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PRO7 nets P1.5-B illegal drugs in 2024

Vis-Min
Vis-Min /

The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) has shown a strong commitment to enhancing the safety and security of the Central Visayas community throughout the past year. PRO7 is proud to highlight its achievements as it reflects on its efforts, focusing on its unwavering dedication to serving the people of Central Visayas and fostering a peaceful, thriving region under the strategic leadership of Brig.Gen. Roy B. Parena, Officer-In-Command of PRO7. From January 1 to December 31, 2024, PRO7 initiated an active campaign against illegal activities, successfully conducting 7,557 anti-illegal drug operations. These efforts led to the apprehension of 8,772 drug offenders and the confiscation of 231,025.63 grams of illegal drugs, valued at P1,570,974,284.00, along with marijuana plants valued at P7,150,442.40. Additionally, 1,055 ampules of nubain were seized, with a total value of P121,325. In the fight against illegal gambling, our dedicated team arrested 12,624 individuals through 7,592 targeted operations, seizing cash totaling P1,361,385.75. Regarding loose firearms, PRO7 made significant progress, arresting 1,013 individuals and recovering 4,127 firearms, 148 explosives, and various types of ammunition through 3,942 targeted operations. Our commitment to locating wanted persons resulted in 7,259 operations, leading to the apprehension of 905 individuals on the most wanted list, as well as 6,354 others with court-issued warrants. In terms of crime statistics in Central Visayas, there was a notable reduction in index crimes, decreasing from 4,013 in 2023 to 3,662 cases in 2024, representing an 8.75 percent decline. Parena noted that the deployment of PRO7 personnel to places of convergence, the establishment of checkpoints, increased police visibility in crowded areas, and relentless anti-criminal operations contributed significantly to the notable reduction in focus crimes. Additionally, for the calendar year 2024, PRO7 recorded a 99.24 percent clearance efficiency and an 89.07 percent solution efficiency for the Peace and Order Indicator, attributed to the aggressive efforts and the diligence of investigators in ensuring that appropriate cases are properly referred or filed in courts of jurisdiction. “As we continue to fulfill our mandated tasks of preventing crime, maintaining peace and order, and ensuring public safety, PRO7 has made meaningful progress in Central Visayas through our effective anti-crime strategies. I commend each police officer for their unwavering commitment and integrity in serving the Central Visayas community. Let’s continue this work together!” said Parena. (PRO7-PIO)    

Baguio surpasses 2024 tree planting target

Environment
Environment /

By Julie G. Fianza   BAGUIO CITY — As part of the Saleng/Pine Tree Festival celebration and for the environmental renewal program of the city, a total of 3,198 seedlings were planted last year by various groups in different locations. Said number surpassed the target of 10,000 seedlings for planting set by the Urban Forestry Management Division by in-charge Floro Bastian and as reported to City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) head Atty. Rhenan Diwas and Assistant head Engr. Marivic Empizo. Eighteen Baguio elementary, secondary and tertiary schools; 21 local and national offices/agencies, 7 companies and some home-grown businesses, 25 private and professional organizations and 54 barangays participated with 10,251 participants. Coffee, citrus, cherry guava, ice cream bean, and other fruit-bearing trees were planted, as with Pine tree, Calliandra, bottle brush, Norfolk Pine, Ipil-ipil and Paper bark tree seedlings were propagated and made available to the public for planting. The trees were planted in backyards, school grounds, parks and gardens, watersheds, in Irisan Eco-park and Diplomat hotel, and barangay-owned areas. There were also seedlings planted in the neighboring municipality of La Trinidad and notably, 250 pine seedlings were given to partners in Gataran, Cagayan. In addition, 500 seedlings for planting in city dwellers’ backyards and private lots were also distributed during the 7th and Christmas version of the Environmental Waste Management and Sustainability Fair, Dec. 15, 2024 at Session Road and Malcolm Square. According to Bastian, quarterly monitoring of the trees planted starts this month, with an ideal survival expectancy of 80%. With a monthly sustainability fair targeted starting January 2025, 400 seedlings every month may be distributed to interested city dweller planters. Bastian also said their office’ basic functions of planting, monitoring, nurturing and tree care point towards environmental protection, one of the city’s sustainable goals. (With reports from the Urban Forestry Management Division)  

14-year old boy lost right arm due to fireworks

Baguio City
Baguio City /

A suspected victim of stray bullet and a boy who lost a hand due to a prohibited type of pyrotechnic device were among the nine fireworks-related injuries recorded in the city during the holiday merrymaking. As of press time Friday, January 3, the Baguio City Police Office was verifying the alleged stray bullet incident where the victim was reportedly a 32-year-old male from San Luis Village who sustained an abrasion on the right side and back of his body. He was treated at the hospital and subsequently discharged. Another unfortunate case was a 14-year-old male from Military Cutoff who got his right hand mangled due to the prohibited device known as crying cow or pla pla resulting the amputation of his right arm. The City Epidemiological and Surveillance Unit (CESU) of the City Health Services Office (CHSO) said the incident was the first case of fireworks-caused amputation in the city since 2009 when documentation of fireworks-related injuries was strengthened. The other cases logged by the CESU from 12 midnight of Dec. 24, 2024 to 5:59 a.m. Jan. 3, 2025 were: A 14-year-old male from Gabriela Silang who sustained an eye injury due to “boga”; a nine-year-old male from Asin Road with a right thumb blast injury due to Five Star; a 10-year-old male from Alfonso Tabora with blast injuries in the abdomen, thigh and firearm due to boga; and a seven -year old male from Bakakeng Central who sustained eye injury again due to boga; A 13-year-old male, Pinget (boga), eye injury, active, treated and sent home; a 27-year-old female from Asin Road (kwitis), eye injury, treated and sent home; and a 16-year-old male, Gibraltar (boga), second degree burn, posterior calf area, treated and sent home. The CESU said the number of cases, although still not final as surveillance runs until Jan. 4, appeared to be lower than last year’s record of 12 cases. “Boga,” or an improvised noisemaker made out of polyvinyl pipe which is among the devices banned under the law figured prominently in the surveillance having caused most of the injuries with victims mostly minors. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said it is unfortunate that such incidents had to happen when the city implemented the ordinance prohibiting the sale and use of banned devices. The BCPO launched a crackdown on prohibited devices in several operations in different barangay that yielded loads of banned devices and perpetrators who were mostly minors. – Aileen P. Refuerzo-Baguio PIO

Oriental Mindoro cops undergo surprise drug test

Region 4
Region 4 /

Oriental Mindoro Police Provincial Office headed by Col, Edison Revita, took a decisive step in ensuring the integrity and professionalism of its personnel by leading a province-wide surprise drug testing at the Provincial Headquarters, Barangay Cacawan, Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro. on January 2, The activity was conducted in strict adherence to the directive of Brig.Gen Roger Quesada, regional director, who has been leading efforts to intensify internal cleansing measures within PRO MIMAROPA. The surprise drug testing was facilitated by the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) headed by Lt.Col. Jocelyn Julian, Chief PFU, involving 100 randomly selected personnel, yielded 100% negative results. This outcome ensures the personnel’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace and highlights their dedication in fostering public trust and confidence in law enforcement.  

Aktibidad malapit sa Mayon Volcano, ipinagbawal

Region 5
Region 5 /

By EDumlao, Albay PIO   LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — Patuloy ang abiso ng Provicial Tourism,Culture (PTCAO) sa mga ipinagbabawal na aktibidad malapit sa bulkang Mayon. Ayon kay Dorothy F. Colle, Albay Provincial Tourism Officer, pinagbabawal ang mga aktibidad na gaya ng summit trekking o ang pag-akyat malapit sa aktibong bulkan. Ito ay dahil sa mga naitatala pa rin na rockfall event mula rito. Samantala, ang mga aktibidad lamang sa Mayon Skyline Viewdeck at Mayon SkyDrive ATV Adventure ang maari sa kasalukuyan.  

PPMC takes over interim operations of San Fernando Seaport

Business
Business /

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has authorized its subsidiary, Poro Point Management Corp., (PPMC) to manage the interim operations of the San Fernando Seaport in La Union following the lease contract expiration of the seaport’s previous operator. BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang and PPMC President and CEO Felix S. Racadio signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) granting PPMC interim operational control over the seaport, and ensuring the continuity of operations and provision of services in the seaport area. This came after the lease contract of the previous operator, Poro Point Industrial Corp., (PPIC) expired on October 31, 2024, and the company signified its intent to cease operations. “The BCDA recognizes the vital role played by the San Fernando Seaport in facilitating international trade, boosting supply chains, and supporting various industries in La Union and Northern Luzon. The seaport has been a key driver of growth, generating jobs and livelihood for the community,” PCEO Bingcang said. “That is why there is a need to ensure that services in the seaport are uninterrupted. We thank the PPMC for taking on this task on an interim basis.” PPIC was formed by the BCDA, PPMC, and Bulk Handlers Inc. (BHI) in 1999 to manage the San Fernando Seaport. Prior to the expiration of PPIC’s lease, BCDA offered the company a three-month holdover authority to ensure uninterrupted operations of the seaport while it is preparing for a competitive bidding for a new operator. However, PPIC declined the offer and confirmed its intent to cease operations. To ensure continuity, the BCDA Board of Directors authorized PPMC to take over interim seaport operations effective November 6, 2024. This MOA formalizes this interim arrangement until a new operator is selected. “With the trust that the BCDA has given us, PPMC assures that it will perform our task of managing the seaport well,” PCEO Racadio said. Under the MOA, PPMC shall ensure the continued provision of key services, including cargo handling, customs brokerage, warehousing, and equipment rentals. It is also tasked to oversee the safety and security, environmental protection, trade facilitation, and labor regulations in the seaport. It shall maintain and repair all the structures in the area. Formerly known as the US Wallace Air Station, the 236.5-hectare Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone is being positioned as a vibrant tourism and investment destination to drive growth in La Union and Northern Luzon. It has also contributed to La Union’s transport and logistics sector through its own airport and international seaport.          

Yap thanks Palace for Benguet Day law

CAR
CAR /

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Finally, Benguet Day will now officially be held every 23rd of November following the signing of Republic Act 12099 recently. RA 12099, was signed into law December 13, 2024 recognizes November 23 of every year as a special non-working holiday in the province to be known as Benguet Day in commemoration of its foundation day. Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap, who filed the bill which eventually became a law explained the 23rd of November 1900 was the momentous day when the first civil government in Benguet was established. “We’re elated with the enactment of this into law, finally, kinikilala na ng batas ng Pilipinas ang Nov 23 bilang holiday sa Benguet in commemoration of our birth. Alam naman ng lahat na talagang November 23 ang selebrasyon ng Benguet Day at by filing this Bill, I would like to give proper recognition sa pinagmulan ng ating probinsya,” said Yap. The solon pointed out that the rich history of Benguet indicates that although the people of the province are comprised of different groups, tribes, and cultures, they have harmoniously co-existed through the government established then for the said purpose. Yap underscored that the inception of the civil government of Benguet under Act 48 with its then Civil Governor H.P, Whitmarsh has needless to say, paved the way for the sustained growth and development of the province for over a century now. “We actually filed for the first time this last Congress pa, it hurdled Congress and it was passed by the House pero naipit sa Senate. Based on the records of Congress, it was the first time na nai-file itong ganito but hindi naman na relevant yun kasi this term, we made sure to lobby hard sa Senate. It was a very complicated process kasi kahit local holiday lang siya, there’s a lot to consider. Kailangan pag-aralan yung economic impact din and a lot more. I had to be there every step of the way kasabay nung ibang nilalapit natin sa Senado and I thank Sen JV Ejercito for sponsoring this sa plenary. And of course, our President Bongbong Marcos for the enactment of this law,” added Yap. The declaration of every November 23rd as a special non-working holiday in Benguet, according to Yap, in celebration of its founding anniversary will surely provide the appropriate opportunity for the province to revisit its past and re-connect with its roots. Yap added that the declaration of the special non-working holiday in the province provides a reason for the province to celebrate milestones, big or small, that have since the civil government’s creation over a century ago. Yap also explained that when the holiday falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the holiday shall be observed on the Monday that follows. The law also repealed RA 7672 declaring June 18 as a special non – working holiday in the province. “June 18 will still hold a significant place in our history and I will speak with Governor Diclas to plan an activity every year to recognize din yung date na yun sa history ng province,” Yap qupped. RA12099 meanwhile, was passed in the House of Representatives on Sept. 5, 2022, amended by the Senate on August 27, 2024 and which amendments were concurred by the lower house on Sept. 25. “Marami pa tayong pinupush na mapasa na batas, lalo yung mga local bills natin.Marami na tayong napasa din na may impact sa senior citizens, youth, work force, agriculture sector and health. But there’s still a lot of work so we will not rest until makuha natin yun,” Yap closed.      

Gambito reinforces traffic directive in Nueva Vizcaya

Region 2
Region 2 /

  By Rachel Magday   BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has reiterated his directive to law enforcement officials to issue citation tickets to motorists who fail to adhere to traffic enforcers’ rules and regulations. This comes as the province braces for anticipated traffic congestion on the national highway due to the resumption of road construction activities on January 6, 2025. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region II had temporarily suspended these road projects from December 20, 2024 to January 5, 2025 to accommodate the influx of vehicles as people returned to their provinces in the Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region(CAR) for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. In an advisory released by DPWH Regional Office, they announced that road construction activities would resume on January 6. The department is appealing for public cooperation in following traffic rules and regulations. They also urge motorists to avoid counter-flowing to prevent any incidents that could worsen traffic congestion. To manage the expected increase in traffic, additional police personnel will be deployed to key areas to assist in traffic management and ensure smooth vehicular flow. The traffic plan includes a 30-minute interval system at certain construction sites to facilitate one-way traffic flow and minimize delays. Additionally, the DPWH recommends the following alternate route for motorists to help avoid traffic congestion: Ifugao Route: Enter Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya Proceed to Lamut, Ifugao Pass through the towns of Lagawe, Banaue, Mayoyao, Aguinaldo, and Alfonso Lista, all in Ifugao Exit through Ramon, Isabela Time Travel: Approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes – Distance: 180 kilometers Governor Gambito has also instructed the contractors of these DPWH projects to deploy additional flagmen at their construction sites, ensuring their presence 24 hours a day. This measure aims to enhance safety and provide constant guidance to motorists navigating through construction zones. Gambito emphasized the importance of cooperation from all road users. “We urge everyone to follow the traffic rules and respect the guidance of our traffic enforcers and flagmen. These road projects are crucial for our community’s development, and your patience and cooperation are vital to their successful completion.” The DPWH assured the public that they are making every effort to expedite the completion of these projects, which aim to provide a safer, faster, and more reliable road network for everyone. For commuters’ information, here are the details of the road construction programs and lane accessibility in the affected areas: Brgy. Nagsabaran, Diadi (K0297+325-K0297+550) Length: 225 meters, intermittent sections Some sections will undergo reblocking, but both outer lanes and the right-lane carriageway will be accessible. Expect a two-way traffic flow. Brgy. Kinacao, Bagabag (K0286+100-K0286+400) Length: 100 meters The left lane will undergo reconstruction, leaving only one lane accessible. Expect a one-way traffic flow with a 30-minute interval. Batu Bridge, Bambang (K0256+017) Length: 390.60 linear meters One lane will undergo maintenance works. Expect a one-way traffic flow with a 30-minute interval. Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly and exercise patience as these essential infrastructure improvements are underway.

Baguio’s economy did “pretty well” in 2024- Magalong

Baguio City
Baguio City /

BAGUIO CITY– “Things are going pretty well” when it comes to the Summer Capital’s economy, said Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in a recent media forum. Magalong said, after the Covid-19 pandemic, the city’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2021 was a little more than nine percent then grew to 11.3 percent in 2022 then settled at nine percent in 2023 after a technical correction due to a very high baseline. “We are looking forward to a higher GDP growth for the city this year, 2024, considering the fact that we have more MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises). We were able to issue more business permits.” He added that this year 2024, the amount of business permit fees collected increased by around P220 million and that there are about 600 more entrepreneurs in the city as compared to last year. “If you look at our figures last year, the city’s collection in terms of revenue is only at around P330 million. Now we are hitting about P540 million in terms of revenue derived from the business permits. So ibig sabihin, gumaganda ang ating economiya,” Magalong stressed. He said that the number of tourist arrivals have also increased especially in November and December, even on weekdays, with many accommodation establishments reporting to be fully booked during these months. He added that the city’s unemployment rate continues to be “very low” according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. (By Gabby Keith-Baguio PIO)            

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