Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Camp BGen Vicente P. Lim – The Drug Enforcement Team of the Angono Municipal Police Station successfully arrested 5 drug suspects and seized P2,720,000.00 worth of shabu in Brarangay San Isidro, Angono, Rizal, on January 19, 2025. The arrested suspects were identified as alias “Rodney,” 27; alias “Melquiadez,” 73; and alias “Gladdys,” 45, all residents of Barangay San Isidro, Angono, Rizal, and listed as High-Value Individuals (HVI). Also arrested were alias “Jose,” 32, a resident of Barangay Muzon, Taytay, Rizal, and alias “Samuel,” 48, a resident of Barangay San Isidro, Angono, Rizal, both categorized as Street-Level Individuals (SLI). All suspects are under the Angono MPS Drug Watchlist. During the operation, authorities confiscated 11 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets and 2 knot-tied transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu, weighing 400 grams with a standard drug price of P2,720,000.00. Also seized were two Android phones, a digital weighing scale, a brown handbag, and buy-bust money. Regional Director PBGen Paul Kenneth T Lucas lauded the successful operation. “This accomplishment demonstrates our relentless efforts in combating illegal drugs. The arrest of these high value individuals is a significant step toward ensuring the safety and security of the community. Rest assured, we will continue to intensify our operations to protect the public and uphold the rule of law,” he said. Meanwhile, the arrested suspects, along with the confiscated evidence, are under the custody of the Angono MPS Custodial Facility, while cases for violation of RA 9165, also known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” is being prepared for filling at Rizal Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, Hilltop, Taytay, Rizal. RPIO4A

Vice Gov. Dy leads grand opening of Bambanti Village 2025

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

Vice Governor and Director General of the Bambanti Festival 2025, Hon. Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, officially inaugurated today the Bambanti Village’s Agri-Ecotourism Exhibit and Sale with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the Isabela Provincial Capitol Compound, on January 20. Tourism Regional Director Troy Alexander G. Miano, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and department heads of the Provincial Government of Isabela (PGI) also participated in the event. This year’s agri-ecotourism booth competition features 32 municipalities, along with the cities of Ilagan and Cauayan, each presenting unique Bambanti (scarecrow) installations. The competition is divided into two categories: Category A, comprising 11 participants from nine municipalities and two cities, and Category B, comprising 23 municipalities. The Bambanti Village aims to showcase the cultural heritage, traditions, and products of each municipality and city to the public.

Gov.Guico. kabilang sa Top 79 Notable Alumni ng UP Diliman

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

Kinilala bilang isa sa ‘Top 79 Notable Alumni’ ng University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman si Governor Ramon V. Guico III. Sa isang independent metric-based site na Edurank, kinilala si Gov. Guico, kasama ang mga kilalang personalidad tulad nina dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, dating Pangalawang Pangulo Leni Robredo, at mamamahayag na si Maria Ressa. Nakuha ni Gov. Guico ang ika-61 na pwesto. Ang EduRank ay isang kagalang-galang na independent organization na sumusuri sa mga institusyong pangmataas na edukasyon sa buong mundo batay sa iba’t ibang salik tulad ng akademikong reputasyon, output ng pananaliksik, at mga pagsusuri ng estudyante. Si Gov. Guico ay nagtapos ng Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at kumuha rin ng Master’s degree in Education with a Major in Educational Administration sa UP Diliman. Ang UP Diliman ay nakaantas na ika-625 sa buong mundo, ika-125 sa Asya, at ika-5 sa Pilipinas batay sa pinagsamang kasikatan ng mga alumni. Mula nang maupo sa pwesto noong 2022, si Governor Guico ay nagpatupad ng makabagong istilo ng pamumuno sa Pangasinan sa pamamagitan ng corporate model para mapaunlad ang ekonomiya ng lalawigan. Sa ilalim ng kanyang pamumuno, naisakatuparan ang mga malalaking proyekto tulad ng GUICONSULTA, Pangasinan Salt Center, Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), Corporate Farming Program, at konstruksiyon ng Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX). Patunay din ng maganda niyang pamumuno nang magawaran ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Pangasinan ng Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award noong December 2024. Ang pagkilala kay Gov. Guico bilang isang prominenteng alumni ng UP Diliman ay indikasyon ng epektibong pamumuno at dedikasyon sa serbisyo publiko. Ang mga konkretong resulta at parangal na natanggap ng lalawigan ay patunay ng kanyang husay sa pamumuno at malasakit sa progreso ng Pangasinan. (By Marilyn Marcial, Danna Laureano)

Mpox death sa Baguio, nakuha ang sakit sa ibang lugar-Magalong

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – Ipinaliwanag ni Mayor Benjamin Magalong na ang pasyenteng namatay sa Monkey pox o Mpox ay hindi nanirahan sa lungsod, sapul nang ito’y magkasakit, kaya hindi maituturing na ito’y Baguio case. Sinabi ni Magalong sa media interview na dumating sa lungsod ang isang 32-anyon na lalaki, na bagama’t taga-Baguio, ay infected na sa variant ng Mpox virus mula sa pinanggalingan nitong lugar, na kung saan ay matagal siyang nanirahan doon. “Yong namatay ay hindi niya nakuha dito ang sakit,kundi sa pinanggalingan niyang lugar, nagkataon na umuwi lamang siya dito, hanggang madetect ang kanyang sakit, na-confined,pero namatay din.” Aniya, wala rin itong kinalaman sa naitalang unang kaso ng Mpox na residente sa lungsod na isang 28-anyos na lalaki na nakarekober na sa sakit. “Having some difficult time getting more information from the source, kasi yong source meron pa siyang mga multiple contact, pero ayaw niyang i-reveal,kaya dahan-dahan nating kino-convince na i-reveal niya para ma-trace natin yong contact nya at maagapan na magamot,” pahayag ni Magalong. Panawagan ni Magalong sa publiko na panatilihin muli ang health sanitation practice gaya ng nangyari noong Covid-19, na panatilihin maging malinis sa katawan at magsuot ng face mask sa mga crowded areas. By Zaldy Comanda

Congressional race 2025: Spotlight on the top 3 contenders

Baguio City, Inside Politics

Baguio City, Inside Politics / Street Journal

The race for Baguio City’s congressional seat is heating up, with two women candidates vying for the position and a veteran politician attempting a comeback. Gladys Vergara: Building on a Legacy Leading the pack is Gladys Vergara, daughter of the late Bernie Vergara, a revered former mayor and congressman affectionately known as the “Action Man.” Bernie’s transformative projects, including the construction of Marcos Highway and its flyover and viaduct, pedestrian overpasses, covered basketball courts, the BGH and Baguio-La Trinidad flyovers, and the rehabilitation of City Camp Lagoon, left an enduring legacy in the city. Gladys has committed to continuing this legacy by focusing on impactful, visible projects that address the city’s needs. What sets Gladys apart is her extensive public service record. Before her father’s tenure, she served as Vice President of the Kabataang Barangay National Executive Council following her leadership as KB Federation President of Baguio. She also held prominent roles as a City Councilor (1988-92)and Vice Mayor by virtue of succession (1992), cementing her reputation as a competent and experienced leader. Gladys Vergara is currently the Chairman of the Baguio Tourism Council. Among the top contenders, Gladys’s dynamic leadership, stamina, and legislative expertise position her as a strong candidate capable of navigating the demands of the role. Sol Go: Behond the scenes to center stage Soledad “Sol” Go, the wife of outgoing Congressman Mark Go, has emerged as another key contender. With Congressman Mark Go now running for mayor against incumbent Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Sol is seeking to step into her husband’s congressional shoes. While Sol’s candidacy has sparked debate, her community engagement efforts, particularly targeting grassroots groups and senior citizens, have raised questions. Critics have noted the prevalence of dole-out initiatives, prompting discussions about the long-term sustainability and transparency of her approach. Concerns about campaign financing, fueled by speculation over the source of funds for Mark and Sol Go’s activities, further complicate public perception. As voters assess Sol’s qualifications and the nature of her campaign, they must decide whether her bid represents genuine public service or an extension of her husband’s political legacy. Atty.Maurico Domogan: A veteran’s last stand? Rounding out the top three contenders is Atty. Mauricio “Morris” Domogan, a seasoned politician who played a significant role in Baguio’s development alongside Bernie Vergara. Domogan’s decades-long public service career and contributions to key infrastructure projects are well-recognized. However, recent setbacks, including his 2019 loss to Mark Go in the congressional race and his 2022 mayoral defeat to Benjamin Magalong, have raised questions about whether it is time for him to retire from politics. Critics argue that Domogan’s advanced age and recent losses signal a waning ability to meet the physical and emotional demands of public office. The electorate now faces the challenge of evaluating whether experience and legacy outweigh the need for fresh energy, vision, and sincerity in leadership. The Road Ahead As the campaign unfolds, voters will grapple with contrasting visions, leadership styles, and approaches to governance among the candidates. Ultimately, the choice will hinge on who can best address Baguio City’s evolving needs while embodying the qualities of transparency, accountability, and genuine public service. PR

Contact tracing isinasagawa sa unang kaso ng Mpox sa Baguio

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – Nilinaw ni Mayor Benjamin Magalong na walang dahilan para mag-panic o’ mag-syu ng lockdown kaugnay sa kauna-unahang monkeypox o mpox na naitala sa siyudad ng Baguio. Ayon ay Magalong, nagsasagawa na din sila ng contact tracing, para alamin ang naging close contact ng pasyente. “Encountering difficulties because the close contact refuse to divulge more information.” Aniya, nagpalabas siya ng alert status para mabigyan ng babala ang publiko na sundin ang mga pag-iingat sa kalusugan dahil ito ay isang isang viral disease na kadalasang nailalarawan ng mga pantal o paltos at gawin ang mga nakagawiang health protocols tulad ng paggamit ng face masks at pagsunod sa physical distancing, hand and personal hygiene at proper ventilation. Iniulat ni Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, chief ng City Health Services Office, na isang 28-anyos na lalaki ay nagkaroon ng impeksyon na hindi gaanong malubhang uri ng Clad II Mpox virus at hindi Clade I na itinuturing na nakamamatay. Nailabas na sa isolation at ngayon ay nagpapagaling na lamang ang pasyente. Ipinaliwanag naman ng Department of Health (DOH), na ang Mpox virus ay maaaring magkaroon ng “human-to-human transmission through direct contact with skin or mucosal lesions” tulad ng “talking or breathing, kissing, touching, hugging or sexual intercourse and also through respiratory mga sekreto.” Maaari din itong makuha nang hindi direkta sa pamamagitan ng kontaminadong bedding, damit o linen o iba pang mga bagay. Kasama sa mga sintomas ang pantal sa balat o mucosal lesions na sinamahan ng lagnat, namamagang lymph node at namamagang lalamunan, pananakit ng kalamnan at pananakit ng likod, sakit ng ulo at mababang enerhiya. Dapat sundin ang mga health protocol upang maiwasan ang impeksyon tulad ng pagtatakip ng bibig kapag umuubo o bumabahing, pag-iwas sa balat sa balat at pananatili sa mga matataong lugar, madalas na paghuhugas ng kamay, pagpapanatili ng magandang daloy ng hangin, at iba pa. Sinabi pa, gawin upang maka iwas sa Mpox o Monkeypox Virus ay kailangan ipairal ang INGAT ( ð—œ – wasan ang matagal na skin-to-skin contact at pakikipagsiksikan sa matataong lugar. ð—¡ – gayong uso ang kaparehong sintomas ng trangkaso, magsuot ng face mask, long sleeves, at pantalon kung pupunta sa matatao at kulob na lugar. ð—š – awin ang tama at madalas na paghuhugas ng kamay at pag-sanitize sa mga bagay na madalas hawakan. ð—” – lamin ang mga mahahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa Mpox at bantayan ang sarili sa mga sintomas. ð—§ – umawag o pumunta sa na health center kung mayroong isa o higit pang sintomas. By Zaldy Comanda

BENECO lineman turn-over rescued young owl to DENR

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

By Laarni S. Ilagan Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) lineman Reagan Acdong turned-over a Philippine Scops Owl (Otis megalotis) to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR), on January 17. Acdong officially handed the owl over to Jasper Oligo, DENR-CAR’s Wildlife and Rescue Officer at their office in Baguio City after caring for it for two weeks. The baby owl still with its cottony tufts of soft downy feathers still starting to turn into harder feathers and could not yet fly, was rescued last January 3, 2025 by BENECO linemen J1 crew of BENECO. The heavy maintenance team linemen were conducting a scheduled retirement of idle wooden creosoted pole behind the wooded area at the Baguio Convention Center. Acdong is part of the J1 team. “We initially noticed that the tip of the pole was deeply hollowed. Baka adda billit dita (there might be a bird inside) kuna ni boss Rufo Madilat,” Acdong recalled. Madilat’s suspicion proved prophetic when the pole fell after the crew cut the pole with chainsaw, the baby owl came out of its hollowed tip. Acdong cared for it for two weeks and fed the owl with rodents, lizards and insects. He said he initially thought of releasing the baby owl at the area where it was rescued for the mother to come back and care for, but decided otherwise when he noticed it was still struggling to fly on its own. He also noticed the presence of cats that could prey on the vulnerable owl. While in his care he noticed the fast development of the owl’s wings and taught it to fly. “Wild life like this owl, that our crew usually encounter in the course of their work, were mostly sadly electrocuted. In my 20-years in BENECO as lineman and eventually as Construction and Maintenance Officer (CMO), this is a first live rescued wild life,” Engr Percival Aspillan said. According to Oligo, the owl could be 2-3 months old left alone by the mother that may have judged its youngling capable of surviving alone. It may also have been stressed by the chainsaw’s loud sound. Oligo lauded Acdong’s care for the baby owl and decision to turn-over to their office. Though he said that if in the future BENECO crew again rescue wild life, away from the city, they can immediately release them in the forest or vicinity they encountered them. Oligo assured Acdong that he will be releasing the owl this afternoon in a heavily forested area, its natural habitat.

Walk with Mary, Traslacion 2025 peaceful- PRO7

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

The Penitential Walk with Mary and Traslacion 2025, part of the 460th Fiesta Señor celebration, was marked by a peaceful, solemn, and orderly atmosphere, as reported by the Police Regional Office7 (PRO7). A strong security presence, with around 2,163 personnel, partner agencies, and force multipliers, was strategically deployed along the procession route and at designated entry and exit points to ensure the safety of devotees. According to PRO7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the crowd estimate from the City’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office indicated that approximately 300,000 devotees participated in the procession, which began at 3 AM from Guadalupe Church in Barangay Guadalupe to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. General Maranan encouraged the public to continue collaborating, adhere to the implemented security measures, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. “This year’s religious event, attended by a large number of devotees, experienced no major incidents. I commend everyone involved for their efforts in making these events successful and orderly. Together, let us turn the Sinulog 2025 Festival into a display of our faith and a meaningful experience for everyone,” he said. The Traslacion follows the Walk with Mary foot procession, transferring the image of the Holy Child from the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño to the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City, further emphasizing the significance of community and faith in this tradition. (PRO7-PIO)

Mother and son busted in Gapan City buy-bust

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – A mother and son, both listed as High-Value Individuals (HVI), were arrested in a successful anti-illegal drug operation conducted by joint operatives from the Gapan City Police Station and the Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit (PPDEU) of the Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office (NEPPO). The operation, which took place at around 4:15 a.m on January 16, in Barangay Mahipon, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, resulted in the apprehension of 44-year-old mother alias “Osel” and her 22-year-old son alias “Chao.” Following weeks of intensive surveillance, the buy-bust operation led to the confiscation of 60 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P408,000. The suspects, along with the seized illegal drugs, were promptly transported to the Gapan City Police Station for proper documentation and further legal processing. Police Regional Office 3 Regional Director Brig.Gen Jean Fajardo commended the operatives for their diligence and commitment to the fight against illegal drugs. “This operation demonstrates the PNP’s unwavering resolve to rid our communities of the harmful effects of illegal drugs. Let this be a strong message to those involved in the drug trade – the law will catch up with you,” she stated. Fajardo emphasized PRO3’s continued dedication to strengthening anti-drug operations and ensuring that individuals violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act 9165) face the full force of the law. “Under my leadership, we will relentlessly strengthen our collaboration with the community to eradicate illegal drugs and confront all forms of criminality head-on,” she added.

Author name: Street Journal

P2.7-M shabu seizes in Rizal drug bust, 5 suspect arrested