Monday, November 18, 2024

Category: News

Police unearth NPA terrorists’ weapons cache in Bukidnon

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 19, 2024/PIA) –The Philippine National Police (PNP) uncovered five M16 rifles, 38 assorted magazines, a caliber 45 pistol, firearm parts, and rounds of ammunition hidden underground by the New People’s Army-Communist Terrorist Group (NPA-CTG) under Platoon Mercedes, Sub-Regional Committee 5 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC5-NCMRC)

The joint operation of Area Police Command-Eastern Mindanao Cagayan de Oro Satellite Office; Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB)-10; 1st Bukidnon Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC); and Barangay Dominorog’s Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay led the recovery of the communist terrorist group’s (CTG) arms cache, early morning of January 6 this year in the hinterlands of San Rafael village in Talakag, Bukidnon.

Police Colonel Ramil Montilla, APC-EM executive officer, credited the discovery and recovery of firearms to former New People’s Army members who surrendered and narrated the hardships they faced and their families’ miseries while they were with the NPA-CTG as combatants.

“Malaki ang impact nitong recovered firearms kasi nabawasan ang kanilang capabilities na magwagi against the government forces. Malaking kawalan ito sa kanila. (The recovered firearms have a significant impact on the rebels, reducing their ability to oppose government forces—a substantial loss for them),” Montilla said.

He explained that all recovered firearms will undergo ballistic testing to check for previous use in crimes. Those records, he said, will also undergo cross-referencing in the PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Unit for any existing information.

Weakening of rebel group

The government forces succeed after two operations against the NPA-CTG in just one week.

Montilla said the credit also goes to the APC-EM for their focused efforts, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ intensified military operations, and the relentless law enforcement of the Philippine National Police that forced the rebels to move around to avoid detection and arrest.

The government’s whole-of-nation strategy, outlined in EO 70 that addressed concerns in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), encouraged the mass surrender of former rebels and supporters.

Similarly, the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay deployment in GIDAs establishes safe and conflict-resilient communities.

Montilla also said that the presence of the R-PSB in NPA-infiltrated areas encouraged the former rebels to divulge information to authorities, which lessened the terrorists’ foothold in the area.

“It demonstrates that the CTG has no identified mass bases to rely on. The people’s view toward public safety forces is noticeable,” he said.

In retaliation of NPA-CTGs

Brigadier General Michele Anayron, 403rd brigade commander, said that after two successful operations on December 25 and January 6, the government forces, including the APC-EM CDO SATO, are prepared for any potential retaliation by the NPA rebels.

However, Anayron emphasized that if one would look at the NPA-CTG’s pattern of retaliation in the past, most were against vulnerable soft targets.

“Since there are ongoing development projects like road opening and concreting, contractors are being targeted. In April, at Sitio Mahagwa, Barangay Hagpa, Impasugong town, the said group committed an act of terrorism by burning two units of backhoe. We are actively pursuing them, collaborating with the PNP Mobile Force in an ongoing joint operation,” Anayron said.

The APC-EM urges the community and business sector to report any CTG group sightings to prevent potential criminal acts.

The APC-EM and 403rd Infantry Brigade call on active NPA members and CTG-affiliated groups to abandon armed struggles, emphasizing the government’s readiness to assist them and their families through various programs. (Jan Albert K. Araña/PIA10)

NorMin police, PDEA intensify cleansing ranks of illegal drugs

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 17, 2024) – Law enforcement agencies will remain vigilant in going after illegal drug use and trade, even against those within their ranks, an official assured Wednesday

Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug Jr., the Police Regional Office-10 (Northern Mindanao) director, said the police force is committed to an intensified internal cleansing program.

“We will not hesitate to take swift and decisive action against police personnel involved in any illegal activities,” Layug said in a statement on Wednesday.

Layug’s statement came after the recent anti-illegal drug operation on Wednesday at Barangay Carmen here, where a 32-year-old male police corporal was arrested for allegedly using “shabu” with two other individuals.

Seized from the suspects were shabu drugs worth PHP13,600 and other paraphernalia.

Col. Salvador Radam, city police director, said the operation against the erring police officer is part of clearing the organization from illegal drug involvement.

“As we continue the conduct of random drug testing, I warn every personnel caught in engaging such illegal drug activities and who violates the law will surely face charges accordingly,” he said.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Gaspi, the regional chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-10), said they are also conducting their own “internal integrity program” to remove agents involved in illegal drugs.

Gaspi, a lawyer, said PDEA has supported not only the enforcement aspect but also the rehabilitative programs for the recovery of persons who used drugs.

Based on PDEA-10 records, 1,484 of the region’s 2,022 barangays have been declared drug-cleared while 156 were categorized as drug-free. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Heirs of Datus Mampaalong, Mansikiabo hold annual Sakub ritual

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MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.Net/20 January 2024) The heirs of Datu Mampaalong and Datu Mansikiabo ancestors of the Bukidnon Tribe held a ritual on January 20, 2024, in Sakub, a riverine sacred historical site

Datu Maayun-ayun Arthur “Tiboy” Melendez led the annual ritual also known as Panungdan Panalawaig Pamuhat ta Sakub Salubseb, which pays respect to the spirits that guard the river and the water that flows through it.

Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran led dignitaries who attended the ritual. Also present were City Council Chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Councilor Allan Ryann Legaspi and City SK Federation President Christopher Lambert Tortola, Brgy 7 Punong Barangay Digs Ramos, Barangay 2 Punong Barangay Vinci Melendez, Brgy 7 Kagawad Emilio Cahilig, Brgy. 4 Kagawad Jet Tulang, and media personality Eric Cacay, based on reports by Erlow D. Talatala.

Datu Maayun-ayun Arthur O. Melendez, the tribal leader, told BukidnonNews.Net in 2020 the ritual should be held every year at the strike of new moon. He added that it is important for the tribe as well as the rest of the city to hold the annual ritual as it promotes mutual respect, understanding, and unity.

The datu cited free and prior informed consent and mutual sharing of information as among the principles promoted in the ritual. In the past, visitors to the town used to pay courtesy to the site as a sign of respect for the story of the town and its people.

Back in 2020, he added that the heirs do the ritual to mark a cultural reawakening in the city. They plan to hold cultural reorientation and education.

The ritual is usually attended by tribal elders and leaders from other parts of Bukidnon and other members of the community.

For him, Panalawaig is important for the city as water is important to life. In Binukid, water is “wahig”. He said they can trace the importance of paying respect to creations in the foundations of the city, even before the Spaniards declared it as a pueblo or town.

Datu Maayun-ayun relates to BukidnonNews.Net the story of ancestor Amay Manlanot, who came even before Datu Mampaalong and Datu Mansikiabo. The tribal leader came to the spring site one day. Somehow, he dropped his sakub (scabbard or sheath of a blade weapon) on one part of the river, and swam for it but never resurfaced.

Since then, the tribe has called the place Sakub, which is near the San Isidro Bridge in Impalambong, along the Sawaga River. It is close to the original market site of Malaybalay, along Bahada, in the boundary of Brgy 4 and Brgy. 7.

In September 2019, the City Government of Malaybalay passed an ordinance declaring Sakub a talengdanen (sacred site) and Salubseb spring as an anthropological and historical site of the indigenous peoples.

The ordinance, authored by City Councilor Louel M. Tortola and then Vice Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran was sponsored by then City IP Mandatory Representative Bede Blaise Omao Maghilom. It recognized that the city government is duty-bound to maintain unity, peace, and understanding by promoting mutual respect among the city’s inhabitants.

Datu Maayon-ayon said in 2020 that the ordinance is important in the tribe’s efforts for cultural reawakening and the genuine development of the city.

Datu Mampaalong of the Melendez clan and Datu Mansikiabo, his counterpart in the Moreno clan are recognized forefathers of the Bukidnon tribe in Malaybalay City. (BukidnonNews.Net)

Datu Maayon-ayon Arthur “Tiboy” Melendez speaks during a portion of the ritual. (Erlow D. Talatala)


Tourists flocked to Don Carlos, Bukidnon on January 20 to 21, 2024 to join parishioners as they celebrate the town fiesta in honor of the Sto Nino (child Jesus). The local version of the Sinulog Festival was marked with religious, entertainment, and public showcases. Photos courtesy of Sinulog sa Don Carlos 2024 FB Page/LGU Don Carlos/BukidnonNews.Net

CDO, Bukidnon inflation rise, but regional rate remains low: PSA

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (24 January 2024) – The inflation rate in Bukidnon province and this city increased in December 2023, but the overall regional rate in Northern Mindanao remained low

Dr. Janith Aves, Philippine Statistic Authority-Northern Mindanao (PSA-10) officer-in-charge, said Bukidnon had an inflation of 12 percent last month, compared to the 9.2 percent in December 2022.

In the same rating period, Aves said this city registered a 12.6 percent inflation, but is lower compared to the previous year’s 13.3 percent.

“When we say there is a lower inflation rate, it does not mean the prices of commodities instantly became lower, but it means the increasing of prices has slowed,” Aves said in a report Wednesday.

Of the five provinces and two chartered cities in the region, this city had the highest inflation rate, while Misamis Occidental had the lowest with 2.8 percent from last month’s rating.

For the Northern Mindanao region, the regional inflation rate in Dec. 2023 was 4.8 percent, compared to the Dec. 2022 rate of 7.8 percent. (By Nef Luczon/PNA)

Malaybalay’s 1st centenarian gets P100K

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (January 12, 2024) – The City Government of Malaybalay has provided a one-time incentive of P100,000.00 to a centenarian in Brgy. Managok here

City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran personally gave the incentive to Ms. Marina Marquez Encabo at her home in Purok 3, Brgy. Managok, January 10, 2024.

In addition, Encabo received a Certificate of Recognition for her extraordinary longevity.

According to a press release, the incentive for Encabo was granted in compliance with City Ordinance No. 988, series of 2021.

Encabo is the first centenarian to earn such an accolade from the City Government of Malaybalay.

The granted funds came from the city government’s Gender and Development (GAD) budget.

Pabillaran presented Encabo with the cheque and the certificate of appreciation in the presence of representatives from the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Encabo was born on March 16, 1922.

She was recognized in accordance with Republic Act 10868, often known as the Centenarian Act of 2016.

This law recognizes and pays tribute to Filipinos who attain the astounding milestone of reaching 100 years of age, regardless of their location inside the Philippines or overseas.

This initiative reflects the City Government’s commitment to acknowledging and celebrating the important achievements and longevity of its older residents. (melbmadera)

Open photo

City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran personally presents Ms. Marina Marquez Encabo with a one-time P100,000 incentive and a Certificate of Recognition at her residence at Purok 3, Brgy. Managok on January 10, 2024. (PR)

Valencia town of Bohol, Valencia City ink sisterhood, partnership pact

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (January 14, 2024) – Valencia City of the landlocked province of, Bukidnon and Valencia Town in Bohol province recently celebrated a historic moment

They formalized their sisterhood and alliance by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 12, 2024, at Uno Business Hotel.

Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas and Valencia, Bohol Mayor Neil Balite signed the MOU in the presence of other officials.

According to a press statement, the MOU aims to strengthen economic ties by encouraging higher commerce, trade, and investment, as well as boosting mutual progress in other areas of governance.

During the ceremony, Huervas and Balite gave heartfelt speeches emphasizing the two LGUs’ shared ideals and objectives, as well as their historical connections.

Valencia City was named after the town of Valencia in Bohol.

Officials and representatives from both LGUs attended the signing ceremony and are looking forward to the good impact of the sisterhood and collaboration.

They also underline the importance of teamwork in establishing opportunities for residents and exchanging best practices. (melbmadera)

Open photo

Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas and Mayor Neil Balite of Valencia, Bohol province pose with a copy of their signed sisterhood and collaboration agreement following the signing ceremony on January 12, 2024, at the Uno Hotel in Valencia City. (PR)

Brgy. Poblacion rules Valencia City Street dancing, ground presentation

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MALAYBALAY CITY (January 14, 2024) – Valencia City’s Brgy. Poblacion has won big at its 23rd Charter Day Celebration on January 12, 2024

Brgy. Poblacion won the most coveted street dancing and ground presentation titles, beating out nine other participating barangays.

It also received the Best Product Queen and Best Costume prizes.

Meanwhile, Brgy. Catumbalon placed second in both street dancing and ground presentation.

Brgy. Lurugan won third place in the street dancing competition while Brgy. Kahaponan took third place in the Ground Dancing competition.

The competing barangays gave their best performances in the event, showcasing their individual barangay agricultural products.

City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas and City Councilor Cecile Mabao-Caballero, chair of the Tourism and Beauty Committee led the renowned event.

Valencia City is a second-class component city in Bukidnon province.

According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 216,546 people.

Valencia City, often known as the City of Golden Harvest, became a city on January 12, 2001, with the approval of Republic Act No. 8985.

The city is the most populous among all cities and municipalities, and the 6th largest in terms of area in the province of Bukidnon.

It is also the most populous inland/landlocked city in Mindanao. It is the third most populous city in Northern Mindanao, after only Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

The city is the provincial trade and commercial center for Bukidnon. (melbmadera)

Open photo

Street dancers perform at Valencia City, Bukidnon’s 23rd Charter Day celebration on January 12, 2024. (pr)

DA eyes 210 hectares hybrid upland rice demo farm in Bukidnon

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In a bid to further boost Northern Mindanao’s local rice production, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado is eyeing the establishment of 210 hectares of upland hybrid rice production technology demonstration farm in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

In a coordination meeting held Tuesday, January 9, DA-10 laid down preliminary action plans together with the Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture’s Office, Malaybalay City Agriculture’s Office, Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative
(BUKTAMACO), Philippine Army, and the partner seed company, SeedWorks Philippines, to set the project in motion.

According to DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, this project is consistent with DA’s sustained effort to attain food security in the region.

She said that with the project, DA’s ultimate goal is to boost upland rice production in Bukidnon, as the pilot province.

Farmers will be introduced to hybrid upland rice production technology to help them increase their yield, particularly since conventional upland rice farming is pegged to yield only two tons per hectare or lower, the director added.

The demonstration farm will be established in three locations in Malaybalay City – barangay Uno, Sumpong, and Can-ayan, within the ancestral domain under the care of BUKTAMACO.

Before full-blown implementation, the project will undergo a trial phase by cultivating two-hectare flat and one-hectare sloppy upland production areas in said localities.

Joel S. Rudinas, DA-10 deputy director for Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), said the project will be implemented using two-pronged strategies – introduction of the hybrid upland rice production technology and preparation of the local farmers for increased production.

He emphasized the project is a breakthrough agricultural undertaking that can exponentially contribute to the region’s food supply on a phase-by-phase implementation, first by utilizing a pre-existing natural farming environment, and later on, introducing agricultural infrastructure for
expanded capacity.

For the first phase of implementation, DA-10 will be providing the required hybrid upland rice seeds, fertilizers as well as mechanized land preparation.

As their counterpart, the DA’s partners will shoulder the labor and maintenance, farm chemicals, technical and administrative assistance, and military support.

The trial demonstration farm will be planted by the end of this month. The project will be in full swing come 2024 wet planting season. (ATT)

Bukidnon LGU 1st in NorMin to adopt local climate action plan

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 12, 2024) – The municipality of Kadingilan in Bukidnon province is poised to become a pioneering local government unit (LGU) in creating an Enhanced Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan (ELCCP) in the Northern Mindanao region

In a statement on Friday, Kadingilan Mayor Jerry Canoy Jr. said the LGU’s ELCCP includes a greenhouse gas inventory and identifies indicators for science, technology, and innovation.

The greenhouse gas inventory covers the assessment of the sources and amounts of greenhouse gases emitted within a specific focus area.

Canoy noted that such information is crucial for understanding the local contribution to climate change and developing strategies to reduce emissions in the municipality.

“With the help of our experts, I have great confidence that we can create an Enhanced LCCAP, which is one of our key references in developing and advancing our town,” he said.

Dr. Romela Ratilla, director of the Department of Science and Technology in Northern Mindanao, said the agency has the full support of Kadingilan’s ELCCP in embracing science, technology, and innovation in the local development plan.

“The Kadingilan LGU is the first municipality in the region with which we have partnered in planning — all while mainstreaming science, technology, and innovation,” she said.

The ELCCAP serves as a blueprint for disaster prevention and mitigation in adapting to climate change. It incorporates the latest advancements in science and technology offered by DOST.
(By Nef Luczon/PNA)

Cops busted 6 drug suspects in Kalilangan, Pangantucan

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MALAYBALAY CITY (Jan. 10, 2024) – Six drug suspects have been apprehended by police in a series of buy-bust operations in the towns of Kalilangan and Pangantucan in the province of Bukidnon’s south-western region

Members from Kalilangan Municipal Police Station (KMPS) has cornered two males who are newly identified high-value individuals in a buy-bust operation at Purok 2B, Brgy. Kinura, Kalilangan, Bukidnon at around 3:17 AM on January 9, 2024.

The suspects were a 24-year-old and 20 years old respectively.

The suspected shabu recovered from their possession and control has an estimated standard price of PhP505,172.00.

Members of KMPS also arrested 38-year-old and 23-year-old alleged male drug pushers in a buy-bust operation held at Sitio Cogo, Brgy. Macaopao of the same town at around 8:15 AM on the same day.

The confiscated suspected shabu from the newly identified suspects was estimated to be worth PhP21,556.00.

Meanwhile, personnel from Bukidnon Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit together with Pangantucan MPS and Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit have cornered two illegal drug suspects in a buy-bust operation at Purok 3, Brgy. Upper Barandias, Pangantucan, Bukidnon at around 6:40 PM on January 7, 2024.

The first suspect was a 24-years old male who is a high-value-individual while his newly identified drug personality male cohort is a 21-years old.

The recovered suspected shabu from their control and possession has a market value of PhP 374,000.00.

A case for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of RA 9165 were prepared against the arrested suspects.

The confiscated drug items were brought to Bukidnon Forensic Unit in Malaybalay City for qualitative and quantitative examinations.

The arrested persons are now under the custody of arresting police stations for documentation and proper disposition. (melbmadera)