Friday, March 21, 2025

DOH-10 expands screening for cancer, heart disease

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 27, 2025) — Early diagnosis and screening services for various types of cancer and even heart disease are now readily available at public health centers across the region. The Department of Health Center for Health Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) has strengthened its early detection capacity in response to the rising cases of non-communicable diseases

In an episode of Talakayan sa PIA, a media forum held at SM City Uptown in Cagayan de Oro, Dr. Tristan Jediah Labitad, non-communicable diseases cluster head for DOH-CHDNM, reported that public health centers offer free screening for cervical and breast cancer. They also provide immunizations for HPV, hepatitis B, and tetanus toxoid, among others.


“If you notice symptoms or feel unwell, seek medical consultation instead of ignoring your condition. Even if you feel fine, we still recommend seeing a doctor and asking for help,” Labitad advised in Cebuano.


He explained that timely and accurate clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and staging allow government health facilities to provide prompt treatment to patients.


“When you develop symptoms and health workers assess your condition, they can refer you to a high-level facility like Northern Mindanao Medical Center or Amai Pakpak Medical Center for immediate treatment of serious illnesses such as cancer or heart disease,” he said.


Labitad described cancer as the abnormal proliferation of damaged cells in the body.
“Cancer occurs when our cell’s DNA is damaged, causing excessive and uncontrolled multiplication. This leads to the formation of a tumor or mass,” he explained.


While childhood cancer is not preventable, early diagnosis is crucial. Parents and guardians are urged to monitor any unusual lumps or masses in their children’s bodies and seek medical attention at the nearest health center immediately.


For adults, the DOH encourages maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. This includes avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, getting vaccinated against HPV (which helps prevent cervical cancer), and undergoing regular screenings.


Labitad also emphasized the importance of proper nutrition, regular exercise, and discipline in preventing these diseases.


(JMOR/PIA-10)

Bag-ong CDRRMO building itukod sa Malaybalay

Ang city government sa Malaybalay gikatakdang magtukod og bag-ong building alang sa City Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (CDRRMO)

Tungod niini, usa ka Pamuhat ritual ang gipahigayon tapad sa Rehabilitation Center sa Brgy. Casisang, Malaybalay City, niadtong Marso 4, 2025, alang sa pagpahinungod sa maong proyekto.


Sumala sa kasayoran gikan sa Facebook post sa city government, ang ritwal gipangulohan sa grupo sa mga Datu ug Bae.


Si CDRRMO Chief Alan J. Comiso, kauban ang iyang mga personahe, nitambong sa seremonya.


Diha usab si Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran, kinsa nidasig sa mga personahe sa CDRRMO sa pagpalambo sa kalidad sa serbisyo alang sa katawhan.


(melbmadera)

Gas station sa Maramag gitulis

Gitulis sa tulo ka mga lalaking suspek ang JL Gas Station sa Purok 9A sa Brgy. Base Camp, Maramag, Bukidnon pasado alas 9:30 sa gabii sa Marso 3, 2025

Sumala sa report sa kapolisan, nadala sa mga suspek ang P38,370.00 cash nga halin sa gas station.

Ang gas station iya sa Brgy. Chairman sa Base Camp.

Sumala sa 26-anyos nga cashier, ang mga suspek sakay sa itom nga Bajaj motorsiklo nga walay plaka ang nahiabot ug nagpakaaron-ingnon nga customer.

Sa dihang ang cashier nag-ihap sa sapi, isa sa mga suspek nga naka-mask ang nisulod sa cashier booth ug nideklarar og tukis dayong sakmit sa sapi.

Gikatahong nisibat ang mga suspek human sa tulis. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

2 pilots found dead inside FA-50 fighter jet in Bukidnon mountain

MANILA, Philippines (12:32 PM March 05, 2025) — The remains of two pilots aboard a missing FA-50 fighter jet were found on Wednesday inside the aircraft, which crashed in the Kalatungan mountain range in the Bukidnon province

In an interview, Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command, confirmed that the pilots were found around 11 a.m.

“Yes,” Bergante said when asked if the pilots were inside the aircraft.

“Just now, around 11 a.m.,” he added in Filipino, referring to the time the remains were discovered.

Bergante said they had already deployed search and rescue teams from the special forces to retrieve the pilots’ remains.

In a separate statement, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo confirmed the deaths of the pilots.

“The Philippine Air Force FA-50 aircraft reported missing has been located by ground troops in the vicinity of the Mt. Kalatungan Complex, Bukidnon, today, March 5, 2025,” Castillo said.

“With deep regret and profound sadness, the PAF announces the loss of the two pilots aboard,” she also revealed.

“The PAF has grounded its FA-50 fleet and will ensure a thorough investigation into the accident,” she added.

According to Castillo, PAF has sent its condolences to the bereaved families and will provide necessary support “during this difficult time.”

“We also request the nation’s prayers for the eternal repose of our fallen pilots, whose service and heroism we deeply honor,” she concluded.

Earlier, the PAF official reported that the FA-50 fighter jet went missing during a tactical night operation shortly after midnight on March 4.

Castillo said the FA-50 carrying two pilots was supposed to land at Mactan Airbase in Cebu, but the jet lost communication with one of its fellow aircraft “minutes before reaching the target area.”

The PAF has 11 remaining FA-50s in its arsenal after retiring some of its fighters in 2005.

All the FA-50s were acquired from Korea Aerospace Industries for P18.9 billion during the administration of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino Jr.

Over in Davao City, Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command, held a separate press briefing on Wednesday morning about the tragedy.

For his part, Lt. Col. Francisco Garello Jr., spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the jet crashed in the mountains of Barangay Miarayon in Talakag town.

“Also, [we confirm that] the bodies of two pilots were found near the wreckage of [the] FA-50,” Garello said in a Viber message.

Garello added that the troops of the 1st Special Forces Battalion under the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade reached the crash site on Wednesday morning.

The ill-fated jet was part of a mission called in on Monday night to provide air support to government troops battling communist rebels in Bukidnon.

The PAF said the jet, which flew out of the Benito Ebuen Airbase in Mactan, lost communication past midnight on Tuesday as it was nearing the target area.

Amid gloomy weather, soldiers brought in by a military chopper and civilian volunteers scoured the Kalatungan range on Tuesday to search for the missing aircraft and its pilots. (Faith Argosino, Joselle R. Badilla – @inquirerdotnetInquirer Mindanao, INQUIRER.net )

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)

Reward gitanyag sa makatudlo sa lain pang responsable sa paglugos-patay sa 5-anyos nga batang babaye sa Valencia

Ang Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (BPPO) nagtanyag og P50,000.00 nga reward sa makatudlo sa lain pang person-of-interest sa paglugos-patay sa 5-anyos nga batang babaye sa Valencia City

Ang kasayoran gipaskil sa Facebook page sa Valencia City Police Station (VCPS).


Ang patay’ng lawas sa biktima nakaplagan sa katubhan likod sa Robinson Place Valencia nga nahimutang sa Purok 17, Barangay Bagontaas, Valencia City, Bukidnon niadtong Enero 11, 2025.


Isa ka 30-anyos nga person-of-interest sa kaso, si Marlon Pantonial, taga Barangay Banlag, Valencia City, ang nasikop sa kapolisan.


Gikatahong nangilog kini og armas sa pulis sa Valencia ug nagpusil sa liog sulod sa VCPS.


Ang suspek dali nga gidala sa Polymedic Hospital apan gideklara kining dead on arrival sa doktor nga niatiman kaniya.


Taliwala niini, ang pamunoan sa kapolisan nagtuo nga dili nag-inusara ang namatay nga suspek sa krimen, hinungdan gitanyag ang cash reward.


Kung kinsa man ang adunay kasayuran o impormasyon, mamahimong magtext o mutawag sa VCPS sa ilang Hotline #s: 09171180210 / 09177189191. (melbmadera)

Drug suspek, 2 nga nag-pot session nakorner sa Manolo Fortich

Isa ka drug suspek ang nakorner sa buy-bust operation ug aktong nasapnan ang duha ka mga kauban niini nga nag-pot session sa Purok Upper Pol-oton, Brgy. Tankulan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, buntag sa Enero 6, 2025

Sumala sa report sa kapolisan, ang unang suspek nga nasikop nisulay pa sa pagsibat apan nasugpo ra sa kapolisan.


Pagkahuman niini, nadiskubrehan sa kapolisan sulod sa establishment ang duha ka mga kauban sa suspek nga nag-pot session.


Nasakmit sa kapolisan ang Php 16,932.00 nga kantidad sa gidudahang shabu lakip ang drug paraphernalia gikan sa mga suspek.


Kasong paglapas sa RA 9165, o Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, ang giandam batok sa mga dinakpan nga suspek.


Gidala sa Regional Forensic Unit ang mga nakumpiskang droga para sa qualitative ug quantitative examinations. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

Drug suspek nakigpinusilay sa kapolisan sa Maramag

Nakigpinusilay ang usa ka drug suspect sa kapolisan atol sa buy-bust operation nga nahitabo sa Purok 4B, Sitio San Carlos, Brgy. Kuya, Maramag, Bukidnon, hapon sa Enero 7, 2025

Sumala sa report sa kapolisan, atol sa operasyon, ang lalaking suspek nga giila nga 40-anyos, minyo, mag-uuma ug residente sa Purok 4B, Sitio San Carlos, Kuya, Maramag, Bukidnon nakabantay nga nakig-atubang siya sa usa ka pulis, hinungdan nga nibunot siya sa iyang mubo nga armas ug nipusil sa pulis. Kini nagresulta sa pag-bawos sa back-up arresting officer, nga nipusil balik ngadto sa suspek. Maayo nalang kay wa maunsa ang suspek ug ang poseur buyer.


Ang suspek mitahan sa iyang kaugalingon ug nasikop usab ang iyang kauban nga 37-anyos nga babaye, minyo, walay trabaho, ug residente sa Purok 4B, Sitio San Carlos, Kuya.


Nikabat sa Php 88,400.00 ang balor sa nasakmit nga gidudahang shabu gikan sa mga suspek.


Nasakmit sab gikan sa lalaking suspek ang usa ka kalibre .45 Colt pistol nga adunay magazine assembly nga kargado sa tulo ka bala ug laing isa pa ka magazine sa maong armas.


Ang mga dinakpan nga suspek, uban sa mga nasakmit ug nakumpiskang ebidensiya ug mga narekober nga fired cartridges, gidala sa Maramag MPS alang sa dokumentasyon ug saktong disposisyon.


Samtang ang mga ebidensiya sa droga ug mga armas nga nakumpiska itugyan ngadto sa Provincial Forensic Unit alang sa eksaminasyon.


Kasong kalapasan sa RA 9165 ug RA 10591 ang giandam alang sa inquest proceedings sa mga suspek.
Ang hiniusang puwersa sa kapolisan, gilangkoban sa mga yunit gikan sa Maramag Municipal Police Station ug Bukidnon 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

36 Ex-NPA Rebels Surrender in Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Thirty-six former New People’s Army (NPA) leaders and combatants recently surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 403rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. They were presented to the Bukidnon provincial government on January 10 at Camp Osito Bahian, Malaybalay City

The surrenderees turned over 55 high-powered firearms, including an M-60 machine gun, and pledged allegiance to the government.


Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Brigade, expressed gratitude to the former rebels, calling their surrender a significant step towards peace and stability in Northern Mindanao.

“Akong pagpasalamat sa atong mga sundalo, pulis, local government units, civil society organizations, ug concerned citizens for participating in the ELCAC campaign. Kini nga kampanya involves municipal, provincial, and line agencies. Naa sila gatabang sa ato pinaagi sa paghatag sa support services sama sa livelihood assistance, skills training, ug uban pa, aron masulbad ang insurgency problem sa nasud labi na dinhi sa atong probinsya sa Bukidnon,” he said.


(I thanked the military, police, local government units, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens. They help provide support services, such as livelihood assistance and skills training, to address the insurgency problem in the country, especially here in Bukidnon.)


He urged remaining insurgents to surrender and embrace peace.


Arnel Arcaya, alias Sky, a former NPA leader, shared his difficult experiences within the rebel group and thanked the government for supporting his reintegration into society.


In a press conference, Arcaya expressed his desire to leave his past behind and start anew, inspired by the government’s reintegration efforts.


The military credited Cong. Jonathan Keith T. Flores of the 2nd Congressional District for facilitating the surrender of former NPA leaders, highlighting the success of the whole-of-nation approach.


Cong. Flores emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in defeating insurgency and thanked the surrendered NPA members for rejoining society.


“The presence of government agencies in the mountains, delivering essential services to marginalized communities, has encouraged many to return to peaceful lives,” he said. (Bernadith G. Epan/PIA 10-Bukidnon)