PGMA to lead nationwide Rizal Day celebration in Vigan

BAGUIO CITY — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will lead the nation tomorrow in commemorating the 113th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, in rites that will be held at Plaza Salcedo in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

Upon her arrival at Plaza Salcedo at 7 a.m., the President will lead the simultaneous flag raising ceremonies nationwide. She will be assisted by Ilocos Sur Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano, Rep. Ronald Singson, and Vigan City Mayor Eva Marie Singson- Medina.

A wreath-laying ceremony will follow.

This year’s Rizal Day will center on the theme “Kabayanihan ni Rizal: Daluyan ng Kagitingan at Pagkakaisa.”

Last year, the President led the Rizal Day rites in San Fernando , La Union. Previous Rizal Day celebrations with the President were held in Mindanao and Baguio City.

PRO-COR PNP STRENGTHENED MJ CHECKPOINT AND ERADICATION OPERATIONS

Camp Dangwa, Benguet: In line with the strengthening of its campaign against illegal drugs within Cordillera Region particularly the marijuana plants, composite team from the Special Operations Unit, Regional Anti-illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group (SOU-RAIDSOTG) of PRO-COR; Regional Mobile Group; Benguet Police and, PDEA-CAR conducted a massive marijuana eradication operation from December 8 to 11, 2009 under the supervision of Chief, SOU-RAIDSOTG, Psupt Glenn D Lonogan.

Psupt Lonogan in his report to the Regional Director Pcsupt Orlando Pestano cited thirty two (32) different sites of operation with an estimated land area of forty two thousand two hundred twenty three (42,223) square meters of mountainous area. It is located at Sitios Silam, Agay-ay, Kinmayad, Alibangan, and Napug-o, all of Barangay Kayapa, Bakun and Sitios Sakubo and Lanipew of Barangay Tacadang, Kibungan all of Benguet Province.

One million three hundred thirteen thousand seven hundred eighty (1,313,780) pieces of marijuana seedlings with estimated DDB value of fifty two million five hundred fifty one thousand two hundred (P52, 551,200.00) pesos and two hundred ninety eight thousand two hundred (298,200) pieces of fully grown marijuana plants with estimated value of fifty nine million six hundred forty thousand (P59, 640,000.00) pesos were eradicated in the areas of operation. The over-all total estimated value of the marijuana plants and seedlings amounted to P112, 191,200.00 pesos.

No cultivator was apprehended during the operation but the Cordillera police are fervent in its operation to deny the public of supplies of marijuana. The police in coordination with PDEA-CAR and the Local Government Units concerned implemented an information drive for the community to adopt alternative livelihood and not the cultivation of marijuana plantation as it is very hazardous and also punishable by law under R.A 9165.

On the other hand, personnel of 3rd Provincial Regional Mobile Group headed by Psinsp Glen Ganipac intercepted thirty pieces of dried marijuana leaves in bricks form weighing more or less thirty thousand grams with estimated DDB value of seven hundred fifty thousand pesos (P750, 00.00) on December 11, 2009 in a checkpoint operation.

The marijuana bricks were confiscated at Talaca Agbannawag Tabuk, Kalinga loaded at the baggage compartment of a Dangwa Bus with license plate number AYC 439 bearing body number 837 bound for Manila. Allegedly, two unidentified female person loaded the contraband placed inside two cartons at the terminal of Dangwa Bus located at Dagupan Tabuk, Kalinga. It was addressed to a certain Lisa Ambac of JP Rizal Calamba, Laguna. The contraband was turned-over to Kalinga Police Provincial Office for appropriate disposition.

The police are now conducting a follow-up investigation to determine the identities and apprehension of the persons responsible in the shipment punishable under RA 9165.

Regional Director Pcsupt Orlando L Pestano lauded the commitment of the police personnel involved in the operation for the continuous campaign against illegal drugs as it is a cancer affecting our society. (PIO-PRO-COR)

LOCAL PDEA LEADS OBSERVANCE OF ANTI-DRUG WEEK

In concurrence with the theme of the Drug Abuse Prevention & Control (DAPC) Week observance for 2009 that says, “Kilos Pamayanan: Sa Droga Patuloy Na Lumaban”, the local Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the Cordilleras spearheads the weeklong celebration by pushing towards the unity of various communities in the unrelenting fight to eliminate the menace posed by drug abuse to society and existence.

The observance of DAPC Week from November 14 to 21, 2009 was officially commenced by the PDEA – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) through the installation of a public assistance desk on drug rehabilitation and treatment at their field office at the basement of Melvin Jones Grandstand along Harrison Rd. in Baguio City early in the morning last Saturday, November 14, 2009, where relatives of drug dependents, or the drug addicts themselves, can visit the desk any time for an immediate advice on the drug rehab process / requirements, guidance and counseling, and/or referral. Simultaneously, the PDEA – CAR regional office in Camp Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet was opened to the public, where visitors will be briefly lectured on the campaign against drugs; able to view some films and photos, and paraphernalia and samples of dangerous drugs; and toured around the building. The drug rehab assistance desk and open house, so with anti-drug public service announcements from the mass media will run during the whole duration of the DAPC Week.

Also during the opening day of the weeklong event, an anti-drug seminar was conducted to the officers and members of the Parents-Teachers Association of the Eastern La Trinidad National High School in Beckel, La Trinidad, Benguet. Likewise on the same day, an anti-drug symposium with film showing was held at the Secondary Laboratory School of the Cordillera Career Development College in Buyagan, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Moreover, last November 16, two anti-drug lectures were successively made to students of the Bineng Annex of the Benguet National High School in Bineng, La Trinidad, Benguet. The next day, a Tuesday, PDEA – CAR agents and other personnel went for tree planting at the watershed in Camp 8, Baguio City, where they were able to plant some 200 Calliandra seedlings. Calliandra is a small leguminous tree that usually attains a height of 1.7 meters. It was recommended to PDEA – CAR by the Baguio Water District since it can still survive well even with minimal watering, which is timing to the period of the tree planting activity where the rainy season has already ended. Nevertheless, the planters will be visiting the site every now and then to water and weed. A Calliandra tree grows fast and sprouts after cutting, reduces soil and water run-off, has excellent fodder for livestock, has good fuel wood, and increases soil fertility. Actually, the PDEA – CAR is now looking at the possible introduction of Calliandra tree production to the Alternative Livelihood Development Program.

An anti-drug symposium was jointly held by PDEA – CAR and the Center for Health Development (CHD) – CAR also last November 17 at the Baguio City National High School Main Campus in Gov. Pack Rd., Baguio City. Afterward, an anti-drug lecture was done to pupils of the Quezon Elementary School in Upper Session Rd., Baguio City . The activity was organized by the Cordillera Regional Management Coordinating Committee, of which PDEA – CAR is one of the members.

Additionally, PDEA – CAR had participated last November 18 in the “Health Hour” radio program of DZEQ – Radyo ng Bayan, hosted by the Baguio Health Department. Similarly, PDEA – CAR participated in the “Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (RLECC) Hour” television show hosted by the Police Regional Office – Cordillera at the Mountain View Cable Television.

Last November 19, PDEA – CAR had again joined forces with CHD – CAR for an anti-drug lecture at the Benguet State University Secondary Laboratory School in Km. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet. A surprise drug test was also carried out by the Philippine National Police’s Regional Crime Laboratory Office – Cordillera to all personnel of PDEA – CAR on this day.

A Closing Ceremony for the DAPC Week celebration was scheduled by PDEA – CAR at the Parade Ground in Camp Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet tomorrow, November 20, 2009 , at 9:30 in the morning. The affair will be highlighted by an anti-drug solo singing contest (with original lyrics), signing of Memoranda of Agreement, ceremonial destruction of dangerous drugs, film showing and photo exhibit. The Honorable Marybelle Lee Demot-Mariñas, the Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 8 of the First Judicial Region – La Trinidad, Benguet will grace the occasion as Guest of Honor & Speaker.

Furthermore, PDEA – CAR will reach out to typhoon victims at the Labey Baptist Church evacuation center in Ambuclao, Bokod, Benguet in a gift giving activity on Saturday, November 21, 2009 . Meanwhile, an anti-drug seminar will be effected on same day to security guards of the GMT – Interlink Security Management Corp. just after their Saturday Ranks Inspection. This is to empower them as force multipliers in drug law enforcement. The Security Agency had, in fact, chipped in a considerable financial amount for the upcoming outreach program in Labey, Ambuclao, Bokod, Benguet. ( PDEA-CAR)

PNP personnel inside Camp Dangwa Voluntarily Evacuated

Camp Dangwa, Benguet: To pave way for the development of Camp Dangwa, the home of the Cordillera’s finest, some organic PNP personnel of PRO-COR started to voluntarily evacuate and remove their house structures after a Senior Officer made a model example in demolishing his house.

Among the personnel who heed the call of the Command to look for alternative place of abode and relocate are officers with the rank of Police Senior Inspector down to non-uniformed personnel who abide with the rules of law and support the implementing programs and facilities development of PRO-COR.

As early as last year, all residents residing in the premises of Camp Dangwa and are covered as PNP property have undergone dialogue’s with the Command headed by the former Regional Director and notice of information regarding the development of the Camp and construction of government structures. They were given ample time to look for alternative places and notice to vacate.

According to Regional Director Pcsupt Orlando L Pestano, with the full implementation of development and as proposal site for material recovery facility (MRF) in compliance with the government’s solid waste disposal program, construction of government Offices within the area to be vacated by the illegal settlers will also take place.

Pcsupt Pestano lauded those personnel who are now doing their part in transferring their properties and leaving their houses for the realization of a worthy development and betterment of police services which will benefit the community. He further said that as much as possible, they don’t want to implement force eviction and it is a priority to “protect the PNP property and interest of the government” for a better public service.

Transportation and manpower are provided by the Command as its contribution and assistance to assist the personnel who are now in the process of relocation. Other settlers inside Camp are enjoined to do the same for their own good. ( PRO-COR)

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS ENFORCED TO ERRING PRO-COR PERSONNEL

Camp Dangwa, Benguet: In line with the PNP’s LOI “Patnubay” or disciplinary actions imposed to erring PNP personnel, Police Regional Office- Cordillera sustain its commitment to cleanse the ranks for those who refuse to toe the line.

For the month of January 2009 to present, a total of forty eight (48) PNP personnel Region wide were dismissed; and, suspended from the PNP service. Out of the forty eight personnel, 20 were dismissed with two Police Commissioned Officers (PCO); seventeen (17) Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCO); and, one Non-Uniformed personnel. Those who were given suspension orders were two PCO’s and 26 PNCO’s for a total of twenty eight.

According to Drda Pcsupt Samuel Diciano, the enforcement of disciplinary actions is part of PRO-COR’s intervention to “clean up the ranks and weed out defiant police officers.” However, he further said that preemptive measures are being undertaken by the command for the transformation of the erring police personnel for them to have a new sense of responsibility and commitment to the police service.

Meanwhile, Regional Director Pcsupt Orlando L Pestano said that PRO-COR is consistent with its mission and programs in line with the Integrated Transformation Program of the PNP. This aims to strengthen and reform policemen within the Region particularly those maligned officers in the performance of their duties and responsibilities. ( PRO-COR)

Provincial Jail Warden in Abra Died in Shooting Incident

Camp Dangwa, Benguet: The Provincial jail warden of Abra province was shot to death with the use of a caliber short firearm on November 16, 2009 at Barangay Labaan Proper San Quintin, Abra on or about 9:20 in the evening.

Provincial Director Pssupt Charlo Collado identified the victim as Jovito Baldoz Diaz, Ex- mayor and the current jail warden of the Province. Initial investigation of Abra Police disclosed that the motive of the shooting incident is due to misunderstanding and that the suspect was under the influence of intoxicated liquor. (PRO-COR)

Regional Director Pcsupt Orlando L Pestano identified the suspect as a certain Jovencio Cotchay Florentino, a retired PNP member and a resident of Poblacion San Quintin, Abra. The suspect is now under the custody of the Abra police for proper documentation and disposition.
( PRO-COR)

THREE PERSONS SHOT IN CT’s ATROCITY

Camp Dangwa, Benguet: More than ten members of the communists terrorists (ct’s) with a female companion armed with M-16 armalite rifles inflicted atrocities in Asipulo Ifugao at the early hours of November 15, 2009 which led to the wounding of three persons.

Provincial Director Pssupt Joseph Adnol identified the victims as William Natalac, who was shot within fifty meters away from the pigpen of his house; Mr Emilo Dangew, 46 years old, married, farmer was shot at the right hip; and, a certain Roger Culian who was also shot by the armed men believed to be local communists terrorists. All victims are residents of Sitio Tuking Barangay Numpaling Asipulo, Ifugao.

Pssupt Adnol in his report to Regional Director Pcsupt Orlando L Pestano said that Barangay Captain of Numpaling Asipulo brought the victims to the Ifugao Provincial Hospital for medical treatment. Further, investigation is being conducted and police operation is being launched by the Ifugao Police for the apprehension and identification of the suspects.

Pcsupt Pestano enjoined the Commission on Human Rights-CAR to take action and conduct parallel investigation with regards to the local communist’s atrocities hurting innocent civilians.

Recently, the Ifugao police captured four ct’s in an encounter at Barangay Gumhang Tinoc, Ifugao. Illegal possession of firearms, ammunitions and explosive under criminal case no 1828 was filed against the four captured ct’s with the RTC 2nd Judicial Region Branch 14 with no bail recommended. They were committed to BJMP, Tiger’s Hill, Kiangan, Ifugao.

PNP troops are still in Tinoc area assisting evacuees to return to their respective residences at Gumhang and Binablayan, both in Tinoc, Ifugao. (PRO-COR)

ONE CARTOON OF MJ BRICKS SEIZED IN POLICE CHECKPOINT

Camp Dangwa, Benguet: Shipment of marijuana bricks was confiscated in a police checkpoint at Talaca Tabuk Kalinga on November 11, 2009 after concerned citizen informed the police that said contraband was loaded to a passenger bus bound for Manila.

Psinsp Glenn Ganipac, Chief, 3rd Coy RMG based in Kalinga Province immediately set up a checkpoint operation which resulted to the confiscation of one cartoon containing five marijuana bricks weighing approximately 5,000 grams with DDB value of P125, 000.00. It was loaded on a Dangwa passenger bus with body no.837 and plate no AYC 439 bound to Cubao/Sampaloc Manila.

Initial investigations of the police disclose that two unidentified male persons at Nambaran, Tabuk loaded the contraband addressed to a certain Jordan Telan.

Suspects responsible in the shipment are still at large while the confiscated contraband was turned over to the Provincial Anti-illegal Drug Special Operation Task Group of Kalinga PPO for documentation and proper disposition.

With the successive confiscation of the contrabands bound for Manila by still unidentified sources through police checkpoint and with the help of the community, Regional Director Pcsupt Orlando L Pestano ordered the operating Units of Kalinga PPO and the Regional Mobile Group to conduct a thorough investigation and checkpoint operations for the apprehension and identification of the suspects.

As one of his major priority thrust, Regional Director Pcsupt Orlando L Pestano declared an all-out war in the campaign against illegal drugs and strengthens police operation and marijuana eradication in order to “deny the public of supplies”.

In coordination with PDEA-CAR and the Local government Units within the Region, intensified street-level operations are likewise conducted for the arrest of suspects in violation of R.A 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs act of 2002. ( PRO-COR)

COMMUNISTS TERRORISTS CAPTURED and FIREARMS SEIZED IN TINOC COMBAT OPERATION

Lagawe, Ifugao: Four (4) members of communist’s terrorists including two (2) amazons were captured in an encounter with the operating troops of Ifugao PPO at about 6:00 am this date (November 12, 2009).

According to Provincial Director Pssupt Joseph Adnol, two platoons of his men were on combat operation when they encountered undetermined number of communist’s terrorists at Barangay Gumhang Tinoc, Ifugao.

In a report to Regional Director Pcsupt Orlando L Pestano, the operating troops are still scouring the area and recovered assorted firearms in their clearing operation. Pssupt Joseph Adnol reported that one (1) baby armalite; three (3) m-16 rifles; a carbine and two (2) grenades were recovered in the place of encounter.

As of press time, one platoon composite of the Regional Mobile Group and Ifugao Policemen led by Pinsp Acod jumped off to augment and resupply the operating troops engaged in the encounter.

Pcsupt Pestano on the other hand alerted all the Operating Units from different Police Provincial Offices here in the Region to be vigilant and ensure security in their areas of responsibility. Reinforcement to Ifugao PPO was already sent from the other operating Units. ( PRO-COR)

Police checkpoint operation confiscated thirty three (33) bricks of dried marijuana leaves

Camp Dangwa, Benguet: PRO-CORDILLERA in its unrelenting campaign against illegal drugs in the Cordillera Region relative to LOI Kontra Droga scored a major accomplishment after the police here confiscated an estimated eight hundred twenty five thousand pesos (P825, 000.00) DDB value of marijuana bricks on November 5, 2009 while conducting checkpoint operation.

Police personnel of the 3rd Provincial Regional Mobile Group based at Talaca, Kalinga Province in a police checkpoint operation confiscated two cartoons containing thirty three (33) bricks of dried marijuana leaves weighing more or less thirty three thousand grams (33,000g) with an estimate DDB value of eight hundred twenty five thousand pesos.

Investigation conducted by the police disclosed that said contraband were allegedly loaded by unidentified person along Locnog Highway, Tabuk, Kalinga at the baggage compartment of a Victory Liner Bus with body number 2125 bearing license plate number CWV 917. The contraband is addressed to a certain Maria Nessie Espenie of Sampaloc, Manila.

The Police are still conducting a follow-up investigation for the possible identification of sources and arrest of persons involved in the shipping of the marijuana bricks in violation of the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002. The confiscated contraband was turned-over to PNP Crime laboratory Office for proper disposition.

Regional Director Pcsupt Orlando L Pestano hailed the alertness and effective checkpoint operation of the Police Mobile Group led by Pinsp Dennis Lawrence Bautista which resulted to the confiscation of the contraband. (Pro-Cor)