Saturday, February 15, 2025

PNP-10 deploys 13,414 checkpoints as COMELEC rallies government support

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 11, 2025) — As the 2025 national and local elections approach, the Philippine National Police Regional Office (PNP-PRO)-10 has deployed 13,414 checkpoints across northern Mindanao to ensure a secure and orderly election period. This extensive operation is part of a coordinated effort with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-10, which has mobilized various government agencies to uphold the integrity of the electoral process

“The Police Regional Office-10 conducted threat and risk assessments for COMELEC officials to ensure their security during the 2025 election period and prevent violence targeting election officers. Out of 99 election officers in Region 10, 96 were assessed as having no threat, including the Regional Elections Director,” said PCol. Reynante Reyes, chief of the Regional Operations Division.
He added that PNP-10 has also conducted a one-day checkpoint seminar to train personnel on proper procedures for election-related checkpoints, focusing on gun bans, enforcement, and inter-agency coordination.
“To enhance security, our Police Regional Office implemented fragmented and overlapping checkpoints, making it difficult for individuals with illicit intentions to predict locations or times. These unpredictable tactics discourage dangerous and unlawful activities, encouraging stricter adherence to election laws,” Reyes said.
At the checkpoints, PNP-10 confiscated 28 firearms, 25 small arms, three light weapons, other ammunition, and arrested 29 violators. This operation was conducted in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, local traffic management units, the Highway Patrol Group, and the Land Transportation Office.
He also noted that the crime environment in Region 10 has seen significant improvements, with a 37.31 percent drop in index crimes and a 10.34 percent reduction in non-index crimes compared to previous years. Reyes attributed these achievements to aggressive law enforcement, community engagement, and strategic interventions targeting high-risk areas such as Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City.

COMELEC’s call for a whole-of-nation approach
Misamis Occidental Election Officer Lawyer Rowell Valledor emphasized the importance of a whole-nation approach to election security. He stated that COMELEC directives take precedence over other government orders, particularly regarding personnel movements, to ensure fair and transparent operations.
Valledor also highlighted the role of law enforcement in maintaining peace, enforcing the gun ban, and preventing armed individuals from approaching polling centers. “There is an absolute prohibition within a 50-meter radius of the polling place. Both state and non-state armed actors, whether affiliated with the government or not, are prohibited from being within this radius,” he explained.
To curb election-related offenses, Valledor mentioned that COMELEC has partnered with the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. These agencies will closely monitor threats, vote-buying, and misinformation campaigns related to the elections.
The PNP and NBI cybersecurity units have established a special online campaign monitoring committee to combat false information related to the elections. “At least there is this new committee because many of us are spending time at home or online, and the information we receive may not be accurate. This committee will regulate misinformation and hold accountable those who unfairly campaign during the upcoming elections,” Valledor said.
As the May 12, 2025 elections approach, government agencies are continuing to collaborate to uphold democracy. Valledor compared this collective effort to NASA’s historic moon landing mission, emphasizing that every individual—from security forces to election officers—plays a vital role in ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election. (Recthie T. Paculba/PIA-10)

Northern Mindanao RDC members, solons review FY 2026 regional budget proposals

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and Northern Mindanao Congresspersons scrutinized the proposed regional budget of P416.04 billion for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The proposal includes 46 agency regional offices, government-owned and controlled corporations, and 11 state universities and colleges.
During the Joint RDC-X Full Council and Advisory Committee Meeting on February 6, 2025, at the Chali Resort and Conference Center, the proposed budgets were endorsed to the agency central offices (ACOs) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for inclusion in the FY 2026 National Expenditure Program, subject to modifications requested by the congresspersons and RDC-X members.
The Infrastructure and Utilities Development Sector holds the largest share of the regional budget proposal at P224.69 billion (54%), with 95.05 percent allocated to the Department of Public Works and Highways-X for national road and flood control projects.
The Social Development Sector follows with P146.59 billion (35.20%), of which 45 percent is designated for the Department of Education-X to enhance basic education services and improve lifelong learning.
The Economic Development Sector has a proposed budget of P38.72 billion (9.31%), with 84.27 percent primarily allocated for farm-to-market road projects under the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10.
Lastly, the Macro and Development Administration Sector proposes P6.03 billion (1.45%) for various catalytic infrastructure projects, including police stations and army camp development.
The final budget proposals, incorporating the comments, recommendations, and requested augmentations from congresspersons and RDC-X members, will be submitted—along with the RDC-X endorsement—to the relevant ACOs and the DBM in March 2025.
“These budget proposals are more than just numbers; they reflect our priorities, the needs of our communities, and our collective vision for Northern Mindanao’s growth and progress,” said Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, RDC-X Chairperson and Lanao del Norte Provincial Governor.
The regional budget preparation process began with the Regional Budget Forum on January 8, 2025, followed by handholding activities, stakeholder consultations, and sectoral committee meetings, concluding on February 4, 2025.
“We are fortunate to have with us the esteemed members of our Advisory Committee, particularly our Region X Congresspersons, who play a crucial role in ensuring that the budget proposals we endorse today are effectively advocated in Congress and eventually in the Senate,” added Dimaporo.
The meeting was co-convened by Rufus B. Rodriguez, Representative of Cagayan de Oro’s 2nd Congressional District.
The FY 2026 budget proposal represents a 321 percent increase compared to the FY 2025 GAA-approved budget, highlighting the region’s intensified funding needs for social, macro administration, economic, and infrastructure development priorities. (NEDA-X/PIA-10)

PNP IAS chief visits Bukidnon to honor police service, strengthen integrity

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Inspector General of the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service (IAS) Brigido De Jesus Dulay visited Bukidnon on January 20 to acknowledge the dedication and sacrifices of the local police force while emphasizing the importance of integrity in public service

During his first command visit and inspection at Camp Captain Ramon Onahon, Provincial Director Colonel Jovit L. Culaway and the Bukidnon police hosted a welcome ceremony for the PNP IAS chief from the national headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (BukPPO) honored Dulay with an arrival ceremony at the camp’s Grandstand, demonstrating solidarity and readiness for the inspection and audit.

In his speech, Dulay expressed heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and commitment of the country’s police officers.

“I recognize the weight of your responsibilities, the sacrifices you endure, and the risks you face daily. Your work requires courage, resilience, and heart. For this, I extend my respect and gratitude. Thank you for your service and sacrifices for the nation,” he said.

He emphasized the core values that every officer must uphold—integrity, accountability, commitment, and fairness—stressing that these principles are essential for building public trust and ensuring high-quality police service.

“Policing is more than a job; it is a calling with the highest expectations. Let us fulfill these for ourselves, those we serve, the families who depend on us, and the nation we have pledged to protect,” Dulay reminded the officers.

The visit allowed PNP Bukidnon to engage directly with the IAS Chief, reinforcing their commitment to integrity, accountability, and community trust while demonstrating the government’s efforts to enhance PNP professionalism under the vision “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Ang Gusto ng Pulis Ligtas Ka.” (Jessa M. Cleopas/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Ordinansa alang sa mga gabaligya og uniporme, insignias sa PNP ug AFP giaprobahan

Niadtong Enero 8, 2025, gipirmahan ni Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran ang Ordinance No. 1048, Series of 2024

Ang ordinansa nagamando sa tanang establisamiyento nga nalambigit sa paghimo, pagbaligya, ug pag-apod-apod sa uniporme, insignia, ug uban pang mga kagamitan sa Philippine National Police (PNP) ug Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), nga magkuha og Certificate of Conformity o Certificate of Manufacturer/Distributor gikan sa PNP ug AFP.


Kini unang giduso ni Konsehal Royland M. Orquia niadtong Abril 23, 2024.


Sumala sa kasayoran sa city government, nakalusot kini sa konseho atol sa 120th Regular Session niadtong Disyembre 2, 2024.


Tinguha sa lakang nga malikayan ang ilegal nga paggamit ug pagbaligya sa mga uniporme ug kagamitan nga posibleng magamit sa dautang mga elemento alang sa pagbuhat og krimen. (melbmadera)

Notice to vacate na-serve ngadto sa BTL, MILFA

Kaniadtong Agosto 19, 2024, na-serve na sa Sheriff Office ang Notice to Vacate ug writ of execution ngadto sa mga myembro sa Buffalo-Tamaraw-Limus (BTL) Multipurpose Cooperative ug Musuan Inhabitants’ Landless Farmers Association (MILFA)

Sumala sa kasayoran nga napaskil sa official social media account sa Central Mindanao University (CMU), ang grupo gihatagan sa 15 ka adlaw sa paghawa sa dapit.

Ang lakang may kalambigitan sa paborableng hukom sa korte sa kasong forcible entry nga gipasaka sa CMU batok sa duha ka grupo.

Ang notice gipangkatag ngadto sa mga balay nga gipatindog sa mga myembro sa BTL ug MILFA lakip ang isa ka dakong billboard sa notice of vacate daplin sa dalan.

Diha ang mga personahe sa Philippine National Police (PNP) aron masiguro nga malinawon ug hapsay ang pagpatuman sa mando sa korte. (melbmadera)

Fire Insp. Salga gipasidunggan

Gitunol ang pasidungog ngadto kang Fire Inspector Mary Ranilie Ladrillo Salga

Nahigayon ang pagtunol niadtong Mayo 21, 2024 didto sa Sangguniang Panlunsod (SP) Session Hall sa Old City Hall building sa Malaybalay City atol sa 92nd regular session sa SP.

Kaniadtong Abril 16 atol sa 87th regular session sa SP, giduso ni Konsehal Zoltan Dindo D. Dinlayan nga hatagan og Recognition si Salga isip Top six nga nag-graduate sa Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) LAYAG-DIWA Class of 2024.

Si Fire Inspector Salga gikan sa Barangay 10 sa Malaybalay City.

Siya kinamagulangang anak sa kanhing empleyado sa City Government of Malaybalay nga si late Ramon Salga ug Nelly L. Salga.

Produkto siya sa Malaybalay City Central School (MCCS), Bukidnon National High School (BNHS) ug Cagayan de Oro College (COC) sa wala pa siya nisulod sa PNPA. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

Bukidnon cops heighten alert, warn bomb pranksters

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bukidnon Provincial Police Office (BPPO) is on high alert following online bomb threats

In a statement on November 6, BPPO’s Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (PECU) said a purported Philippine National Police memorandum circulating over social media about bomb threats on populous locations in Bukidnon remains unverified “but shouldn’t be ignored.”

“The alleged (bombing) threats were sent solely for the PNP personnel for verification, validation, and investigation,” BPPO-PECU said.

BPPO-PECU urged the public not to share the spurious document so as not to create panic and confusion.

The Malaybalay City Police Station (MCPS) said it managed to trace a “person of interest” who allegedly forwarded the document via Facebook, which caused public concern.

In a radio interview, Executive Master Sgt. Alexander Calma, the MCPS focal person, said the person’s parents claimed that he has mental problems and was asked to provide a medical certificate.

Failure to provide proof of the person’s mental condition may lead to the filing of appropriate charges, Calma said.

Presidential Decree No. 1727, otherwise known as the anti-bomb joke law, penalizes offenders for the malicious dissemination of false information about any threat concerning bombs, explosives, or any similar device. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Bukidnon Comelec needs public help vs. poll violators

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, urged the public to not only report campaign violations during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) but to file charges as well

Lawyer Danilo Dividina, the Comelec-Malaybalay officer, said they need the help of concerned individuals who would pursue cases in the court.

“When cases are filed, and you are not there when it reaches the court, the cases will not prosper if not substantiated,” Dividina said in a statement on Friday.

He added that the public can execute an affidavit attesting that violations of election rules were committed by BSKE candidates.

Cagayan de Oro BSKE

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) spokesperson Major Evan Viñas underscored the importance of “collective efforts of all concerned sectors” to uphold safe elections and maintain peace and order in the city, especially on the first day of the BSKE campaign period on Oct. 19.

“Last month, the COCPO successfully initiated the conduct of Walk for Peace, BSKE candidates briefing, pledge of commitment, and covenant signing which was collaboratively conducted by government agencies and BSKE candidates,” he said.

In addition, Colonel Salvador Radam, COCPO officer-in-charge, assured the public that all 80 barangays would be covered by the police during the polls with the active support of allied agencies, force multipliers, and the community.

He said the Revitalized Police Sa Barangay in the city are ready to cater to all the concerns of constituents in their respective area of assignment.

AFP, PNP in Lanao Norte

Also in Lanao del Norte, Governor Imelda Dimaporo appealed to the uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for the constant monitoring and surveillance in every community throughout the province from the campaign period to the election day.

Dimaporo cited law enforcement’s role in safeguarding the electoral process, especially when reports indicate that some local government officials may intervene.

She called for collaborative efforts that aim to create an environment where residents can exercise their right to vote without fear and intimidation.

In a separate statement, Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division commander, said being apolitical in the upcoming BSKE must be observed among the ranks of the military in the area.

“Let’s focus on shielding the organization from political influences that are not supposed to be influencing us,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

New NorMin police chief to focus on community engagement

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Police Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug Jr., the new Police Regional Office-10 (Northern Mindanao) chief, wants to focus on community engagement to improve police service and their campaign against criminality

He bared his plans in his inaugural speech during the turnover of command ceremony between him and the outgoing director Police Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop at the PRO-10 headquarters in Camp Alagar, Barangay Lapasan, this city, on Tuesday, October 10.

Layug urged the police to continue building collaboration and dialogues with different stakeholders, emphasizing that the Philippine National Police (PNP) should not undermine the community’s contribution, especially in its fight against illegal drugs.

“Let us take time to step and set down with the people for us to listen to what they can share and what we can do together,” Layug said.

Community engagement is one of the five focused agendas of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., along with personnel morale and welfare, integrity enhancement, information and communications technology development, and honest law enforcement operations.

Police officers and personnel were also reminded of the basics of public service – good manners and proper performance of duty with utmost respect and discipline – as Layug wanted all complainants and respondents who visit every police station in the region to smile because of exemplary police service.

Layug was appointed on October 2 by Acorda, who also served as Northern Mindanao police chief. PRO-10 covers the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, and the two highly urbanized cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

Prior to his appointment, Layug, a licensed civil engineer, served as the chief of the PNP Engineering Service. He was a former chief of the PNP-Aviation Security Unit in the National Capital Region during the height of the bullet-planting controversy at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Layug is a member of the PNP Academy Tagapaglunsad Class of 1993.

Coop, on the other hand, asked the Northern Mindanao police to offer Layug the same support, loyalty, and dedication they showed during his leadership.

“I have full faith that the legacy of professionalism, commitment, and dedication we have built together will endure under the leadership of my successor, Police Brig. Gen. Ricardo Gonzales Layug Jr.,” Coop, who will retire on October 29, said in his message.

Under Coop who had served since August 2022, 8,305 crime incidents were recorded in the region, down 7.22 percent or 695 incidents compared to the previous year. The PRO-10 also had 96 drug-cleared barangays in the region, bringing the total to 1,462.

Coop cited a recent survey conducted by the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines and the Mindanao Development Authority, showing that 91 percent of respondents trust the police, 92 percent respect, 89 percent feel safe, and 93 percent are satisfied.

When asked if there is a reshuffling of police officers after his assumption, Layug said he did not bring any police officer with him, saying that there are always excellent policemen wherever he goes.

After the turnover of the command ceremony, Layug conducted a command conference together with all city and provincial police directors in the region, who shared their briefing presentations to enable him to have a “bird’s eye view” of the peculiarities of their areas. (Franck Dick Rosete/Manila Bulletin)

Turnover, Blessing of new city gov’t vehicles, motorcycles held

The City General Services Office (CGSO) hosted the “Blessing for Newly Acquired Vehicles and Motorcycles of the City Government of Malaybalay” ceremony on September 21, 2023, at the City Hall’s parking lot. City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, along with esteemed officials from the Sangguniang Panlungsod, graced the occasion, marking another important event in the city’s public service

Mayor Pabillaran expressed his appreciation for the arrival of a new fleet of government vehicles, acknowledging the late Mayor Florencio Flores for initiating this significant move. He shared his hopes that these newly acquired vehicles would enhance and expand the services offered to the city’s constituents.

The event, attended by various department heads and distinguished guests, witnessed the blessing of 14 service vehicles and 11 motorcycles. Father Mariano Chia officiated the blessing ceremony.This milestone underscores Malaybalay City’s commitment in improving public services and fulfilling its mandate. The new vehicles and motorcycles are expected to enhance government efficiency, furthering the city’s mission of providing better and more accessible services to its constituents.

The breakdown of vehicle allocations is as follows:

Toyota Hilux Pick-up Trucks (5 units) are allocated to the City Agriculture’s Office, City Engineer’s Office, Office of the Building Official (OBO), Philippine National Police (PNP), and TMC.

Mitsubishi Strada Pick-up Trucks (4 units) allocated to the City Assessor’s Office, CDILG, City Veterinary Office, and Malaybalay City Government Water Supply System (MCGWSS); Toyota Innova designated for the City Administrator’s Office; Mitsubishi Montero SUV assigned to the City Health Office; Toyota Hi-Ace Transport Commuter Van turned over to the Barangay Government of Sto. Niño; and Toyota Avanza (2 units) allocated to SP Flores and SP Orquia.

Motorcycles were also distributed to various city offices: Honda CFT 125 (5 units) for OBO; Honda XR-150 (4 units) City Treasurer’s Office; Honda CRF to MCGWSS; and Honda Click to Parole and Probation Office. (LGU Malaybalay)

PNP chief orders stringent monitoring of poll hotspots

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said last Sept. 01, 2023, that the country’s police force has been put on heightened alert, with a focus on monitoring election hotspots

During his visit to the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), Acorda said the deployment of police personnel in checkpoints will be increased to prevent any major disruptions in peace and order.

“We have been in coordination meetings with police offices and the Comelec (Commission on Elections) and we want this election (season) peaceful and orderly,” Acorda said in a press briefing during his visit to the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) headquarters for the 122nd Police Service Anniversary.

On Aug. 28, during the first day of filing of candidacy for the elections, a joint police-military operation resulted in the recovery of two heavy pipes containing suspected improvised explosive devices in Pantar town, Lanao del Norte.

Acorda, who once served as the PRO-10 director, underscored the importance of unity and cooperation between the police force and the community in making the streets safer and more secure.

“Let us remember that this success is not the result of the work of a few, but the collective efforts of a united force,” he said.

Acorda also led the awarding of distinguished police officers and stations in the region as part of the ceremony. (Nef Luczon/PNA)