The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) struck a significant blow against the illegal drug trade in the region, seizing illegal drugs valued at PhP47,680,083.00 and arresting 12 drug personalities in a series of operations conducted from October 11 to 17, 2024. During the weeklong campaign, PRO-CAR conducted 51 anti-illegal drug operations across the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Kalinga, and in the city of Baguio, leading to the confiscation of 185,927 pieces of Fully Grown Marijuana Plants, 15,002 pieces of marijuana seedlings, 5.00 grams of marijuana seeds, 80,525.50 grams of dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops, 3.00 milliliters of marijuana oil, and 34.10 grams of suspected shabu, with a combined estimated value of PhP47,680,083.00. Further, of the 12 drug personalities arrested, four were identified as High Value Individuals and eight were Street Level Individuals. The most significant operations occurred in Kalinga, where the Lumin-awa Cops of Kalinga Police Provincial Office (PPO) confiscated illegal drugs worth PhP27,931,750.00, and in Mountain Province, where the Inayan Cops of Mountain Province PPO seized illegal drugs valued at PhP14,618,005.00. Moreover, in Benguet, the Cabalyero Cops of Benguet PPO also had substantial success, eradicating PhP5,004,848.00 worth of marijuana plants, and in Baguio City, the Napino Cops of Baguio City Police Office confiscated a total of PhP104,236.00 worth of illegal drugs. These accomplishments highlight the commitment of PRO-CAR to eradicating illegal drugs and maintaining peace and order across the region.

As part of the continuous efforts of Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) in the campaign to end the Local Communist Armed Conflict, the Inayan Cops of Mountain Province Police Provincial Office discovered an abandoned Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) encampment in Besao, Mountain Province on October 15, 2024. Based on the report submitted to the Regional Director, PBGEN DAVID K PEREDO, JR, the abandoned CTG encampment was discovered by the joint operatives of 1st Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) and Besao Municipal Police Station along a forested area in Sitio Mapao, Brgy. Gueday, Besao while they were conducting a major Internal Security Operation in the area. From the said encampment, the operatives were able to recover ten pieces of Ammonium Nitrate–Fuel Oil in ice candy wrappers, six pieces Improvised Explosive Device (IED) containers, four pieces dynamite sticks, one IED grenade, subversive documents, and other personal belongings. After documentation, all the discovered IED materials were turned over to the Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit of Mountain Province, while the other recovered materials are under the custody of 1st Mountain Province PMFC for proper disposition. Meanwhile, the operating troops are continuously searching adjacent areas of the encampment for the possible recovery of other IEDs.    

By Loremia Pareja-Apayao PIO   LUNA, Apayao – The Municipality of Calanasan was recently hit by African Swine Fever virus, recording 122 mortalities from September 1 to October 8, 2024. The Office of Agricultural Services (OAS) in Calanasan informed there were 15 farmers from different barangays affected, including Poblacion (12 farmers), Sabangan (2) and Eleazar (1). As a precautionary measure, Mayor Shamir M. Bulut signed an Executive Order No. 10, which temporarily bans the movement of live swine’s and pork products within the municipality to lessen ASF cases. The municipal government is actively monitoring and conducting surveillance within a 500-meter radius of affected farms. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns are also being implemented for local swine raisers for ASF prevention. In 2021, the municipality faced a similar crisis with 135 affected farmers and 801 hogs lost to ASF, including 106 culled from the local government’s demo farm. This previous experience increased farmers understanding of the need of reporting indicators of disease in pigs and following biosecurity measures. The local government is also exploring funding opportunities for future vaccine availability against ASF. Dr. Reah Vivian M. Piagan, Veterinarian II and Municipal Livestock Focal Person, emphasized the importance of community cooperation in this fight against ASF, saying “strengthen da pay ti panagannad da iti kanya kanya da nga farms tapnu maliklikan ti ASF ken dagiti apektadon ket umannugot da lang iti proseso ken patakaran tapnon ada metlang gungunada.” Piagan also expressed hope of soon obtaining a vaccine, looking forward to securing funding from the provincial government. What to do to avoid ASF infection? ASF Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea weakness and reddening or darkening of skin. Biosecurity measures should be observed and farmers are obligated to clean and disinfect their own farms. Ensuring that the water and feed are clean to avoid swill feeding.          

By  Jess Christley Marquez -Apayao PIO   LUNA, Apayao – The Apayao State College (ASC) has officially been recognized as an accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) provider by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) CPD Council for Professional Teachers. ASC President Dr. John Cabansag formally received the certificate during the seminar “Empowering Workforce Competence: The Vital Role of Continuing Professional Development” held at the RDE Conference Hall in ASC Luna Campus on October 2. With the accreditation, the educational institution’s drive to enhance the professional capabilities of educators in Apayao is bolstered. Beginning 2025, the state college can offer CPD programs and workshops. PRC – CAR Regional Director Juanita L. Domogen, in her message, conveyed the substantial role of CPD in equipping educators to meet the new demands and challenges in their profession. “You are giving instructions to future nation-builders, so it is best to be updated on the latest trends in your profession,” she remarked. Additionally, Domogen underscored that the CPD’s mission is to make sure that educators “remain at the forefront of new developments,” so that they can provide the highest quality education to their students. Dr. Cabansag, on the other hand, stressed the larger impact of professional growth for individuals, institutions, and the communities. “By investing in our own growth, we enhance our individual potential and competencies as well as contribute to the collective success of our teams, institution, and ultimately, the community,” he stated. Cabansag further hopes that the accreditation “would play a huge role in enhancing teaching methods and promoting a culture of lifelong learning among educators.” The CPD program is mandated by Republic Act No. 10912, also known as the CPD Act of 2016, which requires professionals to earn CPD units for renewal of their licenses. This is to guarantee that all professionals maintain their competencies and keep pace with advancements in their respective fields, particularly in the education sector, where continuous improvement is key to shaping the nation’s future.            

CAMP DANGWA,Benguet – As the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) and Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) formally ended, the Cordillera Administrative Region records a total of 1,457 candidates who successfully filed their COCs and CONAs from October 1 to 8, 2024. Of the said number, 166 are candidates at the provincial level which includes Benguet-34; Mt. Province-31; Kalinga-25; Abra-29; Apayao-17 and Ifugao-30. Baguio City with the most candidates is 58, which includes 7 congressmen, 6 Mayors, 2 Vice Mayors and 43 for City Councilors. The remaining 1,233 candidates are for municipal Mayor, Vice Mayor and City, Municipal Councilors throughout the region. The Police Regional Office-Cordillera reported that the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) and Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) by candidates throughout the region was peaceful from October 1 to 8. Brig.Gen.David Peredo, Jr. highly praised the 2,796 policemen he deployed in different provinces and cities to guard security and tranquility in filing centers throughout the region. According to Peredo, during the last filing period yesterday it remained peaceful and orderly in general, with no untoward incident recorded. He also praised the community, even the candidates for their cooperation so that the police could implement the peaceful filing of their candidacy. It also appreciated the diligent efforts in carrying out patrols, establishment of checkpoints, to watch out for exploiters to disturb the filing centers and the cooperation of the AFP, PNP, and the Local Government Units in maintaining peace and order in the entire region.                          

By Romy Gonzales   BANGUED, Abra – Nagsanib puwersa ang inaasahang progreso sa lalawigan ng Abra, sa katauhan nina La Paz Mayor Joseph Bernos at dating Governor Eustaquio ‘Takit” Bersamin, makaraang maghain ng kanilang Certificate of Candidacy para sa 2025 elections, noong Oktubre 6. Si Bernos sa ilalim ng Lakas-Christian and Muslim Democrats, ay kandidato bilang Congressman, samantalang si Bersamin, na matagal ding nagsilbing gobernadora at kapatid ni Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, ay muling kandidato sa pagka- Gobernador. Si Bernos ay naging mambabatas para sa dalawang termino mula 2016 hanggang 2019 at 2019 hanggang 2022 bago tumakbo bilang alkalde noong 2022. Kandidato din ang pamangkin ni Takit na si dating provincial board member Anne Bersamin para sa bise gobernador. Binanggit ni Eustaquio, isang dating gobernador ng Abra, si Bernos at ang kanyang asawa, Rep. Menchie Bernos, para sa kanilang mga pagsisikap para sa mga tao ng Abra. “Isang karangalan ko na makasama ang kanilang koponan.” “With our tandem, Abra will become the most improved province in the Cordillera and the whole Northern Luzon,” pahayag pa ni Takit.