Lagonglong youth intensify vax campaign

Recognize equal social status, pull up others too': Hernandez tells co-workers

In an interview over the Northern Mindanao Daily Source streamed live on Nov. 9, Hernandez said he always reminds his colleagues to make sure that every individual—whether identified as superior or subordinate, should partake in providing resolutions to certain issues and concerns.

Hernandez said everyone should be united, especially in establishing solutions to societal problems.

For some people, Hernandez has become their role model in life and an inspiration who would always remind them: "that no matter how hard the journey you'll go through, there will always be someone who has your back."

"Wala gyud niya gitan-aw kung maguwang or manghud ka. Tanang opinyon kinahanglan madunggan. Wala na siya niingon na sayup imong opinyon. Permente gyud na naay punto ka and naa kay rights na maistorya (He never look at whether you are older or younger. Every opinion must be heard. He never told anyone about having wrong opinions. For him, you always have a point and you have rights to tell your stories)," Quijano said, testifying to Hernandez' good listening and leadership skills.

"Sa panahong nga wala ang mga ate ug kuya, dapat tanan mahimong leaders sa tagsa-tagsa nga task namo (He would tell us to become leaders in every task we're assigned to, especially in times, with the absence of our older sisters and brothers)," she said.

"Muingon siya kung ikaw mu-improve, dapat ang mga naa sa komunidad dapat mu-improve pud (He would tell us, if you are going to improve yourself, make sure your people in the community will improve as well)," she said.

Hernandez is a social development advocate, who has been visiting different far-flung communities to conduct public consultations with his co-workers.

Ayi Hernandez pays tribute, honors Retired Archbishop Emeritus Antonio J. Ledesma

"He transformed the way I look at life," Hernandez said on his social media page on Thursday.

Hernandez shared that Ledesma has taught him about becoming a voice for peasants and landless farmers who have been fighting for their rights to land ownership over the years.

Fr. Ledesma marked his retirement as Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro last year after reaching the mandatory age for service at 75 years old.

The then bishop set the 5 Cs (conscience, competence, compassion, companion, and commitment) qualifications for choosing better bets during elections.

Hernandez kept these 5 Cs traits while at work as his tribute and recognition to Ledesma's contributions to society.

Competent. A leader must have a good track record in public service. Must be physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy.

Companion. A leader should look at his supporters as companions to push through an active society--diminishing unfair options and interests.

“The choice you make will determine whether we live in the light and progress as a nation or bring back the darkness that we have experienced and rejected in the past – an autocratic regime characterized by violence, human rights violations and corruption, and reign of terror and greed," –a  remarkable statement of Ledesma.

FDC Misamis leads the race to 100% population protection

Through the facilitation of the company, the Filinvest Group was able to extend assistance to various LGUs by donating 1700 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

Beneficiaries include the municipality of Villanueva, the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Camiguin, and the city of Dumaguete.

Apart from the vaccine donation, the power firm provided medical equipment and supplies, hygiene and disinfection materials, food packs, and installed handwashing facilities in strategic areas within its host barangays.

"FDC Misamis understands the importance of enhancing the capabilities of its stakeholders. Its numerous collaborations with the various local government units gave added coverage, protection, and assurance which ultimately helped keep the number of cases at bay in these areas," noted Roxas.

The company’s partnerships with the LGUs effectively demonstrate that cooperation and coordination between private and government sectors pave the way to overcome challenges and achieve common integrated goals.

"This pandemic may linger on for a while, but a solution pinned on unity and action-driven approach is a guaranteed way to get through it," said Roxas.

Last August, the Filinvest Group officially launched the FilVax program in Metro Manila and was eventually extended to various subsidiaries nationwide. Filinvest assures that as the country recovers from the pandemic, it will continue to look for ways to keep stakeholders safe and healthy. (PR)

An employee of FDC Misamis Power Corporation receives his second jab of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The power firm has inoculated 100% of its workforce.

"Entering vocational courses with determination and hard work are fruitful," says Ayi Hernandez

MISAMIS ORIENTAL—Global Mindanaw Polytechnic, Inc. (GMPI) President Ariel "Ayi" Hernandez cited that developing one's technical and vocational skills must be accompanied with hard work and life determination to pursuing a better future.

In his message during the students' orientation on Backhoe operation training over the weekend, Hernandez said everyone who is seeking career improvements could be successful by working hard and becoming a determined individual, particularly those who wish to land a better job from becoming a vocational student.

Hernandez noted that the backhoe operation is one of the in-demand jobs nowadays, as he shared, that some experienced GMPI graduates are currently working overseas and enjoying their jobs as heavy equipment operators.

"Dako nakong kalipay usa ka graduate sa GMPI naa na karon sa Czech Republic. Backhoe operator siya didto. Kun abtik lang gyud daghan ta makita nga trabaho nga kurso (One of the GMPI graduates is very happy because he is now working in the Czech Republic as a backhoe operator in there. You know, if you are sharp, you can easily find a job with such course)," he said, adding that "keeping one's shoulder to the wheel will help you soon achieve your goals and dreams."

He then urged the students to maximize their skills and sharpen their talents too.

"Mao ni ang pinakapaspas nga kurso ang makakita dayun sa trabaho. Ang ako lang mensahe, i-maximize ninyo ha ang pag-eskwela sa backhoe operator (This is the fastest course where you can easily find a job. So my only message is that, maximize your studies as backhoe operators)," he added.

Hernandez lamented that while many people seek education, only a few are given opportunities due to the financial constraints of their families.

Thus, Hernadez urged the students to work hard and earn more knowledge, having the privilege and opportunity to be sent to vocational schools for free.

GMPI is a member of the Balay Mindanaw Group of non-government organizations (NGOs) offering technical and vocational courses to marginalized individuals.

It has also acquired certification of Unified TVET Program Registration and Accreditation System from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) since 2012.

The GMPI has been accommodating full scholarships for an average of 1,200 students yearly, according to Hernandez.

The students also get allowances apart from receiving full scholarships, he added.

Despite the pandemic, Hernandez assured that GMPI is firm to its goal of extending free vocational education to those who are less fortunate.

"Ang importante atong buhaton karon makatrabaho ug makatabang sa pamilya (What we can do right now is to work hard to help our families). We are serving more than 1,000 students per year full scholars with allowance. Make the most out of it. Every student naa diri maningkamot jud (For every student who are here today, all I can say is work harder)," he said.

Hernandez encouraged more students to avail themselves of similar programs in the future.

"Kung naay oportunidad in-ani, akong hangyo ayaw usiki, ayaw absent (If there's an opportunity similar to this, my only request is, do not absent)," he told the students.

Despite the challenging times brought by the pandemic, Hernandez urged the students to keep working hard and be more persistent in life.

He said once the economy will be brought back to normalcy, people's businesses will also recover and more jobs will be opened.

"Maximize ang oras, panahon. Unya practice jud. Lisud mag-usik oras. Tabla ray nag-usik ka sa kwarta. Sayang kun usikan (Maximize your time. Practice a lot. It would be hard for you to waste time. It would be similar to wasting money. You'll lose if you waste it)," Hernandez said, advising the students to become strong-willed, especially during these trying times.

Hernandez noted every individual who will enter any vocational courses should be as determined and as hardworking as possible. The results of every hardship, he said, will be worthwhile. (PR)

‘Listening,’ an important quality of a 'Good Leader': Ayi Hernandez' political perspective

MISAMIS ORIENTAL—Proactive listening is required to become a 'good' political leader.

Social development advocate Ariel 'Ayi' Hernandez defined a 'good' political leader knows how to listen to the demands and needs of his constituents.

Too many times, he said, leaders make decisions without consulting the public.

Hence, promoting public policies should involve various sectors on the ground, he added, to know whether these policies could benefit the people or will just worsen the situation.

"Ang atong gustong mahitabo, ang lider maminaw sa katawhan para ang iyang buhaton katong gusto sa katawhan (We want a leader that listens to the people so that he will push a program that are sought by the people)," Hernandez said in a virtual episode of 'One MisOr, One CDO' streamed live on Nov. 3, Wednesday.

More than becoming a public figure, Hernandez said an elected official should clearly understand the necessities of the people such as getting adequate and sustainable basic services from their government.

Hernandez said public servants should make sure that health services, educational assistance, livelihood programs—as well as the basic needs such as water and power supply—will remain accessible to the general public.

He then cited that some municipalities in the Province of Misamis Oriental are lacking supplies of potable water.

To address such challenges, Hernandez emphasized the need to reconnect to the community.

"Ang solution raba niini dili ra ba science (The solution would not only direct to science). Technology is available, models are already running-up and tested by everyone. We just have to reach out sa mga tawo nga nakabalo, sa mga mamuhunan nga gusto mag-invest kay para maresulba gyud ang kining inter-generational problem (We just have to reach out to the people who have knowledge about it and to those entrepreneurs wish to invest so that we could solve this inter-generational problem)," said Hernandez, adding that proactively listening to the people while prompting strategic responses to the problems are both crucial in policymaking.

Hernandez was chosen by incumbent Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno to be his running mate in reclaiming governorship in Misamis Oriental in May 2022 polls.

If he will be fortunate to get the vice-governor seat in the upcoming elections, Hernandez vowed to establish a good relationship with his constituents.

"Our politics is the politics that knows how to listen," said Hernandez. (PR)

Hernandez: Revamp healthcare system as people clamor for competent medical services

MISAMIS ORIENTAL—Kaabag Kami's Vice-gubernatorial bet Ariel 'Ayi' Hernandez cited the need to revamp the healthcare system that offers better access to medical treatment and care to the public.

In a virtual episode of One MisOr, One CDO aired on Nov. 3, Hernandez shared pushing an adequate healthcare system is one of the public's pressing demands on-ground, particularly from the provincial to the local community level.

Hernandez said there are people who clamor for competent preventive healthcare services.

"Ato gi-explain sa ilaha na while dako kaayo ang ayuhunun nato sa pagpalambo balik sa atong curative care--sa kanang hospital system nato, dako sa tag assignment kung paunsa ayusun ang preventive healthcare (This is what I've been explaining to them, that while we have chances to improve our curative care--particularly of our hospital system, we also have a big assignment as to how we will fix these issues on preventive healthcare," Hernandez pointed out.

Hernandez also noted the crucial need to promote healthcare programs among the people of Misamis Oriental.

He said most people have repeatedly cited the huge benefit of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), providing health insurance coverages for all Filipino people, particularly the marginalized sectors.

"Isa ra ilang hangyo jud. Sir ibalik ninyo ang PhilHealth. Resounding kana ang request sa katawhan sa Misamis Oriental (They only have one request. It's to bring back the PhilHealth. The request of the people of Misamis Oriental for the health service is really resounding)," he added.

Citing data from previous public consultations, Hernandez said only 15 to 20 percent of the townhall participants do have their own PhilHealth insurance, while others don't have any health care protection at all.

"Kung ing ani ang numero, makita mo ang insecurities sa katawhan kung masakit sila (If these are the numbers, you can really see the people's insecurities when they get sick)," he said, noting that this further creates critical situations, "especially now that we are experiencing a global pandemic."

Hernandez said these people should be listened to. Apart from paying attention on their demands, he added, the people's outcry for these services, such as healthcare, must be urgently addressed at the level of public service.

In the context of leadership and management operations, Hernandez explained that while “there are urgent matters at hand, one shouldn't forget keeping the strategic matters” in pursuing better programs for the people.

One of his clear commitments to the Misamisnon, along with his partner and Kaabag Kami's gubernatorial bet Oscar Moreno—is to further improve the provincial-run health facilities and hospitals, in order to provide better healthcare services for the people.

"Our commitment is paunsa nga ang hospital nga gipadagan sa probinsya sa kapitolyo musaka ug mga critical services para ug mahimo level 2 hospital (Our commitment is to further develop the provincial-run hospital to increase its critical services and make it a level 2 hospital)," he said, as they are eyeing to offer better access to the healthcare system for the entire Misamisnon.

As a development advocate himself, Hernandez has been roaming around the province, mostly in the far-flung communities, to conduct public consultations among different sectors of society including youth, farmers, fisher folks, indigenous peoples, business,among others. (PR)

USTP Claveria wins in inter-collegiate e-oratorical contest

'ANLAG ANI TAPUKANAN' FOR FORMER REBELS SOON TO RISE IN MISOR

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – A Livelihood Project for the Former Rebels was officially presented to the public in a groundbreaking ceremony held at the 58th Infantry Battalion, Sitio Migbanday, Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, October 26, 2021.

The initiative "Anlag Ani Tapukanan: A Livelihood Arcade for Former Rebels" is a collaboration between many national agencies, including the Claveria Local Government Unit, the Misamis Oriental Provincial Government, and the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion.

The project was purposely created with the goal of assisting former rebels by providing livelihood opportunities and equipping them with the resources to sustain them. Several meetings with partner agencies, LGUs, and former rebels were held during the conceptualization and planning for the formation of Anlag Ani Tapukanan, including the formulation of its name, Anlag and Ani, both Higaonon names that reflect the lives of the rebel returnees.

Sunrise is translated as Anlag in Higaonon, whereas Harvest is translated as Ani. Sunrise is a symbol of rebirth or awakening, and it depicts the former rebels' return to mainstream society when they finally surrendered and returned to the folds of the law, signaling the start of their new beginning. This decision marked a new beginning and, as a result, an opportunity to learn new things; and the finest new thing they are learning is the newness of their waking from a terrible unlawful existence as a member of the Communist Terrorist Group to becoming a responsible and loving citizen of the community. Harvest, on the other hand, alludes to the gathering of crops, or in this case, the gathering of the former rebels' handcrafted and retail items and services, which will be sold and offered to residents, motorists, and visitors along Route 955.

Anlag Ani Tapukanan is a livelihood arcade to which includes a sari-sari store, barbershop, cafeteria, souvenir shop, plant shop, massage parlor, tahi-anan, and other amenities. This will act as a "one-stop shop" or consolidation place, displaying former rebels' livelihood items as well as people's organizations' products from across Eastern Misamis Oriental. This is a physical manifestation of the government's concerted efforts with former rebels, indicating the government's care even after providing them with monetary and other resources to assist them in their reintegration into society.

The aim of the livelihood arcade was further stated by Lt. Col Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB. "The main objective of this arcade is to assist our former rebels  in reintegrating into society through livelihood opportunities and commercial endeavors, utilizing their skills learned from previous trainings to maximize the government's financial assistance. This is really important, helping them sustain and flourish what was given to them, especially now that many NPA members have returned to the folds of the law. We begin by educating them and providing them with social and skills training. The establishment and maintenance of livelihood opportunities will surely dissuade FRs from returning to armed conflict, as the economic circumstances in their communities was one of the key reasons for joining the movement at the time.

Meanwhile, Hon. Meraluna Salvaleon-Abrogar, Municipal Mayor of Claveria, said, “The LGU will continue to support the plans and programs of 58IB and assist the former rebels in providing them stress debriefing seminars and social preparation trainings to begin with as they have undergone difficulties and trauma during their stint as NPA fighters. We guarantee you that the LGU is always available and willing to help you with your requests on behalf of our former rebels. In addition, I'd want to use this opportunity to thank our former rebels. Thank you for returning to the folds of the law and for making peace with the government. Because if it weren't for this, the instability and unrest in our municipality and province would have continued, so thank you for making the right decision.”

Furthermore, Hon. Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” Emano, added, “This livelihood arcade is a reflection of the government's continued commitment to provide not just the ends, but also the means for our former rebels to return to normal, peaceful lives; and I hope that the remaining NPA members will see that the government is sincere in reaching out to them and in giving them a beautiful life lived with dignity.”

The event was graced by the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee headed by Governor Bambi Emano as the Chairman, together with LGU Claveria Mayor Hon. Meraluna Abrogar, TESDA- MisOr Provincial Director Ms. Marie Cherie R. Garrido, Department of Tourism- Region 10 representatives' Mr. Rico Libre and Ms. Rheta Mae Eblamo, and DTI- MisOr Provincial Director Ms. Almer Masillones.

All of the former rebels in the area were very grateful, as the cause aims to considerably improve their skill sets and income-generating capabilities, thereby eliminating poverty and achieving long-term development as well as acting as powerful catalyst for reintegrating them to mainstream society.

TESDA offers coffee production training for ex-rebels

Along with members of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), TESDA has engaged in partnerships with private sectors that venture well in the coffee industry.

“TESDA, together with TF-ELCAC’s PRLEC, has partnered with Nestle as this is one of the products of the discussion made in one of the cluster’s peace and development conferences. Training will soon be conducted involving our former rebels (FRs) and the indigenous people (IPs) because they have the most suitable areas for coffee plantation/production,” Harry Banto, TESDA regional director said.

As the lead agency of PRLEC, TESDA recognizes the importance of equipping the FRs and IPs with skills to widen job options and show how sustainable livelihood cope with the fast-changing techniques and methods, he added.

Banto emphasized that President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 or ‘whole-of-nation approach’ that created the TF-ELCAC is one of the strategic ways to address people’s needs, thereby ending the communist terror groups’ activities in some geographically isolated communities.

Aside from coffee production training, he said, the PRLEC also gives agriculture-related skills training because these are the communities’ “most needed” assistance from the government as identified by the villagers.

He explained that the NTF-ELCAC’s PRLEC has taught people the strategies and techniques in farming, gardening, and horticulture, among many other things because data showed that there are still those in the mountains who lack knowledge and skills in making their lands productive—including livestock production.

Banto, however, is hopeful that even beyond the President’s term, the PRLEC’s program would prosper because of the strong support of the FR and IP communities.

“We can never really address problems in peace and security if we do nothing on poverty issues. This is a twin problem, and we in TESDA believe in that precept. Skills training is one of the most needed programs and services we can give. We really have to continue this program to empower our former rebels and IPs who had long been waiting for these. And now, in the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, said projects finally reached them,” Banto said. (JAKA/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)

TESDA Regional Director Harry Banto says in order to attain peace and security, problems on poverty must be addressed. With TESDA leading the cluster, Banto affirms that the PRLEC member agencies will succeed in carrying out its projects aimed at lifting people out of poverty, especially the former rebels and IPs in far-flung areas. (VPSB/PIA-10)

58TH IB STRENGHTENS SECURITY TIES WITH EASTERN MISOR CORPS

GINGOOG CITY INVESTS IN AGRI PROJECTS, GOOD GOVERNANCE FOR PEACE DEVELOPMENT

Health testing laboratory to open in Gingoog City

Bolstering Health Care Services.  The Local Government of Gingoog City is now constructing its first-ever health testing laboratory which is slated to finish in November of this year shares Gingoog City mayor Erick Cañosa during the Network Briefing News with Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, September 15. (Network Briefing News)

Cops nab 4 NPA rebels in Misamis Oriental

Photo: PRO-10

Future made brighter as Government turns over solar street lights and services to GIDA

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – The LGU of Lagonglong, in collaboration with the PNP of Lagonglong and the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion, turned over Solar Street Lights and conducted Hatod Serbisyo Program to the residents of Sitio Curnao, Barangay Umagos, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental, September 02, 2021.

This was in reference to Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), as Sitio Curnao still has underground mass bases that support active NPA fighters, and some of the community's active members are from there.

Because the area is quite remote and far from civilization, Sitio Curnao is part of Lagonglong's geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). Unpaved roads are a big source of concern for the community, as they are currently impassable to vehicles. To get to the Sitio, one must walk 3 kilometers from the neighboring Sitio. This is one of the reasons why residents cannot easily access government services due to their proximity; another factor impeding residents' access to various projects and government services is the presence of NPA mass bases in the area, which prevents NGAs and NGOs from freely visiting the community and disseminating programs and activities.

This activity was a bold move by the government to infiltrate the families of active NPA members and to let them know that the government has not forgotten nor neglected them by any means. The turnover of ten units of solar streetlights was graced by Hon. Jay Albert C Puertas, Municipal Mayor of Lagonglong. With him are Hon. Edgardo C Cainglet, Brey Chairman of Umagos, representatives from Provincial Agricultural Office, and the troops from PNP Lagonglong and 58IB.

Following the turnover of streetlights is the Hatod Serbisyo program where services like free haircut and parlor games were given and food packs, farm tools, and school supplies were distributed to 25 households. This is just one of the many interventions the government has planned to outpour at Sitio Curnao for the months and years to come.

Hon. Jay Albert C Puertas, Municipal Mayor of Lagonglong, officiated the turnover of ten solar streetlights. Hon. Edgardo C Cainglet, Brey Chairman of Umagos, representatives from the Provincial Agricultural Office, and troops from the PNP Lagonglong and 58IB are among those who accompanied him. 

The Hatod Serbisyo program, which provided free haircuts and parlor games as well as food packs, farm tools, and school materials to 25 households, followed the turnover of streetlights.

Meanwhile, Mayor Jay Albert C Puertas assured its residents that, with the aid of the national government, the local government will deliver what is required to address the fundamental concerns within the community of Curnao. 

“Due to the current state of the roads, getting to Sitio Curnao is a challenge. I can understand how the existence of a farm-to-market road would significantly improve your challenging condition. That's exactly what I want for you. We'll find a way to make these road projects a reality. Aside from that, because your town has a large number of children, I will establish a childcare center for your children to receive a foundation of education; for them to learn how to read and write, as education is extremely vital in an individual's life and will lead to a bright future. We shall use all of our resources to achieve this.”

On the other hand, Lt. Col Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB, believes that this was a bold move on the government's behalf to infiltrate the families of active NPA members and demonstrate that the government has not forgotten or disregarded them in any manner. 

“This strategy is proactive in the sense that it addresses the core reasons and attempts to encourage people to leave the armed organization and return to the folds of the law. The statements made by the NPA leaders are nothing more than propaganda. They lie to these people in the remote places all the time in order to trick them into becoming enraged with the government and creating alliances with them so that they may be used for their own selfish goal. That is why we have come in force, the government, to dispel these lies and provide real and genuine service to the people.”

This is only one of the government's many initiatives planned for Sitio Curnao in the months and years ahead.

Brgy. Aposkahoy IPs to benefit from Bagsakan Center

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental (PIA)--To further capacitate Indigenous Peoples (IP) Communities and hinterland barangays in their economic development, the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58th IB) assisted in the inauguration and turnover ceremony of the newly constructed Bagsakan Center for the IP Community at Sitio Lantawon, Barangay Aposkahoy, Claveria, September 1.

The IP members of Mati, Manibay, Civoleg, and Langguyod (MAMACILA) will benefit from the 5 x 16 meters Bagsakan Center, an initiative lead by the partnership between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10 and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) known as Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA).

Through the PAMANA framework, conflict-affected barangays are prioritized to receive funds and increase their access to basic social services as part of the national government’s campaign for peace and development in conflict-affected areas.

Nathalie Soldevilla, a representative from DSWD-10, urged the recipients to properly handle the Bagsakan Center as this will undoubtedly assist them in supporting their daily life.

The Bagsakan center will serve as the food basket for the Barangay and its neighboring barangays, and be an avenue for selling crops, fruits, and other items produced by the IP communities.

LtCol Ricky Canatoy, commanding officer of 58IB, believes that the project will empower them as a community, allowing them to work together to sustain the livelihood program that has been granted to them, and be a step forward in allowing progress and development, especially since their area was categorized as one belonging to “conflict-affected areas” in the province. (58th IB/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)

Government troops kill NPA rebel, seize firearms in Misamis Oriental clash

 Robust coffee industry seen in Misamis Oriental

GMPI students join skills competition in Misamis Oriental

Supplied Photo

Businessman shot dead in Misamis Oriental

A BUSINESSMAN was shot dead by alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental around 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 21.

Police identified the victim as Jerald Ral, 37, resident of Balingasag town in Misamis Oriental. He buys and sells bananas as his business.

Investigation disclosed that two motorcycle-riding assailants wearing bonnets shot the victim while the latter was buying bananas in the area.

The victim succumbed to several gunshot wounds on the different parts of his body.

Police added that before the gunmen left the area, they allegedly claimed that they were members of the NPA.

Investigators are still investigating the incident.