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Residents urged to observe Malaybalay One City, One Prayer practice

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (April 08) – All residents of Malaybalay City were told to observe the One City, One Prayer practice every time the siren sounds at 8:00 pm daily.

In a Public Advisory issued on April 6, Mayor Florencio T. Flores Jr. is urging everyone to be united in prayer as well as in action, and Make One City, One Prayer as a daily habit!

Regardless of faith, religion, spiritual community, or group, Mayor Flores has requested them to cease from the daily routine every time the curfew siren sounds – and devote one full minute prayer.

People are requested to “PRAY for those afflicted and those who have loved ones affected; PRAY for the doctors, nurses and hospital workers who are caring for them, too; PRAY for the scientists and health experts who are seeking the cure; PRAY for the front liners keeping our borders safe, and for responding to the calls and needs during these trying times; PRAY for the back liners which are working to ensure the public as served as mandated; PRAY for the truckers, their drivers and helpers who are plying roads carrying our food and goods; PRAY for everyone to mind their neighbor’s welfare and well-being as well; PRAY for the peacekeepers, responders and barangay workers who are out daily to monitor the situation; PRAY for our policy-makers always make the sound decisions; Pray for everyone who are going through more than just this crisis; most of all; PRAY for the time to come soon when this will be over.”

Malaybalay City is under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Based on Executive Order No. 83, series of 2020, effective 12:00 midnight on March 26 to 12:00 midnight on April 15, the entire city has been placed under ECQ due to the alarming increase of Persons Under Monitoring (PUM) and Persons Under Investigation (PUI).

Mayor Flores has also issued E.O No. 84 on March 30, making the mandatory wearing of face mask and temporary liquor ban. These were considered as additional measures to further strengthen the preventive measure already in place in the city.

Hospital prepares 141 Soldiers in NorMin to Handle COVID-9 patients

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MALAYBALAY CITY (April 3) – Personnel of Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center (BPMC) gave soldiers belonging to Army’s 403rd Brigade a 1-Day theory and practical on handling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients inside Camp Osito D. Bahian based in the City last April 1 to 2.

Capt. Rene Belmonte, civil-military operations officer of 403rd Brigade in a statement, said soldiers were trained in 2 batches.

He said the 1st batch is composed of 61 soldier students last April 1, and another 80 have completed the orientation training the following day.

Ms. Marlah Samson, Health Emergency Staff Operations Officer of BPMC, said: “It is important that our soldiers learn the protocol and proper procedure especially those involved in patient transfer and those that are in the frontlines.”

The training entitled “Orientation on the Emerging Disease COVID-19: Donning and Doffing of PPE with Transport Simulation” involves half-day theory and a half-day practical at BPMC COVID19 Facility Infection Control Unit.

“During this pandemic on worst-case scenario wherein a lot of our healthcare workers were also infected by the virus, our soldiers must be prepared to reinforce us (health workers), especially on the transport of patients and other health works in healthcare facilities” Samson added.

Col. Ferdinand Barandon, Commander of 403rd Brigade covering Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Cagayan de Oro City, thanked BPMC.

He said, “As soldiers, we train to win a war. We thank the BPMC for this initiative of training our soldiers on our worldwide battle against COVID19. This training will protect our soldiers as we continue to protect our people”.

Samson further said, “During our practical, our soldiers were able to transport and properly endorse mock patients to receiving hospital units. It was successful orientation training for our soldiers. We extend our heartfelt thanks as health workers to the 403Bde leadership and our students. God will help us with our battle against COVID19.”

Soldiers who attended the -2-day activity came from the Headquarters of the 403rd Brigade and the five battalions composed of 58th IB based in the Eastern part of Misamis Oriental, 65th IB based in the hinterland of Cagayan de Oro City, 1st Special Forces Battalion, 8th IB based in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, and 88IB based in Maramag, Bukidnon.

Malaybalay is placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), while the entire province of Bukidnon is under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) and the State of Calamity.

PGB releases food, cash aid to beneficiaries

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MALAYBALAY CITY (April 8) – The Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) has released the entire food and cash aid to beneficiaries from the province’s 20 towns and two cities amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 Pandemic).

Mr. Hansel Echavez, supervising administrative officer of capitol’s Public Affairs and Information Assistance (PAIA) in a statement on April 7, confirmed that the PGB has released on April 2, the total balance of the food and cash aid to all towns and two cities.

The province of Bukidnon has been declared under General Community Quarantine through and Executive Order issued by Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. on March 17 to “prevent the spread and contain the transmission” of COVID-19. On the same day, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bukidnon declared Bukidnon under the State of Calamity.

Previously, Gov. Zubiri said the PGB has allocated a total of P700 million for the food assistance to 100,000 identified “poorest among the poor families” and those affected by ‘no work, no pay” scheme in the province. The PGB had initially released the food assistance to some towns in the province.

Each family beneficiary was given a sack of rice and assorted canned goods worth P6,250.

However, in the last meeting with some mayors, local government units urged the Governor to double the number of the beneficiaries, or from 100,000 families to 200,000 families.

Zubiri lastly decided to divide the P6,250 allocation per family of food assistance or cash aid into two and ordered the mayors to release it to the beneficiaries.

Of the province’s 20 towns and two cities, eight of them were given cash aid instead of food aid and use it to buy food assistance to be given to the beneficiaries in their respective barangays.

These are the towns of Baungon, Libona, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, Talakag, and the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia.

Echavez clarified lately that “generally, the poorest among the poor and poor families in Bukidnon (specifically those listed at the city/town Social Development Office) are given priority to receive the assistance coming from the provincial government not only the “no work no pay” workers as previously reported in this paper.

He also clarified that Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), MCCT-IPs, UCT, and those who are receiving a social pension are not included in the program because they are already receiving assistance from the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Office. 

Bukidnon to impose strict GCQ supplementary guideline

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MALAYBALAY CITY (April 8) – Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr., on April 8, has issued Executive Order No. 20 series of 2020, a supplementary guideline for the strict implementation of General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in the entire province of Bukidnon.

The strict implementation of the GCQ supplementary guideline will take effect at exactly 5:00 a.m. on April 13 and will end at 12:00 midnight on April 26, 2020.

Strict home quarantine shall be implemented in all households and residents in the entire province of Bukidnon.

The heightened presence of uniformed personnel (PNP and AFP) in coordination with the Provincial COVID-19 Task Force, Mayors, and Punong Barangays shall strictly enforce and monitor the home quarantine, which shall be observed in all households and ensure the implementation of the quarantine procedures.

Only one individual per household is allowed to go out from their homes to access food and other basic necessities.

All individuals going outside their homes must carry their quarantine pass and, whenever asked by law enforcement or local authorities, must present the said quarantine pass with their valid id. In the case of employees reporting for work, they may present only their employees’ id.

Upon the effectivity of the order, all residents and non-residents outside the province of Bukidnon shall be denied entry into the province. The movement of persons shall be limited to accessing basic necessities.

All residents traveling outside the province shall be denied re-entry at border points or community quarantine control points. The PJTF-BUK CV Shield shall ensure that this provision shall be strictly implemented.

Health workers responding to emergency situations as well as health workers are allowed entry subject to quarantine procedures and presentation of valid id.

All public transportation within the province of Bukidnon shall be suspended during the effectivity of this order. The transport or movement of goods, supplies, and cargoes shall remain in effect provided that the driver and one helper only shall present valid id and submit themselves to the proper processing of the COVID-19 Task Force, thereby limiting the entry per truck/vehicle to two persons.

The municipal or city LGU may expressly allow a number of public vehicles (motorela/tricycle/multicab) to continue operations only for purposes of transporting employees, and for the residents to access and carry food supplies and other basic necessities.

Private vehicles, including motorcycles, may still be allowed provided that only one person per vehicle is allowed and said person is carrying quarantine pass. Provided further, that such travel is solely for purposes of accessing basic necessities and medical needs.

Selected essential establishments and businesses shall remain open and shall continue operation, provided they shall institute their respective precautionary measures. The following shall be considered necessary establishments and businesses such as groceries, supermarkets, wet markets/palengke; water refilling stations; food delivery services, courier services, and other delivery services; hospitals, medical laboratories, pharmacies, and drugstores; banks, ATMs, savings and credit cooperatives, money-transfer service; gas stations and LPG stations; funeral parlors; and public utility services.

All establishments and businesses not included in the above mention shall be considered non-essential and shall be closed during the effectivity of this order.

All government offices in the province are advised to implement skeletal force working arrangements to continue necessary functions at their offices. However, those in security, health, social services, sanitation, and disaster shall continue to work on full operations.

The provincial government and respective CLGU/LGU shall provide transportation services to government workers whose work are all vital to the government’s overall efforts in managing the COVID-19 situation and the delivery of essential services.

Violations, resistance or disobedience to any of the provisions of this order shall be subjected to criminal, civil and/or administrative sanctions. Likewise, spreading fake news and such other acts that will undermine the health and security of the public will be dealt with in accordance with the full extent of the law.

The province of Bukidnon has been declared under General Community Quarantine through Executive Order No. 13, series of 2020 issued by Gov. Zubiri on March 17 to “prevent the spread and contain the transmission” of COVID-19. On the same day, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bukidnon declared Bukidnon under the State of Calamity.

Just recently, the PGB has released the food assistance/cash aid to the 20 towns and two cities in the province.

By: Mel B. Madera

3 female NPA regulars surrender in Maramag

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (April 5) – Three female minors of Manobo Tribe who were recruited and became regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the army’s 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion at Purok10, Brgy. South Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon on April 1, the military said.

The 88IB in its Facebook post said the minors were identified as Alias Anika, 16, Alias Jasmin, 17, and Alias Saylyn, 16.

They were all members of Platoon 3 of Coy Malayag led by Alias Migs/Ho/Kim Banawan of Sub-Regional Command 2 (SRC2), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC).

Alias Anika and Alias Jasmin are residents of Sitio Kasilaan, Brgy. Nala, while Alias Saylyn is from Sitio Alimpulos, Brgy. Cawayan – all from San Fernando, Bukidnon.

Alias Saylyn in vernacular said she was recruited when she was still 15 years old because of his father, who was also a fulltime NPA member. She said she experienced hardships and hunger with them (NPA).

“I thought my life would be better off joining the group, but my life was getting worse. We keep on walking in the mountains even without food just to keep away from the soldiers,” Alias Saylyn said.

LT. Col. Franklin F. Fabic, commanding officer of 88IB, welcomed the surrenderees who turned their backs from the CPP-NPA.

“To all the parents, please take good care and monitor the activities of your children. To all the youth, don’t be a victim of these wrong communist ideology; it will waste your life. We will help these minors to file a case against the perpetrators in court specifically on the recruitment of children under the age of 18 years old into an armed force or group other than the national armed forces under Sec 4c (24ii) of RA 9851 (Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Genocide and other Crimes Against Humanity) and other violation of laws.” LTC. Fabic said.

Bukidnon implements P25K minimum annual land rental per hectare

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MALAYBALAY CITY (Mar. 03) – Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. has announced that effective this month of March, the Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) will begin implementing the P25,000 minimum annual rental for all agricultural lands in the province that are leased by banana and pineapple plantation entities.

The Governor conveyed the information through a Facebook post this week from the Capitol’s Public Affairs and Information Assistance (PAIA) Division.

Gov. Zubiri is basing the newly approved “Agricultural Rental Law 2020 of the Province of Bukidnon.”

Zubiri said those with contracts will amend the rental agreement by following the new rates of not less than P25,000 per year. 

He also encouraged the landowners to come to his office for assistance should they met problems with it.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bukidnon recently passed the amended version of the proposed ordinance No. 11-2019 (25th SP). Fixing the minimum rental rates for all agricultural lands in the province that are leased by banana and pineapple plantation entities, also known as “The Agricultural Rental Law 2020 of the Province of Bukidnon.”

The Ordinance authored by all SP Members covers all agricultural companies, whether operated as sole proprietors, partnerships, or corporations that are engaged in the business of pineapple or banana in the province.

All subsisting contracts with a rental base below P25,000 shall be deemed amended upon the effectivity of the Ordinance but shall cover only the unexpired term of the contract.

Any agricultural plantation firms undertaking business in the province without complying with the prescribed minimum rental rate shall be recommended for non-issuance of local business permits, revocation of its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), and be declared persona non grata.

The Provincial Agriculture Office is the lead agency in implementing the ordinance. This is in collaboration with the Municipal and City Agriculture’s Office in the province. It shall likewise act as a monitoring body and shall render a report of violations to the office of the Governor and the SP.  

Engr. Alson Quimba, Provincial Agriculture Officer, manifested earlier that the minimum rental rate of P25,000 is just enough. And that beyond that amount, the landowners of other crops might be tempted to lease their lands to banana and pineapple plantation firms, thus, endangering the stability of food security.

In a joint committee report of the committees on laws, and rules and privileges, banana and pineapple firms Unifrutti Tropical Philippines, Inc., Manupali-Agri-Development Corp. (MKADC), Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ventures, Inc. (MKAVI), Dole Philippines, Inc., Del Monte Fresh Produce (Phil), Inc., Davao Agricultural Ventures Corp., Agrinanas Development Co. Inc, and Mindanao Agritraders, Inc. have submitted their position papers and manifested that they are already compliant of the P25,000 minimum rental. 

By: Mel B. Madera

BTL’s 33 years of struggle ended through Localized Peace Initiative

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (Feb. 13) – On February 11, 2020, the 33 years struggle of the BTL also known as Bukidnon Free Farmers Agricultural Laborers Organization (BUFFALO)- Tribe Agricultural Movers Association of Rural Active Workers (TAMARAW)- Land Tiller Inhabitants of Musuan (LIMUS) had formally ended through a localized peace initiative, the military said in a statement.

Gipamatay sa lalaking silingan ang magtiayon nga senior citizens sa Purok 2, Brgy. Natulungan, Kibawe, Bukidnon niadtong hapon sa Enero 30.

Sumala sa taho sa kapolisan sa Kibawe, ang mga biktima nailang si Sofronio Coringau, 73, ug asawa niining 68 anyos nga si Rosalinda.

Si Sofronio nakaangkon sa grabing samad dinunggaban sa wala ug tuong dughan, tuong bahin sa likod ug tuong dunggan hinungda sa hinanaling kamatayon niini.
Samtang ang babayi nakaangkon sa grabing mga samad dinunggaban sa ubos sa bahin sa tuong ilok, wala ug tuong dughan nga hinungdan sab sa kamatayon niini.
Ang wala gibutyag nga ngalan sa suspek milayas human sa krimen. Personal grudge ang gitan-aw nga motibo sa hitabo.

By: Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah

Malaybalay 22nd Charter Day Anniversary cancelled amid COVID-19 scare

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (Feb.16) – The City Government here has canceled the crowd-drawing and mass gathering activities for the 22nd Charter Day Anniversary through an Executive Order.

Vice Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, the OIC Mayor of Malaybalay City, issued Executive Order No. 75 series of 2020 on Feb. 14.

Pabillaran, in his order, cited the unnumbered Department of Health Advisory and the Memorandum Order No. 431 series of 2020 issued by Gov. Jose. Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. on Feb. 12 noon.

DOH’s advisory has recommended and ordered the cancellation of significant events or mass gatherings because of the threat of the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus that emanates from Hubei, China and to ensure the safety and health of the public.

All 46 barangays of the city are also ordered to cancel all their activities, which will draw or gather large crowds in their respective area.

All public and private schools and offices, private establishments, and other associations and the general public are also strongly urged to cancel and or avoid organizing, attending, or participating in events or activities that draw a considerable number of attendees or crowds.

On the other hand, Gov. Zubiri’s memo order in canceling the 2020 Kaamulan also cited the DOH’s health advisory.

As of Feb. 18, Time.com reported that more than 73,000 people have confirmed with COVID-19 infection and nearly 2,000 deaths around the world.

By: Mel B. Madera

Bukidnon top cops support “No Take Policy” order

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (Fe. 14) – The leadership of Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (BPPO) and Bukidnon 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC) expressed their full support to the “No Take Policy” campaign of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Archie Francisco F. Gamboa.

Police Lt. Col. Silvetre Asiong Jr., BPPO Information Officer, and Lt. Col. Salvador Castillon Jr., force commander of Bukidnon 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company conveyed the same message at their respective office on Feb. 14.

Asiong reiterated that BPPO adhered and fully supported the campaign of Gen. Gamboa’s order against illegal gambling, illegal drugs, and other unscrupulous and dubious activity through the “No Take Policy,” in behalf of BPPO Chief Col. Roel L. Lami-ing.

“This is a reminder to all stations and force commanders down to the Patrolman/ Patrolwoman that we will not tolerate such acts, and they may face criminal and administrative sanctions,” Asiong said.

He also urged the public to report any PNP personnel involved in these corrupt practices to report it to the nearest police stations.

Asiong said the “No Policy Order” is part of the Internal Cleansing Campaign of the PNP.

By: Mel B. Madera

Military attacks NPA location in Impasug-ong, Valencia

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MALAYBALAY CITY (Feb.19) – The military assaulted the separate locations of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Valencia City and Impasug-ong town morning on Feb. 18.

Police Lt. Col. Surki Sereñas, chief of police of Valencia City, said that at around 2:00 a.m., joint military units headed by the 1st Special Forces Battalion attacked the NPA hideout in the hinterland of Sitio Salalayan, Brgy. Lilingayon, Valencia City.

The army’s Battery Unit and Air Force also bombarded the NPA location.

He said the military aimed to dismantle the armed component of the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC4), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Sereñas said the government forces staged the attack to deter the planned Tactical Offensive of the NPA in the municipalities of Pangantucan, Lantapan, Talakag, and Valencia City.

Said consolidated NPA units were composed of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) Company 1 under Alias CJ, commanding officer, SYP Coy 2 under Alias EGAY, and SYP Coy 3 under Alias Ikaw, commanding officer.

No casualties were reported on both sides. No evacuees were also reported due to the military operation. Valencia CPS is on full alert and has strengthened intelligence monitoring and checkpoints operations.

Meanwhile, at around 8:00 a.m., members of 8th Infantry Battalion encountered a group of NPA at Maningon Creek between Sitio Gabunan and Sitio Kalipayan in Brgy. Dumalaguing, Impasugong town. The army’s Battery Unit and the Air Force also targeted the NPA locations.

Lt. Col. Ronald Illana, commander of 8th IB, told RMN Malaybalay on Feb. 18 that his troops encountered about 60 armed NPA believed to be under SDG Dario of SRC 2 of Guerilla Front 89 manned by the unidentified leader.

Both sides have no reported casualty.

But Alex Dupeno, a casual employee of the Local Government Unit of Impasug-ong, said 25 families composed of 65 individuals were evacuated at the covered court of Brgy. Dumalaguing. Food packs were distributed to the evacuees. He said sporadic encounters and clearing operations are still underway as of noon on Feb. 19.

Newswatch called 1Lt. Kenneth Cabinggat, civil-military operations officer (CMO) of 8IB for an update, but he referred this reporter to Captain Rene Belmonte, CMO of 403rd “Peacemaker” Brigade. However, Belmonte was not available for the interview evening of Feb. 19.

As of this posting, the 403rd Brigade did not release an updated statement about the separate encounters with the NPA.

By: Mel B. Madera