Jail escapee killed in police operation
23 Nov, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
A JAIL escapee was killed after he allegedly fought back against the authorities in Gingoog City Sunday night, November 22.
Police identified the escapee as Jay-R Coco, 26. He was facing murder charges and bolted the Gingoog City Jail last April 21.
Authorities said the escapee was sighted at Gingoog City Public Terminal, prompting the Gingoog City Police to launch an operation.
The escapee fired his gun after sensing the presence of the operating team and fled the area on board his motorcycle.
A hot pursuit operation was then launched and cornered the escapee at a grassy portion in Barangay 20, where an exchange of fire ensued.
Coco hit Police Staff Sergeant Polkem Macarayo on his left wrist, forcing the authorities to return fire and hit the escapee on his head and some parts of his body.
He was brought to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) and was declared dead on Monday night, November 23, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Philip Pontillas.
Police recovered 14 sachets of suspected shabu (Methamphetamine hydrochloride), a caliber 38 revolver, fired bullets and a bullcap from the suspect's possession.
Investigators also found out that the motorcycle used by the escapee was reported to have been carnapped.
"The nasty escape of Mr. Coco from the BJMP facility, his continuous conduct of illegal activities and his resistance to peacefully submit himself to authority made his precious life at risk and nobody is to be blamed but himself. This is a fair warning to those criminals who wanted to fight back against the authorities who are just performing their sworn duties,"Pontillas said.
Photo by Gingoog City Police
NPA squad yields; arms cache seized in Misamis Oriental
9 Nov, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
THE military on Monday, November 9, said a squad composed of 12 suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered and revealed arms cache to the authorities in Claveria, Misamis Oriental over the weekend.
Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy, commander of the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB), said the rebels were members of the 3rd Platoon, HQF Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) under the leadership of alias Barman.
He said the surrender was made possible through the intervention of the local government officials.
The troops also seized firearms and war materials after the rebels revealed the locations of the arms cache in Barangay Minalwang.
Recovered were two AK47 rifles, Garand rifle, M14 rifle, Carbine rifle, 2 M16 rifles, an M653 rifle, and around 770 different kinds of ammunition and hundreds of magazines and other war materials.
4th Infantry Division commander Major General Andres Centino said the surrender of the entire squad is an indication that the focused military operation (FMO) of the government forces has caused the demoralization of the rebel group.
"Our continuous FMO will drain the resources of the CPP-NPA terrorists because they will not be able to extort money from business firms and farmers. We will continue to press the fight against these bandits. As we always emphasized in the past, without resources the CNTs will either surrender or abandon the armed struggle, and this incident proves it and we expect more surrenders in the coming days,"Centino said.
The rebels will be received livelihood and housing assistance through the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Photo by 58IB
NPA medic killed in Misamis Oriental clash
4 Nov, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
A SUSPECTED rebel was killed in a renewed clash between government troops and the New People's Army (NPA) in Barangay Umagos, Lagonglong town in Misamis Oriental early this week.
The military identified the slain NPA combatant as Relly
Sereño
alias Ems/H-Boy, resident of Barangay Banglay in the said town, and the platoon medic of ADA, Huawei, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC 1), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC).
Sereño
was said to be the brother of Brenda
Sereño who was also killed in an encounter in Gingoog City and whose dead body was left behind by her comrades last August 13.
The troops under the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) were conducting focused military operation in the area after receiving reports that around 15 rebels are threatening the civilians.
Recovered after the firefight were a caliber 22 rifle, a rifle grenade, a hand grenade, magazines, hand-held radio, four solar panels, backpacks, medical paraphernalia, personal belongings and subversive documents.
Government forces are still pursuing the rebels.
58IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy said they will continue launching operations to protect and secure the communities from any threat posed by the NPA.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family. It is sad that another fellow Filipino who was deceived by the CTGs died for fighting the wrong ideology,"Canatoy said.
"We are still calling on the remaining terrorists to peacefully surrender to the government and embrace the peace initiatives under Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (ECLIP). Rest assured that the Philippine Army will assist you in processing your ECLIP benefits as well as in returning to your families,” he added.
Photo by 4ID
Nurse nabbed in MisOr drug raid
26 Oct, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
ANTI-ILLEGAL drug operatives have arrested a nurse of the Regional Health Unit (RHU) of Manticao town in Misamis Oriental in a drug raid in Barangay Poblacion over the weekend.
Police identified the drug suspect as Charles Trumata, 30, resident of Purok 19, Poblacion, Manticao.
Authorities were armed with a search warrant when they raided the house of the suspect and seized five sachets of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) worth around P8,000.
Police Master Sergeant Mike Gil Macalaguing of the Manticao town police said the suspect's alleged illegal drug activities have been monitored by the Regional Intelligence Division.
He said they are waiting for the results of the examination from the crime laboratory before charges are filed against the suspect who is now detained at the detention facility of the Manticao police station.
Flash flood damages water lines, displaces residents in Misamis Oriental
24 Oct, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
SEVERAL water lines have been damaged while some residents were forced to flee their homes after a flash flood struck in Villanueva town in Misamis Oriental Friday night, October 23.
The heavy downpour resulted in a flash flood affecting the Barangay Poblacion (Baac, Tuburan and Slaughter Area).
Residents in these areas took temporary shelter at the municipal covered court where they were given food assistance, vitamins, among others.
On the other hand, the damage in the water lines include the displaced secondary line in Baac Compound; damaged secondary Line in Tuburan, Poblacion 1; and displaced secondary line in Upper Dayawan near a spillway.
The Villanueva Waterworks have already conducted line flushing to prevent contamination in the damaged water lines.
Photo by LGU-Villanueva
Public school teacher, companion nabbed for drugs
23 Oct, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
A PUBLIC school teacher and his companion are facing drug charges after they were arrested in a drug-bust in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental Thursday, October 22.
Police identified the suspects as Christia Estano, 35, resident of Balingasag town; and John Armicilla, 26, of Cagayan de Oro.
The teacher was tagged as a high-value target in illegal drug activities being a government worker.
Seized from this possession were sachets of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) and two motorcycles.
The two are now detained and will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Newly-installed provincial police director Colonel Raniel Valones lauded the efforts of the operating team in eradicating illegal drug activities in the province.
Photo by Balingasag MPS
3 suspected rebels to face raps for burning civilian properties
9 Oct, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
STATE forces captured three communist insurgents allegedly responsible in the burning of civilian trucks and a coaster in Bulahan, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, barely two days before suspected rebels torched another heavy equipment in a nearby town Thursday, October 8.
Suspects identified as alias James, Edgar Virtudzao and Lope Virtudazo were arrested in a series of pursuit operations launched by the members of the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB).
Seized after the gun battle were high-powered guns, explosives and ammunition.
The three suspects were said to be involved in the burning of three dump trucks and a coaster used by Del Monte Philippines Inc. in Claveria town on Tuesday.
Alias James was arrested first after a 15-minute encounter and implicated the other two suspects who were later captured after another firefight ensued.
Meanwhile, the military said another clash sparked after the New People's Army (NPA) burned down a backhoe and dump truck in Napaliran, Balingasag town around 4:40 p.m. in Barangay Napaliran, Balingasag town.
The 40-minute intermittent firefight resulted in the confiscation of firearms, medical paraphernalia and subversive documents. Troops also saw some rebels carrying their wounded comrade.
58IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy said "the CPP-NPA continues to violate human rights while their leaders who have direct knowledge continue to tolerate such acts. Their actions are a clear manifestation that they are the real promoter of chaos in the country."
But, Canatoy said government troops will not stop pursuing the perpetrators until justice is served to the victims.
4ID commander Major Generla Andres Centino, on the other hand, said the NPA rebels are now desperately attacking civilian properties "to threaten them for not giving in to their extortion demands."
"We are strengthening our coordination with business firms so that this incident will not happen again. We need to work together to stop the extortion of the NPA and to protect their businesses from future attacks,"Centino said.
The 4ID chief also vowed to assist the company in filing arson charges and violations of RA 9851 or an Act defining and penalizing crimes against international humanitarian law, genocide and other crimes against humanity against the perpetrators.
Photo courtesy: 58IB
Suspected rebels torch 3 dump trucks, coaster in Misamis Oriental
6 Oct, 2020,
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By Alwen SaliringGOVERNMENT troops are hunting down the communist rebels who allegedly burned down three dump trucks and a coaster owned by Del Monte Philippines Inc. (DMPI) in Bulahan, Claveria, Misamis Oriental around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, October 6.
Investigation said the dump trucks used for hauling of seedlings and the coaster used by the company for transporting its workers were torched by around 13 members of the New People's Army (NPA).
The military said the NPA combatants withdrew heading towards Mat-i Gamay, San Juan in Balingasag town after the incident.
Members of the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) launched a hot pursuit operation while the police conducted checkpoints to pre-empt diversionary attacks of the NPA.
The military said the burning is a clear violation of human rights and Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 which was recently signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
"We, together with the LGU, strongly condemn the CPP-NPA terrorists for their blatant disregard of human rights. Besides, we will not allow these terrorists to plant fear in the communities and people whom we sworn to protect,"58IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy said.
The military said the CPP-NPA has been desperate in attempting to counter the government's efforts in bringing peace and development in the communities.
Canatoy calls on all stakeholders of peace to help in convincing the remaining members of the NPA to follow the path of peace and condemn those who advocate violence and use arms against civilians.
Photo courtesy: 58IB
7 crew rescued from capsized cargo ship off Misamis Oriental undergo stress debriefing
17 Sep, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
THE seven crew of a cargo vessel who were rescued after the ship capsized off the coast of Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental have undergone psychological intervention, police said.
Authorities identified the captain as Ferdinand Bangcoyo, 52; and the ship crew as Nandy Lanzaderas, 55; Fortunato Furcadili, 26; Berden Ilandag, 38; Robert, Mondragon, 22; Leo Dorero, 21; and Procopio Spijon, 33; all residence of Siargao island.
The vessel MLJJBA Sea Breeze was loaded with 13,500 cases of assorted bottled beer from Opol town.
Police said the ship capsized two kilometers away from the shoreline of Barangay Alicomohan, Sugbongcogon town, Monday afternoon, Tuesday, September 15, due to strong sea current and heavy waves.
Rescue team from Barangay Alicomohan and personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard rescued the captain and the crew after they managed to abandon the ship before it completely sank down.
Photo courtesy: Sugbongcogon town police
Misamis Oriental's tourism sector incurs P150M losses in 2nd quarter
16 Sep, 2020,
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By Alwen SaliringTHE tourism industry of Misamis Oriental suffered over P150 million losses in revenue in the second quarter due to the prolonged health crisis.
However, the Provincial Tourism Office remains positive that tourism sector would eventually recovers as it continue to promote the different tourist destinations across the province.
Data from the Tourism Office showed that the industry incurred P150, 468, 334 losses due to the effects of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) from March to June.
Also, around 1,799 workers from various tourism-related establishments ended up jobless.
Provincial Tourism Officer lawyer Jeffrey Saclot said initiatives have already been undertaken to help the industry recovers the soonest.
While embracing the new normal, the Tourism Office launched the Explore MisOr Website where details and information of the different tourism-related spots are posted.
Miss Kuyamis queens also did their share in promoting the said website.
2 Misamis Oriental capitol workers test positive for Covid-19
9 Sep, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
Work at the provincial capitol of Misamis Oriental has been suspended Tuesday afternoon, September 8, after two employees under the Provincial Accounting Office were tested positive for Covid-19.
The two are now housed at the isolation facility.
Disinfection and decontamination in the said office and the entire building were immediately conducted by the Sanitation and Disinfection Committee. Thus, work was suspended around 3:00 p.m.
The capitol advisory said the patients' officemates are primary contacts but are 'low-risk'. These officemates underwent Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) but yielded negative results.
The provincial capitol offices will resume their services Wednesday, September 9, except for the Provincial Accounting Office which will resume on Thursday, September 10.
"For pregnant and vulnerable employees who opted to work in spite of the privilege given to them to work from home shall report on Monday, September 14. This is without prejudice to the adoption of the Special Work Arrangement provided for by the Civil Service Commission,"reads part of the advisory.
Photo courtesy: MisOr-PIO
NPA rebel nabbed for 4 criminal raps
16 Aug, 2020,
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By Alwen SaliringA SUSPECTED communist rebel was arrested for four criminal charges in a manhunt operation in Gingoog City over the weekend.
Police identified the suspect as Venancio Idpalina alias Bembem, 38, and resident of Agay-ayan, Gingoog City.
He is said to be a member of Guerilla Front 4A of the New People's Army (NPA).
Gingoog City police chief Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Philip Pontillas said the suspect is facing murder, frustrated murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges.
The operation was based on the arrest warrants issued by a court in Butuan City.
The court did not allow the suspect to post bail for murder, kidnapping and serious illegal detention cases, but he was allowed to post bail for frustrated murder (P200,000), attempted murder (P120,000), and multiple attempted murder (P120,000 each).
"Nisulod siya sa NPA 2014-2017 kana nga period diha siya nagka kaso,"Pontillas said.
"Daghan sila ana nga kaso mostly NPA members," he added.
Ex-rebel reveals location of arms cache
14 Aug, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
ARMY troopers recovered several high-powered guns and medical equipment in a remote village in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, following the revelation of a former rebel.
Members of the 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) discovered an M1 Carbine Rifle, a carbine magazine, 17 AK47 magazines, 450 rounds of AK47 ammo, 12 rounds of R4A1 ammunition, AK47 rifle, five detonating cords with blasting caps, a short magazine for M16, medical supplies and assorted surgical equipment and subversive documents.
The military said the items were buried by the Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC 1), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) of the New People's Army (NPA).
58IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy lauded the troops for the successful operation and recognized the effort of the former rebel that led to the discovery of the arms cache.
“This proves that the former rebels are disappointed and tired of the NPA atrocities. Likewise, this indicates that they shifted their support from the CNTs to the government. Now, they want to return and live with their families in a peaceful and harmonious community,” Canatoy said.
The recovered firearms were brought to the battalion headquarters in Claveria town.
Photo courtesy: DPAO
4 rebels surrender, turn over guns in Misamis Oriental
9 Aug, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
FOUR communist rebels have returned to the folds of the law and surrendered their guns to the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.
The former members of the New People's Army (NPA) were identified as alias JB, 33, member of Squad 3 Platoon Ryan; alias Miya, 20, member of Squad 1 Platoon Ryan; alias Ronald, 53, member of Squad 2 SDG Samsung and alias Rose, 40, supply officer of Squad 2.
They were said to be members of the NPA's Sub-Regional Committee, North Central Mindanao Regional Command.
The former NPA combatants yielded their garand rifle and M16 rifle.
58IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy said the former NPA guerillas will receive assistance through the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
"I'm very glad that the CNTs now realized who the real government is and I am grateful that they voluntarily surrendered. I hope that this increase of surrender will continue so that we can achieve sustainable peace and development in our country,"Canatoy said.
Photo courtesy: 58IB
Police destroy 39 video karera machines in Misamis Oriental
7 Aug, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
Police destroyed some 39 video karera machines which were confiscated in various operations against illegal gambling in Misamis Oriental on Friday, August 7.
The 39 video karera machines were seized by different police units.
Twenty units were confiscated by PIU, Mis Or, six units by Jasaan MPS; three units by Claveria MPS, four units by Tagoloan MPS; two units by Villanueva MPS and four units were confiscated by RSOU 10.
Police said the mass destruction of video karera machines is a clear manifestation that the Misamis Oriental Police Force is serious in the fight against illegal gambling.
The ceremonial mass destruction is led by Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) chief Brigadier General Rolando Anduyan and MisOr-PPO director Colonel Robert Roy Bahian, together with the local officials of Tagoloan town.
“Together with the Local Government Units and the people of Misamis Oriental, let us continue to work hand in hand to put an end on this longstanding problem. Let us make Misamis Oriental an illegal gambling free province," Bahian said.
Photo courtesy:
Remaining imported trash sent back to South Korea
5 Aug, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
The remaining containers of imported garbage shipped to Misamis Oriental were sent back to its country of origin in South Korea on Wednesday, August 5.
The BF Mahia vessel that can carry only 70 of the remaining 100 containers left the Mindanao International Container Terminal (MICT) port in Tagoloan town around 11:00 a.m. Wednesday.
The last 30 containers will be loaded in the vessel “Vivalde” that is expected to arrive on Sunday, August 8.
Since the first re-exportation in January 13, 2019, six batches followed the first shipment of the illegally imported Korean Waste back to its country of origin in South Korea.
To date, a total of 4,872.45 metric tons of the more than 5,600 metric tons have already been re-exported.
MICT port collector John Simon of the Bureau of Customs in Northern Mindanao said the restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic caused the delay of the re-exportation.
"We are about to conclude the operations on the Re-Exportation of the 6,000 metric tones of illegal Korean Waste back to its country of Origin (Pyongtaek, Korea). As you very well know the Bureau of Customs had already initiated the Re-Exportation of 200 containers of Korean waste since January but the operations was little bit delayed by the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus,"Simon said.
Photo courtesy: John SimonGingoog mayor vows to finish projects amid pandemic
21 Jul, 2020,
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By Alwen Saliring
Gingoog City Mayor Erick Canosa on Thursday, July 23, said he is determined to finish all infrastructure and agri-tourism-related projects amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
In his message during the city's 60th Charter Day celebration Thursday, Canosa vowed to complete all projects under his administration with the support of vice mayor Peter Unabia. This include road concreting and road repair works, water system projects, and other agriculture and tourism-related projects, among others.
He said he might seek another term in the next elections to finish all projects and programs.
"What is important is amo na gisugdan and we are determined to finish those projects kay dili na siya drawing anymore implemented na and ongoing na ang mga projects. Kung dili mahuman if given a chance and with the trust of the people we will continue serving our people,"Canosa said.
The city's top official assured that funds are intact to complete all projects while budget for Covid-19 response are already put in place.
Canosa said the city has 8 confirmed cases of Covid-19--eight have recovered and three are active. The city has already accepted around 1,000 returning individuals who were taken cared of properly according to the protocols set by the national inter-agency task force (IATF).
"We are implementing measures to protect our people,"he said.
Canosa also said they are helping the business sector recover from the losses due to the pandemic.
Photos taken during the 60th Charter Day celebration Thursday, July 23. Photo by Steph Berganio