CAMP DANGWA, Benguet, Philippines — The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) earned the prestigious title of Best Police Regional Office nationwide for Calendar Year 2024, a recognition bestowed during the 124th Police Service Anniversary at the PNP National Headquarters, Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City, on August 12. PRO CAR Regional Director, PBGen Ericson Dilag, personally received the award from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who served as the event’s Guest of Honor and Speaker. The honor reflects PRO CAR’s exceptional performance, professionalism, and unwavering service to the Cordillera people and the nation. While the awarding was held in Quezon City, PRO CAR personnel proudly joined the celebration virtually from the Masigasig Grandstand at Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet. The celebration, anchored on the theme “Pulisya, Bantayog ng Bayang Matatag,” underscored the Philippine National Police’s unwavering commitment to public safety and service. PNP Chief, PGen Nicolas D Torre III, reaffirmed this dedication by highlighting key initiatives such as the 5-Minute Police Response Policy and the integration of advanced technologies, including drones, body-worn cameras, mobile command centers, and GPS-enabled patrol units, to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen community protection, and uphold the rule of law. The Top 3 among this year’s national contenders for the unit awards were the Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO) for Best PPO, the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station (MPS) for Best MPS, and the 2nd Benguet Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) for Best PMFC. Also from the PROCAR who made it Top 5 were PCol Francisco Bulwayan,Jr for the Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration, PCol Ruel Tagel for the Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) for Operations, PLtCol Geraldine Aydoc for Best Junior PCO for Administration, PMSg Jaynus Puno for Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) for Administration, and NUP Defiena Sagayo for the Best Non-Uniformed Personnel for Non-Supervisory Level, further underscoring the Cordillera region’s consistent excellence and competitiveness in police service at the national level.            

LA TRINIDAD,Benguet — Sa isang proactive na hakbang para i-streamline ang mga serbisyo ng gobyerno, ang Department of Transportation – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOTr-CAR) ay namahagi ng motorcycle license plates sa mga tauhan ng Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative (PRO CAR) bilang bahagi ng OPLAN WARAS PLAKA.   Ang ceremonial distribution ay pinangunahan ni DOTr-CAR Regional Director Retired PBGen Glen Dumlao at PRO CAR Regional Director PBGen Ericson Dilag, na ginanap sa Masigasig Grandstand, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, noong Agosto 4.   Sa programa ay 90 plaka ang ibinigay sa mga tauhan ng PNP at kanilang mga kaanak. Ang inisyatiba na ito ay umaayon sa panawagan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa kanyang kamakailang State of the Nation Address (SONA) na humihimok sa mga ahensya na ilapit ang mga serbisyo sa publiko.   Sa kanyang mensahe, pinatibay ni Dumlao ang pangako ng DOTr-CAR sa pagpapalawak ng pamamahagi ng plato sa pamamagitan ng paghahatid ng serbisyo sa mga kampo at istasyon ng pulisya, na tinitiyak ang mas mabilis, mas mahusay na serbisyo publiko.   “Sa inyong lahat, tulungan po ninyo kami. Hindi namin ito magagawa nang mag-isa. Nagsisilbi kayong mga katuwang namin sa OPLAN WARAS PLAKA at bilang mahahalagang link sa komunidad,” he added.   Ang diskarteng ito na hinimok ng komunidad, na sinusuportahan ng Department of Transportation – CAR, ay nag-aalis ng pangangailangan para sa mga indibidwal na mag-claim ng mga plates sa mga opisina ng DOTr, na makabuluhang nagpapahusay sa kaginhawahan at accessibility.   Binibigyang-diin nito ang dedikasyon ng DOTr-CAR sa pagpapabuti ng paghahatid ng serbisyo sa pamamagitan ng pagpupulong sa mga mamamayan kung nasaan sila, pagpapasimple ng mga proseso, pagbabawas ng abala, at pagtaguyod sa misyon ng ahensya ng kahusayan, pagiging naa-access, at pakikiramay. Zaldy Comanda      

By: Laarni Ilagan The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) has acquired a new ₱15-million insulated truck, a significant addition to its fleet aimed at improving power restoration and ensuring the safety of linemen working on high-voltage lines. Veteran lineman Rufo Madilat, who has 33 years of service and is among the few authorized to operate BENECO’s heavy maintenance trucks, emphasized the importance of the new unit. “No awan ti trucks nga mausar, ma-paralyze ti construction tayo, bumayag ti restoration,” Madilat said during the truck’s testing and turnover last August 7, 2025 at BENECO’s headquarters in South Drive, Baguio City. The new vehicle, a digger derrick, features a fully electric auger, basket, and crane, allowing linemen to safely perform hotline or live-line work. The truck was delivered and turned over by GeoExpert Construction, Inc. President Karlo Santos, which won the project bidding and retrofitted the unit to meet BENECO’s specifications. “It met our requirements, such as being fully insulated for hotline operations and capable of carrying maximum load capacity for poles and transformers,” said Roy Olatic, senior construction and maintenance office engineer. Out of BENECO’s 12 heavy maintenance trucks, this is the fifth insulated truck the cooperative acquired. Olatic noted that having more usable trucks help accelerate project implementation and power restoration. Although the truck is primarily for hotline tasks, it may also be used for other maintenance work when available. In a related development, BENECO received a 50 MVA power transformer last July 29 for its Lamut, Beckel Substation, significantly improving the reliability, resilience and capacity of service to over 31,000 consumers. According to technical department manager Fraiser Angayen, the transformer is scheduled for commissioning in August 2025.

LA TRINIDAD,Benguet,Ohilippines — A new chapter in leadership commences as PCol.Lambert Suerte officially assumes command as the Provincial Director of the Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO), succeeding PCol.Joseph Bayongasan in a turnover ceremony held at the Masigasig Grandstand, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet on August 4. The ceremony’s highlight was the symbolic transfer of command, marked by the handover of the Command Symbol and the Property and Equipment Inventory Book from Bayongasan to Suerte signifying the continuity of leadership and accountability in the province’s peacekeeping efforts. The event concluded with a message from PBGen.Ericson Dilag,regional director, who expressed his deep appreciation for the contributions of Bayongasan and welcomed Suerte as the new leader of the Benguet police force. He also emphasized that leadership and swift five-minute police response time during emergencies will bring meaningful progress and further enhance police-community relations in Benguet, in line with the guidance of the Chief, PNP, PGen Nicolas Torre III. “To the men and women of the Benguet Police Provincial Office, I urge you to give your full support to Col.Suerte, just as you did to his predecessor. You are fortunate to be under the guidance of a leader who is well-respected, community-rooted, and deeply committed to public service. As we begin this new chapter, let us continue to keep Benguet peaceful, orderly, and resilient—no matter the challenges ahead,”Dilag added. Present during the ceremony is Melchor D. Diclas, Governor of Benguet; Baguio City Benjamin B Magalong; Atty. Henry M. Dungala, Acting Regional Director of NAPOLCOM; Atty Zane Mark Bongayon; Thomas K Wales Jr., Board Member- District I of Benguet; Brgy Officials of Ambuklao and other members of the Local Government Unit of Benguet. Photo Caption Col.Lambert Suerte, received the command flag as new provincial director of Benguet PP    

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet,Philippines — The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) successfully responded to a total of 225 incidents and apprehended 41 individuals between June 3 and July 30, 2025. This accomplishment is credited to their impressive five-minute average response time, which highlights the police force’s unwavering commitment to public safety. The majority of the police responses—198 in total—were to critical incidents such as vehicular accidents and cases of reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries or damage to property. The remaining 27 operations led to the warrantless apprehension of 41 individuals. Among the different city and provincial  offices, the Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO) conducted the most operations with 95, leading to 17 arrests. The Baguio City Police Office followed with 60 operations and 14 arrests. The Abra PPO conducted 41 operations with two arrests, while the Kalinga PPO had 12 operations and one arrest. The Apayao PPO recorded 10 operations with five arrests, the Ifugao PPO had five operations with two arrests, and the Mountain Province PPO conducted two operations. These accomplishments highlights the effectiveness of PRO CAR’s five-minute response and its unwavering commitment to public safety. It also aligns with the call of Chief PNP, PGen Nicolas D Torre III, for a swift and responsive public service. PRO CAR cops remain prepared to respond swiftly to emergencies and critical incidents, consistently aiming to arrive at the scene within five minutes of a 911 call—upholding their mission to serve and protect the community.        

ITOGON, Benguet — Over two hundred families in this mining town were evacuated after a series of landslides caused by incessant rains in Itogon,Benguet. Engr.Cyril Batcagan, head of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) – Itogon, asked miners to temporarily stop any mining activities while the bad weather continues. He also reminded residents, especially those living in landslide-prone areas, to be double-checked and evacuate immediately if necessary to avoid any tragedy. Reports from Barangay Captain Flordeliza Depayso in Sitio Goldfield, Barangay Poblacion, said fifteen families were affected after a large part of the mountain collapsed. Depayso, the assessment and monitoring are still ongoing, so the number of those affected is possible to increase. One house was buried by the collapsed soil, but fortunately, no one was reported injured because the residents had already evacuated before the incident. According to her, it may take a month to open the buried road due to the amount of soil that has blocked it. Batcagan said they are looking into the possibility of alternative routes, however, he admitted that they cannot recommend a route yet because other roads in the town are also affected by landslides and rockslides. He added that they are also investigating whether the landslide is related to mining, although at present there are no mining operations in the affected part of the barangay. In Camp 3, Acupan, Virac, Itogon, 213 families or 866 individuals were evacuated after fifteen houses were destroyed due to the ongoing landslide. The concerned agencies assured that assistance will continue to be provided to the affected families such as food, temporary shelter, and other basic necessities.      

BENGUET, Philippines — Aboitiz Renewables Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), together with Aboitiz Foundation Inc., gave emergency fuel assistance to several host communities in Benguet and Mountain Province following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Crising (international name Wipha). The storm brought heavy rainfall of up to 200 mm in parts of Northern Luzon according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), causing landslides, rockfalls, and extended power outages. Many barangay and provincial roads became impassable, isolating several upland areas, including those hosting nine run-of-river hydropower facilities of Aboitiz Renewables. To support road clearing operations and essential services, Aboitiz Renewables and Aboitiz Foundation provided 4,400 liters of diesel fuel, which was used for heavy equipment during clearing operations, generators, and emergency vehicles delivering food, water, and medical supplies. “We work closely with our local partners to respond quickly during emergencies,” said Noreen Vicencio, Aboitiz Renewables’ First Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations. “This fuel assistance helps restore access and bring basic services back to the communities.” The support was coordinated with local government units and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) as part of the company’s ongoing community support and disaster response efforts. “The fuel subsidy provided by Aboitiz Renewables is more than just logistical support–it is a lifeline for our community. It allowed us to swiftly clear blocked access roads and fast-track our recovery efforts,” said La Trinidad Municipal Mayor Roderick Awngan. “Timely interventions like this are crucial in helping us restore normalcy. We are grateful for Aboitiz Renewables’ continued support to disaster recovery and resilience.”        

  ABRA, Philippines  — The Municipality of La Paz in Abra province officially inaugurated its Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system on July 22, 2025, under the FY 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF), reinforcing its commitment to peace, order, and public safety. A total of 39 CCTV units were installed in strategic areas of Barangay Poblacion to assist in crime prevention, improve situational awareness, and promote safer communities. La Paz Mayor Niña Bernos led the launch, joined by DILG-CAR Regional Director Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda, CESO III; DILG-Abra Acting Provincial Director Kristoffer Dave Alvarez; and Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) Sonny Trinidad, along with local officials and stakeholders. The CCTV project is one of the LGU’s high-impact initiatives funded through the SGLGIF after La Paz was conferred the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) in 2023 — marking its seventh SGLG win since 2016. “The presence of these cameras is more than a compliance to national standards,” RD Nuyda said. “This reflects La Paz’s culture of good governance, its concern for citizen safety, and its readiness to respond to emerging challenges.” The Department continues to enable LGUs to deliver responsive and inclusive programs through the SGLG Incentive Fund, anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability, and service excellence. “I am proud to continue the legacy of PROGRESO in La Paz, and I look forward to using this momentum to further improve systems and services in our hometown to empower our local government to fulfill their duties with efficiency and confidence. It is my hope that through the installation of this CCTV, we can work collectively to make La Paz safer and more peaceful to pave the way for development and ultimately, uplifting lives. I am proud to say that this is the first of its kind in the province of Abra,” said Mayor Niña Bernos.                                

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet – Joint police forces uprooted and burned a marijuana plantation on the slopes of Mount Balitok, Barangay Saclit, Sadanga, Mt. Province, on July 22. According to the Regional Operations Division of PRO-Cordillera, a plantation measuring 3,000 square meters planted with 54,000 fully grown marijuana plants with a total Standard Drug Price of P10,800,000.00 was discovered in the said mountains. Operatives immediately uprooted and burned the discovered marijuana, while a thorough investigation is currently underway and community outreach is ongoing to identify and hold accountable individuals involved in the cultivation of the said illegal plant. This successful operation was carried out through the cooperation of operatives from the Sadanga Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office, Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Company, Regional Intelligence Division, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, Regional Intelligence Unit-14, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Mountain Province.