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.