Heavier penalties for drug offenses during pandemic, calamity sought

27 Nov, 2020, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

CAGAYAN de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has filed a bill that seeks heavier penalties for drug offenses committed during a pandemic, calamity or similar emergencies.

Rodriguez said despite the raging health crisis, the drug problem in the country "still persists and could be considered to have worsened."

The kagay-anon lawmaker has cited a data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) which showed that anti-drug operatives conducted 3,413 anti-illegal drug operations from September 2 to 27, this year.

"A total of 4,354 drug offenders were arrested, and 2.2 kilos of shabu and 13.7 kilos of marijuana with a combined street value of P151 million were confiscated. Further, the Police Regional Office-Cordillera destroyed three marijuana farms worth P3.84 million in Kalinga,"Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez, who was recently elected as deputy speaker, said country's police force have to continue waging the war against the dangerous drugs aside from fighting the coronavirus diseases (Covid-19).

"Thus, the need to amend RA 9165, or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, to include a provision making the commission of any of the unlawful acts prescribed by the law during a pandemic or a state of calamity an aggravating circumstance, increasing the penalty one degree higher," he said.

Rodriguez' bill adds a new section which provides: "Aggravating circumstance-the penalty one degree higher shall be imposed if any of the unlawful acts above is committed during an epidemic, pandemic, calamity or a state of calamity as declared by the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

The succeeding sections are to be renumbered accordingly.

The RA 9165 imposes graduated penalties on drug-related crimes. The maximum is life imprisonment and a fine of P500,000 to P10 million. It is imposable on serious offenses, including possession, importation, manufacture and distribution. (With PR)

DepEd, DSWD underscore care for children amid pandemic

24 Nov, 2020, No comments

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY,--The Department of Education (DepEd)–10 and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)–10 celebrate Children’s Month 2020 by giving updates on their initiatives for the well-being of children in northern Mindanao amid the social and educational disruption brought by the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic.

“As of November 19, our policy and planning unit recorded that we are already at 93 percent enrollment rate from kindergarten to Grade 12 despite the COVID-19 pandemic,” DepEd-10 Legal Officer IV Lawyer Candice Zennia Razon said.

Changes in education setting

Due to the suspension of face-to-face classes in adherence to health safety protocols, DepEd-10 opted for a modular and online approach in which she admitted has made some parents apprehensive especially in far-flung areas.

“I think the reason why we haven’t reached 100 percent is because we also respect the decision of the parents that are apprehensive or have challenges in getting modules, we acknowledge that our students here in the Philippines are really used to face to face classes,” Razon added.

Acknowledging that the confinement may have perhaps created an impact in children’s social development, DepEd-10 has also provided mental health support through the provision of psychosocial activities such as online webinars for parents, teachers, and learners in addition to their modules and other activities related to education to help children adapt to the new learning landscape.

“Here in the region, the fact that we are at 93 percent in our enrollment would affirm that it’s not only the DepEd-10 but also our parents and guardians who see the importance of education for our children. They are one with us in believing that education must continue amid this pandemic,” she said.

Espousing children's rights

For DSWD-10’s part, SWAD Team Leader and Children Focal Cristituta Omoyon-Eurese and Early Childhood Care and Development Focal Marylou Aniñon said in light of Children's Month, their department is focusing on children's "Right of Survival and Development" due to the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19, especially for parents who have lost their jobs.

“Amidst the pandemic, we are trying to protect the children in any form of violence, so considering our children now are always in their homes and have restricted movement, it’s making them more vulnerable to violence and exploitation, it’s not just DSWD but also other inter-agencies are also looking into that,” Aniñon said.

In addition to coordinated efforts with other line agencies, DSWD-10 also has partnerships with the local government units (LGUs) in their Regional Juvenile Justice Welfare Committee to aid children in conflict with the law and survivors to enact proper intervention and rehabilitation.

Eurese also said alongside different agencies of the government, they are continuing rescue operations from human trafficking and online sexual exploitation cases as a significant initiative to the imposed lockdowns and stay-at-home protocols brought by the pandemic.

Furthermore, they are also aiding households in recognizing and preventing online sexual exploitation especially in the age of digitalization amid the new normal aside from handling human trafficking and domestic abuse interventions.

"Have an open communication with your children and know the signs, think before you click and educate yourselves, there are a lot of pedophiles and predators online," Eurese says.

Emphasizing communication as a key factor when it comes to protecting children in the digital age, she also encourages parents to have a proper conversation with their children to the social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid disconnection and lessen anxiety with their children.

Even before the Children’s Month celebration, DepEd-10 and DSWD-10 have worked hand in hand in the development, education, and protection of the children in the region, and will continue to do so even after the celebration.

Annually held every November, the Children’s Month celebration aims to align key result areas of the Philippine Plan of Action to End Violence against Children (PPAEVAC) and progressively realize the rights of children for a more robust and developed society. (VPSB/PIA10)

DepEd-10 Legal Officer IV Lawyer Candice Zennia Razon shares their department's firm commitment in giving the children of Northern Mindanao proper educational services despite the global health crisis. (JAKA/PIA10)

Cdeo, MisOr on alert vs African Swine Fever

19 Nov, 2020, No comments

By PJO

THE City Government of Cagayan de Oro is on alert against the entry of African Swine Fever (ASF) after the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) confirmed an ASF case in barangay Pugaan, Iligan City.

DA-10 regional director Carlene Collado said biosecurity measures should be strengthened on the remaining green zone areas of region 10, including Cagayan de Oro.

The City Veterinary Office had since intensified operations of its animal quarantine checkpoints, including the establishment of additional checkpoints in barangay San Simon. The veterinary office also beefed up its information education campaign particularly in hinterland barangays, such as barangays Tignapoloan, Tumpagon in coordination with their respective barangay councils.

The said office also alerted restaurants, eateries, and barangays on the proper disposal of swill, locally known as 'pasaw' to ensure it does not reach households as a feeds for the pigs. "Panawagan ko lang, particularly sa atong backyard raisers nga palihog lang dili lang pakan-on sa pasaw kay we do not know nga ang pasaw gacontain sa ASF virus ang pasaw karon kuyaw, ang asf walay bakuna, walay tambal, baboy patay," City Veterinarian Dr. Lucien Anthony Acac said.

The NorMinHog has given P2,000 per culled hog as a financial assistance to affected hog farmers. The DA will also provide indemnity fund at P5,000 per culled hog.

He said its office also conducts post-abattoir enforcement to ensure the meat sold in establishments are safe for human consumption. The post-abattoir team enforces Executive Order No. 172 signed by Mayor Oscar Moreno on September last year, imposing a ban on the entry of live hogs and other pork products coming from ASF-affected areas, such as Luzon, Cotabato, Davao, and now Iligan City. Already, some 664 heads of pigs are culled in barangay Pugaan, affecting 149 farmers.

In Misamis Oriental, Governor Yevgeny Emano issued an executive order on Wednesday, November 18, implementing a temporary ban on the entry of pigs and pork products and by-products particularly coming from backyard farm to the province.

The order also directed all local chief executives of the province to strengthen the information and education campaign to its constituents especially the backyard farmers on the avoidance of swill feeding and to report promptly any unusual swine morbidities and mortalities in the area to the local agriculture or veterinary offices.

DA-10 confirms first case of African swine fever in NorthMin

19 Nov, 2020, No comments

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO-10) confirmed Wednesday, November 18, that serum specimen samples taken from hog livestock from Barangay Pugaan, this city, were tested and turned up positive for the African swine fever (ASF) viral DNA.

In Talakayan sa PIA, DA-RFO-10 Executive Director Carlene Collado said coordination and ground activities to contain the disease were conducted with the Regional ASF Task Force and the Local Government of Iligan City isolating the affected area, eliminating the infected animals and compensating the affected farmers.

"NorMinHog voluntarily compensated the affected hog farmers at P2,000 per culled hog. The Department of Agriculture will provide an indemnity fund at P5,000 per culled hog, and the City Government of Iligan will allocate a certain amount too," he said.

According to him, the P5,000 from the DA will be released upon submission of complete documents to the DA Central Office.

Collado gave an assurance that the Regional ASF Task Force, concerned LGUs, hog industry, and other stakeholders are doing their best to isolate, eliminate and compensate (IEC), as well as manage, contain, and control the viral disease.

He called for support in disseminating to the public that ASF is a deadly viral disease to hogs with no vaccine and could greatly affect the swine industry of Region 10, if not contained.

"We are appealing to the public to respect and step on the footbath on the respective Animal Quarantine Stations and to refrain from bringing in from ASF affected areas any pork and its by-products.," he further said.

He also urged online sellers of siomai, kekiam, longganisa and other pork by-products to ensure the origin of their products and secure business permits from their LGUs. Backyard raisers and all concerned are also advised to refrain from swill feeding.

Earlier, Iligan City Mayor Celso G. Regencia ordered the City Veterinarian's Office and the Iligan City Police Office to restrict animal movement in all parts of the city, especially in Pugaan, including entry to Mandulog, Pala-o, Abuno, and Tipanoy. He also ordered stricter surveillance and monitoring of transport of live pigs as well as pork products entered in the city.

The Iligan City Information Office, on the other hand, disclosed that Mayor Regencia initially allocated P1.5 million from the Disaster Fund for financial assistance for backyard raisers in Barangay Pugaan. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

Dept. of Agriculture Regional Field Office 10 Executive Director Carlene Collado shares during the Talakayan sa PIA that the first confirmed African Swine Fever case in region 10 was observed in the backyard farms of sitios in Brgy. Pugaan, Iligan City. (PIA-10)

Heart attack tops death causes in Northmin

19 Nov, 2020, No comments

Heart attack or myocardial infarction is named as the number one cause of death in northern Mindanao as per Department of Health (DOH)-10 record for the third quarter.

"Among the other leading causes of death minus COVID-19 in the region include cancer of all types, pneumonia, hypertension, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypertensive heart diseases, chronic renal diseases, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory failures," DOH-10 Regional Director Dr. Adriano Suba-an said.

During the NorMin COVID-19 Reponse Task Force press conference, November 17, he added that in terms of mortality, the hospitals and local government units (LGUs) are mandated to monitor such and submit reports to DOH-10 quarterly.

Suba-an said an annual report will be produced by January 2021 and this will provide the complete details as to the top leading causes of death in the region throughout 2020 aside from COVID-19.

Compared to national data, the regional director said the causes of death in the country are now a combination of non-communicable and infectious diseases.

As for post-mortem swabbing, Suba-an said such is done to determine how to manage or bury the dead body. He however stressed that COVID-19 testing is designed for living persons.

"Ang virus mamatay kung mamatay ang tao (The virus will die along with the confirmed COVID-19 patient)," the regional director said.

Moreover, DOH reported that suspected or probable COVID-19 patients who died while waiting for their results are going to be considered as confirmed cases when they are handled.

As of November 17, there are a total of 5,902 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in northern Mindanao, wherein 4,590 have recovered, 162 have expired, and 1,150 are recovering.

In terms of the region's Critical Care Utilization Rate, the region has 35.46 percent utilization of isolation beds, 17.50 percent utilization of mechanical ventilators, 35.36 percent utilization of Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMF) Isolation beds, and 53.51 percent utilization of TTMF COVID-19 ward beds, and a case doubling time of 18 days. (RTP/PIA10)

During the NorMin COVID-19 Repons Task Force press conference, November 17, Department of Health (DOH)-10 Regional Director Adriano Suba-an says in terms of mortality, the hospitals and local government units are mandated to monitor such and submit reports to DOH-10 quarterly. (VPSB/PIA10)

Medical reserve corps for pandemics, emergencies pushed

18 Nov, 2020, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

CAGAYAN de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Wednesday, November 18, said the House committee on Health is pushing for the creation of a medical reserve corps to augment the country's health personnel during health emergencies.

Rodriguez said the committee chaired Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan approved a consolidated bill which included his bill in a hearing on Tuesday.

He said the early stage of the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a medical reserve corps during pandemics, health emergencies and calamities.

“We saw the lack of medical personnel to attend to those infected by new coronavirus, leaving our hospital front-liners thoroughly overwhelmed and exhausted,” he said.

The kagay-anon lawmaker said that due to physical and emotional exhaustion, health workers had to call for a two-week timeout in August, which President Duterte heeded by keeping Metro Manila and other high-risk areas under stricter quarantine restrictions.

Rodriguez explained that the proposed reserve group is patterned after the same organization established in the United States in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City and other targets.

Under the consolidated bill, the Department of Health (DOH) would be mandated to organize the reserve medical network.

The group would be composed of licensed physicians, including those retired, graduates of medicine, medical students who have completed four years of medical course, registered nurses, and licensed allied health professionals.

The DOH would issue guidelines for the recruitment, compulsory and continuing training, compensation and incentives, and length of service of corps members.

The bill provides that the reserve group “shall be so organized, trained, developed, and maintained as to ensure its readiness to immediately respond to the call to service.”

The DOH secretary would be authorized to mobilize medical reservists “to meet the needs of a disaster or health emergency, whether of local or national scale, and for other purposes necessary to respond to threats to public health.” (With PR)

DA-10: Support local farmers by buying, eating local products

12 Nov, 2020, No comments

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, —Emphasizing strength in supporting local farmers to attain rice security through buying and eating local products, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 kicked off the National Rice Awareness Month, November 11.

“We do not only highlight the marketing and consumption aspect but also the production of local rice, encouraging various stakeholders to support our Filipino farmers,” DA-10 Regional Director Carlene Collado said.

He added that the celebration is in support of the Filipino rice farmers and their efforts in producing the most important staple crop in the country with an aim to urge Filipinos to take pride in local products and support the country’s rice industry.

For her part, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga shared positive results for the third quarter of the year despite the COVID-19 health crisis saying, “We are on the right track in terms of the implementation of our projects, based on a recent data by PSA, our growth rate is 0.7 percent.”

To further help the farmers, Collado said the department along with the National Food Authority (NFA)-10 is pushing for competitive palay buying price after noting a dip of farmgate prices.

“NFA can absorb 8-10 percent of the region’s palay production, which is equivalent to 560,000-700,000 bags considering the region is producing 7 million bags of palay per production cycle,” the regional director added.

Local government units (LGUs) such as the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte also take part in extending help to the local farmers through buying their palay at a standard of P1-2 higher than local palay traders’ price.

In Camiguin, Mambajao Municipal Agriculture Office together with Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo held the Rice Organic Technical Demonstration Activity, November 6 at Boloc-Boloc, Poblacion, Mambajao.

The activity, which strictly observed health protocols, aims to equip local rice farmers with the skill on cultivating rice using organic methods and processes targeted to also increase their yields.

In boosting such initiatives of the LGUs, DA-10 provided farm machineries and farm equipment to different farmer cooperatives and associations.

DA-10 also distributed 11,598 bags of hybrid rice seeds to local farmers, and disbursed P76.2 million to 15,240 farmers at P5,000 each for its Rice Farmers Financial Aid, P46.9 million for its Financial Subsidy to Rice Farmers and P62.3 million for the Survival and Recovery Assistance Program for Rice Farmers (SURE Aid Program).

“We will strengthen our partnership in effecting change and sustaining the rice industry that will ensure us for an equitable food for every Fillipino household,” Collado said. (RTP/PIA10)

The Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 alongside its attached agencies kicks its National Rice Awareness Month Celebration to further bolster its 'Grow Local, Buy Local, Eat Local' initiatives in support of rice farmers in the region, November 11 at Cagayan de Oro City. (VPSB/PIA10)

Contact tracers in 3 NorMin provinces get first pay

12 Nov, 2020, No comments

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY,--Contact tracers (CTs) from Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon and Camiguin already received their first pay after submitting their complete requirements.

"For contact tracers, we regularly monitor their performance as to kinahanglanon nga responsiblidad (needed responsibility) as contact tracers hired by DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government)," Regional Director Arnel Agabe said during the NorMin COVID-19 Response Task Force Press Conference, November 10.

Agabe said contact tracers with complete documents such as the signed contract, daily time record (DTR), bank account, tax identification number (TIN), accomplishment report and others will be able to receive their salary.

He added that communication and transportation allowance with complete attachments will be given to the hired contact tracers through reimbursement.

Aside from contact tracing, Agabe said the contact tracers also conduct case investigation, active surveillance, and risk assessment together with the health units of local government units (LGUs).

With the changes in the number of COVID-19 cases in various areas, the regional director said they validate requests for CT augmentation of LGUs and ensure that proper intervention will be given.

As for concerns on LGUs' treatment of DILG hired field officers, Agabe reminded them of the anti-corruption program of the government.

Agabe calls on the public to file complaints against those local officials who abuse their power as the department will take necessary actions to the concerned LGUs including the compliance to show cause orders.

As of November 10, there are a total of 5,587 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in northern Mindanao, wherein 3,290 have recovered, 148 expired, and 2,149 are recovering. (RTP/PIA10)

Regional Director Arnel Agabe says during the NorMin COVID-19 Response Task Force Press Conference, November 10, that contact tracers with complete documents such as the signed contract, daily time record (DTR), bank account, tax identification number (TIN), accomplishment report and others will be able to receive their salary. (DILG 10)

4ID kicks off 2-day 2020 Public Affairs workshop

10 Nov, 2020, No comments

The 4^th Infantry Division kicks-off the first of its two-day 2020 Public Affairs seminar workshop for Visayas, EastMinCom, and WestMinCom leg at Camp Evangelista to further improve military communication capabilities and information dissemination in relation to ending local communist armed conflict, COVID-19 pandemic initiatives, and civic military operations in the country.

In the first day of the workshop, Public Affairs Branch Chief CPT Gizelle G Lim shared an overview of the action taken on issues and concerns they have received and an update of their addendum in their social media policy.

Lim also presented tips in news writing as she emphasized the importance of sharing stories that “promote a culture of peace founded on respect for human rights, unity, and reconciliation” while underscoring the huge role civil society groups play in contributing to inclusivity and engaging communities in conflict prevention and proactive support of army narratives.

To discuss Social Media Content Creation ‘in telling army stories,’ Information Officer Jasper Marie Rucat of Philippine Information Agency (PIA)–10 presented the intricacies and strategic maneuvers in using the virtual platform in reaching the digitally-inclined demographic of 73 million social media users in the country.

“Gone are the days na didto ta mag (that we use to) rely on newspaper, ang pinaka-hit karon kay (what’s relevant now is) social media, we need to get with the times, so we want to make sure our government agencies especially the army must be able to penetrate social media,” she said.

Emphasizing the strong impact that social media brings in swinging public perception and how the platform is open for everyone, she adds that its accessibility bridges a more personal touch in communication efforts, “Social media is the fastest way and the cheapest way for us to inform the public on what we are doing, through social media there is personal connection and exchange between two parties due to its ability to exchange ideas.”

Rucat also cautioned social media's double-edged sword if one fails to properly use its two-way story telling platform.

For his part, Vice Chairman of Marketing Jay Eusebio of UNTV, gave advice in online radio broadcasting and how to be become an efficient broadcaster in the age of social media.

“In effective broadcasting, we would need to look at the appropriate platform, content, audience, personalities, branding, and supporting organizations. In the 110 million population of our nation, who are we doing the broadcast for?” he said, noting the importance of establishing branding, having the right identity for the initiative, and a strong support network.

Eusebio also added that aside from the technical aspect, to become effective in broadcasting one must cultivate credibility through meticulous research and being constantly informed.

“Influence is key, people listen when one with influence talks, there is a certain credibility one must develop, kailangan mayroon credibility ang nagsasalita (the speaker must be credible),” he said.

Echoing the sentiments of the two presenters, Lim called on her comrades to take note of the topics discussed in the workshop and bring effective communication to the masses when it comes to sharing army narratives that promote peace and nation building. |VPSB/PIA10

The 4^th Infantry Division conducts the first of its 2-day 2020 Public Affairs seminar workshop for its Visayas, EastMinCom, and WestMinCom leg at Camp Evangelista to strengthen military communication capabilities and information dissemination.

DA-10 urges farmers, fisherfolk to enroll in enterprise registry

6 Nov, 2020, No comments

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--Escalating efforts in the pooling of resources for enterprise development, the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office (DA)-10 is urging farmers and fisherfolk to register in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS).

As provided in Republic Act 11321 or otherwise known as the Sagip Saka Act and DA Memorandum Circular 25 series of 2020, FFEDIS is a web-based information system that contains a list of possible and implemented programs and projects, a registry of agricultural and fisheries enterprises, and a roster of private companies engaged in such enterprises.

Its scope includes farmers and fisherfolk enterprises and other enterprises engaged in agriculture and fishery related economic activities.

“This [FFEDIS] will assist the government in formulating plans and programs on enterprise development,” DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said.

He further noted this will also empower producer groups, the private sector, the local governments, and potential donors to respond to the needs of the markets.

Two modes of registration are being employed, either via the FFEDIS Registration Desk at the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) or through web-based registration using the link: ffedis.da.gov.ph.

Documentary requirements include accomplished FFEDIS enrolment form, valid business permit, and applicable certificate of registration (SEC/CDA/DTI).

Upon completed validation of said documents, the registration officer of DA-10 thru AMAD shall prepare and endorse the FFEDIS Certificate of Registration to the agency head for approval.

Once approved, the data on the Enrolment Form shall be encoded in the DA FFEDIS database.

“With the inclusion of our farmers and fisherfolk in the enterprise registry system, the agriculture department targets to improve their production, productivity and access to financing; and provide business support and development services and access to improved technologies,” Collado added.

For further queries, the Registration Desk of AMAD Region 10 may be reached thru mobile number 0906-505-5442. (DA10/PIA10)

Security for week-long closure of cemeteries beefed up

30 Oct, 2020, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

THE police force in Northern Mindanao is beefing up security in the week-long closure of cemeteries during the observance of the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day to avoid mass gathering and prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao chief Brigadier General Rolando Anduyan has ordered the establishment of police assistance desks in strategic key areas across the region before, during and after the actual observance of the All Saints and All Souls' Day.

Anduyan also ordered police visibility in public and private cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbariums which are ordered closed from October 29 to November 4 as per Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 72.

Police said the IATF resolution sets the visitor capacity of cemeteries to 30% from September 17 to November 15, although it exempts people who will bury their family members and those celebrating the birthday and death anniversary of their deceased loved ones during the closure period.

However, all visitors are required to wear facemask and face shields as well as observe physical distancing. Age restrictions currently being implemented will likewise not apply to visitors to these places from September 17 to November 15, police added.

PRO-10 will deploy more than 1,632 personnel to secure some 252 cemeteries across the region, excluding churches, memorial parks, transport terminals, malls, and other places of convergence during the weekend.

Anduyan also directed all police units to closely coordinate with the local government units and partner agencies in implementing the minimum health standards in all places of convergence and cemeteries and to ensure safe and peaceful "Undas."

Photo by PRO-10

P1.2-B untaxed cigarette products destroyed in Cagayan de Oro

29 Oct, 2020, No comments

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY-The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)–Revenue Region No. 16 (RR-16) Cagayan de Oro City destroyed a total of 7,219 master cases and 232 reams of seized cigarette products with aggregate unpaid Excise Tax of about P1.2 billion from five separate joint enforcement operations done by the BIR RR-16 Cagayan De Oro City.

Led by its Regional Investigation Division, in cooperation with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) North Eastern Mindanao Regional Office, the disposal was done at the DiGaMa Waste Management Facility in Barangay Bayabas, here.

“We are gathered here today for the destruction and disposal of counterfeit and untaxed cigarette products with the help of the DiGaMa Waste Management Facility,” said BIR Revenue Region No. 16 Chief Legal Division Lawyer Johaira B Said-Badron.

As to cases filed, Badron said criminal cases have been filed against all perpetrators involved in the manufacturing or selling of the seized cigarettes without BIR Stamps or with counterfeit stamps.

“As of press time, we are awaiting resolution from the Department of Justice (DOJ),” she added.

A total of 7,219 master cases and 232 reams of cigarette products were confiscated and in accordance with the government pursuant Revenue Regulation No. 7-2014, with an aggregate unpaid Excise Tax of about P1.2 Billion.

“We are strictly enforcing the seizure of cigarette products without the BIR stamps and with counterfeit BIR Stamps because, outside from the foregone revenue for the government, we are also trying to protect the businesses of legitimate manufacturers who are paying their taxes dutifully,” Badron added.

Appropriate criminal charges have been filed against the perpetrators for the violations of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

In the event, BIR-RR 16 Regional Director Florante Aninag, Assistant Regional Director Emir Abutazil, BIR RR-16 officials, Commission on Audit (COA) representatives, Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) and Intellectual Property officials of Philip Morris Philippine Manufacturing Inc (PMPMI), TriMedia and NBI operatives witnessed the destruction of the illicit products while adhering to minimum health standards.|VPSB/PIA10

Iligan City gears for COVID testing lab

29 Oct, 2020, No comments

ILIGAN CITY, Oct. 28 (PIA) - The city government of Iligan is now gearing up to operationalize its coronavirus virus disease (COVID) testing laboratory.

City Councilor Macky Macapagal, city council's committee chairperson for health and sanitation, said they recently inspected the site together with engineers from Endec Inc. to identify the exact position of the modular laboratory.

The construction of the COVID-19 modular testing laboratory composed of a 40-footer and 20-footer container vans was awarded to Endec Inc. through an emergency negotiated procurement.

Macapagal said Endec will be in charge of the delivery, installation, commissioning, and training of staff. They will also supply the machine, generator, biosafety cabinet, and computer for the laboratory.

According to him, the testing laboratory costs P19-million. "But if we have to include the shipment cost and 12% VAT, the total amount would be P22.7+ million," he said.

"On our part, ongoing na ang training sa atong 11 personnel. Lima ni sila ka med tech, duha ka encoder, duha ka receptionist ug duha ka laboratory aide. Parallel to that, we are also processing the license and accreditation," Macagapal further said.

(On our part, the training of 11 personnel is ongoing. This include five med tech, two encoders, two receptionists, and two laboratory aide.)

Macapagal noted that setting up the city's own testing laboratory is important for early intervention to COVID-19 positive residents.

"Hopefully by December operational na siya kay kung naa na tay kaugalingon nga COVID testing laboratory, we will have a faster swabbing result, kung paspas pud ang result, we will have early intervention," he said.

(Hopefully, by December this will be operational because if we have our own COVID testing laboratory, we will have a faster swabbing result and if the result is fast, we will have early intervention.)

Meanwhile, Macapagal disclosed that they will be opening the COVID-wing in GTLMH or City Hospital which can provide additional 23 beds that will cater to COVID-19 patients.| (APB/PIA ICIC)

Iligan City Councilor Macky Macapagal, chairperson of the City Council's Committee of Health and Sanitation, shares in a COVID-10 virtual presser that the modular COVID-19 testing laboratory that will be constructed in Iligan is composed of a 40-footer and 20-footer container vans. (PIA-ICIC)

BJMP-10 still imposes jail lockdown due to contagion

28 Oct, 2020, No comments

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY-With the existence of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 cases in the region's jail facilities, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-10 still imposes total lockdown in all of its facilities since March 20.

"Ang BJMP-10 sa tanan jail facilities niini, gideklarar nga total lockdown. Wala’y bisita nga gi-allow (All of the jail facilities of BJMP-10 have been declared under total lockdown. No visitors are allowed)," Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 Regional Director Arnel Agabe said during the NorMin COVID-19 Response Task Force press conference, October 27.

Jail personnel shall be temporarily prevented from entering or leaving the jail and its premises as well as changing of jail guards will be handled carefully to intensify measures in containing the spread of COVID-19.

All medical practitioners of the jail facilities should also be on duty 24/7 to attend to medical emergencies.

For his part, Department of Health (DOH)-10 Regional Director Dr. Adriano Suba-an said since jail facilities fall under the three big C's of possible places of COVID-19 transmission or the closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings, they are closely coordinating with BJMP-10 to come up with a plan to protect the people in the facilities.

"The advantage of the setting is nakakulong na daan di na makatakod sa gawas (they are already inside an enclosed area and they could no longer infect others)," Suba-an added.

He however stressed that there is still a need to manage the cases in the facilities appropriately since the number of cases in these areas just like the home for the aged or boy's town could still contribute to the number of cases in the region.

In Cagayan de Oro City, 112 COVID-19 cases were recorded from the 221 (male) persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) tested, October 1-19. In addition, only 1 of the 11 female inmates tested positive from August to September.

"Newly committed PDLs are quarantined for 14 days and swab test is done in coordination with the LGU (local government unit) concerned," Agabe said.

As of October 27, there are a total of 4,667 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in northern Mindanao of which 2,449 have recovered, 122 have expired, and 2,096 are recovering.|RTP/PIA10

Initao District Jail holds chess games in observance of the National Correctional Consciousness Week, October 25-31 with the theme, “Seguridad ay Paigtingin, Manatiling Ligtas sa COVID-19.” (BJMP 10)

P240-K 'shabu' seized in separate anti-drug operations in Northern Mindanao

27 Oct, 2020, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

ANTI-ILLEGAL drug operatives have arrested a couple, a 'habal-habal' driver and his companion, and seized around P241,000 worth of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) in a separate anti-illegal drug operations in Cagayan de Oro and Lanao del Norte Tuesday, October 27.

Arrested were Joel and Mary Jane Sabad after the two yielded around P200,000 worth of suspected shabu in a drug raid in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte Tuesday dawn.

Authorities were armed with search warrants for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act when they raided the house of the couple.

The sachets of suspected shabu were found inside the premises of the couple's house, police said.

Police tagged the husband as top six in the drug list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Northern Mindanao (PDEA-10) in the regional level.

The suspects are now under the custody of the anti-narcotics agency.

Meanwhile, police arrested Angelo Ilayon, 36, 'Habal-habal' driver and his companion Michael John Orilla in a drug buy-bust operation in Puntod, Cagayan de Oro Tuesday afternoon.

Seized from their possession were sachets of suspected shabu worth nearly P41,000.

Police said Orilla was a recipient of the government's social amelioration program.

The two are now detained and will face drug charges.

Photo courtesy: LDN-PPO

BOC-10 seizes P2M worth of "Ukay-Ukay" from Korea

19 Oct, 2020, No comments

By PJO

SOME P2million worth of 'ukay-ukay' was seized by the Bureau of Customs- Port of Cagayan de Oro for misdeclaration on Friday, October 16.

The shipment consigned to Humility Trading arrived on October 13, 2020 at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental from Korea.

Collector John Simon issued an alert order against the shipment for possible violation of misdeclaration.

The shipment was declared to be used blankets, pillow case and toys but found out to be containing used clothing.

Misdeclaration and underevaluation in goods declaration is punishable under Section 1400 in relation to Section 1113 of RA 10863 or Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Aside from the misdeclaration violation, the consignee also violated RA 4653 or An Act to Safeguard the Health of the People and Maintain the Dignity of the Nation which prohibits commercial importation of used clothing.

The customs already issued Warrant of Seizure and Detention of the items.

📷BOC-10

BOC-10 destroys P50M worth of smuggled cigarettes from China

5 Oct, 2020, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

SOME P50 million worth of misdeclared cigarettes in two separate shipments from China was destroyed inside a warehouse facility in Opol, Misamis Oriental Friday, October 2.

The destruction of the 79,800 reams of cigarettes was led by Customs Collector John Simon of the Bureau of Customs-Northern Mindanao (BOC-10).

The first shipment which arrived at the Mindanao International Container Terminal (MICT) in Tagoloan town last May 14, was declared as office furniture but was found to have contained cigarettes during on-site examination.

Simon issued an abandonment order after the consignee, Fernfreight Enterprises, failed to file its goods declaration within 15 days from the last package of its carrying vessel as provided under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act nor it requested for extension of time to file such.

Meanwhile, the other shipment consigned to Dong Yin Industrial Supplies which arrived at the MICT last June 9, was declared as disposal cups.

The BOC-10 issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the shipment and was followed by a forfeiture order.

Both consignees were said to have been removed from importers accreditation by the Accounts and Management Office.

Simon vowed to continue to go after those who try to smuggle cigarettes to evade customs duties.

"They can try but they can't run,"Simon said.

On September 9, the Port of Cagayan de Oro destroyed 18,000 reams of smuggled cigarettes.

Photo courtesy: BOC-10

Regional Prosecutor upholds dismissal of trespassing case vs Yanson 4

17 Sep, 2020, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

THE four Yanson siblings, known also as Y4, involved in an intra-corporate case won another legal battle after the Office of the Regional Prosecutor upheld the dismissal of the trespassing complaint filed by their mother, Olivia Yanson.

Y4's legal counsel lawyer Carlo Joaquin Narvasa said in a statement that the Regional Prosecutor issued a resolution on June 3, upholding the resolution of the City Prosecutor of Dumaguete City dismissing in its entirety the trespassing charges filed against the four siblings.

The Y4 is composed of Roy Yanson, Ricardo Yanson Jr, Ma. Lourdes Celina Yanson-Lopez, and Emily Yanson, the family that owns big bus companies in the country including its subsidiaries Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) and Bachelor Express Inc. operating in Cagayan de Oro and the rest of Mindanao.

They are involved in a family dispute over the control and management of the company.

Narvasa said the City Prosecutor of Dumaguete City, in its November 29 resolution, found that because the Y4 are Olivia Yanson's children and the property which were entered into is registered in her name and her late husband Ricardo Yanson Sr., the latter's passing vested upon the Y4 hereditary and co-ownership rights over the property.

"It also found that Olivia Yanson had no personal knowledge of the incident complained of,"Narvasa said.

"The Office of the Regional Prosecutor held that there was no reason to reverse the findings of the City Prosecutor of Dumaguete City, and noted that the purpose of preliminary investigation is to secure the innocent against hasty, malicious and oppressive prosecution,"the statement added.

Narvasa explained that the Office of the Regional Prosecutor ruled that despite ownership of Olivia Yanson of the property, it was being used by Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI), of which the Y4 are directors and officers.

"Due to this, as well as the pending intra-corporate case in Bacolod City, it cannot rule on the Y4 or their representatives being stripped of their authority to enter it,"the statement said.

"Meanwhile, as for the charge that the Y4 should be liable for the change of security personnel in the property, the Regional Prosecutor averred that such 'issue involves administrative and managerial protocols which this Office has no basis to tackle without any evidence or legal basis to begin with',"it added.

3 village chiefs in Northern Mindanao face 6 months preventive suspension over SAP anomaly

14 Sep, 2020, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

THE Office of the Ombudsman has ordered a 6-month preventive suspension against 89 village chiefs, three were from Northern Mindanao, over the alleged irregularity in the distribution of the government's social amelioration program (SAP).

In an order dated September 2, the ombudsman said "the evidence on records shows that the guilt of these punong barangays is strong and the charges against them involve serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service which may warrant removal from the service."

The three barangay captains in the region who were included in the suspension order were Camilo Anduyan, of Tibangan, Iligan City; Jocelyn Janioso, of Mabunga, Baungon, Bukidnon; and Zosimo Zapico, of Ampinican, Salay, Misamis Oriental.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Ano has directed the mayors of these village chiefs to implement the order.

"Nawa'y magsilbing babala ang suspensyon na ito sa iba pang mga lokal na opisyales. Ang katiwalian ay walang puwang sa ating pamahalaan lalong lao pa ngayong panahon ng pandemya,"Ano said.

DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the suspension of 89 village chiefs, the first mass suspension in the country's history, is the DILG's action to eradicate corrupt officials in the SAP distribution.

Malaya said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed criminal cases against 447 persons for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019), Bayanihan Act I (RA 11469), and Code of Conduct of Government Officials and Employees (RA 6173), because of the anomalies in the SAP implementation.

Among the 447, 211 are elected barangay officials, 104 are appointed officials and 132 are civilians.

The cases are handled in the different city and provincial prosecutors office.

Gov't forces nab ranking NPA rebel; guns, explosives seized

22 Aug, 2020, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

AN ALLEGED high-ranking official of the New People's Army (NPA) was arrested for carrying high-powered guns and explosives at a checkpoint along Marihatag-Cagwait road in Surigao del Sur on Thursday, August 20.

Authorities arrested Sarvina Quijano alias Soping. She is said to be the party wife of Marcelino Navarro alias Marsing, the deputy secretary and head of education and propaganda of the NPA's Northeastern Mindanao Regional committee (NEMRC) who was killed in a firefight in Lianga last July.

Joint elements of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBN) and the 1st Police Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office were manning the checkpoint when they noticed in plain view protruding rifle grenades in the multicab boarded by Quijano.

The troops searched the vehicle and seized two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), blasting cap with detonating cord, three rifle grenades, five analog mobile phones, a laptop computer, subversive documents, numerous sim cards, external drive and a memory card.

The military said a former rebel identified the suspect as the finance staff of the NEMRC.

"Quijano's arrest was a big boost in the Army's campaign to disrupt the CTGs fund generation scheme which is key to end local communist armed conflict in the region,"the military said.

Major General Andres Centino, commander of the 4th Infantry Division earlier urged the business sector in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region to help end insurgency by not giving in to the NPA's extortion demands.

"We realized somehow that insurgency problems can hardly be solved unless we put a stop on the CTGs extortion activities. If we do this coupled with our relentless military operations, hopefully the insurgency will significantly weaken to a negligible level before the president's term ends,"he said.

Quijano is now under the custody of the 1st PFMC for the filing of criminal charges.

Photo courtesy: 3rd Special Forces Battalion

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P240-K 'shabu' seized in separate anti-drug operations in Northern Mindanao

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BOC-10 destroys P50M worth of smuggled cigarettes from China

Regional Prosecutor upholds dismissal of trespassing case vs Yanson 4

3 village chiefs in Northern Mindanao face 6 months preventive suspension over SAP anomaly

Gov't forces nab ranking NPA rebel; guns, explosives seized

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