The suspect was identified as Ryan Tayabas Cabungcal, a resident of Carcar City in southern Cebu.

Judge Ernesto Engracia Narido of Regional Trial Court branch 11, Carcar City, issued an arrest warrant against Cabungcal on October 5, 2023, for two counts of rape.

In an interview with SunStar Cebu, the suspect said that after learning from his relatives that two people were searching for him during his mother's wake in Carcar City last week, he made the decision to turn himself in in Dalaguete, where his sibling resides.

He did not, however, admit to raping the now-17-year-old daughter of his live-in spouse.

He claimed the girl had made up stories to get even with him for always berating for hanging out with friends back in 2022 and 2023, citing an instance in which his brother-in-law saw her alone on a poorly lit bridge along the diversion road going to Barili town.

After being informed by his brother-in-law, he went to get the girl, but the former accused him of raping her.

For one of Cabungcal's charges, a P200,000 bail is required; no bail is advised for the other. (DVG, TPT)

Batac City Mayor Albert Chua confirmed this on Friday as representatives of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) conducted a field validation of the city’s various infrastructure projects for funding by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

He said the proposed solar power irrigation system is a big boost to increase the productivity of farmers as it will maximize water collection and storage to augment water supplies and increase the likelihood of growing high-value crops during the summer.

“The solar irrigation system will be a big help to our farmers. Irrigation is always a challenge in Batac that is why we continue to dredge our water ways and construct more farm reservoirs to address water shortage especially during summer,” he said.

The proposed solar irrigation project is located in an area overlooking the national highway connecting Batac to Banna town.

Chua said the location is feasible for the proposed project because it has continuous water supply even during summer time.

“We have checked on other areas and the site is the most feasible for solar irrigation to benefit farmers in rain-fed areas for them to save on fuel. To help achieve food sufficiency, the Marcos administration has been pushing for a nationwide solar-powered irrigation program which include Batac City in Ilocos Norte as one of the pilot sites,” he said.

“We are grateful to our governor for recommending Batac as one of the field validation sites of the CCC. We hope that this will materialize soon,” he added.

Apart from constructing solar irrigation system, the city government is also urging its farmers to plant drought-resistant crops as response to climate change. (PNA)

It was the fourth such environmental disaster in a year, following floods in July, September and November 2023 that killed 75 people in total.

The flooding statewide has surpassed that seen during a historic 1941 deluge, according to the Brazilian Geological Service. In some cities, water levels were at their highest since records began nearly 150 years ago, the agency said.

On Thursday, a dam at a hydroelectric plant between the cities of Bento Goncalves and Cotipora partially collapsed and entire cities in the Taquari River valley, like Lajeado and Estrela, were completely overtaken by water. In the town of Feliz, 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the state capital, Porto Alegre, a massively swollen river swept away a bridge that connected it with the neighboring city of Linha Nova.

Operators reported electricity, communications and water cuts across the state. More than 24,000 people had to leave their homes, according to the civil defense agency.

Without internet, telephone service or electricity, residents struggled to provide updates or information to their relatives living in other states. Helicopters flew continually over the cities while stranded families with children awaited rescue on the rooftops.

Isolete Neumann, 58, lives in the city of Lajeado in the Taquari River valley and told The Associated Press she has never before seen a scenario like the one she is now experiencing.

"People were making barricades in front of hospitals with sand and gravel. It felt like a horror movie,” she said by phone. Some people in her region were so desperate, she added, that they threw themselves into the water currents.

Neumann's own neighborhood wasn't inundated, but has no running water and she hasn't showered since Tuesday. She said she's collecting rainwater in a basin to be able to cook. A clothing store she owns in the city's central area is flooded, she added.

“I don’t even know how it must be. There must be nothing left."

The downpour started Monday and is expected to last at least through Saturday, Marcelo Seluchi, chief meteorologist at the National Center for Monitoring and Alerts of Natural Disasters, told Brazil's public television network Friday.

On Thursday night, Gov. Eduardo Leite alerted the state's population — known as gauchos — about the persistence of rains and floods. The situation was expected to worsen in Porto Alegre, he said.

“As a human being, I am devastated inside, just like every gaucho is," he said. "But as governor, I am here steadfast and I guarantee that we will not falter. We are doing everything with focus, attention, discipline, and outrage, to ensure that everything within our reach is done.”

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva acknowledged the flood victims at a press conference on Friday alongside Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Brasilia.

“The first words from Minister Fumio Kishida in the meeting we held were of solidarity with the people of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, who are victims by one of the largest floods we have ever known. Never before in the history of Brazil had there been such a quantity of rain in one single location,” Lula said.

Weather across South America is affected by the climate phenomenon El Niño, a periodic, naturally occurring event that warms surface waters in the Equatorial Pacific region. In Brazil, El Niño has historically caused droughts in the north and intense rainfall in the south.

This year, the impacts of El Niño have been particularly dramatic, with a historic drought in the Amazon. Scientists say extreme weather is happening more frequently due to human-caused climate change.

Karina Lima, a 36-year-old scientist and PhD candidate in climatology at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, told The Associated Press that the state is located in a region with certain characteristics that amplify El Niño’s destructive potential.

“Models have long predicted that Rio Grande do Sul will continue to see an increase in average annual precipitation and extreme precipitation, meaning more concentrated and severe rainfall,” she said. (AP)

In a press briefing, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they are looking to limit the period to become substitute candidates for those who will withdraw during the period to file COCs. 

"We are looking at October 1 to 8 for the filing of COCs. During that period, we will allow withdrawals and have the right to be substituted," said Garcia. 

"But, after October 8, we may no longer allow any substitution in cases of withdrawal," he added. 

The poll chief said this is in order to prevent a repeat of previous instances, wherein substitute candidates came closer to Election Day after the ones that originally filed COCs withdrew. 

"Let us not fool the people. Those who are really looking to run, they should be upfront and file their COCs immediately," said Garcia. 

He, however, said the commission will continue to accept substitution of candidates for those disqualified or have died. 

"We will still allow substitution in cases of death or disqualification of the candidates," said Garcia. 

Back in the May 2022 elections, the Comelec set the filing period for COCs from October 1 to 8, 2021. 

It, however, allowed the substitution due to withdrawal of candidates until November 15, 2021. 

It can be recalled that Vice President Sara Duterte was a substitute candidate in the 2022 polls after replacing Lyle Uy of the Lakas-CMD Party two days before the November 15 deadline. 

Six years earlier, former President Rodrigo Duterte was the substitute candidate for president of PDP-Laban after the withdrawal of Martin Diño. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)

The distribution of the financial assistance coincided with the opening of the celebrations for the 10th Sampaguita Festival.

Each beneficiary received P1,000 cash and five kilos of rice.

The farmer associations were given fuel subsidies and financial assistance by Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, Second District Rep Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Lubao Mayor Esmeralda Pineda.

The event was also highlighted by an agro-trade fair which was participated by local farm producers, farmers, food processors, and craft manufacturers of the town.

Both are headlining a movie under the co-production of Cornerstone Studios and AgostoDos Pictures, owned by Dingdong.

 "Love To Love" is its working title which started filming on April 24, 2024.

 For his part, Dingdong noticeably grew a beard and sported a crew-cut haircut.

 Charo, on the other hand, seemed happy to be back to shooting a movie.

Dingdong explained

 "Pre-pandemic pa ito," referring to the project that was first conceptualized in 2019.

 "Ayoko muna magbigay ng mga specifics about the film's genre. Basta looking forward ako to do a film with Mam Charo, I look up to her, e."

 "Alam nyo napapanood lang natin sya madalas on tv, I know her body of work.

 "Especially Pag nag-uusap kami, much respect and always in awe kapag kaharap ko siya."

 "Isang napakalakiñg privilege to work with Mam Charo and I'm sure it's one exciting project.

 Former child actor Charlon Davao's son, fitness buff Anthony Davao is entering showbiz.

 Anthony will be introduced in Vivamax's latest flick "Lady Guard" which streamed this week at Vivamax streaming site.

 Anthony's uncle Ricky Davao supports his nephew's decision to try his luck in showbiz via sexy films.

 "Walang isyu sa akin kung pinili niyang psukin ang sexy films. Maganda naman ang katawan niya. Basta ang pakikisama ang importante. Minsan, kahit gaano kagaling ang artista Pero kung walang pakikisama, prima Donna, hard to work with, mahirap."

 "I think it's really your talent and then being professional, meaning yung respeto mo sa lahat ng tao na katrabaho mo."

 "Kapag masarap Kang kasama, people will look for you."

 The multi-awarded actor never denied he did nude scenes in some of his films.

Seafood KADIWA, a pioneering initiative in Central Luzon, aims to address financial gap among fisherfolk groups by providing them with start-up capital in the form of fresh fish.

The grant is intended for fisherfolk communities which will be provided 100 kilograms of milkfish, which they can sell fresh, chilled, or processed.

The beneficiaries may use their earnings from the initial batch of fish to sustain their operations and foster a self-sustaining model of economic empowerment within their communities.

BFAR also offered marketing assistance to the beneficiaries to facilitate connections with fish producers, as well as logistical support during the delivery of fish to various provinces.

Pilot beneficiaries of the program are 26 fisherfolk associations in the region including 12 in Aurora; six in Zambales; four in Tarlac; and two each in Bataan and Nueva Ecija.

Brigadier General Jose Hidalgo, director of the Police Regional Office III, said authorities intercepted a gang of thieves in the act of stealing 700 meters of copper cable valued at P600,000.

Hidalgo said the attempted heist targeted critical infrastructure owned by the Philippine Long Distance Company (PLDT) in Barangay Quezon District in Cabanatuan City.

“The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 AM and was promptly reported by vigilant witnesses, leading to the rapid response of Cabanatuan City personnel,” he said.

Police apprehended 10 individuals who were involved in the theft, while another one managed to elude arrest.

Hidalgo said the suspects, who are residents of Quezon City and Caloocan City and

mostly drivers and helpers, were caught in the act of cutting through copper cable underneath a manhole.

“This successful interception highlights the crucial role of community vigilance and collaboration in combating organized crime and protecting essential public assets,” he said.

Garbo replaced former board member Mylyn Pineda Cayabyab who resign in April this year.

Garbo formally met with tourism officers of Pampanga during the turnover meeting held at the Capitol recently.

Garbo will also be looking after education concerns. She also met with officials of the Schools Division of Pampanga.

Garbo had pledged to continue the programs and advocacies initiated by her predecessor.

Garbo holds the chairmanship of the Provincial Committee on Tourism.

Pineda Cayabyab had resigned from her post as a board member and had transferred here voter's registration in the City of San Fernando which is part of the 3rd district.

Jesus tells us, “Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.  I am the vine, you are the branches” (verses 4 & 5). This is the foundational teaching in becoming truly joyful. We have to remain with the Lord − maintaining our connection with him who is the source of life, abiding in him, and living in him.

How should we do so? By obeying his commandments. He said, “If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love” (verse 10). The implication is that keeping our relationship with the Lord is not only a matter of mouth service; it is as much action as it is words. In Matthew 7:21, we read, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven,” and in James 2:17, we find, “Faith, if it does not have works, is dead.”

What then are the commandments that we should keep? Since childhood, we have been hearing about the Ten Commandments, so much so that oftentimes, we take them for granted. It is thus beneficial to review them here. Taken from Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, they are as follows: (1) I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have any other gods besides me. (2) You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain. (3) Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day. (4) Honor your father and mother. (5) You shall not kill. (6) You shall not commit adultery. (7) You shall not steal. (8) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (9) You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. (10) You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

But wait a minute, isn’t it that we are no longer under the Law but under grace? Doesn’t that mean that we are no longer obliged to follow these commandments? Of course, not. In fact, Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place” (Mt 5:17-18).

Jesus came not to disregard the law but to live out and demonstrate its higher meaning. When asked which commandment in the law is the greatest, the Lord answered, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments” (Mt 22:37-40). Thus, love is the spirit of the law. When we love God and our fellowmen, we are fulfilling the law.

Genuine Christian love, then, must be done not out of compulsion or blind compliance. Rather, it should flow naturally from the very being of a believer, for love is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). In teaching us to love, Jesus did not intend to impose a heavy burden on our shoulders. Rather, he knew that it is only in loving that we remain in his love, and if we remain in his love, that is when experience the fullness of joy that we have long been searching for.

This is another example of Jesus’ seemingly paradoxical teachings. We lose in order to gain. He said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete” (Jn 15:11). Truly, only in God will our joy will be complete, and as an add-on, he said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you” (Jn 15:7).

5TH WEEK OF EASTER

Psalter: Week 1 / (White)

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 100: 1b-2, 3, 5: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

1st Reading: Acts 16: 1-10

Paul traveled on, to Derbe and then to Lystra. A disciple named Timothy lived there, whose mother was a believer of Jewish origin but whose father was a Greek.

As the believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him, Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him. So he took him and, because of the Jews of that place, who all knew that his father was a Greek, he circumcised him.

As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions of the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, for the people to obey. Meanwhile, the churches grew stronger in faith, and increased in number, every day.

They traveled through Phrygia and Galatia, because they had been prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching the message in the province of Asia.

When they came to Mysia, they tried to go on to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to do this. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.

There, one night, Paul had a vision. A Macedonian stood before him and begged him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” When he awoke, he told us of this vision; and we understood that the Lord was calling us, to give the Good News to the Macedonian people.

Gospel: John 15: 18-21

If the world hates you, remember that the world hated me before you. This would not be so if you belonged to the world, because the world loves its own. But you are not of the world, since I have chosen you from the world; because of this the world hates you.

Remember what I told you: the servant is not greater than his master; if they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours as well.

All this they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know the One who sent me.

REFLECTION:

“Jesus spoke the truth.”

In John’s Gospel, the Greek word kosmos, which can be translated into English as “world,” has several meanings.

First, it may refer to the natural world inhabited by human beings.

Second, it may refer to the whole humanity.

Third, it may refer to a portion of humanity that rejected Jesus whom God has sent. But why would a portion of humanity reject the one God has sent? It is because deeds of such portion were evil.

Jesus’ coming into the world also revealed the darkness overtaking this portion of humanity. This part of humanity and their wicked deeds were exposed.

Consequently, they hated Jesus. This is the “world” that hated Jesus. This is the same “world” which would also hate Jesus’ disciples. As Jesus’ disciples, we are called to make God known in our world.

In the process of making God known, whatever evil there is in the world today is also being exposed. This is the reason why truth-tellers are harmed if not killed.

People of lies hate those who speak the truth. Jesus spoke the truth. He was hated, and eventually killed. But no matter what, to speak the truth, even to those in power, is part of our sacred Christian duty.

CLARETIAN COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION, INC.

8 Mayumi Street, U.P. Village, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines

Tel.: (02) 8921-3984 • Fax: (02) 8921-6205, 8927-7429

Bookstore: (02) 8924-6835

Email: ccfi@claretianpublications.ph

Website:

“Katatawlyan, kanakung kapatad, tumula king Ginu

bang isulat la ring miwangis a bage kekayu alang sakit para kanaku at ligtas para kekayu.

Babanten yu la ring asu, miyadya kayu karing marok dapat,

mimingat kayu kareng mamisaklat king laman.

Uling itamu ing pamanuli, a sasamba kapamilatan ning Diwa ning Dyos

at ligaya kang Yesu Kristo at e manalig king laman--

agya mang atin kung sangkan bang mikakapanaligan king laman mu naman.

Nung ninu man ing mimisip a atin yang sangkan bang mikakapanaligan king laman.

atin kung lakwas dakal a metuli king kawalung aldo ding memalen ning Israel.

King tribu nang Benyamin a Udyu da ring Yudyus,

nung wari king batas ning Pariseu anti king sigasig, metung a mamarusa king Pisamban,

anti king katalarwan lalam ning Batas, alang aysisi.

Dapot nanu mang nabang ing binilang ku na,

binilang ku anting kabawasan para king kapakanan nang Kristu.

Tutwanan, bibilangan ku ngan anting kabawasan uli ning lalabis a ulaga

ning pamikilala kang Yesu Kristu, ing Ginu ku.

Uling pigdusan ku na ing pangabating ding sabla at binilang ku la anting layak,

bang'ting upayang nabangnan ke I Kristu at mayakit Kaya,

neng ala kung katalarwan a sarili ku a manibat king batas

dapot itang manibatan kapamilatan ning kasalpatayanan kang Kristu,

katalarwan a ibat king Dyos a mamasa king kasalpantayanan--

bang-ting upayang akilala ke at ing upaya ning Kayang pamanyubling mye,

bang king nanu mang paralan at bang makapidake king kayang dusa,

maging anti kaya king kamatayan.

Bang nanu mang paralan a malyari a apakirasan ing pamanyubling mye

ibat king kamatayan da ring aliwa.

E uling ikwa ku na ini o megi na kung pantas.

Dspot pipilit ku bing apakirasan ku keng sarili ku,.

Uling I Yesu Kristo gewa na na kung kaya.

Kapatad, e ku tuturing.ing migtagumpe kung sarili ku.

Dapot ating metung a bage a ikwa ku na: pamangalingwan king nanu mang daratang

at pamagpilit pasulung king nanu mang ati yu king payntungul.

Pipilit ku ing papunta king parasan para king galal

para king papanik a aus ning Dyos kapamilatan nang Yesu Kristo.

Bustan la ring matwa na kekatamu ing misip antini,

at nung king nanu mang bage mimisip kayung aliwa.

Ing Dyos ipalto Na mu naman ita kekayu.

Magpakatutu tamu mu king nanu mang disnan tamu na.

Kapatad, magkyabe kayu king pamanapus kanaku,

at babanten yu la ring lalakad agpang alimbawa atin kayu kekami.

Uling karing keraklan, a sinabi ku na kekayu

at sabyan kung pasibayu ngeni kekayung atin pang lwa,

lumakad anting kaslang ning salapung nang Kristo.

Uling ing kapupusan da pangalasak, ing dyos da ya pin ing dungus,

at ing ligaya da king karelang kamarinayan,

maki-isip a makatingid karing makalabwad a bage.

Dapot ing pangamemalen tamu ati yu king banwa,

at kapamilatan na niti, panayan ta ya ing Talapangabus, ing Ginung Yesu Kristo,

a manalili king mababang katawan tamu bang maging anti king maligaya nang katawan,

kapamilatan ning upaya a magpasikan kaya bang ipasakup la ring sabla king sarili na.”

~ Ding Pilipyanu | Dangka 3: Sunis 1-21

(Philippians 3:1-21)

***

 Ing paksa ngeni anti yang pamakipagmasusi king kayaldawan ning Nwan a Salapung o Santa Krus, agpang karing Kristyanu, a megmula at pigmasusyan napun karing baranggay at balen a makipatulunan kaniti. Maligayang Kapagmasusyan!!!

***

Dake Talabaldugan

mipaapus – mipayapus, e sasaryang minapus, mengapayapus; mipakyapus. English: imitated unintentionally or without intention. Alimbawa king pamangamit: “Mipaapus .yang mengaragul mata ing anak a malati inyang akit ne ing atsi nang ginaligatsu neng ikit ne ing geyak da keng Santakrusan ing masanting a lalaking artista.”

mipaarana – mipayarana o e sasaryang manarana, mengapayarana. English: forced by circumstance to serenade or sing for someone who is very attractive. Alimbawa king pamangamit: “Inyang linwal yang bale at kasalungsungan a mabilug ya ing bulan, mipaarana ya ing matwang baintau keng anak-anak pang balung babai a para kaya asna kalagu.”

***

DIPARAN, KASEBYAN at KABALDUGAN

 Maralas dang sasabyan da reng kabalen ing antini:

 “Bala krus kang pupusanan.” Ating taung pabayat karing aliwa lakwas na karing pengari o kapatad. Ila reng panibatan da reng keraklang dusa at parusa.

 Kabaldugan: Kasakitan a kaylangan dang pusanan deng tau a e da kaburyan dapot pauli ning iti bibye da karela deng anak o pakamalan da inya mangapangisnawa lang saldak at iti ing lulwal keng asbuk da reng daranas kaniti.

***

MIKANLAPIT at MISUGLUNG KABALDUGANG AMANU

dusa – sakit a daranasan pauli ning sariling kamalyan, o depatan da reng aliwa o ning kalikasan.

parusa – sakit a daranasan pauli ning dapat o depatan da reng aliwa, Mekad uli ning kasalanan o kamalyan a depatan o adapat a e sasaryan.

kaplas – balat – mengari keng dusa, sakit a daranasan pauli ning sariling kamalyan, o depatan da reng aliwa o ning kalikasan.

kirut – sakit a daranasan pauli ning sariling sakit.

kasakitan – likas a daranasan da reng mabibye keti king yatu pauli ning sarili da, ding aliwa at ning kalikasan.

kapibabatan – likas a daranasan da reng mabibye keti king yatu pauli ning sarili da, ding aliwa at ning kalikasan buri da man o ali.

***

Salamat pung dakal king pamanangkilik keng Kapisik at SunStar Pampanga. Malyari ko pung mag-email keng kek’ong talasulat king muirbiliuqeitpo@gmail.com mag-text o maus para karing kutang o munikala: 0942-3924-399 o 0945-3795-270.

The initiative included a tree-planting activity and coastal clean-up in Barangay Matina Aplaya, Davao City, involving around 100 participants. 

The goal was to plant mangroves and clean the coastlines.

Volunteers planted mangrove seedlings across an eight-hectare biodiversity conservation site managed by Aboitiz Power’s subsidiary along the coastline of Punta Dumalag. 

During the coastline clean-up, the group collected 15 sacks of refuse, mainly plastics and cans.

“Dole 11 is at the forefront of upholding labor and employment advancements. The office also has its commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and community resilience,” Dole-Davao regional director lawyer Randolf C. Pensoy said in a Facebook post on Friday, May 3, 2024.

“The initiative was crafted not only to underscore the importance of workplace safety and health but also to forge stronger bonds among stakeholders through safety initiatives,” he added.

The event was organized to highlight workplace safety and health, fostering stronger bonds among stakeholders through safety initiatives. It coincided with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. 

The success of the event was attributed to the participation of Dole-Davao’s innovative GIP Cares Project, involving beneficiaries of the Government Internship Program (GIP). The initiative aimed to engage young people in community-based activities, promoting a culture of accountability and involvement. RGP

Paul Bermejo, ASU Head, said that the Bantay Dagat volunteers cleaned the area where residents have made it an open dumping site and collected about 148 sacks of mixed garbage and eight sacks of bottles. 

“So karun atoang paadtuan to, atoang ipa-monitor kay kung labayan gihapon nila katong mga balay sa tabok sa pikas nga side amoa na silang ipang house-to-house sa Cenro (City Environment and Natural Resources Office) nga issuehan sila og citation ticket ug himuan og report unya ipasa sa barangay (We will send people there to monitor the area, and if the residents across the road will still throw garbage there then we will conduct a house-to-house [information dissemination] together with Cenro, and advise the office to issue citations to them and create a report then submit it to the barangay), Bermejo said during the ISpeak media forum on Thursday morning, May 2, 2024, at the City Mayor's Office. 

Meanwhile, Bermejo expressed that the number of sacks of garbage they gathered has lessened since the onset of the El Niño phenomenon. On average, the office gathers around 2,600 sacks every month during their monthly Saturday cleanups, where around 300 Bantay Dagat volunteers participate.

He also revealed that because of the video uploaded online by a netizen of a Badjao couple dumping garbage along the coastal road, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte called the attention of his unit and CENRO to form a team that will respond to the situation. In the third week of April, the office conducted a dialogue with the Badjao community, and the local community pledged not to do it again.

The Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) also warned the community not to use the coastal waters as their restrooms. The office discourages the community from urinating and defecating in the seas as they plan to install Closed-Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) at the shorelines. 

Bermejo added that Cenro said it would issue a citation ticket if the residents would throw garbage in the seas, and if they committed the same act multiple times, a case would be filed against them.   

To recall, a local executive order series of 2017 signed by former mayor, now Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, declares that every first and third Saturday of every month is sea coast and river bank cleanup time in all pertinent barangays in Davao City.

Through the ordinance, it created a program called Bantay Dagat, whose main objective is to clean the city's coastlines and riverbanks according to the same schedule since the passing of the executive order. 

The office also celebrates May as the Month of the Ocean through Presidential Proclamation 57 series of 1999, signed by Former President Joseph Estrada. This celebration promotes the sustainable management of the Philippines' ocean resources and aims to promote awareness of the conservation and protection of these resources. It also recognizes the economic and ecological benefits of coastal notion provided to the nation. RGP

In a statement released on April 30, 2024, BFAR-Davao reminded the public that catching fish by using harmful chemicals violates section 92 of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, which states that “It shall be unlawful for any person to catch, take or gather or cause to be caught, taken or gathered fish or any fisheries species in the Philippine waters with the use of explosives, noxious or poisonous substances such as sodium cyanide, which will kill, stupefy, disable or render unconscious fish or fishery species.” 

This comes after the agency received reports on April 29 about two individuals who were allegedly using harmful substances along the shoreline of Dahican, Mati City, Davao Oriental last April 27.

The legislation also forbids any fisherman, operator, fishing boat authority, or fisherworker from using explosives and noxious or dangerous chemicals for unlawful fishing. Violations of these prohibited activities will result in penalties and imprisonment. The law reinforces the gravity of these offenses to safeguard marine life and guarantee sustainable fishing operations.

“Any fish caught using harmful practices and substances can pose significant risks to the environment and human health. As the investigation into this incident continues, BFAR-Davao urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious fishing activities to local government units,” Regional Director Relly B. Garcia said in the press release.

BFAR-Davao then commended the concerned citizens for informing authorities of the suspicious act of the two individuals. They also praised the swift action of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Maritime Police and the City Government of Mati, Davao Oriental, to protect the welfare of the marine resources as well as the source of livelihood of the Dabawenyos that rely on the sea.

“Protecting the marine environment is a collective responsibility, and BFAR-Davao appreciates everyone’s cooperation in maintaining the health and sustainability of our fisheries,” Garcia said.

To recall, the Mati City Information Office (Mati-CIO) reported that about two individuals were arrested for suspected cyanide fishing in Dahican shoreline on April 27. The suspects were 38-year-old Roberto Matuman and 26-year-old Daril Mangaliwan. Both are residents of Purok Makugihon, Barangay Dahican, Mati City, Davao Oriental. 

Upon responding, the Maritime Police of Mati witnessed the two suspects pouring a chemical substance into a small tidal pool on the shoreline. Confiscated from the two were one bottle of chlorine-like substance and some assorted fish. Based on the video that the police showed, Matuman and Mangaliwan hid in a container with the chemicals when police authorities approached them. 

The two individuals were then brought to the PNP Maritime station for further investigation, documentation, and filing of the appropriate complaint. Both suspects will face charges for violating Section 67 of Fishing through Explosives, Noxious or Poisonous Substance and Electricity of the Mati City Ordinance No. 406 series of 2020. RGP

Sheena Lyka M. Dollolasa, in-charge of the Capacity Building Unit of Racco-Davao, said during the Kapihan sa PIA on Friday morning, May 3, 2024, at NCCC Victoria Plaza, Davao City, that as of present, there are 62 licensed foster families and 82 children under foster care in the region.

Dollolasa emphasized the difference between foster care and adoption: adoption is a permanent placement of the children, while foster care is an alternative child care program, which is a temporary placement of children who are neglected, abused, abandoned, and in other special circumstances to licensed foster families. 

“Instead na ibutang nato ang bata nga nanginahanglan og temporary shelter, ibutang nato sya’g center or residential care facilities, ibutang nato sya og isa ka voluntary family nga ginatawag nato og licensed foster parents nga maoy temporarily magtindog isip ilahang ginikanan ug isip ilahang temporary nga family (Instead of putting the child who needs temporary shelter to centers or residential care facilities, they will be temporarily taken care of by licensed foster parents that will serve as their temporary parents and family,)” she said.

She stressed that foster care applies to parents and families licensed by the National Authority for Child Care (NACC); adding that certain requirements and processes must be met before a family becomes eligible to foster care children. 

“Ang atong foster parents dili sila matawag natong lisensyadong foster parents kung dili sila licensed sa NACC, so muagi sila og application, assessment, and then ma-recommend sila nga i-approve ang ilahang application (Foster parents will not be considered licensed foster parents if they are not licensed by the NACC. They need to undergo application, assessment, and then will be recommended for their application to be approved,)” she said. 

Meanwhile, in a foundling case, where an abandoned child is found by someone and the origin or parents of the child are unknown, the person who discovered the child must first report the incident to the barangay, police stations, or local social welfare officers, who will refer the child to residential care facilities, child care agencies, or even licensed foster parents. Dollolasa said that doing these processes is the only accepted way of providing foster care to an abandoned child.

“Bawal gyud sa balaod ang atoang pagdiresto sa paghatag sa bata didtoa sa not relative nato, without the intervention of the government or local social workers (It is prohibited by the law to directly give the [abandoned] child to someone who the child is not related to without the intervention of the government or local social workers,)” she said. 

The first National Congress on Adaption and Alternative Child Care for the Mindanao Chapter will be held from May 7 to 8, 2024, at Acacia Hotel, Davao City. Participants will discuss Republic Act 11642, Anti-trafficking and Illegal Adoption, and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, and the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) in implementing the Philippine Foster Care program. Almer Kaye Aguadera, DNSC Intern

The program is an initiative and a flagship program of Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu, which is focused on benefitting 1.2 million Filipinos through mainstreaming Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the barangay level. 

Speaking with local chief executives at the Dusit Thani Hotel on April 30, Ashray A. Banto, regional director of Tesda-Davao, revealed that the agency needs help with community-based training programs, including identification, funding, and inclusivity.

“As much as we wanted to cater to all the barangays and all the municipalities, Tesda simply cannot do it. The reason why we are doing dito sa barangay program is to ensure a whole-of-community approach in providing programs to sa mga barangays and even the municipalities,” Banto said.

(As much as we wanted to cater to all the barangays and all the municipalities, Tesda simply cannot do it. The reason why we are doing this barangay program is to ensure a whole-of-community approach in providing programs to the barangays and even the municipalities).

Meanwhile, according to Mangudadatu, the program focused on capacity building of barangay workers, training of the community, training of trainers, and devolution of lower level qualification to local government units (LGUs).

“The operationalization of the ‘Tesda sa Barangay’ will be the agency's strategy to promote and communicate the value of skills training and lifelong learning to encourage LGUs to invest in the TVET sector through the conduct of training programs on lower-level qualifications, such as NC I and NC II, for the benefit of their constituents in their own locality,” he said.

The Tesda sa Barangay implementation comes into five processes; seek, find, train, assess, and certify and employ which is anchored by the 10-point Agenda of Mangudadatu.

Currently, the Tesda-Davao hosts 14 training centers with thousands of enrolled individuals in various programs. DEF with reports from Jaya Apugan, DNSC Intern

According to the latest data from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), four geographic locations in the Municipality of Tarragona, Davao Oriental are under alert warning.

These are Barangay Sibajay, Boston, Sitio Sagasa, and Barangay Dadong which were recently affected by the heavy rains caused by the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and other weather systems. 

According to Ricky Lubiano, an official from PDRRMO-Davao Oriental, the government unit and disaster agency of Tarragona have already taken appropriate steps to prepare, monitor, and carry out other vital steps in case of an emergency. 

This includes the immediate activation of evacuation centers in several vulnerable areas. 

"Naa na ni preparation ang mga LGU ug atong MDRMO panahon sa emerhensiya,” (The LGUs and our MDRMO are already prepared during the emergency),” he said. 

For May, Pagasa announced that the Philippines may see up to two tropical cyclones develop or enter its area of responsibility. One possible typhoon track could see a storm approach the Philippine landmass before moving away.

“One or two cyclones are possible to form or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this month,” Pagasa weather specialist Rhea Torres said in a press conference earlier this week. DEF

Mae Cuaycong, focal person of Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP), said Friday, May 3, that Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez already directed them to work out to accredit the pharmacies to accommodate the beneficiaries who are asking for medicines.

“Once we accredit the pharmacies, we can control the release of the assistance because some of the beneficiaries were also applying here several times,” she said.

She added that they want also to make sure that the beneficiaries are really using the money for their medicines.

Cuaycong noted that once it will be materialized, instead of cash, they would give medicines worth P1,500 to the beneficiaries.

“As of now, our mayor is still open for the pharmacies who are interested in partnering with the city like the BacCHP program,” Cuaycong said.

She said one hospital already offered to join in said program, but they are still finalizing the details, adding that they will make a memorandum of agreement with the pharmacies.

Cuaycong stressed that most of the beneficiaries of the “Bayad Agad” system program were intended for their medicines.

The beneficiaries were receiving P1,500 cash assistance.

“Since we launched the program, we were able to spend millions in “Bayad Agad” and most of it is for their medicines,” Cuaycong said.

She said on April 29, the ”Bayad Agad” program was able to release assistance to at least 230 beneficiaries.

Cuaycong disclosed that there should be a three-month gap for the beneficiaries to avail themselves again of the medical assistance.*

Junjun Asis, secretary-general of Sentrong Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Negros (SSTONE), said Friday, May 3, of at least 1,463 members of SSTONE and Federation of Bacolod Drivers Association (Febacda), only 153 of them were able to join the consolidation before its deadline on April 30.

He said they were able to form Asenso Bacolod Transport Cooperative (ABTrac), which is composed of 153 operators plying 17 routes in Bacolod.

He added that they will ask the assistance of Benitez to accommodate those who were not able to meet the deadline of the consolidation.

The ABTrac was chaired by Asis with his co-chairperson, Elizabeth Katalbas.

Asis noted that they will set a meeting with the mayor to discuss their concern regarding the public utility jeepney consolidation including the processing of various provisional authorities (PA) with the Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB) and for the extension of the processing of the remaining route who were not able to consolidate on April 30.

Asis said that some of their members' documents were incomplete and their applications were rejected by the LTFRB.

“We will appeal it to the mayor to accommodate them since we already formed a cooperative and we were given until May 16, 2024 to operate,” he said.

After May 16, he added that there will be an apprehension of the traditional public utility vehicles who fails to process for consolidation.

Benitez earlier said that the local unconsolidated traditional jeepneys with valid franchises be allowed to apply for a Provisional Authority (PA) with the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

"As far as the local is concerned, I have expressed our suggestion to the DOTr that all local traditional jeepneys with a franchise and not consolidated can still apply for a PA," he said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier announced that the government will not grant another deadline extension for franchise consolidation under the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

He said the traditional jeepney drivers have only until April 30 to form cooperatives or corporations for them to be allowed to operate.*

This was stressed by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson during the Provincial Stakeholders’ Consultative Power Summit at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod City on Friday, May 3.

Lacson said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that the next few years are critical.

He said as of 2023, the warmest year to date, global temperature was already 1.35 degrees Celsius higher.

“Scientists predict that there’s a one-in-three chance of 2024 being warmer than 2023. Well, it feels like a three-in-three chance now. It is with this bigger context in mind that we gather here,” he added. 

Lacson noted that this is a result of the common concerns about persistent brownouts and even blackouts, coupled with high electricity bills.

He said that this year, they signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the USLS to collaborate on the conduct of two Power Summits, the Consultative Summit and concluding summit end of June, and the observance of Renewable Energy (RE) Week on May 20-24.

He said on February 2024, they also launched the SecuRe Negros campaign, with the letters RE in Capital letters, to emphasize what all these initiatives (and more in the future), taken together, are all about.

“In short, we want to ensure energy security for our province, in ways that are not harmful to our people and our environment. We use the colors green and yellow to signify renewable energy (green) for a brighter future (yellow),” he added.

The governor stressed that all these are initial strategies for raising energy consciousness among the people and for bringing the different power sectors together.

“We believe in authentic and holistic development, which is a multidimensional and long-term process. We also believe that the best development plans must come out of those who are most affected by them. What affects us all must involve us all. This is why we are conducting this Provincial Stakeholders’ Consultative Power Summit today,” Lacson said.

The event was attended by key stakeholders from various sectors, including Generation/Power Producers, Distribution/Electric Cooperatives, Utilization/Energy consumers from Business and Industry, Academe, Civil Society, Finance/Banking Institutions, and Local Government Units (LGUs), including mayors.

It’s also attended by officials from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the Department of Energy (DOE).

The governor also announced that the Provincial Government will walk its talk by undertaking the solarization of seven main facilities this year, involving the installation of a total of 1,270 KW total installed capacity of Solar PV systems that will save an estimated 132,080 KWh to 158,000 KWh per month.

Lacson said at P12 per KWh, this translates to a cost saving of P1.5 million to P1.8 million every month.

“This is only the beginning. We are likewise urging our LGUs to follow the examples set by some of our mayors like La Carlota Mayor Dr. Rex Jalandoni and Sipalay Mayor Gina Montilla Lizares,” he said.*

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the turned over to the scholars. CMYC Board of Trustees Chairman Alfredo Barcelona, CMYC Administrator Fr. Yongxing Cui, VP for Academic Affairs, Mariam Castel, and Negros Occ. Scholarship Program Head Karen Dinsay, among others, were present at the ceremonial distribution of cash assistance.

Lacson said he hopes the scholars will advance to be confident individuals, responsible citizens, and effective contributors to the community and the nation.

“To our students who are recipients of today’s educational assistance, most of whom I have learned are children of our farmers, please know that your welfare and future are among the concerns I hold close,” he said.

This advocacy uses the color purple to not only stand in solidarity but also to dismantle the stigma of victim-blaming.

Purple Mark by Phoebe Daidoji Jabonete, a 4th year Communication student at the University of St. La Salle, goes beyond raising awareness.

This advocacy empowers young adults by providing educational seminars.

The recent workshop, "Beyond the Bruises" with Atty. Garde and Kagawad Tamayo and "Shattering the Silence” with J-Ann Somoria-Rana of CAMELEON Association Inc. Philippines, along with the support of Zonta Club of Bacolod, tackled legal aspects, common myths, and how to handle abuse cases.

"Your Voice, Your Power" with Ceprelyn Benignos, RPsy, and Dr. Edwin Miraflor, Jr. from the Bacolod City Health Office delved deeper into identifying red flags and building healthy relationships.

These seminars equip young adults to become the backbone of a supportive community. They learn to actively listen, communicate effectively, and prevent future abusive behaviors.

Purple Mark understands the power of a united voice. The advocacy urges young adults to break the silence surrounding domestic violence and stand with survivors.

By speaking out against victim-blaming and advocating for accountability, we can create a safe space for healing and change.

Join Purple Mark in rewriting the narrative. We can make a difference by speaking out, challenging the status quo, and supporting survivors.

Remember, domestic violence is never the victim's fault. Be the change. Make your mark. (PR)

Career Executive Service (CES) Eligibles from various government agencies and regions across the Philippines have convened in Negros Occidental for the Integrated Gabay (GABAY) ng Paglilingkod Training Course Session 49, organized by the Career Executive Service Board (CESB).

The 12-Day GABAY Training Course started on April 22 and will commence on May 3.

It aims to equip public managers with the necessary know-how and tools to navigate the complexities of governance, ensuring impactful leadership and sustainable development.

GABAY forms part of the CES Leadership and Management Proficiency (LAMP) Program, and provides essential learning modules designed to enhance executives' effectiveness on the job while fostering a deeper understanding of government policies and programs as they happen on the ground.

The terminal module of this intensive course is the Community Engagement Module (CEM) where the CES eligibles learned from the Model of Innovation Excellence by the Network of Alliances for Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area (NOCWCA), recognized as one of the Top 10 winners of the prestigious Galing Pook in 2021.

NOCWCA, hailed as the 7th Ramsar Site and the 4th East-Asian-Australasian Flyway Network Site in the Philippines, is locally managed by NOCWAMA, comprising 11 LGUs from the City of Bago to the Municipality of Ilog, alongside the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.

On the 8th day of the GABAY Training Course, a dialogue with CEM partners was conducted where esteemed presenters including DILG Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay; TSSD Head Maria Elena San Jose; Engr. Elenita Amen, Environment Officer of LGU San Enrique; Armela Waldato, Environment Officer of Himamaylan City and Executive Director of KAHIL-ICAMC; and ENP Susana Casalem, Environment Officer of Kabankalan City shared insights into the structural organizations, strategic innovations, and development initiatives within NOCWCA.

The learners will also visit the areas of San Enrique and the cities of Himamaylan and Kabankalan on the 9th and 10th day of the training course to conduct documentary research, interviews, and focus group discussions on the community and offices involved in the NOCWAMA.

The CESB’s GABAY Session 49 CEM is conducted in partnership with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental through the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO). (PR)

The filmfest, set to be held in September this year, is open to filmmakers who are registered voters and residents of Bacolod City. They can be producers, directors, or scriptwriters of an entry.

The festival accepts short film scripts of any genre, such as romance, drama, comedy, or horror, in any Filipino language with English translation. Entries must be submitted on or before May 18, Saturday, 11:59 p.m., after which ten (10) finalists will be chosen.

Selected filmmakers will be given a production grant of 300,000 pesos each, to be released in two tranches, of which the first one is worth 200,000 pesos. The remaining 100,000 pesos will be released once the picture lock version of the film has been submitted.

The total running time of the produced films must be at a minimum of fifteen (15) minutes and maximum of twenty (20) minutes, including opening and closing credits. The short films must be in narrative live action form, when taken as a whole. Documentary, experimental or animation will not be accepted, except if added only as elements within the film.

The Bacolod Film Festival aims to create a venue where local filmmakers and producers can showcase their talents and further solidify Bacolod, known as the “City of Smiles,” as one of the creative hubs for filmmaking in the Philippines.

“Bacolod should be proud of its creatives. We have very artistic directors, and actors,” Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, who also chairs the Bacolod Film Festival Council, said.

The Bacolod City Council or Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) recently passed City Ordinance No. 1061, or the Bacolod Film Festival Ordinance, authored by Councilor Em L. Ang, with Councilors Cindy Rojas and Celia Matea Flor as co-authors. Councilor Ang, chairperson of the SP Committee on History, Culture and Arts, also serves as BFFC vice chair.

Aside from Mayor Benitez and Councilor Ang, the BFFC is composed of the chair of the SP Committee on Tourism, City Tourism Officer, City Legal Officer, City Budget Officer, Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officer, Department of Education Division Superintendent, representatives from SM and Ayala Malls Cinemas and the local film industry.

Members of the BFF Organizing Committee and their relatives (up to the second degree of consanguinity) are prohibited from joining the competition. There is no entry fee to participate.

Multiple entries are accepted, but each script must be submitted with a separate entry form and online registration. The selection committee will only consider one entry per finalist.

The short films must have their premiere at the Bacolod Film Festival this September.

For more inquiries, you may email bacolodfilmfestival@gmail.com or send a message on Facebook at .  (PR)

DILP is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers of the country, helping them establish or enhance their livelihood undertakings.

Coastal Resource Management Division Community Development Assistant Melvin Maglayon said the members identified the development of Fish Landing Center’s 2nd floor as FARMC Community Store as a project proposal where they will create a resolution for endorsing it to the Mayor’s Office and Sangguniang Panlungsod for approval; adding the project will help the members of the association in generating income and livelihood.

Maglayon also shared they chose the land-based project, as fishing is seasonal and fisher folks need alternative ways of earning.

The Tañon Strait Protected Seascape-Department of Environment and Natural Resources also suggested holding a Biodiversity-friendly Enterprise BDFEs to learn applicable grants for the association.

On the other hand, the members also underwent a program and project orientation from DOLE yesterday, May 2. (PR)

Si Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez niingon nga base sa report sa Special Investigation Team (SIT), nasikop si Junell Jane Andagkit Poten, alyas “Junell Gerozaga,” 33, niadtong Huwebes sa gabii, Mayo 2, 2024, pinaagi sa hiniusang elemento gikan sa Police Regional Office (PRO)-Soccsksargen ug Makilala Municipal Police Station sulod sa balay sa usa ka barangay tanod sa Barangay Saguing, Makilala, Cotabato.

Si Poten adunay standing warrant of arrest sa pagpatay kang Kidapawan Brigada FM radio anchor Eduardo “Ed” Dizon sa Kidapawan City niadtong Hulyo 10, 2019.

Si Dizon paingon na unta mopauli sakay sa iyang sakyanan dihang gibanhigan pasado alas 10 sa gabii sa Quezon Boulevard, corner Diversion Road, Sinsuat Street, Kidapawan City sa duha ka armadong mga gunman.

Si Dizon nakaangkon og lima ka mga samad pinusilan ug dead on the spot.

Positibong giila sa usa ka saksi nga si Poten ang gunman.

Ang pagkasikop ni Poten nahitabo pipila ka adlaw human madakpi si Jolieto Mangumpit, ang giingong gunman sa pagpatay kang Misamis Occidental broadcaster Juan “DJ Johnny Walker” Jumalon sa Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte niadtong Nobiyembre 5, 2024.

Matod ni Gutierrez nga ang pagkasikop sa duha ka mga suspek nagpatugbaw sa paninguha sa administrasyon ni Presidente Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sa pagmugna og luwas nga palibot alang sa mga journalist ug sa tinguha niini sa pagsubay sa rule of law ug paghatag og hustisya ngadto sa mga biktima sa bangis nga krimen.

“We are certainly going to highlight these gains before the international community,” matod ni Gutierrez. / TPM sa SunStar Philippines

Base sa report sa kapulisan, niadtong Huwebes, Mayo 2, 2024, si Police Captain Roland Moralde, sakop sa Regional Mobile Force Company (RMFB) 14, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), nisita kang Mohiden Ramalan Untal, kinsa nagluklok sa usa ka mubo nga armas sa iyang hawak sa Public Market sa Barangay Poblacion 2, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.

Nahitabo ang komprontasyon sa dihang nisuway og rikisa si Moralde nga niresulta sa pinusilay tali nila nga miresulta sa hinanaling kamatayon sa suspek.

Sa press conference sa Camp Crame, si PNP chief sa Public Information Office (PIO) Colonel Jean Fajardo niingon nga laing lima ka mga suspek, naglakip sa duha ka mga polis, ang niabot sa dapit nga nahitaboan ug nakigpinusilay nga miresulta sa kamatayon ni Moralde.

Ang duha ka mga polis ug tulo ka mga sibilyan paryente sa suspek nga napatay ni Moralde.

Ang duha ka mga polis ningtahan na uban sa ilang mga armas, samtang nagpadayon pa ang manhunt operation batok sa laing tulo. Mag-atubang sila og kasong murder.

“Ang lumalabas po na motibo ay paghihiganti dahil ‘yung yung limang suspect po ay kamag anak nung unang suspect na napatay ni Captain Moralde,” matod ni Fajardo.

Gikondena sa Philippine National Police (PNP) ang bangis nga pagkamatay ni Moralde.

Ang hepe sa PNP nga si General Rommel Marbil nipadangat sa kinasingkasing nga pahasubo sa mga pamilya, higala, ug kaubanan ni Moralde, samtang iyang gipamatud-an pag-usab ang pasalig sa PNP nga mohimo og hingpit nga imbestigasyon aron mahibaw-an ang mga motibo sa likod sa insidente ug madala dayon ang mga sad-an ngadto sa hukmanan.

Giawhag ni Marbil ang mga indibidwal nga adunay kasayuran nga moduol ug mokooperar sa mga otoridad.

“Let us stand united in condemning all forms of violence and in supporting our law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily to protect and serve our communities,” matod ni Mar­bil. / TPM / SunStar Philippines

Namatay diha-diha ang biktima nga si Junnex Abayon, 32, adunay kapuyo, taga-Sityo Kawayanan, Barangay Biasong, Talisay City human gihansakan sa wa mailhi nga lalaki og hait nga hinagiban ang iyang liog.

Nahitabo ang pagpanunggab sa kaadlawon sa Biyernes, Mayo 3, 2024 sa Sityo Calachuchi, Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City.

Sa pakighinabi sa Superba­lita Cebu ngadto ni Patrolman Raffy Rempojo, Talisay City Police Office nasayran nga hubog ang biktima.

Sa wa pa ang pagpanunggab si Abayon nagkalalis tali sa iyang kapuyo diha sa kalsada sa Sityo Calachuchi samtang diha sila sa iyang E-bike.

Atol sa lalis adunay duha ka wa pa mailhang mga lalaki nga ning-agi sa lugar apan giingong gipareglahan ni Abayon.

Sigun pa sa kapuyo nga nakadungog siya sa usa sa duha nga na­ngutana: “Unsay problema, Bay?”

Giduol hinuon kini ni Abayon apan giduslak siya sa sa mao nga lalaki sa liog. Nakita nalang sa kapuyo nga nahagbo og kalit ang biktima.

Samad sa wala nga bahin sa liog ang naangkon ni Abayon nga miresulta sa iyang hinanaling kamatayon.

Ang biktima nailhan nga si Meg Louise Haugh, 26, dalaga, nga taga-Williambank Tem­ple, Core Ireland.

Sa imbestigasyon sa kapulisan sa Badian Police ubos sa pagdumala ni PCPT Jerwin Mark C Battung, nga ang maong langyaw uban sa laing pang guest ug adunay kuyog nga guide ang nagkalingaw sa canyoneering adventure sa bukirang bahin sa Brgy. Sulsogan, Badian, Sugbo niadtong Huwebes sa buntag, Mayo 2, 2024.

Nasuta nga si Haugh nakahimo na sa pag-ambak sud sa duha ka higayon ug wa na kini mohimo sa lain pa nga ambak sa dihang naglisod na sa iyang pagginhawa.

Samtang naghinayhinay og baktas si Haugh kuyog sa iyang mga kaubanan kalit lang kining mi-­collapse hinungdan nga gita­bang ilabi na nga naatol nga adu­nay doktor nga guest sab sa area.

LANGAY PAGRESPONDI?

Usa nakita nga challenge atol sa maong emerhensiya nataod-taoran ang pagtawag og rescue o medic tungod kay lisud ang communication signal sa maong lugar.

Gikatahong sa 11:00 sa buntag gitabang si Haugh ug nianang ala 1 na sa hapon miabot ang rescue team.

Gideklarar nga dead-on-arrival si Haugh sa dihang gidala sa Badian District Hospital.

Hinungdan sa kamatayon sa maong langyaw base sa paghiling ni Dr. Proferio R. Ferolin III nga ‘acute myocardial infarction’ kon atake sa kasingkasing.

Sigun pa sa mga kaubanan sa namatay nga naghambin kini og heart ailment.

LAYO

Samtang gihimakak sa Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) sa lungsod sa Badian nga nalangay kini sa pagresponde sa nahitabong emerhensiya.

Giklaro ni Clydiejun Baratbate opisyal sa DRRM Badian nga nadawat nila ang taho pasado alas 12:00 sa udto ug giingong misibat dayon ang sakop niini aron respondehan ang panghitabo.

“Dili maam uy kay pagkadawat namo sa tawag nilakaw dayon among ambulansya,” asoy ni Baratbate sa Superbalita Cebu sa Mayo 3, 2024 pinaagi sa tawag sa telepono.

Gitug-an hinuon ni Baratbate nga modeprensya og 12 kilometros ang gilay-on gikan sa MDRRMO paingon sa Canyoneering site, hinay sab ang signal sa komunikasyon sa maong dapit.

“Pag-abot sa team didto sa third level sa canyoneering, didto nila gipaabot ang pasyente unya kay wala man diay didto so naay usa nga nipadayon sa third level unya ang lain nga team didto sa first ug second level jump,” matod pa ni Baratbate.

Dugang pa ni Baratbate nga gawas sa cellphone communi­ca­tion sa lugar, giingong nag­hang­yo na kini og dugang handheld radio communicator isip al­ter­natibong matawagan sa mga first responders sa tourist sites.

“Dili maayo ang reception sa signal kay mosaka pa ka gamay (aron maka signal)...nag-request na sab mi og antenna kay amo man gud na gi-estudyohan kay kanang sa canyoneering labi na sa level two ubos na kaayo na diha dili na makalusot sa among repeater so kinahanglan nga naay base radio sa entrance,” pasabot sa maong opisyal.

Iyang gidugang nga subay sa ilang protocol, una hinuong respondehan sa mga life guards ang mga langyaw ug bisita ugaling dunay di maayong panghitabo atol sa canyoneering activities.

Si Earl Vincent Endab tigpamaba sa Tourism Office sa lungsod misaysay usab nga ang tanang mga canyoneering guides ug life guards nakaagi sa training unsaon pagluwas ug pagtabang sa mga guest o turista nga posibling masugamak sa di maayong hitabo.

“...naa gyud tay gi assign nga mga life guards in canyoneering area to first respond in cases of emergency po. Naa tay three life guards assigned sa stretch po tapos naa puy other three for kawasan (Kawasan Falls),” matod sa Superbalita Cebu. / Dugang taho ni Arvie N. Veloso

Ang akusado nga nitahan ngadto sa Dalaguete Police Station giila nga si Ryan Tayabas Cabungcal, 36, ulitawo, taga-Barangay Liburon, Siyudad sa Carcar, habagatang Sugbo.

Siya nisurender sa Biyernes sa tungang gabii, Mayo 3, 2024.

Gisusi sa Dalaguete police, ubos sa pagdumala ni PMAJ Clemente Ceralde Jr. ang iyang ngan sa E-warrant system ug nasuta nga may warrants of arrest sa duha ka mga kaso’ng rape si Cabungcal nga giluwatan ni Judge Ernesto Engracia Narido, presiding judge sa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 11 sa Carcar City pinitsahan niadtong Oktubre 5, 2023.

Ang usa ka kaso adunay piyansa nga P200,000 samtang ang lain pang kaso sa rape way piyansa nga gitanyag. / DVG

Matod ni Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, deputy city director for administration sa Cebu City Police Office, nga andam na ang mga polis nga ipakatap sa nagkadaiyang venue sa siyudad sa Sugbo.

Gani sukad pa niadtong Miyerkules, Mayo 1, 2024 aduna nay nangabot nga mga atleta ug delegado gikan sa lalawigan sa Bohol nga gipahimutang sa Lahug elementary ug high school.

Si Police Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog, hepe sa kapulisan sa dakbayan sa Sugbo, maoy nagsilbing site task group commander diin si Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, hepe sa Police Regional Office 7, ang over all commander.

Gipasabot ni Rafter nga ang CVIRAA dili lang kini kalihukan sa dakbayan sa Sugbo hinungdan nga ang PRO-7 maoy nag supervise sa paghatag sa seguridad sa tibuok event gikan sa pagsugod hangtod sa katapusan.

Gitinguha sa kapulisan nga zero crime ang tibuok kalihukan sa CVIRAA nga tungod ani nakatutok ang kapulisan sa Central Visayas.

“With the support of our LGU, so far all system are ready to go for the CVIRAA,” matod ni Rafter.

Una na nga ningpadala og augmentation ang kapulisan sa siyudad sa Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu ug Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7.

Ang matag division sa Department of Education sa Central Visayas dunay kaugalingon nga security nga gihatag ang matag provincial police office nga maoy mobantay sa ilang billeting area.

Wala nay giusab ang CCPO sa ilang security preparation apan giklaro ni Rafter nga mahimo’ng dunay idugang unya samtang nagpadayon ang kalihukan sa CVIRAA.

Nakaandam na usab ang Multi-Agency Coordinating Center (MAC) nga naa nahimutang sa 4th floor sa legislative building sa Cebu City Hall.

Kompleto ang kapulisan sa mga gamit sanglit manginlabot man usab ang Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office lakip na ang Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) alang sa emergency response. / AYB

Ang suspek giila nga si Dave Delmar Tanga-an, 23, ulitawo, taga-Sityo Bas, Barangay Perrelos, siyudad sa Carcar, Sugbo, giila nga priority target sa PDEA tungod kay high value individual (HVI).

Milampos ang PDEA-7 inabagan sa mga polis sa Carcar ubos sa pagdumala sa ilang team leader nga si IA 1- Investigator Agent 1 Jessie S Cabutotan, niadtong Huwebes sa gabii, Mayo 2 sa Sityo Bas, Perrelos, Carcar.

Ang poseur buyer nga PDEA 7 agent nigamit og bogus money nga P200,000 nga gipaibabwan og P500 nga bill alang sa pagpalit og pakete sa shabu.

Sa pagtuo nga nakahalin siya og bigtime, pusas diay ang gipasul-ob kaniya human natigayon ang transaksiyon.

Nakuha sa mga operatiba ang usa ka dakong putos sa gituohang shabu nga motimbang og 100 gramos nga dunay estimated average market value nga P680,000 lakip na ang buy bust-money, cellphone ug ubang mga ebidensya.

Matod pa ni IA 1 Cabutotan sa pakighinabi sa Superbalita Cebu, ang suspek idlas apan pinaagi sa abag sa ilang asset nadakpan.

Gikataho nga ang hurisdiksiyon ni Tanga-an sa iyang drug distribution/operation ang tibuok Carcar City.

Giingong sa dakbayan sa Sugbo magkuhaan og supply sa drugas si Tanga-an.

Nagkanayon si Cabutotan nga su’d sa usa ka buwan nilang gipanid-an ang operasyon sa suspek ug sa ilang pag-monitor nasuta nga makahalin og tag-100 ngadto sa 300 gramos sa shabu matag semana.

Napanglantawan sa PDEA7 nga sa pagkasikop ni Tanga-an dako ang makibhang sa supply sa shabu sa Carcar City. / DVG

Kini nahitabo sa luyo nga bahin sa usa ka unibersidad sa dalan S. Osmeña, Barangay San Roque, dakbayan sa Sugbo sa alas 12:05 sa Biyernes sa kaadlawon, Mayo 3, 2024.

Ang suspek giila nga si Ariel Sara Cadiente, 34, taga dakbayan sa Dumaguete apan lumad nga taga Alanghilan, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental ug drayber sa mixer truck sa Dakay Construction.

Sa imbestigasyon sa Waterfront Police Station nasuta nga naabtan, matod pa, ang suspek sa duha ka roving guards sa maong construction company, nga gipasuyopan og krudo ang iyang gimaneho nga mixer truck gamit ang hose ug gisulod sa galon sa mineral water.

Gibana-bana nga moabot sa 18 ka litro ang nakuha sa suspek nga mobalor og kapin sa P1,000 nga gi turnover usab ngadto sa kapulisan.

Giangkon sa suspek nga nasakpan siya nga nangawat sa krudo apan iyang gipasabot nga iya unta kadto ihatag sa iyang uyoan nga usa usab ka driver nga magbiyahi-an paingon sa Negros ug hulipan lang inig balik.

“Mao pa to nako nahimo. Ako man unta to ihatag sa akong uyoan nga mobiyahe paingon Negros unya ilisdan lang inig balik nila,” matod ni Cadiente.

Duha na ka tuig nga nagtrabaho isip driver sa mixer truck sa Dakay Construction si Cadiente ug karon lang siya nakahimo og sala.

Nangayo siya og pasaylo sa kompaniya ug nipasalig nga dili na niya kini buhaton sanglit duna siyay anak nga masuso pa sa Dumaguete City.

“Nagmahay gyud ko. Nanghinaut lang ko nga maluoy sila nako. Naa pa tawon koy gagmay’ng bata, ako ra tawon gisaligan sa panarbaho,” matod ni Cadiente.

Kasong qualified theft ang giandam nga kaso sa Waterfront Police Station batok kaniya.

Si Court Administrator Raul Villanueva maoy ni-isyu sa maong circular diin iyang gihagit ang mga huwes sa pagbisita sa mga PDLs bisan unsang adlawa sulod niining bulan sa Mayo, gawas pa niadtong regular quarterly jail visits nga maoy ilang naandan’g tulumanon subay sa Circular 01-2024.

Matod sa Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration o Pagasa, nga ang nasod nakatala og grabe’ng kataas nga temperatura nga moabot og 47 degrees Celsius niining bag-ohay lang.

Ang OCA nagkanayon nga ang huwes kinahanglang moduso og court jail visitation and inspection reports sa ilang labaw nga huwes nga gitawag og executive judges sulod sa lima ka adlaw gikan sa ilang pagbisita isip usa sa mga rekisitos sa Circular 131-2024.

Samtang ang executive judges ug judges sa usa ka sala sa Regional Trial Court stations mo-submit usab og consolidated reports ngadto sa Court Management Office sa OCA sulod ka lima ka adlaw human nila madawat ang mga reports gikan sa lower courts.

Ang OCA nideklarar sa maong direktiba nga usa ka dinalian o urgent aron masuta ang kahimtang sa panglawas sa mga PDLs.

Niadtong Abril 4, 2024, ang OCA mi-isyu og Circular 93-2024 pag-usab sa schedule sa ilang trabaho gikan sa 8-5 ngadto sa 7:30 sa buntag hangtod sa alas 4 sa hapon hangtod Mayo 31, 2024, aron makalikay sa grabe’ng kainit sa kadalanan.

Samtang, kadaghanan sa jail facilities sa nasod gidumala sa Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

Sa Septiyembre 2022, aduna nay 477 ka mga jail facilities sa 17 ka rehiyon sa tibuok Pilipinas. Ang Calabarzon o Region IV-A maoy dunay pinakadaghan nga moabot sa 65.

Ang Central Visayas adunay 41 ka mga prisohan nga gidumala sa BJMP, apil na niini ang Cebu City Jail sa Barangay Kalunasan.

Apan lahi ang kasikbit sa Cebu City Jail nga Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center kay ang Kagamhanan sa Lalawigan sa Sugbo ang nagdumala niini.

Niadto’ng bulan sa Pebrero katong tuiga, ang nasod adunay 126,000 ka mga piniriso, diin 87,500 kanila o 69.51 percent ang under preventive detention ug 38,400 o 30.49 percent ang convicted ug sentenced.

Ang preventive detention nag-refer niadtong mga tawo nga nabilanggo apan wa pa masugdi ang ilang husay sa korte. / KAL, TPT

Ang environmental fee kolektahon lang niadtong mag-island hopping, banana boat rides, parasailing, diving ug ubang water sports ug walay apil kadtong mangaligo lang sa dagat.

Sa unang adlaw sa pag-implementar sa environmental fee sa Mayo 1, 2024, daghan nga mga nagpa-book og pumpboats alang sa island hopping namalhin sa Cordova, apan matod ni Konsehal Annabeth Cuizon, kinsa maoy nagpaluyo sa environmental fee ordinance, nga wala nila kini did-i ug libre sila nga mamili kon asa nila gusto.

Si Cuizon nagkanayon nga ang pundo nga ilang matigum maoy ilang gamiton sa pagmentinar sa tourist sites sa dakbayan ingon man sa paghimo og mga proyekto nga makatubag sa mga panginahanglanon sa mga bisita.

Niining panahon sa El Niño, gidagsa ang isla sa Mactan og mga turista aron mo-relax ug magpabugnaw sa kadagatan ug kini gilauman nga makaapekto sa kalimpyo sa kalikupan nga posible’ng makahatag og peligro sa panglawas sa katawhan kon dili matubag dayon, hinungdan nga nakahukom si Cuizon sa paghimo og environmental fee ordinance.

Ang makolekta nga environmental fee maoy isweldo sa cleaners, health officers, security personnel ug safety officers nga ilang gitahasan sa pagmintenar sa lugar.

Si Cuizon nagkanayon nga ang mga Water and Sanitation Rescuers (WASAR) ug Bantay Dagat personnel maoy ilang gitahasan sa pagbadlong niadtong makalapas sa balaod, partikular na niadtong mag water sports nga manukad gikan sa laing lugar apan mosulod sa kadagatan sa Lapu-Lapu.

Ang makalapas sa ordinansa padad-an og written notice sa unang kalapasan, multa nga P3,500 sa ikaduhang kalapasan, ug P5,000 sa ikatulo’ng kalapasan, uban ang pagbakwi sa business permit sa maong resort.

Nasuta nga sa unang adlaw sa pag implementar sa environmental fee niadtong Mayo 1, nakakolekta ang Siyudad og P80,000 gikan sa upat ka pier sa dakbayan, matod ni Councilor Cuizon, nga mao usab ang chairperson sa city committee on finance and appropriation.

“Nagpasalamat ko sa 800 tourists nga nibayad sa environmental fee. Nagpasalamat sab ko sa mga nisuporta, ug nagpasalamat ko sa mga comments sa mga tour operators kay nakita nato ang problema nga angay nato sulbaron,” si Cuizon nagkanayon.

Gitataw ni Cuizon nga ang ubang mga local government units (LGUs) dugay nang nag-implementar sa environmental fees apan wala mamatikdi gumikan kay gi-integrate kini sa hotel accommodation charges. / PR

Ang Memorandum No. 24-2024 ni Garcia nahisubay sa pagbasura sa Court of Appeals sa giluwatang desisyon sa Regional Trial Court (RTC) niadtong Abril 26, 2023 nga naghatag og pagtugot sa PMSC nga makaduso og Writ of Preliminary Injunction ba­tok sa mga giluwatang mando ni Garcia.

“Considering the nullification of the Order dated 26 April 2023, and the validity of Executive Orders 25-202, 25-B-2020, and 7-2023, the Philippine Mining Service Corporation is hereby ordered to immediately cease and desist all processing, selling and transporting of dolomite and associated quarry resources,” asoy sa lagda.

Subay niini, gitahasan ang kapulisan, ang lungsod sa Alcoy, Mines and Geosciences Bureau ug Department of Environment and Natural Resources sa pagsunod sa mando sa gobernador.

Ilabi na usab ang sakop sa Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) pagsiguro nga walay barko o bisan unsang sea vessel nga makasulod sa pantalan sa PMSC. / ANV

Little did he know that by the age of 23, he would not only make his family and teachers proud but would also bring pride to the entire Cebu island by finishing first out of the 4,436 passers of the recently concluded Registered Electrical Engineers Licensure Examination (REELE) nationwide.

The licensure exam held in April 2024 had 7,005 participants. Geoman passed with a rating of 95 percent.

Electrical engineering, however, was not Geoman’s first choice in college.

After learning about his scholarship from the Department of Science and Technology, Geoman, who hails from Barangay Mantalongon in Dalaguete, a mountainous town in Cebu, was inspired to pursue the field of civil engineering.

However, at that time, the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) was not accredited by the Department of Science and Technology for civil engineering. He then opted to pursue mechanical engineering, but the program’s accreditation later expired. He ended up pursuing electrical engineering.

“Napunta jud ko sa Electrical. I am happy that I am now a registered electrical engineer,” he said.

Geoman, son of a construction worker, said his family’s situation motivated him to work hard academically as he treats education as a ticket to improve their status.

“Naay mga times nga managhan na unta among hayupan, pero maanam na lang kay ibaligya aron pangbayad sa expenses sa skuyla,” he said.

(There are times when we would like to keep our livestock, but we have to sell them little by little because we need the money for school expenses.)

From graduating as class valedictorian in Mantalongon Elementary School, he continued to excel academically in high school. He pursued Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics in his senior high school at Dalaguete National High School.

Geoman ended the eight-year drought of the CIT-U in the REELE.

According to the university during a press conference on Friday, May 3, the school has produced 747 board topnotchers, 88 of whom landed in first place.

Aside from Geoman, three other CIT-U graduates also made it to the top 10 in the licensure exams.

Mark Restie Sasan Laput placed sixth after garnering a passing rate of 93.05 percent, followed by Paul Anthony Manabat Aliasut at seventh place, with a rating of 92.95 percent, and Vijay Manuel De Guma, who placed ninth with a passing rate of 92.75 percent.

The CIT-U engineering department said they enhanced the Philippine engineering curriculum by adding more mathematics-related subjects.

The department said its students focused not only on academics but also competed in national mathematics quizzes. / CDF

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia issued Memorandum 24-2024 on Friday, May 3, 2024, enforcing the Court of Appeals (CA) decision dated April 30, 2024 that favored the Provincial Government.

The decision upheld the validity of Garcia’s executive orders (EOs) in 2020 and 2023 against PMSC directing the mining firm to halt operations due to severe environmental damage and its alleged refusal to settle tax obligations to the provincial government.

The CA’s decision also nullified the Regional Trial Court Order dated April 26, 2023 granting the application for a Writ of Preliminary Injunction in favor of PMSC, enjoining the enforcement of the EOs.

Garcia ordered the local government unit of Alcoy, the Philippine National Police, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to enforce the memorandum.

The Philippine Coast Guard was also tasked to stop the entry of any sea vessels to the PMSC pier until further notice.

Executive orders

In October 2020, the Office of the Governor issued an EO requiring PMSC to cease operations and the sale of dolomite, mineral deposits and other quarry resources after the mining firm refused to pay environmental taxes as mandated by Provincial Ordinance 2008-10 or the Tax Revenue Code of the Province.

Under Section 124 of the Tax Revenue Code, PMSC was required to pay a tax equivalent to 10 percent of the local fair market value per cubic meter of quarry resources, a requirement imposed on all mining and quarrying firms operating within the province’s jurisdiction.

According to the same revenue code, PMSC failed to obtain the Governor’s permit, a requirement for all businesses operating in Cebu.

In November 2020, the provincial government reported that PMSC owed it P1.9 billion in taxes, not yet including penalties and surcharges, for the volume of minerals it had sold since 2012.

The PMSC allegedly has unpaid taxes from 2008 to 2011.

The alleged violations of PMSC were revealed to the public at the height of the Dolomite Beach controversy that erupted amid the rehabilitation of Manila Bay in 2020, when it was discovered that the quarry materials used came from the town of Alcoy.

On Feb. 17, 2023, Garcia issued another EO against PMSC to cease all operations for the same violation of tax code and environmental laws.

However, PMSC defied the order by buying over 2.5 million metric tons of mineral resources extracted by Dolomite Mining Corp. (DMC), a mining leaseholder in Alcoy, from September 2020 to December 2022, according to a report from the official social media arm of the Cebu Provincial Government on March 11, 2024.

The report was based on the data provided by the MGB 7 to the provincial government.

Garcia then revoked DMC’s Mineral Production Sharing Agreement with the provincial government that allowed the mining firm to extract dolomite in Alcoy for 25 years, with an expiration set for 2030.

In March 2024, Alcoy-based DMC submitted a letter of undertaking to the provincial government, pledging immediate compliance and cooperation with the province’s directive to cease dolomite ore sales to PMSC. (EHP)

This, after Badian’s Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) denied Friday that the delay in its response caused the death of a foreigner who experienced chest pains during her canyoneering activity in Barangay Sulsogan in the southwestern Cebu town on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

Meg Louise Haugh, 26, from Ireland, was said to have completed two jumps before suddenly experiencing chest pains at around 11 a.m.

According to the initial investigation of the Badian police headed by station commander Captain Jerwin Mark Battung, it was already around 1 p.m. when Badian rescue personnel arrived in the area that Haugh was taken to the Badian District Hospital, where attending physician Dr. Porferio Ferolin pronounced her dead due to acute myocardial infarction or a heart attack.

It was said that the victim’s companions struggled to contact the municipality for help because of a poor communication signal.

Clydiejun Baratbate, officer of Badian’s MDRRMO, acknowledged that communication may be a problem in the area but said there was no delay in their response. Baratbate said they received a report on the incident past 12 noon already, whereupon its personnel immediately rushed to help.

“When we received the call, we immediately dispatched our ambulance,” Baratbate said in Cebuano in a phone interview on Friday, May 3.

Baratbate said MDRRMO personnel tried to revive the victim several times but failed. Haugh was then taken to the hospital.

Far away

Baratbate, however, admitted that the canyoneering site was 12 kilometers from the MDRRMO and that the signal for communication in that area was slow.

“When the team arrived at the third level of canyoneering, they waited for the patient there. But she wasn’t there. So someone continued to the third level, and then another team went to the first and second level jumps,” the MDRRMO official said.

According to Baratbate, apart from cellphone communication in the area, they had already requested more handheld radios as an alternative way of calling first responders to the tourist sites.

“The reception of the signal is not good here because you still have to go up a bit (to get a signal)... We have also requested an antenna because we’ve observed that in canyoneering, especially level two, is very low already, so we can’t get through to our repeater. So there must be a base radio at the entrance,” Baratbate said in Cebuano.

It is unclear when the MDRRMO sought this equipment.

The MDRRMO official added that according to their protocol, the life guards are the first responders if anything untoward should happen to visitors during their canyoneering activities.

Only in Kawasan

Also on Friday, Badian tourism officer Earl Vincent Endab told SunStar Cebu that there is no mobile signal or internet connection available throughout the entire stretch of the canyoneering activities, except at the first and second levels of Kawasan Falls.

He said the Department of Tourism with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the local government unit put up an internet connection in Kawasan Falls’ first two levels last year before the tourist attraction reopened in October 2023.

The Provincial Government had suspended canyoneering activities in Barangay Matutinao in June 2023 to clear the area of abandoned debris and damaged structures left from 2021’s super typhoon Odette, and to train the tour and canyoneering guides of Kawasan Falls in occupational first aid training, basic life support training and service training.

Haugh was still midway through her canyoneering activity and had not yet reached Kawasan Falls, which is at the end of the activity.

Safety measures

Despite the absence of a mobile signal or internet connection along the canyoneering stretch, Endab said safety measures are in place. These include the deployment of three life guards equipped with handheld radios to contact emergency responders when necessary.

“As far as I know, they were able to contact emergency response because I was also informed by my staff there,” said Endab.

Endab said three lifeguards are stationed along the canyoneering stretch, with an additional three stationed in the Kawasan Falls area. They are all equipped and trained to provide first aid response.

However, he said the case of the Irish national might have been beyond the lifeguards’ expertise.

“Her case was already serious. I think in layman’s terms, it was really a cardiac arrest where she suddenly collapsed and turned pale,” he said.

He said they were lucky enough to have another group pass by that had a doctor who helped the guides because the town’s guides, although trained in first aid, are trained only for minor cases like injuries.

Waiver

Endab said they require canyoneering operators to require tourists to sign a waiver and disclose their medical history before joining the extreme activity.

In the waiver, tourists who plan to go canyoneering must disclose any respiratory problems, blood disorders and physical or sensory limitations, among others.

“We acknowledge that canyoneering is an extreme activity, and we don’t want tourists to engage in it just because they want to, but they should also be aware that there are certain actions involved that are truly extreme,” Endab said.

He added that the Irish national, together with her female friend, joined a group that went canyoneering.

The Badian canyoneering trip is at most a three-hour eco-adventure in a secluded setting where access to modern hospital facilities is not immediately accessible.

Hardship

The waiver form informs tourists that the canyoneering activity will last for about three hours.

Answering “yes” to a list of ailments under the general medical history does not mean that the participant will not be able to do the canyoneering activity. Providing their answers, the waiver indicates, can “make it easier for your tour guides to assist you in any circumstances.”

The waiver form also discloses the hardships when doing canyoneering. It said sudden environmental changes are to be expected.

“You may come along uneven, slippery and steep terrain. You might also be swimming against strong water current and experience long tough trail,” reads a portion of the waiver.

Whether Haugh filled out this waiver is unclear. / DGL, ANV, WBS