MALAYBALAY CITY (Feb. 14) – A couple residing in Valencia City were abducted and killed at OADI, Brgy. San Jose, Quezon town at around 5:30 a.m. on February 12.
The victims were identified as Mary Grace Amarillo, legal age, and her husband Wilfredo Amarillo, legal age.
Mrs. Amarillo sustained multiple fatal stabbed and hacked wounds in her body and was brought to a hospital but died later. Her husband, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was found dead at the sugarcane plantation around 100 meters away from her location.
A concerned citizen called Quezon town police about a woman who was fatally wounded along the roadside asking for help.
Before Mrs. Amarillo was brought to the hospital, she was able to disclose that unidentified men abducted them from their residence in Brgy. Lilingayon, Valencia City on-board a pick-up.
Recovered from the crime scene were a fired cartridge case of 12 gauge shotgun, two fired cartridge cases of caliber 9mm pistol, plastic cable tie color black, and an inside holster.
Police Lt. Col. Silvetre Asiong Jr., Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (BPPO) Information Officer on Feb. 14, said the Criminal Detection and Investigation Group (CIDG) and Quezon town police are coordinating each other to resolve the case.
Asiong is optimistic that the case will be filed to the suspects sooner.
VALENCIA CITY (Feb. 8) – Generalao & Uplinger Tax, Accounting and Law Office is now expanding their services to the people of the City of Valencia and its adjacent localities.
Rev. Father Jonathan Tianero presides the Blessing ceremony ofGeneralao & Uplinger Tax, Accounting and Law Office at the 2nd Floor of Montaña Building, Sayre Highway, Brgy. Poblacion, Valencia City on Feb. 8. Hour after the event, Atty. Jarold Rey N. Generalao (center) leads the Ribbon Cutting ceremony of his new office. (Photo by Mel B. Madera)
Atty. Jarold Rey N. Generalao, a private lawyer led the Ribbon Cutting ceremony of their new office on Feb. 8.
The
new office is located on the 2nd Floor of Montaña Building, Sayre Highway,
Brgy. Poblacion, Valencia City fronting NVM Building.
Atty.
Generalao’s partner is Atty. Jenny G. Uplinger, a Certified Public Accountant
(CPA) who was one of his previous mentors in the College of Law.
Before
the Ribbon Cutting ceremony, Rev. Father Jonathan Tianero presides the Blessing
ceremony of the new office.
A
short program was also conducted inside the new office.
Atty.
Generalao completed his AB Philo Degree at Bukidnon State University (BukSU).
He graduated from the College of Law at BukSU in 2016 and passed the Bar Exams
year after.
For
three years, Atty. Generalao served as an associate partner of Monsanto, Ariño,
Gamboa & Sayson Law Offices in Malaybalay City.
“Just
like other law offices, we are offering normal civil, criminal, and
administrative legal services. We are also offering corporate tax and taxation
services as well as bookkeeping,” Atty. Generalao said.
He
said the new office is open during office hours from Monday to Friday while his
office in Kitaotao town is open for legal services every Saturday and Sunday.
Atty. Generalao is the son of Engr. Teoborcio and Anabel Generalao in Kitaotao town.
MALAYBALAY CITY (Jan.31) – The City Government of Malaybalay through the initiative of the Office of the City Mayor extended another round of assistance to 198 deserving students of Luyungan Indigenous Peoples (IP) High School at Nasuli, Brgy. Bangcud, Malaybalay City.
Students from Luyungan Indigenous Peoples (IP) High School at Nasuli, Brgy. Bangcud, Malaybalay City receive free medical services and relief goods on Jan. 24 Photo by: LGU Malaybalay
Known to be the first IP High School in Southeast Asia, it is the home and school of young students from the seven tribes of Bukidnon.
These children sought refuge in our City for regular schooling while preserving their culture and identity.
Roberto T. Flores, executive assistant to the Mayor led the team to share these gifts through conducting medical missions and giving of relief goods on January 24, 2020.
Flores inspected the school facilities and dormitories, listening to their concerns and needs in terms of sanitation, water provision, electricity, and their sustainable programs.
The school head, on the other hand, expressed gratitude from stakeholders for helping these IP students who are inching their way to fulfill their hopes and dreams for a better future despite the challenges.
Among the generous sponsors were members of the Bukidnon State University Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative who donated boxes of hygiene kits.
The activity was also attended by Pointy Incorporated – a non-government organization, Department of Education and City Local Youth Development. (LGU Malaybalay Admin Info)
BUTUAN CITY (Jan. 29) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga is undergoing road construction projects, which will contribute to faster and more convenient travel and delivery of local products in the different parts of the region and Mindanao.
Among these projects include the Agusan-Malaybalay Road worth PHP1.1-billion which is already 77.62 percent complete as of December 2019.
The construction has started in the year 2015 and is expected to be completed this year 2020.
With this development, the locals in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur were delighted and eager to benefit more from the Agusan-Malaybalay Road. It helps them deliver their products easily to the market.
Rosie Echinique, a resident from Esperanza, was emotional in expressing her appreciation to the government. She hoped that this kind of project would benefit more locals and improve their way of living. She also stressed that for almost three decades living in the area, it was only this administration that she experienced to have well-constructed roads.
“We have seen and felt the concern of the government for us and we have high hopes that more Mindanaoans would be able to benefit and experience an improved quality of life,” said Echinique.
Meanwhile, DPWH-Caraga regional director Pol Delos Santos bared that due to the recent earthquakes recorded in some parts of Mindanao, the department has been continuously inspecting various infrastructures in the region, which include the Magsaysay Bridge in Butuan City that was opened to the public since May 19, 1953.
According to Director Delos Santos, the Magsaysay Bridge is still in good condition and was not affected by the series of quakes experienced in Mindanao. (Jennifer P. Gaitano /NCLM, PIA-Agusan del Sur)
MALAYBALAY CITY (Feb. 7) – A son-in-law of Kitaotao town mayor who was tagged as one of the top drug peddlers in Region 10 was killed in a shootout with cops in Purok 6, Brgy. Sinuda, Kitaotao town on Feb. 6, a police officer said.
Police Captain Regner Sevilleno, chief of police of Kitaotao Municipal Police Station (KMPS) disclosed to reporters in a press conference on Feb. 7 at Loiza’s Pavillion in Brgy. Casisang, here.
He identified the slain alleged drug peddler as Johalem Saripada Abbas alias Tonton, of legal age and Top 3 of PNP-PDEA target list Regional Level in Region 10.
Sevilleno said Abbas is the son-in-law of Mayor Lorenzo Gawilan Jr. of Kitaotao.
He said Mayor Gawilan complimented Kitaotao PNP and other operating units after the successful anti-illegal drug operation.
Honorio delos Santos, one of the companions of the suspect, 54, married, jobless and a resident of mentioned place sustained a gunshot wound.
Both Abbas and Delos Santos were brought to German Doctor Hospital in Don Carlos town but Abbas was declared dead before arrival.
Patrolman Romie L. Millar, one of the backup perimeter security from 1003rd Company, RMFB 10, married, 28, and a resident of Purok 1, Brgy. Linabo, Malaybalay City was also injured in the shootout. He sustained a gunshot wound on his left groin. He was brought to German Doctor Hospital but later referred to Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag town and he is now in a stable condition.
Policemen composed of KMPS, 2nd Bukidnon Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), 1003rd Regional Force Mobile Company (RFMB) and a unit of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) implemented and served the search and seizure warrant order issued by the Presiding Judge of RTC 10, Branch 8 in Malaybalay City against Abbas.
Sevilleno said Abbas, Delos Santos and two others identified as Samsodin Abbas and Ricky Ian Delos Santos strafed the policemen prompted the law enforces to return fire.
The chief of police said Samsodin Abbas and Ricky Ian Delos Santos evaded amid the shootout.
“The house of Abbas is located in a strategic area. It is fully fenced. The fact is that we begin our surveillance operation in the area since November last. We observed that Abbas selling illegal drugs to clients who are known to them,” Capt. Sevilleno narrated.
Policemen recovered from the residence of Abbas 40 suspected sachets of shabu weighing four grams with P94,000 estimated price value, 19 pieces aluminum foil wrapper used as improvised gutter, box of caliber 5.56mm containing 27 pieces of live cartridges, stainless steel scissor, improvised bamboo sealer, black pouch, zip lock cellophane and can container with brand name Gshock color black.
Members from Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO) recovered from the remains of Abbas at German Doctors Hospital Morgue nine (9) heat-sealed sachets of suspected shabu weighing one gram with P22,000 estimated value, a caliber .45 pistol with a magazine loaded one live cartridge.
Meanwhile, policemen have recovered from the possession of Delos Santos a caliber .45 pistol with magazine assembly loaded with two live cartridges and another in the chamber.
Seven fired cartridges of caliber .45 were found in the crime scene.
The inventory of the seized evidence was made in the presence of a representative from the Department of Justice, two from the media, and a Kagawad of Barangay Sinuda.
The Seized evidences were brought to Bukidnon Provincial Crime Laboratory Office at Malaybalay City.
MALAYBALAY CITY (Feb. 10) – Col. Ferdinand Barandon was officially installed as the new commander of the Philippine Army’s 403rd Infantry Peacemaker Brigade in a change of command held on Feb. 10 at the Headquarters of 403rd Brigade, here.
Col. Barandon replaced Brigadier General Edgardo de Leon, who was assigned at the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as deputy chief-of-staff for civil-military operations.
In his acceptance message, Col. Barandon urged members of the Peacemaker team to continue to press on with the fight to end the local communist armed conflict while leaving the door for reconciliation open for more rebels to rejoin the mainstream society.
“We shall continue the momentum of our campaign and bring the fight in the guerilla bases,… we shall also protect our gains by continuously and steadfastly shielding the people and their communities who were previously radicalized by CTG (communist terrorist group),” he said.
Admitting that the army cannot do the fight against insurgency alone, Col. Barandon implored all 403rd Brigade stakeholders and partners to collaborate and continuously fuel their enthusiasm and trailblazing efforts on ending local communist armed conflict through the regional and local task forces.
Meanwhile, BGen. De Leon expressed gratitude to all the partners of the Brigade for making the convergence efforts against the CTG in his area of operations a success. “Your trust and confidence have driven me to persevere against the many challenges of a brigade commander,” he said.
He also reminded them to always make convergence efforts on the delivery of services a reality, to prevent the CTG from getting back the people’s sympathy.
The turnover ceremony was presided by Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Cagayan de Oro.
In his message, Gacal instructed Col. Barandon to sustain the gains, especially in the whole-of-nation campaign.
“Continue to be responsive on the peace and security needs of our constituents, I want you to lead all efforts to ensure physically and psychologically safe and secure environment conducive to economic development,” he said.
He also directed Col. Barandon to maximize utilizing all the ground units under the 403rd Brigade to pursue peace and development initiatives and address the root causes of conflict in their area of operations.
Moreover, he told him to support the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other integration mechanisms available so that those who wish to surrender will be given a chance. However, he reminded him to be relentless in dislocating, isolating, disintegrating and destroying those who continue to challenge the government. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran/PIA-10)
MALAYBALAY CITY (Feb. 7) – Policemen arrested one of the two suspects in the failed slay try to Quezon town Councilor and his buddy, a police officer said.
Police Lt. Col. Casan Ali, chief of police of Maramag Municipal Police Station said the suspect is identified as Herbert Nietes alias JunJun Nietes/Bunso, 35, businessman, resident of Brgy. Palacapao, Quezon.
Ali disclosed the information in a press conference at Loiza’s Pavillon in Brgy. Casisang, Malaybalay City on Feb. 7.
He said they requested a backup force from Quezon town police upon receiving information that the suspect was hiding in Brgy, Palacapao. Policemen arrested Nietes in a hot pursuit operation at Traveller’s Restaurant, located at Sitio Kipolot, Brgy. Palacapao, Quezon at around 11:45 a.m. on the same day.
Nietes was identified as the driver of the motorcycle-riding suspects in the failed to slay attempt to Rodrigo Neri, 33, married, a Municipal Councilor of Quezon and Ben Edulano, 54, married and a resident of Brgy. Sinuda, Kitaotao.
Neri positively identified his cousin Nietes as the driver of the motorcycle-riding suspects.
The wounded town Councilor told the police that the motive of the incident is a family feud.
The failed slay attempt happened at around 2:20 a.m. on Feb. 6 at Sayre Highway, Purok 3, Brgy. South Poblacion, Maramag town.
Neri sustained gunshot wounds in the body while Ben Edulano was on the left side of his abdomen and left arm.
The victims were brought to St. Joseph Southern Bukidnon Hospital, Maramag, Bukidnon for medical attention. Minutes later, Neri was transferred to Don Carlos Doctors Hospital in Don Carlos town.
Ali said they are still in the process of identifying the gunman who is remained at large. He said they are preparing to file the double frustrated cases against the suspects.
Initial investigation revealed that the victims together with four other companions were on board on a Nissan Navarra from a derby at Maramag Cockpit Arena heading to Quezon. However, they stopped at the aforesaid place to have a coffee at the stalls along the highway. As they alighted from their vehicle, one motorcycle with two unidentified suspects shot the victims using cal .45 pistol and immediately fled to south direction.
Police Col. Roel L. Lami-ing encourages the public to cooperate with the local police and report any information concerning the identity and location of the at large suspect.
MALAYBALAY CITY (Feb. 12) – Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr. officially canceled the 2020 Kaamulan due to the ongoing threat of the spread of the 2019 novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019-nCoV ARD).
The Governor issued
Memorandum Order No. 431 series of 2020 on Feb. at noon addressed to all City
and Municipal Mayors, Barangay Chairpersons, chairpersons of all different
committees for the Kaamulan and Tribal Leaders (Datus and Baes) in the
province.
In the memorandum
order, Gov. Zubiri cited the advisory of the Department of Health signed by
Sec. Francisco Duque regarding concerts and other public events and gatherings.
The DOH strongly
urging the public to avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events
that draw a huge number of attendees given the ongoing threat of the spread of
2019-nCoV ARD.
The DOH also likewise recommends the cancellation of planned big events or mass gatherings until further advice.
Datu Laglagengan Richard Macas (left), Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bukidnon leads the Opening Ritual “Pamukalag” for Kaamulan 2020 celebration on Feb. 3 at the Kaamulan Grounds. Baylans, IPMRs, Municipal Chieftains and visitors from two cities and 20 towns of the province attend the ritual. (Photo by PAIA Bukidnon)
The Governor said the 2020 Kaamulan is canceled as a pro-active measure to keep the people of the province safe from the threat of the highly infectious disease.
But the day before the
official cancellation, Zubiri conducted a consultation on whether Kaamulan be
canceled or not.
Hansel Echavez,
supervising administrative officer of the Public Affairs and Information
Assistance (PAIA) Division of the capitol said the majority in the
consultations were in favor of the Kaamulan celebration.
He said the
consultations were held at Kaamulan Folk Arts Theatre in Malaybalay City
attended by Barangay chairpersons, at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and chairpersons
of all different committees for the Kaamulan.
Gov. Zubiri also
ordered all mayors and barangay chairpersons to cancel all public events and
mass gatherings that draw a huge number of attendees in their respective areas
of jurisdiction for the same reason.
If not canceled, this
year, the competing Local Government Units (LGUs) for the Street Dancing,
Ground Presentation, and Float Competitions are the towns of Baungon, Don
Carlos, Dangcagan, Impasugong, Damulog, Kalilangan, Kibawe, Lantapan, Libona,
San Fernando, Pangantucan, Cabanglasan, Quezon and the cities of Malaybalay and
Valencia.
Kaamulan is an ethnic
cultural festival of the seven Hill Tribes of Bukidnon namely; Higaonon,
Bukidnon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matisalug, Tigwahanon, and Umayamnon.
Kaamulan comes from
the Binukid word “amul” meaning to gather. It
is a gathering for a purpose—a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a
thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these
together.
Kaamulan started as a
festival on May 15, 1974, during the fiesta celebration of the then
municipality of Malaybalay.
Through provincial ordinance No. 2018-083r (13th SP) “An ordinance fixing a regular schedule for the Kaamulan amending for the purpose section 3 of Ordinance No. 2007-003R (10th-sp) entitled, “An Ordinance Institutionalizing the Celebration of the Kaamulan”, the annual gathering will be held from March 23 to April 23.
IMPASUG-ONG, Bukidnon (Jan. 28/PIA) — Military and police authorities have urged businesses in Bukidnon province to report immediately any extortion schemes set up by the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
In a meeting in Malaybalay City on Jan. 21 with business owners under the Bukidnon Lateral Organized for Development (BukLOD), the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) jointly presented a diagram on what to do if they receive a threat or demand for “revolutionary tax” from the NPA.
The diagram serves as a guide on preventing extortion and the best ways to respond to it. It illustrates the process of reporting and all other approaches in dealing with the extortionists.
The NPAs demand money from businesses through force or threat to finance their terroristic activities. They (NPA) called this “Revolutionary Tax.”
Lt. Col. Ronald Illana, 8IB commanding officer, said the NPA’s extortion activities have been the main problem of the government contractors as it delayed the completion of infrastructure projects in the province.
“We are urging everybody to help us stop the finance of the NPA by reporting and preserving all calls, text messages, and CCTV’s images because we need them to identify the suspects, report it to the nearest Army and PNP offices,” Illana said.
BukLOD president Doy Lopez, likewise, has called on the 21 members of his business group requesting them to display a tarpaulin on their establishments showing the “extortion guide,” including the police and military hotlines to stir awareness among its employees and the public.
BukLOD is a group of business companies organized since 2015 to help the province in realizing its vision for a stable and comfortable life.
“Being the president of this organization, I am encouraging everybody to help our Army and PNP. Do not be afraid to report and cooperate with them. It’s not only the NPAs who are doing extortion but there are other criminal groups and individuals also,” Lopez said. (8IB, PA/PIA)
MALAYBALAY CITY (Jan. 28) – The Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) has formally opened the rehabilitated Old Hospital Building that will house National and Provincial Offices on January 27.
Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. led PGB officials in the Blessing ceremony held after the flag-raising ceremony of the Capitol.
Engr. Albert Yulo, the provincial engineer said earlier that 16 provincial offices will occupy the rehabilitated Old Hospital.
He added that 12 national offices will also occupy the building.
Among of the national offices are the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, Public Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Social Security System, Philippine Information Agency, Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, PNP Cyber Crime Division, Department of Health, Pag-Ibig Fund, Philhealth Corporation, Department of Social Welfare and Development Region X and Clerk of Court.
The City Prosecutor’s Office and Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative o BUKTAMACO will also be housing the Old Hospital Building.
Gov. Zubiri clarified earlier that occupants can utilize the building for free.
But Echavez pointed that occupants will shoulder the expenses for the furniture and fixtures, air-conditioning units and utilities such as water and power bills.
The Governor said that the building has a parking area at the back that can accommodate 142 4-wheel vehicles and 117 motorcycles for the clients and employees.
Based on data, the ground floor has 13 offices, 15 on the second floor and two on the 3rd floor.
The PGB has allocated P46.79 million in rehabilitating the Old Hospital Building. (Mel B. Madera).
