SPO3 Rodel Perez of the Muntilupa police identified the security guard as Elmer Tagol of the Gallantry Security Agency, who died instantly after engaging at least three motorcycle-riding robbers in a violent, close range shootout, killing one, who was later identified as Venancio Pioquinto.    

Perez said that Tagol's colleague Elmo Toreda survived with a gunshot wound in the shoulder.

The shootout took place at around 11:15 a.m. Friday at the parking lot of the Ayala-owned Alabang Town Center, where the two guards and a teller of East West Bank were about to deliver cash to a business establishment inside the mall.

Perez said the two security guards were coming out of the van when about three robbers on two motorcycles opened fire at them. Despite being wounded, Tagol managed to fire back, fatally hitting Pioquinto.

The three others then decided to escape, leaving the undetermined amount of cash inside the armored car intact. The unnamed teller escaped unhurt. (PNA)

RMA/FFC/CLTC

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In keynoting the launching of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP) at the TESDA Auditorium, TESDA Complex along East Service Road in Taguig City on Friday, President Aquino reiterated that the government was mandated to hone the innate skills and talents of the Filipino citizenry which, he said, could lead not only to a better standard of living but also to a progressive and developed national economy.

“Simula’t sapul pa lang ng ating panunungkulan prayoridad na ng ating gobyerno ang paglikha ng mga trabaho at palawakin pa ang mga oportunidad para sa mas nakararami,” the President said.

“Malinaw ang ating naging mandato… linangin ang kakayahan ng mga Pilipino at tanggalin ang mga hadlang upang matamasa nila ang maayos na pamumuhay. Alam natin na magbubunga ng mabuti ang paglilingkod sa mas nangangailangan dahil ang pagtaas ng antas ng kanilang pamumuhay ay siya ring pagtaas ng kumpyansa ng Pilipinas na umusad sa tunay na kaunlaran,” he added.

The President expressed full trust and confidence in the leadership of TESDA Director-General Joel Villanueva as he thanked him for the efforts in effecting reforms in the agency in order to achieve inclusive growth for the people.

“Tiwala tayo sa liderato ni Secretary Villanueva… walang ‘wang-wang’ sa TESDA, walang manglalamang at walang perang mapupunta sa mga walang kabuluhang programa. Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa TESDA sa pagtupad nito sa panata natin sa taumbayan — walang maiiwan sa pag-unlad,” President Aquino said.

Based on the impact evaluation studies conducted last year, the President said, almost 61 per cent of those who graduated in the technical, vocational and educational training of TESDA are now earning through their respective jobs.

He added that the government is focusing on providing more jobs for the remaining 39 per cent. “Thirty-nine per cent po ang dadagdagan natin ng pansin para may makakuha na rin sila nang mga trabaho…” the President noted.

The Chief Executive, assisted by Villanueva, distributed tool kits to the selected eight TESDA “Specialistas” from the National Capital Region, Region 3 and Region 7.

President Aquino also said the government had allocated a total of P500 million under the economic stimulus program for the training of some 65,000 individuals in preparation for their possible employment in the business process outsourcing sector (BPO).

The TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP) is one of TESDA’s responses to the goal of the government to achieve inclusive growth as embodied in the Labor and Employment Plan and National Technical Education and Skills Development (NTESDP) 2011-2016.

It is designed to facilitate employment for certified workers/persons to get into productive undertakings through the provision of services in demand in the community.

TPSP shall develop a pool of trained and certified TESDA Specialistas who will respond to the demand for services by the households and the immediate communities.

Present during the event were other government officials led by Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Commission on Higher Education Secretary Patricia Licuanan, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairman Cristino Naguiat.

Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Victoria Tarlac Mayor Candido Guiam III, Oriental Mindoro Representative Rey Umali and Manila Representative Carlo Lopez also graced the occasion.

In the same event, the President also witnessed the awarding of ISO 9001-2008 Certificate to TESDA.

Villanueva received the award from Mr. Chia Jen, general manager of the TUV-SUD PSB Malaysia, a service provider for a comprehensive and integrated suite of product testing, inspection and certification services. Its operation in the Philippines was set up more than 11 years ago with the aim of helping companies achieve business excellence. (PNA) RMA/PCOO/ssc

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In a 12-page ruling penned by SC Associate Justice Lucas P. Bersamin, the SC en banc also gave complainant Engr. Oscar L. Ongjoco 10 days from receipt of the resolution to show cause in writing why he should not be punished for indirect contempt "for degrading the judicial office of respondent Associate Justices of the Court of Appeals, and for interfering with the due performance of their work for the Judiciary."

"Judicial officers do not have to suffer the brunt of unsuccessful or dissatisfied litigants' baseless and false imputations of their violating the Constitution in resolving their cases and of harboring bias and partiality towards the adverse parties," the SC said.

The case arose from the administrative complaint in June 2011 filed by Ongjoco, claiming to be the Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the FH-Gymn Multi-Purpose and Transport Service Cooperative (FH-Gymn), charging the CA's Sixth Division, composed of Enriquez as chair and Bato and Macalino as members, with rendering an arbitrary and baseless decision unfavorable to FH-Gymn.

FH-Gymn filed a graft complaint with the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon against San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan councilors, who are members of the Committee on Transportation and Communications, for uttering statements against FH-Gymn and denying its request to authorize FH-Gymn Chair Ongjoco to issue motorized tricycle operators permit (MTOP) to its members.

When the Ombudsman dismissed the complaint for insufficiency of evidence, FH-Gymn elevated the case to the CA, but the CA's Sixth Division denied FH-Gymn's petition for review and later, its motion for reconsideration (MR).

The SC said that the CA's Sixth Division's decision showed that it has complied with the requirements of the Constitution contrary to Ongjoco's claims.

It said that "the definitive pronouncement of the CA's Sixth Division that 'the Deputy Ombudsman found no substantial evidence to prove that there was interference in the internal affairs of FH-GYMN nor was there a violation of the law by the respondents' met the constitutional demand for a clear and distinct statement of the facts and the law on which the decision was based."

The SC said that the CA's Sixth Division expressly found that FH-Gymn had not discharged its burden as the petitioner of proving its allegations with substantial evidence.

It reminded Ongjoco that to sustain his allegations of misconduct against the respondent Justices, his administrative complaint "must rest on the quality of the evidence; and that his basing his plain accusations on hunches and speculations would not suffice to held them administratively liable for rendering the adverse decision."

"We recognize that unfounded administrative charges against judges really degrade the judicial office, and interfere with the due performance of their work for the Judiciary. Hence, we deem to be warranted to now direct Ongjoco to fully explain his act of filing an utterly baseless charge against respondent Justices," the SC said. (PNA) RMA/PTR

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“Ang hinahabol natin umasenso lahat. Ngayon, na-highlight sa Customs dahil napakalayo nila doon sa inaasam-asam natin at tatatlong buwan pa lang si Ruffy Biazon at si Danny Lim, tapos medyo malalalim na ugat ng problem diyan sa Customs at talaga namang kailangan bigyan natin ng realizable target,” the President said in an interview on Friday.

The President was interviewed by the media during the launching of an entrepreneurial program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Taguig City on Friday. Reporters asked the President about the government agencies that he will prioritize in the implementation of reforms.

Aside from discussing the reforms at the BoC, the President said he is impressed at the way TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva does his work.

Despite the P2.4 billion debt, the President said TESDA was able to get ISO certification as well as posting 61 percent employment record.

“Talaga namang happy tayo (with the performance). But of course, pag ni-report ni Joel na 100 percent ng 100 percent, mas happy tayo,” he said. (PNA)

lgi/PCOO/ssc

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MANILA, Feb. 10 – Despite health problem, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has promised to attend the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona on Monday so she can explain why her fellow senator-judges should respect a temporary restraining order stopping the impeachment court from disclosing the alleged dollar accounts of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

”Though I’m still hypertensive, I will really have to attend hearing even for a while so I can explain by means of interpellation and interrogation. So we can understand fully the effect of disobedience to the TRO. It has many consequences,” Santiago said in a phone-patch interview with Senate media on Friday.

Santiago, however, clarified that she would not convince her colleagues not to oppose the TRO issued by the Supreme Court through an 8-5 vote last Thursday while the impeachment court was conducting hearing on bank deposits of Corona.

”No, I would not try to convince the senators. This is a matter of personal conscience. As a lawyer and officer of the court, my duty is to explain my position but I will not lobby on my fellow senators because it would appear that I’m superior intellectually,” Santiago explained.

Santiago, one of the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) elected late last year, was not present last Monday when the senator-judges voted to grant a motion of the prosecution to subpoena the peso and dollar accounts of Corona with the Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank).

The lady lawmaker said the Senate impeachment court is a class of its own but it will violate the Constitution on check and balances if it will disobey the SC.

”One branch of government should not be superior. The impeachment court should not be exempted in the check and balances. The Supreme Court can intervene because it is the supreme interpreter of the law under the Constitution,” Santiago said.

Santiago also said that the Senate, sitting as impeachment court, is not absolute court.

”We have to be very patient in the impeachment court. It requires extraordinary patience because the prize of rushness or showmanship will be public disturbance that will affect peace and order and economy,” Santiago explained.

The senator-judges will meet on Monday in a caucus to tackle the TRO petitioned by the PSBank.

Based on testimonies of PSBank president Pascual Garcia III, Corona had ending balance of P19.7 million as of December 2010 with the PSBank.

The House prosecution accused Corona of not declaring his bank deposits to his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth. (PNA) scs/jfm

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In a 10-page ruling penned by Associate Justice Maria Cristina Cornejo, the court's Fourth Division gave weight to the motion of the Office of the Ombudsman's prosecution team to place Acosta under a preventive suspension for alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund while still a congressman of Bukidnon.

"J.R. Nereus Acosta is hereby ordered preventively suspended from office and…is directed to cease and desist from further performing and/or exercising the functions, duties and privileges of the positions he is currently occupying," the Sandiganbayan said.

His current positions are as Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection and General Manager of the Laguna Lake Development Authority, "or any other government position he may now or hereafter be holding, effective upon notice hereof and continuing for a period of 90 days."

Invoking Section 13 of Republic Act No. 3019, the Ombudsman earlier filed a motion to suspend Acosta pendente lite — meaning pending litigation — to prevent him from frustrating or hampering his prosecution by intimidating or influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence or from committing further acts of malfeasance while in office.

The case arose from a complaint filed by Bukidnon Crusade Against Graft and Corruption alleging that Acosta used his PDAF to procure a P2.5-million solar tunnel dryer for the municipal government of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Court records showed the supposed crime was committed while Acosta's mother, Socorro, was still the municipal mayor of Manolo Fortich in 2001.

The BCGAC alleged that another P2.5 million was also supposedly given to a private cooperative, the Bukidnon Integrated Network of Home Industries (Binhi), Inc.

The complaint said a private entity called Bukidnon Vegetable Producers Cooperative also received P5.5 million which was part of Acosta's PDAF.

Acosta's aunt, Ma. Nemia Bornidor, who was a member of the board of Binhi and Socorro, a member and director of BVPC, were both charged with graft for the same offense.

The Sandiganbayan said "any political motive allegedly behind the filing of the instant motion, uncorroborated as it is, is ineffective to negate the merits of the motion."

It directed Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and the Board of Directors of the LLDA to immediately implement the suspension order against Acosta. (PNA)

hbc/PTR

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The SC Associate Justices, who voted in favor of the TRO, were Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Arturo Brion, Roberto Abad, Jose Perez, Lucas Bersamin, Martin Villarama, Jr., Bienvenido Reyes and Jose Mendoza.

SC Spokesman and Court Administrator Atty. Jose Midas Marquez on Friday said that they would just wait the impeachment complaint against the SC justices.

Marquez said that it seemed that the impeachment case had become a regular threat against the magistrates.

Likewise, he also assured that at present, the work of the magistrates continues and that they would decide on pending cases based only on facts.

House prosecutor Ilocos Norte (1st District) Rep. Rodolfo Farinas earlier said that he would lead in the filing of the impeachment complaint against the eight SC magistrates who voted in favor of the issuance of the TRO against the opening of the dollar account of Corona. (PNA)

RMA/PTR

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In an interview during the launching of an entrepreneurial program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Friday, the President said the target of his administration is to maximize employment for Filipinos through measures being implemented by various government agencies.

Since last year, the President said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has been working with TESDA, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) so that jobs are matched with those applying for work.

“We have been investing in a… as an example, sa BPO (business process outsourcing) industry, we’re investing P500 million this year precisely to train them further to increase their possibility of getting employed in this sector that is really fast growing,” he said.

“Yung sector naman has been appealing to us to assist them for the managerial supervisory positions, they’re hard pressed to meet their targets. Parang ang daming oportunidad ang nasasayang dahil hindi pa natin na-develop yung talent for that.”

That industry expects to grow, according to the Chief Executive, noting however that the limiting factor for growth is the availability of talent and skilled workers that fit the job. As a response, the government carries out programs so that they get the training and skills they need at the earliest possible time.

Asked about the government’s job target this year, the President said he got a report saying there are one million new entrants to the marketplace. He noted that the employment rate last year, which was pegged at around 7 percent, was significant.

“The target is open-ended. Kaya nga yung mga programs na hina-highlight ng TESDA ngayon are those that have ready employment opportunities,” the President added. (PNA)

scs/lgi/PCOO/ssc

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Crime records culled by the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) showed a sharp decline in index crime cases recorded in January 2012.

Index crime incidents dipped 20.01 percent from the 14,227 cases in January 2011 to 11,379 cases in January 2012, according to PNP Spokesman Chief Supt. Agrimero A. Cruz Jr.

Cruz said that index crime cases were the valid indicators of the prevailing crime situation.

Index crimes include crime against persons such as murder, homicide, physical injuries and rape; and crime against property such as robbery, theft, carnapping and cattle-rustling.

The crime trend in January 2012 showed similar double-digit decline in crime against persons and crime against property compared with the previous year’s record for the same month.

Cruz said if the January crime trend was an indication of things to come in the months ahead, then we can certainly look forward to an improved peace and order situation towards the rest of the year.

Meanwhile, the PNP’s Crime Solution Efficiency in January 2012 rose 28.02 percent, indicating better police performance in solving crime cases.

Even with this noteworthy crime solution record, the PNP leadership believes that police operations must focus more on crime prevention mainly, thru increased police visibility and patrol operations, Cruz said.

Contrary to opinionated perceptions of a crime wave sweeping the country as highlighted by some sensationalized reports of some isolated incidents of heinous crime–factual and verifiable records in the form of crime statistics say otherwise, Cruz said.

“Crime is not a runaway problem because the criminal justice system is fully functional and certainty of punishment has been fully established as an effective deterrent to crime,” the PNP Spokesman added. (PNA) RMA/JCA

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In his inspirational message during the Presidential Management Staff- Employees Association (PMS-EA) General Assembly held at the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Building located on Arlegui Street, San Miguel, Manila on Friday, Coloma underscored the need to achieve harmony at work to help contribute to nation building.

"Paano tayo magkakaroon ng harmony at work. Dapat maging matapat sa tungkulin, maagap at masipag at higit sa lahat may malasakit sa trabaho at kapwa. Hindi natin tinatranslate in English ang salita na may malasakit kasi walang exact transalation iyon. Tayong mga Pilipino lang talaga ang nakakaalam nun," he said.

Coloma also stressed the importance of achieving "work, life and harmony" to be good public servants. "Our sense of worth is related to or dependent on the significance of our work," he noted.

"Ang importanteng elemento sa work, life and harmony ay tatlo rin – integrity, quality and tender loving care. Ma-achieve natin ito kung tayo ay integrated person. Walang pagkakaiba ang buhay mo bilang isang ama or bilang boss. Kung ano ang trato mo sa opisina dapat ganun ka rin dapat sa pamilya. Kung ano ang pagmamahal mo sa isa ay ganun ka rin dapat sa isa. Consistent ka dapat," he said.

Coloma also said that excellence in public service depends greatly on the performance and dedication of government officials and employees. He also reminded them of their commitment to take the straight path.

During the general assembly, which coincided with the anniversary of the employees' association, Coloma also congratulated the officers and members of the association and wished them all the best and success in all their endeavors.

Coloma, who served as Presidential Management Staff (PMS) chief under former President Corazon C. Aquino, told employees that he was happy to meet with them in an important event. He recalled the many memories during his time as PMS head. (PNA)

RMA/PCOO/ssc

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According to Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon during the media presentation of all seized items at the MICP on Friday, importer Scan Marine Inc., tried to pass its container van, loaded with four units of outboard motors and two kinds of motor oils as outboard motor parts.

But the company was issued an Alert Order upon the recommendation of the Operations and Intelligence Office of the Enforcement Group (OIO-EG) Head lawyer Imelda Cruz and Arnel Baylosis. The shipment was estimated to be worth P6.8 million.

“I have instructed all BOC frontline officials to scrutinize thoroughly all importation documents for any sign or indication of misdeclaration or undervaluation to ensure that appropriate taxes are collected by the government,” Biazon said.

“Although we were able to post the Bureau’s highest collection ever last year, we have a higher collection target to meet this year. This is the reason why I have ordered all our frontline people to be even more vigilant to facilitate higher collection and to ensure that no contraband goods such as drugs are able to enter the country,” he said.

Together with the Scan Marine, Inc. shipment, Extreme Five Trading Corp. also tried to pass its 2,520 cartons of various types of candies as food additives, but were likewise intercepted and seized by the OIO-EG operatives, also at the MICP.

The seized candy shipment was worth P1 million. While, Telsphere Intl. Trading Corp. thought that it could do away with taxes by declaring its 257 units of kilowatt hour meters worth P4.4 million as vacuum heaters.

And W.A. Bitancor Enterprises’ two container vans of equipment from China worth P20 million like chip condensers, pumps, a control panel, thermometer, fittings, boilers, reactors and valves among other gears for setting up a laboratory for manufacturing illegal drugs and substances never missed the watchful eyes of the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) operatives under retired General George Aliño, when the two 40 footer container vans were issued Alert Orders on Dec. 13, 2011.

For his part, Deputy Commissioner Suansing pointed out that one way to facilitate higher revenue collection is the strict enforcement of customs laws and rules. “In this regard and in compliance with the Commissioner’s order to generate more revenues, I have likewise ordered all EG personnel to exert due diligence in the performance of their jobs,” Suansing said. (PNA) RMA/JS/PR/utb

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Close to 650 entries from 11 schools in the towns of Talayan and Datu Piang, two Maguindanao towns where soldiers and Moro rebels figured in bloody clashes in the past, joined the contest dubbed as "Let's Paint for Peace."

Organizers said the contest was limited to the two towns as the initial pilot activity of “a series of peace activities designed not only to broaden the support base for peace process through the inclusion of children and young people, but also to introduce new energy and different perspective to the peace process.”

It was an initiative of EU monitors of the Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Development Component (HRDC) of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), in cooperation with DepEd-ARMM and non-government organizations (NGOs) that make up the Civilian Protection Component (CPC) of the IMT.

Twelve out of the 646 paintings anchored on the theme “Dreaming of Peace in My Barangay” were selected to receive major and special awards, according to Susan Robertson, head of the IMT-HRDC.

Robertson said the children, aged 10 to 12 years old, were encouraged to depict their views of a peaceful community through their painting.

The winning pupils, including all participating schools, were given commemorative plaques and the paintings serve as the centerpiece of a 2012 calendar produced to promote peace from a child’s perspective.

Hataman congratulated the winners as well as organizers of the competition.

“The activity’s theme not only expresses the children’s dreams but also the collective aspiration of ARMM,” Hataman said.

Hataman underscored anew that peace and security is one of the three pillars of his transitional reform governance which includes reinstitution and activation of peace and security bodies, formulation of regional internal security plan and the regulation of loose firearms towards dismantling of private armed groups.

“The need to reform ARMM is one step towards the realization of peace,” Hataman said.

“While our children paint our dreams so beautifully, we must endeavor to make it a reality,” he said.

Ambassador Guy Ledoux, EU head of delegation, also lauded organizers and participants of the activity.

“(It) reminds us what the ultimate objective of the peace process is and most importantly for whom it is intended,” Ledoux said.

“Therefore, let us all be reminded that what is at stake here is not to broker a peace agreement, not even to achieve peace, but to improve the lives of all the people of Mindanao and the Philippines who deserve to be free from fear, free from want and free to act on their own behalf,” Ledoux said.

Ledoux also announced EU’s P180-million assistance program to civil society organizations (CSOs) engaged in peace building and monitoring. He also declared their continuing support to NGO-members of IMT’s CPC as well as those who act as informal coordinator of the International Contact Group (ICG).

He said that EU stands ready to extend assistance even after the signing of the peace agreement “as many challenges will still remain to ensure that peace in Mindanao is lasting.”

He added: “Promoting peace amongst other values such as respect for human rights, the rule of law, and democracy, is one of the core objectives of the EU as a legacy of our history.

Joining Hataman and Ledoux during the awarding ceremonies were Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel chair Mohaqher Iqbal and member Yasmin Busran-Lao, GPH peace panel member Prof. Miriam Ferrer, ARMM OIC Vice Governor and concurrent DSWD-ARMM Secretary Bainon Karon, ARMM Executive Secretary Anwar Malang and IMT Deputy of Mission Admiral Mohamad Adib Bin Abdul Samad. (PNA)

RMA/NYP/EOF

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The move comes after it was learned that despite the DTI’s urging store owners in Guihulngan City to open shop and sell basic consumer goods to the public, said Angeline Gonzalez of the provincial DTI office based in Dumaguete City.

According to Gonzalez, store owners in Guihulngan City have refused to open their business establishments due to damaged stores or fear, phobia and trauma from the earthquake that has left Guihulngan in an unprecedented sorry state.

Guihulngan City is suffering from power blackout, lack of food and water, and medicines. It incurred the heaviest damage among areas in Negros Oriental with residential and business establishments, roads, bridges and ports partially or totally damaged.

The DTI has invited selected distributors to sell directly to the consumers at distributor’s price.

Participating distributors in the caravan are Virginia, Sebastian Marketing, Inc., Dumaguete Prompt Enterprises and Consuelo.

Island Merchants and Nature’s Spring will also be joining the caravan.

Items to be sold at distributor’s price include canned goods like meat loaf and beef loaf, coffee strips, cooking oil, macaroni pasta, detergent powder and bar, beauty soap, baby diapers, biscuits, cereals, noodles, sardines and batteries, among others. (PNA) LAP/JFP

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Louella Bael, head of the Red Cross local chapter, led a team of volunteers on Thursday to deliver the relief items to Guihulngan on board the Philippine Coast Guard’s Search-and-Rescue Vessel (SARV)-003, the BRP Davao del Norte.

Included in the delivery were 500 food packs, each consisting of five kilos of rice and five cans of sardines; 500 jerry cans of water; 1,000 mats; 1,000 blankets; 1,000 bottled water (1000 ml each); 30 tents and a large rub hall tent that can accommodate 100 beds.

The rub hall tent is intended for patients at the Guihulngan District Hospital that are currently temporarily staying outside in makeshift tents after the hospital building incurred cracks following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck many parts of Negros Oriental and other areas in the Visayas last Monday.

Also brought were 20 drums of gasoline and 20 drums of diesel fuel for use by the Emergency Rescue Unit of the national headquarters, the Ambulance Unit in Bacolod and the Rescue Group in Iloilo, all of the Philippine Red Cross. These groups have been tasked to distribute the relief goods to earthquake victims.

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) are expected to send relief assistance to the disaster-affected areas on Friday.

The goods are to be transported via Bacolod City in Negros Occidental to Guihulngan as the latter could not be accessed from Dumaguete City after roads and bridges had been destroyed by the earthquake.

The ICRC and IFRC have promised to send one unit water treatment equipment, two bladder tanks that can each hold 10,000 liters of water, one unit power generator set, one unit tower light, two electric fans and six rubber boats, said Bael.

Medical supplies and emergency medicines from the ICRC are also expected for the Guihulngan District Hospital on Friday.

Two patients were also airlifted on Thursday by the local Red Cross to nearby Cebu for treatment. (PNA) LAP/ JFP

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Lawyer Leo Anthony Braceros, chief of the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) here, said they have already informed the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Davao Region of their plan to amend their memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the additional off-site registration venues.

He said the city's project dubbed "Sa Paaralan Ko, Pwede Ng Magparehistro" is part of the celebration of the Civil Registration Month this February.

Earlier, Braceros said two MOAs were entered into between the City Government and DepEd-Davao, where 20 schools have been identified as civil registration venues for birth, marriage and death.

He said majority of these schools are in the second and third districts of the city where most of the city's remote barangays are located.

The off-site civil registration project of the city started last year and will continue until the city can achieve the 100 percent registration rate. However, the list of additional schools is yet to be finalized by the LCR, he said. (PNA) LAP/Anthony S. Allada/ldp

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Lt. Col. Rodrigo Sosmena, 47th IB commander, said the armed clash took place at Sitio Singiayan, Mt. Malipantao, Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

Sosmeña said the Army soldiers were conducting an internal security patrol operation in the hinterlands when they chanced upon the group of armed rebels holed up in their temporary camp in the said area.

Exchange of gunfire between the two groups erupted that later saw the enemy withdrawing toward the forested area bringing along their wounded comrades in their escape after the 30-minute gun battle.

The military authorities said the armed rebels were believed to be under the leadership of a certain Commander Kumpol of the NPA operating in Southern Negros province.

Last month, the government forces also captured a rebel camp located in the hinterlands of Brgy. Camindangan, Sipalay City, also in southern Negros where a red fighter was killed and several others were wounded during the ensuing gun battle.

The rebel camp was believed to be used as temporary training ground by cadres of South West Front Committee under the leadership of a certain Bernard Alvarez.

Seized from the camp were an M16 rifle with two short magazines loaded with live ammunition, military and civilian back packs, jungle hammocks, medical kits, cellular phone, kitchen utensils, personal belongings and subversive documents.

Sosmena said the armed clash has pre-empted enemy plans to intensify their tactical offensives in Negros targeting telecommunication sites, mining companies and other soft targets in order to attain its national goal of strategic stalemate in the future years. (PNA)

LAP/AJP/VLOrquiola/vlo

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Dubbed as the Five Outstanding Zamboangueño Young Leaders (FOZYL), the award is a tribute to the exemplary character of the first and only Zamboangueño senator–Roseller T. Lim, and is a joint project of the city government and the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Zamboanga.

The FOZYL is conferred on youths who possess qualities of leadership, excellence and commitment to service epitomized by the late Sen. Lim.

Mayor Celso Lobregat together with House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao and first district Congresswoman Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, Councilor Rodolfo Lim–nephew of the late senator, and JCI-Zamboanga president Marlo Atilano, personally handed over the plaques and cash prizes to each of the five outstanding leaders.

The awardees are: Ronald Csar F. Villano; Ellery Ivan Apolinario; Kevin Roy Jimera; Fatimah Al-Zahra Ditti; and, Adrian S. Uro during feting rites held at the Balrrom Hall of the Garden Orchid Hotel.

Villano, is a nursing student and a human rights advocate from Western Mindanao State University (WMSU).

He was conferred as Top 4 Activist of the Year by the Amnesty International-Philippines and was 3rd Best Adjudicator during the 20th Mindanao Parliamentary Debate.

Villano also served as the Head Organizer of the Bottle Run: Bottles to Win the Battle for Mommy aside from serving as President of the Nursing Debate Society and Senator of the University Student Council.

Apolinario is a medical student and an advocate of safe water and sanitation.

Apolinario's leadership experiences include serving as President of the Student Government of the School of Medicine at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) and as Team Leader for the Community Affairs and Outreach in Mutia Zamboanga del Norte.

He was also declared as Best Debater during the Zamboanga Parliamentary Debate Open.

Jimera served as Secretary for Department of Peace, Environment, Social Action and Leadership of the El Consejo Atenista.

He is a recipient of several awards to include JCI Batang Lider Award, Award for Exemplary Leadership from the Department of Education and the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award.

He is the founder of the Books para sa KinaBOOKasan Project, a Coordinator of the Ateneo Student Leader Assembly and Head Organizer of the LIYAB Leadership Workshop.

Aside from being one of the Most Socially Responsible Zambaongueños, Jimera was also the Best Director of the Ateneo Documentary Film.

Ditti, the only female awardee this year, is one of the 20 Mindanaoan Youth to attend the PYLP Year 6 at Chicago, Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

She is also one of the five Filipino Youth to attend the OXFAM International Youth Partnership at New Delhi, India aside from being one of the three participants from Region 9 to be chosen as part of the official contingent for the 8th National Youth Parliament Participant in Butuan City.

She is one of the Top 10 Activists of the Year as conferred by Amnesty International Philippines and also Head Organizer of the Bottle Run: Bottles to Win the Battles for Mommy.

Meanwhile, Uro is a registered nurse and college instructor at ADZU.

He graduated last year as Salutatorian and Cum Laude and a recipient of the Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat Awards for Excellence and the Representative Erico Basilio A. Fabian Most Outstanding Students in Zamboanga City.

He is an outstanding student of the year with proficiency in debate, journalism and literary work who also served as Vice President of the Ateneo Debate Union for two terms and Associate editor of the Beacon News Magazine and Pacemaker Magazine.

The five outstanding young leaders were adjudged according to their character and leadership capacity.

Lobregat, in his message, expressed elation on the quality of leadership that Senator Lim exemplified and challenged the awardees to emulate the same.

“Senator Lim was the kind of leader who did not sell his principles, he was a leader who cannot be bought,” Lobregat said.

The event was graced by the family of the late senator together with some City Officials and Officers and members of JCI Zamboanga.

The awarding rite was the culminating event for the Dia de Roseller Lim celebration which kicked off with a mass at the St. Joseph Church followed by the wreath laying ceremony at the late senator’s monument in Normal Road in the morning Thursday. (PNA) LAP/Teofilo P. Garcia/utb

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Dapitan City Councilor Apple Marie Agolong disclosed Friday the flood was spawned by continuous heavy downpour that started Wednesday night and lasted until around 10 a.m. Thursday.

Agolong said the flood water started rising around 6 a.m. Thursday and worsened when the rivers in nearby towns swelled and overflowed toward Dapitan City.

Dapitan City is bounded on the east by the towns of Rizal and Sibutad, Dipolog City on the west, the towns of La Libertad and Mutia on the south and on the north by the Sulu Sea.

Agolong said the 13 affected barangays remained under water for two days since the flood only receded Friday morning.

“Wala ng baha, nagrecede na ang tubig. Putik na lang ang naiwan,” Agolong said Friday.

She said that in some areas, the water is neck-deep “while in other areas it is up to eight feet high.”

The affected barangays are Barcelona, Ba-ao, Burgos, Dampalan, Diwa-an, Ilaya, Masidlakon, Oyan, Opao, Pontungan, Polo, Sulangon, and Tamion.

Agolong said it was their first time to experience flood that submerged 13 of the 50 barangays of Dapitan City.

“The most was only Barangay Burgos gets flooded and the water recedes in few hours,” Agolong said.

She said that at least 10 houses were destroyed in Barangay Ilaya and they have yet to determine the worth of agricultural crops that were damaged by the flood. (PNA)

LAP/Teofilo P. Garcia/utb

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Chief Supt. Rodrigo De Gracia, Cagayan Valley regional police director, said police operatives, led by Supt. Jay Cumigad, Cagayan Provincial Public Safety Company commander, spotted 10 suspected communist rebels.

Immediately, joint operatives of the 2nd Regional Public Safety Battalion, headed by Sr. Insp. Engelbert Bunagan, 1st Maneuver Company commander, and Cagayan Provincial Public Safety Company conducted combat operations at the identified hide-out of the CTs in Sitio Talingangay, Sto. Domingo, Piat, Cagayan but the suspected communist rebels scampered to different paths.

However, the operating troops were able to recover a Walther Uzi type Caliber 22, a magazine for Cal 22, nine rounds of ammunitions for Cal 22, three rounds of ammunition for Magnum Cal 22, a belt bag color blue and abandoned kitchen utensils with food leftovers.

Police initiated hot pursuit and encountered undetermined number of rebels in Barangay Mambacag, Tuao, Cagayan. They engaged in a five-minute firefight with no reported casualties on both sides.

However, the team members found a homemade shotgun, a magazine for shotgun and two ammunition for shotgun.(PNA) RMA/SCD/Bill Ventura/mba/utb

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The victims were identified as Marilyn Villacolar, 11; Jesselyn Anes, five; John Kenneth Sabijon, a high school student; and Marlin Flores, 33.

They were airlifted by the Philippine Air Force and arrived at the Mactan air base at 3:04 p.m.

Anes and Flores suffered fractures in the arms and leg, respectively. Sabijon was injured after he reportedly jumped out of the school building when the tremor began.

”These victims need tertiary care as the hospital here in Negros could not cater to their injuries,” said Nonoy Mongaya, VSMMC spokesman.

Last Wednesday, Felia Acabal, 33; Nicalona Mejares, seven; and a 62-year-old man who remains unidentified were also transferred to the VSMMC from Guihulngan.

Their injuries were critical, according o the rescue teams’ initial assessment.

Acabal and Mejares both fractured their leg after they were hit by a firewall, while the 62-year-old was injured when a ceiling collapsed on him at the height of the earthquake, which was considered to be the strongest to hit the region in nine decades. (PNA) RMA/EB/re

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