The Provincial Government of Benguet headed by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas has been awarded the “Beyond Compliant” distinction at the 24th Gawad KALASAG: Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance. The award which was presented at the Ion Hotel in Baguio City recognizes the various efforts of the province in disaster preparedness, risk management, and humanitarian support. The “Beyond Compliant” recognition, conferred by the Office of Civil Defense – Cordillera Administrative Region (OCD-CAR), is awarded to local government units (LGUs) that score between 2.5 and 3 in rigorous evaluations, showing their innovations in disaster response that go beyond basic compliance with DRRM standards. Governor Diclas extended his congratulations to the members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), praising their continued collaborative efforts that ensure the safety and resilience of the communities in Benguet. “This recognition is a result of our shared efforts in the province. It shows how we work together–municipalities, agencies, and organizations–in order to safeguard lives and build resilience for the people of Benguet,” he said. The award was received by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) Abner Lawangen, who acknowledged the contributions of local government units (LGUs), including the municipal DRRMCs of Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kibungan, La Trinidad, and Mankayan, which also received the Seal of Excellence (Beyond Compliant) during the ceremony. In addition, seven other municipalities in Benguet were recognized as Fully Compliant LGUs, earning plaques of recognition for their excellent DRRM practices. These municipalities—Tublay, Tuba, Sablan, Kapangan, Kabayan, Bakun, and Atok—were lauded for their commitment to disaster preparedness and response. Another Plaque of Recognition was awarded to the Benguet General Hospital (BeGH) headed by Dr. Maria Imelda Ulep, Chief of Hospital III, for Exemplary DRRM Programs in the Local Government Hospital category. Mankayan National High School was also named the Gawad KALASAG Regional Winner for the Cordillera Region recognizing the school’s outstanding contribution to disaster preparedness and management. The Gawad KALASAG awards, established by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), serve as the country’s premier recognition for excellence in disaster risk reduction and management, as well as humanitarian assistance.        

BAUKO, Mountain Province — A series of successful anti-drug operations conducted by law enforcement agencies in Bauko, Mountain Province, resulted in the arrest of two drug personalities and the confiscation of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and firearms on December 9. In the first operation conducted by the joint personnel of Bauko Municipal Police Station (MPS), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Mt. Province, 1st Mt Province Provincial Mobile Force Company (MPPMFC), Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB)1502 and Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT)-Mt Province, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU)14, a 36-year-old high-value drug personality was arrested by virtue of a Search Warrant in Guinzadan Sur, Bauko. Authorities were able to confiscate more or less 24.2 grams of shabu with an estimated Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) of P164, 000.00; drug paraphernalia, including improvised glass tooters containing MOL 1 ml transparent liquid substance with an SDP of P6, 282.8; and black Mitsubishi Montero with plate # ADL33. In a separate operation in Otucan Sur, Bauko by the joint operatives from Bauko MPS, Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNPDEG), Special Operating Unit (SOU) CAR (lead unit) together with PDEA Mountain Province PO, PDEU Mountain Province, and 1st MPPMFC, arrested a 43-year-old male by virtue of a search warrant that resulted in the confiscation of suspected illegal drugs weighing MOL 7.94grams with standard drug price of P53,992.00; drug paraphernalia; one long converted Cal 22 with magazine and three live ammunitions; and one small firearm Cal. 38 with one magazine and five live ammunitions. Confiscated drug evidence was photographed, inventoried and marked at the scene of the operation in the presence of the arrested suspect and other mandatory insulating witnesses under Sec. 21 of RA 9165. The arrested individuals were turned over to the concerned police station for documentation and custody, while the confiscated drug evidence was turned over to Regional Forensic Unit CAR, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet for laboratory examination. Both operations were conducted pursuant to search warrants issued by the Presiding Judge of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court Besao-Sagada. Col. Ferdinand Oydoc,provincial director, lauded the operating troops for their exemplary performance in upholding the law and safeguarding our community. Their dedication to duty is truly commendable.        

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet — An exclusive and well-functioning hospital dedicated to serving police officers and their dependents was officially opened with the blessing of the newly renovated Camp Bado Dangwa Hospital held at Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet, on December 6. The program was graced by Miss Connie Angeles, Executive Director of Health and Medical Programs of SM Foundation Incorporated, and was attended by Brig.Gen. David Peredo,Jr., regional director; Col. Julio Lizardo, chief Regional Staff; Col. Alma Paredes,chief of the Regional Medical Dental Unit Cordillera Administrative Region, the Regional Staff, and other PRO-CAR personnel. The event’s highlight was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Angeles and Peredo and the unveiling of commemorative markers and the building’s blessing officiated by the Regional Pastoral Officer Maj.(Rev. Fr.) Alexander Pardo. This newly renovated facility will offer free medical and dental services to PNP personnel, their dependents, and authorized civilians. It is the fifth PNP facility renovated by the SM Foundation, greatly enhancing the healthcare support system for both the police officers and the local community. Angeles expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the unwavering dedication of the PRO-CAR personnel, recognizing them as the pillars of peace and order in the Cordillera region. The successful renovation of the hospital stands as a testament to the continued partnership between PRO-CAR and its stakeholders, particularly the SM Foundation, reinforcing their commitment to supporting the Philippine National Police’s programs and the well-being of its officers and their families.                  

The men and women of Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) officially welcomed the holiday season with the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree and lanterns at the PRO-CAR Regional Headquarters in Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet on December 2, 2024. The event was led by Regional Director Brig.Gen.David Peredo,Jr. and attended by members of the Command Group, the Regional Staff, the Special Staff, the Chiefs of the Regional Support Units, and other PRO-CAR personnel. The highlight of the evening was the simultaneous lighting of the Christmas tree, lanterns, and other decorations around the camp—a cherished annual tradition symbolizing the start of the Christmas season. The brightly lit tree and colorful lanterns symbolized the spirit of peace and goodwill, values that resonate deeply with PRO-CAR’s commitment to serving and protecting the community. Peredo emphasized the importance of unity and dedication during the holiday season, highlighting how this occasion fosters camaraderie and strengthens the shared mission of ensuring peace and safety. He reminded PRO-CAR personnel that, despite the challenges they face in their work or personal lives, they should always hold on to their guiding light—serving as a source of inspiration and strength to overcome any struggles. “The Christmas lights we’ve just turned on are more than just decorations. They represent our hope for the future, our unwavering dedication to our mission, and the spirit of PRO-CAR. Let us carry forward the essence of this season—kindness, solidarity, and hope—into our work and our daily lives,” Peredo  added.

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet — As a result of their continuous anti-illegal drug operations, the Benguet Provincial Police Office seized illegal drugs worth P11,108,040.00 and arrested a Street Level Individual (SLI) on November 28. Col. Joseph Bayongasan, provincial director said, some 22,900 pieces of Fully Grown Marijuana Plants (FGMJP) and 50,000 grams of dried marijuana leaves with fruiting tops with a total Standard Drug Price of P10,580,000.00 were discovered across four marijuana plantation sites in Barangay Badeo, Kibungan. He said, the operation was successful with the joint efforts of operatives from the 2nd Benguet Provincial Mobile Force Company, Kibungan Municipal Police Station (MPS), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO), Regional Intelligence Division (RID) of PRO-CAR, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Cordillera Administrative Region (PDEA-CAR). In Bakun, four marijuana plantation sites planted with 2,630 pieces of FGMJP with an SDP of P526,000.00 were discovered in Barangay Kayapa by the joint operatives of Bakun MPS, PDEU, and PIU of Benguet PPO, and the Land Transport Interdiction Unit of PDEA-CAR. Bayongasan said, these marijuana plants were all documented and destroyed onsite, while few samples were taken for submission to the Provincial Forensic Unit-CAR for qualitative testing.   In La Trinidad, a 29-year-old male listed as an SLI was arrested after operatives seized 0.3 grams of suspected shabu with an SDP of P2,040.000 during the buy-bust operation conducted by La Trinidad MPS, PDEU and PIU of Benguet PPO, RID of PRO-CAR, Regional Intelligence Unit-14, and PDEA-CAR in Barangay Betag. The arrested suspect and the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the custody of La Trinidad MPS for documentation and proper disposition. The suspect will be facing charges for violation of R.A. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The Commission on Election Second Division recently granted a petition declaring Congressional candidate Adam Yap as a nuisance candidate citing his apparent lack of genuine intent to actively engage in the election process as candidate. Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap, who filed the petition, said his namesake maliciously filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) and merely put the election process in mockery or disrepute and to cause confusion among voters. “I had to file a petition to declare Mr. Adam Yap as a nuisance candidate because I received reports of what transpired that prompted him to file his candidacy and I thank the COMELEC for seeing the merits of my petition,” said the solon. In granting the petition, Comelec said nuisance candidates are persons who file their certificates of candidacy to put the election process in mockery or disrepute or to cause confusion among voters by the similarity of the names of the registered candidates or by other circumstances and that the candidate has no bonafide intention to run for the office. Comelec also noted that Adam Yap has the same surname with the incumbent district representative of Benguet, and there is an inherent risk that voters may mistakenly associate him with Cong. Eric Go Yap which could lead to distorted voting behavior. “Hindi po ako galit at wala po tayo sama ng loob kay Mr. Adam Yap, in fact, some of the members of his family reached out to me and apologized. Wala pong dapat ihingi ng tawad dahil biktima lang rin po si Adam Yap ng ilang tao na may mga political agenda,” said the lawmaker Yap. The poll body meanwhile said the likelihood of voter misapprehension is not only theoretical but is supported by empirical evidence in previous elections where confusion over candidates with the same surnames has led to votes being misplaced or casted erroneously. Comelec added such instances not only compromise the integrity of the elections but also diminish the public’s trust and confidence in the electoral system. “I received reports from trusted sources na si Adam Yap daw was approached by two people. They convinced him to file for Congressman with the intention to confuse the voters, syempre nga naman we share the same last name tapos mauuna pa sya sa akin sa balota alphabetically. We must remember, shading na po ang ballots so walang ma-credit sa akin pag siya ang naiboto because of confusion,” added Cong. Yap. “I denounce these actions, strategies, whatever they want to call it. Let us respect the electoral process and let the will of the people prevail. Huwag naman po sana mag-resort sa propaganda at panloloko ng tao. Filing ng candidacy pa lang yan ganyan na, what more sa mga susunod pa?” said Yap. The ruling also said the circumstances shows Adam Yap’s certificate of candidacy for member of the House of Representative in the May 12, 2025 National and Local Election is denied or cancelled.          

  Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera Regional Director Derrick Arnold Carreon spearheaded the ceremonial destruction of non-drug evidence held at the PDEA-Baguio/ Benguet Provincial Office, CEPMO Bldg., Barangay Burnham-Legarda-Kisad, Baguio City on November 28. The pieces of non-drug evidence were seized from various anti-drug operations of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Cordillera and other Law Enforcement agencies. The pieces of evidence stemmed from twenty (20) cases filed before Baguio City’s Regional Trial Court Branch 3. The items were set for disposal after they were presented in court. Following the legal standards and the proper disposal method, all the pieces of non-drug evidence were cut, hammered, and pounded until rendered unusable. The public destruction displays the community’s unyielding resolve against our lingering  drug problem. During the event, representatives from the Baguio City Regional Trial Court Branch 3, Civil Society, Elected Public Official, and from the Media were present and witnessed the destruction. Carreon in his message emphasized the objective of the activity is to change the public’s perception of Law Enforcement regarding the alleged mishandling and recycling of seized evidence. He further expressed his gratitude to the Prosecutors Office and the Baguio City’s Regional Trial Court Branch 3  for their expeditious prosecution and disposition of drug cases that prompted the immediate destruction of the pieces of evidence.      

The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) and the Baguio City Police Office (CPO) were recently honored with the Bless Our Cops (BOC) Partnership Award for their exceptional contributions and invaluable partnership with the BOC Movement. The award was presented during the Awards Ceremony held at the Center for Community Transformation in Tagaytay City, Cavite on November 22, 2024. Lt.Col. Carolina Lacuata, chief RPIO, accepted the certificates of appreciation on behalf of PRO-CAR RPIO and Baguio CPO. In the message of Pastor Octavio L. Muncada, President of the BOC Movement, he congratulated the entire PRO-CAR RPIO and Baguio CPO team, emphasizing that such collaborations are vital in building stronger communities and fostering trust between the police and the public. The BOC Partnership Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding support and collaboration with the BOC Movement in promoting community safety and strengthening police-community relations.

In observance of National Children’s Month this November, the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera (DILG-CAR) renewed its call to all local government units in the region to strengthen their campaign to curb the incidence of violence against children (VAC) in their localities. DILG-CAR Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose appealed to LGUs to ensure that programs on children’s welfare are mainstreamed in their local development plans and that local councils for the protection of children are duly organized and functional. She said that while the Police Regional Office – Cordillera (PROCAR) reported a decrease in documented incidence of VAC in the region from 354 cases in 2023 to 281 cases in 2024, the high number of cases remains alarming and necessitates stronger interventions at the local level. Ensure functionality of local councils RD San Jose urged LGUs to ensure that their respective Local Committees on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) and Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPC) are adequately capacitated to effectively perform their responsibilities in the implementation of various child-protection laws and issuances. “It is imperative that our LGUs ensure the optimum functionality of these councils as they are integral to shaping responsive local policies that will ultimately safeguard the rights and well-being of our children,” RD San Jose said. She added that this must also be complemented by an active Violence against Women (VAW) desks in all barangays that are capable of sensitively responding to reports of any form of violence within their communities. Meanwhile, RD San Jose said that DILG-CAR’s City and Provincial Field Offices have been directed to provide technical assistance to LGUs in the organization and strengthening of capacities of these councils. MAKABATA Helpline 1383 The DILG Cordillera chief also enjoined local chief executives to pursue stronger information and education campaigns (IEC) to promote the MAKABATA Helpline 1383. Launched by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) earlier this year, this initiative dubbed as “MAhalin at KAlingain ang ating mga BATA” (MAKABATA) Helpline 1383 offers a mechanism to provide immediate response, monitoring, and feedback on all child rights concerns via calls, e-mail, and various social media platforms This helpline enables child victims or persons who have direct knowledge of violation of child rights to directly report these incidents to the concerned offices. All forms of violence and abuse against children such as physical abuse, online sexual abuse and exploitation, bullying and other grave violations such as rape, abduction, and trafficking, among others, are highly encouraged to be reported to their platforms. Moreover, the MAKABATA Helpline offers legal advice and counselling to victimized, vulnerable, and at-risk children and their families. “The MAKABATA Helpline is a valuable resource for our constituents and we must make them aware that such options are made available to them by the government. Thus, our Local Social Welfare and Development Offices must actively campaign for this helpline in their localities,” RD San Jose said. To report any case of violence against children, the MAKABATA Helpline can be contacted through their hotline number “1383” or mobile numbers 0919-354-1383 or 0915-802-2375; via email at makabatahelpline@cwc.gov.or through their official social media channels MAKABATA Helpline 1383 on Facebook and Instagram. A “Click to Call” option is also available at the CWC Website https//cwc.gov.ph. “We must work together to strengthen the network of support for our children. Let us work together to create an environment for the next generation that is free from harm and all forms of violence,” RD San Jose said.