Italian Government Gives Donations to Cagayan de Oro Flood Victims

by Ruchell L. Mula

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY NEWS - Coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the survivors of the recent tropical storm that hit Cagayan de Oro City are going to receive assorted non-food items donated by the Italian Government.

In behalf of the Italian Government, first secretary-deputy head of mission Alfonso Tagliaferri, Embassy of Italy in Manila turned over the donations to Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo, regional director of DSWD in Northern Mindanao, December 28, in the DSWD Field Office 10, Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.

Solamillo said in her acceptance message that the department is deeply honored and grateful for the Italian Government’s support and assistance.

“Rest assured that these items will reach the hands of the victims of Typhoon Sendong in the Region,” she said.

The donation such as 3,100 tarpaulins (woven plastic/4x6m), 580 tarpaulins, 286 pieces tents (collapsible/25sq.m), 6000 Jerry can (collapsible/10Lt), and eight units of Water Purifier (4cu.m/hour) are expected to assist the victims for them to be able to recover with the devastation caused by the typhoon.

Moreover, the department will be responsible in the distribution and documentation of the donated non-food items to the internally displaced families.

Palace condemns attacks by rebels in Surigao

Malacañang condemned on Tuesday the attacks by suspected members of the New People’s Army on mining firms in Surigao del Norte vowing to use the full force of the law in prosecuting and bringing to justice those who perpetrated the crime.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters in a briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, however that the government would remain on track in its pursuit of peace with the rebel groups.

“We condemn the atrocities. We condemn the violence. But peace is a better alternative to war that is why we are committed to the peace process,” Lacierda said.

“We will continue our efforts to pursue the peace negotiations because that is, we believe, the better option,” he added.

Lacierda said that upon learning of the incident at around noon on Monday, the President immediately convened a meeting with the Cabinet cluster concerned with security.

He said the President ordered Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to conduct a threat assessment as well as a review on operational procedures “in order to identify vulnerable targets…by the CPP-NPA-NDF.”

“So that is one way of making sure that we are in touch with the community and we’ll be able to identify the different threat assessments. Nonetheless, having the threat assessment, we are going to make sure that will provide security to the vulnerable areas,” Lacierda said.

He called on the leadership of the NPA to “exercise restraint” and work with government in order to attain peace.

“So this is the firm commitment of our government, of our administration: we will defend our people and they can be certain that will not stop at prosecuting and going after the rebels,” Lacierda said.

“We call on the CPP-NDF-NPA leadership to exercise restraint and to call on their troops to exercise restraint as part of confidence-building measures towards the peace process,” he said.

Suspected members of the NPA attacked three mining firms: Nickel Asia Corporation, Platinum Metals Group and THPAL Mining Company; all located in Claver, Surigao del Norte.

According to reports, the rebels, numbering some 200, burned down a total of 10 dump trucks, eight backhoes, two barges and a guesthouse. They also seized several guns from private security guards and smashed computers in site offices.

Shamcey Supsup Is Miss Universe 3rd Runner Up

Congratulations to Shamcey Supsup, for bagging the 3rd Runner Up place in the just concluded Miss Universe held in Brazil.

Philippines Should Now Holds Guinness World Record For Biggest Croc Ever Captured Alive

Texts: Joel Escol

PHILIPPINE NEWS – No doubt the Philippines should now hold the record as the holder of the title in the Guinness Book of World Records, for capturing alive the biggest crocodile of the planet.

This, after its last record of the biggest beast was only that of Cassius, the 5.5m saltwater crocodile which was captured off the Green Islands of Australia. Cassius is now at Marineland Melanesia, earlier reported as his home for almost 25 years already. Cassius holds the Guinness World Records as the largest captive croc, measuring 5.48 m (17 ft 11.75 in). The giant croc Cassius has some scars reportedly from his previous battles with the other beasts during his much younger years.

Toody Scott, the keeper of Marineland Melanesia said based on observations, Cassius has also shown his softer side when introduced to other female crocs. But Scott also caution that the crocodile looks can also be deceiving.

"He's a very wise croc, very good at pretending that he's nice and gentle," Mr Scott said, adding that Cassius can very much lull you into a false sense of security, which is what crocodiles are very good at doing. "I wouldn't trust him for a second."

As of this writing, there are at least 50 crocodiles that presently resides in Marineland Melanesia.

According to reliable information, the saltwater crocs (Crocodylus Porosus) like Calsius is recorded in history as the largest species of crocs in the Philippines and it can live over 100 years. It can grow up to 7 meters (23 ft)
Marineland Melanesia presently houses over 50 crocodiles, ranging from small hatchings to giants like "Cassius".

NEW RECORD
With the capture of Lolong, no doubt the Philippines is now holder of a world record. Lolong is the name given to the biggest crocodile that was captured alive in Bunawan town, some 450 miles off the coast of Southern Philippines. Lolong weights around 2,370 pounds and an awesome 21 feet long stretch. The name Lolong was in memory of a professional croc hunter from Palawan who died during the course of the hunting period of almost 2 months.

Biggest Croc of the World Captured in Philippines

A giant crocodile suspected of killing a fisherman who went missing since July this year was finally captured by the members of a crocodile farm and the villagers in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, Philippines, reports reaching this online magazine said.

The male crocodile weights around 2, 370 pounds (1,075 kgs) and measures 6.4 meters, much bigger than the one found in southern territory of Australia, while the other was also found in Fly River, Papua New Guinea. Both of the crocs measured 6.2 meters, reports said. The first crocodile was reportedly shot dead by poachers, while the second also succumbs the same fate when it was also killed in 1983.

If recorded official, the crocodile named “Lolong” could become the biggest crocodile of the world and it is hoped that the Guiness Book of World Records is one agency which could confirm the official measurement of the captured croc.
Town Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said the local government is now planning to establish an eco-tourism park for species found in Agusan marsh.



The largest crocodile ever held in captivity, on the other hand, is an Estuarine–Siamese hybrid named Yai (meaning “big” in Thai) which was born on June 10,1972, at the famous Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo in Thailand. This animal measures 6 m (19.69 ft) (19 ft 8 in) in length and weighs 1114.27 kg.
The largest captive crocodile alive in the US is located in South Carolina. In June 2002, Alligator Adventure introduced Utan, born in 1964 in Thailand. At 20 feet (6.1 m) long and weighing in at more than a ton, “Utan”, the largest crocodile to ever be exhibited in the United States resides in Myrtle Beach. – with reports frompinoypower.net)

Tornado kills 1, injures 4 in Valencia City

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

VALENCIA CITY NEWS – A tornado ripped through three (3) villages in Valencia City, Bukidnon, killing a one-year-old boy and injuring four (4) people at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, September 3.

Reports reaching Gov. Alex Calingasan said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), immediately, responded through the emergency rescue teams of the Army Reserve Command, 1003rd CDC, City DRRMC emergency rescue units, ABC Eagles and Kabalikat Civicom Volunteers, among others.

The medical examiner’s report said ‘drowning' ruled the cause of 1-year-old James Alumin’s death, Arsenio Alagenio, Executive Officer of the PDRRMC, said.

James’ mother, Mary Grace Alumin, 22, said she saw her one-year old boy swept away by hard-blowing wind waves and slammed the boy upside-down to a nearby National Irrigation Admnistration (NIA) main canal, separating him from her hug, as the strong winds tore off their roofs pulling up their frail house.

PDEA-10’s drive against the illegal drugs trade gains ground

By Juliet Cagaanan

MINDANAO NEWS – There is no let up in the fight against illegal drugs in Northern Mindanao.

This assurance came from Regional Director Roberto S. Opeña of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), region 10, who said they have continued to implement measures to eradicate the illegal-drugs business in the region.

He said operatives of PDEA-10 conducted a buy-bust operation at Riverside Balongis, Balulang, this City last August 27, at around 3:00 p.m., a day before the fiesta of Sr. San Agustin, the Patron Saint of the city, which is called the City of Golden Friendship.

The said operation resulted in the arrest of Macabida Amerol y Pacot, , 36 years old, male, married and a resident of the area, who is among the Target Listed Drug Personality (TLDP).

Bought from the suspect by a PDEA undercover agent were two (2) pieces of heat sealed transparent plastic sachets believed to be shabu.

Also recovered were six (6) pieces heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets believed to be shabu, and 35 pieces of empty plastic sachets with shabu residues.

Last Aug. 23, at around 7:50 a.m., a buy-bust operation at Purok 10, Barangay Poblacion, Valencia City conducted by operatives of the PDEA Bukidnon Provincial Office, also resulted in the arrest of Mark Dionson Manangkila, 38 years old, male, married, carpenter who is a Target Listed Drug Personality (TLDP), and Norma Dela Rosa Inda, 51 years old, female, married and a housewife, who is a Watch Listed Drug Personality (WLDP).

Both pushers were caught after conniving to sell one (1) pc. heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu to a PDEA undercover agent.

Also recovered from their possession and control were four (4) pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.

The suspects are now temporarily detained at PDEA Regional Office and Bukidnon Sub-Office for booking and documentation while seized drug evidences were brought to PNP Provincial Crime Laboratory for examination.

Likewise, appropriate charges for violation of Sections 5 & 11 of RA 9165 against the suspects are now being prepared for filing in court. (PDEA)

DOH, Bukidnon PHO Join Battle Vs. Dengue

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY NEWS - Admitting there is an uncertain research result on the vaccine against dengue, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) here, has called for continuous active participation of the residents on anti-dengue drive largely based on prevention over treatment.

Dr. Teresita Damasco, Provincial Health Officer, said dengue is everyone's concern and should do their share in cleanliness, since this is still the best weapon to fight the dreadful disease.

In the latest report to Governor Alex Calingasan, PHO surveillance data shows there were only 275 cases from January until now, compared to 1,505 cases in the same months of 2010, hence a drop rate of more than 80 percent.

Despite this, Damasco urged the people of Bukidnon to be more alert as dengue peaks during August to September, the perfect time it hits vulnerable areas.

“Dengue is a man-made problem because mosquitoes that carry dengue need our containers, refrigerators, old tires, empty bottles and cans, drains, and solid wastes as ideal breeding sites,” she said in a simultaneous radio broadcast aired over ten (10) AM and FM radio stations here.

Dr. Josephine Ibalio, dengue control service coordinator of the DOH, likewise, has detailed again the 4S campaign, which are: Search and destroy mosquito breeding places; Self-protection through use of mosquito nets and wearing of long sleeve shirts and pants; Seek early consultation and treatment if symptoms persist; and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.

Since mosquitoes breed near houses, says Dr. Ibalio, any intervention must begin at the household level, to eliminate larvae and eggs so they won't produce adults that can transmit the disease.

With these preventive activities, the DOH and PHO join forces to create as much awareness as possible among the children, their families and the community.

“But shifting ‘ownership’ of dengue control from government to the people pose a serious challenge because people still think it’s the government's business," Dr. Ibalio said.

“The message is that it's not the government’s or local agencies' sole responsibility; we all have to pitch in because, in the long run, it's our own health we're promoting," she explained.

Meanwhile, Damasco applauds the DOH for laying-out so clearly what the local government’s Rural Health Units (RHUs) must do:

Promote coordination, stimulate environmental actions, provide quality care for dengue patients, standardized reporting, and prepare for outbreaks.

PNP Northern Mindanao awards outstanding men, women in service

by Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 15 – Deserving units and individuals who have manifested dedication, passion and loyalty in the service were given due recognition during the 110th Police Service Anniversary held at Camp Alagar, this city, today.

This highlighted this year’s celebration with the theme “Sandaang Taon at Dekadang Paglilingkod ng Kapulisan Kaagapay ng Sambayanan, Tungo sa Matuwid na Daan.”

In the ceremony, Police Director Victorino S. Panganiban, Jr, Director, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations – Eastern Mindanao, the guest of honor and speaker, assisted by P/Chief Superintendent Conrado E. Laza, presented the awards and citations.

PNP personnel awardees were Police Senior Superintendent Gerardo M. Rosales, Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration; P/SSupt. Robert G. Quenery, Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Operation; PCInsp. Reynante E. Reyes, Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer; SPO3 Emilio M. Lusaria, Best Senior Police Non-Commissioner Officer; PO2 Jaazaniah Jose M. Bongcawil, Best Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer; Sonia Bacasmot, Best Non-Uniformed Personnel, Non-Supervisory Level; and P02 Vergen T. De Leon, Best Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) Desk Officer.

The Regional Finalist, Lead PNP Award of the year 2010 was given to PSInsp. Elmer F. Robas and PSInsp. Ariel I. Pontillas.

With the celebration, Dir. Panganiban urged the men and women in PNP, “Let us do good for our fellows, do good for the community and for the good of the country and democracy.”

He reiterated to them to remain steadfast in their commitment to keep the honor and pride of wearing their badge as the most widely recognized symbol of police authority and public trust.

P/Director Victorino S. Panganiban Jr, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations – Eastern Mindanao, as guest of honor and speaker during the 110th Police Service celebration of Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao, presents a Regional Director’s streamer and plaque of recognition to Cagayan de Oro City Public Safety Company as Best PSC in the city as well as in the country. (Rodolfo D. Mendoza / PIA-10)

Suspected Drug Pusher Nabbed in Iligan City

by Juliet Caga-anan

ILIGAN CITY NEWS - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has captured a drug pusher following an entrapment operation in Iligan city.


At around 5:30 p.m. on August 11, 2011, operatives of PDEA in Northern Mindanao arrested suspect, Maribel Yurong Pontillan, after handing over one (1) elongated heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu to a PDEA agent who acted as the poseur-buyer at Relax CN Inn, Purok 7 Tambacan, Iligan city.


PDEA Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr., said also recovered from her possession and control were 15 pieces elongated and two (2) pieces medium size heat sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, one (1) improvised wooden sealer, one (1) piece lighter, one (1) piece lighter with improvised needle, one (1) piece blade, two (2) rolled aluminum foil use as improvised tooter and one (1) aluminum strip with suspected shabu residue.


PDEA-10 Regional Director Roberto S. Opeña said the suspect identified is a female, married, 41 years old, housewife and residing at Purok 7 Tambacan, Iligan City.


Meanwhile, Opeña underscored the relentless efforts of operatives under his command in curbing illegal drugs activities.



He vowed to keep PDEA in the region aggressive in its stance against illegal drug targets.



Suspect is now temporarily detained at the Iligan City Police Station 4 for booking and documentation while seized drug and non-drug were brought to Iligan City Crime Laboratory for quantitative and qualitative examination.



Violation of Sections 5, 11, 12 and 15 of Art. II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 is now being readied for filing charges in court.