Friday, December 13, 2024

P29K worth of marijuana plants uprooted in Valencia

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – A total of 295 marijuana plants were uprooted in the hinterlands of Sitio Migtulod, Brgy. Mt. Nebo, Valencia City, Bukidnon, on August 21, 2024

BUK-PDEU personnel worked alongside Buk-PIU, Valencia CPS, and PDEA Bukidnon to uproot the marijuana plants.

The Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (BPPO) said that the uprooted marijuana plants weigh approximately 7.8 kilograms and had a market worth of ₱ 59,000.00 (₱ 200/hill).

The uprooted plants were destroyed and burned at the scene in the presence of witnesses.

Samples of the uprooted marijuana plants were sent to the Valencia City Police Station for documentation and then turned over to the PNP Provincial Forensic Unit in Malaybalay City for laboratory testing. (melbmadera)

Babaye gipusil sa Don Carlos

Isa ka babaye ang biktima sa pagpamusil sa Purok 6, Brgy. Embayao, Don Carlos, Bukidnon hapon sa Pebrero 21, 2024

Si Police Major Cipriano V. Bazar, OIC sa Don Carlos Municipal Police Station, miila sa babayeng biktima nga isa ka 47-anyos nga babaye.

 

Ang biktima naigo sa iyang wala nga bitiis, wala nga abaga ug wala nga likod.

 

Siya daling gidala sa Kibawe Provincial Hospital aron matambalan.

 

Sa inisyal nga imbestigasyon, nasayran nga ang biktima nagpahulay/natulog sulod sa iyang barong-barong dihang gipusil sa wa mailhing tawo gamit ang improvised shotgun.

 

Ang suspek nisibat human sa krimen padulong sa wala masayring direksyon.

 

Sumala pa sa biktima nga dihang naigo siya, nisinggit siya og tabang, nikamang paingon sa barangay mga 50-metros ang kalayoon diin isa ka concerned citizen ang nakakita ug mi-rescue kaniya ug nanawagan og police assistance sa PNP Patrol Base sa Brgy. Embayao.

 

Gibutyag pa sa biktima nga ang ilang yuta giangkon sa isa ka lider sa mga lumad nga grupo.

 

Sa pagkutlo ning balita, padayon pa ang imbestigasyon sa Don Cralos MPS alang sa kasolbaran sa maong kaso. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

Police unearth NPA terrorists’ weapons cache in Bukidnon

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)

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)

Cadaver of slain top NPA leader in Northern Mindanao now with family

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Military and police officials handed over the remains of the slain top communist rebel leader, Dionisio Micabalo, to his family last July 29, 2023, in a small courtyard outside a funeral parlor in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental

Brigadier General Adonis Ariel Orio, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade, said the cadaver of Micabalo, alias “Muling,” was turned over to his siblings, Ronelo and Fely, who came to Gingoog City, along with officials from Dangcagan municipality in Bukidnon, to fetch his corpse.

Orio said the 61-year-old New People’s Army (NPA) leader hailed from Dangcagan town, and his family wanted him to be buried there.

“There was no hassle. As soon as the PNP (Philippine National Police) and my soldiers ascertained their identities, his remains were turned over to the family,” Orio said.

Micabalo, who was secretary general of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, was killed during a brief firefight with soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Libertad, Gingoog City, last July 27.

Colonel Christian Uy, 58th Infantry Battalion commander, said they have been tracking the movements of Micabalo after he transferred to Gingoog City from Mt. Pantaron range in Bukidnon, where the latter was previously based.

Orio said that with Micabalo gone, a young rebel leader named “Kumander Rida,” a former student from Cagayan de Oro City is expected to become the next secretary general of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

During his second State of the Nation Address on July 24, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he will issue a proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees. He asked Congress for support on this matter.

But Marco Valbuena, Communist Party of the Philippines information officer, rejected the offer of Marcos, calling it “a treacherous offer of amnesty and surrender.” (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

Rebels in Bukidnon surrender

CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City: Forty-three members of the outlawed New People’s Army (NPA) yielded to Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), in a Saturday acceptance ceremony

During the ceremony, Acorda led the oath of loyalty of the surrendered communist rebels, who vowed to support the government’s efforts to end the insurgency in Northern Mindanao.

The PNP chief commended the surrenderers for their courage in denouncing the communist propaganda that ruined the lives of innocent people in a war of deception and notoriety.

“I am confident that your decision to return to mainstream society will encourage others in the hills to come down and lay down their arms for us to attain lasting peace, development, and progress in our communities,” Acorda said.

The 43 surrenderers, all under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) based in Bukidnon, also led law enforcers in recovering a cache of 15 high-powered firearms buried in Talakag, Bukidnon. (The Manila Times)