25 ex-Red fighters surrender in NegOcc

BACOLOD CITY — A total of 25 former fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental yielded to military and police authorities in northern Negros on Saturday.

The group, operating in the boundaries of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto towns and San Carlos City, surrendered after months of localized peace negotiations, in a ceremony held at the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City.

They turned over their firearms and took an oath of allegiance to the Philippine government before Col. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade; Police Col. Romeo Baleros, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office; and Ma. Fatima Daiz, cluster leader of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Negros Occidental North.

Col. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, receives a surrendered firearm of a former rebel during the ceremony held at the Philippine Army’s 79^th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City on Saturday.
*Photo courtesy of 79^th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army*

The firearms included three M16 rifles, four Garand rifles, one M14 rifle, four shotguns, one .22-caliber Magnum rifle, one .38-caliver revolver, 12 .45-caliber pistols, two 9-mm submachine guns, 14 assorted rifle and pistol magazines loaded with ammunition, and two shotgun bandoleers with ammunition.

In a statement on Sunday, Lt. Col. Emilito Thaddeus Logan, commanding officer of 79IB, said the series of surrenders of former NPA rebels and their supporters can be attributed to the combined efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and concerned local government units.

These included the conduct of focused military operations, intelligence efforts, civil-military operations and reintegration efforts, and the implementation of peace and development programs, he added.

“The barangay officials also played an important role in urging the NPA rebels to give up violence. The Army recognizes their efforts and support to the localized peace talks initiated by the 303rd Infantry Brigade since November last year,” Logan said.

Arevalo said former rebels deserve another chance to lead normal lives after their surrender because they were only deceived by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front.

Police Lt. Col. Mario Baquiran Jr., commander of 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, said it is high time the rebels realize that they are just being used and fooled.

“The communist organizers and recruiters agitate them on various issues not meant to be resolved,” he added.

Personnel of the 79IB and the DILG will facilitate enrolment of the former rebels into the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Through the program, a former rebel is entitled to receive immediate assistance of PHP15,000; livelihood assistance, PHP50,000; firearms remuneration, PHP12,000 to PHP500,000; half-way house assistance; PhilHealth enrolment and medical assistance; education assistance; housing assistance; legal assistance; and healing and reconciliation initiatives. (PNA)

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063456

Bacolod karatekas shine in Batang Pinoy Visayas qualifiers

BACOLOD CITY — Karatedo players from Bacolod City bagged medals during the Batang Pinoy 2019 Visayas Qualifying Leg held in Iloilo City which ended Saturday.

Young karatekas of A.S.K. Franco Ryu, mentored by Ramon Antoniño Hector Franco and Stephanie Queen Franco, took home three gold, one silver, and six bronze medals.

Gold medalists were Chris Cholo Nicoli Salcedo, 8- 9 years old boys’ category of intermediate kata; Joy Tubongbanua, 14-15 years old girls’ individual kumite; and Zyrhon Vallejera, 14-15 years old boys kumite.

Glayden Jhon Gregorio, meanwhile, took the silver in 12-13 years old girls intermediate kata.

Bacolod City’s Chris Cholo Nicoli Salcedo (center) wins gold in the 8-9 years old boys category of intermediate kata during the Batang Pinoy 2019 Visayas Qualifying Leg held in Iloilo City. *Contributed photo*

Double bronze medalists were Margueritte Therese Cala-or in 10-11 years old girls’ kumite and advance kata and Hannah Damasco 14-15 years old girls’ intermediate kata and kumite.

Shanzel Vallejera and Bryce TJ Mendones pocketed bronze each in the 8-9 years old girls’ novice kata and 12-13 years old boys’ intermediate kata, respectively.

Also winning medals for Bacolod were the karatekas of Karate Fighting System trained by Randy Mengullo and Elan Delfin.

The girls’ team was bannered by Paulaine Miyu Kalaw who brought home two gold medals in 8-9 years old advance kata and kumite while Shifra Medina captured silvers in 14-15 years old intermediate kata and -47 kgs. kumite.

Medina, with Nichole Margarett Piamonte and Adah Keira Gorriceta, also won silver in team kata.

Piamonte took silver while Gorriceta pocketed bronze in 12-13 years old kumite.

Meanwhile Denisse Martina Atesora was also a bronze medalist in the 10-11 year-old intermediate kata.

In the boys’ category, Carlo Barias and Cziane Cedric Dawa bagged two bronze medals each in advance kata and intermediate kata, and in team kata along with Zohann Francis Kalaw in 8-9 years old category.

The winners in the Visayas Qualifying Leg will compete in the Batang Pinoy 2019 National Finals in October. (PNA)

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063442

NegOcc studying to boost livestock, poultry sector

BACOLOD CITY — The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) here continues to explore measures to further develop the livestock and poultry sector in Negros Occidental.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said in a statement on Friday that they hold monthly consultative meetings as part of the initiatives of the provincial government to produce more livestock and poultry products.

The latest meeting was held last February 27 in Victorias City and attended by PVO personnel, city veterinarians, municipal agriculturists and livestock technicians.

“We are banking on the active participation of all stakeholders involved in livestock and poultry production,” Decena said.

The Provincial Veterinary Office initiates a cattle fattening project through the Negros First Ranch in Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia town to boost livelihood opportunities for Negrense raisers.
*File photo from PVO-Negros Occidental*

He added that the consultative meetings also underscore the animal diversification and livelihood program of the province.

The strategic framework involves five major commodities such as black pigs, dairy and beef cattle, broiler production, layer and free-range chicken.

In line with the upcoming “Panaad sa Negros Festival” in April, the PVO will also hold various activities like live animal exhibits and other programs that required the cooperation of local government units.

Moreover, the PVO veterinarians also gained knowledge boost with their participation in the recently-held 86th Scientific Conference and Annual Convention in Iloilo City.

Decena led the delegation from the province during the three-day event organized by the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA), where they learned new techniques about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of different animal diseases.

They also got updates on emerging and re-emerging animal diseases, including African Swine fever, that could cause significant impact to the livestock and poultry industry.

The PVO said one of the major concerns faced by veterinary professionals is the development of antimicrobial resistance due to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in food animals, where standard treatments become ineffective, infection persists, and creates the possibility of spreading.

The PVMA aims to develop measures to avoid the further emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance and strengthen the implementation of policies on responsible use of antibiotics in veterinary practice, it added.(PNA)

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063408

5 nabbed, over P600-K in ‘shabu’ seized in Bacolod City

BACOLOD CITY — Operatives of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) seized PHP612,500 worth of suspected shabu and arrested five suspects in two separate buy-busts in this city on Friday.

Police Colonel Henry Biñas, officer-in-charge of BCPO, said the successful operations showed the intensified campaign of the operating units against all forms of criminality in the city.

“We remain steadfast in our mandate to stop the crimes especially the illegal drug trade,” he said in a statement.

Operatives of Police Station 3 arrest four suspects who yield 10 sachets of shabu with an estimated value of PHP462,500 at Sitio Sibucao, Barangay Banago in Bacolod City on Friday (March 1, 2019).
*Photo courtesy of Bacolod City Police Office*

The first operation conducted by Police Station 3 led to the arrest of John Francis Potoza, 32, in Sitio Sibucao, Barangay Banago.

Potoza was caught red-handed selling the prohibited substance to an undercover cop at about 12:15 a.m.

Three others, Ernie Poja, 41; Ely John Bandiola, 36; and Butch Amaro, 30, were also apprehended.

The suspects yielded 10 sachets of shabu with an estimated value of PHP462,500, along with the PHP500 buy-bust money, and drug paraphernalia.

Almost two hours later, Jerish Christian Sarno, was arrested by operatives of Police Station 1 at corner Gonzaga-Bonifacio Streets after he sold PHP500 worth of shabu to a police poseur-buyer.

Sarno, 23, also yielded 20 sachets of shabu valued at PHP150,000.

All five suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 before the City Prosecutor’s Office. (PNA)

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063412

Hundreds of Negrense leaders, advocates mark Women’s Month

BACOLOD CITY — Some 500 women leaders and advocates in Negros Occidental joined the opening activity for the observance of the National Women’s Month at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central here on Friday.

The event, spearheaded by the Provincial Council for Women (PCW)-Negros Occidental, highlighted the theme “Agenda ni Juana and Making Change Work for Women”.

Lawyer Andrea Lizares-Si, chairperson of PCW, said 2019 is a milestone for PCW, which is also celebrating the 25th year of its creation through Provincial Ordinance 54, Series of 1994.

This year’s activities include the initiatives on the establishment of gender and development (GAD) database, assessment of GAD mainstreaming in the local government units, and a panel discussion on what women want from candidates and elected officials.

At least 500 Negrense women gather at the opening activity of the National Women’s Month celebration organized by the Provincial Council for Women-Negros Occidental at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City on Friday (March 1, 2019).
*Photo courtesy of Philippine Information Agency-Negros Occidental*

Sixth District Board Member Helen Zafra, in her message during the program, said the provincial government ensures that all local government units are gender-responsive, recognize and enhance the capabilities of both men and women to contribute and benefit from this development.

“I urge all local government units to promote gender responsive policies and mandate non-discriminatory equity measures that will enable women’s participation in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policies and plans of the local government,” said Zafra, who chairs the Provincial Board’s committee on women and children.

She also called on the women leaders to renew their commitment and reignite their advocacy.

“Let us be inspired in what we have achieved so far as well as be encouraged to continue to work for a society where men and women are given equal opportunities, and where discrimination and abuse no longer exist,” the provincial official added.

Moreover, Si discussed the Gender Responsive Local Government Unit or GeRL Ka Ba Self-Assessment advocated by the PCW and the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO).

The program will be used by the component cities and municipalities of the province, with the assistance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, to check the level of GAD mainstreaming in their respective localities.

Marie June Pavillar-Castro, former PCW chair and current adviser, gave a briefing on the Barangay GAD Database survey initiative of the PPDO, led by its chief Ma. Lina Sanogal, and the Liga ng mga Barangay headed by Board Member Juvy Pepello. (PNA)

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063370

W. Visayas wage board to decide on ‘kasambahay’ pay hike

BACOLOD CITY — The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Western Visayas (RTWPB-6) is set to deliberate on the proposals to increase the wage of household workers or “kasambahay” after conducting two public hearings.

The second and last public hearing was held in this city on Thursday amid oppositions to the proposal.

Wennie Sancho, labor representative to the RTWPB-6, said a group proposed to place under status quo the current monthly salary rate of domestic workers in the region.

In Iloilo City on Tuesday, some groups also objected to the increase and moved for the same proposal, he said.

Wage Order No. 2, which lapsed last December 8, prescribed a minimum wage rate of PHP3,500 per month for domestic workers in Western Visayas.

The order removed the classification of “kasambahay” since all are now entitled to receive the same wage rate regardless of whether they are working in cities or different classes of municipalities.

Sancho said other proposals include a PHP500 and a PHP1,000 increase per month, wherein the latter was pushed by non-government organization and labor advocate “Voice of the Free”, formerly the “Visayan Forum”.

“The wage board will consolidate the results of the public hearings during the two deliberations scheduled before March 15,” he said.

Sancho added the RTWPB-6 is expected to make a decision by the middle of the month.

In Wage Order No. 1, domestic workers in cities and first-class municipalities were prescribed to receive PHP2,500 per month while those in other towns were entitled to get PHP2,000.

The salary of domestic workers in cities and first-class municipalities increased by PHP1,000 per month, and those in other towns, PHP1,500 as provided in Wage Order No. 2.

Under the new proposal, the increase may range from PHP500 to PHP1,000 per month.

If approved, all household workers in Western Visayas will be entitled to get a monthly wage of up to PHP4,500. (PNA)

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063313

Land dev’t of Megaworld’s posh village in Bacolod completed

BACOLOD CITY — Property giant Megaworld Corp. has started the turnover of lots to property owners in the Forbes Hill, its first luxury village venture outside Metro Manila situated at the boundary of the cities of Bacolod and Talisay in Negros Occidental.

During a media tour Thursday, Harold Geronimo, Megaworld senior assistant vice president and head of public relations and media affairs; and Rachelle Peñaflorida, Megaworld Bacolod vice president for sales and marketing, announced the completion of the land development in the 15-hectare premier residential project.

“Once we turn over the lots to them, they can start building their homes. Most of the prime lots are gone,” Peñaflorida said.

The completion of the land development includes the clubhouse, sitting on an almost one-hectare land, and the giant fountain and garden in front of the entrance.

Harold Geronimo (left), Megaworld senior assistant vice president and head of public relations and media affairs; Rachelle Peñaflorida, Megaworld Bacolod vice president for sales and marketing; and Megaworld Bacolod construction manager Glenn Tejada (right) introduce Forbes Hill, the property giant’s first luxury village venture outside Metro Manila, during a media tour Thursday afternoon (Feb. 28, 2019).
*Photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver*

“We are very excited to finally complete this phase of the project and welcome the future residents of Forbes Hill here. We take pride in offering opulence and exclusivity to our elite circle of residents from this wonderful province,” Peñaflorida said.

She added that they will build two model houses this month that will serve as pegs to the modern contemporary theme set for homes to be built in the exclusive community.

Geronimo said the village only has 197 available residential lots, which costs between PHP20,000 and PHP22,000 per square meter, and each lot ranges from 449 square meters to 861 square meters.

“It will have underground cabling system for power and utility lines. Residents of the Forbes Hill will also be treated to unobstructed views of the mountain ranges in Negros,” he added.

Forbes Hill is part of the 53-hectare Northill Gateway located along the Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road.

The Northill Town Center, an expansive commercial retail development by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, will also rise just a short distance away from Forbes Hill.

The Bacolod Welcome Park, unveiled last November, is also connected to the Northill Town Center.

“Within the next three years, you will see this new lifestyle district rising in this side of Bacolod, a perfect stopover especially to tourists and visitors coming to and from the airport,” Peñaflorida said.

Megaworld Corp. is investing at least PHP35 billion for its two township development projects, spanning 87 hectares, in Negros Occidental.

Aside from the Northill Gateway, it is also developing the 34-hectare Upper East township project in Bacolod. (PNA)

172 ARBs installed in northern Negros city

BACOLOD CITY — A total of 172 farmer-beneficiaries have been installed by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Negros Occidental-North in two landholdings at Cadiz City for February.

As of Thursday, the agency reported the installation of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Barangays Mabini and Jerusalem under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

In Mabini, 109 ARBs were installed on February 21 on the property previously owned by Bernadette Gustilo, among others, covering 44.6447 hectares.

A total of 109 farmer-beneficiaries were recently installed on a property in Barangay Mabini in Cadiz City by the Department of Agrarian Reform in Negros Occidental-North.
*Contributed Photo*

Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Jessan Saquian said in a statement the installation is proof that the DAR is implementing the program mandated by the government as a measure to improve the lives of farmer-beneficiaries.

“Raise issues and concerns on land reform to the authorized agency, which is the DAR,” he told the farmer-beneficiaries.

Last February 13, the DAR in Negros Occidental-North also installed 63 ARBs in Barangay Jerusalem a day after they received their certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs).

The farmer-beneficiaries were given titles to almost 58 hectares of landholdings that used to belong to Honey Lopez Panganiban.

Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Antonida Yulo oriented the farmers about their rights and obligations as new landowners under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

Village councilman Ariel De Erit called on the farmer-beneficiaries to live in unity and harmony, and make their awarded lands productive to improve their lives. (PNA)

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063198

NegOcc diocese ‘shocked’ by sexual abuse rap vs. priest

BACOLOD CITY — The Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidental has expressed sadness and shock over the sexual abuse accusation faced by one of its parish priests in Cadiz City.

“We are greatly saddened and shocked that a young child is alleged to have been molested by one of our clergy,” Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said in a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Diocese of San Carlos Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services on Thursday.

Alminaza issued the statement after the Cadiz City Police Station Women and Children Protection Desk on Wednesday filed a rape complaint before the Cadiz City Prosecutor’s Office against the priest for allegedly molesting a four-year-old girl.

Although the statement acknowledged the incident, the bishop did not name the priest, who has already been relieved from his assignment.

“I have assigned a priest to take over temporarily the shepherding of the parish concerned,” he said.

This will “give the accused time to spiritually prepare himself to face the allegations and to give way for an impartial investigation,” he added.

Alminaza, however, said they are “not hiding the accused to protect him from the charges.”

“We are proceeding with our own canonical process as dictated by church law by providing pastoral care to the accused while allowing the legal process to take its course,” the bishop said.
He also said that while the Diocese of San Carlos “acknowledges the right of the accused to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise,” they are also “steadfast to assist the victim and cooperate in the process so the truth will come out and justice is served.”

Alminaza described the incident as “painful” which “creates a deep wound and hurt not only to the victim and the victim’s family but also to the communities and to the entire clergy of the Diocese of San Carlos.”

The bishop said they have also reached out to the family of the minor.

“We assure the family that we are concerned that their child is given proper care and intervention and we have asked our parish leaders to reach out to them on our behalf,” he said.

Alminaza added the Diocese of San Carlos is “committed to search for truth and to make sure the process will be fair and just to both parties and whoever is responsible will have to face the consequences.”

Chief Insp. Robert Mansueto, officer-in-charge of Cadiz City Police Station, said in a media interview that the girl’s mother informed them on February 23 that her daughter was sexually abused by the priest on February 8.

The mother, who serves as the parish secretary, would usually bring her daughter to the church, but eventually the girl seemed hesitant to go with her.

According to the police, medical results showed the victim was negative of laceration. However, the incident can still be considered as rape since there was a reported sexual assault involving the girl’s private part, it added. (PNA)

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063192

2K mangroves planted in northern Negros coastal village

BACOLOD CITY — At least 2,000 mangrove buds (propagules) were planted in the coastline of Barangay Tomongtong in E.B. Magalona during the activity led by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Negros Occidental-North on Tuesday.

Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Ignacio Cabayao Jr. said they initiated the mangrove-planting to support the government’s Expanded National Greening Program.

About 120 participants led by employees of DAR Negros Occidental-North joined the activity, with partners from the Community Environment and Natural Resources-Bago, Municipal Government of E.B. Magalona and Tomongtong Elementary School.

Participants of the mangrove tree-planting activity led by the Department of Agrarian Reform in Negros Occidental-North in Barangay Tomongtong, E.B. Magalona on Tuesday (Feb. 26, 2019).
*Contributed Photo*

Cabayao urged the participating sectors to help raise awareness on the preservation and conservation of the environment.

“We only have one planet earth — one world. It is our earth. Our home,” he said.

Tomongtong village chief Haydiginia Bendicion expressed her appreciation to all participants.

She said there is a need to rehabilitate the coastal area since some of the previously planted mangrove saplings have been swept by the water.

Tomongtong is famous for its abundant supply of blue crabs.

E.B. Magalona is Negros Occidental’s biggest producer of blue crab meat, with an export capacity of about five to 10 tons per year. (PNA)

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063058