150 Pump boats distributed to fisherfolks in 12-Coastal Brangays in Pagadian City

By HIROHITO “Jong” D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY (Sept. 28, 2018) – One hundred fifty pump boats were  initially distributed to fisherfolks in 12-Coastal Barangays in this city by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the City Local Government Unit (GUU) Wednesday morning.

The distribution program was held at the City Fish Poit, Barangay San Perdo, this city headed by Pagadian City Mayor Romeo “Tata” Polmones and  City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) together DOLE Provincial Officials.

Mayor Pulmones in his message expressed his gratitude to the DOLE Secretary Silvestre III Bello and his Under-Secretary Renatro Ebarle, who is from this city for giving the livelihood support to the fisherfolks of 12 Coastal Barangays of this city.

Pulmones disclosed that the project is worth Php3-million from the DOLE plus the 25 percent equity or Php750-K from the city government. Hopefully by next year another Ten pumboats will be distributed to the fishermen beneficiaries.

City PESO Officer Bienvinido Culve, project coordinator said that the fisherman beneficiaries will undergo orientation from DOLE on how to take care of the project. The pumpboat is worth Php25k each including the 6.5 HP engine was given for free to the fisherfolks and this is not transferable or for sale to anybody, the pumpboat is monitored monthly thru the Barangy offcials, Culve said.

The program were also attended by the !2-Coastal Barangays officials headed by the Liga ng mga Barangay President and Ex-Officio City Council members Ferdinand Pulmones, City Head of Offices and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) officials.

Hot Pursuit Operation of Zamboanga Del Sur Police In connection with the Shooting Incident @ Tambulig

By JONG CADION

PAGADIA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Sept. 28, 2018) –  The joint hot pursuit operation was conducted by PNP personnel of Tambulig MPS, Provincial Intelligence Branch, Zamboanga Sibugay PPO and Bonifacio MPS, Missamis Occidental in coordination with Ramon Magsaysay MPS, On Sept. 27, 2018 

The operation was in connection with the shooting incident transpired at about 7:18pm of September 26, 2018 at P2, Happy Valley, Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur, particularly in front of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Police Regional Office 9 PIO Chief PCINSP Helen L. Galvez identified the victim as one Nellie Romo y Paso, 45 y/o, female, married, businesswoman, a resident of Lilo-an, Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental and temporarily residing at Happy Valley, Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur.

at about 5:10pm.

Galvez disclosed that the suspect of the said incident was positively identified by the witnesses thru the retrieval of CCTV footage from Coco Lumber owned by Bodiongan Family located at the above mentioned place and thru the information given by the confidential informant of the operating team.

The suspect identified as George Paglinawan y Perez (who was later known with his other personal circumstances) 39 years old, male, married, jobless, w/ residence at Brgy. Kapamanok, San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur (formerly residing at Campo 5, R.M., Zamboanga del Sur, with other known address at Brgy. Dupol, Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental), Galvez added.

Galvez said that investigation further disclosed that during the conduct of hot pursuit operation, suspect was seen at Purok 1-B, Brgy. Switch, Ramon Magsaysay, Zamboanga Del Sur.

However, when the operating team approached the suspect for his possible arrest, suspect then drew his handgun from his right waist and fired towards the operating team which prompted one of the PNP personnel to returned fire hitting the back portion of his body which resulted his death.

Suspect is now lying in Valley of Angels Funeral Homes, Molave, Zamboanga Del Sur.

The operating team recovered from the crime scene that was processed by the PNP personnel from Provincial Crime Laboratory Office, Camp Abelon, Pagadian City were as follows:

One empty cartridge case of cal. 45,

One empty cartridge case of cal. 5.56 m16 rifle,

alleged caliber 45 pistol w/ chamber inserted with magazine loaded with six live ammunitions found beside the suspect, Galvez said.

Galvez added that more items recovered from the actual possession of the suspect were thirteen live ammunitions of cal. 45 wrapped in a white sock, two extra magazine of cal. 45 loaded with seven live ammunitions each, personal belongings that includes wallet and identification cards, sunglass, one unit cellular phone with brand name QNET (pictures attached P2).

In addition thereto, the aforementioned cellular phone together with one unit Honda single motorcycle with color combination black, without Plate Number that was used by the suspect was brought to Tambulig MPS for further verification.

16 NPA including 4 lady rebels and 2 child warriors surrenders to 53rd IB in Zamboanga del Sur

click to related article///

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049341

By JONG D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Sept 27, 2018) – Sixteen members of New People's Army (NPA), four of whom are females (locally called Amazona) and two are child warriors, surrendered to the 53rd Infantry Battalion (53IB), Philippine Army, in  Camp Major David Sabido, Poblacion, Zamboanga del Sur (ZDS) Wednesday (September 26).

“Most of these surrenderees said they can no longer withstand the hardship they suffer on a daily basis while on continued stay in the jungles, got tired of their useless cause and they now want to live in peace and live normal lives with their families," Lieutenant Colonel Marlowe E. Patria, Commanding Officer of 53IB said.

"AKA Cel, one of the female surrenderees, was a first year college student taking up Education but had long stopped going to school when recruited last year.

"I regretted much that I became a member of the NPAs and became part of the group’s revolutionary undertaking. To be honest, I found no sense staying with the group in the jungles for a cause. I saw no meaning, no direction and no hope. I should have pursued my studies in college," she said.

Lt. Col. Patria also added that they can still see elements of “force and intimidation” as the usual ploy used by the NPAs in recruiting their members. This is the reason why members only last in the jungles for few months or almost a year, at most. Only very few hardcore members are considered as “main-stays” but they are the ones who are receiving biggest chunks from their extortion collection.

Capt. Clint Antipala, Tabak Division Public Affairs Office acting Chief disclosed that  Majority of these surrenderees belong to the Communist/NPA/Terrorist (CNT) group Secom Kara of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee of the CPP/NPA/NDF, including those thirteen who also surrendered to the authorities last July and are now undergoing different procedures for the E-CLIP. These Former Rebels (FRs) are the ones who used to operate and wreak havoc in the municipalities of Midsalip, Tigbao, Lakewood, Lapuyan, San Miguel and Pagadian City.

Capt. Antipala said that these surrendered rebels will be thoroughly processed which include making them undergo series of re-orientation seminars, psycho-social debriefing sessions, and livelihood trainings by the different partner government agencies such as Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Antipala added that the two who were minor-aged when recruited will be especially handled by the DSWD. Most of them can also be enrolled with the Enhanced – Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to receive livelihood assistance in preparation for their return to the mainstream society.

Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, Commanding Officer of the 102^nd Infantry Brigade based in Ipil, ZDS said, “more surrenderees are coming in droves after feeling the pressure of our relentless and focused military operations in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula. Also, the convergence of our efforts with other government agencies, including the media in bringing our government’s re-integration program to the ranks of NPAs is continuously enticing more of their members to yield and eventually tread back to the mainstream society.”

Maj. Gen.Roseller G. Murillo, Army’s Premier Division Chief and the Commander of the JTF ZAMPELAN also said, “We are also postured in pursuing the localized negotiation with the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs), as what the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) leadership has mandated us to do. But this is only good for those who will choose to engage us through peaceful means. Our troops are ever ready to engage them and neutralize them when needed." 

Two ASG members surrenders to Fleet-Marine Troops in Sulu

       

PAGADIAN CITY (Sept. 28, 2018) – Two confirmed members of ASG/KFRG voluntarily surrendered to Fleet-Marine troops in Sulu, Wednesday, September 26, 2018.

       

Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina, Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) identified the surrendered ASG as Julkaidar Iddon and Alanu Iddon who were previously under the leadership of KFRG Sub-leader Abraham Hamid. The two served as couriers and boat skippers of the group that operated in Sitangkai, Tawi-tawi.

       

Medina said that the ASG members were surrendered and fetched at Brgy. Mahala, Talipao, Sulu having in their possession the two Garand Rifles.

They were brought to Camp Bautista Station Hospital, KHTB, Brgy Bus Bus, Jolo, Sulu for medical check-up then to subsequently turnover to proper authorities for proper disposition.

       

Medina attributed the successful mission of the Fleet-Marine in Sulu was through the continuous, relentless and combined efforts of operating elements of Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu under the command of Col. Arnel S Tolato PN(M) (MNSA), with the operatives from NISU61, NISG-WM and RF2.

Medina congratulates the troops for a job well done and encourages all the members of the ASG to surrender to the government where they will be given a chance to have a new life.

       

The continuous cooperation of the LGUs of Sulu in the Fleet-Marine Team describes the successful all-out campaign of the AFP against terrorism and likewise in support to Development Support and Security Plan “Kapayapaan” 2017-2022, Medina disclosed. (By JONG CADION)

ARMM completes 1,599 kilometers of roads

Cotabato City (September 26, 2018) – The regional government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has completed 1,599 kilometers (kms.) of roads from 2012 to 2018.

Data from the region’s Public Works department also showed 508.685 kms., or 22.075% of the target, are still ongoing as of September 14 this year. The same source, however, noted 183.382 kms., or 7.958%, are yet to be started.

The province of Lanao del Sur received the most number of road projects in the region as it registered a total of 335, followed by Maguindanao with 306, Sulu with 277, and Basilan and Tawi-Tawi with 247 and 173 respectively.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv S. Hataman said these initiatives will make the communities, especially in areas with security problems, feel the presence of the government. The ARMM’s infrastructure program, the governor said, directly promotes peace and development.

He said the region’s constituents will now have easy access to government’s services on transportation, health, trade and industry, agriculture and fishery, tourism, all considered vital in boosting the region’s economy.

The ARMM government has allocated over P35 billion for the implementation of these road projects during the last six years. Many of the road projects are located in conflict-affected and far-flung communities. (By JONG CADION with Bureau of Public Information)

Battle casualties of Sulu encounter recognized

PAGADIAN CITY (Sept. 25, 2018) - Fourteen battle casualties of the Joint Task Force Sulu were accorded with the Order of Lapu-lapu level of Kampilan Medal by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his visit in Sulu yesterday, WesMinCom official said.

LTC Gerry M. Besana, WesMinCom spokesperson disclosed that the said battle casualties are among the seventeen who incurred shrapnel wounds after battling with more or less one hundred fully armed Abu Sayyafs under senior leader Radullan Sahiron and sub leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Idang Susukan at 1:30pm of September 14, 2018 in Barangay Bakong, Patikul, Sulu.

Besana said that the said encounter also resulted to seven ASG members killed and wounding of six others including ASGSL Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

LTC Besana identified the awardees as:

Second Lieutenant Manny Lonzanida,

Corporal Rogen Baguio,

Corporal Ruel Martinez,

Private First Class Bryan Esmalana,

Private First Class Jinker Rey Meneses,

Private First Class Richard Corpin,

Private First Class Richard Bagalay,

Private First Class Marjon Fernandez,

Private First Class Reynan Cale,

Private First Class Johary Gempeso,

Private First Class Romil Buno,

Private First Class Jayson Andulana,

Private First Class Jessie Steve Polinar, and

Private First Class Merphy Raffy Elaydo were conferred at the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital, Jolo, Sulu.

Besana added that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega, Commander, Western Mindanao Command and other officers, accompanied President Duterte.

Besana also identified the other two battle casualties namely:

Private First Class Jayson Cervantes and

PO1 Richard Faryao, who were evacuated to the Camp Navarro General, Zamboanga City, were accorded with the Wounded Personnel Medal by none other than WestMinCom Chief Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega earlier today while Private First Class Ricky Cuñado was transferred to V-Luna Hospital, Quezon City for further medical attention. (By JONG CADION)

366 Police Officers 1 of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) Completes Basic Internal Security Operation Course (BISOC)

PAGADIAN CITY (Sept. 25, 2018)  - After months of rigid and intense training, Three Hundred Sixty-Six (366) newly appointed Police Officers 1 of Police Regional Office 9 graduated from the 60-days Basic Internal Security Operations Course (BISOC) in a ceremony held at the PRO9 Multi-Purpose Hall, Camp Col Romeo A Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City on September 25, 2018, police officials said.

Police Regional Office 9 OIO Chief PCINSP Helen L. Galvez disclosed that  PCSUPT Edwin S De Ocampo, Deputy Regional Director for Administrations was the Resource Speaker during graduation rites of 366 Police Officers 1 composed of 269 males and 97 females.

Galvez said that the 60-days rigid BISOC training which is considered the last phase training prior to their assignment to their respective field units, aims to equip the new police officers the necessary skills and knowledge as they start their police service.

Galvez added that the 366 BISOC graduates will be assigned to Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) and Provincial Mobile Force Battalion, respectively. (By JONG CADION)

Nonviolent Peace force personnel visits WestMinCom

          PAGADIAN CITY (Sept. 25, 2018) - Seven personnel of the Nonviolent Peaceforce paid a courtesy visit to the Western Mindanao Command at 9am today, military official said.

        LTC Gerry M. Besana, WesMinCom spokesperson disclosed that the  Nonviolent Peace force (NP) is an international non-governmental organization that has been working in Mindanao since May, 2007. The focus of NP in the Philippines is to support peace processes by dealing with the issues of humanitarian pprotection, safety, and security of civilians in conflict affected areas in Mindanao.

        Besana said that the visit was for the purpose of updating the Command on the current program expansion of NP Philippines in Basilan and Sulu provinces.

        Besana added that the team was welcomed by Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff (ACUCS) for Personnel Colonel Nolasco Cawaling PAF (GSC) and ACUCS for Civil Military Operations Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana Infantry (GSC) PA at the Bautista Lounge, Headquarters, Western Mindanao Command, Calarian, Zamboanga City. (By JONG CADION)

PH, Australia launch 5th Combined Maritime Security Activity

CALARIAN, ZAMBOANGA CITY (September 25, 2018)– The Philippine Navy through Naval Forces Western Mindanao under the operational control of Western Mindanao Command marked the start of the 5th Maritime Security Activity through an Arrival Ceremony held at Zamboanga City Pier, Zamboanga City, September 24,2018, Ph Navy official said.

Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina, Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao disclosed that the arrival of the Royal Australian Navy vessel - HMAS LAUNCESTON highlights the start of the 5th Combined PN-RAN Maritime Security Activity, a 10-day engagement starting Monday, September 24 to October 4, 2018.

Rear Admira Medina said that the activity includes maritime patrols in the waters of NFWM AOR comprising the waters of Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi and drills aboard ship for the enhancement of capabilities and readiness of crew onboard participating vessels.

Medina added that initially, NFWM will be utilizing BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS38) and HMAS Launceston for PN-RAN.

Likewise, Medina said that these continuous engagements with other regional navies are part of the anti-piracy and anti-terrorism campaign of the government, which help curb the security threats that are affecting the Islands of Mindanao, which is also a sign that both countries share a strong relationship in matters of security through this activity.

With this, Medina explained that the Philippine Navy, through the Fleet Marine Team of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, assured the Filipino People, particularly of the surrounding communities of Southern Mindanao that it will continue to uphold its mandate of protecting our sovereign seas and ensuring that security threats and terrorism will be finally put to an end for a peaceful and secured Mindanao.(By MPF News with NFWM PR)

Fleet-Marine Team conducts All-In-One Mission in Pata, Sulu

CALARIAN, ZAMBOANGA CITY (Sept. 25, 2018) – Fleet-Marine Team from Naval Forces Western Mindanao conducted an All-In-One Mission in Brgy. Kiput, Pata, Sulu, September 22, 2018, Ph Navy official said.

Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina, Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao disclosed that the All-In One Mission was organized by Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 in collaboration with AFP Health Service South, Civil Military Operations Unit – Western Mindanao (CMOU-WM), civilian Medical and Dental Team and friends from the media. The activity forms part of the 22nd Pre-Anniversary Civic-Action activities of the Command, NFWM Commander said.

Rear Admiral Medina said that the All-In-One Mission includes Medical consultation, minor surgery, circumcision, Dental Consultation and tooth extraction, free haircut, feeding activity, and distribution of slippers. Various recreational activities like fun games, and Storytelling were also conducted.

Medina explained that during the activity, the organizers also officiated the ‘Football for Peace’ Games to the youths of Pata, Sulu to instil in them the values of confidence, teamwork and discipline. On February 23, same activity were also conducted by the Fleet-Marine Team in Brgy Likud, Pata, Sulu.

Medina likewise said, a ribbon cutting ceremony of Pata Massacre Memorial Wall and Marker were also held. He added that the said inauguration is in commemoration of the 118 fallen soldiers and thousands of civilians who perished during the Pata Massacre.

In his short message, Rear Admiral Medina AFP said, “Tulad niyo, kami po ay naglalayon din ng maunlad, ligtas sa sakit, at matiwasay na Isla ng Pata. Aasahan niyo po, na kami ay patuloy na magiging kaakibat niyo sa pagpapanatili ng ligtas na Pata Sulu.” (By MPF News with NFWM PR)

Special Registration for MILF and MNLF members in Lanao del Norte

 By Mike Navarro and Donbert Quin Esteban Santos

Munai Lanao del Norte - The COMELEC special registration for MNLF and MILF continue in the Municipality of Munai province of Lanao del Norte on Sept. 23, 2018.

Assistant Municipal Comelec officer Khalil Batuampar said that they are expecting more member of MNLF to be registered as of Sep. 23, 2018 one day special registration of the said Municipality. Last Sept. 11-13 the special registration was conducted and 470 MILF members were registered in Brgy. Panggao Munai Lanao del Norte.

Akhel Cauntongan one the MNLF commander said that they want to be registered for them to exercise their rigth to vote for the plebisite and to participate the 2019 midterm election.

Lanao del Norte MNLF stateman Abdul Azis Batingolo Mutia "aka" commander Dante said that around 3,700 member of MNLF in the province and 370 of them in Munai town would be registered for the special registration in order to vote for the plebiscite and for the upcoming 2019 Midterm election.

"Masaya kami dahil binigyan kami ng pagkakataon na maregistro at makaboto," Kumander Dante said. (Photo by Kenken Esteban Santos)

Photo Release of the 2 Abus yielded in Sulu

 Photos were provided by the personnel of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Sept. 24, 2018) - Two members of the Abu-Sayyaf Group, voluntarily surrendered on September 21, 2018 at the Headquarters, 21^st Infantry Battalion based at Bgy. Danag, Patikul, Sulu, WesMinCom official said.

LTC Gerry M. Besana, WesMinCom spokesperson identified surrendered ASG as Albi Amirol Alih @ ALBI and Obin Umod Mano @ SAIP, both under the group of ASG sub-leader Idang Susukan

LTC Besaana disclosed that thr surrendered ASG were subsequently presented by Lieutenant Colonel Jesus C. Pagala, Commander of the 21st Infantry Battalion (21IB), to Colonel Peter Angelo L. Ramos, Commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade around 9am last Friday, September 21, 2018.  (By HDCJ)

    

2 Abus Surrender to 501st Brigade

PAGADIAN CITY Sept. 24, 2018) - Two members of the Abu Sayaff Group in Sulu province were presented around 9am, 21 September 2018, by Lieutenant Colonel Jesus C. Pagala, Commander of the 21st Infantry Battalion (21IB), to Colonel Peter Angelo L. Ramos, Commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade., military official said.

LTC Gerry M. Bersana, WesmMinCom spokesperson disclosed that the two ASG members were identified as AlbiAmirolAlih @ALBI and ObinUmod Mano @SAIP, both under the group of ASG sub-leader Idang Susukan, voluntarily surrendered on 20 September 2018 at the Headquarters of 21IB based at Bgy Danag, Patikul, Sulu.

Albi also surrendered one M1 Garand rifle while Saip surrendered one cal .45 pistol, he said.

Besana added that the surrenderors were brought to KHTBSH, BgyBusbus, Jolo, Sulu for medical examination and debriefing.

“This is another welcome development as more ASG (Abu Sayaff Group) members are finaly realizing that it is better for them to abandoned the illegal activities they are doing, para naman mabigyan pa silang pagkakataon makapagbagong-buhay,” Brigadier General Devino Rey Pabayo, JTF Sulu Commander, said after the report was sent to Western Mindanao Command early Saturday.

Besana also said that the 501st Infantry Brigade is a unit of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army based in Camp Bud Datu, BgyTagbak, Indanan, Sulu under the operational control of the Joint Task Force Sulu of the Western Mindanao Command. ( By JONG CADION)

Green groups support Congressional moves to ban open-pit mining

Sept. 21, 2018

AlyansaTigil Mina (ATM) fully supports the initiatives of House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to pass a bill that puts a ban on open-pit mining in the Philippines.

Our alliance recommends to Speaker Arroyo that the House review DENR Administrative Order (DAO 2017-10) issued by former DENR Sec. Gina Lopez.  This order provides policy arguments why a ban on open-pit mining is necessary and desirable for the Philippines.

ATM believes that open pit mining is the most destructive form of mining, as experienced in mining provinces in the country. Open pit mines have left many mining areas devastated since miners explored and exploited the country’s mineral resources.

A very glaring example is the Marcopper Mines in Marinduque Island, which has been closed down for over two decades already but still remains a threat to communities. By-products of mines, mostly open pit mines, remain even after mine closure. This leaves the task of long-term and perpetual maintenance of mined areas to the government.

The recent experiences in Sta. Cruz (Zambales), Aroroy (Masbate), Bataraza (Palawan), Cantilan (Surigao del Sur) and Itogon (Benguet) prove that open-pit mining have disastrous impacts to livelihoods, access to water, agriculture and coastal resources.  These impacts then introduce environmental issues, social conflict and even increasing the risks and vulneariblities of mining-affected communities to extreme weather events.

We also urge DENR Sec. Cimatu to ensure the full implementation of DA 2017-10.

“We believe that the implementation of DAO 2017-10 is a big step forward on the part of DENR – the agency tasked to balance the protection of environment and natural resources and exploitation of our national wealth. While the Mining Act of 1995 allows for all methods of mining, we believe the DENR has the power to impose a stronger regulatory of banning open-pit mining policy for the right reasons,” said ATM national coordinator JaybeeGarganera.

DAO 2017-10 was signed into order by then Sec. Gina Lopez who led the audit of more than 40 large-scale mining projects. During Lopez’s stint in the DENR, a study on open pit mines in the country was down which resulted in a strong evidence of perpetual damage and liabilities caused by such mines.

While Congress will deliberate on the proposed bill, we call on Pres. Rogrigo Duterte to issue his Executive Order to ban open-pit mining. (Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator )

Editorial

Bracing for inflation…

Inflation rate in our country rose to 6.4 percent in August from 5.7 percent in July, the highest so far among other countries after nine years. The rate increase, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, is driven by price increases in food and non-alcoholic beverages. While this is so, pegging of prices are higher than the present inflation rate. Gasoline prices have gone to P12 per liter since January when the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion 1 took effect with added excise taxes on fuel and other commodities. 

        Inflation rate, however, differs among regions, thus, affecting also commodity prices. In Mindanao, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, considered the lowest in economic index, has the highest inflation rate at 8.1 percent. The rest: Region-9 (6.4%), Region-10 (6.1%), Region-11 (7.1%), Region-12 (7.9%), and Region 13 (4.8%), the latter with the lowest percentage.

        What would it be then? Is this normal when consumers are grumbling on commodity prices, including rice which run from P80 to P100 a kilo in some areas where the staple food is nil.  Our economic managers have to devise practical solutions to bring down rising prices. There is fear that inflation would still rise next year. There is a call in reversing the fuel excise tax to temper run-away prices. When fuel prices jack up, so do prices of commodities… we know that fuel price fluctuates in the world market.

        As voiced by Senator Nancy Binay, “the government should identify the key drivers and the range of internal and external factors that continue to have a material impact on the increase of prices: adding: “The high inflation rate would have a profound impact on the long-term anti-poverty programs if there was no intervention from the government.”

        Senator PanfiloLacsonvoiced of an impending food crisis following dwindling supply of staple food which should have been imported earlier.

        Is the TRAIN Law responsible for the high inflation rate as some analysts figure out? The TRAIN is supposed to increase revenues but then it heightened inflation. How could our government economic managers deflate the trend? We cannot just wait for the prices to get higher or getting out of control as Senator Joel Villanueva said.

        There is a call for economic managers to focus on this scary economic situation and come out with solutions before the poorest sector further suffer its pangs. Already, several households have their own “discarte” to face the spiraling cost of products and services. In our region folks, perhaps you can cost the prices of commodity by 7.9 percent at the crudest accounting.

        It is our pray that inflation rate is tamed. This one is an utmost priority to focus on.

PCSUPT Licup Presides Over 1st PRO9 Command Conference

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Sept. 20, 2018) - Police Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Luis D Licup, acting regional director of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9), presided over the 1st Command Conference under his leadership held at PRO9 Headquarters, Camp Col Romeo A Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City on Wednesday, September 19, 2018.

  

Police Regional Office 9 PIO Chief PCINSP Helen L. Galvez disclosed that among those joining the conference were PCSUPT Edwin S De Ocampo, Deputy Regional Director for Administrations; PSSUPT Narciso B Verdadero, Deputy Regional Director for Operations; PSSUPT Sofronio P Ecaldre, Regional Chief of Directorial Staffs; Regional Staffs; Provincial Directors of PPOs, City Director of ZCPO; Chief of Police of Isabela CPS; Regional Chiefs of Regional Support Units and Battalion Commander of RMFB9.

PCSUPT Licup, in his guidance, reiterates to the senior officers who attended the conference the basic function of a leader which is to always look for the welfare of his men, Goavez said.

Galvez added that PCSUPT Licup also directed them to step-up the anti-drug campaign efforts of PRO9 in the whole region as relentless and chilling.

Further, the newly assume Regional Directoer said that the internal cleansing program will be intensify and strengthene, Galvez said. 

    

“If we are that fast in rewarding operating personnel for major operational

accomplishment, then we are also fast in imposing disciplinary action against our own PNP personnel who are engaged in illegal activities,” PCSUPT Licup said. (By JONG CADION with Chief PIC PRO9 PR)