CTF-ELCAC launched in Surigao City village

P ovincial News A total of 29,176 beneficiaries were served in Agusan del Norte province; 35,324 in Agusan del Sur; 10,715 in Dinagat Islands; 30,468 in Surigao del Norte; and 38,091 in Surigao del Sur.

A series of payouts were conducted so that beneficiaries could claim their P3,000 stipend semesterly grants. A total of P6,000 was enjoyed by the beneficiaries for 2019.

The Social Pension program provides P500 grant to qualified indigent senior citizens as augmentation for their daily subsistence and other medical needs. This is in line with the fulfillment of the government’s obligation to the most vulnerable sector through social protection, and for the full implementation of Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

Eligible for the program are senior citizens who are 60 years old and above; frail, sickly or with disability; no pension from government agencies or any other insurance company; no permanent source of income; and no regular support from their family for their basic needs. (DSWD Caraga/VLG/PIASurigao del Norte) CTF-ELCAC launched in Surigao City village

By Susil D. Ragas SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - After the fall of Guerilla Front (GF) 16B due to the mass surrender of key leaders and supporters, the city government of Surigao launched the City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (CTF-ELCAC) on January 22, 2020 at Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-i, this city.

Sitio Brazil was formerly known as the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) stronghold. P ovincial News

Government of Mat-I, national line agencies, Surigao City Police Office, and the 30th IB.

It can be recalled that GF16B, which is led by Pablo Alcansar Logatiman aka Lukas, a native of Sitio Tugunan, Mabini, Surigao City, celebrated the CPP anniversary in the said area on December 2016.

The relentless efforts of Team Surigao del Note led by the provincial government, municipal and barangay level local government units, regional line agencies, civil society organizations, 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion and the whole police force in the province led by the Provincial Police Office, key leaders of GF16B like Commander RD and Commander NO NAME, and their Political Officer alias Wella, surrendered last year.

Their surrender further led to the surrender of other NPA regulars as well as members of the underground mass organizations of GF16B.

To sustain these gains, Team Surigao del Norte further institutionalized its whole-of-nation convergence through the launching of the Task Force ELCAC of Surigao City at Sitio Brazil, Mat-i.

This simple but very symbolic event was led by City Mayor Ernesto “Estong” Matugas Jr, together with the Surigao City Council, Barangay Local The activity was highlighted with the ceremonial turn-over of livelihood assistance (Cattle Dispersal) to five beneficiaries, distribution of hygiene kits to 120 households from Surigao Metropolitan Water District-Prime Waters and distribution of seedlings.

After the launching program, a “Serbisyo Caravan” immediately commenced providing basic services to the residents.

Said services included dental and medical services, free haircut, supplemental feeding, distribution of slippers and “Lice Alis” packs to the pupils of Lope R. Ruiz Memorial Elementary School, vaccination and deworming, issuance of appointment schedules for the filing of NBI clearance, and the extension of free legal consultation/services.

In his message, Mayor Matugas expressed his utmost gratitude to the partner stakeholders who supported the CTF-ELCAC launching.

“Everyone desires for peace, let us support the EO 70 or Wholeof-Nation Approach of our beloved President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his action to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Surigao City,” Mayor Matugas said.

Meanwhile, 30IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jeffrey A. Villarosa congratulated the Team Surigao City for bringing government services to Sitio Brazil, a Conflict-Affected Area (ConAA).

P ovincial News to be active participants towards their efforts to attain peace and development to their community and insulate their children, their families and their community from the deception and lies of the NPAs.

Surigao Norte PCDC elects new set of officers By Susil D. Ragas He said the Python Troopers will always be an active partner of Team Surigao City, Team Surigao del Norte, and the peace-loving residents of Sitio Brazil, the most important member of the team.

Villarosa enjoined the residents CTF-ELCAC was institutionalized during the joint City Development Council (CDC) and City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting through the approved joint Resolution No.4, s. 2019 dated September 16, 2019. (30IB, Philippine Army/PIASurigao del Norte)

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Surigao del Norte Second District Board Member Melva P. Garcia was unanimously re-elected as the chairperson of the Provincial Cooperative Development Council (PCDC) of Surigao del Norte.

Board member Garcia was reelected during the first PCDC meeting on January 17, 2020, held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Conference Room, this city.

Other elected PCDC Officers were Rebecca Bagnol (Surigao del Norte Provincial Development Officer as vice chairman; Ma. Teresa Calang from the Department of Trade and Industry as secretary; Charlito Arquion, Manager of Land Bank Surigao City as treasurer; and Felibeth Bonono from the Department of Labor and Employment as auditor.

Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga Region Legal Officer IV Atty. Ruel S. Halanes was also present during the meeting and presented some updates from the CDA, which included the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2019-01 -- a Joint Memorandum Circular between CDA and the Department of Interior

COMELEC holds PWD voting P ovincial News and Local Government (DILG) on Cooperative Promotion, Organization and Development in Local Government Units signed and issued on January 21, 2019.

Atty. Halanes also discussed the roles, mandates, responsibilities, powers and functions, composition, structure, and organization of the CDA.

Meanwhile, the newly elected officers of the PCDC immediately had their planning meeting for the upcoming activities, plans, and programs of the council. (Sangguniang PanlalawiganSurigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

simulation

By Nora C. Lanuza

BUTUAN CITY - With the aim to create an electoral structure that is responsive to the needs and situation of the most vulnerable in our community - the persons with disability (PWDs), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) through the offices of the Provincial Election Supervisor of Agusan del Norte and City Election Officer of Butuan City conducted voting simulation for PWDs at Libertad National High School, here.

“This is part of agency’s interventions to help our PWDs during elections,” said COMELEC Caraga regional director Atty. Francisco Pobe. It is one of the actions of the agency to teach them how to vote and also to get their sentiments to further improve our election system, Pobe added.

Among those who joined the voting simulation is Steven Arcinal, he was thankful for teaching them how to vote properly and correctly during elections.

P ovincial News Also, COMELEC Commissioner Atty. Al Parreño said it is one way to assess the situation of PWDs, the election process, the system and the equipment used in voting. Based on the observations, the COMELEC will then facilitate a voting system that will suit to their needs.

Meanwhile, during the voting simulation held at the Libertad National High School in Butuan City, the COMELEC office also caters registration of voters for PWDs and youths who were not yet registered.

Arcinal is also hopeful that the government will also help them (PWDs) on their other needs and that they can also get a job despite their physical conditions. Saide endeavor is part of the constant effort of the COMELEC in promoting inclusive participation in exercising the right to suffrage. (NCL, PIA Agusan del Norte) San Luis – Binicalan road rehab, now 79% completed

AGUSAN DEL SUR - Despite the challenges brought by unfavorable weather conditions, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has now accomplished 79 percent of the 8.24-kilometer San Luis-Binicalan Road in Agusan del Sur rehabilitation project.

Agusan-Malaybalay road now 77% complete P ovincial News The P147.75 million worth of project which is currently on its 4th phase of implementation is under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program which aims to provide ease of access for conflict-stricken communities in Caraga.

Funded under the CY 2018, the project started in October 2018 and is expected to be completed on March 2020.

“The constructed road traversing the area leading to Barangay Binicalan has already brought so many advantages for the locals. We are glad that they will soon utilize a wider and improved access road,” said DPWH Caraga Regional Director Pol M. Delos Santos.

He also assured that projects under the supervision of the regional office strictly conform to the standards and policies of the Department for quality and on-schedule delivery.

The road rehabilitation of San LuisBinicalan Road is one of the five ongoing projects under CY 2018 PAMANA projects identified by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and implemented in various parts of the Caraga Region, particularly in remote areas of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur. (DPWH-13/ JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga is undergoing road construction projects, which will contribute to a faster and more convenient travel and delivery of local products in the different parts of the region and in Mindanao. Among these projects include the Agusan-Malaybalay Road worth 1.1-billion pesos which is already 77.62 percent complete as of December 2019. in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur were delighted and eager to benefit more from the Agusan-Malaybalay Road. It helps them deliver their products easily to the market. By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The construction has started in the year 2015 and is expected to be completed this year 2020.

With this development, the locals Rosie Echinique, a resident from Esperanza, was emotional in expressing her appreciation to the government. She hoped that this kind of project would benefit more locals and improve

their way of living. She also stressed that for almost three decades living in the area, it was only this administration that she experienced to have wellconstructed roads.

“We have seen and felt the concern of the government for us and we have high hopes that more Mindanaoans would be able to benefit and experience an improved quality of life,” said Echinique.

Meanwhile, DPWH-Caraga regional director Pol Delos Santos bared that due to the recent earthquakes recorded in some parts of Mindanao, the department has been continuously conducting inspection to various infrastructures in the region, which include the Magsaysay Bridge in Butuan City that was opened to public since May 19, 1953.

According to Director Delos Santos, the Magsaysay Bridge is still in good condition and was not affected by the series of quakes experienced in Mindanao. (JPG/NCLM, PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Bayugan City officials boost locals’ trust, confidence By Jennifer P. Gaitano P ovincial News

BUTUAN CITY - In time with the conduct of Peace Caravan in Barangay Mt. Carmel, Bayugan City, various government agencies that are members of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTFELCAC) Caraga have capacitated the local residents through the different programs and services and left them as well-informed citizens with high trust and confidence to the government.

Around 1,500 local residents in Mt. Carmel, including those in nearby barangays have greatly benefited from the Peace Caravan of the Task Force and Bayugan On-Wheels by the city government. Living in a remote yet peaceful community, Angeline Bada, 23 years old from the Manobo tribe of Mt. Carmel, brought her kids in the Peace Caravan and maximized the availment of the free services from various government agencies. She said, every time they are January 25-31, 2020 Caraga Infocus 30

informed on the government’s visit in their place for such activity, they always prepare for it and convene early in the venue.

“We believe that the government wants our lives to improve and lets us experience a peaceful life in our respective community. Our tribe has higher trust and confidence to the government, as they never cease to help us in any means and secure our safety from possible harm,” shared Bada.

Bayugan City Mayor Kirk Asis, emphasized that the government continues to address varying issues and concerns of the locals to uplift their living conditions.

“We are doing our best to serve the people of Bayugan which is why we made sure that the line agencies and even the members of the three branches of the government were present during the Serbisyo Caravan in order to address their varying concerns,” said Asis.

Provincial Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., also urged all the local chief executives to work more and do better as public servants. “We, the personnel working for the government of Agusan del Sur, will always stand by the principle that those who have less in life shall have more in public service,” he said.

Meanwhile, being the cabinet officer for regional development and security (CORDS) Caraga, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexie Nograles, reiterated that with the intensified efforts of the government in reaching out to the people in all barangays, the terrorist New People’s Army will no longer have a place in the communities.

“This kind of effort we are extending serves as a reminder that contrary to the beliefs instilled by the CNTs on the government’s abandonment of its responsibilities to the Filipinos, the government does care for its people and that it is making sure that your welfare is being taken care of,” underscored Nograles. (JPG/PIAAgusan del Sur)

CabSec Nograles leads Peace Caravan in Bayugan P ovincial News

BUTUAN CITY - In line with the campaign for an inclusive and sustainable peace in the region, the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) held a Peace Caravan in Mt Carmel, Bayugan City on January 23. The caravan, which was a prelude to the 4th Caraga RTF-ELCAC Meeting, was led by Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles together with Surigao del Sur Governor and Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Chairperson Alexander T. Pimentel, Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr., Bayugan City Mayor Kirk A. Asis and other members of the task force.

The Peace Caravan is a government initiative that aims to bring public services closer to the people residing in geographicallyisolated and conflict-affected areas. The Caravan is under the “access” phase of the Retooled Community Support Program, a convergence strategy in employing the whole of nation approach in ending insurgency in which government gaps and needed development interventions are identified in the priority barangays. A similar caravan was previously conducted in Brgy. Maitom, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur prior to the 3rd RTFELCAC Mmeting held in the same city. The activity also provided an opportunity for the residents to voice out their concerns. During the opening program, Punong Barangay Merla P. Ajan was able to raise the urgent need for a local access road in their barangay which will allow connectivity to the neighboring communities.

In response, CabSec Nograles asurred the barangay of the full support of President Duterte in their predicament.

“Rest assured that the President and the members of the Cabinet will deliver our promise to better your lives by addressing the issues presented. If not this year, then up until the end of President Duterte’s term.”

Residents in the barangay and nearby communities were able to avail basic services from various government agencies and the local government of Bayugan such as dental and medical examination, prenatal consultation, medicines, and grooming services. (DILG13/PIA-Caraga)

P ovincial News Troops seize war materials after clash with CNTs in Tandag City

According to 36IB Civil-Military Operations Officer Lt. Jonald Romorosa, the incident happened around 12:30pm in Kapatagan, Palo 8, part of Barangay Buenavista in Tandag City when the troops of Charlie Company under 36th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operation in response to the reports they received regarding the presence of CNT. As a result, the operating troops encountered about 15 fully armed CNTs.

The firefight lasted for 15 minutes. The CNTs then scampered to different directions, leaving some war materials and firearms. No casualties were reported on the government side while bloodstains were found at the escape route of the rebels.

Authorities recovered from the site one M16 rifle, one Garand rifle, live ammunition, landmines components and personal belongings.

According to 36IB Commander Lt. Col Jezreel Diagmel, the support they gain from the communities under their area of responsibility continues to grow in ending the local communist armed conflict. The official also expressed the army’s commitment to Surigaonons.

“It is my commitment to respond to the call of the peace-loving people of Surigao del Sur to preserve the peace and security in the province. We will never stop until communities and populace will experience the peace and progress that they are longing for,” Lt. Colonel Diagmel said.

Lt. Diagmel also called on the remaining CNT members to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law, and avail the Enhance Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government. “You have still a chance and live in peace together with your family,” Lt Col Diagmel said. (with a report from 36IB/PIA Surigao del Sur) TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Military troopers seized firearms and ammunition after they engaged in a firefight with the members of the Communist New Peoples Army Terrorists (CNTs) on Thursday, January 30, 2020.

P ovincial News CLOA beneficiaries in SurSur up in 2019

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

According to provincial agrarian reform officer (PARO) Leoncio Bautista, they have reached the 130 percent accomplishment in its program, and 120 percent in program beneficiaries development, which was also beyond their target of 100 percent in 2019. with 176.21 area in the whole province. Apart from this, they have also complied with the survey of new lands that reached to 308.23 hectares or 136 percent, higher from their target of 226.82 hectares. BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Surigao del Sur has accomplished beyond the 100 percent target of their land tenure services in the year 2019.

Based on the data from the agency’s Land Tenure Improvement Division, they have released and distributed some 227 certificates of land ownership award (CLOA) to the farmers of Surigao del Sur in 2019 which has 277.54 hectares of land or 214 percent from their targeted 98 CLOAs PARO Bautista emphasized that cooperation, dedication and commitment of the employees of DAR have greatly contributed to attaining these accomplishments of the department and even reaching it beyond the target in 2019. (JPG/NGPB, PIA-Caraga)

MINDANAO NEWS