Children’s governance: A challenge beyond four conrners of school campus
By: Fritz V. Evangelio
Agusan del Sur officialdom voluntarily surrendered their posts for a day to youth leaders during a short program right after the Monday flag raising ceremony at the provincial capitol ground, as mandated in Provincial Ordinance No. 16, series of 2002, otherwise known as the Children’s Code of Agusan del Sur.
Section 46 of the children’s code states that under close supervision by those in government position, the children in the province of Agusan del Sur shall reign the governance/administration of the entire bureaucracy, including elective positions, except in hospitals, from the barangay up to provincial level, and whose official actions shall be binding and enforceable within the law. The local councils for the welfare of children in each LGU shall recommend to the Local Sanggunian the names of children who shall be occupying all the position in the bureaucracy. On this day, governing/administering children shall be compensated according to the position/s they are holding comensurate to one (1) day equivalent to be taken from the regular salary of the holder of such position being taken over.
Side by side after the turn over, young governor Jelcid Fernando Ebarle from Bayugan City walked with Gov. Maria Valentina “Tina” Plaza to the second floor where the office of the governor is located, each wearing smiles in their faces as a sign of sweet surrender of her post on the side of Gov. Tina, and a sign of willingness on the side of young Gov. Ebarle.
Two days before the taking over, youth leaders convene on a youth congress at the Provincial Training Center and discuss issues and problems that confront children and women all over the province based on the four major rights of a child as defined in the Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination and Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). A rigid workshop was done whose output will support the existing laws that protect the children and women and will be jointly financed by the provincial and municipal federation of the Sangguniang Kabataan and the provincial and municipal governments.
To prepare the youth legislatures before they take over the legislative chambers, Vice Governor Santiago “Santi” Cane himself briefed the children on the rules and procedures in the conduct of meetings and sessions in order that they can pass local laws which will become part of the laws of Agusan del Sur, parallel to the law of the Republic.
Among those elected yesterday that took over the governance of Agusan del Sur today, October 19 were, Governor: Jelcid Fernando Ebarle of Bayugan; Vice Governor: Phybglyzl Chavez of San Luis; District I Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Melch Marion Demegillo; Yvonne Kaye Perocillo, Leean Espino, Fatima Alaan and Jovelyn Luna. For Sangguniang Panlalawigan members District II: Sheila Mae Magadan; Hannah Jane Daday; Arnold Improso; Kris Angeli Sanchez and Carmela Bahalla. The Youth Provincial PCL President was Sweet Dawn Chavez while Kenny Jean Balagon took over the post of Hon. Edwin Elorde as Liga ng mga Barangay President. All the chiefs of offices were also unseated in favor of the young chiefs of offices for a day, including the prosecutor’s office and the office of the Philippine Information Agency as requested by Vice Governor Santi Cane.
“Every October since I became governor of Agusan del Sur, I sweetly surrender my office to the young governor as mandated in Ordinance No. 16, not only as compliance, but to share the responsibility that a governor carries on her shoulder for the welfare and well being of her constituents, because I believe these young leaders are not just future leaders of the province, but they will become forces that will carry Agusan del Sur to prosperity”, Gov. Tina Plaza said. (With Dave M. Suyao, PIA, Agusan del Sur)
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By: Fritz V. Evangelio
Agusan del Sur officialdom voluntarily surrendered their posts for a day to youth leaders during a short program right after the Monday flag raising ceremony at the provincial capitol ground, as mandated in Provincial Ordinance No. 16, series of 2002, otherwise known as the Children’s Code of Agusan del Sur.
Section 46 of the children’s code states that under close supervision by those in government position, the children in the province of Agusan del Sur shall reign the governance/administration of the entire bureaucracy, including elective positions, except in hospitals, from the barangay up to provincial level, and whose official actions shall be binding and enforceable within the law. The local councils for the welfare of children in each LGU shall recommend to the Local Sanggunian the names of children who shall be occupying all the position in the bureaucracy. On this day, governing/administering children shall be compensated according to the position/s they are holding comensurate to one (1) day equivalent to be taken from the regular salary of the holder of such position being taken over.
Side by side after the turn over, young governor Jelcid Fernando Ebarle from Bayugan City walked with Gov. Maria Valentina “Tina” Plaza to the second floor where the office of the governor is located, each wearing smiles in their faces as a sign of sweet surrender of her post on the side of Gov. Tina, and a sign of willingness on the side of young Gov. Ebarle.
Two days before the taking over, youth leaders convene on a youth congress at the Provincial Training Center and discuss issues and problems that confront children and women all over the province based on the four major rights of a child as defined in the Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination and Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). A rigid workshop was done whose output will support the existing laws that protect the children and women and will be jointly financed by the provincial and municipal federation of the Sangguniang Kabataan and the provincial and municipal governments.
To prepare the youth legislatures before they take over the legislative chambers, Vice Governor Santiago “Santi” Cane himself briefed the children on the rules and procedures in the conduct of meetings and sessions in order that they can pass local laws which will become part of the laws of Agusan del Sur, parallel to the law of the Republic.
Among those elected yesterday that took over the governance of Agusan del Sur today, October 19 were, Governor: Jelcid Fernando Ebarle of Bayugan; Vice Governor: Phybglyzl Chavez of San Luis; District I Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Melch Marion Demegillo; Yvonne Kaye Perocillo, Leean Espino, Fatima Alaan and Jovelyn Luna. For Sangguniang Panlalawigan members District II: Sheila Mae Magadan; Hannah Jane Daday; Arnold Improso; Kris Angeli Sanchez and Carmela Bahalla. The Youth Provincial PCL President was Sweet Dawn Chavez while Kenny Jean Balagon took over the post of Hon. Edwin Elorde as Liga ng mga Barangay President. All the chiefs of offices were also unseated in favor of the young chiefs of offices for a day, including the prosecutor’s office and the office of the Philippine Information Agency as requested by Vice Governor Santi Cane.
“Every October since I became governor of Agusan del Sur, I sweetly surrender my office to the young governor as mandated in Ordinance No. 16, not only as compliance, but to share the responsibility that a governor carries on her shoulder for the welfare and well being of her constituents, because I believe these young leaders are not just future leaders of the province, but they will become forces that will carry Agusan del Sur to prosperity”, Gov. Tina Plaza said. (With Dave M. Suyao, PIA, Agusan del Sur)
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DENR-XIII seized ‘hot logs’ anew
BUTUAN CITY (October 19) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) scores anew as personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) apprehended another illegal logs yesterday, Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Brgy. Amparo, this city.
Based on the apprehension receipt report, 84 pieces of lauan species with a total volume of 38.26 cubic feet, estimated at around P191,300.00, and 50 pieces of miscellaneous species, total volume of 12.25 cubic feet, with an estimated amount of P18,375.00 were apprehended at around 6:00 in the morning Sunday.
The apprehension was conducted due to violation of Presidential Decree 705, revising Presidential Decree No. 389, otherwise known as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.
Apprehending officers are composed of Scaler Jaime Arandil; and Forest Rangers Exequiel Anno, Erwin Llanes, Dario Tanio, and Leonardo Ranara – Team Leader.
With these developments, DENR is closely monitoring the region in its effort to stop illegal logging activities in support to the programs of the national government in eradicating illegal loggers to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Over the last 14 years of its creation as a Regional Office, DENR - Caraga has actively implemented programs and projects that have impact in the promotion of clean, green and healthy environment, as well as to uplift the socio-economic condition in the upland communities in the region.
The DENR is actively campaigning for effective measures that will mitigate the ill-effects of climate change. These include reforestation in geo-hazard areas, environmental research and the implementation of ecological solid waste management. (PIA-Caraga)
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DTI and DOH to hold 3rd Consumernet meets the public
BUTUAN CITY – Recognizing the importance of education towards a protected consumer, the Consumernet Caraga through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) will hold the 3rd Consumernet Meets the Public on October 28, 8:30 in the morning at Luciana Convention Center.
The forum is one of the major activities for the Consumer Welfare Month celebration. It is an annual Consumernet Caraga activity to commemorate the month-long celebration.
This year’s theme is “Generic Drugs: Gawang Pinoy! Galing Pinoy! Tangkilikin Natin!”. Thus, the forum will highlight information on the Cheaper Medicines Act and Generics Medicines.
Target participants for the forum are representatives of consumer organizations in the region, senior citizens, government employees, transport groups and academe, among others.
The forum will also serve as the venue for the Target participants for the forum are representatives of consumer organizations in the region, senior citizens, government employees, transport groups and academe, among others. (Lovely Laudette Gamba, PIA-Caraga)
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TESDA Caraga gears up for
“Stand Up, Fight Poverty Campaign”
By: Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.
BUENAVISTA, AGUSAN DEL NORTE– Joining in the nationwide chorus and campaign to stand up and fight poverty, the TESDA Caraga blasted with an opening salvo of its own this 16th day of October 2009 at the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries, which was attended by 323 technical-vocational students and graduates, and in concert with TESDA executives and personnel.
The concerted activity is in line with the Presidential Proclamation No. 717, Series of 2004, which declared October 17-23 of every year as the “National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty” and coincides with the “Stand Up, Fight Poverty” (SUFP) Global Campaign this October 16-18, 2009 being led by the United Nations and the National Anti-Poverty Commission.
Pioneering act of TESDA for this year, as revealed by Director General Augusto Boboy Syjuco, is the attempt of registering the “Jobs Bridging and Internship Program” with the UNDP/UNFPA Stand United Secretariat “as part of our support to the SUFP Campaign on the Medium-term Development Goal No. 1 (Poverty and Hunger) as our commitment.”
OIC-Provincial Director Leo V. Velez of TESDA Agusan del Norte, who represented OIC-Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. and other TESDA Caraga executives, provided the rationale and overview of the day-long activity here saying: “Poverty is a heavy, recurring issue. And for us in the TVET sector, education is a tool to fight poverty. And we are here as a consolidated show of force, believing that poverty can be addressed through education and employment.”
Sharing about the objectives, he pointed out that the campaign would help encourage people’s participation in the fight against poverty by presenting the different programs and resources available to people belonging to different sectors; build networks with government line agencies, government organizations, and people’s organizations . . . towards the welfare of specific basic sectors; and to celebrate the milestones and achievements of each sector in the fight against poverty.
He likewise pointed out that TESDA’s role in the campaign is in holding of the “Jobs Bridging and Internship Program” as part of the SUFP Campaign. Specifically, for TESDA Caraga, he shared that today’s activity would zero in on conducting the Youth Profiling for Starring Careers, which will help the individual learn about what specific technical-vocational careers would be fitting for him. Part of the activity is the skills demonstration of Body Massage and Beauty Care, such as pedicure, manicure and haircut.
Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva of Dinagat Island Province did the honor of launching of the SUFP Campaign.
The skills demonstration for Beauty Care was courtesy of the Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trade, while the Body Massage was courtesy of the students of the Butuan City Manpower Training Center and the practitioners of the Modern Tech Massage Association (MTMA) based here.
It was learned that MTMA is a case in point in terms of anti-poverty intervention. TESDA Agusan del Norte, in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan, was able to source out funds from the Department of Labor and Employment, resulting in providing its members with a legal personality and the acquisition of massage tools, supplies and equipment, plus other massage accessories and furniture. With that intervention, the MTMA members were able to launch a self-employed livelihood enterprise – a massage clinic – just this August 2009 at the heart of this municipality.
As announced by Director Velez, the week-long activity will culminate with a bigger Jobs Bridging event to be hosted by the AMA Computer Learning Center in Butuan City with the support and partnership of the different industry players and technical vocational institutions around Caraga Region.
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Army justifies presence in Andap
The military hierarchy in the region justified their presence in Andap Complex, in Surigao del Sur, even as they belie reports that they were there to protect some business interests – primarily mining investments – at the expense of residents, especially the indigenous tribes that live in the areas affected by these investments.
A press conference was held recently at the Advance Command Post of the 401st Brigade, Philippine Army, Camp Bancasi, this city; attended by Colonel Ephraim Oropel, Post Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Lamzon, Commanding Officer, 58th Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Pedralvez, Commanding Officer 23rd Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Gammad, Commanding Officer 36th Infantry Battalion, Major Michelle Anayron, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division and Mr. Abner Caga, Regional Director of the Philippine Information Agency-Caraga, to shed light on the issue.
In a press statement read by Lt. Col. Lamzon during the forum attended by the local media practitioners, it mentioned that on the recent months, the national and local media as well as the internet have been flooded with news, stories and political statements regarding the so called militarization in the Andap Complex. The stories, according to their press statement, charged that the presence of the military forced local communities of indigenous people to evacuate to safer grounds owing to the human rights violations and other atrocities perpetrated accordingly by soldiers coming from the 36th and the 58th IBs of the 4ID Philippine Army.
Accordingly, the articles seem to point out that the presence and operations of the army at the said complex were intended to harass people towards forcing them to support and allow mining in their communities. Some of the articles, according to their press statement, even alleged that the recruitment of local residents to become “Bagani Warriors” is still attributed to the purpose of enforcing the operation of mining projects in the Andap.
The Army’s statement pointed out that the accusation hurled against them were all baseless, as their continued presence in the vicinity, as “within the complex are guerilla bases of the CPP-NPA.” They said that with or without mining applications and explorations the Army’s presence in Andap as CPP-NPA has been proven to be operating within and from the different strategic locations within the complex. NPAs they said, used the area as base of operation as well as staging ground for tactical offensives.
Accordingly, the four guerilla fronts of the CPP-NPA, are operating in the province of Suigao del Sur; Fronts 19A, 19B, 14 and 30. Two guerilla fronts; Front 19A and 19B made use of Andap Complex for their different activities, including military actions meant to harass civilians and government troopers.
The army claimed that as early as the 80’s several encounters between the government troops and NPAs occurred at Andap Valley Complex, including that raid which led to the death of Fr. Frank Navarro, alias a.k.a. Ka Migo.
Lamzon added that there were no mining operations yet in the area. Records from the GMB, he said will show that all are still applications for explorations, so there are no mining operations which needed the army’s protections.
Lt. Col. Gammad pointed out that for the area like Andap Complex which is being made a guerilla base by the CPP-NPA, the army has the mandate to ensure the security of the state and promote social order that is conducive to development and progress. The army is now employing the so called “constructive and developmentalist approach.” Now, he said, they are pushing forward their “Kalayaan sa Barangay Project” (KBP) which will pave farm-to-market roads, install electricity, put up water system project, build two classroom school buildings or health center to a place (whether a Sitio or a Barangay) depending on their identified and prioritized need. The program allocates P5 Million peso budget for each place.
For his part, Lt. Col. Pedralvez said that the tactics employed by the CPP-NPA is not new. The last 40 years he said will show that the communists are capable of fabricating issues to dramatize their agenda.
Like the recent “Taktikang Bakwit” which they employed to dramatize the so-called impact of the military presence, when they mobilize the indigenous people from Andap complex in the form of evacuation “even if there was no raging firefight in the area and not even a single shot was heard,” he said.
According to him, that they now had exploited the issue of mining to mobilize supports from various groups and organizations, including environmentalists, towards campaigning against the entry of the Philippine Army into the Andap complex. (Noel B. Najarro/PNN)
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POLICE REPORTS
By PO2 Darlin Cabalinan-Migullas; PO3 Philip AMer Posas Mazo;
and PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania
Accomplishment report on loose firearms
Personnel from Las Nieves Municipal Police Station led by PSI Dela Fuerta, COP conducted massive information drive on loose firearms/Kontra Boga on October 14, 2009 at around 8:30 in the morning at Barangays Poblacion, Malicato, Katipunan, Tinukoran, and San Isidro, all of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.
The team brought the Drop Box of Unwanted firearms and placed it in the strategic places. As a result, one homemade shotgun without serial number was dropped by unknown person inside the said drop box. Recovered firearm is now under the custody of Las Nieves Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
On the other hand, personnel from Nasipit Municipal Police Station conducted visitation/information drive on loose firearms at the different residence of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, which resulted to the assorted caliber of firearms being dropped at the Drop Box of Nasipit Municipal Police Station to wit: 8 pieces .38 caliber revolver; 11 pieces .22 caliber revolver; 1 piece .32 caliber revolver; 1 improvised .38 caliber revolver and 1 piece flare gun. Said firearms are now under the custody of Nasipit Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
PNP arrests wanted person
On October 15, 2009 at Barangay 1, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, a certain Spartus Ramirez Caspe, 22 years old, single and a resident of Barangay 2, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur was apprehended by elements of San Francisco Municipal Police Station led by PInsp. Elmer Reyea Azurez Jr. Deputy, Chief of Police by virtue of Warrant of Arrest (WOA) issued by Hon. Dante Luz Viacrusis, Executive Judge, RTC Branch 6, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur for a crime of Frustrated Homicide docketed under criminal case number 6682 with recommended bail bond of PhP24,000.00. Arrested person is now detained at the said Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
At around 6:00 in the morning of the same date, Personnel of Butuan City Police Station 2 headed by PSI Michael Bastes arrested Erwin Cuadra, 23 years old suspect, married and a resident of Purok-7, Barangay Limaha, Butuan City by virtue of WOA under Criminal Case number 13616 issued by Judge Eduardo S Casals of RTC branch 1, Libertad, Butuan City dated 16 September 2009 with NO BAIL BOND recommended.
The suspect was arrested at Pier 4 Mabolo, Cebu City who was charged for rape. Cuadra is now temporarily detained at Butuan City Police Station 2 Detention Cell for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on violation of RA 7610
A case of Acts of Lasciviousness and Physical Injury in relation to RA 7610 (Anti-Child Abuse Law) was filed to the City Prosecutor's Office against Emeliano "Bebot" Tan, of legal age, married and a resident of Purok Alugbati, Barangay Golden Ribbon, Butuan City.
Mr Felix Vergildo, a resident of Barangay Maguinda, Butuan City complained the suspect for victimizing his 17 year old daughter Mary (not her real name) on October 16, 2009. The case was filed around 10:30 in the morning of the same day docketed under IS number XIII-01-INV-095-02108. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on accomplishments on campaign against loose firearms
On October 14, 2009 around 9:30 in the evening, elements from Mainit Municipal Police Station and Barangay San Francisco Tanods apprehended Dante Tandugon Labi, 33 years old, a resident of Purok-2, Barangay San Francisco, Mainit, Surigao del Norte for possessing a caliber .38 revolver with serial number 2157321.
Apprehended person and the confiscated firearm were brought to Mainit Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and filing of appropriate case in court.
On October 15, 2009 around 8:00 in the morning, two pieces home made caliber .22 locally known as "Sumpak" without serial numbers were dropped at the Firearms Drop Box at Kitcharao Municipal Police Station and now in the custody of the police station for proper disposition.
Also, on October 16, 2009 around 7:00 in the morning, two units home made caliber .38 without serial numbers were dropped at the Firearms Drop Box placed at the Municipal Hall of Tubay, Agusan del Norte. Said firearms were brought to Tubay Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
At around 8:00 in the morning, Santiago Municipal Police Station conducted retrieval of the Drop Box placed inside the Barangay Poblacion 1 Gymnasium, Santiago, Agusan del Norte and recovered one unit caliber .357 revolver Smith and Wesson brand with serial number 947082 and one unit home made shotgun. Recovered firearms were brought to Santiago Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
At 9:00 in the morning at the Municipal Hall of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte, PSI Gaudioso Cajutol Jr together with Municipal Mayor Carlito Cumba recovered two units of caliber .22 paltik with defaced serial numbers. Recovered firearms were brought to Magallanes Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Meanwhile, at around 11:00 in the morning, one unit caliber .38 revolver home made without serial number was voluntarily surrendered to Buenavista Municipal Police Station by a certain person who requested anonymity. Said firearm is now in the custody of Buenavista Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
At 4:30 in the afternoon, PSINSP Dionesio Pingos, OIC of Carmen Municipal Police Station together with Hon Raul Aparecio, SB member of said municipality retrieved one unit cal .22 smith and Wesson magnum revolver without serial number and one unit caliber .22 revolver Crosman Arms Co. also without serial number from the drop box of Unwanted Firearms which was placed at the Entrance of Rama Gymnasium of Carman, Agusan del Norte. Said Firearms are now in the custody of Carmen Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on illegal drugs
Joint team from Buenavista Municipal Police Station led by PSINSP Artemio Suarez and PDEA headed by Joel B Plaza conducted buy-bust operation at Purok-1, Barangay 8, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on October 16, 2009 at 7:15 in the evening, which resulted to the arrest of one Dani Diwat, of legal age and resident of said place.
Confiscated from his possession were one transparent heat sealed plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu; Php 500.00 marked money and Php 100.00 bill believed to be proceeds from his illegal activities.
Arrested person is now under the custody of PDEA 13 for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
BUTUAN CITY (October 19) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) scores anew as personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) apprehended another illegal logs yesterday, Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Brgy. Amparo, this city.
Based on the apprehension receipt report, 84 pieces of lauan species with a total volume of 38.26 cubic feet, estimated at around P191,300.00, and 50 pieces of miscellaneous species, total volume of 12.25 cubic feet, with an estimated amount of P18,375.00 were apprehended at around 6:00 in the morning Sunday.
The apprehension was conducted due to violation of Presidential Decree 705, revising Presidential Decree No. 389, otherwise known as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.
Apprehending officers are composed of Scaler Jaime Arandil; and Forest Rangers Exequiel Anno, Erwin Llanes, Dario Tanio, and Leonardo Ranara – Team Leader.
With these developments, DENR is closely monitoring the region in its effort to stop illegal logging activities in support to the programs of the national government in eradicating illegal loggers to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Over the last 14 years of its creation as a Regional Office, DENR - Caraga has actively implemented programs and projects that have impact in the promotion of clean, green and healthy environment, as well as to uplift the socio-economic condition in the upland communities in the region.
The DENR is actively campaigning for effective measures that will mitigate the ill-effects of climate change. These include reforestation in geo-hazard areas, environmental research and the implementation of ecological solid waste management. (PIA-Caraga)
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DTI and DOH to hold 3rd Consumernet meets the public
BUTUAN CITY – Recognizing the importance of education towards a protected consumer, the Consumernet Caraga through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) will hold the 3rd Consumernet Meets the Public on October 28, 8:30 in the morning at Luciana Convention Center.
The forum is one of the major activities for the Consumer Welfare Month celebration. It is an annual Consumernet Caraga activity to commemorate the month-long celebration.
This year’s theme is “Generic Drugs: Gawang Pinoy! Galing Pinoy! Tangkilikin Natin!”. Thus, the forum will highlight information on the Cheaper Medicines Act and Generics Medicines.
Target participants for the forum are representatives of consumer organizations in the region, senior citizens, government employees, transport groups and academe, among others.
The forum will also serve as the venue for the Target participants for the forum are representatives of consumer organizations in the region, senior citizens, government employees, transport groups and academe, among others. (Lovely Laudette Gamba, PIA-Caraga)
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TESDA Caraga gears up for
“Stand Up, Fight Poverty Campaign”
By: Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.
BUENAVISTA, AGUSAN DEL NORTE– Joining in the nationwide chorus and campaign to stand up and fight poverty, the TESDA Caraga blasted with an opening salvo of its own this 16th day of October 2009 at the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries, which was attended by 323 technical-vocational students and graduates, and in concert with TESDA executives and personnel.
The concerted activity is in line with the Presidential Proclamation No. 717, Series of 2004, which declared October 17-23 of every year as the “National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty” and coincides with the “Stand Up, Fight Poverty” (SUFP) Global Campaign this October 16-18, 2009 being led by the United Nations and the National Anti-Poverty Commission.
Pioneering act of TESDA for this year, as revealed by Director General Augusto Boboy Syjuco, is the attempt of registering the “Jobs Bridging and Internship Program” with the UNDP/UNFPA Stand United Secretariat “as part of our support to the SUFP Campaign on the Medium-term Development Goal No. 1 (Poverty and Hunger) as our commitment.”
OIC-Provincial Director Leo V. Velez of TESDA Agusan del Norte, who represented OIC-Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. and other TESDA Caraga executives, provided the rationale and overview of the day-long activity here saying: “Poverty is a heavy, recurring issue. And for us in the TVET sector, education is a tool to fight poverty. And we are here as a consolidated show of force, believing that poverty can be addressed through education and employment.”
Sharing about the objectives, he pointed out that the campaign would help encourage people’s participation in the fight against poverty by presenting the different programs and resources available to people belonging to different sectors; build networks with government line agencies, government organizations, and people’s organizations . . . towards the welfare of specific basic sectors; and to celebrate the milestones and achievements of each sector in the fight against poverty.
He likewise pointed out that TESDA’s role in the campaign is in holding of the “Jobs Bridging and Internship Program” as part of the SUFP Campaign. Specifically, for TESDA Caraga, he shared that today’s activity would zero in on conducting the Youth Profiling for Starring Careers, which will help the individual learn about what specific technical-vocational careers would be fitting for him. Part of the activity is the skills demonstration of Body Massage and Beauty Care, such as pedicure, manicure and haircut.
Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva of Dinagat Island Province did the honor of launching of the SUFP Campaign.
The skills demonstration for Beauty Care was courtesy of the Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trade, while the Body Massage was courtesy of the students of the Butuan City Manpower Training Center and the practitioners of the Modern Tech Massage Association (MTMA) based here.
It was learned that MTMA is a case in point in terms of anti-poverty intervention. TESDA Agusan del Norte, in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan, was able to source out funds from the Department of Labor and Employment, resulting in providing its members with a legal personality and the acquisition of massage tools, supplies and equipment, plus other massage accessories and furniture. With that intervention, the MTMA members were able to launch a self-employed livelihood enterprise – a massage clinic – just this August 2009 at the heart of this municipality.
As announced by Director Velez, the week-long activity will culminate with a bigger Jobs Bridging event to be hosted by the AMA Computer Learning Center in Butuan City with the support and partnership of the different industry players and technical vocational institutions around Caraga Region.
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Army justifies presence in Andap
The military hierarchy in the region justified their presence in Andap Complex, in Surigao del Sur, even as they belie reports that they were there to protect some business interests – primarily mining investments – at the expense of residents, especially the indigenous tribes that live in the areas affected by these investments.
A press conference was held recently at the Advance Command Post of the 401st Brigade, Philippine Army, Camp Bancasi, this city; attended by Colonel Ephraim Oropel, Post Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Lamzon, Commanding Officer, 58th Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Pedralvez, Commanding Officer 23rd Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Gammad, Commanding Officer 36th Infantry Battalion, Major Michelle Anayron, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division and Mr. Abner Caga, Regional Director of the Philippine Information Agency-Caraga, to shed light on the issue.
In a press statement read by Lt. Col. Lamzon during the forum attended by the local media practitioners, it mentioned that on the recent months, the national and local media as well as the internet have been flooded with news, stories and political statements regarding the so called militarization in the Andap Complex. The stories, according to their press statement, charged that the presence of the military forced local communities of indigenous people to evacuate to safer grounds owing to the human rights violations and other atrocities perpetrated accordingly by soldiers coming from the 36th and the 58th IBs of the 4ID Philippine Army.
Accordingly, the articles seem to point out that the presence and operations of the army at the said complex were intended to harass people towards forcing them to support and allow mining in their communities. Some of the articles, according to their press statement, even alleged that the recruitment of local residents to become “Bagani Warriors” is still attributed to the purpose of enforcing the operation of mining projects in the Andap.
The Army’s statement pointed out that the accusation hurled against them were all baseless, as their continued presence in the vicinity, as “within the complex are guerilla bases of the CPP-NPA.” They said that with or without mining applications and explorations the Army’s presence in Andap as CPP-NPA has been proven to be operating within and from the different strategic locations within the complex. NPAs they said, used the area as base of operation as well as staging ground for tactical offensives.
Accordingly, the four guerilla fronts of the CPP-NPA, are operating in the province of Suigao del Sur; Fronts 19A, 19B, 14 and 30. Two guerilla fronts; Front 19A and 19B made use of Andap Complex for their different activities, including military actions meant to harass civilians and government troopers.
The army claimed that as early as the 80’s several encounters between the government troops and NPAs occurred at Andap Valley Complex, including that raid which led to the death of Fr. Frank Navarro, alias a.k.a. Ka Migo.
Lamzon added that there were no mining operations yet in the area. Records from the GMB, he said will show that all are still applications for explorations, so there are no mining operations which needed the army’s protections.
Lt. Col. Gammad pointed out that for the area like Andap Complex which is being made a guerilla base by the CPP-NPA, the army has the mandate to ensure the security of the state and promote social order that is conducive to development and progress. The army is now employing the so called “constructive and developmentalist approach.” Now, he said, they are pushing forward their “Kalayaan sa Barangay Project” (KBP) which will pave farm-to-market roads, install electricity, put up water system project, build two classroom school buildings or health center to a place (whether a Sitio or a Barangay) depending on their identified and prioritized need. The program allocates P5 Million peso budget for each place.
For his part, Lt. Col. Pedralvez said that the tactics employed by the CPP-NPA is not new. The last 40 years he said will show that the communists are capable of fabricating issues to dramatize their agenda.
Like the recent “Taktikang Bakwit” which they employed to dramatize the so-called impact of the military presence, when they mobilize the indigenous people from Andap complex in the form of evacuation “even if there was no raging firefight in the area and not even a single shot was heard,” he said.
According to him, that they now had exploited the issue of mining to mobilize supports from various groups and organizations, including environmentalists, towards campaigning against the entry of the Philippine Army into the Andap complex. (Noel B. Najarro/PNN)
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POLICE REPORTS
By PO2 Darlin Cabalinan-Migullas; PO3 Philip AMer Posas Mazo;
and PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania
Accomplishment report on loose firearms
Personnel from Las Nieves Municipal Police Station led by PSI Dela Fuerta, COP conducted massive information drive on loose firearms/Kontra Boga on October 14, 2009 at around 8:30 in the morning at Barangays Poblacion, Malicato, Katipunan, Tinukoran, and San Isidro, all of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.
The team brought the Drop Box of Unwanted firearms and placed it in the strategic places. As a result, one homemade shotgun without serial number was dropped by unknown person inside the said drop box. Recovered firearm is now under the custody of Las Nieves Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
On the other hand, personnel from Nasipit Municipal Police Station conducted visitation/information drive on loose firearms at the different residence of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, which resulted to the assorted caliber of firearms being dropped at the Drop Box of Nasipit Municipal Police Station to wit: 8 pieces .38 caliber revolver; 11 pieces .22 caliber revolver; 1 piece .32 caliber revolver; 1 improvised .38 caliber revolver and 1 piece flare gun. Said firearms are now under the custody of Nasipit Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
PNP arrests wanted person
On October 15, 2009 at Barangay 1, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, a certain Spartus Ramirez Caspe, 22 years old, single and a resident of Barangay 2, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur was apprehended by elements of San Francisco Municipal Police Station led by PInsp. Elmer Reyea Azurez Jr. Deputy, Chief of Police by virtue of Warrant of Arrest (WOA) issued by Hon. Dante Luz Viacrusis, Executive Judge, RTC Branch 6, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur for a crime of Frustrated Homicide docketed under criminal case number 6682 with recommended bail bond of PhP24,000.00. Arrested person is now detained at the said Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
At around 6:00 in the morning of the same date, Personnel of Butuan City Police Station 2 headed by PSI Michael Bastes arrested Erwin Cuadra, 23 years old suspect, married and a resident of Purok-7, Barangay Limaha, Butuan City by virtue of WOA under Criminal Case number 13616 issued by Judge Eduardo S Casals of RTC branch 1, Libertad, Butuan City dated 16 September 2009 with NO BAIL BOND recommended.
The suspect was arrested at Pier 4 Mabolo, Cebu City who was charged for rape. Cuadra is now temporarily detained at Butuan City Police Station 2 Detention Cell for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on violation of RA 7610
A case of Acts of Lasciviousness and Physical Injury in relation to RA 7610 (Anti-Child Abuse Law) was filed to the City Prosecutor's Office against Emeliano "Bebot" Tan, of legal age, married and a resident of Purok Alugbati, Barangay Golden Ribbon, Butuan City.
Mr Felix Vergildo, a resident of Barangay Maguinda, Butuan City complained the suspect for victimizing his 17 year old daughter Mary (not her real name) on October 16, 2009. The case was filed around 10:30 in the morning of the same day docketed under IS number XIII-01-INV-095-02108. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on accomplishments on campaign against loose firearms
On October 14, 2009 around 9:30 in the evening, elements from Mainit Municipal Police Station and Barangay San Francisco Tanods apprehended Dante Tandugon Labi, 33 years old, a resident of Purok-2, Barangay San Francisco, Mainit, Surigao del Norte for possessing a caliber .38 revolver with serial number 2157321.
Apprehended person and the confiscated firearm were brought to Mainit Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and filing of appropriate case in court.
On October 15, 2009 around 8:00 in the morning, two pieces home made caliber .22 locally known as "Sumpak" without serial numbers were dropped at the Firearms Drop Box at Kitcharao Municipal Police Station and now in the custody of the police station for proper disposition.
Also, on October 16, 2009 around 7:00 in the morning, two units home made caliber .38 without serial numbers were dropped at the Firearms Drop Box placed at the Municipal Hall of Tubay, Agusan del Norte. Said firearms were brought to Tubay Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
At around 8:00 in the morning, Santiago Municipal Police Station conducted retrieval of the Drop Box placed inside the Barangay Poblacion 1 Gymnasium, Santiago, Agusan del Norte and recovered one unit caliber .357 revolver Smith and Wesson brand with serial number 947082 and one unit home made shotgun. Recovered firearms were brought to Santiago Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
At 9:00 in the morning at the Municipal Hall of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte, PSI Gaudioso Cajutol Jr together with Municipal Mayor Carlito Cumba recovered two units of caliber .22 paltik with defaced serial numbers. Recovered firearms were brought to Magallanes Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Meanwhile, at around 11:00 in the morning, one unit caliber .38 revolver home made without serial number was voluntarily surrendered to Buenavista Municipal Police Station by a certain person who requested anonymity. Said firearm is now in the custody of Buenavista Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
At 4:30 in the afternoon, PSINSP Dionesio Pingos, OIC of Carmen Municipal Police Station together with Hon Raul Aparecio, SB member of said municipality retrieved one unit cal .22 smith and Wesson magnum revolver without serial number and one unit caliber .22 revolver Crosman Arms Co. also without serial number from the drop box of Unwanted Firearms which was placed at the Entrance of Rama Gymnasium of Carman, Agusan del Norte. Said Firearms are now in the custody of Carmen Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on illegal drugs
Joint team from Buenavista Municipal Police Station led by PSINSP Artemio Suarez and PDEA headed by Joel B Plaza conducted buy-bust operation at Purok-1, Barangay 8, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on October 16, 2009 at 7:15 in the evening, which resulted to the arrest of one Dani Diwat, of legal age and resident of said place.
Confiscated from his possession were one transparent heat sealed plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu; Php 500.00 marked money and Php 100.00 bill believed to be proceeds from his illegal activities.
Arrested person is now under the custody of PDEA 13 for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
