BONTOC, Mountain Province – The fifth or last victim of the overturned vehicle along Chico River, Bontoc–Tabuk–Enrile Road, specifically in Gawa, Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, Mountain Province, has been found on the third day of the search. The body of Edmund Magaway Romeo, 22, a native of San Nicolas, Pangasinan, was found at around 4:38 p.m. on October 29. Once again, the Tocucan community covered the victim’s body with a blanket—giving warmth, comfort, and solace to his body and soul. This simple yet profound gesture reflects the deep compassion, solidarity, and respect that the people of the Cordillera have for others—especially in times of tragedy and loss. Romeo is among the two missing, after the tragic accident, on the morning of October 27. During intensive search operations, at around 11:00 a.m. on October 28, one of the missing, Carlo Ancheta, a native of Evangelista, Tayug, Pangasinan, was found two meters away from their submerged vehicle in the Chico River. The three who were first seen after the incident were Rogelio Romeo Dela Cruz, Jr., 22, of San Rafael West, San Nicolas, Pangasinan; JC Aquino Galicia, 20, of San Rafael East, San Nicolas, Pangasinan and Zoren Jay Luaso Alat, 25, a young man, from Siay, Zamboanga del Norte. It can be recalled that at around 4:11 a.m. on October 27, the victims were aboard a Mitsubishi Canter, heading to a construction site in Sadanga, Mt. Province when a Ford Fiera and a mini dump truck collided along Bontoc–Tabuk Enrile Road in Gawa, Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, Mt. Province. The victims’ vehicle plunged into a ravine and fell approximately 150–170 meters into the Chico River. Before the search and retrieval operation, a Vigil Mass was held at ground zero this morning led by Rev. Fr. Marcial Lloyd Castañeda. The solemn gathering aimed to offer prayers for the eternal peace of the souls of the deceased, comfort for their bereaved families, and divine guidance for the ongoing search and recovery operation. Food donations also poured in from concerned citizens for the responders who are continuing their operations without ceasing.   PHOTO CAPTION   Rescuers lift the Mitsubishi Canter carrying five construction workers that fell into the Chico River on the morning of October 27. Photo Bontoc MDRRMO      

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Rescuers found a missing victim dead under the Chico River, two meters away from their submerged vehicle in Sitio Gawa, Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, Mountain Province, at around 11:00 a.m. on October 28. The victim was identified as Carlo Ancheta, 17, a native of Evangelista, Tayug, Pangasinan, while the search is still ongoing for another victim, Edmud Romero, 22, a native of San Nicolas, Pangasinan. The three who were first seen after the incident were Rogelio Romeo Dela Cruz, Jr., 22, of San Rafael West, San Nicolas, Pangasinan; JC Aquino Galicia, 20, of San Rafael East, San Nicolas, Pangasinan and Zoren Jay Luaso Alat, 25, a young man, from Siay, Zamboanga del Norte. It can be recalled that at around 4:11 a.m. on October 27, the victims were riding in a Mitsubishi Canter, heading to a construction site in Sadanga, Mt. Province when it collided with a Ford Fiera and a mini dump truck along Bontoc–Tabuk Enrile Road in Gawa, Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, Mt. Province. The victims’ vehicle went straight into a ravine and fell approximately 150–170 meters into the Chico River. Before Ancheta’s recovery, Tocucan elders conducted a ritual to offer prayers to Lumawig (Kafunyan), seeking guidance from God for the immediate recovery of the remaining missing victims and for the safety of all responders involved in the ongoing search and rescue operations. This ritual emphasizes the deep spiritual connection of the Bontoc community, incorporating indigenous cultural practices into emergency response efforts as a symbol of faith, unity, and hope in times of tragedy.  

By Zaldy Comanda   BONTOC, Mt. Province — Three people died on the spot, while two others are missing, after their elf truck fell into the Chico River, Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, Mt. Province, early morning on October 27. According to the Bontoc Operations Center, the elf truck carrying five workers from Balintaugan Construction was heading to a project site in Kuro-Kuro, Sadanga, Mt.Province where the construction site project was located. However, the vehicle they were riding bumped into two vehicles that were parked along the road, resulting in a Vehicular Traffic Accident. The Elf truck fell into a ravine and plunged into the deep waters of the Chico River in Sitio Gawa, Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, Mt. Province. During the search and rescue, three people were first found in the area, who were declared dead on the spot by Municipal Health Officer Dr. Diga Gomez. The victims identified as Rogelio dela Cruz,of Pangasinan; Jessie Galicia of Pangasinan and Zoren Jay Tala driver,of Zamboanga. The missing companion are Carlo Ancheta and Edmund Romeo, both from Pangasinan. Personnel of Bureau of Fire Protecton-Bontoc and other agencies are now conducting search,rescue and retrival operation to ensure the prompt and safe recovery of the remaining victims. As of 1:00 P. M. (Oct. 27, 2025), Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) Teams composed of trained personnel from the Provincial DRRM Office of Mountain Province, Municipal DRRM Offices of Bontoc and Sadanga, the Bureau of Fire Protection- Mountain Province, Phillippine National Police, Barangay Officias of Tocucan, Bontoc, and CAFGO have not yet found the two remaining victims at the immediate crash site of the vehicle that fell into the Chico River at Gawa, Tocucan, Bontoc earlier this morning. According to the SRR Teams, they will continue the search downstream just as soon as they develop a more suitable strategy. The present situation is that the access route leading from the road down to the crash site takes at least 30 minutes to reach. This challenge, combined with the strong river current, is being factored into the formulation of their operational plan. Coordination was also made with the Provincial DRRM Office of Kalinga and Municipal DRRM Office of Tinglayan, Kalinga for assistance just in case the bodies were already carried away by the strong current after falling into the river.    

By Stephanie Nicole Peligman   Breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, Ms. Juvelyn Camacho, a dedicated trainer from the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education ( CSITE), has once again proven that excellence in technical-vocational education knows no gender. Representing the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), she was named one of the 13 national finalists in the 2025 TESDA sanay Awards, held on October 20, 2025, at Ylagan Hall, Marikina City, Metro Manila, where she was recognized as one of five trainers who earned the Best in Data Gathering,Analysis, and Synthesis award. For the past seven years, Camacho has been shaping future technicians and engineers under TESDA–Cordillera, handling qualifications such as Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing (EPAS NC II), Mechatronics NC II, and Driving NC III. She also teaches specialized subjects in the Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology program, including Microprocessors, where she continues to inspire learners through her technical expertise and innovative teaching methods. Her broad experience and steadfast commitment to quality training have earned her the respect of her colleagues and recognition as a role model for aspiring female trainers in the technical-vocational education and training (TVET) sector. “To stand on the same stage as some of the country’s finest trainers is already an honor. But to represent women in technical trades, that’s what makes it truly meaningful,” Camacho shared. The TESDA Tagsanay Award, one of TESDA’s most prestigious institutional recognitions, honors outstanding trainers who exemplify innovation, excellence, and dedication in developing a world-class Filipino workforce. This year’s competition brought together 13 regional champions, each excelling in their respective regions. The national evaluation, held from October 7 to 16, 2025, tested participants in several areas: knowledge assessment, data gathering and analysis, TVET innovation and gamification, green skills and creativity, and enhancement of training packages, truly a comprehensive showcase of technical and pedagogical excellence. Camacho’s Best in Data Gathering award underscores her analytical rigor, precision, and ability to translate complex information into meaningful insights, an essential skill in advancing data-driven approaches for TVET delivery and industry responsiveness.      

Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap lauded the Bureau of Customs (BOC) after confiscating several tons of mis-declared imported carrots from China worth P13.2 million, on October 22, Yap condemned the misdeclaration as a deliberate act to deceive the government and harm farmers and hopes the government remains steadfast in filing legal actions against those involved and will be pursued through the proper channels. This seizure is part of the BOC’s intensified efforts against agricultural smuggling, which negatively impacts local farmers and the economy. Since his re-election last May, Yap said he has been collaborating with other government agencies, particularly the BOC in curving the smuggling of vegetable in the country. “We will continue to pursue efforts on anti-smuggling of vegetables for the protection of our province-mates in Benguet,” said Yap. According to a report, the BOC intercepted three 40-foot containers filled with fresh carrots from China, instead of assorted household items based. The report added the illicit cargo arrived in the Philippines early this month and was initially issued an alert order following a tip received by the Port of Manila’s Alert Monitoring Unit. Customs examiners conducted a full physical examination of the cargo, confirming the misdeclaration. Inside the containers, officials discovered several kilograms of carrots hidden behind a fraudulent declaration of bathroom fixtures, napkins, and storage boxes. The Cordillera Administrative Region, produces 85 percent of the country’s highland vegetables, with Benguet contributing 65 to 75 percent of the total. With the hopes of improving the lives of Benguet farmers, Yap has recently filed two bills ion the Congress that will strengthen their resiliency while urging the Department of Agriculture to impose and regulate farmgate prices of highly perishable vegetables which include, but are not limited to, green beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chayote, and lettuce. Most of these vegetables are produced in Benguet. In Yap’s House Bill 1511, The DA is given the power to impose and regulate farm gate prices for highly perishable vegetables that will continuously undergo seasonal review and appropriate changes, considering the time, effort and resources, market conditions and other economic indicators so as to ensure profitability and productivity among the local vegetable farmers. This measure will also mandate the farmers cultivating the said highly perishable vegetable crops to register their vegetable crops as part of the monitoring of the Standard Farm Gate Price and to prevent the crop’s overproduction due to unregistered and unscrupulous supply of the highly perishable vegetables that are not included in the implementation of this measure. Another bill set to give safeguard to farmers is HB 4969 or the Free Index – Based Agricultural Insurance bill which aims to protect farmers from climate disasters. If the bill is passed, it will replace outdated, slow systems with quick, data-based support and ensure government help goes where it’s most needed, where climate risk and poverty are highest. The bill also gives farmers the peace of mind they need to keep producing food for all of us, even in a time of changing weather. This bill is a step toward a more secure, resilient, and farmer-friendly food system.

LUNA, Apayao — The Rural Health Unit was alarmed after 13 cases of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) were detected in the municipality of Luna, Apayao as of October 2025. The information was disclosed by an RHU staff member during the regular flag-raising ceremony of the LGU on October 21, who added that the municipality currently has the highest number of cases in Apayao. However, she did not disclose the age range of those affected. Municipal Health Officer Dr. Jonah Grace Verzola clarified that “the rise in reported HIV cases in Luna does not necessarily mean there are more infections, but rather reflects our strengthened testing, awareness, and reporting efforts. “This shows that more people are now open to getting tested and becoming more responsible for their health.” Dr. Verzola also reaffirmed that RHU-Luna remains committed to promoting HIV awareness, prevention, and compassionate care, emphasizing that early detection saves lives and helps end stigma. Municipal Mayor Januario S. Garde underscored that prevention requires the collective effort of health professionals, the LGU, families, and the public. “This report gives us a glimpse of an alarming health threat and a growing concern in our community. Tulong-tulong tayo sa pagresolba—this requires unified efforts,” he said. (Luna PIO)

TUBA, Benguet – A pair of drug dealers were arrested in a buy-bust operation with one kilo of shabu worth P6.8 million at the Badiwan viaduct, Barangay Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet, on October 18. According to the Benguet Drug Enforcement Agency (lead agency) and Tuba Municipal Police Station, they have been monitoring the suspects, a 43-year-old male resident of Baguio City and his 42-year-old female companion from Cavite, for over a month in connection with their delivery of shabu in Pangasinan and Baguio City. They transacted with the suspect through their police asset who agreed on one kilo of shabu to be delivered. The suspect allegedly chose to meet at the Badiwan viaduct. Confiscated from the two was one kilo of suspected shabu in a vacuum sealed plastic sachet with a Chinese mark labeled as tea blocks with a street value of P6.8 million. Also recovered were more than P700,000 in boodle money and their new electric SUV. It was learned that the suspects were caught with illegal drugs in 2005, which will now be thoroughly investigated to see if they are connected to a large-scale drug syndicate, due to its large-scale sale of shabu in Northern Luzon. The suspects will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — Mayor Roderick Awingan has asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to exclude the ongoing road construction project from Km. 5 to Km. 6 of this valley’s national road from the department’s order suspending all reblocking works nationwide. Sec. Vincent Dizon of the DPWH issued the stoppage order on October 7, 2025 in view of the agency’s ongoing investigations on road projects. Isagani Cayme, Benguet 1st District Engineer, wrote to the mayor’s office that the reblocking works in the municipality will be suspended effective Oct. 13, 2025. Believing that stopping the project would do more harm than good, Awingan immediately wrote the DPWH on Oct. 14, 2025 not to include the municipality in the suspension order. The project has now come to a halt in view of the DPWH order, causing further traffic jams daily. Awingan said that the project has already commenced and it is now at its critical stage, adding that the project requires immediate completion to prevent further inconvenience to motorists and the riding public. “Besides, Sec. Dizon’s order said that those works that have already been commenced should pursue completion at the earliest possible time,” he said. Awingan appealed to the DPWH to reconsider the suspension order and allow the project to proceed, particularly on the excavated areas and broken portions to avoid deterioration, restore normal traffic flow, and ensure public safety. The road forms part of the Baguio – Bontoc road network. The project started in August and was calendared to be finished by May next year, although DPWH engineers and the contractor assured the local government that they would exert effort to complete the project earlier. The DPWH has yet to reply as of today. (By DOC)    

CAMP DANGWA,Benguet, Philippines — In line with employing Enhanced Managing Police Operations under the PNP Focused Agenda of the Acting Chief, PNP, the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) officially launched its PRO CAR “SQUADRONE” Unit Project during a ceremony held at the Masigasig Grandstand, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet on October 13, 2025. “SQUADRONE” stands for Smart Quadrotor Unit for Advanced Deployment, Detection, Reconnaissance, Observation, and Networked Enforcement. The initiative aims to institutionalize the utilization of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or drones across the Cordillera region to further strengthen law enforcement, crime prevention, crime solution, public safety, and disaster response operations. As part of the program, the 50 members of the PRO CAR “SQUADRONE,” composed of police officers from various units of PRO CAR led by PCapt Jayson Jinggoy Rupinta of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, demonstrated their skills in a drone drill, showcasing their operational readiness and proficiency. The ceremony was graced by Regional Director PBGen Ericson Dilag, lauded the efforts of the members of the PRO CAR “SQUADRONE” Unit and highlighted the advantages of using drones, emphasizing that technology plays a crucial role in strengthening police visibility and operational efficiency across the Cordillera. “The use of drones in law enforcement is more than just an innovation, it is a necessity in today’s rapidly evolving world. The challenges we face in maintaining peace and order, responding to emergencies and ensuring public safety demand that we equip ourselves with the best tools available,” the Regional Director said. “Drones provide an unprecedented ability to view situations from a new perspective, one that can make the difference between a successful intervention and a missed opportunity. Whether in surveillance, search and rescue, disaster response, or crowd control, drones can deliver critical real-time data that allows us to make informed decisions swiftly,” he added. He further expressed optimism that the activation of the PRO CAR “SQUADRONE” Unit will serve as a force multiplier in the region’s campaign for peace and order, highlighting that the integration of drone technology marks another step forward in PRO CAR’s commitment to smarter, faster, and more efficient policing.