9 wanted persons nabbed in Central Luzon

DOTr, BCDA break ground on new Clark Airport terminal building

Central Luzon cops warned vs. indiscriminate firing 

Pampanga's giant lanterns light up sky

Bulacan gets CROWN award in nutrition

USD12-M animal nutrition premix plant opens in Bulacan

'Dangal' awardees give back for environ, culture

Duterte serenades crowd at DOLE anniversary

PRO3 chief orders in-depth probe on priest's slay

Baler MDRRMO gears up for ‘Big One’

BALER, Aurora -- The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) here has heightened its disaster awareness campaign in preparation for the "Big One," a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that could possibly be generated by the West Valley Fault, which is ripe for movement.

“This will be the most devastating disaster that may happen in Metro Manila. Baler is about 231 kilometers away from the City. We are all surrounded by the ring of fire and we should be prepared at all times,” said MDRRO chief Gabriel C. Llave, during his lecture over the weekend to students from different schools, Philippine Army and reservists in this province.

He said the public should be aware of the possible impacts and effects of the "Big One."

"Falling objects may also cause injuries. If the public is aware, the damaging effects of earthquake can be minimized. Thus, we should prepare ourselves for such scenario," Llave said.

He told the residents that based on their study the safest place they may go to for refuge is in Sitio Hiwalayan, Barangay Bacong, San Luis, this province.

"It is safe there even from the occurrence of tsunami," he said. 

Llave also explained the importance of the Incident Command System (ICS) which is designed to develop a standard response and operational procedures to all types of disasters and complexities as a result of climate change or terrorism.

“It is now a law under Republic Act 10121 as part of the country’s existing on-scene disaster response system that is now being implemented,” he added.

Aside from lectures, the Baler MDRRMO is also regularly conducting earthquake and tsunami drills. (PNA)

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Bulacan execs urged to help cops in war vs crime, vices

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday urged barangay officials here to remain steadfast and help the police in combating crimes and illegal vices in order to make Bulacan safer and more progressive.

“You are always in the frontline of government service. Always bear in mind that peace and order will flourish as long as village officials will lead with fervor. Always help the police in its campaign against criminality and in the maintenance of peace and order,” said PNP Deputy Director General for Operations Fernando “Jojo” Mendez Jr.

Mendez, a former provincial director of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, was the guest of honor and speaker during the Gawad Galing Barangay held on Monday at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in this city.

He congratulated this year’s awardees, saying their efforts are vital to nation building.

Mendez also said that Bulacan is known for its noble heroes and up to this time, the province continues to produce such men and women in uplifting the lives and welfare of the people.

“Let us continue to provide services that are pro-God, pro-people and pro-nation and be an outstanding public servants that can be an example, especially to the youth. To the rest of our fellow Bulakenyos, let us continue to bring our beloved province of Bulacan to greater heights of peace and economic progress. Let us walk along the footprints of our heroes and continue with what they have started," Mendez, a native of San Miguel town, said.

In his message, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that although the barangays are the smallest units of government, they are bigger in terms of number and have to march in harmony towards achieving transparency, accountability and good governance.

 "Live great as you continue to soar up in the canopy of good governance and succeed in the field of giving concern to our fellowmen," the governor said.

For his part, Vice Governor Daniel Fernando said that barangays are the backbone of growth and development.

“The progress of a town or a city can be seen in the barangays that are clean, orderly, peaceful and those moving forward in the path of development," Fernando said.

Meanwhile, the barangays of Malis in Guiguinto headed by Barangay Captain Cezar Mendoza and Binagbag in Angat led by Barangay Captain Angelito De Guzman were given the Hall of Fame Award during the 17th Gawad Galing Barangay.  

The two villages were recognized for three consecutive years ‎(2015-2017) in the Natatanging Gawaing Pambarangay category because of their best, most creative and effective implementation of innovative barangay projects.

The five Natatanging Gawaing Pambarangay awardees were Basuit, San Ildefonso (Pagbubukud-bukod ng Basura at Pagsasaayos ng Kapaligiran ng Barangay); Sapang, San Miguel (Tamang Pangangasiwa ng Basura at Pangangalaga ng Kapaligiran); Malis, Guiguinto (Mabuting Pamamahala); Iba, Hagonoy (Mabuting Pamamahala); and Binagbag, Angat (Mabuting Pamamahala) wherein they all took home PHP200,000 each and plaque of recognition.

The three trailblazers -- Alalaysa Mag-aaral ng Tarcan, Baliwag; the Mabuting Pamamahala of Francisco Homes-Mulawin and Barangay Muzon of City of San Jose Del Monte were recognized and received  PHP50,000 each and plaque of recognition.

Barangay Captain Cezar Mendoza of Malis, Guiguinto won as the Natatanging Punong Barangay for his broad knowledge in governance and his strong desire to enhance the quality of living of his constituents. He brought home PHP50,000 and a plaque of recognition. (PNA)

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No severe dengue manifestation in vaccinated C. Luzon kids: DOH

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga—The Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office III on Tuesday said that there is no reported case of children who were given anti-dengue vaccination that showed severe dengue manifestation in Central Luzon, particularly in Pampanga.

Dr. Jess Fantone, head of the DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance, said in a phone interview that so far, they had not received any report of "severe dengue" among pupils in Central Luzon since the administration of the third and final round of anti-dengue vaccine in April 2016.

Fantone likewise denied reports that the death of three vaccinated children in Central Luzon was traced to the vaccine.

“Based on the DOH national adverse event committee of the dengue vaccination program, the vaccine was not the cause of the deaths of the children. The deaths have been classified as coincidental with the vaccination,” he said.

He explained that the only adverse effects of the anti-dengue vaccines are fever, headache, rashes, and dizziness.

“Those are common adverse effects of any vaccines administered to children,” he said.

Fantone said the DOH regional office had been strictly monitoring the pupils who were given the anti-dengue vaccines in Central Luzon.

“We have the complete list of those children who were administered the three doses of anti-dengue vaccines. We have been closely monitoring them,” he said.

Dengavaxia was administered to some 200,000 elementary students in the seven provinces of Central Luzon.

Meanwhile, some parents of children given anti-dengue vaccinations in Pampanga are supporting the plan of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file criminal cases against former government officials involved in the program following the admission of the Dengvaxia manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur of the risks of the vaccines to those who had never been ill of dengue.

The parents said that while their consents were first obtained, they were not informed about the experimental nature of the vaccine nor were they warned of possible side effects.

“I am praying hard that nothing will happen to my child who was given the anti-dengue vaccines. They transformed our children into guinea pigs,” Jocelyn Sampang, whose son received the three doses of anti-dengue vaccine, said.

Data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed that the third and final doses of Dengvaxia were administered to 32,210 pupils in the Department of Education (DepEd) division of Pampanga; 6,855 pupils in the division of Angeles City and 4,691 pupils in the City of San Fernando. (PNA)

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PNP lauds military, police troops' feat in Batangas clash

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Calamba City -- The CALABARZON Police Regional Office (PRO-4A) hailed the feat of the joint government troops for their successful operations during their encounter on Tuesday evening against communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Nasugbu, Batangas where around 15 rebels were killed and several firearms and a grenade launcher were seized following the gun battle.

Chief Supt. Ma O R. Aplasca, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) Regional Police Director, led the regional police force in giving “salute to the gallantry of the personnel of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) who have successfully neutralized the communist terrorist (CT) group.”

Aplasca, however, cautioned that “we should continue to be vigilant to prevent any possible retribution of this group against government personnel and facilities in the whole region.”

He reported that an undetermined number of communist rebels were able to escape on foot but they are now the subject of follow-up operations by the joint elements of AFP and PNP.

The regional police command also commended the feat of the 730th Combat Group, Batangas Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) and Nasugbu police force for their continuing operations.

“This operation is a product of hard work, coordination and cooperation between the AFP-PNP and most especially the support extended by the community through the giving of timely and accurate information as to the presence and movement of the CTs in their area,” the regional police commander said.

Aplasca also said the latest feat “signals the end of atrocities of the NPA and we expect that extortion activities of this terrorist group will eventually stop.”

He enjoined everyone, particularly politicians and the business community, whom they have already identified as supporters of this terrorist group, to instead cooperate with the government.

Recently, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte tagged the New People’s Army as a terrorist group and subsequently signed Proclamation No. 360 terminating the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.

“Thus, we further appeal for the continued and stronger community support as we are nearing the end of the reign of terror posed by the NPA in CALABARZON particularly in the 1st District of Batangas,” Aplasca said.

The police regional headquarters said the partnership of the AFP and PNP with the community is an offshoot of the joint project of mobilizing the community against all forms of lawlessness, criminalities and terrorism. (Robert A. Maico/PNA)

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Bulacan to honor outstanding local execs, volunteers

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- The provincial government of Bulacan will give recognition to village officials and volunteer workers who have made vital contribution to the province's progress and development.

The annual Gawad Galing Barangay (GGB) awarding rites will be held on Friday at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in this city.

The GGB is a local program equivalent to the Galing Pook Award that recognizes outstanding local officials, volunteer workers and groups and excellent, creative and effective innovations and projects in the community.

"They may be the smallest unit of all government units but they are always the front-liners in the delivery of basic services to the people," Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said of the barangay.

This year, the provincial government of Bulacan will recognize five Natatanging Gawaing Barangay wherein the winners will each take home PHP200,000 and a plaque of recognition. Three trailblazers, on the other hand, will receive PHP50,000 and a plaque of appreciation each.

Awards will also be given to the Natatanging Lingkod Barangay, including the Natatanging Punong Barangay, who will receive PHP50,000; Natatanging Kagawad; Natatanging Ingat-Yaman; and Natatanging Kalihim, all of whom will receive a plaque of recognition and PHP20,000 each.

Moreover, the winners for the outstanding volunteer workers comprising the Natatanging Barangay Tanod; Natatanging Barangay Training and Employment Coordinator; Natatanging Lingkod Lingap sa Nayon; Natatanging Mother Leader; and Natatanging Barangay Health Worker will also receive a plaque of recognition and a cash incentive worth PHP20,000 each, while the Natatanging Volunteer Group will take home PHP50,000.

Philippine National Police Deputy Chief for Operations Fernando Mendez Jr. will be the event’s guest speaker. (PNA)

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10 wanted persons arrested in Central Luzon

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- Ten wanted persons were arrested Monday as police authorities intensified their manhunt operations in Central Luzon.

Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus, director of Police Regional Office -3 (PRO3), said that of the 10, three were from Bulacan, three from Nueva Ecija, two in Pampanga, and one each in Angeles City and Olongapo City.

"Those wanted persons who committed various crimes were arrested by police authorities armed with warrants of arrest," Corpus said.

He identified those arrested in Bulacan as Shirley Santos, 32, a resident of Tabon, Pulilan; Rodelio Oliveros, 56, of Banga 2nd, Plaridel, and Omar Lagula, 47, of Borol 1st, Balagtas.

In Nueva Ecija, police arrested Benjamin Venida, 55, of Doña Lucia, Quezon; Flordeluna Verdillo, 36, of Sapang, Jaen, and Philip Dela Cruz of Cruz Roja, Cabanatuan City.

Those nabbed in Pampanga were Ryan Reyes and Robin Navarra, both residents of Sta Monica, San Luis town.

Meanwhile, police operatives nabbed Dondie Facelo,52, of Sta. Rita, Olongapo City while joint operatives of CIDG Pampanga and Angeles City Police Station 5 arrested Jomar Pring in Sapang Bato, Angeles City.

"Expect more arrests in the coming days as we continue to intensify our campaign to put lawless elements and wanted persons behind bars," he added.

Last week, 20 wanted persons in the region were arrested in one-day manhunt operations. (PNA)

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Peace advocates hail Duterte’s call for inclusive BBL

PLARIDEL, Bulacan -- Advocates of the citizens-led Yes for Peace–Bayanihan ng Bayan hailed on Tuesday the call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the passage of an inclusive Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Ernesto Alcanzare, lead organizer of the peace advocacy group based in Barangay Bintog here, said that President Duterte's call which categorically stated that the BBL must be inclusive and deal with the concerns of Muslims, Christians and Lumads, showed the Chief Executive's strong commitment to end all conflicts with various groups.

Mama S. Lalanto, al Haj, adviser of Yes for Peace,  said that one of the options for consideration is the serious review of the output of the Regional Consultative Commission composed of Muslims, Christians and Lumads that drafted the law which created the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“Even the Moro Islamic Liberation Front led by Al Haj Murad and the Moro National Liberation Front led by Nur Misuari agree that had the ARMM Law as drafted been enacted into law, most of the concerns that have delayed the long sought peace in Mindanao could have already been addressed,” Lalanto said.

Johnny Balawag, chairman of the National Board of Trustees of the Department of Education National Employees’ Union (DepEd NEU) that now houses the Secretariat of Yes for Peace – Yes for Peace, declared that "Peace is the way and the only way! All of us need to be involved. We believe in peace and peaceful development not only for ourselves but for everybody.”

Lawyer Domingo Alidon, president of the 24,840-strong DepEd NEU said, “We are pleased that President Duterte has underscored what we have always pushed for ever since we started campaigning in 1988 – inclusivity and people’s participation in the national comprehensive peace process.”

Meanwhile, the Community Relations Service (CRS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines encouraged everyone to be vigilant and analytical to any deceptive schemes that may any affect an individual’s safety.

Major General Ronnie Evangelista, commander of the CRS, called on the Filipino people to get involved.

"All Filipinos should be participative on all issues, peace and order, no less.  After all, security is our shared responsibility," Evangelista added. (PNA)

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295 centenarians in Central Luzon receive cash gift

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- At least 295 centenarians in Central Luzon have already availed of PHP100,000 centenarian cash gift from the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Susan Hernandez of the DSWD's Social Pension Unit, said that the figure represents 86% of the 342 target that have already received their centenarian cash incentive.

Bulacan has the highest number with 90 beneficiaries for a total centenarian cash incentives of PHP9 million; Nueva Ecija with 69 beneficiaries (PHP6.9 million); Pampanga with 49 beneficiaries (PHP4.9 million); Tarlac with 45 beneficiaries (PHP4.5 million); Zambales and Bataan with 17 beneficiaries each, for PHP3.4 million total; and Aurora with eight beneficiaries, PHP800,000.

In addition, there are 107 senior citizens who have to comply with the requirements per guidelines of the program, Hernandez said.

The DSWD field office in Region 3 coordinated with local government units (LGUs) for the payout, using the door-to-door scheme as mode of payment to some centenarians who could no longer travel, are bedridden, or in the hospital.

Section 2 of Republic Act 10868 or the “Centenarians Act of 2016” stated, all Filipinos who reach the age of one hundred years old, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, shall be honored with a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity; and a centenarian gift in the amount of PHP100,000.

Moreover, the centenarians will receive a plaque of recognition and cash incentive from their respective city or municipal governments in appropriate ceremonies.

The amount of the additional incentive shall be determined by the LGUs concerned.

Under the law, the awards and incentives are given to the centenarians on the first Sunday of October, declared as the National Respect for Centenarians Day in line with the Elderly Filipino Week celebration.

However, considering the age of the centenarians, the DSWD released the cash gift to the identified beneficiaries earlier.

Centenarians who died upon the effectivity of the law will be given a posthumous plaque of recognition together with the cash incentive to be received by their nearest surviving relative or family.

To avail of the cash incentive, a centenarian must present his or her birth certificate or Philippine passport for those living overseas.

If said documents are not available, the centenarian may present his or her senior citizen’s identification card or any other Philippine government-issued ID showing his or her citizenship and date of birth. (PNA)

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Officials, professionals urged to join Army reserve corps

BALER, Aurora -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is calling on local officials, professionals and students to join the military’s reserve corps as a way of showing their patriotism and volunteerism for nation-building.

Major Husain A. Esmael, director of 307th Community Defense Center of the Philippine Army, cited the vital role of the reservists in the accomplishment of the mission of the AFP.

“They are not simply force multipliers.They are important components and partners in various non-lethal military operations and activities,” Esmael said as he explained the four-fold mission of the reserve force in the country.

He said the reserve forces provide the base for expansion of the AFP in the event of war, invasion or rebellion, citing the case in the Marawi City conflict.

Esmael also underscored the reservists's role in relief and rescue operations during calamities or disasters; in socio- economic development; and in the operations and maintenance of government and private utilities in furtherance of the overall mission of the AFP.

He made the  call during  the ongoing “Mountain Search and Rescue Training” (MOSART) of five senior officers and 45 selected enlisted personnel of the Army Ready Reserve Command in this province at the 56th Infantry “Tatag” Battalion, Philippine Army based in Barangay Calabuanan here.

“Reservists are admirable because they serve the people and our country even without compensation and they remain committed, dependable, and ready to be deployed anytime when they are needed,” he said.

He also said that military reservist programs are good training platforms of ideas and opportunities to prepare them for a shared role in nationhood and nation-building.

"The reserve officers are commissioned by the AFP leadership after undergoing an officer training program. The army, navy and air force also conduct training courses for reservists," he added.

Meanwhile, Esmael distributed the identification cards (IDs) of the reservists in this province and expressed hope that more citizens would become commissioned reserve officers.

Reserve officers include government officials, architects, environmental planners, information technology experts, foresters, lawyers, doctors, nurses, veterinarians, teachers, engineers among others. (PNA)

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Bulacan beefs up info drive on fireworks EO

BOCAUE, Bulacan -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has instructed the Provincial Pyrotechnics Regulatory Board (PPRB) to bring to the grassroot level pertinent information on the implementation of Executive Order No. 28, which strictly regulates the use of fireworks in the country.

Alvarado, who is also PPRB chairman, said it is important to explain to the people that the use of fireworks and other pyrotechnics devices is only regulated and not totally banned.

He also said that under the Implementing Rules and Regulation , local government units (LGUs)  are required to conduct information campaigns on the danger of fireworks.

He said that the PPRB and the 'Task Force Paputok' headed by Supt. Gerry Andaya of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) is now coordinating with municipal, city and barangay officials in informing the public on the proper use of pyrotechnics as well as types of banned of firecrackers, which are dangerous and deadly.

“We also want to make it clear that the use of pyrotechnics and other legal fireworks is not banned under RA 7183 or Firecracker Law. The government is just strictly regulating its use to ensure public safety,” he added.

The governor also asked local stakeholders to police their ranks as he disclosed that the government's  intention is to help boost the local fireworks industry and make it highly competitive in the global market through safe and quality products.

Alvarado also urged the permanent banning of the deadly chemical ingredients of chlorate and potassium which, he said are highly unstable when combined in the manufacture of fireworks.

Alvarado, together with Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando and members of PPRB and Task Force Paputok, inspected Saturday the rows of firecracker stalls in Barangay Turo in this town dubbed as the “Fireworks Capital” of the country.

The governor and vice governor took turns in urging dealers not to sell imported and dangerous firecrackers like “piccolo” which is the prime cause of injuries during the holiday season.

They also asked dealers  not to sell products made by clandestine shops.

Alvarado also urged LGUs in Bulacan not to issue permits to small vendors because selling fireworks should be in stalls that has complied with safety requirements.

“Selling of fireworks along the roads and bridges is prohibited. They will no longer be allowed to avoid incidents," he said.

Engineer Celso C. Cruz, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI), said that their group has long been calling the attention of law enforcers and other government officials to make a no-nonsense crackdown on smuggled and dangerous types of firecrackers.

“Everybody knows that Picolo is banned. We are not engaged in its production, It is being smuggled into the country and year after year everytime it causes harm, our group is always being dragged in the mess. There are many types of safe noisemakers and pyrotechnics that people can choose,” he said.

He also disclosed that for the first time the government is helping PPMDAI and the local industry through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) which is now training scientists in the pyrotechnics industry by having them study in developed countries and become experts.

“We want to thank DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Pena for making such moves. It is high time that we have our own experts because pyrotechnics is science and this is what we need to boost the industry to make it safe and globally competitive,” Cruz, a chemical engineer, said.

Cruz also said that under EO 28, the banned types of firecrackers are still the same.

“The law states that the ingredients for firecrackers should not exceed 200 mg. If it exceed it is oversized and banned,” he said. (PNA) 

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22 wanted persons in C. Luzon nabbed in manhunt ops

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- Twenty-two wanted persons were nabbed Tuesday by police authorities following an intensified manhunt operations conducted in Central Luzon.

Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO3), on Wednesday reported that out of those arrested, eight were from Bulacan, seven from Nueva Ecija, three in Pampanga, and one each in Tarlac, Bataan, Zambales and Olongapo City.

"Those wanted persons were arrested by police authorities armed with warrants of arrest in a series of manhunt operations conducted regionwide in just one day," Corpus said.

Corpus said the intensified campaign to put lawless elements and wanted persons behind the bars of justice will continue.

Some of those arrested were wanted for heinous crimes such as murder and rape. (PNA)

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ASEAN Summit boosts Central Luzon's tourism, economy

CLARK, Pampanga --The country's hosting of the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings gave a big boost to the tourism and economic image of Central Luzon, particularly the Clark Freeport.

Local officials and businessmen said the ASEAN Summit of the regional member-states and their dialogue partners have opened opportunities to Region 3 provinces in terms of business and tourism.

Alex Cauguiran, acting president of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), said the viability of Clark Airport was proven to national and international travelers and other stakeholders with the smooth and safe arrival of the ASEAN leaders and their dialogue partners.

Cauguiran said their aviation facilities such as runways, taxiways, and ramps are comparable to those of other airports here and abroad.

"Our runway, taxiways and ramps can accomodate various types of aircraft, including the biggest passenger commercial and cargo planes in the world. The efficiency shown by our airport employees in welcoming the arrival of foreign leaders and their aircraft from landing, taxiing, disembarkation and parking of their aircraft up to their eventual departure have shown our capability," he said.

Cauguiran said with the ASEAN dignitaries arriving at Clark Airport, they are expecting goodwill with foreign commercial airlines and more passengers flying to Clark, which would definitely boost tourism.

He noted that Clark airport, especially the freeport zone, continues to expand and improve existing facilities like hotels and places of interest, to address the challenges.

"Clark airport now is connected to major tourist destinations in our country -- Mindanao, Cebu, Palawan, Bohol, Panay, Batanes, Bicol, and others. These are commonly the final destinations of foreign tourists arrival in our country. Further evonomic activities and developments will surely benefit our province, our region and our country in general, " Cauguiran said.

For Noel Tulabut, communications division manager of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), the country’s hosting of ASEAN Summit brings to fore the huge potentials of Clark on investments and tourism.

He said Clark Airport has also shown its readiness to become a premier gateway. "Its hosting of the landings of several heads of state has proven its compliance with global standards on aviation, security, service and many other aspects that make it at par with major and top-rated destinations in the world," Tulabut said.

For his part, Rene Romero, vice chairman of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., said the ASEAN Summit further boosted Clark Freeport’s economic image.

He said the event brought in economic activities, some of which started as early as late last year.

Belle Manlapaz, an employee of one of the hotels inside Clark Freeport, said that since the country's hosting of the ASEAN Summit, some events of which were held in Clark, the number of visitors had significantly increased.

"The ASEAN Summit gave an opportunity for our province and the entire Central Luzon to show what we can offer," she added. (PNA)

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PH mayors study US federal form of gov't

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- At least 16 mayors from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao have completed an eight-day on-site schooling on federalism in Washington DC, United States of America from Nov. 6 to 13 and received first-hand account on how it works.

City Mayor Lawyer Christian D. Natividad on Wednesday said that the eight-day crash course was part of the program of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in a bid to immerse local executives in the federal systems of different countries like US, Germany and France.

He said they studied different modules on federalism.

“We were immersed into their system so that we can personally experience how bureaucracy works in the US. We went to hospitals, social welfare centers, the state security force of the homeland security department," Natividad said.

The young mayor said he had been reading books on federalism but the experience added to his knowledge about this form of government and how could it be adopted in the Philippines.

“We were sent there to study and learn the system because we are the local executives practicing local autonomy,” he explained.

He said that aside from US, they would also study the federal system in Germany and France.

“Our government is dedicated in making our country better and they are now sending local executives so that they can serve as trained mentors on the federal form of government,” Natividad said.

The mayor also disclosed that they have talked to Filipino-Americans to learn how they have adopted to federalism in the US.

Natividad also said that the trip had given him the opportunity to tell Filipinos and the staff of the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC the significance of January 23, 1899 or the anniversary of the First Philippine Republic.

“It's sad to say but it seems that not too many Filipinos remember the importance of the birthday of being free Filipino citizens of the Republic. Hopefully, this will be a fresh start as the Philippine Embassy in Washington promised that they will commemorate the upcoming celebration of the First Philippine Republic this January 23,” he said. (PNA)

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Bulacan eyes 8th economic zone

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- The province of Bulacan is planning to establish an economic zone in an effort to further attain progress and development.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer Arlene Pascual, in a orientation meeting with some officials from Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), said the application has been filed online for the 12-hectare land that the province owns. It is being eyed for the establishment of the Bulacan Techno Hub that could generate more job opportunities.

This in addition to the seven economic zones already existing in the province.

Out of these seven, Bulacan was able to gain an investment of some PHP610 million that gave employment to 5,978 people and exported goods worth some USD118 million.

Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said the move is part of the goal to make Bulacan a new engine of economic growth, having a strategic location to help spread industrialization and development in Luzon.

Meanwhile, Ma. Victoria Magsino, manager of the PEZA’s Management Information System and Corporate Planning Group, cited the benefits that the host local government units receive from PEZA for having economic zones.

“We have the PEZA incentive of 5% from the gross income tax to eco zone developers and locators and from that, 2% is directly going to the host LGU,” Magsino said.

Moreover, department manager Emmanuel Cortero of PEZA's Eco Zone Development Department explained the procedural guidelines for registration of economic zone developers and locator enterprises from application, PEZA evaluation, among others. (PNA)

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Senior officials finalize preps for ASEAN 31st Summit

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga -- Senior officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Saturday discussed preparations for the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits to be held in Manila on November 13-14.

Undersecretary Enrique Manalo of the Department of Foreign Affairs, in his capacity as ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) Leader of the Philippines, met with his ASEAN counterparts here to finalize the agenda and order of proceedings of the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, as well as the outcome documents.

Manalo, in his remarks during the welcome dinner for ASEAN senior officials Friday night, expressed his sincerest appreciation for all the cooperation and support, as well as the friendship extended by the senior officials to the Philippines during its chairmanship throughout the past months.

"Without your support and cooperation, we could not have accomplished anything we have done for the interest of ASEAN in various areas and fields. But, of course, I still need your full cooperation in the next days. Nevertheless, we do appreciate it very much," he said.

Meanwhile, the outcome documents include a number of instruments dealing with the rise of radicalization and violent extremism, innovation, cybercrime, malnutrition, and protection of the rights of ASEAN migrant workers, among other issues, as well as reports on developments in the regional bloc's external relations.

The SOM leaders also discussed preparations for the accession of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Iran’s request to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation was approved by the ASEAN in the 49th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane, Laos in July 2016.

The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation is a peace treaty among Southeast Asia countries established by the founding ASEAN members. (PNA)

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Police security of 4 Central Luzon mayors recalled

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has recalled all police personnel on security detail with four mayors in Central Luzon allegedly linked to illegal drugs.

Chief Supt. Amador Corpus said the move was in accordance with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) resolution to strip the four local officials of their supervision powers over the police units and the withdrawal of their deputation as Napolcom representatives following their alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

The Napolcom resolution states that the local officials were allegedly "engaging in acts inimical to national security which negate the effectiveness of the peace and order campaign of the government” and are suspected of “providing material support to criminal elements".

The four mayors in the region stripped of police powers were Edgardo Pamintuan of Angeles City; Jay Khonghun of Subic; Andres Lacson of Concepcion, Tarlac; and Erlon Agustin of Camiling, Tarlac.

Corpus said the withdrawal of the police security detail was done to ensure an impartial and in-depth investigation on the matter.

He said the police security of Pamintuan reported back to their mother unit while Khonghun's police security detail was re-assigned to the Regional Holding Unit of PRO3.

The two Tarlac mayors' police security details, on the other hand, were re-assigned to other stations, he said.

Meanwhile, the four mayors vehemently denied their alleged involvement in illegal activities, saying that the Napolcom report "is baseless and devoid of any factual evidence”.

“The Napolcom and PNP should be careful in releasing names of alleged narco-politicians so as not to unnecessarily impugn the character of innocent individuals. The war on drugs cannot be won through press releases but through painstaking government work, information gathering and validation, and related activities,” Pamintuan said in a statement.

Pamintuan, who is also national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, said he and all the 145 city mayors in the country remain very much supportive of President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs.

Khonghun, in denying the allegation, showed in his Facebook account a plaque of recognition awarded by Philippine National Police Chief, Director General Ronald dela Rosa, that Subic is the best implementor of "Oplan Double Barrel" in the region on their campaign against illegal drugs in August 2016.

Lacson, for his part, said this the first time he got involved in such a fiasco.

"Nagsimula akong youth leader sa SK (Sangguniang Kabataan), councilor, vice mayor for three terms, at second term ko na sa pagka-mayor ngayon, never akong na-involve sa ganyan," he said. (PNA)

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Bulacan aims to be malaria-free by 2019

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Provincial officials, together with stakeholders from various sectors here, have pledged their commitment to make Bulacan malaria-free by 2019.

Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Vice Governor Daniel Fernando led the signing of a manifesto in support of the programs of the Department of Health (DOH) and anti-malaria advocacy groups during the observance of the “Malaria Awareness Month 2017” that was anchored on the theme, “End Malaria for Good – Lead the Way to Malaria-Free Bulacan 2019” at The Pavillion of the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here Friday.

Alvarado said the provincial government will also allocate funds for the eradication of the mosquito-borne disease.

The governor called malaria an unseen enemy and a “plague of mankind”.

“Even during the Filipino-American war when the Philippines was on the twilight of its independence, malaria even helped the cause of the Filipino revolutionaries against the conquering American troops, most of whom were wiped out by the mosquito-borne killer disease,” Alvarado said.

However, modern medicine has already identified the “unseen enemy” and found the cure, he said. 
“Now we know the enemy – mosquitoes – and we should not let them defeat us. We should not allow the mosquitoes to ruin the strong, peaceful and progressive community.

We have to end malaria for good, we have to end it now,” Alvarado said.

For his part, Fernando said the Sangguniang Panglalawigan will pass a resolution totally supporting all interventions and programs to end malaria in Bulacan.

Bulacan would be the 41st province in the Philippines and the second in Central Luzon to be declared as malaria-free if the goal to eradicate the disease would be realized, according to Dr. Antonio Bautista, the event's guest of honor and speaker.

Bautista is the deputy program manager for field operation of the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., a leading advocacy group in wiping the malaria menace in the country.

He said with the full support of the national government, local government units, the health sectors, civic groups and the community, the Philippines will be malaria-free by 2030.

Bulacan provincial health officer Joy Gomez said that this is the fifth year with no recorded incident of malaria in the province.

She expressed belief that the goal can be reached because of well-trained health workers and the full support of all sectors and stakeholders. (PNA)

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3 Davao cops sweat it out as sanction for entering hotel

DAVAO CITY -- The three members of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Bike Patrol team who were videoed in a hotel here were sanctioned by the police chief and given two choices -- undergo a physical exercise or face administrative sanction.

The police officers chose the healthier option.

It was the usual physical exercise in police training, DCPO spokesperson Sr. Inspector Maria Teresita Gaspan said when asked what kind of exercise the policemen performed.

City police chief, Sr. Superintendent Alexander Tagum, punished the three police officers after seeing the video taken by an Army official showing the police officers inside a hotel.

The video was uploaded on Facebook with a post “Hayahay…maayo pa sila (So relaxed…good for them) that went viral. An Army official even commented negatively but deleted his comment. The video was also taken down.

This prompted Tagum to initiate an investigation against the police officers. In the investigation, the police officers indeed entered the hotel that rainy day not to relax but to use its comfort room to answer the call of nature after patrolling near the area.

The three were waiting for their other companion, who was still in the comfort room, when the video was taken. This was also confirmed by hotel staff.

It also turned out that the police officers, whose names were withheld, had finished their patrol duty and were only waiting for the next shift. They covered the area of SM Ecoland, Bankerohan, Aldevinco and G-Mall.

Just the same, the police officers were sanctioned. Although the reason for their presence in the establishment was justifiable, Gaspan said it was part of the DCPO’s internal discipline. Policemen in uniforms are not allowed to enter establishments without official business.

Gaspan said the police cannot please everybody. Some people tend to misinterpret a situation and immediately take pictures, she added.

She said police are human beings too. “They also need to answer the call of nature,” she said.

Gaspan said the incident would serve as a lesson to all police personnel. The DCPO will not tolerate anyone entering establishments without justified reasons because it could be misinterpreted.

Gaspan, however, said the Davao City police are dedicated and diligent in public service.

DCPO has 16 bike patrollers on a buddy-buddy system. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

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86 Bulakenyo centenarians get cash incentives

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- The provincial government of Bulacan has awarded 86 Bulakenyo centenarians with certificates of appreciation and cash incentives in recognition of their valuable contributions to the province.

The awarding of the certificates of appreciation and cash incentives amounting to PHP10,000 each for the 30 newly identified centenarians and PHP3,000 each for the previously recognized centenarians was held Wednesday during the “Pagkilala at Pagpapahalaga sa mga Sentenaryong Bulakenyo at Pagdiriwang ng Linggong Katandaang Pilipino” at The Pavilion Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in this city .

Gemma Gabuya, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region III, served as the guest of honor.

Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that the provincial government reserved that special day for the centenarians to impart to them that they are valuable parts of the community.

Alvarado told the centenarians that they serve as the "lights and pillars of the home", inspiration to others and a great source of valuable lessons due to their colourful experiences.

The governor also encouraged the Office of the Senior Citizen’s Affairs to think and create more worthy projects that could help more the senior citizens and even their office.

Prior to this, 45 Bulakenyo centenarians already received PHP100,000 cash gift from the national government and additional cash incentives and certificates of appreciation from the provincial government last May wherein PHP10,000 was given to each newly identified centenarian while PHP3,000 was given to previously recognized ones.

Gabriela Ileto, a centenarian from Barangay PulongTamo, San Ildefonso, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the additional blessings that she received including a new wheelchair, diaper, blanket, alcohol and food like oatmeal and biscuits.

Meanwhile, the new set of officers of “Kaagapay ng mga may Kapansanan (KASAMA KA) saBulacanparasamgaBulakenyo”, an organization of persons with disability in the province headed by their president, Ariel Manalad, took their oath of office.

According to Provincial Social Welfare and Development officer Rowena Tiongson, the giving of recognition to the centenarians is on its fourth year and is being conducted yearly in accordance with the Republic Act No. 10868 or the “Centenarians Act of 2016." (PNA)

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PRO-3 gives hero's welcome to fallen Marawi cop

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) on Tuesday gave a hero's welcome to fallen Marawi City police officer Inspector Edwin Placido, one of the two Kapampangan officers killed during the initial clash between government troops and the Maute terrorist group.

“Nakakalungkot isipin na isa sa ating mga kasama at kapatid sa serbisyo ay nasawi ngunit alam naman nating lahat na ang buhay nating mga pulis ay lagging nasa panganib. (It is sad to think that one of our brothers in the service was killed. Although we all know that our lives as policemen is always in danger. And, still, we continuously perform our mandated tasks, even finding ways and means to go beyond our call of duty," PRO3 director Chief Superintendent Amador V. Corpus said during the ceremony.

Placido hailed from the City of San Fernando, Pampanga and was detailed at the PRO3 before he was deployed to Marawi City. 

The PRO3 chief hailed Placido's bravery and sacrifice that served in the best tradition of the Philippine National Police.

"To the family of the late Police Inspector Placido, the entire Police Regional Office 3 can never be prouder of him who chose to die fighting to liberate Marawi City and to spare our country from possible multiple terror attack," he said.

On May 25, Placido and another Kapampangan 1st Lt. Frederick Savellano were among the first to sacrifice their lives in defending Marawi City from local terrorists.

However, Placido's body was not immediately found as it was in the middle of the clash site.

After several unsuccessful attempts, government security forces led by Placido’s brother, Supt. Anthony Placido, found skeletal remains in a police uniform with Edwin’s nameplate last September 14 .

A DNA forensic examination eventually confirmed it to be Placido's remains.

As an expression of respect for the bravery and heroism of Placido, the Philippine flag in the camp was hoisted at half-mast. (PNA)

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Search on for flight instructor, student who survived plane crash

BALER, Aurora -- A Cessna 152 type trainer aircraft crash-landed in the mountains between Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija and Maria Aurora, this province on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Edwin M. Paredes, Philippine Army's 56th Infantry “Tatag” Battalion chief, said search and rescue operations are still ongoing for flight instructor, Captain Albert Galban, and student trainee Alexis Trinidad, who were both safe but suffered injuries.

"Our government troops were able to talk with the two and advised them to reserve their cellphone that can be used in the rescue operation," Paredes said in an interview.

Galban sustained bruises while Trinidad suffered a fracture on his feet, he noted.

Paredes also said that two teams from the Tatag Battalion were dispatched past 3 p.m. to search for and rescue the two victims.

According to a report, the instructor and student pilot were on a cross-country flight that departed the Lingayen airstrip in Pangasinan at 10:02 a.m. (PNA)

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PRO-3 issues safety tips for All Saints' Day observance

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga--The Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3) has issued some safety tips in line with the annual observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Chief Supt Amador V. Corpus PRO-3 director, said the move is to ensure public safety as well as security in the homes.

“I want to remind our public to also be wary and alert so as not to give lawless elements the opportunity to carry out their nefarious activities," Corpus said.

He advised the public to observe the following tips before leaving their homes:


1)Lock all doors and windows and ensure all possible paths to the house are blocked. 
2)Install a burglar alarm to alert the neighbors if someone breaks in.
3)Do not leave notes outside the house indicating you will be away.
4)Keep some appliances like the radio on to give the impression someone is still inside the house.
5)Ask a trusted neighbor to keep watch over your house.
6)Ensure no candle, gas stove or leaking faucet or plugged appliance is left unattended.
7)Secure all items such as clothes being hung out to dry.

While in the cemeteries, Corpus reminded the public of the following:

1)Bring sufficient food and water, and keep in mind that liquor and food sold by vendors inside cemeteries are prohibited.
2)Bring protection against heat and rain.
3)Do not bring deadly or bladed weapons, loud speakers, and gambling paraphernalia.
4)Closely watch items brought inside cemeteries and make sure the candles you bring will not cause fires.
5)Remind children not to roam around, especially in crowded areas. Have them wear or bring a form of identification.
6)Keep the surroundings clean and bring your own trash bag to put garbage in.
7)Know where the first aid stations and PNP assistance booths are in case of emergency or need for police assistance.

When traveling, he gave the following tips:

1)Before the trip, make sure the vehicle is roadworthy, and follow the “BLOWBAG” rule which is B for battery; L for light; O for oil; W for water; B for brakes; A for air; and G for gas.
2)Bring all pertinent documents for the vehicle, including the insurance certificate.
3)Make sure the doors are locked and the windows closed especially if children are joining the trip.
4)Ensure control of the vehicle at all times. Avoid one-handed driving or using a mobile phone and avoid driving while drunk or sleepy.
5)When driving at night, always use headlights and signal lights. Do not drive when you have poor eyesight.
6)If you do not live too far from a cemetery, do not bring your car so as not to add to traffic.

For those who will commute, the PRO3 chief gives the following  reminders:

1)Do not wear jewelry or bring large amount of money. 
2)Keep watch over your mobile phone. 
3)Do not bring too many items.
4)Be early at airports and seaports especially in the case of women, children and senior citizens.
5)If you see a suspicious package, or someone acting suspiciously, notify authorities.
6)Be wary of snatchers and petty thieves, and report incidents to the nearest police assistance post.

More than 4,000 police personnel were deployed to cover all cemeteries and transport terminals in Central Luzon.

Likewise, motorist assistance centers with road safety marshals were established in major thoroughfares and secondary roads in the region round the clock until the evening of Nov. 2. (PNA)

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Bulacan police braces for Undas’ influx of people

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- At least 612 police personnel will be deployed in 36 motorist assistance desks and 136 police assistance desks strategically established in cemeteries and major thoroughfares in Bulacan's 21 towns and cities in anticipation of the influx of people on All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

Bulacan police director, Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat Jr., alerted all city and municipal police stations and ordered them to intensify their anti-criminality operations and be vigilant to ensure efficient delivery of public safety services to the community before, during and after the observance of Undas.

Caramat said the Bulacan police, in coordination with concerned law enforcement agencies, force multipliers and local government units (LGUs), would strictly implement the standard operating procedure on enhanced managing police operations (EMPO) and other anti-criminality campaigns through the conduct of massive information drive and deployment of police personnel in cemeteries and other strategic areas to ensure the peaceful observance of Undas 2017.

Aside from the deployment of policemen to different cemeteries in the province, Caramat said police presence and immediate police assistance, dissemination of safety tips and information drive has also been undertaken to enhance the public’s awareness on various safety precautions against lawless elements.

Earlier, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado instructed the Bulacan Rescue Team to coordinate with all the local government units in the province through the city or municipal DRRMOs and other non-government organizations to set up first-aid stations and assume their respective command posts in their areas in view of the upcoming holiday.

Personnel from the Bulacan Rescue Team, together with Provincial Engineers Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police and five NGOs will be deployed in the assistance booth and first-aid station in front of the provincial capitol building here.

Meanwhile, PDRRMO head Felicisima Mungcal reminded the public to be vigilant and advised them to immediately call the Bulacan Rescue hotline number ‎791-0566 in case of emergency and need for immediate assistance. (PNA)

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Bulacan all set for ‘Oplan Kaluluwa 2017’

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- The emergency response teams in Bulacan are all set to assist motorists and give immediate emergency procedures when needed in line with the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. 

Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the provincial government, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) – Bulacan Rescue, is now on standby and monitoring the primary roads going in and out of the province. 

Alvarado said that he has instructed the Bulacan Rescue Team to coordinate with all the local government units (LGUs) in the province through the city/municipal DRRMOs and other non-government organizations (NGOs) to set up first aid stations. 

"Although we have been doing the 'Oplan Kaluluwa' yearly, we still instructed our Bulacan Rescue Team to coordinate with LGUs to ensure the safety of the Bulakenyos and other travelers," he said. 

The governor said personnel from the Bulacan Rescue, together with Provincial Engineers Office, five NGOs, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deployed in the assistance booth and first aid station in front of the provincial capitol building here. (PNA)

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PNP Calabarzon all set for 'Undas 2017'

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Calamba City – Some 7, 567 members of the Police Regional Office (PRO4A) - Calabarzon comprising the provincial police offices of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon and the Regional Public Safety Battalion, will be deployed for the “Undas 2017” (All Saints Day and All Souls Day) from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

PRO4A-Calabarzon regional director, Chief Supt. Ma. O Aplasca, directed all personnel in the region to intensify security operations and public safety plans to ensure a secure, safe and orderly observance of this year’s All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

The policemen will be deployed to public convergence zones, transportation hubs and route security.

Some 829 Assistance Hubs (formerly known as Police Assistance Desks or PADs) will be established throughout the region’s 450 cemeteries; 53 main commercial areas; 37 parks and community centers; 60 major tourist destinations; 37 bus terminals; one train station and 14 seaports with four in Batangas and 10 in Quezon.

Aplasca also underscored the need to extend protection and assistance to motorists and commuters who will be travelling to the provinces for “Undas” via the Aguinaldo Highway in Cavite, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in Laguna, Southern Tagalog Access Road (STAR) in Batangas, and other national highways in Rizal and Quezon.

“We will reactivate and implement our public safety services to provide assistance to the general public during this season to address the upsurge of commuters, motorists and travelers in order to prevent congestions, accidents, and other street crimes, especially along routes leading to terminals, churches and cemeteries, major thoroughfares and other places of convergence,” Aplasca said.

“We will also intensify our police visibility to avoid opportunity for criminals to conduct robberies and increase their illegal activities,” he added.

Along with these operational activities, Aplasca reminded the public of safety measures to observe while travelling during these days -- avoid wearing jewelry and bringing large amounts of money, and refrain from using expensive gadgets while on the streets or in any public transportation.

He said homeowners who are leaving their houses should inform and coordinate with trusted neighbors or the subdivision security guards. 

Those who are travelling on their own should ensure the safety of their vehicles. He said they should remember to check the “BLOWBAGETS”, which stands for Brake, Lights, Oil, Water, Battery, Air, Gas, Engine, Tire and Self.

“While our men and women are deployed to every road to provide security and protection, we appeal to the community to support and cooperate with the security protocols of the police,” Aplasca added.

He also encouraged the public to be vigilant and to report to authorities any suspicious person, activity, and unusual occurrence in public or any untoward incident and crime situation.
They may also report through the PNP CALABARZON Hotlines (PIO) ‎09194092763/(‎049) 544-4284; Facebook Page PIO CALABARZON; and Twitter @rpiopro4a. (Roselle Aquino/PNA)

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4 killed, 8 hurt in Tarlac road mishap

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga  -- Four persons died while eight others were injured when a passenger jeepney and a 10-wheeler truck collided along the Manila-North Road in Barangay Estrada, Capas, Tarlac, around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Senior Superintendent Ritchie Posadas, Tarlac police acting provincial director, on Wednesday identified the fatalities as Bernardo Miclat, Adrian Pabustan and Juvylyn Cariaga, all residents of Cut-Cut, Capas town. Another victim is a still unidentified man.

Injured and undergoing medical treatment in different hospitals in Tarlac City and Capas are Ma. Fatima Captul and Cristina David, both of Cut-cut, Capas;  Jennifer Vinluan, Aurisimo Lavarias and Giovani Bulaon, all of Barangay Anapul, Bamban; John Dexter Domingo, Angeles Dante Basa and June Dizon, all of Barangay San Pedro, also in Bamban, Tarlac.

Posadas said that Miclat, Pabustan and Cariaga, all passengers of a Mitsubishi rebuilt passenger jeepney and an unidentified male passenger of Isuzu delivery truck, died while undergoing medical treatment. 

Initial report, he said, showed the delivery truck was traversing the Manila-North road going south when it overtook another vehicle but collided head- on with the incoming passenger jeepney.  (PNA)

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San Fernando city hall employees undergo drug test

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga--Some 715 employees, including city officials and department heads, of the local government of San Fernando on Tuesday underwent drug testing.

Mayor Edwin Santiago said this is pursuant to the memorandum circular issued by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) that mandates all public officials and government employees to a random drug test as a condition for continuous employment.

“We have tested half of the population of the LGU (local government unit) employees. They were selected randomly through electronic raffle system,” Santiago said during the Preventive Drug Education and Advocacy Orientation.

The test was conducted by the DrugCheck Philippines Incorporated and results were expected to be released after three weeks.

According to CSC, any government official or employee who test positive shall undergo a drug dependency examination, which will only be conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) or any of its accredited medical practitioners to assess what type of user the person is and to determine the treatment needed.

“This is the first time that the city hall employees have undergone drug test. Aside from strengthening the anti-drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte, this will also boost public’s trust in the government,” Santiago said.

Meanwhile, the employees were also oriented about the cause and effects of substance abuse and the effective ways to treat and prevent drug-related disorders.

They were also reminded to refrain from cigarettes and alcohol, also known as dangerous combination that harm the human body. (PNA)

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PRO-3 assures financial aid, benefits to family of late Bulacan cop

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) on Thursday assured full financial assistance and benefits to the family of Police Officer 1 Mark A. Mendoza, who died in the line of duty while rendering route security and traffic assistance in Bulacan during the conduct of a dry run for the forthcoming ASEAN Summit in Manila.

“We are saddened by this eventuality and express our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of the late PO1 Mendoza. As the PNP recognizes the efforts of our men and women in the performance of their jobs, we will extend our support and give the necessary assistance to his surviving family," PRO-3 regional director, Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus said.

PO1 Mendoza, who went into coma after being accidentally hit by a white 2017 Toyota Hi-Ace van driven by MarcialMayola, 58, driver, resident of Block 1, Lot 4, Phase 2, Pabahay 2000, Barangay Muzon, City of San Jose Del Monte last October 16, passed away Thursday morning at the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center.

Corpus said that on the part of the PRO3, he will see to it that the family of Mendoza will get all the benefits entitled to the late police officer.

"While we cannot avoid unfortunate incidents like this, we will not falter to carry out our mandated tasks of maintaining peace and order and ensuring public safety and security especially now that we are hosting an international event,” he said. (PNA)

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21 arrested in Bulacan anti-illegal gambling ops

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- Police authorities arrested 21 individuals as part of anti-illegal gambling operations launched in Bulacan Tuesday. 

Joint operatives of the San Ildefonso Municipality Police and Special Concerns Unit of Regional Intelligence Division 3 arrested Jocelyn Manabat, 37, and Jong Coloma, 33, both residents of Barangay San Juan, San Ildefonso, after they were caught collecting bets for an illegal numbers game known as “jueteng”. Confiscated from the duo were assorted gambling paraphernalia, one cellphone and PHP1,230 in cash bets. 

In similar operations in San Miguel town, police arrested Marvin Villegas, 32, and Analyn Tecson, 36, also for collecting bets for “jueteng”. Confiscated from them were assorted gambling paraphernalia and PHP900 in cash bets.

Likewise arrested were Roland Gamboa, 61, owner of a gambling den, and 16 others for online cockfighting. Seized from them were gambling paraphernalia and PHP7,290 in bet money.

“We will continue to step up our illegal gambling drive as we vow to stop illegal gambling in the region,” Police Regional Office 3 Director Amador V. Corpus said. (PNA)

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Bulacan cops rescue Korean, Chinese kidnap victims

GUIGUINTO, Bulacan -- Police intelligence operatives rescued Monday night a Korean national who was reportedly abducted by suspected members of a Chinese gang in Malate, Manila and brought to a place in Barangay Sta. Cruz here in the morning of the same day.

Supt. Marlon Santos, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Branch and concurrent officer-in-charge of the Bulacan Police, on Tuesday identified the rescued victim as 42-year-old Yeum Sun Ki.

Santos said a still unidentified Chinese national was also rescued from the safehouse of the Chinese kidnappers. No other information was given about the Chinese victim.

In an initial report sent to Central Luzon Police regional director, Chief Supt. Amador Corpus, Santos said the Embassy of the Republic of Korea received information that a group of Chinese men forcibly took the Korean victim in Malate, Manila and was later brought to a safehouse in Barangay Sta. Cruz where he was detained.

Santos said the Korean Embassy emailed the information to the Guiguinto Police, which sent intelligence operatives to the location.

He said the Guiguinto Police also informed the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Group of the incident.

He said at about 8:30 p.m. Monday, one of the occupants of the alleged safehouse went out of the gate on board a car, prompting undercover policemen to flag him down.

Santos said the suspect was taken into police custody while waiting for the team from the PNP Anti Kidnapping Group and representatives of the Korean Embassy.

He said when the intelligence team confirmed the whereabouts of the victim, the police operatives swooped in on the safehouse and safely rescued the Korean and the unidentified Chinese.

Five Chinese nationals, whose identities are still being verified, were arrested.

Santos said the Guiguinto Police turned over the arrested suspects to the PNP Anti Kidnapping Group for further investigation while the kidnap victims were safely turned over to representatives of the Korean and Chinese Embassies. (PNA)

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PRO 3 cops face dismissal for drug use

DINALUPIHAN, Bataan -- Police officers, who tested positive for drugs, have no place in the Philippine National Police organization.

This was the stern warning of PNP-Police Regional Office director, Chief Superintendent Amador V. Corpus, as he disclosed that several policemen have already been removed from service after they tested positive for drugs.

In fact, Corpus said he will recommend the immediate dismissal of a police officer from Nueva Ecija and another from Angeles City (Pampanga) who tested positive in a recently-concluded drug test.

“I would prefer a former drug addict of becoming a police officer rather than a policeman who turned drug addict. The one that came from Bahay Pagbabago who turned into a policeman is better than a police officer who became drug addict (sic)," he said.

He urged qualified graduates from the Bahay Pagbabago Reformation Center in Dinalupihan to apply as the PNP needs 10,000 police officers next year.

“General Bato (PNP Director General Ronald Dela Rosa) would be happy if there is a former drug addict that applied to become police,” he said.

Corpus was in this town with Senior Superintendent Benjamin Silo, Jr., Bataan police director, and other guests to attend the first anniversary of the Bahay Pagbabago Reformation Center in Barangay San Benito.

Also in attendance were officials from the Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman also graced the occasion.

Mayor Maria Angela Garcia said 400 drug surrenderers in Dinalupihan graduated in nine batches in one year since the drug reformation center started operation on Oct. 14, 2016. The mayor scheduled a job fair for the former drug dependents.

“Bahay Pagbabago is like a nipa hut. A home that values family where there are love and responsibilities of the parents to their children and the society," she said.

"The Bahay Pagbabago is not only for drug surrenderers but for all of us who must change to solve together the ill of the society which is illegal drugs," Garcia added.

Dolphy Quizon, Jr. sang inspirational songs and delivered a heart-warming message that made graduates and guests teary-eyed. (PNA)

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Water district execs told not to undermine Bulacan Bulk Water Project

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has cautioned officials of water districts in the province, particularly the City of Malolos Water District (CMWD), against making moves that will compromise the ongoing Bulacan Bulk Water Project (BBWP) as well as the general welfare of the public.

The governor made the call after he received a letter and several documents from the CMWD Employees Union informing him that officials of the city water district have allegedly entered into a “joint venture” agreement with Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation (PWIC), a private firm.

Alvarado said this move is illegal since all the water districts in the province have signed a binding contract supporting the BBWP.

“We (provincial government) will not allow it.They have to talk with the provincial government. I would also like to remind them (water district officials) that they have signed a contract with the Bulacan Bulk Water Project,” the governor said.

He also said that the reported "scheme” will not push through due to clear and simple reason, "where will they get the water supply.”

Alvarado said that the provincial government has been working hard for the implementation of the BBWP and now that the project is on its pipelaying stage, they will see to it that it will not be hampered by the interests of some people.

“Now that we were being given the chance to taste the water that coming from our mountains, we will not allow the project be sabotaged by some people," he said, adding that BBWP will reach Malolos City before the end of 2018 or early 2019.

Under the BBWP, Alvarado said Bulakenyos will now taste the gift of nature’s bounty from Angat dam.

He said fresh potable surface water will now flow to every home in the province once the project is completed.

Alvarado said the underground water source for the different water districts in Bulacan is already depleted.

The governor said that he will call a meeting with the officials of the different water districts to discuss this matter and the inspection of their giant water tanks to ensure the structural integrity.

Earlier in the weekly radio program, "The Governor's Hour," anchor/broadcaster Rommel Ramos interviewed Malolos City Vice Mayor Gilbert “Bebong” Gatchalian on the controversial issue of the joint venture agreement between CMWD and PWIC, but it appears that the city executive, who is the presiding officer of the city council, have no idea about it.

Gatchalian told Ramos that they will investigate the controversy surrounding the joint venture agreement. (PNA)

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Bulacan to inspect giant water tanks

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado on Thursday said the provincial government and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Governor Daniel Fernando would conduct a public hearing in aid of legislation on the structural integrity of giant water tanks of different water districts in the province.

The move came following the collapse of the water tank in Barangay Muzon, City of San Jose del Monte last week, killing four persons, two of them one-year-old girls, and injuring 44 others.

Alvarado said that public safety is the utmost concern and timely measures should be applied to prevent such tragedy from happening again.

Fernando, on the other hand, said that Board Member Allan Rey Baluyot would schedule the public hearing that would lead to the filing of a provincial resolution.

He added that the task force formed by the city government of San Jose del Monte is presently inspecting the facilities of various water districts in the area.

Fernando said the provincial government would also inspect giant water tanks in the province’s 21 towns and three cities especially the old ones and those located in populated areas.

The tragic incident happened early dawn Friday when the water tank burst and big volume of water swept through residential houses and a nearby police detachment like a tidal wave, according to witnesses.

Rescuers recovered the fatalities under debris while those injured were brought to the different hospitals in the city where some are still undergoing treatment.

The water tank is 14 by 13 meters in height and has a 2,000-cubic meter capacity. (PNA)

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Security prep in full swing for ASEAN meeting in Clark

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- Security preparations are now in full swing for the forthcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting and ADMM-Plus set to be held on October  23-24 in Clark, Pampanga. 

PNP Central Luzon Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus said they would make sure that security measures are in place to achieve zero ASEAN-related crimes during the duration of the meeting, which is expected to draw about 300 delegates.

Corpus said more than 5,000 policemen, soldiers and other security forces would be deployed to the meeting venue and other places in Clark and neighboring areas.

“This is to ensure that the ASEAN meeting in Clark will be safe and not to be interrupted  by some groups who might stage protest rallies,” he said.

Corpus said command posts would be set up in major areas to be manned by medical teams as well as  quick response groups and civil disturbance management units that are prepared and ready to respond when the need arises.

He said there would also be a security outpost in every two kilometers along the major streets in Clark and Angeles City.

“We will be implementing tight security in the venue. We will also have security personnel to be deployed covering the delegates’ route from the airport to their hotels,” he added.

As part of the heightened security preparations for the upcoming summit, a dry run was conducted by the ASEAN Task Force security group from Clark Airport in Pampanga up to Balintawak in Quezon City last Sunday.

The southbound lanes of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and EDSA were closed to the public as part of the dry run.

Corpus said that  a modified stop-and-go traffic scheme would be implemented along the routes of the convoy, which would mean that delegates of ASEAN and the convoy would be prioritized in passing through the said routes.

“We have to undertake the necessary preparations to ensure the safety and security of the ASEAN delegates,” he said. (PNA)

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8 drug pushers nabbed in Central Luzon

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- Eight drug personalities were arrested while several sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" were confiscated in anti-illegal drug operations in Central Luzon over the weekend.

Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus, regional director of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) on Monday said that police operatives are continuously conducting police operations in the region that led to the arrest of the suspected drug pushers -- one in Olongapo City, one in Castillejos, Zambales, two in Guagua and one in Mexico, both in Pampanga, and three in Nueva Ecija.

"The entire Central Luzon police force will not stop its campaign until all forms of illegal drugs in the region is eradicated. We also keep on intensifying our anti-criminality efforts to ensure the safety and security of the general public," Corpus said.

Operatives of Olongapo City Drug Enforcement Unit and Police Station 4 arrested Aldwin Conde, 35, a resident of Purok 5, National Highway, Barangay New Cabalan, Olongapo City and confiscated from him six heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu and marked money used in the buy bust operation.

In Pampanga, police authorities nabbed Romy David, 40, of Barangay Natividad, and Joselito Salvador, 49, of Barangay San Agustin, both in Guagua town and Jhay Perez,19, of Barangay Pandacaqui, Mexico. Confiscated from the suspects were eight heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu and marked money.

Operatives of Castillejos Municipal Police Station conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Magsaysay, Castillejos, Zambales which resulted in the arrest of Guillermo Padrique, 47, and seizure of four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu and marked money.

In Nueva Ecija, police operatives arrested Marlon Cabling, 45; Gerardo Fernando, 44; and Cesar Balasote, 44; all residents of Barangay MS Garcia, Cabanatuan City and seized heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu. (PNA)

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Crime down in Central Luzon due to anti-drugs drive

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- Central Luzon crime rate went down by 6.23 percent in the first eight months as a result of the intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

Data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office showed that from January to August this year, the number of recorded crimes in the region was 2,284 compared to the 2,513 in the same period last year.

PNP Chief Superintendent Amador V. Corpus said the decrease in crimes can be attributed to their leveled-up anti-criminality measures, particularly against drugs.

"There is indeed a relationship between illegal drugs and the occurrence of crime. Through our relentless campaign on illegal drugs, there has been a notable crime reduction,” Corpus said.

From March to September this year, out of the 80,573 houses visited in the region, 11,839 persons voluntarily surrendered, of whom 10,890 were drug users while 949 were drug pushers.

Corpus also reported that in 4,978 anti-illegal drugs operations conducted in the region, 332 drug personalities were killed while 7,585 others were arrested.

“We continue to intensify the conduct of operations against illegal drug personalities and drug syndicates not only concentrating on street pushers but also on our high value targets. We will have no let-up in eradicating illegal drugs in the region as well as in our anti-criminality efforts through intensified focused police operations,” he added. (PNA)

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No trace of explosives in Bulacan water tank blast: police

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan -- Police on Saturday reported that no explosive devices were used in the collapse of the ground steel-bolted water tank of the San Jose del Monte City Water District early Friday morning in Carriedo Street, Barangay Muzon here.

In a report to Bulacan Police Director, Sr. Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., city police chief Supt. Fitz Macariola said a team from the Philippine Army’s 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Platoon led by Technical Sgt. Cornelio Calagate Jr., arrived at the site and conducted post blast investigation.

Macariola said the Army EOD team concluded that “there is no sign or indication of IED or improvised explosive device at the incident area”.

He added that most of the damages noted on the metal/material used were lacerated and mostly orginated from the knot hole thus ruling out the possibility of any use of explosive device.

He said the findings of the Army EOD team was a big help to the ongoing investigation being conducted by the task force formed by Mayor Arthur Robes.

Robes earlier said they were still verifying if the collapse was triggered by engineering defects or due to the age of the steel tank.

The incident happened at around 3:30 a.m. and resulted in the death of four people, including two one-year old babies, and injured 44 others.

Macariola identified the fatalities as Jimmy Garcia, 50; Jaina Espina, 1 year old and Elaine Chamson, 22, and Nina Ape, 1, all residents of Barangay Muzon.

A large volume of water burst and swept through residential and a nearby police detatchment like a tsunami, according to witnesses.

Rescuers brought the injured to the different hospitals in the city where they are still undergoing treatment while the fatalities were recovered under debris, police investigators said.

The 14 by 13-meter water tank has a 2,000 cubic meter capacity.

Water gushing from the collapsed tank destroyed several commercial and residential houses and swept motorcycles and a police car from the adjacent police detachment.

A mass was also held at the site for the victims on Saturday morning.

In his weekly radio program with Bulakenyo broadcaster Rommel Ramos, Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said an inspection of other big water tanks in this city and other water districts will be conducted to check the structural integrity.

“This is an eye opener. Public safety is our topmost concern and it is mandatory for all water district officials to inspect their water tanks especially the old ones,” he said. (PNA)

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10 drug suspects killed, 132 nabbed in Bulacan

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- At least 10 drug dealers were killed while 132 others were arrested in a series of “One Time, Big Time” anti-drug operations in different parts of Bulacan on Thursday.

Bulacan Police Director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr. reported on Friday to Central Luzon Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Amador Corpuz that more than a kilo of shabu and 12 firearms were seized in the province-wide anti-drug operations.

Caramat said a total of 78 police operations were conducted that led to nine encounters which resulted to the death of 10 drug personalities. Of the total police operations, 67 were buy-bust and 11 were raids on pot sessions and Oplan Sita.

He said a total of 360 plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing 109.98 grams; four tea bags of suspected dried marijuana leaves; six caliber .38 revolvers; five improvised shotguns and a caliber .45 gun were seized during the police operations.

In the City of San Jose del Monte, Supt. Fitz Macariola said the city police Drug Enforcement Unit conducted eight anti-drug operations which resulted to the busting of 29 drug personalities.

Macariola said the anti-drug campaign of the city police department would continue to track down drug suspects in the city. (PNA)

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4 die, 45 hurt as giant water tank collapses in Bulacan

CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan -- Four people, including two one-year-old girls, died while 45 others were hurt after a water tank of the San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) Water District in Barangay Muzon here collapsed early Friday.

San Jose Del Monte City police chief Supt. Fitz Macariola identified the fatalities as 50-year-old Jimmy Garcia, Elaine Tiamson, 22 and two one-year-olds. The victims are all residents of the barangay.

Macariola said the incident happened around 3:30 a.m. on Friday.

Big volume of water burst and swept through residential houses and a nearby police detachment like a tidal wave, witnesses said.

The fatalities were recovered under debris, police investigators said. Rescuers brought the injured residents to the different hospitals in the city and still undergoing treatment. Police are still investigating the cause of the collapse.

The collapsed structure is 14 by 13 meters in height and has a 2,000 cubic meter capacity. The SJDM Water District is headed by General Manager Loreto Limcolioc.

To avoid a repeat of the accident, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Friday ordered the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to coordinate with the different water district officials in the province and inspect their water tanks and its structural integrity.

Alvarado said he was informed that there are many water tanks in the city and in other parts of the province which are similar to the water tank of the SJDM Water District.

“This tragedy happened like a thief in the night. We must inspect and ensure that the structural integrity of these facilities are safe and durable,” he said. (PNA)

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Solon pushes for Bulacan as PH coop capital

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- First District Congressman Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado on Thursday said he would file a bill pushing to make the province of Bulacan the country's “Cooperative Capital”.

Sy-Alvarado made the announcement during the celebration of “Buwan ng Kooperatiba at Pangangalakal 2017” at the Capitol gymnasium here Thursday morning.

“The successful cooperative movement started in our great province, thus it is only fitting that Bulacan should be known as the coop capital of the Philippines,” Sy-Alvarado told cooperative members here.

Earlier, Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said a number of cooperatives in Bulacan continues to grow big and strong and has been a vital part in boosting the national economy.

The governor said cooperatives help small medium scale enterprises grow and 97 percent of SMEs are from Bulacan.

“There are now at least 395 active cooperatives in Bulacan and they are helping big in uplifting the lives of many Bulakenyos. Therefore, it is about time that the province of Bulacan should appropriately be descri

bed as the coop capital of the country” the governor said, noting that cooperatives are the backbone of growth and development in the countryside.

Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will support Sy-Alvarado's move by passing a provincial resolution to make Bulacan the “coop capital” of the country.

“It cannot be denied that cooperatives came from Bulacan and it has become the engines of growth in the different villages in the province’s 21 towns and 3 cities, especially in rural communities,” Fernando said.

Senator Cynthia Villar, the event’s guest of honor and speaker, sent her message through her chief of staff lawyer Regie Tabana.

Tabana said Villar is very supportive of the cooperative movement especially in the agricultural sector, being the chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Foods.

Tabana said Senator Villar is focusing on boosting the growth and development of the agri-sector because it will create livelihoods and jobs and eradicate poverty. She said that Villar is a staunch advocate of eradicating poverty by empowering SMEs.

She added that 99 percent of businesses in the country are composed of SMEs and most of them are in the agriculture and food business that create jobs and livelihood opportunities for people in the rural areas.(PNA)

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Bulacan steps up community dev't programs

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Bulacan will push for more community development programs in its 21 towns and cities as the province celebrates Cooperative Month this October.

Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado on Monday said the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO) has lined up various activities for the month-long celebration as a demonstration of the provincial government's continuous support to the cooperative development programs of the province.

Likewise, the governor said the celebration aims to recognize the cooperative’s crucial role in savings mobilization, providing accessible and affordable credit, and marshaling resources and energies towards economic development, political empowerment and socio-cultural reform.

"The celebration will highlight the significant contributions and accomplishments of the cooperatives and micro and small enterprises in Bulacan that brought considerable growth in the increase of assets and employment generation in the province," Alvarado said.

With the theme, “BULACAN: BUong LAkas sa KAunlaran ng PamayanaN," the celebration will kick off through a cooperative parade from Bulacan Sports Complex to Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in this city on Thursday that will be followed by the opening program.

PCEDO head Cynthia P. Abiol said delegates from Bulacan are also set to join the annual Kooplympics on Oct. 20 in Tarlac.

Abiol also said the celebration will be highlighted by the Gawad Galing Kooperatiba to give recognition to outstanding cooperatives on Oct. 27 at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in this city.

The celebration of Cooperative Month every October is in accordance with the Presidential Proclamation No. 493 dated Oct. 27, 2003 and Provincial Resolution no. 449 that aims to encourage public participation and awareness about cooperatives, its importance in nation building and its contributions to sustainable economic development. (PNA)

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No Japanese encephalitis outbreak in Pampanga: DOH

 CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday asked the public not to worry as there is no Japanese encephalitis outbreak in Pampanga and anywhere in the country.

Ma. Wilda Silva, head of the DOH Family Health Cluster, during the Regional Advocacy Forum on Japanese encephalitis held at Royce Hotel and Casino here on Friday, said the mosquito-borne disease has been here in the Philippines decades ago and the country has recorded more cases in 2016 as compared to this year.

Reports from DOH indicated that 133 confirmed Japanese encephalitis cases as of August 26 this year nationwide, which is 44 percent lower compared to the same period last year.

Out of the total number, 53 cases are from Central Luzon.  Nine deaths have also been confirmed -- four from Pampanga, two from Zambales, and three from Pangasinan, Laguna and Nueva Ecija.

It can be noted that DOH Region III topped other regional offices in the country in reporting the results of their surveillance and monitoring efforts for mosquito-borne diseases, thus it has recorded the most number of cases.

The mosquito-borne disease is transmitted through bites of Culex mosquito with less than one percent of those bitten develop Japanese encephalitis. But those who show symptoms of the disease have 20% to 30% mortality rate.

"We are working hard in procuring the vaccines and we are working on bringing the vaccine in the country for public consumption. This will be available in 2018," Silva said.

She, however, stressed that vaccine is just a form of prevention.

Silva said that the concentration should be on identification and destruction of breeding sites of mosquitoes and environmental cleanliness.

During the same forum, Health Assistant Secretary Leonita P. Gorgolon said that the regional advocacy aims to resolve appropriate intervention on such emerging virus and to identify strategies on how to prevent and control Japanese encephalitis in their respective locality. (PNA)

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Pampanga declared 'insurgency-free'

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga--The Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division (7ID) on Tuesday declared Pampanga as “insurgency-free” and ready for further development.

 During the joint meeting of Regional Development Council III (RDC-3) and Regional Peace and Order Council III (RPOC-3) held at Kingsborough International Convention Center here, the declaration was made in view of the continuing progress in the province in terms of economy and tourism and the stakeholders' trust and confidence to its stable peace and order situation.

 Lt. Col. George Bergonia of the 48th Infantry Battalion (IB) said that they are working hand-in-hand with the local government to clear more provinces of communist rebels.

“First was Bataan, Pampanga is the second to be declared as insurgent free province and we are hoping that by next year Bulacan will also be declared,"he said. 

Governor Lilia Pineda, together with Maj. General Emmanuel B. Salamat, commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM); Maj. Gen. Angelito M. De Leon, commander of the 7ID of the Philippine Army (PA); Col. Abraham Claro C. Casis, 703 brigade commander;  Pampanga Provincial Police Director Joel R. Consulta and Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director Julie Daquioag marked the event with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the province insurgency-free.

 According to Bergonia, the agreement ensures to sustain and integrate internal security measures against Communist Terrorist Movement (CTM) and other organized elements or groups engaged in armed offensive against the government.

He also clarified that pursuit operations against suspected rebels will continue to ensure the safety of the community.

The joint-meeting tackled several concerns, including law enforcement, peace process, public safety, grassroots community development, and disaster response. 

It was aimed at maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of the people in the entire Central Luzon region. (PNA)

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DOST helps propel local fireworks industry to 'greater heights'

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- With the implementation of Executive Order 28 that limits the use of firecrackers in the country, local manufacturers and dealers have found their “messiah” that could propel the local industry to new frontiers and at par with global standards.

Engineer Celso C. Cruz, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI), said that while they agree with the good intention of President Rodrigo Duterte in signing Executive Order 28, they are also appealing that the government should support the local fireworks industry as mandated under Republic Act 7183 otherwise known as the “Fireworks Law of 1992”.

Cruz admitted to local newsmen that their group is presently working with the Philippine National Police, the prime administrator of RA 7183, and different government agencies to uplift their industry which he said can be considered as “still in the stone age”.

He explained that this is mainly due to the ingredients being used by stubborn manufacturers, most of them still use the highly unstable mixture of sulfur and chlorate, locally known as “kolarato” and “devil’s powder."

Cruz said local manufacturers are still using that deadly mixture which had been banned in developed countries for more than 100 years because of its unstable and deadly character.

“When this mixture got wet there is always spontaneous reaction which most of the time is the cause of deadly explosions (sic)," he said.

The PPMDAI has long been calling for its prohibition but due to its availability in the market, local manufacturers still prefer to use it despite its deadly properties because the price of the ingredients is lower than the safe ones now being used by other countries,” Cruz said.

He also said that while there are agencies that are involved in regulating the local fireworks industry like the PNP (Civil Security Group), the Department of Health, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Bureau of Fire Protection, nobody in the government seemed knowledgeable about the local industry.

“To make the industry safer and globally competitive, there should be experts that could understand it. Most of the time, when there are explosions, nobody can scientifically explain the cause of it,” he said.

But lately, Cruz said their national association is thankful to Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Pena of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for understanding the plight of the industry and is now actively working with the PPMDAI to remove it from its “stone age” stature.

“The fireworks industry is all about science and with the DOST helping us, we at long last has finally found its “messiah”, Cruz said.

He said that the DOST, in coordination with the PPMDAI, has already sent their “scientist” to Japan to attend the World International Fireworks Symposium which was attended by world association of manufacturers, regulators and technology experts.

Cruz said that Dela Pena has sent Dr. Annabelle Brion, deputy director for Industrial Technology Development Institute of DOST.

With this in progress, Cruz said that there will be technology upliftment in the industry because local manufacturers will now get the chance to know the latest safety procedures and technology in making safe and quality fireworks.

“DOST is a major breakthrough in propelling the local fireworks industry to greater heights,” Cruz said.

The PPMDAI official also hailed President Duterte for the appointment of Chief Supt. Valeriano de Leon as head of the PNP-Firearms and Explosive Office.

He said De Leon is an officer who knows the industry well because of his stint as the provincial officer of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Bulacan and Davao. (PNA)

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Nueva Ecija village chief, pal nabbed for drugs

TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija -- A village chief and his alleged cohort were arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Minabuyoc here Friday.

Senior Supt. Antonio Yarra, Nueva Ecija police director, said Minabuyoc barangay chair Ruben Beltran, 52, and Ronnel Roxas, 27, of Barangay Fatima, Cabanatuan City, yielded eight heat-sealed sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" in a buy bust operation launched by police operatives at around 8:30 p.m.

Police also recovered the PHP1,000 marked bill from Roxas and one M16 Armalite rifle from the village head, police said.

The suspects are facing charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Law and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. (PNA)

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1,657 newly-promoted Central Luzon cops take oath

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- A total of 1,657 newly-promoted police personnel in Central Luzon took their oath at the Police Regional Office 3 parade grounds here on Wednesday.

Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), administered the oath-taking and mass pinning of the newly promoted 95 police commissioned officers and 1,562 police non-commissioned officers, witnessed by their families and relatives.

Corpus, in his message, said that promotion is not a reward of what was done well, but recognition that each police personnel has the potential to do more.

He warned the newly-promoted police personnel to stay away from doing nefarious activities as they carry on their fight on illegal drugs, illegal gambling and all forms of lawlessness.

"I warn each and every one of you to stay away from doing nefarious activities as I am quick to impose upon you an appropriate punishment if you are found linked to crimes. I will not tolerate any one of you for violating our laws, as you are not worthy to wear our uniform and you should be removed from our ranks. I am serious about this. All I simply ask from you is to do your job effectively and efficiently and you will be rewarded and supported by my leadership,” Corpus said. (PNA)

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Pangasinan cop awarded for returning lost bag

SAN FERNANDO CITY -- A policeman from Urdaneta City, Pangasinan was conferred the "Medalya ng Papuri" (Commendation Medal) in recognition of his admirable deed of returning a bag containing documents and bank checks amounting to Php200,000 to its owner.

Chief Supt. Reynaldo Biay, deputy regional director for administration of the Police Regional Office 1, conferred the award on Senior Police Officer 1 Noli Lee Teope, a member of the Urdaneta City Police Station in Pangasinan, on Monday.

The awarding ceremony was held at the PRO1 Grandstand at Camp Oscar Florendo in San Fernando City.

Teope recovered the bag sometime in August while patrolling Poblacion, Urdaneta City.

The owner of the bag, Mrs. Elena Paasa, thanked SPO1 Teope for returning her bag containing valuables. (PNA)

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Duterte seeks Bulakenyos' continued support vs corruption, drugs

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte thanked Bulakenyos and asked their continued support in the fight against illegal drugs, corruption and criminality.

During the commemoration of the 119th anniversary of the Malolos Congress at the historic Barasoain Church on Friday, Duterte relayed his message through Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary Ricojudge Janvier Echiverri.

In a message read by Echiverri, Duterte expressed gratitude to the people of Bulacan for voting for him in last year's elections and for their trust and continued support. 

“Isang karangalan ang maanyayahan sa pag-gunita ng kauna-unahang kongreso ng Pilipinas. Kagaya noon, marami pa ring hamon ngunit naipakita na ng ating mga ninuno na kaya nating tumayo sa sarili nating mga paa at kakakayanin pa din natin ito basta magkaka-isa at sama-sama tayo bilang isang lahi at isang bansa (It's an honor to be invited to the occasion remembering the first Congress of the Philippines. Just like before, there are still many challenges today but our ancestors had showed that we can stand on our own feet and we can still hurdle the challenges if we stay united as one race and one country),” the President’s message read.

With regard to the fight against hard drugs, Duterte said, “death and killing” is not a state policy.

The President message said he will exert all means to rid the country of the dope menace but he did not want to waste lives, especially the youth, who are mostly the victims of this scourge of society.

Duterte, likewise, spoke on the proposed postponement of the barangay elections.

Echiverri said that based on the President’s list, there are at least 40,000 village officials who are directly involved in the proliferation of illegal drugs.

He urged them to resign immediately, stressing that good village officials should lead community-based war against drugs and not act as protectors or drug lords themselves.

Senator Aquino, who is also a guest speaker, said the sacrifices of Filipino revolutionaries should not be forgotten because they resulted in the freedom that modern-day Filipinos are now enjoying.

He said he is proud that his great grandfather, Sevillano Aquino, was a member of the Malolos Congress.

Meanwhile, Gov. Alvarado said Bulakenyos will always go back to Barasoain Church because of their love for freedom and independence and their reverence for their heroes.

He said this sacred ground, the great propagandist and Bulakenyo hero Gat Marcelo H. Del Pilar planted the love for freedom that is why up to now, people are preserving that legacy.

He said September 15 is the culmination of the month-long celebration that began August 15, the foundation day of the province.

Vice Governor Daniel Fernando, on the other hand, said the significance of Malolos Congres shall forever be enshrined in the heart and soul of freedom-loving Filipinos.

Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad, for his part, said the Malolos Congress has changed the views of the world on the people of the Philippines.

“From being referred to as the lowly 'Indio', the Filipino race has been recognized as citizens of the Republic of the Philippines,” Natividad said.

The Malolos Congress , also known as the "National Assembly" of representatives, was the constituent assembly of the First Philippine Republic. It was convened at the Barasoain Church on September 15, 1698 where the Malolos Constitution was drafted. (PNA)

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PRO-3 intensifies drive vs illegal gambling in Central Luzon

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- The Police Regional Office -3 (PRO-3) has started its intensified drive against illegal gambling in Central Luzon.

The PRO-3, in its separate anti-gambling operations, arrested Tuesday four persons in the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac who were caught in the act of collecting bets for illegal number games known as jueteng and bookies.

Those arrested were Abigail Castro, 34, a resident of Barangay Niugan, Angat, Bulacan; Eliza Dolores Due, 34, of Barangay Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga; Enrimo Cruz, 51, of Barangay PulongSantol, Porac, Pampanga, and Ronnie Dizon, 33, of Barangay Pando, Concepcion, Tarlac

Confiscated from them were several illegal gambling paraphernalia, including collection money.

Police Chief Supt. Amador Corpus, PRO-3 regional director, lauded the operating police troops for the arrests as he vowed to eradicate all forms of illegal gambling in the region.

Likewise, Corpus said that police operatives are continuously conducting monitoring operations especially in the areas where illegal gambling activities have been previously reported. (PNA)

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Dental mission benefits 400 Pampanga inmates

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga-- Some 400 inmates from the Pampanga Provincial Jail (PPJ) have benefited from the dental mission conducted by the provincial government through the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

Provincial dental supervisor Dr. Thricia Sunglao on Wednesday said the dental mission is part of the regular activity of PHO inside the provincial jail to ensure the health and well-being of inmates.

Tooth extractions and check-ups were performed on the inmates while proper medications were also provided during the activity.

Fifteen dentists from the district hospitals of the province, some rural health units, a private practitioner, and staff from the PHO and the Provincial Malward took part in the activities.

Sunglao disclosed that the PHO will conduct another dental and medical mission inside the PPJ in December as part of the Pampanga Day celebration. (PNA)

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14 drug suspects arrested in Pampanga, Olongapo

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- Fourteen drug personalities, including a barangay official were arrested in separate anti-illegal drugs operations in Pampanga and Olongapo City on Sunday.

In a report submitted to the Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3), those arrested in Pampanga were identified as Noli Allen Laxamana, 39, a barangay kagawad of Balitucan, Magalang; Raden Andong of Barangay Atlu-bola, Mabalacat City; Erwin Navarro, 31, of Barangay Mabiga, Mabalacat City; Joseph Bernardo, of Barangay Panda, Angeles City; Andrew Bartolome of Barangay Balibago, Angeles City; Nelson Quiamson, Lucindo Halili, Elmer Tizon, Roy Licaycay, Niño Blas, Raul Alegaga, and Arturo Manaloto, all residents of Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

Confiscated from the possession of the suspects were a total of 14 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with street value of PHP15,000, the marked money and other drugs paraphernalia.

Meanwhile, those nabbed in Olongapo City were Alfredo Abad Jr. and Michael Santos . Seized from them were a total of 15 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu and marked money.

PRO3 Regional Director, Chief Supt, Amador V. Corpus, said the entire Central Luzon police force is continuously on alert to eradicate all forms of illegal drugs in line with “Double Barrel Reloaded”. (PNA)

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Drug dealer killed, 9 other dope suspects nabbed in Bulacan

CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan --  Police killed an armed drug dealer who tried to elude arrest and engaged lawmen in a firefight during a buy bust operation in Barangay San Martin here Wednesday.

In a report to Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., San Jose del Monte City police chief Supt Fitz Macariola on Thursday also said that a drug pushing couple were nabbed in Barangay Gumaok Central, while seven other persons were nabbed while having a "shabu" session in Barangay Citrus.

Macariola identified the slain drug dealer as Jomar Luban of Barangay Bagong Buhay in this city.

He said the suspect was included in the Barangay Anti-Drug Council (BADAC) watch list of drug pushers in the said area.

Macariola said the suspect sold a plastic sachet of shabu worth PHP500 to a police undercover agent.

"But when the lawmen was about to arrest him, Luban ran and escaped, then drew a handgun, firing at the pursuing operatives who were prompted to fire back that resulted to the death of the suspect," he said.

A Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team from the Bulacan PNP Crime Laboratory recovered from the suspect a 9mm pistol still loaded with three live bullets, a red pouch containing nine plastic sachets of suspected shabu, and eight pieces of fired catridge of 9mm bullets.

Police anti-narcotics operatives, on the other hand, arrested the husband and wife tandem of Fernando and Maria Bringula after selling a sachet of shabu worth PHP500 to a police undercover agent.

The duo did not resist arrest. However, when frisked, the couple yielded 11 more plastic sachets of shabu.

Macariola also reported that seven persons were caught sniffing shabu in a suspected dope den in Barangay Citrus after a concerned citizen tipped-off the police.

Appropriate charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act will be filed against the arrested suspects. (PNA)

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Outstanding police units, personnel recognized

CAMP GEN. ALEJO S. SANTOS, Bulacan -- The Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) on Wednesday cited the outstanding police units and personnel who rendered excellent and dedicated service to the public in its pursuit of peace and order.

Police Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., together with Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, led the awarding ceremony which is part of the celebration of 116th Police Service Anniversary.

The governor, in his speech, expressed his gratitude for the services of the police force especially in the fight against criminality and illegal drugs.

The police units and personnel awarded were: Malolos City Police Station (best city police station); Baliuag Municipal Police Station (best municipal police station); Police Supt. Heryl Bruno ( best senior police commissioned officer); Police Senior Inspector Jun Alejandrino and Police Senior Inspector Wilfredo Dizon Jr. ( best junior police commissioned officers).

The San Rafael Municipal Police Station, on the other hand, was recognized for having the most number of arrested suspects who are high value targets during police operations, while the San Jose Del Monte City Police Station was cited for the most number of arrested drug personalities.

The Bulacan units that received certificates of recognition were the Provincial Public Safety Company, Provincial Crime Laboratory, Provincial Internal Affairs Service, Criminal Investigation & Detection Team, Highway Patrol Team, and Provincial Legal Office. (PNA)

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3 big-time drug pushers fall in Bulacan dope sting

CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan -- Anti-narcotics police have apprehended three suspected big-time drug pushers in a series of buy-bust operations in Barangays San Martin de Porres and Kaypian here Sunday night.

In a report to Bulacan Police Director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., San Jose Del Monte City police chief Supt. Fitz Macariola on Monday identified the arrested suspects as Rene Oliva, 39, of Barangay San Martin de Porres; Jaber Amparo, 26, and Airene Carreon, 25, both residents of Barangay Kaypian here.

Macariola said that Oliva is listed as one of the major suppliers of “street shabu” in the city.

He said the suspect was arrested after selling a plastic sachet of suspected “shabu” worth PHPP500 to a police undercover agent. When frisked, the suspect yielded 31 more plastic sachets of suspected “shabu.” 

In Barangay Kaypian, police operatives arrested Amparo and Carreon after selling a plastic sachet of suspected “shabu” to a police poseur buyer.

Macariola said police operatives recovered 11 more plastic sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated weight of 10 grams from the two suspects.

Macariola said drug pushing charges and violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act will be filed against the suspects. (PNA)

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2 big-time Bulacan drug dealers fall; P2.5-M 'shabu' seized

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan -- Police on Saturday busted two alleged big-time drug dealers in a buy bust operation in Barangay San Vicente, Sta. Maria town.

Bulacan police director, Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., identified the arrested suspects as Christopher Dave Colangcoy, 31, married, resident of Barangay San Vicente, Sta. Maria, and Janel Roldan, 20, single, resident of Barangay Sapang Palay, City of San Jose del Monte.

Caramat said anti-narcotics operatives of the Sta. Maria Police Station headed by Supt. Raniel Valones conducted a coordinated buy bust operation against the two suspects.

Before the arrest, the poseur buyer was able to buy a heat-sealed transparent sachet of suspected shabu from the duo in exchange for PHP1,000 marked money.

Caramat said police recovered one big plastic bag and three sachets of small heat sealed transparent plastic sachets of illegal drugs (shabu) including the buy bust item weighing 500 grams with market value of PHP2.5 million; PHP 1,000 marked money; one caliber .22 revolver loaded with two live ammunition; one improvised glass tooter; one stainless pair of scissors; one digital weighing scale; and one bundle transparent plastic sachets.

The arrested suspects and recovered pieces of evidence were brought to Bulacan Crime Laboratory Office for appropriate examination while criminal complaints of violation of Republic Act 9165 Section 5, 11, 12 and 26 and violation of RA 10591 will be filed in court against the two suspects. (PNA)

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Duterte leads chicken-boodle fight in Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday assured the public that poultry products from Pampanga and Nueva Ecija are safe for human consumption as he joined other national and local government officials in a boodle fight of chicken-based menu.

President Duterte also gave the assurance that the national government will continue its surveillance and vigilance to mitigate the impact of bird flu.

The Chief Executive announced in a press conference that he will ask Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chief Andrea Domingo for available funds to give additional assistance to the affected poultry raisers.

Speaking before some 1,000 attendees from the local government units and poultry raisers, Duterte said Pampanga is not only a factor in food security but part of the food chain.

“The efforts and sweat poured in by the Kapampangans play a crucial role in securing the country’s food chain,” the President added.

He also pointed out the resiliency of the Kapampangans in these trying times, and that he is confident that the LGUs can contain the avian flu outbreak.

The President, together with Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, awarded an indemnity check to San Luis town worth PHP20,723,790.

He also gave checks to two poultry farm owners from Jaen town, Mary Grace Castro and Manuel Ruiz Luiz, whose poultry farms were depopulated because of the avian flu outbreak.

Shortly after the awarding ceremonies, President Duterte, along with Piñol, Governor Lilia Pineda, Pampanga 2nd district Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, 3rd district Rep. Aurelio Gonzales and local chief executives ate chicken, balut, and eggs in a boodle fight here to show the public that poultry products in Pampanga are safe.

 Meanwhile, Piñol said an opportunity was presented by the crisis brought about by the avian influenza outbreak after a group of German and Colombian engineers committed to provide technology to turn chicken manure to organic fertilizer. He said the group is now establishing a facility for the project. (PNA)

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Couple, 2 others fall in Bulacan drug busts

CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan -- Four drug peddlers, including a couple, were arrested during a series of anti-drug operations by the city police here Saturday. 

In a report to Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., city police chief Supt. Fitz Macariola on Sunday identified the arrested suspects as couple Arnel and Angeline Orabao, both 31 years old, residents of Barangay Graceville; Johna Ray Lopez, 18, single, a resident of Barangay Maharlika; and Liezel dela Cruz, 49, married, of Barangay Muzon, all in this city.

He said the couple was busted after selling PHP500 worth of shabu to a police undercover agent. 

Ten more plastic sachets containing an estimated five grams of suspected shabu worth PHP8,000 were recovered from the suspects, together with the marked money, Macariola said. 

Lopez, on the other hand, was arrested by another anti-narcotics police team after selling a plastic sachet of shabu to a police agent. Six more plastic sachets containing more or less two grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP6,000 were recovered from the suspect. 

Dela Cruz, on the other hand, was arrested during a buy bust operation in Barangay Muzon where six plastic sachets of susoected shabu weighing more or less five grams were recovered from her.

The San Jose del Monte Police is set to file charges of violation of Republic Act 9165 or the “ComprehensiveDangerous Drugs Act of 2002” against the arrested suspects. (PNA)

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Flash floods hit 4 Bataan villages; destroy footbridge

MARIVELES, Bataan -- Flash floods hit four villages here and destroyed a footbridge at the height of intermittent light to heavy rains Friday afternoon till midnight.

Floods washed away the footbridge connecting portions of barangays Ipag and Balon Anito.

Edwina Mia of the Mariveles Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office said the affected barangays were Balon Anito, Baseco, Ipag and San isidro.

“The floods rose from above knee to chest deep from 4 p.m. (Friday) to near midnight in most of the low-lying areas,” she said.

Some residents said flood subsided in their villages before 3 a.m. of Saturday.

Only nine families chose to be evacuated temporarily in the barangay hall but returned home on Saturday morning, Mia said.

 Hundreds of workers of multi-national factories at the Freeport Area of Bataan bound for home were stranded and waited for several hours for the flood to subside.

 Rodito Luyo, Ipag barangay chairperson, said they placed ropes in flooded areas to assist factory workers who were going home.

 The village head said floods rose up to waist-deep in Purok 3 to 6 in Ipag from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday.

 On Saturday morning, residents were seen busy cleaning their houses and the streets of thick mud left by the floodings.

 Smith Esturas and Albert Escurido, both residents of Ipag, said the floodwaters came from the mountain that overflowed the rivers in the area. (PNA)

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Masantol is Central Luzon's 1st drug-free town

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- The town of Masantol in this province has been formally declared as the first municipality in Central Luzon to be cleared from illegal drugs.

This, as all of the 26 barangays of Masantol were cleared from drug infestation after complying with the parameters set forth pursuant to Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No 3 series of 2017.

The awarding of the formal certification was held on Friday at the Benigno Hall, Provincial Capitol Compound, City of San Fernando here.

Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino, director of the Police Regional Office 3, lauded the efforts of the local government of Masantol and police in its strong commitment to eliminate hard drugs.

 “Needless to say, I am in awe that while I am still the regional director of PRO3, one municipality under my watch has been declared drug-free and I am proud of this achievement.” Aquino said in his statement.

He expressed optimism that more municipalities and even provinces in the region will soon be declared drug-free because of their intensified barangay drug clearing operations, in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Aquino asked the public to support them in their anti-illegal drugs campaign as it is not only their fight but also the fight of all to attain drug-free region. (PNA)

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Bulacan turns over donations for Marawi residents

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Six trucks containing 4,000 boxes of foodstuff were turned over Friday afternoon to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) under the first phase of the “Tulong Bulakenyo Para sa Marawi.”

Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and provincial administrator Eugenio Payongayong also handed a check worth PHP4 million to OCD-III regional director Edgardo J. Ollet as part of the PHP8 million aid of the provincial government to the people of the war-torn Marawi City in Mindanao.

“This is our own way of giving back. Every time calamities hit our province, other provinces also sent us help and aid," Alvarado said.

OCD Director Josie Timoteo, chief of operations Task Force Marawi-OCD, is in Iligan City and will supervise the distribution of the donations from Bulacan, Ollet said. 

“This is a big help in our effort to help the people of Marawi, “ Ollet said.

Ollet thanked Alvarado and the people of Bulacan for their concern and kindness to the people of Marawi still suffering and bearing the brunt of the war. (PNA) 

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11 drug dealers killed, 45 others nabbed in Bulacan

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan -- The intensified campaign of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office pushes through without let-up in their simultaneous “One Time, Big Time" operations in the different parts of the province since early Tuesday morning.

From 21 in the early hours of Tuesday, the number of slain armed drug dealers climbed to 32 as 11 more drug suspects were killed while the number of arrested suspects rose to 109 from 64 as the Bulacan police stepped up their operations to protect the province from the scourge of the dope menace on Wednesday noon, according to  Bulacan police director, Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr.,  

Caramat said that illegal drugs, grenades, firearms and ammunition were also recovered in the simultaneous One Time Big Time operations conducted by the Bulacan Police the whole day of Tuesday that coincided with the celebration of Bulacan Day.

He said that a total of 67 operations were conducted by the 24 police stations in Bulacan, including the Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) and Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) in the campaign against hard drugs, loose firearms and implementation of search warrant all over the province. 
 
The suspects were killed when they resisted and fired at arresting police operatives while the more than 100 who yielded without resistance were arrested, Caramat said.
 
The suspects were identified, most of them only by their aliases, as: Alvin who was killed in Balagtas; Pugeng Manyak in Baliwag; Ronnie in Bulacan; Jojo de Belen in Calumpit; Yayot and two of his unidentified cohorts in Guiguinto; Wilfredo Alapide, Jeffrey, Alvin, Victoria dela Cruz and Quintin in the City of Malolos; Jimmy Gongon and Marie Bartolome in Marilao; Allan Almojuela in Norzagaray; Enan and Justine in Obando; Ansiong in Pandi; Wilfredo Pleno and Jerome Crisostomo in Plaridel; Berth in Pulilan; Joseph Gentolia in San Ildefonso; Elias and Leogie Medrno in the City of San Jose del Monte; Christopher Tecson in San Miguel; Macoy, Rommel Victorino and two unidentified in Santa Maria; Jessie Andles and an unidentified one in operations conducted by PPSC; and Bryan Velayo who was killed in an operation conducted by PIB and SWAT.
 
A total of 359 plastic sachets of suspected "shabu" weighing 235.0792 grams; 765 grams of marijuana leaves; two grenades: 33 assorted firearms; and 112 pieces of ammunition were recovered and confiscated in the 50 buy-bust operations, serving of 15 search warrants and two police checkpoint operations, he said.

Caramat said that the Bulacan police have neutralized many drug dealers and offenders but it seems that many are still on the loose and selling their illegal stuff.

He stressed, however, that the Bulacan police will never stop going after them.

“Kung lagi silang gising dahil sa tama ng shabu, lagi ding gising ang ating kapulisan para tugisin sila (If they are always awake due to the effect of shabu, our police also always awake to chase them). It is quite obvious that many of those killed are no longer in their right minds because instead of surrendering like most of those arrested, they are inclined to fight it out with our policemen,” Caramat said.

In the  City of San Jose del Monte, police operatives led by city police chief Supt. Fitz Macariola dismantled a “shabu tiangge” and arrested at least 50 persons caught in the act of buying and sniffing prohibited drugs inside rows of shanties that serve as dope dens in Barangay Bagong Buhay.

Macariola said that one of the suspected drug dealers and owner of the “kubol” (dope den shanty) who was identified only as a certain "Elias” engaged police operatives into a firefight and was killed.

Five other drug dealers identied as Ederlina Garcia, Emmanuel David, Aldrin Aquirre, Van Riener Aporto and Josephine Niepes, all residents of said areas where arrested. The suspected drug dealers also own the so-called “kubols," Macariola added.

At least 50 other drug suspects, mostly clients, were also subsequently arrested.

“We have been monitoring the area after receiving reports that the place is being frequented by many people who are non-residents there. And there they are, still awake at the wee hours of the morning sniffing shabu,” Macariola said.

Police recovered a still undetermined amount of shabu, assorted drug paraphernalia and a handgun from the slain drug dealer.

The arrested suspects will be subjected to drug tests while appropriate charges will be filed against them, Macariola said. (PNA) 

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Hybrid cars to help fight drugs, terrorism in Eastern Visayas

PALO, Leyte-- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is eyeing a more effective drive against illegal drugs and terrorism with the Japanese donation of 45 hybrid patrol cars in Eastern Visayas.

Police Director Jose Ma Victor Ramos, chief of PNP logistics, said the donation from the Japanese government was very timely as it would augment mobility assets of the police regional office here.

“This will be used to serve the people. This will capacitate policemen to win the fight against illegal drugs and terrorism. Government will save a lot with the fuel cost,” Ramos said.

Takuei Nakayama, first secretary of Japan Embassy in Manila said the donation further strengthened diplomatic ties between Philippines and Japan.

“We saw the extent of damage caused by super typhoon 'Yolanda' in this region same as the destruction wrought by tsunami in Japan. These cars will be used not just against criminality, but also during emergency situations,” Takuei said.

“The Japanese government sincerely hopes that these patrol cars will have a great help in the region.” 

The 45 cars comprise the second batch of Toyota hybrid cars donated by Japan to the country. Last February 18, the foreign government distributed 32 units to national government agencies in the National Capital Region and Eastern Visayas.

Still up for distribution are 11 hybrid meant for central offices of government agencies in Manila.

Of the 45 units, 20 are for Leyte police provincial office; eight for Eastern Samar; eight for regional office; three for Tacloban City; two for Ormoc City; and one each for Samar, Biliran, Northern Samar, and the police regional public safety battalion.

Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Benito Ranque said the donation is part of the promotion of hybrid cars to attain sustainable energy consumption.

“The Philippine government has increasingly recognized that technology and innovation are the key components for the socio-economic developments and resiliency,” Ranque said.

PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar thanked the DOE for prioritizing the police regional office here. The new vehicles are meant to replace police cars damaged by "Yolanda" in 2013.

“For the entrusted officers, I want all provincial chiefs, city head and directors to be responsible of proper maintenance of this patrol cars,” Beltejar said.

The Japanese government and the energy department provide maintenance fund of PHP200 per year for five years.

The hybrid cars are powered using electricity and fuel.

The Japanese government provided to the Philippine government 500-million-yen (about PHP250 million) grant for the procurement and delivery of the hybrid vehicles under the Japan Non-Project Grant Aid. (with reports by Patricia P. Salvo, Reynadel F. Costillas, OJTs/PNA)

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Bulacan reactivates Avian Influenza Task Force

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Monday reactivated the provincial avian influenza task force to mitigate the effects of the bird flu virus detection in nearby San Luis town in Pampanga. 

Alvarado, the task force chairman, said he instructed the Provincial Veterinary Office headed by Dr. Voltaire Basinang and the Bulacan Police Provincial Office headed by Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., to establish 24-hour checkpoints and ensure that transport of fowls like chickens,  ducks, pigeons and quails will not enter Bulacan so that it cannot compromise the bio-security of their poultry industry which as of this time is safe and not affected by the avian flu case that hit San Luis,Pampanga.

Since Saturday, Alvarado said that checkpoints has been put in the towns of San Miguel, San Ildefonso, San Rafael, Baliwag, Pulilan, Calumpit and some exits of the North Luzon Expressway.

The governor also presided an emergency meeting attended by hundreds of  stakeholders of the local poultry industry in Bulacan where Basinang instructed to monitor and immediately report any signs or detection of fowl sickness.

“The task force is ready to deploy teams to monitor poultry farms. We are requesting our stakeholders to religiously clean their farms and follow guidelines issued by the Provincial Veterinary Office, “ Alvarado said.

The governor said that rigid inspection of farms is needed since Bulacan has also become an “airport” of migratory birds that has become common visitors in nearby Candaba swamp in Pampanga.

"We are regulating the industry in support of the actions of the national government and we will be strictly monitoring the movements of the delivery and transport of all poultry products and check their point of origin because at the same time, we do not want the industry to suffer,” Alvarado said.

“It is safe to eat the chicken, duck, eggs, "balot" and penoy that come from Bulacan. Just make sure that those are properly cooked," he said. 

He added that 60 percent of the meat, poultry and vegetable supply of Metro Manila comes from Bulacan.

Alvarado also announced that the task force will request  Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol to consider the plight of poultry raisers and egg producers whose animals are not infected with the avian flu.

He said that the Philippine Duck Raisers and Egg Managers represented by Ike Illescas reported that since Friday, at least 500,000 duck eggs have not been sold, thus, badly affecting  the duck raisers and egg producers even if their poultry products are not infected by the avian influenza disease.

Illescas said that if this continues, it will ruin the local poultry and egg industry.

In a related development,  Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad said that the City Agriculture Office has also set up checkpoints to ensure that no movement of fowls will enter the capital city.

“We have been strict even to other meats and we are regularly monitoring meat products that are entering our markets,” Natividad said.

Natividad said they are also monitoring petshops selling birds like pigeons and love birds as well as game fowls. (PNA)

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International theme park to rise in renaissance Malolos City

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, Aug. 11 -- With the culture, traditions and flavors of at least six Asian nations as its main highlight, a first of its kind theme park will soon rise in this renaissance city to give quality family entertainment not only to the people of Bulacan but also those from other provinces.

The construction of the Chimera Land Theme Park will start immediately following its ground-breaking ceremony along the Macarthur highway in Barangay Sumapang Matanda here on Friday.

Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad, together with Bulacan First District Rep. Jose Antonio R. Sy-Alvarado and Bulacan tourism officer Dr. Eliseo dela Cruz, who represented Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, joined Chimera Land theme park owner Tess Sta. Ana, her children Carlo, Christian and Teresa in the dropping of the time capsule containing the blue print and plan of the entertainment complex during the ground-breaking ceremony.

Alvarado later told local newsmen that the theme park will not only boost the tourism in Malolos but will also generate jobs for the people of the city and nearby towns.

Sta. Ana echoed the view of the governor, saying their human resource management team is now beginning to hire and screen would-be personnel of the Chimera Land theme park.

She said they will prioritize giving jobs to Bulakenyos because their family comes from the coastal town of Obando.

Mayor Natividad, for his part, said that this business endeavor will help boost the tourism potential of the renaissance city of Malolos because of its rich cultural ties with other countries even before the Spanish colonial period.

“People won’t have to go to South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Thailand. They will just have to visit the Chimera Land theme park when it opens by December this year,” Natividad said.

According to the Sta. Ana siblings --Carlo and Christian—the theme park will have an airplane at its entrance where visitors can board and have photo opportunities before descending on the compound of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Visitors will have the opportunity to taste the flavors and the culture of said nations after alighting from the “airplane at our gate which will have its own “flight attendants and pilots," they said.

Sta. Ana added that it will be built to suit the needs of students because of its educational package tour.

She said that Chimera Land theme park will be bridging dreams and reality as it aims to be the first sustainable theme park in the Philippines.

“First it was only our dreams but its now becoming real. Dreams are bound to get real, just believe in the love of God. Just follow your dreams,” Sta. Ana added. (PNA)

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Pampanga placed under state of calamity due to avian flu virus

SAN LUIS, Pampanga, Aug. 11 -- Governor Lilia Pineda on Friday declared the province under a state of calamity over the outbreak of avian flu virus in Barangays San Carlos and Sta. Rita in this town.

Pineda said the move aims to help the affected local government units (LGUs) fund preventive measures for the virus.

In a meeting with Pampanga officials, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol estimated the number of dead fowls at 37,000 out of the 194,000 population in the province as of August 4, this year. 

"It is with sadness and great concern that the Department of Agriculture is confirming the outbreak of Avian influenza in the town of San Luis [Pampanga]. We have already made a series of tests confirming the type of Avian Influenza that hit San Luis town is H5,” said Pinol.

He declared that all fowls in the one-kilometer radius epicenter in San Luis will be culled and buried. Estimated to be affected are around 200,000 birds, chickens, quails, and ducks.

Culling would be done in five farms of layers and four farms of quails in Barangay San Carlos and four farms of ducks in nearby Barangay Sta. Rita for a total of 132, 500 heads, Dr. Arlene Vytiaco, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) focal person for avian flu control, said.

The culling method, agriculture authorities said, goes like this: the fowls will be placed in container vans and poisoned with carbon dioxide.The birds will then be buried in a single farm.

Piñol said no eggs could be brought out from the areas as 12 quarantine teams are now guarding the exit points of San Luis, all equipped with power sprays to disinfect all vehicles coming out of the said town.

Piñol even ordered a ban on the transport of poultry from Central Luzon to control the outbreak.

Senior Supt. Joel Consulta, Pampanga police director, said nine checkpoints have been established in San Luis town alone.

The secretary, in a meeting with affected livestock owners in the area, agreed to compensate for the birds that would be culled at a rate of about PHP80 per head.

He also called on other LGU executives in other province to implement quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the flu.

There is no reported human transmission of the avian flu virus as of press time. (PNA)

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Bulacan execs foresee looming water crisis, Angat Dam woes

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, Aug. 6 -- The looming water crisis that is expected to hit Metro Manila due to the dwindling water supply at the Angat Dam reservoir was an “omen” foreseen almost a decade ago by a top executive of the province who has likened the dilemma from the aging rock-filled dam as the proverbial “Sword of Damocles” hanging over the heads of Bulakenyos as well as residents of the National Capital Region.

This cropped up after Second District Rep. Gavini Pancho said that a water crisis is imminent because the water supply at Angat Dam, which supplies 97 percent of the water needs of Metro Manila and nearby environs, is rapidly dwindling.

Pancho said the  recent rains brought  by the southwest monsoons failed to increase the elevation which, he said should be more than the 200 meters mark by this time.

From 189 meters, the water level only surged to 195 meters or 5 meters short of the 200 meters mark.

The solon also said that water concessionaires will now have to partake 10 percent of the already limited allocation of irrigation water intended for farmers in Bulacan and Pampanga.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) was reported to be eyeing the building of new dams to address the looming water crisis.

This imminent problem was foreseen almost a decade ago by Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alavardo, who was then the vice governor, when he delivered a privilege speech at the session hall of the Sanguniang Panglalawigan in September 2009.

In his speech, Alvarado said that during that time,  MWSS is pushing for the construction of the  Laiban Dam project as a new source of water for Metro Manila.  

He said that during that time, MWSS issued a statement  stressing that “because of  its (Angat dam) age and the presence of the West Valley Fault in the vicinity of  the dam, make our water source at risk. A new water source therefore will help mitigate the loss of water supply from the other source in case of major disasters and natural calamities.”

Alvarado added that MWSS also gave the following reasons why the Laiban  Dam project should push through: 1) Angat dam is old, 41 years old (2009) and its lifespan is only 30 years; 2) the reservoir is heavily silted, an indication of rampant illegal logging, quarrying and mining near and within its watershed area; 3) the Marikina or West Valley fault line runs through the main dikes of Angat Dam according to Dr. Kaare Hoeg of the Norwegian Technical Institute and 5) presence of crack inside the dam penstock.

These revelations, Alvarado said, showed  a more “clear and present danger.”

The MWSS, he said, insisted that the solution is the Laiban Dam project, which eventually “crashed” after the the administration of then President Cory Aquino shelved the project in December 1989 to give priority to the more practical projects like the Angat Water Supply Optimizing Project (AWSOP)and the Umiray-Angat Transbasin Project, which the MWSS Board of Trustees approved under Kapasyahan Bilang 195-89.

In his speech, then Vice Gov. Alvarado called the attention of the provincial board and said that the Laiban Dam project is not the solution.

Instead, he said that saving Angat dam should be given the utmost priority,  

He also called on the members of the 2009 Provincial Board to act and make a stand to protect the interest of the people and the resources of the province of Bulacan.  

The then Vice Governor also told them that “given its present state, Angat Dam is “an accident waiting to happen.”

Alvarado said that what happened then is now happening again.  

He said that building new dams is not the answer but the rehabilitation and strengthening of the 49 years old Angat Dam.  

He said that the new operator of the dam, the Angat Hydro Corporation, is now undertaking the repair and rehabilitation of the aging dam.

However, Alvarado added that some sectors are asking him if the on-going strengthening of the Angat Dam can withstand a magnitude 7.2 earthquake or the so called “Big One”.  

During that time when the first signs of the dwindling water source was revealed, the proponents of building new water sources must have overlooked the devastation should the dam breaks.  

The horror of it is unimaginable. The dam is located in the most steepest slope of the mountain. Once it breaks, big boulders, illegally cut logs and debris will be cascading down like bullets and will wipe out everything on its path towards Manila Bay,” he said.  

The governor stressed that strengthening the aging Angat Dam is good, but only prayers and the love and mercy of God can prevent this horrible disaster from happening. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)  

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23 juvenile law offenders bolt Bahay Tanglaw Pag-asa in Bulacan

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, Aug. 1 -- At least 23 “children in conflict with the law “ (CICL) escaped from the Bahay Tanglaw Pag-asa in Barangay Guinhawa here Monday night.

Initial reports, however, said seven of the “juvenile inmates” have been arrested and are now back at the Bahay Tanglaw Pagasa.

Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Tuesday said that parents of the 16 other CICL talked to him and promised that they will surrender them back in the soonest possible time.

Alvarado said the juvenile reformation and correctional facility is undergoing renovation.

He said the CICL escaped through a gap in the comfort room where renovation is going on.

A police team from the Provincial Pulic Safety Company of the Bulacan PNP chased and managed to arrest seven of them.

Bulacan provincial jail warden Retired Police Colonel Fernando Villanueva is now investigating the incident.

The Bahay Tanglaw Pag-asa is under the supervision of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

At present, there are at least less than one hundred CICL detained there who have cases ranging from rape, robbery and violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Their ages range from 13 to 26. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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CL outstanding police community relations personnel, units cited

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, July 31-- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) on Monday recognized police community relations (PCR) commissioned and non-commissioned personnel as well as the units that supported and contributed to various PCR activities in Central Luzon.

The event is part of the culmination of the month-long celebration of the 22nd Police Community Relations with this year’s theme “Police and Community: Sharing Responsibility, Taking Action in Unity."

Rodolfo G. Santos Jr., National Police Commission 3 (Napolcom 3) director, led the presentation of awards held at the PRO3 Parade Ground here.

The individual awardees were Police Supt. Bayani Razalan, chief of police, Tarlac City; Police Supt. Avelina de Guzman, Olongapo City Police Office; Police Chief Inspector Jovy P. Arceo, chief of police, Bamban Municipal Police Station; SPO1 Lorikyn Cuarton, Dinalungan Municipal Police Station; PO2 Carol Capinpin, Tarlac City Police Station; and PO1 Juan Carlos C. Ventura, Olongapo City Police Office

The unit awards went to Aurora Police Provincial Office; Olongapo City Police Office and Tarlac City Police Station.

Various activities were lined up for the month-long celebration that highlighted the importance of a solid partnership between the police and the community in the effective maintenance of peace and order and community development in the region.(Froilan E. Magtoto/PNA)

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Bulacan governor wants regular update on Angat dam repair

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, July 30 -- Regular earthquake drills are good but authorities should also consider a more devastating danger should the so-called “Big One” happens, a top provincial executive said on Sunday.

Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that while he does not want to picture a grim scenario, authorities should not overlook the massive devastation that could happen if a magnitude 7.2 earthquake or the so called “Big One” jolts the West Valley fault line that could break the aging Angat dam, which according to experts is nestling within the fault line and is located in one of the most steepest mountain slopes in the world.

The governor also asked dam engineers to give regular updates on the on-going repair and strengthening of Angat dam.

Alvarado recalled that when he was still the vice governor, he delivered a privilege speech at the Sangguniang Panglalawigan where he emphasized the statement of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on July 16, 2009 regarding the agency justification for the construction and operation of Laiban dam project.

He said: "The Angat main dike axis is right on the recently confirmed Marikina Valley System fault. The main dike straddles in the fault which stretches from Taal lake area to Angat river. The dike has one of the steepest slopes in the world. Seepage has been observed right after its construction. The design criteria for the dam, particularly for seismicity, may not be sufficient considering the latest requirements for design codes and regulations."

During that time, Alvarado has already revealed that aging Angat dam is like the proverbial "sword of Damocles" hanging over the heads of Bulakenyos.

Aside from studies, Alvarado said that Angat dam is already 49 years old and the lifespan of the dam is 50 years old.

He said that the new operator of Angat dam, the Angat Hydro Corporation, has begun its repair and strengthening last year.

However, the governor said that some sectors are asking him for updates on the rehabilitation and strengthening of the dam.

Most of them, he said, are asking if the ongoing repair is suited to withstand a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

"Many of them are anxious and believe that the destruction that a dam break would cause is highly unimaginable. Once it breaks, voluminous amount of water will come down cascading like bullets carrying with them huge boulders, cut logs and other debris to the lowlands that will eventually ends up in Manila Bay," the governor said.

He said that concerned authorities have already estimated that at least 38,000 would die at the National Capital Region once the “Big One” stikes. But they have not consider the effects and aftermath of a dam break.

"Millions will die instantly, most of which will be washed and wiped-out. Aside from this, the aftermath will bring more deadly consequences since the Angat dam supplies 97 percent of the potable water needs of Metro Manila. Survivors will surely die from thirst," Alvarado said.

He said that preparations and readiness are being undertaken by the government but the devastation in case the dam break should also be considered.

He also added that drills are doable but only the mercy and love of God can prevent such dreadful calamities from happening.

He said the province of Bulacan is regularly holding a “Day of Prayer” to save the land and the entire country from calamities and evil forces that want to destroy it. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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Bulacan Rep. Sy-Alvarado assesses effects of typhoon 'Gorio'

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, July 29 -- First District Rep. Jose Antonio R. Sy-Alvarado has personally assessed the effects of typhoon “Gorio” in the first congressional district of the province.

The young solon went to the Communication Command and Control Center (C4 Room) of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) here where he was briefed by Bulacan PDRRM Officer Liz Mungcal on the flooded villages in the coastal towns of Hagonoy and Calumpit, the perennial catch basin of floods during stormy weather.

Some 15 barangays in these coastal towns were submerged in floodwaters due to heavy rains and high tide.

Mungcal said that in Hagonoy town, the villages of San Jose, Sta. Monica, Sto. Rosario, Sagrada, San Pascual, San Nicolas and Sto. Nino were flooded by heavy rains that was aggravated by high tide.

Eight villages in nearby Calumpit town namely Sapang Palay, Gatbuca, Frances, San Miguel, Catmon, Bulusan, Sta. Lucia and Gugo were also submerged under flood waters due to heavy rains and high tide.

Mungcal also told Sy-Alvarado that no one has been evacuated in his district because the rivers can still hold the volume of waters brought by the typhoon and that the province of Nueva Ecija did not expect much rainfall.

Meanwhile, the congressman said the government should plan a long term solution to address the flooding and mitigate the effects of global warming and climate change which, he said is now affecting the coastal areas of Bulacan and adjacent provinces within Manila Bay.

Sy-Alvarado, who is spearheading a massive clean-up of rivers and waterways in his district, said dikes should be constructed in the coastal villages of Hagonoy.

“Some villages in our coastal areas are virtually sinking due to high tides and for being the catch basin of backfloods during stormy weather. This is the effect of global warming and climate change that we should face and address,” he said. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)   

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Classes suspended in most areas in Central Luzon

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 28-- Classes in most parts of Central Luzon were suspended on Friday due to continuous moderate to heavy rains brought by southwest monsoon that is being enhanced by severe tropical storm Gorio.

In the provinces of Zambales, Bataan and Pampanga, classes in all levels, both in public and private were suspended.

In two highly-urbanized cities in the region, namely Olongapo and Angeles, classes in all levels in public and private were also suspended.

Localized suspension of classes, on the other hand, were declared in the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac.

In Bulacan, classes in all levels both in public and private schools were suspended in the cities of Malolos, Meycauayan and San Jose Del Monte and the municipalities of Baliwag, Guiguinto, Marilao, Obando, Hagonoy, Paombong, Calumpit, Sta Maria, Pulilan, San Ildefonso, Bustos, Plaridel, Norzagaray, Bocaue, San Rafael, San Miguel, Balagtas, Pandi, Bulakan, Angat and Dona Remedios Trinidad.

In Tarlac, classes in all levels in public and private schools were suspended in the towns of Concepcion, Gerona, La Paz, Paniqui, and Capas.

Classes from elementary to senior high school levels in public and private scools were also suspended in Tarlac City.

Meanwhile, pre-school to elementary levels in public and private schools were suspended in Mayantoc town.

In Nueva Ecija, all levels in both private and public schools were suspended in Talavera town while pre-elementary to senior high school levels were suspended in Zaragoza town.

In Cabanatuan City, pre-school to elementary levels in both public and private schools were suspended.

Based on the regional weather forecast issued by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as of 6 a.m., the provinces of Bataan, Zambales, Pampanga and Bulacan will experience monsoon rains with moderate to strong winds from southwest until 6 p.m.

The provinces of Nueva Ecija and Tarlac, on the other hand, will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rains until 6 p.m. (Zorayda S. Tecson/PNA)

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TS Gorio: Flood submerges villages in Bulacan

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, July 27 -- Heavy rains spawned by tropical storm (TS) “Gorio” on Thursday submerged some villages in Marilao town, this province.

Reports reaching the Communication, Command, and Control Center (C4) of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said that Barangay Poblacion 1 was submerged under 5 to 8 feet of flood waters while the villages of Poblacion 2, Tabing Ilog and Nagbalon were under 1 to 2 feet of water.

The stretch of MacArthur Highway in front of SM City Mall in Barangay Saog, also in Marilao, was also inundated by 4 to 5 feet of floods, rendering it impassable for light vehicles.

No untoward incident was reported as of 2 p.m. Thursday.

PDRRM officer Liz Mungcal said Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has already alerted teams of responders to monitor the situation and give updates on the tropical storm.

Mungcal said the governor advised residents in flood-prone areas to be careful and report to authorities immediately.

As of 3 p.m. , the water level at Angat dam was 185.92 meters (spilling level 210 meters, 101.10 meters at Ipo Dam (spilling level 101 meters) and 16.16 meters at Bustos dam (spilling level 17. 50 meters). (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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Thousands join Bulacan's 7th Day of Prayer

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, July 26 -- National government officials led by Presidential Spokesman Ernesto C. Abella, Justice Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana joined some provincial and religious leaders and thousands of Bulakenyos in a collective prayer during the “Bulacan Day of Prayer-Peace for the Philippines” at the Bulacan Capitol Gym here Wednesday afternoon.

The prayer rally was highlighted by the ceremonial turnover of donations for Marawi City where Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Vice Governor Daniel Fernando handed a check of PHP4 million for Marawi City and 4,000 boxes of foodstuff for the evacuees to the three Cabinet secretaries.

Abella said that the future of the Philippines lies in the shoulders of the people of God.

He also agreed with Alvarado that the power of prayer is so strong and can make wonders and miracles.

He also asked the participants in the prayer rally to pray for President Duterte.

“I look for a man that will stand within the gap. This is the present role of President Rodrigo Duterte. Can you imagine what might have happened if he (Duterte) did not make a stand against the dope menace, terrorism and other vital concerns of the country. Let us thank God for giving us a strong but dedicated leader.Let us all pray for our President and for peace and the future of our country,” Abella said.

Aguirre, for his part, said that the day of prayer is very timely because prayer can heal the land.

“All these things—drugs, terror, injustice—must end,” the Justice secretary said.

Lorenzana, on the other hand, said that holding a day of prayer for peace for the Philippines should be replicated all over the country.

“This is really a big help to our country. Instead of criticizing our President, it is better to pray than criticize," Lorenzana said.

Alvarado thanked the three Cabinet secretaries for participating in the day of prayer which has become an annual event in the province.

He said that in times of disasters and when evil forces attempt to destroy a peaceful land, faith and prayers can be a big help.

The governor said that it is a common practice for capitol employees, particularly at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, to stop for a moment and offer prayers to God.

He also said that in every gateway of the province, giant billboards were put up to remind Bulakenyos on the love and mercy of God as inscribed in 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Vice Governor Fernando, for his part, said that prayers are potent savers and that he is encouraging his provincemates to make it a daily habit to pray for peace and love and for the country to be free from crimes and calamities. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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9 drug suspects arrested in Pampanga

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, July 26 -- Nine drug personalities were arrested as a result of the anti-drug operations conducted by police authorities in this province.

Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino, Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3) director, identified the four drug suspects nabbed early Wednesday morning as Nelson Tolentino, Noel Ramos, Francis Pangan, and Melvie Ann Abrugar, all residents of Mawaque Resettlement Center, Barangay Sapang Biabas, Mabalacat City.

Aquino said that confiscated from the suspects' possession were 13 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, drugs paraphernalia and the marked money.

Meanwhile, joint operatives of Pampanga Provincial Intelligence Branch and Pampanga Provincial Public Safety Company arrested three suspects in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Del Pilar, City of San Fernando.

Those were identified as Ferdinand Silerio, Bonifacio Galang, and Jimmy Pineda, all street level targets of City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Seized from the three suspects were seven heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, one cellular phone, one magazine loaded with six ammunition for caliber .380, six aluminum foil strips containing suspected shabu residue and the marked money.

Aquino also said that another suspect was arrested by operatives of City of San Fernando Police Station during a buy-bust operation in Purok 4, Barangay San Jose, who was identified as Roger Manlulu.

Seized from his possession were 32 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu and the marked money.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Mexico Municipal Police Station arrested George Hidalgo following a search warrant by Judge Celso O. Baguio of RTC Gapan City, Nueva Ecija for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act).

Confiscated from Hidalgo's house in Barangay Pandacaque, Mexico were 11 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, one open plastic sachet containing suspected shabu residue, weighing scale, improvised tooter and lighter.

The PRO-3 director commended the operating troops.

He said the PRO-3 will continue its unwavering efforts to eradicate hard drugs within the region as “Double Barrel Reloaded” is being widely implemented in the country. (Froilan E. Magtoto/PNA)

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Bulacan to hold day of prayer for peace and order in Marawi City

CITY OF MALOLOS, Pampanga, July 25 -- Bulakenyos, to be led by Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando, together with some religious groups, will hold a day of prayer on Wednesday for peace and order in the country, especially in Marawi City.

Governor Alvarado said there is nothing more powerful than a unified nation in prayer and with God’s intervention, every vision could be turned into reality.

"All our efforts will go senseless if we do not ask God. Whatever religion we belong, we have only one God that listens to our prayers," the governor said.

The ecumenical prayer to be held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium will be led by different religious groups such as Catholic, Aglipayan Church, Methodist/Protestant, Bulacan Muslim Affairs Consultative Council (BMACC), Iglesia Ni Cristo and other Christian groups while the harmony prayer will be led by the Four Pillars of Bulacan which is composed of Interfaith, Alliance for Values Formation in Bulacan, Baptist and Cadence.

The event will also be highlighted with the singing of "Lord, Heal our Land," which is the theme song of the Day of Prayer.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto C. Abella is expected to grace the event, together with other cabinet members, including Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo, Department of Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial and Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.

Likewise, Land Registration Authority Administrator Judge Renato D. Bermejo, Nayong Pilipino Foundation Board of Directors member Patricia Yvette M. Ocampo and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrea D. Domingo will be present in the event.

Aside from members of the religious groups, local officials and government employees, teachers, students and different sectors will also attend the prayer gathering. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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Bulakenyos awed by 'straight from the heart' SONA

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, July 25 -- Residents of this historic capital, the birthplace of Philippine democracy and freedom, were awed by the straightforward and “straight from the heart” second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte during the joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa hall Monday afternoon

Engineer Alejandro Joson Jr., a former village chief of Barangay Tikay here, said that the President has brought his message clearly and with a touch of patriotism because it came “straight from the heart.”

Ernesto A. Alcanzare, the lead organizer of the "Yes for Peace –Bayanihan ng Bayan", in a statement said, “We welcome President Duterte's decision to call off talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF)", and his declaration that "for a (unified)nation,we are pursuing an inclusive peace process, promoting the participation of all stakeholders, including those conflict-affected areas."

Journalist Orlan L. Mauricio, editor-in-chief of MetroNews-Bulacan, said that the President’s sincerity to rid the bureaucracy of scumbags and graft practices should start from dubious agencies in government causing hardship to marginalized sectors of society.

Mauricio said he had been receiving reactions from farmers and different organizations condemning the rampant smuggling of agricultural products that has been hurting the local industry for a long time.

He said that back in 2007-2008, onion local farmers have already been deploring the alleged “unholy alliance” between smugglers and some personnel of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the agency that is issuing importation permits.

He said that  the agricultural sector has been clamoring for the replacement of BPI officials, particularly those in the importation permit section, by young and incorruptible personnel.

He said that people believes that the president is dead serious in cleansing government units which have been known as “corruption prone". (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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3 foreigners nabbed for ATM skimming in Pampanga

CAMP OLIVAS,Pampanga, July 25-- Three foreign nationals were arrested Monday night by authorities for automated teller machine (ATM) skimming in a bank in the City of San Fernando, this province.

Chief Superintendent Aaron Aquino, Central Luzon police regional director, identified the arrested as Nicaraguan Radu Minodor Sandor, 43; Italian Marcu Bogdan, 26; and Romanian Petro Joan Uvegas, 44.

Aquino said that although Uvegas is an Romanian, he is holding a Hungarian passport bearing the name  Balazs Varga. He is also married to a Filipino named Michelle Trajano with whom he has two sons.

Meanwhile, Supt Roland Agohob, police chief of the City of San Fernando, said they received a tip  regarding suspicious  three Caucasian-looking persons at the BPI Family Savings Bank along MacArthur Highway in Barangay San Agustin, City of San Fernando.

Agohob said the three suspects were caught in the act  of withdrawing money from the same bank about 10:30 p.m. Monday by the men of the City of San Fernando Police.

Seized from the three suspects were skimming device, assorted ATM cloning cards, cash money amounting to PHP339,362.00 and a Toyota Wigo color white car with conduction sticker VQ 8261.

Agohob also said the suspects are under now under the custody of the City of San Fernando Police Office.

"We are coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration on the status of the suspects as they might be involved in an international syndicate engaged in ATM card fraud," he said.

"In the meantime, they will be charged with violation of RA 8484 or Access Devise Regulation Act and violation of Section of 8792 or E- Commerce Law, " Agohob added. (Froilan E. Magtoto/PNA)

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Govt's all-out war on hard drugs proves effective approach vs crimes in Central Luzon

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 21 -- Residents in Central Luzon are convinced that the government's war against hard drugs was an effective tool in improving the peace and order situation in the region.

Amid some criticisms on the alleged extra-judicial killings and human rights violation, majority of the people in this region believe that criminality declined due to the government's relentless efforts against hard drugs.

Norman Francisco, an overseas Filipino worker, said he and his family now feel more safe as a result of the all-out campaign against hard drugs.

Francisco said they can now safely walk along the streets in Nueva Ecija even during the wee hours since the Philippine National Police (PNP) launched Oplan Tokhang and Oplan Double Barrel a year ago.

"We feel more safe now. The selling of 'shabu' and those using drugs in some places here used to be rampant. But now, they were gone. I will no longer have to worry about the safety of my family when I am away," Francisco, who is on a two-week vacation from his work in Dubai, UAE, said.

Likewise, call center agent Jenny dela Cruz said that it is less dangerous now in their place in Bulacan due to the anti-drug campaign of the government.

"There are still crimes committed by those high on drugs, like the recent massacre of five family members. But I think, in general, the situation in our province changed as the authorities are doing all-out efforts to get rid hard drugs, " dela Cruz said.

Guiguinto Mayor Ambrosio “Boy” Cruz, president of the League of Municipalities-Bulacan Chapter, agreed that the no-nonsense crusade of President Duterte against the proliferation of hard drugs, is also spilling over in the commitment of other crimes such as robbery, car theft and snatching among others.

"Many towns and cities in Bulacan have became peaceful. The intensified operations of the police have also put the heat on drug dealers while thousands of users are surrendering or getting rehabilitated,” Cruz said.

Jeepney driver Roger David from Mexico, Pampanga said the discovery of the shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) floating laboratory in Subic, Zambales, mega shabu laboratory in Arayat and other shabu laboratories in Magalang and Angeles City, all in this province, showed the seriousness of the Duterte administration in its war against drugs.

"I saw the iron fist approach in fighting drugs effective. Gone were the days where shabu can be bought easily. I hope the authorities will not stop in its campaign until we become drug-free," said David, who admitted he tried hard drugs before.

These testimonies were substantiated by the report from the Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3) which showed that the crime incidents in Central Luzon have declined since the implementation of Project Double Barrel Reloaded last March 1.

Based on the PRO-3 figures, there are 12,946 crime incidents recorded in the region from March to May this year, lower compared to 13,591 in the same period last year.

Likewise, the PRO-3 conducted some 2,483 drug operations during the implementation of the Project Double Barrel Reloaded from March 1 to June 30, this year that resulted in the arrest of 3,818 drug personalities.

With this, the PRO-3 came out no. 1 among all the regions in terms of anti-drug operations based on the Philippine National Police (PNP) national performance evaluation.

In its Project Double Barrel Reloaded accomplishments from March 1 to June 30, 2017, there are also some 6,940 drug personalities that surrendered in the region wherein 6,535 are users and 405 are pushers.

Police Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino, PRO-3 regional director, said there are more than 130,000 drug personalities who surrendered voluntarily in Central Luzon since President Duterte ordered an all-out war against hard drugs, prompting them to put up Bahay Pagbabago (Reformation Center) in every municipality in the region.

Bahay Pagbabago completely changed the lives of the hard drug victims as attested to by the family of a 24-year-old drug reformist.

Noel, not his real name, entered into one of the drug reformation centers in Tarlac for six months where he and other drug surrenderers underwent intensive physical, mental, social, moral and spiritual conditioning for their holistic personal development.

He said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also provided them free vocational-technical trainings that helped him to start a new life.

"We are very thankful to the government, police and local officials who helped in the reformation of my son. Genuine change indeed came because of President Duterte," Noel's mother said.

For Chief Supt. Aquino, the entire PRO-3 will continuously conduct pro-active operations to wipe out all forms of hard drugs in order to achieve its quest for a drug-free Central Luzon. (Zorayda S. Tecson/PNA) #DuterteSONA2017

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Duterte's Marawi visit draws admiration, support from Central Luzon residents

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 21 -- President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Marawi City drew admiration and support from some residents in Central Luzon, who said that the Chief Executive's gesture showed his genuine concern to the military, police and to the people affected by the conflict.

Professor Nelson Dumlao said the President demonstrated his strong and committed desire to know personally the situation of the soldiers and policemen who are in the front line of the war against the Maute terror group.

"President Duterte is someone who is very courageous and for whom I have much respect and admiration. His act definitely boosted the morale of the soldiers and policemen who are fighting terrorism," Dumlao said.

Engineer Reynaldo dela Torre likewise lauded the strong will of the President, who he described as fearless and ready to die for the country and the Filipino people.

"As a commander-in-chief, he risked his life just to be with his men in the middle of conflict. This is the first time that I have seen a President who demonstrated his deep concern to the brave soldiers," dela Torre said.

Mary Anne Santiago, a second year communication arts student at the Wesleyan University in Nueva Ecija, said the Filipinos are blessed to have President Duterte who is a good leader of this country.

"We are blessed to have him as our President. He is truly our commander in chief . His message to the soldiers and policemen in the war-torn Marawi touched the lives of many Filipinos," Santiago said.

For Ayezza Batara, a native of Lanao Del Norte, who, together with her family decided to stay and do business in Tarlac City, said she is hoping that the war in Marawi will end soon.

"We live peacefully here in Tarlac together with the Christians. We are in support with the government and we hate terrorism. It is contrary to the teachings of Islam," she added. (Zorayda S. Tecson/PNA)

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Programs up to boost growth, development in Central Luzon

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, July 21 -- Top provincial executives in Central Luzon are preparing the “blue prints” for a booming region that will make it the next “metropolis of growth” in the Asia-Pacific region.  

This was bared during the third meeting of the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc., (CLGCFI), an organization composed of all the governors in the seven provinces in Central Luzon, investment promotion officers and provincial officials of the Department of Trade and Industry, held at the Barcie International Center of the La Consolacion University of the Philippines in Barangay Catmon here Thursday afternoon.

Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, vice president of the CLGCFI, welcomed the different representatives headed by CLGCFI president Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap.  

In his brief message, Alvarado cited the strategic location of Central Luzon as the next  most convenient international hub of growth and development because the region is blessed with seas, mountains and territories ideal for big investments.  

“Kung ang Pilipinas ay kilala bilang Perlas ng Silangan, ang Gitnang Luzon naman ay maituturing na Hiyas ng Pilipinas (If the Philippines is known as the Pearl of the East, Central Luzon can be considered as Jewel of the Philippines)," he said.  

Alvarado, a former chairman of the Regional Development Council in Region 3, said that the region is now oozing with big opportunities that could bring back its old glory prior to the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.  

“When it rains gold, bring out the bucket not the thimble,” Alvarado said quoting an English poem.

CLGCFI president Yap, said that as part of their goal to bring Central Luzon outside and into the realm of bustling metropolis, their group has earlier launched a slogan making contest that will be the “battle cry” of their movement to spur more growth and development in Central Luzon in the field of investments, cultural and historical heritage and tourism.  

Among the entries were “G.A.I.N Central Luzon” (Aurora); “Central Luzon Beyond the Usual (Bataan); “Clark…Subic…Central Luzon , Your Top Investment Destination Choice !” (Zambales); Central Luzon: “Experience the BEST in the Heart of Luzon” (Tarlac); “Explore it, Find It, Love It” (Nueva Ecija); “Central Luzon: Logical Solution for Business Location”  (Bulacan); and “the Region’s Investnebt Center” (Pampanga).  

After studying the entries, Yap announced that the winning slogan is the entry of Tarlac because of its acronym BEST ( Business friendly, Environment Friendly, Strategic location and Tourism) that aptly describe the region.  

Aside from the slogan, Yap said the CLGCFI will also have its own promotional logo.  

“With unity, cooperation and oneness, we will make Central Luzon great again and we will keep on charging forward,” she added. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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Drug dealer killed, 21 nabbed in Bulacan police anti-drug sting

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, July 21 -- A drug dealer, who also was reportedly involved in a series of carnapping and robbery incidents, was killed while 21 others were arrested in a series of anti-drug operations in different parts of the province.

Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., on Friday identified the slain suspect as Antonio Estrella Jr. alias “Tol”, 39, and a resident of No. 203 Barangay Malumot, Paombong, this province.

Caramat said that according to a report sent by Supt. Heryl Bruno, Chief of Malolos City Police Station (CPS), an armed encounter ensued when Estrella sensed the ongoing police operations and fired towards the police operatives, leaving them with no choice but to retaliate which resulted in the suspect’s death while his cohort managed to escape on board a blue motorcycle, without serial number.

Police recovered one caliber .38 revolver without serial number loaded with four fired cartridge cases; two 9mm fired cartridge cases; 15 pieces heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected “shabu”; five pieces of cut/opened plastic sachets with suspected “shabu” residue; PHP100 used as buy-bust money and assorted drug paraphernalias.

Caramat also announced the arrest of 21 other drug suspects in different buy-bust operations conducted in San Jose del Monte City, San Miguel, Bustos, Pandi and San Ildefonso where 34 plastic sachets of suspected “shabu”, buy-bust money and drug paraphernalia were recovered.

The arrested suspects were identified as Santy Buque, Saudi Buque, Dario Gallardo, Frederick Nocete, Andrew Queteres, Jane Castañeda, Raymond Misula, Ronnielyn De Mesa, Edwin Canlas, JR Sumido;

Rolando Tiocson, Roberto Somino, Daisy Agustin, Jaime Canlas, Medel Bernard, Samuel Angeles, Editha Sto Domingo alias “Doña Edith/Dita; Ramil Jimenez alias “Iko; Leslie Abaño alias Panoy; Mariposa Domingo (surrendered in Oplan Tokhang) and Christian Vicmudo.

Appropriate criminal complaints against the arrested suspects are now being filed before the City/Provincial Prosecutors Office of Bulacan. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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Bulacan was generally peaceful amid transport strike

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, July 17 (PNA) -- Bulacan was generally peaceful in light of the "transport caravan " waged on Monday, July 17, by militant group “Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide” (PISTON).

Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr. said that despite the transport strike, there were no reported harassment nor violence so far.

To ensure the safety of students and avoid inconvenience that might be caused by the nationwide transport strike, local officials in several towns and cities in this province suspended classes in all levels.

A report from the Provincial Public Affairs Office of the provincial government of Bulacan showed that local executives in the cities of Malolos, San Jose del Monte and in the towns of Sta. Maria, Marilao, Baliwag and San Miguel have suspended classes in all levels in both in private and public schools.

The transport caravan is in protest against the the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Act, where a provision includes the phasing out of jeepneys which are more than 15 years old.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said that they understand the grievances of the drivers but they are also considering the general welfare of the public.

The LTFRB also said that they have a program that will subsidize affected drivers to procure new public utility jeepneys. (Emil G. Gamos/ PNA)     

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DNA results pin down prime suspect in Bulacan massacre

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, July 14 -- The DNA of one of the suspects in the gruesome killings of a family in Barangay Sto. Cristo here matched with the body swabs taken from one of the victims, the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) announced on Friday afternoon.

In a press conference, Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr. considered the case closed as the results of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) testing on the submitted vaginal and buccal swabs including hair strands, fingernails were finally released by the Bulacan PNP Crime Laboratory on Friday morning.

Caramat said based on the report of Crime Laboratory Office, it is only Carmelino Ibanez alias “Miling” who was found positive on the DNA tests and the four persons of interest (POIs) tested negative.

Caramat was referring to the gruesome killing of Carlos family: Auring Dizon, Estrella Dizon-Carlos, Donni, 11, Ella, 7, and Dexter Jr., 1 year-old, who were found with multiple stab wounds by security guard and patriarch Dexter Carlos Sr. on June 27.

Ibanez’ DNA was found on the vaginal swabs taken from the body of Estrella based on the forensic examinations, he said. Proof that he raped the victim, the police said.

The police director added that the results is a welcome development on the five counts of murder and two counts of rape cases filed against Ibanez by the City of San Jose Del Monte police office headed by Supt. Fitz Macariola before the City Prosecutor's Office.

“If you remember, Ibanez or 'Miling' admitted his participation in the gruesome killing of Carlos family on June 28, 2017 in the presence of his immediate family inside their house which resulted to his eventual arrest. Likewise, he reiterated his admission regarding his participation on the crime during exclusive interviews with different news networks and mentioned alias “Inggo” (Rolando Pacinos) and alias “Tony” (Anthony Garcia) as his cohorts in perpetrating said crime,” Caramat said.

He also said that the two (Pacinos and Garcia) were considered as “persons of interest” (POIs).

The two other POIs: Roosevelt Serema alias “Ponga” and Alvin Mabesa were mentioned by confidential informants.

Pacinos, Serema and Garcia were found dead, one after the other recently.

Caramat said that at the very onset of the case, their investigation has been on the right direction, pointing that Ibanez is the prime suspect.

“Though Ibanez recanted his previous admission on his participation on the crime, the DNA results will definitely pin him down on this multiple murder case,” Caramat said.

Macariola said that based on the results of forensic examinations,the PNP Crime Laboratory discovered that there were two knives used in the grizzly crime.

Macariola said that one knife was used in stabbing Auring, Estrella, Ella and baby Dexter.

He said the forensic team headed by Chief Inspector Raul Ed DC Gatuz and Bulacan Medico Legal Chief Inspector Editha Martinez confirmed that another weapon, a different knife, was used in stabbing 11-year- old Donny, who sustained 14 stab wounds.

“Unfortunately, we have not recovered the other knife. But this means that there were more than one perpetrator in the crime,” Macariola said.

“We can safely say that this case is closed but we can open it anytime when evidence crops up," he added.

Macariola said that the San Jose del Monte City police station will forward the results of the DNA tests and forensic investigation of the PNP Crime Laboratory to the City Prosecutors Office who will then file the case to the Bulacan Regional Court.(Emil G. Gamos/PNA)       

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Bulacan guv: Blood donors are modern day heroes

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, July 13 --Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Thursday lauded blood donors for their generosity to save lives.

During the National Blood Donor’s Month Celebration held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in this city, on Thursday morning, Alvarado likened the blood donors to modern-day heroes as he encouraged every municipality in the province to support this drive.

The governor said the provincial government has launched an intense campaign for voluntary blood donation as the province currently needs 2,000 bags of blood per month, higher than 50 bags of blood per month needed several years ago.

Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando, who is also at the forefront of blood letting activities in the province, said blood donors are “lifeline arrows” that help  save lives in life and death situation.

"We should always have supply of blood to help save our provincemates from danger in times of needs," Fernando said.

Dr. Andres Bonifacio, OIC-Head of Philippine Blood Center, who represented Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Gerardo V. Bayugo, as the keynote speaker, emphasized the important role of blood donors and urged others to do the same. 

“As we gather here today, we celebrate life and honor all the blood donors for their contributions to the community. You are all the unsung heroes of the generation today, may you continue saving lives. Heroism is not about dying, it is about saving lives,” Bonifacio said.

There were 31 bronze galloner awardees and 166 blood galloner awardees that were given plaques of recognition.

Also, five local government units were given certificates of recognition namely the municipalities of Plaridel, Marilao and Santa Maria, city government of San Jose Del Monte, and Barangay Pulong Buhangin, Santa Maria.

There are also four blood partners who likewise received certificates of recognition. These are Bulacan State University, Ang Dating Daan, Fisher Farm Inc. and Damayang Filipino.

"It is a nice feeling that you been able to help those in need even in a little way. As the saying goes, it is better to give than to receive. At 60, I am thankful because I am healthy and can still donate blood. Thus, as a thanksgiving to God, I will help those in need, " said Henedina David from City of San Jose Del Monte, one of the bronze blood galloner awardees.

Dr. Julie Reyes, OIC-Assistant Regional Director of DOH, who represented Regional Director Leonita P. Gorgolon, shared good news that soon, a Regional Blood Center will rise in Barangay Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.(Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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All Malolos village officials, watchmen to undergo drug test

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan , July 13 -- Mayor Christian C. Natividad on Thursday ordered all barangay captains, councilmen, including all barangay tanod (watchmen) to undergo drug test and submit the result immediately.

Natividad, a lawyer and son of the late rep. Teodulo Natividad who authored the creation of the Dangerous Drugs Board four decades ago, was fuming mad after city police operatives on Tuesday killed four members of a drug-robbery syndicate and arrested a barangay tanod whose lair was less than a kilometer away from the city hall here.

"Our policemen are almost not sleeping and there are some of them who got injured and yet there is a barangay tanod who was supposed to be our partner against drugs that was arrested," Natividad told local newsmen.

Police identified the slain suspects as  Ronald Gaben alias "Tonton", Paquito Bernardo, Angelito dela Cruz alias “Toto”, Rodolfo Roberto alias “Dolfo”, all residents of Barangay Caniogan while the arrested barangay tanod was identified as Rodolfo Leoncio.

In a report to Bulacan acting  police director Senior Supt. Caramat Jr., the suspects were cannibalizing a stolen motorcycle when police swooped down on the gang’s hideout owned by "Tonton", said to be the leader.

An hour-long gunbattle ensued as the suspects scampered in different directions after they were surprised by the lawmen. 

Police recovered a cal.45 pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun, two improvised shotgun, one over-all uniform said to be used in the gang’s robbery activities, three stolen motorcycles, and undetermined grams of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia.

“In spite of our serious and relentless grassroot campaign to eradicate the drug menace in the city, the fact that some tanod who are the first-line of watchkeepers in the barangay are drug-infected is really alarming,” the mayor said. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)            

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AWOL cop, 8 others fall in Bulacan dope war

CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan, July 12 -- A former policeman, listed as a "high value target” in the all-out- war against hard drugs in this province, was busted in this city while eight other suspects were arrested in a series of operations in the towns of Baliwag, Bustos, Norzagaray and Meycauayan City on Tuesday.

In a report to Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr. on Wednesday, San Jose Del Monte City police chief Supt. Fitz Macariola, identified the arrested policeman as PO1 Daryl Lazaro, 33, a native of Nueva Ecija and presently residing at Block 9, Lot 7, Phase H, Francisco Homes, Barangay Guijo, in this city.

Lazaro is a former member of Bulacan Police Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) who went absent without official leave (AWOL) on September 18, 2015.

Macariola said Lazaro did not resist arrest when accosted by a police team after selling a plastic sachet of shabu to a police undercover agent.

Police recovered 11 more plastic sachets containing shabu from the former policeman turned drug dealer.

Meanwhile, Caramat identified the other arrested suspects as Jhon Jhon Batas, Allan Buenaventura, Joel Dumagco, Aldrin Capisnon, Richard Enano, Ramil Enano, Acsie Abubacar, and Jayson Baricua.

A total of 25 pieces of heat sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected “shabu”, buy-bust money and assorted drug paraphernalia were recovered during the conduct of separate police operations.  

The arrested suspects and recovered pieces of evidence were brought to Bulacan Crime Laboratory Office for appropriate examination.

Caramat said that appropriate criminal complaints are now being prepared for filing in court. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)   

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4 dope gang members killed, 1 village watchman nabbed in Bulacan drug sting

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, July 11 -- Four alleged members of a notorious drug gang who are also engaged in carnapping activities were killed while a village watchman was arrested in an anti-drug operation conducted by the Malolos City police station at a suspected dope den in Barangay Caniogan here early Tuesday morning.

Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., identified the slain armed suspects as Paquito Bernardo, Ronald Gaben, a certain alias “Toto” and one alias “Dolfo”, all residents of said barangay.

The village watchman who was arrested during an earlier buy-bust operation was identified as Rodolfo Leoncio.

Caramat said that the shootout ensued during a follow up operation by operatives of the Malolos City police station headed by Supt. Heryl Bruno after Leoncio was arrested in the buy bust sting.

Caramat said that Bruno and his men was about to conduct another anti-drug operation when the suspects sensed their presence.

He said that at that moment, the suspects were cannibalizing a motorcycle that police said was stolen earlier.

He said the group scattered in a dark alley while firing shots at the lawmen.

The gun battle lasted for more than an hour, police said.

Caramat said the Malolos police earlier reported that the group was also engaged in carnapping activities and other crimes aside from drug peddling.

Police recovered from the suspects one caliber 45 pistol, one 12 gauge shot gun, two improvised shotguns,  one coverall uniform said to be being used in robbery activities, three stolen motorcycles, undetermined grams of suspected "shabu" or methamphetamine hydrochloride and assorted drug paraphernalia.

Mayor Christian D. Natividad commended the Malolos police operatives for their non-stop operations against drug gangs and other lawless elements.

"They have no place in our city. The long arms of the law will catch them whenever they conduct their nefarious trade here,” Natividad said. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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Wanted car thief, 7 others fall in Bulacan dope war

CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan, July 11 -- A wanted car thief and his cohorts in drug peddling were arrested while another dope dealer was nabbed together with four of his "scorers" during a series of anti-drug operations in Barangay Sapang Palay Proper and Barangay Sto. Cristo in this city Monday night.

In a report to Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr. on Tuesday, Supt. Fitz Macariola, head of the San Jose Del Monte City police station, identified the arrested suspects in Barangay Sapang Palay Proper here as Richie Victorio, 42; Elmer Nolasco, both residents of Barangay Sapang Palay Proper and Jonna Masel, 33, resident of Barangay San Jose Patag, Sta. Maria town.

Macariola said that Victorio and Nolasco were arrested shortly after selling a plastic sachet of "shabu" or methamphetamine hydrochloride to a police undercover agent while Masel was nabbed for possession of a plastic sachet containing shabu.

Police recovered 11 more plastic sachets with shabu from Victorio and Nolasco.

Macariola also said that during investigation, it was learned that Victorio has a pending warrant of arrest issued by Bulacan Regional Trial Court Branch 83 Judge Guillermo Agloro for a case of carnapping.

In Barangay Sto. Cristo, Macariola identified the suspected drug dealer as Jun Magbanta, alias “Jun Pangap”, resident of said barangay.

He was arrested after selling a plastic sachet to a police operative acting as buyer.

Four other suspects who were caught during a pot session were identified as Jhon-Jhon Santiago, Richard Sabalo, Arnold Franscisco and a certain Abuguin, all residents of Barangay Sto. Cristo.

Macariola said that appropriate charges will be filed against the arrested suspects. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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3 armed drug dealers dead, 19 nabbed in Bulacan

CAMP GEN. ALEJO  SANTOS, Bulacan, July 10 -- Three armed drug pushers were killed and 19 more suspects engaged in the sale and use of hard drugs were arrested during a series of anti-drug sting in the province over the weekend.

Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., on Monday said the slain drug dealers were identified as a certain alias “Sherwin” and “Kenneth."

Both suspects were killed after engaging operatives of the Malolos City police station under Supt. Heryl Bruno during an anti-drug operation in Barangay Bulihan.

Police recovered several plastic sachets containing shabu, handguns and drug paraphernalia from the suspects.  

In Bocaue town, Caramat said police anti-narcotics operatives had a brief firefight with a suspected dope pusher identified as Winston Cagampang y Bayron alias “Wilson”, 34, native of Valenzuela and resident of Barangay Tonsoya, Malabon, Metro Manila.

Cagampang died after the shootout.

Bulacan Scene of the Crime Operative (SOCO) recovered 13 heat sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected “shabu”; two cal. 38 revolver; one improvised shotgun loaded with several ammunition; fired cartridge; 11 used sachets with suspected “shabu” residue, one black wallet with driver’s license receipt; buy-bust money and assorted drug paraphernalia.

Caramat also said that 19 other drug suspects were arrested in different police operations conducted in the cities of San Jose del Monte, Meycauayan, Malolos, and in the towns of Norzagaray, San Miguel, Hagonoy and Baliwag where 54 plastic sachets of suspected “shabu”, buy-bust money and drug paraphernalia were recovered.

The arrested suspects were identified as Danilo Sunga, Rodrigo Bido, Ruel Adriano, Jay Cee Reyes, Ricardo Quintana also known as Ricky Evite, Menandro Miranda known as Melvin Rucio, Rogelio Sopena also known as Mateo Legaspi, Paulo Feliciano also known as Rex Cristobal, Benjamin Rabuya Jr. also known as Maximo Relente, Domingo Duculayan also known as Melchor Banez, and Roberto Llorente also known as Landel Castor, all included in Meycauayan drug watchlist.

Others were identified as Jeric Roxas, Richard Faustino, Joseph Garrido, Mark Gil Cigo, Gil Cigo, Estrella Cigo, Adrian Catambis, and Miguel Mansibang.

Appropriate criminal complaints against the arrested suspects are now being filed before the City/Provincial Prosecutors Office of Bulacan. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)  

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3rd 'person of interest' in Bulacan massacre found dead

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, July 8 -- The police reported that the third "person of interest" in connection with the killing of three children, their mother and grandmother last June 27 in Northridge Royal Subdivision in Barangay Sto. Cristo, San Jose del Monte City, was also found dead in Barangay Pacalag in San Miguel, Bulacan on Saturday morning.

Bulacan police provincial director Sr. Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr. identified the victim through an ID found in his wallet as Anthony Garcia Rose, one of the identified persons of interest by the police related to the massacre wherein Dexter Carlos Sr. found his mother in law Auring Dizon, wife Estrella, and his three children with multiple stab wounds and drenched in their own blood.

Initial investigation showed that a phone call was received by San Miguel Police Station reporting that a lifeless body of a male person was dumped by unidentified suspects along the shoulder of a road in Barangay Pacalag.

Police probers said Rose sustained gunshot wounds in the head and chest and his head was wrapped by a masking tape with a placard attached with the words, “Addict at Rapist ako Huwag Tularan”, the same tag attached in the body of Rolando Pacinos, alias "Inggo" who was first executed by perpetrators believed to be members of a vigilante group.

Pacinos' body was found under a tree along the road in Barangay Sto. Cristo last July 3, with several stab wounds. Four of his fingers and sexual organ were cut.

The following morning, on the same day that the massacre victims were being laid to their final resting place, another person of interest identified as Rosevelt Sorema, alias "Ponga" was shot dead inside his house, also in Barangay Sto Cristo.

Supt. Fitz Macariola, San Jose Del Monte Police chief said that around 10 p.m. on Friday night (July 7), a certain Juliet Villar, 44, reported to his office that her nephew Anthony Garcia Rose was abducted around 1:30 a.m. of the same day in their house in No. 22, Barangay Badias, San Miguel, Bulacan.

Venigna Garcia, 65, mother of Anthony, said that while they were sleeping, a group of armed men wearing bonnets barged into their house looking for Anthony and when they found him, he was beaten, carried out and dragged inside an unknown type of vehicle.

Macariola said that Anthony was last seen roaming in San Jose Del Monte City Wednesday, the same day the massacre victims were being laid to rest.

It was learned that he went home to San Miguel, Bulacan after learning that his two co-persons of interest were already executed.

Caramat said that the Bulacan police are investigating the series of killings connected to the massacre.

Police are also digging deep into the possible connection of the suspects to a drug syndicate.

"They might be killing each other,” a police investigator said.

Caramat said that only Alvin Mabesa is the one left in the list of persons of interest. He was also reported missing since Friday of last week.

Macariola called on the family of the remaining person of interest to coordinate with them for the whereabouts of Mabesa for his protection. He said they are willing to place him under police custody for his safety. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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Bulacan steps up disaster preparedness, risk reduction efforts

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, July 5 -- The provincial government of Bulacan, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), has lined up various programs and activities in observance of National Disaster Resiliency Month.

PDRRMO head Felicisima Mungcal said the move aims to intensify disaster preparedness in the province.

Citing the importance of "Kamalayan sa Kahandaan Katumbas ay Kaligtasan (4K)," Mungcal said the PDRRMO will conduct trainings about resiliency during calamities in the whole month of July.

"Let us all remember the 4K. We will conduct a month-long trainings on first aid, water search and rescue and others to raise awareness and enhance the knowledge of our provoncemates in preparation for calamities," Mungcal said.

The month-long activities include attendance to 8th Water Search and Rescue (WaSaR) Simulation Exercise on July 5 to 7 at Pantabangan Dam, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija; distribution of rescue tools and equipment at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium; and the announcement of second quarter raffle draw winners of the “Ang Bote Mo Kaligtasan Ko Buong Taon na Ito” project on July 10.

Several trainings are also lined up that include ambulance management and mass casualty incident training on July 10-14 at Malolos Resort Club Royale; basic incident command system training on July 11-13 at SBMA Freeport Zone, Olongapo City; and collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) training on July 16-26 at PEO Compound in Tarlac.

Other activities include earthquake drills in the municipalities of Calumpit and Hagonoy from July 18-25 in collaboration with Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Inc.; the 7th Bulacan Rescuelympics at the Bulacan Sports Complex on July 18; the 5-day Advance Refresher Course on First Aid on July 19-25 at Malolos Resort Club Royale and at the office of the Philippine Red Cross-Bulacan Chapter; and Basic Life Support-Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Olympics to be held at Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on July 27-28.

Likewise, the PDRRMO will have a province wide distribution of DRRM books and climate change handbooks in public elementary and high schools.

The celebration is in accordance to Executive Order No. 29 s. 2017 or “Renaming the National Disaster Consciousness Month to National Disaster Resilience Month and Shifting its Focus from Disaster Awareness Building to Disaster Resilience." (Emil G.Gamos/PNA)

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PRO-3 mulls ID system for Muslims in Central Luzon

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 4 -- The Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3) is contemplating on providing identification cards to Muslims who chose to stay in Central Luzon, as a way to combat terrorism threats in the region.

This was gleaned during the Muslim Leaders’ Forum with PRO-3 on Tuesday in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Benigno Aquino Hall, Capitol grounds here.

PRO-3 Director Police Chief Superintendent Aaron Aquino said the proposal can help the local Muslim communities in identifying suspicious individuals so that these could be reported to the local authorities.

“This system is a good practice from Paniqui, Tarlac and we want this to be replicated to all Muslim communities in the whole region for easy and efficient identification of our Muslim brothers and sisters,” he said.

He also said that the proposed identification system should be signed by the local chiefs-of-police and the local government units (LGUs) for proper authorization.

The forum aims to deepen the connection of the regional police and the Muslim communities to combat criminality, terrorism, and illegal drugs in Central Luzon. (Joel Mapiles/PNA)

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PNP helps regulate muffler use

LAOAG CITY, July 3 (PNA) —The Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office is helping the Land Transportation Office in its intensified drive against motorcycle owners using modified mufflers.

In Laoag City and its neighboring towns, Police Senior Superintendent Melencio Nartatez Jr. reported that about 50 percent of loud motorcycles had been regulated.

To totally get rid of it, the PNP is seeking for a higher penalty for violators through the passage of an ordinance that prohibits changing of motorcycle muffler or anything that can increase noise or fumes.

Republic Act 8749 or the so-called Philippine Clean Air Act seeks to regulate and control emissions of unwanted sound of a known source passed into the atmosphere.

Under the national policy, a violator could be fined PHP15,000 for using a modified muffler.

Aside from the national law, law enforcers are also guided by a municipal ordinance, which penalizes motorcycle drivers who are using modified mufflers ranging from PHP1,000 to PHP5,000. (LGA/PNA)

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'Lutina' or 9-day novena for Bocaue’s Pagoda Festival begins

BOCAUE, Bulacan, July 1 -- The nine-day novena or “Lutina” for the feast of the “Mahal na Poon ng Krus na Wawa” began its maiden voyage this year at the Bocaue river on a colorful Pagoda adorned with images of trumpeting angels Friday night.

This is the third year that the river voyage of the Pagoda of the venerated “Mahal na Poon ng Krus Wawa” was revived, 24 years after the so-called “Pagoda Tragedy”.

Before the voyage, Monsignor Albert Suatengco, parish priest of the Saint Martin of Tours in this town, officiated Thursday a holy mass and the blessing of the Pagoda of the venerated wooden cross of Wawa.

A simultaneous flying of white balloons was also held at the different chapels covered by the parish of Saint Martin of Tours in Bocaue as a symbolic send-off for the nine-day voyage of the Pagoda ng Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa at the Bocaue river.

Monsignor Suatengco also announced that from June 30 to July 8, holy mass will be held every 5 p.m. at the Saint Martin of Tours church after which devotees will carry the venerated cross to the Pagoda where it will be paraded at the Bocaue river with the “Lutina” or nine-day novena.

Organizers have lined-up day and night activities to celebrate the annual “fluvial parade” of the Pagoda, the centerpiece of the famous Bocaue River Fiesta”.

A boat race was held at the Bocaue river on Saturday.

On July 2, a Ronda ride will commence at the Pagoda where a holy mass will be held at the very site where the ill-fated Pagoda sank on the night of July 2, 1993 at the Bocaue river for the “Martyrs of Pagoda 1993”.

Bells will also peal on that night for the “Martyrs of Pagoda 1993”.

On July 3, a healing mass to be led by Fr. Ramon Garcia will be held at 5 p.m.

A community outreach program dubbed as “Lingap Kapwa Part II’ will be held on July 4 at the quadrangle of the parish church.

On the evening of July 5, a “Gabi ng Pagtatanghal” will be staged by different private schools in Bocaue at the church patio.

A “Battle of the Bands” and a ”car raffle” will grace the night of July 6 at the patio of St. Martin of Tours church.

On the night of July 7, the municipal government headed by Mayor Joni Villanueva-Tugna will host the “Gabi ng Pagtatanghal”

On the morning of July 8, the penultimate day of the Bocaue River Festival, a motorcade will circle the town’s different villages while a “musical “Serenata” will be held at 7 p.m. of the same day at the parish church quadrangle.

On July 9, the feast day of the venerated “Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa”, three holy masses which will start at 5 a.m. and a concelebrated mass will be offered in honor of the town’s Patron Saint.

By 9:30 am of the feast day, a procession and street dancing will commence on the streets of Bocaue leading to the part of the river where the Pagoda is docked.

The annual “Ligiran” or circling of boats around the Pagoda will begin at around 10:00 am up to 2:30 p.m. where a procession of the venerated cross will be held leading back to the parish church where holy masses will again be offered from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has instructed the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office headed by Liz Mungcal to deploy emergency and rescue teams during the “Lutina” at the Bocaue river and during the feast day of the venerated “Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa”.

Alvarado also instructed Bulacan acting police director to deploy additional police troops from the Provincial Public Safety Company of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office to augment the Bocaue police and ensure the safety of the thousands of devotees and tourists that will flock to watch the famous fluvial festival, one of the crowd-drawing attractions, in Bulacan. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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Drug dealer killed, Malolos police chief, 2 other cops hurt in shootout

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, June 30 -- A drug dealer was killed while the chief of police and two policemen were wounded in a running gun-battle that ensued during an anti-drug operation at the Malolos Crossing in Barangay Guinhawa here early Friday morning.

Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., said that the slain armed dealer was only identified as alias “Jepoy”, said to be a notorious dope dealer based in nearby Calumpit town.

Caramat said that operatives of the Calumpit police station transacted with the suspect at Malolos crossing junction in Barangay Guinhawa early Friday morning.

During the deal, the suspect sensed a police entrapment, drew his .45 caliber pistol and opened fire at the police operatives.

The suspect ran while shooting at the pursuing lawmen until he reached a residential compound where he knocked on a door asking for help while introducing himself as a policeman.

It was at this juncture when a mobile team from the Malolos City police station headed by Supt. Heryl Bruno arrived and engaged the suspect in a gunfight that lasted for more than 10 minutes.

When the smoke cleared, the suspect ended up dead while Supt. Bruno and two of his police officers were wounded and were brought to the Bulacan Medical Center.

Police recovered one cal. 45 pistol with a magazine still loaded with live bullets and five grams of "shabu" from the suspect.

City Mayor Christian D. Natividad commended his policemen for their bravery in thwarting a drug-crazed suspect from inflicting harm on civilians.

“I salute our brave police officers. Armed criminals with intention to commit crime has no place in this city,” he said. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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PRO-3 joins nationwide simultaneous quake drill

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, June 29 -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) on Thursday joined the conduct of the second nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill with an aim to help prepare police personnel and other employees inside the camp in times of disaster.

"The important part of the drill is to understand that when there is an earthquake, it is safest to drop to the ground, find cover and hold on," Police Chief Supt. Aaron N. Aquino, director of the PRO-3, said.

The activity started through a one-minute blowing of siren, wherein all PRO-3 personnel, teachers, students and other employees inside their respective offices dropped on the floor, found cover under their tables and held on to them.

Afterwards, all participants went outside, with both hands covering their heads since they could be hit by falling objects, walked in a single file and proceeded at the designated evacuation area which is the parade ground located in front of the administrative building.

"This must be done so as not to cause panic while an earthquake takes place," Aquino said.

Meanwhile, Police Supt. Manny Calma, deputy chief, Regional Police Community Division of PRO3, said that " we always have to do preparations through protracted trainings and seminars. It is not a matter of lacking, it is keeping in tune, keeping abreast”.

Some 1,000 police personnel, teachers, students and other employees inside the camp participated in the annual drill. (Froilan E. Magtoto/PNA)

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70 policemen from C. Luzon sent to Mindanao

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, June 27-- Some 70 personnel from the Regional Public Safety Battalion 3 were sent to Mindanao on Tuesday to augment the ground troops as fighting continues between government forces and the Maute group in Marawi City.

Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Chief Supt. Aaron N. Aquino, in a send off ceremony held on Tuesday at the PRO3 parade ground here, said the contingents would be sent to Cagayan de Oro City as augmentation force to complement the troops.

"They are among the best and skilled personnel who have undergone tactical and combatant training," Aquino said.

He said the deployment of police personnel is a continuing program of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and is line with the “Tour of Duty of PNP Personnel Deployed in Armed-Conflict Areas, Counter- Insurgency Operations and other Similar Serious Threats to National Security".

"I am sure that you will all do well, bear in mind that as police officers, we always place duty and honor above our own personal concerns. As your regional director, I am extremely proud of you because I am in no doubt that you will be able to carry out our mandated tasks of ensuring and maintaining public security and safety,” Aquino said.

The troops will remain deployed in Mindanao until the situation normalized.

Meanwhile, he asked the public to be extra cautious in believing and sharing in social media and spreading through text messages unverified reports circulating over the internet purportedly coming from police units as this might cause unnecessary panic and fear. 

He also encouraged the reporting of any suspicious persons, activities, and unusual occurrences in public or any untoward incidents and crime situations through the nationwide emergency hotline 911 and/or PRO3 TOC 0917-623-5700.

"Let us stay strong and united against terrorism and other lawless activities for a safer place to live, work and do business," he added. (Zorayda S. Tecson/PNA)      

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Local fireworks group appeals for review of EO 28

BOCAUE, Bulacan, June 25 -- While agreeing on the good intention of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s signing of Executive Order 28 -- limiting the use of firecrackers to community fireworks display -- the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc., (PPMDAI) -- is appealing to the Chief Executive to consider their proposals aimed at uplifting the local fireworks industry through science and technology.

"The pyrotechnic industry is more on science and technology and through science, injuries can be avoided. Confining it to a designated zone is not a long term solution because lighting of fireworks is a centuries-old tradition of Filipinos,” Celso C. Cruz, chairman emeritus of PPMDAI, said.

The EO stated that because of the firecracker related injuries and deaths, "the promulgation of stricter national standards, rules and regulations is warranted."

It was signed by Duterte on June 20, 2017.

The PPMDAI, however, said they are hoping that the Chief Executive will review the EO which the group says is provided under Republic Act 7183 which states that the “industry should be uplifted to enhance cultural heritage and tradition.”

"We understand the good intention of our President. However, there are things that should be considered. The lightning of firecrackers is part of the traditions which cannot stop immediately," Cruz said.

He said that even before President Duterte assumed presidency, previous administrations has already banned the deadly “picolo," the major culprit in the number of firecracker related injuries.”

"Picolo has long been banned but until now it is still the cause of firecracker injuries," Cruz said.

He said that the government, through the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is helping the PPMDAI and the local fireworks industry to be safer and at par with global standards.

"The PNP, which is the administrator of RA 7183, has already came up with its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR). In coordination with the PNP-Civil Security Group, the PPMDAI is regularly conducting safety training seminars on the manufacture and sale of fireworks and pyrotechnics. No safety seminar, no permit. And the PNP is very strict on this. The DOST, on the other hand, is willing to fund the uplifting of local fireworks by making it at par with international standards by producing safe and quality products," Cruz said.

Likewise, he said that the PNP and the PPMDAI has long been working as partners to make the local fireworks industry safe and its workers as professionals.

"The DOST is also willing to make the industry more globally competitive," he added.

Cruz, a chemical engineer, said the government should have experts on the pyrotechnics industry.

He said that there must be a government body that should have experts and properly trained staff who fully well know the industry and how to make it safer and globally competitive.

A PPMDAI official also told local newsmen that even during the time when it was still outlawed and even at the time of the martial law period of then President Marcos, the local fireworks industry still managed to survive. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)  

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3 drug gang members killed in Bulacan shootout

CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan, June 24 --Three alleged members of a local dope gang operating in this city were killed after engaging police operatives in a gunfight during an anti-drug sting in Pabahay 2000, Barangay Muzon here Friday afternoon.

In a report to Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., Supt. Fitz Macariola, San Jose Del Monte City police chief on Saturday said the slain suspects were Richard Galon, 37, resident of Pabahay 2000, Barangay Muzon; a certain alias “Botong” and one alias “Dodo”.

Macariola said that prior to the armed encounter, a police team led by P03 Noel Estanislao of the City Drug Enforcement Group (CDEG) conducted a buy bust operation against suspect Galon.

After completing the drug deal to a police undercover agent, Macariola said Galon noticed the sting and without warning drew a handgun and fired against the lawmen while retreating back to his house.

"The police team gave chase but were fired upon by two more suspects identified only as one alias “Bodong” and one alias “Dodo”. The lawmen returned fire resulting to the deaths of the three suspects," Macariola said.

No casualty was reported on the police team.

Macariola said police recovered one cal.45 pistol, one .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver, one improvised shotgun loaded with spent shells and two live ammunition and several plastic sachets containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.

He said a SOCO team from the Bulacan PNP Crime Laboratory processed the site of the armed encounter as well as the evidences.(Emil G. Gamos/PNA)    

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3 drug dealers killed in Bulacan, 8 others arrested

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, June 22 -- The dope war in this province continues to sizzle as police anti-narcotics operatives killed three armed suspected drug dealers in San Rafael and in the City of San Jose del Monte while eight other drug suspects were arrested in different police operations Wednesday.

Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., on Thursday identified the slain suspects as Mark Lester Marimon, 26, a resident of Barangay Tambubong; Julius Avela, 26, of Barangay Caingin, both in San Rafael town; and Ronald Francis Gariando alias “Botong”, 28, a native of Manila and presently residing in Robes II, Barangay Graceville, City of San Jose Del Monte.

Supt. Rizalino Andaya, acting Chief of Police of San Rafael Municipal Police Station, said that an encounter ensued between operatives and three drug personalities-- Marimon, Avela and May Ann Garcia when the latter sensed that they were transacting with police officers.

The suspects fired towards the operatives that  prompted the law enforcers to retaliate, resulting in the death of Marimon and Avela while their cohort Garcia was arrested.

Recovered were eight transparent plastic sachets of suspected “shabu"; two caliber .38 revolver (Colt and Smith & Wesson) without serial number; seven fired cartridge cases, seven fired cartridge cases of caliber 9mm, buy-bust money and assorted drug paraphernalia.

The arrested suspect and seized pieces of evidence were brought to Bulacan Crime Laboratory Office for appropriate examination.

In the City of San Jose Del Monte, Supt. Fitz Macariola reported that Gariando was killed in an encounter during a buy bust operation.

Investigation revealed that the suspects, upon resisting arrest, immediately ran and fired several times towards the police officers, prompting the operatives to fire back, which resulted in the death of Gariando while his unidentified cohort managed to escape.

Recovered from the crime scene were five plastic sachets of suspected shabu, one caliber .45 Armscore handgun with serial no. 1326062 loaded with one cartridge, and three cartridge cases.

Meanwhile, eight other drug suspects were arrested in different police operations conducted in the towns of Balagtas, San Ildefonso, Paombong, Bulakan, Norzagaray, and Obando.

Recovered during the operations were 13 small and five medium-sized transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu, one self-sealing zip lock plastic sachets of suspected dried “marijuana” leaves with fruit tops; buy-bust money and assorted drugs paraphernalia.

The arrested suspects were identified as Justine Galang ; Herminio Villanueva; Manolito Trinidad; Raszel Bayan; Henry Lee Luis ; Joseph Sarmiento; Mary Jane Francisco; and Jerwin Natividad.

Appropriate criminal complaints against the suspects were filed before the City/Provincial Prosecutors Office of Bulacan. (PNA)#REALNUMBERS  

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Transfer of 21 high profile inmates to provincial police HQ pushed

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, June 20 -- Provincial jail warden Retired Police Col. Fernando Villanueva has requested judges of the Bulacan Regional Trial Court (RTC) handling the cases of 21 high profile detainees to transfer them to the detention area of the provincial police headquarters at Camp Gen. Alejo Santos here where their actions would be closely monitored and checked by authorities.

Villanueva made the request in the wake of unconfirmed reports that the high profile detainees are involved in illegal drug deals where they are being pinpointed as conduits or persons being contacted by possible buyers even though no drugs were being brought inside the provincial jail.

“We are currently communicating with the respective judges handling the cases of these 21 detainees who were earlier transferred to a more heavily guarded cell after they were identified to have allegedly been involved as conduits in illegal drug transaction outside the provincial jail through the use of cellphones and visiting relatives or friends,” he said.

Earlier, Villanueva said that Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado ordered him to strictly prohibit cellular phones inside the Bulacan Provincial Jail (BPJ) and to conduct rigid inspection of visitors.

The provincial jail warden has also reported to Gov. Alvarado that the 21 high profile inmates have already been transferred to a common cell where they are being closely guarded.

He also told the governor that since June 15, at least 16 policemen from the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) have been assigned to augment jail guards in guarding the gates of the provincial penitentiary and in inspecting visitors and their belongings.

Villanueva said that last June 6, about 75 policemen from BPPO headed by Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., conducted once again a surprise cell searching and inspection at the BPJ.

While no illegal drugs were found, the police team were able to confiscate packs of cigarette, playing cards, scissors, hammer, spoon and forks.

Six cellular phones were also seized from some inmates who have positions as cell commanders but are now removed from their posts.

Villanueva said that despite the implementation of various rehabilitation and integration programs for detainees, some individuals are seen to be plotting to destroy the credibility of BPJ.

"Despite being overcrowded, we are doing our best to make BPJ properly secured and rest assured that we will do all that it takes to stop any illegal activities and prevent occurrences that would tarnish of the integrity of our provincial jail,” Villanueva added. (PNA)     

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2 drug dealers killed, 14 arrested in Bulacan dope war

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, June 19 -- Two armed drug dealers were killed while 14 other suspects were arrested during operations conducted by Bulacan police over the weekend.

Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., on Monday said those killed were Benjie Pacomo, a resident of Block 10 Lot 37 Ph 1, Barangay FVR, Norzagaray town and a certain Roman or Bebe, of Barangay Malhacan, Meycauayan City. Both were included in the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) watch list.

Investigation showed that during the operations, when the suspects noticed that they were transacting with police operatives, they drew guns and fired at the law enforcers who retaliated, resulting in their killings.

Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) recovered from the crime scene seven heat sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected "shabu"; one cut opened transparent plastic sachet containing shabu residue; two caliber .38 Smith and Wesson revolvers; one hand grenade; several fired cartridges and ammunition; one cellphone; buy-bust money and assorted drug paraphernalia.

Caramat also said that at least 14 other drug suspects were arrested in different police operations conducted in San Jose del Monte (SJDM); San Rafael, Paombong, Bustos, Norzagaray, Bulakan, Baliwag and Balagtas wherein 27 small sizes and one medium size heat sealed transparent plastic sachets of  suspected shabu; buy-bust money; and assorted drug paraphernalia were recovered.

The arrested suspects were identified as Mark Bryan Reyes; Joel Baltazar; Jonathan Ramos; Joel Cruz ; Joey Diwa; John Patrick Rayo; Jojo Iliw-Iliw; Manolito Villanueva; Arnold Sulit; Paul Jhon Angeles; Marilou Bigornia; Mark Bryan Reyes; Enmark Mirano and Manolito Villanueva.

Appropriate criminal complaints against the arrested suspects are now being filed before the City/Provincial Prosecutors Office of Bulacan. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA) #REALNUMBERS 

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Bulacan pays tribute to fallen soldiers in Marawi during Independence Day rites

CITY MALOLOS, Bulacan, June 12 --Senator Loren Legarda joined Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, Vice Governor Daniel Fernando, City Mayor Christian D. Natividad and the people of Bulacan in paying tribute to the fallen soldiers in Marawi City during the celebration of the 119th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence at the historic Barasoain Church here on Monday morning.

Legarda, the guest of honor and speaker, said it is fitting to dedicate the Independence Day celebration to those who have risked their lives for freedom.

She said that the war in Marawi should unite Filipinos and not be instrument of divisiveness.

“Let not our differences in religion and belief divide us,” the lady senator said.

Alvarado, for his part, said that the 13 marines and other soldiers who gave their lives in the name of freedom will forever be remembered as heroes of the Republic just like the Filipino revolutionaries who shed blood, sweat and tears in the quest for freedom, sovereignty and independence.

“Bulakenyos should be the first to know the importance of June 12 because it is in this sacred place Philippine Independence became a reality and was recognized by the global community. What took place in Kawit, Cavite is senseless if there were no Malolos Congress where the first Constitution of the Republic was drafted and ratified and inauguration of the First Republic," Alvarado said.

He said that the sacrifices of those who fight for freedom and independence have brought changes and the dawn of progress has broken, particularly in Bulacan which is now enjoying growth and development in its 21 towns and cities.

"We should remain united and repay our forefathers by making our province and our country great,” he added.

Vice Gov. Fernando, said that every time Filipinos see the Philippine flag waving proudly, they should also feel proud because they came from a proud race who will not vow to oppressive rule.

"Let us always remember the bravery of our heroes so that we could proud of being a free race and free nation," he said.

City Mayor Natividad, on the other hand, said that Barasoian Church and the historic city of Malolos will always remind Filipinos that Philippine Independence and the seed of freedom “sprouted” in this place, watered and nurtured by the blood, sweat and tears of the brave revolutionaries and patriots of that era.

Meanwhile, The Yes for Peace—Bayanihan ng Bayan group also took part in the celebration.

Ernesto A. Alcanzare, lead organizer of the said peace advocacy movement based in Plaridel town, said that “we are inspired by this year’s theme ““Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin”. We are confident that Filipinos will not cower in fear from those who wage wars in the name of the people but instead be emboldened to assert our individual and collective human right to peace through bayanihan,” Alcanzare said.

Earlier, Senator Legarda, Gov. Alvarado and Central Luzon police regional director Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino offered flowers at the statue of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Philippine Republic.

A moment of silence was also asked of the thousands who attended the celebration in honor of the fallen government soldiers and civilians in Marawi City. (PNA)

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Legarda pays tribute to hero soldiers at Independence Day rites in Bulacan

MALOLOS, Bulacan, June 12 -- Senator Loren Legarda on Monday morning led the commemoration of the 119th Independence Day at the historic Barasoain Church in the city of Malolos.

In her speech, Legarda paid homage to fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice including the government troopers killed by terrorists in the Marawi siege.

"Let us dedicate today's Independence Day celebration to those who have invested their lives so that we would have freedom not just for Marawi but for the whole country," Legarda said.

The lady senator described the historic Barasoain Church as a "symbol of change" representing significant events that paved way for the country's attainment of freedom.

The Barasoain Church was the historic site of the First Philippine Republic. It was also the site where the First Philippine Congress convened, otherwise known as the Malolos Congress, which drafted the 1898 Malolos Constitution.

Legarda also called for unity and compassion to heal division amid threats to national security.

"Let our diversity be our tool to our unity," she said.

The commemorative rites were highlighted by flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies.

Among the provincial officials present in the event were Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando and Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad.

The central theme of this year's celebration is “Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-Samang Balikatin.” (PNA)

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Notorious drug pusher falls in Aurora

BALER, Aurora, June 8 -- Personnel of the Baler Drug Enforcement Unit (BDEU) on Thursday arrested a notorious drug pusher in a buy bust operation in Purok 6, Barangay Suklayin, here.

Police Senior Inspector Emilio B. Sison, chief of police of Baler Police Station (BPS), said they conducted an anti-illegal drug entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of Dennis Ruzol, a resident of the said place.

Confiscated from Ruzol are one piece of transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be "shabu" or methamphetamine hydrochloride, Php1,000 marked money and one Black Honda motorcycle with plate no. 1657 AG.

In compliance with section 21 Art II of Republic Act 9165 as amended, the inventory of the seized pieces of evidence was done in the presence of the arrested notorious drug pusher, Barangay Councilor Antonio C. Mata, Department of Justice (DOJ) representative Gerardo Q. Ferreras and media representative Jason de Asis of the Philippine News Agency.

The drug evidence was delivered to the PNP Crime laboratory for examination while the arrested suspect was escorted for drug testing.

He is now temporarily detained at the BPS.

Meanwhile, a BPS intelligence operative who requested to hide his anonymity said that Ruzol did not undergo the reformation program despite the several warnings and invitations from the authorities.

Despite the reminders from the police, the suspect continuously sells shabu in this capital town of Aurora.

Sison warned those who are still involved in drug activities to stop, stressing they are committed to their campaign to totally eliminate drugs as soon as possible.

“I am also appealing to the public to be vigilant and help our police to stop drug activities,” he said.

In support to the Duterte administration, Sison said that they continue to build up strong partnership with the different stakeholders to bring the police closer to the people to help them to solve the problem on illegal activities.

"It is our people who will help us to win this battle against illegal drugs,” Sison added. (Jason de Asis/PNA)

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Ambulance driver, cohort nabbed in Bulacan for drugs

DONA REMEDIOS TRINIDAD, Bulacan, June 8 -- An ambulance driver and his companion were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Sampalok here Wednesday night while using the vehicle in the sale and transport of illegal drugs.

In a report to Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., Senior Inspector Roldan Manulit, town police chief, identified the arrested ambulance driver as Ron Joseph Agustin and his companion as Privado Mangahas, both residents of Barangay Minuyan, Norzagaray, this province.

Prior to their arrest, Manulit said his men arrested a drug pusher who squealed that their source was an ambulance driver.

"The first drug pusher that we arrested is the one selling 'lugaw' which he is using as front for selling 'shabu'. That is why we conducted a buy-bust operation after confirming that this is the source of the illegal drugs," Manulit said.

He said the Dona Remedios Trinidad Police Drug Enforcement Group seized four plastic sachets containing shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride with an estimated weight of 2.4 grams, the buy bust money and the ambulance with markings of Barangay Minuyan, Norzagaray.

Charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act will be filed against the suspects.

Meanwhile, police arrested two alleged drug pushers during a buy bust operation in Barangay Muzon, San Jose del Monte (SJDM) City Wednesday night.

Supt. Fritz Macariola, SJDM City police chief, identified the arrested suspects as Mario Rocha, 40, and Ronaldo Perez, alias “Toto”, both residents of said barangay.

Macariola said the two suspects were arrested after selling one transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu to a police poseur buyer.

Police are set to file drug pushing charges against the suspects. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)#REALNUMBERS

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Rehab of Bustos dam to be completed by end of July 2017 — NIA

BUSTOS, Bulacan, June 8 -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) chief Retired AFP General Ricardo Visaya expressed satisfaction on the progress of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Angat Afterbay Regulator dam also known as Bustos Dam, said to be the world’s largest rubber irrigation dam.

According to NIA Central Luzon manager Josephine B. Salazar, the rehabilitation of the Bustos Dam which started in May 2016 will be finished before the end of July this year.

The governor and the NIA administrator conducted a project site inspection Wednesday, accompanied by Bulacan Second District Rep. Gavini Pancho, Bustos Mayor Arnel Mendoza and other NIA officials.

Alvarado said he was glad to know that the rehabilitation is pushing through as scheduled.

"Bustos Dam is one of the three important dams in Bulacan. Once the rehabilitation is completed, it will have an increased holding capacity to prevent flash floods. It will also secure the delivery of irrigation to farmers in 16 towns in Bulacan and four towns in Pampanga, with over 23,000 farmers dependent on it,” he said.

The governor said that brittle rubber gates of the old Bustos dam is like the proverbial “Sword of Damocles” hanging over the heads of the people of Calumpit and Hagonoy, the perennial catch basins of backfloods during typhoon season.

“When two of the dam's gates are opened to let out excess water, the two towns are submerged in water reaching up to seven feet,” he said.

The NIA administrator said that the new rubber gates are now equipped with sprinkles to ensure that it will not become brittle during the summer season.

Alvarado thanked Visaya and other ranking NIA officials for personally inspecting the rehabilitation of Bustos dam.

“Not only the farmers will be served fully well but this will also help solve the flood problems in the low lying towns of Hagonoy and Calumpit,” he said.

He said that once completed before the end of July this year, the dam will help boost the harvest of agricultural products.

The governor said that despite the rapid industrialization now being experienced in the province, Bulacan is one of the top 10 rice producing provinces in the country, having bagged the annual “Rice Achievers Award” from the Department of Agriculture for the fourth consecutive time.

Alvarado also disclosed that the Bustos dam is being transformed into a “water world-theme” park.

With the near completion of the Balagtas-San Rafael bypass road, it will become more accessible to tourists and will spur more growth and development in the area.

"Bustos dam will now be more durable. It will not only help address the flood problems in the province but will be a source of livelihood and socio-economic opportunities for the people of Bulacan,” Alvarado added. (PNA)  

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Bulacan gov orders strict implementation of jail security measures

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, June 6 -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has ordered the strict implementation of jail security measures to ensure that no illegal activities can be done from the now overcrowded provincial penitentiary.

At the same time, the governor also instructed Bulacan police acting provincial director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., to help Bulacan provincial jail warden Fernando Villanueva in the regular inspection of the inmates’ prison cells and make sure that no contraband, deadly weapons or prohibited drugs can be smuggled inside the provincial jail.

"The police have been successful in neutralizing drug dealers in the province and most of those being arrested are getting incarcerated in our provincial jail and they are already bursting to the seams. We want to make sure that they can no longer do their illicit business inside the provincial jail,” Alvarado said.

The governor said Villanueva has already banned mobile phones inside the premises of the jail.

Rigid inspection of visitors is now also being enforced before they can get inside the jail.

He also said that Villanueva has secluded high profile inmates from regular ones to make sure that they can no longer contact their drug sources outside the jail.

He said that regular inspection of jails and ensuring that high profile inmates can no longer do business with outside contacts is part of the provincial government’s measures in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s ardent intention to rid the country of the dope menace.

At the same time, Alvarado also announced that he has already asked Vice Governor Daniel Fernando and the Sanguniang Panglalawigan to pass a resolution transferring the Bulacan provincial jail to a more spacious area in the mountain town of Dona Remedios Trinidad.

The present provincial jail was designed to hold some 700 inmates but the number has now ballooned to more than 3,000 and counting due to the unrelenting war being waged against drug dealers and dopesters in the province, so it is prudent that the provincial penitentiary be transferred, he said.

Alvarado also said that the town of Dona Remedios Trinidad is an ideal site because if a new facility will be built there, the inmates can do farming and will have more breathing space unlike in their present condition where the inmates are now jam-packed like sardines in a can. (PNA)

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Wanted kidnapper falls in Bulacan

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, June 5 -- Joint police operatives arrested Sunday a wanted killer and kidnapper in Barangay Pulong Yantok, Angat, this province, police reported on Monday.

In a report submitted to Bulacan acting provincial director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., the arrested suspect was identified as Apolonio Policarpio Marcelo Jr. a resident of Apol Subdivision, 43 KM. Partida, Sta. Maria.

Supt. Frankie Candelario, company commander of Bulacan Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC), said that Marcelo was arrested during a follow-up operation and the implementation of two search warrants by the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) from Camp Crame, Bulacan PPSC, Angat and Santa Maria Municipal Police Stations.

Candelario said that the suspect was arrested after one of his alleged cohorts Adriano Del Rosario, 53, a resident of Phase 2, Block 12, Lot 29, Barangay San Rafael IV, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, voluntarily surrendered to Bulacan police last May 30.

Del Rosario admitted his involvement in the kidnapping and killing of Edeltrudes Tan and Jayson Puyo last March 25 in Barangay Pulong Yantok, Angat, Bulacan.

Recovered from Marcelo's office and residence were one Glock 17, 9mm pistol; one pistol Taurus PT740, cal. 40; one Bentley shotgun; one Armscor pistol, cal. 45;  four 9mm short Glock magazine; one Armscor cal. 38 revolver; two 9mm Glock magazines extended; and several ammunition.

Police also found human remains inside the compound of Apol subdivision. (PNA)  

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Bulacan gov: Stop cutting trees in Angat dam watershed

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, June 3 -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has strongly urged engineers and contractors of the Angat Hydropower Corporation (AHC) to stop and desist from cutting trees at the watershed area of the aging hydro electric power dam.

The governor met with AHC engineers led by Russel Rigor and officials of the Sagip Sierra Madre Environment Society headed by Bro. Martin Francisco at his office Friday afternoon.

Alvarado said that while he was thankful that the repair and strengthening of the nearly 50 years old Angat dam in the mountain town of Norzagaray was pushing through, he was shocked and alarmed at the same time, when he was informed that 924 trees, many of which were decades-old, had been cut down to give way to roads and heavy equipment leading to the repair site.

“I was glad when the repair and strengthening of the aging dam finally pushes through. Many will remember that I have time and again called the attention of the national government that immediate fortification of the dam should be made after Phivolcs director Renato Solidum confirmed that the main dike of the Angat dam nestles within the West Valley fault line. But I was deeply shocked when I was informed that hundreds of trees have been cut down,” Alvarado said.

He said that it was not only unlawful to cut trees at the watershed, a protected area, but also pose danger to calamities that it might induce or trigger.

Engineer Rigor has earlier told local newsmen that the National Power Corporation (Napocor), the agency that has jurisdiction over watershed areas in the country, gave permission to cut 2,000 to replaced by one million saplings.

Alvarado said that it would take long years to replace the destroyed forest cover at the watershed of Angat dam.

“Actually, the decades-old trees are irreplaceable. In the first place not even a single tree should have been cut. Trees are also natural barriers against flash floods," Alvarado said.

Angat dam should be strengthened because it does not only supply 96 percent of the potable water needs of Metro Manila but also supplies the irrigation of farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga and generates electricity as well, he said.

Francisco, of the environment watchdog Sagip Sierra Madre Environment Society, said that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued the cutting permit but it was the Napocor that authorized the zoning of the area that would be quarried to hasten rehabilitation and strengthening works at the dam.

He added that the cutting of trees and quarrying operations at the watershed proceeded even if there was no Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) from the National Commission of Indigenous People of the Philippines.

FPIC is an important requirement because the aging dam and its watershed area is located within the ancestral domain of the Dumagat tribesmen.

He said that their group would join the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office in monitoring the status of the repair and strengthening of the Angat dam as well as the protection of the forest cover at the watershed area. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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Police hold human rights forum

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet, June 1 -- Different law enforcement units together with non-government organizations and community leaders came together on Thursday here to assess the police operational procedures to make sure human rights are being respected.

Police Chief Superintendent Dennis Siervo, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Human Rights Affairs Office (HRAO) at Camp Crame, said the forum was aimed at providing the different sectors with information on how the police operate and to give them a briefer to determine if there are violations.

“The participants will be briefed on the police’ operational procedure with a discussion on Republic Acts (RA) 7438 and 9745. There will also be a speaker from the Commission on Human Rights on the mandate of the agency,” he said.

Siervo said the community-based dialogue would allow different sectors to assess police operations.

He said the HRAO’s activity was to wage a campaign and not to wage war.

He said that for a period of two years, the HRAO has acted on 17 human rights violations. There were 12 cases in 2015 and five cases in 2016.

Police Chief Inspector Dominga Terrado, head of the PRO-COR’s HRAO said the participants were from the PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), local government unit representatives, academic institutions, church representatives, National Police Commission (Napolcom), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), media and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP). (Liza T. Agoot/ PNA)

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Police, Islamic leaders, clerics set dialogue in Calabarzon region

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Calamba City June 1-- Calabarzon Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Ma. O. R. Aplasca has scheduled a meeting with Islamic leaders and imams on June to strengthen coordination with local governments and heighten vigilance against entry of lawless elements and terrorist groups in their respective communities.

Aplasca told PNA on Thursday that conference-cum-dialogue would gather Muslim community leaders from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

Aplasca was interviewed before the start of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Calabarzon Regional R4A “Orientation on Community and Service-Oriented Policy (CSOP)” which ended on Thursday at the camp's headquarters multi-purpose hall.

Included in the June 8th gathering are the imams (Muslim clerics) of at least five mosques each in five Muslim communities across Calabarzon region, PNP Imam Moksir and salam police from the national police headquarters and the region.

Aplasca said the scheduled morning conference was also agreed upon by the invited Muslim leaders in respect to their observance of the fasting month of Ramadhan.

The meeting with the leaders is apart from their continuing consultations with imams and Muslim communities.

The Organization of Imams Conference of the Philippines has been known to be supportive of President Rodrigo R. Duterte administration’s fight against crime and corruption and federalism as proven by a massive rally they staged at the Luneta Park last February.

The regional police director also ordered provincial police commanders and chiefs of police to sustain full alert status amid the armed encounters in Marawi City.

He called on Calabarzon residents to remain vigilant as the regional police force also heightened peace and order operations and the war on illegal drugs and criminality. (Saul E. Pa-a/PNA)#DEFENDREPUBLIC

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Police report significant success on all-out drug war in Bulacan

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 31 --The unwavering campaign of the Bulacan police and local government units (LGUs) in the province against illegal drugs continues to gain significant grounds, according to the police provincial official here.

Acting Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., announced during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting chaired by Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado at the Balagtas Hall of the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here Tuesday afternoon that 507 of the total 569 barangays of the province or 89.58 % have been declared “cleared” of the dope menace since President Rodrigo Duterte launched his no-nonsense all-out-war against illegal drugs in the country.

Caramat also said three villages in the towns of Paombong, Dona Remedios Trinidad and San Ildefonso have been "unaffected". These are Barangays Masukol in Paombong, Kabayunan in Dona Remedios Trinidad and Bubulung Munti on San Ildefonso.

He also reported that from July 1, 2016 to May 15, 2017, the total number of users who surrendered was 37,134 while the total number of drug pushers who surrendered was 1,026.

From the same period, Caramat said that at least 351 armed drug dealers perished in shootouts with lawmen while 3,140 were arrested during anti-drugs operations.

He said that the Bulacan police has conducted 2,069 anti-drugs operations from July 1, 2016 to May 15, 2017.

Likewise, he said that 25 “Bahay Pagbabago” or reformation centers had been established in the province’s 21 towns and three cities and one at the Bulacan Police Provincial headquarters in Camp Gen. Alejo Santos in this capital city.

Caramat said that some 2,086 persons had already “graduated” from the reformation centers where 743 had been given jobs.

He also said that simultaneous opening of Bahay Pagbabago Reformation Center for the new batch of dope reformists in all cities and municipalities would be on June 1, 2017.

Caramat also told Alvarado and the League of Municipalities-Bulacan Chapter president Guiguinto Mayor Ambrosio “Boy” Cruz Jr., that some “Bahay Pagbabago” center needed funding.

Mayor Cruz, for his part, said that they would study a program so they could ask the national government for standard funding of its operation.

The Bulacan police director also said that a total of  27,127 houses were visited in their “Oplan Tokhang” operations.

He said non-stop police operations resulted to the confiscation of 8,589 sachets of "shabu" (4,617.39 grams) and 246 sachets of marijuana (9,234.8 grams).

The total estimated value of confiscated dopes reached PHP10,185,356.00 as per the Dangerous Drugs Board price value, he added.

Meanwhile, Alvarado instructed Caramat to invite the village chieftains of Barangays Masukol, Kabayunan and Bubulung Munti so they could share their approaches and methods on how they were able to keep their respective villages “unaffected" from dangerous drugs. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)#REALNUMBERS

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Police regional command sends augments troops to Marawi

CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan De Oro City, May 29 — The regional police command in Northern Mindanao on Monday sent a company of augmentation troop to the strife-torn Marawi City.

Superintendent Lemuel Gonda, the spokesperson of the police regional command here, said the troops belonged to the police Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) led by Superintendent Nelson A. Aganon.

The RPSB would be deployed in various areas in Marawi City in the conduct of a joint operation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Marawi against the Maute local terrorist group on the ground.

Gonda said the regional police command also closely coordinating with the AFP in all police operations in the area, including Northern Mindanao in combating terrorism in the region.

According to Gonda, the police regional command is also coordinating with the local government unit here after receiving reports that hundreds of evacuees from Marawi City had settled in the village of Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental.

An exodus of thousands of residents in the predominantly Muslim community in Marawi City evacuated at the start of the armed conflict between government troopers and the Maute local terror group since last Tuesday.

The evacuees went to the neighboring cities like Iligan and Cagayan De Oro were they temporarily settled with relatives, the police report said.

Gonda said that the police regional command and the LGU would coordinate in conducting a profile of the evacuees.

”We simply want to know their identities and where they came from,” Gonda said, as he urged the Muslim community in Cagayan De Oro City to cooperate. (CD/PNA)

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Bicolanos say martial law will keep people safe from terror groups

LEGAZPI CITY, May 29 — A random interview with Bicolanos from the cities of Legazpi and Naga and the provinces of Albay and Catanduanes showed support for the declaration of martial law by President Rodrigo Duterte as they believed it was meant to keep the people safe from the terrorist groups.

They said they have friends in Mindanao who had shared that their feeling of security had been buoyed by the presence of the police and soldiers in their areas.

Rosalieh C. Luces of Legazpi City in Albay, said “martial law is for the safety of the people of Mindanao. It is needed because of the extreme violence of the Maute and terrorist groups in Mindanao.”

“The terrorists should be wiped out so they would not increase in number and get more outside support that would heighten their influence,” she said.

Kristine Lagman of Tabaco City, Albay, an architect and former president of the United Architects of the Philippines, Tabaco City chapter, said “violent extremism should be stopped at the soonest possible time”.

“I am more afraid of the terrorists than the imposition of martial law,” said Lagman who shared that her friends in Mindanao had told her they felt safer because of the declaration.

Maureen Cezar Camposano, a resident of Naga City in Camarines Sur, who had lived in Mindanao “for so long,” said her friends and relatives in Mindanao felt safer and more at peace due to presence of police and soldiers everywhere.

She said the declaration could cause immediate change as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) could easily suppress lawlessness.

Camposano believed “the President will not abuse his power.”

Orpha Barba, a resident of Bato, Catanduanes said President Duterte knew what would be beneficial to the people.

“The imposition will also stop the sympathizers of the lawless group in Mindanao," she said.

Barba said the AFP found it difficult to suppress the lawless group because of some people who had helped them escape.

“The visibility of the military and the full alert status of the PNP and AFP (in some areas) are ways of keeping the civilians safer,” she said.

Glee Pedrico, who has roots in Catanduanes but is now a teacher of Rang-ay Integrated School in South Cotabato, shared her experience with martial law. "There is martial law here but honestly “hindi malupit ang mga sundalo or kapulisan” (the soldiers and police are not cruel).

She said “they are only strict in the checkpoints and ask all passengers of private and public vehicles to disembark and show valid IDs.”

"We left for Davao from South Cotabato at 12:00 a.m. but there was no untoward incident that happened and we did not sense any danger (hindi naman magulo or delikado).”

Atty. Jeffrey Louis G. Ilagan, who regularly visits his relatives in Albay, said the effects of martial law would ultimately depend on the government who should uphold its mandate to serve and protect the people while the people must keep a watchful eye against any form of abuse that may be committed by the forces implementing martial rule.

The President, in his report justified the proclamation of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus by citing the possibility other terror groups operating in Mindanao would take advantage of the situation, Ilagan added.

"The development may be considered as catalyst for salvation, it could be strong remedy that could swiftly end the extremist insurgency in Mindanao", the lawyer added. (Connie B. Destura/PNA)

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Police to Ormoc residents: Remain calm, vigilant amid martial law in Mindanao

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, May 29 — The city police here encouraged the public to enjoy the city’s calmness following the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, adding the metropolis was not directly affected after all.

City police chief Sr. Supt. Ramil L. Ramirez urged locals to remain vigilant and report immediately to the authorities for possible sightings of suspicious persons in the neighborhood.

He expressed assurance that the local police were doing their tasks together with the troops from the Philippine Army in ensuring public safety.

“We have intensified our normal routines together with the army soldiers in conducting checkpoints at strategic areas. Along with this is the increased visibility of the composite team and conduct roving even at the secluded villages,” Ramirez said.

“Suspicious groups are also checked to ensure the safety of the community,” he went on.

The police have augmented personnel at the local port to work with the Philippine Coast Guard in safeguarding the coming in and out of tourists and also to halt bad elements who may barge into the peaceful city.

The Aviation Security Group takes care of the safety at the airport located some eight kilometers from the city.

City public safety company chief Supt. Joel Camacho said seaborne patrol operations with Bantay Dagat had been done at the city shores in support to the Coast Guard.

“These are aside from enforcing city fishing ordinance wherein just recently, the team confiscated unlicensed fishing paraphernalia and unregistered motorized boat from local fisher folks,” he said.

Ramirez also assured that they were keeping close eye at the city boundaries safeguarding against entries of possible bad elements.

Ormoc City is a first class independent component city in Leyte province in Eastern Visayas region and home to 215,031 people, making it the second most-populous city in the province after Tacloban City, the regional capital. The city is the economic, cultural, commercial and transportation hub of western Leyte.(Elvie Roman Roa/PNA)#DEFENDREPUBLIC

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President Duterte to troops on terror drive: ‘We will win’

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 26 – “We will overcome, we will win,” President Rodrigo Duterte told soldiers Friday in Iligan City, referring to the war against local terror groups in the country.

The President issued the pronouncement as sporadic fighting between government troops and local terror groups continued in some parts of Marawi City, 45 kilometers southwest of Iligan City.

Clashes between the government troops and the Maute and Abu Sayyaf terror groups erupted Tuesday afternoon in Marawi. State forces were out to arrest top Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who was reportedly coddled by the Maute Group.

The military reported that as of midnight Thursday, 31 terrorists and 11 government troops were killed and 55 others were wounded in the clashes that displaced thousands of residents.

Duterte, accompanied by top cabinet officials, arrived in Iligan City at around 4:00 p.m. Friday to visit the wounded government troops and the evacuees who sought refuge in the city.

In his short talk aired live on television, Duterte confirmed before soldiers of the Army's 2nd Mechanized Brigade the presence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Mindanao.

Obviously to raise the morale of the state forces, Duterte said that there is no reason that “we could not win because the military has modern weapons, air assets and modern medical equipment.”

“There is always a time for everything — a time for peace and a time for war. In the meantime, let us fight for the country. But just be careful,” Duterte said.

He said that if given a chance, he would fight side by side with the government forces, but his body could no longer sustain the physical rigors.

“I am here to say to you to fight, I will pray for you, and answer everything,” Duterte said.

The President disclosed that he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for a soft loan to acquire modern weapons to fight the terrorists.

Duterte reiterated the government will crush down the terrorists who will not yield peacefully.

“I want them to lay down their firearms. But for the hardliners, let us go to war...My instruction is to kill them,” he said.

Duterte said that the Maute brothers were former policemen in Manila who were drawn to illegal drugs.

From Manila, the Maute brothers went home to Marawi and operated the largest shabu factory in the area, the President said.

Their firearms were locally manufactured, he added.

The Maute Group started from the shabu business until they were recruited by Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayaff leader who professed to be recognized by the ISIS, Duterte said.

Duterte also disclosed that the local ISIS is supported by disgruntled politicians and drug lords.

He said the government would not stop until the conflict in Marawi is resolved.

“Let us pray for the deliverance that our men would not suffer casualties, he said.

On the implementation of martial law, Duterte reiterated his instruction to kill the armed men who fight the government.

“I am here to say to you, ‘fight.’ I will pray for you and would answer everything,” Duterte said.

He said that under the “ramification” of martial law, “I, and I alone would be responsible. Just do your job.” 
(PNA)#DefendRepublic

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Lady rebel surrenders to AFP in Kalinga, guns seized

BAGUIO CITY, May 22 — A female member of the New Peoples Army voluntarily surrendered to the 50th Infantry Battalion at their Headquarters in Barangay Camalog, Pinukpuk, Kalinga over the weekend, Lt. Colonel Gulliver Señires said on Monday.

Señires said Liza Tongdo Gumabay, also known as “Raida”, 32 years old, and the party wife of the late communist terrorist leader Ruben Gumabay, also known as “Rashid” of the Kilusang Larangan Guerilla (KLG) Baggas, a local communist terrorist group operating in the province of Kalinga, surrendered to the government on May 21.

Señires assured that the government will provide her the assistance under the comprehensive local integration program (CLIP). The said surenderer is still at 50IB headquarters for documentation.

A total of 30 NPA members have surrendered to the 5th ID, majority of which are from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

In a statement released on Monday, Major General Paul Atal, 5ID Commander said “the influx of surrenderers from the communist terrorist group is a clear manifestation that our message of peace is already penetrating the core of their twisted belief and doctrine that is misleading some of the Filipinos living in the hinterlands of Cagayan Valley and Cordillera.” Atal said.

He also urged the other rebels “to lay down their arms and abandon their unworthy arms struggle against the government. Instead, they should actively participate in the political arena and help transform our country to what they think is good for the people. Let us settle our differences in a peaceful way. We are all Filipinos.”

Meanwhile the 50ID also discovered war materiels in Sitio Anyang, Barangay Wagud, Pinukpuk, Kalinga on May 20.

The M16 Rifle, a barrel and a short magazine, together with five meter electrical wire were discovered by the soldiers while doing security patrol. It can be recalled that in April, the troops also discovered war materiel inside a drum at Barangay Apatan in Pinukpuk town.

Señires said the war materiel are believed to be buried by a rebel who attended the burial of late Rudy Miguel, one of the communist terrorists who died during an encounter with the 50IB in May 13 in Balbalan, Kalinga. Miguel’s body was brought to his family in Pinukpuk town. (Liza T. Agoot/ PNA)

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Highway Patrol Team intensifies operations against traffic violations

DUMAGUETE CITY, May 22 — A total of 51 citation tickets and Temporary Operators Permits (TOPs) were issued by Highway Patrol Team (HPT) in Negros Oriental in just one day.

The HPT, headed by Police Senior Inspector Robelito Mariano, on Monday intensified its conduct of anti-canapping operations and monitoring of violations of the Land Transportation Code on the Philippines.

Of the number, 35 motorcycles were impounded, while verification is ongoing to determine if any of these are stolen vehicles or not.

Mariano said HPT Negros Oriental was assisted by 12 personnel from the highway patrol group in the Negros Island Region, with only two of them being deputized by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to issue TOP, and three other personnel deputized by the Dumaguete City government to issue citation tickets.

Questions were raised as to why the HPT singled out the motorcycles. Mariano disclosed they also flagged down four wheel vehicles but these had complete papers.

He advised motorists to fix accessories of their units, bring original copies of the Certificate of Registration and Official Receipts as well as driver’s license so driving would be enjoyable in the city.

He explained the revised schedule of penalties was provided for under a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) between the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the LTO, and the highway patrol group was merely enforcing the JAO and other road regulations.

Since not all are LTO deputized agents, those who were issued citation tickets during the anti-carnapping operations were lucky because of lesser fines and penalties.

The next biggest problem now of the HPT is the impounding area for motorcycles that were issued citation tickets and TOPs, Mariano said.

The first day of operation was at the Bagacay-Valencia route while the next day will be at the routes going to Sibulan or Bacong. (Juancho Gallarde/PNA)

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Standard police stations to rise in 7 Iloilo towns

ILOILO CITY, May 22—Standard police office buildings will soon rise in seven towns in Iloilo province according to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).

The stations are to be constructed in the municipalities of San Miguel, Estancia, Leon, Lambunao, Barotac Viejo, Tigbauan and San Dionisio.

IPPO spokesperson Police Chief Inspector Aaron Palomo on Monday said that these projects were now in their bidding process.

The construction of the buildings is part of the continuing transformation program of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to improve the performance of policemen.v The budget depends on the classification of the building to be constructed, Palomo said.

Based on the PNP National Headquarters (NHQ) Bids and Awards Committee Resolution No. 077, a city police office buildings costs PHP17.5 million; type A building costs PHP7.4 million; type B/C costs PHP4.6 million and Community Police Action (COMPACT) costs PHP1.2 million.

Palomo said that big police office buildings were proposed in big towns like Lambunao, Estancia and Barotac Viejo. He added that once the towns were done with the bidding, the buildings might be completed in two to five months.

The construction of the building will be fully funded by the PNP national headquarters.

With the new and standard facilities, Palomo stressed that policemen would have "good working atmosphere that could improve the performance of policemen and better serve the public."

He added that it would also "create spirit of independence" as they will fully own the facility unlike before that they do not own their building and lots and were dependent on local government units

With the seven additional facilities, 28 of its 42 towns and one component city of the province will have standard police office buildings.

Palomo assured that they are now working with the 13 remaining towns to have their own standard police stations.

"We are working hard so that 100 percent of our towns in the province will have new and standard police stations," he said. (Cindy B. Ferrer/PNA)

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DTI-Bulacan holds 'Diskwento Caravan' in San Jose del Monte City

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan, May 22—In a bid to help parents and students search for low-priced school supplies and other items, the Department of Trade and Industry- Bulacan Provincial Office conducted a two-day back-to-school edition of “Diskwento Caravan” at the Dalisay Market, Tungkong Mangga over the the weekend.

The back-to-school sale was carried out in partnership with the local government of San Jose Del Monte City.

DTI-Bulacan Provincial Director Rhine Aldana said that the “Diskwento Caravan” was a regular program of the agency offering at least 10 percent discount on basic and prime commodities, school supplies and other products.

She said that bags, school supplies, breads, canned goods, vegetables, processed meat and other grocery products were sold during the caravan.

She also said that buyers from different part of San Jose del Monte City swarmed over the place to buy discounted items.

Aldana said that “Diskwento Caravan” became popular to the buying public because of the discount being offered which could go up to 50% for selected items.

“This eases the burden of the buyers in spending more money on basic and prime commodities and other essential goods. Diskwento caravan also offers Noche Buena edition during Christmas season to make Noche Buena products affordable to the consumers for a bountiful celebration,” she added. (Emil G. Gamos/ PNA)

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Calabarzon police couples renew marriage vows

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Calamba City, May 22 — Around 100 police couples renewed their wedding vows inside this camp over the weekend, replete with police ceremonial honor guards and a banquet reception.

Chief Superintendent Ma. O Ranada Aplasca, Calabarzon police regional director, and wife Ma. Rica led the police couples who are celebrating their wedding anniversaries in April, May and June.

“I believe that camaraderie and oneness among personnel in this family-oriented police service is important and it is a great inspiration to see couples understand the true blessing of matrimony,” said Aplasca.

Aplasca initiated the first wedding anniversary celebration in the Calabarzon Police Regional Office under his family-oriented activities and shared the couple’s success story for their 20-year marriage, which is blessed with seven children.

Philippine National Police Academy ceremonial honor guards accorded the couples the traditional ceremonial salute as they entered the covered court adorned with a full wedding setup. A pastor presided over their renewal of vows.

The couples also exchanged wedding rings, shared cake, had their toast of wine and released doves, after which the husbands offered flowers to their wives.

Tokens and certificates of commendation were also presented to couples who have demonstrated their love, sacrifice and care for their families.

Ricardo Battalier, a non-uniformed personnel (NUP) of the Calabarzon Regional Operations and Plans Division, and his spouse, who celebrated their 45 year wedding anniversary, won a free trip for two to Boracay.

Another NUP, Cherry D. Dato, of the Regional Police Strategy Management Unit, and her husband won a free overnight “staycation” at a hotel in Tagaytay City. 
(Saul E. Pa-a/PNA)

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Police arrest drug suspects in anti-illegal drugs weekend operations

DUMAGUETE CITY, May 22 — Philippine National Police (PNP) operatives arrested four suspected drug pushers in separate anti-illegal drugs operations in Negros Oriental over the weekend, including three women.

Police arrested Zenaida Pancho Somualde, 40 years old, married and a resident of Barangay 2 of Bais City around 2:10 p.m. Sunday at Sitio Lag-it, Barangay Okiot during a buy-bust operation after allegedly selling one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu granules/powder to an undercover operative.

Subsequently, during body search, police confiscated from her two more heat-sealed plastic sachets with suspected "shabu" and PHP500 marked buy-bust bill.

In Dumaguete City, the City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Dumaguete Police Station arrested suspect Geraldine Generoso Las Piñas, 42, widow and a resident of Purok Maanyag, Sitio Canday-ong in Barangay Calindagan around 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

She was allegedly caught in the act of selling one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu granules to a police officer posing as a buyer.

Also recovered were one black pouch containing two pieces heat-sealed plastic sachet and three big pieces plastic sachet containing suspected "shabu", cash money and a cellphone.

Also on Saturday at 6:00 p.m., police conducted an anti-illegal drugs operation at Barangay Balugo in Sibulan town, which resulted to the arrest of the couple, Denaquiel Aran Ciano, 40 and his wife Raelyn Besano Ciano, 43.

Both are residents of Balugo, Sibulan.

The police recovered from the husband and wife four pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets with suspected "shabu" and the marked PHP500 bill used in the buy-bust operation. (Judy Flores Partlow/PNA)

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Couple, 5 others nabbed in Bulacan anti-drug sting

CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan, May 20— Police arrested an alleged drug-pushing couple and five others during an anti-drug operation inside a suspected dope den in Racho Libis, Barangay Assumption here Friday night.

In a report to Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., Supt. Fitz Macariola, head of the SJDM City police station, identified the arrested couple as Jimboy Damasco and Angela Reyes, both resident of the said village.

Macariola said the duo were arrested after selling a plastic sachet of "shabu" to a police undercover agent, who along with the City Drug Enforcement Group, has been monitoring them after receiving information that the suspects were using their house as a selling point and a dope den at the same time.

He said the operation was conducted in coordination with the regional office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Five others identified as Regina Barroquina, Ruffa San Juan, Rosen Telles, William Turata and Paul Adonis San Luis were subsequently arrested after they were caught in the act of sniffing "shabu "during the conduct of the drug-bust operation, Macariola added.

The police team recovered 10 plastic sachets containing suspected "shabu", the marked money used in the buy bust and assorted paraphernalia.

Appropriate charges will be filed against the suspects. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

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2 suspected drug pushers dead in Bataan buy bust

LIMAY, Bataan, May 19 —Two suspected drug pushers were killed after they tried to shoot it with police in a buy bust operation here Thursday evening.

Police Senior Supt. Benjamin Silo, Jr., Bataan police director, on Friday said a certain Rey and his still unidentified companion tried to escape when they apparently sensed that they were dealing with a police-poseur-buyer.

The suspects who were cornered in a vacant lot in an upland sitio in Limay pulled their handguns and fired but missed on the chasing policemen who returned fire and hit them, Silo said.

Scene of the crime operatives recovered from suspects two caliber .38 revolvers with live bullets, fired cartridges, four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet of shabu, weighing scales and cash of more than PHP2,750.

Police are still waiting for relatives to claim the bodies and their identification known. (Ernie B. Esconde/PNA)

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5 dead, 65 nabbed in 'one-time, big-time' anti-drug operation in Davao City

DAVAO CITY, May 19 – Law enforcement and security forces in Davao City launched another "one-time big-time" anti-drug operation Friday dawn in 10 villages here, leaving five suspected drug pushers dead.

Sixty-five others, including women and a minor, were arrested.

Sr. Superintendent Alexander Tagum , Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director, said they conducted the operation to implement 18 search warrants, 34 warrants of arrest and 11 buy-bust operations in separate areas of the city.

The simultaneous operation resulted to the confiscation of 131.4 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of PHP1.9 million, 11 motorcycles, six firearms, a dynamite, and a hand grenade, Tagum said.

Tagum said the operation was a result of the series of test buys in 10 villages.

The team was composed of units from the Philippine National Police (PNP) such as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Highway Patrol Group, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Task Force Davao, Philippine Coast Guard, and Central 911, among others.

Those killed in the operations were identified as Mark Joseph Gimo-og, 28, of Barangay 76-A; Rolly Arendain of Sagrada Familia, Km 12, Sasa; Alex Cayao of Purok Catigan, Tagakpan, Tugbok; Jonathan LihayLihay Jr of Ilang, Tibungco; and, Louie Francis Reta of Sasa.

Tagum said they were killed when they tried to engage the police during the implementation of the warrants.

Of the 66 arrested persons, 55 are males and 10 are females. A 14-year-old was also among those rescued.

According to Tagum, minors have been used as drug couriers.

PDEA director Adhzar Albani, however, noted the volume of suspected shabu seized during the operation is smaller than the last "one-time big-time" operation, which netted at least 300 grams of shabu.

But, according to Albani, there are more persons arrested this time compared to the last operation.

”It (supply) decreased by more than half. This means supply is smaller,” Albani told reporters in a press conference on Friday noon.

He said even the price of shabu is becoming expensive in Davao, which has been leading in the campaign against illegal drugs since the 1990s, because of lesser supply. Albani said a gram of shabu is now being sold at PHP15,000, the highest price in the country.

Asked where the supply of shabu comes from, Albani said it comes "from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)." He said "it has been known that there are shabu laboratories in some parts of the ARMM."

While Davao City has strict security measures in checkpoints, Albani admitted that not all can be searched when entering the city. He said people can conceal drugs.

“We are not a fascist state,”Albani stressed.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio lauded the successful operation.

While the city has been "leading" in the country's anti-drugs campaign, the mayor said there is "no city anywhere with zero criminality,” especially for Davao because of its huge land area.

There are so many people who would take advantage of any situation, and there are people whose objective is to commit crimes, she said.

”But this will not be the first and last time we'll conduct an operation nga ingon ani kadako (as big as this),” she told reporters.

When asked why there are only small-time illegal peddlers caught, the mayor said the "poor are more vulnerable to offers of easy money because of poverty." 
(PNA)#REALNUMBERS

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 15 – The police chief of Ozamiz City is in "hot water" for a viral video that allegedly showed him hitting a drug suspect and for purportedly harassing a local government official there.

The video clip showed Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido, the city police director of Ozamiz, allegedly repeatedly slapping a male individual inside a police precinct last March. The video came out on social media a few days ago.

Senior Superintendent Lemuel Gonda, police regional office spokesperson, said they would conduct an investigation into the incident.

The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption earlier called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to look into the incident.

Last week, Ozamiz Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog also complained that the city police chief and some of his men went to her house late night on May 4.

Parojinog said the policemen were heavily armed and had surrounded her residence in Barangay San Roque, also known as “Lawis,” a few meters away from where his father, Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., lives.

The vice mayor said her brother called her up and told her Espenido and his men was outside her house.

It was a good thing, she said, that her residence was installed with CCTV cameras that captured the incident.

“I was really disturbed,” the younger Parojinog told reporters in an interview, adding that she found no reason why policemen would surround her home. “Unsa may akong sala (What’s my violation)? Why were they acting that way?”

She then called up her uncle, Octavio Parojinog, and asked him to talk to Espenido. Moments later, the police pulled out.

She said she also heard that Espenido allegedly threatened to burn the whole Lawis if they cannot catch the suspected drug dealers in the area, and even advised the Parojinogs to move elsewhere so they will be spared.

“Why would we leave this place? We’ve been here even before he set foot in Ozamiz. Besides, there are more law-abiding people living here than those who are engaged in illegal drugs,” she said.

She said she is considering on filing a formal complaint against Espenido and his fellow police officers who were there on the night of May 4.

Gonda said they will investigate Espenido on the allegations. He advised the complainants to file a formal complaint to the PNP-10 regional office at Camp Alagar in Barangay Lapasan.

As of this writing Monday, Espenido could not be reached for comment, but in previous interviews with journalists in Ozamiz, Espenido was said to have denied saying such statement.

Before his assignment in Ozamis City last year, Espenido was the former police chief of Albuera, Leyte, the hometown of suspected big time drug dealer Kerwin Espinosa whose father, former town mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., was killed inside a prison facility in that province last year. 
(Jigger J. Jerusalem/PNA)

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Magnitude 3.7 quake jolts Sarangani province

KORONADAL CITY, May 14 --- A magnitude 3.7 earthquake struck Sarangani province at around 6:46 p.m. Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The epicenter of the earthquake, which was of tectonic origin, was recorded 23 kilometers southwest of Maasim town, Sarangani, Phivolcs said.

The earthquake was felt at Intensity III in Alabel town, the capital of Sarangani province, and Intensity II in General Santos City.

Phivolcs said it was not expecting any damage due to the temblor. (PNA)

Villanueva siblings vow to build first public hospital in Bulacan town

BOCAUE, Bulacan, May 14 --Senator Joel Villanueva  and his younger sister Mayor Joni Villanueva-Tugna celebrated Mother’s Day by conducting a medical and dental mission with the villagers of  St. Martha Estate Subdivision, Barangay Batia here Sunday.

By noontime, some 5,000 residents have already availed of the free medical, dental and optical services jointly conducted by the senator’s staff, the municipal government, the Caloocan Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Bulacan Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Sen. Villanueva said that this medical, dental and optical mission will be sustained.

“Now it’s only a medical mission, (but) soon the people of Bocaue will have their own public hospital complete with modern medical facilities, doctors and nurses,” Villanueva, who was the former director general of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), said.

The young senator, a native of Bocaue, said the people of Bocaue have been dreaming to have their own public hospital.

He said he will "move heaven and earth" so that this dream will come true soon.

“We have many doctors, nurses and medical technicians. We also have the best medical school so it won’t be long before this dream will become a reality,” the senator said.

Mayor Villauneva-Tugna, for her part, said that this health care project will soon come true "because of the cooperation and the strong faith of the people of Bocaue."

She thanked the Bulacan Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, headed by Executive Vice President Arthur Dy, and the Caloocan Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce for helping them in providing free medical, dental and optical mission for the people of Bocaue. 
(Emil G. Gamos/PNA)   

TESDA chief warns public of fixers and scams

GUIGUINTO, Bulacan, May 13 --Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Sec. Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong will visit all their 120 training centers in a bid to warn the public of scams and fixers in their agency.

Mamondiong told participants of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) stakeholders conference held at the TESDA training center in Barangay Tabang here Friday, that there were reports of fixers facilitating the acceptance of TESDA applicants which he said was illicit.

The TESDA chief said that he had strictly forbidden such a scam which he said was not only duping Filipinos who want to have decent jobs but was also putting their agency in a bad light.

He that he received a text message from Mindanao that a fixer has victimized a regional director by dropping his name and that the fixer demanded PHP10,000 for facilitating TESDA applicants.

Upon receiving the report, he gave directives to all their regional and provincial directors that he has not authorized any one to act in his behalf in accepting any TESDA applicants.

TESDA scholar receives free tuition and transportation allowance and will be issued a national certificate once the course has been completed, which can be used by the graduate from applying for a local or international job,Mamondiong said.

Currently, there are 830,000 individuals from all over the country that have applied for a TESDA scholarship for around 18,000 technical and vocational courses, which on the average for each course cost PHP7,500.00.

TESDA has also procured PHP600 million worth of equipment for its training purposes to be used in all of its regional training centers in the country and that they are now pushing to have dormitories for their trainees in all of these centers, he said.  

Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado hailed the renewed initiatives and programs of TESDA that would provide opportunities for Bulakenyos to live decent lives. (Emil G. Gamos/PNA)

Calabarzon cops step up security measures, police operations vs enemy forces

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Calamba City, May 11 -– All regional police officials from provincial to public safety unit commanders and chiefs of police in the Calabarzon region have strengthened security measures in their areas of responsibilities to prevent and preempt any planned atrocities or impending attacks by enemies and insurgents.

Police Superintendent Armie S. Agbuya, command duty officer at the Regional Operations and Plans Division, confirmed on Thursday the marching orders from Calabarzon Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Ma. O R. Aplasca to all police officers and their operating units to sustain target hardening measures and police operations throughout the region.

The order from higher police authorities was issued after the reported attack by rebel groups who overran the Maddela Police Station in Quirino province two weeks ago.

Also, a military encounter with communist and outlawed New People’s Army rebels occurred in Barangay Magsaysay, Infanta, Quezon three days ago.

Aplasca has reiterated to the police forces here the order to stand guard and thwart any terrorist activities of the communist armed group.

Provincial police officials were ordered to conduct regular inspection of police stations and other lower units to check their preparedness and capability.

The orders also tasked all operating units to activate police security containment ring system from the provincial down to the lowest police units.

The joint oversight security conference assessment report also disclosed around 13 violent incidents were reported by Calabarzon police provincial offices from January 1 to May 9.

The report revealed two harassment cases by armed enemy groups in Batangas; a robbery-holdup incident each in Rizal and Batangas; and arson/burning incidents each in Batangas and Quezon and seven armed encounters of the military troops with the enemy groups in the same period.

The headquarters memorandum also directed police to maintain/deploy perimeter guard/duty sentinel in all police stations, sub-stations, PAC base, camps and detachments.

Police were ordered to utilize Barangay Information Networks (BINs) in gathering information about the enemy’s presence in their area of responsibilities and adjacent areas and institute three-tiered defense system.

They were also cautioned to validate reported sightings or presence of enemy groups who might be employing diversionary tactics in their attacks in police stations and other units.

They were also urged to conduct close coordination and constant communications among police stations and “friendly forces” and to never disregard intelligence/information on the enemy as well as the modus operandi used by the communist insurgents or subversives in the attacks. (PNA)

Quezon PNP to beef up security capability with 2 more maneuver platoons

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Calamba City, May 10 -- The Quezon provincial police office is set to strengthen its internal security operations with two more maneuver platoons to be based in the towns of Sariaya and Mauban after getting the nod from the Calabarzon regional police headquarters here.

According to Police Superintendent Armie S. Agbuya, command duty officer, Calabarzon Regional Operations and Plans Division reported Wednesday that Regional Police Director Chief Superintendent Ma. O Aplasca has approved the request of Police Senior Superintendent Rhoderick C. Armamento, acting provincial director of Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO) for additional platoons.

Armamento’s proposal includes the creation of the 7th Maneuver Platoon to be stationed in Sariaya, Quezon particularly covering the Eco-Tourism Road and the 8th Maneuver Platoon to be stationed in Mauban for security operations and peace-keeping in the areas of operation.

Under the PNP National Headquarters (NHQ) Memorandum Circular 2009-020, the Quezon Police Public Safety Company (QPPSC) has an authorized organization structure and staffing pattern of one company headquarter, one technical support platoon and eight maneuver platoons with a strength comprised of 339 personnel.

Armamento, however, reported the QPPSC actual strength of six maneuver platoons with personnel complement of around 323 having a variance of 17 personnel and two platoons.

The police joint oversight committee meeting report here also said that the Operational Guidelines under the police national headquarters memorandum provides that the Provincial Director of the Police Provincial Office is authorized to temporarily preposition appropriate number of maneuver platoons elsewhere within his jurisdiction for tactical reasons subject to the approval of the Regional Director, Police Regional Office.

Armamento said the additional maneuver platoons will boost and rationalize the deployment of police troops to ensure their maximum efficiency in the performance of Internal Security Operations (ISO) as well as to prevent or thwart possible threat and harassment in the areas by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front. (PNA)

4 cops hurt in Maguindanao roadside explosion

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao, May 9 (PNA) – Four policemen were hurt when a roadside explosion hit their patrol car Tuesday morning in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao, an official said.

Three of the police officers were in critical condition, according to Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police director. 

The police officers were heading to the Maguindanao police provincial office here when the roadside bomb, which was detonated using a cellular phone, went off at around 10:15 a.m., hitting their patrol car, Tello said.

Injured were Senior Police Officer 2 Mohammad Ampatuan, Police Officer 3 Ali Malok, Police Officer 3 Harim Ampatuan and P1 Norodin Olympain.

Although wounded, Olympain managed to drive the shrapnel-hit patrol car to the Maguindanao police provincial hospital here.

“They were to attend a command conference on anti-illegal drugs when the bombing happened,” Tello said.

He said among the suspects they are looking into are members of drug syndicates that the Rajah Buayan police had neutralized the past days.

He said they are also suspecting the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). The BIFF had been under air and ground assaults from the military in nearby Datu Salibo town in the past few days.

“This could be a diversionary tactic,” Tello said of the roadside bombing.

He urged the public to help the police identify those responsible in planting the improvised bomb. 
EOF/PNA

Balikatan school building project sparks hope in Ormoc villages

ORMOC CITY, May 8 --An upland village in this city is happy to receive new classrooms through the ongoing PHL-US Balikatan Exercise 2017 focused on rebuilding facilities damaged by 2013 super typhoon Yolanda.

Villager Betty Ann Catapon said the two new classrooms inside the Don Carlos Rivilla Elementary School in Boroc village here would help in decongesting the classrooms.

The elementary school has more than 400 enrollees from kindergarten to Grade 6 in the last academic year. To date, a group of 60 children share a single room or 20 more than the ideal number for conducive learning.

The school provides education to children from Boroc and its nine sub-villages. Boroc is more than three kilometers away from the national road and more than five kilometers away from the city’s downtown.

Similar project will also rise in the campus of nearby Margen Elementary School. Principal Elvira de Leon said that the construction of classrooms was timely for the opening of the school year.

At least four classrooms were badly destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda on November 8, 2013, prompting students to use makeshift classrooms for their classes.

“This is timely because this coming school year, four new teachers will be assigned in this school,” according to De Leon. Margen campus has 627 registered students.

De Leon expressed hope that the need for chairs and learning materials would also be addressed after the turn-over of the classrooms.

From the usual war games since 2000, Balikatan Exercise 2017 has shifted to humanitarian assistance to cope with challenges that the country are facing and to prepare the US Forces and the Philippine Army to response during natural calamities and disaster, to carry out delivery of humanitarian aid and enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities.

“Balikatan gives us opportunities to share ideas, to learn from each other, to desire many more years of close relationship and partnership,” said Commander Robert Christian, head of US Armed Forces community relations team.

“We have a long history of working together for our common good, it will be our military and your military and people that we will be working together in times of disaster which is why we are doing this today,” Christian told reporters on Monday.

US Armed Forces joining the Balikatan Exercise 2017 are personnel from the US Air Force, Navy, Marines, Infantry and Seabees or the US Naval Construction Forces. Most of them are stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Their counterparts from the Armed Forces of the Philippines are personnel from the 546th and the 543rd Engineering Construction Battalion and the Army Reserve Command.

The US troops are also conducting humanitarian civic assistance in selected villages covered by military humanitarian exercise.

Lt. Col. George Domingo of the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division said the holding of Balikatan Exercise in Eastern Visayas was not only a good experience for soldiers assigned in the region, but also for people always facing threats of natural disaster.

“This is an exercise for our soldiers and the US troops to exchange knowledge in disaster preparation and for us to enhance more our working relationship with other foreign military forces,” Domingo added.

Balikatan Exercise 2017 in Eastern Visayas started early April and will end on May 18 after the turn-over of the constructed classroom to recipient schools. (Roel T. Amazona/PNA)