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.          

By Laarni S. Ilagan The local government units of Baguio City and Benguet have joined the call for the Senate to already approve the franchise of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) for another 25 years. The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Baguio City, Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Benguet and Benguet’s 13 municipalities (Atok, La Trinidad, Sablan, Tuba, Itogon, Kapangan, Kibungan, Mankayan, Buguias, Tublay, Itogon, Bokod, and Bakun) have passed their separate resolutions asking the Upper House to approve House Bill No. 10483, the bill’s version that was approved by the House of Representatives last September. Ditto with the Liga ng mga Barangay of Baguio City and Tuba. Going grass roots, the barangays of Happy Homes and Old Lucban and Magsaysay Private Road of Baguio City have also passed their barangay resolutions. More barangays have signified their support. Non-government entities like the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC) and the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters ng Pilipinas (KBP)-Baguio-Benguet Chapter also gave their endorsement. Following the passage of HB 10483 (An Act Granting Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) a Franchise to Construct, Install, Establish, Operate, Own, Manage, and Maintain, a Distribution System for the Conveyance of Electric Power to the End-Users in all the municipalities of the Province of Benguet and Baguio City) at the lower house of Congress, the bill was transmitted to the Senate. The committee on public services, chaired by Sen. Raffy Tulfo, already endorsed the bill to the technical working group of the committee after a successful public hearing on the bill last Oct. 23, 2024. BENECO is hopeful the said committee will approve the bill for the immediate consideration of the Senate as a whole. The local resolutions said that “BENECO has long provided efficient and reliable electricity distribution services to the municipalities of Benguet and Baguio City, contributing significantly to their economic and social development.”                

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — In celebration of its 53rd founding anniversary, Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap committed to donate two dialysis machines and one dental chair to Benguet General Hospital in a bid to improved its services and advance health care services in the province. Yap also commended the dedication of BeGH’s medical professionals and staff, who have been instrumental in delivering essential healthcare services to the people of Benguet. The solon added providing better healthcare facilities and accessible medical services is essential to uplift the welfare of their fellow Benguet residents, adding with these additional dialysis machines and dental chair, he hopes to bring even more accessible, quality healthcare to the province. “I cannot think of a good way to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of BeGH but to donate two additional dialysis machines for the hospital. Magbibigay din tayo ng isang dental chair kasi lumang luma na yung ginagamit nila sa hospital,” said Yap. Yap meanwhile emphasized the importance of government support in expanding hospital capabilities, noting that his office is working on to bring in more healthcare funding to rural hospitals like BeGH. Yap also initiated for the funding of 10 dialysis machines in 2021. “Parang kailan lang when we opened the dialysis facility ng hospital, we were able to get sa national government ng 10 units during that time. Masarap sa pakiramdam na nakikita natin na maraming nakikinabang. Now additional two units naman na idodonate natin,” added Yap. “Maraming nagpapadialysis na mga kailyan natin and to accommodate more sa BeGH, this is important. Marami tayong natutulungan thru our medical assistance program, but we want more to utilize yung facility ng BeGH.” Yap’s continuous allocation of resources from the national government has also enabled BeGH staff to receive adequate salaries and incentives with the hopes of constructing a new building for the hospital to cater to more patients in the province. “Gaya ng lagi natin sinasabi, we will not stop here, hindi tayo makokontento kasi our province deserves the best. So more will come,” Yap closed. Since coming to Benguet, Yap was instrumental in using his personal resources to put up and equip the BeGH molecular laboratory for suspected and potential Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, the existence of the high flow oxygen machines and other essential health equipment during the pandemic. (By Redjie Cawis-PIA-CAR)

CAMP MAJ.BADO DANGWA,Benguet — The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) made a significant impact on its anti-illegal drugs campaign following the seizure of P130,040,403.00 worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 25 drug personalities during the month long drug ops from October 1 to October 30, 2024. According to reports from the Regional Operations Division, 102 operations were conducted, which included 78 marijuana eradication efforts, 12 buy-bust operations, six implementations of search warrants, three services of warrants of arrest, and three police responses. These efforts led to the confiscation of 107.41 grams of shabu, 470,353 pieces of Fully Grown Marijuana Plants, 27,402 pieces of marijuana seedlings, 5.00 grams of marijuana seeds, 274,525.50 grams of dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops; 10,000 grams of dried marijuana stalks, and 3.00 ml of marijuana oil, with a total Standard Drug Price of P130,040,403.00. Additionally, 25 drug personalities were arrested, with 15 identified as High Value Individuals and 10 identified as 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 PhP59,057,110.00, and in Mountain Province, where the Inayan Cops of Mountain Province PPO seized illegal drugs valued at PhP45,098,005.00. Moreover, in Benguet, the Cabalyero Cops of Benguet PPO also had substantial success with the seizure of PhP25,296.048 worth of illegal drugs, and in Baguio City, the Napino Cops of Baguio City Police Office confiscated a total of PhP553,036.00 worth of illegal drugs. These achievements underscore the unwavering commitment of PRO-CAR in combating illegal drugs and ensuring community safety. Beyond law enforcement, PRO-CAR actively engages in community education programs and collaborates with local organizations to provide essential support services. By integrating enforcement with prevention and support initiatives, PRO-CAR aims to foster a drug-free and secure environment across the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) has intensified its security measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days (Undas) 2024. To bolster security, PRO-CAR will deploy 1,196 police officers to strategic locations, including cemeteries, memorial parks, columbaria, and churches. These officers will conduct foot and mobile patrols, maintain police visibility, and provide assistance to the public. Additionally, 197 Police Assistance Desks (PADs) will be established at various locations, such as cemeteries, bus terminals, malls, and recreational areas, to serve as assistance hubs for the public. To manage the expected influx of passengers and motorists, additional police personnel will be deployed to major thoroughfares and routes to implement traffic management and checkpoint operations. PRO-CAR has also organized Quick Response Teams and Reactionary Standby Support Forces to respond to emergencies promptly. To further enhance security efforts, PRO-CAR will be supported by 774 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Bureau of Fire Protection, as well as 807 volunteers from various community organizations. Brig.Gen.David Peredo,Jr., regional director, urged the public to remain vigilant and follow implemented protocols inside the cemeteries. He emphasized the importance of travel safety, home security, and cemetery safety, particularly avoiding crowded areas, and encouraged the public to report any untoward incidents to the nearest PAD for immediate assistance. PRO-CAR assured the public that all police officers deployed are equipped and prepared to provide necessary assistance to ensure a safe and peaceful observance of Undas 2024.    

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet — A total of 25 individual missing persons were recorded from different areas in the Cordillera from January 1 to October 25, 2024, according to the Police Regional Office-Cordillera. Baguio City has the highest number, with seven cases, followed by Kalinga with five, Benguet and Ifugao with four each, Abra and Mountain. Province with two each, and Apayao with one case. Of the 25 people reported missing, 21 have been found and reunited with their families. At press time, four individuals remain missing: a 16-year-old boy in Apayao; a 16-year-old girl in Baguio City; an 81-year-old woman in Baguio City; and a 37-year-old man in Benguet. PRO-CAR is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities in solving missing person cases and the dedication of our officers serves as a testament to their unwavering efforts to solve public concerns, such as missing person cases . The public, especially parents and guardians, are encouraged to remain vigilant and monitor the whereabouts of their children and family members. In addition, the public is encouraged to immediately report any suspicious activity or possible case of missing persons to the nearest police station for immediate response. However, please note that any false reporting or dissemination of misleading information may lead to legal consequences, including potential charges for false accusations or perjury. Accuracy and honesty in all communications are essential to avoid adverse consequences.