Sa dakong tinguha sa batan-ong Gobernador Robert Ace Barbers alang sa usa ka ipisyente nga pagdumala sa panalapi, ang Provincial Treasurer’s Office mopahigayon sa Local Tax Conciousness Month Culmination Program, karong adlawa, Enero 29, 2009 sa may ala 1:00 ang takna sa hapon sa Provincial Convention Center.

Aduna kini mga nagkadaiyang mga kalihukan sama sa Poster Slogan-Making Contest, Essay-Writing ug Tax Quiz nga pagasalmutan sa nagkalain-laing secondary schools sa probinsya.

Tumong ug tinguha usab sa maong kalihukan nga pinaagi sa niini nga adbokasiya, madugangan ang kahibalo sa mga katawhan ug usab pati na ang mga kabatan-onan kabahin na sa local tax, ug usab aron madugangan ang koleksyon sa buwis nga maoy mamahimong pundo aron hugtanong mapatuman ang uban pa nga mga de kalidad nga mga proyekto sa probinsya ubos sa pangalagad sa buotang Gobernador Ace Barbes.

Dili palang dugay ang mga nagkadaiyang tulungha-an sa matag munisipyo mipahigayon na sa ilang mga preliminary contests, ug ang mga mananaog sa matag lungsod maoy magsangka para sa Provincial-level Competition. Ang first prize modawat sa P3,000, second prize P2,000 ug ang 3rd Prize P1,000.

Dako ang panghinaut ni Gob. Ace ug ang Treasurer’s Office nga mamahimong malampuson ang maong kalihukan aron sa ika-ugmad sa panalapi sa matag lungsod ug sa probinsya ug usab paghatag ug dugang kahibalo sa mga kabatan-onan diin kini makahatag kanila ug “sense of responsibility” ngadto sa katilingban pinaagi sa Local Taxes. Dako ang kalipay sa maong mga nagdumala sa walay puas nga suporta nga gihatag sa atong maalagarong gobernador Ace Barbers sa tanan nilang programa ug mga kalihukan. (PGO-Media Bureau)

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TWO drivers of opposition leader Jonathan Guardo were seriously hurt when the sports utility vehicle they were riding fell about 40 feet down a cliff in barangay Tisa, Cebu City about 4 p.m. yesterday.

Ronnie Oraporap, 24, and Manuel Laurente, 24, of Surigao City were rushed to the Chong Hua Hospital by paramedics of the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation.

Laurente allegedly drove the Toyota Fortuner with plate number ZEN 375 when it fell from the third level of the South Hill Subdivision in Tisa.

It was not yet clear what caused the incident.

A certain Nelson said he saw the vehicle accelerating down the cliff.

The victims were reportedly heading toward the city when the incident happened. (Correspondent Chito Aragon/Cebu Daily News)
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For Tubajon Mayor Ronaldo Luib, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's visit to his municipality this afternoon (Jan. 21) was an "answered prayer" to his plea for assistance for his constituents suffering from the effects of a storm surge that hit their town last January 10.

"My constituents and I are honored that our President chose to visit us in our time of need. Her visit is the answer to our prayers for assistance from this ordeal," Luib said in an interview before the arrival of the President here.

A storm surge -- or an offshore rise in water level brought by the non-stop rains in the region -- struck here last January 10, a Saturday, and destroyed the municipality's seawall and water system.

Since then, the residents have been living in fear of another storm surge strike and without potable water.

Concerned that the municipality of Tubajon and its residents have been left defenseless by the damaged seawall and are now open to disease outbreaks due to lack of clean water, President Arroyo gave a P1-million check to Luib with instructions that repair and rehabilitation work be immediately done on vital infrastructures.

Upon receiving the check, Luib thanked God for the President's "gift" and said, "Binigay ito ng Diyos kasi alam Niya na kailangan namin ang pag-bisita ng Presidente."

"Pinaka-malayo kami sa Malacañang na halos hindi kami maka-abot sa Malacañang; pero ito, dinalaw kami ni Presidente Arroyo," Luib said, still in shock and awe at the event unfolding before his eyes.

"I repeat -- I thank God and I thank the President for coming here para makita niya ang real situation ng bayan ko and the real situation ng mga tao," Luib added.

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Cebu Pacific will service Mindanao's surfing capital, Siargao Island, starting March.

According to the airline, its planes will start flying to Siargao from Cebu about two months before the expected influx of tourists for the annual surfing festival.

"This will make Cebu Pacific the first commercial airline to fly to Siargao. The company will also open in February direct flights from Cebu to Cotabato and Manila-Catarman and Calbayog in Samar; Virac in Catanduanes, and Cauayan in Isabela Province," RG Orense, Cebu Pacific communications officer, told reporters Tuesday.

A Manila-Siargao flight was also being finalized, he said.

Orense said the increase in passenger load also prompted them to add one more flight for the Davao-Manila route. Currently, Cebu Pacific has five Manila-bound flights daily from Davao City.

In a statement, Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer, said that the growth "can be attributed to the increase in our seat capacity coupled with our trademark low fares."

In 2008, the airline company flew 6.7 million passengers and was optimistic the number would increase to 9.3 million in 2009, he said.

"We were able to successfully convince more Filipinos to travel by air despite economic uncertainties. 2008 challenged us to look for ways to stimulate travel and sustain our domestic and international operations. We will continue to look for ways to deliver a simple and reliable product and the public can expect more innovation from Cebu Pacific this year," he said. (Jeffrey M. Tupas, Mindanao Bureau)
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ASSISTANT Special Prosecutor Julieta Zinnia Niduaza has asked the Sandiganbayan to uphold government evidence in the graft case against former Surigao del Norte governor Francisco Matugas and his coaccused concerning alleged fraudulent purchases of medical supplies from 1996 to 1998.

Niduaza said the prosecution’s exhibits sufficiently proved the existence of conspiracy among the accused to rig public bidding for medical supplies and that there was overpricing of items purchased.

Charged along with Matugas were former provincial administrator Carlos Egay, provincial treasurer Antonio Bonono, provincial accountant Daisy Andit, provincial budget officer Virginia Yuipco, provincial general services officer Zenon Eupeña and assistant provincial administrator Sally Plaza.

Named private defendants were Joemel Tinio-Yu, alleged niece of Matugas; and private contractors Ernesto Bravo of Saint Martin Pharmaceutical Laboratory Inc., Francisco Reyez of Beruth Medical Enterprises Inc., Jesse Peñaranda of Colt Marketing and Vivian Ortiz of Medicine Trading Inc.

Niduaza filed her motion in response to Demurrers to Evidence filed by Matugas, Egay, Tinio-Yu, Andit, Yuipco, Eupeña and Plaza.

The defendants claimed there was no categorical finding of rigged bidding or of overpricing in the procurement.

But Niduaza pointed out that documentary evidence showed that none of the suppliers were qualified to even participate in the bidding owing to inadequate capitalization; lack of accreditation from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD)or both and failure to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The provincial government purchased DS water bottles, butterfly needles and amoxicillin capsules from the said suppliers for its “Panambay sa Barangay” medical-outreach program.

SEC documents revealed that Medicine Trading Inc. only had P100,000 in paid-up capital, but was awarded six supply contracts totaling P1.49 million between October 1996 and February 1998.

Beruth Medical, on the other hand, operated with a P125,000 capitalization, but was granted eight supply deals worth P271,599.15. It was also found to have no DTI registration.

Colt Marketing had no license to operate from Bfad and was not registered with the SEC but cornered a P985,000 contract.

According to the DTI-Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, it was only registered on August 9, 2001.

Laboratory International Inc. was not registered with the DTI, the SEC or the Bfad but still landed five contracts with a total value of P1.31 million.

Based on a review by a team of government auditors, among the items purchased were 5000cc DS water at P109 per bottle, which were found to be sold by other suppliers at only P26 per bottle; butterfly needles, priced at P68 per unit obtainable from others at P9.95 each; and amoxicillin antibiotics, paid for at P73.83 per capsule sold by other companies at P10 each.

“The winning bidders were not qualified to undertake the project. The evidence on record shows that Joemel Tinio-Yu, a niece of then- governor Matugas represented all the five winning bidders. It was also accused Tinio-Yu who personally received and accepted the bids of the five bidders,” Niduaza said.

“Noteworthy also is the fact that all the checks payable to the five suppliers were all deposited to the account of Merne Peñaranda, a niece also of accused Matugas,” she added. (Business Mirror)
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Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines' largest domestic airline is now offering all-inclusive fares for all of its 527 domestic flights connections. Passengers can save up to 10% on airfare and are offered the convenience of checking-through to their final local destination.

This new service is now available from most of CEB's domestic destinations and is available starting today.

A passenger, for instance, can now fly from Bacolod to Surigao, with Cebu as a transit point for as low as P1,388 all-in. Passengers can likewise fly from Manila to Siargao via Cebu for P2,188. Travelers from Davao can also go to Boracay (Caticlan) via Manila or Cebu for P3,188.

Candice Iyog, CEB Vice President for Marketing and Distribution, said, "This new product offering allows us to provide our travelers a more affordable and hassle-free travel experience to various Philippine destinations."

She explained, "Aside from the discounted all-inclusive airfare, as part of this service, passengers can check their baggage through to their final destination."

She added, "Those taking connections via Manila will also experience the comfort of waiting for their connecting flight in our newly opened and spacious NAIA terminal 3."

For flight schedules and bookings, passengers can visit www.cebupacificair.com, or call its call center at (70-20-888) or its ticketing offices and accredited travel agencies.

Now on its 13th year, CEB has the youngest aircraft fleet in the country. It flies to 15 international cities and 27, soon to be 32 domestic destinations with the addition of Siargao, Catarman, Calbayog, Cauayan (Isabela), and Virac (Cantanduanes) in the coming months.
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The government has asked the Sandiganbayan to uphold the evidence against the former provincial officers of Surigao del Norte, including its former governor Francisco Matugas, concerning the alleged anomalous purchases of medical supplies in 1996 to 1998.

Assistant Special Prosecutor III Julieta Zinnia A. Niduaza filed her motion in response to Demurrers to Evidence filed by the respondents, namely Matugas, former provincial administrator Carlos Egay, provincial treasurer Anotonio Bonono, provincial accountant Daisy Andit, provincial budget officer Virginia Yuipco, provincial general services officer Zenon Eupeña, and assistant provincial administrator Sally Plaza.

Niduaza said there is sufficient evidence to prove that the accused persons had rigged the bidding for the medical supplies during the term of Matugas, who is now congressman of the said province.

Also named respondents were private defendants Joemel Tinio-Yu, alleged niece of Matugas; and private contractors Ernesto Bravo of Saint Martin Pharmaceutical Laboratory Inc., Francisco Reyez of Beruth Medical Enterprises Inc., Jesse Peñaranda of Colt Marketing, and Vivian Ortiz of Medicine Trading Inc.

The provincial government purchased DS water bottles, butterfly needles and amoxicillin capsules from the said suppliers for its ‘Panambay sa Barangay’ medical outreach program.

In their Demurrers to Evidence, Matugas, Egay, Tinio-Yu, Andit, Yuipco, Eupeña and Plaza had claimed that there was no categorical finding of rigged bidding or of overpricing in the procurement.

Niduaza however said that based on the documents they obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), none of the suppliers were qualified to participate in the bidding due to inadequate capitalization, lack of accreditation from concerned government agencies, and failure to register with SEC.

“The winning bidders were not qualified to undertake the project. The evidence on record shows that Joemel S. Tinio-Yu, a niece of then Gov. Matugas represented all the five winning bidders. It was also accused Tinio-Yu who personally received and accepted the bids of the five bidders,” Niduaza said.

“Noteworthy also is the fact that all the checks payable to the five suppliers were all deposited to the account of Merne T. Peñaranda, a niece also of accused Matugas,” she added

According to SEC documents, Medicine Trading Inc. only had P100,000 in paid-up capital but was awarded six supply contracts totaling P1.49 million between October 1996 and February 1998. Beruth Medical, on the other hand, operated under a P125,000 capitalization but was granted eight supply deals worth P271,599.15. It was also found to have no registration from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The prosecution said Colt Marketing, despite having no license to operate from the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) and is unregistered with SEC, cornered a P985,000 contract. According to the DTI-Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, the firm was only registered on August 9, 2001.

Laboratory International Inc. was not registered with DTI, SEC or BFAD, but still landed five contracts with a total value of P1.31 million, the prosecution said.

Based on a review by a team of government auditors, among the items purchased were 5000cc DS water at P109 per bottle which were found to be sold by other suppliers at only P26 per bottle; butterfly needles priced at P68 per unit obtainable from others at P9.95 each; and amoxicillin antibiotics paid for at P73.83 per capsule sold by other firms at P10 each. (GMANews.TV)
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Surigao City, Surigao del Norte--Pinoy Dream Academy champ RJ Jimenez and Lani Misalucha comic impersonator Le Chaz recently wowed Surigao City as part of the National Nutrition Council's (NNC) road show campaign.

RJ and Le Chaz were part of the Work in Progress Media Productions road show caravan featuring the theme, “Waston Nutrisyon: Alamin, Gawin at Palaganapin”.

They provided entertainment numbers at the Washington Gym in Barangay Washington where a jampacked crowd waited for them.

They performed in between a video showing of NNC nutrition campaign “Busog-Lusog” annotated by Christine Bersola-Babao and “Pinoy Big Brother” Housemate Big Winner Ruben Gonzaga.

RJ wowed the audience with his original songs “Miss Kita Kung Tuesday”, “If We Fall In Love”, and his adaptation of Jason Mraz's “I'm Yours.”

Meanwhile, Le Chaz brought the house down with his antics and interpretations of some of Misalucha's songs.

However, the month-long preparation of motorcade of stars Jimenez and Le Chaz went to waste during the recent visit of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in this province.

The parade of celebrities organized by the provincial, city and regional NNC offices, which was set as early as Tuesday, was deferred because of Arroyo's meeting with the local officials in a nearby town Wednesday afternoon.

“We could not go on with the parade since the marshals were still with GMA's conference with the officials. And besides, we also had to wait for our mayor to start the motorcade. RJ and Le Chaz would also do a courtesy call to Mayor Cassura, who was with GMA,” said Tita Matias, health educator of the Surigao City Health Center.

Jimenez and Le Chaz were already on call after their radio interview with RPN satellite AM, but were instructed to stand by as per official announcement from the city government.

It was also announced that Arroyo would pay the City Hall a visit but was canceled at the eleventh hour. “Handang-handa na kami. Pati traffic was in place pero we were advised her visit was called of. Dala na naman ng mga gamit papunta sa Surigao Airport dahil do'n na lang daw gagawin ang meeting with the mayor,” said Matias.

RJ and Le Chaz had to wait until late in the afternoon only to be informed that the motorcade would not be staged anymore. (abs-cbnnews.com)


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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today lauded the officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the local executives for the immediate restoration of major national highways in the Caraga region that were heavily affected by the recent massive flooding in the areas.

“Very good. Nice to hear that,” the President said after being informed about the quick clearing, backfiling and declogging operations on the 362.98- kilometer highway that were impassable last week as a result of floods and landslides brought by prolonged heavy rainfall in the region.

“All the roads and bridges are now passable,” RDCC-13 chairman Police Supt. Jaime Eloreta Milla said as he briefed the President on the flood situation during the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) at the Surigao City airport here.

“Since we don’t have any problems on the major roads, I am asking you to re-assess the extent of damage on the secondary roads,” the Chief Executive said.

Continuous heavy rains due to the tail-end of a cold front resulted to the damage in the region’s infrastructures estimated at P460, 853,200.

RDCC-Caraga region report showed that Agusan del Sur was worst hit, with damage amounting to P42,767,200. This was followed by Agusan del Norte, P39,310,000; Dinagat Province, P14,596,600; Surigao del Norte, P13,905,690; Surigao del Sur, P2,960,000.

Report from Department of Public Works and Highways, on the other, showed that the amount of damage to region’s roads and bridges is estimated at P348,123,710.

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Dako ang pasalamat sa mga empleyado sa Kapitolyo sa paghatag ni Gov. Ace Barbers ug dakong pagtagad sa ikaugmad sa mga kapasidad sa mga kawani sa probinsya aron sa paghatag ug kalidad nga panirbisyo sa mga katawhan.

Ang Human Resource Management Development Office nga maoy namuno sa maong mga pagbansay-bansay, misugod sa pagpahigayon sa “ACES Training Seminar” o Achieving Costumer Excellent Service niadtong Enero 21, 2009 ug kini matapos karong adlawa.

Ubay-ubay ang nakadayeg sa gihimong pagbansay-bansay labi na ang mga hingtungdan nga mga empleyado sa gipakita nga importansya sa administrasyong Barbers alang sa kalamboan sa mga kawani.

Matud pa sa maalagarong Gobernador Ace Barbers dako ang iyang panglantaw sa pag “empower” sa mga empleyado tungod ka yang pagpangalagad nga may kalidad maoy timaan sa usa ka episyente ug epektibo nga pangagamhanan diin maoy gitinguha sa iyang administrasyon.

Sa dugang kalamboan, ang maong departamento uban sa pagpanguna sa Capitol Ladies Organization, mi awhag sa tanang mahiligon sa disco nga unyang gabii sila mopahigayon ug “Padisco sa Kapitolyo” agig fund-raising sa pagpangandam sa umaabot nga pista sa kapitolyo karong Pebrero 11 ug para sa uban pang mga panginahanglanon sa Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel sa Kapitolyo. Ang tiket nagkantidad lamang sa 10 pesos nga anha pagahimuon sa Provincial Convention Center alas 8 sa gabii. (PGO-Media Bureau)

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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today ordered to accelerate the repair and rehabilitation of the irrigation facilities in the CARAGA region to ensure the steady supply of rice and other agricultural products in the areas.

The President issued the directive following reports on the heavy damage to agriculture caused by the massive flooding in the region over the weekend.

“The restoration of the agriculture facilities, particularly the irrigation system is urgent. It would be better if we can accelerate the repair and rehabilitation efforts of the irrigation system, considering that the Agusan del Sur is one of the major rice producers in the country,” the President told during the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) Region 13 meeting at the Surigao City Airport here.

Data from the RDCC-Caraga Region as of Jan. 21 showed that damage to irrigation system was estimated at P62-million with Agusan del Sur as badly hit, amounting to P37-million.

“If you could do it by March, it would be better,” the President said, in reference to the immediate repair of the irrigation facilities.

Democratico Grana, regional director of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said some P42-million is needed for the repair and rehabilitation of the region’s irrigation facilities.

To hasten the rehabilitation efforts, the Chief Executive asked NIA to apply labor intensive methods by tapping the services of the local people and the purchasing of materials within the areas.

The President also ordered the agriculture department to immediately distribute the 8,500 bags of certified seeds to farmers as replenishment to crops damaged by floods.

RDCC-Caraga Region data further showed that total damage to agriculture in the whole region was estimated at P145,302,287, broken down as follows: Agusan del Sur, P79,892,377; Agusan del Norte, P27,237,660; Surigao del Norte, P22,197,250; Surigao del Sur, P12,929,000 and Dinagat Province, P3,046,000.

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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today gave a P1-million check to this municipality for the immediate repair and rehabilitation of its seawall and water system which was damaged when a storm struck this island last Jan. 10.

The President handed the check to Tubajon Mayor Ronaldo Luib during her visit here this afternoon.

A storm struck the municipality of Tubajon last Jan. 10 while most of the residents were at home sleeping.

Luib, in an interview, said the storm surge brought thousands of gallons of sea water into their town and immediately overwhelmed and inundated their seawall and water system.

A total of 872 families here were affected by the storm which also affected the nearby towns of Libgo and Loreto.

Prior to her awarding of the check-donation, the President, who arrived here at around 1:30 p.m., was given a briefing by Luib on the devastation wrought by the storm.

He said P5 million would be needed to rebuild the damaged portion of the seawall while P500,000 is needed to repair the water system.

The President then led the initial distribution of food packs to some 1,300 families from the nine barangays of Tubajon and nearby municipalities which were affected by the storm.

Luib thanked the President for taking the time to empathize with his provincemates who are still suffering from the effects of the storm surge.

The donation, he said, would go a long way in alleviating their plight.

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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to visit Tubajon town in Dinagat Islands on Wednesday, January 21, to attend to the needs of flood victims.

President Arroyo will personally inspect the extent of damage wrought by massive flooding in the area particularly the damage seawall, fishing and pump boats. She is also expected to distribute food assistance to the flood victims.

The People's Government Mobile Action (PGMA) of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will also conduct a medical-dental outreach in the area to ensure the delivery of government assistance to the victims.

After her Tubajon visit, the President will also conduct an RDCC meeting on the same day in Surigao City.

In a recent report as of Jan. 17, 2009 from RDCC-Caraga region, seven people were reportedly dead and one was missing and some 60,025 families were displaced when floodwaters and huge waves caused by incessant rains struck the region over the weekend affecting 311 barangays.

Caraga region's damages on infrastructure particularly in roads, bridges, wharf, seawall & fishing & pumpboats now estimated at P63,349,490.00 (Dinagat Islands-P4,586,600.00; Agusan Sur-P42,787,200.00; Surigao Norte-P13,095,690.00, and Surigao del Sur-P2,900,000.00).

In agriculture particularly in crops, fisheries & livestocks now totalled at P19, 062,000.00 (Dinagat islands-P2,063,669.60; Agusan Sur-P6,583,796.00; Surigao Norte-P9,529,582.40; Surigao Sur-P885,000.00).

Damage to houses/properties is now estimated at P355,000.00. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)


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Thousands flood and landslide victims went into panic when a 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck Dinagat Island province and this southern tip city of Northeastern Mindanao this afternoon.

The intensity 2 earthquake with a magnitude of 4.6 was recorded at 3:12 p.m. on Dinagat Islands province and Surigao City, the Philippine Institute ofVolcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs officials here said the quake was caused by a movement in the Philippine trench.

No aftershocks were recorded and no casualty was reported as of press time.

However, the earthquake rattled thousands of evacuees currently sheltered at various evacuation centers here and in Dinagat Islands province and nearby neighboring Surigao del Sur province, it was learned.

They went into panic and most of them run away towards the road, it was gathered.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is set to visit in this part of Mindanao tomorrow (Jan. 21) to led the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) meeting at Surigao City Cultural Center here.

Chief Supt. Jaime E. Milla, regional director of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) and chairperson of RDCC will brief the President about the flood and landslide situation that hit several areas in the region since the rains started last January 10, this year.

The Chief Executive will also assess the strength of damage brought about by the 8-day flash floods in the region.

Mrs. Arroyo also expected to visit Tubajon town, in Dinagat Islands province to personally led the distribution of relief goods and food packs to flood victims, officials of that province said.

She will also personally look the damage of seawalls and other infrastructures in the area, they added.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already released some Php 10.87 million in standby funds and relief goods to provinces and cities hit by flash floods and landslides in Mindanao, it was learned.

On the other hand, the United Nation’s World Food Program has also pledge to provide more than 630 metric tons of rice for the flood victims in Mindanao, that can serve to at least 25,000 families, it was also learned.

The National Food Authority (NFA) in the region have already released several thousands of sacks of rice to various local government units and disaster units in the region for the distribution to flood victims.

The Philsaga Mining Corporation in Bayugan lll, Rosario town, Agusan del Sur personally led by its president Retired Army Colonel Samuel G. Afdal alreadyhanded a Php50,000 cash to Philippine Red Cross while also distributed 100 sacks of rice to Bunawan and 50 sacks of rice and 20 boxes of sardines to Rosario and Bunawan flood victims, all of Agusan del Sur province, it was also learned.

Meanwhile, the strength of damage brought about by flash floods to infrastructure now rose to Php 63, 349, 490 while close to Php 20 million in agriculture throughout the region.

Reports coming from the regional operation centers of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and RDCC stated that about 270, 810 persons were affected by the flash floods and landslides.

To date, at least 10 persons were reported killed while 1 is still missing and under search and rescue operation by the different rescue teams caused by flash flood and landslides.

At least 594 houses were reported destroyed, 109 of them totally wiped out.

In a related development, 2 more bodies were recovered in Mambajao onCamiguin province and another in Jasaan town, Misamis Oriental, raising the number of fatalities to 12 in Northern Mindanao (Region 10) flash floods and landslides. (Mike U. Crismundo/MB)
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Six dead and one missing were reported by Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC)-Caraga due to continuous heavy rains in the region which started Saturday (January 10).

As of 1:00 this afternoon, RDCC-Caraga Executive Officer and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Blanche Gobenciong reported that a certain Veronica Pepoy, 51 years old and a resident of Nueva Estrella, Cagdianao in Dinagat Islands Province was drowned when the boat she was riding capsized.

In Agusan del Sur, two persons were reportedly dead and one of these is still unidentified as of press time. The unidentified male cadaver was reportedly found at Agusan River in Barangay Taglubong, Trento. The other casualty is identified as Zacarias Gales, 33 years old, resident of Brgy. Pisaan, San Francisco. He was reportedly missing last January 13 and his dead body was found at Adlayan River along Managbay, Bitan-agan, San Francisco about 6:00 a.m. on January 14, 2009.

Another victim from Surigao del Norte is identified as Roland Yamyamin, 31 years old of Brgy. Aurora, Surigao City. Same with Veronica Pepoy, he was drowned when the boat he was riding capsized.

In Bislig City, two unidentified men were buried due to yesterday’s landslide along the highway at Brgy. Gangas, Cumayas. They were buried by rushing mud and debris.

RDCC also reported one missing in Agusan del Norte. The victim was identified as Jerome Goliat, 22 years old and a resident of Purok 6, Brgy. Songkoy, Kitcharao. According to report, Goliat was swept by strong water current.

Meanwhile, 1,388 families or 8,312 individuals from the Province of Dinagat Islands were reportedly affected by floods due to incessant rains.

In Agusan del Norte, 1,501 families or 6,867 people are reportedly affected. Agusan del Sur with 264 families or 1,231 individuals; Surigao del Sur – 130 families or 376 persons; and Surigao del Norte – 518 families or 2,082 people.

Summing it up, 2,505 families or 10,588 people are greatly affected by the disaster in Caraga Region.

As to the number of evacuees, in the Province of Dinagat Islands, 92 families evacuated in evacuation centers of the province: Poblacion Day Care Center, Chapel and in Tubajon Elementary School.

In Agusan del Norte, 1,351 families have evacuated in evacuation centers. Of these families, the municipality of Carmen posted 1,010 families while in the municipality of Jabonga, 341 families were reportedly evacuated.

Reported damage to houses in Dinagat islands is estimated to Php 340,000 and in Agusan del Sur, Php 15,000.

Lifeline status of Butuan City shows that barangay road at Baan Riverside, particularly Puroks 6, 6-A, and 7 were flooded under water as well as in Baan Central Elementary School quadrangle.

In Carmen, Agusan del Norte, all elementary and secondary school campuses are also flooded. The landslide portion of Manoligao Provincial Road, Boundary Tagcatong National Highway, Bolihon-Vinapor Provincial Road in Brgy. Poblacion, and some portion of municipal roads are flooded and damaged.

Bridges in Brgys. Bunawan Brook, Nueva Era, and Sitio Mangadao in Agusan del Sur are not passable. Electricity and water system in Esperanza is unserviceable, while barangays La Caridad, Napo, and San Pedro in Prosperidad is submerged in water as well as the roads in barangays Ladgadan, Ebro, Tagapua, Borbon, News Visayas, and Calimpugan in San Francisco.

The whole town of San Miguel in Surigao del Sur is flooded. Electricty is also unserviceable as of press time and roads are not passable to all types of vehicles.

Electrical posts at barangays Poblacion and Julio Ouano in Alegria, Surigao del Norte need to be fixed including street-light connection. The water supply connection in Brgy. Alipao is also affected by flashflood. Blue pipes installed near Candiis River were damaged. Also, the road connecting Brgy. Ombong to Camp Eduard needs immediate repair sicne culverts were displaced and two landslides occurred and is no longer passable by four-wheel vehicles.

Roads and bridges in Surigao City were partially damaged. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13)
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As rain continues to pound Northern Mindanao, hitting Region X with numerous landslides and covering every homes with water, Caraga Region is also slowly feeling the wrath of nature. Today, more places are affected with landslides and over-flooded roadways causing temporary closure to traffic until debris are cleared.

Department of Public Works and Highways personnel in the entire region of Caraga are on round-the clock maintenance, clearing the roads affected by landslide and putting up warnings signs and markers to flooded areas amidst the biting cold. Also, equipment and personnel composing the Disaster Preparedness Team are on standby for possible assistance in case of evacuation.

In the Municipality of Carmen, Agusan del Norte, 3 landslides occurred since January 12-14, 2008, closing one lane to traffic. Clearing is on-going but no major damage to road structure.
Surigao del Sur I reported that Tandag-Barobo route is not passable to light vehicles specifically along Gamut-Sumo-sumo road due to over flooding and junction Gamut-San Miguel route is totally close to traffic due to deep flood waters.

Meanwhile, Bislig City is experiencing power failure and more houses are under water. The District Office is not spared as water also filled the premises. But still, field personnel are patching potholes and cleaning ditches.

In Surigao del Norte I, landslides also occurred along the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road, temporarily closing Claver section on January 14, 2009, to all types of vehicles while Placer is open to light vehicles only. Road clearing was completed at 12:30 AM of the following day.
The island Districts of Dinagat and Siargao are also in battle with flooded roads and landslides and road slips. Thankfully, no major whip of wind and wave is felt as of date.

Trento, Agusan del Sur is not passable due to deep water and the Municipalities of Prosperidad and Lucena are open only to trucks and bigger vehicles because of over flooding. While in NRJ Pulang Lupa-Sta. Josefa Road, a 5m in length landslide detaching RCPC was incurred allowing only light vehicles to pass.

In summary, the Region still experience intensifying rains and more areas are expected to be underwater. Initial cost of damages is totalled to Php 142,000.00 as of January 15, 2009. (Connie R. Calo, DPWH-13/PIA-Caraga)
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Over 8,308 people throughout the province were severely affected Tuesday night, January 13 after huge waves caused by strong winds affected in some areas which destroyed fishing boats, motor bancas, some houses and structures along coastal areas particularly those situated in the northwest coastal municipalities of the province.

Reports from the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council also bared that heavy rains triggered minor landslides and damage of low lying ricefields in the area.

As of 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, (January 14), reports from the PDCC secretariat, show that one person from Cagdianao was confirmed dead due to drowning from a capsized motor banca.

Municipalities affected with the number of individuals affected are as follows: Dinagat-3,151, Cagdianao-460, Libjo-5, San Jose-10, and Tubajon-4,169.

Damage to houses amounted to P340,000.00 while damage to infrastructure in the municipalities of Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo, Tubajon amounted to P3,540,000.00 and agri-fishery amounted to P 2,192,600.00.

As of January 14, 2008 total damage report received by the PDCC secretariat amounted to P 6,072,000.00. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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The Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC)-Caraga headed by RDCC Executive Officer and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga Regional Director Blanche Gobenciong continue to monitor and respond to residents of affected areas of heavy rains and floods in the region.

According to Dir. Gobenciong, RDCC also continues to disseminate warning advisories to LCEs, City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCCs), RDCC member agencies and the media thru fax, text messages, and SMS of PIA-Caraga.

“Local DCCs are conducting evacuation, relief operation and damage assessment in their respective areas”, Gobenciong said.

Also, Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) of Agusan del Sur dispatched Search and Rescue Team with rubber boat, stake truck and Isuzu Elf vehicle to affected areas.

Meanwhile, Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council (MDCC) of Agusan del Norte also conducted immediate declogging of canals in Barangay Poblacion.

On the other hand, Surigao City allocated P6,175.00 worth of light materials to families with totally destroyed houses of Barangay San Juan, Barangay Lipata, and Barangay Washington.

As of press time, municipality of Carmen, Agusan del Norte needs the following commodities like medicines, mosquito net and clothing, foods, canned goods and noodles. (Jennifer P. Gaitano, PIA-Caraga)
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City Mayor Alfonso Casurra in a radio announcement this morning has raised warning to the shipping vessels and sea crafts to avert possible catastrophes due to rough conditions in the sea.

The announcement was made after Mayor Casurra received a gale warning advisory just recently from RDCC Caraga region.

“The condition in the sea is rough to very very rough, its wave height measures from 3.7 meters to 5 meters and its wind force is 68 kph,” Mayor Casurra said

"Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are not allowed to go out to the sea while larger vessels are alerted against big waves," Casurra added.

Casurra urged the people living in the island not to venture out in the sea for they might encounter weather related sea-mishaps.

Currently, the tail-end of a cold front is prevailing throughout Visayas and Mindanao, causing big waves over the areas in Surigao del Norte and nearby provinces. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Seven persons were killed and another was reported missing as heavy rains induced by a cold front continued to batter a wide area of Northeastern Mindanao triggering flooding and landslides.

Thousands of residents were misplaced by the floods while infrastructures and agricultural crops were destroyed.

Damage to infrastructures and other properties were initially placed at P31,302,290 while damage to agriculture crops was estimated at P10,214,168 at press time.

At least one city, Bislig, and 40 towns in the Caraga region have been placed under a state of calamity.

Four of the fatalities were on board a motorized cab which was hit by landslide at 7:30 p.m. Thursday along the road of Gangas, Sitio Gumawas, Barangay Mangagoy, Bislig City. They were not immediately identified.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported only five persons died and one was missing due to the floods as of Friday afternoon.

The OCD identified some of the fatalities as Zacarias Gales, 33, of Barangay Pisaan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; Veronica Pepoy, 51, of Barangay Nueva Estrellia, Cagdianao, Surigao del Norte; and Roland Yamyamin, 31, of Barangay Aurora, Surigao City.

Missing was Gerome Goliath, 22, of Purok 6, Barangay Sungkoy, Kitcharao town, Agusan del Norte.

Director Abner C. Caga of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Caraga region reported that 17 towns in Surigao del Sur have declared they were under state of calamity due to widespread damage to agricultural crops and infrastructures caused by severe flooding.

Also placed under state of calamity were nine towns in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte and seven towns in Dinagat Islands province because of destruction caused by strong sea waves, winds and rains for almost a week now.

The city of Surigao was also declared under a state of calamity on Thursday.

The disaster council in Agusan del Sur also reported that the towns of Sta. Josefa, Veruela, Rosario, Trento and Prosperidad were declared under a state of calamity yesterday as the said areas were battered by severe flooding that destroyed several houses, agricultural crops and infrastructures.

The Department of Education in Agusan del Sur also reported that classes in several public schools in the province were temporarily suspended due to flash floods.

Two towns in Agusan del Norte – Nasipit and Jabonga -- also declared under a state of calamity.

Chief Supt. Jaime E. Milla, Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) director and chairman of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), and Regional Director Dr. Blanche T. Gobenciong of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that 531 houses were partially destroyed while 106 houses were totally wiped out by the rampaging floodwaters.

Director Gobenciong said that at least 40,477 families or about 178,198 persons were already affected by flash floods and landslides in the Caraga region.

RDCC chairman Milla has ordered disaster and rescue councils to conduct a round-the-clock monitoring, rescue and relief operations.

"All police headquarters and stations spread all over the region were already mobilized to assist the evacuees," added Milla. (Mike Crismundo/MB)
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Dako ang kalipay sa tanang mga municipal agriculturist sa gipalapdan karon nga mga programa sa atong maalagarong Gobernador Robert Ace Barbers sa agrikultura diin kini mipahigayon sa pag “turn-over” sa halos 500 ka kahon sa mga organic liquid fertilizers niadtong miaging adlaw, Enero 14, 2009 didto sa Provincial Agriculture Office.

Ang matag munisipyo magpakadawat ug tig 100 ka gallons sa maong organic fertilizer diin si Mr. Trujelio Pepito nga maoy atong OIC Provincial Agriculturist, mapagarbohong mipahibalo sa tanan, nga ang maong fertilizer mga ginganlag “Free Grow Liquid Seaweed Fertilizer” maayo para sa pagpadako ug pagpatambok sa atong mga pananom ug usab kini luwas sa makahilong kemikal ug gani, iyang dugang gibutyag nga kini magamit usab sa mga mananap ug gani sa tawo isip “energy booster”.

Dugang pa niini, malipayon ang PAO nga ang maong organic fertilizer gi “export” na sa halos 15 ka nasud sa tibuok kalibutan.

Ang “Free Grow Liquid Seaweed Fertilizer” usa lamang sa mga ubay-ubay nga programa ni Gob. Ace Barbers ubos sa iyang Fertilizer Support Program para sa pagpahamok pa sa atong mga humay ug mga pananom sa probinsya sa Surigao del Norte.

Nagmabungahon ang maong tigum diin siya mipadayag sa tanang mintambong nga karong umaabot Pebrero 2, 2009, siya mopahigayon ug usa ka consultative meeting sa tanang mga aktibong mag-uuma nga miyembro sa matag rice farmers associations aron usab sila mabati-an ug mahatagan ug igong atensyon ang ilang mga isyu ug mga mulo sa nagkadaiyang munisipyo.

Dako ang pasalamat ni Gob. Ace Barbers sa suporta ug pakig tambayayungay nga gipakita sa matag munisipyo aron lamang makab-ot ang tiunay nga kalambo-an sa agrikultura sa tibuok probinsya nga maoy tumong ug tinguha sa iyang pangagamhanan. (PGO-Media Bureau/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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SURIGAO CITY (15 January) - Mayor Alfonso Casurra, City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) chairman, mobilized all government resources to assist the over a hundred families affected by the flashfloods caused by continuous rains in the past few days.
Mayor Casurra convened the CDCC yesterday afternoon, Jan. 14 and upon recommendation of the CDCC, the Sangguniang Panlungsod is set to declare the city under a state of calamity.

As of yesterday, Jan. 14, 2009, Brgy. San Juan reported an estimated P500,000.00 damage with 103 number of evacuees while14 houses were totally destroyed and 52 houses were partially damaged.

Widespread of farmlands and fishponds were reported damaged by the City Agriculture Office, to wit: rice amounted to P424,800.00, root crops P1,275,000.00, fish pond P220,000.00, fish coral P1, 920,000.00, seaweed P150,000.00 while dam and main canals amounted to 870,000.00. Total damage reported in agriculture amounted to P4,859,800.00

Records from the City Engineering Office, the agency tasked to monitor the infrastructure in the city, reported major damages in roads particularly in the City Boulevard amounted to P750,000.00, Sitio Looc P100,000.00, Roland Sering road P200,000.00, some city streets P150,000.00, Calipayan road P100,000.00, Bagong Silang road P100,000.00, Upper Sangay road P200,000.00, Entrance of SCBJT P300,000.00, Sitio Tumanday road P100,000.00, Punta Bilar road P500,000.00 and Togonan road P300,000.00. Total damage in infrastructure amounted to P2,800.000.00.

Also, following the cancellation of the RORO vessels and other sea vessels operating from the mainland Surigao City to different islands of the province, Mayor Casurra in an interview with a local radio station in Butuan said that the city and provincial government of Surigao del Norte are requesting the Philippine Army for the use of its chopper to bring foods and other basic commodities to 21 island-barangays in the city.

Meanwhile, the Quick Action Response Team in the city is now closely coordinating with Mayor Casurra and the CDCC not only in matters of security but also in assisting the victims and monitoring other flashflood incidences. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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BUTUAN CITY (15 January) – The Surigao City Disaster Coordinating Council will recommend to Sangguniang Panlungsod to place the city under state of calamity.

This was reported by Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra in a phone-patch interview this morning with dxBR-Bombo Radyo-Butuan.

According to Mayor Casurra, during the meeting conducted yesterday (January 14), members of the City Disaster Coordinating Council of Surigao City filed a resolution to recommend to Sangguninag Panlungsod to place the city under state of calamity.

Mayor Casurra added that during the SP session this afternoon, the said resolution will be submitted. However, Casurra said, Sangguniang Panlungsod assured him that the said resolution will be approved.

As to the damage brought by continuous heavy rains and wind which started Saturday evening (January 10), Casurra said, the city and the province of Surigao del Norte experienced more damages in agricultural aspect. He said majority of its rice fields were flooded. “What is sad here is that, majority of the farmers have just planted the crops last November”, he said.

Meanwhile, Casurra said, as of press time, sea vessels from main land Surigao City are prohibited to travel to different islands of the province of Surigao del Norte due to strong wind and waves.

With this, Cassura added that the city and provincial governments are requesting the Philippine Army for the use of its chopper to bring foods and other basic commodities to 21 barangay-islands of the province.

“Many passengers are also stranded at the Lipata Port as of this morning since owners of RORO vessels were advised to cancel their operation”, he said.

“As soon as the city will be placed under state of calamity, we can immediately use the calamity fund so that we can immediately purchase grains to replace the crops that were damaged”, Mayor Casurra disclosed. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-Caraga)
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BUTUAN CITY (15 January) – In a written report by Caraga Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) sent to PIA-Caraga as of 5:00 p.m. yesterday (January 14), the damages brought by continuous rains in the region is estimated at about 12.4 million pesos.

In the infrastructure, damages in roads and bridges is estimated at Php 3,330,000. This affects the roads and bridges in Agusan del Sur.

In the Province of Dinagat Islands, the wharf in the municipality of Libjo costs Php 300,000. The seawall in the municipality of Tubajon which costs 1 million pesos was also damaged. Accumulated amount of damages in fishing and pump boats of the province is estimated at Php 2,146,000 while in Surigao del Norte, the report posted Php 65,000 in the municipality of Burgos.

Meanwhile, in agriculture, a total of Php 6,826,828.5 was reported by RDCC with crops topping the list amounting to Php 4,767,330.5 while livestock posted at Php 710,100.

The Province of Agusan del Sur, particularly in the municipality of Rosario is estimated to Php 1,249,398 damage in crops while the Province of Dinagat Islands accumulates an amount of Php 100,000.

In Surigao del Norte, the municipalities of Burgos, del Carmen, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, and Sta. Monica were greatly affected and incurred a damage in crops amounting to Php 3,417,932.54.

As of press time, local Disaster Coordinating Councils continue to monitor the water level of Agusan River and its tributaries. People living along the coast and near riverbanks are on red alert for possible evacuation.

RDCC Rapid Assessment Team, on the other hand, convened to assess the extent of damage brought about by the successive heavy rains, while the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC)-Agusan del Surn Chapter is currently conducting relief operations. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-Caraga)

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On January 13, 2009 (Tuesday) at 7:00 in the evening, victims identified as Ulysses Amistoso, 38 years old and Juriven Almine, 18 years old, both residents of Barangay Sabang, Surigao City were rescued at Sitio Mahayahay, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Initial investigation disclosed that said persons sailed towards Leyte Province from Surigao City to deliver their product (seaweeds) on December 28, 2008.

When they sailed home on January 11, 2008 (Sunday) at 6:00 pm and while at the sea water of San Ricardo, Leyte, their pumpboat encountered engine trouble causing them to adrift for several days until they reached Sitio Mahayahay, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Rescued persons temporarily house at the residence of Barangay Councilor Dumo of said place, while their relatives in Surigao City have been informed regarding their status. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Some 65 residents in the barangays of San Juan and Sabang this city were forced to leave their homes due to eminent danger of flash floods and landslides brought about by the incessant rains experienced that triggered the rise of the flood water in low-lying areas and along riverbanks.

Surigao City Quick Action Response Team (QART) Team Leader Isidro ‘Bad boy’ Elumba said the evacuation started around 10pm in Purok 8, 9 and 12 in Brgy. San Juan and in Sabang.

Elumba added that affected families totaled of 65 evacuees were then evacuated in Brgy. Washington covered court.

Meanwhile, the City Government of Surigao has already sent food packs consisting of rice and canned goods for the flash flood affected families.

PAGASA has already declared the province of Surigao del Norte under alert level 1 for possible flashfloods and landslide.

Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra, in a radio announcement this morning has also declared a suspension of classes in all public and private schools in both the elementary and high school levels.

Administrators in the college level have the discretion to stop classes, Casurra added.

On the other hand, 1st District Rep. Francisco Matugas has also ordered the DPWH for a damage assessment in Siargao Island specifically to the affected municipalities to determine other support services needed. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Flooding, spawned by moderate to heavy rains, continue to hit Northern Mindanao (Caraga region) as report of damage to properties, infrastructure and agriculture started to come in from various disaster councils in the region on Tuesday.

Assessment teams of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) were already mobilized to look into the extent of damage caused by floodings since Saturday.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Northeastern Mindanao based here already started receiving damage reports from various disaster councils, particularly from Dinagat Island province.

OCD Director Dr. Blanche T. Gobenciong said that three towns in Dinagat Island -– Libjo, San Jose and Tubajon have initially reported damaged houses, fishing boats, pump boats and seawalls.

She also said Lake Mainit that covers some towns of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte have already overflowed, destroying thousands of hectares of agricultural lands and properties.

Mostly affected is Barangay Colorado in Jabonga town, Agusan del Norte where classes in public schools were already suspended, she said.

Three barangays in Nasipit town, Agusan del Norte are already under flood waters, the OCD chief said.

Several barangays in this region’s capital city are also reported under flood waters.

City Mayor Democrito “Big Boy” Plaza already mobilized the City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) to assist the flood victims as the giant Agusan river is already overflowing.

Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra also said the city’s disaster council is already mobilized to assist the flood victims in Barangay San Juan and neighboring areas where some houses were destroyed by heavy rains and strong winds.

Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur disaster councils also reported floodings in several towns which have caused damages to thousands of hectares of agricultural lands and infrastructures.

The RDCC, led by Chief Supt. Jaime E. Milla, regional director of Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) conducted an emergency meeting at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez here on Tuesday to assess the flood situation in some parts of the region.

“We cannot still determine yet the exact worth of damages as of this time as reports from affected areas are still coming in,” said Director Gobenciong.

However, the OCD official said that no casualty was reported as of press time.

Meanwhile, the OCD in Southern Mindanao also reported that at least 16 barangays in Cateel town, Davao oriental also experienced flooding since Saturday. (PNA)
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San Jose, Dinagat Islands (12 January) -- A motor banca capsized along Hikdop Island and Brgy. Zaragosa in Surigao City on Sunday (January 11), but Dinagat Islands Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council said, its 3 crew members and 1 passenger were successfully rescued.

Reports from PDCC Action Officer Rosario Roxas bared that, at around 11:30 am Sunday, Jan. 11, the PDCC Action Officer of Dinagat Island received a text message from the Philippine Coast Guard-San Jose that a boat named MB San Jose Municipal Market Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative capsized along Hikdop Island and Barangay Zaragosa in Surigao City.

The boat capsized due to huge waves brought about by strong winds in the area.

"Upon reaching the location, the emergency responders found the floating motor banca filled with seawater as the boat captain and a crew holding along the boat," PDCC reported.

Two other victims swam towards the shoreline of Brgy. Zaragosa, Surigao City and was fetched by the Dinagat Islands Search and Rescue (DISAR) rubber boat.

The response operation was successfully finished at around 4:00 0'clock in the afternoon on that same day, PDCC report added. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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On January 10, 2009 (Saturday) at 10:00 in the morning at Sitio Magsaysay, Barangay Tangbo, Sta Monica, Surigao del Norte, PNP elements of Sta Monica Municipal Police Station led by PINSP LUMACANG apprehended the suspects while actually engaged in illegal fishing activities.

The suspects were identified as Merlito Adlawan Laoc, Mario Urbistondo Rotaniel, Marlon Katay Morial, Edgar Katay Pitang, all resident of aforementioned place.

Confiscated from the suspects' possession and control were pump boat with 5HP engine; four pieces paddles; six pieces improvised flipper, spare gun, sharp pointed instruments and 15 kilograms of assorted fish believed to be dynamited.

Arrested persons and confiscated items were brought to said station for recording, documentation and proper disposition. (PNP)
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed officials of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) in Caraga region to start immediately the rehabilitation of Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte and other areas in the region that were hit by heavy flooding last Saturday brought about by the typhoon Auring.

The order was made after Siargao has been placed under a state of calamity due to flash floods causing the damage of the island's agriculture and livestock.

The President issued the directive during the meeting with the RDCCs of Regions 10 and 13 which she convened Wednesday evening (January 7) at the Camiguin Highland Resort, Barangay Soro-Soro, in Mambajao, Camiguin.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here said hundreds of families in the towns of Sta. Monica and San Benito were greatly affected by the typhoon.

Meanwhile, DSWD assured of an ongoing relief operation and that their office is exerting all efforts in ensuring that all affected families will be given appropriate assistance.

Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed a resolution declaring the island of Siargao under state of calamity.

The declaration was agreed upon after Board Member Simeon Vicente Castrence sponsored a resolution declaring the island under the state of calamity. The resolution was unanimously approved. All of the members of the legislative body are present except for Vice Gov. Noel Catre who served as the then Acting Governor and Board Member Jose Alabat who is in Siargao to personally assess the situation. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Mayor Alfonso Casurra of this city assured Surigaonons that the local authorities are making their earnest efforts to rescue the Bank president who was abducted Wednesday night (January 7) in his residence at Ceniza Heights Subdivision.

Mr. Johnson Cuiting, president of Rural Bank of Placer was kidnapped by four armed men around 10:00 pm that barged into Cuiting's home, tied him up and his wife, seized away a number of valuables and used his Toyota Hi-Lux car with license plate KDL-692 as the culprits' get-away vehicle.

"The city government as well as the members of the Philippine National Police is taking all necessary measures for the safe return of Mr. Johnson Cuiting," Casurra said in a radio interview this morning.

Mayor Casurra also updated the Surigaonons that they have already recovered the vehicle used in the abduction.

Earlier, some relatives of the victim have urged the PNP and the City Government to speed up efforts to find him. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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The president of a rural bank was abducted in Surigao del Norte late province Wednesday night, a police official said on Thursday.

Johnson Cuiting, president of the Rural Bank Placer, was snatched from his home at Ceniza Heights, Barangay (village) Washington, Surigao City at 10:20 p.m., Chief Superintendent Jaime Milla, regional director of police regional office 13, said.

Milla said four unidentified suspects barged into Cuiting’s home, tied him up and his wife, and took away a number of valuables.

The suspects then took Cuiting with them as they fled onboard the victim’s white Toyota Hi-Lux with license plate KDL-692.

On learning of the incident, police blocked off exit and entry points to Surigao City. Checkpoints were also set up as police coordinated with the local crisis management team headed by Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra. (PDI)
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Cebu Pacific (CEB) is set to take delivery of its seventh brand-new ATR 72-500 aircraft which it will use to fly to Catarman and Calbayog in Samar, Virac in Catanduanes, and Cauayan, Isabela starting next month.

CEB will also mount additional flights for Manila-Naga from daily to 10 times weekly starting on February 14 and Manila-Busuanga from daily to 11 times weekly starting on February 15.

The new service to Catarman, Samar and Virac, Catanduanes will start on February 14; flights to Calbayog, Samar and Cauayan, Isabela will start on February 18.

Candice Iyog, CEB VP for marketing and distribution, said "We are expanding our Manila hub operations with the arrival of our brand new ATR and will make more areas accessible through our low fares and new planes."

To mark the announcement of these additional services, CEB is offering a promotional P500 all-in 'Go Lite' seat sale for flights from Manila to Busuanga, Calbayog, Catarman, Cauayan, Naga and Virac. The airline has also included select Cebu hub flights to Cotabato, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Legaspi, Ozamiz, Siargao and Tacloban in the promotion.

CEB also announced a zero 'Go Lite' fare seat sale for its Manila-Osaka service. This is exclusive of applicable surcharges and government taxes.

The seat sale will run from January 9 to 14, 2009 and is good for travel from February 1, or the start date of respective flights, to March 31, 2009.

CEB will fly Manila-Catarman and Manila-Virac every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday; Manila-Calbayog and Manila-Cauayan on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

For flight schedules and bookings, passengers may log on to www.cebupacificair.com , call the reservations hotline (632) 70-20-888; or visit their nearest travel agent.

Now in its 13th year, CEB has the youngest aircraft fleet in the Philippines. It flies to 15 international cities and 27, soon to be 32 domestic destinations with the addition of Siargao, Catarman, Calbayog, Virac (Catanduanes), and Cauayan (Isabela) in the coming weeks. (Cebu Pacific)

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The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will tap the French government for P11 billion for the installation of 74 roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) ports nationwide to link the provinces and reduce the transport fare of goods.

The project is part of the governments pump priming activities to mitigate the effects of the global prices.

Atty. Oscar Sevilla, general manager of PPA, said the project is dubbed as the Greater Maritime Access (GMA) and will be done by the contractor of the Eiffel Tower.

He said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will decide on which areas these ports will be constructed.

The following provinces are the priority in the proposed list --Pangasinan, Isabela/Aurora, Quezon, Romblon, Mindoro, Cavite, Palawan, Masbate, Albay, Surigao del Norte, Eastern Samar, Davao and Cotabato.

Sevilla explained that the ports will be modular, meaning that they can be transferred from one place to other areas.

He said modular ports can be put up in less than four months and is solar powered, saying that “it is much cheaper, costing about Php50 million per port depending on the size and features.”

The project would use pre-fabricated steel ports composed of five interdependence modular parts such as pier connecting to shore, mooring platform, manual ramp dolphin and passenger terminal.

Sevilla said the project was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) last year for funding by Spain’s Banco de Bilbao Vizcaya Argentina, S.A. in Madrid, but it did not push through.

In 2008, PPA has allocated Php7 billion for the SONA projects out of the Php9-billion budget.(PNA)
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The grieving mother of two children killed by her former boyfriend in a rented apartelle want to bury her children in Cebu and not in Surigao.

Bernardita Bolster, 38, said her children Christoph von Bolster, 10, and Christy Mae Tapal, 5, were very close.

“Close kaayo na sila di na sila magbuwag (They were very close. They will not be separated),” Bernardita said.

Felix Ortiz, 35, a former boyfriend who committed suicide after killing the children inside The Apartelle, was from Surigao.

Ortiz was the father of Christy Mae. Christoph was the son of Bernardita’s late German husband.

Bernardita said she could not accept the deaths of her children.

“Kung nakasala ko niya, ako nalang unta to ang gipatay, wa niya angina ang duha ka mga bata (If I had hurt him, he should have killed me and not the children),” Bernardita said.

Bernardita found Ortiz, Christoph and Christy Mae dead on Monday inside The Apartelle on Escario Street, Barangay (village) Camputhaw.

Dr. Nestor Sator, medico-legal officer of the police crime laboratory, said the children died of asphyxia through suffocation.

Both children were found with plastic bags covering their heads.

Bernardita said she did not know why Ortiz killed the children and then himself.

She, however, admitted that she had told Ortiz to leave her alone.

“Ako siya giingnan nga pangita nalang og lain kay bata pa siya, makakita paka og maayo pa nako (I told him to find another woman. He's still young and he can still find somebody better than me),” Bernardita said.

She defended herself against reports that she was accompanied by a German boyfriend when she arrived in Cebu last December 27.

“Granting that I have a German boyfriend, it's not wrong because I'm not married to Ortiz,” Bernardita said.

Bernardita said they were supposed to celebrate his son's birthday on Monday.

Cebu City police had not considered the case close yet although the killing was motivated by jealousy.

“Sugo sa kasingkasing (An order from the heart),” was how Senior Inspector Mario Monilar, chief of Cebu City homicide section, described the rampage.

Mandaue murder

Mandaue City police are looking for two tricycle drivers who could be possible suspects in the killing of Maria Jocelyn Mendoza, 40, inside her house in barangay Cabancalan, Mandaue City last Sunday morning.

Police could not find the tricycle drivers but Inspector George Aninon of the Mandaue homicide section urged the two drivers to come forward and clear their names.

Aninon said both men were not yet considered as suspects.

“We are just inviting them to shed light on the incident.” he said.

Aninon said the drivers’ possible link to the crime was considered because of their location when the crime happened and their reputation in the barangay.

One of the drivers was seen by a neighbor sleeping inside a tricycle owned by the Mendozas about 4 a.m. on Sunday.

Mendoza was killed at about 6 a.m. that day.

The driver's cousins later told police that he went home about 10 a.m. to get some things in the house and left a few minutes after.

The driver is from a northern town and was staying with his cousins who live at the back of the Mendoza's house.

The other driver's name surfaced because of his reputation as a toughie in the area.

Cabancalan barangay Captain Coregidor Cosedo even ordered his tanods to check where this toughie driver was but they could not find him. (Correspondent Chito O. Aragon and Reporter Dale G. Israel, Cebu Daily News)

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The Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) on Tuesday assured that despite the economic downturn, contingents joining the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 18 will still receive financial assistance.

As with previous years, Cebu-based contingents would receive P50,000 in assistance while out-of-town contingents who have participated in the last three Sinulog festivals would be provided P100,000 each, said Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of SFI.

Organizers expect to have around the same number of contingents this year as last year – around 52. The final list of participants will be known on Wednesday.

Four of last year’s participants, however, will not be joining this year’s Sinulog. These are from Camiguin Province, and the cities of Surigao, San Carlos and Iligan.

Contingents from these provinces explained that they did not have enough time to prepare due to the long vacation, said Ballesteros.

There were also reports of “internal conflict” among these contingents, but Ballesteros said he did not know the details.

“We don’t exactly know what their reasons are, but some of them called us up and said they did not want to bring a contingent that was not competitive. Maybe their officials had other priorities,” Ballesteros said.

But there will be several newcomers to this year's celebration. These include contingents from the towns of Tacloban City and the towns of Abuyog and Dulag, all from Leyte Province; Borongan City in Eastern Samar; and the province of Lanao del Norte.

In last year’s Sinulog, 26 contingents joined the Sinulog-Based Category and another 26 joined the Free Interpretation Category.

All out-of-town contingents will be housed at the Abellana National High School, Cebu City Central School, Labangon National High School, Zapatera National High School, Rejero Memorial School and the Cebu City Sports Center.

Cebu City government will provide out-of-town contingents with transportation from their arrival at the port to their assigned housing.

No problems were foreseen for expenditures. Ballesteros said SFI has already hit 80 percent of its target P15 million for Sinulog sponsorships, and was optimistic that the target would be reached before the festival starts.

In addition, the Cebu City government has given SFI P8 million to help defray expenses for the Sinulog, bringing the total budget for this year to P23 million.

Preparations are continuing at the Cebu City Sports Center – where the Sinulog grand finale is scheduled to be held. The Polynesian-inspired stage at the sports center is around 85 percent complete, Ballesteros said.

While preparations for the main Sinulog event on January 18 are still underway, everything is ready for the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan this Saturday and Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan this Sunday, Ballesteros said.

For the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, 18 contingents will compete – 10 from elementary and eight from high school.

A total of 17 contingents will be competing in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan – eight from elementary and nine from high school.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is scheduled to attend the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Ballesteros said. (PDI)
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Two children were supposed to celebrate their birthdays together on Monday.

Instead Christoph Von Borstel, 10, and half sister Christy Mae Tabal, 5, were found dead inside their apartment on Escario Street, Cebu City.

Police said the children appear to have been suffocated by plastic bags placed around their heads.

The girl’s father, Felix Ortiz, was found hanging by his neck in the room.

Police are looking into the possibility that jealousy drove Ortiz to kill the children before committing suicide inside Room 211 of The Apartelle Suites in the Cebu Capitol Commercial Complex, Barangay (village) Camputhaw.

The children's mother, Bernardita Borstel, who arrived from Germany on December 27, found the bodies in the locked apartment. She had to ask the apartment manager to open the door with a spare key.

Ortiz, 35, a mechanical engineer had broken up with Bernardita, a widow, two years ago but the 38-year-old Cebuana continued to send financial support for their little daughter from Germany.

Ortiz arrived in Cebu from Surigao with Christy Mae on New Year’s Eve to meet Bernardita. They had not seen her since she left for Germany after the breakup.

Bernardita arrived in Cebu with Christoph, her son from her late German husband.

Senior Police Officer 2 Jay Yballe, Cebu City police homicide investigator, said Bernardita, who has German citizenship, would come home to Cebu often to visit her parents who live in the mountain barangay of Guba, Cebu City.

Bernardita had a relationship with Ortiz after her husband died but they never married. They had a daughter, Christy Mae, who was left in the care of her father when Bernardita went back to Germany.

Yballe said Ortiz and Bernardita planned to hold a double birthday celebration on Monday for the children.

Christy Mae turned five a few days ago, while Monday was Christoph's 10th birthday.

“It was supposed to be a joint celebration. But this happened,” Yballe said.

Bernardita said she left the Apartelle Suites about 7 p.m. on Sunday to visit her ailing mother in Guba. She came back about 7 a.m. on Monday but found the door of the apartment locked.

No one answered when she knocked.

Bernardita’s elder brother, Isabelo Tabal, called up relatives and they asked the management of the apartelle to open the door.

Inside, they found Ortiz hanging from a nylon cord tied by the window. The two children were found dead on the bed.

Police said the children may have been killed late Sunday evening, while Ortiz hanged himself early Monday morning.

An autopsy, however, would yield clearer answers.

There was no sign of a struggle inside the apartment. Neither did police find a suicide letter.

Yballe said Bernardita was in a state of shock and only told police the motive could be about personal matters.

Yballe said the police’s initial theory was Ortiz killed the two kids in a jealous rage over Bernardita’s decision to end their relationship and then hanged himself.

Although there were talks that Bernardita had a German companion in coming to Cebu, Yballe said the police could not confirm that.

Bernardita's sister-in-law Delia Tabal said Ortiz had asked Bernardita to stay in the Philippines but she refused and told him to look for another woman.

Another relative, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, said Ortiz could have been jealous after learning that Bernardita was in a relationship with another German who accompanied her to Cebu and was staying in another hotel.

Yballe said Bernardita told police that the last time she talked with Ortiz was about 7 p.m. on Sunday. There was no forewarning he would do this, she said.

She also told police that she and Ortiz did not argue and there was nothing out of the ordinary when she left the apartment that night.

Bernardita has German citizenship. She was married to a German — the father of Christoph — who had died.

When she went back to Cebu, Bernardita met and got into a relationship with Ortiz. The two had daughter Christy Mae but Bernardita left for Germany again, where she lived until she returned on December 27 supposedly to see her daughter whom she had not seen in two years.

Bernardita’s elder brother Isabelo Tabal, 43, said Ortiz was a good and quiet man.

While the two had broken up, Bernardita continued to send money to Ortiz for Christy Mae. She also bought a house and a lot for Ortiz in Surigao, said Isabelo.

Like his wife Delia, Isabelo said he too believed that jealousy might be motive in the killings. (Cebu Daily News)
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SURIGAO CITY, Jan. 5 (PNA) -– A huge number of passengers, including vacationists bound for Manila, Cebu and other parts of the country, were stranded at air and seaports here for the past two days due to tropical depression “Auring”, this was learned on Monday.

The cancellation of flights and vessels were strictly enforced by the Air Transportation Office and Philippine Coast Guard since last Friday due to continuous rainfall spawned by “Auring”.

Several passengers, mostly students and vacationists, were stranded at San Jose Seaport, Lipata Port Terminal, Surigao City Airport, Dapa Seaport and Dinagat Seaport.

“We cannot still determine the resumption of scheduled regular flights here because of continuing heavy rains,” said airport authorities.

It was learned that some of the vacationers already went to Butuan City to book for their flights.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco T. Matugas asked air and coast guard authorities to find means on how to help the stranded passengers at various ports in the city and nearby areas.

On the other hand, Northeastern Mindanao Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Dr. Blanche T. Gobenciong said that all disaster councils in the region are on alert due to “Auring” even as there has been no reported major effect of the first tropical cyclone to develop in the country this year.

The Surigao City Disaster Coordinating Council is already monitoring the effect of “Auring.”

PAGASA has raised public storm warning signal No. 1 the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands and Siargao Island.

All members of the disaster councils in the province have been dispatched to personally look the damage on infrastructure and agriculture, Matugas said.

Some roads in Surigao del Sur, particularly in Lanuza, and in Claver, Surigao del Norte were reported hit by landslides.

However, Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Romeo S. Momo said that Lanuza area and Claver and other roads hit by landslides in Surigao del Sur are already passable.

“Our ground engineers, technical men and workers along with earth-moving equipments were already on the ground to clear the debris due to landslides that blocked some roads in the region,” Momo said. (MUC/PNA)
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