By Uriel Quilinguing Contributing Editor
forum, when asked for comment after he and 19 topranking police officers in Northern Mindanao handed in their resignation letters last week.
few and involved in illegal drugs,” Coop said, echoing earlier disclosure from his superiors that less than 10 of some 950 generals and colonels may be involved in
TWO
ties in Poblacion, brgy. San Isidro, Talakag, also in Bukidnon on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
In a report sent by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Camiguin Provincial Field Unit, the suspects were identified as Saturnino Cuesta,
55, the chairman of Barangay Mahayahay; and Rudyrex Cinco, 42 who is also the chairman of Barangay Buyot. According to the CIDG, Cinco is the leader and Cuesta is a member of Cinco criminal group engaged in gun for hire and land grabbing
activities in the province of Bukidnon.
The said group is unlisted to the Directorate for Intelligence (DI), said Capt. Noel Oclarit, the team leader of CIDG Camiguin.
The said group is also the
THE murder of a Korean missionary in Bukidnon has been considered a solved case by the police authorities after the recent arrest of the suspect, the Bukidnon police said on Wednesday, January 18.
Major Jiselle Longakit, Bukidnon Police Provincial Office spokesperson, said the suspect, who was identified
COTABATO CITY – The European Union ambassador to the Philippines has urged the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to intensify consultations across the region in crafting the draft Bangsamoro governance and electoral codes.
EU Ambassador Luc Veron issued the call Monday as the EU, through the Support to Bangsamoro Transi-
tion (Subatra) program, donated two mini buses and light emitting diode movable display wall to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to help it in consultations with sectors across the BARMM.
“We witnessed the BTA is working hard in fasttracking the passage of two vital and priority codes –electoral code and local governance code,” Veron said in his speech.
“These codes are impor-
By Teofilo Garcia, Jr. ZAMBOANGA CITY –
Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have rescued 11 people from a halfsubmerged wooden-hulled vessel in Sulu province, a top PCG official reported Tuesday.
Commodore Marco Antonio Gines, the PCG Southwestern Mindanao district commander, said rescued were the 11 crew members of MV Melyn Express, which ran aground near Tanjung Pier Monday in Barangay Kajatian in Indanan town, Sulu.
MV Melyn Express skipper Muntasir Karanain informed the rescue team that they came from Malaysia and were bound for Sulu when the incident took place Monday.
“While approaching Tanjung Pier for a docking maneuver, the vessel ran aground as it accidentally navigated in shallow waters
By Che PalicteDAVAO CITY – At least 88.2 percent of the targeted population for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination in Davao Region are fully immunized, the regional Department of Health (DOH-11) office said Tuesday.
As of Monday, DOH-11 said the figure tallies to some 3,348,331 vaccinated individuals in the region, or some 7,491,242 vaccine doses have been administered in the region.
Some 94.9 percent or 3,602,170 individuals have received their first dose of the vaccine that included the single shot Johnson and Johnson jabs, the agency said. (PNA)
approximately 30 meters from the port,” Gines said in a statement.
As a result, the vessel's keel was damaged and started taking in seawater until
it reached the main engine.
A team from PCG-Western Sulu Station immediately responded and rescued the crew, who were all in good physical condition.
Gines said the station’s marine environmental protection unit conducted an assessment and reported there was no oil spill as a result of the incident. (PNA)
tant pieces of legislation that will ensure political stability in BARMM in the years to come and further promote peace and development,” he added.
Through the Subatra, Veron said the EU seeks to help the BTA parliament ensure inclusive participation
through "open, transparent, and extensive public consultations so that all voices from various groups are heard."
Veron hoped for the active participation from various groups, especially the marginalized and vulnerable groups. (PNA)
By Roel Osano
KORONADAL CITY – Law
enforcers have uprooted some PHP4.2 million worth of marijuana plants in an upland village of Tampakan town, South Cotabato province, an official bared Tuesday.
Kath Abad, the spokesperson of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Soccsksargen Region (PDEA-12), said the uprooting of at least 21,000 fully grown marijuana plants on Monday was the result of the strengthened anti-narcotics campaign and coordination between the government law enforcement agencies.
“Joint operatives of PDEA in Sarangani province and South Cotabato, police
personnel, and troopers from the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion were able to uproot the marijuana plants from three adjacent plantations,” Abad said.
The marijuana plants hidden among corn fields were maintained by its cultivator, identified as Yatan Piang, who is now at large.
Abad vowed to pursue the case against Piang for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs of 2002.
"Once the warrant of arrest comes out, we will again hunt him,” she said.
She said the operation was an off-shoot of a raid last year that netted a drug personality who is financing the illegal marijuana plantations in the village. (PNA)
DAVAO CITY – The Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) has pledged the "total eradication" of the weakened communist New People's Army (NPA) Guerilla Front 57 (GF57) "soonest."
Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, the 10ID commander, issued the vow Monday during the unit’s first command conference for this year at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Davao de Oro.
Mempin ordered 10ID
brigade and battalion commanders to finish the remaining NPA threat “the soonest possible time.”
"Let us remain vigorous and resolute in all our efforts in establishing a culture of security, and deliver a strong message to all forms of threats that they have no place in the entire area of responsibility of Joint Task Force Agila," he said.
Mempin also emphasized the importance of intelli -
gence-driven operations in hunting down the remaining NPA and sustaining the collaboration with the local chief executives through the respective Task Forces in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict.
He also cited various mechanisms to prevent the NPA resurgence in communities and further sustain the gains of being an insurgency-free Davao region. (Che Palicte | PNA)
BUTUAN CITY – This city’s inflation rate went down to 7.4 percent in December last year, lower by 1.1 percent
compared to the previous month's 8.5 percent inflation rate.
“The inflation in Decem-
ber 2022 in Butuan City is also higher by 1.4 percent compared to the recorded 6.0 percent inflation in De-
cember 2021,” according to the Philippine Statistics Authority in the Caraga Region (PSA-13) in a state-
ment Tuesday.
The agency said the three commodity groups that con
Fri-Sat, January 20-21, 2023
CAMIGUIN – Aiding indigent patients to access financial medical assistance in the province, Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go led the launch of the 154th Malasakit Center at the Camiguin General Hospital (CGH), January 18.
“As long as we help each other, what can help here in Camiguin, what is good that can help, especially during the pandemic. I can't promise anything, but I'll do my job as much as I can,” Go said.
The senator also said that P10 million will be immediately downloaded for the medical assistance provided to indigent patients of CGH.
“Unaha lang ninyo ang mga pobre (prioritize the poor),” Go added, citing that the helpless and hopeless individuals must be given assistance no matter what.
Indigent patients can conveniently get financial medical aid from organizations like PhilHealth, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the DSWD at the Malasakit Center, which serves as a one-stop shop.
In addition to helping poor patients, the senator will give cash aid to 90 rankand-file workers at CGH through the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. This includes janitors, security guards, and drivers.
Grocery packs, including face masks, vitamins, and food meals, will also be given to the hospital's 231 patients and 315 frontline workers.
Go also talked about the establishment of two super health centers in Camiguin, particularly in Mambajao
MARAWI CITY – The Bangsamoro Government is gearing up for the upcoming week-long celebration of its 4th founding anniversary, January 21-27, 2023.
This year's celebration carries the theme “SamaSamang Pagtataguyod Sa Mas Mapaya At Mas Masaganang Bangsamoro.”
With this, different committees were organized and assigned to prepare “service-oriented” activities such as the Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan (TABANG), the Ayudang Medikal Mula sa Bangsamoro Government (AMBAG), and other social services, for the Bangsamoro constituents, which will be held in the region's seat— the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City.
The committees involved are the Economic Development Committee (EDCom), the Development
Administrative Committee (DACOM), the Social Development Committee (SDC), the Infrastructure Development Committee (IPD), and the Peace, Public Order, Safety and Security Committee (PPOSSCOM).
“Every year, we make sure that we commemorate the historic January 21 plebiscite that established the BARMM by providing services to our people,” BARMM Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin Pendatun said.
“In keeping with our promise to bring the government closer to the people, we make sure that whenever we commemorate the plebiscite that ratified the Organic Law for the BARMM, we provide services to our people,” he added.
The Bangsamoro Government will publish the schedule of activities lined up for the upcoming celebration this week. (BIO | PIA Lanao del Sur)
MARAWI CITY – The European Union (EU), through the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) program, turned over two coaster buses and a LED wall to the Bangsamoro Government, January 16.
Head of Delegation of the EU to the Philippines, H.E. Ambassador Luc Veron, handed over the keys to BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, witnessed by Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation,
and Unity, and National Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., and members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament.
The buses are worth P2.2 million each, while the LED wall is worth P750,000, which will be given to the communications team of the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM).
The BTA members will use the buses, especially when holding public hearings and meetings
and Guinsiliban. These centers will offer birthing facilities, dental services, x-rays, dialysis, and other needed medical services in the said strategic areas.
Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo expressed his gratitude to the senator, saying, “Over the past few years, SBG has given us a lot of support, especially if we provide financial assistance to our constituents. Sir, you will never be forgotten in Camiguin. We will always be grateful for your support, for your help.” (RTP | PIA10 | Camiguin)
– In support of the country’s thrust towards the development of a society with gender equality and respect for human rights, the Technical Education and Skills Development
akayan sa PIA, January 18.
“TESDA is one of the agencies that is pushing for Gender and Develop -
ment (GAD) programs, in its training regulations and training itself, it requires schools to talk about gender equality, so it requires all training institutions to include it in their curriculum to educate everyone,” said Marigold Cherie Garrido, TESDA-MisOr provincial director.
In 2022, TESDA-MisOr was able to help 707 women, including former rebels (FRs) and indigenous people (IPs), improve their skills in 39 hinterland barangays.
These activities included dressmaking, agricultural inputs, cooking, baking, and more.
“We go outside, beyond the TVET fence; our mantra is TESDA-Abot Lahat. We
have reached the hinterland communities, we cater to organized women's groups, and we conduct communitybased programs there,” she added.
Garrido emphasized the importance of empowering women in urban and rural areas to be self-sufficient and key figures in their respective communities toward social growth, in conjunction with the administration's "whole-ofnation" approach to longterm peace.
“We have seen that there is a greater need for IP women; for example, in Samay, we taught dress-making; now they are already engaged in a lot of enterprising activities,” she said. (VPSB | PIA-10 | Misamis Oriental)
THE many incidents of child sexual abuse by clerics has shamed thousands of good bishops and priests who have been justly angered by the rampant and tolerated child sexual abuse of their fellow pedophile priests and some bishops.
They feel helpless when their bishop protects the pedophile priests and calls him “his son.”
They hunger for justice for the victims and wish to exonerate their own vocation and blemished priesthood.
Church law now says every act of sexual abuse against a child is not only a heinous crime in civil law but is a violation of Church law.
Bishops have been scolded by Pope Francis for covering up child abuse cases among their priests instead of reaching out to help the victims, find them therapy, healing and justice.
Instead, they try to buy off the child-victim and the family with money and promises.
This is what happened in the case in Cagayan province, Northern Philippines in 2022 outlined below.
Pope Francis says child abuse by a cleric is “a profound wound that cries out for healing.”
The latest wound that is being suffered by a child (call her Angelica, not her real name) happened when she was 15 years of age.
seduction and abuse on October 18, 2022, in a rescue and arrest operation planned and approved by Attorney Hector Eduard Geologo, regional director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Cagayan Valley.
The rescue and arrest was done by NBI Agent Attorney Jonimar Tongdo and his team with the cooperation of the child’s parents.
Angelica, now 16, was a member of the parish youth group helping in the church.
Father Israel was their director with moral ascendancy and authority over them and they trusted him.
Angelica, then 15 years old, was invited by Karole Israel on February 8 out for dinner.
According to her, he blindfolded her and drove to Aparri, Cagayan. At 2 a.m. the next morning, when they arrived back in Solana, he started molesting her, touching her private parts and kissing her.
She was shocked and got out of the car and ran all the way home.
She was frightened and afraid to tell her parents lest they would not believe her and blame her for lying and making serious accusations against an influential member of the clergy who are like Gods in the rural towns.
THE Christ was once challenged with the question, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And to which he replied, “Whoever becomes humble, like this child, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and whoever receives such a child, in my name, receives me.”
All those who have carefully discerned to follow him, and his Way of serving the kingdom of justice and peace, must above all, be humble children in faithful imaging of the divine Parent.
We must be careful never to boast of “being God” nor of “being equal to God,” for any one is clearly “not God;” but each one is invited to be “with God,” so that each one loses one’s self and then ultimately “becomes God.”
It is in losing everything, that everything is gained; it is in being none, that one becomes all.
one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ Yes, I have seen! And I declare that this is the Chosen One of God!”
The saint is therefore an unpretentious child of the Spirit; one who not only will never claim to be what one is not, but also one who will only claim to love and to be loved by the One whose heights of perfection we are called to reach with his infinite grace.
Simply said, the real saint will always confess, “I am one who am nothing; I can only become some-‘one’ when I will choose to reflect in me the One who is everything.”
It then follows that the saint never makes herself known to the world, but the world will only know her through the Spirit it sees through her: “Through you I will be known.”
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She complained of being raped and sexually assaulted many times by a priest Karole Reward Ubina Israel, 29, assistant parish priest in the Parish of St. Vincent Ferrer in Solana, Cagayan.
According to court records, the Catholic priest of the Diocese of Tuguegarao was arrested in the act of committing a crime of child
According to the Resolution of the prosecutor, the priest used his influence and authority and through texting demanded Angelica to meet him again for him to apologize for what happened. (To be continued) (LiCAS.news)
(Editor’s note: This opinion piece, written Irish Columban priest Fr. Shay Cullen, was first published in the LiCAS. news website on Jan. 16, 2023. We are republishing it with permission from the LiCAS.news editors.)
This is the ‘way of the child’: In humility and trust, will not a person grow because of its parent, and when fully mature, will eventually mirror its parent?
This is why the Baptist John recognized the Christ – the Santo Niño of God – for the Spirit dwells and will dwell in anyone who commits to become its own: “There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! … I saw the Spirit coming down on him … God, who sent me to baptize, told me, ‘You will see the Spirit coming down, and resting on the
So, the saint not only serves “to restore the tribes of Jacob, to bring back the remnant of Israel,” but she also enlightens: “It is not enough that you be my servant … I will make you the light of the nations, that my salvation will reach to the ends of the earth.” It is not merely in what one does that which liberates, it is in what one is. (To be continued) (LiCAS.news)
(Editor’s note: This opinion piece, written by Bro. Jess Matias, a professed brother of the Secular Franciscan Order, was first published in the LiCAS.news website on Jan. 15, 2023. We are republishing it with permission from the LiCAS. news editors.)
called Chat GPT. This new software application can answer essay questions in a manner that is mostly undetectable on its face.
as a lawyer/counsel for a defendant in a traffic case.
(1st of 2 parts)
“THE development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race” – Stephen Hawking
“A crafty rabbit has three burrows.” – old Chinese saying
Recently, Artificial Intelligence or AI related stories have been popping up in the news and even business forums.
First, there is a new software application that is creating a lot of buzz. It’s
Chat GPT is an AI that can not only tap into a vast amount of knowledge and vocabulary but, understand words in context. It can mimic speech and writing patterns of humans.
Chat GPT has many uses, both good and bad. Several members of the academe are already concerned that widespread use of the program can aid and abet cheating because it can give students the ability to generate essays or answers that they did not write.
Then a few weeks ago, news came out that a sophisticated robot powered by AI will be the first of its kind to act
According to Joshua Browder, chief executive officer (CEO) of DoNotPay (the company that created the AI lawyer), “the AI-creation runs on a smartphone, listens to court arguments and formulates responses for the defendant. The AI lawyer tells the defendant what to say in real-time, through headphones.”
In a recent 2022 World Economic Forum, there was a “Future of Jobs Report that estimated that AI will replace some 85 million jobs by 2025. We are actually seeing signs of that right now. Automated order takers in restaurants, autonomous vehicles that may someday replace Uber and cab drivers and of course AI call center agents that may spell doom for one of our country’s main industries are now coming into reality. (To be continued) (PNA)
The Technical Education Skills and Development Authority-10 (TESDA-10), together with FICCO Community Outreach Foundation, Inc. (FCOF, Inc.), and Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail Rehabilitation and Reformation Department (MOPJRRD), signed a memorandum of understanding on the conduct of a skills training program for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) inside the jail premises of Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail, Cagayan de Oro City.
The signing of the MOU made it official that the two groups would work together to improve the lives of prisoners through TESDAaccredited skills training
programs that they could use to get jobs, make money, or start small businesses.
The TESDA Training Provider, Regional Training Center (PTC)-Tagoloan, led by Center Chief Administrator Mario Labisig, will offer food processing and construction courses to a total of 43 PDLs, both men and women.
In his message, TESDA-10 Regional Director Ashary A. Banto underscored the importance of a synergized approach in rehabilitation programs for PDLs, adding that TESDA-10, together with its partners, is fully committed to aiding the PDLs in becoming productive members of society. (TESDA-MisOr | PIA-10 | Misamis Oriental)
ILIGAN CITY – Bualan Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (BARCOCO), an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) in Lanao del Norte, enhances its business operations by launching its own website (www.barcoco. my.canva.site).
BARCOCO utilized Canva, a popular graphic design platform, to create its digital content. The cooperative has also enrolled as a merchant in Shopee Marketplace to further widen its market reach.
Embracing digitalization is not new for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
More consumers have shifted to online shopping, prompting business establishments to create online marketing channels, including Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program entrepreneurs (CARPreneurs).
This gave CARPreneurs the chance to boost their knowledge and skills pertaining to digitalization.
For BARCOCO, the shift to digitalization led to increased demand for its banana flour and banana chips.
The digital initiative was implemented after two program coordinators from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)—Lanao del Norte’s Compre -
hensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP)—successfully participated in a series of trainings conducted by the Philippine Trade Training Center in coordination with the DTI-CARP Program Management Office.
The two training courses were Digital Literacy Training for E-Commerce and Building Back Better Business via E-commerce and Digital Marketing.
The training equipped the CARP coordinators with the necessary skills and tools that can assist CARPreneurs in pivoting their businesses from traditional marketing to digital marketing.
The capability-building training is in line with DTI Lanao del Norte’s goal to develop and equip the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in Agrarian Reform Communities with the right mindset and knowledge to help them become more effective and efficient in scaling up their business ventures. (DTI Lanao del Norte | PIA-10 | Lanao del Norte)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY
– The Department of Labor and Employment-10 (DOLE10) Cagayan de Oro City Field Office attended the 2022 Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat Night: Pasidungog sa mga Kauban sa Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Cagayan
de Oro City Job Placement Bureau (PESO) at the De Luxe Hotel, here.
Emmanuel G. Toledo, Chief Labor and Employment Officer of the Cagayan de Oro City Field Office, was given a plaque of appreciation for the help and support he gave in putting the JPB-
PESO programs and services into place, which helped the Cagayan de Oro City Job Placement Bureau-Public Employment Service Office grow a lot.
DOLE-10 CDOFO has always helped its partner agencies put in place programs that would help a lot
of Filipinos, especially those who work in the informal sector.
Through the JPB-PESO, DOLE was able to reach individuals from the barangays and other communities, like jobseekers, employers, students, out-of-school youth (OSY), migrant workers, persons with disabilities (PWDs), returning OFWs, displaced workers, researchers, and planners, as well as senior citizens and other government entities.
The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) is a multi-dimensional employment service institution or business that provides employment services without charging any fees.
Apart from providing accurate information on the labor market and DOLE programs, the PESO aims to ensure rapid and effective implementation of job facilitation services. (DOLE-10 | PIA-10)
MISAMIS ORIENTAL –
The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental (PGMO) will further strengthen the agriculture industry of the province in line with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s thrust to improve food
security in the country, January 17.
Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia stated that the provincial government presented its projects and programs to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the President's recent visit to Gingoog City and that the President had given them his full support.
Various programs had been lined up by the PGMO, such as corn and rice storage, the Food Always in the Table (FAITH) program, which promotes backyard gardening to all barangays in the province, shipment hubs, drip irrigation projects, and the opening of an agriculture course in the Misamis Oriental Provincial Agriculture Development Complex (MOPADC) in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority-10 (TESDA-10).
“Karong [January] 18, nag-create ta with TESDA, agriculture course didto sa MOPADC. Ang MOPADC mao ang mahimo nato nga training center sa atoang mga estudyante,” Unabia said.
On January 18, we launched an agriculture course at MOPADC in collaboration with TESDA. The MOPADC will become the training center for our learners).
Unabia told all Misamisnon parents to sign up their kids for the programs listed above.
He also said that a model sustainable village has been built for people who live in flooded coastal areas and will be moved to the hinterlands, where they will be given sustainable jobs and
drip irrigation.
With the support of the president, the governor told the province's agriculturist to speed up all program and project proposals so they can be sent to the Depart-
ment of Agriculture as soon as possible, as President Marcos asked.
“Agriculture is a program that can reboot our economy,” said Unabia. (JAKA | PIA-10 | Misamis Oriental)
PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has registered the SIMs of over 10 million Smart and TNT customers across the country, the most number among all telcos.
“We have taken specific steps to ensure that our SIM Registration will be inclusive. Our representatives and associates manning the booth are instructed to specifically ask for verbal permission so that they themselves can use our customers’ handsets, or do the registration on behalf of our customers using our own device, to register their SIMs. Our goal is to be able to register all Smart and TNT SIM users. As we speak we are preparing other solutions as needed, to make SIM Registration as inclusive as possible,” according to Cathy Yang, head of group corporate communications at PLDT and Smart.
As mandated by the SIM
Registration Act, which aims to curb the proliferation of text scams and other mobile phone-aided criminal activities, Smart made available its SIM Registration portal http://www.smart.com. ph/simreg on December 27, 2022.
Through this platform, millions of Smart and TNT customers have been able to conveniently register their SIMs.
Smart and TNT are also accelerating the deployment of SIM Registration booths and touchpoints all over the country, by collaborating with LGUs, partner stores, and regional and provincial distributors.
The touchpoints offer assistance to Smart and TNT customers needing information on how to register their SIM, as well as provide physical assistance to customers with special circumstances – seniors, persons with disabilities, those
still using basic phones.
Smart and TNT were the first to set up assisted SIM Registration in Iloilo and Davao.
Every day, Smart and TNT are adding more touchpoints in different areas of the country, including in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Bicol region, in the Visayas, and across
Mindanao.
Smart Prepaid and TNT subscribers can register their SIM and get 3 GB FREE data upon completing these steps:
Step 1. Visit http://www. smart.com.ph/simreg
Step 2. Input your information and upload a valid ID Step 3. Wait for an SMS
confirmation and get 3 GB FREE Data
Smart is also making SIM Registration more convenient for postpaid subscribers, who simply need to confirm the personal information and IDs they submitted for their postpaid plan application.
To do this confirmation, subscribers just need to text
YES to 5858. They shall then receive a confirmation message from Smart upon successful SIM Registration.
All Smart and TNT customers are advised to register their SIMs before the deadline set by law, to keep these SIMs active and to help fight against scammers and predators online. (PR | Smart)
“WE are truly grateful for the support we have received over the past 50 years, and we are excited to continue this mission for many more years to come,” said Mar Uy, of Alturas Group of Companies (AGC). “As we reach this major milestone, we have a range of exciting initiatives planned to mark this special
day, including corporate social activities, community programs, and sustainable solutions. We are also committed to further improving our malls and customer experiences, ensuring our customers have the best shopping and leisure experiences,” Uy added.
The group also made significant contributions in
2022. Last October, AGC donated P200,000 or P10,000 each to 20 to breast cancer patients during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as part of its Pink Run for a Cause marathon attended by 1,600 runners.
Likewise, AGC made significant progress in its operations, such as the recent opening of the third Marcela Farms Feedmill, highlighting food security and sustainable practices.
Considered among Asia's few large-scale feed mills, it serves the dietary requirements of all Marcela Farms' livestock and aqua operations while utilizing efficient waste management.
The farm is the primary source of livestock for Alturas Malls, providing consistent and high-quality produce for Bohol, Cebu, and other areas.
IN celebration of the 2022 National Climate Change Consciousness Week, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Globe recognized the efforts of individuals, groups, and local government units (LGUs) to address climate change, contribute in disaster risk reduction, and promote cultural and behavioral shifts.
In line with its commitment to climate resiliency, Globe partnered with the DENR Climate Change Service (CCS) and is the lone private sector co-presenter of the 2022 Mga Kuwentong KLIMA-likasan: A Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards.
Entries were evaluated based on their Climate and Disaster Resiliency content
(60%), visual appeal of photos and videos (30%), and the geographical reach of the initiative (10%).
The board of judges composed of representatives from the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and Globe chose individuals, groups, and local government units that have come
ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) — Doubts about business and financial matters might weigh on your mind now, Aries, so much so that they invade your dreams. The dreams are only a reflection of your worries - they aren't prophetic. Your situation is probably better than it seems on the surface. Lack of information clouds the issue. Check the facts and judge them for yourself before making yourself crazy.
TAURUS (Apr. 20- M ay 20) — A scheduling conflict may come up today, Taurus. A business engagement could interfere with a social event. You might doubt whether you can attend both, but if you plan carefully, it should be OK. Someone at home might not be communicative, which could cause a little worry. This person has issues they need to work out for themselves. Just be there if needed.
GEMINI (May 21 -June 20) — Confusing communications could be the pattern for today, Gemini. Some paperwork you need to do for a task might be delayed - hung up in the mail or filed in the wrong place. It might take a while to locate it, but it should turn up eventually. There might be some strange messages for you, and you may not be sure whether or not you should return the calls.
CANCER (June 21 -July 22) — Today you could doubt the amount of money you might get from a business transaction. If you can, verify this before starting anything. You aren't being told something. Personal relationships, particularly love and romance, should be stable and rewarding now, although today you may not have much time to spend with those you care about. Hang in there.
LEO (July 23 -Aug. 22) — Business transactions that could take place in your home or perhaps involve the home might seem a bit unclear today, Leo. Before agreeing to anything, read the fine print and verify all the facts about what you're signing. Use your intuition. It's very high at this time. Family members might be confused about events in their lives, but they'll get over it.
VIRGO (Aug 23 -Sep. 22) — ou might get a lot of mixed messages from friends, relatives, and colleagues, Virgo. They may say one thing while you sense that they mean something else. Insist on hearing how they really feel. This can prevent a lot of resentment later. New businesses could open in your neighborhood that you might want to check out. Take a look - especially if it's a new bookstore.
LIBRA (Sep. 23 -Oct. 22) — Today you might not feel secure about your financial situation, Libra, and get a little nervous. Disconcerting information in the news about the general state of the world economy might have planted some unsettling seeds in your mind. On the whole, you should be pretty financially stable now, and this trend is likely to continue. Check out the facts before giving in to panic.
SCORPIO (Oct. 3 -Nov. 21) — Some unsettling news about your work situation might reach you today and make you worried, Scorpio. You might question your future in this field and possibly consider a change. Consider it, by all means, but this isn't the day to make a final decision of any kind. Wait until you're in a more secure frame of mind. In the meantime, list your different options. This will get you back to reality.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 -Dec. 21) — You're a logical person, Sagittarius. When insights come to you through ESP, you tend to doubt their validity. Don't do this. If a feeling is particularly strong, go with it. Don't write it off because it seems illogical. Life isn't always predictable. If you give yourself permission, you can trust your intuition about nearly anything.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) —
Doubts about a friend's motives could plague you today, Capricorn. This person seems to be acting strangely and isn't communicating. This probably has little if anything to do with you. This person has issues that he or she is having trouble with. There are others who are in a better space whose company you will enjoy at this time. Get together and enjoy the amiable atmosphere.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) — A friend or family member might act strangely and seem distracted. You may wonder if he or she is upset with you. This probably isn't the case. This person has issues that need attention. Allow them some space. A romantic partner might have to break a date tonight. Spend the evening alone with a novel and look forward to the next get-together.
PISCES (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) — Too much reading might have you experiencing eyestrain and possibly headaches, Pisces. It might help to have your eyes checked, but it's probably just too much stress. You might have some trouble focusing on whatever work you do today, but this is only a temporary condition. You should be back to your normal self tomorrow. Stay home tonight, listen to music, and take it easy.
RESIGNATION | from p1
illegal drugs. “Hindi naman ‘to sapilitan (This is not forced resignation, though).”
At least 937 of them have heeded the call of the interior and local government secretary for courtesy resignations, as of January 18, in a bid to cleanse the police force from coddlers of persons engaged in illegal drug trade.
In region 10, only one, a colonel, has not tendered his courtesy resignation, out of 22 including two generals, the
as Warner Tulun-an Jr., was arrested on Sunday, Jan. 15 due to the continuous hot pursuit police operation following the shooting incident on January 13.
The victim, identified as Guidong Gwon or also known as “Pastor Samuel Gwon”, 53, was shot dead by the suspect due to alleged personal grudge at Purok 2 Patulangan, Brgy. Capitan Bayong, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.
Major Jaemar Paguidopon, Impasug-ong police chief, in a phone interview on Wednesday, Jan. 18, elaborated that the personal grudge of the suspect was due to land conflict.
“There might be issues with the areas of their (victim) establishments. We are not yet sure which establishments as their church has many affiliations. As of now, our investigation is ongoing to determine the main reason,” Paguidopon said in vernacular.
PNP-10 chief said, adding that one of the 19 colonels who took mass resignation challenge was reassigned to the national headquarters.
“I am ready to submit myself for (performance) assessment and evaluation,” the PNP-10 chief, who assumed his post five months ago. “This is the first time in 30 years that I am asked to tender courtesy resignation.”
He said PRO-10 has been relentless in their operations against illegal drugs, in coordination with the Philippine Drugs
Gwon was a resident of Purok 12, Brgy. Poblacion, Cabanglasan town in the same province. He was a missionary of Global Vision Baptist Church and a school assistant administrator at the Province Mountain Christian Academy in Cabanglasan.
Longakit confirmed the suspect was also involved in a shooting incident in Malaybalay City in July 2021. However, no case has been filed due to amicable settlement.
Gwon sustained four gunshot wounds from the different parts of his body. The authorities tried to rush the victim to Impasug-ong Rural Health Center during the incident but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The police have recovered eight fired cartridge cases, four deformed slugs and two live ammunition of caliber .45 pistol.
Paguidopon said the Bukidnon provincial police headquarters listed the said case as one of the priorities to imme-
Enforcement Agency-10, and the campaign includes random drug tests on police officers.
He said three corporals who tested positive for use of prohibited substances have been dismissed from the service and a staff sergeant has been charged for violations of Republic Act 9165 before the prosecutor’s office.
Meantime, the chain-ofcommand from Camp 1Lt Vicente Alagar at Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro, the headquarters of the PNP-10, to police offices in five provinces and
diately arrest the suspect and provide justice to the victim.
“Our provincial director, Col. Reynante Reyes, sent tracker teams from BukPPO (Bukidnon Police Provincial Office) to give priority and for the immediate resolution of this case,” Paguidopon said in a video posted online.
The town police chief also thanked the informants as well as the residents in the said area for helping the police to have a solid lead pertaining to the
VILLAGE | from p1
subject of the complaints of Allen Capuyan, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) chairperson, during the meeting with the local government units and police units in the area on December 12 last year.
CIDG said the said criminal group was responsible in the alleged land grabbing of ancestral domain being tilled by
nine cities remain on “status quo” pending acceptance of resignations from the service.
“It’s up to the five-man (member) committee,” Coop said, referring to the probe body that has yet to be composed after the January 31 deadline for the submission of courtesy resignations.
The committee would then perform their task within a three-month period within or after which, its findings would be reviewed by the National Police Commission, and then to the Office of the President. (MT)
identification and whereabouts of the suspect.
The victim’s family, together with the witness, already went before the provincial prosecutor’s office in Malaybalay City to file a formal criminal complaint for the inquest proceedings against the suspect in the case of murder.
As of this writing, the suspect is currently detained at the custodial facility of Impasugong Municipal Police Station. (Franck Dick Rosete)
the tribal residents in the barangays of Imbayao and Buyot, both of Don Carlos, Bukidnon.
The two suspects were arrested through Oplan Pagtugis and Salikop launched by the CIDG Bukidnon, together with the other police units by serving the warrant of arrest.
Cinco and Cuesta are currently detained at the custodial facility of Talakag Municipal Police Station.
| from p6
AGC also opened Fixrite Hardware-Panglao, which provides jobs and quality yet affordable construction materials to the public.
It offers a wide range of products, including simple hand tools for repair needs, plumbing, construction, and electrical supplies, serving as a one-stop shop for all hardware needs.
Located in Brgy. Bolod, the
DENR | from p6
a long way in their efforts to address climate change impacts within their communities or beyond.
As the county’s leading digital solutions provider, Globe recognizes that climate change is a huge challenge that requires collective action, hence the need to support and highlight the efforts of Filipinos from around the country.
“We see technology, which is a key enabler of industries, to help accelerate the just transition to a green economy,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer of the Globe Group.
SUBATRA | from p3
to get their remaining priority codes passed.
Chief Minister Ebrahim promised that the coasters would be used well to help the Bangsamoro people get services.
“May these coasters serve as a symbol of our mutual trust and strengthen our collaboration as we approach the fulfillment of the transition period of the BARMM government,” said Ebrahim.
Veron, on the other hand,
store is just a few kilometers away from the Bohol Panglao Island International Airport, making it easily accessible to customers.
Moreover, AGC celebrated the official anniversary of the Alturas Mall in Tagbilaran City on November 24 with a range of activities.
These included the Alturas Got Talent Employees Edition, a talent competition for all Alturas Mall employees, and the
“Let us all work together to build a sustainable and climate-resilient Philippines. It is our fervent wish that by giving recognition, ang Mga Kuwentong Klima-likasan ay magbibigay ng mas malawak na inspirasyon para sa ating lahat upang tumugon sa pangangailangan ng ating kalikasan,” she added.
First prize winners for the individual, group and LGU categories who won P30,000P50,000 in cash were:
Moises Butic - The Ifugao Muyong: Perpetuating a Forest Legacy iRISE UP - Intelligent, Resilient, and Integrated Systems for the Urban Population CDRRMO Baguio City -
said that EU-SUBATRA will help the BTA Parliament make sure that public consultations in the region are open to everyone.
“Beyond these buses and information equipment, the EU is confident that after the transition period, we would have contributed in putting in place a more responsive and capacitated Bangsamoro Government, exposing principles of democracy and inclusive governance as specified in the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” Veron said. (BIO | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)
3rd Alturas Mega Crew Dance Battle, an interschool dance crew contest open to all schools in Bohol.
In addition, the mall conducted A Day with PWD Angels, an outreach program for deaf and mute children of Tagbilaran City.
The activities included a free clinic, talent contest, art workshop, lunch, gift-giving, and talent presentations.
AGC is committed to creat-
Smart and Gender-Inclusive Flood Early Warning and Mitigation System KLIMA-likasan also gave out Climate Technology for Resilience Awards. Winners for this category were chosen for their contributions and initiatives that highlight the role of digital technologies in building resilience, including the use of artificial intelligence, robotics, sensor-driven tools, smartphone applications, the Internet, SMS, and social media, among others.
The awardees are:
Raheemah Hafsah Pangarungan’s BIOPHIL, which intends to provide cleaner, cheaper, a more accessible energy source and products from water hyacinth, an invasive plant species within Lake Lanao;
iRISE UP’s Intelligent, Resilient, and Integrated Systems
BUTUAN | from p2
tributed to the downward inflation trend were food and non-alcoholic beverages, transportation, and clothing and footwear.
It said food and non-food beverages recorded 8.9 percent for December 2022 from 11.6 percent in November 2022 while the transport service posted a 7.8 percent inflation rate from 8.6 percent in the
ing meaningful and impactful experiences for its customers.
It is excited to provide the public with another memorable year filled with various opportunities to connect with the company and to be a part of its ongoing commitment to strategic, sustainable progress in Bohol and the Visayas region.
To learn more about Alturas Group of Companies, visit www.alturasbohol.com. (PR | Alturas)
for the Urban Population, which aims to streamline the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Information System of Quezon City;
CDRRMO Baguio City’s Smart and Gender-Inclusive Flood Early Warning, Information and Mitigation System for its online system, real-time data capture system, and flood mitigation action plan;
“The stories that we received from 16 regions in the country only say one thing: there are already significant actions happening on the ground. We need to take note of them, document them, map them and see how we can scale up the initiatives to expand to other areas in their community,” shared Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh of the DENR. (PR | Globe)
previous month.
Clothing and footwear, meanwhile, also logged a lower 4 percent inflation rate from 4.4 percent in November 2022.
Other commodity groups such as health, information and communication, education services, restaurants and accommodation services, and financial services recorded steady rates during the period.
(By Alexander Lopez | PNA)– The local government here has partnered with the Filipino-Chinese community to open the iconic Bell Church to the public to reignite local tourism and learning local history.
In an interview Tuesday, John Asuncion, head of Trade and Investments Promotions Center (TIPC), said Bell Church is a universal church established by the Chinese in the city, symbolizing reverence to various religious denominations: Daoism, Buddhism,
Confucianism, Christianity, and Islam.
“We are given the opportunity to showcase the unique Filipino-Chinese culture we have grown up with and share to the greater public the beautiful influences that have molded us into who we are now as an individual and as a community,” Asuncion said.
The opening of the Bell Church to the public is part of the weeklong celebration of the Chinese New Year.
Asuncion, who is also the chairperson of the Chinese New Year Festival Committee, said the tour will
run from Jan. 17 to 19 to give Kagay-anons the opportunity to understand the culture and tradition of the Bell Church, as well as the significance.
The Bell Church started its roots in the religious group founded by Ng Pee in 1954 in Baguio City.
The Bell Church was constructed here in 1989.
During the devastation of Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi) in 2011, Asuncion said the church was flooded but the statues of saints on the altar, as well as the holy water contained in the glass, were not destroyed. (PNA)
– A total of 17 teams or 636 athletes from all over the country will be seeing action in the Mayor's Cup Spring Festival Dragon Boat Race in Cagayan de Oro on Saturday, January 21, 2023.
The Mayor's Cup Spring Festival Dragon Boat Race is part of the city government's lined-up activities for this year's Chinese New Year Festival.
The 17 teams expected to participate in the said competition include Kampilan Dragon Boat, Gladiators Davao, Ricspeed, Samal Dragons, and Amihan from Davao; RMMC Bluefins Dragon Boat Team from
General Santos; Universidad de Zamboanga, Wildcats Paddlers Dragon Boat Team from Zamboanga;
Speed Devilz and Philippine Army Dragon Warriors from Manila; San Jose Banatti and United Dragonhearts from Negros; Dumaguete Yellowfins from Dumaguete; Dalipuga Dragons from Iligan; Brgy Carmen Dragon Boat Team, CGY Oro Dragons, and BraveDogs from Cagayan de Oro; and Hydra Riders, which is composed of paddlers from Cagayan de Oro and Davao.
According to Oro-TIPC (Trade Investments Promotions Center) chief John Asuncion, the chairman of the Chinese New Year Festival Committee, the dragon
boat race is divided into five categories.
These are the Standard Open 300M, Standard Mixed 300M 24 and Under, Standard Mixed 300M Premier, Standard Mixed 300M Masters, and Standard Mixed Novelty Race. Winners from each category will receive cash prizes, trophies, and medals.
Champion teams will get P50,000 in cash prize, P30,000 for first runners-up, P20,000 for second runnersup, and P10,000 for third runners-up.
The Mayor's Cup Spring Festival Dragon Boat Race will be held at Isla de Oro from January 21 to 22 at 7 a.m. (JAS-CIO | CIO file photos)