Troops seize high-powered firearms, ammunition and explosives in Basilan

By Jong Cadion

   

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (October 1, 2016) – Several high-powered firearms, ammunition and explosives of the lawless elements were seized in a law enforcement operation launched by the joint troops of the 7SRC ,14SRC and 3SRC in Barangay Katipunan Tuburan, Basilan Province, Southern Philippines, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Major Filemon Tan Jr. disclosed that seized by military troops were one (1) M14 with eight (8) magazine and thirty-nine (39) ammunition; one (1) M16 rifle with scope, two (2) long magazine, eight (8) short magazine and eighty eight (88) ammunition, four (4) rifle grenades, one (1) binocular, two (2) bandoliers, one (1) pair combat boots and one (1) hammock.

Major Tan said, military troops of 7SRC under Lt. Serrano PA and one team 14SRC lead Cpl. Francisco PA, while conducting patrols at barangay Katipunan Tuburan, Basilan Province and chanced upon one suspicious person whom upon seeing the troops, fired at the troops and immediately ran towards one of the houses in the area and alerted another occupants who ran to different directions.

The military troops conducted pursuit and later searched the vicinity where the different firearms, explosives and ammunitions were recovered, he said.

He added that the troops continue to hunt the remaining members of the ASG and prevent them from occupying areas in Basilan again.

Wounded soldiers in Sulu receive medals, rescue efforts continue

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Sep. 30, 2016) - Five soldiers wounded in different encounters against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were given medals by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a simple ceremony at Camp Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo 9am Friday, military official said.

Awarded with the Wounded Personnel Medal were 2Lt Joelimar Sulit, TSg Mario de Guzman Jr., Sgt Berhamin Jumdana, Pfc Deborah Paracuelles and Pvt Michael Andre Atega.

Information Officer Col. Rodrigo Gregorio of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu disclosed that Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of JTF Sulu personally pinned the medals on the wounded troops who are recuperating at the Station Hospital.

"This is one way of recognizing the bravery and services of our troops in protecting the people of Sulu", Brig. Gen. Dela Vega said.

Col. Gregorio said that soldiers continue to scour suspected ASG lairs in Sulu to rescue the remaining kidnap victims. Thirteen (13) hostages; six (6) Indonesians, six (6) Filipinos and one (1) Norwegian have been rescued or released since the assumption of Pres. Duterte and ordered an intensified focused military operations to destroy the ASG and rescue the remaining victims .

Five ASG including the notorious Muktadil brothers were killed in the latest operations this week in diferrent parts of Sulu.

Several ASG involved in the drug trade were also arrested in Zamboanga City and in Metro Manila by combined AFP-PNP forces.

Former hostages revealed that ASG members were usually high on drugs and were personally seen by them taking Shabu. Reports from line units indicate that drug money is being used by ASG to finance its daily operations in conducting criminal acts, terrorism and anti-Islamic activities.

High Value Target Drug Personality Nabbed in Zamboanga City

By Jong D. Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Sep. 30, 2016) – The joint operatives of Regional Intelligence Division (RID)- Regional Special Operation Group 9 (RSOG9) has successfully arrested a drug suspect considered as High Value Target drug personality during drug buy bust operation in Purok IV, Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City at about 6:30 PM of September 29, 2016.

PSupt Ferjen T. Torred, Officer in Charge, RSOG9, identified the arrested suspect as Dexter Dagalea y Binarao a.k.a. “Batita”, 35 years old, single and a resident of above-mentioned place.

Dexter Dagalea is included in the priority /watch list of RSOG9 as High Value Target (HVT) responsible in the distribution of illegal drugs in Barangay Mampang, Barangay Arena Blanco, Barangay Talon-Talon and Barangay Tetuan, PSupt. Torred said.

The suspect is also listed in the BADAC drug watch list of Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City.

Confiscated from suspect’s possession are eight (8) heat –sealed transparent plastic packs each containing suspected Shabu,  one (1) KJ9 Assault Rifle with one magazine loaded with fifteen (15) rounds live ammunition, one electric sealer, several other assorted drug paraphernalia and four (4) pieces of One Hundred Peso bills marked money with pieces of boodle money.

Suspect is temporarily detained at the Zamboanga City Police Station 6 (Tetuan) pending the filing of appropriate charges in court.

As this developed, PCSupt Billy B. Beltran, PRO9 Acting Regional Director, lauded and commended the operating police unit for a job well done and for their utmost efforts that resulted to the arrest of the High Value Target drug personality.  

(With PR from PSupt. Rogelio C. Alabata, Chief, PIO)

POE: WAGE WAR AGAINST HUNGER

MANILA, Philippines (September 29, 2016) - Sen. Grace Poe today said the government must focus on programs to arrest malnutrition and hunger as a way to invest in the nation's human capital, hand-in-hand with the ongoing battle to ensure peace and order.

Poe joined anti-hunger advocates and stakeholders at the Anti-Hunger Summit in Ateneo de Manila in Quezon City to strengthen public-private collaboration in helping provide solutions to the “real problem” of hunger.

"Kung gaano kasigasig ang pamahalaan laban sa droga, hinihiling ko na kasunod nito, gutom naman ang ating wakasan. Kung all-out ang gobyerno sa droga, all-out war sa gutom naman ang isunod natin," Poe said in the event organized by the Gawad Kalinga (GK) and Ateneo de Manila.

Poe said that while she supports the administration in its war against illegal drugs, ‎the government should also "wage a war against hunger," with the Philippines accounting for bulk of malnutrition worldwide.

The lawmaker has filed two nutrition measures—Senate Bill (SB) No. 160 or the Libreng Pananghalian sa Pampublikong Paaralan that provides free school feeding program for all public schools and SB No. 161 or the First 1,000 Days Act seeking to establish a natal care program for expectant mothers and health care and feeding program for toddlers.

"Pangunahing adbokasiya natin ang tugunan ang problema sa gutom sa ating bansa. Naniniwala akong anumang pagsisikap natin na maiangat ang ating bansa ay walang silbi kung nagugutom ang ating mga mamamayan," Poe said.

The senator cited a survey by the Social Weather Stations indicating that 3.1 million Filipino families suffered from hunger during the first quarter of this year, an increase of half a million hungry families recorded in the last quarter of 2015.

Save the Children, meanwhile, reported that childhood stunting—the most prevalent form of undernutrition that has permanent effects on a child’s growth and development—cost the Philippines P328 billion or almost three percent of its gross domestic product and had affected workforce productivity and education.

President Duterte had asked for an extension to his self-imposed deadline for his war on drugs, saying he will need six more months.

"Dapat walang pulitika pagdating sa pagkain para sa lahat," Poe said.

Poe earlier wrote Duterte to certify as urgent her twin anti-hunger measures to facilitate swift approval by Congress.

Feeding children at an early age is investing in the future of our country, the senator said.‎

Also participating at the event are Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, former Ateneo President Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, GK Founder Tony Meloto, GK Executive Director Luis Oquiñena, Teduray Tribe Leader Lydio Dismanos, among others. (By Kit Kaimo with PR)

ASG use drug money, members high on drugs

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Sep. 29, 2016)- Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and its different factions are using illegal drugs as means of funding and motivation for members in staging terrorism, criminal acts and other anti-Islamic activities, military official said.

Information Officer Col. Rodrigo Gregorio of Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu, Southern Philippines disclosed that this is the findings of numerous units in ZamBaSulta area confronting the ASG. Reports coming from line units indicate that those engaging the troops are mostly young recruits who are most probably high in certain drugs particularly Shabu as evidenced by paraphernalia being recovered in the belongings of dead ASG and in their lairs.

Col. Gregorio said that drugs are being used to lure youngsters who may have been given shabu for free and later on recruited once they are addicted to it. Reports also indicate that money generated from shabu is being used to finance the ASG daily operations

Col. Gregorio added that this is also the revelation of several former hostages of the group. Those guarding hostages are always high on drugs. Former Indonesian hostage Herman Bin Manggak revealed in his debriefing that five to seven ASG are always guarding him and were personally seen by him taking Shabu. Talking to interpreters, he said he was nearly rescued three times by government troops who were engaged in fierce gun battles. In those instances, Herman said he witnessed the effect of drugs to the ASG bandits who treat a deadly gun battle as a sort of game.

Proliferation of drugs in ZamBaSulta area is believed to be connected with the handiwork of ASG in cahoots with big drug lords. In Sulu in particular, several anti-drug operations by joint PNP-AFP troops resulted in drug haul and death of some suspects and government t troops as most anti-drug operation results in bloody confrontation with heavily armed suspects. The latest fatality in the drug war in Sulu is PO2 Tirso Mantalaba, 27 years old, of 24SAC, SAF, PNP, Col. Gregorio also disclosed.

It may be recalled that last Saturday, joint PNP-AFP forces composed of 24SAC, 33SAC, 52SAC of SAF,PNP and the Army's 10IB conducted a joint anti-illegal drug operation in Brgy Kaunayan, Patikul, Sulu which resulted to a gun battle.

He said, the suspected drug dealer Anuddin Akiran Daharani, 38 years old, fired the first shot that caused the death of PO2 Mantalaba while the suspect was also killed in the firefight. Troops recovered high powered firearms and drug paraphernalia.

PO2 Mantalaba, a native of La Trinidad, Benguet was flown to Manila Sunday to be brought to his family.

In Zamboanga City, another ASG member, Arnisar Dangsani Ismaluddin was arrested by police in a buy-bust operation Tuesday afternoon. In Metro Manila, several ASG members involved in the drug trade have also been arrested.

Government troops killed three (3) more Abu Sayyafs wounded in Sulu offensives

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (September 29, 2016)- Three more members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were reportedly wounded in the ensuing offensives launched by the Joint Task Force Sulu in Southern Philippines Wednesday morning, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Major Filemon Tan Jr. disclosed that another armed confrontation ensued between the troops of the 10^th Infantry Battalion and the ASG led by Misaya in Barangay Pugad Manaul, Panamao, Sulu at 9:05am.

Major Tan said, as a result, the ASG incurred three (3) wounded members, while no casualty was reported on the government side.

Government troops killed Two Abu Sayyafs in ensuing offensives in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (September 29, 2016)- Initial reports from the Joint Task Force Sulu disclosed that two (2) Abu Sayyaf members were killed in the ensuing offensives launched by the military against the group of Alhabsy Misaya in Barangay Pugad Manaul, Panamao, Sulu in Southern Philippines Wednesday morning, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information officer Major Filemon Tan Jr. said that as of this press time, the armed confrontation is ongoing between the troops of the 35th Infantry Battalion and the ASG under Misaya.

Major Tan added that the government side suffered one (1) wounded in action, while one (1) Abu Sayyaf member wounded and two (2) were killed, one of whom was identified as a certain Dadis. Close air support is being provided by augmenting troops as of this moment.

Major Tan also disclosed that last Tuesday notorious kidnappers under Alhabsy Misaya were killed by elements of Joint Task Force Sulu when they conducted strike operations against ASG/KFRG members which resulted to the death of Nixon Muktadil and Brown Muktadil in Daungdung, Pata, Sulu. The death of the Muktadil brothers is a big blow to the ASG as they lost their main sea navigators during kidnapping activities. 

Notorious ASG killed, intensified operations continue in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (September 29, 2016)- Early dawn this 27th of September 2016, elements of Joint Task Force Sulu together with concerned citizens of Panglima Estino, Sulu conducted strike operations against ASG/KFRG members which resulted to the death of Nixon Muktadil and Brown Muktadil, commonly known as Muktadil brothers, in the vicinity of Tambulian Island, Daungdung, Pata, Sulu in Southern Philippines, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Maj. Filemon Tan disclosed that the Muktadil brothers were involved in a series of kidnappings of twenty-six (26) Indonesians and Malaysians at the high seas of the boundaries of Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The kidnap victims were crewmen of five (5) different tugboats who were victims of these KFRG at different instances in the period of six (6) months. These boats ply the said shipping routes to deliver coal and other commercial items.

Major Tan said, the death of the Muktadil brothers is a major blow to the group of ASG Sub-Leader Alhabsy Misaya because they serve as the sea guides and navigators during conduct of kidnapping at the high seas.

Cadavers are being transported to Sulu Provincial Police Office, Camp Asturias, Jolo, Sulu, he added.

NGCP implements Aurora-Polanco 138kV line project

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Sept. 27 2016) – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) will be conducting a presentation of Aurora-Polanco 138kV line project to the members of the media on Wednesday September 28 2016 at 10AM to be held at Manuel’s Resort in Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Beth Ladaga, NGCP Information Officer disclosed that the NGCP will discuss the importance and benefits of the project to parts of Zamboanga del Sur and the neighboring province of Zamboanga del Norte and other electricity consumers of Northwestern Mindanao, as well as the status and the target date of energization.

Ladaga said the NGCP will discuss also public awareness and transmission line safety to the media practitioners.

Government Troops recover IED in Sulu

By Jong Cadion 

PAGADIAN CITY (Sep 27, 2016) – The Troops of Join Task Force Sulu recovered a roadside Improvised Explosive Device (IED in Km3- Kajatian, Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu, Southern Philippines Sunday afternoon, Sep 25, military official said.

In a press statement from Information Support Team, JTF Sulu through Col. Rodrigo Gregorio disclosed that The IED was discovered by local residents at about 1:40pm who informed authorities. Soldiers coming from 501st Infantry Brigade headed by Col Jose Faustino together with the police cordoned the area while troops of the Quick Reaction Force composed of Marines and Army troops from JTF Sulu scoured the vicinity for possible secondary devices or presence of armed men.

Col. Gregorio said, The Explosives and Ordinance Disposal Teams (EOD) of the AFP and PNP conducted assessment and evaluation at 2:45pm and later on successfully diffused the IED by conducting "render safe" procedure.

Troops recovered a 30-liter container with ammonium nitrate as main charge, blasting cap and 150-meter wire. The recovered items are now in the custody of the Marines of the Jolo Internal Defense Force, he said.

Authorities say the IED may be aimed at passing troops to immobilize vehicles and incur casualties but is equally dangerous or even more deadly to passing civilians. The 'rendered safe' IED can potentially maim, injure, and even kill innocent civilians who may just be traversing the road they customarily use in their day to day living.

Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of JTF Sulu also said "the successful recovery of the IED is due to the vigilance and cooperation of the local residents and the timely action of soldiers and policemen".

"Terrorism has no place in our society. The collective efforts of our people in collaboration with authorities has been proven to be a formidable weapon against terrorism. Let us unite in the fight against terrorists and make our communities safe and secure for our families, for our children", Brig. Gen. dela Vega concluded.

Another Indonesian kidnap victim release in Sulu

By Jong D. Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – (September 23, 2016) - Indonesian kidnap victim Herman Bin Manggak, who was held captive in Sulu, Southern Philippines by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), was released to the MNLF and later handed over to concerned JTFS key Staff Thursday at 11 a.m., military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) spokesperson Maj. Felimon Tan Jr. disclosed that Manggak was abducted by armed men off the waters of Sandakan, Sabah on August 03, 2016.

Maj. Tan said, the victim was brought to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital following his release for proper medical examination and debriefing before being turned over to proper authorities at WesMinCom.

WesMinCom emphasizes the efforts of JTF Sulu troops in conducting continuous focused military operations to track down and destroy the Abu Sayyaf Group responsible for the series of kidnappings and atrocities in the area, Major Tan said.

Twenty members of Abu Sayyaf Group surrender to the government troops

By Jong Cadion

Pagadian City (Sept. 23, 2016) - Twenty (20) members of Sumisip-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG/ATG) under sub-leader Katatong Balaman aka Tatong from Basilan Province surrendered Thursday to the 104^th Brigade, 1^st Infantry Division, Philippine Army under Colonel Thomas C. Donato, Jr., Brigade Commander, and the Local Government Unit of Sumisip, Basilan headed by Mayor Gulam Boy Hattaman, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Major Filemon Tan disclosed that the surrender was conducted in coordination with the 64^th Infantry Battalion, on September 22, 2016 at the Municipal Hall of Sumisip, Basilan.

Major Tan said, eight (8) high-powered firearms and two (2) locally-made shotguns were surrendered by the group. Alias Tatong and his group are responsible for several ambuscades and skirmishes against the government troops, particularly in Barangays Sukaten and Baiwas of Sumisip.

        “This is the result of the relentless operation we are conducting where they suffered lots of casualties. These Abu Sayyafs now fear for their lives, leading to the surrender,” said Colonel Donato. August this year, the Philippine Army overran the Abu Sayyaf strongholds in Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo. “We are very open for surrenderees. We want to end this war in peace and pave the way for development in Basilan,” he added.

The LGU believed that there are still other members of the Abu Sayyaf who are willing to surrender and return to the folds of law. “It’s time to end this terrorist problem in our country. We want to make Basilan a peaceful place to live so that development will prosper. We are closely working with the AFP to decimate all these terrorist groups,” said Mayor Hattaman.

Boat capsized in Zamboanga City port

ZAMBOANGA CITY (September 23, 2016) – Thank you that no human casualties were being reported after the boat M/V Danica Joy 2 of Aleson Shipping Lines capsized while anchored at Zamboanga City Port Thursday at 9:30 PM, Zamboanga City Port Harbor Master Arthur Nogas said.

M/V Danica Joy 2 has a capacity of 900 passengers with gross registered tons of 998.52 arrived at Zamboanga City Port 4:00 PM Thursday from Sandakan, Malaysia.

Initial investigation said that based in the documents submitted by Boat Captain Diojenes Saavedra, all the 799 passengers had already disembarked, consisting of 11 Malaysians, 1 Australian, 159 Filipinos and 603 deportees where 43 has expired passports. The boat has a cargo of 33.90 tons of vegetable oil.

According to the report that while the cargos were unloaded, there was a misunderstanding among the stevedoring that caused chaos and turn the boat to tilt and resulted to capsize.

Nogas said, the portion of the port cannot be temporarily utilized due to ongoing clearing of the area. The Aleson Shipping Lines need to dismantle the boat that will last for months.

PNP installs new police director in Zamboanga del Sur

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=924832&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=pagadian%20city,%20zamboanga%20del%20sur&andor=and&mdte_arch=9&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=2016

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Sept. 21 (PNA) –- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has installed a seasoned and senior officer as the new police director in this province.

Senior Supt. Jonathan Ablang, deputy regional director for administration (DRDA), in a fitting ceremony on Tuesday installed Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre as the new provincial police director.

Ecaldre has replaced Senior Supt. Michael Nicolas, who served as the provincial police director from Oct. 7, 2015 until Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016.

Ablang has commended Nicolas for his good accomplishment in the implementation of the Project Double Barrel.

Ablang, the second in command in the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9), represented Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, PRO-9 director, in the turnover ceremony since the latter was attending an important matter.

“When we look at the overall accomplishments of Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office in its law enforcement operations, it is apparent that Senior Supt. Nicolas and his team have contributed vastly to the attainment of the implementation of the Project Double Barrel. On this note, the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office took on the challenge and performed brilliantly. Senior Supt. Nicolas has done excellent job in leading his men in ensuring public safety and on the employment of crime prevention measures in maintaining the peace and security of the entire province of Zamboanga del Sur,” Ablang said.

He said the change in the leadership is normal in the PNP organization, which is geared towards best service to the people whom “we pledge to serve and protect.

Ablang described Ecaldre, the police community relations officer of PRO-9, as “a co-equal gentleman and a great leader” to lead the police provincial command.

Ecaldre expressed his gratitude for the trust given him by his superiors to serve again in the position he once served.

Ecaldre has served as the police director of this province from September 5, 2013 to October 6, 2015 before he was named as the deputy regional director for police community relations of PRO-9.

He called on the police officers and men of this province to support him in carrying out the mandated task especially in the campaign against illegal drugs, which is being spearheaded by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I know na magaling tayong lahat pero the question is, are we credible in performing our duties and responsibilities? Magaling nga tayo pero matino ba? This is our great challenge to also police our ranks in order to be credible and trusted by the people whom we serve,” Ecaldre said.

The turnover ceremony was witnessed by provincial and city government and military officials as well as other police officials and personnel based in this province.(PNA)
JMC/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

HEROISM, HEART FOR POOR EXEMPLIFY THIS YEAR'S OUTSTANDING ZAMBOSURIANS--POE

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (September 17, 2016)--"It is an honor to stand side by side with dedicated and selfless men and women from this beautiful province who have done much for our country," said Sen. Grace Poe at the 2017 Outstanding Zambosurians Awards held at the Provincial Capitol in Pagadian City in celebration of the 64th Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur.

Poe arrived at the province Thursday where she topped in the last presidential elections to recognize homegrown exemplars who have made a difference in Filipinos' lives.

This year's Outstanding Zambosurians were Annie Egipito-Sitjar for agriculture, Erlinda Chan-Salera for education, Dr. Rosario Ubas-Saniel for academe, Albert Paran for culture and arts, Gladys Duenas-Uy for fashion, Erminda Cagampang for women empowerment and Ernesto Bautista, Sr. for culture and arts.

"Taglay nila ang puso, pagmamalasakit at kadakilaang nananalaytay sa pagkatao ng mga Pilipino," Poe said as she marveled at the achievements of the awardees.

Poe handed the awards to the Zambosurian exemplars with Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Antonio Cerilles, Vice Gov. Ace Cerilles, Reps. Aurora Cerilles and Divina Yu. The trophy symbolizes unity among Muslims, Christians and the Subanen tribe.

The senator also took the occasion to underscore the importance of "rearing our children" properly to be able to build a promising and inclusive future for the succeeding Filipino generations.

"Ang pundasyon ng ating yamang tao ay sapat na pagkalinga, pag-aaruga at nutrisyon upang ang bawat bata at kabataan ay lumaking may pag-asa at tibay sa laban ng buhay," Poe said.

Prior to the Awards Night, the senator was toured by Cerilles and local officials to the provincial sports complex, a pride of the province. She also graced the yearly dance festival where participants warmly welcomed the daughter of the late King of Philippine Movies and National Artist Fernando Poe Jr.

Last Friday, Poe toured the provincial market where she touched base with ordinary folks and patronized local goods.

Poe took the time to stay for two days in the province to be with Zambosurians and hear their sentiments regarding her committees' current priorities that include deliberations on the proposed Emergency Powers to address transport woes and the Freedom of Information to institutionalize transparent and open governance.

Land titling made faster, easier with new digital land management system

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Sept.16)- Gone are the days when surveying and titling of alienable and disposable (A&D) lands took a long and tedious process. 

The Land Management Bureau (LMB) recently launched a new system designed to hasten the processing and issuance of titles on lands covered by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The formal launch of the Land Administration and Management System (LAMS) highlighted the 115th anniversary of LMB, the agency responsible for administration, survey, management and disposition of A&D lands and other public lands not placed under the jurisdiction of other government agencies.

LAMS is a computerized information system that consolidates land data and records in the country. The system is designed for quick and easy processing, tracking and retrieval of land information. 

LMB Director Emelyne Talabis said the new system cuts the approval of land surveys to five working days from the previous six months to one year.

It also guarantees land tenure security for every Filipino, she added. 

LAMS has four components, namely: public land application (PLA); inspection, verification and approval of survey (IVAS); e-survey plan; and client-transaction monitoring (CTM).

A major innovation, CTM enables clients to keep track of the status of the survey and their application electronically through the LAMS kiosks located in all DENR regional offices, by text or SMS or via the Internet.

Since CTM is digital, it eliminates any personal contact between LMB personnel and clients and minimizes follow ups, thus preventing incidents of corruption. 

The PLA component evaluates processes and approves land applications. It provides efficient storage, analysis and monitoring to prevent the issuance of duplicate titles.

The IVAS is designed to track the verification and approval process of the survey at the regional level. It starts with digital submission of survey returns to digital land survey data (DLSD) generated from e-survey plan. 

The DLSD file is uploaded at the front desk of the regional office and forwarded to the verification and projection unit to validate the mathematical, textual and spatial information. 

The e-survey allows the client, through an accredited geodetic engineer, to submit the survey application online for faster verification of boundaries.

Once approved, the survey data are saved on the digital cadastral database (DCBD) of approved surveys of LAMS. The DCDB has the textual information of the lot and its scanned image. (By Julie Gantes with RPAO DENR 9.)

                          

POE TO KEYNOTE “OUTSTANDING ZAMBOSURIAN” AWARDS

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Sept.14)- Senator Grace Poe is expected to arrive here tomorrow (Sept. 15) to be the guest of honor at the Outstanding Zambosurians Awarding Ceremonies at the Provincial Capitol in celebration of the 64th founding anniversary celebration of Zamboanga del Sur.

“I look forward to joining our beloved kababayans in this meaningful occasion. The development of Mindanao is at the core of my advocacy, recognizing its importance in our nation’s progress. Much can be done to uplift the lives of Mindanaoans,” said Poe, who is invited by Governor Antonio Cerilles.

In her keynote speech, Poe is seen to push for her two nutrition measures seeking to support mothers and their children from conception up to early childhood, saying proper nutrition of children is crucial in nation building.

Her return to the province is Poe’s way of expressing thanks for the support of Zambosurians in her advocacies and legislative priorities that also address the concerns of Mindanaoans.

Senate Bill (SB) No. 160 or the First 1,000 Days Act, which Poe filed, seeks to establish a natal care program for expectant mothers and health care and feeding program for toddlers. Her SB No. 161 or the proposed Libreng Pananghalian sa Pampublikong Paaralan Act aims to provide. free school feeding program for all public schools nationwide.

Poe earlier urged Malacañang to certify as urgent her two nutrition measures, saying immediate approval of the measure and effective implementation of government interventions are necessary to address malnutrition in the country.

Earlier, Save the Children released a report entitled “Cost of Hunger: Philippines suggesting that childhood stunting—the most prevalent form of undernutrition that has permanent effects on a child’s growth and development—cost the Philippines P328 billion or almost three percent of its gross domestic product and had affected workforce productivity and education.

Poe earlier said early intervention in providing sufficient child nutrition is essential to enable them to go to school regularly and improve children’s performance in school while early childhood development is the key stage in human development. (By Julie Gantes with PR)

JTF Sulu intercepts three speedboats off Sulu waters

PAGADIAN CITY-- Amid the intensified conduct of military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu under Brigadier General Arnel B. Dela Vega intercepted Monday (August 29) three speedboats with expired registration and permit to operate.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) spokesperson Major Felimon Tan disclose that the said speedboats were intercepted off the sea waters near Maimbung Bay, Sulu where navy ships are conducting barrier negations patrol to prevent Abu Sayyaf members from using coastal and high seas as escape and reinforcement routes.

Major Tan said, two of the speedboats, M/B LINGISAN and M/B FUMANCHO, are rigged with two (2) 200-horsepower outboard motors, while M/B EMPEROR has three (3) 200-horsepower outboard motors that can speed up above 30 miles per hour.

 Tan added that the apprehension was a result of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the AFP-PNP and other government agencies, to include DOTR, DILG, DND, ARMM, BFAR, MARINA, OTS, PCG, and PPA, deputizing the AFP in the enforcement of regulations on the use of high-speed watercraft, at three gross tonnage and below, confiscating unregistered sea crafts, intensifying security in local ports, and dismantling illegally constructed ports in order to mitigate the movement of terrorists and criminal groups and to conduct acts inimical to national security.

After profiling and documentation, the crew members of the speedboats were brought to the Municipal Office of Maimbung, Sulu for proper disposition, while the boats are in the custody of the ATG pending presentation of registration documents and be subjected to further validation with different intelligence agencies to confirm whether they are utilized in kidnapping foreign nationals on board seacrafts in the tri-border areas of Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines.(By Mary Joy Boholano)