Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Category: News

Military seizes firearms, war materials in Quezon

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MALAYBALAY CITY (Jan. 07, 2024) – Personnel from the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division (10ID) successfully seized three high-powered rifles and several war materials from the New People’s Army (NPA) during an armed encounter on January 5, 2024, at Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon

According to the 1003rd IB, the captured items included three M16 rifles, two magazines with ammunition, eight backpacks, medical paraphernalia, food supplies, clothing, other war materials, and subversive documents.

After conducting a focused military operation in the area, the 1003rd IB, led by Brig. General Marion T. Angcao, retrieved the aforementioned materials.

The said items were owned by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), specifically the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG) Peddler of NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

The 10ID commander, Brig. General Allan D. Hambala, reiterates his plea for the remaining members of the CTG, notably in Bukidnon province, to surrender.

“The 10ID conducts military operations through the legitimate use of force against the CTG, ensuring the safety and well-being of the people. Nevertheless, the 10ID remains open to accepting Communist NPA Terrorists willing to lay down their arms and reintegrate into the folds of the law,” Hambala said. (melbmadera)

No description available.

 

Members of the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade captured high-powered weaponry, war materials, and personal items of the New People’s Army during an arm confrontation in Sitio Mahayahay, Brgy. Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon on January 5, 2024. (pr)

Arms cache recovered in Talakag

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MALAYBALAY CITY (Jan. 08, 2024) – A joint law enforcement operation involving military and police forces have recovered a cache of high-powered firearms purportedly owned by the New People’s Army (NPA) in a hinterland in Brgy. San Rafael, Talakag, Bukidnon on Jan. 6, 2024

According to the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (BPPO), a buried sack containing hard metal-like elements was successfully found and unearthed in the area.

The recovered dangerous weapons include five (5) units of M16 Rifles, two (2) M16 lower receivers, one (1) cal .45 pistol, seven units of M16 long magazines, three units of M16 short magazines, 13 units of M14 magazines, and 15 units of AK47 magazines.

The BPPO said the successful seizure of the deadly weaponry was based on the revelation of a surrendered insurgent.

Furthermore, all found objects are being held temporarily by Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 10 for safekeeping.

It will then be handed up to the Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO) for forensic analysis and disposal.

In a statement, Police Col. Jovit L. Culaway, OIC of BPPO, urged remaining sympathizers and members of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) to lay down their guns, return to the folds of government, and give peace a chance. (melbmadera)

Brgy. San Martin beat secures ‘Miss Malaybalay 2023’ crown!

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MALAYBALAY CITY – On December 28, 2023, the Kaamulan Open Theatre witnessed the grandeur of the most anticipated event in Malaybalay, where 15 equally stunning and remarkable women vied for the prestigious title of Miss Malaybalay 2023

The competition encompassed four categories: the production number, where candidates showcased their dance routine titled “SAKA ta Malaybalay” – the city’s phenomenal promotional theme song, swimwear, preliminary Q and A (held earlier in the morning), and evening gown.

At the conclusion of the event, Ms. Genirose Calambro, a Master of Business Administration student at Capitol University from Barangay San Martin, emerged victorious.

Ms. Calambro not only secured the Miss Malaybalay 2023 title but also garnered several special awards, including Best in Swimsuit, Best in Gown, Pretty Fresh Choice Award, Avail Beauty Philippine Choice Award, and Miss El Clinica Dental.

The first runner-up (Miss Malaybalay – Agri Eco Tourism 2023), Ms. Krissha Nely C. Tago from Barangay San Jose, clinched the Ms. Luxrynph02, Ms. Gemma’s Choice Award, Ms. Congeniality, and Best in Production Number.

Other members of the winning circle were Ms. Christine Roselle Angela G. Torres of Barangay 05 – 2nd Runner Up (Miss Malaybalay – Kultura 2023), Ms. Apple Mae Lucero of Barangay 11 – 3rd Runner Up (Miss Malaybalay – Sports Tourism 2023), and Ms. Liz Leanna M. Lapuz of Barangay 02 – 4th Runner Up (Miss Malaybalay – Adventure Tourism 2023).

Other finalists of the pageant included Ma. Sheinah M. Salvo – Patpat, Deejay Claire L. Jabayjabay – Can-ayan, Ms. Trixie Lapar of Barangay 07, who also received the Darling of the Press and Miss Photogenic Awards, Reizel Jean Gorre of St. Peter, Necolle S. Sario of Kalasungay, Aryhen Mae D. Ranoa of Laguitas, Maria Michaela R. Boral of Barangay 09, Aya Katrice D. Genosa of Sinanglanan, Erica Jhude P. Sulatan of Casisang, and Kheena April C. Litanon of Sumpong.

The glittering night was graced by the presence of the country’s most sought-after personalities in pageantry, including Ms. Michelle Arceo – Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023, Jan Mendajar – World-renowned pageant and runway coach, Mr. Norman Tinio – Pageant Blogger, Dr. Erwin John Elmido – Dentist of the Stars, and Mr. Francis Chee – Creative Director of Miss World Philippines. The event was hosted by Cagayan de Oro’s renowned hosts, Ms. Christer Kim and Elton Ladd.

City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, in his speech, emphasized that competitions like this provide a platform for young women in Malaybalay to showcase their beauty, talent, and causes.
Ms. Calambro, as the newly crowned Miss Malaybalay 2023, is set to have an exciting year ahead, participating in various programs and activities of the city and representing the city in Miss World Philippines later this year.

The event’s success was made possible through the efforts of the Technical Working Group, headed by City Administrator Atty. Anna Marie R. Bergado, with members including City Councilors Hon. Kathleen Cecile C. Pagaling and Hon. Royland M. Orquia, Ms. Honolu Marie C. Cruzin – Supervising Tourism Operations Officer, Dr. Dennis P. Sangalang – City Health Officer, Mr. Carlito R. Juarez – City Accountant, Ms. Dioscora R. Niere – CGSO Designate, Ms. Ma. Anita L. Fernandez – City ENRO, Mr. Romeo R. Lapeciros -CCEDM Officer Designate, and Mr. Alan J. Comiso – CDRRM Officer. The City Government of Malaybalay, headed by Mayor Pabillaran, played a crucial role in the event’s success.

The event was brilliantly staged and choreographed by Ms. B Productions, led by Ms. Beatrize Eduave. (Contributor: Marven Jan A. Nadela, City Tourism-NADA)

Malaybalay coop receives P5-M check for Kadiwa grant

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aimed to provide more marketing opportunities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over a P5 million check to the Philippine International Travel Assistance Center (PITAC) Multipurpose Cooperative on January 4, at the agency compound, in this city

Funded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division under the KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance, it aims to provide logistic assistance to PITAC for their yellow corn trading and marketing for the procurement of a 10-wheeler wing van.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado led the turnover of checks to PITAC MPC chair, Sonia R. Chamen-Debonville.

The coop also counterparts P1.25-M as their equity making the total cost of P6.25-M.

On receiving the assistance, she shared, “Currently, we are renting a vehicle to haul our corn produce in the different parts of Bukidnon. Thus, this assistance will greatly help our farmers in accelerating their harvest and reducing postharvest costs.”

It can be recalled that the coop is among the farmers’ cooperatives, and associations who signed a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the Kadiwa grant in 2023. (AMB)

Higaonon mat weaver proclaimed as ‘Manlilikha Ng Bayan 2023’

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The City of Malaybalay is filled with pride as President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. officially declared Ms. Marife Ravidas Ganahon the “Manlilikha Ng Bayan for 2023,” as cited in Proclamation No. 427

Ganahon, a skilled mat weaver from Barangay Patpat, Malaybalay City, has been recognized for her unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting the Higaonon ikam (mat weaving) tradition.

This prestigious acknowledgment places her among the esteemed “National Living Treasures” of the Philippines.

The proclamation was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on December 15, 2023, following the recommendation of the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA).

Ms. Ganahon joins eight other honorees who have demonstrated exceptional mastery in various traditional Filipino arts.

Republic Act No. 7355, the law governing the recognition, emphasizes the acknowledgment of individuals whose “distinctive skills” have reached a “high level of technical and artistic excellence” in their respective traditional art forms.

Among the newly proclaimed cultural masters are Adelita Bagcal, recognized for her expertise in Ilocano Oral Traditions; Abina Coguit, celebrated for her Agusan Manobo embroidery; Sakinur-ain Delasas, renowned for Sama dance; Bundos Fara, distinguished for T’boli Brasscasting; Amparo Mabanag, acknowledged for Ga’dang Beadworks and Embroidery; Samporonia Madanlo, honored for Mandaya textile ikat weaving; Barbara Ofong, acclaimed for T’boli t’nalak weaving; and Rosie Sula, recognized for T’boli lingon chanting.

The declaration not only underscores the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines but also highlights the importance of preserving and honoring the nation’s diverse artistic heritage. Ms. Ganahon and her fellow cultural masters serve as beacons of inspiration, embodying the spirit of Filipino creativity and tradition for generations to come. (pr)

No description available.

Photo by NCAA

NPA couple, injured female combatant surrender in Bukidnon

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (Jan. 02, 2024) – A rebel couple and a wounded female combatant of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the military last week in the southern part of Bukidnon

In a statement, the 10th Infantry Division said the couple surrendered to its field unit, the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade at Brgy. Kahusayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon on Dec. 31, 2023.

The duo were identified as Marjun Otag, also known as Dante/Egale/Bukol, 34, and his party wife Nelly Erespi Otag, 20, also known as Marlyn/Cris.

Otag is the squad leader of Squad 2 and a resident of Sitio Bagong Silang, Brgy. Kahusayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

Meanwhile, Nelly is a squad medic and a resident of Sitio Malungon, Brgy. Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon.

The third rebel was identified as Emmely Banahan, 18, also known as Yolanda/IG, and a resident of Brgy. Busdi, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Banahan surrendered two days later after the couple yielded due to injuries on her left leg sustained from focused military operations done by 1003rd IB in the same town.

The trio were under the NPA’s Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Peddler of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRSDG Peddler, NCMRC).

Brig. General Allan D. Hambala, 10th ID commander expressed his satisfaction with the rebels for heeding the call to surrender instead of evading government forces and choosing to fight back. (melbmadera)

Korean gov’t entrusts Smart greenhouse project to Agri-10 research complex

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) is entrusted with the P100-million Korean-funded and -innovated Smart greenhouse project housed in its grounds on December 21, in Brgy. Dalwangan here

This after the Philippine government through DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado signed a gratuitous transfer agreement.

Witnessing the signing were Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS), and the Hankyong National University (HNU) of South Korea, signifying for the former agency to fulfill the use and management of the handed over objects of said project.

Since its launch in April 2022, said project fully dubbed as the “Establishment of Smart Greenhouse and Capacity Building in the Philippines” has been serving as a research and training hub featuring Smart Greenhouse technology for innovative production of quality high-valued crops such as strawberries, cherry tomato, white potato and pepper, and later on, expanding to watermelon and lettuce.

“I am confident that the successful handover of this project will greatly contribute to the Philippine DA’s efforts in enhancing future agricultural technological capabilities through smart Agriculture,” Yong-Ho Jung, General Division Director of International Cooperation at
MAFRA remarked during the turnover program ceremony.

He also put a premium on the smart agriculture project, especially so that the country focuses on modernization and digital transformation within the agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, RED Collado extended his appreciation to the Korean partners for the provision of technical and financial support at the same time alluded to the gains of the collaborative project. It is composed of the establishment of a smart farm, the development of a local distribution system, dispatch of experts, and capacity building of technology adopters.

“The said innovative farming technique provides farmers with higher yield and better quality of farm produce while enabling consistent crop production year-round, thus addressing market requirements to attain food efficiency and sufficiency,” he said.

The agri chief exec added that the showcase and adoption of the latest technologies play a crucial role in feeding the next generation.

“Smart technology and precision farming upgrade our productivity levels benefiting farmers and food producers,” the DA-10 official stated.

Likewise, Dir. Collado continues to pin hopes on boosting the region and the Philippines’ food security, the said project has been gaining interest among the public, particularly on how farmers can replicate it in their localities.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to learn these incredible advancements in technology [smart greenhouse] that have easily transformed our farming in so many ways such as improving the quality, quantity, cost [of our harvest] and productivity,” Joel T. Rivera, Lantapan Vegetable
Farmers and Marketing Cooperative marketing head conveyed.

His account on farming, trading, and marketing was done before his fellow smart greenhouse technology trainees and/or adopters from the towns of Talakag, Sumilao, Lantapan, and Impasug-ong, and the city of Malaybalay, all from Bukidnon province.

As the transfer of said project is eyed for continuing farmers’ training and/or research on smart farming in the coming years, EPIS Vice-President An Jaerok underscored saying: “Looking ahead, we expect that the training for farmers and the cultivation of high-valued crops will play a pivotal role in boosting productivity, as well as in elevating the comprehension and skills of farmers in the area of smart farming.”

Also supporting the event were Wonhee Lee, HNU president and eight other senior officials from MAFRA, EPIS and HNU; Aleli Maghirang, agriculture attaché in South Korea and Japan; DA-Special Projects Coordination and Management Assistance team headed by its chief,
Angelita dela Cueva-Martir; Malaybalay City mayor Warren Jay R. Pabillaran; Acting Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, and other DA-10 and regional management (NFA, PhilFIDA, BPI-PQS, NIA, BAI-NVQS, NMIS and ATI) committee members and staff. (JLO)

Bukidnon Bansalumad Congress held

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MALAYBALAY CITY (Dec. 27, 2023) – Leaders of Bukidnon’s seven tribes gathered alongside Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) for the Bansalumad Congress, which was held in the Hall of Peace in Tulugan, Brgy. Songco, Lantapan on the 22nd and 23rd of December 2023

They primarily discussed the proposed Indigenous Peoples (IP) Code.

Atty. Arbie “Bagani” Saway Llesis, Bukidnon provincial IPMR, presented and discussed the significance of his largely prepared proposed ordinance with the participants.

He proposes the Bukidnon Bansalumad Code of 2024, also known as the Ordinance Adopting the Comprehensive Bansalumad Indigenous Peoples Welfare and Development Code in the Province of Bukidnon.

Llesis explained that “the IP Code isn’t just any law. That represents our unity. Now we will sew our effort, bind our effort to become stronger, to be heard more, and to be more believable that we can implement our rights here in our territory”.

Generally, the purpose of the code is to provide the basis for conscious and planned development for the IPs in the province and provide them substantial opportunities for access to governmental resources for the same.

One of its goals and objectives is to recognize the IPs’ right to decide on their development priorities as these affect their lives, beliefs, institutions, and spiritual well-being, as well as the lands they occupy or use, and to exercise control over their own economic, social, and cultural development to the greatest extent possible.

The proposed ordinance calls for the construction of a Provincial Indigenous Peoples Complex on a three-hectare property.

The Provincial IP Complex will act as the focal point for centralized and coordinated support, response, livelihood, and development involving Bukidnon’s IP.

The participants unanimously agreed on the IP Code’s desired approval during the two-day session.

Apart from explaining the IP Code, the Bansalumad Congress also discussed other resolutions to be signed by the elders and leaders of the seven tribes, such as the resolution to request funding for the IP Complex from the provincial government, as well as the request to congressmen for more funds for the construction of other IP structures, crafting an ordinance that will lead to the formation of the League of IPMRs, and resolutions opposing the national plan to zero budget the NCIP and House Bill No. 9608 which is the transfer of the ancestral domain office of NCIP to DENR. (melbmadera)

7 NPA fatalities in Bukidnon encounter identified

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ILIGAN CITY (Dec. 28, 2023) – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division has identified seven out of the ten New People’s Army rebels killed in an encounter with the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Christmas Day

Lt. Col. Anthony A. Bacus, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, identified the fatalities as Beverly Sinunta, alias “Ayang,” secretary of Sub-regional Committee 2, Northern

Central Mindanao Regional Committee, her husband, Alfredo Banawan, alias “Alab,” deputy secretary, their daughter, Chen-chen Banawan, alias “Pao” and “Chin-Chin,” residents of Sitio Trukat, Barangay Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon; Penita Singaman, alias “Pening,” of Purok 8, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City; Bebot L. Solinay alias “Ligid,” of Sitio Kadagsangan, Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon; Aurelio Gonsalez, alias “Alvin,” of Zone 8, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, and a certain “Louie” from Agusan.

The fatalities were members of the Sub-regional Committee 2, Headquarters Loader, and Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) Compaq of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Bacus is closely coordinating with different intelligence communities and former rebels for the identification of the three remaining bodies.

Soldiers extricated the bodies on December 26 in Sitio Kieto, Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, and were taken to Villanueva Funeral Homes in Malaybalay City.

The seven NPA fatalities were identified based on previous data profile, family members, and their former comrades.

The 8th IB informed the families of the fatalities and coordinated with the police and the local government unit for the proper disposition and turnover of the remains.

Major Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, 4th Infantry Division commander, said that the identification of the slain communist rebels highlights the sad truth about the membership in the NPA, particularly those holding top leadership, treated it as a family business and took undue advantage to recruit own members of their family to wield power for monetary gains and intentions.

“It is disheartening to discover how the CNT leaders resorted to promoting their own vested interest and agenda using familial connections as means to sustain their business while the lower members are suffering from hunger and fatigue due to our relentless military operations,” Cuerpo said.

He said this exploitation proves that they are irrational criminals who will do everything to maintain their operations, even sacrificing family members.

“Nonetheless, we extend our condolences to the families of the deceased, after all, they are still Filipinos who became victims of the CTG deception and treachery. Their death is a tragic outcome that reflects the continued challenge we face in maintaining peace and security in our
AOR,” Cuerpo said.

“Moreover, rest assured that the 4th ID, in close collaboration with LGU and LGAs, will extend assistance and support to the families of the dead CNTs,” Cuerpo added. (Bonita Ermac/Manila Bulletin)

4 injured in fireworks factory blast in Bukidnon

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 30, 2023) – Four individuals – two men and two women – sustained second-and third-degree burns in an alleged explosion in a fireworks factory in Balangay 9, Barangay Poblacion, Quezon, Bukidnon, on Friday, December 29

The victims were taken to the Simbulan Hospital in the neighboring municipality of Don Carlos, Bukidnon, and are in stable condition, the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office said.

Initial investigation said that the victims were allegedly engaged in the production of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices prior to the explosion. The assistance of the Explosive Ordnance
Disposal was needed as authorities wanted to conduct an in-depth investigation and assess the legality of the establishment.

Quezon police Chief Major Noel Cano said they are still waiting for verification from the Firearms and Explosives Office at the Police Regional Office-10 to determine if the establishment is registered to produce firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

“If they are not registered, we will check the legal remedy or legal action that we can take\ against them so that the victims can benefit,” Cano told the Manila Bulletin on Saturday, December 30.

Cano added that the victims were manufacturing fireworks that will allegedly be used for the New Year countdown of the local government unit of Quezon. He said they are looking into this as the fireworks should be ordered and they should not be manufacturing them.

The EOD, together with the Bureau of Fire Protection, has cleared the area of possible hazardous materials. No houses were affected as the area is isolated.

The Department of Health-Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) has recorded nine cases of firecracker-related injuries in the region as of December 29 – three cases each from Bukidnon and this city, two from Misamis Occidental, and one from Iligan City.

The agency recorded 10 cases of firecracker-related incidents from December 21 to January 6 last year.

Cases in Quezon, Bukidnon, have yet to be included since they still need to be validated by the reporting unit, said DOH-10 officer-in-charge Dr. Ellenietta Herunaidna Maria Victoria Gamolo in a text message on Saturday.

On December 12, the DOH-10 released a memorandum to all its personnel, including development management officers, human resources for health, contract of service personnel, DOH hospitals, medical health centers, and other health agencies to implement Code White Alert from December 21 to January 6, for the observance of the Yuletide season and Fireworks Related Injury (FWRI) surveillance, including firecracker-related tetanus cases, until January 21.

Under Code White Alert, DOH-10 response teams and committees “shall be on standby, on-call, and report to the office immediately in case of any emergency situation.”

As part of the safety precautions to ensure that no illicit firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials are supplied to the public, especially to youngsters, random inspections in markets and other locations will be strictly enforced, the Bukidnon police said in a statement on Saturday. (Frank Dick Rosete/Manila Bulletin)