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THE LOCAL POLICE, NBI and the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group are cautioning rice traders to refrain from hoarding rice because the government is now relentlessly running after them.

The warning came after a successful raid in a warehouse in Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay wherein 2000 sacks of NFA rice were re-sacked and prepared for delivery as commercial rice.

The said warehouse is allegedly owned by a certain Jose Ty, according to Dominic Kabigting, head of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) in Western Mindanao.

Aside from the bags of rice, around 600 empty sacks of NFA rice were seized. “This will prove that there was really a re-sacking activity made of NFA rice and convert it into a commercial rice readily available in the local market with a very high price”, Kabigting said.

Accordingly the said warehouse is no longer owned by Ty and was sold to a certain Julieto Monding, who later on has claimed ownership of the said warehouse.

Monding tried to bribe the raiding team in the amount of P20,000.00, but the PASG ignored the offer and filed charges of bribery attempt against the owner.

Over the weekend, Atty. Moises Tamayo of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been closely monitoring activities of rice traders to ensure rice hoarding is prevented.

Harold Ybañez, NFA Provincial Manager has maintained that no rice hoarding is happening in the province of Zamboanga del Sur even as he said that the causes of the high price of rice in the market are expensive farm inputs and striker-wholesalers coming from non-rice producing areas.

THE INTERFAITH Forum for Solidarity and Peace was worried that a possible conflict might arise in Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur after killings in the area during the last May election have remained unsolved.

This was gathered over the weekend in a meeting held at Saint Columban College, Pagadian City last April 28, where some members expressed apprehension over the report of a member of the Human Rights Committee about the latest incident last month (April 2008) where a certain Geron Dacula was killed early morning in front of his house in Poblacion, Kumalarang town while feeding chicken and injured one Jumadil Mangcabong while on his way to rescue Dacula. Mangcabong sustained injuries on his arm and leg.

According to a human rights fact-finding team, Dacula was only a nipa maker and has no definite rival or enemy who wanted to kill him.

Dacula and some victims of killings in Kumalarang town were Muslims, so that some family members of the victims suspected the Christian as perpetrators.

With this situation, the Interfaith group worries that a conflict between the Christian and Muslim groups in the area might crop up since local leaders in the area could not assure that the victim’s families would not retaliate.

The Interfaith further reported that since the 2007 election, 8 cases of violation of human rights in Kumalarang town have been documented while none has been resolved.

Indeed, the Interfaith urges the local government including the PNP to investigate cases of injustices in the area and resolve current conflicts.

A BOMB SNIFFING DOG of the Army’s Explosive and Ordnance Division is always on the go in bus terminals and public places to thwart whatever planned terrorist attack in the City of Pagadian.

This was learned over the weekend from Police Chief Inspector Reynaldo Maclang as he said that it is only a part of the tightened security measures imposed by the city police after the series of bombing that rocked Zamboanga City last April 13 (Sunday).

Maclang added that he deployed plain clothes personnel in the IBT including Agora Market to see to it that every movement is closely monitored.

But he clarified that the measure will not be effective without the cooperation of civilians who have been considered as force multipliers in the maintenance of peace.

It may be recalled that last April 13, Zamboanga City was disturbed after an improvised bomb exploded in front of the Cathedral that has caused panic to early church goers.

The bomb was reportedly placed in a bag and some witnesses revealed that two motorcycle riding men planted the bomb in a parked vehicle outside the cathedral.

According to the police report no one was hurt or killed in the explosion but two vehicles were severely damaged.

After 15 minutes, another bomb exploded near a commercial bank along Veterans Avenue. According to the local police no one was hurt nor killed while the bomb was probably planted not to inflict harm to human life but to get the attention to the public and authorities.

Allegedly the Abu Sayyaf group was responsible for the bombing even as manhunt operation was conducted to arrest the bombers.

The church also condemned the act of terrorism as they also called on the military and the PNP to work over time to arrest the bandit group and to prevent them from doing the same atrocities.

THE NEW ATTORNEY in Pagadian City Christopher Gabule Vicera, 26, the son of businessman Guillermo Y. Vicera and Nutritionist Elizama S. Gabule passed the Bar examination given last September 2007 in Manila.

Atty. Vicera graduated his elementary education at Pagadian Regional Pilot School with honors and was 3^{rd honorable mention in secondary education as a DOST scholar at Zamboanga del Sur National High School, Pagadian City.}

He also graduated from UP Manila with an AB Political Science degree and his Bachelor of Laws degree at San Beda College of Law, Manila.

The new lawyer is the brother of Jake Ivan G. Vicera, a doctor of Physical Therapy and of Ms. Ailen G. Vicera, a registered nurse who are both presently working in the United States of America together with their parents.

He is also the nephew of Provincial Secretary Wilfredo M. Cimafranca of Zamboanga del Sur.

BISHOP Emanuel Cabajar of the Pagadian Diocese has urged City Mayor Sammy Co to stop the operation of illegal gambling in the city.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Co last March 30 with a copy furnished the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace and read by Cabajar in his monthly meeting last March 31, Bishop Cabajar said that “the primary victims of this immoral and scandalous form of exploitation are the poor. What makes that even immoral is the fact that it lures them into an ‘addictive vice’ that pushes to an even more terrible and dehumanizing situation of misery” as he refers to the illegal gambling activities not only in the City of Pagadian but also in other neighboring municipalities in Zamboanga del Sur.

Cabajar also emphasized in his letter that it is incumbent upon the city government to address the issue of illegal gambling.

“The just ordering of society is first and foremost the responsibility of the government. I believe that your office has the capability to stop all forms of illegal gambling in the city. That is a big challenge but if you are sincere about serving the people as their Mayor, they will surely reciprocate and cooperate towards the eradication of this form of cancer in our society. The people are well aware that no form of illegal gambling will thrive and proliferate without some protection,” Cabajar said in his letter.

“An assurance that the local church of Pagadian Diocese will not just sit in the sidelines but that, in consonance with its proper role, it will try to support honest initiatives to promote the welfare of the people”, Cabajar concluded.

Moreover, the convenors and members of the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace supported the letter as illegal gambling is one of the issues they focused now. Accordingly, illegal gambling activities like video karera and swertres are seen in the city and accessible even to minors.

On the other hand, City Mayor Sammy Co said to this weekly that he already gave instructions to the City PNP to act on the matter immediately, and as the City Mayor, he could not tolerate these activities in the city saying that he is still trying to figure out the best way to solve this problem. - (Leah Agonoy)

IN ORDER to give more services and ease access to its member’s transaction, the Aurora Integrated Multipurpose Cooperative has launched its new Automated Teller Machine (ATM) last March 15 at AIMCoop ground, Poblacion, Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur.

AIMCoop General Manager Pacienciano A. Tomarong said that through the ATM services, transactions must be ease, faster and competitive market enterprise to its clientele.

He added that AIMCoop is the first cooperative with an ATM service in Zamboanga del Sur and throughout Mindanao.

AIMCoop’s 40^{th year of continuous serving the people of Aurora and neighboring cities and provinces is a milestone that contributed significance to its goal: “AIMCOOP Moving to Lead.”}

The launching was attended by Coop NATCCO party-list Congressman Guillermo Cua, Aurora Mayor Enrique J. Cabahug, Jr., Tukuran Mayor Bonifacio Vega, Jr., Nationlink President Jess dela Cruz, AIM Coop legal counsel Atty. Fermente Dablo, AIM Coop General Manager Pacienciano A. Tomarong, Board of Directors, employees and other guest.

Jilted Male Teenager Commits Suicide

TWO TEACHERS from the Zamboanga del Sur National High School San Pedro Annex reported to the police that their classrooms was ransacked at about 7:00 a.m. last Monday (March 17).

According to them, several steel chairs and 23 plastic arm chairs were lost and that they also discovered that the intruders gained entrance through the back window of the school building.

The intelligence section of the City PNP immediately conducted an investigation regarding the incident.

At least 2 minors, ages 12 and 14, were invited for investigation at about 10:30 a.m. of the same date and the police recovered from their possession 12 pieces of arm chairs and steel bars.

The case was endorsed to the Women and Children’s Welfare Desk for proper disposition while the parents of the 2 minors were being reprimanded about their responsibility to their children.

Pro And Anti Arroyo Held Separate Rallies In Pagadian

PRO-ADMINISTRATION and Anti-Gloria groups joined the nationwide rally last February 29 in Pagadian City.

Anti-Gloria groups led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) started their rally at around 10:00 a.m. beside the Sta. Lucia Parish Church in Barangay Sta. Lucia with more or less 80 participants from the different municipalities in Zamboanga del Sur.

The participants carried banners of militant groups critical to the present government with streamers and placards shouting “Gloria Resign”. With the use of a megaphone, farmers and lumads expressed their grief on their present situation as, accordingly, no government programs reached them in the countryside.

Some of the youth representatives also aired their sentiments against the Arroyo government as corruption has been worsening.

On the other hand, provincial and city officials here expressed their support to the Arroyo government through an Ecumenical Prayer held at the Plaza Luz at around 3:00 p.m. of the same day participated in by provincial and city officials, government employees and various religious group, who offered their prayers for unity and peace in the country.

PAGADIAN CITY - Bringing the local police closer to the civilian populace is the priority goal of the newly installed chief of police inspector Reynaldo Maclang in Pagadian City.

In an interview, Maclang said that the civilians play a vital role in maintaining peace and order, thus there is a need to keep in touch with them all the time.

Last Saturday (Feb. 23) five days after his assumption as chief of police, he immediately launched the program called “Ugnayan sa Barangay” in San Pedro District, this city.

Maclang explained to the residents that the PNP’s mission, vision and goal and its primordial duty is to enforce the law.

In his message, he appealed to the residents to be vigilant and help the local police in running after the law breakers.

“Kami (PNP) ay humihingi sa inyo ng tulong na suportahan ninyo dahil hindi natin makamtan ang kapayapaan kung walang suporta galing sa inyo”, Maclang stressed.

He also intensified the barangay intelligence network tapping the trained Tanods and Bantay Bayan members as a force multipliers with the limited strength of the police force even as he added that he wants to restore the trust of the civilians to the police, a “mamang police image” who has a friendly approach to gain more sympathy from the civilian.

“Dapat hindi matakot ang mga sibilyan sa mga awtoridad (police) dapat nandyan yong tiwala nila sa mamang police”, Maclang said even as he also pointed out that the mamang police image is a national program of the PNP led by Director General Avelino Razon.

Maclang is a trained intelligence officer and had led several police units in Metro Manila. He was then the chief of police in Dipolog City where local residents wanted his retention.

He also gained support from the church especially from bishop Manguiran in Dipolog Diocese who sought his retention but failed due to his re-assignment in Pagadian City.

A 20 YEAR-OLD woman was arrested by the operatives of the Pagadian City PNP led by OIC chief of police Reynaldo Maclang on a drug buy-bust-operation last February 23 at around 5:00 p.m at Purok Darusalam, Barangay Sta. Lucia, Pagadian City.

The PNP identified the suspect as Jean Antilino y Capino, a housekeeper and who was caught in the act of selling shabu at the said place.

The police recovered 6 pieces of heat-sealed shabu, 3 big and small packs of shabu with an estimated value of P1,800.00, 5 pcs. disposable lighter, 2 pcs. aluminum foils, the marked money used by the operatives and some money believed to be proceeds in selling shabu.

Jean is now detained at the Pagadian City lock up cell while waiting for her case to be filed in Court for violation of R.A 9165 or the Comprehensive of Dangerous Drugs act of 2002. 

A NEW chief of police in Pagadian City was installed by General Jaime Caringal, regional director of the PNP region 9 to replace Police Inspector Rommel Etbew whose rank does not qualified him to be a full pledge chief of police.

Police Chief Inspector Reynaldo Maclang was formally installed last Monday (Feb. 18) but still in an acting capacity, according to Police Superintendent Ramon Ochotorena, PNP Provincial Director of Zamboanga del Sur.

Chief Inspector Maclang has to undergo a probationary period before he can be appointed as a full pledge chief of the city PNP, Ochotorena added.

City Mayor Sammy Co in a press conference introduced to the local media Major Maclang who is the former Chief of Police in Dipolog City.

Records show that Maclang was previously assigned in Makati City and later on he was transferred to the Dipolog City PNP Station.

According to the new chief of police running after illegal gamblers, as suggested by Mayor Co is on top of his agenda even as he assures the public to do his best so as to be an effective police chief.

Zambosur Matches Pagadian Effort For A Full Swing Regional Center Transfer

AS THE OFFICIALDOM of Pagadian is kept busy accommodating regional offices here, the provincial government is matching its effort by providing facilities and infrastructures necessary for the social and economic development of the province.

The state-of-the-art Medical Center located at the Provincial Government Center in Dao is due to be opened by the second quarter of this year even as a Regional Hospital is found in the 2^{nd District of the province, particularly at Margosatubig.}

Moreover, 2nd District Congressman Antonio H. Cerilles also plans to place a Regional Drug Rehabilitation Center in Camp Rebi, San Pablo, also in his district.

Likewise, he is pushing now for the conversion of provincial roads into national roads that would eventually link Zamboanga del Norte to this province via Sindangan and Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur.

Last January 22, Congressman Cerilles called the elected officials of Bayog, Kumalarang, Lapuyan and San Pablo municipalities together with the Provincial Planning and Development Officer, Provincial Engineer and DPWH District Engineer of the 3rd Engineering District to tackle on the proposed road conversion.

League of Municipalities President Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles of Dumalinao joined Mayors Belman Mantos (San Pablo), Mary Ann Cartalla (Bayog), Daylinda Sulong (Lapuyan) and Allan Damas (Kumalarang) during the meeting.

“You always remember that we are building the road not for today but for tomorrow,” the Congressman told them as he helped them grasp the great opportunities it may give to their respective towns once the project is realized.

Congressman Cerilles said by the time Sindangan and Bayog roads are opened, fish supply will be sufficient in Pagadian since Sindangan is known as the main supplier of fish in Zamboanga del Sur and neighboring provinces of Region 9.

Much to Governor Auring E. Cerilles’ desire to concretely pave all the 430.96 kilometer provincial roads, she can’t simply do it due to financial constraint. With the help of her husband Congressman Cerilles, they were able to convert the Lakewood provincial road into a secondary national road.

How did they do it? Congressman Cerilles said he first established a national school in Lakewood and later, developed the lake into a resort.

Nevertheless, the Cerilles administration has already concreted over 60 kilometers of provincial roads in Dinas, Dimataling and Lapuyan in District II and Sominot-Midsalip road in District I.

During the meeting, the Congressman grouped the Sangguniang Bayan members present according to committee chairmanship, such as: appropriation, infrastructure, agriculture, trade and commerce, peace and order, good government.

“In our leadership, everybody is involved. The problem of peace and order is non-partisan that is why we call you to help,” he pointed out.

He wanted to get the commitment from each group to expedite data gathering necessary to justify why the provincial and municipal roads have to be converted into a national road.

When these roads shall become a national road its maintenance will be handled by the national government, he said while enumerating numerous benefits which may be gained from it, like shortening of travel time from Zamboanga del Norte to the regional center; encouraging farmers to increase their production and there will also be an increase in the IRA since valuation of real estate along the national road would be higher.

“Please study all the aspects so that when we present our proposal to the Regional Development Council we will be able to justify it,” the project-oriented Congressman said.

ADMITTING they cannot defy the order of the President, at least 4 city councilors from Zamboanga City vowed over the weekend to help the city government of Pagadian in its effort to hasten the transfer of the regional offices here.

It was also learned that Zamboanga City Councilor Rudy Lim came over here to attend the meeting called by the technical working group of the so-called calibrated regional center transfer with NEDA regional director Evangelista as chairman.

Councilor Lim in an interview said that Mayor Sammy Co is trying his best to accommodate the regional employees but it is definitely a hard and a gargantuan task.

“We are here in Pagadian City to plan out everything and to ensure our transferring employees will be at ease and in good hands as well”, Councilor Lim said in an interview with dxpr's Ragde Dagumo.

Lim added that the regional center transfer to Pagadian City is not a big loss for Zamboanga since it is already a progressive city, but what they are trying to look into is the plight of their people here in Pagadian City.

Lim also criticized Arroyo's insistence for the full transfer of the regional offices without even taking into consideration the necessary budget.

“I think it's more of a political vendetta of Arroyo who lost in Zamboanga during the last election and I think it is about time to repay the people of Pagadian and Zamboanga del Sur for their support in the last election,” Lim said.

Lim was also joined by 3 other council members Kim Elago, Asbi Edding and Lynet Abarro.

Capitol Tightens Security Measures

SECURITY MEASURES at the Provincial Capitol compound are now getting tighter after the Provincial Budget Officer Rogelio “Roger” Montealto was shot last December 27 by an unidentified would be killer.

Governor Auring E. Cerilles is seeking the public’s indulgence since effective January 2, 2008, access to the Provincial Capitol shall be limited to a single gate which would serve as the entrance and exit for vehicles.

The lady governor has condemned the deceitful act perpetrated on her Budget Officer Rogelio “Roger” Montealto, saying: “whoever was behind the crime must be put in jail.” She was thankful though, that Montealto survived the incident and said she cannot afford to have another shooting incident to happen at the Capitol premises.

She directed the Provincial Security Guards to impose stricter security procedures within the compound that would deter suspicious personalities from entering.

It may be recalled that Gov. Auring & Congressman Tony Cerilles hosted a Christmas Party for the Zambosur-Pagadian City Press Club, Inc. the night when Montealto was shot.

It was when Congressman Tony was delivering his speech before the media when suddenly Governor Auring received a call from one of her staffs informing her about the incident. Together with Provincial Police Director Ramon Ochotorena, Provincial Legal Officer Mark Anthony Padayhag, Gov. Auring rushed to the hospital where Montealto was brought for treatment.

Gov. Auring was saddened by the incident recalling that an hour before the incident, she had a meeting with members of her Executive Finance Committee where Montealto is among the members. She even accordingly invited them to have dinner with them and the local media personalities but Montealto, chose to go home to attend a Christmas party with his family and workers.

Montealto was driving his service vehicle from the Capitol when he was waylaid by the assassin beside the H20 bar. He sustained gunshot wounds and is now recuperating.

THE RAMPANT selling of illegal drugs in schools nowadays prompted a school president to seek assistance from the police to apprehend the perpetrators during a dialogue last week between the government and the civil society group in Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur.

During the open forum, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Hingone, President of Saint Columban College aired apprehensions that his students might have already hit by the menace as he received reports that pushers casually distribute the illegal drugs to his students through the fence of the school.

PNP Deputy Provincial Director Nelson Eucogco who represented the provincial police command in lieu of PD Ramon Ochotorena gave an assurance that they will take an action on the problem.

On the other hand, City Mayor Sammy Co said that the city government is inviting the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to put up an office here to expedite prosecution of the alleged perpetrators.

Co said that his administration is supporting the fight against illegal drugs. In fact, he encouraged concern citizens to report to the authorities if they notice that some groups or individuals are involved in the illegal drug trade.

Co also expressed lament that when the police succeeded in confiscating large amount of illegal drugs (shabu), suspects were still allowed to post bail for their provisional liberty.

Nevertheless, Co gave a boost to the moral of the PNP as he pledged an all-out support to the police especially in fight against illegal drugs.

THE CIVIL Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office IX is cautioning the public not to become the prey of fraudulent activities of an alleged Bantay Bayan Foundation, Inc. with office address at SMR Complex, Gov. Camins Avenue, Zamboanga City.

CSC Assistant Commissioner Elmer Bartolata furnished Governor Auring E. Cerilles with copy of their Regional Memorandum Circular No. 06 relative to the advisory of the Office of the Ombudsman on the illegal activities of the Bantay Bayan Foundation, Inc. for her information and appropriate action.

The Office of the Ombudsman Mindanao confirmed that the Bantay Bayan Foundation Inc. is falsely and illegally representing itself as an Ombudsman affiliate which collects membership and other fees using the name of the Ombudsman.

Reports reached the Office of the Ombudsman that it validated, as follows: The fees being collected by the fraudulent group, include: P500 for membership fee; P30 as monthly dues; P500 Identification Card; P250 for Task Force Zamboanga ID.

These fees are turned over to one Mr. Pliny Domingo who claims to be the director of Bantay Bayan Foundation and issues Mission Orders and Memorandum Receipts to members who have firearms with corresponding fees that ranges from P850 to P1,500 per member. A mobilization fee of P5,000 is also collected from persons who seek help from them.

The Office of the Ombudsman also certified that Bantay Bayan Foundation, Inc. headed by a certain Willy Calma is not an accredited Corruption Prevention Unit of the Office of the Ombudsman.

As a result of the investigation, sinages and documents using the name and logo of the Ombudsman or suggest any linkage with the anti-graft office of the government were removed. Mr. Domingo was apprehended after he was caught of illegal possession of firearms and now facing charges for the deceit he committed. - RLG/PPB

Gov’t Provides Scholarship To Indigenous Students

POOR but deserving students who belong to the cultural minority are now the direct beneficiary of a government scholarship program in the year 2008 as part of the government's effort to help the poor achieve quality education, an official of the local office of the NCIP said.

This scholarship program is dubbed the NCIP or National Commission on Indigenous People scholarship program and one of the main components in helping the Lumad Subanen in the countryside including the province of Zamboaga del Sur.

Zamboanga del Sur is one of the provinces with Subanen populace settling in the town of Lapuyan, Kumalarang, Bayog, Sominot and Midsalip. An assessment shows that majority of its members lack education.

But with the DepEd's intervention illiteracy problem has gone down as compared to several years back, according to some DepEd officials. Alternative Learning System (ALS) helps a lot in curbing the problem of illiteracy.

Meanwhile, the government has allocated P85-million for the said scholarship program that would benefit close to 13,000 Subanen students whose parents are really handicapped in sending their children to school.

This program is intended not only for college students but those in high school and elementary level can also avail of the program. Beneficiary from the elementary level will receive P1,000.00 financial assistance, high school beneficiary will also receive P2,500.00 assistance and a college beneficiary will enjoy the P5,000.00 per semester assistance.

In the previous years, the NCIP helped at least 13,154 poor but deserving Subanen students in their continuous quest for education. Applicants are enjoined to visit the NCIP office for further details.

It may be recalled that the NCIP office here in Pagadian City was criticized by criticisms from Subanen leaders in Zamboanga del Sur for turning its back to the Indigenous Peoples (IP's). This scholarship program could somehow change the wrong notion of the IP's that they were neglected, it was gathered.

A LOUD gun shots rang out in the vicinity of Metro Bank along Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City where two of the bank’s security guards engaged in a minute long gunfight last November 20, 2007, Tuesday.

Police record shows that a certain Edmar Soriano, a security guard detailed at Metro Bank had shot his co-blue guard named Ruel Mutia of legal age.

Soriano who resides at Pulacan, Labangan town was armed with a 12-gauge shot gun and Mutia, the victim, suffered multiple gun shot wounds and was rushed to Pagadian City Medical Center for treatment.

In the meantime, a frustrated murder charge has been filed against Soriano.

Some witnesses said that before the shooting incident the 2 security personnel had a heated argument as regards to who will be in the armored vehicle to serve as escort in picking up a client's money on that early morning.

The PNP is still conducting further investigations even as some concerned citizens said that security agencies must have to strictly supervise their personnel to avoid occurrence of a similar incident.

Army Detainee Released Through Writ Of Amparo

JUDGE Reinerio B. Ramas of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 18 has received commendations from the Supreme Court and Human Rights Advocates after a certain army detainee was released due to the Writ of Amparo, he issued.

In a press statement obtained by the Pagadian Express it was learned that the writ of amparo is described by Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno as the greatest legal weapon to protect the constitutional rights of the people.

The Supreme Court’s Press Statement also said that the writ of amparo has fulfilled its promise after a certain Ruel E. Muñasque, 33, and a leader of Christian Youth Fellowship of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines was freed after he was taken by military soldiers on October 24 while on his way to Pagadian along with one Roger Morales.

The release of the youth leader was effected on November 7 during the first hearing of the Amparo petition filed by the relatives of Muñasque.

Media reports alleged that on his way to Pagadian, Muñasque along with Morales was taken by soldiers belonging to the 53^rd Infantry Battalion on October 24, 2007.

Muñasque's companion was freed a few hours later but Muñasque remained missing prompting the family to file a petition before the court on October 30 for the issuance of the writ of amparo in the RTC of Pagadian City. Atty. Tirsendo Poloyapoy, a well known human rights advocate and FLAG lawyer represented the petitioner.

Named respondents were Major General Nehemias G. Pajarito of the 1^st Infantry Tabak Division and Major Samuel Gayongorsa, commander of the 53^rd IB based in Guipos town.

A CERTAIN Nadzer Abdulla Sindatuc, 37, and a resident of Old Labangan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur who is reportedly the Treasurer of the Southeast Asia Development Committee, Inc., (SADCI), was shot to death by two unidentified persons last November 8, 2007 at around 1:00 p.m. at Sabado Street, San Francisco District, Pagadian City.

Police initial investigation disclosed that the victim Nadzer went out the side gate of his house, still undergoing construction where his vehicle was parked. Before Nadzer was able to board his vehicle, two unidentified persons shot him several times at close range hitting him on his head until he fell down at the cemented road.

Nadzer sustained gunshot wounds on his head and was brought to the Pagadian City Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

The two suspects fled on foot going to Alano Street then boarded a passenger tricycle towards an unknown direction.

Police recovered 4 empty shells and one deformed slug of a .45 caliber pistol from the crime scene.

City PNP are now conducting a further investigation regarding the identification of the suspects and the motive of the killing.

AT LEAST 3 MEMBERS of the New Peoples Army (NPA) were killed during a fierce firefight between the military troops belonging to the 5^{th and 53rd Infantry Battalion and the rebel group in Lucuan, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur over the weekend.}

One member of the Philippine Army was also reportedly killed but military officials have refused to divulge the name of the fallen soldier.

The encounter took place amidst pronouncement from ranking military officials that NPA's strength in Zamboanga del Sur is diminishing.

Among the NPA rebels who was killed was Bobby Pardillo, said to be a high ranking official of the communist movement in Zamboanga del Sur.

Bobby known by the alias of Ka Larry was tagged as among those who carnapped a rural passenger bus and hostaged its passengers in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur in 2005.

Another NPA casualty was Perlita Lumiid, Bobby’s wife was also killed during the encounter and who was reportedly pregnant.

Perlita was arrested by the elements of the 53rd IB last year but when freed she rejoined the rebel group operating in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte. A certain Ka Ridden was also killed during the encounter, according to military sources.

Two days after the encounter last week, another clash took place in Nangan-nangan, Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur that lasted for a couple of minutes, a military official was quoted as saying.

During the said encounter 2 NPA members were allegedly arrested, but their names withheld by the military for security reasons. One (1) M16 and one (1) M14 armalite rifles were also allegedly confiscated by the military from those arrested.

Entertainment Shows In Dao Going On For Visitors

TO PROVIDE recreational activities at the Agri-tourism & Heritage Complex (AHC), the Cerilles administration through the Provincial Tourism, Culture & Arts Office has arranged various shows which will run for the next 6 months at the Biyahe Na! stage, Provincial Government Center in Dao, Pagadian City.

The lined-up entertainment shows will start this month of October until March of next year. For October, it is titled: “October Fiesta sa AHC.” Its grand opening was last Friday night, October 19 dubbed The Wild Z Dance Challenge. It is an invitational Hip Hop, RnB Dance competition opened to dance fanatics in the province.

Nightly shows continue during Saturdays and Sundays. An all-star band of Tangub City with the Square Bar Band performed last October 20 while the homegrown Frontline Creations was set to perform on the following night, Sunday.

Based on the proposed continuing programs that will last till March 2008, local tourists who will visit the eco-tourism zone can watch regular shows at the Biyahe Na! stage. With emphasis that these are the initiatives of Zamboanga del Sur provincial government, the title of each show has a capital “Z”, as for instance during Tuesdays, it is called “CinemaZur. Here, one or 2 films (local or foreign) will be screened for public viewing.

Wednesdays are for DanZcreen where dance videos of acclaimed Philippine dance companies will be shown.

Thursdays are allotted for ConZert Box - showing video performances of band concerts, like Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikaze, Air Supply, Steps, Westlife, Simple Plan, etc.

Fridays will be gimmick nights for the youth, otherwise called Youth CraZe. For October up to December, it is called The Wild Z Dance Challenge and will be dubbed the AHC Dance Zhowdown by January to March 2008.

Tourism Officer Taton Padayhag said they welcome any local establishment either local broadcast media or local production groups to be their partner in holding these entertainment shows.

Moreover, there is also Zaulog for the months of October to December 2007. This will feature live band performances. From January to March 2008, Zaulog will feature production performances of local performing arts groups. This is aimed at educating and elevating the level of awareness and appreciation of the rich heritage of the Filipino people.

Finally, there is the so-called JaZ 4 Family. There shall be a weekly video karaoke singing contest to be participated in by parents with their children.

Wanted Person Arrested

PAGADIAN CITY – Members of the Pagadian City Police have arrested a wanted person, believed to be behind the killing of  Vicmar Montalban, a police asset who was gunned down months ago. Police Senior Inspector Oscar Buenaobra identified the arrested suspect as one Margalito Celada, a resident of Barangay 
Danlugan, this city.

Celada was caught while seeking refuge at the house of a certain Arcadio Neri of Purok Gabi 2, of the said barangay. The police has long been looking for the suspect after an arrest warrant was issued by Judge Rolando Goan of RTC, Branch 21 for the crime of murder docketed under criminal case number 8780-2K7. Celada was pinpointed by witnesses as the one who shot Vicmar Montalban a known police asset.

It cannot be ascertained yet if the owner of the house where Celada was hiding when arrested can be charged criminally for cuddling a fugitive from justice. Other suspects of the killing have yet to be arrested because they have remained at large. The arrested suspect is now detained at the Pagadian City Reformatory Center while awaiting his arraignment. Relatives of the victim have expressed their appreciation to the city police and are looking forward that the ends of justice would be served with the arrest of the suspect.

CONQUER YOUR FEAR of height, experience the thrill and excitement; discover the breathtaking canopy walk and zipline inside the 12-hectare tourist zone of the province at the Provincial Government Complex in brgy. Dao, this city.

Opened just in time for the Biyahe Na! sa Zambosur festival, this facility not only entertains nature-lovers, but it also challenges their determination and perseverance. They have to reach the 5^{th station of the canopy walk bridging the trunks of mahogany trees before they can take the attention-grabbing zipline to finish the adventure.}

Inspired by what she had witness in Cagayan de Oro City and Malaysia, Governor Auring Cerilles decided to establish her own zipline facility for her constituents. For only a few months of construction, the Cerilles administration has established a 130-meter canopy walk and a 154-meter stretch of zipline that will surely offer fun and adventure for the whole family to enjoy. This facility was opened to public last September 19 as one of the featured destination during the 55th Founding Anniversary of Zamboanga del Sur.

So far it is the first adventure facility in Zamboanga Peninsula and longest throughout the country, Provincial Agriculturist Marilyn Bersales disclosed during its inauguration and blessing.

The technical staff of Bersales, Engr. Ramon Rodrigo, Jr. described that the canopy walk is 130-meters stretch while the zipline is 154-meters, the longest zipline in the country today.

What we have here is an innovation of what Governor Cerilles wanted it to be. It is patterned from Malaysia and Cagayan de Oro’s Macahambos cave zipline and skywalk as Governor Cerilles desired it to be, Rodrigo said.

The Provincial Government contracted the Viajeros Outdoor Equipment of Cagayan de Oro City whose owner/manager Eric Bontuyan is an expert in Outdoor sports facility installation.

The source said that this project is progressive type. As soon as materials arrive, side by side the canopy walk will be established a more challenging walk on cable wires. Soon, there will be built a wall climbing and rappelling facilities for novice and experts.

Since the facility costs a lot of money, the provincial government is asking a minimal fee of P50 as introductory fee. However, the first two days after its inauguration, it was opened free.

The P50 is very minimal compared to Macahambos’ rate at P300, Rodrigo said.

Adjacent to the canopy walk and zipline, there will soon to be a manmade lake for boating and fishing. Ideally, a picnic area will also be established for family and friends who wish to unwind with fresh air.

Now, adventurous people have a lot to explore at the 64-hectare Provincial Government Complex (PCG) in Dao, this city. This came to reality when the province bided to host the 2007 WOW Philippines Regional Tourism Exposition which happened in time as the province marked its 55th Founding Anniversary from September 17-26 this year.

Within the PCG, there can be found an Agro-tourism and Heritage Complex (AHC) where facilities and attractions are progressively in place for Zambosurians to visit and experience.

The AHC was formally opened by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last September 17 where booths of the 26 municipalities and Pagadian City are found showcasing their respective products and tourism potentials.

But there is more to these structures to explore. Along the mahogany trees there is a canopy walk and zipline designed for adventurous people who dare to conquer their fear of height.

The canopy walk has 5 stations in a hanging bridge type with its height of 30 feet built along the tall mahogany trees where a stroller may experience some shivering as he hurdles the challenge of finishing the walk till the 5th stations.

Just several steps away from station 5, one can zip down the cable line for him to go back as an exit. Here, one may consider it an exciting adventure that any Zambosurian wants to discover.

At press time, construction of a butterfly garden is still going on.

Mayor Co Adjudged The Best Chief Exec In ZamPen

PAGADIAN CITY Mayor Sammy is recently adjudged the best chief executive in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula region beating other chief executives in the cities of Zamboanga, Dipolog, Dapitan and Isabela.

Officials of the Department of Labor and Employment in region 9 has bared this result last September 14, 2007 even as they also congratulated the city mayor for showing efficiency in providing jobs to local residents.

It may be recalled that the city of Pagadian was also adjudged the Best Public Employment Service Office or PESO throughout Region 9 surpassing other cities and provinces.

The city of Pagadian is also considered the Jobnet champion in region 9 due to its strong collaboration with the DOLE office in giving employment to unemployed individuals.

“Kini nagpamatuod lang nga balanse gayud ang mga programa sa kagamhanang lokal ug gihatagan gayud ug pagtagad ang programa sa panarbaho”, said Mayor Co in his radio program.

One of the criteria in the regional level search for best chief executive set by the DOLE is the LGU's consistency as far as the government's employment program is concerned.

Co said the city has been so very supportive of the DOLE's job creating program. “We poured our resources in providing jobs sa mga katawhan busa it's worth receiving that award", Co added in the same radio program.

The PESO in Pagadian has been the center of recruitment in all job opportunities not only abroad but also in local hiring.

“Kami nagatabang gayud arun ma “facilitate” pag-ayo ang panarbaho sa mga katawhan dinhi sa ciudad kay mao kana ang programa ni Mayor Co”, PESO Manager Vince Quipot said in an interview with TV Patrol Pagadian.

“Ang mao nga award magsilbi pa unya nga inspirasyon sa mapadayunong pagsuporta sa city government sa programa sa panarbaho", Quipot said as he also encouraged local residents to continue to visit the PESO office at the city hall for possible job opportunities.

Pagadian City Wins Regional Search For Best PESO And Phil-Jobnet Champion

PAGADIAN CITY has added another feather to its cap by winning the Regional Search for Best PESO and Phil-Jobnet Champion after deliberations by the Screening Committee which was presided by DOLE Regional Director Carlos L. Boteros. DOLE Provincial Officer Virginia L. Bonbon said in a letter addressed to Atty. Jalilo O. Dela Torre, Director of the Bureau of Local Employment, DOLE Central Office, RD Boteros submitted the following awardees, to wit: City: Pagadian City; Category: Component City; PESO: PESO, Pagadian City; PESO Manager: Joseph Isaias M. Quipot VI.

The Regional Screening Committee is composed of RD Carlos L. Boteros; Ian A. Lahi, Supervising LEO; Makaraya U. Adil, Sr. LEO-Head, Employment Section; and Lorminda R. Roxas, Sr. LEO – PESO Coordinator. The team rated Pagadian City PESO as follows: Core Services: Referral and Placement 20%; LMI Report Submission 10%; Employment Guidance and Counseling 10%. Programs of DOLE: Implementing more than 10 programs 25%; Other Program Services 5%. 

Recipient of Awards from prestigious Institutions 10%; Leadership in any or with contribution to Employment 10%; Develop &  successfully implement New Employment programs 10% with a total of 100%. Ms. Bonbon added that the Regional Screening Committee has already recommended Pagadian City PESO as a candidate for the National Awards.

Pagadian Joins Nation In Crime Prevention Observance

LOCAL OFFICIALS in Pagadian City said over the weekend that they will participate in the nation's crime prevention week  celebration on September 1-7, 2007.
City Mayor Sammy Co said his office has already received a program of activities from the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), a national agency that spearheads the week long activity.

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional director Dave Malcampo in its press statement bared that this year's celebration has the theme: “Crime Prevention: A Global Concern”. Malcampo also added that the Philippine Information Agency, Philippine National Police, Department of Interior and Local Government and LGUs will also take part of the annual event, concerning peace and order.

In region 9, the kick-off activity will be on August 31 and this will be simultaneously done by the different cities and  provinces. On that day, a motorcade will be held around the city and the opening program follows at the Pagadian City Gymnasium.
One of the Commissioners of the National Police Commission is expected to arrive here and be the keynote speaker on the said occasion.

An on the spot slogan contest will also be conducted to be participated in by the different high schools in Pagadian City.

The contest has its on criteria: Content 50%, Originality 30%, and style 20%. A skit contest which will run for 15 minutes  including exit will also be launched and is open to high school students.

The concept of the skit shall coincide with this year's theme. The criteria are as follows: Content 50%, Originality 20%, Group Coordination 15%, and Costume 15%. Each participating group shall have at least 5 members.

Abu Sayyaf Worries Zambosur Residents

SOME RESIDENTS in the province of Zamboanga del Sur have expressed fear and apprehension that Abu Sayyaf group and rouge MILF affected in the all-out-war in Sulu and Basilan might seek refuge in the province. A local resident who asked for anonymity said that there is a big possibility the Basilan conflict will spell over in 
Zamboanga del Sur, which is just adjacent to the Muslim dominated provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte.

He added that members of ASG and rouge MILF have contacts with Moro rebels that operate in the province of Zamboanga del Sur. Dinas, San Pablo, Dimataling, Tabina are among the municipalities in the coastal area of Zamboanga del Sur where some Moro lawless elements are based.

But According to Atty. Moises Tamayo, chief of the National Bureau of Investigation in Zamboanga del Sur, the local residents have nothing to worry since law enforcers have already laid down their internal security measures to block the possible entry 
of ASG and rouge MILF now being hunted down by the Philippine Marines and Philippine Army in Basilan.

Tamayo said that in the past few weeks they visited some municipal police stations in Molave and Mahayag and briefed the  local police as to their security plans. Atty. Tamayo added that his counterpart Police Chief Inspector Oscar Buenaobra, the concurrent chief of the Zamboanga del Sur Intelligence Division is also doing his share in visiting other police stations to orient local police force in securing its 
individual area of responsibility.

Prov’l Gov’t Invites Nephrologists To Cure Kidney Ailments

CURING KIDNEY ailment is no longer a problem for Zamboanga del Sur patients since the provincial government of Zamboanga del 
Sur has brought the services of a Manila based lady Nephrologist in the person of Dr. Arlene Muñoz.

Dr. Muñoz arrived at the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Hospital last August 13 to attend patients suffering from Kidney ailments. Dr. Muñoz is a kidney specialist and works as nephrologist at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Manila. She was sent to the province to help the poor patients by Dr. Enrique Ona who is a native of Pagadian and now the director of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute. 

In an interview, Dr. Muñoz lauded the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Hospital for setting up a Hemo-Dialysis Center. “I was so impressed with the dialysis machines in the provincial hospital which are similar to the machines used in Manila", 
Dr. Muñoz said.

She also added that the standards they usually follow in Manila are the same standards being adopted here as far as the Hemo-Dialysis Center operation is concerned. But lack of a Nephrologists is the one problem why the newly opened and installed modern Zamboanga del Sur Hemo-Dialysis Center remains unoperational, thus Dr. Muñoz called on the patients to take advantage of her presence in the province. Dr. Muñoz has accommodated a number of kidney patients coming from Pagadian City and in the nearby municipalities of  Zamboanga del Sur.

A certain Ms. Suano, a kidney patient expressed her gratitude to the visiting Dr. and to the provincial government as well. “Nalipay kaayo ko ug dako nga ania si Dr. Muñoz ug napailalom ko sa hemo-dialysis, dili na ako kinahanglan muadto pa sa Cebu 
kay ania na dinhi ug gamay ra ug gasto dinhi sa Zambaoanga del Sur provincial hospital”, Ms. Suano said.

PNP, NBI Raid Cult’s Safehouse

PAGADIAN CITY – Several items used as “Anting-anting” or amulet were seized by the joint forces of the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation in a house at Purok Bakhaw, Kawit, this city, which is allegedly owned by a "CULTO" leader following the bloody shooting incident in front of People's Plaza last August 4, 2007.

Seized items include several long bolos, pieces of red printed cloths, tiny stones, bottles of oil, Libreto and assorted unknown objects used as “Anting Anting” or amulet. Police Chief Inspector Oscar Buenaobra identified the owner of said house believed to be the meeting place or safehouse of CULTO members as one Teodoro Abella, an adult.

Buenaobra believes that Abella is the recognized leader of the Sagrado Corazon Senior (SCS), a group known to be “Kublan” which means not vulnerable to bullets and bladed weapons.

Abella was subjected to investigation after one SPO1 Caya of the city police was hacked by a certain Alfie Tac-an, allegedly a member of the Sagrado Corazon Senior. Alfie Tac-an, a minor was killed in a shoot-out that happened along F.S Pajares Avenue fronting People's Plaza in the afternoon of July 4.

Alfie along with his 2 brothers Rodel and Glen attacked SPO1 Caya with long sharp bladed bolos that prompted the said policemen to shoot the 3 brothers.

However, Caya's long firearms mal-functioned that enabled the 3 minors to grab the M16 armalite rifle from his possession. Consequently, Caya used his 9mm pistol to defend himself from the 3 attackers who according to witnesses were not vulnerable 
to bullets.

Caya managed to fire several gun shots wounding Rodel and Glen even as Alfie was found dead along Pulmones Avenue in San Pedro District a kilometers away from People's Plaza. He succumbed to a several gun shot wounds.

The two wounded were rushed to the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Hospital. A minor named Abdul Juhavie Santos was also accidentally hit during the shooting incident and is now confined at the Mendero Hospital. 

Buenaobra also clarified that the shooting incident was not an overkill and the policeman was just defending himself against the minors who were armed with long sharp bladed bolos. 

Transfer or Face Raps – Sec. Bello

PAGADIAN CITY – Regional directors and employees defying the order of the President to hold office in Pagadian City may face administrative sanctions if only to implement the long over due regional center transfer from Zamboanga City to Pagadian 
City.

Presidential Adviser on New Government Centers Silvestre Bello III in his visit last August 1 here made this remarks after learning that some regional directors of the 120 regional offices apparently defied GMA’s Executive Order No. 429 issued in 
2004.

In the said order the President instructed the different regional directors and employees leave to Zamboanga City and hold office in Pagadian City. But as to the latest assessment made by the task force regional center formed by the city government it has turned out that out of 120 offices only 33 responded the order of the President.

Secretary Bello said this order must be implemented and opposing employees and officials will be sanctioned with administrative cases for ignoring the order of no less than the President.

But, Bello refused to set a time table for the full transfer since the problems of displacement of transferring employees, office space, and accommodations must be taken into consideration.

Bello also tasked Undersecretary Danny Encenas to initiate talks with local officials in Pagadian City and some regional officials to iron out everything and to resolve issues affecting the immediate transfer of the regional offices.

He will also recommend to the president to issue another executive order to compel employees to hold office in Pagadian City.

On the other hand, Usec. Encenas said that the regional transfer will start creating Pagadian as a growth zone in Zamboanga Peninsula. “We should believe in this vision,” he challenged, adding: “growth center here is more viable than Zamboanga 
City.” 

Meanwhile, Provincial Budget Officer Rogelio Montealto suggested to address the social and economic constraints of the transfer by fast tracking the rationalization program and prioritize Region 9 so as to stop employees from resisting the 
Order.

1st District, Board Member Baldomero Fernandez likewise recommended that in order to address the peace and order issue the Philippine National Police regional office must be immediately transferred here.

It maybe recalled that in 2005, PGMA directed the PNP and AFP Southern Command to transfer to Pagadian City but it did not happen due to the strong opposition of Lobregat.

Pagadian Dancers Won Major Awards

PAGADIAN CITY’S PRIDE, the Echomix Dancers, The Reloaded Dreamers (TRD) and the Rebel X Dancers were proclaimed champion, 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up respectively in a recently concluded hip-hop dance competition held at Culture and Sports Gymnasium in Dapitan City last July 14, 2007.

The three group of dancers garnered all major awards in the amount of P10,000.00, P5,000.00 and P3,000.00 respectively with trophies out of 12 contestants: seven (7) from Pagadian City, three (3) from Dipolog City, one (1) from Ozamiz City and one (1) from Calamba, Misamis Occidental. The City Government of Dapitan spearheaded such dance competition through Dapitan’s pride, the Shrine Seven Crew Dancers, as one of the highlights of this year’s week-long celebration of Kinabayo Festival last July 25.

Mr. Brandy Saguin, the Shrine Seven Crew Manager, said that it was their first time to hold such invitational dance competition and they planned to hold every year just to add color to their celebration of Kinabayo Festival. At the same time 
they want to develop the talents and skills of the young artists in the field of dancing. 

He also said that dancing abilities are a sort of bodily exercise and a diversionary tactics of our young generation to keep them away from unlawful vices such as drug addiction. Mr. Thomas Baricuatro, TRD Manager, said that Pagadian Dancers are already competitive in terms of dance competition  and they even competed the dancers from other places such as those joining the Dapitan dance contest.

Baricuatro thanked Pagadian City Mayor Sammy S. Co who authorized him to use the government vehicle to service the TRD dancers in going there just to join the contest bringing the name of the City of Pagadian. 

TRD Dancers was newly organized here in Pagadian, but then they can compete with other competent dancers. Members of the TRD dancers were: Jayson Linao - President, Choreographer - Winston Jabines, Winter Jabines, Junnifer Pasanting, Kenny Ceño,  Andrew Cervantes, Fanny Literatus and Guilmark Sumampong, Baricuatro added.

The same group of dancers will soon be competing this coming August 31, 2007 during the “Pasiklaban 2007” at Pagadian City Gym. “Pasiklaban” is a yearly activity of the Men In Motion dancers in commemoration to its 5th anniversary celebration.

Mayor Ace Is Mayor’s League President

HE MAY BE A NEOPHYTE politician but this vibrant and young Mayor of Dumalinao is given the trust and confidence by his colleagues to head the League of Municipalities (LMP), Zamboanga del Sur chapter.

Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles after getting elected, took his oath as LMP prexy with the rest of the officers before Governor Auring Enerio-Cerilles during their first meeting called by the latter in preparation for the hosting of Biyahe Na! Zambosur grand event, few weeks ago.

The election of Ace as LMP prexy was accordingly initiated by a newly elected Mayor of San Pablo Belman Mantos who believes that Mayor Cerilles, being a god-son of President Arroyo by marriage may have a better access in terms of asking support for LMP programs and projects in this province.

Other newly installed LMP officers are: Executive Vice President - Mayor Nacianceno M. Pacalioga of Dumingag, Secretary - Mayor Maria Fe M. Pitogo of Josefina, Treasurer - Mayor Leonida A. Angcap of Midsalip, Auditor - Mayor Belman B. Mantos of San Pablo, Public Information Officer - Mayor Caridad B. Balaod of Tambulig, Sergeant-at-arms: Mayors Paulino P. Fanilag (Mahayag) and Edmundo V. Dalid (Tigbao).

The Board of Directors are: Mayor Bonifacio C. Vega, Jr. (Tukuran); Mayor Teodoro H. Acosta (Sominot); Mayor Domingo V. Mirrar (Lakewood); Mayor Wilfredo R. Asoy, Sr. (Dinas); and Mayor Francisco N. Oraiz, Jr. (Guipos).

Lakewood Mayor Mirrar was Mayor Cerilles’ predecessor. The LMP during Mirrar’s term donated an 18-seater patrol car for the 907 PNP Provincial Mobile Group based in San Miguel. 

Mirrar also represented the league to the Regional Development Council, Regional Peace and Order Council and various special bodies in the government.

Ozamis Airport Re-opened

THE OZAMIS airport which has long been idle for more than a decade is now open to the riding public starting July 11, 2007.
According to PIA Regional Director Dave Malcampo, no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the re-opening ceremony along with Ozamis City Mayor Aldong Parojinog, Misamis Occidental Congressman Herminia Ramiro, Tangub City Mayor Jennifer Tan, Oroquieta City Mayor Jorge Almonte, Misamis Occidental Governor Leo Ocampos and other local and national officials.
It was learned that P84-million is the total cost of the renovation of the run-way and airport facilities and equipment. 

The re-opening of the Ozamis Airport will benefit travelers from Misamis Occidental and nearby provinces like Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Lanao provinces for Manila and vice-versa via Air Philippines, Malcampo added.
President Arroyo in her message said with the re-opening of the newly renovated Ozamis Airport more investors would pour in their resources. Investors' entry would also help boost the economy and the tourism industry, not only in the city but the whole Misamis Occidental.

In Pagadian City, Mayor Sammy Co also bared last week that the Department of Transportation and Communication had their first release of funds intended for the renovation of the run way of the Pagadian City Airport.
Months from now, Co said the second phase of the budget still from the DOTC will also be released to give way to GMA's top agenda of providing modern airport to developing cities like Pagadian.

Pagadian is now the center of government in the Zamboanga peninsula region.

NBI Intensifies Drive Vs. Illegal Drugs

THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs, Atty. Moises Tamayo said.

He added that the bureau is now in close coordination with the Philippine National Police in Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur to curb the illegal drug trade that is so rampant in the city and in the neighboring towns.
NBI chief Tamayo called on the civilians to coordinate with them whenever an information relative to illegal drug would reach them.

“Siguraduhin namin ang protection ng mga sibilyan pagsila ay magbigay ng impormasyon sa amin laban sa illegal drugs.
Tamayo made the appeal after a successful drug buy-bust operation in Labangan wherein one Jimboy Maulana and 4 others were arrested.
Jimboy is the son of Balimbingan, Labangan Punong Barangay Kating Maulana. However, Punong Barangay Maulana denied having a hand in his son's involvement in selling illegal drugs.

He said he will submit his son to the court and he will support the court's decision to acquit or convict his son because of illegal drug trade.
For his part, Police Senior Inspector Oscar Buenaobra, Chief of the Zamboanga del Sur Intelligence Division expressed gratitude to concerned civilians for feeding confidential information that led to the arrest of Maulana.
He warned individuals who are into drug business to quit or else they will suffer the worst consequence.

“Pag hindi talaga sila titigil sa bisyo na yan din sila rin ang magdusa", Buenaobra said in an interview along with Atty. Moises Tamayo of the NBI.
The NBI and the PNP in Zamboanga del Sur have closed ranks so as to run after all forms of criminalities in Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur.

Liga Sets Special Election For Vice President

PAGADIAN CITY – The leadership of the Liga ng mga Barangay here has slated the special elections for the vice presidency on Wednesday, June 27, 2007.
Liga ng mga Barangay President Ben Culve said he has convened the 54 Punong Barangays in the city to finalize the conduct of the elections.
The election will be held to fill up the position he will vacate following his successful bid as city councilor, Culve said.

Culve is the current Liga ng mga Barangay vice-president and he sits as ex-officio City Councilor vice the late Sultan Abdul Marcaban, who was killed in a broad daylight ambush in Tiguma about a year ago.

Culve revealed that there are at least five barangay chairmen who have signified their intention to run as vice-president of the Liga ng mga Barangay.
Fernandito Mondarte of Sta. Lucia has already filed his Certificate of Candidacy before the Liga secretariat and Punong Barangay Sangcandra Dimasar has also submitted his certificate of candidacy.

Bobby Soriano of San Francisco, Dionisio Sumampong of San Pedro and Ricardo Alajenio have yet to submit their COC.
“The vice president is the most coveted position in the Liga ng mga Barangay because the incumbent will automatically sit as ex-officio council member representing the Liga ng mga Barangay", Culve stressed.

Culve has called on the punong barangays to vote wisely and chose a deserving vice president who will lead the Liga ng mga Barangay in Pagadian City.
The election committee is being chaired by Punong Barangay Calimpong of Manga and Daniel Carumba (Danlugan) and Generosa Jumuad (Bogo) as members and is now ready to hold the election, Culve added. 

City Local Government Operation Officer James Yañez will head the board of canvassers with Virgie Crumb who will represent the NGO, as his member.

34 Lady Entrepreneurs Learn Handmade Paper Recycling

ATLEAST 34 officers and members of the Zambosur Women Zero Waste Recycling Movement expressed their gratitude to the Provincial Government, TESDA and DOST that equipped them with the technical know-how on handmade waste paper recycling.

The training lasted for 3 days last July 12 to 13 and held at the Bulwagan ng Kabataan, Provincial Government Complex, Dao, this city.

During the culmination program, one Anelita Dologuin of Barangay San Jose, admitted that she was bored and sleepy when resource persons: Cesar Austria and Emelyne Cortiguerra were still giving lectures. “But during our hands-on activities, everybody was so eager to learn how a waste paper can be converted into a useful one through recycling procedure using other materials, like: abacca fibers and cogon grass,” Dologuin remarked

Both Austria and Cortiguerra are Science Specialists from the Forest Product Research Development Institute, a sub-agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FPRDI) whose transportation expenses were shouldered by TESDA.

Carmen Singgo, Project Coordinator of the Provincial Ecological Waste Management Office, described Dologuin as an active member of the Zamboanga del Sur Woman Zero Waste Recycling Movement Multi-Purpose Cooperative. She has already earned enough out of making flowers and other house decorations from waste materials such as corn hash and other recycled materials, Singgo said.

One Yolanda Galeza, who is known for her cooking forte revealed that she thought she could not finish the 3-day activity as she had to go Dipolog. She realized however that the opportunity was very rare so as to learn that a cogon grass can be made into paper free of charge and so she cancelled her trip. Moreover, she was grateful for the reelection Governor Auring E. Cerilles who according to her, has championed the cause of women in the province by giving them opportunities.
Singgo, on the other hand, said that the Zero Waste Management Office has stamped another milestone in terms of protecting our environment. “Now we can save 17 full grown trees from being cut since the finding is that a ton of paper is equivalent to 17 full grown trees,” she emphasized.

Now that they have acquired technical skills in making beautiful and useful things out of recycled papers, Singgo urged the participants to work with them closely as they have to produce quality products in anticipation of the forthcoming 13th Asia Pacific Youth Conference to be held in this city in July.

Singgo said that with 100 delegates from 30 Asian countries to the Youth Conference the Zero Waste Recycled products may attract the youth participants and eventually win popularity in other Asian countries.

Cerilles Couple To Help Dumalinao

DUMALINAO is expected to rise as the most improved and progressive town in Zamboanga del Sur with the coming of Ace Cerilles who successfully conquered the reining incumbent Mayor Eutiquio Famor.
Ace William Cerilles, 24, a neophyte in local politics defeated Famor a veteran and undefeated politician due to a well oiled political machineries of the Cerilles couple.
As the Board of Canvassers led by Municipal Election Officer Wilma Paler closed its canvass in the afternoon of May 16, 2007 Cerilles came out winner with a total votes of 8,729.

Famor who served as mayor in Dumalinao for several years experienced his first defeat garnering only 4,963 votes.
Sangguniang Bayan Member and vice mayoralty candidate of Lakas-CMD party Hernan dela Cruz also lost to Junith Lanzaders with a margin of 3,257. Lanzaders has summed up 8,753 votes while Dela Cruz has only obtained 4,496.
In an interview Congressman Cerilles vowed to help his son in transforming Dumalinao into a progressive town.

“I am happy with my son's victory and he can expect support from us", Congressman Cerilles told reporters.
Cerilles stressed that Dumalinao has lagged behind as far as development is concerned but now with Ace's leadership the people could expect more changes in a year’s time.

Governor Auring Cerilles was also elated with his son's landslide victory. She thanked the people of Dumalinao for giving Ace a mandate to lead the people.
In an interview, Mayor elect Ace Cerilles expressed gratitude to his supporters and promised not to disappointment them.

“I will be doing well for the people of Dumalinao and promise to establish a government that is pro people", Cerilles pointed out.

Cerilles Pursue Programs In The Next 3 Years

AS BELIEVED by many a landslide victory in the May 14 elections is expected for re-electionist Governor Auring Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur who assures the people to continue her 7-point agenda.

In a speech during a campaign rally in the 2nd District of Zamboanga del Sur, the Governor said she will pursue her poverty alleviation programs for the farmers and fisher folks in the entire province.

For the farmers’ benefits, Cerilles pledged to implement the so-called viable livelihood by way of providing them with the necessary technical and financial assistance.

In order to help the farmers ease their financial burden, the provincial government is determined to establish and strengthen credit facilities with the lowest interest rates.

For the farmers to be more productive, Cerilles will also provide irrigation facilities and farm-to-market roads.

“These infrastructure projects are essential facilities to increase the productivity of the farmers”, the Governor said as she also lambasted non-performing politicians in the 1st District, who still seek re-election.

Meanwhile, curbing the rampant problem of piracy is one of the Governor’s priorities in her last term of service as Governor.

A viable mechanism to address the problem of piracy and extortionist is to increase the visibility of the PNP and AFP in the affected areas.

She will also strengthen the organization of bantay dagat to augment the limited number of law enforcers providing them the financial requirements to actively render voluntary services in the coastal areas.

“Ako pod tabangan ang mga mag-uuma sa kadagatan nga mapalambo ang seaweed farming ug fish procesing alang sa dugang kita sa mga mag-uuma ug dugang kita sa probinsya”, Cerilles stressed.

Barely 2 weeks before the election, the Governor has called on the people to elect politicians whose interest is anchored on the benefits for the people and not for selfish and personal agenda.

2nd JHCSC President Installed

DR. CARLICITA AGUSTERO-SANIEL was recently installed as second President of the province’s homegrown state college-JH Cerilles State College with its main campus at Mati, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.

Commission on Higher Education Regional Director Emmylou Yanga was here last April 16 to officially install Saniel at the Amusement and Events Center, Capitol Compound this city. Saniel will serve as JHCSC president for the next four years effective April 2, 2007 until April 1, 2011.
Dr. Saniel is the lady of former Provincial Administrator Rogelio J. Saniel and mother of Zamsureco-I General Manager Jose Raul A. Saniel.
2nd District Congressman Antonio Cerilles was guest speaker during Saniel’s investiture. 

It may be recalled that when Cerilles was elected congressman in 1987 he converted the Mati Barangay High School into a National High School which subsequently became the Mati Polytechnic College.
When Governor Auring Cerilles was the congresswoman of the district in 2001, she elevated the school into a State College. 

Congressman Cerilles recalled that it was San Miguel Sangguniang Bayan by virtue of a Resolution that renamed Mati National Polytechnic College into Josefina H. Cerilles National Polytechnic College. 
Cerilles thanked those behind the renaming of the school in honor of his late mother Josefina who died in 1983.

Dr. Felomina Montealto was JHCSC first president. 
Today, after 8 years of existence, JHCSC has 10 extension campuses all over Zamboanga del Sur, namely: Tambulig, Ramon Magsaysay, Midsalip, Tukuran, Pagadian City, Bayog, Kumalarang, Canuto MS Enerio in Lakewood, Lapuyan and Margosatubig. 

Meanwhile, in the afternoon of the same day, JHCSC held its 8th commencement exercises having 363 graduates from the main campus and 10 extension campuses.
Among the 363 graduates, Shynylynn L. Sebial emerged as cum laude with the course of Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education major in English.

Mayor Co Has 99% Support From Barangay Officials

CONTRARY to the speculation of political observers that the race between incumbent City Mayor Samuel “Sammy” Co and former Congressman Sandy Urro in the city mayoralty post would be neck to neck, Mayor Co is miles away ahead of Urro after almost all barangay officials in the city expressed their support to Co’s candidacy.

Mayor Co who placed Pagadian City in the Philippine map due to its intensive tourism promotion, has gained more support from barangay officials and even down to purok officials.

The leadership of the Liga ng mga Barangay bared that the 54 strong barangay captains support for the candidacy of Mayor Co, is a good barometer in measuring the winnability of a certain candidate.
In the rank of barangay kagawads, 99 percent has expressed support to Mayor Co’s mayoralty bid.

Barangay Heath Workers, Nutrition Workers and Women’s Organization are said to be Co’s strong hold that would certainly bring him a second term of service as Mayor of Pagadian.
On the other hand, Mayor Co has bewailed the alleged baseless criticisms of his opponent, a trick designed to lessen his political charisma.
Co cried foul over his opponent’s mudslinging as an apparent strategy of dirty political tactics.

“Ngano mangataki man gayud ta, plataporma ang atong hisgutan ug dili ang pagpandaot,” Co said as he also lambasted Sandy Urro for orchestrating damaging issues against his leadership in the city.
Mayor Co has been accused as the architect of unfinished projects, branded as extravagant leader sponsoring useless and lavish study tours using government funds.
He was also criticized by his foes who branded him as INUTILE in curbing the problem of illegal drugs, series of killings, carnappings and all other forms of criminalities.

But Mayor Co has belittled all the attacks and said his opponents are unaware of the many things and changes he made in the city as mayor.
“Siguro kanang mga tawhana wala masayud sa akong mga nahimo,” Co lamented as he also threw a punch against Urro as a non-performer Congressman having served 3 terms in Congress but not even a single bill he authored is beneficial to the Zambosurians and Pagadianons.

“Their attacks are all desperate moves,” Mayor Co added.

Kity Nandang Denies “Drug Lord” Tag

“KUNG TOTOO pang drug lord ako, bakit di pa ako hinuhuli ng mga pulis hanggang ngayon?”

This was how Wilson “Kity” Nandang vehemently denied the direct question posed by local media last March 18 during a press conference at a beach resort in Tukuran town, Zamboanga del Sur.

He added that “ang lahat ng iyan ay puro bintang lang.” 
Nandang, who has already filed his Certificate of Candidacy, is running for Vice Mayor against former Labangan Mayor Uray Mamaludin. 

“Sa tingin ko kailangan talaga akong tumakbo para naman may katulong ang uncle ko (Mayor Abubakar Afdal) sa pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto para sa ikauunlad ng Labangan,” he explained when asked why he would run for vice-mayor. 
He saw the need for him to run for the position when the Sangguniang Bayan of Labangan never showed support to the plans and projects of his uncle. 
He cited one instance when the Council did not approve the budget for the energization of Barangay Nuburan, Labangan.

“Pinahiram ko pa ng sarili kong pera ang uncle ko para mapailaw lang ang Barangay Nuburan. Naglabas ako ng P150,000 na walang interes,” Nandang revealed. 
Mayor Afdal in a previous press conference also mentioned the same problem and he said he borrowed money last December just to give the people of Barangay Nuburan their dream of having electricity. 

Moreover, Nandang also mentioned that he was able to lend money to the municipality, still without interest, for the realization of the completion of one of the school buildings, the initial works of the Labangan Integrated Bus Terminal and their Public Market amounting to more than P6-million already. 
With the amount of money that he already has loaned to Labangan, Nandang disclosed to media his sources of income. 

`Nandang said that his late father had a hacienda in Maguindanao and that after he died, they all divided it among his siblings. Also, he has properties in Barangay Nuburan, Dipaya and Langapod. 

Aside from that, Nandang also manages his own construction firm, a Water Refilling Station and a commercial building.

“Yung mga farm ko pagnagharvest, kahit daan-daang tao pa ang kumain, sobra-sobra pa yung nasa bodega ko,” Nandang disclosed. 
When asked about the issue on political dynasty, he merely said “It’s not dynasty but destiny.” 

“Ako ang klase ng tao na gusto lamang maglingkod sa mga mamamayan ng Labangan para mas mapaunlad pa ito. Tumutulong na nga ako noong wala pa akong planong tumakbo pagka vice-mayor, ngayon pa kaya na nakapag-desisyon na ako?,” Nandang concluded.

San Juan To Cerilles: Duna Mo’y Kontra Karong Eleksyon

“DILI MAAYO nga wala’y kontrahay karong eleksyon.” 
Gideklara ni Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) Provincial Chairperson Nenet San Juan ning bag-uhay pa lamang nga dili mamahimong walay kapilian ang katawhan sa Zamboanga del Sur karong umaabot nga eleksyon.

“Maski pa sa unsang political endeavor, dili gayud maayo nga walay kontra o walay opposition, because corruption there will come out,” matud pa ni San Juan sa usa ka press conference sa mga local media ning lalawigan.

Gipadayag sa maong partido pinaagi ni San Juan nga pagaatbangan ni Atty. Tirsendo Poloyapoy sa pagka-gobernador si incumbent governor Aurora Cerilles. 
Ingon man, mobalik pagdagan si Dra. Nenet San Juan pagka-kongresista sa segundo distrito batok ni Congressman Antonio Cerilles. 
Sa pagka-mayor, bisan pa man sa hangyo ni Mayor Samuel Co nga dili na siya paatbangan, desidido si Atty. Tata Quicoy nga mokontra niya, ubos gihapon sa bando sa PMP. 

Gipasabot ni San Juan nga mawad-an sa katungod sa pagpili ang katawhan kon ugaling dili nila paga-atbangan ang mga naglingkod sa kasamtangang mga posisyon. 
Gidugang usab ni San Juan nga kung dili pud sila ang modagan, walay laing tawo ang buot nga mokontra sa mga Cerilles karong umaabot eleksyon. 
Sa laing bahin, miangkon si Poloyapoy nga dili pa siya hingpit nga preparado alang sa umaabot nga bugnong lugaynon sa pagdagan pagka-gobernador, apan iyang gipaklaro nga ang PMP andam na alang sa maong piniliay. 
Sa pagpadayag sa pagdagan ni Poloyapoy, wala niya gilimod ang kagamay lamang sa iyang purohan nga makadaog. 

“Para sa ako lang, hilabihan ka gamay sa puruhan sa kadaugan ug hilabihan kalisod kini nga bugno. Kun ang uban ang pangutan-on, usa kini ka hikog ang akong pagabuhaton. Apan kining akong hunahuna sa pagdagan, dili lamang kini ipunting sa isyu sa pagdaog, kon dili sa prinsipyo nga ako dili gayud mulohod sa kahiwian sa kagamhanan, sa hipokrito sa politika ug sa pagsaad sa kriminalidad,” pagpadayag ni Poloyapoy.

Si Quicoy, kinsa usab City Chairman sa PMP sa dakbayan, gitahasan sa pag-organisar sa line-up pagka-konsehal sa Pagadian. 
Nasayran nga mamahimong guest candidates sa maong partido si Vice Governor Roseller Ariosa kinsa matud pa ni Poloyapoy nagbuhat sa iyang trabaho ingon man ang mga Borrad Members sa first district sa lalawigan. 
Apan ang line-up sa second district panguluhan ni Atty. Andres Nacilla.

PNP, NBI Arrested 2 Robbery Suspects And Killed 1

A JOINT TEAM of the Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation while arresting three suspected robbers, seeking refuge in Iligan City over the weekend killed one of them.

In a press conference called by City Mayor Sammy Co, Police Senior Inspector Oscar Buenaobra, chief of the City PNP briefed the media about their long travel from Pagadian City to Iligan City pursuing the robbers who were tagged as responsible in a Valentines Day robbery at the Bersales Subdivision, this city.

P/Sr. Insp. Buenaobra said that with the help of Atty. Moises Tamayo of NBI Zamboanga del Sur they established linkage with their counterparts in Iligan City that lead to the successful arrest of the 2 suspects and the death of a third one.
Buenaobra identified the slain suspect as one Darby Ungos, a former ball boy of Camp Abelon Tennis Court and a resident of Purok Santan, Sta. Maria District, Pagadian City.

During the arrest that took place in Barangay Ganaway, Iligan City on the eve of February 15, 2007 at the Navales residence, Darby Ungos tried to evade the arresting team by jumping through the window and passing through the roof, forcing the arresting team to fire at the suspect.
Ungos sustained gunshot wounds on his head and chest. He died on the spot, according to the police report.

The two other suspects collared by the police were identified as Rosilio Bagacay and Julius Banico, both residents of Sunrise Village, Tiguma, this city.
The Navales brothe