By AJEspiritu, Albay PIO LEGASPI CITY,Albay — The Provincial Government of Albay (PGA) is all set for the upcoming Albay Loop 2024, which will take place from August 23 to 25 at the Old Airport in Legazpi City. The Albay Loop is a motorcycle event organized by Loop Ph, in partnership with Philippine Motorcycle Tourism, with the goal of promoting tourism in Albay and advocating safe riding practices. In preparation for the event, 2nd District Board Member Melissa Abadeza-Armedilla led a coordination meeting with all relevant PGA offices and local government units (LGUs) in Albay to clarify their roles in ensuring the safe and successful execution of the event. Abadeza-Armedilla encouraged setting up booths at the airport to showcase and sell various Albay products. She also advised LGUs to prepare presentations to welcome participants upon their arrival in different localities and to coordinate closely with barangay councils. To ensure the safety and security of all participants, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) will deploy ambulance vehicles, particularly to assist VIP guests such as Sen. JV Ejercito, as requested by Loop Ph. Additionally, the board member sought the support of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army to maintain a strong police presence at the event and to manage the security plan and traffic arrangements.              

The Provincial Government of Isabela (PGI) took a significant step toward digital transformation in local governance by conducting an orientation session on August 20, 2024, titled “Empowering Provincial Governance: An Orientation to the eGOV PH App for the Government of Isabela Officers and Employees”, at the Blue Conference Room, Provincial Capitol. Organized by the Provincial Governor’s Office – Management Information Systems (MIS) in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Isabela, the orientation aimed to familiarize PGI employees with the eGOV PH super app. DICT-Isabela Provincial Officer Cirilo N. Gazzingan underscored the importance of digitalization, urging attendees to “not fall in line, but go online.” He provided a comprehensive walkthrough of the app, highlighting its potential to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of public administration. Gazzingan explained that the platform is designed to streamline workflows and improve public service delivery. Key features include a digital version of the national ID (PhilSys ID) and access to employees’ GSIS, PhilHealth, PAGIBIG, and other national government services with just a click. He also assured users of the app’s safety and security. Beyond national services, the app offers access to local government services such as business permits, cedula issuance, and LGU websites. Other features include job applications through eJobs, information on tourist spots, access to local health service providers, agricultural news, OWWA services, among others. Launched in 2023, eGOV PH is a mobile application designed to streamline interactions between citizens and the government. This platform unifies various government services through a comprehensive online system, aiming to reduce the economic burdens on citizens by providing public services at their fingertips.

Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — A hot pursuit operation led by joint elements of the Pampanga Police Intelligence Unit (PIU), Regional Intelligence Unit 3 (RIU3), and Porac Municipal Police Station, in the morning of August 19, resulted in the death of a notorious gun-for-hire who had managed to elude authorities for over six years. Pampanga PPO Director Col.Jay Dimaandal said, that the operation took place at around 4:45 a.m along the Megadike Extension in Barangay Cangatba, Porac, Pampanga. The suspect, identified as Jojo Garcia Fajardo, a resident of Purok 5, Barangay Suklayin, Arayat, Pampanga, was wanted for multiple murder charges and other crimes. The pursuit began in the evening of August 18, 2024, when a security guard, Marciano Carmona, reported a lifeless male brought to Dr. Emigdio C. Cruz Sr. Memorial Hospital in Barangay San Agustin Norte, Arayat, Pampanga. The victim was identified as Edmar Santiago Lacsamana, 26, resident of Barangay Candating, Arayat, Pampanga. Lacsamana had been shot by two assailants riding a Kawasaki Barako motorcycle with a sidecar, bearing plate number 1049 KY. Upon receiving the report, a flash alarm was issued, and all police stations in the vicinity conducted dragnet operations. At around 1:50 a.m, an informant reported seeing a motorcycle matching the description in the Megadike Extension area. A joint operation was quickly organized, and the police units responded to the location. As the operatives approached, Fajardo, driving the motorcycle, attempted to flee into a grassy area. The pursuing officers caught up with him in Barangay Cangatba, Porac, Pampanga, where a firefight ensued, resulting in Fajardo’s death. Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) were called to process the crime scene, where they recovered a .45 caliber pistol and a cellular phone. Brig.Benjamin DL Sembrano, officer-in-charge of the Central Luzon Police, commended the officers involved, stating, “This successful operation underscores our commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting our citizens from those who threaten their peace and security. We remain steadfast in our duty to pursue justice and maintain order in our communities.”