La Union PDCC : Getting Ready for the Rainy Season

La Union Provincial Capitol – Living up to its honor as National KALASAG Awardee, the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PPDC) met at the Diego Silang Hall, Capitol, San Fernando City, La Union on July 14, 2009 to assess La Union’s preparedness in anticipation of the rainy season. This is in line with the National Disaster Consciousness Month.

P/Supt Noli G. Talino, La Union PNP Provincial Director presided the inter-agency meeting in behalf of the PDCC Chairman, Gov. Manuel C. Ortega. Col. Talino, the vice-Chairman of the Council, cited the preparedness of council members for any eventualities that might affect the province. Among the concerns tackled are flooding, landslides and storm surges during the rainy season; the outbreak of A(H1N1) or swine flu; the arrival of migratory birds which carries the Avian Influenza virus during the third quarter of the year; and the recent spate of bombings in Metro Manila which might spill over to major cities in the country. “We cannot prevent natural disasters but mitigate its effects and reduce its risks. It is necessary to come up with a contingency plan in addressing different kinds of disasters,” Talino said.

In addressing the concerns of flooding, landslides, storm surges and earthquakes, Jonathan M. Viernes of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region-1, discussed the Provincial Plan and Policy Formulation for Disaster Risk Management (PPPFDRM) and the Disaster Risk Management (DRM)- Enhanced Regional Physical Framework Plan 2004-2030. The presentation focused on the hazard profile of the region such as high susceptible areas where probable fatality/ies may occur due to rain induced flooding, earthquake induced landslides and land liquefaction. Also discussed was the hazard and risk vulnerability of La Union in particular and emphasizes the analytical impact on human and property. According to the presentation, La Union has a high risk area “wherein 80% of its total land area are identified as disaster risk”. He also emphasized that the Province of La Union and the City of San Fernando were chosen as pilot province and city, respectively for the PPPFDRM in Region 1. The Disaster Risk Management (DRM) project is funded by the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) and the European Union (EU).

In addressing the Avian Influenza or Bird Flu, Dr. Nida N. Gapuz, Provincial Veterinarian, presented the Avian Influenza (AI) Contingency Plan which was formulated by the AI Provincial Technical Working Group in a workshop held last July 1-3 in Calasiao, Pangasinan. Discussed were the identified risk areas for AI in the province as well as control and mitigation plans for worst case scenario in the event of an epidemic.

For his part, Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) Director Eugene G. Cabrera announced during the meeting the Covenant Signing of the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) with NEDA and the RDCC on July 28, 2009. According to Cabrera, the covenant signing is the “sharing in disaster management among the local government units (LGU) in Region 1.”

Ranilo C. Ipac of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) presented the proposed School-based Disaster Preparedness and Response Program. The program will be adapted in schools through the National Service Training Program (NSTP). It is aimed to educate the youth on disaster risk awareness and become partners during calamities as support group. At young age, the youth can be taught on First Aid, Rescue operations and the like which they can apply in school, in their homes and barangays. (PGLU-PIO Charlie O. Balanon)

AGI-ORSITE 2009 for PRO-COR Culminated with a Fruitful Result

Camp Dangwa, Benguet: The Annual General Inspection – Operational Readiness and Security Inspection Test (AGI-ORSITE) 2009 covering the period of June 2008 to June 2009 was conducted simultaneously in PRO-Cordillera in its different Police Provincial Offices on June 29, 2009 to July 3, 2009 by team of inspectors from the PNP Internal Affairs Service and representatives from different Directorates at NHQ Camp Crame Quezon City led by the Team Leader Pcsupt IFOR Magbanua.

After a weeklong inspection of all Units within PRO-COR AOR, the AGI-ORSITE inspection team through the Assist Team Leader PSSUPT Eduardo Octaviano commented that “PROCOR is still the PRO to beat in terms of AGI requirements and have shown great enthusiasm in the execution of different ORSITE scenarios” during the AGI Exit Briefing held last Friday at the Log Cabin of Camp Dangwa. This was attended by all AGI-ORSITE team inspectors; Command Group and other Officers of PRO-COR with the Regional Director of NAPOLCOM Hon. Danilo S Pacunana as guest of honor and speaker. The NAPOLCOM Director also extend the help of his Office to address concerns of some police personnel who have not yet acquired their eligibilities as noted in the inspection.

In Abra PPO, their campaign against insurgency in line with the thrust of the PNP was given due recognition because of their accomplishments throughout the year by being instrumental in the restoration of stability in the Province with the active participation of the populace and the Local chief executives. Neutralization of Wanted Persons resulted to 59 persons arrested and the arrest of other high profile NPA leaders to include Jovencio Balweg Sr.

Despite the political peculiarity which has adversely affected the law enforcement efforts, Abra PPO still managed to provide a favorable atmosphere in the province to move forward and return to normalcy for the attainment of progress and development.

Lack of personnel noted during the inspection in Abra will soon be filled-up after the training of newly graduated PNCOs who are undergoing their SCOUT training in the said Province and return of Police Commissioned Officers (PCOs) who have undergone the mandatory Public Safety Officer’s Basic Course as part of their career development.

AGI-ORSITE team inspectors expressed their admiration and congratulated the operational readiness of police personnel in all Police Provincial Offices within PRO-COR; the ingenuity in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities as law enforcers despite the terrain and geographical location of their areas of responsibility (AOR); and their good police community relations to serve and protect the community. (PRO-COR, RPIO)

Turn-Over of Command for OIC, BCPO Held

Camp Dangwa, Benguet: A simple Turn-over of Command Ceremony for the leadership of Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) was held on July 6, 2009 at the Conference Room of Camp Dangwa La Trinidad, Benguet officiated by the Deputy Regional Director for Administration (DRDA) of PRO-COR, Pssupt Samuel B Diciano.

Pssupt Wilfredo Dalis Franco, outgoing City Director of BCPO relinquished his Command of BCPO this date pursuant to General Orders 587 of RPHRDD PRO-Cordillera effective July 4, 2009. According to the outgoing City Director, he relinquished his office in honor of the traditional turn-over of command of the PNP organization and to have a smooth transition of leadership for the Baguio’s Finest.

For thirty one (31) years of service, Pssupt Franco said that “exercise of appropriate leadership in all levels of command for the PNP organization; respect for the system; working and fighting for the PNP” is his motivation as he works in the name of public service. He was given a Medalya ng Kasanayan for exemplary performance during his tenure of office as City Director of BCPO from September 3, 2008 to June 3, 2009. He will soon assume a higher position in the United Nations Assignment.

Pssupt Samuel B Diciano, DRDA commend the outgoing City Director for his accomplishments and efforts which help PRO- Cordillera in a 65% drop in crime volume which according to him is owed to BCPO during the term of Pssupt Franco. He further said that the brainchild of Pssupt Franco which is the construction of a container van COMPAC at Burnham Park will soon be inaugurated.

Pssupt Enrico G Salapong, DRDO of PRO-COR in concurrent capacity assumes his duties and responsibilities as the Officer-in-Charge of BCPO pending the selection and deliberation of a full time City Director of Baguio City Police Office. ( PRO-COR, RPIO)

Prime suspect in the “Calpito Case” falls; suspect arrested by BCPO operatives has been “Top Most Wanted “ in 2009 second quarter

BAGUIO CITY—- The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) Station 7 and Intelligence Branch operatives arrested the prime suspect in the death of the late Charrmaigne Valerie Manuel Calpito, 15 at around 2:30 p.m. July 3 at No. 49 Happy Homes this city.

In a report to Police Senior Superintendent Enrico G. Salapong by Police Chief Inspector Engelbert Soriano, COP Station 7, the suspect was identified as Roderick Caramonte y Mejia, A.K.A “Jawo”, 18, member of the dreaded “Pinoy True Crips”(PTC) gang and named “ No. 1 Top Most Wanted Person “ in the BCPO 2009 second quarter for being charged for murder (Criminal Case Number 29008-R RTC 59 Baguio City and homicide (Criminal Case Number 26706-R, RTC 60 Baguio City).

Records show that the late high school student Calpito was stabbed dead in the night of November 15, 2008 along Legarda Road by alleged gang members , which drew public outcry in Baguio City especially his family and human rights groups.

Prior to Caramonte’s arrest, another suspect in the sensational crime was also arrested by operatives of Station 7. The suspect Kenneth Sacyang , 18 during investigation pointed to Caramonte as the person who stabbed the victim.

Intelligence operatives of BCPO revealed that their arrest was made possible through the information furnished by their own gangmates due to alleged in-fighting of money.

Caramonte did not resist arrest by police armed with warrants of arrest issued by Judge Iluminada Cabato and Judge Edilberto Claravall.

In the homicide case, the victim was the late Albert Santos, also a student who was killed along Upper Session Road last July 16, 2007/ Caramonte was identified by witnesses as one of five male persons who stabbed and mauled the victim.

Salapong, with the arrest of Caramonte, has once again appealed to the youths in the city and elsewhere to avoid groups who foment and practice violence as they would only end up to be losers when they violate the law.

Records show that the death of the late Calpito and Santos were both offshoot of youth gangsterism and delinquency in Baguio which the BCPO and the community are trying to totally eradicate.

Meanwhile, the suspect in the robbery and carnapping in Crystal Cave , here at around 9:45 a.m. July 1 has been arrested July 2 by operatives of the BCPO Station 10.

Police Chief Inspector Romulo Danglose, COP station 10 identified the arrested suspect as Nero Mocyat Melecio , 32, single, native of Mankayan,Benguet. He is now detained at the Baguio City jail per instruction of inquest prosecutor while the BCPO is doing all follow up operations against other robbery suspects.

Recovered by the operatives were the victim’s vehicle, a Mitsubishi FB with license plate number AEM 358 used by the suspects as their get-away vehicle.. Missing items from victim Jayson Changwaten, a businessman in the gold industry were 900 grams of processed gold, 3.4 kilos of raw materials for processing of gold and one calibre 40 pistol. (BCPO-PIO)

TASK FORCE BIMMOTOBOT EXHUMES REMAINS OF ALLEGED SHABU LAB CARPENTER -ELECTRICIAN

CAMP BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO PCSupt Ramon V. Gatan, PRO1 Regional Director and head of Task Force Bimmotobot, led today (July 1) composite teams of the task force in exhuming from a shallow grave the remains of a certain Ronnie in Barangay Bimmotobot, Naguilian, La Union, at the same lot where a shabu laboratory was busted in 2008. The exhumation was carried out by virtue of a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Ferdinand Fe of RTC Branch 67, Bauang, La Union based on a sworn affidavit alleging that Dante Palaganas, a Bimmotobot suspect presently detained at La Union Provincial Jail, confessed to the affiant that he (Palaganas) shot to death Ronnie sometime in November 2007. The affidavit also indicated that Ronnie, who allegedly worked as carpenter-electrician in the shabu laboratory, was ordered killed by Joselito Artuz, tagged as the shabu labs financier who is still at large, for knowing too much and for being too noisy about the illegal operation. The skeletal remains of Ronnie, whose full identity is yet to be established, was dug up at about 10:30 AM by combined elements of La Union police, Regional Mobile Group 1, PDEA1, Regional Crime Laboratory Office 1 and other concerned units. The exhumation was witnessed by officials of Barangay Bimmotobot and Nagulian town, and was covered by members of the local media. Initial on-site examination by the Medico-Legal Officer of RCLO1 revealed that the skull bore a bullet hole to the left temple indicating that the cause of death is cranio-hemorrhagic shock secondary to a gunshot wound to the temporal region. Inventory conducted by the SOCO Evidence Custodian revealed that the recovered evidence included one blue traveling bag containing assorted personal belongings, an electricians multi-tester kit, a pouch bag with several hand tools, a pair of slippers, and a broken spade. The recovered skeletal remains were turned-over to personnel of JOCES Funeral Homes in Bauang, La Union for further analysis to determine the victims identity and for safekeeping prior to proper disposition. Speaking to the members of the media, PCSupt Gatan expressed the collective satisfaction of the members of Task Force Bimmotobot on the positive turn of events. This is a major development in our investigation. We are confident that the evidence gathered here shall further bolster our case build-up efforts, Gatan said.

All out drug war, 160M Marijuana destroyed

Ilocos Sur & Benguet– Carrying out the directive of President Macapagal Arroyo a composite contingent of law enforcers led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 1(PDEA RO1) launched OPLAN “BUNTOTPUSA” a major negation operation that yielded to the destruction of 160 million worth of Marijuana plants (Cannabis sativa) at the disputed boundaries of Ilocos Sur and Benguet. The biggest and record breaking marijuana eradication in the Philippine history.

The six days operation that started on the dawn of January 14, 2009 at the vicinities of Barangay Licungan, Culliang, Sur, Mt. Bangao, Barangay Caoyan, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur; Sitio Lebeng, Barangay Badeo, Sitio Tanap and Barangay Tacadang of Kibungan Benguet mobilized the eight sections from two battalions of the Philippine Army as reports that communist terrorists of leftists under the Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee of the Communist party of the Philippines are frequently sighted at said areas providing protection to both the cultivator & their marijuana plantations.

An advanced party by the 503rd Brigade Philippine Army and PDEA RO1 secured the areas by land to avoid detection while the main body was airlifted by the TOG-1 Philippine Air Force. Airlifted are elements from PDEA 1 & CAR, Regional Mobile Group 1, Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operating Team-Ilocos Sur (PAIDSOT-IS), Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operating Team (RAIDSOT), Military Intelligence-1-ISAFP, 302nd Air Intelligence Task Group-PAF & the Sugpon Police Station.

A suspected cultivator Santy Del-amen of Sitio Naba, Cawayan Sugpon Ilocos Sur, was arrested and is charged with Section II of Article 16 Cultivation or Culture of Plants Classified as Dangerous Drugs of RA 9165 otherwise known as the Dangerous Act of 2002. The penalty of which will be life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from Five hundred thousand pesos to Ten million pesos upon conviction.
“Our directive and objective is to win the drug war, and we are tapping all our partners to wipe out the enemy. We are not afraid of who they are or their cohorts and financiers.” Quoted from PDEA RO1 Regional Director Roberto S. Opeňa who personally supervised the operation.
An interlude to OPLAN “APOLGREENSCORPION” which crushed 28M worth of illegal hemp at the Sitios Tebteb, Balbalnag, Brgy Badeo, Kibungan, Benguet, Brgy. Sapdaan, and Brgy Sasaba, Santol, La Union on November 07 to 09, 2008, OPLAN “BUNTOTPUSA” has been created as intelligence reports established that CPP/NPA’s operating in the area are engaged in Narco-terrorism to support their cause. Aside from the fact that it is being used as substitute for “Shabu” (Methamphetamine hydrochloride) where its prices has dramatically risen during the past months due to continued anti-narcotics operation.

31 PATROL VEHICLES AWARDED TO POLICE STATIONS IN REGION 1

CAMP BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO — PCSUPT LUIZO C TICMAN, PRO1 Regional Director, handed over the keys of 31 brand-new patrol vehicles to the chiefs of selected police stations during a ceremonial turnover held at PRO Grandstand this morning. The vehicles consisted of 14 Toyota Hi-Lux 4×2 pickups and 17 Toyota Innova Utility Vehicles. The Region 1 police provincial directors, concerned chiefs of police and local government officials of the recipient municipalities joined the officers and men of PRO1 headquarters in witnessing the turnover rites. PCSUPT TICMAN awarded the 17 Toyota Innova cars to Batac Police Station and San Nicolas Police Station, both in Ilocos Norte; the police stations of Sta Maria, Santa Cruz, Sinait and Salcedo, in Ilocos Sur; the police stations of Sudipen, Naguilian and Luna, in La Union; and the police stations of Santa Maria, Urbiztondo, Tayug, Santa Barbara, Rosales, Manaoag, Burgos and Anda, all in Pangasinan. The 14 Toyota Hi-Lux 4×2 pickuips were given to Banna, Dumalneg, Marcos and Solsona police stations in Ilocos Norte; Suyo, Sigay, Quirino, Nagbukel, Lidlidda, Cervantes and Gregorio del Pilar police stations in Ilocos Sur; and Natividad and Mabini police stations in Pangasinan. In his message, PCSUPT TICMAN said that this batch of patrol vehicles is part of the latest procurement under the capability enhancement component of the PNP Integrated Transformation Program, and is in keeping with the goal of the PNP modernization effort for every police station across the country to have at least one patrol vehicle. He expressed the need for adequate and well-conditioned equipment particularly in the performance of its patrolling functions. “I therefore expect the recipients, especially the designated drivers, to strictly observe proper care and maintenance of the vehicles. You should be responsible and accountable for them”, he stressed. PCSUPT TICMAN reminded the end-users that the vehicles are “for official use only” and not intended for private purposes. He also advised them to adopt appropriate procedures to pinpoint liability in case of vehicle damage. After the ceremony, the chiefs of police and their respective PNP drivers attended a lecture on proper driving and maintenance conducted by expert personnel from the Toyota Company at the Concorde Building here.

Families Affected by High Tide Associated with Big Waves in Aringay, La Union

       

La Union- Based on the Report of  MDCC-Aringay, BDCC- Alaska, DSWD FO190 families or 463 persons sought temporary refuge at the Berlin-Alaska Elementary School. As of 1:00 PM 12 January 2008, the displaced families have left the evacuation site and are now staying with relatives and friends while others are staying in makeshift shelter.

80 houses (As per validation of DSWD FO1, the previously reported 10 houses partially damaged can not be considered as  such. They were categorized as families affected whose houses were underwater at the height of the incident)

 

The Municipal Government of Aringay is currently exploring the possibility of relocating the affected communities to a much safer area. A lot owned by the Philippine National Railways located in Barangay Poblacion is being considered as possible relocation site. A meeting has been set between local officials of Aringay and member-agencies of the RDCC purposely to discuss the relocation plan of the LGU.

 

 

 

 

 

Baguio-based firm to axe more workers

BAGUIO CITY – Texas Instruments Philippines Inc. (Tipi) is expected to axe more employees in a second wave of layoffs, which would have an impact on the 2009 growth scenario for the summer capital and the rest of the Cordillera.

This was disclosed by Juan Ngalob, Cordillera director of the National Economic and Development Authority, during a news conference here on Wednesday.

Tipi was the first American-led firm to “bite the bullet,” when it authorized an early retirement program for its employees before the end of 2008, he said.

In December, Tipi officials advised the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that they had let go of 392 workers from different divisions, said Cordillera Director Ana Dione.

Ngalob’s disclosure could not be confirmed with Tipi as calls to the company were unanswered.

A hundred more workers are due for reassignment to Tipi’s new facility at the Clark Economic Zone, according to a company report sent to the government.

Beefing up Clark while Tipi pares down its manpower at the oldest plant in Baguio “may be part of its strategy,” Ngalob said.

Because of a US market slowdown, semiconductor firms that supply this market would logically take the brunt of the economic crisis, he said.

Based on the company’s latest advisory, the workers were retrenched, although a few enrolled in early retirement packages, Dione said.

The workers were granted terminal leaves without pay in December, and were expecting to be paid their full retrenchment benefits next week, she said.

Dione said she was not alerted to a second wave of layoffs.

“We have not yet crunched the numbers,” Ngalob said.  

 By Vincent Cabreza
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Presscon in reverse set on Dec 22

IN THE spirit of fun this Christmas season and at the same time develop an understanding between news sources and news reporters on their role in the flow of information, there will be a Press Conference in Reverse on December 22, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Multi purpose Hall of City Hall.

Dubbed “Shoe on the other Foot” (Press Conference in Reverse on Autonomy and Development), the usual news sources will have a chance to question news reporters on their reportage particularly on autonomy and development.

The news reporters, on the other hand, will have an opportunity to know how it feels to be interviewed or to be on “hot seat,” in the spirit of fun.

Among those invited are Cordillera congressmen and governors, Presidential Assistant Thomas Killip, Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, mayors’ league presidents, and Regional Development Council officials.

A project of the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) on Regional Autonomy and Development for the General Public, this hopes to create a clearer picture and promote critical collaboration between news sources and news reporters in the dissemination of autonomy issues and other regional development concerns.

The activity is open to the public. It will be aired over radio stations DZWT, RPN 9 and Radio ng Bayan stations in the region.