2 Big-Time Illegal-Drug Dealers Yield P1.7 Million Shabu in Zamboanga City

By JONG CADION

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PAGADIAN CITY (Jan 31, 2021) – The Drug Enforcement Unit of Zamboanga City Police Station 11 led by PMAJ Chester N Natividad arrested two illegal-drug pushers and seized ₱1,795,200.00 shabu during the drug buy-bust operation on illegal drugs in Barangay Sta. Catalina, Zamboanga City on Saturday evening, January 30, 2021.

PRO9 Regional Director PBGEN Ronaldo Genaro E Ylagan, identifed the arrested illegal-drug suspects as Hadji Laila Lacastesantos y Tahamid, 55 years old, female, married, unemployed and Abdulasis Lacastesantos y Delgado, 56 years old, male, married, unemployed, both residents of Brgy Sta. Catalina, Zamboanga City.

Confiscated from their possession were One sling bag, Four heat sealed packs of suspected shabu with an estimated DDB value of ₱1,795,200.00 weighing more or less 264 grams, Onec bill of ₱1,000.00 and Two Hundred Ninety Nine (299) bills of ₱1,000.00 as boodle money.

Both suspects, who are now detained at the detention cell of Zamboanga City Police Station 11 (Central), will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

PBGEN Ylagan lauded the Drug Enforcement Unit of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) under Police Colonel Rexmel O Reyes for a job well done. He added that the operation is in adherence to the marching orders of the Chief PNP to intensify the conduct of anti-illegal drugs operation in the region.” (With reports and photos from PRO9-PIO)

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LGU, military prevent establishment of new MNLF camp in Tawi-Tawi

By JONG CADION

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PAGADIAN CITY (Jan. 30, 2021) - The local government of Tawi-Tawi province, in coordination with the WestMinCom’s Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi were successfully settled an emerging security concern in the province on January 28, 2021, WestMinCom spokesperdon LTC Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos disclosed,

This came after the reported establishment of a camp by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Barangay Lakit-Lakit, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi sometime in 201, LTC Delos Santos said.

He added that the said camp which is accessible by boat has become a serious security concern for the people of Bongao due to the continuous construction of perimeter houses and the reported presence of people not from the province of Tawi-Tawi.

Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., said that the setting up of a camp by the MNLF caused alarm to the residents. This prompted by the local government to coordinate with the military in Tawi-Tawi to conduct a dialogue with the local MNLF officials for the camp to be dismantled.

“This is a clear violation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the government and the MNLF hence series of dialogues were conducted by the LGU Tawi-Tawi and the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi with the local MNLF for the dismantling of the said structure,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

The local government and the military, through the 2nd Marine Brigade/Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, exhausted all diplomatic means to compel the group to peacefully dismantle and vacate their unauthorized encampment.

“We disallow the establishment of camps except those by legitimate security forces like the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police here in Tawi-Tawi,” Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali also said.

“We have observed that the compliance was slow thus on January 27, 2021, we conducted another dialogue to compel the MNLF leadership to dismantle the camp immediately,” Governor Sali added.

On January 28, the MNLF peacefully dismantled the camp and this was witnessed by the local government officials and the military officers led by Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas

“We will establish a temporary marine post in the area to ensure the safety and security of the people,” Brig. Gen. Rojas said.

“Diplomacy has prevailed in the name of peace, cooperation, understanding, and strong relationships and this is attributable to the good convergence among the local chief executives, other stakeholders, and the security sector,” Brig. Gen. Rojas explained. (With reports and photos by WestMinCom-PIO)

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Cop Believed to Have Link with ASG Killed in Law Enforcement Operation in Zamboanga City

By JONG CADION

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PAGADIAN CITY (Jan. 28, 2021) – A member of the PNP believed to have with KFR/DI/ASG  was killed during the conduct of Law Enforcement operation by the Combined operatives

at Galvez Drive, Brgy Mampang, in Zamboanga City at 4:15 AM on Wednesday, January 27, 2021.

PRO9 Regional Director PBGEN Ronaldo Genaro E Ylagan disclosed that the combined operatives belong from the Regional Intelligence Unit 9-PNP Intelligence Group, 5^th Special Action Battalion-Special Action Force, Regional Special Operation, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, CIDG9, PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit 9, Zambonaga City Police Station 6, Zamboanga City Police Office and military intel agencies conducted law enforcement operation through service of search warran 

PBGEN Ylagan said the operation was resulted in the firefight between the operating unit and the subject identified as PSSg Jamiri Hawang Abraham after he resisted arrest and fired upon the operating units using his caliber 9MM pistol prompting them to return fire that resulted to the wounding of the subject person.

PSSg Abraham is an active PNP member assigned with Drug Enforcement Unit of Zamboanga City Police Office and was listed in the 2019 Periodic Status Report (PSR) on Financing Terrorism and affiliated with the Sulu-based DI/ASG. He is a relative of late DI/ASG Leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and the cousin of ASG Sub-leader Ben Quirino a.k.a Ben Tatoh and slain ASG- Sub Leader Muammar Askali.

The subject was monitored to be providing ammunitions and firearms particularly to group of DI/ASG based in Patikul, Sulu. He was also involved in the kidnapping activities of the ASG where he facilitated the negotiations for the release of kidnapped victims in Sulu in exchange of ransom money.

The operation was conducted based on the Search Warrant Number 05-2021 for violation of RA 9516 (Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives) issued by Hon. Peter V. Eisma, Presiding Judge, RTC 9th Judicial Region, Branch 15, Zamboanga CityRecovered during the conduct of search were the following; one unit cal. 45 pistol; one unit cal. 9MM pistol, chamber loaded with magazine; IED components (to be itemized by Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit 9) and one M16 Rifle.

The Subject was brought immediately to the nearest hospital at Zamboanga City Medical Center, Sta. Catalina, Zamboanga City for medical attention. However, the subject declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. (With reports and photos from PRO9-PIO)

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The military makes history as 1st batch of civilian volunteers finish Basic Citizen Military Training in Sulu

PAGADIAN CITY (Jan. 27, 2021) - The first-ever Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT) held in Sulu province culminated in a simple ceremony at the former ground zero in Barangay Taglibi, municipality of Patikul on January 23, 2020, WestMinCom Public Information Chief LTC Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos disclosed.

A total of 195 civilian volunteers belonging to Class 01-2020 underwent the 45 days basic military training course conducted by the Philippine Army. BCMT is an entry-level training course undertaken by Filipino citizens who intend to enlist in the reserve force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, LTC Delos Santos explained.

He said the duties and responsibilities of the reservists are to assist in disaster relief and rescue operations, socio-economic development, and operations of critical utilities of affiliated reserve units; and as a base expansion of regular force in the event of war, rebellion, or natural emergencies.

The graduates will automatically be part of the proposed first Sulu Ready Reserve Battalion, Delos Santos added.

The commencement exercise was graced by no less than the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr.

In his message, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. stated that this is a great move towards peace and progress in the province of Sulu.

“I am elated with the hard work and dedication during the training. These exemplify your sincere commitment to serve and protect the people and our flag,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

The commander acknowledged the training committee and other institutions who extended their support. “Thank you for strengthening our capability to protect our country not only against the invaders and terrorists but also during the onslaught of natural and man-made calamities,” he said.

Also present during the activity were Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Army Reserve Command Chief Maj. Gen. Peale Jon Bondoc, Patikul Mayor Kabir Hayudini, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, other military officers, and other stakeholders.

Maj. Gen. Bondoc expressed his gratitude to the local chief executives of Sulu for the support and trust that led to the success of the BCMT in Sulu.

He also expressed his admiration to the graduates for their determination to finish the training and officially become members of the reserve force.

Meanwhile, both Mayor Hayudini and Governor Tan extended their gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for persistently working with them for peace and prosperity in Sul                             

They also pledged to continuously support the armed forces in all their endeavors particularly in addressing the security concerns of the province. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos by WestMinCom-PIO)

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WestMinCom facilitates turnover of tractor donated by UNDP to the local government of Patikul, Sulu

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 PAGADIAN CITY (Jan. 26, 2021) –The Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. spearheaded the turnover of tractor to the local government of Patikul, Sulu on Saturday afternoon, January 23, 2021, WestMinCom Spokesperson LTC Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos disclosed.

“The tractor was donated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in support of the Balik-Barangay Program of the government,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

This Agriculture Equipment was donated as support to the returning Internally Displaced Persons in Barangay Tugas and other battle-stricken communities in Patikul is generally aimed and providing the IDPs with the capacity to be able to recover through the setting up of a productive agricultural area for the villages, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

Barangay Tugas in Patikul is one of the most remote barangays of the municipality, a known stronghold of the ISIS-affiliated Abu Sayyaf Group. The barangay has seen its share of fierce clashes between the security sector and the members of the said terrorist group, WestMinCom PIO explained.

The military declared Barangay Tugas as free from the control and presence of the ASG mid-year of 2020. Through the concerted effort of the AFP, the local government, and other stakeholders, a total of 183 families were brought back to the barangay after three years of being internally displaced, WestMinCom spokesperson added.

The key agencies are now working on the rehabilitation, hence the donation of the tractor is to provide the returning population with the needed support for them to re-start their lives, WestMinCom PIO said..

He also said that the turnover was held in Barangay Taglibi, Patikul was witnessed by Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Patikul Mayor Kabir Hayudini, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, other local chief executives, military officers, and guests.

UNDP is the United Nation’s global development agency. It promotes technical and investment cooperation and advocates for change and helps people build a better life for themselves. (BY JONG CADION with reports and photos by WestMinCom PIO)

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PRO9 Marked National Day of Remembrance for the Gallant SAF 44

PAGADIAN CITY (Jan. 26, 2021) – The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO9) commemorated the 6^th Death Anniversary - Day of National Remembrance for Gallant SAF 44 at PRO9 Quadrangle, Camp Col Romeo Abendan, Mercedes in Zamboanga City on Monday, January 25, 2021, PRO9 Public Information Office Chief PCPT Edwin A. Duco disclosed.

PMGEN Angelito A Casimiro, The Director for Logistics, PMGEN Jose Chiquito M Malayo, DIPO-Western Mindanao and PBGEN Ronaldo Genaro E Ylagan, PRO9 Regional Director led the men and women of PRO9 and PNP SAF in offering mass and wreath-laying ceremony as a tribute to the 44 Special Action Force members who died in the clash with the rebels at Mamasapano, Maguindanao Province six years ago, Duco said.

In recognition of their heroism and gallantry, PRO9 also rendered a twenty one gun salute to the eight SAF Commandos from the 5th Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force based in Zamboanga City namely: PSINSP Ryan B Pabalinas, PSINSP Gednat Tabdih, PINSP Joey Gamutan, PO3 Jed-In Asjali, PO2 Walner Danao, PO2 Joel Dunuan, PO2 Glenn Bedua and PO2 Amman Esmula.

Duco added that present during the activity were the spouses of the fallen heroes: Mrs. Erica Pabalinas, , Mrs. Leah Tabdih, Mrs. Eliza Esmula, Mrs. Adelisa Bedua, Mrs. Emeliza Danao and Mrs. Margareth Dulnuan.

The celebration was in adherence to the Presidential Proclamation No. 164, declaring January 25 of every year as a day of National Remembrance in honor of the heroic death of the 44 police commandos of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF), Duco explained.

The proclamation states that the memory of the SAF 44 "serves as a constant reminder of the continuing sacrifices made by our valiant uniformed men and women in the line of duty." (By JONG CADION with photos from PRO9-PIO) 

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3 Drug Personalities Yield P1.8 Million Shabu in Zamboanga City

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PAGADIAN CITY (Jan. 26, 2021) –The Drug Enforcement Unit of Zamboanga City Police Office led by PMAJ Jamar G Tagayan arrested three illega-drug personalities and seized P1.8 Million worth of suspected shabu during the anti-illegal drugs operation in Logoy Grande, Barangay Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City Sunday evening of January 24, 2021.

PBGEN Ronaldo Genaro E Ylagan, Regional Director, PRO9 identifed the three arrested drug suspects as: Benhar Hamidol Y Jundin (Newly Identified), 27 years old, male, married, jobless, Basar Sampang Y Hasan (Newly Identified), 55 years old, male, married, jobless, elementary level and Marvin Ramirez Y De Guzman (Watch listed) a.k.a “Marvin”, 35 years old, male, married, jobless, all residents of Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City.

Confiscated from the suspects possession were three (3) heat sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated DDB value of P1, 800, 000.00 weighing more or less 264.7 grams and one pc of P1000.00 bill as marked money with Ninety-nine pcs of one thousand as boodle money.

Said subject persons are now under the custody of ZCPO, CDEU in preparation of filing of appropriate charges in court.

The suspects are now detained at the Zamboanga City Police Office detention cell to will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 while all recovered items will be brought to Zamboanga City Crime Lab Office for examination.

PBGEN Ylagan commended the relentless efforts of the ZCPO Drug Enforcement Group for the notable accomplishment in the fight against illegal drugs in the region.

He added that the operation is in adherence to the marching orders of the Chief PNP to intensify the conduct of anti-illegal drugs operation in the region.” (By JONG CADION with photos from PRO9-PIO)

2 Big-time Drug Pushers Arrested in Zamboanga City Drug Buy Bust, P1.5 Million Shabu Seized

 By JONG CADION

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PAGADIAN CITY (Jan . 21, 2021) – Over P1.5 Million of suspected Shabu yielded from the two Illegal-drug personalities, one of them listed as high value individual during the separate drug buy bust operation carried out by police units of Zamboanga City Police Office in Barangay Mariki and Tetuan in Zamboanga City on Thursday January 21, 2021.

PRO9 Regional Director PBGEN Ronaldo Genaro E Ylagan identifed the arrested illegal-drug pushers as Ryan Abilla Serato a.k.a “Ryan”, High Value Individual, 26 years old, single, jobless, of Brgy. Guiwan, Zamboanga City and Alkidar Sadang Unaid a.k.a “Kidang”, 31 years old, male, married, construction worker of Mariki, Zamboanga City, newly identified drug personality.

PBGEN Ylagan disclsed that Ryan Serato was arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation conducted by Drug Enforcement Operatives of Zamboanga City Police Station 6 (Tetuan) led by PMAJ Salvador E. Galvez at at Yubenco Mall, Brgy. Tetuan, Zamboanga City at 4:30 PM of January 21, 2021. Seized from the suspect’s possesion were three packs of suspected shabu with estimated DDB of Php1,400,000.00 weighing more or less 115 grams and one piece of php1,000 bill as marked money with 84 pieces of Php1,000 bills as boodle money.  

Alkidar Unaid was arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation conducted by operatives of Zamboanga City Police Station 9 (Ayala) led by PMAJ Orlyn P Leyte at Buguk Paniran, Brgy. Kasanyangan, Zamboanga City at 5:30 PM of January 21, 2021. Confiscated items during the operation were 25 sachets of suspected shabu with estimated DDB of Php136,000.00 weighing more or less 20.0 grams and two pieces of php100.00 bills as marked money, PBGEN Ylagan  said.   

Both suspects  who are now detained at the detention cell of the said police stations, will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

PBGEN Ylagan commended the relentless efforts of Zamboanga City Police Office under PCOL Rexmel O Reyes for their notable accomplishment in the fight against proliferation of illegal drugs. He added that the operation is in adherence to the marching orders of the Chief PNP to intensify the conduct of anti-illegal drugs operation in the region.” (With report and photo by PRO9-PIO)

Zamboanga del Sur halfway house inaugurated

By JONG CADION

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PAGADIAN CITY (Jan. 21, 2021) - Zamboanga del Sur is now better equipped to cater to former rebels with the inauguration of the halfway house in Barangay Poblacion, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur on

Thursday, January 21, 2021.

The simple inauguration ceremony was graced by Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista.

In his message, Lt. Gen. Vinluan said, “In the past decades, we have been in conflict with our fellow countrymen but with our convergence of efforts, we have facilitated peaceful means to help our brothers and sisters return to the folds of the law.”

“With the opening of this halfway house which is intended to all those who wish to return to the mainstream society, we hope that more will be enlightened and encouraged to surrender,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

More or less Php4M worth of halfway house was realized through the convergence of government agencies and sectors in the Province of Zamboanga del Sur. It is part of the whole-of-nation approach of the government to end local communist armed conflict in the province.

Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, the Commanding Officer of the 53rd Infantry Battalion said the halfway house will be the temporary shelter and processing center of the former rebels. It will serve as a venue for the conduct of rehabilitation and skills training activities for them to become productive citizens of the community.

Meanwhile, Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu said, “I am very happy that this project has been realized. Rest assured that we will continue to actively support the government’s campaign to end the decades-long conflict in the province”.

During the inauguration, Governor Yu and Secretary Bautista led the ribbon-cutting while Reverend Father Anthony Mark Tampus officiated the blessing of the building.

In his message, Secretary Bautista said the halfway house is a beautiful manifestation of good governance and strong interagency collaboration.

Also present during the inauguration ceremony were the members of the TF-ELCAC and the former rebels. (with report and photos for WestMinCom-PIO)

NGCP appeals for public support, strict enforcement of RA 11361 as uncooperative landowners aggravate Mindanao power situation

 Tower 60 of NGCP's Baloi-Aurora 138kV line was toppled due to intentional pilferage at 10:13AM today, January 18. The sabotage caused a power interruption followed by manual load droppings affecting customers in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, and parts of Lanao del Norte.

By Jong Cadion

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PAGADIAN CITY (Jan. 20, 2021) - NGCP continues its appeal to the public, local and national government, and local community leaders to enforce the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines or RA 11361 as customers in Northwestern Mindanao continue to suffer prolonged power interruptions due to line trippings brought about by uncooperative landowners.

At 1:11PM of January 19, NGCP re-energized its Agus 5-Aurora 138KV line, which tripped at 8:30AM on the same day, after the trimming of maliciously planted vegetation which caused the fault at Sitio Taytay, Ditucalan, Iligan City. The vegetation overgrowth was caused by the landowner’s refusal to allow NGCP to conduct line clearing activities.

NGCP invoked RA 11361 or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act to enter the land and trim the illegally-planted vegetation under the transmission line's right-of-way (ROW) corridor.

On January 18, the Baloi-Aurora 138kV line tripped due to the toppling of Tower 60 by the intentional pilferage of tower parts. Overgrown vegetation also aggravated the situation as the landowner refused entry to NGCP personnel while demanding an exorbitant amount in payment for the intentionally planted vegetation.

As of 19 January, NGCP, in coordination with local authorities, was granted access by the landowner of the area where Tower 60 of the Baloi-Aurora 138kV line is located. Repair work in order to restore the said line will commence on Wednesday, 20 January. Permanent restoration of the toppled tower will be determined upon completion of damage assessment. Manual load droppings continue to be experienced by customers in the Northwestern Mindanao area while the line remains unrestored. 

Under RA 11361, it is illegal to construct hazardous improvements, plant vegetation, or perform any activity under the power corridor of transmission lines which may cause power interruptions. It is also illegal under the law to refuse entry to authorized transmission line personnel to conduct clearing and restoration activities. Any person found guilty of committing any of the prohibited acts shall be subject to a penalty of imprisonment of 6 months to 12 years and/or fine ranging from Php50,00000 up to Php200,000.00, at the discretion of the court.

“We implore the cooperation of landowners and the public to respect RA 11361 by not engaging in prohibited activities near or under the transmission line corridor. Hampering the delivery of power transmission services affects not only their immediate vicinity, but the entire region, including hospitals, schools, businesses, and entire communities which largely depend on electricity to operate especially at a time where we face a global health crisis such as COVID-19,” appealed NGCP.

Report any ROW violations or suspicious activities near transmission facilities to NGCP's TIP hotline at TIPNGCP@ngcp.ph or 0917-TIPNGCP (8476427) / 0918-TIPNGCP (8476427).###

NGCP Tower toppled due to sabotage

                                   # Tower 60 of NGCP's Baloi-Aurora 138kV line was toppled due to intentional pilferage at 10:13AM today, January 18. The sabotage caused a power interruption followed by manual load droppings affecting customers in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, and parts of Lanao del Norte.

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PAGADIAN CITY (Jan. 19, 2021) – The Electric power of the entire Zamboanga Peninsula area including Missamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte were shutdown after the Tower #60 of NGCP’s Balo-i-Aurora 138kV line in Poona, Tangcal, Lanao del Norte was toppled due to the intentional pilferage of transmission line parts, causing a power interruption at 10:13AM of January 18, NGCP official disclosed.

This incident was followed by manual load droppings affecting customers of ZAMSURECO I, ZAMSURECO II, ZANECO, MOELCI I, MOELCI II, and LANECO in parts of the Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, and parts of Lanao del Norte starting at 10:17AM.

NGCP is working with authorities to secure the area and to identify the perpetrators of the sabotage.

Restoration of tower 60 will commence as soon as the area is secure

The company stresses that any form of sabotage to transmission lines and structures only serve to increase the burden of the public, which must suffer through service interruptions when towers are sabotaged.

A stub angle, which forms part of Tower 60's foundation, was intentionally pilfered, with bolts and other tower parts dismantled. With the weakened foundation, perpetrators used ropes to topple the said tower.

NGCP continues its appeal to the public, local and national government, and local community leaders to help identify the perpetrators of sabotage and prevent power interruptions. (By JONG CADION with NGCP reporta and photos)

The toppled tower 60 of NGCP's Baloi-Aurora 138kV line is located in Poona, Tangcal, Lanao del Norte. Restoration of the said tower will commence as soon as the area is secured.

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Navy facilitates the rescue of passengers, crews of a distressed boat off Basilan

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Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City (January 14, 2021) - The Naval Forces Western Mindanao facilitated the prompt rescue of the passengers of a distressed boat in the waters off Basilan on January 13, 2021.

Mr. Reymar Wee, a resident of Tubig Putih, Luuk, Sulu informed the Naval Task Group Sulu thru a phone call regarding the incident involving his motor launch in the waters off Lampinigan Island, Isabela City, Basilan at around 4:33 a.m.

According to Mr. Wee, the boat captain named Sonny informed him that while en route from Zamboanga to Luuk, Sulu, ML “Queen Shaima 3” incurred a break hole in the hull which caused the water leakage into the engine room.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr.  said, “Our naval forces immediately conducted lateral coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and PNP maritime aboard Basilan province for the prompt rescue operation.”

“We are elated that our counterpart from the PCG immediately responded to the area and rescued the four passengers and 14 crew members of the said motor launch,” RAdm Adaci, Jr. added.

The passengers were identified as Angelica Sali, female, 19 years old, and a resident of Barangay Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City; Angel Enriquez, female, 21, from Tumaga, same city; and Jasmin Loyola, female, 19 and Erlin Moran, female, 19, both from Sta. Maria, same city.

During the initial investigation, Sonny revealed that they encountered a surge while passing through the area which caused the damage to the boat.

“Thank you to all our rescuers for saving our lives,” he said in the local language.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command said, “This successful operation is a result of the good collaboration and coordination among the different security agencies.”

“We are grateful that no one was hurt in the incident,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

The rescued personalities were brought to Isabela City port and are currently under the custody of the PCG. (By JONG CADION with PR & Photos from WestMinCom-PIO)