2016.

These interventions, in particular the resilient transport networks, will help in maintaining connectivity in cases of interruptions and breaks in the network.

In their report, PLDT noted the frequent commercial power failure and road widening projects nationwide as causes of connectivity interruptions.

Last September, internet slow down affected consumers all over Mindanao. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)

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More ATMs

up in Sulu

Zamboanga City – Leading banking institutions with branches in Sulu have pledged to install more automated teller machines (ATMs) to cater to the growing needs of their clientele in the province.

Sulu Vice Gov. Abdusakur Tan on Thursday said this was the assurance of the bank managers when they met and discussed about the deployment of additional ATMs in Jolo to cater to government employees and private individuals as well as to further enhance their services.

Tan called the meeting with the managers as he noted that many people were queuing up – rain or shine – outside the banks just to be able to withdraw money from ATMS, especially during paydays.

“We want these banks to put more ATMs so it can accommodate more clients,” he added.(PNA)

      

      

       

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