3 lady drug traffickers nabbed in Guagua

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Three lady drug traffickers believed responsible in the widespread distribution of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) in Guagua and Floridablanca towns were arrested by authorities during a buy-bust operation at Barangay San Nicolas yesterday.

Supt. Angelito Esteban, Guagua police chief, identified the suspects as Jovelyn Lictao, 39, of Brgy. San Nicolas 1st , Gina Martinez, 34, of Brgy. Sta. Monica, Sta. Rita town, and Annisa Andong Calma, 40, native of Cotabato and resident of Brgy. Calantas, Floridablanca.

Police said the suspects did not resist arrest.

In his report to Senior Supt. Rodolfo Recomono Jr., director of Pampanga Provincial Police Office, Esteban said the suspects’ apprehension came in the wake of reports on their alleged involvement in the illegal drugs trade in Guagua town.

He said the suspects were placed under close watch by police operatives before the buy-bust operation was launched against them.

During interrogation, Esteban said the suspects admitted their involvement in the illegal activities. “They operate in Guagua and Floridablanca,” he added.

Seized from the suspects include quantitative amount of shabu, dusted money and huge amount of cash believed to be proceeds in the sale of illegal drugs.

The suspects remained under police custody as criminal complaint is being readied against them. – Jess Malabanan

Fort Magsaysay execs hit for imposing Martial Law-style discipline inside camp

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City – The leadership of the Army’s 7^th Infantry Division inside the military reservation here named after democracy icon, former President Ramon Magsaysay has come under fire from city and barangay officials for imposing strict security procedures reminiscent of Martial Law that allegedly infringe on the human  rights of residents within the camp and nearby communities.

          Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas and officials of at least two barangays  decried the sudden imposition of a curfew in barangays Doña Josefa and Militar covered by the reservation, which she said, restricted the movement and civil liberties of residents, particularly during nighttime.

          She accused 7^th ID officials of failing to consult the civilian leadership before setting up checkpoints in the two barangays which has caused alarm and inconvenienced the residents.

The outspoken Cuevas minced no words and immediately confronted Camp Commander Lt. Col. Edgar Batenga on the new security policy during a three-hour dialogue at the mayor’s residence Wednesday afternoon. “This (curfew) is not right and this is trampling on the rights of my constituents,” she told Batenga during a face-off.

Batenga, who represented 7^th ID commander, Brig. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, was accompanied here by Capt. Mark Ruelos, division spokesperson.

Batenga earned the ire of Cuevas and the other city officials after he ordered closed Gate 5 manned by the socalledAlorma detachment at the camp and implemented a curfew from 9 pm to 4:30 am. The policy has affected people who use the gate in getting to their residence.

Doña Josefa barangay chairman Aurelio Lapagao told Batenga that the security measure has been affecting a lot of people, including Pinatubo victims and indigenous  peoples living in the place.

Batenga said they imposed the security measure to prevent the indiscriminate intrusion of informal settlers inside the camp. “We are just following orders from higher authorities and what is provided by law,” he said.

He said the reservation used to cover a vast expanse of land covering 76,000  hectares but its land area has shrunk to only 44,000 hectares due mainly to the entry of informal settlers.

The exchange between Batenga and Cuevas became heated when the military officer told local officials they should help protect the reservation. “Under Section 30 of Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development Housing Act, local government units are supposed to help us protect the military reservation,” he said.

“But as the mayor here, I should be consulted. There is nothing in the law that says you restrict the movement of humans,” Cuevas barked. “I’m just protecting the welfare of my constituents.”

Batenga said the reason why informal settlers mushroomed inside the camp was because before, no one was inspecting them to which Cuevas replied : “It’s your fault.”

Lawyer Paul Cuniano, city legal officer, said the affected barangays have been established by law and are supposed to have access to national roads but have been restricted with boundaries.

“Imagine from 9 pm to 4:30 am you cannot move outside of the camp? That’s a basic constitutional right,” he said.

It was not the first time that this military camp, considered the biggest in the country and one of the biggest in Southeast, was linked to represession and violation of human rights. It was here when President Aquino’s father, late former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and fellow senator Jose Diokno were placed under solitary confinement to stifle dissent during the Martial Law years.

This camp also figured prominently in a series of coup attempts against the administration of President Aquino’s late mother, then President Corazon Aquino in 1989 staged by then-colonel and now Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan. – Manny Galvez 

NIA strengthens partnership with Bugkalot Tribe

NIA, Quezon City – The recent meeting between the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), LGU officials,  and the Bugkalot Confederation on December 3, 2014 ended with a positive note as Dr. Florencio F. Padernal took on the lead in clearing the path to resolve issues regarding the tribe’s claims.

Two major issues raised by the tribe, led by Mayor of Nagtipunan, Quirino and Bugkalot Chieftain Rosario K. Camma, include the percentage share of the tribe from the gross income derived from CalEnergy Power Plant’s power generation and at least 10% environmental release from the dam weirs from Casecnan and Taan Rivers.

According to a statement from the Bugkalot Confederation dated November 18, 2014, the 10% environmental water release from dam weirs required as per NWRB Resolution 01-0901 dated September 24, 2001 was ignored resulting to the drying up of the Casecnan and Taan rivers thus affecting the aquatic resources of the rivers and sacrificing the livelihood of many Bugkalot tribesmen.

Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Representative Carlos M. Padilla added that the the most expensive fish in the country, the ludong, started to disappear in the Casecnan River. “All the water goes to Casecnan in Nueva Ecija affecting other localities and creating ‘social problems’ that push the people to seek help from local politicians,” he added.

To address the issues, Dr. Padernal pushed that a timeline of events be prepared and submitted before the year ends to retrace the history of the issues between NIA, CalEnergy, CMIPP, and the Bugkalot tribe. He tapped the NCIP to submit and collate the documents related to the issue to establish an objective history.

Also, the NIA Administrator emphasized on the importance of a convergence meeting among the agencies concerned and stakeholders in January 2015 to create a comprehensive and doable action plan that will address the issues on the project.

Abakada Party-list Representative Jonathan dela Cruz expressed his gratitude to Dr. Padernal for the initiatives that will be undertaken by the agency in line with the concerns of the Bugkalot tribe.

Also present in the meeting were Jerry Pasigian and Robert Cabarroguis of the Bugkalot Confederation; Percy Brawner and Atty. Petronilo Dubadeb of NCIP; and other NIA officials.

NIA Central Office, Quezon City – Dr. Florencio F. Padernal led NIA officials in meeting with the Bugkalot Confederation on December 3, 2014 to facilitate the resolution of issues regarding the tribe’s claims pertaining to the implementation of the Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project (CMIPP) in Nueva Ecija. Attending the meeting were NIA Deputy Administrators Estrella E. Icasiano and Erdolfo B. Domingo, Atty. Pepito Padilla of Legal Services, PAIS Manager Pilipina P. Bermudez, CMIPP Manager Alexander Coloma, and Operations Manager Florentino David. Also present were Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Representative Carlos M. Padilla, Abakada Party-list Rep. Jonatahn dela Cruz, Nagtipunan, Quirino Mayor and Bugkalot Chieftain Rosario K. Camma, Jerry Pasigian and Robert Cabarroguis of the Bugkalot Confederation, and Percy Brawner and Atty. Petronio Dubadeb from NCIP.

Legarda Commends F. Sionil Jose

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda honored the contribution of National Artist Francisco Sionil Jose to literature and journalism through a Resolution adopted by the Senate during its session on December 9, 2014.

Legarda authored Senate Resolution 1045 to recognize F. Sionil Jose’s contribution to literature and journalism.

“F. Sionil Jose has been an inspiration to several generations of writers and journalists through his essays, his role as a publisher, his lectures, his iconic bookshop Solidaridad and his founding of the Philippine chapter of the PEN, an international organization of poets, writers and novelists,” said Legarda.

“Cognizant of his artistic and literary genius and for his perseverance to instill national pride through the arts, it is but fitting that F. Sionil Jose, be recognized and honored,” she stressed.

F. Sionil Jose, who turned 90 years old last December 3, is considered as one of the prominent writers in the English language. His works have been translated to twenty-eight (28) languages, including Czech, Indonesian, French, Korean, Russian, Latvian and Dutch.

He has received numerous accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Pablo Neruda Centennial Award, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres, and the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature, among others.

Senator Loren Legarda honors National Artist Francisco Sionil Jose through Senate Resolution 1045, which recognizes his contribution to literature and journalism and his perseverance to instill national pride through the arts. Also in photo is Mr. Jose’s wife, Teresita.

Senate commends Miss Earth 2014

MANILA-The Senate today adopted a resolution congratulating Jamie Herrell for winning the Miss Earth 2014 competition on November 29, 2014 at the University of the Philippines Theater in Diliman, Quezon City.

Senate Resolution No. 1039, authored by Senator Lito Lapid, recognized the achievement of Herrell when she won the prestigious title against 83 other candidates from all over the world.

“Nineteen-year old Miss Earth Philippines 2013 title holder Jamie Herrell made the country proud when she won the prestigious Miss Earth crown on November 29, 2014,” the resolution stated.

The Cebuana beauty is the second Filipina to bag the Miss Earth title next to Karla Henry, also a Cebuana, who won in 2008.

Aside from the Miss Earth title, Herrell also took home three special awards namely Miss Earth Hannah’s Beach Resort, Best in Swimsuit and Sun for Miss Earth.

The Miss Earth competition was organized in 2001 to promote environmental awareness and the preservation of the earth.

“By being crowned this years’ most beautiful woman in the planet, Jamie Herrell gave Filipinos unparalleled pride and showed the world the grace and excellence of Filipino beauty,” the resolution said.  (Olive Caunan)

Senate commends national artist F. Sionil Jose

MANILA-The Senate today adopted Senate Resolution No. 1045, commending National Artist Francisco Sionil Jose for his distinguished contribution to literature and journalism.

Senate Resolution No. 1045, introduced by Sen. Loren Legarda, recognized Sionil Jose’s “artistic and literary genius, and his perseverance to instill national pride through the arts.”

Born in Rosales, Pangasinan, on December 3, 1924, Sionil Jose is considered as one of the country’s most prominent writers in the English language, his works having been translated to twenty-two languages, including Czech, Indonesian, French, Korean, Russian, Latvian and Dutch.

He has received numerous accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Pablo Neruda Award, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres, and the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for literature, among others.

He was bestowed the title of National Artist of the Philippines for Literature in 2001.

“He has been an inspiration to several generations of writers and journalists through his essays, his role as a publisher, his lectures, his iconic bookshop, Solidaridad, and his founding of the Philippine chapter of the PEN, an international organization of poets, writers and novelists,” the Resolution said. (Yvonne Almirañez)

Legarda Hails Vigan Win in New7Wonders Cities

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today expressed jubilation over the inclusion of the Historic City of Vigan in the New7Wonders Cities.

“I am happy that Vigan made it to the New7Wonders Cities. I congratulate the city government of Vigan, led by Mayor Eva Singson Medina, for its efforts and intensive campaign to make this possible,” said Legarda, who also actively campaigned for the city’s bid.

Aside from Vigan, the other winning cities are Beirut in Lebanon, Doha in Qatar, Durban in South Africa, Havana in Cuba, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and La Paz in Bolivia.

“Through this achievement, the hard work of Vigan’s government and citizens to preserve their history and promote culture while working towards sustainable development will be highlighted and hopefully emulated,” she added.

Legarda said that she hopes this would inspire Filipino communities to also work towards making their towns, cities and municipalities into habitable heritage communities like Vigan.

Vigan City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was also awarded the 2012 Best Practice for World Heritage Site Management by UNESCO.

“Vigan is an example of how communities should work to be aware of their heritage, which should be appreciated, preserved and properly utilized to achieve meaningful and sustainable progress,” Legarda concluded.

TRADOC convenes Multi-Sector Advisory Board

CAPAS, Tarlac-Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) convened Wednesday the Multi-Sector Advisory Board (MSAB) who shall be its partner in attaining the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) by 2028.

 

“MSAB was created for the purpose of promoting continuity, sustainability, and shared responsibility for the ATR at the second level TRADOC Scorecard and third level Performance Governance Scorecard,” TRADOC Commander Major General Ivan Samarita said.

 

“It is tasked to ensure adoption and institutionalization of Performance Governance System as embodied in the ATR and translate into the Unit Strategy Map and Performance Governance Scorecard; provide assessment of ATR-related programs, projects, and activities, and recommend relevant policies critical in achieving breakthrough results; enhance partnerships with key stakeholders and generate public support for the TRADOC ATR and the Unit Strategy Map; evaluate the Command’s performance relative to its scorecard and the implementation of ATR-related programs, projects, and activities; and assist in the generation of additional resources to support the unit’s programs, projects, and activities,” Samarita added.

 

The initial members of the MSAB include Tarlac Vice Governor Enrique Cojuangco Jr. who was elected Chairperson, and businessman retired Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Vidad who was chosen as Vice Chairperson.

 

Voted as committee heads were Tarlac State University - Testing Center Director Dr. Rodrigo Sicat for Governance, Provincial Board Member Henry Cruz for Resource Generation, PIA Planning and Communication Research Officer and Pampanga Provincial Manager Carlo Lorenzo Datu for Strategic Communication, and Health Development For All Foundation Executive Director Brenda Furagganan for Assessment and Review.

 

Completing the 10-man MSAB are Provincial Board Member Carlito David, University of the Philippines Open University Chancellor Dr. Grace Alfonso, Capas Evangelical Ministerial Organization President Pastor Leo Luangco, and Tarlac State University professor Dr. Remedios Domingo.

Mini-Putrajaya gov’t centers to rise in Palayan, 3 other sites in Phl

PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – A government center serving as a miniature version of the Putrajaya federal administrative center of Malaysia is in the works in this once laid-back city.

          The Putrajaya-type government center cum business hub is envisioned by Alloy MTD, the Malaysian conglomerate which forged a joint venture agreement with the provincial government for the construction of the P1.5-billion Palayan City Business Hub (PCBH) at a 3.4-hectare site in Barangay Singalat at the back of City Hall.

          Isaac David, president of Alloy MTD Philippines which is a subsidiary of Alloy MTD Malaysia, said they are not only committed to offer world-class facilities but give comfort and convenience to people and thus, will pursue government centers patterned after Putrajaya.

          Putrajaya is a planned city 25 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur. Made up of a network of open spaces and wide boulevards, it was constructed in 1995 as the biggest project in Malaysia and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia at a cost of $8.1 billion.

          Alloy MTD bankrolled the construction of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Calabarzon Regional Government Center (CRGC). It is targeting to construct P10 billion worth of government centers  in the country through Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the CRGC serving as template.

          Last Thursday, officials of Alloy MTD and its subsidiary joined Gov. Aurelio Umali in ground-breaking activities for the PCBH, considered yet as the single, biggest Capitol project under the Umali administration.

Present during the rites were Azmil Khalid, chief executive officer of Alloy MTD Group of Malaysia and head of the Malaysia-Philippines Business Council (MPBC), David, Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas whose city government donated the lot for the project site which will house buildings for government offices with retail and commercial spaces, two state-of-the-art business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings, a 75-room business hotel and plaza to serve as activity center. 

The main building will be occupied by national offices that will relocate from Cabanatuan to serve as one-stop shop of all government services.

Cuevas said the PCBH is labor-intensive and will generate  13,000 jobs, 10,000 of which in call centers alone, with the rest to come from the operations of the various commercial establishments, the hotel and the government offices.

Alloy MTD is a leading Asian infrastructure conglomerate operating in 13 countries, notably the United States, United Kingdom, China, Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Chile.

Aside from infrastructure, its operations range from civil engineering and construction, manufacturing, energy, port operations, real estate and property development and operation and maintenance. It has developed world-class mountain roads, highways, bridges and engaged in geotechnical works, highway maintenance and erosion control.

Alloy MTD and MTD Philippines constructed the P3.9-billion, 36-kilometer SLEX in Calamba, Laguna which was completed in February 2012 and the P2.5-billion CRGC, dubbed the “Complete City” in Barangay Mapagong, also in Calamba housing offices in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Quezon.

David said in keeping with its avowed mission to establish world-class one-stop shop regional government centers in one accessible location per region across the country through PPP, they will be constructing three government centers worth P6.2 billion.

These are the P1.5-billion,70,000 square meter “The Octagon” in Palo, Leyte, the P3.7-billion “Pili Complex” in Camarines Sur and the P1-billion government center in Maguindanao.

Like the PCBH, the three mega-projects will all have buildings for government offices, retail and commercial spaces, BPOs, business hotel and Capitol buildings.

The Octagon will have a hospital and evacuation center while the Pili Complex will have a hospital and a university, multi-use theater, condotel and a three-storey mosque and dome just like the  Maguindanao project. A fourth project is the Plaza del Pueblo de Vigan in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. (Manny Galvez)

NE Capitol, Malaysian investor to set up world-class gov’t center cum trade hub

PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – A giant Malaysian conglomerate which bankrolled the construction of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Calabarzon Regional Government Center (CRGC) has tied up with the Nueva Ecija provincial government to establish a P1.5-billion, world-class new government center and business hub in this provincial capital in what is considered yet as the single, biggest Capitol project under the Umali administration.

The mega-project, dubbed the Nueva Ecija Government Center-Central Business Park (NEGC-CBP), was unveiled during ground-breaking ceremonies at a 3.4-hectare site in Barangay Singalat at the back of the newly refurbished city hall.

Gov. Aurelio Umali, who conceptualized the mega-project, said it is a joint venture between MTD Philippines, a subsidiary of Malaysian conglomerate Alloy MTD, and the provincial government under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. The province was the first local government unit (LGU) to enact a PPP Code.

Umali led the ground-breaking rites for the project along with third district Rep. Czarina Umali, Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas, Dato Azmil Khalid, chief executive officer of Alloy MTD Group of Malaysia and head of the Malaysia-Philippines Business Council (MPBC) and MTD Philippines president Isaac David.

The project site was donated to the provincial government by the city government under Cuevas whose husband, renowned businessman Vince Cuevas, helped spearhead the negotiations. 

The Cuevas couple said the mega-project is labor-intensive and will generate a whopping 13,000 jobs, 10,000 of which in call centers alone, with the rest to come from the operations of the various commercial establishments, the hotel and the government offices.

Alloy MTD, based in Malaysia, is a leading Asian infrastructure conglomerate operating in the global market, with projects in 13 countries, notably the United States, United Kingdom, China, Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Chile.

Aside from infrastructure, its track record covers a wide range of operations from civil engineering and construction, manufacturing, energy, port operations, real estate and property development and operation and maintenance.

It has extensive experience in the development of world-class mountain roads, highways, bridges and in geotechnical works, highway maintenance and erosion control.

MTD Philippines is Alloy MTD’s investment arm based in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City with interest in infrastructure development and energy.

Its avowed mission is to establish world-class one-stop shop regional government centers in one accessible location per region across the country through PPP.

Umali said some of the firm’s big-ticket projects are the P3.9-billion, 36-kilometer SLEX in Calamba, Laguna which was completed in February 2012 and the P2.5-billion CRGC, dubbed the “Complete City” in Barangay Mapagong, also in Calamba housing offices in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Quezon.   

The mega-project in this city, which will be finished in two years, was undertaken after MTD Philippines submitted an unsolicited proposal to develop the property donated by the city government to the provincial government by leasing it to the Capitol for 50 years, extendable for another 25 years.

To be constructed in the site are buildings for government offices with retail and commercial spaces, two state-of-the-art business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings, a 75-room business hotel and plaza to serve as activity center.  

The main building will be occupied by national offices that will relocate from the heavily congested Cabanatuan City to  consolidate all services in one location.

The provincial government is also eyeing, in tandem with a  consortium of private investors, to set up an information technology hub at a 15-hectare site in Cabanatuan City.

          In 2011, Antheros Corporation based in Muntinlupa City, has submitted an unsolicited proposal to the provincial government for the development of the “Nueva Ecija Core Business Hub.”

          The group is eyeing to construct modern office buildings, BPOs, call centers, a conference center and exhibition hall, business hotel, upscale residential facilities, medium-rise condominiums and shopping, entertainment, tourist and restaurant facilities in the site.

          Based on reports, IT firms now prefer to go to the provinces where it is more laid-back and the standard of living is lower compared with the fast pace of city life in the metropolis.

          Umali said the BPOs will be beneficial to many Novo Ecijanos who are known for their proficiency in the English language, harnessed by the language skills institute set up by the provincial government. (Manny Galvez)

Legarda Reminds Public on Typhoon and Storm Surge Preparedness

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today reminded citizens on ways to prepare for a typhoon as Typhoon Ruby starts to affect more areas in the country.

Legarda stressed that citizens, especially those in areas with public storm warning signals, should regularly monitor weather updates and advisories for evacuation; while disaster preparedness and response agencies should be on alert for emergencies and concerned government departments ready to provide basic needs and relief items for residents in temporary shelters and affected areas.

The Senator reminded citizens of measures to undertake based on the Disaster Preparedness and First Aid Handbook, a manual produced by the Committee on Climate Change, in partnership with various government agencies.

What to do in case of typhoons

·      Stay indoors and keep calm.

·      Monitor TV and radio reports.

·      Secure your home. Trim trees near dwellings.

·      Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

·      Go to the nearest designated evacuation center if your house is in a flood-prone area.

·      Have a flashlight and radio handy, with fresh batteries.

·      Stock up on food, potable water, kerosene, batteries, and first-aid supplies.

·      In case of flooding, turn off the main sources of electricity, gas and water in your home.

·      Stack furniture above the expected flood level. Keep appliances, valuables, chemicals, toxic substances, and garbage beyond the reach of floodwaters.

·      Avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, creeks and coastal areas, slopes, cliffs, and foothills. Rain can trigger landslides, rockslides or mudslides.

·      Avoid wading through flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.

·      Do not operate any electrical equipment during a flood.

·      Do not use gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded.

Legarda also cautioned communities of possible storm surges.

Storm surge is a sudden rise in sea level above normal, causing big waves as a tropical cyclone approaches the coast. A storm surge can sweep the coastline, and can extend several kilometers inland.

What to do when expecting a storm surge

·      Make plans for evacuating members of your family and yourself to higher ground before a storm surge takes place.

·      Stay off the beach when a weather disturbance is approaching or exists in your community.

·      Listen to the PAGASA Public Forecast/Warnings that are aired regularly. The storm surge warning is incorporated in the Domestic Bulletins.

·      As soon as possible, evacuate to higher ground and stay away from beaches when a typhoon approaches your community.

Rookie cop, suspected drug pusher killed in Ecija shootout

SAN ISIDRO, Nueva Ecija – A rookie policeman and a suspected drug pusher cum gun-for-hire were killed following a shootout here yesterday morning, police said.

Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, provincial police director, identified the fatalities as Police Officer 3 Jacinto Gregorio Jr. and suspected drug pusher Bernardo Magno, alias Boy of Barangay Calaba here.

Both Gregorio and Magno died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Nieves said the shootout erupted at around 6 am yesterday when joint operatives of the intelligence division of the Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office (NEPPO) and the provincial public safety company (PPSC) led by police Superintendent Ricardo Villanueva swooped down on Magno’s house, armed with a search warrant for violations of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

  While serving the search warrant, Villanueva’s team negotiated with Magno to surrender to prevent bloodshed as he was inside his house with his wife Chona, armed with long firearms.

But while trying to negotiate, a firefight ensued, which left Gregorio dead in a pool of blood. Magno was heavily wounded in an ensuing exchange of gunfire and was rushed to a hospital in Gapan City where he was pronounced dead-on-arrival.

Magno’s wife was unhurt.

Recovered from the encounter scene were one M-14 Armalite rifle, one M-16 Armalite rifle, one 12-gauge shotgun, one caliber 45 pistol and assorted live ammunitions, spent shells and illegal drugs.

Nieves said the operation was in line with the directive of Region 3 police director, Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta to all seven provincial directors in Central Luzon and the city station commanders to map out stricter security measures through the conduct of patrol operations and the serving of search warrants. (Manny Galvez)

Legarda to LGUs in Ruby Path: Relay Info to Citizens

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today called on all local government units  (LGUs) in the forecasted path of Typhoon Ruby to ensure that information about the storm is relayed to citizens so that everyone is prepared.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said it is crucial for LGUs, including barangay officials, to conduct information dissemination campaign on the strength of the typhoon and its effects including expected storm surges, and the community evacuation plan.

“Every barangay should gather their citizens or have roaming officials to inform citizens of the effects of the coming typhoon and the preparedness measures that every family should undertake. Are we expecting a storm surge? Then, we should warn our communities of the expected height of the waves and how far inland the flooding would reach. This would help us ensure that people are evacuated in safe places that would not be reached by the storm surge,” she said.

The Senator also reminded government agencies to carry out their respective duties in preparing for the typhoon.

“We should all be on heightened alert now as the storm has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility. We remind LGUs to ensure that all canals and drainage systems are cleaned up and no families are living in high-risk areas, release frequently updated advisories and ensure that areas expected to be affected are prepared--activate all forms of early warning systems, set up evacuation centers, evacuate families living in landslide-prone and flood-prone areas,” said Legarda.

She added that LGUs should implement forced evacuation when called for.  Shelters for evacuees should be well designed, built strong, and prepared ahead of time with emergency supplies of food, water, medicine, shelter, and toiletries, while government agencies are ready to augment the basic needs of evacuees.

Moreover, local disaster risk reduction and management officers should be alert. Quick communication, particularly real-time updates, is also vital in ensuring effective disaster response with first responders and search and rescue teams ready for dispatch anytime.