Gitunol na ni halandong City Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra ang cash assistance nga nagkantidad ug P21,000.00 gikan sa City Disaster Coordinating Council ngadto sa 6 ka mga banay nga taga sitio Giso, Capalayan ning dakbayan sa Surigao alas 10:00A.M. niadtong miaging semana didto sa iyang buhatan.

Sumala pa sa mga banay nila Raul ug Nenith Bolandrina, Sherlito ug Jocelyn Alce, Avito ug Marivic Turaja, Felicisimo ug Josephine Bolandrina, Roberto ug Norma Lerio ug si Roselyn Dahang, daku kaayo ang ilang pasalamat sa SCDCC labina kang Mayor Pons yawat magamit nila ang maong salapi sa pagpangita sa ilang kabataan didto sa mga kasikbit nga kaislahan sa kabisay-an.

Ang maong kantidad nga 21,000.00 ka pesos mao ang pagtuman sa gisaad sa SCDCC nga i-ayuda nga tag 3,000 matag usa ka pamilya nga nawad-an ug anak gumikan sa bagyong Frank, atol sa hini-usang tigum sa Peace & Order ug City Disaster Coordinating Council di pa lang dugay.

Samtang padayon nga gipangita sa nasangpit nga mga banay ang ilang mga anak, padayon usab ang City Social Welfare Office ug Phil. National Red Cross pagsuporta pinaagi sa paghatag pagkaon alang kanila. (CMO-Surigao City/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Mabulukon ug halandumon ang ika-32 nga kasumaran sa Parole and Probation Administration sa dihang midawat ug sertipiko sa paghuman sa Alternative Learning System (ALS ) ang 13 ka mga binilango sa City Jail nga gipahigayon sa Surigao City Cultural Center alas 9:00 A.M. niadtong, Hulyo 25, 2008.

Nalipayg daku si halangdong City Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra sa kalampusan sa PPA sa pagtudlo sa mga binilango sa pagsulat ug pagbasa pinaagi ni Arnel Marte, ang Mobile Teacher luyo sa kalisdanan sa pagtudlo sa mga hamtong sa basic education. Kini nakahatag dugang pagsalig sa ilang kaugalingon panahon nga sila mobalik sa atong sosyedad.

Giila ni Mayor Pons Casurra ang mga paningkamot ni Arnel Marte ang Mobile Teacher ubos sa nagpadayon nga ALS nga program ni Alice Espijon sa City Parole & Probation Office. Ang okasyon gisaksihan ni Dir. Joseph Bahian, RD-PPA 13 ug Supt. Susan A. Cuizon, sa City Div. Office.

Gawas sa regular nga sertipiko ug medalya nga nadawat sa 13 ka migraduar, mihatag usab personal si Mayor Pons Casurra sa Gold Medals gikan sa iyang buhatan alang sa 1st Honors nga si Joel Deloy, Jr., 2nd Honors nga si Antonio Cahapon hangtud sa 3rd Honors nga si Joenard Salvador labina ang pinakahamtong nga midawat sa ALS nga edukasyon nga si Maximo Billona 60 anyos ug gidugangan pa gayud ni Mayor Pons ug Cash Gift ngadto sa 13 ka mga bilanggong milampos-pagtapos sa ALS.

Kahinumduman nga sukad nahimong Mayor sa Dakbayan niadtong 1999, si Mayor Pons kanunayng nagsuporta sa programa sa Parole & Probation Office ning dakbayan, kanhi gitawag nga adult literacy hangtud nga nahimong ALS.

Sa iyang kabahin, si Supt Cuizon midasig sa mga migraduar nga magpadayon sa ilang nasugdan nga mga pagtuon aron panahon nga makalabang sila sa E & E nga qualifying examination, ilhon silang High School Graduate diin makahigayon pagkuhag kurso sa kolehiyo depende sa ilang panahon.
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Pulos mihatag og 2.5 milyones ang gobernador sa Surigao del Norte ug ang kongresista sa ikaduhang distrito sa Surigao del Norte alang na sa buhatan sa polis sa syudad sa Surigao.

Matod sa sulat gikan sa buhatan ni kongresista Guillermo Romarate, pinitsahan niadtong bulan sa Marso ning tuiga nga gipahibalo na ang buhatan sa mayor sa dakbayan sa Surigao nga adunay dugang pundo nga gigahin sa kongresista.

Matod pa ang maong headquarter nga anha pagatukoron sa Barangay Washington sakop sa dakbayan sa Surigao.

Mipahibalo ang kongresista sa mayor sa dakbayan nga taposon ang maong proyekto.

Samtang si Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Ace Barbers mipahibalo usab nga aduna siyay gigahin nga 2.5 milyon aron matapos ang maong proyekto.

Si Barbers mitataw nga nahatag nasad ang maong kantidad ngadto ni Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra bag-ohay pa lamang.

"Kay ako man jaon (kana) nagsugod nga proyekto sa kongressman pa ako, nagsulti man ako nga ang tanan nako nasugdan akong humanon," matod ni Barbers.

Matod ni Barbers nga kon matapos ang maong edepisyo aduna siyay dugang paliton nga mga kahimanan susama sa computers, aircons, lamesa, lingkuranan ug uban pa.

Iyang giklaro nga sakto kaayo nga mihatag ang kongresista aron mapalit ang mga dugang kahimanan sa awtoridad.

"Jaoy may (adunay) mga tawo na gusto motapos sa atong mga nasugdan nga proyekto pero kita mapasalamaton gihapon sa ilang tinguha kay sayod man ang katawhan kun diin jaon na (kana nga) pundo gikan," matod sa gobernador. (Super Banat)
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Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative (SURNECO) consumers can now enjoy a P500 power subsidy this coming month of August through the government's "Pantawid Kuryente: Katas ng VAT" program for poor families that consume a maximum of 100 kilowatt hour a month of electricity.

SURNECO Gen. Manager, Engr. Danny Escalante in a radio interview said that out of 48,000 consumers, some 32,610 residential consumers are expected to benefit the said program starting next month.

Escalante explained that the subsidy was based on the month of May bill and the said deduction will be credited to the consumers' electric bill and will appear in the beneficiaries' billing statements starting this August.

Escalante also said SURNECO received a total of P16,000,000 subsidy for this program from the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

It maybe recalled, the power subsidy program was launched by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last June to give back to the poor the benefits reaped from the implementation of the expanded value added tax (EVAT), specifically from the 12 percent VAT on petroleum products.

And on June 12, 2008, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and NEA signed a Memorandum of Agreement wherein the Department has downloaded P500 million to NEA for distribution to the electric cooperatives.

The NEA has also issued the implementing guidelines regarding the implementation of the said program to 119 electric cooperatives and likewise, has started releasing the subsidy to the cooperatives. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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A certain Edwin Cadlawon, 35 years old, married and a resident of Barangay Pito Princesa, Basilisa, Dinagat Island, voluntarily surrendered to Basilisa Municipal Police Station (MPS) accompanied by Barangay Captain Norlito Ticod of said barangay on Monday, July 21, 2008 at 10:00 in the morning at Basilisa Municipal Police Station, Dinagat Island Province.

Said suspect has alias warrant of arrest issued by Judge Diomedes Eviota, Executive Judge 10th Judicial Region, Branch 22, Surigao City for the crime of illegal fishing, docketed under criminal case number 863.

The said person was turned-over to the issuing court for proper disposition.(PIA)
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In line with the celebration of Blood Donor's Month this July, a Regional Mass Blood Donation Showcase will be conducted by the Surigao City Health Office on July 24, 2008 at the Barangay Canlanipa Covered Court, Surigao City.

Carrying the theme, "Once is not enough, Donate blood regularly," the activity aims to create wider awareness on the importance of voluntary unpaid blood donation and encourage more people to become regular donors.

National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) Regional Medical Coordinator Dr. Ernesto Pareja, CHD Regional Director Dr. Leonita Gorgolon and City Mayor Alfonso Casurra are expected to grace the said event.

The yearly celebration of the Blood Donor's Month also seeks to increase awareness for the use of safe blood in order to save lives, specifically women during and after childbirth.

It maybe recalled, the month of July has been declared as Blood Donor's Month pursuant to Republic Act 7719 otherwise known as "Blood Services Act of 1994". (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Giimposar karon ang pag dili sa pagpanagat sa mga isdang tuna sa kadagatan sa pasipiko particular na sa nasud sa Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands ug laing unom ka mga nasud.
Apan ang mga eksperto mitataw nga dili kini makaapekto sa natad sa industriya sa pangisda'g tuna dinhi sa nasud. Kini tapos mi imposar ang ubang mga nasud sa pagdili na sa pagkuha og isdang tuna.

"The ban on two areas of the Pacific Commons streaches of international waters surrounded by coastal waters belonging to the Pacific nations, aims at conserving bigeye and yellowfin tuna stocks," matod ni Stanley Swerdloff, ang senior fisheries adviser sa Growth With Equity in Mindanao.

Siya nagkanayon nga ang local nga industriya sa tuna sa nasud gamay ra diin pipila ra usab ka mga barko ang namasul sa kadagatan sa mga natumbok nga mga nasud.

"Most of the Philippine fishing fleets are licensed to catch in these countries' exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and these are where heavy Philippine fishing expedition has been accruing," dugang taho ni Swerdoff.

Iyang gipasabot nga ang mga Pinoy nga nanag-iya og pangisdaang barko, mamasul ra man sa duol sa atong nasud, halayo sa mga nasud nga ginadiling pangisdaan na karon.

"Traditionally, Filipino fishing boats catch stocks in the EEZs…so the ban on international waters by the Pacific nations will not have much impact to our tuna industry," matod ni Dexter Teng, assistant general manager sa TSP Marine Industries.

Nagkanayon ang report sa Business World katunga nga makuha nga tuna nagagikan sa Pacific nations diin naglangkob sa Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu ug dinhi sa nasud. (Super Banat Balita/PIA-Caraga)
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Gipasabot ni Captain Nolie Canashiro, ang Civil Military Operations sa Philippine Army nga kinahanglan ang mga katawhan makig-alayon sa mga awtoridad aron mapakgang ang mga dautang plano sa mga rebelde.

Kini iyang gibutyag atol sa malampuson nga gipahigayon nga dakung pulong-pulong didto sa lungsod sa Dapa niadtong Lunes sa buntag didto mismo sa Municipal Ground. Gitambongan kini sa mga dagkong opisyales sa kasundalohan, kapolisan ug 29 ka mga kapitan ug mga opisyales sa lain-laing barangay sakop sa Dapa ug mga kawani ug mga opisyal sa nahisgotang lungsod pinangulohan ni Mayor Peter Boy Ruaya.

Gitumbok ni Canashiro nga ang katawhan makig tambayayong usab sa mga awtoridad o pagkooperar pinaagi sa pagreport ngadto kanila kun aduna may ugaling ilang nahibal-an particular na kun aduna sila'y makit-an nga mga armadong tawo ug kadudahan ang mga linihukan.

Dugang pamahayag ni Canashiro nga dili sila magduha-duha sa pag text sa hotline 0919-6525939.

Matod ni Canashiro nga ang katawhan maoy mas epektibo sa intelligence gathering tungod kay sila ang dali makakita sa mga rebelde nga anaa sa ilang palibot.

Siya mipasabot nga dili angay nga suportahan sa katawhan ang mga rebelding NPA aron dili moabot ang panahon nga magubot ang lungsod sa Dapa ug uban dapit sa Siargao Islands.

"Kini ang lugar nga gihatag sa atong mga katigulangan nga gibilin kanato, so dapat nato kining ampingan," matod niya.

Siya nanawagan nga supportahan ang kapolisan ug kasundalohan aron sa pagkunhod sa insurhensya.

Kon mahinumdoman matapos giataki ang duha ka lungsod sa Dapa ug General Luna sa isla sa Siargao, ang mga rebeldeng komunista nagbilin og mga propaganda ug usa niini naghisgot sa Oplan Bantay Laya II (OBL II).

Matod sa gipagawas nga press release sa tigpamaba sa Northeastern Mindanao Region Communist Party of the Philippines – New People's Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) nga si Ka Maria Malaya nga ang Oplan Bantay Laya II usa ka bangis og terrorista kampanya nga nagtumong tapuson ang rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa tuig 2010.

Apan sukwahi ang pagpasabot ni Capt. Nolie Canashiro tungod kay matod niya nga ang Oplan Bantay Laya II usa ka baruganan sa military nga magbuntog sa ensurhensya sa tuig 2010.

"Ngano mahadlok man sila sa Oplan Bantay Laya? Tungod kay ang Bantay Laya naay plano nga ang katawhan, ang local nga panggamhanan, military ug polis maghiusa aron labanan ang communist-terrorist," matod ni Canashiro.

Dugang pasabot ni Canashiro nga mapukan ang ensurhensya dili sa pamaagi sa armadong pakiglaban kun dili pinaagi sa panagtambayayong sa mga katawhan, kapolisan ug kasundalohan aron tapuson na ang giyera.

"Hangtud dili nato maabot pagbuntog ang ensurhensya sa tuig 2010, dili nato matagamtam ang mga developmental projects. Instead ipalit og bala sa kanyon ug bala sa armalayt, ipalit nalang nato og kabilya ug sementohon ang mga kalsada, ihimo ug mga eskwelahan ug uban pa…So mao kini ang tumong sa Bantay Laya nga walaon ang giyera kay aron pagkatapos ani mao ang kalambuan," asoy ni Canashiro. (Super Banat Balita/PIA-Caraga)
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Butuan City (21 July) -- Plano nga pag highly urbanized city sa Surigao ang wala pa mahimo og balaodnon sa kongreso. Kini ang gibutyag ni Surigao del Norte 2nd District Congressman Guillermo Romarate Jr., niadtong nakalabay nga semana.

Iyang giklaro human migawas ang report sa radyo gikan sa usa ka radio blocktimer nga iya na daw gihimoan og balaodnon. Dugang pa sa maong report, dili pa lang dugay nga iya na daw giduso ang maong balaodnon ngadto sa kongreso.

Matod sa kongresista nga walay kamatuoran ang report.

Hinuon positibo ang kongresista nga sa umaabot nga panahon basin kini maconvert ra ang syudad sa Surigao ngadto pagka highly urbanized city.

"Akong gitan-aw ang tulo ka mga requirements pinasikad sa Local Government Code of 1991. Una, ang income sa syudad; ikaduha, ang population ug ikatulo ang land area," matod ni Romarate sa usa ka interbyu.

Gibutyag niya nga ang una ug ikatulo nga requirements pinasikad sa Local Government Code of 1991, nga mao ang income ug land area ang pulos kwalipikado sa syudad sa Surigao. Apan ang ikaduha, sa pagkakaron ang 'dili pa gyud ma-qualify' tungod kay wala pa mokabat og 200 mil kalibo ka mga tawo ang nanimuyo sulod sa syudad sa Surigao.

"I inquired the National Statistics Office and they gave me the data which stated that as of August 2007, Surigao City has a total of 132,000 population more or less," matod sa kongresista.

Matod sa kongresista nga dako kaayo ang iyang pasalamat ngadto kang Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Cassura kinsa dako ang paningkamot aron mapalambo ang syudad sa Surigao.

"It is a matter of time, may be one of these days makaabot ra gyud ta ana so that's the time to make a bill to convert the city of Surigao into a highly urbanized city," dugang taho ni Romarate. (Super Banat Balita/PIA-Caraga)
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Butuan City (21 July) -- Sa ikatulo kahigayon nakahimo na usab ang syudad sa Surigao sa pagsulod sa 25 ka mga syudad sa nasud nga gihatagan og pasidungog didto sa kauluhan.

Sa 90 ka syudad nga gi-survey migawas ang 25 ka mga syudad nga gipasidungan sa Asian Institute of Management (AIM).

Matod pa nga ang 90 ka syudad ang gibahin katulo diin mikatigoriya sa gagmay, dyutay ug dako kun (small, midsized ug metropolitan).

Sa 45 ka syudad sa Luzon, 21 sa Visayas ug 21 usab sa Mindanao ang gisukod sa AIM pinaagi sa unom ka criteria.

"Least of doing business, dynamism of local government units (LGUs) to business, needs and quality of life were the criteria," matod ni AIM Executive Director Federico Macarenes.

Ang syudad sa Surigao nakahimo pagsulod sa nakatulo ka miyago gikan sa tuig 2001, 2003 ug 2007.

Nakab-ot kini pinaagi sa kakugi ug kaabtik sa halandong mayor sa syudad sa Surigao nga si Mayor Alfonso Casurra.

Ang 2006 Most Outstanding Mayor of the Philippines mapasalamaton ug magarbuhong midawat sa pasidungog didto sa Manila niadtong Hulyo 4, 2008.

Sa Metropolitan Category nakasulod ang Davao, Lapu-Lapu, Makati, Manila, Marikina ug Quezon. Sa midsized Category nalista ang Cabanatuan, General Santos, Lucena, Olongapo, San Pablo, Tagum ug Tarlac. Samtang ang Bayawan, Calapan, Calbayog, Dagupan, Dipolog, Laoag, San Fernando, Malaybalay, Naga, Tagbilaran, Tuguegarao ug Surigao pulos nalakip sa gipasidunggan. (Super Banat Balita/PIA-Caraga)
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Skimboarding is a simple and inexpensive sport. All you need is a skimboard and a flat sandy beach. You don't have to be mega fit, or have years of experience, just about anyone can do this!

Simply put, you throw your skimboard in front of you and then jump onboard and ride it. Some people have compared it to beach-surfing on a tea tray!

Skimboards can come in different shapes and sizes, but the ones that we have had the most fun with, have been circular. Our skimboards are about 70cm across, 4cm thick and made of wood. They are treated with some sort of waterproofing to stop them falling apart once wet. I am more into the fun side than the manufacturing, so can't tell you exactly what it is. We got our skimboard from Anodskim Cantilan.

Once you have got your skimboard, you need to find a fairly flat sandy beach. The reason for a flat beach is because you only need a couple of centimeters of water and a flat beach. Means that you will have a larger area to play on than a steep sloping one. The larger the area, the greater the distance you can travel. We normally skim after a days surfing, when the tide is going back out.

As mentioned earlier, the idea is to throw the board in front of you and jump onto it while it is still moving. It is as simple as that. Skimboards are designed to aquaplane across shallow water. You throw the board the same way that you would throw a frisby. But make sure that you don't throw it too far, because you have to catch up with it and jump onboard.

Once the board is traveling smoothly along the surface of the water, it is time for you to jump on. Jumping on is the easy bit. Staying on is harder!

We have found it is best to ride the skimboard with one foot towards the front of the board and the other at the back. Put your weight on to your back foot and point your front foot in the direction you want to go.

You can only travel in a straight line, so make sure that you have plenty of room in front of you. Also, you will get wet, so wear appropriate clothing.

If you are thinking about buying a skimboard, contact the guys at Anod Cantilan.

These are great toys to play with on the beach especially this summer!

Now before I get any more e-mails telling me that what I have described is not the "Big Boys" stuff, let me just say, "Yes, I know"! I am not a pro-skimboarder, just a guy out to enjoy himself. The activity I do is also known as "magpailos". If you want to see how the "Big Boys" do skimboarding, check out the ANOD CANTILAN's meeting place beside a burger store, in front of the Town Kiosk.

If you don't know of any other good skimboard updates, let me know! I really don't mind a bit of "constructive criticism"! (LGU-Cantilan/PIA-Caraga)
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Gipangandaman sa mga opisyal sa lungsod sa Del Carmen ang dakong kalihukan karong Martes ug Meyerkulis, Hulyo 15-16, 2008 isip pagsaulog sa ilang ika 373 nga kapistahan.

Kini ang gibutyag ni Del Carmen Mayor Constantino Bully Navarro IV. Matod niya nga ilang hugot nga gipangandaman ang kapistahan sa lungsod gumikan kay daghan bisitang dinapit ang motambong nga gikan sa lain-laing dapit.

Isip League of Municipality of the Philippines Surigao del Norte Chapter President, iyang giimbita si LMP National Executive Director Lilian de Leon ug DENR assistant secretary Gerry Calderon.

Gikatakda usab nga mobisita sila si Surigao del Norte 1st District Congressman Francisco Lalo Matugas ug Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Ace Barbers.

Matod niya mobisita usab ang iyang pinalanggang inahan nga mao si Josie Bernardo uban sa iyang pamilya.

Siya nagpasalamat sa iyang mga lungsoranon tungod kay namentenar niini ang kahinlo ug pagkamalinawon sa ilang lungsod.

Tinguha ni Mayor Navarro na mailhan pa ang Del Carmen sa natad sa turismo tungod sa mga naghambin nga mga tourist spots sa maong lungsod.

Nunot niini giimbetar niya ang mga silingan lungsod na mosaksi sa ilang Bakhaw Festival 2008 karon Meyerkulis sa ala una ang takna sa hapon nga ipahigayon sa lungsod sa Del Carmen.

Ang kabakhawan sa maong lungsod nailhan nga usa sa labing dako nga kabakhawan sa Asya. Kini ang gitagaan og pagtagad ni Mayor Navarro pinaagi sa pagpalambo sa kinaiyahan – ang kabakhawan dako ang natabang sa kinaiyahan tungod kay nagsilbi kini tiglimpyo sa mga hugaw nga moadto sa kadagatan. Dugang niini nagsilbi pod kining bakhaw nga balay sa mga buntis nga isda ug labi na sa mga gagmay nga isda. (Super Banat Balita/PIA-Caraga)
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July 17 -- PNP personnel of Placer Municipal Police Station (MPS) arrested suspect in Barangay Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte and confiscated one unit caliber.45 pistol (COLT MK IV Series 80) bearing SN 729163, an empty magazine and two empty shell of said caliber from the suspect identified as Edgar Cabamongan Valdez, 37 years old, married, a gold panner & a resident of Sitio Mapaso, Magsaysay, Placer, Surigao del Norte on Monday (July 14) at 4:30 in the afternoon.

Initial investigation revealed that the suspect fired his pistol five times and even broke the windshield glass of a motorela/motorized tricycle parked beside the road at Sitio Mapaso, Magsaysay, Placer, Surigao del Norte.

When Placer Municipal Police Station personnel responded, the suspect fled on board a single motorcycle that prompted the police officers to conduct a pursuit operation and eventually arrested the suspect.

Arrested suspect and confiscated items were brought to Placer MPS for proper disposition.(PIA-13)
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Surigao City (16 July) -- The country's leading carrier, Philippine Airlines with its low fare PAL Express started to service the Manila-Surigao daily flights today, July 15, 2008.

City Mayor Alfonso Casurra, Vice-Gov. Noel Catre, Vice-Mayor Rico Salvador Sering, Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) president Jake Miranda, Surigao airport manager Rudolfo Collantes, PAL Senior Asst. Vice President Malou Cortes-Mendoza, PAL Senior Assistant Vice President for Mindanao Atty. Domingo Duerme, PAL Branch Manager for Butuan City Abelardo Plaza welcomed the passengers in the first direct flight from Manila.

In a short program hosted by the local chamber in the city, Mayor Casurra expressed elation to PAL express management for responding their call of putting up a direct flight in Surigao, "It is a historic day for all us because right now we have this maiden flight of PAL Express. We really would like to express our gratitude to Philippine Airlines for answering our call of putting up a direct flight from Manila to Surigao, Surigao to Manila and hopefully Surigao-Cebu."

"On behalf of the local government unit of Surigao as well as our all department heads who are here, our Korean investors who are also here, they are putting up a 5-star hotel… and the rest of the Surigaonons who have really anticipated this maiden flight. Daghang Salamat," he added.

Senior Asst. Vice President Malou Cortes-Mendoza, a Surigaononon, on the other hand thanked the local government unit of Surigao City for their "very heartwarming welcome."

With the coming of PAL Express in the city, local businessmen are hopeful of the increase of tourists and visitors arrival not just in the city but in the whole province as well especially during peak season.

PAL express utilized a 76 -seater Bombardier Q400 turbo-prop aircraft to Surigao City and will fly Manila - Surigao, Surigao-Manila daily.

Also today, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will personally welcome the first passengers on the inaugural flight of PAL Express, to the city of Calbayog. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Surigao City (July 14) -- After soaring to as high as P48 per kilo the other month, prices of commercial rice in Surigao City Public Market have gone down to about P30 to P35 per kilo this July.

National Food Authority (NFA) Information Officer Fe Moreno disclosed that the decrease in prices of commercial rice in the markets could be attributed to the massive distribution of NFA rice into the market recently.

Despite the start of the July-September lean months, NFA assured the public that they have adequate rice stocks in its warehouses.

Moreno bared that another shipment of rice arrived in the port of Surigao City yesterday, July 13 which contains 120,000 bags of Vietnam rice and is ready for distribution to the NFA accredited outlets in the region.

The arrival and distribution of Vietnam rice is just in time to address the soaring price increase that has affected the whole country. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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July 8, 2008 - Eight of the country’s poorest provinces are exposed to multiple natural hazards, but they, like most localities in the Philippines, lack the capability to prepare for disasters.

Vinod Thomas, director-general of the World Bank’s Independent Evaluation Group, today said that lack of resources is a major constraint to the ability of local government units (LGUs) to perform its role in minimizing the damages of disasters to lives, properties, and the economy.

Outdated policy frameworks, and the mismatch between planning and budgeting, also prevent LGUs, even the national government, from having responsive and effective disaster risk management (DRM) plans, Thomas said at a seminar on natural disasters and environmental protection held Monday in Pasig City.

He identified the eight of the poorest provinces that are hazard-prone: Tawi-tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Maguindanao, Surigao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Northern Samar, Masbate, and Misamis Occidental.

Most vulnerable

The poor, Thomas said, are the hardest hit by disasters. Citing the World Development Report 2003, he said that people in low-income countries are four times as likely as people in high-income countries to die in a natural disaster.

“Poor people and poor communities are frequently primary victims…[because] they live in crowded makeshift houses. Injury, disability, and loss of life directly affect their main asset, their labor” he said.

Father Francis Lucas, chair of the Asian NGO Coalition, said vulnerability is related to poverty. “They (the poor) become helpless, hopeless, and hapless.”

LGUs are often saddled with institutional and financial constraints that local disaster coordinating councils are not created anymore or do not have the capacities to assume their functions, Thomas said.

“Calamity fund [both at the national and regional level] is deemed insufficient to address all phases of disaster risk management. Vast body of knowledge, skills, and tools on DRMs has not systematically trickled down to LGUs,” he said.

Marion Andres, vice mayor of Marikina City, meanwhile, said most barangays have low financial resources, few trained medical staff, and lack equipment. “There should be good working relationship with senators and congressmen to purchase needed equipment and communication facilities.”

Increasing risks

In June, Typhoon Fengshen lashed Visayas and Luzon and caused flooding, particularly in Western Visayas.

Thomas said there are increasing risks now in the Philippines. “[Although] the number of typhoons remains the same, the intensity is increasing. Damage is greater because forest areas are shrinking.”

Increase in urban population, poverty and the geographic locations of Philippine cities, he said, will also contribute to the higher risks posed by disasters.

“Ten of Philippine key cities, including Manila, are located along coastlines, making them prone to inundation brought by the rise in sea level.”

Thomas added that the concentration of population in urban areas also increase the risk. Urban population stands at 52 percent and is expected to reach 60 percent by 2010. “With the rising poverty, it is estimated that at least 40 percent of the urban population live in unsafe informal settlements.” (abs-cbnnews.com)
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MANILA, Philippines (Jul. 10, 2008)-- PAL Express undergoes its second major expansion in a fortnight when it begins flying to five provincial points from its secondary hub of Manila next week.

The low-fares, turbo-propeller unit of Philippine Airlines will start daily service to San Jose (Occidental Mindoro); Virac (Catanduanes); and Surigao City (Surigao del Norte) on July 15.

Calbayog (Samar) follows on July 17 with four flights weekly, and then Catarman, (Northern Samar) on August 1 with three flights weekly.

The 76 -seater Bombardier Q400 turbo-prop aircraft will be deployed on four of the new routes except for San Jose, which will be served by the slightly smaller, 50-seater Bombardier Q300.

The current "Buy 1, Take 1" promo fare to all jet and turbo-prop domestic services of PAL will also apply on them. Promo sale, however, is extended until July 21 for these new points from the original deadline on July 15 for others.

The promo offers passengers a free one-way ticket for every one-way ticket bought, with all fees and surcharges waived. The complimentary ticket can be used for the return journey or for another one-way flight. Travel is valid between July 15 and October 15, 2008.

The addition of the five points to PAL Express' Manila-hub network follows on the heels of a similar expansion on July 1, when five routes were launched from the unit's main hub at Mactan International Airport in Cebu.

These were the services between Cebu and Cagayan de Oro, Cebu and Ozamiz, Cebu and Dipolog, Cebu and Zamboanga, and Zamboanga and Davao.

In all, the 10 new routes being added from July 1 to August 1 represent a more-than-doubling of PAL Express' network in the space of one month. The low-fares brand took off May 5 with a service between Manila and Boracay (Caticlan).

Two weeks later, on May 19, its centerpiece Cebu hub opened with flights to Boracay, Bacolod, Butuan, General Santos, Tacloban and Puerto Princesa. Busuanga was added to the Manila hub the same day, for a total of eight PAL Express routes prior to July 1.

PAL is no stranger to the latest island points, which are among the flag carrier's pioneer provincial destinations and are now rejoining the network after a decade's absence.

PAL first operated turbo-prop service to San Jose in 1947, Virac in 1949, Surigao in 1956, and Calbayog and Catarman in 1958. Flights were suspended in 1998 when PAL's rehabilitation plan obligated the airline to focus only on major trunk-line routes. (inquirer.net)

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Surigao del Norte (8 July) -- The Philippine military sealed off a tiny island Monday (June 30) to hunt for rebels after clashes on a nearby resort isle left 11 people dead, a military spokesman said.

More than 20 left-wing rebels fled to the southern island of Lapinigan after they raided Siargao, a popular surfing isle that attracts foreign tourists, on Sarurday night, officials said.

The raid sparked deadly clashes with government forces that killed two policemen and nine guerrillas, according to the military. Five policemen were also wounded, with no reports of civilian casualties.

"After the clash in Siargao, they (the rebels) used five rubber boats to escape," said regional military spokesman Armand Rico.

"Three reached Claver while two landed at Lapinigan," the major said.

Soldiers are searching for the smaller group on Claver while Lapinigan has been quarantined as government forces attempt to corner the New People's Army (NPA) rebels there, he said.

Firefights have erupted between the two sides, he said.

"We arrested five communists terrorists, while the rest have been condoned off," Rico said.

"We estimate that 20-plus are on Lapinigan. We are using air assets to trace their location," added Rico.

The NPA is the 5,000 member armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. It has been waging a 39-year Maoist armed campaign across the country. (AFP/PIA-Caraga)
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July 8, 2008 - Elements of Lanuza Municipal Police Station (MPS) received an information that a red pumpboat was sighted in Sitio Ipil, Barangay Agsam, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur loaded with assorted sizes of lumbers on Friday (July 4) at 5:30 in the afternoon.

Policemen immediately proceed to the area resulting to the apprehension of the suspects and confiscation of illegally cut forest products.

The suspects were identified as Juramie Mondragon of Barangay Taruc, Socorro, Surigao del Norte (SdN), Rosalito Rosilio of Barangay Del Pilar, Socorro, SdN, Jenrey Goltiano of Barangay Rizal, Socorro, SdN, Ryan Serdenia of Barangay Taruc, Socorro, SdN, Charlie Tive of Barangay Navarro, Socorro, SdN.

Also confiscated was 200 board feet of assorted sizes of lumber.

Suspects are now under the custody of Lanuza Municipal Police Station for proper disposition, while confiscated forest products were referred to Deapartment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for proper disposition. (pia)
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July 7, 2008 - Two wanted persons were arrested by the personnel of Rosario Municipal Police Station and Surigao City Police Station respectively, in two separate operations, recently.

Said persons were identified as Remedios Fallete Asio, 31 years old, married, housekeeper and resident of Purok-5, Maligaya, Tagbayagan, Rosario, Agusan del Sur. She was apprehended last Friday (June 27) at 5:00 in the afternoon for estafa.

Another wanted person Celso Cabuga, 56 years old, married, carpenter and resident of Ferdinand Street, Barangay Washington, Surigao City was arrested on Wednesday (July 2) at 3:45 in the afternoon for violation of section 301 of the National Building Code of the Philippines.

Said apprehended persons are now detained in their arresting police stations. (pia)
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July 7, 2008 - The Philippine National Police names suspects of the recent attacks on Dapa and General Luna Municipal Police Stations in Surigao del Norte.

Suspects were identified as Jose Maria Sison, George Madlos alias "Ka Oris", Rolando Baligtas alias "Ka Eddie", Mark alias "Ka Doming", Rolando Habagat, William Sandoy, Jeffrey Salazar, Romeo Baysa, Charmelito Salazar, Leonil Garay, Manuel Bersano, Asis Cahuluga, Nestor Labuga, Joleto Gonzaga, Garlito Moreno, Edgardo Lacano Jr., Ronnie Tejero, and other 60 casualties.

The rebellion and robbery charges has been filed against the suspects docketed under I.S. number 2008-271 at the Provincial Prosecutors Office in Surigao del Norte. (pia)
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Butuan City (7 July) -- "Forget about politics but give to those who are deserving," these were the words of Surigao del Norte Vice Governor Noel P. Catre in his message during the turn-over of the DA's assistance under the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program comprising of 180 heads of goats to the Provincial LGU last June 18, 2008 held at the Provincial Kiosk, Capitol Compound, Surigao City.

The province in turn will disperse said stocks to the 12 mainland municipalities including the City of Surigao at 15 heads each consisting of 1 buck and 14 does.

Thus, he challenged the local chief executives present including the Municipal Agriculturists to forget about politics which he termed as "color coding", instead give to those beneficiaries who are in need, those who have income below the poverty line. Dubbed as "Kambingan Project", the DA together with other partner agencies like National Nutrition Council, DSWD and LGUs are giving necessary interventions to uplift the living conditions of the rural poor and reduce if nor eliminate hunger of those belonging to the vulnerable sector.

Vice Gov. Catre also urged everyone to follow the procedural guidelines of animal dispersal as stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and to properly take care of the stocks so that more and more households will benefit from it.

Further, the executive also directed Dr. Julio Domiquel, the Provincial Veterinarian to continuously assist the LGUs on the problems they might encounter in the future relative to goat raising and to conduct regular monitoring to check that said animals will increase in number and that next in line beneficiaries will be served.

Aside from the stocks, the DA also distributed biologics to each LGUs and will further distribute forage seeds as support intervention of the program.

Aside from the Kambingan Project, the AHMP also facilitates distribution of assorted vegetable seeds for backyard gardening, improved native chicken, incubators, corn seeds and even tilapia fingerlings.

Also present during the event were: Asst. City Veterinarian Eva Sepe, Hon. Reynaldo Ranay of Alegria, the Vice Mayor of Malimono, agriculture personnel, PVET and DA-RFU 13 staff and farmer recipients. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)
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MANILA, Philippines (July 2) - Five barangays in Claver town in Surigao del Norte have been placed under a state of calamity as government troops and alleged communist rebels battle it out, a television report said Wednesday night.

At least 13 people were killed and 27 others have been injured in the "ongoing battle," the News on Q report said.

The same report said that the 13 dead include nine alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA) and four government troopers.

The report said that the battle started over the weekend when the rebels gathered surfers and others in Siargao.

Government operations backed by military helicopters, the report said, forced the rebels to leave the place without their "hostages."

The rebels, the report said, withdrew from Siargao and entered Claver town where they mingled with the residents.

Some residents have evacuated their houses and moved into churches. - GMANews.TV
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Surigao Del Norte (July 2) -- In 2005, six critical strategies were identified in the Human Resources Management and Development Plan, one of which is the Performance Management System.

The critical strategies are systems to be installed to answer the gaps in the processes, procedures and mechanisms in personnel management so that the Human Resources in the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte will be enhanced and strengthened. Consequently, the expected delivery of the basic services somehow will be attained to the utmost satisfaction of the clients.

The Short Term Training course on "Enhancing Performance Management System in the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte" was made through a grant from the Philippines Australia Human Resource Development Facility(PAHRDF)with the training service provider, the Building Responsive Intervention and Goal – Oriented Empowering Services, (BRIDGES), Inc.

It was started from March 14 and culminated in June 12,2008. The culmination of the activity was a liberated day for the participants as it was coincided with the 110th Independence Day Celebration.Twenty – Five (25) employees from the different offices in the provincial government were identified as participants for an almost four (4) months of hectic schedules in the in-house, benchmaking in the City Government of Davao and the Provincial government of Agusan del Sur, coaching/mentoring in the workplace and the presentations of the outputs to the Local chief Executive, Provincial Board Members in their regular session, to the Department Heads and to the Provincial and Regional Directors of the civil Service Commission.

The final output of the training is the PMS Manual which is a guide and reference for the processes, procedures and mechanisms in the implementation of the performance management.


Training was Timely

THE training course was timely of the Civil Service Commission's Memorandum circular No.7, series of 2007, requiring all Local government Units to install the Performance Management System- Office Performance Evaluation System (PMS-OPES), In this system, every office/department performance is measured according to the standard office reference table as provided to develop in the memorandum, aside from the individual Performance Evaluation System (PES), which is being enhanced and modified in accordance with the CSC Memorandum Circular No.13,series of 1999.


All Employees Will Be Oriented

As part of the short term training, the twenty-five (25) participants called by the HRMD Officer as the "25 Jewels" prepared series of activities in the Re-entry Action Plan (REAP), which the roll out for the orientation of the new system will be explained and laid upon.

The supervisors and officers across all departments will be trained for the Performance Management System, for they are part and parcel of the realization of the of the effectiveness in the implementation of PMS with the institutionalization of the Calibration Committee (CC), Measurement Development Team (MDT) Performance Management Review Committee (PERC) Departmental and Provincial, Provincial Personnel Discipline Committee (PPDC), Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence(PRAISE) Grievance Committee (GC). The institutionalization of these committees will paved the way to the whole cycle of the PMS.

The Calibration Committee will be composed across all the departments as the final arbiter of the points of every activity of a particular work. The Measurement Development Team is responsible of identifying the functions of every department and every individual employee and to be reviewed by the CC. The department PERC will ensure review of the individual function or Key Result Area (KRA) and the provincial PERC will review all the performance of every department and employee.

The PPDC will handle disciplinary actions regarding performance and other related personnel action as provided by the Civil Service Commission's rules and regulation. The PRAISE Committee shall handle the incentive and awards for the best office and individual performers. Grievance Committee shall be responsible not only with the administrative complaints, but also, including performance evaluation. Details concerning the whole PMS will be thoroughly discussed in the orientation scheduled to all offices and district hospitals.

The twenty five (25) participants were very much grateful for selecting them to be part of the training for the gained learning and enhancement of their competencies. The three departments, namely: Accounting, Agriculture and Assessor, as pilot testing departments were instrumental in the formulation of the OPES tables. They also express thanks to the HRMD office for giving them consideration as an opportunity to grow and develop.

The Provincial Board Members were also part of the success in the finalization of the manual for their adoption with SP Resolution No.066, series of 2008. They are also grateful to the Civil Service Commission Provincial Director, Christopher Mabale and Regional Director, Adams Torres, respectively, for their valuable comments and suggestion during the crafting of the PMS Manual Most of all, they would like to give their deep appreciation and gratefulness to Provincial Governor, Robert Ace S. Barbers for being supportive in the realization of the program and approved the PMS Manual as he issued Executive order No. 18-13, series of 2008, for the implementation of the Performance Management System. (PGO-Media Affairs/PIA-Surigao del Norte) Read rest of story...

Butuan City (July 2) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) belies earlier claims of success by the New People's Army (NPA) who in their press release said they were able to elude government troops without suffering any casualty.

The NPA claimed to have conducted successful tactical offensives last June 28 against authorities in Dapa and Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte as a supposed act to defend the people against exploitation and oppression.

Joint accomplishments of the PNP and AFP revealed that 12 NPA terrorists were killed during clearing and pursuit operations, 25 were seriously wounded and 15 were captured.

During said operations, four high-powered firearms, one pistol, seven improvised landmines, several communication equipment and lots of ammunitions of different calibers were recovered by PNP and AFP personnel. Several firearms were also reportedly thrown into the sea in a hasty withdrawal by the NPA as police and military troops advanced.

PNP Caraga Police Director PCSupt Jaime Milla, also contradicted claims of the NPA that their attacks to municipal police stations is an act to defend the people against exploitation and oppression.

"What the NPA is doing is contrary to their supposed claim that it is an act to defend the people against exploitation and oppression," General Milla said.

"The NPA ransacked not only police stations but government offices in Dapa and General Luna as well. They harassed ordinary citizens and stole office equipment and properties like computers. They destroyed important telecommunications sites, which are vital in the affected municipalities especially when emergencies occur. They blatantly violate the laws of the land and place matters on their own hands," General Milla explains.

PNP reports disclosed that there's always chaos to places where there are rebels harboring.

In their press release they stated "the NPA are criminals – we call them criminals because they easily kill a person without giving due process of law. What will happen to our homeland if the rebels continue in sowing terror? What progress or improvement we can expect? We cannot afford to let these criminals continue in their actions and they don't deserve the support of the community, they just only give false hope."

The PNP further stated that, "the New People's Army is not a better judge on what is right and wrong. Their ways and strategies bring chaos and havoc to the citizenry especially that they do not submit to the laws. They steal the future of the youth and deprive them of living the good and successful lives that they should have. As a result, they damage families and destroy properties."

The PNP also revealed in their press release "it is not Justice that the New People's Army are fighting for, but in truth… their thrust is violence and fear as a way to control the people". (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga) Read rest of story...

July 1 - TWO enlisted personnel of the Army's Special Forces Battalion were shot and killed by suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels inside an eatery in Compostela Valley, Monday morning.

Reports reaching Sun.Star showed that a certain Sergeant Alcos and Private First Class Estadian were eating inside the eatery in Nabunturan around 8:30 a.m. Monday when unidentified gunmen shot them several times.

The assailants then took the victims' firearms, one M16 and one M14, and fled.
In a follow-up operation by the military, the M14 was recovered from the possession of one dead rebel.

It was not clear though how the rebel was killed.

Major Armand Rico of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) denounced the treacherous attack made by the rebels, saying the soldiers were shot from behind.

NPA members also attacked a tunnel in Diwalwal, Monkayo on Sunday noon.

The rebels reportedly timed their attack while the people watched Manny Pacquaio's boxing bout with David Diaz.

One submachine pistol and three handguns were carted away by the rebels in the two mine tunnels.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) condemned the murder of the two soldiers.

"We condemn these treacherous acts of murder...an act (committed) more (by) a criminal and not a rebel with ideologies," Rico said in a text message.

Rico added the families of the two victims have decided to press charges against the rebel group.

In Surigao del Norte, the firefight between the rebels and joint police and military forces entered its third day Monday.

As of 9 a.m. Monday, government troops and the rebels are locked in a gun battle in Lapinigan Island.

About 15 rebels were reported killed by the military in the gun battle that started Saturday night when about 90 fully armed rebels simultaneously attacked the Dapa Municipal Police station and General Luna Philippine National Police station in Siargao Island.

A total of six short firearms and three M16 rifles were carted away by the rebels in Dapa, while four pistols, one M16, and four mobile phones were seized during the General Luna raid.

Major Rico said the rebels distributed leaflets to the residents in the two towns after the raid containing their explanation for the attack. He did not say though what the rebel's explanation was.

The rebels also reportedly hoisted the flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA before retreating.

On Sunday, joint police and military troops pursued the rebels who were seen sighted proceeding to Lapinigan Island onboard pump boats.

Another group of rebels was meanwhile intercepted by government's blocking forces in Claver town, resulting in a firefight. The Philippine Air Force provided air support.

The Army is sending more troops to Surigao del Norte as the rebels continue to stand their ground against government troops in Lapinigan Island.

Thousands of residents from the province fled their homes for fear of being caught in the crossfire. (sun-star)
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Butuan City (1 July) -- Caraga Police Director PCSupt Jaime Eloreta Milla, strongly condemned the NPAs harassments and attack in Dapa and General Luna Municipal Police Stations last June 29, 2008.

RD Milla ordered immediate deployment of troops following the harassment. Personnel from Regional Mobile Group (RMG) and other operating units with the help of the Philippine Army made a blockade to possible escape routes of rebels.

The following day, a team of Philippine Army troops led by 1Lt. Esteban Mangabat encountered ten communist terrorists (CTs) at Panatao, Claver, Surigao del Norte believed to be splinter elements of the joint CT forces coming from FC 16ª, 16B, 19B and RSDG of the NEMRC at GC 02065784.

Firefight lasted up to 10 minutes leading to the capture of one enemy WIA identified as Ronnie Lito Benya @ KHO of Brgy St. Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. Subject person was brought to Caraga Regional Hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, another team from 14th RMG personnel led by PCI Hordan Pacatiw conducted checkpoint at Brgy Panatao, Claver, Surigao del Norte to intercept fleeing and wounded CTs. Ten RMG personnel from 142nd RMG Company augmented them, and one team led by PO1 Sumipo proceeded to augment Gigaquit MPS.

Another team from 14th RMG personnel under PInsp Eteroza proceeded to Lapinigan Island to assist the Phililipine Army troops conducting pursuit and clearing operations for the alleged two boatloads of CTs who were earlier reported stranded because of engine trouble.

Seven more suspected CTs were apprehended at Lapinigan Island, in addition to the five apprehended suspects last June 29. Apprehended suspects underwent tactical interrogation by the Phililippine Army.

Apprehended suspected CTs were Manuel Orias Bersano, 55 YO from Brgy Pili, Malimono, Surigao del Norte; Asis Salumbre Kahulugan, 30 YO Brgy Masgad, Malimono, Surigao del Norte; Nestor Lasano Labuga, 35 YO of Brgy Masgad, Malimono, Surigao del Norte; Jolin Gonzaga, 42 YO of brgy Amontay, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur; Junel Campos Garay, 19 YO of Brgy Amontay, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur; Romeo Baysa Osayan, 42 YO of Cebu; William Sandoy, 22 YO of Cebu; Charlito Salasar, 33 YO of Brgy Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur; Jefrey Salasar, 22 YO of Diatagaon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur; Gerlito Moreno @ Jayson.Rustom of Brgy St Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur; Edgardo Bunso Lacano jr @ Nas of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte; and Ronnie Perez Tejero @ Roland of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

Four of the apprehended suspects were confirmed regular members of the New People's Army, namely, Gerlito Moreno @ Jayson/Rustom of Brgy St Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur; Edgardo Bunso Lacano jr @ Nas of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte; Ronnie Perez Tejero @ Roland of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur; Asis Salumbre Kahulugan, 30 YO Brgy Masgad, Malimono, Surigao del Norte

Government troopers were also able to recover from the suspects the following, four IEO, one bandolier, eight scroll of detonating wire, one pistol belt, three megaphones, two sets BFP uniform, two base and five handheld radios, three bottles Dextrose pack, one camera, assorted PNP uniforms and civilian clothes, several subversive documents, three NDF flags, and three rounds (link) M6O ammos.

Government troops still scouring the neighboring areas, while the Municipal Police Stations in the region were alerted for possible attacks of the rebels. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
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SAN FRANCISCO, AGUSAN DEL SUR (July 1) – Police and military forces have sealed off a small island in Siargao in Surigao del Norte following reports that New People’s Army rebels who attacked two police stations on Saturday night have been stranded there.

Senior Supt. Nestor Fajura, operations chief of the regional police based in Butuan City, said the NPA rebels’ two motorized boats suffered engine trouble and failed to join their comrades in their escape, and instead docked on Lapinigan island.

Divers have been scouring the seawaters to recover several firearms dropped by the rebels near the shore.

Two Huey helicopters equipped with machine guns were also hovering over the island to ensure the rebels would not be able to escape.
On Saturday night, at least 60 NPA rebels simultaneously attacked the adjacent Siargao island towns of General Luna and Dapa where they took several firearms. The rebels also ransacked government offices such as the fire station, the local water district, Social Security System, Philhealth, the local court and the Public Attorney’s Office.

Troops from the regional mobile group and the 30th Infantry Battalion based in Placer town conducted pursuit operations, leaving nine rebels dead.
Two policemen were also killed while two others were hurt in the Sunday skirmishes.

Fajura identified the fatalities as Insp. Ricky Arado and PO1 Serafin Manungas, while the wounded were PO1 Lloyd Bagnol and PO1 Francis Luib.
But AP and AFP reports say the casualties have reached 17, quoting a military spokesman. The NPA has also denied the casualties, according to an AFP report.

Meanwhile, in Nabunturan town in Compostela Valley, suspected NPA hitmen shot and killed two soldiers in a public market on Monday.

The soldiers were having their breakfast inside an eatery in Barangay Poblacion at around 8:30 a.m. when two armed men attacked them, said Supt. Ronald dela Rosa, Compostela Valley police director.

Dela Rosa identified the slain soldiers as Sergeant Rhizzan Alcos and Private First Class Estardian Gil Magno. (inquirer.net)
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Surigao City (June 30) -- Sa nahitabong pagpangatake sa mga NPA sa Dapa, GL ug Claver, personal nga miadto si Gob. Ace Barbers sa lungsod sa Claver aron sa paghatag ug mga hinabang sa mga lumolopyo nga namakwit sa nahitabong engkwentro tali nasa militar ug mga NPA. Gipadala sa Gobernador ang RESCUE 44 ug ang DSWD/Social Service Office, aron sa pag-asister sa mga katawhan sa pagsiguro nga luwas sila sa peligro sa maong panagbangi.

Sa pagkalambigit sa Congresista sa unang distrito, Lalo Matugas ug Mayor Ruaya sa Dapa nga maoy hinungdan sa pagpangatake tungod sa mga alegasyon nga pag-abuso, ug pagdaog-daog sa mga kabus natong mga kaigsuonan diha sa maong mga lungsod, si Gob. Barbers naninguha nga mahatagan ug hustisya kung kinsa man ang gilutos ug gibiktima sa pandaog-daog sa land-grabbing ug pagpanangtang sa mga trabahante nga walay igong basihan, pagpasulod sa illegal nga droga ug swertres.

"Adbokasiya karon sa atong pangngagamhanan ang pagkab-ot sa kahapsay ug kalinaw, mao nga akong tulubagon sa mga katawhan sa paghatag kalinawan sa maong isyu sa maong mga pulitiko nga maoy nakaaghat sa maong pagpangatake, aron nga mahatagan ug proteksyon ang ilang mga katungod labi na ang Kabul tang mga kaigsuonan. Busa kung kinsa man ang maoing mga pulitiko nga gitudlo sa maong pundok ato kining pangitaan sa saktong paagi aron masulbad ug magkahiusa ang tanan alang sa kahapsay ug kalinaw sa atong probinsya," nagkanayon si Gob. Barbers. (PGO-Media Affairs Office/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Surigao City (30 June) -- Ang City Disater Coordinating Council (CDCC) ning dakbayan sa Surigao maoy nahimong mananaog sa intero rehiyon sa Caraga sa Gawad Kalasag Award 2008.

Tungod niinin, si Regional Director sa Office of the Civil Defense, Executive Officer-RDCC, Dr. Blanche T. Gobenciong midapit sa atong halangdong Mayor Alfonso Casurra pagdawat sa plaque ug token sa PRO 13 Grandstand, Camp Rafael Rodriguez, dakbayan sa Butuan sa Hulyo 3, 2008.

Kini nagpamatudo lamang nga ang administrasyon padayon sa pagtabang ug pagsuporta sa mga katawhan sa dakbayan batok sa mga natural nga kalamidad. (Flor Pacleb, PIO-CMO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Surigao City (30 June) -- Communist guerrillas who identified themselves as Pulang Diwata Command -Bagong Hukbong Bayan of Surigao del Norte simultaneously attacked and raided Dapa and General Luna Municipal Police Stations and burned 2 globe cellular phone transmission towers in the island of Siargao all of Surigao del Norte last Saturday, June 28 at around 10:30 PM.

Initial reports bared more or less sixty (60) fully armed men and women clad in black uniforms and riding in six (6) vans stormed Dapa MPS and swiftly disarmed the six policemen who were on duty at the time and announced a raid then ordered all shocked and helpless policemen to lie prone on the floor. Raiders carted away from Dapa MPS six (6) 9MM pistol, one (1) cal.38 revolvers, and three (3) M16 armalite rifles.

They also ransacked nearby government offices situated within the Municipal Hall's compound and destroyed computers and other facilities of Dapa Fire Station, Dapa Water District, Dapa Municipal Circuit and Trial Court, the local offices of the Social Security System, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and Public Attorney's Office.

Allegedly, the raiders were also seen distributing propaganda materials/leaflets to local residents of Dapa containing list of issues on 160 hectare land, lay-off of casual employees, illegal drugs, and illegal gambling against Congressman Francisco Matugas and Dapa Mayor Peter Ruaya.

Also, similar attacked from NPA communist rebels raided CAFGU detachment in Brgy. Catangnan in Gen. Luna and General Luna Municipal Police Station and carted away six service firearms, and one M-16 armalite rifle.

Police reports claimed the General Luna Municipal Police Station, led by its chief of police Adrian Recentes Antonio, was able to put-up a firefight for more or less 15 minutes before being overrun by the Communist terrorists.

A certain PO1 William Montilla Dayday was wounded and is presently confined in a hospital.

In a related development, two policemen from the Regional Mobile Group were reportedly killed as clashes between government forces and the rebels continued in Claver town where government forces have conducted blocking operation against NPA rebels fleeing the military pursuit on Siargao Island. They are SPO1 Serafin Manungas and Police Inspector Ricky Arado. Two policemen were also injured, they are PO1 Keazer Francis and PO1 Boboy Bagnol.

Hot pursuit operations are presently conducted in the area to capture the remaining rebels. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Surigao City (June 30) -- Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra flew to South Korea on June 15 together with other local government executives, urban planner and environmentalists in the Asia-Pacific region to attend the 2008 International Urban Ecological Restoration training, a short-term program of the International Urban Training (IUTC), an initiative supported by the United Nations Human Settlements Porgramme (UN-HABITAT).

The training, which took place in Gangwon Province, South Korea, from June 17-21, aimed to deliver eco-restoration as an approach to sustainable urbanization in the Asia-Pacific region, its function, value and benefits with linkage to climate change adaptation. The program was organized in a manner consolidating US and Korea lecture material, including restoration concepts and techniques.

Participants also presented case studies from their place of origin, of which the mayor presented the "Restoration of Mangrove Forests in Surigao City" project and case study. The project which was completed this year was funded by the Government of Japan, facilitated through NEDA-KR2 Productivity Enhancement Program. (PIO-Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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