PIA-Caraga e-Newsletter - August 1, 2011 by PIA Caraga

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` Volume 1, No. 92

MONDAY, August 1, 2011

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Today’s News…  Aquino orders military to intensify operations against Abu Sayyaf  Aquino awards Gold Cross Medals to 7 marines killed in Patikul, Sulu  AO mandates all gov't agencies to use e-procurement system  Ochoa: Screening committee to select OICs in ARMM  Aquino issues Proclamation No. 209 conferring on Bienvenido Florendo Nebres S.J., the rank and title of nationalscientist  Malacañang says gov't agencies continuously monitoring/preparing for incoming typhoons  Malacañang urges all Filipinos including professionals and selfemployed to pay correct taxes  Aquino to visit Bohol on Tuesday  Aquino orders economic team to assess possible effects of U.S. debt crisis to the country  Malacañang says oil and gas exploration in areas covered by ancestral domain will push through  Civilians, NPA rebels killed during Trento attack  DOT-Caraga chief vows to support business confab  Butuan dad to report state of the city today  Bislig Bay is negative from red tide toxin, BFAR says  Civil society orgs and LGU conducts peace caravan, confab  BIR-Surigao del Sur Beats Target, TOS Collection in Caraga for first semester  Caraga municipalities get seal of good housekeeping  NPA kills 3 civilians in Agusan del Sur attack  Feature: GAWA: Women at the forefront of struggle for a better life  Cebuano News: DPWH misiguro sa mga turista sa maayong kalsada sa surfing site sa Siargao  Surigaonon News: Education caravan, panambay sa barangay ug tigum sa mga kapitanes gihimo sa lungsod sa Malimono  POLICE REPORTS Across the Region  PHOTO FOCUS

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: LOLITA L. VINALAY Chief Meteorological Officer

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ACROSS THE NATION

Aquino orders military to intensify operations against Abu Sayyaf

resident Benigno S. Aquino III directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to step up its operations and use all its resources against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) following the killing of seven Marine soldiers in an encounter with the terrorist group in Sulu, recently. Aquino issued the directive after he met with top military officials at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Saturday. “Ibubuhos natin ang lahat ng resources ng estado. Hindi puwedeng ipakita na itong terrorist group na ito ay kakayanin ang buong estado. Kaya inatasan at hinamon natin ang Sandatahang Lakas na i-concentrate ang kanilang resources hanggang mahuli itong mga salarin na ito,” Aquino said in an ambush interview at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City. Aquino said crushing the ASG will be the focal point of the government through the concerted efforts of law enforcement agencies. He stressed that a well coordinated and comprehensive strategy with the full support of the people and government institutions at all levels will be implemented to eliminate terrorism. The President together with Vice President Jejomar Binay and military officials led a heroes welcome to the fallen soldiers when their remains arrived at the Villamor airbase.

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The slain soldiers were identified as 2nd Lieutenant Michael Baladad, Sergeant Desiderio Serdan Jr., Corporal Ramsel Laynesa, Cpl. Claro Lapasaran III, Cpl. Freddie Castellano Jr., Private First Class Juanito Evasco Jr. and Private Nico Tinambunan. Aquino and Binay personally extended their sympathies and condolences to the families of the slain soldiers and listened to their concerns. After the ceremony, Aquino presided over a meeting with AFP officials that lasted almost two hours. “May ongoing na investigation, titingnan natin kung meron bang kailangang baguhin sa ating mga proseso, meron bang kulang sa pagsasanay ng ating tropa, meron bang intelligence failure,” Aquino said. Aquino said they are waiting for the results of the investigation on the Sulu encounter to pinpoint the problems and come out with concrete solutions. When asked if operations will continue despite the forthcoming Ramadan celebration, the President said: “We will be

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sensitive to the concerns of our Muslim brothers but at the same time there are police operations still going on,” the President said. Aquino also lauded the bravery of the slain soldiers saying that they “did what they had promised to do and in terms of bravery -- the highest talaga na example na puwede nating makita. Tinupad nila iyong kanilang mga sinumpaang tungkulin dito.” Aquino said the families of the slain soldiers will also receive benefits from the President’s Social Fund. “Iyong ating benefits accruing to people who got killed or wounded in action will be given,” he said. In a statement, Marine Commandant Major General Rustico Guerrero has recommended the promotion of the fallen Marines. A Gold Cross Medal (posthumous) has also been recommended to be awarded to them for their gallantry in action. Financial assistance and scholarships as well as housing privileges are now being processed for the benefit of the dependents of the Marine soldiers.

Aquino awards Gold Cross Medals to 7 marines killed in Patikul, Sulu

n recognition for their valiant efforts to defend and uphold the Constitution and sovereignty of the Philippines, President Benigno S. Aquino III on Sunday awarded the Gold Cross Medal for Gallantry in Action to the seven Philippine Marine soldiers killed in an encounter with Abu Sayaf rebels in the jungles of Patikul, Sulu last July 28. The President, who wore a black polo and dark slacks, visited the remains of the seven marines whose wakes were being held at the Philippine Marine Corps Auditorium in Fort Bonifacio to personally condole with their relatives, loved ones and friends. Upon his arrival, the President who was assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Oban, Jr., Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Charge Rear Admiral Alexander Pama and

Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Major General Rustico Guerrero, personally issued the medal to each representative of the slain marines. After the Medal of Valor, the Gold Cross Medal for Gallantryin Action is the second highest honor that can be bestowed upon a soldier in recognition for his or her sacrifice and efforts to uphold the law. The seven Marines who gallantly fought the bandits were: 2ndLieutenant Michael Baladad,

Sergeant Desiderio Serdan, Jr., Corporals RamselLaynesa, Claro Lapasaran III, and Freddie Castellano, Jr., Private First Class Juanito Evasco, Jr., and Private Nico Tinambunan. Aside from the Gold Cross Medal, each marine’s family will receive financial assistance, scholarships for their children, as well as housing privileges. The seven marines were also promoted to the next higher rank.

AO mandates all gov't agencies to use e-procurement system

resident Benigno S. Aquino III has issued an administrative order mandating all government agencies to use the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) in all their procurement activities, including the publication of all bid opportunities, notices, awards and contracts, in accordance with the country’s procurement laws. By virtue of Administrative Order (AO) No. 17, signed by the President on July 28, government offices are directed to source all their common-use supplies directly from the Procurement Service (PS) of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) or from its regional depots throughout the country, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Monday.

“This administration reiterates the policy that procurement of government supplies, materials, and equipment shall be done in the most transparent and competitive manner” Ochoa said. Ensuring transparency and competition, Ochoa stressed, are keys to protecting the procurement system from graft, as these two elements discourage attempts to rig the bidding and awarding process to favour particular suppliers.

Common-use supplies refer to office supplies like bond paper, ballpens, pencils, and ink, which eat up about P19.5 billion of the government’s annual spending package. “With a centralized supply purchasing system, the budget department has estimated that the government stands to save as much as P6 billion a year,” Ochoa said. According to Ochoa, PhilGEPS, which can be accessed online at www.philgeps.net,

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provides relevant information on all procurement activities, and will help accelerate and further facilitate the entire procurement process in all government agencies. At present, the system already has 53,382 registered suppliers. The AO applies to all national government agencies, including military and police Units; government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs); government

financial institutions (GFIs); state universities and colleges (SUCs); and local government units (LGUs), Ochoa said. In the past, only the national government agencies, including SUCs, GOCCs and their subsidiaries, were mandated to use the PS system. However, upon the enactment of RA 9184, LGUs are

now required to use PS or PhilGEPS. The presidential issuance also calls for a periodic evaluation of all procuring entities, and this includes the regular holding of procurement training programs and distribution of procurement operations manual for all offices and agencies of the government.

Ochoa: Screening committee to select OICs in ARMM

xecutive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Monday that President Benigno Aquino III has given the go signal for the creation of a committee that will screen and recommend to the Chief Executive the officers-in-charge (OICs) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). According to Ochoa, the President’s directive for the establishment of a screening committee is contained in Executive Order No. 51, signed on July 28, to select the OICs for positions to be left vacant in the ARMM as a result of the synchronization of the election in the region with the national and local polls in 2013 and every three years thereafter. The positions of the regional governor, regional vice governor and 24 members of the regional legislative assembly will be vacant effective September 30, 2011, with the postponement of ARMM election originally scheduled for August 8, 2011. “The President believes it is important to choose qualified OICs for the various posts in the ARMM until the officials duly elected in the May 2013 polls have assumed office,” Ochoa said.

Section 4 of Republic Act No. 10153, which the Chief Executive signed in June, mandates the creation of a screening committee that will review the qualifications of applicants as OICs for the ARMM. Its funding will come from the Office of the President. Under EO 51, the screening committee will be composed of the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, secretary of the Department of National Defense, the presidential political adviser, a representative from the civil society to be appointed by the President, and a representative to be nominated from among and by the five provincial governors and one city mayor of the ARMM. The DILG secretary, according to the President’s directive, should convene the screening committee once the EO takes effect and preside the opening

session until a chairman of the screening committee is elected. “Pursuant to its mandate, the screening committee shall within 30 days from convening but not later than 10 days before September 30, 2011 submit to the President, after due consultations with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a shortlist of at least three nominees to every vacancy in the elective positions in the ARMM Regional Government,” the EO stated. In choosing the candidates, the committee should consider “educational preparation, experience, performance, accomplishments, reputation for honesty, integrity, incorruptibility, irreproachable conduct, and fidelity to sound moral and ethical standards,” it also said. The EO takes effect upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. expressed his thanks to the different sectors, natl govt agencies, academe, stakeholders & Butuanons for the trust & co nfidence. He also said in his SOCA that the money paid by the public will be given back to the public. "Mas maayo ang hinay pero kalkulado kaysa paspas pero bulilyaso", Mayor Amante said.

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Aquino issues Proclamation No. 209 conferring on Bienvenido Florendo Nebres S.J., the rank and title of nationalscientist

resident Benigno S. Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 209 conferring on academician Bienvenido Florendo Nebres S.J., the rank and title of national scientist for his achievements in science and technology.

Proclamation No. 209, which was signed on July 27, 2011 by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., said that the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines states that it is a declared policy of the State to give priority to science and technology. It added that Section 10, Article XIV of the Constitution also “provides that science and technology are essential for national development and that the State shall give priority to research,

development, invention, innovation and their utilization.” The proclamation also said that the rank and title of national scientist was created under Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, dated December 16, 1976. In conferring the rank and title of National Scientist on Nebres, the President noted that the “work of Nebres in the field of Mathematics is reflective of this preeminence and of the national genius that contributes to science

and technology and to the progress of the Philippines and the world.” “Preeminent achievements by Filipinos in science and technology that have contributed to the progress of the country and humanity deserve the recognition and acknowledgment of our Government in pursuit of its policy of furthering national development through enhanced scientific and technological research and development,” Aquino said.

Malacañang says gov't agencies continuously monitoring/preparing for incoming typhoons

alacañang assured the public that concerned government agencies have been continuously monitoring and preparing for any typhoons that are expected to hit the country this week.

During the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday, Secretary Ricky Carandang, head of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, said that the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has been monitoring the typhoons. Carandang said that based on the PAGASA’s weather forecast, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has pre-positioned relief goods. “Lagi naman tayong naghahanda para sa mga bagyo na

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papasok sa bansa. Ang PAGASA ay patuloy na nagpo-forecast ng direksyon nitong mga bagyo at base doon sa forecast nila nagpreposition po tayo ng goods,” Carandang said. Carandang noted that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is prepared to take action at anytime. He also reminded the public that while the PAGASA’s prediction system is not perfect, the government is doing its best to ensure the safety of the people. “We are doing the best we can and as usual we are trying to map the direction of the storm and

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position based on the knowledge we have. So the usual preparations are being undertaken,” he stressed. According to PAGASA, Typhoon Kabayan and Tropical Depression Lando will continue to bring rains over Metro Manila and parts of Luzon in the coming days as Kabayan and Lando continue to enhance the southwest monsoon. The NDRRMC, has reported that that the death toll during the onslaught of Tropical Storm Juaning in the country last week has risen to 57 as of Monday morning.

Malacañang urges all Filipinos including professionals and self-employed to pay correct taxes

alacañang urged everyone, including the professionals and the self-employed, to pay their proper taxes to the government as it assured that the Aquino administration is spending the taxpayers’ money for proper reasons. In a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang said that during President Benigno Aquino III’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25 this year, he noted that more than P9 billion was paid by 1.7 million registered selfemployed professionals. “Medyo mababa talaga kung ibabase mo doon sa average,”

Carandang said as he urged the professionals and the selfemployed to do their part in paying the correct taxes. “I think at this point people understand that they can trust that this government is using the taxpayers’ money for the proper reasons,” Carandang said. “We enjoin everyone to do their part, including the professionals and the selfemployed, he added.”

Carandang made the statement after the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) earlier announced that it would be conducting lifestyle checks on professionals to convince selfemployed people to pay their proper taxes. “Nakikita naman nila na hindi naman nasasayang yung pera nila. We‘re hoping that out of their own free will that they will be more compliant than they have been in the past,” he said.

Aquino to visit Bohol on Tuesday TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol – President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead several activities during his visit here on Tuesday bringing the national government’s developmental projects to the countryside as part of the Aquino administration’s 16-point agenda and social contract with the Filipino people. Topping the list of the President’s busy schedule upon his arrival is a project briefing on the new Bohol Airport by Department of Transportation and Communications officials at the Bohol Tropics Resort. Following the briefing, the Chief Executive will administer the oath-taking of the Regional Peace and Order Council 7 (PROC-7) Chairman and spearhead a forum at the Dagohoy Grand Hall of the Bohol Tropics Resort. Upon his arrival, President Aquino will be received by regional government officials to be

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led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, Siquijor Governor Orlando Fua, DILG7 Regional Director Pedro Noval, Philippine National Police Region 7 Director Police Chief Superintendent Ager Ontog Jr. and Bohol Vice Mayors’ League president Efren Chatto. A multi-stakeholders forum will also be held where the locals from concerned sectors will be able to raise the three priority issues of the province. Culminating the President’s visit here is the inauguration and unveiling of the

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marker of the new municipal hall of Trinidad. The President will be welcomed by Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes and Bohol Governor Edgardo Chatto. Located in the northeastern part of Bohol Province, the Municipality of Trinidad has a land area of 15,263.0344 hectares that comprises twenty barangays. The topography is characterized by level plains on the eastern part, which gently undulates to hills and mountains toward the western part. Its population is pegged at 27,580.

Aquino orders economic team to assess possible effects of U.S. debt crisis to the country

resident Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered his economic team to conduct an assessment of the possible effects to the country of the United States debt crisis, a Malacañang official said Monday.

During the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office head Secretary Ramon Carandang said that President Aquino has expressed concern over the US debt problems thus, he tasked his economic team to assess its possible effects. “The President expressed some concern about it and the economic team had already begun to discuss this even before the President expressed the concern. So they’re onboard, they anticipated

what the President would want them to do,” Carandang said. “He wanted to know what the possible effects would be of something like this. He expressed some concern about the rising peso and the impact that that would have it on exporters and he asked the team to take a look at all the possible effects of this development,” he added. Carandang said that the economic team will come up with some recommendations based on their assessment. He also expressed confidence that the US government “will not allow the situation to

reach such a proportion where they would actually default,” noting that US Congress had reached a deal to reduce deficit and avert a default. “It’s true that many of the issues that are contentious have been pushed back so that they can debate them and decide the matter (on a) later date,” Carandang said. US President Barack Obama has announced that Republican and Democratic Congressional leaders have reached an agreement that will reduce deficit and avoid a default. The US Treasury has set August 2 as the deadline for raising the US debt ceiling.

Malacañang says oil and gas exploration in areas covered by ancestral domain will push through

espite the fact that the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are still in the process of settling the issue of ancestral domain (AD) Malacanang announced that oil and gas explorations in areas considered as ancestral domain will push through in a bid to reduce importation of oil and gas. During the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Secretary Ramon Carandang said the government is not suspending the exploration of the country’s oil and natural gas resources. Carandang was reacting to the statement of the MILF which called on the Aquino government to first settle the issue of ancestral domain (AD) before any

exploration or investment takes place. “Nag-aangkat po tayo ng 90 percent na pangangailangan natin ng langis from other countries. If we can do anything to reduce this number of oil and gas that importation and perhaps produce it ourselves, the net effect will be positive for the economy,” he added. Reports said Muhammad Ameen, chairperson of the MILF Central Committee Secretariat,

issued a statement calling the government to suspend the oil and gas exploration process in Sulu and Cotabato. Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said the total investment potential of the 4th Philippine Energy Contracting Round amounted to US $7.5 billion. The contract areas cover at least 10 million hectares that could hold rich reserves in northwest Palawan, east Palawan and the Sulu Sea.

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MILF and government negotiators met in formal talks last June 27 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The issue of the ancestral domain was among the concerns raised during the peace talks. President Benigno S. Aquino III earlier bared the revived

investor confidence specifically in the energy sector, citing over a hundred companies that expressed readiness to participate in the exploration process and efforts to strengthen the country’s oil and natural gas resources.

President Aquino noted the signing of a new contract, for the construction of a power plant in Luzon that will not only lower the price of energy but also provide a more reliable source.

ACROSS THE REGION

Civilians, NPA rebels killed during Trento attack by David M. Suyao AGUSAN DEL SUR, August 1 (PIA) – Two civilians and undetermined Communist Party of the Philippines/ New People’s Army/ National Democratic Front (CNN) members were killed while two policemen, a civilian and undetermined number of CNN were wounded when the latter attacked Trento municipal police station early morning of July 30, 2011. According to police report, killed at the height of firefight was station aide of Trento Police Station Salvador Rall , and another Virgelio Perocho, an aide of the composite team checkpoint in Pulang Lupa during the withdrawal of the CNN and encountering the re-enforcing PNP from Sta. Josefa at around 6:00 a.m. that day. Slightly wounded during the encounter were PO1 Joel Lazarte of Agusan del Sur PPSC, PO3 Mhel Cubo of Trento MPS, and another civilian named Alexander Lagulao, a member of the revenue action team of the provincial government of Agusan del Sur during the withdrawal encounter in Barangay Pulang Lupa. Undetermined casualties and

wounded were inflected to the CNN as stated by an eyewitness, and as evidenced by the blood stains at the periphery of the PNP station. According to Trento chief of police P/Insp. Charity Galvez, the perpetrators on board three Isuzu forward trucks surrounded the municipal ground at around 5:00 in the morning of July 30 but were spotted by police on duty. In an instant, firefight ensued for almost an hour, wounding the two policemen and killing a civilian aide. “On the first fire burst, I just secured my baby and position myself for battle. I saw that on the left side of the station protected by dump tires, a police was positioned, returning fire towards the attackers.

On the other side, another policeman was fighting his best defending our position, while I also fired (at the enemy)...I can say, we are also very lucky our provincial director, P/SSupt. Jerome Baxinela sent two teams from PPSC the day before to augment our forces in the southern part of the province because of our request, and their reenforcement drove the enemy away... .” P/Insp. Galvez said. According to police report, at 3:30 in the morning of July 31, Bislig City Police Station received cellular phone report that two persons wounded with gunshots were admitted at Bislig District Hospital. Upon verification, the two wounded named Sammy Calibayan, 35, a resident of La Fortuna, Veruela and

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Ricky Salde, 28, a resident of New Bataan, Trento admitted that they were members of the group that attacked Trento MPS on July 30, 2011.

The two also disclosed that many of their companions were killed during the firefight and were buried in an undisclosed area by their comrades. On that day,

July 31, the two were transferred to the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DOT-Caraga chief vows to support business confab by Robert E. Roperos BUTUAN CITY, August 1 (PIA) – Department of Tourism (DOT)-Caraga Regional Director Leticia dela Cruz-Tan vowed to support the 17th Caraga Business Conference and other initiatives of the region that aims to uplift the tourism industry of Caraga. In a recent press conference, Dir. Tan said the tourism department will always support activities that are of regional and national significance. She said tourism can contributed much in the economic development of the country, Tan said. Dir. Tan also said that “tourism doesn’t need big investments" but generates huge revenues and more job opportunities.

Tan further said Butuan City has a lot of tourism potential in terms of historical tourism. "The city has a lot of potential in terms of historical tourism,” Tan said. Furthermore, Tan said the 17th Caraga Business Conference will also give opportunity to the city of Butuan to showcase the tourism potentials in the city, as the activity will gather businessmen and entrepreneurs not only from

Caraga Region, but as well as in other places in the country. “This is the reason why DOT is supporting the conduct of the business conference,” Tan said. The Caraga Business Conference will be held on August 3 and 4, 2011 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city. This year’s activity is anchored on the theme: “Pushing for a Progressive Caraga”. (PIA-Caraga)

Butuan dad to report state of the city today by Robert E. Roperos BUTUAN CITY, August 1 (PIA) – City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. here is scheduled to deliver the State of the City Address (SOCA) today in one of the local convention centers here. The chief executive’s SOCA will primarily focus on reporting the accomplishments of his administration for the past 13 months, after he assumed his position on June 30, 2011. This year’s SOCA of Mayor Amante is conducted in time with the 61st Charter Day Celebration of the city tomorrow, Tuesday, August 2.

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According to reliable source, Mayor Amante will give emphasis on the poverty alleviation program of his administration that will also encourage potential business investors to put up investments here. It can be recalled that during the press conference held recently, Mayor Amante vowed to support possible investors who are planning to establish call center in

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the city. This, according to Amante, will give the opportunity to the city in terms of jobs generation. Meanwhile, on July 4, 2011, Malacañan Palace declared August 2 as a special non-working day here as per Proclamation No. 197, to give the people of Butuan City an opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies. (PIACaraga)

Bislig Bay is negative fro m red tide toxin, BFAR says by Robert E. Roperos BUTUAN CITY, August 1 (PIA) – Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur is negative from red tide toxin. However, shellfish collected at Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboang del Sur, Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental, and Masinloc Bay in Zambales tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit. According to the latest shellfish bulletin issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the affected areas mentioned are not safe for human consumption.

BFAR also warned the public that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly. Internal organs such as gills and intestines should be removed before cooking, BFAR said.

After testing positive for red tide toxin in previous months based on BFAR’s shellfish bulletin, Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur as well as the coastal areas of Hinatuan and Lianga, all in Surigao del Sur are now negative of the said toxin. (PIA-Caraga)

Civil society orgs and LGU conducts peace caravan, confab by Mark Louie B. Desoloc BUTUAN CITY, August 1 (PIA) – Gawad Kalinga (GK), together with the Father Saturnino Urios University and the city government of Butuan conducted the Highway of Peace (HOPE) Caravan and Conference 2011 recently in Libertad, Butuan City. The conference was aimed at strengthening the peace building initiatives in Mindanao through sharing of experiences. GK representatives said that the organization is not only about building houses, but also aimed to build relationships that were long broken because of various conflicts in Mindanao. Participants from various local government units, non-profit and non-government organizations,

academe, religious and the youth sector in Mindanao converged here to embrace the event. During the plenary session Ms. Jainab Abdulmajid, GK Area Coordinator in Sulu shared her experiences in the conflict areas in Sulu and how Gawad Kalinga restored peace in the conflicted areas. Breakout session followed where participants shared their views, commitment and their

dreams for a peaceful Mindanao. On the second day, the breakout session groups presented their views and strategies that will contribute to the peace building efforts in Mindanao. The GK HOPE Caravan is held annually from different areas and provinces in Mindanao. This was the first HOPE caravan celebrated through conference. (PIA-Caraga)

(61st Adlaw Hong Butuan Update) Activities for Tuesday, August 2. - 5AM Run for a Cause, assembly time 4AM @ City Hall Grounds. 7AM Thanksgiving Mass @ St. Joseph Cathedral and wreath laying will follow @ the tomb of Marcos M. Calo at City Cemetery, J.C.Aquino Ave., Butuan City.

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BIR-Surigao del Sur Beats Target, TOS Collection in Caraga for first semester by Greg Tataro, Jr. TANDAG CITY, August 1, (PIA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Revenue District Office (RDO) 106 of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Surigao del Sur had overshot its collection target for the first half of 2011, thereby besting all district offices in Caraga Region in Revenue collection for said period. According to Revenue District Officer (RDO) Amanoding Esmail, highest tax collection was posted in the past year. Esmail explained his office had collected as much as P270,657,720.18 from January to June 2011, an increase of 32.15 percent as compared to the same period last year.

Esmail noted regional collection increased by 5.11 percent compared to the same period last year. In other development, RDO Email confirmed the forthcoming 107th BIR Anniversary celebration on August 1. However, he told Radyo ng Bayan here that the celebration

will be conducted at the regional office in Butuan City on August 9. Esmail said, a sportsfest and awarding of Plaques of Recognition and Certificates of Appreciation to Individual and Corporate Taxpayers will also highlight the occasion. (Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)

Caraga municipalities get seal of good housekeeping by Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise BUTUAN CITY, August 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Some 40 municipalities in Caraga Region belonging to the 4th to 6th class passed the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for 2011. According to DILGCaraga Regional Director Atty. Rene Burdeos, these municipalities can avail the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) which has been provided under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2011 as a support fund to finance local development initiatives in furtherance of national government goals and strategic thrusts. These municipalities are entitled to one million (P1,000,000) PCF subsidy. Eligible projects are those aligned to the following priorities: 1) attainment of millennium

development goals; 2) local economic development; and 3) adaptation to climate change and preparedness for disaster. Formal conferment on the Seal will be arranged by the DILG Regional Office. SGH recognizes local government units that do not receive adverse or "disclaimer opinion" from the Commission on Audit (COA) on their financial statements for Calendar Year 2010. This also shows that they also complied with the full disclosure policy of budget, bids

and offerings. This includes posting these information in conspicuous places, disseminating in local media and website. The eligible municipalities are as follows: 1) Carmen, Agusan del Norte; 2) Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte; 3) Magallanes, Agusan del Norte; 4) Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte; 5) Santiago, Agusan del Norte; 6) Tubay, Agusan del Norte; 7) Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands; 8) Dinagat, Province of Dinagat Islands; 9) Libjo, Province of Dinagat Islands; 10) Loreto,

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Province of Dinagat Islands; 11) San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands; 12) Tubajon, Province of Dinagat Islands; 13) Alegria, Surigao del Norte; 14) Bacuag, Surigao del Norte; 15) Burgos, Surigao del Norte; 16. Dapa, Surigao del Norte; 17) Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte; 18) General Luna, Surigao del Norte; 19) Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte; 20)

Mainit, Surigao del Norte; 21) Malimono, Surigao del Norte; 22) Pilar, Surigao del Norte; 23) Placer, Surigao del Norte; 24) San Benito, Surigao del Norte; 25) San Francisco, Surigao del Norte; 26) San Isidro, Surigao del Norte; 27) Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte; 28) Sison, Surigao del Norte; 29) Socorro, Surigao del Norte; 30) Taganaan, Surigao del Norte; 31)

Tubod, Surigao del Norte; 32) Bayabas, Surigao del Sur; 33) Cagwait, Surigao del Sur; 34) Carmen, Surigao del Sur; 35) Carrascal, Surigao del Sur; 36) Cortes, Surigao del Sur; 37) Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; 38) Lianga, Surigao del Sur; 39) Madrid, Surigao del Sur and; 40) San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

NPA kills 3 civilians in Agusan del Sur attack by Lt Charlene Gabatin SURIGAO DEL SUR, August 1 – The PNP station in Trento, Agusan del Sur was attacked at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, July 30 by around 40 CPP/NPA/NDF (CNN), killing at least three civilians. The police officers of the said station stood their ground and fought back against the rebels even as the fire fight lasted for almost an hour. The encounter resulted in the wounding of one (1) policeman and the untimely death of three (3) civilians where one of whom was a former CAFGU. The insurgents were seen to have headed towards Pulang Lupa – New Visayas road of Trento Agusan del Sur.

“This failed attack is nothing but an act of desperation,” said Col. Romeo G. Gan, 401st brigade commander. It can be recalled that a similar attempt also failed when the NPA attacked but failed to seize the Lianga PNP station in Surigao del Sur in May this year. The communist rebels are very desperate for funds that they have to resort to attacking soft targets in order to sow fear and

bolster their extortion activities, said Gan. Unfortunately for them, businessmen and some local executives are now resisting them resulting to reduced collection targets. “Pera, pera lang” that is their bottomline, he added. “I call on them to rejoin society and be part of the country’s march to progress. That is their only chance to win,” he said. (PIA Surigao del Sur)

Feature: GAWA: Women at the forefront of struggle for a better life by Lyziel I. Ampo

tale of success is woven in the small community of Gacub in Barangay Hinapoyan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, where a group of women belonging to the Manobo tribe has bravely weathered obstacles and persisted to improve their lives. The Gacub Women’s Association, aptly called as GAWA (which in vernacular means “work” or “product”) is the product of brave women’s hard work and

dedication, starting with a microlending project to respond to its members’ need for additional capitalization on farm inputs and other related needs.

Proving itself as a viable organization, Gawa received capital assistance for rice trading from the same project, as well as seed capital for the operation of a Rural

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Pharmacy and General Merchandise Store that cater to the needs of the community people who have long been deprived of reasonably priced medicines and basic commodities, primarily due to Gacub’s remoteness. Consequently, Gacub people are benefiting from Gawa’s successful ventures. For instance, rice is now available at a more affordable price of P32-35, which is a huge relief from the usual P3835 per kilo. Aside from offering quality goods at reasonable prices, Gawa has also instituted mechanisms that are responsive to the members’ and the community’s needs, winning the people’s loyalty

and patronage to their bueisness ventures, a indicated by the significant growth of the business in terms of capitalization. Jessica Quilano, a Gawa member said, “With an earning of P300 per week and before Gawa became operational, it was very difficult to secure rice and other household needs. Nobody would let you borrow money or allow credit from the grocery stores.” Jessica and her family have greatly benefitted from Gawa’s business ventures. As a member, she anticipates a good share in the organization’s first profit-sharing in July 2011.

One important factor has contributed to Gawa’s early success is the fact that the leaders have been equipped with the necessary skills and competences in organizational, financial an and business management, so that systems are in place, and records are kept and even available for members to access anytime. Gawa as an organization still has long way to go. A concern now is to install sustainability mechanisms for the organization to be able to continue serving the community and multiply the benefits that are now being reaped. (PIA- Surigao del Sur)

Cebuano News: DPWH misiguro sa mga turista sa maayong kalsada sa surfing site sa Siargao ni Michael Conte ug Dandy Lapura DAPA, Siargao Island, August 1 (PIA) – Si Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Siargao District Engineer Salvador E. Montil, Jr. mihatag karon ug kasuguan sa pagkuha sa mga ilegal nga mga struktura subay sa General Luna (GL) – Catangnan road, padulong sa surfing site sa munisipyo sa General Luna (GL) para dili malangan ang kauswagan sa maayong kalsada didto. Ang proyekto sa GLCatangnan nga dalan mokantidad kini sa P9.8 milyon. “Ang DPWH nagsaad karon sa mga turista sa maayo nga kalsada padulong sa mga nangunang mga beaches, resorts ug

surfing area diin ang international surfing competitions ipasiugda karon Septyembre,” ingon ni Montil. “Inig kahuman sa bidding process sa proyekto, ang district office musugod dayon sa pag

implementar ug sa pagkompleto sa proyekto sayo pa sa skedyul,” dugang ni Montil. Gilakip pud ang widening ug gravelling sa proyekto sa kauswagan sa mga kalsada. (DPWH/PIA-SDN)

Surigaonon News: Education caravan, panambay sa barangay ug tigum sa mga kapitanes gihimo sa lungsod sa Malimono ni Jun Parada SURIGAO CITY, August 1 – Intiro adlaw an tagbuhos na oras ni Gobernador Sol Matugas ug Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr., niadtong miaging semana 14 Monday, 08-01-2011

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didto sa lungsod sa Malimono, diin ang team capitol migikan sa syudad alas 6:00 sa buntag ug namauli gikan sa Malimono alas 6:00 sa gabii. Ang isa ka adlaw na pagbisita sa team ni Gobernador Matugas mao ang pagpadajon sa pagbisita sa mga eskwelahan aron isab ija mahimamat ang mga tinunan ug mga ginikanan lakip na usab ang pagtunol sa mga health kits alang sa mga tinun-an sa kinder garten ug grade 1 na magamit sa ilang inadlaw-adlaw na kaugalingon duyog ang pag-atiman sa panglawas sa ginikanan diha sa ilang panimalay. Si Gobernador Matugas ug Vice Governor Egay nagsugod pagbisita didto sa pinakalayong barangay nga mao ang Pili Elementary School ug sunod ang Can-aga Elem. School, Dumanig Primary School, Cantapoy Elem. School, Cansayong Elem. School, Bunyasan Elem. School, Hanagdong Elem. School, Masgad Elem. School, Malimono Central

Elem. School u gang Cag-tinae Elem. School. Samtang gipahigayon usab ang panambay sa barangay didto sa mga barangay sa Pili, Cantapoy ug Masgad sa pagpanguna ni Provincial Health Officer Dr. Leonora Andanar, diin ang mga katawhan nakapahimuyos sa libreng ibot sa ngipon, libreng medical check up, tuli, papsmear sa mga kababainhan ug ang paghatag sa libreng tambal. Ug pagka alas singko sa hapon tagpahigayon usab ang tigum sa mga kapitanes uban ang si Gobernador Matugas ug Vice Governor Egay, lakip sa mga nahisgutan sa maong tigum mao ang mga priority projects sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga barangay sma sa paghatag og Day Care Center kantidad P400,000, paghatag puhonan para sa panginabuhian sa mga katawhan, pag-ayo sa mga

Police REPORTS

kadayanan u gang pag-improbar sa Nokos Bolingit na magsilbing produkto sa Malimono para sa Surigaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best. Atol sa maong tigum gimanduan ni Gobernador Matugas si Malimono Mayor Teodoro Senaca, Jr. ug mga kapitanes nga tutukan ang pagtaas sa koleksyon sa buhis ilabina na sa real property tax ug kinahanglan zero drop out gyod ang matag tunghaan. Samtang si Mayor Senaca mipadayag sa iyang dakong pasalamat ngadto kang Gobernador Matugas sa iyang paghatag og importansya sa mga katawhan sa lungsod sa Malimono ilabina kay sila nahisakop sa 5th class municipality ug ang pagpa-ayo sa mga kadalanan niini hinungdan nga ang mga kadalanan karon sa lungsod dili na libaongon. (Provincial Information Center/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)

ACROSS THE REGION

PO3 Arturo S Campania PNP-PRO-13 ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARM Elements of 13th RPSB and Regional Special Operation Task Group (RSOG) 13 conducted operation on July 31, 2011 at 3:00 am at Sitio Bayabas, Brgy Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City against reported presence of armed group conducting checkpoint and extorting money from small scale mining haulers at the hinterlands of

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Brgy Bayabas, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte. The operation resulted to the confiscation of the three (3) shot guns and apprehension of the following suspects: a. Arsenio L Baguio, 35 yrs old and resident of Brgy Baras, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur; b. SG Fernan F Rosal, 45 yrs old, member of Mindanao Cavaliers Security Agency and a

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resident of P-6, Brgy Sto NiĂąo, Butuan City; and c. Sannyboy A Judgawon, resident of Brgy Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur and a member of 23 rd IB CAFGU. Suspects and confiscated firearm were brought to Cabadbaran City Police Station for proper disposition.

ILLEGAL GAMBLING One Ronald C Lauro, 31 yrs old, married and resident of Brgy Unidad, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur was arrested by elements of Cagwait Police Station led by PINS PREY B MORCILLO while

actually caught in the act soliciting bet money of illegal numbers game known as Last Two Digits. Confiscated from his possession were illegal gambling paraphernalia and cash bet money

amounting to Php 130.00. Apprehension took place at Purok Brotherhood, Brgy Unidad, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur on July 30, 2011 at 3:30 pm.

RECOVERY OF CARNAPPPED MOTORCYCLE One Lennie Miolata, 33 yrs old, married, self employed and a resident of Burgs Street, Brgy Washington, Surigao City reported to Surigao City Police Station on July 30, 2011 at 3:20 pm that his XRM 110 Honda motorcycle, color black with plate number MT 6404

and chassis number XRM13094030 was allegedly stolen while parked unattended in front of Triple D internet CafĂŠ along Vasquez Street, Brgy Washington, Surigao City. Upon receipt of the report, Personnel of Surigao City Police Station under PSINSP DICK A

CALE, found said motorcycle on July 30, 2011 at 6:00 pm parked at the back of Gateway Hotel. Investigator of Surigao City Police Station is now conducting thorough investigation for the possible identity of the suspects.

CNN members under Front Committee 34, SMRC led by Commander Egan (True Name Unknown) and Commander Marlon (True Name Unknown). Firefight ensued for 2 hours which resulted to the death of one Ricky Lantrong, 40 yrs old, resident of Casapa, Agusan del Sur

and a Peace Keeping Force (Bagani) member, while undetermined casualty on the enemy side. Elements of Loreto Police Station are now conducting investigation and coordinated Philippine Army for filing of appropriate charges in court.

REPORT ON ENCOUNTER One team of Peace Keeping Force (Bagani) based at Brgy Waloe, Loreto, Agusan del Sur led by CPL Manser Morgadez of 402 nd Brigade, 26 IB, Phil Army while conducting combat patrol at Km 2, Binocayan, Loreto, Agusan del Sur on July 31, 2011 at 7:00 am encountered more or less forty (40)

PROGRESS REPORT ON ATTACK OF TRENTO POLICE STATION A concerned citizen informed Bislig City Police Station thru cellular phone that they saw two persons with gunshot wounds were admitted atBislig District Hospital Hospital o n July 31, 2011 at 3:30 am. Upon receipt of the report, personnel of Bislig City Police Station immediately proceeded to the hospital to verify the veracity of the report and to conduct investigation. Upon arrival, they found out that two (2) men have gunshot

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wounds and were treated at said hospital and identified themselves as Sammy Cabag Calibayan, 35 yrs old, resident of La Fortuna, Veruela, Agusan del Sur and Ricky M Salde, 28 yrs old and resident of New Bataan, Trento, Agusan del Sur. They showed an indication to cooperate authorities and information revealed by said persons are members of CPP/NPA/NDF responsible in the attack of Trento Police Station,

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Trento, Agusan del Sur that transpired on July 30, 2011 at 5:00 am. Further information disclosed that the CNN members involved in the attack of Trento Police Station buried their comrades in an undisclosed area which is now subject for verification. BisligDistrict Hospital is now closely guarded by joint elements of Bislig City Police Station and 75th IB, Phil Army.

Presidential Event PHOTO FOCUS EVENTS CAPTURED

IN LENS

President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with former Tanzanian President and South Centre Board chairperson Benjamin Mkapa during a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malaca単an Palace on Monday (August 1). The Centre works on a wide range of issues relevant to the countries of the South and the global community in general. This work aims to achieve its objectives in accordance with the mandate of the South Centre as an independent, intergovernmental thinktank of developing countries. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Malaca単ang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes former Tanzanian President and South Centre Board chairperson Benjamin Mkapa during a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malaca単an Palace on Monday (August 1). The Centre works on a wide range of issues relevant to the countries of the South and the global community in general. In photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Jay Morales / Malaca単ang Photo Bureau)

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