BAGUIO CITY  – The City Health Services office (CHSO) reported that suicide cases in the city continue to increase amidst efforts by the local government to address the said pressing concern among the youth. CHSO mental health program assistant Cyra Policarpio said that there are already 19 suicide cases in the city from January to May which is higher than the 16 suicide cases recorded during the same period last year. Of the 19 suicide cases this year, 16 are males and 3 are females where 63 percent of the said cases are from the different barangays in the city. Last year, the CHSO recorded some 24 suicide cases that had been committed by mostly males that warrants the implementation of aggressive interventions that will cater to the mental health issues being encountered by the youth. Policarpio claimed that most of the suicide cases belong to the 20-24 and 20-29 age bracket which is an indication that the young ones are prone to commit suicide. She appealed to individuals experiencing mental health issues to immediately visit the CHSO or the health centers in their respective barangays for them to seek the necessary attention and intervention that may be provided them to allow them to hurdle the challenges in their lives and avoid committing suicide. According to her, the number of individuals seeking assistance from the CHSO mental health unit continuous to increase which is an indication that people are fully aware of their programs to extend whatever available assistance to those having mental health issues. From January to May, the CHSO mental health unit was already able to assist some 384 individuals with various mental health issues where 233 were males and 151 were females.  

  The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) will be implementing the proposed underground cabling of electric wires probably in the next five years depending on the prevailing conditions that will transpire during the said period. Earlier, BENECO estimated some P11 billion as the initial funding requirement in the implementation of the underground cabling of its electric wires with a length of approximately 10 kilometers within the city’s central business district if the said project was implemented over a decade ago. BENECO general manager Engr. Melchor S. Licoben said that there was also a previous proposal that the underground cabling of electric wires will be done within the area of jurisdiction of its Lamut sub-station situated in Beckel, La Trinidad because its power lines are always affected by fallen trees and protruding branches considering the presence of numerous trees in the said area. He added the need to undertake an updated feasibility study on the proposed underground cabling of its electric wires to ascertain the funds that will be required and to guide the management on the board on how to move forward with the noble project. The BENECO official said that the electric cooperative has always been receptive on the proposal to have their electric wires be placed underground but the enormous amount needed to pursue the implementation of the project remains a major obstacle for its realization. Under the earlier proposal, the funds to be used for the implementation of the project will be shouldered by the consumers where the amount of increase in the power rates before was initially pegged at P0.45 per kilowatt hour for a period of around 10 years depending on the scheme that will be approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) at that time. Among the possible sources of funds to implement the underground cabling of BENECO’s electric wires are possible loan with the National electrification Administration (NEA) and the increase in power rates which will be an added burden to the consumers considering the projected increase in the monthly power rates that will be charged to the member-consumer-owners.

Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong urged Cordillerans to sustain their unity rooted in their shared identity and a future where they can govern themselves based on their culture, values and priorities. In his message during the kick off program of the 38th founding anniversary of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) held last July 1, 2025 at the Baguio Convention Center, he said that Cordillera unity reflects not only the aspirations of the people for greater regional development, but also their deep rooted commitment to charting their own path through autonomy. He expressed his gratitude to the regional leaders, elders and all stakeholders for making the event truly meaningful as it is also a way of paying tribute to the sacrifices and legacy of their predecessors. The local chief executive claimed that as leaders and stewards of their respective communities, they carry the responsibility of continuing that said legacy no longer through resistance but through a clearer vision for the region and action. According to him, as they sound off the Unity Gong, may it serve as a reminder that despite their diverse backgrounds, they are one in the pursuit for a truly empowered Cordillera. Magalong urged elders and leaders to raise awareness, engage the different communities and work across sectors to build the foundations of a Cordillera that governs itself with wisdom, fairness and integrity. He emphasized the importance of Cordillerans moving forward, stronger, united and determined to build a future that honors the legacy of their ancestors and the dreams of the youth. Baguio City is serving as the host local government for this year’s celebration of the 38th founding anniversary of the CAR) while the Regional Development Council (RDC infrastructure committee chaired by Ifugao Gov. Jerry Dalipog is the host committee. The main program for this year’s celebration will be held on July 15, 2025 at the Baguio Convention Center where Cordillera elders, leaders and concerned stakeholders will converge and drumbeat the said celebration and the region’s clamor for autonomy. (Baguio PIO)

By Jordan G. Habbiling   The Baguio City Council has called on Congress to revisit and amend the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 or Republic Act No. 11479 to ensure that the law addresses real threats and is not used to suppress activism. The call was prompted by a report from United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan who looked into the state of freedom of expression in the Philippines. Khan visited the country in early 2024 and held dialogues with government officials, journalists, and civil society organizations in various cities including Baguio. In her report delivered on June 18, 2025 before the 59th UN Human Rights Council Session, Khan raised red flags over practices like red-tagging and legal intimidation and recommended several institutional reforms such as the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and a review of RA 11479. On June 23, 2025, the city council approved a resolution authored by Councilor Jose Molintas endorsing Khan’s findings and pushing for changes to the Anti-Terrorism Act. The resolution urges Congress to amend provisions of the law that can be abused. Critics argue that the law uses broad and ambiguous terms that are too broad and vague which could potentially criminalize peaceful protests and dissent. One contentious provision is Section 25 which grants the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) the power to label individuals or groups as terrorists based on probable cause. Once designated, their assets can be frozen by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) without needing a court order. Another one is Section 29 which permits the detention of suspected terrorists for up to 24 days without judicial warrant or charge. Critics say this provision undermines constitutional protections against arbitrary detention and violates the writ of habeas corpus. Molintas asserted that certain provisions of the law present serious threats to free speech, journalism, and peaceful protest, thus the need for amendment. The city council also calls on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review all cases filed under RA 11479, especially those involving activists and human rights defenders, and to drop these charges if warranted. The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 was principally authored by Senator Panfilo Lacson and co-authored by Senator Vicente Sotto III, Imee Marcos, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Bong Revilla Jr., Francis Tolentino, and Manuel “Lito” Lapid. It was sponsored in the House by Representatives Narciso Bravo Jr. and Jericho Nograles. The measure was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3, 2020 and became effective on July 18, 2020, replacing the Human Security Act of 2007 (RA No. 9372). It became effective on July 18, 2020. The law has sparked resistance across the country. Various sectors such as activists, artists, lawyers,  faith-based groups, and ordinary citizens have strongly opposed it, saying it could be used to threaten critics and humanitarian workers. People have held protests, filed court petitions, and spoken out against  its “vague and abusive” provisions.  

By Aileen Refuerzo   BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong warned public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers plying the La Trinidad route who cut trip or deviate from their designated route of sanctions if they continue with their illegal practice that deprives commuters of the much needed transport service. “This a fair warning to all concerned. Starting Monday, we will be strictly enforcing the rule on illegal deviation from route and will be rounding up those PUJs that violate the rule. We will impose the penalty amounting to P1,000,” the mayor said. The problem was raised by La Trinidad municipal officials led by Councilor Nestor Fongwan Jr. in a meeting with the mayor on July 4 also attended by the heads of the Baguio City Police Office Traffic Enforcement Unit, City Engineering Office and the Public Order and Safety Division and the concerned jeepney association. Fongwan told the mayor that La Trinidad commuters including students and senior citizens have complained of delayed and insufficient transport service at their loading area at the Rabbit sinkhole along Magsaysay Avenue resulting to long queues and inconveniences to the riding public and traffic problem to the city. BCPO Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) Acting Chief PMaj. James Allen Dogao said it turned out that some La Trinidad PUJs do not complete the designated route and do a shortcut by soliciting passengers below Pilando building instead of proceeding to their staging area at slaughter and waiting for their turn at the designated loading area at sinkhole. He said this also encourages passengers to wait at the undesignated loading area causing more traffic problems and depriving law abiding commuters of prompt transport service. Fongwan thanked Magalong for immediately acting on the concern. “Salamat Mayor Benjie Magalong for acting on our concern. By next week we look forward to the implementation of what we discussed and hope that the long pila or queue at the Rabbit sinkhole will be addressed,” he said. – Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Naitala ng City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) ang 128 kaso sa ilalim ng Children in Special Protection (CNSP) mula Enero hanggang Marso 2, samantalang 235 menor edad ang nasita sa curfew sanakalipas na limang buwan, base sa ulat ng Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) at CSWDO) sa ginanap na quarterly meeting ng City Council on the Protection of Children (CCPC) kamakailan sa Baguio City Multi-purpose Hall. Sa ialim ng  CNSP case, 59 ang Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), 19 Children at Risk (CAR) at 50 kaso para sa Child Abuse (CA). Ang CNSP ay mga bata na ipinag-uutos sa pamamagitan ng batas, na protektahan laban sa pang-aabuso, pagsasamantala at diskriminasyon. Ang CICL ay maaaring isang bata na pinaghihinalaang, inakusahan o hinatulan bilang nakagawa ng isang pagkakasala sa ilalim ng mga batas ng Pilipinas, habang ang mga kaso ng CAR ay ang mga kumikilos sa paraang maaaring makapinsala sa kanilang sarili o sa iba, o nasa panganib na itulak o pagsasamantalahan dahil sa personal, pamilya at panlipunang mga pangyayari. Sa 59 kaso ng CICL ay kinabibilangan ng 55 lalaki at 4 na babae, na dalawa ang nasa 9 hanggang 11 taong gulang;  tatlumpu’t tatlong ang 12 hanggang 15 taong gulang; dalawampu’t apat ang 16 hanggang 17 taong gulang; na may iba’t ibang mga pagkakasala kabilang ang pananakit, pagnanakaw, gawaing mapanganib na droga, pagtatangkang pagpatay, diumano’y frustrated murder, diumano’y sekswal na pang-aabuso at panggagahasa, carnapping, pang-aabuso, frustrated homicide, sekswal na pang-aabuso at anti-panggagahasa; 26 na kaso ang isinampa at 33 ang hindi naisampa. Ayon sa  CSWDO, ang ilan dito ay sumasailalim sa interbensyon at diversion, ang isa ay nasa disposisyon, habang ang isa ay tumanggi sa interbensyon. Karamihan ay naninirahan kasama ang pamilya, ang ilan ay nasa social welfare center, ang isa ay inilipat sa ibang pasilidad at ang isa ay inilipat sa isang lokal na SWDO. Ang 59 kaso ng CICL ay kumakalat sa 28 barangay sa lungsod ng Baguio na may tatlong out-of-town respondents. Para sa mga 19 kaso ng CAR,ay kinabibilangan ito ng 8 lalaki at 11 babae na may kaso ng maling pag-uugali, pagbabanta sa ibang bata, teenage pregnancy, masamang ugali, stow-away, nakatira kasama ang menor de edad na kasintahan at pag-iwas sa paaralan. Lahat sila ay naninirahan kasama ang kanilang mga pamilya sa 11 natukoy na barangay. Para sa mga 59 kaso ng Child Abuse ay 32 babae at 18 lalaki, na may kaso ng pisikal na pang-aabuso, non-incest rape, acts of lasciviousness, neglect, sexual molestation, emotional abuse. Pito ang nasa 0 to 5 age level, anim ang 6 to 8 y/o, walo ay 9 to 11 y/o; 22 ang 12 to 15 y/o at pito ay 16 to 17 taon gulang. Ayon kay CSWDO in-charge Cynthia Langagan ang tulong medikal/ pinansyal/ edukasyon/pagkain/kabuhayan ay ipinapaabot sa mga biktima. Ang iba pang mga serbisyo ay pansamantalang tirahan at mga serbisyo sa homelife, indibidwal na pagpapayo sa magulang-anak, sikolohikal na pangunang lunas, pagbuo ng halaga, mga sesyon ng kasanayan sa buhay, mga aralin sa pagiging magulang at pagsangguni sa pangangalaga sa pangangalaga, tulong na legal at pagsusuri sa sikolohikal. Ayon naman kay PCpt Maricris Melchor, ng BCPO, sa loob ng nakalipas na limang buwan, may kabuuang 231 menor de edad ang nahuli dahil sa paglabag sa Curfew Ordinance, na kinabibilangan ng 48 noong Enero; 39 noong Pebrero, 46 ​​noong Marso, 55 noong Abril at 43 noong Mayo. Binanggit ni Melchor ang pagkakaroon ng recalibrated Task Group Rizal (TG Rizal) na nag-aaplay ng mga pinakamahusay na kasanayan at nagpapatupad ng mga naaangkop na hakbang sa loob ng area of ​​responsibility ng mga istasyon ng pulisya. Ang mga concerned personnel kabilang ang station commanders ay sumasailalim sa mga seminar tungkol sa mga batas na may kaugnayan kay TG Rizal para ipakalat sa mga barangay officials at constituents. Aniya, sinusubaybayan ni TG Rizal ang pagpapatupad ng curfew para sa mga menor de edad, at nagsasagawa ng surveillance sa mga night spot, parke, computer shop at iba’t ibang lugar sa loob ng central business district (CBD) hanggang sa labas mula alas-9 ng gabi. Sinabi pa na pinapalawak ng BCPO ang serbisyo sa transportasyon para sa mga biktima sa medico-legal, pinapadali ang mga sinumpaang pahayag at patuloy na sinusubaybayan ang mga biktima habang ang BGHMC ay inaasikaso ang mga biktima para sa agarang pagtatasa ng kaligtasan, debriefing, psychoeducation, pisikal na pagsusuri, referral sa psychiatry at psychological evaluation. Ang CCPC ay nakaangkla sa apat na pangunahing haligi ng proteksyon ng bata: kaligtasan ng buhay, pag-unlad, proteksyon at pakikilahok. Ito ay pinamumunuan ni Mayor Benjamin Magalong, kasama ang mga miyembro-kinatawan mula sa CSWDO, Administrators, Planning, Sustainability and Development, Budget, Health, Department of Education, Employment, BGHMC, Risk Reduction Management, Veterinary and Agriculture, Nutrition, Liga ng Mga Barangay, Federation of CPC, Interior and Local Government, BCPO, Helping Hands at mga iba pang mga ahensya. By Zaldy Comanda  

A six-month demonstration run of the “John Hay Loop,” an electric-vehicle transport shuttle service in Camp John Hay, is set to launch soon, aiming to boost accessibility, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance visitor experience within the zone. On 24 June 2025, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its subsidiary John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) formalized their partnership with South Korea-based DeviceDesign Co. Ltd. and Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative (CBSTC) with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the pilot run, which aims to assess the viability, performance, and community impact of the proposed intra-zone transport service. Targeted to start on 15 July,  the trial run will involve an initial three units of electric vehicles that will operate around Camp John Hay with no fare required from passengers. “Through this project, the BCDA seeks to show its commitment to help Baguio City and the community in addressing emerging urban problems, while also fulfilling our promise to take care of the environment and Baguio’s natural charm and beauty. This also exhibits BCDA’s innovation-driven outlook for its properties—our willingness to embrace climate-resilient mobility solutions to drive sustainable development, enhance efficiency, and create smarter, future-ready communities,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang. The pilot shuttle service will loop around designated stations around Camp John Hay, with pre-determined routes and schedules to be finalized by the parties prior to the start of operations. DeviceDesign and the CBSTC will evaluate commuter experience and assess logistical and operational constraints of the service through ridership monitoring, customer feedback collection, operational data gathering, and performance evaluation. They will then provide recommendations and design inputs for the long-term implementation of John Hay Loop. CBSTC CEO Jude Wal explained that the cooperative will operate the latest e-vehicle technology that can navigate the rough terrain of Baguio City, making them also viable for other areas in the Cordillera region. “We are very thankful that the BCDA thought of this loop. We believe that if we have an efficient and effective public transportation system, that [will stimulate] the economy of a place, and we share this vision with the BCDA,” he said. DeviceDesign President and CEO Young Guk Cho added, “we believe that Camp John Hay can become a model for smart and green city development in the Philippines. This project is not just about technology, it’s about improving life and building a brighter future for the people of Baguio and beyond.” The John Hay Loop project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal No. 13: Climate Action.    

By Jordan G. Habbiling   Atty. John Paul Martin, Chairperson of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) – Baguio, has expressed his strong support for the proposed Voter Education Ordinance, emphasizing its potential in raising awareness and motivating first-time voters to participate in the electoral process by registering. Principally authored by Councilor Vladimir Cayabas, the proposed ordinance seeks to engage the first-time voters, particularly the youth, on their right to suffrage, its significance, and the proper way to exercise it. During the public consultation on June 25, 2025, Martin expressed alarm over the extremely low registration rate among 18-year-old Baguio residents. He drew his figures from Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data focusing on 18-year-olds in Baguio City. When he cross-referenced that with the number of 18-year-old Baguio residents who registered to vote for the 2025 national and local elections, he found that only 9.5% of them were registered. He claimed that the dismal voter registration rate among the youth had significantly contributed to the lack of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in many barangays in the city as there were not enough registered youth to qualify for SK positions. Based on 2024 reports, only 51 out of the city’s 128 barangays have SK quorum while 61 barangays have an incomplete set of SK officials and no quorum, and 16 barangays have neither an SK Chairperson nor SK kagawads. The COMELEC official said the possible suspension of the SK and barangay elections in December 2025 would give the city more time to strengthen voter education efforts, particularly targeting first-time voters and the youth. However, on a positive note, he mentioned that 84% of registered voters in the city had actually voted during the last elections, indicating a relatively high voter turnout which is attributed to intensified programs and campaigns that helped inform and encourage citizens to participate in the elections. Aside from educating citizens about their right to suffrage, Martin said voter literacy will also guide them in understanding the appropriate metrics for choosing capable leaders. “When we settle for minimum qualifications in voting for candidates, we risk reducing public service to its lowest form. But when we aim higher, the quality of governance and public service improves.” “Let’s make the right choices starting at the barangay level kasi dito natin unang nararamdaman ang gobyerno. After that comes the city, then the national level. Mag-focus tayo sa mga bagay na ramdam natin. Kasi kung hindi natin nararamdaman ang magandang serbisyo, nawawalan tayo ng gana,” he stated. Martin commended Cayabas for proposing the ordinance, pledging that his office is ready to provide the necessary assistance for its implementation. The enactment of the ordinance will see the creation of a Voter Education and Empowerment Committee composed of a representative from the Baguio City Character Council, a representative from the Baguio City Peoples’ Council, a representative from the COMELEC – Baguio, and a representative from the Department of Education – Schools Division of Baguio. Also included are three representatives from the academe, three representatives from the religious sector, the Chairperson of the city council’s Committee on Education, Creativity, ICT, Culture, and Historical Research, the SK Federation President, and three representatives from youth organizations. The committee is tasked with leading youth engagement initiatives, organizing voter education activities, promoting integration of voter education in schools and barangays, assisting in data gathering for electoral-related programs, and performing other functions necessary to implement the ordinance. The proposed ordinance has passed first reading and is now set for further deliberation by the city council      

By Aileen P. Refuerzo   BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong will ask the city council to pass an ordinance increasing the penalty for irresponsible pet owners particularly those allowing their pets to discharge their waste in public areas. The mayor said it is high time to put more teeth to the measure to abate violations. “People should stop doing this. It is unsanitary and repulsive,” the mayor said. The mayor reminded that irresponsible dog owners are liable under City Ordinance No. 19 Series of 2021 or the Responsible Dog Ownership Ordinance of Baguio City. He called out careless dog owners who release their pets to defecate on roads, neighbor’s properties, parks and other public places. The mayor ordered the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) to intensify the campaign against stray dogs. Ordinance No. 19-2021 penalizes dog owners who fail to properly perform their duties as dog owners causing discomfort to other people. The dog owners’ responsibilities as enumerated in the ordinance are: *They should only acquire and maintain dogs if they are capable and have the means to provide care *Submit the dogs for mandatory registration and regular vaccination and maintaining updated records *Provide their dogs with proper grooming, adequate food and clean shelter and maintain human-animal relationship and provide good health management program for their dogs. *Maintain control over their dogs with the use of a leash when in public places and collect and dispose of their pets’ feces at all times. *Take all measures to prevent their dogs from being stray or nuisance and report immediately any dog-biting incident and take appropriate precaution, and assist dog bite victims and shoulder all expenses incurred relative to the victim’s injuries. Fines for owners who refuse to put their pets on leash start at P500. The ordinance also mandates the registration of their pets with the CVAO or the barangay along with their mandatory vaccination.