CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – The Police Regional Office 3 has successfully apprehended 431 wanted individuals, including 64 of the most wanted criminals in Central Luzon from August 3-23. The large-scale manhunt operations resulted in the capture of suspects involved in serious offenses, ranging from murder and rape to drug-related crimes. Of the total number of arrests, 64 are listed as most wanted, facing charges for heinous crimes such as murder, sexual assault, and violations of drug laws. In addition to these high-profile arrests, 367 other wanted persons with outstanding warrants were taken into custody as part of PRO3’s commitment to combating criminality. Brig.Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., regional director, praised the tireless efforts of the police units involved, stating, “This series of arrests is a testament to the dedication and determination of our personnel. We are resolved to ensure that no criminal can hide from the law and that justice will be served for all victims of crime.” The manhunt operations were conducted across the seven provinces and two cities of Central Luzon and utilized intelligence-driven strategies and close coordination with local communities. These operations are part of the ongoing efforts of PRO3 to enhance public safety by removing dangerous criminals from the streets. “Rest assured, our operations will continue, and we will not let up until every wanted person is held accountable for their actions,” Hidalgo emphasized. The success of this three-week manhunt is a significant stride in ensuring peace and order in the region, as PRO3 remains focused on its mission to uphold the rule of law and protect communities from criminal elements.          

By Dante Salvana Subic Bay Freeport – In its effort to provide a better and more efficient way to safeguard the agricultural industry in the country, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) inaugurated its Plant Quarantine Service (PQS) office here Tuesday morning. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño led the inauguration of the National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD) office at the Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday. According to Laurel, the NPQSD office aims to prevent the entry of foreign pests into the country via the Subic port, contain and minimize the spread of pests already existing in the country, and comply with the phytosanitary requirements of trading partners. “Today, we are making substantial progress in our aim to guarantee the well-being of our agriculture industry and the prosperity of our farmers,” Laurel said. “The establishment of this new office in Subic holds a significant importance due to its position as a prominent center for trade and logistics. Let us continuously improve our border control system with increased efficiency and effectiveness,” he added. SBMA Chairman Aliño welcomed this gesture from the BPI’s NPQSD since it would help foil the smuggling of illegal agricultural products in the Freeport. He added that the agencies involved, including the Bureau of Customs (BOC), are all working in line with President Marcos’ thrust to combat agricultural smuggling, providing a digitized government service, and ensuring proper border control. DA BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban has requested the BOC to order all imports of plant-based agricultural commodities go through the PQO at the respective ports for mandatory document verification and inspection. Customs Memorandum Circular (CMC) No. 102-2024 signed on June 7 by Customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio states that this is a requirement regardless of the categories that the plant-based agricultural commodities may fall under. The procedure is in compliance with the provisions stated in DA’s Department Circular No. 4 series of 2016, which provides guidelines on the importation of plants, planting materials, and plant products for commercial purposes. Under Article VI Section 23 of the DA circular, the plant commodities are subject to the existing procedures for inspection at the port of entry. The NPQSD cited that upon the arrival of the consignment, the importer should apply for inspection (BPI Q Form No. 4) at the PQS office in the port of entry. The importer should provide pertinent documents during inspection, while samples of the commodity will also be collected for laboratory analysis.          

Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — A hot pursuit operation led by joint elements of the Pampanga Police Intelligence Unit (PIU), Regional Intelligence Unit 3 (RIU3), and Porac Municipal Police Station, in the morning of August 19, resulted in the death of a notorious gun-for-hire who had managed to elude authorities for over six years. Pampanga PPO Director Col.Jay Dimaandal said, that the operation took place at around 4:45 a.m along the Megadike Extension in Barangay Cangatba, Porac, Pampanga. The suspect, identified as Jojo Garcia Fajardo, a resident of Purok 5, Barangay Suklayin, Arayat, Pampanga, was wanted for multiple murder charges and other crimes. The pursuit began in the evening of August 18, 2024, when a security guard, Marciano Carmona, reported a lifeless male brought to Dr. Emigdio C. Cruz Sr. Memorial Hospital in Barangay San Agustin Norte, Arayat, Pampanga. The victim was identified as Edmar Santiago Lacsamana, 26, resident of Barangay Candating, Arayat, Pampanga. Lacsamana had been shot by two assailants riding a Kawasaki Barako motorcycle with a sidecar, bearing plate number 1049 KY. Upon receiving the report, a flash alarm was issued, and all police stations in the vicinity conducted dragnet operations. At around 1:50 a.m, an informant reported seeing a motorcycle matching the description in the Megadike Extension area. A joint operation was quickly organized, and the police units responded to the location. As the operatives approached, Fajardo, driving the motorcycle, attempted to flee into a grassy area. The pursuing officers caught up with him in Barangay Cangatba, Porac, Pampanga, where a firefight ensued, resulting in Fajardo’s death. Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) were called to process the crime scene, where they recovered a .45 caliber pistol and a cellular phone. Brig.Benjamin DL Sembrano, officer-in-charge of the Central Luzon Police, commended the officers involved, stating, “This successful operation underscores our commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting our citizens from those who threaten their peace and security. We remain steadfast in our duty to pursue justice and maintain order in our communities.”

The beauty and wellness industry welcomes a new SME player in the form of ‘Art of Beauty by Lady’ in Tarlac, which harnesses the power of pure fiber broadband to power its social media presence and client relations, aiming to strengthen its presence with both local and international clientele.  The newly-opened small business in San Sebastian, Tarlac is just in its eighth month of operations yet it already accommodates overseas bookings for international clients. “Noong nagstart kami syempre hindi pa kilala ang Art of Beauty, konti pa lang clients at that time.  But in a span of two months, makikita mo na nag-grow yung business, kasi rumarami yung clients na dumadating sa amin even those coming from Pangasinanand La Union and also even from overseas clients.  They booked with us online because they found out andito na kami sa Tarlac, and they’re from New York and Australia. We were able to do this because of our internet connection,” said Lady De Leon, CEO and Owner of Art of Beauty by Lady. Medical tourism has long been a draw in most Southeast Asian countries, with the Philippines also making a bid to make health, wellness, and beauty services as a marketable product to foreign tourists. The English-speaking prowess of medical and beauty professionals in the country is a strong advantage, according to the government. The internet has been a catalyst in enabling this medical tourism sector as more and more local businesses like ‘Art of Beauty by Lady’ reach OFWs and foreign clientele through online platforms. The beauty clinic offers a variety of services including semi-permanent make up, body slimming and contouring, skin whitening, and skin care treatments. All the products used in their services are imported from the US, guaranteeing only the best quality ingredients in their treatments. Aiding them in their day to day operations such as in securing appointments, promoting products and services, and supporting client communication is the fiber powered connection of Converge. “When you’re running a small business, you need a fast and reliable internet connection especially ngayon na nasa digital age tayo where you can do your advertisement and promotion through social media,” said Lady. Such is the trust of Ms. De Leon in the seamless connection that she chose the same provider for her adjacent business in the area, a sports bar named ‘Titos and Titas Sports Hub’. Giving credence to the uninterrupted quality of connection of Converge is the fact that six TVs  in the bar stream games simultaneously for customers – with no lag or downtime. “We offer live streaming of games – basketball games or baseball games and you really need a fast connection kasi anim na tv yon na playing all at once. We already use Converge at home so we made the decision to use it in our business as well because we’re satisfied with the service,” the entrepreneur explained. With a Converge connection driving their two businesses, Lady De Leon is confident of regional expansion, especially for Art of Beauty by Lady. “In the next five years, I am thinking that Art of Beauty by Lady would have more branches here in Luzon. We will do training and seminars about beauty and aesthetics,” noted Lady.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and different government and private partners celebrate National Tech-Voc Day in line with the agency’s 30th Anniversary on August 15, 2024 at SM City Cabanatuan. The event aims to promote and celebrate the country’s technical-vocational education and skills development through job fairs, skills demonstrations, and enrolment day. The Job Hiring activity for Technical and Vocational Education and Training graduates successfully ended with 25 hired on the spot out of 32 qualified applicants. At this event, TESDA invited all government agencies that would help the graduates in their career hunting such as Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Pag-IBIG, Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Nueva Ecija Association of Technical Vocational Institutions Inc. all in one venue. Moreover, aside from accepting enrollees, the Technical Vocational Institutions (TVI) in Nueva Ecija such as North Central Academy for Culinary Arts, College of Research and Technology, Top Link Global Colleges Inc. conducted an actual skills demonstration on fruit carving, bartending, cake decorating and art of planting simultaneously. This demonstration showcases the global competitiveness of their students and graduates. TESDA Provincial Director Alvin Yturralde, extends his appreciation to over 400 participants and the overwhelming support of all the event partners which marks another milestone for the organization.

Subic Bay Freeport – Elementary students from the Special Education for the Gifted (SPED-G) Kalayaan in this premier Freeport bagged 3rd place in the recent Philippine Robotics Olympiad held at the Ayala Malls Trinoma, Quezon City. During the 23rd Philippine Robotics Olympiad, grade VI students namely, Anne Margarette Inton, Dru Triguero, and Zyrene Tantay placed third in the Future Innovators Category-Elementary Level. The said three students are part of the Aerosense Team mentored by coaches Ma Alon Elago, John Lester Perez and Principal Abdon Bayle. With the theme Earth Allies, the 23rd Philippine Robotics Olympiad Elementary Level RoboMission Finals was held on July 29 at the Felta Multimedia Center where the Aerosense Team displayed their robot, the Aerosense. The Aerosense is an ESP32 Drone-Based System for an Environmental Real-Time Monitoring of Air Quality, Humidity and Temperature. According to the team members, the Aerosense was developed to address critical environmental issues such as air pollution and climate change. “With the rapid urbanization and industrialization of cities, there is a pressing need for effective environmental monitoring solutions,” the team members stated. During the team’s courtesy call to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño congratulated the members and coaches of Aerosense Team. “We are very proud of your achievements. You have shown that the country’s best and brightest robotics students come from the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Mabuhay po kayo sa inyong naabot,” he said. The chairman also congratulated SBMA Director Anne Lorraine Adorable Inton, the proud mother of Aerosense member Anne Margarette, for raising a bright and wonderful child. The Philippine Robotics Olympiad is an annual science educational event that primarily aims to challenge the intellectual skills and critical thinking of elementary and high school students.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño leads the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon to formally open the SBMA Child Development Center at Building 662 in Subic Bay Freeport zone with Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Ramon Agregado.  

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga- Three  former rebels yielded to authorities and 10 supporters withdrew their support to the CTGs between August 6 and 9. Brig.Gen.Jose Hidalgo,Jr., said that a 48-year-old former rebel surrendered to police authorities in Tarlac on August 7, identified only as “Ka Gerry,” the individual voluntarily turned in a homemade Caliber .38 revolver and five live rounds of ammunition. Meanwhile, on August 6, a former member of the UGMO, linked with the Samahan ng mga Nagkakaisang Mamamayan sa Tabing Dagat, turned in an improvised firearm known as “Deposporo” and voluntary presented himself to authorities in Aurora. Also on August 6, a former member of the Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda (SYP Bataan-Zambales), under Ka Arlan Command, took an “Oath of Allegiance” to formally renounce insurgency. The surrender was facilitated by the San Fernando City Police Station, 302nd Mobile Company, and other supporting units. The individual handed over a revolver, six live rounds of ammunition, a hand grenade, and detonating cords. Relatedly, 10 Liga ng Manggagawang Bukid (LMB) members withdrew their support from the Alyansang Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL) on August 9. The withdrawal occurred at the 2nd PMFC 3rd Forward Operation Base in Guimba, Nueva Ecija. Additionally, on August 8, a joint operation led by the 91st Infantry Battalion, alongside the Aurora Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (PECU), Police Intelligence Unit (PIU) Aurora, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) 3, and the Maria Aurora Municipal Police Station, successfully unearthed a hidden armaments cache believed to belong to Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in Barangay Dikildit, Maria Aurora. The operation resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and other items such as four(4) M76 grenade rifle rounds with bullet traps, one MK2 fragmentation hand grenade, six non-electric blasting caps, four sticks of dynamite, and various ammunition, including a magazine for an M16 rifle, empty shells, and live rounds for calibers .22, .45, and 5.56mm. In addition to the weaponry, the excavation also revealed non-military items, including two pairs of black boots, a silver wristwatch, three black flashlights, a book titled “Promoting Indigenous Knowledge for Food Security,” and a tarpaulin bearing the logo of Katribu, an Indigenous people’s advocacy group. These coordinated efforts across various provinces in the region show the government’s commitment to fostering peace and encouraging former rebels to reintegrate into society, contributing to the broader goal of ending local communist armed conflict. Moreover, this discovery of armaments is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to weaken the operational capabilities of CTGs in the region. We continue to urge local communities to report any suspicious activities through hotline numbers 09175562597/09176235700 or to the nearest police station that may lead to the dismantling of insurgent operations and promote peace and security in Central Luzon,” Hidaldgo stated.      

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Subic Freeport community have mobilized additional equipment to control the oil spill in Bataan. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the SBMA has allowed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to use its 160-meter spill boom last Friday to help contain the oil spill from the MT Terra Nova that sank off the waters of Limay town on Thursday. Aliño said that the SBMA is willing to provide any assistance to the PCG by lending equipment from the agency’s Seaport Department. The SBMA helped the PCG provide the needed equipment at the Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC). “We hope that they would also use it not just for the MT Terra Nova incident, but also for the MTKR Jason Bradley that sank on the coastal waters of Mariveles,” he added. The SBMA conducted an emergency meeting thru Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao last week to discuss the deployment of the oil spill boom using the PCG’s BRP Suluan. Meanwhile, two towage companies were also tapped to assist in containing the oil spill from MT Terra Nova using their expertise, equipment, and tugboats. Yambao identified the companies as Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc. and Malayan Towage and Salvage Corp. “The two companies have requested from the Operations Branch of the Seaport Department to exit the Port of Subic to respond to the oil spill in Limay,” he added. Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc. mobilized siphoning equipment to extract at least 300,000 liters of industrial fuel oil (IFO). At least 50,000 liters of IFO are targeted to be siphoned per day. Recently, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) held a joint meeting with the national and regional disaster risk reduction committee to address the Bataan oil spill incident. DILG Sec. Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. led the meeting along with the National at Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils. Bataan Gov. Joet Garcia, Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda, and other government agencies were also present to discuss possible actions to avert massive oil spill in the region.