PRO9 Regional Director visits Sibuco in aftermath of Tropical Storm Vinta

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (December 29, 2017) - The Regional Director of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO9) PCSUPT BILLY B BELTRAN visited the Sibuco, Zamboanga Del Norte, one of the municipalities that severely affected by the Tropical Storm (TS) Vinta and has the most number of casualties, in the aftermath of the TS Vinta on December 26, 2017, official said.

Information officer PCINSP HELEN L. GALVEZ disclosed that the Regional Director supervised the conduct of Medical Mission and Feeding Program to the 785 affected families who were confined at the evacuation center in Sibuco, Zamboanga Del Norte.

The Regional Director also led the distribution of new/used clothing, groceries/goodies and other items which were donated by PRO9 personnel intended to the victims/families of the tropical storm.

As per report by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 9, the Sibuco Municipality has the highest number of casualties with 14 confirm dead, 58 injured and 25 missing.       

Search and Rescue Operation continued to locate the remaining 44 missing persons in Zamboanga Del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (December 26, 2017 AFP) - The Search and Rescue (SAR) Police Units of Zamboanga Del Norte Police Provincial Office and Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Units has intensified their search and rescue operation to the remaining forty-four (44) missing individuals who were washed-out due to flashflood which brought by the tropical storm “Vinta” in the nine (9) municipalities in Zamboanga Del Norte and two (2) municipalities in Zamboanga Sibugay, official said.

Based on the report by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 9 as of December 26, 2017, a total of 76 individuals were declared dead while 65 were injured and 44 were missing. The Sibuco municipality has the highest number of casualties with 14 dead, 58 injured and 25 missing, respectively.

The Tropical Storm “Vinta” has affected a total number of 139 Barangays, 15, 520 families and 75,893 individuals. The Province of Zamboanga Del Norte has the most number of municipalities that were affected by the Tropical Storm.

The Police Regional Office 9 units in coordination with the LGUs and other agencies of the government have distributed relief goods to the affected 15, 520 families in the province of Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga Del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

        

DTI reminds consumers to check expiry dates

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (December 20, 2017) – Christmas Season is the time of sharing and a time for celebration. For consumers, a time for shopping and for businessmen a time for profit.

The DTI-Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Office, in its drive to properly inform the consumers, as well as protect their interests and welfare, would like to remind consumers to be mindful of the things or products they buy this holiday season, specifically the expiry dates of food related goods. The consumers may have the right to information and the right to choose, but it would carry with it the responsibility to be critically aware of their own purchases and consumption.

Provincial Director Maria Socorro M. Atay urged consumers, if possible, to buy the Noche Buena products they need in reputed stores or supermarkets to ensure their safety. She also stressed the importance of food safety, as consumption of expired products will be harmful to direct consumers, especially children.

PD Atay also requests consumers to report directly to the DTI-ZDS provincial office any items which you suspect to be expired or any store selling it.

DTI Warns Against Online Scams

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (December 19, 2017) – As the age of e-commerce is quickly becoming a trend, DTI warns consumers anew to be vigilant against scams and protect themselves from the dangers that comes from the advancing digital age.

While the use of the cyberspace makes it easy to purchase goods and services that would not be available in local markets, purchasing online opens up the doors for cheating or scheming persons to take the consumers hard-earned money.

The DTI reminds consumers to be wary, as online purchases can be tricky and most of the times, hard to trace if problems arise from them. Provincial Director Marichu Atay, said that consumers should practice safe online habits and avoid from products or services that are too good to be true, or the seller has doubtful or ambiguous details.

The Philippines has yet to develop a foolproof security system that would ensure the safety of online transactions. And before this happens, DTI reminds you to be mindful as always, and do not give the chance for scammers and schemers alike to take that hard-earned money away from you.

One NPA surrenders to 44IB, Tabak troopers

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (December 19, 2017) - One NPA member  voluntarily surrendered to the government troops of 44^th Infantry (AGILE “N” STABLE) Battalion, 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division 3:00pm Sunday, military official said.

Information officer Maj Richard A. Enciso (Inf) PA disclosed that Benson Niadas, alias Rey, a medic of MRGU, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, brought along his M16 rifle during his surrender.

Maj. Enciso said that based on his revelations, aka REY was involved in the recent encounter of 3rd Infantry Battalion in Bgry Gasa Lakewood, Zamboangadel Sur on 8 and 10 December 2017 respectively.

Accordingly, Rey was convinced by his relative, also a surenderee from 44IB, to return to the folds of law and to avail the CLIP Program of the government. Government forces were also sincere in protecting the rebel returnees.

He also stressed that he is tired of hiding, experienced hunger and hardships and dissatisfied of the NPA ideology and organization’s policy. Rey also mentioned that some of his comrades were planning to surrender just to be with their families this yuletide season.

The 102nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army under the leadership of Brig. General Jacinto R Barenghas intensified its efforts against terrorist group through combat operations and information disseminations with the support of all local chief executives and other stakeholders so that those who wanted to return and surrender can avail the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

“The surrender and revelation of aka REY is a proof that there are more NPA members who are tired and wanted to live a normal and peaceful life.” said Brig. General Roseller G Murillo, 1st Infantry Division Commander.

“The Tabak troopers will assist surrenderees so that they can avail the benefits of the CLIP”, he added.

       

Troops clash with Communist Terrorists anew in Zamboanga del Sur

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (December 11, 2017) - Only two days after soldiers of the 53rd Infantry Battalion recovered a cadaver of a Communist Terrorist after a three-hour encounter in Barangay Gasa, Lawa, Zamboanga del Sur, a follow up operation resulted in another clash between the government forces and the terrorists just a few kilometers away from the first encounter site at 3pm, Sunday (December 10), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the Communist Terrorists were believed to be combined members of the MRGU and SECOM-KARA, of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee. The firefight that lasted for an hour and a half yielded to the recovery of the following war materiel and personal belongings: M60 Cal 7.62 Light Machine Gun; one M16 rifle; one anti-personnel mine; medical supplies; jungle hammocks and backpacks.

“As of this report, other units were directed to maneuver towards probable withdrawal areas of the enemy while simultaneously conducting combat tracking and pursuit operations,” said Brigadier General Roseller Murillo, commander of the Joint Task Force Zampelan.

“We believe that the enemy incurred heavy casualties since bloodstains were seen by troops in their withdrawal route.”

Cpt. Petinglay said that there were no casualties on the side of the operating government forces.

Meanwhile, two more terrorists yielded to the troops of the 33rd Infantry Battalion Sunday morning in Sultan Kudarat Province.

Ruben Balagay, a.k.a Rustom, and Marlon Dayaw, a.k.a Marmar, turned over a Cal .30 Garand and ammunition upon their surrender at 11:30 am Sunday.

“This is a very good development manifesting that we are winning against the communist terrorists in our Joint Area of Operation,” said Major General Arnel Delavega, commander of the Joint Task Force Central.

Troops are currently engaged in complementing operations against different threat groups within the entire WestMinCom area.

“My guidance is for our units to immediately engage in a no let-up operation after our Commander-in-Chief declared the CPP-NPA-NDF a terrorist organization,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command. “We will be more motivated to accomplish our mission.”

“I congratulate all our troops for this recent accomplishment,” added LtGen Galvez.

Philippine Navy’s Fast Frigate arrives in Zamboanga City

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (December 9, 2017) - The Philippine Navy’s Fast Frigate, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF15) is scheduled to arrive in Zamboanga City on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at Zamboanga City Pier, military official said. 

Information officer Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina AFP, Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) disclosed that the said vessel will be having its “OPEN HOUSE” on Dec 10-11, 2017 to showcase its capability as a Fast Frigate as well as to give opportunity to the populace of Zamboanga City for a guided tour aboard ship. The ship is open for public from 9 o’clock in the morning until 5 o’clock in the afternoon.

RADM Medina said that the conduct of the Open House will be facilitated by the Naval Reserve Center-Western Mindanao (NRCen-WM), Civil Military Operations Unit- Western Mindanao (CMOU-WM) and in coordination with all the units of Naval Forces Western Mindanao and the Municipality of Zamboanga City.

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is under the command of Capt Ireneo D Battung PN (GSC) and composed of about 80 crew members. The arrival of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is aimed to promote peace, develop friendly relations and bring the Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines closer to the hearts of the Zamboanguenos and of the Filipino people in general. 

Recently, FF15 along with one of the PN’s Landing Docks, BRP Tarlac (LD601) participated in the ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercises 2017 (AMNEX) held Sattahip and Pattaya Bay in Thailand last  Nov. 13-22, 2017, RADM Medina added.

The said exercise is a maritime security collaboration of navies in Southeast Asia Region which is in conjunction with the commemoration of the 50th ASEAN founding anniversary.

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF15) is the first Del Pilar Class ship of the Philippine

Navy which was commissioned last December 14, 2011. It was also the second ship named after the revolutionary general, Gregorio Del Pilar, during the Battle of Tirad Pass.

Communist terrorist slain; firearms seized in Zambo del Sur

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (December 9, 2017) - In a fierce clash with the military, a communist terrorist was slain and several firearms of the enemy were seized in Zamboanga del Sur, Friday (Dec. 8), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the operating troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion engaged in a three-hour gun fight with 30 members of the SECOM KARA, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee in Barangay Gasa, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur at 11:10am.

Cpt. Petinglay said that seized from the communist terrorists were an M16 rifle, an M4 rifle, an M203 Grenade Launcher, a hand guard for M16 rifle, four rifle grenades, two magazines for M16, two magazines for AK47, two Motorola commercial radios, an anti-personnel mine, medical kits and medicines, an NPA flag, and personal belongings.

"After clearing the engagement area, the government troops found a cadaver," said Brigadier General Roseller Murillo, the Commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

"Bloodstains were also found, indicating that the communist terrorists sustained a number of casualties," he added.

Troops pursued the fleeing bandits, while reinforcing elements closed in on the enemy's position. Air assets were also deployed to support the pursuing troops.

Meanwhile, three soldiers sustained wounds during the encounter. They were extricated by the responding troops to Pagadian City for medical attention. They are currently in stable condition, Cpt Petinglay added.

Cpt. Petinglay also added that earlier this week, two members of the WMRPC voluntarily surrendered to the troops of the 53IB and turned over their firearms.

Joem Daniel Senina a.k.a Alex and Relex Tome Castillion a.k.a King, both 20 yo yielded to the soldiers an M14 rifle and AK47 rifle with magazines and ammunition upon thier surrender at H53IB in CamoSabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur last December 6, 2017.

For this year alone, a total of 100 NPA members surrendered in WESTMINCOM Joint Area of Operation, out of the number, 26 were members of the WMRPC.

"We sustain our intensified campaign against the CPP-NPA-NDF in Zamboanga Peninsula following the cancellation of the peace talks," said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“We expect more of these decisive encounters as vital information from those who surrendered and from the populace are coming in.”

"Congratulations JTF ZamPeLan troopers for your successful offensives,” added LtGen Galvez, Jr.

Navy rescues another distressed vessel

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (December 4, 2017) – A Philippine Navy ship rescued a vessel which suffered from derangement at the vicinity of Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan on Friday evening (Dec. 1, 2017), military official said.

Information officer Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina AFP, Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) disclosed that the Naval Forces Western Mindanao received the report of a distressed vessel at about 7:20 p.m. on Dec 1, 2017. NFWM through the Naval Task Force 61 directed the BRP Iwak (LC 289) to immediately proceed to the location of the said vessel to provide area assessment and render necessary assistance. LC 289 then immediately departed Ensign Majini Pier, Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, Calarian, Zamboanga City.

RADM Medina said that En route to the location of the said vessel, LC 289 commanded by Cmdr. Homer D Gonzalez PN (GSC) established communication with the distressed vessel which was identified as M/L Fatimah Devie led by the Boat Captain, Capt Cisar J Abdul and seven crew members. On board the said vessel are 59 civilian passengers.

M/L Fatimah Devie was heading to Zamboanga City from Taganak Port when the rudder broke that resulted to a major steering casualty. At 10:20p.m., the vessel was rescued and assisted by LC 289 and was towed from Malamaui Island, Basilan and arrived at Baliwasan, Zamboanga City at around 1:38 am of Dec. 2.

Another similar incident occurred last August 1, 2017, where in the PN Landing Craft, BRP Ivatan (LC 298) rescued the distressed vessel, M/L Moonlight Sheera that suffered from a machinery derangement due to a broken propeller shaft. The crew members of the said vessel were safely and successfully ferried back to Zamboanga City Pier, he added.

RADM Medina further added that recently (Nov. 20), the Navy also apprehended a group of armed men believed to be members of ASG at Tonquil Island in Sulu who are behind the conduct of harassment and piracy to commercial fishing vessels transiting in the area. These apprehensions are a result of the intensified military operations and patrols in the area that aim to put an end to the lawless activities in the region.

The successful rescue operations of the Navy vessels proves the readiness and responsiveness of the Naval Force in the Western Mindanao. The Philippine Navy stands ready to render assistance and support to vessels in distressed while conducting its missions and maritime patrols in the Western Mindanao region.

5 drug dealers apprehended, 4M-worth of drugs recovered

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (December 4, 2017) - Operating elements from the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) , Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 9 and 10 in coordination with Joint Task Force Zamboanga (JTFZ) apprehended drug dealers and recovered 4M-worth of Shabu at La Casa Maria Parking Lot, Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City on Saturday (Dec 2, 2017).

Information officer Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina AFP, Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) disclosed that the successful conduct of drug buy bust operation was due to the strong information gathering and intelligence operations of the Navy, JTF Zamboanga and other government agencies. The apprehended five drug dealers and spotters were identified as Ryan Rajan Quijano, Sahari Addalani Sabturani, Gasi Hadjirul Waliyul, Kizzle Rajan Tungupon and Albajir Sanny.  Sahari Addalani is a member of Kubal Drug Group and under the target list of PDEA R10.

One Ford Ranger vehicle and one Rusi single motorcycle and 20 sachets of 50 grams white crystalline substance believed to be shabu were recovered during the buy bust operation. The drugs recovered has an estimated value of P4,000,000 and buy bust money amounting to P1,500,000.

RADM Medina also said that the arrested suspects will face appropriate charges in violation of Section 26 in rel.to Sec. 5 Article II of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The intensive intelligence and information-gathering operations of the operating troops of the Navy in the Western Mindanao region has led to the successful apprehension of criminals and members of terrorist groups, as well as the rescue of Filipino and foreign kidnap victims from the hands of ASG/KFRG. Rest assured that the Navy will continue to promote a peaceful, developed and secured region for the people of the Western Mindanao.