CAMP KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte – A successful joint police operation led by the Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT) Southern Leyte, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 8, together with Police Regional Office 8 and various PNP units, resulted in the arrest of two key figures within the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Eastern Visayas in Barangay Upper Quirino, Magsaysay, Baguio City on July 8, 2024. “The arrest of these two top CTG officers responsible for propagating violence and destabilizing peace in the region is a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to combat local insurgency,” stated Brig.Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, PRO-8 Regional Director. According to Pawid, the accused are known as aliases “Islaw”,47, who served as secretary, and “Ninya”,42, who served as Educational/Finance Officer under the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). Both were temporarily residing in Baguio City. Additionally, alias “Islaw” is one of the leaders involved in notorious harassment activities and destruction of government properties conducted by the CTG in Northern and Eastern Samar provinces. The accused were arrested based on warrants for violation of Section 4(A) of RA 11479, otherwise known as the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,” issued by the court on August 8, 2022, with no bail recommended, and for Arson issued on January 16, 2024, with P72,000 recommended bail. Another separate arrest warrant was issued against “Islaw” for violation of Sec 4(D) of RA 11479, dated April 12, 2024, with no bail recommended. Meanwhile, the accused were taken to CIU, Baguio City Police Office for documentation and proper disposition prior to the return of warrants to the court of origin. Pawid commended the seamless coordination and collaboration of the involved PNP units, which led to the operation’s success. He also acknowledged the crucial role of the community and urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperative in reporting any suspicious activities that may endanger public safety. “PRO 8 assures the public that with the arrest of these two high-ranking CTG members, we will continue to strengthen our efforts against insurgency and the apprehension of wanted individuals. We also appeal to those who have been misled to lay down their arms and join us in supporting the government,” he added.

By Zaldy Comanda   BAGUIO CITY- Handang-handa na ang Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCI Phl) para sa The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) ng bansa para sa taong ito. Sa temang ‘Leading with Excellence, Serving with Purpose’ ang JCI ay naghahanap ngayon ng mga honoree para sa kanilang 65th The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) 2024. Ang prestihiyosong parangal na ito ay kumikilala sa mga Pilipinong may edad sa pagitan ng 18 at 40 para sa kanilang makabuluhang kontribusyon sa kanilang larangan o komunidad. Sinabi ni JCI Senator Alfredo ‘Jun’ Mondiguing Jr.,national chairperson 2024 TOYM Awards, na ang JCI ay bukas sa paghahanap ng mga nominees para sa makasaysayang awarding na ito na magaganap sa Nobyembre 2024. ‘Sa loob ng 65 taon, kinilala at pinarangalan ng TOYM Phl ang mga natatanging kabataang Pilipino na ang kahusayan sa kanilang larangan at puso sa paglilingkod sa ating mga komunidad ay may malaking kontribusyon sa ating bansa,’ sabi ni Mondiguing. Ayon kay Mondiguing, mayroong 11 kategorya ay pagpipilian para sa gustong mag nominate  sa tao na inaakala nilang karapat-dapat na nabigyan ng parangal. Kinabibilangan ito ng Humanitarian Service & Social Work; Arts & Culture; Pure Sciences & Mathematics; Engineering,Agriculture & Other Applied Sciences; Education; Medicine & Other Health Science & Services; Law;Public Service & Civic Work; Business & Economics; Sports; and Journalism & Mass Communications. Ipinaliwanag din ni Mondiguing na mayroong limang hakbang sa proseso ng nominasyon upang maisama ang lokal na organisasyon ng JCI Phl bilang nominator ng isang nominado. Aniya nagsimula na ang submission of nominations noong Hunyo at magtatapos hanggang Setyembre 16, samantalang ang screening, judging, at Selection ay magsisimula sa Setyembre 16 hanggang Oktubre 31 at ang Presentation of Honorees,Gala Dinner at awarding ay sa Nobyembre. Para sa rekord, ang Baguio City -Summer Capital of the Philippines ang lugar ng JCI’s 11th National Convention na itinatag ng TOYM noong Oktubre 15,1959. Ako ay nasasabik na ipahayag ang pagsisimula ng paghahanap para sa 2024 TOYM ng Pilipinas, na may temang ‘Namumuno nang May Kahusayan, Naglilingkod nang May Layunin,’ sabi ng abogadong si Mark Peter Quilaneta. Para sa award ngayong taon, kasama ang Royal Duty Free, Metro Pacific Investments bilang mga presenter.

BAGUIO CITY — Businesses are increasing and expanding in Baguio City per data monitoring of the city government’s Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO). For the first semester of the year, the BPLO noted an increase in the registered number of medium and large enterprises over the past seven years. As of June 2024, there are 546 medium-scale enterprises registered with the BPLO – an increase by 137 establishments compared to 409 in 2023. For the large-scale enterprises, there are 96 establishments registered as of June 2024 compared to 77 in 2023. BPLO head Allan Abayao said most of these establishments are engaged in Wholesale, Retail, Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles; Accommodation and Food Services; and, Real Estate Activities as the top three industries in the city for the first half of the year. Small enterprises are also increasing from 1,860 in 2023 to 2,049 this year. Only the micro enterprises decreased from 22,080 last year to 18,994 as of June 2024 but Abayao is hopeful that this will increase as the BPLO started its routine inspection of business without permits in the barangays to encourage entrepreneurs to register. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) classifies an enterprise based on assets and the number of employees. Micro are those with less than 10 employees, small for 10-99 employees, medium with 100-199 employees, and large if it has 200 or more employees. The BPLO issued a total of 21,685 business permits as of June 2024 with 1,525 new business registrations and 20,433 as renewal of licenses. Compared to the total 24,426 business permits issued last year, the BPLO needs to register at least 3,000 more enterprises to surpass its annual performance. Abayao said that applications for new business permits at the BPLO are processed within 20 minutes for renewal as long as necessary clearances such as fire safety and building clearance for safe occupancy from concerned offices and agencies are submitted. Businesses without permits are issued Notice of Closure by the BPLO. Over 500 closure orders were already issued as of May 2024. (By JM Samidan-Baguio PIO)

BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured that the city government continues to uphold public opinion as its benchmark in implementing its flagship projects. “We cannot discount the value of public opinion in shaping our programs and projects. Even during the pandemic we continue to conduct stakeholder engagements listening to the suggestions of our constituents and explaining the details of the proposals,” the mayor said. “In fact some of the critical suggestions became part of the plans and terms of negotiations. There were also those that were abandoned because we listened to public sentiment,” he added. The mayor also said that the city government does not rush things especially in critical projects. “We take our time and we make sure that every step is done in accordance with the requirements of the law,” he said. He cited the Smart Urban Mobility Project which was planned in 2021. A master plan was crafted in the same year and approved by the city council in 2022. Stakeholder engagements began in 2023 and are continuing to the present. The same with the Market Redevelopment Project which began in 2020. Consultations on said project started in 2021 and continue to this day. The mayor has always emphasized the importance of conducting consultations in implementing projects, especially those strategic ones under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. “This is to properly explain to the stakeholders and the public the intention of the projects, their concepts and dynamics. It is always best if people have an understanding of the projects before the PPP process takes off,” the mayor said. (By Aileen P. Refuerzo-Baguio PIO)

By Laarni S. Ilagan   BAGUIO CITY — Consumers will enjoy a lower rate of power this month. The reduction is due to the prompt payment discount the electric cooperative will enjoy for paying its bill to its power supplier, Limay Power Incorporated (LPI), ahead of the due date. For the July billing cycle, member consumer owners (MCOs) who will consume 100 kilowatt hour (kWh) will pay P88 less in generation charge. This means that the total rate for July will be P10.3333 per kwh which is lower compared to the P11.3951 per kwh in June for residential consumers. Their bill will be reduced by P1.0618 per kwh. Under its power supply contract with LPI, BENECO will enjoy a prompt payment discount (PPD) if it pays its previous bill 15 days ahead of time. “One reason for the reduction (in rate) is due to the application of the PPD that BENECO got from the LPI as incentive,” Fraiser Angayen, Non-Network Services Department (NNSD) manager, said.   LPI bills BENECO an average of P300 million monthly. The amount represents the generation charge component of the power bill that consumers pay every month and which BENECO remits to its power supplier. The reduction of the total rate can be attributed to the lower generation rate this month which is P5.8421 per kwh compared to P P6.8246 per kwh last month. The generation system eats up the bulk, from 60 to 65%, of all the items to be paid in unbundled bill. Angayen said that another factor that helped in the reduction of the generation charge is the order of the Energy Regulation Commission (ERC) that the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) component of the generation charge will be collected in four installments. Under ERC Order No. 2024-17 MC issued on June 13, 2024, all distribution utilities (DUs) will implement a staggered collection over a period of four months their WESM purchases from April 26 to May 25, 2024. All DUs are required to buy a certain percentage of their power supply from the trading market. BENECO will not thus collect from the consumers one time the cost of the power it bought from WESM for the period mentioned but will bill the same until October. Due to the volatility of prices at the WESM, Angayen cautioned MCOs to expect unstable generation rates that can spike their bills in the coming months. It could also go down, he said. Aside from residential consumers, the reduction will also be felt across all types of consumers – commercial (low and high voltage), industrial (low and high voltage), public buildings (low and high voltage), and streetlights.

BAGUIO CITY — This early, the political race for Baguio’s congressional race seems to be tightening up for two front-running contenders. Just two months back, Sol Go, better half of outgoing Representative Mark Go, appeared to be locking up the contested seat, an early favourite. But upcoming surprise contender Gladys Vergara has begun to move up in the latest online surveys for Baguio’s lone congressional district. Support for the eldest daughter of the well-esteemed Bernie Vergara has started to solidify early on, putting Gladys within striking distance of the front-running Sol. Mark Go, now in his final year of a 9-year tenure at the Batasan Pambansa, is said to be eyeing City Hall as its next mayoralty occupant. In a surprise strategic move, he is said to be fielding his wife, the amiable Sol Go, for his congressional seat. This move is now being seen as the start-off of a political dynasty in the making. Incumbent Mayor Benjamin Magalong currently leads the mayoralty survey with 65.97%, indicating strong support for his continued leadership. Gladys Vergara, the eldest daughter of 12-year Representative and one-term city mayor Bernardo Vergara, has now been inching up the ladder, after her father’s political leaders at the grassroots level have begun to flex muscles. Vergara, currently the chair of the Baguio Tourism Council, is expected to garner more support from the barangays, long a source of political strength of her father. Trailing far behind in the survey are long-time political figures Atty.Mauricio Domogan and Atty. Nicasio Aliping. Gladys Vergara has started to activate a substantial network of political allies and is reportedly readying a campaign machinery deeply entrenched in the local political landscape. Political analysts believe that the race will be closely contested, with Sol Go leveraging her helpful image as Mark Go’s wife and her involvement in various community events. On the other hand, Gladys Vergara is expected to draw on political favors from barangay leaders who have remained loyal to her family. In the vice-mayoral race, re-electionist Faustino Olowan Jr. is expected to have an easy win, largely due to his 6-year tenure as the second-in-command at City Hall. His challengers potentially include Councilor Mylen Yaranon and surprise contender Councilor Benny Bomogao as per political pundits. Additionally, fresh faces are emerging for the City Council. Atty. Paolo Salvosa, from the well-esteemed Salvosa clan of the University of the Cordilleras, and Van Dicang, the high-performing Punong Barangay of Lower Quirino Hill, are among those eyeing a council seat. As the political temperature continues its ascending climb, Baguio’s electorate eagerly watches the unfolding drama, ready to cast their votes and perhaps even some popcorn as they enjoy the spectacle of this lively political show. (PR)

By Aileen Refuerzo   BAGUIO CITY– Mayor Benjamin Magalong cited Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) personnel for the efficient resolution of a critical incident involving a truck driver who fired at policemen at Guisad Surong barangay on June 28, 2024. “My sincerest gratitude to our teams and personnel who were involved in the operation for ensuring that the incident is efficiently resolved without any casualty,” the mayor told BCPO Director PCol. Francisco Bulwayan Jr. The incident was an attempted homicide and illegal possession of firearm involving a 39-year-old truck driver resident of Guisad Surong. Initial investigation disclosed that personnel of Police Station 1 responded to an alleged commotion involving the suspect at Lower Fairview barangay around 5:30 p.m. on June 28, 2024. Upon seeling the policemen, the suspect ran to his residence at Guisad Surong and came out armed with an improvised firearm of 12-gauge shotgun. The responding personnel appealed for the suspect to lower his firearm and surrender but instead of complying, the suspect fired his improvised firearm at the lawmen and  went back inside the house and hid. Negotiations ensued for the suspect to surrender faciliated by the joint forces from PS 1 and 2, Special Weapons and Tactics-City Mobile Force Company (SWAT-CMFC), Mobile Police Unit, and Guisad Surong punong barangay Philip Cosalan but the suspect was adamant. “At around 12:20 a.m. of June 29, 2024, the SWAT-CMFC initiated assault inside the house of the suspect which resulted in his arrest and confiscation of his firearm,” Bulwayan said. The suspect is now under the custody of PS 2 for documentation and preparation of documents for inquest proceedings for attempted homicide and violation of Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

BAGUIO CITY —  Mayor Benjie Magalong congratulated the 48 uniformed personnel and two non-uniformed personnel of the Baguio City Police Office who completed their Criminal Investigation Course (CIC) at the CIC closing ceremony on July 5, 2024. The CIC closing ceremony was held at the PSSLAI Center of Excellence for Advancement of Knowledge (PEAK) Hall. Mayor Magalong highlighted the significance of criminal investigation in accomplishing the mission of the Philippine National Police. He also expressed his satisfaction for the success of CIC Class No. 02-021-RCOR-2024-024. Certificates of completion and CIC pins were awarded with the Medalya ng Kasanayan being given to PCpl Fausto Junior T. Macli-ing for earning Top 1 and the Medalya ng Papuri to Pat Aldrin L. Faustino and Pat John Christian D Alan for Top 2 and Top 3 respectively. Leadership awards were given to PEMS Janet S. Saipen for being the Class Marcher and PMSg James A. Caday Jr. for being the Class President. The ceremony was also attended by City Director of Baguio CPO, Col. Francisco B Bulwayan, Jr; the Chief of the Regional Learning and Doctrine Development Division, Col.Charles L Domallig; and the Acting Chief of the Regional Special Training Unit-Cordillera, Lt.Col. Arnold C Dugas.

BAGUIO CITY – The Sangguniang Panlungsod is planning to once again increase the educational grant for qualified college students to encourage more applications, as recent reports indicate a decline in the number of grantees. Cynthia Langagan, Acting Assistant Head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), said since the implementation of the Baguio College Education Financial Assistance Grant (BCEFAG) in School Year 2020-2021, the program had experienced fluctuations in the number of grantees due to various challenges. Initially, the first semester of SY 2020-2021 saw 546 applicants out of a targeted 800. The low number of applicants was most likely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Numbers increased to 722 in the second semester. In SY 2021-2022, the first semester had 850 grantees, but this dropped to 627 in the second semester due to financial waivers, non-enrollment, failed grades, and alternative scholarships. The trend of decreasing numbers continued in SY 2022-2023, with 444 grantees in the first semester and 350 in the second, primarily due to the non-submission of documents and failed subjects. SY 2023-2024 saw an increase to 843 grantees in the first semester, indicating improved outreach, but a decrease to 755 in the second semester due to similar issues of non-submission and preference for other scholarships. Emphasizing practical challenges faced by students, Langagan suggested increasing the assistance amount from the current P8,000.00 per semester to at least P10,000.00. She argued that this adjustment would better align with the rising costs of education, including tuition fees that often exceed P25,000.00 per semester, not accounting for other essential expenses like books and transportation. She noted that one reason for the decline in the number of grantees is that other scholarships offer higher grants, prompting recipients to transfer. According to Langagan, there is also a need for an increased budget to accommodate more grantees. An additional P17 million would be needed to support at least 1,000 more students, she said. Langagan also proposed amending the ordinance to allow leniency for students who fail one or two subjects. She deemed this move necessary to ensure these students continue qualifying for assistance in subsequent semesters, thus preventing a decline in the number of grantees. Meanwhile, she acknowledged procedural gaps, explaining that while the CSWDO acts as the program secretariat and coordinates with the Vice Mayor’s Office for committee meetings, formal establishment of school-level scholarship committees has not been fully realized. She cited resource constraints, such as having only one staff member managing program oversight, which limits the ability to conduct school visitations effectively to monitor compliance and address issues like non-submission of requirements. Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda stressed the importance of implementing Section 5 of the BCEFAG ordinance which mandates the creation of scholarship committees in every school to manage applications and recommendations. The said provision aims to streamline application processes and ensure equitable distribution of scholarships without excessive bureaucratic burdens. Moreover, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President John Rhey Mananeng proposed involving universities, particularly their registrars and guidance counselors to make it easier for students to submit their documents and to facilitate a faster and more efficient process. He said this would significantly reduce the workload of the CSWDO. Several members of the city council expressed their opposition to the program’s “politicization” and asserted that there should be no political interference in the screening and selection of beneficiaries. In July 2023, a council resolution was passed to ensure equitable slots for all members of the city council where each council member could refer 25 grantees to CSWDO. Some council members submitted referrals, while others did not utilize their slots despite invitations. Langagan said their office conducts assessments independently but welcomes referrals from city council members and that all referrals undergo the same assessment process. She stressed that their office discourages students from submitting forms through any councilor or politician to avoid any political interference. The BCEFAG was established through an ordinance enacted by the city council in 2019. The recent amendment to the ordinance now permits the acceptance of applications from students residing outside Baguio City but attending schools within the city. It also increased the original grant amount from P6,000.00 to P8,000.00, with the budget adjusted from P10 million to P20 million. Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan noted that despite the approval for a P20 million budget, only P10 million is currently utilized. The city council plans to engage in a dialogue with the Local Finance Committee to determine the feasibility of the proposed budget increase for the program. By Jordan G. Habbiling