By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 30 issued a new show-cause order on Friday after defendants in a mining-related dispute allegedly reinstalled barricades and again obstructed access along Keon Road in Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, despite an existing writ of preliminary injunction. In a seven-page order dated Feb. 6, 2026, Presiding Judge Paul R. Atolba, Jr. said Woggle Corporation, the plaintiff in SCA Case No. 139-25J, filed a manifestation on Jan. 28 reporting that a group led by anti-mining leader Florentino Daynos reinstalled a barricade on Jan. 27 about 70 meters from the junction of the National Highway and Keon Road. The barricade allegedly blocked the company’s employees and contractors from entering Keon Road. The court identified Daynos and several others as allegedly involved in reinstalling and manning the barricade and in excavating portions of Keon Road. The order also noted that Daynos was included in both show-cause orders previously issued by the court. The order noted that the court had earlier issued a preliminary injunction ordering the defendants and their supporters to remove the barricades and stop blocking the barangay road. The court said an initial attempt to enforce the order was only partly successful because the group allegedly formed a human barricade, so sheriffs paused to prevent violence. A later enforcement operation was completed and led to arrests. While criminal complaints arising from that enforcement were reportedly dismissed by the provincial prosecutor, the court said the dismissal did not justify noncompliance with court directives. In its warning, the court stressed the binding nature of judicial orders and stated: “Court Orders are not mere Suggestions or ‘frameworks’ or ‘guidelines’ but are mandatory and must be obeyed.” Judge Atolba added that deliberate defiance undermines the rule of law. The court directed the named individuals to explain within 10 days why they should not be cited for contempt for willful disobedience of a lawful writ and other court orders. They were ordered to submit sworn written explanations and were cautioned that unsatisfactory responses or continued defiance could lead to coercive or punitive sanctions, including fines, imprisonment until compliance, and immediate arrest and detention. Judge Attolba also criticized the conduct of defense lawyers who were present during the enforcement operations, saying their actions interfered with the work of the sheriffs and police and raised doubts about their willingness to support an orderly implementation of the court’s orders. The order warned that lawyers who obstruct lawful court proceedings may face disciplinary action or contempt charges. The order concluded that the court’s authority “must be obeyed promptly, fully, and without obstruction.”        

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, through the Governor’s Office–Internal Audit Services Office (IASO), initiated the ceremonial turnover of more than 100 school buildings and facilities, funded through the province’s Special Education Fund (SEF) from 2018 to 2024 and valued at nearly P180 million, to public elementary and secondary schools across the province. The turnover ceremony was held at the Ammungan Hall of the Provincial Capitol and was led by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, together with Vice Governor Eufemia Ang Dacayo,BM Flodemonte S. Gerdan and Department of Education (DepEd) officials headed by Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Orlando S. Manuel. Monica A. Bejarin, Internal Auditor III of IASO, said the activity was conducted to comply with Commission on Audit (COA) requirements. COA earlier noted that the school buildings were built using the Special Education Fund and are intended for DepEd public schools, but their value—about P173.480 million—was still listed in the provincial government’s financial records. COA said the records should be transferred to DepEd because DepEd is the agency that actually receives and uses the buildings. If the transfer is not completed, the provincial government’s recorded assets will be overstated. The projects turned over included classroom buildings, kindergarten buildings, child development centers, home economics buildings, industrial arts buildings, Special Education (SPED) buildings, and other dschool facilities. During the program, Gov.Gambito thanked DepEd Nueva Vizcaya and school officials for their continued partnership with the provincial government. He also asked for their sustained support and cooperation with his administration, saying the province aims to further strengthen programs and projects for learners, teachers, and public schools through close coordination with DepEd. SDS Orlando S. Manuel, in turn, lauded Gov.Gambito’s dedication to public service—describing it as “deeper than the ocean and higher than the mountains”—and conveyed the division’s gratitude for the provincial government’s support to the education sector. “From the bottom of our hearts, we expressed our heartfelt gratitude and thanksgiving to the excellence of work of the provincial government that accelerate and propel the growth and development of the province,” Manuel said. He added that DepEd commits to work “hand in hand” with the provincial government to make learning spaces “the best environment ever for our learners—the future leaders in Nueva Vizcaya.” Meanwhile, Punong Barangay Manuel B. Gines of Barangay Busilac,Bayombong, speaking on behalf of various barangays, also expressed gratitude to the provincial government for its support to education, which he said is vital to communities. He noted that aside from key officials, DepEd serves as a “central pillar” of the province.    

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Region 2 Trauma and Medical Center (R2TMC) is currently constructing a new outpatient hemodialysis building funded by the Department of Health to expand kidney care services and improve access to dialysis treatment for patients in Nueva Vizcaya and nearby provinces, R2TMC Medical Center Chief Dr. Ray P. Suanding said. Suanding provided the update during the Provincewide Healthcare System Program Inplementation Review conducted by the Provincial Integrated Health Office, where he reported that the project is now 30% complete. He said the facility is being developed in response to the sharp rise in dialysis patients at R2TMC. Based on hospital data, the number of dialysis patients served increased from 4,161 in 2022 to nearly 14,000 in 2025, with more patients expected in 2026. The project has a total funding allocation of P98.5 million and is intended to deliver “future-ready solutions” to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality dialysis services, Suanding said. “With the growing number of patients needing dialysis, this project advances the Department of Health’s mission to provide accessible, life-saving care for people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD),” he said. Suanding noted that the outpatient dialysis building will expand the service capacity of R2TMC through 76 dialysis stations, consisting of 60 regular hemodialysis stations, six peritoneal dialysis stations, and 10 isolation stations. He added that the facility will also include a dedicated pharmacy, an in-house laboratory, and a Malasakit Center to support more integrated services. The building will also feature accessible transport systems, spacious waiting areas, and environment-friendly components such as solar energy systems and water recycling facilities.            

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has formed an ad hoc committee, chaired by Provincial Engineer Jerry A. Tan, to coordinate a provincial partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) aimed at addressing classroom shortages across the province. The creation of an ad hoc committee by Gov. Gambito signals the provincial government’s clear interest in Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s invitation to partner with the Department of Education to address classroom shortages through LGU-led school building projects. The move formalizes provincial engagement and begins the process of evaluating and preparing priority projects for implementation. Secretary Angara’s invitation follows President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos’s directive to pursue innovative implementation methods for programs funded under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, with an emphasis on reducing corruption risks. Under DepEd’s proposal, the local government unit would take the lead on procurement and construction, while DepEd would provide funding and technical assistance to ensure compliance with national standards and quality assurance. Gambito said the arrangement could accelerate classroom delivery, strengthen local ownership, and enhance transparency in project implementation. The committee will include representatives from the Provincial Legal Office, the Provincial Planning and Development Office, and the Schools Division Office–Nueva Vizcaya. Its tasks are to review the MOA, identify and prioritize projects that meet DepEd standards, prepare required documentation, and coordinate technical and timeline requirements with DepEd. Governor Gambito said the partnership will enable swift implementation once the MOA is finalized and priority projects are secured. “Our commitment is clear: safe and adequate learning spaces across Nueva go Vizcaya so every child can learn, grow and succeed,” he added.  

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The prosecutor’s office in Nueva Vizcaya has dismissed the criminal complaints filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against seven members of an anti-mining group arrested during the enforcement of a writ of preliminary injunction on Jan. 23 in Sitio Keon, Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte. In a consolidated resolution, Prosecutor II Atty. Orville Ibarra said the cases were dismissed for lack of sufficient evidence, citing the absence of a clear factual basis to establish probable cause against the respondents. The resolution pointed to uncertainty over the exact location where the writ was implemented, saying it was not clearly established whether the enforcement area was part of the barangay road network or within land belonging to the protesters and their supporters. Ibarra also noted that although a crowd had gathered, the act was described as a peaceful expression of sentiment–an activity protected under the Constitution. The prosecutor’s office further ordered the release of all seven accused. Police earlier arrested six women—identified as members of the indigenous community in the area and an anti-mining leader, Florentino Daynos, after authorities alleged they obstructed the enforcement of the writ by forming a human barricade. The writ of preliminary injunction, issued by Judge Paul R. Attolba Jr. of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 30, authorized Woogle Corporation to continue its mining exploration in Sitio Keon and directed the clearing of the route leading to the company’s exploration site. The PNP filed three charges against each of the seven: direct assault, resistance and disobedience to an agent of a person in authority, and obstruction, alleging the group formed a human barricade in violation of the court order. Following the dismissal of the cases,the group returned to Sitio Keon and held a canao—a traditional indigenous thanksgiving ritual as a gesture of gratitude for the prosecutor’s decision and to celebrate their release from the charges.

  Camp Marcelo A Adduru, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines  – In observance of the National Day of Remembrance per Presidential Proclamation No. 164, the Police Regional Office 2, recognizes the valor of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members with a commemoration service, today, January 25,2026 at SAF 44 Monument in Police Regional Office 2. The commemoration was graced by Police Brigadier General Antonio P Marallag,Jr., who represented the Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police and served as the Keynote Speaker. Along with the bereaved families of the fallen heroes and the 11th Special Action Battalion of the PNP-SAF, PBGen Mrallag,Jr, led the wreath-laying ceremony. Marallag, also conveyed the message of PNP Acting Chief, PLtGen. Jose Melencio C Nartatez,Jr., during the occasion. “No words can truly ease your pain.Your loss is deep, and it does not disappear with time. For you, this is not just history. You did not only lose police officers. You lost loved ones who should have come home. And o n this day, we want you to know this, we remember with you. We honor them with you and we stand with you. The Philippine National Police remembers your loved ones not only today, but every day. Their names live on in our history, and in every police officer who chooses courage, restraint, and integrity in the line of duty.”, Nartatez said. Nartatez, further emphasized that the country must never forget the incredible bravery and love for the country displayed by the SAF 44 during the counterterrorism operation in Mamasapano, even as freedom is finally felt in Maguindanao. “To our fallen heroes of SAF 44: You have done your duty. You have paid the highest price. And today, we stand here because of your valor. Hindi namin kayo kinalimutan at hindi namin hahayaang manatili lamang sa alaala ang inyong sakripisyo. Ipinapangako naming na maglilingkod kami nang may dangal, tapang, at malasakit.”,Nartatez added. The Mamasapano clash resulted in the death of 44 SAF troopers, six of whom were natives of Cagayan Valley namely: Police Officer 2 Joel Dulnuan of Nueva Vizcaya, Police Officer 1 Loreto Capinding II, Police Officer 3 Rodrigo Acob, and Andres Duque, Jr. of Isabela Province, and Police Officer 2 Richelle Baluga and Police Officer 1 Oliebeth Viernes of Cagayan Province. The SAF 44 died in a police operation called “OPLAN EXODUS” while carrying out an operation against terrorism in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

Governor eyes overseas seasonal job for residents   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has pledged additional provincial funding to expand skills development and technical-vocational (TVET) programs in Nueva Vizcaya, with training to be implemented through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Gambito made the commitment during the first-quarter meeting of the Provincial Technical Education and Skills Development Committee (PTESDC), which he chairs. He said the additional support is intended to widen access to skills training for Novo Vizcayanos, particularly as the provincial government pursues exploratory discussions with foreign counterparts on the possible deployment of seasonal workers. The governor noted that most seasonal work programs prioritize applicants with specific competencies, making tech-voc credentials and skills certification critical for residents seeking overseas employment. Recently, officials from Jinan County in South Korea visited Gambito’s office to discuss a potential arrangement for sending seasonal workers. He is also set to meet next week with officials from Gimcheon City in North Gyeongsang Province, also in South Korea, for similar talks. Gambito is likewise expected to attend next month a Chinese New Year celebration and a welcome reception for Ms. Li Xiaoyan, the newly appointed consul and head of post of the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China. During the event, the provincial government may raise the possibility of a government-to-government recruitment mechanism with China. Aside from South Korea and China, the provincial government is also looking at Japan and Switzerland as possible partner countries for government-to-government recruitment of seasonal workers. To fast-track the initiative, Gambito instructed the Provincial Employment Service Division (PESD), headed by Dolly Rose C. Minas, to prepare a supplemental Annual Investment Program (AIP) to include the allocation of additional funds for skills training and TVET courses. The PTESDC—composed of provincial stakeholders and the local TESDA office—serves as the province’s key body for aligning technical-vocational training with industry requirements, labor market demand, and employment priorities. It aims to ensure that training programs produce job-ready graduates with practical skills needed for both local opportunities and potential overseas placements, helping reduce unemployment and support economic development in Nueva Vizcaya. ( By Rachel Magday)

P4.4-M solar irrigation system inaugurated By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The provincial government, led by Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, has distributed irrigation pipes worth about P16 million to 53 farmers’ and irrigators’ associations, as well as several puroks and sitios across the province. Beneficiaries came from Ambaguio, Alfonso Castaneda, Aritao, Bagabag, Bambang, Kasibu, Kayapa, Solano, Sta. Fe and Villaverde. Carlita L. Baglao, Engineer II at the Provincial Agriculture Office, said the provision of pipes aims to improve water access for crops and gardens and enhance agricultural production among smallholder farmers. In addition to the irrigation materials, Gov. Gambito awarded farm machinery valued at P2 million to six farmers’ associations and one cooperative. Recipients included the Galintuja APPLAI Tribe Agricultural Cooperative in Alfonso Castaneda; the Indigenous Peoples Association of Brgy. Baan Inc. and the Masinab Upland Farmers Association in Aritao; the Binadang Farmers Association of Dupax del Sur; the Pampang Farmers Association of Kayapa; and the Imugan Gardeners Association of Sta. Fe. The Bagabag Tobacco Growers Association received 40 knapsack sprayers as part of the package which was funded from the province’s share of the tobacco excise tax. The distribution coincided with the inauguration of the Provincial Nursery and the NV Farm School’s Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS). The SPIS and associated nursery were funded with a total of P4.4 million from the provincial development fund provided by OceanaGold Philippines. The solar-powered system will supply reliable irrigation and ensure adequate water for the NV Farm School, supporting seedling production and farm training activities.            

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — “The government owes you a deep debt of gratitude, so when you are the ones in need, the government should also be there to help you,” Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito told distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during the awarding of financial assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration(OWWA) on Wednesday,Jan.14 The distribution, held at the Ammungan Hall of the Provincial Capitol, covered 140 distressed OFWs from various towns in the province. The implementation of the aid distribution was carried out in coordination with the Public Employment Service Division (PESD), headed by Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Dolly Rose C. Minas. Gambito stressed that OFW remittances sustain and propel the Philippine economy, warning that the country would suffer greatly without these contributions. He said that recognition of OFWs’ vital role prompted the provincial government to establish an OFW Welfare Center shortly after he assumed office, to assist returning workers and the families they left behind. He also said he has invited the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to establish a provincial office in Nueva Vizcaya to make its services more accessible to Novo Vizcayano OFWs. The governor likewise urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to set up a consular office in the province. “We are offering the Provincial Capitol as the site of the offices of the DMW and DFA, we can even shoulder the salaries of the staff who will be assigned,” Gambito said, stressing the provincial government’s willingness to provide space and logistical support to speed up the establishment of the offices. He said having both agencies represented in Nueva Vizcaya would spare OFWs and their families from traveling to other provinces or Metro Manila to process documents, seek assistance, or follow up cases. Conchita Maddella of the OWWA regional office said the distressed OFWs received financial assistance amounting to a total of P2.5 million. She said OWWA provided livelihood assistance ranging from P5,000 to P20,000, educational assistance for beneficiaries’ children, and medical and burial assistance worth P20,000 to P100,000 depending on the illness or cause of death.