by Myra L. Quizada, DAR-Surigao del Sur
SURIGAO DEL SUR – Another historical event marked December 3, 2008. Hundreds of farmers marched to call for CARP extension. It was indeed a significant undertaking by the Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM) together with the representatives of the different Peoples Organization, ARBs and other stakeholders of the municipalities of Tandag, Tago and San Miguel as their way of manifestation of support for the continued implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.
It all started with a Street Parade around 8:30 in the morning from Tandag Town Plaza going to the Capitol lobby to have dialogue with the Provincial Governor Vicente T. Pimentel, Jr. He (Gov. Pimentel) gave his message with strong commitment and support, in fact, in all projects being implemented by CARP, the provincial government has always been a partner to all the endeavors especially for the welfare and benefit of the poor farmers.
Shown in photo are farmers together with representatives of the different People’s Organization ARBs and other stakeholders of municipalities of Tandag, Tago, and San Miguel marched along Capitol Road Telaje, Tandag City to visit the 1st District Congressional Office of Hon. Philip A. Pichay thru their Administrator, Mr. Manuel Acosta for some updates regarding the status of the extension of CARP.After the parade, the group visit the Congressional Office of the 1st District Representative, Cong. Philip A. Pichay to know updates on the status of the extension of CARP. Chief of Staff Manuel Acosta read the message of Cong. Pichay with important points.
“I am one with you in the CALLING for the extension of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988. In fact, I am one of the co-author of the bill proposing the same in order to boost our agricultural sector. As of now the bill still in the unfinished business at the house of representatives…initial interpolation were previously made before the approval of the bill or law,” it said.
A short program was being facilitated by the POs in front of the DAR Provincial Office lobby here. Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries have spoken and gave their testimonies on the different services they have acquired through the comprehensive agrarian reform program.
Photo shows farmers together with representatives of the different People’s Organization ARBs and other stakeholders of municipalities of Tandag, Tago, and San Miguel marched to call for a Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) extension at Quezon Street, Tandag City Surigao del Sur.
From the several infrastructure projects, irrigation systems, solar home packages, scholarship grants and other benefits, they were all thankful and very optimistic that there actions will serve as a way for the legislators will hear their anguish and that by end of the year a bill or law will be approved for the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.
The whole duration of the program was covered live by DXJS Radyo ng Bayan Tandag. Other press people from Philippine Information Agency and Periodico news paper were also present during the occasion.
As a closing part of the program PARO Benjamin Mataksil gave his words of commitment that by the time the program will be extended, reassured of the continued implementation and giving of support services to the constituents of Surigao del Sur.
CARP Extension with Reforms Mobilization
by Gil E. Miranda, DAR-Agusan del Norte
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BUTUAN CITY - Federation of Agrarian Reform Communities Cooperatives (FEDARCCO), Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) led by their respective People's Organization leaders, Farmworkers, PARCCOM Officials, Akbayan Partylist, AGUKAKABA, and Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA) in Agusan del Norte, joined hands to voice their thoughts and do their utmost desire to extend CARP and support House Bill No. 4077 during the CARP Extension with Reforms (CARPER) Day Parade held recently here.
Photo shows Rev. Juan De Dios Pueblos, D.D., Bishop of Butuan City, gives his inspiring message before the Farmers in Agusan del Norte showing his full support to extend CARP. 
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Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs),
POs, and NGOs from different munici-
palities in Agusan del Norte bringing
placards containing statement of
support to CARP extension during the
CARP Extension with Reforms
(CARPER) Day Parade held recently.
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The parade started at the City Hall Ground at exactly 8:30 am and passed through Capitol Compound Avenue all the way to Montilla Boulevard and ended at Rizal Park for a short program. To give meaning to the event and in order to fully hear the voices of the farmers, it was graced and given life by the inspiring message of our Most Reverend Juan De Dios Pueblos, D.D., Bishop of Butuan City. He said that “we are very thankful here in Agusan del Norte because we are having a very supportive Congressmen who always showed their efforts to extend CARP”.
He further said “we have to continue our unity for the benefits of the poor; (ang kalambuan sa atong nasud naga-agad sa kabaskog sa mga yano na mga mag-uuma), the progress of our nation depends on the health of our poor farmers.”
Around 1,000 people lined up on the streets without minding the scorching heat of the sun just to send their sentiment to remind legislators to enact House Bill 4077 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) before the end of the season.
Aside from the parade, press conference was also conducted being presented by the selected farmers, PARCCOM members, FEDARCCO Officials and PO Leaders before the local tri-media of this city.
BCBMPC ensures PhilHealth coverage of members
by: Gil E. Miranda, DAR-Agusan del Norte
Baug CARP Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Popularly known as BCBMPC is presently facilitating the health insurance coverage of members through a memorandum of agreement with PhilHealth with their National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) or likewise known as Kalusugang Sigurado at Abot-kaya sa PhilHealth Insurance, (KASAPI), in 22 Agrarian Reform Communities, (ARCs) throughout Agusan del Norte before the year ends.
Sometime in June 2006, ExeCom and formerly BOD Chairman Jimmy L. Beray and PhilHealth Regional Assistant Vice President Johnny Y. Sychua, discussed about the basic social protection mechanism, specifically on health insurance. As a result, KASAPI was jointly implemented to reach out the quality health care services for underprivileged members per Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on November 13, 2006.
Signing of MOA between BCBMPC and the PhilHealth will enable to ensure the continuous access to quality health care benefits of BCBMPC members under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). Shown in this photo is PARO II Andre B. Atega officially signs the MOA.The MOA between BCBMPC and the PhilHealth will enable members to enjoy access to quality health care services in the PhilHealth-accredited health care institutions in the province. This initiative was facilitated by DAR Regional Director Felix B. Aguhob.
As stipulated in the MOA, BCBMPC, as an organized group, undertakes PhilHealth programs in the expansion of its social health insurance scheme: to carry out marketing strategy by way of education & communication campaign & advocacy; collection and monitoring for the coverage of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and informal sector under the individually paying program (IPP); at least 700 enrolees is required; and in the distribution of PhilHealth cards.
The agreement aims to provide the workers from informal sector an access to basic social health care services in quality and affordable scheme, and to sustain in their wellness resulting to improve their productivity and greater income as well as in realization of the mandate of DAR in providing accessible, affordable, quality health care services for the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries, (ARBs) as only chance out poverty is in their health.
PhilHealth Assistant Vice President Johnny Y. Sychua officially handed over one unit computer with genuine copy of KASAPI Membership Information System (KMIS), software installed in it to BCBMPC officials (left-right) Hazel B. Canoy, BCBMPC Manager Luxmie B. Auxillo and ExeCom and formerly BOD Chairman Jimmy L. Beray. Also in photo are (R-L) BOD Carmen D. Vasquez, BOD Juanito Biyok (in blue polo shirt) and BOD Juanito A. Tiu.
With the excellent teamwork of the BCBMPC and PhilHealth officials, they found out that the program gives positive impact to the cooperative and to their members and brought it to its current status. One that can be relied on by the members and one that they are proud of.
At present, the recruitment of ARB-members and other workers are still on-going. PhilHealth, Inc. handed-over one (1) unit computer with genuine copy of KASAPI Membership Information System, (KMIS) software installed on it. The cooperative sent the concerned staff to undergo a comprehensive training in Manila for the smooth and proper implementation of the partnership with PhilHealth.
The Board of Directors of Baug CARP Multi-Purpose Cooperative are very optimistic and had always been a dreamed not far from the horizon to open up other intervention for the benefits of its members.
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POLICE REPORTS
By : PO3 Rene Boy Ocares Bernaldez
and PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania
PNP probes shooting incident
On December 2, 2008 (Tuesday) at 8:00 in the evening at Little Baguio, Barangay Crossing Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, initial investigation disclosed that the victim identified as Rodeny G. Ibay, 25 years old, married and resident of Milagrosa, Tampakan, South Cotabato boarded the Bachelor Express Bus with bus number 3186 from Barangay Timamana, Tubod, Surigao del Norte heading towards Butuan City, while the suspects boarded from Barangay Magpayang, Mainit, Surigao del Norte, and upon reaching at the abovementioned place, the two suspects drew their caliber 45 pistol and shot the victim hitting the left side of the victims head which resulted to his instantaneous death.
After the incident, suspect disembarked from the bus and brought the pack bag of the victim. Upon receipt of said report, elements of Kitcharao Municipal Police Station immediately proceeded to the area and recovered three empty shells of caliber 45 pistol and one slug. The suspects were wearing black jacket and maong pants; age MOL 30-35 years old; height-between 5'5" to 5'6". Investigation is still going on to determine the motive of the incident and to possibly identify and arrest the suspects.
Meanwhile, at Barangay Banban, Taganaan, Surigao del Norte, elements of Taganaan Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Danrevel Etac, recovered one caliber .38 revolver with Serial Number 736016 loaded with three live ammos and one sharp long bolo.
The team responded to a report that a group of men armed with short firearms is harassing the gold panners. While the operatives were approaching the area and moving toward a small nipa hut, two unidentified persons ran towards forested area leaving behind the recovered firearm. Recovered items are now under the custody of Taganaan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Also, on December 3, 2008 (Wednesday) at 7:00 in the evening at Purok-1, Barangay Del Monte, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, a victim identified as Felix Infiesto Jr, of legal age, businessman, married and resident of said place was shot inside their store by unidentified suspect using cal .45 pistol.
The victim was hit at the different parts of his body. Victim was rushed to DO Plaza Memorial Hospital, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur but was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician, while suspect fled to unknown direction.
Responding team from Talacogon Municipal Police Station recovered at the crime scene two pieces slugs and one spent shell of cal .45. Another team led by SPO2 Raul A Francisco, together with Barangay Captain Dahunos and some Barangay Tanods of Barangay Del Monte, conducted hot pursuit operation that led to the apprehension of one Jessie Molihon, a resident of Barangay Cecelia, San Luis, Agusan del Sur.
Subject is the driver of motorcycle used as get away vehicle of the suspect. Arrested person is now detained at Talacogon Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. Progress report to follow.
Arrest of illegal gambling suspects
On December 1, 2008 (Monday) at 7:00 in the evening at the Crossing Road, Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, a certain Rovito Ornita, 53 years old, married, alleged usher/collector of illegal gambling locally known as “suertres”, and a resident of Barangay Manga, Madrdid, Surigao del Sur was apprehended by elements of Carmen Municipal Police Station for having caught in the act engaged in illegal gambling activity. Confiscated from his possession were tally sheets, illegal gambling paraphernalia and bet money amounting to P200.00. Subject person was brought to Carmen Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Also, on December 2, 2008 (Tuesday) at Langihan Road, Barangay Holy Redeemer, Butuan City, elements of Butuan City Police Station-2 led by PINSP Nestor Taganahan, Deputy Station Commander, conducted operation against illegal gambling known as "cara Cross" which resulted to the apprehension of the following persons: Ronaldo Ranese Ladan, 18 years old, single, a resident of Purok-7, New Asia, Barangay 17 Fort Poyohon, Butuan City; Ronald Lobon Saranggote, 18 years old, single, a resident of Langihan Road , Butuan City; Ferdinand Timbal Lagapa, 33 years old, Married and resident of Purok-4A, Barangay Lower Doongan , Butuan City; Rolly Walo Pepe, 45 years old, married and resident of Purok-2A, Barangay Holy Redeemer, Butuan City.
Confiscated during the operation were six pieces of 25 cents coins used as a "Tsapa" and bet money amounting to P145.00. A certain Rommel Gallaga alias “Bolaw”, a resident of Barangay 23 Holy Redeemer, Butuan City was able to evade arrest from the operatives. Arrested suspect were brought to Butuan City Police Station-2 for proper disposition and filing of appropriate case in court.
Apprehension of wanted persons
On December 2, 2008 (Tuesday) at 4:10 in the afternoon at Purok-6, Maraville Village, Tabon, Bislig City, elements of Bislig City Police Station led by SPO3 Elmer Dela Cruz arrested the suspect identified as Jamely Gambo Veras, 25 years old, single, jobless and resident of abovementioned place by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) docketed under criminal case number 4310 dated June 8, 2008 for the crime of Frustrated Homicide issued by Judge Ambrocio Moleta of MTCC, 11th Judicial Region, Bislig City with recommended bailbond amounting to P12,000.00.
Arrested suspect is now detained at Bislig City Police Station for proper disposition.
On December 3, 2008 (Wednesday) at 2:30 in the afternoon at Barangay Pilaring, Pilar, Surigao Del Norte, PNP elements of Pilar Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Joseph Geofrey P Lim, arrested the suspect identified as Abner Dotillos alias “Titing”, 24 years old, single and resident of said place by virtue of WOA dated September 18, 2008 for the offense of malicious mischief docketed under CC number 4231 issued by Hon Judge Ignacio Macarine of MCTC General Luna, Surigao del Norte with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 2,000.00.
Arrested person now temporarily detained at Pilar Detention cell for proper disposition.
Also, at 4:00 in the afternoon at Barangay Sampaguita, Veruela, Agusan del Sur, PNP elements of Veruela Municipal Police Station led by SPO1 Benjamin arrested the suspect identified as Rogelio Uayan, 45 years old, married and resident of said place by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Eduardo Casal of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 1, Libertad, Butuan City, docketed under CC number 12806 for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9262.
Arrested person now detained at Veruela Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
At about 5:00 in the afternoon at Barangay Maasin, Pilar, Surigao del Norte, PNP elements of Pilar Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Joseph Geofrey P Lim arrested the suspect identified as Alvin Penera, 30 years old, single and resident of Purok-3, Maasin, Pilar, Surigao del Norte by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Evangeline Yuipco Bayana of RTC Branch 31, Dapa, Surigao del Norte, docketed under CC Number 100-08 for murder.
Arrested person now detained at Pilar Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Report on foiled bank robbery
On December 4, 2008 (Thursday) at 1:00 in the afternoon at Poblacion, Bayugan City , Agusan del Sur, the First Consolidated Bank (FCB) was entered by three suspects identified as Michael Sopera alias “Dodong Tisoy”, 29 years old, married and resident of Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City; Christopher Perez alias “Bobong”, of legal age, married, and one alias “Junjun”, both resident of Santis, Obrero, Butuan City.
The incident was noticed after the alarm system installed at the bank was heard by personnel of Bayugan City Police Station. Alert team led by SPO4 Gilbert Lumacad immediately responded which led to the apprehension of Michael Sopera, while the other two suspects evaded the arrest. Recovered from the possession of the arrested suspect are the following items: one cellphone sony ericson; one battery charger; one scissor; one make-up kit; one headphone; one flashlight; one CCTV; cash money (coins) worth Php 1,486.15.
Investigation conducted disclosed that the suspects gained entrance by cutting the aircon grill. However, the suspects activated the alarm system and failed to open the bank safety vault. Estimated cash stolen by the suspects amounted to Php 3,000.00.
Follow-up operation conducted by Bayugan City Police Station led by PSINSP Warren Ejem Dablo, Chief of Police, resulted to the apprehension of one Francis Palima Jr alias “Junjun” at Barangay Obrero, Butuan City. The team also recovered one unit armscor shotgun with SN 754512 with five live ammunition issued to security guard Jessie V Tabanao of Tamblot Security and General Services.
The immediate response of Bayugan City Police Station was due to the installed alarm system of the bank that resulted to the arrest of the suspects. Suspects now detained at Bayugan City Police Station while case against them now being prepared for filing in court. Progress report to follow.
