Founders, participants of the Integrity Initiative commended

The Senate adopted a resolution commending the founders and participants of Integrity Initiative for their efforts to institutionalize integrity standards among all sectors of society and curb corruption in the country.

Sen. Teofisto "TG" Guingona III, who introduced Resolution 868, said the founders and participants of Integrity Initiative deserves to be recognized for its efforts to minimize if not totally eradicate corruption since it’s the greatest impediment to good governance, transparency and accountability in any nation.

Guingona said the resolution also urged government to require all private firms engaged in business to sign the “Integrity Pledge,” a formal agreement to adhere to ethical business practices and to support a national campaign against corruption.

“Private sector initiatives such as this reignited hope for the nation and helps the government restore the trust and confidence of its people,” Guingona said.

"Integrity, transparency and accountability are the three main ingredients needed to finally curb the culture of corruption in our society. We are all called not only to do our jobs competently, but to live our lives with integrity," Guingona said.

A commendation, he said, is in order for the founders, participants and supporters of the Integrity Initiative. (Mae Joy Albano- Miranda)

NIA Administrator leads harvest festival in Isabela, hails increase in farmers income

The Administrator strikes a pose at one of the display booths at the side of the Roxas Astrodome during the Rice Harvest Festival on September 12, 2014. (left to right) MARIIS-Division III Manager William B. Oppuer, NIA-Public Affairs and Information Staff Manager Pilipina P. Bermudez, MARIIS Administrative and Finance Manager Editha Valledor Daguio Morales, Roxas Mayor Benedict C. Calderon, and MARIIS Operations Manager Mariano G. Dancel.

ROXAS, Isabela - Despite the water supply challenge during the start of this cropping season, farmers in the NIA-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (MARIIS) are now reaping their golden harvest.

Administrator Florencio F. Padernal, together with MARIIS Operations Manager Mariano G. Dancel and Isabela Governor Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy, led the ceremonial harvest on a rice farm under the North East Siffu Council of Irrigators Association here on September 12, 2014.

About 117,000 metric tons of palay have been harvested from 23,000 hectares of rice lands in the System.   Engr. Dancel proudly shared that MARIIS is the first to harvest palay for this cropping season.

“Water supply was low from April to May but we pushed for early water delivery and now farmers are getting higher prices for their produce,” he said.

He said that in 2012, MARIIS farmers reported an average income of P36,000 per hectare but for this year the reported average income has increased to P67,000.

Administrator Florencio F. Padernal congratulated the MARIIS farmers for a very good harvest.  “But we have to look forward to the next harvest which should be better,” he challenged.

He said the National Irrigation Administration will always support the MARIIS farmers and provide them with efficient irrigation service.  “In turn, this would result to improved income for the irrigators groups and farmers,” the Administrator said.

More farmers to plant rice in Isabela, thanks to new irrigation structure

SAN ISIDRO, Isabela-Corn farmers in four barangays in San Isidro, Isabela can now shift to rice farming as the Patanad Diversion Dam and Patanad Pumping Station start to operate after years of waiting. This will eventually contribute in the National Irrigation Agency (NIA)’s efforts in increasing rice production in the country.

The Patanad Diversion Dam, which was inaugurated on April 23, 2014, reuses water from Quitabayag Creek that traverses Barangay Patanad to irrigate 200 hectares of farmland that were previously used mostly for corn. The construction of the diversion dam sparked hope among corn farmers who wanted to shift to rice and to those with farmlands in elevated areas.

Part of the project is the construction of the Patanad Pumping Station, which was opened on June 26, 2014, that would irrigate about 250 hectares in four barangays namely Patanad, Camarag, Gomez, and Doña Paulina. It started irrigating 115 hectares of rice land for wet crop 2014 and the rest of the benefitted area will be irrigated on the next cropping season once lands have been converted from corn to rice farming. Prior to the pump system, farmers have been using their own diesel-powered pumps.

Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (MARIIS) Operations Manager Engr. Mariano G. Dancel said that the presence of the project signals the beginning of a more progressive agricultural economy in the municipality. As of December 2013, MARIIS had been irrigating 60% of agricultural lands in the municipality and the construction of the project will surely increase irrigated areas.

Farmer-beneficiaries, as well as local government officials, expressed their gratitude to NIA because of the positive impact of the project to the municipality. San Isidro Mayor Rey Socrates L. Velasco said the project will surely improve the lives of farmers who have long been waiting for irrigation. Barangay Patanad chief Virgilio Castillo on the other hand said that the construction of the diversion dam was the happiest event held in their barangay and that it will truly change their lives.

Engr. Dancel, speaking on behalf of NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal, said that farmers could count on the agency to look for more lands to irrigate as it is NIA’s mandate and to provide farmers with improved irrigation service.

13 senators signed as co-authors Drilon: Bangsamoro bill gets bipartisan support

MANILA-The Bangsamoro Basic Law draft is drawing a strong bipartisan support in the Senate, according to Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, with more than half of the senators including the four members of the minority group signing as co-authors of the bill.

“The BBL draft is getting broad support from both parties in the Senate. The minority bloc led by acting minority leader, Senator Vicento Sotto III signed as co-authors of the proposed measure,” said Drilon.

The BBL draft will be filed today. It will then be referred to the Senate Committee on Local Governance headed by Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  and the Senate Committee on Peace, Unification and Reconciliation chaired by Senator Teofisto Guingona III.

Drilon welcomed the minority bloc's acknowledgement of the BBL as a crucial instrument of peace and progress: "It only shows that the desire of peace knows no political color.”

"It is good to know that the majority of the senators support the quest for peace. The concept of having a new organic act that will establish the new Bangsamoro political entity seems acceptable to them,” said Drilon.

“With more people working on the BBL, we can better scrutinize every detail of the bill and ensure that every single word in the proposed measures will be reviewed, examined and debated upon,” underscored Drilon.

The Senate leader thus encouraged his colleagues to take an active role in the crafting of the BBL and devote time and effort to scrutinize the bill.

“We cannot afford to err on this most-sought piece of legislation. Our people won’t forgive us if we fail to pass it on time. It is therefore incumbent upon us to make sure that the efforts exerted by both panels will not be put in vain, by ensuring that the BBL we will debate upon will be in accordance with the Constitution and can withstand judicial scrutiny,” he emphasized.

Aside from Sotto and the minority bloc senators Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito and Gregorio Honasan, the other lawmakers who signed as co-authors include Senate Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Majority Leader Allan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Loren Legarda, Sen. Guingona, Sen. Francis Escudero, Se. Bam Aquino, Sen. Sonny Angara, and Sen. Pia Cayetano.

REMULLA: VP BINAY FLIES TO CAGAYAN, ISABELA TO CHECK NEEDS OF TYPHOON VICTIMS

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, the Vice Presidential spokesperson for political concerns, said that Vice President Jejomar C. Binay has decided to postpone his live address on issues raised in recent Senate hearings and instead see to the needs of the victims of typhoon Luis in Cagayan and Isabela.

“There will be an appropriate time to address the issues raised during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. The Vice President believes the needs of the typhoon victims are immediate and should be attended to,” Remulla said.

“Work continues for the Vice President amidst accusations against him and his family. Right now, his priority is the welfare of the people of Cagayan and Isabela who are suffering from the onslaught of typhoon Luis,” he added.

The Vice President is now in Cagayan to personally assess the damage caused by the typhoon. He is currently in Peñablanca and will proceed to Iguig, Amulong and Alcala.

Binay is also expected to extend help to typhoon survivors in Isabela, his home province.

Senate passes Chemistry Profession Act

The Senate today approved on third and final reading a bill which seeks to regulate and modernize the practice of chemistry in the Philippines.

            Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, author and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 914, also known as the Chemistry Profession Act of 2014, said that the existing Republic Act 754 which was enacted in 1952 needed to be reformulated in order to make the law more responsive to the recent developments in Science and Technology.

            Trillanes said that during the 15^th Congress, the bill was passed on final reading in the House of Representatives but had not been approved in the Senate due to time constraint.

            “Significant changes brought about by the rapid developments in chemistry, science and technology, the rise of international standards, global competition, as well as concerns for the environment, climate change and sustainable development necessitate changes in the chemistry law so that it wil1 be more responsive to these modern developments,” Trillanes said.

            Trillanes said the bill also aimed to update the definition of chemistry and the scope of its professional practice, rationalize the relationship between chemistry and its allied professions and bring the practice of chemistry in line with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Modernization Act of 2000 (RA 8981), as well as national concerns related chemistry, such as toxic and hazardous and nuclear waste Act (RA 6969) and dangerous drugs Act (RA 9165).

            He said the bill called for the creation of the Professional Regulatory Board of Chemistry which will supervise and regulate the practice of the chemistry profession in the Philippines. The board shall also determine the requirements and evaluate the qualifications of the applicants for registration and renewal of license of registered chemists and registered chemical technicians.

Under the proposed legislation, the board shall be composed of a chairperson and two members under the administrative control and supervision of the PRC to be referred to as the Commission. Members of the board shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines.

Trillanes said that a person who wished to practice chemistry and chemical analysis must obtain a certificate of registration and pass the licensure examination given by the Professional Regulatory Board of Chemistry.  

            “Chemistry plays an important role in every aspect of life -from scientific or academic endeavor to its application in everyday life. Without the proper regulation of its application and practice, it has the potential to become a threat to the safety of the public,” Trillanes said. (Olive Caunan)

ANGARA CALLS ON YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE MORE IN NATION-BUILDING

MANILA-With the growing dissatisfaction with government and increasing disinterest of the youth to participate in democratic activities, Senator Sonny Angara has called on the youth, as future leaders and decision-makers, to be more active in nation-building to attain a more meaningful democracy in the country.

Angara has filed a resolution calling on the Senate to join the community of nations and parliaments around the world in commemorating the 7th International Day of Democracy (IDD) on Monday with the theme, "Engaging Youth on Democracy."

"This year’s observance of the IDD highlights the crucial role of today’s young people in building a better world. Totoo nga na ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan buhat ng kanilang talento, kakayanan at potensyal. Marapat na sa kanila natin ituro ang mga prinsipyo ng demokrasya na ating pinahahalagahan," the senator said in his sponsorship speech.

At present, we have the largest youth generation in human history with an estimated 1.8 billion youth aged 10 to 24, which is equivalent to a quarter of the world’s population. 

In addition, another quarter of the world population is composed of children under the age of 10.

Here in the Philippines, there is a total of 30.4 million Filipino youth aged 15 to 24, which accounted for 31 percent of the total population in 2013. 

Based on the April 2014 Labor Force Survey, among the three million unemployed Filipinos, half are from the idle youth.

"Many young people, in reality, are marginalized and deprived of the opportunities that our globalizing world has to offer. As lawmakers, this is an impelling reminder that the need to promote and protect the well-being of our youth is as urgent now as ever," Angara said.

He emphasized the need to continue to work towards universal access to quality education at all levels to provide our youth with the fundamental platform for their participation in the democratic process. 

"We have made strides in enacting landmark legislation in education and health. However, we need to pursue more measures that will optimize their physical, mental and emotional health so our young Filipinos will grow into strong contributors to our society," added the lawmaker, who is one of the authors of the Kindergarten law and the Universal Healthcare law.

Angara further noted that the youth's dissatisfaction with government and disinterest in democratic activities, particularly during elections where there is a low turnout among youth voters, can threaten the future of the country's representative democracy.

"As parliamentarians, we should be able to forge a stronger partnership with the Filipino youth if we reach out to them in the language that they understand and respond to, and through their channels. Information and communications technology and the prominence of new media have made it easier for us to gauge and elicit youth opinion on timely issues. We have better access in understanding their needs. We need to imbue among our youth a renewed sense of awareness and enthusiasm to participate in decision-making," said Angara, who is among the most active senators in social media.

He added, "We are called to strengthen our dialogue with the youth by being transparent, sincere and accountable, in order to restore their dwindling faith in our nation’s institutions and dispel their growing dissatisfaction and detachment in the democratic process."

Ecija drug pusher killed in shootout with cops

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – A suspected drug pusher in the watch list of the police was killed in a shootout with combined operatives from the provincial public safety company (PPSC) and local policemen in Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija Friday night.

          Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, provincial police director, identified the slain suspect as Ronaldo Balagtas alias Manok of barangay Purok Riverside, Barangay San Vicente, Gapan City.

          Balagtas  died on-the-spot.

         Superintendent Ricardo Villanueva, PSSC commander, has gained notoriety as a drug pusher in Peñaranda and neighboring municipalities in the fourth congressional district.

          Villanueva said Balagtas was selling shabu in Barangay Poblacion 1 when a police team led by PO2 Nestor Ison of the PPSC and Senior Inspector Rod Clemente of the Peñaranda police rushed to the area after being tipped off by a civilian informant.

          When Balagtas spotted the lawmen, he immediately rode his motorcycle and sped away while firing shots at them, triggering a running gunbattle.

          The lawmen caught up with Balagtas in an irrigation canal where he abandoned his vehicle and continue to exchange gunfire with them. He was eventually overpowered and shot dead.

          Lawmen recovered from the encounter scene a caliber 38 revolver, undetermined volume of drugs and the get-away vehicle. 

Tap P3.6 B travel tax collection to build restrooms so tourists won't 'self pee' anywhere - Recto

MANILA-Government was told to earmark part of its P3.6 billion annual travel tax collection for the building of roadside rest rooms so that local and foreign tourists bound for the “sun, sea, sand, shopping” destinations will not “self pee” anywhere.

Sen. Ralph Recto made the recommendation to Tourism officials Thursday during the Senate hearing on the proposed 2015 budget of the Department of Tourism (DoT).

Recto said that in many feedback surveys, the absence of clean toilets has been listed as a major complaint by travelers.

“When a tourist comes out of the plane, the first destination he goes to is the restroom.  So if we believe in the power of first impression, then we should make restrooms presentable,” Recto told Tourism officials led by DoT secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr.  

Recto said government should tap travel tax payments made by departing passengers, in building more restrooms “possibly under a joint venture scheme with local governments, state colleges, civic groups, tourism associations.”

As to source of funds, Recto said “government collects about P10 million in travel tax a day. Just a day’s collection can already build several comfort rooms.” 

One “priority area” where these should be built, Recto said, is along national highways.

“If you travel the whole length of the Pan Philippine Highway from Aparri to General Santos or to Zamboanga, eh mabibilang mo lang sa daliri mo ang restrooms owned and maintained by the government,” Recto said.

“The public toilet per kilometer ratio is one of the lowest in the world,” he said. “The last report I read is that there’s about 1 for every 1,000 kilometers.”

With the Philippines targeting 8.2 million foreign visitors and 51.7 million domestic tourists next year – which has been declared as Visit Philippines Year –  “then all the more that we should build more restrooms which can cater to more tourists,” Recto said.

While commercial facilities like restaurants and gas stations have toilets, Recto said the ideal situation is that one can have access to a toilet “without having to buy a burger.” 

“Maraming mga lugar na walang gas station o fastfood. So ano gagawin ng isang turista? Eh di malamang  ‘self pee’ na lang  kahit saan,” Recto said.

To address the lack of “roadside comfort facilities,” Recto urged the DoT of studying the possibility of offering equity to local governments, state schools, civic groups in building and maintaining “comfort stations that can have other functions as well.”

“Pwedeng maging pasalubong center o kaya isang lugar na pwedeng kunan ng tourist brochures. Pwedeng tayuan ng convenience store. State colleges, which have the land, can use one as a practicum area for their HRM or hotel restaurant management students,” he said.

He said these facilities can be self-sustaining and income generating. “You know some malls make money out of pay-per-use toilets.”

Recto, who is the Senate President Pro-Tempore, chairs the Finance subcommittee which hears the budget of the DoT and its allied agencies.

For next year, the DoT and its three attached agencies have a proposed budget of P3.8 billion.

Operating budgets of five DoT corporations will total P5.7 billion, but these are off-budget items not included in the General Appropriations Act.

One of the DoT affiliated corporations is the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) which is responsible for collecting the travel tax.

Under a Marcos-era law, the latter is imposed on departing airline passengers at the following rates:  P1,620 for an economy class passenger, P800 for certain types of travelers,  and P300 for dependents of  Overseas Filipino Workers.

Not all travel collections are retained by TIEZA as 40 percent is remitted to the Commission on Higher Education.  After mandated shares of other agencies are deducted, it is left with half of the collections, which it uses for its operations and to finance tourism projects.

The government will also be spending P16.3 billion to build or repair roads to tourist destinations and P10.2 billion to improve seaports and airports. The budgets for the two are, however, lodged in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) respectively.

Recto said DPWH should study the feasibility of including the construction of restrooms on public lots along the major roads they will build. 

Legarda Discusses Women Empowerment Issues with Japan PM Abe

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda stressed the role of women in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and raised the issue of economic empowerment of the female population during a group meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the World Assembly for Women in Tokyo, Japan.

Legarda, the only Philippine participant in the high level symposium, along with six other participants from Asia, had a meeting with Prime Minister Abe following the opening program of the assembly on September 12, 2014.

During his opening speech at the assembly, Prime Minister Abe said: “We must bring about a world in which all people, both women and men, shine. Japan will continue its support towards the resolution of issues involving women.”

Noting the Prime Minister’s statement, Legarda stressed the need to address the vulnerability of women to disasters during the group meeting, “We must address the vulnerability of women by empowering them and engaging them in disaster risk reduction and management, an area where Japan can help the Philippines.”

Legarda said that Japan has been a venue for important global DRR initiatives. In 2005, the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), a 10-year plan aimed at making the world safer from natural hazards through five priority actions, was adopted during the World Conference on Disaster Reduction held in Kobe, Japan.

In 2015, the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction will be held in Sendai, Japan, where there will be an assessment and review of the implementation of the HFA and nations will adopt a post-2015 framework for DRR.

“These conventions provide a venue where Japan can share its best practices and know-how in the area of disaster resilience and work in collaboration with other nations, including the Philippines, while recognizing the important role of women in the process,” said Legarda.

The Senator also called for greater support for women, especially housewives, who want to explore opportunities for additional income for their families.

“Women should have access to capital for micro enterprises for economic empowerment. We need to provide viable income alternatives to women and allow them to participate in livelihood and other economic activities,” said Legarda as she thanked the Prime Minister for Japan’s continuous development aid to the Philippines.

Japan is the Philippines largest source of official development assistance (ODA). Promoting women’s welfare is a top priority of Japan in extending development aid to developing nations.

Tap P3.6 B travel tax collection to build restrooms so tourists won't 'self pee' anywhere - Recto

MANILA-Government was told to earmark part of its P3.6 billion annual travel tax collection for the building of roadside rest rooms so that local and foreign tourists bound for the “sun, sea, sand, shopping” destinations will not “self pee” anywhere.

Sen. Ralph Recto made the recommendation to Tourism officials Thursday during the Senate hearing on the proposed 2015 budget of the Department of Tourism (DoT).

Recto said that in many feedback surveys, the absence of clean toilets has been listed as a major complaint by travelers.

“When a tourist comes out of the plane, the first destination he goes to is the restroom.  So if we believe in the power of first impression, then we should make restrooms presentable,” Recto told Tourism officials led by DoT secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr.  

Recto said government should tap travel tax payments made by departing passengers, in building more restrooms “possibly under a joint venture scheme with local governments, state colleges, civic groups, tourism associations.”

As to source of funds, Recto said “government collects about P5 million in travel tax a day. Just a day’s collection can already build several comfort rooms.” 

One “priority area” where these should be built, Recto said, is along national highways.

“If you travel the whole length of the Pan Philippine Highway from Aparri to General Santos or to Zamboanga, eh mabibilang mo lang sa daliri mo ang restrooms owned and maintained by the government,” Recto said.

“The public toilet per kilometer ratio is one of the lowest in the world,” he said. “The last report I read is that there’s about 1 for every 1,000 kilometers.”

With the Philippines targeting 8.2 million foreign visitors and 51.7 million domestic tourists next year – which has been declared as Visit Philippines Year –  “then all the more that we should build more restrooms which can cater to more tourists,” Recto said.

While commercial facilities like restaurants and gas stations have toilets, Recto said the ideal situation is that one can have access to a toilet “without having to buy a burger.” 

“Maraming mga lugar na walang gas station o fastfood. So ano gagawin ng isang turista? Eh di malamang  ‘self pee’ na lang  kahit saan,” Recto said.

To address the lack of “roadside comfort facilities,” Recto urged the DoT of studying the possibility of offering equity to local governments, state schools, civic groups in building and maintaining “comfort stations that can have other functions as well.”

“Pwedeng maging pasalubong center o kaya isang lugar na pwedeng kunan ng tourist brochures. Pwedeng tayuan ng convenience store. State colleges, which have the land, can use one as a practicum area for their HRM or hotel restaurant management students,” he said.

He said these facilities can be self-sustaining and income generating. “You know some malls make money out of pay-per-use toilets.”

Recto, who is the Senate President Pro-Tempore, chairs the Finance subcommittee which hears the budget of the DoT and its allied agencies.

For next year, the DoT and its three attached agencies have a proposed budget of P3.8 billion.

Operating budgets of five DoT corporations will total P5.7 billion, but these are off-budget items not included in the General Appropriations Act.

One of the DoT affiliated corporations is the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) which is responsible for collecting the travel tax.

Under a Marcos-era law, the latter is imposed on departing airline passengers at the following rates:  P1,620 for an economy class passenger, P800 for certain types of travelers,  and P300 for dependents of  Overseas Filipino Workers.

Not all travel collections are retained by TIEZA as 40 percent is remitted to the Commission on Higher Education.  After mandated shares of other agencies are deducted, it is left with half of the collections, which it uses for its operations and to finance tourism projects.

The government will also be spending P16.3 billion to build or repair roads to tourist destinations and P10.2 billion to improve seaports and airports. The budgets for the two are, however, lodged in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) respectively.

Recto said DPWH should study the feasibility of including the construction of restrooms on public lots along the major roads they will build.

PNP, PDEA RAID SHABU WAREHOUSE, ARREST 4 CHINESE NATIONALS

CAMP OLIVAS, CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA- On September 12, 2014 at around 11:30 in the morning, joint elements of RAIDSOTF3, PDEA National Office, PDEA Region 3 and Intelligence Operations Section, RID3  conducted simultaneous search warrant operations in a warehouse at Greenville Subdivision, Brgy San Jose and Brgy Sindalan, all in City of San Fernando, Pampanga  which resulted in the apprehension of Jason LEE, 28 years old, Willy YAP, 26 years old,  Near Tan, 26  years old  and Ying Ying Huang @ Sophia, all native of Xiamen, China.

 

Recovered inside the warehouse were the following: more or less 725kgs shabu; 250kgs ephedrine still undetermined value and 29 sacks of undetermined substance to be examined at the PDEA laboratory. Also recovered were one (I) Montero; one (1) close van truck; one (1)  Toyota Fortuner; and, one  (1) old look Toyota Corolla.

 

Arrested persons and seized items are presently under the custody of PDEA National Office for proper disposition.

 

 

            PCSUPT PETRASANTA lauded the operating troops for a job well done and further stated that PNP PRO3 is continuously conducting pro-active operations and invigorates its efforts to wipe out all forms of illegal drugs in order to achieve its quest for a drug free Central Luzon.

San Jose City is Ecija’s crime capital --PNP report

SAN JOSE CITY – This northern Nueva Ecija city has emerged as Nueva Ecija’s crime capital, posting 561 crime incidents in the first eight months of the year, accounting for roughly 10 percent of the total crime volume in the province.

          Crime incidents in the city were more than the combined crime volume in Talavera and Guimba of 460.

The city emerged no. 1 with the most number of robberies (44), thefts (176), carnapping (38), homicide (14) and physical injuries (267). It was second to Cabanatuan in terms of rape incidents with 15.

          Cabanatuan recorded the most number of murders with 17 followed by Aliaga with 17 and Gapan City and Talavera with eight each.

The city was second only to San Jose in homicide cases with 11 followed by Talavera with nine.               

            Records from the Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office showed that the province – involving five cities and 27 municipalities – recorded 5,652 crime incidents over the period of which 2,429 or 43 percent were solved and 4,250 (75%) were cleared.

          Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, provincial police director,  said a case is considered cleared when the suspect has been identified while it is deemed solved when a case has been filed in court.

          Of the 5,652 crime incidents, 2,916 were index and 2,736 non-index crimes. Index  crimes refer to crimes against persons such as murder, homicide, physical injuries, rape among others. Non-index crimes include those against  property such as robbery, theft, cattle rustling and carnapping.

          Of the index crimes, 2,013 (69%) were cleared while 1,158 (39%) were solved. For non-index crimes, 2,237 (81%) were cleared while 1,271 (46%) were solved.

          The province posted an average monthly crime rate of 30.35 per population of 2,068,962.

          Of the crimes, 130 were murder cases, 113 homicide, 1,520 were physical injuries, 120 rape, 279 robberies, 584 thefts, 165 carnapping and five cattle-rustling incidents. – Manny Galvez