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Five barker vehicles of UNA candidates in Bulacan gutted by mysterious fire
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 30 (PNA) -- Police and arson experts here are investigating a mysterious fire that gutted five campaign vehicles (barkers) of local candidates of the United Nationalists Alliance (UNA)in this city early Tuesday morning.
Former city councilor and UNA–Malolos spokesman Dennis San Diego said that two barkers of UNA mayoral candidate and former city mayor Danilo “Danny” Domingo, two barkers of city councilor candidate Vino Mercado and one barker for the city’s UNA ticket were all gutted by a mysterious fire that broke out at around 2:00 a.m. in a compound in Barangay Lugam here.
San Diego said they are still awaiting the results of the investigations conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Malolos City Police Station.
He said the five vehicles, two elf pick-up trucks and Tamiya pick-up trucks, were parked at the compound’s garage at around 8:30 Monday night after a house- to- house sorties of the local candidates of UNA in Barangays Balite and Dakila earlier in the day.
He said that the vehicles would usually leave the garage for the sorties of UNA mayoral bet Domingo and his team in the different villages of the city.
He said that all their campaign vehicles are properly checked regularly and are in tiptop conditions.
The fire also destroyed the sound systems attached in the burned vehicles.
When asked if there is foul play or if politics is involved, San Diego said that "I hope it was not because politics is just one day and should not be tainted with violence."
He said that the loss of their five vehicles will affect the campaign sorties because they have to replace it in order to continue their campaign in the different villages of the city.
"It was an unfortunate incident. But we will continue
1,500 bikers join pitch for H.O.P.E. 2013
MALOLOS, Bulacan, April 28 (PNA) -- An estimated 1,500 cyclists joined together on Sunday to promote honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE) through the “7th Takbulacan” fun biking event.
Takbulacan is organized by SALIKA Foundation, Inc. which intends to promote camaraderie among Bulakeños through volunteerism, charity and unity. This also serves as an information campaign to support secure and fair elections.
Meanwhile, different cyclist groups from Luzon participated in the event which started at 5 in the morning.
According to Wilfredo Barroquillo Jr. of SALIKA Foundation, they did not expect the turnout of participants. He said that there were more participants this quarter and most of them were not able to have a cycling jersey because it was already out of stock.
The fun biking event started from two staging points; from Marcelo H. Del Pilar Shrine in Bulakan, Bulacan and the other is from the Grotto Vista Resort in San Jose del Monte City.
All cyclists have completed the route by 9 a.m. and met in the end point at Bulacan Sports Complex, Sta. Isabel, Malolos, Bulacan.
Celso Pangan, a 78-year-old cyclist, was awarded for being the oldest biking enthusiast in the league.
Through the help of Philippine National Police (PNP), the event has successfully achieved its goal and has secured the safety and protection of every biker.
Funds collected from the event will go to SALIKA Foundation’s program such as scholarship, medical mission and livelihood projects. (PNA)
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Police, students, teachers join TakBulacan 2013 for honest, orderly and peaceful elections
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 28 (PNA) -- Some 800 bike enthusiasts, including policemen, students and teachers, joined the 7th leg of TakBulacan 2013 on Sunday morning.
The event kicked off from the Marcelo H. Del Pilar Shrine in Bulakan town and from the Grotto Shrine in San Jose del Monte City and culminated at the Malolos Sports Complex in barangay Sta.Isabel here.
Organized by the Salika foundation and in coordination with the provincial government of Bulacan, the Philippine Councilors League and other government agencies, the fun biking event was conducted for honest, orderly and peaceful elections (H.O.P.E.) in the province.
Wilfredo Barroquillo of Salika Foundation said the event was successful in conveying to the public the importance of H.O.P.E.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Joel S. Orduna, said the event does not only help the police and the Commission on Elections (Comlec) in getting public support to ensure the conduct of an honest, orderly and peaceful elections but is also good for the health and physical fitness of the public especially policemen.
All of us want to have an honest, orderly and peaceful elections. Our policemen are always prepared, on guard and ready to respond to ensure SAFE elections, Orduna said.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy. Alvarado, for his part, said the fun biking event will help boost the information campaign that aims to achieve the conduct of H.O.P.E. in the province. (PNA)
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(Lead) 11 NPAs conducting “permit to campaign” sorties in Bulacan captured
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, April 27 (PNA) -- Government forces Saturday arrested 11 suspected members of the communist New People’s Army while conducting “permit to campaign” operations on politicians running in the May 13 midterm elections.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Joel Orduna said joint forces of the Philippine Army and the Bulacan Police Provincial Office captured 11 alleged NPA members during a series of internal security operations in Sitio Sapang Linao, Barangay Kabayunan, Dona Remedios Trinidad town early Saturday morning.
Orduna said the joint operations were conducted after receiving reports that heavily armed men , believed to be NPA members, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, were sighted in the said mountain village in Dona Remedios Trinidad.
The arrested alleged NPA members were identified as Rodolfo Cruz, 65, resident of barangay Bigte, Norzagaray town; Rico Vicene, 43, a resident of San Jose del Monte City;
Cyrhyl dela Cruz,19, resident of barangay Tibagan, Jayson Valmadrid, 25, a resident of barangay San Juan, Randy Puno, 33, Josefino Lupanco, 34, Angel Cabrera, 48; Alberto dela Cruz, 24, all of barangay Salangan, San Miguel town;
Graciano dela Cruz, Billy Asuncion and William Asuncion.
The last three suspects were arrested in a follow- up operations, Orduna said.
Confiscated from the suspects were three caliber .45 with three magazine assembly; four hand grenade; one 12 gauge shotgun with six live bullets; subversive documents , medical kits and personal belongings.
Maj. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, commander of the 7th ID of the Philippine Army, said the government forces also seized from the three other suspects during the follow up operation three M-16 rifles with 9 magazines and 200 bullets; two M-14 rifles with 10 magazines and 181 pieces of live ammunition and one Mitsubishi Delica Van without plate number.
Catapang said the three suspected NPA members were on board the Delica van when they were intercepted by army and police troops.
He said the government forces are now intensifying their internal security operations to neutralize the armed-mulcting operations of communist rebels.
He called on the people to help the government forces by reporting the presence of armed groups in their areas and help them make the coming elections peaceful and orderly.
He added the world is now watching the country if it can hold peaceful elections.
Supt. Fitz Macariola, operations chief of the BPPO, said the arrested suspects were distributing solicitation letters to politicians running in the coming May 13 elections.
The suspects are now in the custody of the Bulacan police while appropriate charges are being readied against them. (PNA)
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11 rebels captured, 13 firearms seized in Bulacan
By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA, April 27 (PNA) - The Armed Forces announced Saturday field units have captured 11 members of the New People’s Army and recovered 13 high-powered firearms and explosives in a security operations in a remote village in Bulacan Friday morning.
At about 4:30 a.m., the 56th Infantry Battalion received information from civilians on the presence of around 30 fully-armed members of the NPA at Sitio Mahangin and Sitio Sapang Linao of Barangay Kabayunan in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.
According to the report, the armed group has been sending permit-to-campaign letters to the local political candidates in the area.
Upon receipt of the report, the battalion, in coordination with the local police units, organized a joint task-group to catch the armed men and prevent them from conducting terroristic activities against civilians.
Initially, the troops captured eight NPA members and recovered three caliber 45, four hand grenades, and one shot gun including subversive documents and paramedic medical instruments.
This led to a follow-up operation later that day which resulted in the capture of three more rebels and the recovery of two M-14 carbines and three M-16 rifles.
The arrested NPA members and the confiscated firearms and other items were transported to Bulacan Provincial Police Office for proper documentation and filing of criminal charges.
Last February, the AFP has received information that rebels have been sending their “rates,” specifically those in Northern Luzon and in Eastern Visayas.
The AFP appeals to the general public to be extra vigilant.
It is usually during the election season that the NPA exploits the political ambition of certain candidates by vigorously imposing this scheme.
Records show that in 2012, the NPA collected a total P25, 005,000 through their extortion activities, and in 2011, the rebels generated an income of at least P300 million which they derived from extortion activities against companies and other big businesses nationwide. (PNA)
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Bulacan Comelec chief calls for amendment of Omnibus Election Code
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 19 (PNA) -- Bulacan's Commission on Elections (Comelec) supervisor Elmo Duque on Friday called on lawmakers to amend salient provisions of the Omnibus Election Code in a bid to give the poll body more teeth in enforcing them.
Duque made the call during the Kapihan 2013 leg of the Bulacan Press Club at the Maharlika Hall of Club Royale Resort here where he, together with Supt. Fitz Macariola of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, come-backing Guiguinto Mayor Ambrocio “Boy” Cruz Jr, Fr. Darz Cabral and Bro. Arvin Jimenez of the Commission on Social Communications of the Diocese of Malolos (CSCDM), were the guest panelists of the breakfast forum.
Cruz rival incumbent Guiguinto Mayor Isagani Pascual made a “no-show” at the said forum.
The Bulacan poll supervisor said that among the provisions that need to be addressed is the one concerning vote buying.
He said that authorities are doing their jobs in ensuring honest, orderly and peaceful elections but there are still some provisions that are hard to enforce.
“There are provisions that cannot be applied like in vote buying. There is none yet and it is indeed difficult to file charges against those who violated," he said.
Under the law, he said the erring candidate and the voter selling the vote are both liable but the case is very hard to prove due to evidence.
”Who will stand witness on the case of presumed vote buying? Since both are liable, it is impossible to obtain hard evidence to prosecute them,” Duque said adding that it is high time for the next batch of lawmakers to make amendments to some provisions of the Omnibus Election Code. (PNA)
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Death toll in Bulacan fireworks shop blast rises to 2
BOCAUE, Bulacan, April 19 (PNA) -- The death toll from the series of powerful explosions that rocked a fireworks shop in Barangay Duhat here Thursday afternoon rose to two.
Police identified the second fatality as Adrian Paul Gray. He died while undergoing treatment at a local hospital here.
The first fatality was earlier identified as Larry Olano.
Two of their co-workers at the Ollie’s Fireworks owned by one Veronica Cardenas were being treated for burns. They were identified as Ramilito Lunquinas and Cerilo Fernandez.
Arson investigators said that a loud explosion was followed by another Thursday afternoon at the mixing area of the fireworks shop.
An official of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association said that accidental mixing of chemicals at fireworks stall is a common cause of explosions.(PNA)
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Bulacan cops keeping watch on 3 towns, 1 city as possible areas of concern in the May 13 elections
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 19 (PNA) -- Police are keeping a tight watch on three Bulacan towns and one city as probable areas of concern with regards to the conduct of May 13 national and local elections in this province.
Supt. Fitz Macariola of the operations branch of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office identified the towns of San Miguel, San Rafael, San Ildefonso, all in the province's third congressional district, and the City of San Jose del Monte as among the possible areas where election related incidents could occur.
According to Macariola, Bulacan police acting provincial director Senior Supt. Joel Orduna has sent additional police troops from the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) in the said areas to augment the local police force that would ensure the conduct of peaceful and orderly elections.
Macariola said that those areas were identified as possible areas of concern due to previous election-related incidents.
He also told local newsmen during the Kapihan 2013 of the Bulacan Press Club at the Club Royale Resort here, the Bulacan police have apprehended violators of the gun ban.
He also said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are constantly monitoring certain areas in the northeastern part of Bulacan for the presence of armed groups.
Macariola also said that the Bulacan police are also closely watching towns and cities in the province where there are reports of intense political rivalries among candidates in the upcoming elections.
Bulacan elections supervisor Elmo Duque said that at the moment there are no report so far on the “permit to campaign” taxation scheme of leftist guerrillas in the province.(PNA)
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One killed, two injured in Bulacan fireworks factory blast
By Zorayda S. Tecson
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 18 (PNA) -- At least one worker was killed and two others were wounded in an explosion in a fireworks factory in Barangay Duhat, Bocaue town of Bulacan province Thursday.
Senior Supt. Joel Orduna, Bulacan police chief, said the incident took place around 1:40 p.m.
The fatality was identified as 28-year-old Larry Alano.
Alano’s co-workers Adrian Paul Gray and Ramilito Lunquinas were injured and undergoing treatment at the Mt. Carmel Hospital.
Orduna said that based on initial investigation, the explosion started at the mixing area of the factory owned by one Veronica Cardenas.
He said further investigation was being conducted to determine what caused the explosion that led to a fire.
He said the fire was put out before 3 p.m. (PNA)
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Bulacan's 72 wanted persons fall
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 16 (PNA) -- The Bulacan Police Provincial Office has arrested 72 persons with warrants of arrest in operations in the province for March.
Senior Supt. Joel Orduña, BPPO officer-in-charge, said the apprehensions were part of Bulacan PNP’s continuous conduct of manhunt operations against persons with warrants of arrest in the province.
Part of the focus of police anti-criminality strategy is to get rid the province of criminals and misfits, he said.
Likewise, he said the move is also in response to the directive of Police Regional Office 3 to intensify manhunt operations against wanted persons in the region.
The San Jose del Monte city police station has the most number of arrests reported in March with 10 persons, followed by Baliwag municipal police station and Malolos City police station with seven arrested individuals each.
The Malolos City police station, headed by Supt. David Poklay, also arrested the no. 6 most wanted person in the city.
The Meycauayan police station nabbed six fugitives, Guinguinto with five and Calumpit and Marilao both with four;
The police stations of Hagonoy, Norzagaray, Obando, Pulilan, San Ildefonso, San Rafael and Provincial Public Safety Company have each three captured suspects.
Angat, Balagtas, Bocaue, Pandi, Paombong, Plaridel, Sta. Maria and Provincial Intelligence Branch, on the other hand, arrested one each.
Orduña said the suspects are facing various criminal charges, including murder, rape and violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
He credited their accomplishments to the active involvement of various communities during their operations. (PNA)
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PPCRV says members can campaign for candidates provided they take leave -- By Ferdinand G. Patinio
MANILA, April 9 (PNA) -- Members of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) can campaign for their candidates in the May 13 polls but they need to temporary leave their jobs in the organization.
“The moment they campaign actively for a candidate they take a leave first. That is not our rules of engagement so to speak,” PPCRV chairperson Henrietta de Villa said in a forum in Manila on Tuesday.
She cited the case of some of their parish priest coordinators in Malolos, Bulacan that already said that they will not be able to participate in the activities of the poll watchdog in the forthcoming elections.
‘They cited the heat in the campaign among their local candidates as reason for this and so to avoid that they said they won’t be as active in the PPCRV for the meantime,” the PPCRV head added.
She noted that the job in the PPCRV is voluntary and they do not force anyone to work with them.
“We don’t force anyone here. This is voluntary. Anybody can leave PPCRV anytime if they wish to do some other work as election,” de Villa added.
On the other hand, she said that they are planning on how to go about with their work in the Archdiocese of Lipa after the latter announced that they will no longer work with the Church-based poll watchdog.
“We respect their decision and we are already thinking of a way on how we can still go about in monitoring Batangas…Hopefully, with God’s grace we can come up with a plan,” De Villa said.
Aside from the PPCRV, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) also accredited the National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), One Vote and the C-CARE as its citizens’ arms in the May polls. (PNA)
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President Aquino declares April 23 as a special non-working day in Plaridel, Bulacan in celebration of Battle of Quingua
MANILA, April 4 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared April 23, which falls on a Tuesday, as a special (non-working) day in the municipality of Plaridel in Bulacan in commemoration of the “Battle of Quingua.”
The Chief Executive issued the declaration by virtue of Proclamation No. 558 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on March 7, to give the people of Plaridel the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion.
The Battle of Quingua was fought on April 23, 1899 in Quingua (now Plaridel, Bulacan) during the Philippine-American War. A reconnaissance mission under Major Franklin Bell was attacked by a strong Filipino force under Gregorio del Pilar.
The battle was one of the most significant victories of the Filipinos during the war. (PNA)
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Cessna plane makes emergency landing in Bulacan
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, April 2 (PNA)-- A Cessna plane made an emergency landing in a rice field at Sitio Tulakan, Barangay Tabon, Pulilan, Bulacan on Tuesday morning.
Senior Supt. Joel Orduna, Bulacan police provincial director, in a report here said the Cessna plane with body number RP-C-8220 was forced to make emergency landing at around 10:15 a.m. after experiencing engine trouble.
No one was hurt, the police report said.
The plane is being operated by Capt. Don Earl Lourenz Hinayon 24, a flight instructor and resident of Lipa City, Batangas.
Hinayon was accompanied by a certain Iowis, an Indonesian national and a student pilot of Edge International Aviation Academy.
Investigation disclosed that the plane took off at Plaridel airstrip at around 9:35 a.m.
After a while, the plane experienced engine trouble that prompted the pilot to make an emergency landing, the police said.
The plane sustained minor damages.(PNA)
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CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, April 2 (PNA) -- At least 18 people were hurt when a pickup truck smashed into a bus on the northbound lane of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) in Bulacan shortly after midnight Monday.
In a report reaching here, the pickup truck hit the Santrans bus bound for San Jose del Monte City at around 11:30 p.m.
At this juncture, the bus driver lost control of the steering wheel, causing the bus to tip over, the police report said.
The injured victims were taken to the various hospitals in Bulacan.
Initial investigation showed that the pickup truck and the Santrans Bus were traveling north when the pickup truck swerved and then hit the bus.
Police are verifying information that the pickup's driver was drunk at the time.(PNA)
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Bulacan capitol to strengthen sports development programs
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 1 (PNA) -- The provincial government will strengthen its sport development programs to further hone the skills of Bulakenyo athletes.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the provincial government, through the Provincial Youth, Sports, Employment, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office, would conduct more sports trainings to provide the Bulakenyo athletes the best opportunity to develop their physical well-being, compete and excel and carve a name not only in the regional but also in national and international sports arena.
"There are trainings that have been scheduled for our ahtletes to ensure that they would continuously excel in any sporting events," Alvarado said.
Bulacan emerged as an overall champion for 22nd time in the recent 2013 Central Luzon Regional Athletics Association (CLRAA).
The 399 elementary and secondary Bulakenyo athletes took home 114 gold, 87 silver and 80 bronze medals.
The sports events where the Bulacan excelled include table tennis, arnis, badminton, taekwondo, volleyball, lawn tennis, swimming, boxing, chess, athletics, basketball and softball.
Aside from medals, the Bulakenyo athletes also received plaques and cash prizes.
Bulacan was also awarded as the Most Disciplined Team in CLRAA.
The athletes who won first place in their respective sports events in CLRAA will represent the region in the Palarong Pambansa to be held in Dumaguete City on April 22-26 of this year. (PNA)
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Our Lady of Lourdes grotto in Bulacan revisited (Feature)
By Severino C. Samonte
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan, March 30 (PNA) -- Two scores and eight years after its opening to the public, the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Shrine here continues to attract many Catholic devotees, especially during the Holy Week -- the blazing summer sun despite.
Situated 30 kms northeast of Manila and just beyond the boundary of this city and Novaliches in the old capital, the 48-year-old grotto was opened for public veneration on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on Feb. 11, 1965.
Since then, thousands of pilgrims have been flocking to the shrine to pray and offer flowers and candles to the Our Lady of Lourdes, giving thanks for prayers answered and favors received and mediating in front of the Stations of the Cross on the Rosary Hill.
The number of visitors usually peak during the Holy Week, particularly on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.
Mrs. Marietta G. Guanzon-Holmgren, president of the Grotto Shrine Foundation Inc., said at least 1.5 million devotees from Luzon and nearby Visayas provinces flocked to the shrine between Palm Sunday and Good Friday this year.
She told the Philippines News Agency on Good Friday afternoon that thousands more of pilgrims were expected to visit on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday.
The shrine was a project of the religious couple Horacio Guanzon and Anita Guidote-Guanzon, who hailed from known and wealthy families from Pampanga aas well as Bulacan and Nueva Ecija.
But they chose to make this former town and later a city as their permanent home.
According to Marietta G. Guanzon-Holmgren’s book “The Grotto Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Philippines,” her mother Anita decided to build the grotto shrine on the family-owned 20-hectare land in San Jose del Monte.
Building it was an act of thanksgiving for her having been cured miraculously of cancer after a pilgrimage to the town of Lourdes in southwestern France in 1961.
The well-known story of the grotto shrine started with the Guanzon family matriarch Anita being diagnosed to have cancer of the uterus in 1961 and given by her doctors only six months to live.
She went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France on June 29, 1961, accompanied by her husband and one of their daughters.
She came home cured of cancer in September of the same year and lived three decades more until she died in March 1990.
She left the management of the grotto to her eldest daughter, Marietta, whose attention is now focused on the completion of another project.
That project was started by her parents before they died – the construction of a basilica that resembles the one in Lourdes, France.
Lourdes, a small town, is 795 kms south of Paris in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains which receives more than 5 million pilgrims and tourists each year because of a set of visions reported by a young girl named Bernadette in 1858.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes incorporates 52 hectares of property and 22 places of worship, including the sacred grotto, two basilicas, and a variety of buildings for pilgrims and the sick.
The grotto shrine’s existing attractions in this city include the Calvary Hill that features 14 Stations of the Cross that portray the agony of Jesus Christ.
There are 127 statues presented in dioramas that took three years to construct, according to sources.
There is also the Rosary Hill, with 155 very big beads made of concrete together weighing over eight tons.
In 1974 the Irish-born Roman Catholic priest Patrick Peyton flew in to the Philippines from the United States to inaugurate the Rosary Hill. (PNA)
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Bulacan to assist the motorists via Semana Santa Lakbay Alalay
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 26 (PNA) -- The provincial government will provide motorists’ assistance from March 27 to 30 to ensure a safe and worry free travel this Lenten season.
Dubbed as Semana Santa Lakbay Alalay, Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (PDDRMO) will be in full alert to assist travelers.
He said the PDRRMO will work in collaboration with Bulacan rescue team and its local government rescue teams partners such as Assistance and Rescue through Radio communications for Emergency Situations and Traffic (ARREST), Bulacan Integrated Rescue Association (BIRA), Kabalikat Civicom – Bulacan, Rescue 117, Baliwag Assistance & Rescue Group, Inc. (BARG), Philippine Red Cross, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police and Spectrum communication.
The governor said the rescue teams will be stationed in three public assistance centers from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. which includes Divine Mercy National Shrine in Marilao town, Grotto in San Jose del Monte and 24/7 in Barangay Kapitangan, Paombong due to the expected volume of local and foreign tourists that will flock the locale to witness the yearly penitents of devotees.
He said the Bulacan rescue team will also be monitoring the road in the province to give public service in case of emergency and other eventualities. (PNA)
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Bulacan police to deploy additional troops to major Lenten destinations
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 23 (PNA)— Additional police troops will be deployed along major roads and highways in Bulacan province to augment local police security forces in anticipation of the influx of people this coming Holy Week.
Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Joel Orduna said that maneuver platoons of the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) will be assigned at the “crucifixion site” in Barangay Kapitangan, Paombong town where crowds are expected to witness hundreds of bloodied bare-back flagellants and faith healers getting nailed on wooden cross at a man-made Golgotha on Good Friday.
Orduna said security measures will also be strengthened at the Divine Mercy Shrine in Marilao town, Grotto in San Jose Del Monte City and other crowd-drawing destinations in the province.
He said that volunteer radio groups and other organizations will also assist motorists and the public.
Public assistance centers are now also being set-up along strategic areas in the different towns and cities of Bulacan.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and Bulacan Emergency Rescue Center will be on a 24/7 alert and ready to respond and provide assistance.
He said that the Bulacan rescue units can be reached through telephone number 044-791-0566. (PNA)
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Bulacan candidates hold unity walk, ink peace covenant
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 23 (PNA)-- Provincial and local candidates in the May elections signed a peace covenant for a secure and fair elections (SAFE) 2013 at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here on Saturday.
Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Joel Orduna administered the unity pledge among the candidates while Lt. Col. Bernardo M. Ona, battalion commander of the 56th IB of the Philippine Army, officiated the “voter’s pledge.”
Prior to the signing of the paece covenant, leaders of different religious groups led by Rev. Danilo Clavio (United Methodist Church), Bro. Benny Flores (Catholic Church), Bishop Edilberto Chan (Baptist Church) and Pastor Nicasio Dionisio (Jesus is Lord) held a unity walk and prayed for a peaceful, fair and orderly elections in the province.
Lawyer Elmo T. Duque, provincial election supervisor, reminded the candidates to observe the election guidelines.
He also urged the voters to choose good leaders.
The event was organized by the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC).
Orduna the PJSCC is composed of the Parish Pastoral Council, the the Commssion on Elections, the provincial government of Bulacan, Bulacan Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Army.(PNA)
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Cultural minority group in Bulacan elects own governor, provincial officials
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 19 (PNA) --As the election fever heats up, the cultural minority group known as “Dumagats”, living in the mountains of eastern Bulacan, silently elected their new governor and other provincial officials recently.
This was disclosed by Bro. Martin Francisco, chairperson of the Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society, Inc. (SSMESI), who said the election was supervised by the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) and representatives of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
The SSMESI acted as an observer and in charge of food.
Elected as Dumagat governor of Bulacan was Salvador “Badong” Cruz, the tribal chieftain of Sitio Inuman and former provincial tribal secretary.
Norma Roque from Sitio Pinag-anakan was chosen as vice tribal governor; Helen Aquino from Sitio Ipo as secretary; and Cita Aquino from Sitio Karahume as provincial tribal secretary.
Francisco said that with the new set of Dumagat provincial officers, the questions on the recognitions of their ancestral domains in the Sierra Madre mountain range are still to be completely registered at the Land Registration Authority (LRA).(PNA)
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Villar makes big crowd in Bulacan sortie laughing, cheering
MANILA, March 14 (PNA) – If it was a contest on how to make a big crowd laughing and cheering, then Cynthia Villar edged out fellow Team PNoy senatorial candidates in a campaign rally in Malolos, Bulacan Wednesday night.
In front of record 20,000 crowd, majority women, the former Las Pinas congresswoman drew the loudest applause when she enumerated the typical habits of housewives when not busy attending the needs of their families.
”When I was campaigning for Congress, I found out that many of our countrymen have no jobs specially our mothers because there is nobody to entrust their children. They were forced to stay in their homes, playing tong-its (card game),” Villar said in Tagalog as the crowd giggled in agreement.
The crowd laughed loudly when Villar added: “naghihingutuhan, nagtitsimisan at nagbibingo (head lice searching, gossiping and playing bingo game).”
Villar, known for her television infomercial ‘Misis Hanep Buhay’ (Mrs. Livelihood), made the crowd clapping when she promised to focus on job creation if she will be elected in the May 13 mid-term elections.
”These are the reasons why I want them (housewives) to have their own source of income,” Villar said to the delight of the biggest crowd that attended the Team PNoy rally since election campaign started last February 12.
The wife of outgoing Senator Manny Villar then related how her father's grandmother, Manuela, made a living out of selling ikmo (betel nut) in Divisoria for 64 years.
”My grandmother was not able to go to school and that’s why she made a living out of selling ikmo to send her children to school, including my father (Felimon), the oldest child, who became Las Pinas mayor for 22 years and congressman until his retirement in 1992,” Villar said.
Villar said life became difficult for her grandmother when she became widow at the age of 30, forcing her to work doubly hard as betel nut vendor to raise her nine children.
”Why I’m telling this to you. Because I want you to be inspired by my grandmother that life, despite difficulties, will have no problem if you have a job and you work hard,” Villar told the audience.
As a former three-term congresswoman of Las Pinas, Villar said she was able to put up livelihood projects in every barangay of Las Pinas.
Villar also turned Las Pinas into one of the greenest and flood-free cities in Metro Manila by dredging the Las Pinas-Zapote river which is now a popular destination of boat ride enthusiasts.
”When we dredged our river, we scoured tons of garbage but these garbage later became source of livelihood in our area using modern technology,” she related.
Villar, whose family owns the Vista Land, the biggest homebuilder in the Philippines, is the present managing director of the Villar Foundation which was founded in 1992, to help OFWs, protect the environment and provide livelihoods.
”As managing director, we were able to put up 111 livelihood projects and 11 centers for abused women but there are more than 1,600 towns and cities in the Philippines. So, in the coming years, rest assured that I will address the lack of employment and livelihood including here in Bulacan,” Villar promised, drawing applause.
In the recent surveys conducted by Social Weather Station and Pulse Asia, Villar ranked No. 4 but she said there is no stopping for her to work harder in following the footsteps of her husband.
”I thank the people for their support that made me the top contender for the Magic 12. I will work even harder to bring my message throughout the country,” she said.
Villar’s husband Manuel used the campaign slogan ‘Sipag at Tiyaga’ (hard work and perseverance) when he ran and lost in the presidential election in 2010.
Aside from Villar, other Team PNoy candidates include Bam Aquino, Sonny Angara, Loren Legarda, Aquilino Pimentel III, Grace Poe, Antonio Trillanes IV, Riza Hontiveros, Alan Peter Cayetano, Francis Escudero, Ramon Magsaysay Jr. and Jamby Madrigal. (PNA)
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Bulacan capitol intensifies anti-rabies campaign
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 5 (PNA) -- More than 4,000 dogs in seven municipalities and one city in Bulacan have been vaccinated by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) as part of its effort to eradicate rabies incidence in the province.
This, as Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado encouraged Bulakenyos to become responsible pet owners.
"We really need to intensify our education campaign on responsible pet ownership because this is the very basic and most effective way to eradicate rabies cases in our province," Alvarado said.
Dr. Voltaire Basinang, provincial veterinarian, said they conducted free vaccination first to those priority and critical barangays in the province.
Those are the barangays that have reported rabies cases in the past year, he said.
So far, Basinang said, they have conducted free vaccination to 13 barangays in the province and have schedules for other barangays in the months of March and April, this year.
Aside from this, he said the PVO will also coordinate and tap barangay captains and other local officials to disseminate information, education, communication campaigns that would help encourage fellow Bulakeñyos to become responsible pet owners.
"We want to reduce and eventually eradicate stray dogs in our communities through teaching the residents the proper way to take care their pet animals, Basinang said.
The PVO report showed that 26 dogs were reported positive of rabies and 13 persons died of rabies last year.
"It is frustrating that there are still rabies cases in the province despite our intensified vaccination drive," he said.
He said the PVO vaccinated a total of 110,422 dogs last year, a big increase compared to 13,000 in 2009.
He expressed hope that they would be able to vaccinate more dogs and educate more residents on the proper way to take care their pets. (PNA)
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Aquino wants Filipinos in Sabah to lay down arms without conditions
MANILA, March. 2 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III asked for the unconditional surrender of Filipinos involved in the standoff in Lahad Datu in Sabah, Malaysia, to avoid further escalation of the crisis.
“To our citizens in Lahad Datu, from the very start our objective has been to avoid the loss of lives and the shedding of blood. However, you did not join us in this objective. Because of the path you have taken, what we have been trying to avoid has come to pass,” the President said in a statement released Saturday.
“If you have grievances, the path you chose was wrong. The just, and indeed, the only correct thing for you to do is to surrender,” he said.
“To those who have influence and the capacity to reason with those in Lahad Datu, I ask you to convey this message: surrender now, without conditions.”
The Palace said Friday that it hopes the sultanate of Sulu will consider what the government said was a “small window” to end the bloodshed in Sabah following a deadly clash that killed 12 Filipinos and two members of the Malaysian forces.
The President, who visited Bulacan and Pampanga Friday, immediately returned to Manila to tackle the Sabah issue with the members of his Cabinet.(PNA)
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Pres. Aquino opens the newly-rehabilitated Bocaue bridge - By Emil G. Gamos
BOCAUE, Bulacan, March 1 (PNA) -– President Benigno Aquino III on Friday led the inauguration of the newly-rehabilitated Bocaue bridge in barangay Biñang 2nd here.
Together with some provincial officials, the President unveiled the marker of the bridge that consists of four lanes and has a length of 67.10 linear meterss and width of 14.60 meters.
Immediately thereafter, the Chief Executive made a ceremonial drive-through of the bridge that is part of the over-all improvement plan of the Manila North Road.
DPWH 1st Engineering District monitoring unit chief Benedict Matawaran said the Bocaue bridge was upgraded from two to four lanes to provide enough waterway opening and at the same time, to conform with the fast growing economic activities in these areas.
Matawaran said that unlike an ordinary bridge that can withstand up to 50 years, Bocaue Bridge can last up to 66 years.
He said the bridge was reconstructed from the previous 54 linear meters and two lanes to 67.10 linear meters with four lanes.
With such stability and convenience, motorists who take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) will find the bridge as an excellent alternative route, he said. (PNA)
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Cayetano calls for diplomatic solution of Sabah incident
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Mar. 1 (PNA) – Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano Friday called for diplomatic solution of the Sabah incident despite reports that firefight between Malaysian royal army and Datu Jamalul Kiram’s forces broke out.
”We continued to pray and support the President for diplomatic solution on this problem. I’m also appealing to the Malaysian officials and sultanate forces to discuss this without using arms,” Cayetano said in media interview during a Pampanga campaign sortie.
Cayetano and other Team PNoy senatorial bets in May 13 mid-term elections joined President Aquino in a campaign rally held inside the Heroes Hall along Lazatin blvd here.
After wooing the Pampanga voters to support Team PNoy candidates, President Aquino rushed back to Manila to personally monitor the situation in Lahud Datu in Sabah.
”It is important to resolve the standoff in the area in a diplomatic manner,” Cayetano said.
Before joining the Pampanga sortie, Cayetano conducted a listening tour with the market vendors inside the Malolos public market in Bulacan.
”I want to inform you that our President is working hard to bring down the high economic growth down to the poor,” Cayetano said while having breakfast with the market vendors.
Cayetano told the market vendors that if he gets elected in the upcoming 16th Congress, he would push for legislation that would provide loans with lower interest rates to the market vendors.
”Instead of resorting to loan sharks which offer high interest, our government should come up with a program that will offer lower interest rates and to compete 5-6,” Cayetano said, referring to individuals who offered loans with 20 percent interest rates.
After his market tour, Cayetano proceeded at the Barasoain church where he met with presidents of the senior citizen associations in Malolos.
Cayetano promised to provide financial assistance from his Priority Development Assistance Fund to fund projects that would promote the welfare of the senior citizens. (PNA)
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Aquino leads inaugural drive-through of Plaridel Bypass Road Project in Bustos, Bulacan
BUSTOS, Bulacan, Mar. 1 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III led the inaugural drive-through to formally open the Plaridel Bypass Road project constructed to decongest the traffic at the Pan-Philippine Highway by 40 percent.
In a simple ceremony in Barangay Malamig, Bustos, Bulacan on Friday the Chief Executive on board an open-type pick up was joined by Public Works and Highways staff led by Undersecretary Alfredo Tolentino and other local officials.
The new bypass road, constructed by the DPWH, is funded under a loan agreement between the Philippines and Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The Plaridel Bypass Road Project, as envisioned, involves a total length of 24.61 km of road, 2.40 km access road and 10 bridges.
The road project traverses the municipalities of Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos and San Rafael in Bulacan.
The project is part of the upgrading of the Inter-Urban Highway System along the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway that will ease the serious traffic congestion in the vicinity of core urban areas along the Maharlika Highway leading to the Cagayan Valley Road in Bulacan.
The project is being implemented in two phases with the first involving the construction of contract packages I and II starting from North Luzon Expressway via a new interchange in barangay Burol, Balagtas town.
The First Phase is composed of 14.65km road, 2.40km access road, and seven bridges that were completed by November 25, 2012 under the JICA Loan No. PH-P236.
The DPWH had started the procurement process for the implementation of the Second Phase, composed of Contract Package 3 with a length of 2.22 km and 1.12 km bridge, spanning Angat River; and Contract Package 4 with a length of 7.74 km under the JICA Loan No. PH-250 signed in March 2012.
The completion of the bypass road from Burol, Balagtas to San Rafael, will save travel time of about 45 to 50 minutes while the travel distance will be shortened by about five kilometers.
About 15,000 vehicles will be diverted to the Plaridel Bypass, decongesting the traffic at PPH by 40%.
With the completion of Contract Project II, the travel time will be reduced to about 20-23 minutes using the completed sections of the bypass road (CP 1 & CP II) with the Alejo Santos Road as access to Pan-Philippine Highway.The towns of Balagtas, Bustos, Baliuag, Pandi, Plaridel, San Rafael and Angat will benefit from the project.
The opening to traffic of the completed Phase I of Plaridel Bypass (CP I and CP II) eases up the congested traffic at Plaridel town section of Pan-Philippine Highway and creating an alternative route to Angat, Balagtas town proper and Pandi, Bulacan (bypassing Sta. Maria town via Bocaue exit). (PNA)
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3 persons die, one hurt in Bulacan collision
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Feb. 27 (PNA) -- Three persons were killed and another one was injured when a dump truck collided head-on with a bulk carrier in Norzagaray town on Wednesday.
Dead on the spot were Christian Legaspi, 24, dump truck driver; his companion Arcy Solis; and bulk carrier driver Rio delos Santos.
Delos Santos' co-worker, Michael de Sajo, was brought to a hospital here.
Initial investigation showed that the dump truck was speeding along AZT Road in Barangay Matictic, Norzagay when its propeller was detached and rammed the bulk carrier.
A trailer truck parked in the area also incurred damage in the accident.(PNA)
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RDC-3 approves proposed Central Bulacan Tourism Loop project
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Feb.13 (PNA) -- Bulacan is now being groomed as the next “Tourism Mecca” in Central Luzon.
This after the Regional Development Council (RDC) 3 on Wednesday approved the proposed Central Bulacan Tourism Loop project of the Bulacan provincial government during the joint meeting of the Sectoral Committee on Infrastructure Development (SCID) and the Special Committee on Tourism (SCOT) held at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here.
Governor Wilhelmino N. Sy-Alvarado, RDC 3 SCID chairman, said the project aims to capitalize on the opportunities and socio-economic development impact that the on-going construction of the Philippine Arena in Bocaue town.
He said that when finished, the Philippine Arena-–also known as the “Ciudad de Victoria”--will be the biggest domed coliseum in the world that could accommodate at least 65,000 people. It is being built on a 70 hectares of land in Bocaue and parts of Sta. Maria town.
Alvarado said the project will directly affect the socio-economic activities of the influence area including that of seven municipalities and 29 villages with an aggregate total population of 162,200.
“It won’t be long now and the world be focused on the Philippines, and of course, particularly the province of Bulacan. This will definitely spur growth and development in the area,” he said.
The Philippine Arena is being rushed for the centennial anniversary celebration of the Iglesia ni Cristo church in 2014 and could possibly be the next venue of the APEC Summit on 2015.
Arlene Pascual, head of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, presented the proposed project via a power-point presentation.
She said that the provincial government intends to improve its tourism road networks through the proposed Central Bulacan Tourism Loop.
The project will be executed in cooperation with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Tourism through the DPWH-DOT convergence program.
Pascual said that the proposed project involves the improvement of 25 road segments in the province—two of which are national roads, nine provincial roads, three municipal roads and 11 barangay roads.
She added that the 23 road segments situated generally in Bocaue and Sta. Maria and partly in Marilao aim to facilitate tourism and socio-economic development.
The remaining two segments will traverse the nearby municipalities of Plaridel, Bustos, Pandi and Balagtas to aid tourism growth at the Inang Filipina Shrine in Pandi, the birthplace of the "Republic of Kakarong," one of the three republics established in Bulacan during the Philippine Revolution against Spain, the other two are the “Republic of Biak-na-Bato” in San Miguel and the “Malolos Republic” in Malolos City.
The project will also provide good access to existing tourist destinations and to the “Ciudad de Victoria” (Philippine Arena).
Pascual said that the “Ciudad de Victoria” is expected to become a huge tourist’s destination in Bulacan especially with its accreditation as a “Tourism Enterprise Zone”.
The project has an estimated total cost of P2.2 billion.(PNA)
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Papin appeals to Comelec to allow her to run for Congress in Bulacan
MANILA, Feb. 11 (PNA) -- Singer Imelda Papin has petitioned the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to reconsider its decision disqualifying her to run in the lone congressional district of San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan in the May elections.
In an 18-page motion for reconsideration, the former Camarines Sur vice-governor said that she should be allowed to participate in the congressional polls as she has established her residency in the city, when she bought a property and opened a soap-manufacturing business in 2002.
“In fact, she lived there for many years. It is unthinkable and without any basis for this Honorable Commission to rule that ‘(n)o proof was shown by respondent that her soap-manufacturing business continued to exist therein during said period,” read the motion.
Papin said that the Comelec-Second Division had erred when it gave credence to the disqualification case filed by the Arangkada San Joseno Political Party.
She added that she had “all the sentimental, emotional and financial connection with San Jose del Monte City as her relatives and her business are also there.
On Jan. 31, the poll body barred Papin from running as congresswoman of the city for failure to meet the residency requirements.
The petition claimed that Papin was a resident of barangay Pasong Putik, North Fairview, Quezon City and not of barangay San Manuel in San Jose del Monte.
“In the enumeration of the documentary evidence submitted by the respondent, this Honorable Commission noticeably omitted the fact that she submitted pictures of the house blessing of her present house in San Jose del Monte City. This is the same house which the petitioner claimed that is not intended for residential purpose or even fit for human habitation,” the motion added.
In an interview, Papin said the filing of the petition is politically motivated.
“This is politics, sa experience ko sa politics talagang pag malakas ka pilit kang gagawan ng issue kaya sabi nga nila malakas si Imelda Papin sa San Jose del Monte City,” she said.
Papin is running against the incumbent Representative, Arthur Robes. (PNA)
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SAN JOSE CITY, Nueva Ecija, Feb. 11 (PNA) -- Authorities have arrested 10 persons for an alleged illegal transport and shipment of undocumented copper concentrates in a checkpoint along the Maharlika Highway here over the weekend.
A case for violation of Section 103 of Republic Act 7942, for Theft of Minerals, is being prepared for filing against the six truck drivers, two broker-representatives of a mining and trucking companies and two escorts, who failed to show the original documents of the shipment of suspected copper concentrates.
Upon receipt of a confidential information of the said illegal shipment, the Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office (NEPPO) under Senior Supt. Crizaldo O. Nieves, has formed a special team of operatives that set up a checkpoint in Barangay Sto. Niño 2nd here.
The six international tractor trucks with container vans are containing still undetermined volume of copper concentrates that were stopped at a checkpoint reportedly came from the Ocean Gold Mining company located at Barangay Didipo, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.
The copper ore shipment was supposed to be delivered at Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union.
Ryan Jayson Mananguiat, a broker representative, of 357 Tanzang Luma, Imus, Cavite and Dominic Wood of B15 L23, Dinar Street, Green Park, Cainta, Rizal, representative of the trucking company NEO LOGIC logistics failed to show to the police investigators the original documents of the shipment of suspected copper concentrates.
Escorting the convoy of the six trucks loaded with the copper concentrates were two Toyota Hi-Lux driven by Albert Gomez, 44, resident of 99 Mayon Ext., San Gabriel Village, Tuguegarao City and Rio Dannug, 42, resident of Alibagu, Ilagan, Isabela.
However, no firearms and other illegal deadly weapons were found inside the two vehicles.
The six vehicles loaded with undocumented copper concentrates and driver-helpers were brought to the San Jose City police station for investigation and/or proper disposition.
The six drivers of the international tractor trucks with container vans were identified as Leonard Sanchez, 33, of Brgy. Shellhouse, Caloocan City; Yulito Palces, 53, of Brgy. Alfonso, Concepcion, Tarlac; Martin Redera 37, of Dagat-Dagatan, Malabon City; Lope Amurao, 43 of Brgy. Talisay, Tiaong, Quezon; Jonny Abrego, 31, of Purok 2, Maag, San Isidro, Davao Oriental; and Jay Laceda, 29, of Cupang, Pandi, Bulacan. (PNA)
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MANILA, Feb. 11 (PNA) -- Bangon Pilipinas candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva is set to launch his Senate bid in the historical grounds of Malolos, Bulacan --his home province -- with various local public leaders set to attend the event tomorrow.
"These leaders may be from opposing camps but all of us are tied by our love for Bulacan. They stand ten feet tall in solidarity to support my attempt to capture a seat in the Senate. The future of Bulacan is beyond politics," Villanueva said in a statement.
Villanueva's platform is anchored on major issues relating to the politics of the fringes. In various media fora, he has discussed the need to focus on the “sagigilid” or fringes. Sagigilid refers to the marginalized provinces and municipalities as well as the marginalized sectors in the country.
"Our economy is growing because of ‘tuwid na daan’, but let us ensure there is no Filipino left behind," he said.
“We need moral leadership. The bedrock of good economics is good politics," he added.
The Malolos kick off will be streamed live so that the various groups supporting Villanueva can join and watch the activities. Other supporters in key cities, including Baguio, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro, will also conduct their respective kick-off events.
Aside from launching his campaign in Bulacan, Villanueva is also set to do an online kick off on February 12, from 7pm to 9 pm, under his Ask Bro. Eddie event teaser.
Ask Bro. Eddie is an online event where Villanueva and his youth volunteers will be on deck to answer questions from netizens. Those interested to join can log on at: www.broeddie.ph/askme.
Villanueva said the online Q&A event was conceptualized by his youth volunteers who are helping him spread the word about his platform and advocacies.
"If I will be successful in this run, we will need the support of the youth,” he said.
Villanueva, a televangelist, ran and lost in the 2010 presidential elections. (PNA)
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MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Feb. 5 (PNA) -- Different religious groups joined in the province's annual "Day of Prayer" held at the provincial capitol gymnasium here Monday.
Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado thanked fellow Bulakenyos and the different religious groups the include Muslims, Roman Catholics, Protestants and other sectors for participating in the event with the theme “Sama-samang Panalangin para sa Lalawigan ng Bulacan.”
Some 1,500 individuals attended and prayed for the welfare of the province wherein leaders of various religious organizations were given a chance to lead the prayer and give benediction.
This is the second time that the "Day of Prayer" was held at the provincial capitol ground here. The first one was held in January 2012.
Alvarado said that the “Day of Prayer” is anchored on the message of the biblical phrase from “II Chronicles 7:13-14 which states “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
"We are praying to God to save the province from calamities and at the same time, renewed our faith and give thanks for the blessings being received by the province," he said.
Evangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Jesus is Lord Church said that in God’s eyes, there is no particular religion that will save mankind.
"What is important to God is not religion but our relationship with Him," he said. (PNA)
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MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Feb. 2 (PNA) -- Bulakenyos will commemorate the 86th birth anniversary of the late Gat Blas F. Ople at the capitol grounds here Sunday morning.
Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said the provincial government, through the Provincial Youth, Sports, Employment, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PYSEACTO) has set a series of activities that will begin with an offering of flowers at the Ople monument, Sentro ng Kabataan, Sining at Kultura ng Bulacan and a short program to mark the occasion in front of the Gat Blas Ople Building at 8 a.m.
Ople’s family members as well as provincial officials and employees of the capitol are expected to grace the event.
Board member Felix Ople, Ople's son, will give his brief message to be followed by a “salo-salo” at the Ople Museum.
Alvarado described Ople as one of the illustrious sons of Bulacan whose leadership and wisdom is worth emulating.
“Ka Blas continues to inspire us. He was one of those men that rose to greatness using his intellect for the good of mankind.
"He was a genuine patriot and a Bulakenyo,” the governor said during his weekly radio program “The Governor’s Hour” which he co- anchors with Bulakenyo broadcaster Rommel Ramos every Saturday morning.
Ople was a Filipino journalist and politician who held several high-ranking positions in the executive and legislative branches of the Philippine government, including as Senate President from 1999 to 2000, and as Secretary of Foreign Affairs from 2002 until his death.
Ople was also known as the “Father of Overseas Employment" and the author of the Philippine Labor Code.
He was born in Hagonoy, Bulacan on Feb 3, 1927 to Felix Antonio Ople, a craftsman who repaired boats, and Segundina Fajardo.
He has devoted decades of his life to selfless dedicated and sincere service to the country and people.
Ople died on Dec 14, 2003 and was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops bust fake eye doctor
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Jan. 31 (PNA) -- Police swooped down on an eye clinic here and arrested a suspected fake optomologist while performing refraction treatment on a male patient in Barangay San Vicente Wednesday afternoon.
Bulacan police officer-in charge Senior Supt.Joel Orduna identified the arrested suspect as Rafael Taganas, 41, a resident of 137 Tanjeco Street, Barangay San Vicente.
Orduna said that last Wednesday, a certain Dr. Manuel Manahan, president of Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrist Inc.-Bulacan Chapter, appeared at the Malolos City police station to lodge a complaint against Taganas for alleged illegal medical practice.
Manahan told city police chief, Supt. David Poklay, that the suspect was conducting refraction on a patient without the authority of the law inside an optical clinic located along Valencia Street in Barangay San Vicente.
Manahan presented a certification from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) signed by Pharson B. Manalo, OIC of Regulations Office dated January 9, 2013, stating that the suspect does not appear in the database of optometrists authorized to practice in the Philippines.
With this, Poklay immediately formed a team and conducted an entrapment operation which resulted in the arrest of the suspect after accepting the P600 marked money in exchange for the services supposed to be conducted to a member of the Malolos police who acted as patient.
The suspect is presently detained at the Malolos City jail while appropriate criminal complaint is being prepared for filing in court. (PNA)
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SC dismisses Bulacan clerk of court
MANILA, Jan. 29 (PNA) -– The Supreme Court has dismissed from the service a Clerk of Court IV of the Mecauayan City, Bulacan Municipal Trial Court.
In a 20-page per curiam resolution of the SC, Clerk of Court Atty. Larriza Bacani was found guilty of dishonesty and gross neclect of duty.
All the retirement benefits of Bacani were also forfeited, except her accrued leave credits.
Likewise, the SC warned the cashier of the Meycauayan City, Bulacan MTC, Veiner Villafuerte, if the incident of non-deposit during the collection period of the court will be repeated, appropriate penalty will be imposed against him.
The SC also ordered Meycauayan City MTC Judge Cecilia Santoyo-Talapian to strictly monitor the financial transaction of the court because she can also be held liable for the wrongdoing of her personnel.
The Office of the Court Administrator conducted an audit of the Meycauayan City MTC after it was reported that Bacani was often times taking a leave of absence for her travel abroad. (PNA)
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Comelec exempts senators, SC justices from gun ban
By Janice Cave
MANILA, Jan. 22 (PNA) -- The Commission on Elections has granted personal gun ban exemptions to senators and justices of the Supreme Court.
Exempted from the gun ban are Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senators Panfilo Lacson and Vicente Sotto III, Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Associate Justices Roberto Abad, Arturo Brion, Marvic Leonen, Diosdado Peralta and Lucas Bersamin;
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Defense Assistant Secretary Zabedin Asis, Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado, and the chiefs of staff of the offices of all commissioners of the poll body.
Meanwhile, the poll body also granted security personnel to Enrile and fellow senators Antonio Trillanes, Loren Legarda and Manuel Lapid, former Senator Teresa Aquino-Oreta, Commission on Audit Chairwoman Grace Pulido Tan, Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda and Board Member Dennis Pineda.
Brillantes said they have not given any personal gun ban exemption to any private individual. (PNA)
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Bulacan gov orders police to cover hole dug by “treasure hunters” in San Miguel town
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Jan.19 (PNA) -- Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado has directed the Bulacan police, in coordination with the local government unit of San Miguel town, to cover and plug with earth materials the 50-feet deep hole that alleged treasure hunters dug up along the road in Barangay Inez.
Alvarado said he also sent a team from the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources office to investigate the other alleged “treasure hunting” or illegal mining activities in the area and stop them.
“Whether they are digging for buried treasures, gold or other mineral deposits, they should first secure the necessary permit before extracting soils or mineral resources in our province. What they are doing is illegal and it should be stopped because they are not only endangering themselves but also the residents, especially children, who could fall into the hole, ” Alvarado said.
Bulacan police officer-in-charge Sr. Supt. Joel Orduna said the San Miguel police station headed by Supt. Marcos Rivero swooped down on the excavation site Thursday and caught three alleged “treasure hunters” digging the deep hole which was only covered by a tarpaulin sheet.
The diggers, not immediately identified pending further investigation, initially told investigators they were digging a drainage system.
They said a man whose name they said they did not known paid them to dig the hole for drainage purposes.
At the police station however, Rivero said one of the diggers told police “I am prepared to be jailed, however allow us to continue our digging. We are near the treasures."
Rivero said the hole has been plugged with earth and will no longer pose danger to residents and motorists along the road. (PNA)
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Three 'treasure hunters' nabbed in Bulacan
SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan, Jan. 18 (PNA) -- Police arrested three alleged treasure hunters while digging a deep hole along the stretch of the road in the boundary of Barangays Balunturan and Sta. Inez here on Thursday.
Supt. Marcos Rivero, town police chief, said in a report to Bulacan PNP officer-in-charge Senior Supt. Joel Orduna that he sent a police team at the boundary of the said barangays to verify complaints from residents that a group of alleged treasure hunters were digging deep tunnels which they fear could cause accidental landslide or sinkholes that may endanger lives and damage to properties.
When the police team arrived at the site, they saw a portion of road covered with tarpaulin and sacks.
When they removed the cover, they saw the three men digging a hole about 40-foot deep.
The team invited the three men for investigation and learned that a man, who is not a resident in the area, paid them to dig the tunnel.
They claimed it is for the drainage system in the said villages.
Rivero said the municipal government has ordered the digging to stop because the diggers have no permit to do it and the deep holes and tunnels may cause danger to residents in the area.
The three diggers are now in police custody while appropriate charges are being prepared against them.
This historic town that saw numerous battles between Filipino revolutionaries and Spanish, American and Japanese soldiers, is also known for its rich mineral deposits and natural resources. (PNA)
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Bulacan to strictly implement plastics ban
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Jan. 10 (PNA) -- The provincial government will strictly implement the ban on use and sale of plastic bags in the entire province.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado made the announcement Wednesday at the launching of the implementation of the ordinance at Mc Donald’s-BSU where they posted tarpaulins for public information.
Alvarado signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Provincial Ordinance No. 2012-09 also known as “Panlalawigang Kautusang Nagbabawal sa Paggamit ng Non-Biodegradable Plastic Bags, Styrofoam at mga Kauri Nito Bilang Packaging Material sa Lalawigan ng Bulacan at Nagtatakda ng Kaparusahan sa Paglabag Nito” on Dec. 12, 2012.
This is part of the seven-point agenda to protect the environment, health and welfare of the Bulakenyos. Due to climate change, we need to help in protecting the environment through planting of trees and prohibiting the use of plastic which is the major cause of siltation in our rivers, the governor said.
The ordinance prohibits the sale and use of non-biodegradable plastic bags, styrofor and other kinds as packaging materials in the 21 towns and three cities in the province.
Violators will pay a fine of P1,000 to P5,000 or imprisonment of not less than six months to one year (depending on the number of offenses done).
For those who does not have the capacity to pay the fine, he/she must serve the community through environment-related services for three months or longer upon the discretion of the court.
All commercial establishments, stores and markets, on the other hand, will be given 15 days to comply after the publication of the ordinance to avoid retraction of their business permits.
"We need to cooperate for our Mother Earth because I do believe that it is not yet too late to save it. I am asking for your cooperation to support the implementation of the plastic ban in our province," he said. (PNA)
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Bulacan to hold “Bisikleta” fund drive for typhoon Pablo victims
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Jan. 5 (PNA) -- The outpouring of support and help continues for victims of typhoon Pablo with the provincial government of Bulacan holding a fund drive dubbed, “Bisikleta para sa mga biktima ng bagyong Pablo” on Jan. 12, this year.
Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said the fund drive was initiated by Benji Santos of the Provincial Youth Sports Employment Arts Culture and Tourism Office to raise more donations for flood victims as well as to inculcate among Bulakenyos the spirit of “bayanihan” and care to those who needs help.
"When our province was hit by typhoon and floods, many of our countrymen in the different provinces of the Visayas and Mindanao helped us. That's why it is only appropriate to help them too in times of need," the governor said.
Santos said everybody can help and join the “bikaton” by sharing P100 registration fee.
As a reward, participants will also have the opportunity to tour the villages of this historic capital city and win exciting raffle prizes.
Santos said that interested can call through telephone number 044-7963338 or cellphone number 09157723504. (PNA)
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Governor commends concerned agencies for low firecracker injuries
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Jan.5 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado commended the efforts of concerned government agencies for the low number of firecracker injuries in 2012.
Alvarado made the statement during his weekly Radio Program “The Governor’s Hour” which he co-anchors every Saturday morning with Bulakenyo Broadcaster Rommel Ramos over 95.9 FM.
The governor said that firecracker injuries in the province was 16 percent lower with only 40 injuries as against the 61 recorded in 2011.
He hailed the efforts of the Philippines National Police (PNP) in their intensified crackdown against over-sized and killer types of firecrackers as well as their regular inspection of fireworks stores and factories
He cited that even PNP chief Director General Allan Purisima went to Bulacan to personally lead the inspection and operations against violators of the firecracker law.
He also commended Bulacan police officer-in-charge Senior Supt. Joel Orduna and the Task Force: Paputok headed by Supt. Adriano Enong and Supt. Fitz Macariola of the Bulacan PNP Operations Branch for keeping a tight watch on the stores.
Alvarado also hailed the Bureau of Fire Protection for their 24/7 readiness and the health workers for attending to the victims who were treated in the different government hospitals in the province.(PNA)
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Aquino declares Jan 23 special non-working day in Bulacan
MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared January 23 a special (non-working) day in Bulacan in commemoration of the First Philippine Republic (also known as the Malolos Republic).
The Chief Executive issued the declaration to give the people of Bulacan the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.
On June 12, 1898, the Philippine independence was proclaimed and The Act of Declaration of Philippine Independence was read at the Emilio Aguinaldo's ancestral home in Cavite.
After gaining the independence, the Malolos Congress convened on Sept 15, 1898 and produced the Malolos Constitution.
On Jan 23, 1899, the First Philippine Republic (also known as the Malolos Republic) was inaugurated at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.
Emilio Aguinaldo was declared its first president. (PNA)
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PRO-3 seizes P809,148 worth of illegal firecrackers
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) has confiscated some P809,148 worth of illegal firecrackers in 284 operations conducted in Central Luzon.
Data from the PRO3 Monitoring Report also showed that 52 persons were arrested during the crackdown for violating Republic Act 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao, PRO-3 director, however, said that despite the intensified crackdown against pyrotechnic materials, the number of firecracker victims in the region has increased compared to last year.
Data showed that 165 persons were reported injured due to firecrackers in the region, higher against last year’s 151 cases.
In spite of the increased number of firecracker victims, we have no reported casualties, Ladao said.
Bulacan has the most number of firecracker victims with 56, followed by Pampanga with 47, Nueva Ecija, 21; Bataan, 19; Angeles City, 12; Zambales, 5; Olongapo City, 3; and Tarlac, 2.
Three persons were also hit by stray bullets - two in Bulacan and one in Nueva Ecija.
Ladao said that although the New Year celebrations may be over, they would continue their operations until January 7.
Meanwhile, he reminded firearm holders that the gun ban in relation with the coming mid-term elections would start on January 13.
He added that only uniformed law enforcers on duty and those with a clearance from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) would be allowed to carry guns. (PNA)
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3-yr old boy hit by stray bullet; 40 injured by cracker blast in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Jan.1 (PNA)-- A three- year old boy was hit by a stray bullet while 40 other persons were brought to different hospitals for firecracker injuries during the New Year’s eve celebrations in the province.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) said the three-year old victim is a resident of Barangay Bagong Nayon, Baliwag town. His identity was not released as he is a minor.
Initial reports said that the boy was watching fireworks display when hit by a stray bullet. He was brought to the Baliwag District Hospital but was later transferred to the Bulacan Medical Center in this capital city for further treatment.
At least 40 firecracker-related injuries were treated in different government hospitals in Bulacan.
Liz Mungcal, PDRRMO executive officer, said the number of victims of firecracker blasts in 2012 were lower compared to 61 victims in 2011.
She attributed the low number of victims to the “Ingat Paputok” information drive of the provincial government headed by Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado.
Alvarado has earlier placed the Bulacan emergency rescue teams on 24-hour alert since December 26 and ordered the Bulacan police and the provincial "Task Force Paputok" to conduct regular inspections of fireworks shops and stores to ensure that the safety guidelines and other provisions of the “Firecracker Law” were strictly observed.
He also said newly installed Bulacan police officer-in-charge Sr. Supt. Joel Orduna launched an intensified crackdown against over-sized and killer types of firecrackers. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops intensify crackdown against killer firecrackers
BOCAUE, Bulacan, Dec. 28 (PNA) -- Police are keeping a tight watch on the rows of fireworks stores here and other towns to ensure that no oversized or killer types of firecrackers will be sold, newly-installed Bulacan police officer-in-charge Senior Supt. Joel Orduna said on Friday.
Orduna, together with Bulacan Task Force: Paputok head Supt. Adriano Enong and Supt. Fitz Macariola of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) operations branch, inspected the rows of fireworks stores in Barangay Turo and nearby areas to see if the safety guidelines and other salient provisions of Republic Act 7183 otherwise known as the Firecracker Law are strictly observed.
“We want to make sure that dealers are complying with the safety guidelines and the firecrackers that they are selling are those allowed by law,” Orduna said.
He said that police teams from the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) will continue to make rounds along fireworks stores to augment local policemen in implementing the Firecracker Law.
“We are also urging the public to observe the no smoking and no testing warning when buying fireworks to avoid accidents that could cause explosions or fire,” Orduna said.
Supt. Macariola said that as of December 26, 2012, the Bulacan Police Provincial Office has conducted 13 operations against illegal manufacturers and dealers of firecrackers in different municipalities particularly in Bocaue (7), Norzagaray (1), Baliuag (1), Sta. Maria (1), Balagtas (1), Angat (1) and Bulakan (1) wherein 17 persons were arrested.
The operations also resulted in the confiscation of illegally manufactured, sold and distributed firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices amounting to P137,710.
Six cases for violation of RA 7183 were filed against the suspects, including the owner of the establishment who were caught selling firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices without the necessary permits, Macariola said.
Macariola also said that police teams are intensifying the crackdown against manufacturers and dealers of dangerous and killer types of firecrackers.
“Despite our intensified operations against clandestine fireworks shops and stores, there are still some unscrupulous traders who continues to play “hide and seek” in making and selling dangerous types of firecrackers,” he said,
Amid widespread public awareness on the dangers of using powerful firecrackers, he said there is still a high demand for these oversized and killer types of firecrackers because some revelers prefer to welcome the coming year with a loud bang.
Sources said that some unscrupulous traders have already established a customer network in selling the powerful noise makers.
Killer firecrackers like “Goodbye Philippines”, “Ampatuan”, “Bin Laden”, “Giant Bawang”, “Kabase”, “Pla-Pla”, “Super Lolo” and “Goodbye Earth” can be bought in several stores, including those with license and permits.
The buyers know where they can buy those killer types of firecrackers. It has been a practice long time ago. The selling is discreet. Although expensive and dangerous, there are still some who are buying those powerful firecrackers, the sources said.
They added that those kinds of firecrackers are being sold at prices ranging from P500 to P1,000.
Earlier, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado placed the Bulacan Emergency Rescue units of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in a 24-hour alert in preparation to welcoming 2013.
He said firefighters and paramedics are also deployed in Bocaue and other towns like Sta. Maria and Baliwag where rows of firecracker stores are also located.
Giant tarpaulin billboards were also set up along the streets where fireworks stores are located, reminding the public to safely welcome the New Year.
Alvarado also reiterated that the public can call emergency hotlines: Bulacan Rescue (044) 791-0566, Bulacan BFP ()44) 796-2900 and Bulacan PNP (044) 662-0273. (PNA)
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Sales of firecrackers still slow in Bocaue
BOCAUE, Bulacan, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has placed the Bulacan Emergency Rescue units of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office(PDRRMO)on a 24-hour alert.
He said firefighters and paramedics were also deployed in Bocaue and other towns like Sta. Maria and Baliwag where rows of firecracker stores are also located.
Giant tarpaulin billboards were also set up along the streets where fireworks stores reminding the public to safely welcome the new year.
Alvarado said that the public can call emergency hotlines: Bulacan Rescue-(044)791-0566, Bulacan BFP-(044) 796-2900 and Bulacan PNP-(044)662-0273.
The safety precautions being taken by the Bulacan government are met by reports that even as the new year holiday draws near, sales of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics remain sluggish.
"Our business is indeed sluggish compared last year. Before, there was a monstrous traffic here due to numerous people buying fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices," said Luisa Sayo, proprietor of “RT Sayo Fireworks”, one of the biggest and popular fireworks stores in this town.
Sayo said that last year, sales began to climb as early as December 23, but now with only four days to go before new year’s eve, their sales remain low.
"In the past years, we were so busy to the extent that we had no time to eat due to so many buyers. But now, our sales crew have even time to manicure and pedicure," she said.
Sayo said she did not know if the “Iwas Paputok” campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) is a factor in the the low turn-out of buyers.
Despite the abnormal situation, she said that many traders are still hopeful that sales will go up before December 31.
Meanwhile,there are still reports that over-sized or the so-called killer-types of firecrackers are still being clandestinely sold.
Sources said that a new powerful kind of firecracker as big as “Goodbye Philippines" — an over-sized firecracker that became a hit here two years ago—has came out from clandestine fireworks family. The firecracker is being called “Gangnam”, named after the worldwide hit Korean dance craze.
Jason Soriaga of Jason Fireworks said that names of powerful and dangerous firecrackers goes with the time.
"There is always new names that coming out. Whatever is hit. Before, there was 'Bin Laden' then 'Goodbye Gloria' and 'Goodbye Philippines'."
And now, there is "Gangnam, he said, adding that he does not know if “Gangnam” is indeed a new type of killer firecracker or a new type of "Picolo."
I have not seen the "Gangnam" yet and I am not sure if it is really powerful, he said.(PNA)
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New Bulacan police chief assumes post
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- Senior Supt. Joel Orduna on Thursday assumed the post as the new police provincial director of Bulacan.
He replaced Senior Supt. Noli Talino, who served as office-in-charge of the said police office. Talino is also the current deputy regional director for operations of the Police Regional Office (PRO) based here.
The turnover ceremony, which was held in this camp, was officiated by Chief Supt. Wendy Rosario, the police deputy regional director for administration in Central Luzon.
In his acceptance speech, Urduna vowed to do his best and wage an intensified campaign against criminality in the province.
Before his new assignment, Urduna was assigned with the Philippine Maritime Group. He belonged to the Class ’88 Maringal of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).(PNA)
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PNP shuts down Bulacan firecracker stall due to lack of permit
MANILA, Dec. 24 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) closed down a firecracker stall in Bocaue town in Bulacan for lack of necessary permit during a surprised inspection Monday.
PNP FEO inspection and enforcement section head Chief Insp. Nelson Bautista said stallowner Susan San Pedro failed to present PNP permit to sell firecrackers and other pyrotechnic products during inspection of firecrackers stalls in Bulacan.
"Hinanapan namin sila ng dokumento at papeles na pinayagan sila ng PNP para magnegosyo. Wala silang maipakita. Ang gagawin ng kapulisan ia-account ang pyrotechnic devices na narito,” Bautista said.
Bocaue is a popular destination for revelers at this time of the year, as it is known for its fireworks industry.
The PNP continues its random inspections of firecracker stalls for the holidays.
Authorities have been trying to minimize firecracker-related injuries this year.
Meanwhile, PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima made the rounds of provinces to meet with regional and provincial commanders.
Purisima met with task groups in Northern and Central Luzon to exhort them to crack down on illegal firearms and also pushed for on-the-spot gun checks. (PNA)
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PNP confiscates P100,000 worth of illegal firecrackers in Bocaue
MANILA, Dec. 25 (PNA) – Police operatives confiscated about P100,000 worth of illegal firecrackers in Bocaue, Bulacan on Monday.
Reports have it that for the last five days, the operatives led by chief, Alan Purisima has been confiscating illegal firecrackers being sold in stores without permit.
Purisima said firecrackers that contain at least 200 ml of gunpowder or black powder was considered illegal.
At present, the Department of Health (DOH) has a record of 12 firecracker injuries before the start of Christmas and New Year.
Both the PNP and DOH are expecting the number of firecracker injuries to increase as the holidays progress. (PNA)
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Bulacan gov inspects fireworks stores
BOCAUE, Bulacan, Dec. 13 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Thursday directed the Bulacan police and other concerned agencies to regularly inspect fireworks stores and factories and ensure that the safety and other salient provisions of the Firecracker Law is strictly observed.
The governor, together with vice governor Daniel Fernando, officials of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) conducted a lightning inspection of fireworks stores in Barangay Turo here Thursday morning.
Alvarado urged fireworks dealers to strictly follow the safety provisions of the law and personally checked if their fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment are in good working condition.
He also encouraged the dealers not to sell smuggled pyrotechnics devices, saying the influx of imported fireworks into the local market is killing the local industry.
The governor also directed the Bulacan police to intensify their crackdown against killer types of firecrackers like “Goodbye Philippines” and other types of oversized noisemakers.
“We are doing this to uplift awareness and guide the public in the proper handling of fireworks especially among children,“ he said.
He also said that fireworks and pyrotechnics devices being sold in Bulacan undergo stringent quality control as he encouraged manufacturers to put safety instructions on the labels of every fireworks products.
Alvarado also instructed PDRRM executive officer Liz Mungcal and Provincial Public Affairs Office chief Maricel Santos Cruz to produce leaflets and flyers on the safe use of firecrackers and distribute them along fireworks stalls.
He also said that firetrucks and ambulances will be on site as more buyers are expected to flock in this town, dubbed as the “hub” of fireworks industry in the country and other nearby towns like Sta. Maria and Baliuag.
Supt. Fitz Macariola, BPPO operations officer, said that there are at least 163 licensed fireworks dealers and 50 manufacturers in Bulacan.
Macariola said that the provincial “Task Force: Paputok” headed by Supt. Adriano Enong is regularly making rounds on the rows of fireworks stores in Barangay Turo and other parts of the provices to ensure that the safety and zoning provisions of the firecracker law are strictly followed. (PNA)
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MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 12 (PNA) -- Bulacan continues to enjoy a generally peaceful and orderly condition as crime volume in the province decreased by 34.72 percent for the first 11 months of the year.
Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) officer-in-charge Sr. Supt. Noli Galsim Taliño attributed the low crime rate and the remarkable improvement in the crime solution efficiency ratings from their all-out campaign against criminality such as the vigorous implementation of the Police Integrated Patrol System.
“Compared to other provinces in Region 3, Bulacan is relatively peaceful, although there are still some isolated cases that were reported,” Taliño said, citing reports from Supt. Fitz Macariola of the provincial police operations branch presented during the quarterly Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting held at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here.
He said that increased police visibility and successful operations against lawless elements by combined forces of the Provincial Public Safety Company, the Provincial Intelligence Branch and local police stations as well as community participation had also contributed to the BPPO’s offensive against criminal activities.
“Definitely, your police shall never waver to intensify efforts to curb criminality, maintain peace and order and ensure security and safety of the people of Bulacan. With the cooperation of the communities and the support of the local government units, we are able to sustain and keep Bulacan a safer place to live, work and do business,” he said.
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that the prevailing peaceful condition in the province attracted more investors in putting up business ventures.
“I personally congratulate our PNP and AFP for their efforts to maintain peace and order in the province. Particularly now that we are close to the 2013 election campaign, I can see that being not included in the top 15 priority areas means that they are really doing their job to sustain peace in Bulacan,” Alvarado said.
The governor also encouraged law enforcers to speedily resolve unsolved crimes, issues on illegal mining, and pertinent matters that involve peace and security.
Philippine Army 56th IB Commander Lt. Col. Bernardo Oña, for his part, reported that active implementations of environment protection programs has immensely contributed to the prevailing peaceful atmosphere along the countryside and remote parts of the province.(PNA)
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Bulacan gov orders fast probe on BM Violago’s ambush try
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 1 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Saturday ordered the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) to expedite their investigation on the ambush try on board member Mark Cholo Violago last Friday noon along the by-pass road in Plaridel town.
The governor also announced during his weekly radio program “Lalawigan Ko’y Ikaw, Lingkod Mo’y Ako,” which he co-anchors with Bulakenyo broadcaster Rommel Ramos every Saturday morning that the BPPO has already formed a task force that would help investigators to identify the perpetrators and their motive.
The governor said that Violago, 29, a resident of Barangay San Roque, San Rafael town and president of the Panlalawigang Liga ng mga Barangay sustained a wound on his right eyebrow and was conscious when he visited him at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Manila Friday night.
The young provincial board member was on board a Starex van with four security personnel bound to Manila when the suspects, in a Ford Escape vehicle, overtook and opened fire on them.
The bullet riddled van was later brought to the Plaridel police station after a scene of the crime (SOCO) team from the Bulacan PNP Crime Laboratory conducted investigation at the site.
The victim is the son of San Rafael vice mayor Goto Violago, who is running for mayor this coming 2013 midterm elections against the incumbent mayor Lorna Silverio.(PNA)
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Hundreds of indigenous people to join in this year's Dayaw Festival in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 23 (PNA) -- More than 500 ethnic people from 47 indigenous communities in the country will gather in this historic province to join in this year's celebration of “DAYAW: A National Festival of Indigenous People” on Nov. 27 to 29, this year.
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said it is a great privilege of Bulacan province to host this year's gathering of the indigenous people who will celebrate the richness of their culture.
"Our indigenous people play a vital role not only in our history but also in the present times. Here in Bulacan, we are assuring that our ethnic people are being given fair rights, especially in the field of education and livelihood. The visit of the indigenous people coming from the different parts of the country to this province will be a big help for us to learn their varied cultures and at the same time, to show and share them the beauty of our province," Alvarado said.
Elizabeth Alonzo, head of Provincial Youth, Sports, Employment, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PYSEACTO), said that they are also expecting more tourists to arrive in the province so they can have the chance to witness performances, forums, exhibitions, ethnic games and other activities that will be done during the five-day stay of the indigenous groups in Bulacan.
A trade fair will also be set-up wherein the products of the indigenous people will be showcased and made available for sale.
The project is made possible through the efforts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA), Interskills Foundation Inc. and the provincial government of Bulacan.(PNA)
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Bulacan welcomes piligrim image of Our Lady of Manaoag
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 21 (PNA) -- Catholic devotees on Tuesday flocked to the Sto. Niño de Hiyas Chapel to welcome the arrival of the pilgrim image of Our Lady of Manaoag here.
Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said the visitation of the pilgrim image "aims to bring Mother Mary closer to the Bulakenyos."
"Our request to bring the pilgrim image of the Our Lady of the Manaoag here in (Bulacan) is a clamor to continuously pray and thank our Virgin Mother for guiding us," Alvarado said.
After the vigil at the lobby of the provincial capitol, the pilgrim image will be brought to Bulacan Medical Center, Bulacan Provincial Jail and to the towns of Pulilan, Calumpit, Hagonoy, Paombong, and Bulakan until Dec 3, 2012.
Mama Mary’s Movement Foundation founder Bro. Jiggers Alejandrino, meanwhile, extended his deepest appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the province. (PNA)
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Bulacan journalists to mark 3rd year anniversary of “Maguindanao Massacre”
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 19 (PNA) -- Members of the working press in this province will hold on Wednesday a candle light parade at the provincial capitol grounds here to commemorate the third anniversary of the infamous “Maguindanao Massacre.”
Dino Balabo, chairman of the Bulacan chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), said the candle light parade will be joined in by journalism students from different universities in the province.
He that three years have already passed since 58 persons, 32 of them journalists, were senselessly and mercilessly killed on November 23, 2009 in Maguindanao.
That day was declared by the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) last year as the day of commemorating the International Day to End Impunity (IDEI), Balabo said.
He said the Bulakenyo journalists will converge in front of the provincial capitol building on Wednesday at 5 p.m. and light candles at the statue of the three Filipino propagandists -- Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. Del Pilar and Graciano Lopez Jaena. (PNA)
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Bulacan to hold free medical mission
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 17 (PNA) -- The provincial government will conduct free medical services on Sunday, from 6 a.m. to 12 noon at the Bulacan capitol gymnasium here.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the activity, in partnership with the Bulacan Medical Society and Philippine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (PSEM), will provide benefit to least 400 individuals who are at risks with diabetes.
Alvarado said the medical mission is part of the celebration of World Diabetes Day with the theme "Protect Our Future."
Among the activities, he said, include blood sugar and lipid screening for the prevention and control of diabetes.
There will also a cooking demo and forum about proper nutritional diet for diabetic patients and will distribute 24 glucometers for Diabetic club members in the province, he said.
We need to change our lifestyle and have regular exercises to avoid stress and others that might cause diabetes, he added. (PNA)
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Bulacan police intensifies drive vs. illegal drugs
MEYCAUAYAN CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 9 (PNA) -- Police authorities has intensified its renewed campaign against illegal drugs here.
The anti-narcotics operatives on Thursday swooped down on a suspected dope den in Barangay Bangkal Extension here and arrested six persons who were caught sniffing shabu.
Supt. Sydney Villaflor, city police chief, identified the arrested suspects as Edgar Guevarra, 31, resident of Bunsuran II, Pandi town; Lauro Handrado, 43, of Villarama, Norzagaray; Jonathan Ignacio, 35, of Tabon, Pulilan; Bernardo Genova, 45, of Biñan 1st, Bocaue; Jayson Enriquez, 28, of Saint Peter, Veinte Reales, Valenzuela City; and Racquelyn Duata, 33, of ACA Compound, Kadiwa, Malanday, Valenzuela City.
Villaflor said that prior to their arrest, the Anti-Illegal Drugs Team of the Meycauayan police received a letter from a concerned citizen about the rampant use of illegal drugs at Yakal Street, Bangcal Extension, Barangay Bangcal.
Villaflor said that a rough sketch of the address of an alleged drug den being maintained by a certain Amir Dela Passion was attached to the letter.
Based on the said information, a police team was sent to conduct anti-drug operation in the area, in coordination with the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and village officials.
Confiscated from the suspects were aluminum foils with suspected “shabu” residue.
The suspects and the pieces of evidence were brought to the Bulacan Provincial Crime Laboratory Office for examination.
A criminal complaint against the arrested persons and Amir Dela Passion, the alleged maintainer of the drug den who is at large, are being prepared for filing in court, Villaflor added. (PNA)
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Bulacan police nabs 113 wanted persons in a month
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov.8 (PNA) -- The Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) on Wednesday announced the arrest of 113 persons with warrants during a month's operations.
Supt. Miguel Atienza, chief of the Provincial Police Information Office, said the series of apprehensions were part of Bulacan PNP’s continuous conduct of manhunt against persons with warrants of arrest in the province.
Among those arrested were one most wanted person in the provincial level and four wanted in the municipal levels.
Apprehended were Francisco Martin, listed as no. 17 of the 20 most wanted criminals in Bulacan province; Jervy del Rosario,no. 8 most wanted in town of Calumpit; Antonio Neri, no.3 in Meycauayan City; and Eric Evangelista, no.10 in Obando.
Atienza said the operations was also in response to the directive of Central Luzon police regional director Chief Supt. Edgardo T. Ladao to intensify the conduct of manhunt operations to arrest wanted persons in the region. (PNA)
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P594M major road project in Bulacan nears completion -DPWH
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 29 (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the P593-million major road project in Bulacan is almost complete.
DPWH regional director Antonio Molano said the construction of the 7.78-kilometer major road connection between Bustos and Plaridel towns in Bulacan to North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) has already reached 91-percent completion.
It is ahead of schedule as it surpassed the 75-percent target, Molano said.
The project is part of the Plaridel by-pass road contract package 2, a continuation of the 6.87 kilometers new highway from Barangay Bulihan in Plaridel town linking to North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Barangay Burol, Balagtas town.
The Plaridel by-pass contract package 1 was opened to motoring public last March 2012.
The DPWH official said the contractor C.M. Pancho Construction under close supervision of DPWH-Philippine Japan Highway Loan-Project Management Office (DPWH-PJHL-PMO) has already completed the concrete paving of the said project.
The contractor activities are focused on the completion of remaining road intersections and areas wherein embankment construction is still ongoing, he said.
The project contract also covers the construction of seven bridges with a total length of 241 lineal meters, installation of drainage facilities and slope protection works.(PNA)
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Zero firecrackers-related incidents eyed
GUIGUINTO, Bulacan, Oct. 23 (PNA) -- Stakeholders in the pyrotechnics industry have joined forces in a goal to make firecracker-related incident zero this coming New Year's celebration.
Virnie Erese, president of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association, said legitimate pyrotechnics workers in regions 1 to 4 as well as police authorities have recently participated in a seminar that tackled the proper way of manufacturing, transporting and selling of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics devices.
"We also taught them the proper way of displaying the products in order to avoid similar firecracker-related accidents in the past," she said.
Chief Supt. Raul Petrasanta, chief of the Firearms and Explosive Office, said that aside from the seminar, they are now going around the country to monitor the manufacturing of firecrackers.
He said they are also into inspecting the reported storage of firecrackers.
Petrasanta said they are also strictly monitoring the illegal manufacturing of firecrackers and the entry of prohibited imported firecrackers
"We will also intensify the implementation of Republic Act 7183 or an Act regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics devices," he added.
He also reminded the public on the firecrackers prohibited by Department of Health and the Department of Trade and Industry that include watusi, piccolo, super lolo or atomic bomb, pla-pla and others.
Under RA 7183, persons caught manufacturing, selling, distributing and purchasing those items may be imprisoned from six months to a year, and may be slapped with a fine from P20,000 to P30,000. (PNA)
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Seven suspected carnappers fall in Bulacan
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Oct. 23 (PNA) -- Operatives of the Regional Highway Patrol Team based arrested Monday in Calumpit, Bulacan seven suspected members of a syndicate involved in carnapping activities in Metro Manila and adjoining provinces.
Police Chief Inspector Ferdinand Germino, team leader of the Highway Patrol Team in Bulacan, identified the suspects as Eduardo Lagman Sr., 47, blacksmith and a resident of Barangay Gatbuca, Calumpit, Bulacan; Bong Bong Torres, 42, blacksmith of Barangay Capalangan; Calumpit, Bulacan; Jerry Felipe, 18, helper, of Mendez, Baesa, Quezon City; Erick De Guzman, 18, helper, and resident of Barangay Sta. Monica, Novaliches, Quezon City; Rodel Solpicio, 27, a native of General Santos City and a resident of Lawton, Manila; Maria Luisa Samonte, 30, a resident of Bagong Barrio, Calaocan City; and Analisa Calimon, 22, factory worker and resident of Barangay Masambong, Quezon City.
Germino said that Rolly Adviento, 51, manager-fleet operation of St. Peter Life Plans and resident of Rocka Village, Barangay Tabang, Plaridel, Bulacan, reported that one of their service vehicles, a Mitsubishi L300 Deluxe with plate no. TQT 694, was carnapped in front of the St Peter Chapel in Cogeo, Antipolo City at about 3 to 4 a.m. Monday.
According to Germino, a global positioning system (GPS) attached to the vehicle led them to the approximate location of the vehicle in Purok 1 Barangay Sapang Bayan, Calumpit, Bulacan.
In a subsequent operation, he said his operatives recovered from the scene dismantled spare parts and cannibalized Mitsubishi L300 Deluxe FB, two pieces of plate numbers, GPS gadget, two pieces of acetylene tanks, one hose with gauge and regulator, and one public utility jeep plying the route Project 8-Quiapo.
The jeepney is being used by the group in transporting vehicle parts to Barangay Capalangan in Apalit, Pampanga and Banawe, Quezon City, he said.
Also recovered were several fuel tanks, other parts of a Mitsubishi L300 FB which have been carnapped earlier.
Case of the violation of the anti-carnapping law is now being readied against the suspects. (PNA)
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Motorists urged to use internet for NLEX traffic condition
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 22 (PNA) -- Motorists who will be taking the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) were urged on Monday to go online to check for traffic updates for a worry-free travel this All Saints' Day.
Toll Regulatory Board executive director Edmundo Reyes, said the motorists could use the NLEX’s real-time travel advisory system called “NLigtas” to plan their travel better by knowing the current traffic conditions along the expressway as well as the approximate travel time.
“Our goal is to really make this 'Undas' safer than the last one,” Reyes said as he added "that is why we are providing travelers with more graphic updates which they can access even before they start their trips.”
The NLigtas system, which is accessible through the TMC, allows users to check out real-time traffic situation at the NLEX.
He said sensors along the stretch of the expressway detect and measure the actual speeds and travel conditions which are processed in real-time by NLigtas software application into useful travel advisory.
The information is real time and 95 percent accurate for the approximate travel time, he said.
Aside from this site, he said, travel information is also available via Twitter @ NLEXTraffic, Facebook page Travel on Great Roads, Variable Message Signs and NLEX hotline (02-35000). (PNA)
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New Bulacan provincial prosecutor named
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 20 (PNA) -- Veteran trial lawyer Renato C. Samonte, Jr. is the new chief provincial prosecutor of Bulacan.
Samonte assumed the post vacated by Alfredo ‘Gerry’ Geronimo who retired from the government service last year.
He is the eldest son of the late Renato ‘Rening’ Samonte and Lucia dela Cruz of Taliptip, Bulakan, Bulacan.
He was also president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (Gat. Marcelo H. Del Pilar–Bulacan chapter) from 2009 to 2011.
Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado welcomed the appointment of Samonte as a fitting tribute to the qualification and capability of a true-blue Bulakenyo at the helm of the prosecution service, an indispensable pillar in the administration of justice in the province.
Samonte, who has an extensive law practice in Metro Manila and Central Luzon spanning three decades, finished A.B. Political Science at the Ateneo de Manila University and graduated from the San Beda College of Law in 1980.
His skills as a trial lawyer was honed and polished during his more than 10 years practice at the Law office of Dakila F. Castro where he litigated high-profile criminal cases. (PNA)
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Bulacan to form “Task Force: Paputok”
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 20 (PNA) -- As the production of fireworks in revs into high gear in anticipation of big demand for the Christmas and New Year holidays, Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Saturday said that he will form a provincial “Task Force: Paputok” that will enforce safety measures and other salient provisions of the firecracker law.
Alvarado, during the weekly radio program “The Governor’s Hour,” which he co-hosts with Bulajenyo broadcaster Rommel Ramos every Saturday morning, said he would call a meeting next week among fireworks manufacturers and dealers and officers of the Bulacan police to discuss the safety measures.
He advised local manufacturers and dealers to only produce and sell safe firecrackers. He also reminded them to always follow the safety guidelines to avoid accidents which have claimed lives and destroyed properties in the past years.
Among the problems besieging the local fireworks industry is the influx of smuggled imported pyrotechnics, which is being labeled made from Bulacan but are actually being sneaked into the country from China.
Sr. Supt. Ferdinand Daway, explosives management division chief of the Philippine National Police, said smuggled products could not be allowed because the domestic pyrotechnic industry would suffer.
The law governing pyrotechnics manufacture, sales and distribution allows only totally knocked-down materials, he said.
Daway said smuggled fireworks were openly sold in the domestic market.
Some businessmen are smuggling the products and passing them to the market as locally manufactured, he said.
Vimie Erese, president of the Phillippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI), said the scheme had caused a decline in the domestic pyrotechnics industry.
At present, only 20 registered manufacturers existed, compared to 40 last year, he added.
Engineer Celso C. Cruz, chairman emeritus of PPMDAI, said that some businessmen found it more profitable to smuggle pyrotechnics than produce it locally.
“It is so easy, they will not maintain workers, they will only need a warehouse. But the practice is killing the industry,” Cruz said. (PNA)
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Bangsamoro peace pact, right path for long lasting peace -- Yes for Peace movement
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 10 (PNA) -- The framework agreement reached by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) creating a new political entity in Mindanao to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is the right path and a big step toward the achievement of long lasting peace in the country.
This was the reaction of Ernesto A. Alcanzare, lead organizer of the Yes for Peace-Bayanihan sa Kapayapaan movement, as praises and support continued to snowball on the newly forged agreement.
Alcanzare said the vision and goals of President Benigno S. Aquino III to end armed hostilities in the country by the end of 2012 is now materializing and gaining more support.
“We welcome the framework agreement of the Bangsamoro, especially on its commitment to forge a comprehensive peace pact in the end of the year which is consistent to the call of the Yes for Peace movement,” he said.
Alcanzare has proposed that succeeding negotiations for the comprehensive peace pact agreement should be held openly pursuant to President Aquino’s vision and goal of a peace program that is transparent and participatory in nature.
“In other words, the negotiations should be held in the Philippines and covered by the media just like the Corona impeachment trial,” he said.
He said that there are still important issues that should be ironed out and among the contentious ones that must be addressed is the disposition of MILF forces and the “policing” of the Bangsamoro.
But Alcanzare believes the framework agreement would open more doors that will pave the way for long lasting peace in the country.
He said that Yes for Peace was inspired by former President Corazon Aquino’s resolve to establish a national consensus for peace in 1988.
Yes for Peace is all about “winning the hearts and minds of the Filipino people, he added. (PNA)
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Bulacan gets 2012 Gawad Kalasag National Award on disaster preparedness
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 10 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the provincial government will continue to upgrade and modernize the equipment and logistics of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to boost its capabilities in responding effectively in times of calamities.
The governor made the statement after Bulacan was adjudged as this year’s “Best Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council” during the 2012 Gawad Kalasag National Awards, a national recognition of excellence in disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian assistance, held Tuesday at the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Club in Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Alvarado said the award will always serve as an inspiration to the PDRRMC, adding that, "everyone has a responsibility every time we face the wrath of nature".
"The greatest calamity in life is the daily and hourly destroying our Mother Nature like polluting the seas and rivers and denuding the mountains. We, in Bulacan, we are working together in good faith to succeed in protection our province against disasters made by humans," he said.
The governor also said that the provincial government is working hand-in-hand with local communities and officials in dealing with disaster preparedness and mitigation plans.
Alvarado said that the provincial government is also constantly monitoring the conditions of the watersheds and the rivers, which he said, contributes to the destruction being wrought by severe flooding every time a storm or intense rainfall hits Bulacan.
He thanked and commended the efforts PDRMMC of Bulacan for coping up and coming up with timely plans and interventions in addressing the effects of climate change.
He said the award will also serve as a guiding instrument for them to work hard in saving lives.
Alvarado also mentioned that Bulacan PDRRMC’s School Hydrological Information Network (SHINE) project was recognized on NDRRMC’s current awarding scheme to be one of the best practices in school-based early warning systems.
The said project sets the minds of youths towards a climate change-enhanced curriculum consistent with the principle that disaster awareness should begin in schools.
“SHINE strengthens the flood disaster awareness of schools and communities in Bulacan,” Alvarado said.
The other Gawad Kalasag awardees are Makati PDRRMC (Highly-Urbanized City category); Santiago City, Isabela (Component/Independent Component); San Jose de Buenavista, Antique PDRRMC (1st-3rd class); Sto. Domingo, Albay PDRRMC (4th-6th class); Brgy. Sta. Rita, Olongapo City PDRRMC (Urban); and Brgy. Sipitan-Badiang, Guimbal, Iloilo PDRMMC (Rural).
The awarding rites coincided with launching of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMO) 2011-2028 and graced by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, Undersecretary Benito Ramos and OCD Region 3 director Josephine Timoteo. (PNA)
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Bulacan intensifies its emergency response
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 10 (PNA) -- The Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) on Tuesday spearheaded a three-day fast craft rescue training at the Ipo Dam in Norzagaray town to enhance the efficiency of rescue and response teams in addressing emergencies in times of calamities.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the province is strengthening its disaster preparedness and enhancing the knowledge and skills of rescuers in using flood rescue boats and other similar life saving vehicles.
Alvarado said the participants will also be trained in giving first aid for flood rescue and search and retrieval operations.
Participants of the three-day training include rescue/response team members of the City and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils, local government units of the cities Meycauayan, Malolos and San Jose del Monte, the towns of Marilao, Santa Maria, Obando, Calumpit, Hagonoy, Pulilan and Norzagaray and non-government organizations (NGOs).
The rescue teams are composed of five members who were already trained, acquired skills in basic water safety, standard first aid/basic life support-cardio pulmonary resuscitation, physically fit and but have not yet attended a fast craft rescue training.
Recently, a simultaneous earthquake drill was held in Angat Dam and Barangay Caniogan in Calumpit town to help the local governments in the planning and management of emergency responses in case massive floods hit the areas.
The drill simulated a scenario from the Metro Manila earthquake impact reduction study where the valley fault system causes a 7.2 magnitude tremor, causing piping failure in Angat Dam.
It was participated in by the Angat Hydro Electric Power Plant Administration, Angat Flood Forecasting and Warning System for Dam operation, Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, disaster units of Calumpit and Norzagaray.(PNA)
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Student writers invited to join biotech campus journalism contest
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 7 (PNA) --Student journalists and writers nationwide are invited to join the Biotech Campus Journalism Contest organized by the Philippine Science Journalists Association Inc. (PSciJourn), Agham Party-list, the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture-Biotechnology Information Center (SEARCA BIC).
Agham party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones said the winners and finalists wil join a two-day study tour to TV/radio stations/newspaper publishing offices and biotech laboratories and field trials in the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).
He also said that participating students will also get a chance to have their work published in national print media publications and biotech websites.
The contest organizers said that participants must submit a feature article with the topic “The Benefits and Potentials of Modern Crop Biotechnology in the Philippines” on or before October 31, 2012.
The science writing tilt is open to students nationwide and divided into high school and college levels.
Palmones said that the Biotech Campus Journalism Contest aims to promote and enhance the knowledge of student journalists and writers on the growing promises of biotechnology for the future of food security and agricultural sustainability in the country by encouraging them to research on the topic and interview Filipino scientists, biotech corn farmers, and even regulators of biotech crops.
Ten finalists, including the top three winners, will be selected from each level. The first, second, and third place winners in both levels will receive cash prizes of P15,000, P10,000, and P7,000, respectively, while the succeeding finalists will each receive P2,000 cash prize.
Palmones added that an Agham Congressional Medal will also be awarded to each winner/finalist.
Moreover, the schools of the two first place winners in both levels will also receive P5,000 cash prize each. They will be recognized and awarded during the opening ceremonies of the upcoming 8th National Biotechnology Week on November 26, 2012. (PNA)
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Filing of COCs in Bulacan, generally peaceful
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct.6 (PNA) -- The filing of the certificates of candidacy[COCs] in the province has been generally peaceful, the Bulacan Police Provincial Office reported Saturday.
Chief Inspector Ysmael Yu, company commander of the Provincial Public Safety Company said that as of Saturday morning no untoward incidents related to the filing of the Cocs was reported.
“It’s generally peaceful and in some cases, the mood is even festive,” Yu said.
Political pundits attributed the peaceful outcome to the unification of rival politicians, particularly in the gubernatorial, vice gubernatorial, congressional and mayoralty race.
They said that Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa Jr., did a ‘masterstroke’ in unifying the politicians in Bulacan and made them agreed on who will be the ruling Liberal Party’s candidate.
They added that the brilliant initiatives of Sec. Ochoa made the delivery of logistics and support from the national government to the provincial level faster and smoothly.(PNA)
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Bulacan promotes organic farming
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 5 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado on Thursday led the promotion of organic agriculture in the province as part of the observance of Food Security Month.
Alvarado said the organic agriculture responses to some environmental concern and can help in the sustainability of agriculture sector.
“We are establishing eight learning sites which include educating our farmers about vermi composting and preparation of natural inputs like fish amino acid and herbal or botanical pesticide,” he said.
The governor also said that they are conducting Integrated Techno Demo for organic rice, vegetable and goat production which will benefit stakeholders from Malolos City, Pulilan, Plaridel, Norzagaray, San Ildefonso, San Rafael, Sta. Maria, Bustos and Calumpit.
Provincial agriculturist Gloria Carrillo, on the other hand, said that part of the activities for Food Security Month is the continuing crop production program which aims to increase yield, income and productivity on palay, vegetable, corn, root crops and plantation crops.
“We provide assistance on the establishments of community seed banks, distribute farm equipment and post-harvest facilities, conducts on-going season long farmers field school on palay check system and offer technical assistance to our 21 municipalities and three cities,” she said.
Carillo said they also conduct seminars and trainings in coastal municipalities to upgrade fisher folks’ knowledge on aquaculture.
Also, the Provincial Veterinary Office pushes for strict monitoring on compliance of the National Meat Inspection Service rules and regulation on slaughterhouse operations in the province.
Provincial veterinarian Dr. Voltaire Basinang said they are gathering all meat inspectors, market masters and slaughterhouse supervisors for a meeting to discuss with them slaughterhouse policies and regulation as well as hygienic handling of newly slaughtered meat in markets and cleanliness and sanitation in meat stalls.
He said that this is also part of the observance of Meat Safety and Consciousness Week, which starts from Oct. 15 to 19. (PNA)
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Bulacan gov files COC for his 2nd term bid
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct.3 (PNA) -- Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and his running mate Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando filed their certificates of candidacy (CoCs) at the provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) office here Wednesday morning.
The incumbent governor and vice governor was accompanied by the province's city and municipal mayor at the Comelec provincial office after a mass at the chapel of the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center.
Paombong Mayor Marcos and Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad said that this is the first time that the provincial chief executive and his running mate are vying with the full support of the majority of the mayors of the province.
Alvarado and Fernando are both running under the Liberal Party (LP) coalition.
In thanking the local executives and supporters, Gov. Alvarado vowed to continue what he started with more fervor and strong resolve in his bid for a second term as chief executive of the province.
He said that the rare political development in Bulacan is a “masterstroke” initiative of the top brass of the Liberal Party, which he added that this kind of political maturity should be emulated in other parts of the country.
"All of us want to serve and this time, we are ready to work as one team," said Alvarado, who was also joined by his wife, re-electionist 1st District Rep. Ma Victoria R. Sy-Alvarado who also filed her CoC.
Some political pundits viewed this development as the true essence of President Benigno Aquino’s “Tuwid na Daan” policy which is geared towards in making the country politically stable and matured.
Vice Gov. Fernando is virtually unopposed after the Municipal Trial Court of Pandi junked the petition of his rumored rival and fellow actor Philip Salvador for his inclusion in the list of voters in the said town.
Aside from Alvarado and Fernando, re-electionists board members Michael Fermin, Felix Ople, Therese Sheryll Ople (1st District), Enrique dela Cruz and Monette Posadas (2nd District) also filed their CoCs.
Meanwhile, former Malolos City Mayor Atty. Danilo Domingo and running mate former Vice Mayor Noel Sakay filed their CoCs at the City Comelec office in downtown Malolos after hearing a holy mass at the Barasoain Church.
Domingo and Sakay will be facing re-electionist City Mayor Natividad and Vice Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian. (PNA)
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American miner brings smiles to poor Filipino kids
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Sept. 28 (PNA) -- An American miner has become a “Good Samaritan” to poor communities in the country by helping poor children taste the “good life” and grooming them to become good citizens.
Derek C. Weightman, transport coordinator of B.H.P Billiton, takes extra suitcases of clothes for poor children every time he goes to the Philippines.
He said that every time he went to the Philippines, he sees to it that he will be carrying extra suitcases of clothes for the poor children.
“It makes me happy and no amount of money can match the smiles on the faces of the children,” he said.
Weightman has also endeared himself to the people of Area C, a mining site in Australia, as the “Minister of Transport” for ensuring that all the transport logistics needed by the people working at a mine site are arranged both at the site and between site and airport.
The American supervises the operation of 12 buses in Area C, which he makes sure to be always clean, maintained and assigned for both business and special occasions (e.g. Lieghton Contractors VIP visits). He also makes arrangements for transporting employees and visitors.
Weightman has worked as mining operator in Area C and in Onebody, and leading hand driller in Onebody.
He has dedicated himself to fundraising, both in the mining site and offsite. Those who knew him said that it is not unusual to see Weightman, up to the mess hall every night, raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
He said he will never get tired in bringing smiles to poor children and will always bring them nice clothing. (PNA)
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Rehab of Angat Dam to start early 2013
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Sept. 28 (PNA) -- The rehabilitation of the rock-built Angat dam will start early next year.
Liz Mungcal, chief of the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), said the bidding process on the rehabilitation and retrofitting works on the 43-year old dam is set next month.
The project, which has an allocation of some P5.7 billion, is expected to be completed by 2016.
Mungcal said the rehabilitation of the Angat dam will be based on the designs of Tonkin and Taylor International and Engineering Development Corporation of the Philippines (Edcop).
The two companies were tasked by the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System (MWSS) to conduct six-month study and evaluation of the structural integrity of the dam last April.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) earlier said the Marikina fault line is underneath the dam’s reservoir and poses danger to its structural integrity.
The MWSS technical working group has agreed with the findings of Phivolcs that the dam is sitting along the west Marikina fault line and cannot withstand a 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
Unabated logging and mining activities along the Angat dam watershed area has also compromised the structural integrity of the dam, according to the Sagip Sierra Madre Environment Society.
MWSS administrator Gerry Esquivel said the rehabilitation work at Angat dam will not disrupt the delivery of water supply to Metro Manila.
The Angat dam provides 98 percent of the water needed by Metro Manila and irrigation for most farmlands in Central Luzon. (PNA)
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5 suspected armed robbers operating in Luzon, MM, fall in Bataan
DINALUPIHAN, Bataan, Sept. 26 (PNA) -- Five alleged members of the Taguro Holdup Group believed to be operating in Luzon and Metro Manila were arrested by police operatives here Monday afternoon.
Supt. Alfred dela Roca, Dinalupihan police chief, identified the suspects as Richard Morales, 23, alleged leader of the group from Balanga City; Roam Puerto, 30, of Leon Guinto, Metro Manila; Antonio Toribio, 36, of Antipolo City; Angelino Geronimo, 23, of Macabebe, Pampanga; and Jerry Tolentino, 48, of Pasong Tamo in Quezon City.
Also confiscated from the suspects were a 9mm Uzi Ingram with silencer; 34 live ammunitions for 9mm Uzi; one caliber .38 revolver with four live ammunitions and two fragmentation hand grenades.
“The five robbery/holdup suspects will be charged for illegal possession of firearms and explosives,” dela Roca said.
Dela Roca said members of the Intelligence group and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and another team under him set up a checkpoint in Barangay Sta. Isabel after receiving reports that a red car and a motorcycle were suspiciously parked near a warehouse of Gabby’s Marketing here.
He said the suspects in car and motorcycle fled when they sensed that police officers were approaching.
However, the chief of police said that they were able to flag the two vehicles at the checkpoint and in there confiscated the firearms and hand grenades.
Dela Roca said the operation was the result of joint efforts of the Provincial Intelligence Branch, Police Public Order and Safety Office, CIDG and the Dinalupihan police.
He said they planned the operation after a tactical interrogation conducted by the Angeles City Police in Pampanga mentioned the name of Richard Morales as leader of the “Taguro Holdup Group” that conducted robbery/hold-up activities in Bulacan, Manila, Angeles City, Pampanga and Bataan.
He said that Morales was a former employee of Gabby’s Marketing that per intelligence report was the target of the suspects. (PNA)
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NDRRMC conducts simultaneous quake drill in Bulacan
CALUMPIT, Bulacan, Sept. 24 (PNA) -- Bracing for a “worst scenario” in case the Angat dam in Norzagaray burst during an earthquake, government disaster response teams Monday held a simultaneous earthquake drill from the dam site to the low lying villages in this town.
Provincial officials led by Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando made a first hand evaluation on the immediate response of government emergency teams from the sounding of alarm to the evacuation phase of the drill.
Alvarado said the earthquake drill was part of disaster officials third quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill for critical infrastructures, like Angat Dam.
The drill was supervised by NDRRMC officials led by Eduardo Batac, undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Reserve Affairs of the Dept. of National Defense.
“It pays to be always alert and ready so that we will not be caught flatfooted when disaster of such magnitude struck,” the governor said.
The drill started with ground shaking or the recognition of a possible 7.2 magnitude earthquake in which Napocor officials would conduct inspection of the dam and its facilities then check the possible occurrence/identification of dam break/breach.
If such an incident occurs, dam officials will activate its emergency action plans and will immediately notify and disseminate information to local government units, concerned agencies and then activate the early warning system and monitor the situation.
At the same time, officials of Ipo and Bustos dams will also activate their own emergency action plans.
The earthquake drill showed the immediate response of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils of Norzagaray and Calumpit in the activation of their respective emergency action plans, in coordination with local and barangay officials which will conduct information dissemination to agencies and residents.
The PDRMMC will then facilitate the establishments of command posts that will oversee traffic, security, transport, rescue, fire fighting units and logistic teams.
The PDRMMC said that it is also important to prepare families for the evacuation phase which will be handled by village officials in coordination with the Bulacan Rescue, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Army.
The drill also simulated a scenario from the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study where the valley fault system causes a 7.2 magnitude earthquake causing piping failure in Angat dam.
Ramos said 20 towns in Bulacan, seven in Pampanga and three cities in Metro manila would be affected by inundations as high as 10 to 30 meters.
“This activity is part of the government’s continuing efforts in enhancing public awareness and strengthening the nation’s capability in disaster prevention, management and response,” Ramos said.
Batac thanked Alvarado and the provincial government of Bulacan for their unwavering support, concern as well as the active participation of the Bulacan PDRRMC in the earthquake drill and the disaster prevention and awareness campaign of the NDRRMC. (PNA)
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Bulacan officials ink covenant to address effects of climate change
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Sept. 16 (PNA) –- Local officials here on Saturday signed a declaration of unity and action for global warming and climate change at the Barasoain church here.
This was one of the highlights of the commemoration of the 114th anniversary of the opening of the Malolos Congress.
City mayor Christian D. Natividad said the declaration was signed by mayors and barangay officials of the province.
"The colorful part of our history took place in this historic city more than 100 years ago which served as link for our future. This time, the declaration to mitigate the adverse effects of global warming and climate change was signed here at the Barasoain Church where the Malolos Constitution was drafted and ratified," Natividad said.
During the same occasion, Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado led the offering of flowers and tribute to the statue of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Philippine Republic, together with Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad and Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro.
Alvarado said the sacrifices and patriotism of Filipino revolutionaries will always be a guiding light to leaders in effecting reforms and genuine service to the people.
Abad, in his message, cited the importance of the events that transpired at the Barasoain church, saying that all the dreams of the framers of the Malolos Constitution will be fulfilled through the “tuwid na daan” type of leadership being exercised by the Aquino administration.
Education Secretary Luistro, for his part, said they are now instilling to students the importance of Philippine history in partnership with the National Historical Institute. (PNA)
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Life-size diorama and E-leaning library, latest attraction at Barasoain Historical Museum By Emil G. Gamos
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Sept. 15 (PNA) -– Learning and appreciating the country’s history has become more fun and interesting – thanks to the inroads of modern technology.
The statue of a sitting Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Philippine Republic, flanked by key figures of the Malolos Congress, is now one of the main attractions at the newly renovated and modernized Barasoain Church Historical Museum.
The museum, inaugurated Saturday, is the first modernized museum of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, according to NHCP Commissioner Ma. Serena Diokno.
It was jointly funded by the NHCP and the Provincial Government of Bulacan headed by Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado.
On the celebration Saturday during the 114th anniversary of the opening of the Malolos Congress here, provincial and local officials signed a declaration of unity and action for global warming and climate change at the patio of the Barasoain Church.
Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando and City Mayor Christian Natividad as well as Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro offered flowers and tribute to the statue of Aguinaldo.
Diokno said the museum has five galleries where the first two will introduce visitors by explaining the backdrop to the Malolos Congress.
She told reporters in the ante room (Gallery 1), a seven- minute video introduces the museum and then presents the evolution of the idea of freedom as a prologue, while Gallery 2 traces the events leading to the establishment of the Malolos Congress, the Constitution of Biak-na-Bato, the proclamation of Independence at Kawit, Cavite and the decrees of the revolutionary government headed by Aguinaldo.
Diokno said two touch screens in Gallery 2 display the historical overview of facts and sources about the Malolos Congress and the events that preceded and followed it.
The main hall, which serves as Gallery 3, and the smaller hall next to it (Gallery 4) gives focus on Malolos; the Constitutional Congress; the Malolos Congress; the Constitution and the list of delegates to the congress.
Diokno also said Gallery 3 also offers a seven-minute light-and-sound presentation with a life-size diorama of the leading figures of the Malolos Congress.
Gallery 5 provides the epilogue and dwells on the theme—Defense of the Republic—by featuring how Filipinos went to war to defend the republic and the freedom and sovereignty of the people against a new colonizer, the United States of America.
She said among the latest innovations include the E-learning and research facilities and the audio-visual room.
Diokno presented the rooms to Alvarado, Fernando, Natividad, Abad, Luistro and members of the media.
She said the E-learning room is designed for students and equipped with 22 computers containing interactive lessons in Philippine history.
“It is the NHCP’s hope that by modernizing the Barasoain museum, students, visitors and tourists can now better appreciate our history and value the independence our forefathers struggled for,” Diokno said.
Luistro said the Department of Education will adopt the innovations made by the NHCP to make students better understand the importance of Philippine history.
Alvarado, for his part, hailed the NHCP for its new endeavor in preserving the significant role of Bulacan in the nation’s history.
Abad, in his message, cited the importance of the events that transpired at the Barasoain Church, saying all the dreams of the framers of the Malolos Constitution will be fulfilled through the “tuwid na daan” type of leadership exercised by the Aquino administration.
Luistro, on the other hand, said they are now instilling in students the importance of Philippine history in partnership with the National Historical Institute. (PNA)
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Bulacan hospital to get additional modern medical equipment
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Sept. 13 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado on Thursday said that additional modern hospital equipment for Bulacan Medical Center (BMC) will arrive soon for better and efficient delivery of medical services to the Bulakenyos.
Alvarado said the additional medical equipment include CT scan, ultrasound, MRI, and 2D echo among others.
"We are also improving and upgrading our dialysis, oncology and eye center," the governor. He said among the priorities of his administration is to provide health care that is accessible and affordable to all Bulakenyos.
Alvarado, together with local newsmen, visited the medical center to personally oversee the installation of some of the newly acquired medical equipment. He also checked the conditions of patients and their rooms.
During his ocular inspection, Alvarado ordered the General Services Office to send additional personnel at the hospital to make sure that every floor and its surrounding are always clean after he noticed the lack of janitors cleaning the room and wards.
He also ordered Provincial Engineer Glen Reyes to speed up the repairs being undertaken at the province’s premiere medical facility.
He also told hospital officials to ensure that there are always available medicines and clean bedsheets.
Likewise, Alvarado told newsmen that he had asked Executive Secretary Atty. Paquito Ochoa Jr. for the construction of additional wards and buildings inside the BMC compound.
At present, the BMC has 300 brand new hospital beds. (PNA)
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House defense committee to review DPWH P352 billion flood control plan
MANILA, Sept. 11 (PNA) -- The House Committee of National Defense and Security will review the P352 billion flood control plan of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure that the projects to be undertaken are based on careful and sound studies.
Rep. Rodolfo Biazon (Lone District, Muntinlupa City), author of House Resolution 2679, said the plan includes 11 projects whose development will take up to the year 2035 to implement and that foreign assisted funds would benefit the country.
"There are some factors to be considered such as changing weather patterns, changing topography of areas due to urbanization and development, forest denudation and even the creation of new employment centers in order to decongest existing urban centers," Biazon said.
Biazon said Metro Manila, including the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Bataan, Zambales, Laguna and Cavite experienced heavy rains that caused massive flooding in many of its towns and cities brought by the southwest monsoon or "Habagat."
Biazon cited a study of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) which showed that a total of 56 cities and municipalities from the National Capital Region (NCR), Regions 3 and 4-A were affected by flooding.
The NDRRMC also reported that as of Aug. 14, 2012, 95 persons were reported dead, 11 persons injured, seven persons missing and a total of 825,018 families or about 3,742,674 individuals were affected in 2,498 barangays located in some 173 municipalities and 36 cities in 16 provinces of regions 1, 3, 4-B and the NCR.
Biazon said an estimated cost of damage to infrastructure is P639 million while that of agriculture is P1.6 billion, for a total of P2.2 billion. (PNA)
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Good governance takes center stage in Bulacan’s “Singkaban Fiesta 2012”
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Sept. 10 (PNA) -- The festive mood that engulfed this historic city when Filipino revolutionaries converged at the Barasoain Church more than a century ago was relived Monday morning with the opening of the “Singkaban Fiesta 2012.”
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the weeklong celebration is a fitting tribute to the patriotism of the Filipino revolutionaries and heroes that courageously convened the Malolos Congress at the historic Barasoain Church ( on September 15,1898) where the Malolos Constitution was drafted that gave credence to the declaration of Philippine Independence, making Malolos the “Cradle of Democracy” in Asia.
Alvarado underlined the efforts of the provincial government of Bulacan in giving the highest quality of public service as he led the formal opening of the Singkaban Fiesta 2012 with the theme “Lalawigang Huwaran ang Pamahalaan, Tahanan ng Dakilang Lahi, Sentro ng Kasaysayan ng Bansa – Bulacan, sa daigdig ay ibandila!”
He said that among the priorities of his administration is to provide health care that is accessible and affordable to all the Bulakenyos.
The additional hospital equipment like CT scan, ultrasound, MRI, 2D echo at mammography will soon to arrive. Our dialysis, oncology and eye center is also being upgraded, he added.
Alvarado said that even though they have a simple celebration this year, the true essence of this festival relating to the promotion of the abundant artistic and cultural heritage of the province was achieved.
Vice Governor Daniel Fernando, for his part, said that the festival also poses a challenge for every Bulakenyo on continuously striving to become outstanding in their endeavors.
After the short ceremony, other activities are held such as the Panaderong Bulakenyo which features pandesal spiced with malunggay leaves, presentation of the candidates of Reyna ng Bulacan, and the float parade of different institutions and companies.
The provincial officials also led the opening of the weeklong exhibits such as Tatak Bulakenyo Trade Exhibit which displays the products of Bulacan including sweets and delicacies, beverages, food, bags, shoes, fashion accessories, handicrafts, woodcrafts and other educational toys; Lakan Sining Exhibit which features Bulakenyos’ masterpieces in visual arts; and the Dakilang Bulakenyo Series: Eusebio “Maestrong Sebio” Roque which features the contributions of Maestrong Sebio in the struggle for Philippine freedom were held.
In the afternoon, the awarding for Bulacan as the Outstanding Local Government Unit (LGU) and Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) partner in Luzon (for the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar, information dissemination and PAIR Help Desk) and the National TESDA Kabalikat Award was held at the Hiyas Pavillion.
It was followed by a signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the LGUs, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that aims to fight against anti-illegal recruitment, anti-trafficking in persons, and child labor (CL). (PNA)
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Revival of the Pampanga River Control System pushed
STO. TOMAS, Pampanga, Sept. 7 (PNA) -- Provincial fourth district board member Nestor Tolentino has urged the local government units (LGUs) along the river bank to support move on the revival of the Pampanga River Control System (PRCS).
Tolentino said the local leaders can pass a joint resolution or a position paper addressed to Secretary Rogelio Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to be adapted in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan asking the public works department to reactivate the defunct PRCS.
“The governor and the provincial board support any move to revive PRCS”, he said.
Being a former supervising civil engineer of the PRCS when it was still active, Tolentino vouched the capacity of the PRCS to maintain and dredge the river system not only in Pampanga but the whole of Central Luzon.
He said that revival of the agency under the supervision of the DPWH will ensure funding to rehabilitate flood control facilities and also the availability of equipment to maintain the conveyance capacity of river channels.
“The PRCS used to have heavy equipment. This is what we need these days for the maintenance of the water and river channels,“ the board member said.
He said that PRCS will also eliminate finger-pointing when it comes to problem on flooding and obliterate dikes, levees, revetments and slope protection.
“During calamities PRCS will be the sole body responsible to any problem brought about by flooding,” he added.
Likewise, Bulacan governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado has been pushing for the revival of the PRCS to address the perennial flood problems in Bulacan and Pampanga.
Alvarado said the PRCS, whose personnel were transferred to the Mt. Pinatubo Commission, used to be in charge of dredging the river systems in Bulacan and Pampanga.
“That is one of the primary reasons why most parts of Central Luzon experience devastating flooding for days after a typhoon,” Alvarado said, adding that most of the rivers and waterways in the region are heavily silted.
Twenty years ago, PRCS used to be an attached agency of the DPWH that is mandated to supervise the rehabilitation and dredging of river channels.
However, during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, different agencies was created that resulted to the duplication of functions which led to the deactivation of PRCS. (PNA)
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TESDA chief congratulates 2,000 new technical education graduates in Bulacan
BALIWAG, Bulacan, Sept. 6 (PNA) -- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Joel Villanueva on Wednesday congratulated some 2,000 graduates of the technical education courses in the province.
Villanueva, during the graduation rites held at the Baliwag University here Wednesday afternoon, said the new graduates have increased the manpower resources of the country.
“All of you will go onwards, facing the challenges of life and equipped with skills and talents. Wherever you go, please make sure that you will make our country proud. Congratulations!” he said before the jampacked sports center of the Baliwag University.
He said the provincial graduation, which was dubbed “Big V Day” with the letter “V” symbolizing “victory,” is the fight against poverty.
Likewise, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, who was represented by Provincial Administrator Jim Valerio, also congratulated the graduates, calling them as the new heroes of Bulacan.
He said that the quality education like the ones being provided by TESDA is opening many doors of opportunities for young people.
TESDA regional director Teodoro “Ted” Gatchalian said that the new graduates came from different schools accredited by TESDA and affiliated with the Bulacan Association of Technical Schools.
TESDA-Bulacan provincial director Cenon Querubin, on the other hand, said the new graduates finished special vocational courses under the “key employment generation” program like welding, electrical installation maintenance, consumer electronics, commercial cooking, bread and pastry, food and beverages servicing, bartending, housekeeping, massage therapy and beauty and wellness.
The event was also attended by the local officials of the towns of Paombong, Baliwag, San Miguel, Pulilan and San Rafael. (PNA)
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Baldoz lauds local execs for keeping a Bulacan barangay child labor-free
STA. MARIA, Bulacan, Aug. 30 (PNA) -- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz urged over the weekend officials of the DOLE Regional Office No. 3 to document the anti-child labor good practices of Barangay Pulong-Buhangin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan, as she commended the barangay for sustaining its eight year-old anti-child labor program.
Baldoz, who, together with Undersecretary Lourdes Trasmonte, visited Pulong Buhangin in connection with the DOLE's Child Labor-Free Barangay Campaign. She was impressed by the barangay's anti-child labor program that started in 2004, and carried on by whoever holds the reigns of the local government.
"I am very pleased about your constancy. At the same time, I am surprised that Pulong Buhangin's achievements in fighting child labor is not so well-known," said Baldoz in her message during her visit.
"Because of this, I hereby instruct our DOLE officials in Region 3 to document your good practices and to popularize them so that other barangays may emulate and follow Pulong Buhangin's example," she added.
Baldoz recalled that Barangay Pulong Buhangin had a previous high incidence of child labor in the pyrotechnics industry, one of the industries which the province of Bulacan is known for, but it had since achieved the status as a child labor-free barangay. It is one of five barangays in Region 3 included in the DOLE's Child Labor-Free Barangay Campaign. The other barangays are Sisiman in Mariveles, Bataan; San Jose in Dipaculao, Aurora; Pandacaqui in Mexico, Pampanga; and Central in San Miguel, Tarlac.
During the visit, Barangay Captain Buenaventura presented Secretary Baldoz a copy of the Sangguniang Barangay resolution informing the DOLE that Pulong Buhangin is a child labor-free barangay and committing that it will remain so in the years to come.
“I commend Barangay Chairman Buenaventura and his officials. I likewise commend the municipal government of Sta. Maria, led by Mayor Omeng Ramos, and the provincial government of Bulacan, under the helm of Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, for their support to the government's anti-child labor program," Baldoz said, noting that Brgy. Pulong Buhangin has a very active Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) supported by the Sta. Maria Municipal Council for the Protection of Children (MCPC) and the Provincial Committee on Child Labor (PCCL).
Convergence with other government agencies in the national and local level, as well as political will, mark the characteristics of Pulong Buhangin's anti-child labor program and which had enabled it to bring back 700 child laborers and children at risks to school from the hazardous work of pyrotechnics-making.
According to the 2011 Survey on Children of the National Statistics Office, there are about 2.93 million children aged 5 to 17 years in Central Luzon. Of this number, 320,000 are reported to be child laborers. The DOLE, as lead implementing agency of the Philippine Program Against Child Labor (PPACL) has been taking very serious effort and in carrying out measures and strategies in the campaign against child labor involving all stakeholders and partner agencies, especially those from the grassroots level.
“Bulacan is a priority target area of the DOLE’s Child Labor-Free Barangay Campaign. It has still children from the marginalized sector who are very much at risk because they are working in the pyrotechnics industry,” said Baldoz.(PNA)
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AFP inducts 80 “peace ambassadors”
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 26 (PNA) -- The clarion call for a long lasting and people-centered peace in the country has gained more grounds as about 80 people were inducted as peace ambassadors by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as part of the military’s Internal Peace Security Plan (IPSP)-Bayanihan.
In an interview, Philippine Air Force Col. Gerardo M. Zamudio Jr., chief of the Public Affairs Division (0J7) of the AFP, said that the new peace ambassadors will help boost the “people-centered” peace initiatives being propagated by AFP chief of staff General Jessie D. Dellosa through the IPSP-Bayanihan.
The IPSP-Bayanihan is a multi-sectoral campaign that opens up space for the involvement of the Filipino people in defining, shaping and ensuring long lasting peace in the country.
Zamudio said that the peace ambassadors were inducted during a ceremony hosted by the Rotary Club of Camp Aguinaldo with the support of Rotary International District 3780 at the Lapu-Lapu Hall of the AFP Reserve Command in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last Friday.
They were sworn-in by Rear Admiral Miguel Jose S. Rodriguez, deputy chief of staff for civil military office (J7), who represented AFP chief of staff Gen. Dellosa.
“We at the Armed Forces are happy to have you as our new partners. We are also happy to learn that the Rotary’s theme is peace through service and that your participation as peace ambassadors will create wider awareness and understanding on our country’s peace situation,” Dellosa said in his message.
Rodriguez, for his part, called on the new peace ambassadors to stand firm in the responsibility of a peace ambassador such as promoting peace in the communities they serve by being messengers and builders of peace and become the face of the country’s peace program.
Among those who attended and witnessed the induction of the new peace ambassadors include Brigadier General Domingo Tutaan, chief of the AFP Human Rights Office; Col. Isidro Purisima, chief of the research and Doctrine Division (J3), Milet Calingo, peace program officer of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; Governor Penny Policarpio of Rotary International District 3780; Beth Directo, Peace President of the Rotary Club of Camp Aguinaldo and Ernesto A. Alcanzare, lead organizer of the “Yes for Peace—Bayanihan sa Kapayapaan” movement.
Alcanzare said it is high time for the Filipino people to take ownership of the IPSP-Bayanihan, adding that “towards this end, the Yes for Peace movement can serve as an initial step in generating democratic support for it.” (PNA)
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AFP’s “IPSP-Bayanihan” team holds peace forum at Bulacan State University
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 23 (PNA) -- Representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity and the Yes For Peace-Bayanihan sa Kapayapaan movement have joined hands in promoting the growing clamor for a long lasting peace in the country.
Philippine Air Force Col. Gerardo M. Zamudio Jr., chief of the Public Affairs Division (0J7) of the AFP, said the peace and development forum held at the Valencia Hall of the Bulacan State University (BulSU) Wednesday afternoon aims to fortify the networks and cooperation among different groups, including the academe, in advocating a genuine program for a long lasting peace process.
The forum carries the theme “Peaceful Future for a Well Developed Community.”
Zamudio presented to some 50 members of the Alpha Phi Omega (Epsilon Kappa Chapter) headed by grand chancellor Renz Imond V. Ocay and BulSU students the AFP’s “Internal Peace Security Plan (IPSP)-Bayanihan”, a multi-sectoral campaign that opens up space for the involvement of the Filipino people in defining, shaping, and ensuring long lasting peace in the country.
Zamudio explained that the IPSP acknowledges that the contribution of each and every government agency, civil society organization, and even local community, is vital in ensuring peace and security.
“This military plan for peace is now owned by the Filipino people because we believe that a purely military solution is inadequate in addressing the internal security concern of the nation,” he said.
He added that the quest for long lasting peace in the country is everybody’s concern.
He thanked the Alpha Phi Omega, the PNP and the Yes for Peace-Bayanihan sa Kapayapaan for helping them in spreading the AFP’s IPSP.
He also mentioned that they are fortunate that a big organization like the Yes For Peace-Bayanihan sa Kapayapaan is now working hand-hand with all sectors of society down to the grassroots level.
Ernesto A. Alcanzare, lead organizer of the Yes for Peace-Bayanihan sa Kapayapaan, said if there will be no more conflicts in the country, the government can achieve more in propelling the country to growth and development.
Chief Inspector Wendel Arinas, who represented the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, said the issues and concern of the peace process is not only the responsibility of the PNP and the AFP but the general public as well.
“The quest for a long lasting peace in our country is a collective effort where every Filipino has a say and has a big role to do towards achieving it,” Arinas said. (PNA)
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(UPDATE)Rampaging floods destroy 21 houses in Bulacan
by Emil G. Gamos
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 8 (PNA) -- Rampaging floodwaters swept at least 21 houses in barangays Poblacion, Paltao, Sto. Cristo and Tabing-Ilog, all in Pulilan town, on Wednesday morning.
A house in Barangay Sto. Cristo here was also destroyed after it was crushed by a giant mango tree that was uprooted by severe flooding that has submerged 33 villages in this capital city since Monday.
Another house was also destroyed by landslide caused by an eroded dike in Barangay Lumang Bayan in Plaridel town.
There were no casualties in the said incidents, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported.
The severe flooding being experienced in many parts of the province also claimed the lives of Anob Langres, a six-month old baby boy in Barangay Look here, and Roy Cailan, 47, a resident of Barangay San Pascual, Obando on Tuesday.
Liz Mungcal, PDRRMC executive director, said both victims drowned after being swept by rampaging floodwaters.
A radio message received at the Bulacan Emergency Response and Rescue Operations Center said that two boys were missing after crossing a swollen creek in Barangay Sapang Dayap, San Ildefonso town Wednesday afternoon.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and Vice Governor Daniel Fernando, boarded a dump truck and led a convoy of trucks carrying relief goods to flood victims in Barangay Antipona, Bocaue and Barangay Bayugo in Meycauayan City.
Alvarado also asked the public to call 044-7910566, the hotline of the Bulacan Emergency Response and Rescue Operations Center for assistance.
Rescue and massive relief operations are still on-going.
Troops from the Philippine Army and the policemen from the Provincial Safety Management Company are also assisting in the relief and rescue operations. (PNA)
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(Update) Bulacan now under state of calamity; 222 villages flooded
By Emil G. Gamos
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 8 (PNA) -- Citing that the province has experienced one of the worst flooding in years, the provincial government of Bulacan headed by Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Wednesday declared the entire province under a “state of calamity”.
The declaration was announced by Alvarado on Wednesday morning at the command post of the Bulacan Emergency and Rescue Center as he convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC). It was backed up by a resolution from the Sanguniang Panglalawigan headed by Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando.
Alvarado, who is the chairman of the PDRRMC, said that the occurrence of southwest monsoon brought intensive rainfall in most parts of the province that caused a minimum of one foot to maximum of nine feet flooding.
He said that as of Tuesday night, at least 222 villages in 18 towns and three cities were submerged under one to five feet of floodwaters.
The severe flooding affected a total of 75,365 families.
The governor said that the calamity caused the evacuation of more than 7,000 families spread in 115 evacuation centers and has caused heavy damage to properties, infrastructure and agriculture in the province, which needs immediate actions.
He said the hardest hit was the town of Obando where all its 11 villages have been submerged under two to five feet of floods for two weeks now.
The capital city of Malolos also absorbed much of the flooding brought by the southwest monsoons.
As of Wednesday morning, the number of villages affected has risen to 33, most of which were submerged under one to three feet of floodwaters.
The towns of Baliwag (24 villages under one to five feet of floods); Calumpit (16 villages under one to four feet); Marilao (14 villages under one to five feet), Paombong (14 villages under one to two feet), Bocaue (12 villages under one to five feet), Bulacan (12 villages under one to five feet) and Hagonoy (11 villages under one to five feet) also bore the brunt of excessive flooding brought by intense rainfall in the past two days.
Other areas affected were Bustos (10 villages under one to three feet), Guiguinto (eight villages under one to two feet), Pulilan (eight villages under one to two feet), Guiguinto (eight villages under one to two feet), San Ildefonso (seven villages under one to four feet), Sta. Miguel (five villages under one to five feet), Balagtas (five villages under one to five feet), San Rafael (four villages under one to two feet), San Jose del Monte City (four villages under one to two feet), Meycauayan City (three villages under one to five feet) and Sta. Maria (two villages under one to two feet).
Alvarado also asked operators of Ipo dam and Bustos dam to momentarily close their spill gates and stop the release of water due to the floods coming from Nueva Ecija and Pampanga that is cascading towards the low-lying towns of Calumpit and Hagonoy, which have become the perennial catch basin of backfloods in Bulacan.
“Everything is properly coordinated. We have been constantly monitoring the two dams as well as the water elevation of Angat dam and regularly coordinate with dam officials," he added.
He said they are also keeping a tight watch on the water-carrying capacity of the Angat river, where the release waters of Ipo and Bustos dams flows.
“If the Angat river and Labangan channel can, then it will the time we will allow to release but it should be done gradually,” Alvarado added.
The governor said that health and social welfare workers are now attending to the needs of the flood victims.
He said rescue teams are still on alert as many parts of the province are still heavily flooded.
Relief goods and medicines are also being repacked for distributions to affected families still housed at different evacuation centers.
As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, the water elevation at Angat dam was 209.10 meters, which is nearing its spilling level of 210 meters.
The water elevation at Ipo dam was 100.30 meters, the PDRRMC reported. (PNA)
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(UPDATE)Torrential rains transform many parts of Bulacan into virtual ” water world”, 59 villages flooded
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug.7 (PNA)--Rampaging floodwaters brought by non-stop torrential rains has transformed large parts of the province into a virtual “water world” with at least 59 villages in five towns and two cities submerged under two to five feet of floods, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported Tuesday morning.
PDRRMC chairman Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has put emergency response and recue teams on 24 hours alert.
Rescue teams were also dispatched to severely flooded areas to evacuate affected residents.
Relief goods and medicines were also being readied and hauled to trucks for immediate delivery to flood victims.
Alvarado, who was personally supervising operations at the PDRRMO command center at the provincial capitol here, said they are closely monitoring the status of Ipo and Bustos dams, both of which have opened two spill gates since Monday night and Tuesday morning.
"The Bustos dam is crucial. If it can withstand the water being released by Ipo dam, the massive flooding in the downstream areas might be avoided," he said.
As of 6:30 Tuesday morning, Ipo dam has released a total of 346 cubic meters per second of water after its spilling level of 101 meters was breached Monday night. The water elevation as of 6:50 am Tuesday was 101.22 meters.
The water elevation at Angat dam as of 8:00am Tuesday was 204.18, still below its spilling level of 210 meters.
Severe flooding has inundated the towns of Obando (all 11 villages under two to five feet of floods), Calumpit (13 villages under one to five feet), Marilao (8 villages under two to five feet), Bocaue (four villages under one-five feet), and Pulilan (three villages under one to five feet).
At least 16 villages in this capital city were inundated by rising floodwaters, stranding and forcing many residents to wade into knee-deep floodwaters.
Major roads in the city have been submerged under 2 to 5 feet of floodwaters rendering some unpassable to light vehicles, initial reports reaching the PDRRMC said.
Liz Mungcal, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, said that some 150 persons or 40 families in Barangay San Pascual, Obando and 20 persons (4 families) in Barangay Catanghalan also in Obando were evacuated to higher grounds due to rising floods.
Residents along swollen rivers were also advised to move to safer grounds as early as Monday afternoon, Mungcal said.
Thousands of motorists were stranded along the southbound and northbound of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) caused by flooding in the areas of Valenzuela City, Marilao and Bocaue. All entry points and service roads are now closed.
McArthur highway in Marilao and Meycauayan town is not passable to light vehicles. (PNA)
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Police rescue 47 human trafficking victims in Tawi-Tawi
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 3 (PNA) – Government authorities have rescued 47 victims of human trafficking and arrested two suspects - a policeman and his wife - on two separate operations in the province of Tawi-Tawi, officials disclosed Friday.
Of the rescued 47 victims, 27 are females, including two minors, and the remaining 20 are males, two of them also minors.
Tawi-Tawi police director Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocson said 25 - 20 males and five females - of the total number of victims were intercepted on Tuesday at the port of Bongao town, the capital of Tawi-Tawi province.
The victims had just disembarked from the boat that came from Zamboanga City when they were intercepted by policemen and port officials, Jocson added.
Jocson said the other 22 victims - all females - were rescued on Wednesday at a pension house and at the residence of a policeman also in the municipality of Bongao.
Jocson withheld the name of the arrested policeman and his wife, saying they are still being investigated by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Ailyn Repadas of the Visayan Forum Foundation (VFF) disclosed that some of the rescued female victims are bound for Jordan and Syria.
The VFF is a non-government organization (NGO) established in 1991 and works for the welfare of marginalized migrants, especially those working in the invisible and informal sectors.
The VFF works in issues of domestic work, child labor and human trafficking especially of women and children.
Repadas said the victims were hired as domestic workers in Jordan and Syria with Malaysia as their jump-off point.
The rest of the victims, especially the males, were hired as plantation workers in Malaysia, she said.
The victims are from the provinces of Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, and from as far as Bulacan, Pampanga and Pangasinan, Jocson disclosed. (PNA)
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2 more die in Bulacan floods; many villages still flooded
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 3 (PNA) -- A six- month old baby boy was swept away by floods in the still severely flooded town of Obando while a teenage boy drowned in a flooded village in Meycauayan City, bringing to four the typhoon-related death toll in the province, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) reported on Friday.
Liz Mungcal, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, identified the latest victims as CJ Carlo Marcos ,6 months old, of Barangay Paliwas, Obando; and Justine Franscisco, 19, resident of Barangay Malhacan, Meycauayan City.
The PDRRMC report said the baby boy fell from a flooded house in Barangay Paliwas and was swept away by strong currents and drowned. On the other hand, Franscisco drowned while swimming in a swollen creek.
Last Tuesday, Efren Salvacion, 41, of Barangay Paco, Obando and Patrick dela Rosa, 12, f Barangay Abangan Sur, Marilao drowned in separate incidents in the flooded towns of Obando and Marilao.
The number of flooded villages in the province also rose to 82 after high tide aggravated the flooding in the coastal towns of Paombong (14 villages), Hagonoy (13 vilages) and Calumpit (16 villages). The other flooded towns are Bulakan (10 villages), Marilao (5 villages) and Meycauayan City (13 villages).
The PDRRMC also reported that six houses in Barangay Masukol, Paombong were destroyed by strong winds and rampaging floods last Wednesday.
All 11 villages in the coastal town of Obando, which the municipal government declared as under a state of calamity last Monday, are still under one to three feet of floodwater.
PDRRMC chairman Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said relief operations are still on-going in the affected areas.
He said the PDRRMC is also monitoring the status at the three big dams -— Angat, Ipo and Bustos -- in Bulacan.
As of 8:00 a.m. Friday, the water elevation at Angat dam was 198. 82 meters, still way below its spilling level of 212 meters while the water level at Ipo dam was 100.41 meters, almost on its spilling level of 100.50 meters. (PNA)
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Two car thieves nabbed while selling stolen van in Bulacan
STA. MARIA, Bulacan, Aug. 2 (PNA) -- Police arrested two alleged car thieves while selling a stolen van in Barangay Poblacion here Tuesday afternoon.
Supt. Lailene Amparo, town police chief, identified the arrested suspects as Ariel Biquiano, 47, a resident of 2000 Almeda Street, Tondo, Manila, and Gilbert Sorillo, 35, a resident of Balintawak, Quezon City.
Amparo said that a concerned citizen reported to the Sta Maria police station that there were two unidentified males offering to sale a suspected carnapped vehicle, a white L-300 Almasora bearing plate number BDL-91, in Barangay Poblacion.
Upon receipt of the report, Amparo said that a police team proceeded to the place, where the suspects were apprehended and the alleged carnapped vehicle recovered.
Investigators disclosed that the vehicle was offered to the informant but when he learned that it was a carnapped vehicle, he did not buy it and instead tipped off the police.
Amparo said that when the informant refused to buy the vehicle, the suspects offered it to one Vicente Villarin, a resident of 51 R. Mercado Street, Barangay Poblacion, Sta. Maria who agreed to purchase the vehicle at P150,000.
She said that while Villarin was on the way to his office to get money, a police team informed him that the Mitsubishi L300 that he was about to buy was a “stolen vehicle.”
The police officers then convinced Villarin to help in setting up an entrapment operation that resulted in the apprehension of the suspects.
The arrested suspects and Villarin were brought to Sta Maria police station for further investigation.
When the suspects were questioned, they admitted that they stole the vehicle while it was parked along Avenida Rizal, Sta Cruz, Manila.
The suspects and the recovered vehicle are presently under the custody of Sta Maria police. (PNA)
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Typhoon “Gener” ravages farmlands in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 1 (PNA) -- Strong winds and flooding caused by heavy rains spawned by typhoon “Gener” has ravaged many farmlands in the province, destroying agricultural crops estimated to be worth P29.78 million, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported on Wednesday.
Liz Mungcal, executive officer of PDRRMO, said the floods wrought damage to agricultural crops, fisheries and livestock in the towns of Balagtas, Bulakan, Bustos, Calumpit, Guiguinto, Marilao, Pulilan, San Ildefonso, San Miguel, San Rafael and Malolos City.
She said the total damage in rice crops have reached P24.8 million, while the estimated damage for vegetable crops was pegged at P1.4 million.
The damage on fisheries was estimated at P3.55 million while P6,000 of livestocks were destroyed.
As of 12 noon Wednesday, the PDRRMO reported that 50 villages in the six towns and one city of the province are still flooded.
Hardest hit are the coastal town of Obando, Hagonoy and Calumpit.
At least 11 villages in Obando are submerged under three to five feet of floodwaters while 16 villages in Hagonoy are under one to three feet of floodwater.
In Calumpit, 11 villages are flooded under one to three feet, the PDRRMO report said.
The other areas affected are the towns of Marilao, San Miguel, Sta. Maria and Meycauayan City.
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has dispatched relief teams to the affected areas and put emergency teams on 24 hours alert.
He also instructed the Bulacan Emergency Response Center to closely monitor the three big dams in the province -Angat, Ipo and Bustos- as well as the damaged Bulo irrigation dam in San Miguel town where at least 14 villages were hit by flashfloods last Saturday.
As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the water elevation at Angat dam was 195.26 meters, which is still way below its spilling level of 212 meters. The water elevation at Ipo dam was 100.65 meters. (PNA)
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Floods hit villages in Bulacan, Ipo, Bustos dams release water
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, July 30 (PNA) -- Several villages in this province were submerged in floodwaters due to heavy rains brought by tropical storm "Gener".
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said among the villages affected by continuous rains since Sunday night are in the towns of Marilao, Obando and San Miguel.
In Obando town, all roads under water were not passable to all light vehicles while in Marilao, only heavy vehicles can pass through barangays Lias and Ibayo, the PDRRMC said.
Classes in the private and public schools in Obando and Marilao were likewise suspended.
Meanwhile, San Miguel town mayor Roderick Tiongson said although the floods receded in some areas of the municipality, they are still closely monitoring the floodwaters in barangays San Ilog Bulo, Bagong Silang, Salakot and Buga.
"As of now, there is no need to evacuate the residents but we need to be always prepared and ready due to bad weather," Tiongson said.
The 14 villages of this town might be hit by flashfloods anytime due to the damaged Bulo irrigation dam, he said.
The PDRRMC is also closely monitoring the status of Ipo and Bustos dams as authorities began releasing water early Monday after reaching critical levels.
As of 5:00 a.m. Monday, the two gates of Ipo dam were opened by 50 cm. Its water elevation is 100.88 m which has an equivalent discharge of 154.8 cms.
Bustos dam also opened two gates with a total gate opening of six meters. Its water elevation is 17.51 m which has an equivalent discharge of 150 cms.
Residents in low lying areas along the Angat river from Norzagaray to Hagonoy are advised to be alert for possible increase in the water level downstream. (PNA)
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Bulacan implements province-wide plastic ban
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, July 25 (PNA) -- This province will finally implement the ordinance prohibiting the use and sale of plastic bags in support to the global environmental campaign on the reduction of non-biodegradable wastes.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has recently signed the implementing rules and regulations of Provincial Ordinance No. 2012-09.
The said ordinance prohibits Bulakenyos from buying, selling and using non-biodegradable plastic bags, styrofoam and other kinds of plastic packaging materials in the 21 towns and three cities of the province.
In addition, burning and disposal of the said materials are also prohibited.
However, oxo biodegradable plastic made from polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene as wrapper of wet goods is an exemption to the law.
Under the said ordinance, violators will face a fine of P3,000 to P5,000 or imprisonment of not less than six months to one year.
Violators who do not have the capacity to pay the fine must serve the community through environment-related services for three months or longer upon the discretion of the court.
All commercial establishments, stores and markets alike will be given 15 days after the posting of the said ordinance to comply to avoid renunciation of their business permits.
The ordinance should be posted near the cashier, check-out counter or in stalls of public markets, malls, talipapa, supermarket, restaurants, fastfoods, retail outlets, schools and other commercial establishments.
With this, the governor has urged the full cooperation of local officials as well as all the Bulakenyos in this campaign.
"We need to work hand-in-hand for our Mother Earth. I do believe that it is not yet late to save our environment. I am asking for the cooperation of all in this province-wide plastic ban campaign," he added. (PNA)
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19 villages in 2 cities and 3 towns of Bulacan flooded
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, July 23 (PNA) -- Heavy rains spawned by typhoon “Ferdie” has submerged 19 villages in the cities of Meycauyan and Malolos and in the towns of Obando, Calumpit and Pulilan, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PRRDMC) reported on Monday.
In a report to PDRRMC chairman Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, PDRRMO executive officer Liz Mungcal said that the seven villages in Meycauayan City are under two to three feet of floodwater due to high tide and heavy rains that pelted many parts of the province since Saturday.
Mungcal said nine villages in Obando are under one to two feet of floodwater while four villages in Malolos City are submerged under one feet of water.
Two villages in Calumpit and one in Pulilan are also flooded, she said.
She said Bustos dam continues to release water since Saturday morning.
As of 3 a.m. Monday, Bustos dam has released 90 cubic meters per second of water.
She said that the release is a regular operation at the said dam and poised no immediate threat to residents in the downstream of Angat river.
The governor has advised local government units (LGUs) ”to monitor their area of responsibility (AOR), take appropriate action and report to operation center (OPCEN) any untoward incident.”
As of 8 a.m. Monday, the water elevation at Angat dam is at 190.61 meters, still way below its spilling level of 212 meters. The water elevation at Ipo dam was 100.36 meters (spilling level is 101 meters). (PNA)
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PDEA declares Bulacan Provincial Jail a 'Drug-Free Zone'
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, July 18 (PNA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has declared the Bulacan Provincial Jail as a “drug-free zone”.
This was after PDEA men conducted a surprise and thorough inspection of all the prison cells and found not a single evidence of illegal drugs or paraphernalia on Wednesday morning.
Provincial warden Retired Lt. Col. Pepito B. Plamenco said that a joint team of PDEA agents led by regional director Roybell Sanchez and deputy Albert Buenafe and provincial jail guards conducted an early morning search of targeted cells using K-9 narcotics sniffing dogs.
Sanchez lauded the strict security and monitoring inside the Bulacan Provincial Jail, which in the past years have been notoriously known as a penitentiary where prohibited substance like methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" are allegedly being sold.
The “drug-free” atmosphere now prevailing inside the provincial jail was also due to the full cooperation of inmates as well as various anti-drug programs and activities.
Plamenco said that the provincial government headed by Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and Vice Governor Daniel Fernando, through the BPJ, has initiated strict security and monitoring measures to ensure that no illegal drugs of any kind, can be sneaked inside the provincial jail. (PNA)
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MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, July 3 (PNA) -- Heavy rains spawned by low pressure area (LPA) near Ambulong, Batangas have breached Tuesday morning the spilling level of the reservoir of Ipo Dam in Norzagaray town, prompting authorities to release excess water.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said the Ipo Dam has opened two spill gates by 30 centimeters each at 6:45 a.m.
It started releasing water at 48.5 cubic meters per second.
The dam's water level has reached 101.75 meters, past its normal water level of 100.5 meters.
With this, the dam management has alerted the local government units of Norzagaray, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliuag, Plaridel, Angat and Calumpit as the dam continues to release water.
Gov. Wilhelhimo M. Sy-Alvarado said the PDRRMC has been constantly monitoring the status and water elevation of Ipo as well as Angat Dam.
The water level at Angat Dam was recorded at 186.05 meters above sea level on Tuesday morning, still below its 212-meter spilling level.
The governor also said that Liz Mungcal, executive officer of PDRRMC, has coordinated with municipal and city disaster risk reduction councils in the province and other concerned agencies to monitor the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather bulletins, Ipo and Bustos Dams and the suspension of classes.
Meanwhile, classes in all levels at public and private schools in Ubando town were suspended after heavy rains and high tide from Manila Bay flooded several villages. (PNA)
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Three suspected robbers killed in Bulacan shootout
MANILA, June 23 (PNA) - Three suspected members of highway robbery group were killed alleged shootout with policemen in Barangay Longos, Pulilan, Bulacan late Friday night.
Senior Supt. Fernando Mendez, Jr., Bulacan provincial police director, said the encounter between lawmen and the lawless elements took place around 10:05 p.m.
Prior the shootout, the motorcycle-riding suspects robbed tricycle driver Joey Malabon, 34, of his watch, necklace, and ring worth P8,000 and P1,250 cash while the latter was passing through Barangay Peñabatan at about 8:45 p.m.
Malabon immediately reported the incident to the Bulacan police. Responding lawmen spotted the suspects in Barangay Longos.
Instead of surrendering, the suspects opened fire on the policemen, who immediately returned fire, killing the suspects instantly.
The slain suspects remained unidentified
Police recovered a .38 caliber revolver and two motorcycles at the encounter site.(PNA)
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Rehab of Angat Dam to be finished by 2016
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, June 21(PNA) -- Barring any hitches, the rehabilitation and retrofitting of the 44- year old Angat Dam will be completed by September 2016.
This was announced by Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) administrator Gerardo A. I. Esquivel during the “Environment Summit” hosted by the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BERO) at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here on Thursday.
Esquivel, who was one of the resource speakers at the summit, discussed the topic “Angat Dam and dike safety study.”
He said that they are now on the bidding process of the project which has an allocation of P5.7 billion.
Esquivel said that he was glad that aside from the support of President Benigno S. Aquino III, he has also secured the full support of Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, who has been expressing concern on the structural integrity of the 44-year old rock-built Angat dam in Norzagaray town. According to the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Angat Dam is sitting on the West Marikina fault line.
A recent study of MWSS substantiated the findings of Phivolcs.
Earlier, the MWSS administrator announced that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already approved the said budget and has set the bidding next month.
Esquivel said that he is studying the procurement of a government helicopter that will monitor the condition of the watershed areas in Angat Dam, where most of its forest cover are now getting denuded due to unabated illegal logging activities.
For his part, Governor Alvarado delivered an integrated and comprehensive report on the environment protection program and on the disaster preparedness being undertaken by the provincial government.
He said the provincial government is now pursuing a pro-active approach on disaster risk reduction and management programs and climate change adaptation.
He also said that they are also zeroing on disaster risk reduction preparedness and mitigation as well as programs concerning climate change adaptation.
Alvarado said that the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) is now actively engaged in a province-wide information campaign and mobilization of resources.
The governor also said that the environment summit is being done for the youth and for the future of the next generation.
The summit is one of the top programs highlighting the observance of environment month in the province. (PNA)
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Bulakenyos pay tribute to Katipuneros of Kakarong Republic
By Emil G. Gamos
PANDI, Bulacan, June 16 (PNA)--With a youth model proudly waving a Philippine flag, the provincial government, in cooperation with the municipal government here and the Bulacan State University, on Friday paid tribute to the revolutionary heroes of the Kakarong Republic by planting trees at the “Inang Filipina” shrine in Barangay Real de Kakarong and holding “Kalikasan, Kasaysayan at Kasarinlan” (KKK) on the spot painting contest.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the activities were among of the highlights of the environment month.
At the same time, the governor said the activities aimed to create public awareness on the historic significance of the place, which is the first of the three republics in Bulacan. The other two republics are the Biak-na-Bato Republic in San Miguel and the Malolos Republic in Malolos City.
He said the place is being developed into an eco-heritage park so that students and tourists can enjoy the pristine beauty of Real de Kakarong and at the same time, remind them of the gallantry of Filipino katipunero soldiers headed by the long-haired Filipino revolutionary General Eusebio Roque, also known as “Maestrong Sebio” and “Dimabungo.”
It was in Kakarong de Sili where about 6,000 Katipuneros from various towns of Bulacan, headed by "Maestrong Sebio" that the "Kakarong Republic" was organized shortly after the cry of Balintawak. The fort was attacked and totally destroyed on Jan. 1, 1897 by a large Spanish force, headed by General Olaguer-Feliu. Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar was only a lieutenant at that time and the Battle of Kakarong de Sili was his "baptism of fire".
Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) chief Atty. Rustico “Teddy” de Belen said that they were virtually hitting “two birds with one stone” in developing the “Inang Filipina” shrine into an eco-heritage park.
“We are infusing environment protection and at the same time promoting the historic significance of the Kakarong Republic”, de Belen said.
He said the project was in partnership with the municipal government of Pandi headed by Mayor Enrico Roque and the Bulacan State University led by its President Dr. Mariano C. de Jesus.
He said a historical marker was unveiled by provincial officials, led by Vice Governor Daniel Fernando and Provincial Administrator Jim Valerio.
A commemorative arch will also be built to welcome visitors, de Belen added.
Fernando said that history and environment could not be separated because they were both important in people's lives.
He said the bravery of the katipuneros in Bulacan have contributed greatly into the quest of Philippine independence and sovereignty as a free nation.
De Jesus, for his part, said that they were doing it for the future generation.
“We want to preserve the place so that someday kids will still enjoy the beauty of Real de kakarong and at the same time, remember the heroism of our ancestors,” De Jesus said. (PNA)
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Sun shines, doves fly as President Aquino leads 114th Philippine Independence Day rites at Barasoain Church
By Emil G. Gamos
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, June 12 (PNA) —- As if heralding good omen for the country, the sun was shining brightly amid a cloudy sky while three white doves flew when President Benigno S. Aquino arrived at the patio of the historic Barasoain Church here to lead the commemoration of the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence Tuesday morning.
Loud cheers erupted at the churchyard when the Chief Executive alighted from the presidential limousine and was welcomed with full military honors by Army troopers clad in “rayadillo" uniform of Filipino revolutionary forces.
Together with Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa, Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome, Bulacan 1st Dist. Rep. Maria Victoria R. Sy-Alvarado, Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad, the Chief Executive led the simultaneous raising of the Philippine Flag, followed by the offering of flowers and tribute to the statue of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Philippine Republic.
In his message, President Aquino recalled the heroism and patriotism of Filipino revolutionaries and the framers of the Malolos Constitution inside the Barasoain Church.
“Ang Pilipinas ay para sa mga Pilipino. Dito sa makasaysayang simbahan ng Barasoain, nagsama-sama ang mga kinatawan ng mga probinsya at hindi nila tayo binigo sa pagtataguyod ng pantay na karapatan sa lahat,” the President said in his opening remarks.
He said that when he became a congressman of Tarlac, he was guided by the events that took place inside the Barasoain church.
He said that the “Tuwid na Daan” policy of his administration was the same principle that reverberated inside the Barasoain Church when the Malolos Congress ratified the Malolos Constitution which gave credence to the declaration of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.
It was also inside the Barasoain church where the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated on January 23, 1899, making the Philippines the cradle of democracy in the continents of Asia and Africa, he said.
The President also briefly mentioned the impeachment trial of ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona, saying that the authority of those in power were only loaned by Juan dela Cruz or the Filipino people to them.
“Animo’y hawak nila ang piring ng katarungan. Dapat nating tandaan na ang pagtanghal ng diwa ng demokrasya ay idiniin sa mga lingkod ng bayan sa kapangyarihan ay ipinahiram sa kanila ni Juan dela Cruz. Hindi na natin hahayaang maligwak sa madilim na landas ang ating bansa. Ipagtatangol natin ang katarungang panglahat,” the President said before a jampacked crowd which came as early as 5:00 am and waited for his arrival.
The President said last year, he led the Freedom Day rites in Kawit, Cavite, and now at Barasoain Church. He said that next year, he might do it in Cebu.
“Angkop lang na maramdaman ng bawat Filipino ang tunay na demokrasya at tunay na kaluluwa ng Konstitusyon. Ito ang ipinamana sa atin ng simbahan ng Barasoain. Makakamtan natin ito kung tayo ay laging nagkakaisa, walang kurapsyon, walang nagugutom at may pantay- pantay na karapatan,” the President said.
For his part, Governor Alvarado urged the people to always remember the significance of the three republics -— the Republic of Real de Kakarong in Pandi, the Biak-na- Bato Republic in San Miguel and the Malolos Republic, in heart and in mind in order to preserve the sacrifices of Filipino patriots who shared their wisdom in drafting and ratifying the Malolos Constitution which established the Philippines as the First Democratic Republic in Asia and Africa as well as courage of Filipino revolutionaries who shed blood, sweat and tears in their quest for genuine freedom and sovereignty from foreign rule.
“Sa muling pagtunog ng tambuli, muli nating tanggapin ang tungkulin na ipagtangol ang ating kalayaan dahil ito’y isinulat ng sarili nating dugo,” the governor said.
Alvarado said the Philippine flags will be displayed all year long along major thoroughfares in the province’s 21 towns and three cities to remind us of the heroism of our forebears and to show that Bulacan is home of patriots and noble heroes. (PNA)
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P5.7 B rehab of 43-year old Angat dam to begin soon
By Emil G. Gamos
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, June 9 (PNA) —- After 43 years, the rock-built Angat dam will be rehabilitated and strengthened.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Friday said President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the release of P5.7 billion for the rehabilitation of the more than three decades old Angat dam in Norzagaray town after a technical working team of the Manila Water and Sewerage System (MWSS) finished their six-month study and evaluation of the structural integrity of the dam.
The governor said that, according to MWSS administrator Gerry Esquivel, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already approved the said budget and has set the bidding of the project next month (July) for the three- year rehabilitation of the Angat dam.
Esquivel has earlier echoed the concern of Governor Alvarado that the 43-year old dam is already weak and needs rehabilitation.
He said the MWSS technical working group agreed with the findings of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) that the dam is sitting along the west Marikina fault line and cannot withstand a 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
Unabated logging and mining activities along the Angat dam watershed area has also compromised the structural integrity of the dam, according to the Sagip Sierra Madre Environment Society.
Esquivel also said rehabilitation work at Angat dam will not disrupt the delivery of water supply of Metro Manila, which gets its bulk from the dam.
Alvarado thanked President Aquino for allotting funds and ordering the immediate rehabilitation and strengthening of the dam.
He said Phivolcs director Rene Solidum has earlier confirmed that the Marikina fault line is underneath the dam’s reservoir and poses danger to its structural integrity.
Alvarado also reiterated the creation of an integrated management approach on the operation and management of Angat, Ipo and Bustos dams which are all nestling in the province of Bulacan.
The governor has also called for a no-nonsense campaign to stop illegal logging and illegal mining activities at the watershed area of the dam. (PNA)
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3 die, 10 hurt at NLEX accident
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, June 9 (PNA) - Three people died while 10 others were injured in a vehicular accident that occurred on the northbound lane of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Barangay Longos, Balagtas, this province, before dawn Saturday.
Chief Insp. Alfonso Cruz, Balagtas police chief, identified the fatalities as Pastora Dulfo, Allen Joseph De Castro, and Victoria Santos, all of Barangay Sto. Cristo, Paombong, Bulacan.
Police said Dulfo died at the Bulacan Provincial Hospital while De Castro and Santos were pronounced dead on arrival at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Malolos City.
Initial investigation showed that the incident occurred at around 2:30 a.m. while the victims were on board a Toyota Granvia Wagon with plate No. RFH-316 and driven by Joel Tobias, 35, of Sitio Ibayo, Barangay Rosario, Paombong.
It was learned that prior to the incident, the victims, all relatives, came from Meycauayan City and where on their way home to Paombong when the rear left tire of the van blew up, causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to overturn and slam against the concrete barrier along the expressway.
Police said seven of the 10 injured victims were already pronounced out of danger. (PNA)
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President Aquino to lead Independence Day celebration at Barasoain Church
By Emil G. Gamos
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, June 8 (PNA) —- Bulakenyos felt a great sense of pride as government officials announced on Friday that no less than President Benigno S. Aquino III will grace the commemoration of the 114th anniversary of Philippine Independence at the historic Barasoain Church here on June 12.
Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno, chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, said that the Chief Executive will lead the simultaneous raising of the Philippine flag at the patio of the Barasoain Church which will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the statue of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Philippine Republic.
She said that the program will be simple but dignified, starting with the arrival honors for President Aquino at 8:00 a.m.
Diokno made the announcement during the Talakayang Bulakenyo jointly conducted by the Philippines Information Agency (PIA) and the Provincial Public Affairs Office (PPAO) at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center.
She said that this year’s theme “ Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan” is in line with the administration’s program of good governance and eradication of corrupt practices in government.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado that this is the first time that the highest official of the Republic will attend the Independence Day celebration at the historic Barasoain church.
“It’s about time that the historic events and significance of Barasoain church has been recognized. Without Barasoain Church, there will be no ratification and declaration of independence sa Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. It is in this church where the first Constitution was created that gave birth of the democracy in Asia and Africa regions,” Alvarado said.
Alvarado explained that Barasoain Church is among the three historic sites where the simultaneous raising of the national flag will be held on Independence Day.
He praised Malacanang for giving total recognition and importance to the historic events that took place in Malolos at the threshold of Philippine freedom from foreign rule.
Alvarado said they are also pushing that January 23, the anniversary of the First Philippine Republic, be made into a national holiday.
He said that Philippine Flags are now displayed all year long in all parts of the province.
If Baguio was recognized for its Panagbenga flower festival and Pampanga became famous for their colorful lanterns, Bulacan can be acknowledged as the province of Filipino heroes, Alvarado said.
There will also be a job fair and medical services around the compound of Barasoain Church, according to PPAO chief Maricel Santos-Cruz.
More than 500 police and military personnel will be deployed around the historic Barasoain Church on June 12. (PNA)
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Killer of Bulacan couple surrenders to Scout Ranger head
MANILA, June 6 (PNA) - Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Major Harold Cabunoc said that the Scout Ranger trooper, who shot and killed a couple in Barangay Kaypian, Palmera, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan last May 23, has voluntarily surrendered to his commanding officer last week.
Cabunoc said that Pfc. Maximo Pasking was placed under the custody of 1st Scout Ranger Regiment head Col. Abraham Bagasin and strict guard at the unit's base in San Miguel, Bulacan.
The PA spokesperson also said that Bagasin would quickly hand Pasking over to civilian authorities once the latter's arrest warrants were served.
Pasking shot dead couples Vicente and Morena Sinugbuan allegedly after one of the victims attacked him with a knife.
Also injured in the incident were Jennifer Orario and Melanie Queraz. (PNA)
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CIDG nabs four persons wanted for various child and women abuse cases
MANILA, June 4 (PNA) - Agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested four suspects in various child and women abuse cases during operations in Bulacan, Cebu and Catanduanes provinces last week.
Director Samuel D. Pagdilao, CIDG chief, identified the those arrested as Jun T. Sumbad, Jocylin A. Balunan, Rommel G. Cajuday and Eusebio D. Bronola.
Sumbad was arrested last May 30 by CIDG agents and police units based on an arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court of San Fernando City, La Union for child abuse.
"Arrested accused was brought to the Sta. Maria Police Station, Bulacan Police Provincial Office and will be transported to Regional Intelligence Unit-1, San Fernando City, La Union for documentation prior to turnover to the issuing court," Pagdilao said.
Sumbad is wanted for violation of Section 5(b) of Republic Act No. 7610 or the Child Abuse Law of 1992, which punishes sexual abuse of children.
A CIDG team led by Chief Insp. Helson B. Walin and Police Senior Insp. Samson B. Pascual arrested the suspect at about 6:50 a.m. at the corner of Gov. Halili St. and Bulacan St. in Barangay Bagbaguin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
Sumbad is on top of the list of most wanted persons in Region I and carries a reward of P90,000 under Department of Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular No. 2010-54.
Also on the same date, CIDG agents based in Cebu nabbed Balunan and Bronola for violation of Article 256 of the Revised Penal Code (Internal Abortion).
The two were apprehended by CIDG operatives led by Chief Insp. Fermin D. Armendarez III in an entrapment operation in Barangay T. Padilla, Cebu City, following several reports on the group's illegal activities.
Seized from the suspects were various materials used for abortion, marked money and a mobile phone.
Based on initial investigation, Balunan was identified as the leader of the group, which also includes Dinah Sapra, Badak Ilasin, Rona Capas, and a certain Imok and Loloy who are still at-large.
In Catanduanes, Pagdilao said the CIDG arrested Cajuday on account of an arrest warrant issued by the Virac RTC for violation of Republic Act No. 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997.
The suspect was arrested by a CIDG team led by Senior Insp. Elmer Galan at about 10:30 a.m. in Barangay Sto. Nino, Virac, Catanduanes last May 29.
Cajuday has three pending cases for rape filed before the Virac court.
Pagdilao said the arrest of the four suspects in child abuse, abortion and rape is part of the CIDG's campaign to protect the welfare of children and women in the country.
The operation against the suspects are part of the CIDG's campaign against most wanted persons dubbed "Oplan Pagtugis" -- a flagship project aligned with the Philippine National Police's 10-point action plan to reform the entire police community as outlined by PNP chief Director-General Nicanor A. Bartolome.
The action plan includes reforms, performance audits, skills development, increased visibility, human rights awareness, accounting of wanted persons, transactional transparency, improvement of discipline and welfare projects. (PNA)
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New barangay roads to spur growth in Bulacan
BALAGTAS, Bulacan, June 3 (PNA) - Citing that good roads are vital to growth and development, the municipal government here led by Mayor Romy Castro opened five new concrete roads and a day care center on Friday.
Castro, together with Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and 2nd district Rep. Pedro Panco, led the ceremonial cutting of ribbons in the opening of the newly-constructed village roads and a day care center in Barangay Burol 1st, Barangay Burol 2nd, Northville in Barangay Santol and Sitio Florante (Sulok) in Barangay Panginay.
Castro said Balagtas is fast becoming a hub of growth and development, now that a new expressway of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) has linked the booming town to the towns of Bustos, Plaridel, Baliwag and San Rafael.
He said the road projects and the day care center in Barangay Panginay were constructed with the help of Gov. Alvarado and Rep. Pancho.
Alvarado said more roads are being rehabilitated in many parts of the province.
He said many foreign investors are now eyeing Bulacan to put their business ventures because of the well paved roads and its proximity to Metro Manila and other growth areas in Central Luzon.(PNA)
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Bulacan to hold various activities for Environment Month
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, June 1 (PNA) –- The provincial government, through Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), has lined up various activities to create awareness on the protection and conservation of the environment.
The initiative is in line with the celebration of the Environment Month this June.
With this year’s theme: “Linangin ang Kakayahan, Kalingain ang Kalikasan para sa Kinabukasan”, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the “Buwan ng Kapaligiran” will kick off on June 4 with a groundbreaking of Bulacan Ecology Center at the Bulacan Medical Center.
This will be followed by a short program during the Monday’s flag raising ceremony at the Bulacan Capitol Gym in this city.
The governor said livelihood and solid waste management program such as BENRO’s Eco-Trike project will also be launched and the turn-over of classroom chairs out of recovered logs.
On June 15, a groundbreaking of historical marker at the Real De Kakarong, Pandi town will be held to promote and protect eco-tourism areas in the province.
The event will also be highlighted with the Kalikasan, Kasaysayan at Kasarinlan (KKK) painting contest and tree-planting activity.
The BENRO will also conduct an environmental summit on June 21 at the Bulacan Hiyas Pavilion which aims to involve each Bulakenyo in its fight against climate change.
The summit will be participated in by various sectors from the academe, big industries, local government units, House of Representatives and environment officials.
A basic training on environmental law enforcement is slated on June 26 to strengthen the capabilities of municipal and city ENROs and environmental law enforcers on basic law enforcement.
On June 29, there will be a launching of Collaborative Governance of Urbanizing Watersheds, an integrated research, institution and capacity building for sustainability and climate risk adaptation in Angat River Basin.
The local officials have vowed for a year-round effort of imparting the importance of conserving, protecting and managing the environment. (PNA)
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Bulakenyos pay tribute to Philippine flag
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan , May 28 (PNA) -— When it comes to paying tribute to the Philippine flag, Bulakenyos have their own patriotic way of showing it.
Young students from the Barasoain Kalinangan theatrical group depicted the history of Philippine flags from the first flags of the Katipunan to the ones used by Gen. Gregorio del Pilar.
From there, the students moved on to the portrayal of the the black flag with a white skull and crossbones of Gen. Mariano Llanera, to the present Philippine flag that Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo first unfurled in Alapan, Imus, Cavite.
Then on to May 28, 1898 after Filipino revolutionary troops emerged victorious in a fiercely fought battle with Spanish military forces.
It was also the same flag that Aguinaldo raised in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.
They performed the play was performed after officials headed by Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando and Secretary Joel Villanueva of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority.
They raised a giant Philippine Flag in front of the provincial capitol during the commemoration of National Flag Day Monday.
The officials and other guests also offered a wreath of flowers at the statue of the young Bulakenyo Gen. Gregorio del Pilar.
Alvarado encouraged Bulakenyos and the Filipino people to always rally behind and respect the flag in spirit, thoughts and in deeds.
He said the piece of cloth flying proudly in the air is sacred and symbolizes the hardship and sacrifices of Filipino patriots and revolutionaries who spilt blood, sweat and tears.
Sy-Alvarado said: "Our flag is not just a piece of cloth which played along with air like a kite. Every color and symbol of our flag possess significant historical events and characters."
He said the Philippine flag will be displayed year-round in major thoroughfares of Bulacan's 21 towns and three cities to show the province is the home of noble heroes.
He said it is a great honor that Bulacan is included in the eight rays of the sun symbolizing the eight provinces that first revolted against Spanish colonial rule.
Vice Gov. Fernando, for his part, said the Philippine flag cannot stand or fly high without a sturdy pole which he described as the Filipino people.
Villanueva said he has been in government service for more than 11 years and this is the first time he attended a special flag raising ceremony in his home province.
“It is also my first time to speak in front of the capitol, under our flag, to tell you that I am proud to be a Bulakenyo and a true blooded Filipino,” Villanueva said. (PNA)
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Malolos bishop to pray for senator-judges in the impeachment trial of CJ Corona
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 26 (PNA) — Diocese of Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros said he will deliver a homily on Sunday asking the faithful to pray for the senator-judges in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona so that they will be guided by the Holy Spirit in rendering their verdict.
Bishop Oliveros made the announcement during the monthly press conference with Bulacan-based journalists at the Bishop Residence at the Basilica Minore (Malolos Cathedral) here Saturday morning.
“We will ask God to give our honorable senators the gift of discerning, through the Holy Spirit, to make a proper and just decision,” Oliveros said, adding that he will deliver the homily during Sunday Mass.
The bishop also took the opportunity to thank the senators for fulfilling their task.
He also hailed Senate President and Impeachment Court Presiding Judge Juan Ponce Enrile for being fair in hearing the facts on the impeachment case against the chief magistrate and for being compassionate on the health condition of Corona.
He also praised the chief justice for appearing on the witness stand.
He also called on the public not to be carried by emotions and partisanship, adding that the Filipino people should seek the truth and respect the verdict of the impeachment court.
“The gift of the Holy Spirit is the gift of truth, peace and courage,” Bishop Oliveros said.
The press conference is being held every month through the Committee on Social Communications headed by Rev. Fr. Dars Cabral as part of the year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Malolos. (PNA)
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Establishment of motorcycle toll lanes on all major toll roads proposed
MANILA, May 23 (PNA) -- A lawmaker has proposed the establishment of motorcycle toll lanes or facilities on major toll roads leading to the National Capital Region (NCR) from contiguous provinces to address the growing number of road accidents involving motorcycles.
Rep. Juan Ponce Enrile Jr. (1st District, Cagayan) authored House Bill 6136 to ensure protection of all motorists and to provide safe ingress and egress of motorists from the nearby provinces of Mega Manila.
Enrile said workers who live at the fringes of the metropolitan area have long been complaining about high public transportation fares, amid the decline in oil prices.
"With the increase in the circulating population in Metro Manila, public highways and toll ways have also been congested with both private and public vehicles, thus causing traffic in such areas. This led to the proliferation of motorcycles plying along national roads and highways," Enrile said.
Enrile cited data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) which showed that the number of motorcycles registered for the first three quarters of 2011 went up by 7,096 units to 46,051 from 38,955 units for the same period in 2010.
Enrile said majority of these numbers represent workers residing in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna but are working in the neighboring city center which is Metro Manila. Their recourse is to use motorcycles as their primary means of transport, since these vehicles prove to be easy to maneuver and are fuel-efficient.
"Despite these advantages, the motorcycles are considered one of the high-risk vehicles. In 2011, motorcycle use accounted for 2,788 accidents in the country's major highways and toll roads. This is due to insufficient rules and regulations governing motorcycle use along national roads, highways and toll ways," Enrile said.
Under the measure to be known as the "Motorcycle Toll Lanes Act of 2012," toll lanes which will be designated solely for the use of motorcycles are positioned on the extreme right side of the main toll road for direction of travel.
These lanes shall measure about half the width of a normal lane on the identified toll roads. The motorcycle lanes will be separated from the main lanes by solid white lines along either side, three or more feet from the curb.
The toll gate situated at the extreme right of the toll roads is designated for sole use of motorcycles. Motorcycle operators are prohibited from using the express lanes located on the leftmost toll gates.
Moreover, forgiving roads are provided approximately three to nine meters from the main toll roads and such roads shall be free from roadside hazards such as trees and poles. If it is impossible to remove these hazards, safety barriers shall be installed instead.
Under the bill, the major toll roads leading to the NCR and exiting to Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna are covered under this Act.
Motorcycle units, which have an engine displacement of at least 100-250cc, are likewise covered provided that those with at least an engine displacement of 400cc will only be allowed along the toll roads farther than 100kms from the city of Manila. All motorcycle operators shall submit their motorcycles for registration and inspection. (PNA)
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Scout Ranger trooper kills couple, wounds two others in Bulacan
MANILA, May 23 (PNA) - A Scout Ranger trooper, armed with .45 cal. pistol, fatally shot a couple and wounded two others after he went berserk in Barangay Kaypian, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan before dawn Wednesday.
Supt. Marcos Rivero, San Jose Del Monte City police chief, identified the suspect as Pfc Maximo T. Pasking and the fatalities as couple Vicente and Morena Sinugbuan.
Wounded in the 2 a.m. shooting spree were Jennifer Orario and Melanie Queraz.
Rivero said the violence allegedly stemmed from the couple's failure to settle their balance in buying a gun from the suspect.
Police were still determining what type of firearm Pasking sold to the victim.
Rivero said that the suspect immediately fled the scene after incident.
Appropriate charges are now being prepared against Pasking. (PNA)
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Bulacan’s “midnight burglar” falls
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 19 (PNA) --A 21-year old man, whom police suspected to be a member of a local “Akyat Bahay” gang that enters houses of prominent families at midnight or in the wee hours of the morning, was arrested after burglarizing the house of the general manager of the Malolos City Water District in Barangay Look here last Friday.
Supt. David N. Poklay, city police chief, identified the arrested suspect as Arvin Mayol, 21, single, jobless, a native of Cebu City, and presently residing in Pinyahan Street, Barangay Look 1st in this city.
Poklay said that at around 6 a.m. Friday, victim Nicasio Reyes, 58, general manager of Malolos City Water District and a resident of Barangay Look 1st here reported a case of robbery that transpired at his residence.
Police investigators said that the suspect gained entry to the victim’s house by destroying the glass window on the third floor.
Once inside, the suspects took a laptop computer, four cellular phones, four wristwatches, assorted set of jewelries, grocery items; and other valuables.
A follow-up investigation conducted by the elements of Malolos City Police Station led to the identification of the suspect.
Subsequently, the suspect was apprehended and the stolen items were all recovered.
The arrested suspect is presently under the custody of Malolos City Police Station while a criminal complaint against him is being prepared for filing in court.(PNA)
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SMB donates P2M for rehab of Angat Bridge
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 19 (PNA) --Bridging lives.
San Miguel Brewery (SMB), the country’s number one beer maker, has donated P2 million for the rehabilitation of the decades-old Angat bridge and eco-tourism project of the municipal government of Angat town.
SMB President Roberto N. Huang personally handed the P2 millon check to Angat Mayor Gilberto Santos at the office of Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado Friday afternoon.
Huang said that the donation was part of SMB’s commitment to help save the environment under its nationwide “Buhayin ang Kalikasan” environmental program.
The bridge links the poblacion to the vegetable farms along the Angat river where Huang and SMB’s “green army” planted 5,000 bamboo cultivars and mahogany saplings at the riverbank in Barangay Laog last year.
The site was previously devastated by rampant quarrying of gravel and sands in past years.
The site was later abandoned after Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado stopped all illegal quarrying operations in the area when he assumed post as the province’s chief executive on 2010.
It is now being developed into an eco-water park.
The bridge also links Angat to the mountain town of Dona Remedios Trinidad and the nearby municipality of San Rafael.
“The rehabilitation of the bridge will definitely brings more development in the area and will help boost the agriculture and eco-tourism program of the local government,” Huang said.
Sy-Alvarado said that the provincial government would also donate P1 million while the municipal government of Angat add another P1 million for the project.
There is a need to rehabilitate and repair the bridges and roads, especially in the part of Angat, which is now being developed into eco-water park, the governor, who witnessed the handing over of the check, together with Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office chief Rustico “Teddy” de Belen; Enrico Reyes, SMB national human resource manager; Emilie Anne Dumalag, SMB business affairs and communications unit manager and Francis Sison, communication officer of SMB San Fernando, Pampanga Brewery.
Santos said the people of Angat was very grateful to San Miguel Brewery and the provincial government for their support in the rehabilitation of the Angat bridge. (PNA)
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Brigada Eskwela, campaign vs dengue to be launched in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 18 (PNA) -- The provincial government will launch “Sa Iskul, Ligtas ako sa Dengue: Provincial Anti-Dengue Spraying,” to protect children in schools against the viral disease.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the initiative is also in concurrence with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) launching of Brigada Eskwela 2012, also known as National Schools Maintenance Week, on May 21-26.
The governor said the provincial government has already started the anti-dengue spraying in April.
"We cannot go to all 457 elementary public schools and 80 high schools in the province. That's why we started the anti-dengue spraying last April so that we can finish it before the school year opens," he said.
According to DepEd, clean comfort rooms are their priority for this year.
Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro also emphasized in one of his interviews that personal hygiene and sanitation among students will help increase their self-esteem.
Dr. Jocelyn Gomez, provincial public health officer, said that coinciding with the Brigada Eskwela launching is the ceremonial dengue spraying at exactly 7 a.m. in Balagtas Central School.
Currently, the spraying team of the provincial government has already reached half of the target schools under the program. (PNA)
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Bulacan celebrates 'Kneeling Carabao Festival'
PULILAN, Bulacan, May 15 (PNA) -- Hundreds of farmers, together with their kneeling carabaos, participated on Monday in the annual Carabao Festival in this town.
Mayor Vicente Esguerra Sr. said the annual festivity is being celebrated in honor of their patron saint, San Isidro Labrador, a farmer.
"This is a thanksgiving activity in honor of San Isidro Labrador for a bountiful harvest in the past year. You can see the carabaos kneeling in front of the church. This is an annual tradition which attracts local and foreign tourists. Thus, we are so proud with our rich historical culture," Esguerra said.
Teresita Tetangco, municipal information officer, said that aside from 700 carabaos with colorful paints, more than 40 floats featured in this year’s celebration.
Other highlight of the festival include the parade of symbolic floats that featured the province’s agriculture and aquaculture products.
"This is indeed a much-awaited festival not only for the local residents in Bulacan but also to the tourists. That’s why we are intensifying the promotion of tourism in the province that would help boost our local economy," Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado.
The event was also made possible with the help of Central Luzon designers group and Bulacan State University artist students who designed and decorated the carabaos and floats in the festival. (PNA)
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Murder raps filed vs Ryan Dominguez, et al
By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA, May 15 (PNA) - Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Sr. Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr., on Tuesday said that murder charges have been filed against Ryan Dominguez, Mark Mario Lakambakal, and James Jimenez in connection with the brutal murder of witness Alfred Mendiola and two other individuals last May 6.
Ryan is the younger brother of convicted car thieves brothers Raymond and Roger Dominguez, who were also accused of killing car trader Emerson Lozano in January 2011.
Cerbo said that charges have been formally filed before the Department of Justice around 7:40 p.m. Monday.
Cerbo said that criminal raps have been filed against the suspects after ballistic tests on the .45 caliber slugs recovered from the body of Eriberto Jumaquio matched the weapons recovered from the two's possession in Malolos, Bulacan last May 8.
Jumaquio, Mark Herrera and Mendiola were found hogtied and shot in the head with a .45 caliber pistol at Barangay Salawag, Dasmarinas, Cavite last May 6.
Aside from murder, the suspects are also facing criminal charges for illegal possession of two cal.45 pistols, two M16 rifles and two handgrenadesl dangerous drug use and possession of about 5.714 grams and 5.23 grams of shabu; car theft; and violation of Anti Fencing Law. (PNA)
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Pagdilao to CIDG: Solve quickly killing of Bulacan agent
MANILA, May 14 (PNA) - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Director Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. has directed its Central Luzon unit to immediately solve the killing of a CIDG member in Bulacan.
The agent was gunned down by motorcycle-riding suspects inside a subdivision in San Rafael town last May 13.
Pagdilao said PO3 Rafael Bartolome, 46, of Lumang Bayan, Plaridel, and a member of Bulacan CIDG, was shot dead by two unidentified suspects on board a motorcycle in Lapid’s Ville Subdivision, Barangay Tambubong, San Rafael town.
Pagdilao directed Region 3 CIDG chief, Sr. Supt. Rudy Lacadin and Bulacan CIDG head Chief Insp. Monico Cadayona to immediately identify gun-for-hire groups based in Central Luzon with emphasis on armed riding tandems who may be behind the killing of Bartolome.
He also ordered the CIDG in Region 3 to mobilize their community volunteers, the Community Investigative Support to help in gathering more information and possible witnesses and evidence that will link the suspects to the killing of Bartolome.
Initial investigation disclosed Bartolome sustained multiple gunshot wounds from a caliber .45 pistol.
Prior to his killing, Bartolome visited the house of a certain Marife De Vera in Lapid’s Ville Subdivision where he had early dinner with the latter.
Reports also said that while eating, the victim received a phone call and afterwards hurriedly left, boarded his owner-type jeep and promised De Vera to return for the interrupted dinner.
Witnesses disclosed that when the victim’s owner type jeep reached the main gate of the subdivision, he alighted from his vehicle.
At that instance the suspects, on board a motorcycle, shot Bartolome twice in the head. (PNA)
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PNP links Ryan Dominguez, three companions for killing Mendiola, two others
By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA, May 11 (PNA) - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said that more evidences have been uncovered to implicate Ryan Dominguez and his companions in the brutal murder of witness Alfred Mendiola and his two companions, whose bodies were found in Barangay Salawag, Dasmarinas City, Cavite last May 6.
PNP spokesperson Sr. Supt. Generoso Cerbo, Jr. said the spent shells found at the crime scene in Cavite matched the groove of the two .45 caliber pistols recovered from Dominguez and James Jimenez during a raid in Bulacan.
Forensic investigators also found that the two cal.45 slugs extracted from the body of Eriberto Jumaquio, one of the two companions of Mendiola, also matched the two .45 cal. pistols recovered from Dominguez and Jimenez.
Upon their arrest for weapons and drug possession, suspects Dominguez, Jimenez, Roy Blanco and Mark Mario Lakambakal were all tested positive for drug use.
Cerbo said that the four suspects were now facing criminal charges for illegal possession of two cal.45 pistols, two M16 rifles and two hand grenades; drug use; and illegal possession of about 5.714 grams and 5.23 grams of shabu; and car theft for stealing Toyota Innova (ZCJ-171), and violation of PD 1612 (Anti-Fencing Law).
Because of the physical evidence linking the suspects to the killing of Mendiola, Herrerra and Jumaquio, investigators are also preparing to charged the suspects with multiple murder. (PNA)
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Two robbers killed in Bulacan clash
BOCAUE, Bulacan, May 10 (PNA) -- Two suspected members of a robbery holdup gang were killed after trading shots with lawmen in Barangay Batia here Wednesday afternoon.
Supt. Diosdado Iniego, Bocaue police chief, said suspects have earlier robbed Joel del Rosario, 23, a collection agent of Lending 5 Incorporated, married, a resident of Block 25 Lot 8, North Ville 5, Barangay Batia here.
Iniego said the victim was on board his service motorcycle, a gray Honda Wave bearing plate number 7140 PA, collecting money from his clients when two unidentified men armed with a shotgun and a caliber .38 revolver approached him and at gun point declared the hold up.
He said the suspects then took a black and gray bag containing the money that the victim had collected and his service motorcycle.
The suspects then fled going towards the direction of Purok 4, Rodriguez Street in Barangay Batia.
A surveillance team of the Provincial Intelligence Branch headed by Supt. Edwin Quilates, who were incidentally in the area to conduct monitoring of criminal groups operating in the municipalities of Marilao and Bocaue, was informed about the incident by the Bocaue police station.
Likewise, the descriptions of the suspects and their vehicles as provided by the victim, were relayed to the surveillance team members.
Quilates said that while the members of the surveillance team were traversing the rough road portion of Rodriguez Street of Barangay Batia, they spotted a motorcycle with two men on board.
As the said motorcycle matched the description provided to them, they flagged it down but the driver suddenly stopped after they (driver and back ride) got off, drew their guns and opened fire.
In the ensuing brief exchange of gun fires, the two armed men sustained gunshot wounds in the different parts of their bodies which resulted to their instantaneous death.
Police recovered a shotgun, one caliber .38 revolver, one motorcycle Honda Wave bearing plate no. 7140 PA, which was believed to be the one taken from the robbery victim, one bag containing more or less P24,000 and assorted documents of the victim.
A follow-up investigation is being conducted by this office for the possible identification of two dead suspects. (PNA)
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Several carnapped motorcycles recovered in Bulacan
STA. MARIA, Bulacan, May 10 (PNA) -- Several suspected carnapped motorcycles were recovered on Wednesday in San Jose Del Monte City in a follow-up operation conducted by local police after one of three suspects was arrested in a check point Tuesday dawn here.
Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernando Mendez Jr. identified the suspect as Christian Marie Alzona, 23, single, tricycle driver and a resident of Block 59, Lot 15, Area 1, Sto. Nino, Sapang Palay, San Jose Del Monte City.
Mendez said that Alzona, together with two other suspects, on board two motorcycles on Tuesday tried to evade a police checkpoint in Barangay Balasing here forcing the lawmen to chase them.
Alzona was arrested after he met an accident while his two cohorts managed to escape. They were identified as Christian Gandia, 32, and Bryan Quinones, 26, both residents of Sapang Palay, San Jose Del Monte City.
Sta. Maria police chief Superintendent Lailani Amparo said Alzona, during an interrogation, admitted that they were responsible for a series of carnapping in the province and revealed the whereabouts of the syndicate's hideout.
Alzona accompanied the Santa Maria police operatives in their hideout in San Jose del Monte City and recovered several motorcycles that include a black Yamaha Mio without license plate number with engine number 1CV-031813 and chassis number PA01CV000B0031942; a black Honda Tmx 150 without license plate with engine number KB509E226424 and chassis number KB509226420; a Yamaha Mio skeleton type with license plate MU-4517 with engine number 5TL-228692 and chassis number MH35TL0036K228678; a blue Yamaha Nouvo without license plate number with engine number 4P3-002948 and chassis number MH34P30015K002971; and a red Rusi motorcycle with license plate 3940XJ and engine number GME150TC88901300.
Julius Guevarra, 30, a resident of Sitio Malawak, Barangay Guyong in Santa Maria town was able to identify his missing Yamaha Mio that was recovered from the suspects’ hideout.
The arrested suspect and the recovered pieces of evidence were placed under the custody of the Santa Maria police station as appropriate criminal complaints were being readied against him. (PNA)
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Bulacan to hold bloodletting activity
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 10 (PNA) – The provincial government is seeking the cooperation of all Bulakenyos to participate in the yearly blood donation, dubbed as "Dugong Alay ng Bulakenyo" on May 14 at the Bulacan capitol gymnasium here.
The activity will be spearheaded by Vice Governor Daniel Fernando.
Fernando said the activity also serves as an encouragement to relive the spirit of volunteerism through blood donation.
He also said the program aims to collect bags of blood to be deposited at the Bulacan Provincial Blood Center (BPBC) but will be utilized by the Bulacan Medical Center to address the need for blood of Bulakenyos.
"This is the second time that we will be conducting such activity. Aside from the capitol employees, we are encouraging everyone to donate blood. The more we get more blood, the more people we could help," the vice governor said. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops seized drugs, high-powered guns in dope den raid
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 9 (PNA) -- Police operatives swooped down a suspected dope den and arrested four men while allegedly having a pot session and seized high powered guns, ammunitions and prohibited drugs in Barangay Caingin here Tuesday morning.
Supt. David N. Poklay, city police chief, identified the arrested suspects as Ryan Dominguez, 20, single, resident of Iba O’ Este, Calumpit town; Mark Mario Lacambakal, 21, single, a native of Iba O’ Este, Calumpit town and is presently residing at No. 1471 A. Mariano Street, Pateros; James Jimenez, 37, a native of General Santos City, presently residing at Imelda Street, Novaliches, Quezon City; and Roy Blanco, 27, driver, a native of Cagayan De Oro City and presently residing at FB De Jesus Subdivision, Novaliches, Quezon City.
Poklay said that a concerned citizen called the Malolos police station and reported that a group of armed men were seen having a pot session inside a house in Barangay Caingin here.
He said that joint operatives of the Malolos Police Station, the Provincial Intelligence Branch headed by Supt. Edwin Quillates and the Bulacan Highway Patrol Team led by Chief Inspector Noel Nunez conducted and stakeout operation and raided the place.
The suspects were surprised and did not resist arrest despite having high powered firearms and ammunitions, including hand grenades, Poklay said.
Police recovered one baby armalite (M16) rifle Colt AR15 with Serial number RP157568; one baby armalite (M16) rifle with defaced Serial number; one caliber .45 pistol with Serial Number 300105; one Armscor caliber .45 pistol with Serial Number 25987; two magazines for caliber .45 pistol; 10 rounds of live ammunitions for caliber .45 pistol; three long magazines for caliber 5.56 rifle; three short magazines for caliber 5.56 rifle; 97 rounds of live ammunitions for caliber 5.56 rifle; two hand grenades; two pieces of plastic sachets containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride also known as “shabu;” dope paraphernalia; one unit of Nissan Navarra pick up; one unit of Toyota Innova; one unit of Subaru Impreza and assorted documents from the suspects.
The confiscated firearms were turned over to the Bulacan Provincial Crime Laboratory Office (BPCLO), Bulacan PPO for ballistics examination, macro etching and cross matching.
Poklay said the recovered vehicles were processed by a SOCO team while the personnel of Highway Patrol Team are now thoroughly checking the records of the impounded vehicles to determine if they were stolen.
The arrested suspects are presently under the custody of Provincial Intelligence Branch of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office for proper documentation while appropriate charges will be filed against them. (PNA)
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CIDG cross-matches items found on Mendiola's van
MANILA, May 9 (PNA) - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Wednesday said it has started conducting "cross matching" examinations on items recovered from a van rented by slain star witness Alfred Mendiola.
The "cross matching" include the packing tape and spent shell from .45 caliber pistols found on the floor of the Toyota Grandia (TBO-299), CIDG spokesperson Sr. Insp. Don Dixie De Dios said.
The vehicle was found abandoned on a vacant lot along Roxas Blvd. in front of RAF Mansion in Baclaran, Pasay Tuesday.
De Dios said the cross-matching hoped to recover at least fingerprints and forensic materials which could aid investigators in linking Mendiola's murder to the Dominguez car theft syndicate.
He said that the results of the exam would available within two days.
He also clarified that the arrest of Ryan Dominguez, the younger brother of Raymond and Roger, the kingpins of the crime group, had no connection with their investigation.
The CIDG spokesperson also said that Ryan was arrested after concerned individuals told the Malolos police that the latter was seen carrying high-powered firearms alongside with illegal drugs.
Initial reports said Dominguez was caught in a compound in Barangay San Agustin in Malolos City, Bulacan at about 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Dominguez, 20, was with Mark Lacambakal, 21; James Jimenez, 37; and Rey Blanco when he was arrested by lawmen.
Police are also verifying the ownership of the three vehicles found inside the compound, among them a Nissan Navarra (CSJ-33), a black Subaru (ZNX-628) and a Toyota Innova (ZCJ-171). (PNA)
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Two suspected robbers killed in Bulacan encounter with police
MANILA, May 9 (PNA) - Two suspected robbers were shot dead by members of the Bulacan Provincial Police Office following an encounter in Purok 4, Rodriquez St., Barangay Batia, Bocaue, Bulacan Wednesday afternoon.
Recovered from the scene were one 12-gauge shotgun, one .38 caliber revolver, and the suspects' Honda Wave (125-MC) motorcycle.
Initial investigations showed that the suspects refused to halt at police checkpoint that triggered a car chase.
When the suspects were cornered, a brief firefight ensued resulting in the death of the two suspects whom police were still trying to identify as of press time Wednesday. (PNA)
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Illegally cut logs seized in Bulacan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan, May 8 (PNA) -- Some 72 pieces of illegally cut logs were seized by joint operatives of the anti-illegal task force of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Provincial Environment Protection Task Force at the compound of a hardware and sash factory along Quirino Highway in Barangay Gumaok here Monday afternoon.
A report reaching the office of Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the illegally cut logs, measuring 10 feet long with a thickness of four inches and width of seven to 10 inches, were being unloaded at the compound of Sureluck Wood Enterprise at around 3 p.m. Monday.
Bro. Martin Francisco, chairman of the Sagip Sierra Madre Environment Society (SSMES), said when the government team arrived at the hardware, the men unloading the logs from a truck (with plate number CSL 394) scurried away.
A couple, believed to be the owners, told the DENR team that they did not know that the lumbers were illegally cut.
The lumbers were believed to have come from the watershed areas of General Tinio in Nueva Ecija.
Francisco said unabated illegal logging has denuded huge parts of the rain forest along the watershed areas of Angat and Ipo dams. (PNA)
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CIDG now conducting backtracking investigation on Alfred Mendiola slay case
MANILA, May 8 (PNA) - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)announced that it is conducting backtracking investigations on the recent activities of witness Alfred Mendiola who was found dead with two other men at Barangay Salawag, Dasmarinas City, Cavite Sunday morning.
CIDG acting chief Senior Supt. Federico Castro, who is the unit's deputy director for operations, said they are now doing this in order to ascertain the motive behind the killing.
Mendiola, also known as Allan Torres and “Bading”, is one of the members of the Dominguez carjacking group and the star witness in the Venzon Evangelista carnapping and murder cases against a carnapping syndicate led by the Dominguez brothers.
Also found dead besides Mendiola were Eriberto Jumaquio, 53, of Sta Isabel, Malolos, Bulacan, and Mark Angelo Heredia, 27, 500 Rizal St., Paltao, Pulilan, Bulacan.
Jumaquio is the driver of the Toyota Grandia (TBO 299) that Heredia had contracted for Mendiola before they were killed.
The said vehicle was recovered by police this morning in Paranaque area.
Region 4A CIDG chief Senior Supt. Bernabe Balba said that they are looking into vengeance on his testimony against brothers Raymond and Roger Dominguez as one of the possible motives and that the killing may have been motivated to silence him from further testifying in court.
Balba said that they are still investigating if the two other victims were just collateral damage.
Backtracking investigation disclosed that Jumaquio was contacted by Herrera through a certain Fernando “Bong” Oreta last May 2 to pick up Mendiola who at that time was in Hermosa, Bataan.
Jumaquio was last contacted by his family on May 5, around 7pm.
Cavite CIDG head Chief Insp. Marlon Santos said that statements taken from Oreta disclosed that he picked up Mendiola, along Herrera and others last April 29, in Calumpit, Bulacan and they went to Palm Garden Resort in Malolos City.
Mendiola’s group checked out of the said resort around noontime of April 30 and then went to Peninsula Resort in Orani, Bataan where they stayed until May 2.
In the afternoon of May 2, the group proceeded to Hermosa, Bataan to attend a fiesta. It was at this time that Oreta contracted the service of Jumaquio.
The CIDG is still looking for more witnesses that may shed light on the circumstances that led to their supposed abduction and the eventual killing of the three victims in Cavite. (PNA)
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Vehicle of Mendiola’s killers recovered
MANILA, May 8 (PNA) -- A vehicle that was allegedly used by the killers of Alfred Mendiola, a key witness in the case against the Dominguez carjacking gang, was recovered on Tuesday in Baclaran, Pasay City, authorities said.
Southern Police District (SPD) Director Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona said police recovered the Toyota Grandia (TBO-299) was on a vacant lot along Roxas Blvd. in front of RAF Mansion in Baclaran, Pasay.
Estipona added that shells of a cal-.45 pistol and packaging tape were found inside the van.
The said van is registered under the name of a certain Rommel Dela Cruz of Seamans St., Sitio Silangan, Look 2nd Malolos, Bulacan.
Police are inspecting the van for possible additional clues that could help them reconstruct what led to Mendiola's death.
Last Sunday morning, Mendiola was found dead, bound, and gagged together with two other men in Sta. Lucia proper, Brgy. Salawag, Dasmarinas City in Cavite.
Mendiola turned state witness against brothers Raymond and Roger Dominguez, leaders of a ruthless carjacking gang linked to the killing of car dealer Venson Evangelista last year. (PNA)
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Bulacan passes pioneering anti-bullying ordinance
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 2 (PNA) –- Alarming incidents of harassment and bullying by students in schools in the province has prompted the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pass a pioneering ordinance to address the matter.
The timely measure is known as an “Ordinance Restricting the Prevalence of Harassment and Finger-pointing or ‘Bullying’ and the like in all Schools, either Private or Public, in the Province of Bulacan” as stated under Panlalawigang Kautusan Blg. 2012-06.
A provincial council called “Panlalawigang Konseho sa Pagsasawata sa Bullying” was created to formulate plans and policies, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the said ordinance.
The council is headed by Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado with Bulacan mayors' league president Mayor Donato Marcos of Paombong and representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), president of the Provincial League of Barangay Chairmen, BULPRISA, private organizations, religious groups, and PAGE (Philippine Association of Graduate Education) Bulacan chapter as members.
Bullying, is defined as “any severe or repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture to put someone in reasonable fear.” It has different forms such as harassment or provocation or the use of foul language, name calling, tormenting or even commenting negatively on someone’s looks, clothes and body, punching, pushing, shoving, kicking, slapping or doing pranks and teasing. It also includes "cyber-bullying" which utilizes technology and electronic services such as mobile phones, computers, internet, and social networking websites.
According to studies, seven out of 10 students are becoming victims of bullying which is found prevalent in the primary and elementary levels. Its negative effect such as fear to classmates and decrease in mental capacity/ ability make it impossible for children being bullied to succeed in academic achievements or studies.
Any school in the province or its officials (principal, administrator, owner or president of private schools), that will defy the provision of the said ordinance will be penalized with a fine of P5,000 and six months of imprisonment.
The Provincial Ordinance was authored by Board Member Therese Cheryll Ople of the First District of Bulacan, and Board Member Mark Jerome Anthony Santiago, the Sangguniang Kabataan provincial federation president. (PNA)
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Two car thieves killed in Bulacan clash
PLARIDEL, Bulacan, April 24 (PNA) - Two suspected motorcycle thieves were killed in a running gun battle with lawmen in Barangay Bagong Silang here early Tuesday morning.
Police said the two slain suspects remain unidentified.
Supt. Julius Ceasar Domingo, town police chief, said that Ernesto So On Jr., 36, married, helper, and a resident of Barangay Parulan here, reported at the Plaridel police station that he was a victim of thieves along the Cagayan Valley Road in Barangay Tabang here.
According to the victim, he was on board his red Yamaha Sniper motorcycle (with plate number 3718-TC) at about 12:20 a.m. when he was blocked by two armed men on board a skeleton type motorcycle (without plate number).
He said the suspects got off their motorcycle and at gunpoint forcibly took his motorcycle before speeding off.
The victim described the driver as medium built and was wearing white long sleeved upper garment and dark short pants while the back rider was wearing a white t-shirt and short pants.
Domingo said a mobile team was dispatched and conducted a follow-up operation accompanied by the victim. Likewise, a flash alarm was relayed to adjacent police stations for the possible apprehension of the suspects.
At about 2 a.m., the police team and the victim chanced upon the two suspects still on board the two motorcycles at Sitio Bagong Sikat, Barangay Tabang.
Noticing the approaching lawmen, the suspects tried to flee by speeding off and opened fire.
Upon reaching Barangay Bagong Silang, the suspects’ motorcycles skidded, forcing them to escape on foot.
The ensuing brief exchanges of gun fires resulted in the killing of the two suspects.
Recovered were the stolen Yamaha Sniper motorcycle; a skeleton type motorcycle without plate number; one caliber .38 Squires Bingham revolver with serial number 955351; and one caliber .38 home-made revolver without serial number.
The cadavers of the two unidentified suspects were brought to the Blue Cross Funeral Parlor in Malolos City for an autopsy. (PNA)
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Trash drive highlights Earth Day celebration in Baliwag, Bulacan
BALIWAG, Bulacan, April 23 (PNA) - Reuse, reduce, recycle!
This, in a nutshell, was how residents of this booming town celebrated Earth Day on Sunday.
With sacks of plastic bottles and mountains of newspapers in tow, Bulakenyos showed how simple caring for the environment is as they brought their household junks during SM City Baliwag’s “Earth Day Trash to Cash Recycling Market”.
Beverly B. Cruz, public relations officer of SM City-Baliwag, said that almost 500 kilos of accumulated scrap materials, including cartons, papers, soft drink cans, plastic cups and bottles were collected from the Earth Day trash drive last April 20.
A large volume of plastic bottles and paper recyclables was donated by the Montessori School of Malolos in Bulacan.
Cruz said that aside from individuals, the mall is currently collaborating with local academic institutions as well as other business establishments to regularly drop by the waste market and help in the community’s waste management.
She added that the SM Trash to Cash Recycling Market happens every 1st Friday and Saturday of the month in all SM Supermall branches nationwide. (PNA)
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Unabated mining endangers Angat Dam—Sagip Sierra Madre Environment Society
NORZAGARAY, Bulacan, April 19 (PNA) - Aside from sitting on an earthquake fault line, the structural integrity of the 44-year-old Angat dam is also being endangered by massive mining activities along the mountains of eastern Bulacan, an environmental watchdog disclosed on Thursday.
The Sagip Sierra Madre Environment Society (SSMES) said the Dumagat tribersmen and some residents in far flung mountain villages of nearby Dona Remedios Trinidad are alarmed by the blasting and quarrying of limestone in the mountains, particularly those being heard near the Angat dam.
Bro. Martin Francisco, chairman of SSMES, said that residents and Dumagat tribesmen have also reported the sightings of fissures along the watershed area of Angat dam.
Earlier, some Dumagat tribesmen living at Mount Inuman also showed Francisco and ABS-CBN reporter Julius Babao some fissures or cracks in the mountains which they said is getting bigger and deeper.
He said the Dumagat tribesmen are apprehensive that the cracks might trigger landslides that could wipe-out communities in the areas which could also compromise the structural integrity of the 44 year old Angat dam and nearby Ipo dam, since the country is now experiencing earthquakes.
Francisco also told to Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado that many parts of the Angat and Ipo dams watershed have already been severely denuded.
These dams are nestled along the Marikina west valley fault line, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Siesmology, he added.
Francisco’s revelation came a week after dam experts conducting safety study on the structural integrity of Angat dam recommended the immediate rehabilitation of the 44-year-old dam and its dike after it was found sitting on an earthquake fault line.
Based on the draft final report submitted by John Grimston, Tonkin and Taylor International, the group commissioned by the government to conduct study on the structural integrity of Angat dam in coordination with concerned government line- agencies, it was learned that during construction of Angat dam, a series of fault traces were identified in the foundation of the main dike.
The dam experts said that these faults were understood to have been traced for a distance of approximately 15 kilometer (km) upstream of the dike.
Earlier, the Phivolcs commenced a site-specific seismic hazard assessment for Angat Dam in 2002, but this work was not completed. The report of NGI (2002) summarizes preliminary conclusions presented verbally by the Phivolcs team.
Their opinion was that the Western Marikina Valley Fault (WMVF) should be considered active, and that rupture of the main fault could trigger movement on the splay beneath the dike of approximately 1 – 2 meter horizontal and 0.5 m vertical.
According to the experts, an earthquake on the WMVF could therefore trigger movement on the splay of fault.
Trace mapping undertaken by Phivolcs suggests that the WMVF runs several kilometers to the east of Angat Dam, and that the fault present beneath the dike.
Francisco said that aside from sitting on an earthquake fault line, the unabated mining operations near the Angat dam could also compromise the structural integrity of the dam.
It was almost an entire mountain that vanished when they were mining limestone or marble. The mountain that they destroyed could no longer be brought back and there is a big possibility that it would affect the dam, he said, adding that those mountains that have vanished were natural defense not only for Angat dam but also for the province since they are considered as natural barriers against strong typhoons.
He urged the national government to totally ban mining operations along the mountains near Angat dam and Ipo dam. (PNA)
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Most wanted person in Bulacan arrested in Ilocos Norte
BATAC CITY, April 18 (PNA) - The most wanted person in Bulacan province was arrested in a police entrapment operation in Barangay Nagpatayan, Batac City, it was learned here Wednesday.
Inspector Jeffrey Taccad, chief of police of Banna town, identified the arrested wanted person as Jayson de Jesus, a native of Camarines Sur but residing in Del Monte, Bulacan.
Taccad said that the suspect was arrested through close coordination between and among police units of Police Regional Office in Region 3 and the Ilocos Norte police provincial office.
It was reported that the suspect is facing a murder case in San Jose, Del Monte, Bulacan.
Taccad said that the suspect was immediately turned over to the Bulacan police office. (PNA)
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Bulacan to enforce provincial tricycle code
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 18 (PNA) --Police and local government units (LGUs) in this province will now strictly implement the “No TODA, No Franchise” policy.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado recently signed and approved Provincial Ordinance No. 2012-01 also known as ”Tricycle Code of Bulacan” which aims to improve the plight of the tricycle drivers in the province.
Alvarado said that this ordinance will also solve the perennial problem of colorum tricycles and foster province-wide unity and cooperation among tricycle operators and drivers in the province.
Through the Tricycle Code of Bulacan, there will only be one ordinance that would be the basis of every town o city in the implementation of law on tricycle. It will also solve the traffic problem brought by some colorum tricycle, the governor said.
The ordinance was authored by board members Enrique Dela Cruz Jr., Therese Cheryll Ople and Felix Ople and Vice Governor Daniel Fernando, and was approved on February 7, 2012.
As stated in the ordinance, all tricycles and pedicabs must secure a franchise or permit to operate issued by the city/municipal authority, and must be members of any accredited Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), otherwise, they will be considered as colorum and would be illegal for them to operate.
Fernando said that the Tricycle Code will cover all motorized and non-motorized three-wheeled vehicles such as tricycles and pedicabs, either private or public plying around the province.
The vice governor said that the ordinance also covered the prescription of fare by the tricycle and pedicab, the discounts for students and senior citizens and the franchise moratorium.
He added that any violation of the provisions of the Bulacan Tricycle Code shall be punished with fines of not less than P5,000 and imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months upon the discretion of the court. (PNA)
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Bulacan 'carnap king' meted 17 to 30 years of prison term
By Emil G. Gamos
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 17 (PNA) — It's the end of the road for Raymond Dominguez, who is touted as the “carnap king” of Bulacan.
A Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge on Tuesday sentenced Dominguez and meted 17 to 30 years of imprisonment, his first conviction on more than 10 other similar cases filed and pending in different courts in Bulacan, Pampanga and Metro Manila.
Bulacan RTC Branch 84 Judge Wilfredo Nieves found Dominguez guilty of the complaint of carjacking filed by Dante Escoto, a driver of Crocodile Tape and Co. Inc. who claimed that the convicted leader of the dreaded Dominguez carnapping group, along with two other unidentified suspects, forcibly took from him a black Toyota Fortuner with plate number ZGW-872 on Jan. 14, 2010.
In an 11-page decision promulgated on Tuesday, the court stated that the snatching of the Toyota Fortuner happened in broad daylight in front of the Pot of Gold store along the Mac-Arthur Highway in Barangay Saog in Marilao town.
Escoto parked the vehicle and was inquiring at a car store for the replacement of the matting of his service vehicle when Dominguez and his two cohorts arrived and approached the subject Fortuner.
Record shows Dominguez held Escoto on his collar and guarded him while one of his two companions drove and made a reverse move of the Fortuner.
When the vehicle was ready to move forward, Dominguez pushed Escoto away and later boarded the vehicle which sped off toward Meycauayan City.
Faustino Casilang, 64, a store owner who witnessed the incident, testified in court against Dominguez. He positively identified Dominguez through a police rouge gallery presented by policemen in Marilao.
Judge Nieves gave weight on Casilang’s testimony and the Marilao police's presentation of the pictures of carnapping suspects as the basis of his decision.
“Irrefutably, the Court is persuaded that the prosecution has sufficiently established that the subject carnapping incident of the Toyota Corolla Fortuner with plate no. ZGW-872 on the date and place cited above indeed occurred in broad day light and in the presence of several persons, among whom is Casilang. It was likewise clearly established by prosecution evidence that Escoto was the driver of the Fortuner when it was forcibly taken from him”.
“No proof was elicited by the defense that Casingal was motivated by evil motive or malicious intention to unduly implicate Dominguez as one of the perpetrators of the subject carnapping in order to show that the former is a biased and an unreliable witness”.
Nieves said the defense failed to present evidence to prove Dominguez's claims that he was nowhere in Bulacan during the incident as he would not stay in the province because he is facing other cases in other places, including Metro Manila.
The RTC judge, however, dismissed the robbery charges against Dominguez in the said incident. Escoto complained that the carjacking leader, along with his two companions, also took away a laptop, wrist watch, gold bracelet, necklace and P4,000 cash.
Atty. Jose Cruz, Dominguez's lawyer, said the decision came as a surprise to them but they have to respect how the court analyzed the presented testimonies and evidence.
Cruz said an earlier case of carnapping with homicide at Branch 11 of the Bulacan RTC, as well as illegal possession of firearms also against Dominguez were already dismissed.
He told reporters they will elevate the case before the Court of Appeals.
Cruz said they do not expect Dominguez to be moved in to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City because he has to attend the hearings of other carjacking cases filed against him including that of Venzon Evangelista, a car dealer who was allegedly victimized by the Dominguez group in January last year in Quezon City.
The case is being heard in a court in Quezon City. (PNA)
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Search for outstanding Bulakenyos is on
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 12 (PNA) –– The provincial government’s search for outstanding Bulakenyos known as ”Gawad Dangal ng Lipi” is now open and accepting nominations.
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the annual search will give recognition to today’s modern heroes and outstanding sons and daughters of the province who excel in their fields of expertise such as public service, professional, community service, entrepreneur, education, science and technology, arts and culture, trade and industry, health, agriculture, sports and Bulakenyo expatriate.
The Gawad Dangal ng Lipi will be one of the highlights on the upcoming celebration of Buwan ng Bulacan, popularly known as Singkaban Fiesta.
With this, the governor has encouraged all Bulakenyos to support the said event through submission of nominees from all the municipalities in the province.
Among the previous awardees were Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, former president Corazon Aquino, Virgilio Almario, Joey de Leon, Richard Gomez, Dolphy, Regine Velasquez, Cheche Lazaro, Arnold Clavio, Shirley Halili Cruz, and Arnel T. Papa.
The selection and conferment of the leading Bulakenyo started on 1974, known as the Natatanging Bulakenyo Award.
The Provincial Planning Development Office (PPDO), the awards secretariat, said nominations must be submitted on or before May 15 this year. (PNA)
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Cigarette butts can damage the environment
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 9 (PNA) - Smoking is dangerous not only to health but also to the environment.
AGHAM partylist Rep. Angelo B. Palmones disclosed to members of the Philippine Science Journalists Association-Bulacan Chapter that a study conducted by researchers of the San Diego State University found damaging effects of cigarette butts on marine life.
Palmones said researchers found that chemicals from one filtered cigarette butt can kill fish living in a one- liter bucket of water.
Another study by Clean Virginia Waterways showed that one cigarette butt in two gallons of water was lethal to water fleas, a tiny crustacean found in fresh water.
He said with these findings the Philippines’ waters could be in danger.
Palmones said the National Statistics Office (NSO) reported last year that 17.3 million Filipinos aged 15 years and above are smokers.
“In most public places, cigarette butts are the most littered item. Probably because most smokers are not aware of the effects to the environment of the butts they throw. It could also be the lack of waste bins,” Palmones added.
He said littered cigarette butts are dumped into streams and waterways when there is heavy rain and flood.
Palmones said studies showed that cigarette filters, the white cotton part called cellulose acetate, is filled with toxin and takes 18 months to 10 years to decompose.
Reports said approximately 4,000 chemicals are present in cigarettes which are breathed out and released in the atmosphere.
Palmones said the Philippine anti smoking law or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 is focused mostly on the health of the public and clean air environment.
“We believe there is a need to revisit the law to address this issue of cigarettes now being considered toxic waste. Perhaps, there is a need to establish new ways on how the prevalent waste should be properly disposed to avoid further danger to our environment,” he added. (PNA)
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Car thief killed in Bulacan shootout
BALAGTAS, Bulacan, April 8 (PNA) -- Police killed a suspected member of a “Basag Kotse” gang during a shootout along the NIA road in Barangay Borol 2nd here Friday night.
The suspect was identified through his driver's license as Renato Diaz, 52, a resident of San Gabriel, Sta. Maria town.
Police said that at around 7:00 p.m. Friday, one Ronaldo Bayumbon, 43, married, a resident of Barangay Santol here, showed up at the Balagtas Police Station and asked for police assistance.
Bayumbon said his Toyota Corolla car with plate number TGS 463 which he parked near the Balagtas Municipal Building in Barangay Longos, was forcibly opened by an unidentified suspect by breaking its glass window (front passenger side) after which his black bag containing important documents was taken.
Immediately a police team boarded the patrol car together with the victim and chased the fleeing suspect who was on board a white and blue Yamaha X1 motorcycle bearing plate number OI 5805.
With the help of bystanders, the police team was able to get the direction of the suspect who was initially spotted along P. Castro Street in Barangay Borol 1st heading towards the direction of Barangay Borol 2nd.
Upon reaching Barangay Borol 2nd, the suspect turned right towards the direction of Barangay Dalig and headed towards the NIA Road.
Upon reaching the NIA road, the suspect who probably sensed that he was being chased, alighted from his motorcycle, drew a caliber .38 revolver and fired towards the direction of the pursuing PNP personnel, prompting them to retaliate hitting the suspect in the body and in the head that caused his instantaneous death.
A team from the Bulacan PNP Crime Laboratory Office SOCO processed the scene of the encounter and recovered one caliber 38 (homemade) revolver loaded with three live ammunition and two empty shells, one tea bag of dried marijuana leaves, the stolen black bag with marking GSIS and one Yamaha X1 motorcycle color white and blue bearing plate number OI 5805. (PNA)
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Experts recommend immediate rehab of Angat dam and dike
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 7 (PNA) --—Dam experts conducting safety study on the structural integrity of Angat dam has recommended the immediate rehabilitation of the 44-year old dam and its dike in Norzagaray town after it was found that it was sitting on an earthquake fault line.
The recommendation was made during a powerpoint presentation delivered by officials of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), headed by Administrator Gerardo A.I. Esquivel, in a recent meeting with provincial officials led by Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado at the provincial capitol here.
Dam officials maintain that the main dam and dike are generally in good order from visual inspection.
However, based on the draft final report submitted by John Grimston, Tonkin and Taylor International, the group commissioned by the government to conduct study on the structural integrity of Angat dam in coordination with concerned government line agencies, it was learned that during construction (of Angat dam), a series of fault traces were identified in the foundation of the main dike.
The dam experts said that these faults were understood to have been traced for a distance of approximately 15-kilometer upstream of the dike.
Earlier, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) commenced a site-specific seismic hazard assessment for Angat Dam in 2002, but this work was not completed. The report of NGI (2002) summarizes preliminary conclusions presented verbally by the Phivolcs team.
Their opinion was that the Western Marikina Valley Fault (WMVF) should be considered active, and that rupture of the main fault could trigger movement on the splay beneath the dike of approximately one to two meters horizontal and 0.5 meter vertical.
According to the experts, an earthquake on the Western Marikina Valley Fault could, therefore, trigger movement on the splay of fault trace mapping, undertaken by Phivolcs, suggests that the WMVF runs several kilometers to the east of Angat Dam, and that the fault is present beneath the dike.
On the dam break study, the Grimston, Tonkin and Taylor team submitted main findings and key conclusions, which are summarized as follows: ’the modelling indicates that the dam break flood wave will not only affect the areas near the Angat River, but spread and occupy vast areas well beyond the Angat River channel, and extend both upstream and downstream into the floodplain of the Pampanga River.’
The group also reported that about 20 cities/towns in Bulacan, 7 cities/towns in Pampanga and three cities/towns in Metro Manila would likely be affected by a dam/dike failure scenario.
The map shows that inundation levels can reach as high as 10-30 meters in some areas of Norzagaray, Bustos and Baliuag, Bulacan due to the initial flood wave resulting from breakage. It may reach as high as 5-10 meters in some areas of Pulilan, Plaridel all the way to Calumpit and Malolos City.
It is also estimated that three-five meter flooding will reach areas of Pampanga (due to the Bustos Dam failure) and the flood plain all the way to Metro Manila.
Governor Alvarado said that he would endorse the Phase 2 of the project (detailed design and remediation works)to be implemented at the earliest opportunity after the MWSS administrator informed him that the endorsement of the governor was earnestly needed because it was a requirement prior to the NEDA-ICC approval.
Esquivel also told Alvarado that “considering that the safety of the Angat dam and dike is indeed a national security concern, which needs to be addressed immediately, there is therefore the need to undertake remediation works at the earliest possible time.”
It can be recalled that Alvarado has called the attention of the national government to conduct an immediate study on the structural integrity of Angat dam shortly after he assumed post as governor on 2010.
Alvarado has also proposed the dredging of the dam’s reservoir stating that water holding capacity of the 44 year old dam has been compromised by the heavy silt it accumulated in more than four decades.
Liz Mungcal, executive officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, said that the provincial government of Bulacan, in coordination with line agencies, are now mapping out emergency action plans as part of the contingency measures on the remediation works at Angat dam and its dike. (PNA)
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Slippery burglar in Bulacan falls
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 3 (PNA)--Police arrested one of two suspected burglars who robbed two residents in Domsal Subdivision, Barangay Bulihan here on Monday.
Superintendent David N. Poklay, city police chief, identified the arrested suspect as Antonio Alido , 21, jobless, a resident of Barangay San Pedro, Hagonoy town. His cohort is still unidentified.
One of the victims was identified as Nino Ignacio, 33, teacher and a resident of said village.
The victim told investigators that he saw the suspects forcibly enter his house and once inside, they took one unit of Samsung Corby cell phone worth P5,500 and cash amounting to P2,600 after which they (suspects) escaped.
At this juncture, the victim immediately sought the assistance of the personnel of Malolos City police station who conducted an operation that resulted in Alido's arrest.
Poklay said that further investigation showed that at around 3 p.m. of the same day, the suspects also robbed the house of Edith Bautista, a resident of the same subdivision.
The suspects allegedly took the following items: one Nokia 8800 cellular phone worth P66,000; three gold necklaces worth P30,000; two pieces of gold bracelet worth P8,000.; one bangle worth P750,000; three wrist watches worth P16,000; make-up kit worth P3,000; six pairs of gold earrings worth P9,000; and US$ 800; 200 euros, Australian $ 120 and 500 Indian currency.
The arrested suspect is presently detained at the Malolos City Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP) while appropriate criminal complaint is being prepared against him and his cohort (at large) for filing in court. (PNA)
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SCAN-Pampanga chapter establishes traffic assistance centers
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, April 3 (PNA) -- The Society of Communicators’ and Networkers (SCAN) Pampanga chapter established traffic assistance centers in different entry and exit points in the province to help both private and public motorists for a week-long Holy Week observance.
SCAN is an amateur ham radio group that aims to provide alternative source of information through two radios handled by its members nationwide, particularly in Pampanga.
Daniel “Dan” Ombina, SCAN president in Candaba town, said that at least 10 traffic assistance centers were established all throughout the province.
This activity in being conducted in close coordination with the local police in the different towns in the province.
Ombina said that SCAN has organized several medical groups composed of doctors, nurses and other health related professionals to provide medical attention for motorists needing it.
The traffic assistance centers were established in Arayat, Apalit, San Simon, Mabalacat, Magalang, Lubao, Mexico, City of San Fernando and Angeles City.
It can be recalled that as broadcast in national television, the SCAN during typhoon “Pedring” was the first to conduct rescue operations when the residents in a town in Bulacan were surprised by floodwaters. (PNA)
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Bulacan bans use of plastic bags
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 31 (PN) --—The provincial government has banned the use and sale of plastic bags in Bulacan.
Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado recently signed an ordinance which prohibits non-biodegradable plastic bags, styroform and other kinds used as packaging materials in the 21 towns and three cities of Bulacan.
Under the measure, passed by the Sanguniang Panglalawigan early this week, violators will face a P5,000 fine and one year imprisonment.
Alvarado said the ordinance will be immediately enforced after the implementing rules and regulations are issued.
The ordinance was passed six months after Alvarado wrote the provincial board to create a provincial ordinance banning the use and sale of plastic bags in the markets.
The governor added the ordinance will be implemented in the 569 barangays of Bulacan.
Study shows that plastic bags and other plastic products aggravate flooding in many areas.
It is also prohibited to burn plastic materials under the Clean Air Act.
The SM Supermalls in the towns of Baliuag and Marilao are already implementing the “no plastic“ policy and has totally banned the use of plastic bags in their shopping malls. (PNA)
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Emergency teams, public assistance centers up and ready in Bulacan for Lenten break
By Emil G. Gamos
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 31 (PNA) — Public assistance centers are now in place in strategic places in the province, assisting motorists and the influx of people coming home to the province this Holy Week.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that emergency teams, police assistance teams and volunteer radio groups are now on 24 hours alert and are ready to respond in any eventuality.
He said that most of the Public Assistance Centers were established in areas where huge crowds were expected to go to witness the different Holy Week traditions in the province.
Alvarado said that police and emergency response teams were also deployed in Barangay Kapitangan in Paombong town where thousands of local and foreign tourists were expected to flock to witness penitents.
Teams were also deployed at the Divine Mercy Shrine and at the Grotto in San Jose del Monte City, which is also a favorite destination during Holy Week.
Alvarado said that he would be making rounds and also visit hospitals to see to it that public assistance centers are well in place and ready.
Meanwhile, at least five penitents will be crucified at high noon on Good Friday in Barangay Kapitangan, a local tourism group announced on Saturday.
Jo Clemente, chairman of the Bulacan Tourism Convention and Visitors Bureau (BTCVB), said that the crucifixion site in Barangay Kapitangan had already been spruced up for the bloody Lenten rites.
He said the rehabilitation of the site was meant to improve the facilities of the Sto. Cristo chapel in the said village, which draws huge crowds every year.
He described the bloody Lenten rituals as the only tourism attraction in the province that gained strong following even without promotions.
The Catholic Church has maintained that the reenactment of the passion and crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ is just a “popularized religiosity.”
Diocese of Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros said that Christians were not asked to imitate what Jesus Christ had done more than 2,000 years ago.
“The Lord taught us to come carry our cross daily and follow Him. He did not say come and reenact my crucifixion,” Bishop Oliveros said. (PNA)
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Three persons died, 17 others hurt in Pampanga road mishap
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, March 29 (PNA) -- Three persons died and 17 others were injured when the vehicle they were riding accidentally hit the slope of a culvert and overturned along North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) at the vicinity of Barangay Suclaban, Mexico town on Wednesday night.
In his report here, Supt. Ryan David, chief of police of Mexico, said three of the occupants of a Toyota Hi-Ace van (SKE-112) identified as Neila Bacugan, Fidela Robinson and Diosdado Basuel, were declared dead on arrival at Jose B. Lingad Memorial Hospital in San Fernando City.
The injured occupants, on the other hand, were taken to Angeles University Foundation Hospital in Angeles City, Mexico Community Hospital in Mexico town and Jose B. Lingad Memorial Hospital.
They were identified as Barangay Kagawad Romeo Rivera, 38, Romeo Palalon, 44, Mark Anthony Rivera, 11, Ronaldo Geogano, 33, Roberto Andaya, 38, Vicente Ignacio, 68, Teresita Corpuz, 67, Conrado Sabrani, 64, Lorenza Manuel, 77, Cynthia Bungares, 44, Mile Baswelt, Vangie Bacalzo, 69, Felesitas Lota, 77, Eleoteria Agustin, 68, Betty Laude, Florentina Lucasan, 65 and Manolita Bascuel, all residents of Caloocan City.
The report said that the victims left Caloocan City on board Toyota Hi-Ace van but while traveling along NLEX heading southbound direction, the driver Romeo Palalon reportedly lost control of the steering wheel and accidentally hit the slope of a culvert and overturned. It then hit a paper tree on the right embankment of the road until it rested right side down facing northbound direction.
The van was registered to Barangay Bagombong, Caloocan City, the report said.
David said that the van was taken to Pulilan Storage facility in Pulilan, Bulacan while the driver was invited for questioning to Mexico police station.
Charges are being readied against him, the police said. (PNA)
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Aquino declares April 2 as special non-working day in Bulacan in commemoration of 224th birth anniversary of Francisco 'Balagtas' Baltazar
MANILA, March 28 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared April 2, 2012 which falls on a Monday as a special non-working day in the province of Bulacan in commemoration of the 224th birth anniversary of prominent poet and orator Francisco "Balagtas" Baltazar.
In Proclamation No. 355 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on March 27, the Chief Executive issued the declaration to give the people of Bulacan the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.
Known by his pen name Balagtas, Baltazar has been described as the “Prince of Tagalog Poets."
Baltazar was born in Panginay, Bigaa (now Balagtas), Bulacan on April 2, 1788. He was the youngest of the four children of Juan Baltazar, a blacksmith, and Juana de la Cruz.
He worked as a helper in Tondo to support his studies where he met Jose de la Cruz, a prominent poet whose penchant for fighting cocks as payment for his literary works earned him the sobriquet “Huseng Sisiw.”
The popular Filipino debate form Balagtasan was named after Balagtas. He was recognized by the Pahayagang Kastilyano (Spanish publication) and became the front cover for two weeks.
Baltazar is widely considered as the Tagalog equivalent of William Shakespeare for his impact on Filipino literature. The famous epic, Florante at Laura, is regarded as his defining work. He died on February 20, 1862. (PNA)
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Eco-heritage park to rise in Bulacan
PANDI, Bulacan, March 27 (PNA) -- An eco-heritage park will soon rise at the Inang Filipina shrine in Real de Cacarong (also known as Kakarong de Sili) here, the fortress of Bulakenyo katipuneros where some 1,200 Filipino revolutionaries valiantly died after the fort was attacked by a large Spanish military forces on January 1, 1897.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said plans are now underway to make the historic site an environment-friendly tourist destination where the people, especially students and nature lover, can commune with nature and at the same time, feel the significance of the place and its role in the nation’s history.
The governor said the town of Pandi, which was historically known for the Real de Cacarong de Sili Shrine or the Inang Filipina Shrine, played a vital and historical role in the fight for Philippine Independence.
“We would like the great province of Bulacan to be known as the home of noble heroes, where the Filipino’s fervent quest for freedom, the three Republics —The Republic of Kakarong de Sili, The Biak-na-Bato Republic and the Malolos Republic, were born,” Alvarado said.
Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) chief Atty. Rustico “Teddy” de Belen said representatives of the provincial government, together with Bulacan State University president Dr. Mariano de Jesus and Pandi Mayor Enrico Roque visited the site on Monday and laid out plans to rehabilitate the place and transform it into an eco-heritage park.
Aside from remembering the heroism of the Filipino revolutionaries, De Belen said people would also appreciate the natural beauty of the place and inculcate into them the need to protect the province's cultural and historical heritages.
He said De Jesus and Roque are now also looking for relics and artifacts from that period so that it can be displayed at a museum that will also be constructed within the Inang Filipina Shrine.
A commemorative arch will also be built to welcome visitors to the historic landmark.
De Belen said once completed, there will educational tours, on-the-spot painting and writing contests so that students will have first-hand accounts on the historical and environmental significance of the place.
Historians said the 'Republic of Real de Kakarong de Sili' of 1896 was one of the first Philippine revolutionary republics established in the country.
It was in Kakarong de Sili, which about 6,000 Katipuneros from various towns of Bulacan headed by General Eusebio Roque, better known as "Maestrong Sebio," last of Filipino generals in the Philippine Revolution of 1896 and the Filipino-American War of 1899 that the "Kakarong Republic" was organized shortly after 'The Cry of Balintawak' .
Records of the National Historical Commission, also tells that the 'Kakarong Republic' was the first and truly organized revolutionary government established in the country to overthrow the Spaniards antedating event the famous Malolos Republic and the Biak-na-Bato Republic.
In recognition thereof, these three "republics" established in Bulacan have been incorporated in the seal of the province of Bulacan.
According to available records, including the biography of General Gregorio del Pilar titled "Life and Death of a Boy General" written by Teodoro Kalaw, former director of the National Library, a fort was constructed at Kakarong de Sili that was like a miniature city.
It had streets, an independent police force, a musical band, a factory of falconets, bolos and repair shops for rifles and cartridges.
The 'Kakarong Republic' had a complete set of officials with Canuto Villanueva as supreme chief and 'Maestrong Sebio' as captain-general of the Army.
The fort was attacked and totally destroyed on January 1, 1897 by a large Spanish force headed by General Olaguer-Feliu.
Gen. Gregorio del Pilar was only a lieutenant at that time and 'The Battle of Kakarong de Sili' was his first "baptism of fire". This was where he was first wounded and escaped to nearby Barangay Manatal here. (PNA)
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TRB braces for the influx of motorists on Holy Week
GUIGUINTO, Bulacan, March 26 (PNA) -- Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) executive director Atty. Edmond Reyes, Jr. on Monday warned the motorists plying the North and South Expressways to observe traffic rules especially the speed limits to avoid accidents and/or apprehension.
“Leave earlier than normal, give time allowances for heavier traffic and drive safely within specified speed limits,” Reyes advised the motorists during the on-the-spot inspection at the NLEX on Monday.
In a press briefing at the NLEX District building in Barangay Sta. Rita of this town, Reyes said they expect 10 to 15 percent increase in the number of travelers next week due to the Holy Week and additional national holiday, Araw ng Kagitingan, on April 9.
He said they launched the operation ahead of a very busy travel season to remind the drivers that the expressways are not racing tracks and instead good roads to provide them convenient travels.
“We would like to send them signals that they should strictly follow the speed limits rule because we are serious in instituting safety programs. Violators will surely be apprehended,” Reyes told the media representatives covering the inspection.
He said they are doing this for the benefit of the motorists because their records show that most of the accidents were due to drivers’ error which could have been avoided had they not over speed.
“During this time of homecoming, we wish them happy reunions with their families in their houses rather than in funeral homes,” said Reyes.
He emphasized further that driver’s license is not a right but only a privilege. Those who are given licenses are bound to be responsible not to harm themselves and other people through their reckless driving.
Engineer Gerry Aberilla, vice president for traffic operations of the North Tollways Corporation (NTC), said their company has six state of the art speed guns that monitor the speed of vehicles plying the toll roads.
Besides, there are CCTV cameras installed every two kilometers which are connected to the monitoring station in Balintawak office.
The NLEX patrol officers are deputized to apprehend violators.
Meanwhile, Aberilla announced that they will deploy two layer-ambulant tellers to facilitate faster payment of toll fees.
They will also issue special one-time payment-tickets for those who will travel straight from Balintawak and the Mindanao Avenue entrance to the SCTEX to minimize delay in cuing to pay the toll fees. (PNA)
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New highways to spur growth of Eastern Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, March 26 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has expressed optimism that the completion of the Plaridel Bypass road and the recent opening of the North Luzon Expressway-Balagtas interchange will not only greatly decongest traffic woes at the busy Sta. Rita Interchange and other major thoroughfares in Plaridel and Pulilan towns but will also open new growth corridors along the towns that it traverses.
“The travel time from the towns of Bustos, Angat, Norzagaray and other parts of eastern Bulacan to Metro Manila will be greatly lessened and it has greatly helped decongest traffic at the Sta. Rita exit of the expressway,” Alvarado said, adding that the new interchange will also play a big role in the economic development in the areas.
The governor noted that major road networks are strategically laid within the center of Bulacan, linking farming towns to growth areas like the cities of Malolos and Meycauayan and also to Metro Manila where travel time has now become more quicker with the opening of the Balagtas interchange in Barangay Burol last week.
He said that the agricultural products in the eastern towns of Bulacan will now have easier time reaching the markets with the completion of major road networks.
Alvarado said that programs are also underway in the construction of new highways that will link Fairview in Quezon City to the city of San Jose del Monte as well as the mountain town of Dona Remedios Trinidad, Norzagaray, San Miguel to the province of Nueva Ecija and Aurora.
He, however, asked the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to see to it that the law is observed to the letter adding that portions of the road networks will traverse some farmlands.
"If the area is irrigated, it is non-negotiable. Environment protection can co-exist with growth and development. It is a case where environment and sustainable development can complement each other,” Alvarado said.
The new bypass road, designed to reduce travel time in the eastern towns of Bulacan by about 20 minutes, comes with an additional 2.4-kilometer access road leading to downtown Plaridel.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson said the entire two-phase project consisted of four contract packages to be built in succession.
Singson said he is looking forward to the early implementation of Contract Packages 3 and 4 under Phase 2 covering a total of 9.96 kilometers from Bustos to San Rafael to be bankrolled by a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) president Ramoncito S. Fernandez noted that the Plaridel Bypass Road “manifests public-private partnership (PPP) in action."
“In this PPP, the government provided the road infrastructure while the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) will operate and maintain it as the country’s newest tollway,” Fernandez said. MNTC is a subsidiary of MPTC.
DPWH Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, who is overseeing implementation of the project, said implementation of Contract Package 2 is still ongoing. This 7.53-kilometer portion of the projected road infrastructure, which also includes the construction of seven bridges and drainage and slope protection system, traverses Barangay Bulihan in Plaridel towards Bustos town. It is scheduled for completion by February 2013. (PNA)
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Two dopesters fall in Bulacan drug bust
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 25 (PNA) -- A dope peddler landed in jail for the second time for selling prohibited drugs in Barangay Caingion here Saturday night.
Supt. David N. Poklay, city police chief, identified the suspect as Romeo Adriano, 43, single, a construction worker and resident of B52, L36, Northville 8, Barangay Bangkal here.
Poklay said the suspect was arrested after selling two plastic sachets containing suspected “shabu” with actual weights of 0.81 gram and 0.084 gram to a poseur buyer. The estimated street value of the illegal drugs is P1,000.
During the investigation, Poklay said the suspect admitted that he was previously jailed for the same offense.
He said investigators are still conducting deeper investigation to determine if the suspect had involvement in other crimes.
The seized pieces of evidence and Adriano were brought to the Bulacan Police Crime Laboratory Office for laboratory examination and drug test, respectively, Poklay added.
He said appropriate charges are being prepared for filing in court against the suspect.
In a related development, the Provincial Public Safety Company headed by Supt. Fitz A. Macariola arrested a farmer for illegal possession of prohibited drugs.
Macariola identified the suspect as Herminio Dungao, 38, married, farmer and a resident of Barangay Sulivan, Baliwag town.
Four plastic sachets of suspected “shabu” and 10 pieces of P50 bills were seized from the suspect.
The seized pieces of evidence were brought to the Bulacan Police Crime Laboratory Office for examination while appropriate charges are being readied against the suspect. (PNA)
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SP opposes House bill creating new legislative district in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 21 (PNA) - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) here passed a resolution on Tuesday strongly opposing House Bill 5367 filed by 3rd district Rep. Joselito Mendoza redistricting two congressional districts in the province of Bulacan.
In his privilege speech, Board Member Michael Fermin said the bill was filed in Congress without conducting any public consultation, including informing the provincial board.
He said that HB 5376 - “An act reapportioning the composition of the third and fourth legislative districts in the province of Bulacan and thereby creating new legislative districts from such reapportionment” - is a clear case of “gerrymandering” or creation of new districts to favor a particular political agenda.
Fermin said the proposed bill will also affect the districts being represented by board members at the provincial board.
"The proposed bill did not pass through the proper procedure on consultation with the people in the province, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the provincial government. This threatens to reduce the income, land area and population of the third and fourth districts of the province of Bulacan, a clear violation on the provision of Section 8 of the Local Government Code of 1991,” Fermin said.
Fermin, representing the 1st District, added that under the Local Government Code, any changes in the districts or LGUs shall not reduce the income, population or land area of the LGUs concerned to less than minimum requirements prescribed and income classification of the original LGUs shall not fall below its current income classification prior to division, merger, abolition or creation.
He said that since the bill was introduced in Congress without undergoing proper procedure on public consultation, the SP strongly opposes its passage.
Fermin’s proposal was seconded by board members Eulogio Sarmiento and Therese Cheryl Ople and was unanimously approved during Tuesday's regular session. (PNA)
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Plaridel Bypass now open to vehicular traffic
BALAGTAS, Bulacan, March 20 (PNA) -- At 1 p.m. Tuesday, motorists from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) going to the towns of Plaridel, Bustos, Baliwag, San Rafael, and farther north to Nueva Ecija can now exit at the newly completed Balagtas interchange and pass through the similarly newly-built 6.87-kilometer road comprising the first portion of the government’s Plaridel Bypass road project.
The new bypass road will reduce travel time in the eastern towns of Bulacan by about 20 minutes. It comes with an additional 2.4 kilometer access road leading to downtown Plaridel.
In a formal ceremony held Tuesday morning at the Balagtas interchange in Barangay Burol here, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson turned over the certificate of completion and transfer of management to Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) president Ramoncito S. Fernandez.
The bypass road manifests the public-private partnership (PPP) in action.
The government built the infrastructure through DPWH while the MNTC will operate and maintain it as the country’s newest tollway.
This is just the Contract Package I of the project composed of the Balagtas interchange, toll gate facilities which include toll gate plaza, toll supervision building, electrical service center, and pump house; and drainage and slope protection structures.
DPWH Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, who is overseeing the implementation of the project, said implementation of Contract Package 2 is still ongoing.
This 7.53-kilometer portion of the projected road infrastructure, which also include the construction of seven bridges and drainage and slope protection system, traverses Barangay Bulihan in Plaridel towards Bustos town.
It is expected to be completed in February 2013.
MNTC installed the fixed and non-fixed equipment necessary for the efficient tollway system.
MNTC president Rodrigo E. Franco said the MNTC has allocated P109 million for these equipment, plus P22 million for the operation and maintenance of the Balagtas Interchange and a portion of the bypass road.
When completed, the Plaridel Bypass road will be a 24.61-kilometer tollway branching out from the NLEX main in Burol up to San Rafael town, also in Bulacan.
Local officials headed by Second District Rep. Pedro M. Pancho, and the mayors of Plaridel, Bustos, Balagtas, and San Rafael witnessed the opening and the turnover ceremonies. (PNA)
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Two suspected motorcycle thieves killed in Bulacan shootout
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 17 (PNA) -- Two suspected motorcycle thieves were killed during a running gun battle with lawmen along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Sumapang Matanda here Friday night.
Supt. David N. Poklay, Malolos City police chief, said that the still unidentified suspects forcibly took a Yamaha Mio Amore motorcycle from Indian trader Rami Alkhadra in Barangay Catmon here.
He said the victim immediately reported the incident at the barangay hall. The barangay officials flashed the report immediately to the police.
Poklay said a police mobile team from the Malolos City police station and a team from the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) headed by Supt. Fitz Macariola chased the suspects and spotted them near the transmitter station of Radio Veritas along MacArthur Highway.
Instead of stopping, the duo fired at the pursuing lawmen. The policemen returned fire, resulting in the death of the two suspects.
Police recovered the stolen Yamaha Mio motorcycle with plate No. 6191 IT, a caliber .38 snub nose revolver without serial number, five pieces of live ammunition and one caliber .22 machine pistol without serial number.
Poklay said that a Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team from the Bulacan Crime Laboratory Office also found assorted pieces of improvised pick locks, screw driver, vice grip, a green pouch containing a Nokia cellular phone with two SIM cards and a copy of Certificate of Discharge from the Bulacan Provincial Jail in the name of Jeffrey David who was detained for Violation of Republic Act No. 6539 in Criminal Case No. 3198-M-2008.
The bodies of the suspects were brought to a local funeral parlor. (PNA)
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Gov calls for urgent action to revive heavily-polluted Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river systems
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 15 (PNA) - -The biologically dead and heavily polluted Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system needs an immediate “shot in arm” to revive it and free residents and fishing villages from the pollution hazards.
This developed as Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado called for an immediate support from the national government regarding the rehabilitation of the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando River System (MMORS).
“Everyone is looking up to the north, it is the time to show our region’s development and progress. But how can we fully promote that, if there’s a smudge or a 'blackeye' on its image? We need concrete solutions on how to remove the MMORS on the list of the world’s dirtiest river,” the governor said, adding that the protection of environment and natural resources is one of the seven-point agenda of his administration.
Alvarado, who is also the chairman of the Sectoral Committee on Infrastructure Development (SCID) of the Regional Development Council (RDC), said that he already gave instructions to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a program proposal, together with its budgetary requirement for the rehabilitation of MMORS during the last SCID-RDC III meeting.
DPWH acting regional director Antonio Molano said that they have already submitted a proposal on the dredging of the MMORS.
He said the project needs a budgetary requirement of P1.9 billion, which will involve the dredging of MMORS of about 43.30 kilometers and dike improvement of about 30 kilometers in length on the assumption that all informal settlers along the riverbank will be relocated.
“It is also worth mentioning that this river system is one of the identified waterways that directly discharge to Manila Bay thus, its rehabilitation or improvement is significant in improving the water quality of the bay, which is the spelled out in the Supreme Court ruling on ‘continuing mandamus,’” the DPWH officer-in-charge said.
Alvarado emphasized the importance for concerned agencies to immediately act upon the matter.
“This project needs a strong political will in order for it to succeed. We also need to put everything in due process, make public consultation and proper information dissemination, particularly in the matter of relocating the settlers within the riverbanks. It is also important to develop a sanitary landfill in Bulacan where the spoils of the dredging will be properly dumped,” Alvarado said.
The governor also disclosed that the construction of a sanitary landfill is crucial for the dredging of the heavily silted and polluted river systems.
He said the spoils of the dredging should be dumped properly to a safe and contained place because the said rivers are tainted with hazardous heavy metals like mercury and arsenic.
The proposal of DPWH will be endorsed by the SCID-RDC III for the allocation of budget from the convergence fund.
The New York-based environmental watchdog “Blacksmith Institute” has tagged the Marilao and Meycauayan rivers as among the “dirty thirty” rivers in the world.
The provincial government and local government units in the area are constantly coordinating with concerned government agencies in a collective bid to revive it. (PNA)
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Three killed, two hurt in Bulacan road mishap
CALUMPIT, Bulacan, March 9 (PNA) -- A dump truck driver, who was reportedly fleeing a mob after stabbing a man and stoning a five-year-old in Barangay Dampol, Pulilan town, and two others were killed while two others injured when the said speeding truck rammed into a tricycle in Barangay Caniogan here Thursday afternoon.
Police identified the fatalities as Romnick Aguilar, truck driver; Avelino Cartago, tricycle driver and one Ramil Anade. Other details are still not known.
A certain Alfredo Aguilar and Danny Balcemeda, who were both on board an Isuzu forward truck that was chasing the speeding dump truck, were injured after the dump truck sideswiped their vehicle and over turned towards a grassy field.
Witnesses said the escaping truck driver could have gotten away if his speeding vehicle did not ram into the tricycle being driven Cartago.
Because of the very strong impact, the tricycle was thrown several meters away from the site of collision.
Supt. Manuel Santos, town police chief, said the truck driver had just stabbed a man in nearby Barangay Dampol, Pulilan and was fleeing a mob of angry men who was about to lynched him.
Balcemeda, who is undergoing treatment at the Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City, said the fleeing truck driver also hit a five-year old boy with a rock.
He said they were chasing and trying to overtake the dump truck but the driver sideswiped their vehicle. (PNA)
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DENR-EMB Region 3 padlocks tire pyrolysis plant in Bulacan
GUIGUINTO, Bulacan, March 7 (PNA) -- The Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR) in Region 3 padlocked on Wednesday a tire pyrolysis plant operated by the Bio-Eco Solution Technology Inc., in Barangay Tabang here for numerous violations of environmental laws.
EMB environment technicians accompanied by EMB regional director Lormelyn Claudio and Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado served a cease and desist order against the owner of Bio-Eco Solution Technology Inc after it was found that its tire pyrolysis plant violated provisions of the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System Law (PD 1686); Clean Air Act (RA 8749); Clean Water Act (RA 9275); Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003); and the Toxic, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Act (RA 6969).
Claudio said their office earlier served a “notice of violation” against John Ang, operations manager of Bio-Eco Solution Technology Inc., for conducting testing operations without securing first the necessary environmental compliance certificate (ECC), permit to operate (POA) and discharge permit (DP,) which is in violation of Section 4 of PD 1686 otherwise known as the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System as well as the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Philippine Clean Air Act and the Philippine Clean Water Act.
Residents in the area complained that the plant continues to operate, emitting obnoxious odor that is posing health hazards to the community's mixed industrial, commercial and residential area.
Claudio, Alvarado and Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) chief Rustico de Belen witnessed the serving of the order which was received by security guard Romeo Francisco in the presence of the company’s legal counsels.
Claudio and Alvarado later posted a notice to the public at steel gate of the plant, stating that the tire pyrolysis plant and its facilities is closed.
“We have explained to the owners that they supposedly should have stopped their testing operations but residents said that they continue to operate.
It is smoking and emitting obnoxious odor until now, Claudio told local newsmen who covered the serving of the cease and desist order.
Alvarado said the provincial government and DENR officials will discuss legal measures to ensure that the plant will not operate again and will enforce a “24/7” monitoring on the padlocked facility.
“We will not allow them. We will pursue their closure until such time that they have safe technology which is not hazardous to environment and one's health," Alvarado said.
Alvarado also ordered the Provincial Health Office (PHO) to check the health condition of residents and the company workers.
The governor also found out that most of the workers came from the same tire pyrolysis plant that the DENR and the provincial government have padlocked earlier in Barangay Pulong Yantok, Angat town.
He told the workers that he will send a medical team to check their health conditions.
Becca Reyes, a resident living near the plant, told Alvarado and Claudio that many residents, mostly children are now suffering skin irritations, asthma and dizziness due to the toxic smokes being emitted by the tire burning facility.
It was learned that the company burns used tires and other materials made of rubber to produce bunker oil.
An EMB team that earlier inspected the plant reported that the processed building is not yet fully enclosed and carbon ashes were noted scattered at the second floor and in the open area of the tire-burning facility. (PNA)
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Aquino declares April 23 as special non-working day in Plaridel, Bulacan in commemoration of the Battle of Quingua
MANILA, March 7 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared April 23, 2012 which falls on a Monday as a special non-working day in the municipality of Plaridel in Bulacan in commemoration of the Battle of Quingua.
In Proclamation No. 350 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on March 7, the President issued the declaration to give the people of Plaridel the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.
The Battle of Quingua was fought on April 23, 1899 in Quingua (now Plaridel, Bulacan) during the Philippine-American War. A reconnaissance mission under Major Franklin Bell was attacked by a strong Filipino force under Gregorio del Pilar.
The battle was one of the most significant victories of the Filipinos during the war. (PNA)
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Bulacan gov commends police for peace keeping initiatives
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 6 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has commended the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) and the 56th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army for their sound accomplishments in busting crime and internal security operations in the province.
Alvarado made the commendation during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting on Monday, the first to be held this year, at the Balagtas Hall of the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here.
"We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Bulacan PNP for the reduction of crime rate for the year 2011 and the first quarter of 2012. Same goes for the 56th IB of the Philippine Army for their peace keeping initiatives and unwavering support in times of natural disaster ” the governor, who presided the meeting as PPOC chair.
The governor also acknowledged the security plans and programs of the BPPO as well as the “bayanihan” or community outreach programs of the 56th IB headed by Col. Hilario Vicente Lagnada.
He said the provincial government will continue to support programs geared towards the improvement of peacekeeping initiatives.
In his report to the council, Bulacan police director Fernando H. Mendez Jr., has declared the peace and order situation in the province as “generally peaceful.”
Mendez also said that they had lined up several programs that the provincial police office is currently pursuing, among of which includes Implan “PIPS” or Police Integrated Patrol System, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs), One Police Supervisor per Barangay, "Pa-Sine sa Barangay Laban sa Droga" and "Takbo sa Barangay Laban sa Krimen."
He also disclosed that the BPPO is also upgrading the capability of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, conduct of criminal investigation course, personnel to be trained on search, rescue and relief operation and disaster response capability enhancement.
“Peace and order is very vital for growth and development. We have to put everything in order so there can be peace," Alvarado said. (PNA)
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Bulacan lines up various activities for fire prevention month
MALOLOS CITY, March 6 (PNA) -- Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has mapped out month-long activities and strategies in celebration of Fire Prevention Month.
With the theme “Makiisa, Makialam, Makipagtulungan upang Sunog ay Maiwasan”, the event aims to increase the awareness of Bulakenyos in fire prevention as well as mitigate the 149 fire incidents that happened in the province last year.
Felicisima Mungcal, executive officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said the activities for this month include bloodletting drive and fire awareness run that will be participated by policemen, firemen, non-government response teams, military and provincial capitol employees.
Aside from souvenir items for the first 150 participants, trauma kits and other first aid prizes will be given to the winners in the marathon.
There will also be a fire and earthquake drill, a regional activity that will take place at the provincial capitol, Mungcal said.
Aside from seminars on fire prevention and earthquake and emergency and disaster preparedness, she said there will also be trainings for fire suppression and first aid.
Also included in the trainings are disaster management and disaster operations with water search and rescue (WASAR), she added. (PNA)
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Bulacan remains generally peaceful - police
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 5 (PNA) - Despite the recent spate of murder cases, some committed in broad daylight, Bulacan Police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., on Monday declared that the peace and order situation in the province is “generally peaceful.”
Mendez made the announcement during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting held at the Balagtas Hall of the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here Monday morning.
During the meeting, the Bulacan police director made a PowerPoint presentation showing the peace and order situation in the province, the Bulacan Police Provincial Office’s administrative capability, accomplishments, plans and programs and assessments.
Mendez said that from 2010, the crime rate in the province has been sliding down while the accomplishments on crime prevention and neutralization of criminal syndicate and lawless elements have gone up.
A series of killing incidents, most of which happened in broad daylight, has somewhat tainted the peaceful atmosphere in the province, prompting officials to convene the PPOC.
Mendez also lined up several programs that the provincial police office is currently pursuing, which include Implan “PIPS” or Police Integrated Patrol System; Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs), One Police Supervisor per Barangay, Pa-Sine sa Barangay Laban sa Droga and Takbo sa Barangay Laban sa Krimen.
He also told the council presided by PPOC chairman Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado that the BPPO is also upgrading the capability of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, conduct of criminal investigation course, personnel to be trained on search, rescue and relief operation and disaster response capability enhancement.
He added that they are also planning to repair and convert old buildings at the provincial police headquarters into a multi-purpose building.
Col. Hilario Vicente C. Lagnada, battalion commander of the 56th IB of the Philippine Army, on his part, reported that the effort of leftist insurgents is still focused on their recovery program such as recruitment of new members, training/education of their regular members to enhance their skills and capabilities.
“Furthermore, their activities indicate a possible conduct of tactical offensives considering the fact that they have been outscored by the government troops during recent encounters. It is expected, as in the mindset of the military, that they will conduct liquidation, ambuscades, harassment or any other form of “tactical offensives” just to inflict casualties to any AFP/PNP personnel,” Lagnada said.
During the meeting, Alvarado suggested that the PPOC meet on a quarterly basis.
The governor stressed that the great province of Bulacan is not a place for criminals.
“Peace and order is very vital for growth and development. We have to put everything in order so there can be peace. The cooperation between the LGUs and the law enforcement agencies is vital. We have to always sustain the peace and order situation,” Alvarado added.
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Cops nab seven car thieves in Bulacan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan, March 2 (PNA) - Police arrested seven suspected members of a car theft gang, including two minors, during an operation in San Francisco Homes Subdivision, Barangay Mulawin here Thursday afternoon.
Police identified the arrested suspects as Sammy Dumlao, 29, single, tricycle driver, native of Cotabato City, and a resident of Francisco Homes Subdivision, Barangay Mulawin, San Jose Del Monte City; Bayan Madrigal, 18, tricycle driver, native of Catbalogan, Samar, resident of Verde Heights Subdivision, Barangay Gaya-gaya, San Jose Del Monte City;
Patrick Braza, 18, jobless, native of Catbalogan, Samar, and resident of Maligaya Park Subdivision, Novaliches, Quezon City; Jonathan Repollo, 18, single, and resident of Maligaya Park Subdivision, Novaliches, Quezon City; Ronald Bautista, 18, single, of Maligaya Park Subdivision, Novaliches, Quezon City; and
“Jeff” (not his real name), 17, native of Negros Occidental, resident of Maligaya Park Subdivision, Novaliches, Quezon City and “Allan” (not his real name), 16, single and resident of Maligaya Park Subdivision, Novaliches, Quezon City.
Supt. Marcos Rivero, city police chief, said that earlier, the San Jose del Monte City Police Station received a report that a suspected stolen tricycle (blue Kawasaki 125 without plate number) was being offered for sale at the said place.
Upon receipt of the information, a team of policemen accompanied by the informant were sent to the place, he added.
When the police team was able to locate the tricycle, they immediately arrested the suspects who admitted that they stole the tricycle while it was parked unattended at Parkland, Camarin, Caloocan City last Feb. 29, around 2:00 a.m.
The registered owner of the vehicle was later identified as Cecilio Paloca.
Rivero said that after undergoing documentation process, the arrested suspects and the confiscated tricycle were turned over to Caloocan Police for proper disposition. (PNA)
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Police nets 32,389 violators of 'No Helmet, No Ride' policy in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 1 (PNA) -- Police have arrested a total of 32,389 violators of the “No Helmet, No Ride” policy in the province from the period of January 2011 to February 2012.
Authorities made this report during the bi-monthly “Talakayan sa Bulacan” at the Local Governance Center here on Thursday.
Supt. Noli Pacheco, assistant provincial director for administration of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO), said that the violators were apprehended during the conduct of "Oplan: Sita", a police checkpoint operations conducted by the different police stations and the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC), under Supt. Fitz Macariola, all over the province.
He said that “Oplan: Sita” is the BPPO’s support to the “No Helmet, No Ride” policy of the provincial government headed by Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and Vice Governor Daniel Fernando.
Pacheco said the campaign also resulted in the arrest of persons carrying unlicensed firearms and prohibited drugs.
Provincial Administrator Jim Valerio said the provincial government is now strictly enforcing the “No Helmet, No Ride” policy in all thoroughfares in the province to ensure safe ride and travel of motorists.
He said that Governor Alvarado and Vice Governor Fernando have noted that most of the victims who figured in motorcycle accidents were not wearing safety helmets.
Valerio said the provincial government and the Bulacan police continuously urged motorcycle riders to strictly follow the provisions of the implementing rules and regulations of Panlalawigang Kautusan Bilang 03-T’09, which the governor authored and was passed when he was still the vice governor and presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panglalawigan.
He said the measure is aimed to ensure the safety of motorcycle riders, their passengers and the public as well.
Under the said provincial ordinance, all motorcycle riders, both driver and back rider, are required to wear standard quality protective helmets when using Bulacan roads. Tricycle drivers are not included. (PNA)
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Bulacan police seize tricycle loaded with hot meat
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- Police seized a tricycle loaded with hot meat in Barangay Muzon here Monday night.
City police head Superintendent Marcos Rivero said a police mobile team were conducting preventive patrol operations when they chanced upon two unidentified suspects who were on board a Kawasaki Barako 175 tricycle with plate no.4918 RT loaded with suspected hot meat.
The police team flagged down the tricycle but instead of stopping, the suspects fled prompting the patrolling elements to chase them until they entered a compound where they abandoned the tricycle and escaped on foot using the back door exit, Rivero said.
The two suspects were later identified as Michael N. Missiona and Evangeline Missiona, both residents of Block 3615, Lot 1F, De Leon Street, Barangay Muzon here.
Rivero said that when the tricycle was inspected, the policemen found several suspected double dead pork on board the abandoned tricycle prompting them to call the attention of the Provincial Veterinary Office and City Meat Inspection Officer, Dr. Lorenzo E. Valeriano.
The veterinary doctors later confirmed that the meat were indeed “botcha” or hot meat, he said.
Police seized 15 pieces of hog meat with an approximate total weight of 1,200 kilos. The seized hot meat were later burned and buried.
Criminal charges for Violation of Para 2B Sec 4 of Provincial Ordinance 08-2011 and Violation of Municipal Ordinance 2002-13-02 were filed against the two suspects. (PNA)
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Five suspected cable wire thieves nabbed in Bulacan
PANDI, Bulacan, Feb. 25 (PNA) -- Police and village watchmen caught five suspected burglars while stealing cable wires of Digitel Telecoms in Barangay Poblacion, early Friday morning.
In a report to Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., Chief Insp. Sabino Vengco III identified the arrested suspects as Randy San Diego, 26, taxi driver and a resident of No. 05 T. Santiago Street, Barangay Lingunan, Valenzuela City; Glen San Diego, 30, a resident of No. 334 T. Santiago Street, Barangay Lingunan, Valenzuela City; Dennis Lutrania, 20, a resident of No. 221 Kadiwa Street, Barangay Malanday, Valenzuela City; Jason Sebastian, 27, a resident of No. 413 Bancal Extension, Meycauayan City and Roberto Geronimo, 23, a resident of No. 290 C. Molina Street, Barangay Bente Reales, Valenzuela City.
Police investigators said that while the barangay tanods of Poblacion were conducting foot patrol, they saw the suspects in the act of cutting Digitel cable wires using a steel saw.
The suspects’ vehicle, a taxi cab (Janice Transport) with plate number TVT-796, was also seen parked near the place.
Vengco said that the barangay tanods immediately reported what they witnessed to the personnel of Pandi police station, who quickly responded that resulted in the arrests of the five suspects.
Confiscated from their possession were Digitel cable wires, measuring to more or less 55 meters and one steel-saw.
A criminal complaint for violation of article 308 of the Revised Penal Code (theft) was filed against the arrested suspects before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor. (PNA)
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SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan, Feb. 16 (PNA) -- A prominent lawyer was killed after six unidentified heavily-armed suspects barged inside his office in Barangay Sampol here and repeatedly shot him to death Wednesday noon.
Police identified the victim as Lawyer Cornelio Cruz, 55, married, a resident of Barangay Sapang Palay in this city and an active member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines–Gat. Marcelo H. Del PIlar (Bulacan) Chapter.
Supt. Marcos Rivero, city police chief, said Cruz was inside his office when six men wearing ski-masks and armed with M-16 Armalite rifle and handguns riddled the victim with bullets.
Witnesses said that after shooting, the suspects fled on board a waiting motorcycle and a van.
Investigators said the killing of Cruz could be “work-related” because the lawyer is handling some controversial cases in this city.
The IBP-Bulacan chapter headed by its president Atty. Cecilio Villanueva issued a statement strongly condemning the brutal, senseless and treacherous killing of one of their respected members.
Villanueva said IBP-Bulacan is calling on the authorities to investigate and immediately apprehend the perpetrators of the crime.
“We condole with the family of our departed member. Rest assured that IBP-Bulacan chapter will help in the quest for justice,” he said.
Former Bulacan Congressman and SJDM City Mayor Angelito Sarmiento also condemned the killing of Cruz and urged all law enforcement agencies to left no stone unturned in their investigation that could lead to the immediate arrest of the suspects. (PNA)
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Bulacan mayor fears for his safety as tension grips San Miguel town
SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan, Feb. 16 (PNA) -- Mayor Roderick Tiongson on Thursday expressed fear for his safety after the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) removed one of his police security escorts who is being charged as one of the alleged gunmen of a village chief here.
Tiongson's security escort, along with two San Miguel town policemen allegedly killed two bodyguards of Sta. Inez village chief Bong Alvarez, who was also wounded in an attack at a spa parlor in Barangay San Juan here last week.
At the same time, Tiongson appealed to President Benigno Aquino III, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicanor Bartolome to investigate what he called as “shaky situation” in their town after the BPPO sent a police task force and took over the command of the entire police station.
Bulacan Police Director Fernando H. Mendez Jr. has designated Superintendent Adriano Enong as officer-in-charge of the San Miguel police station to oversee the peace and order situation here.
But Tiongson has questioned the move after the OIC police chief allegedly told him that “he is not under the mayor” as he was also heading the police task force investigating the recent ambush of Alvarez, who was hit in the right arm when heavily armed men stormed the Jessica Spa where he was having facial treatment.
Two of Alvarez's bodyguards, identified as Ruel Vidal, 52, of Barangay Tibagan and Josefino Alvarez of Barangay Sta. Ines, were killed due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Tiongson police aide SP02 Angelito Liwag, was brought to the police provincial headquarters and was detained at the holding cell of Camp Gen. Alejo Santos after he was charged with two counts of murder, a case of attempted murder and grave misconduct along with San Miguel policemen PO3 Antonio Timotheo, PO1 Alex Dayao and one “Jane Doe.”
Tiongson claimed that tension is now gripping their town because it now appears that he is also being implicated in the case.
Alvarez said that he was having facial care when he heard gunshots and then he saw that his two bodyguards have fallen.
He said the attackers failed to get inside the parlor after he locked the door but the gunmen opened fire hitting him in the right arm before escaping. (PNA)
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Probers dig deeper into murder at former Nanette Castelo-Daza’s house
By Joel C. Atencio
MANILA, Feb. 11 (PNA) – Police on Saturday are digging deeper into the motive surrounding the death of long-time boyfriend of former Quezon City Rep. Nanette Castelo-Daza's right inside her house in Quezon City Friday night.
Noel Orate Sr., 55, a manager of the United Laboratories, Inc., was found sprawled dead with five gunshot wounds in the body inside Daza's house at 51 Maningning Street, Barangay Teacher's Village East, Quezon City.
Police held Daza’s son-in-law Allan Robes, a board member of Bulacan province, for questioning right after Orate was found dead at past 10 p.m. Friday. Robes is married to Daza’s daughter Quezon City councilor Jessica Castelo Daza.
Robes remained detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit in Camp Karingal.
Police said they responded to a call about a commotion inside the Daza residence past 10 p.m. on Friday. Policemen dispatched to check on the report suddenly heard successive shots being fired. They then saw Robes, still armed with a .380 gun, about to leave the compound.
Police said there was no clear motive yet as both parties declined to give details of the shooting incident. (PNA)
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SC junks 'baseless' complaint vs. 3 CA justices
MANILA, Feb. 10 (PNA) - The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed outright for utter lack of merit the complaint filed against Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justices Juan Q. Enriquez, Jr., Ramon M. Bato, Jr. and Florito S. Macalino.
In a 12-page ruling penned by SC Associate Justice Lucas P. Bersamin, the SC en banc also gave complainant Engr. Oscar L. Ongjoco 10 days from receipt of the resolution to show cause in writing why he should not be punished for indirect contempt "for degrading the judicial office of respondent Associate Justices of the Court of Appeals, and for interfering with the due performance of their work for the Judiciary."
"Judicial officers do not have to suffer the brunt of unsuccessful or dissatisfied litigants' baseless and false imputations of their violating the Constitution in resolving their cases and of harboring bias and partiality towards the adverse parties," the SC said.
The case arose from the administrative complaint in June 2011 filed by Ongjoco, claiming to be the Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the FH-Gymn Multi-Purpose and Transport Service Cooperative (FH-Gymn), charging the CA's Sixth Division, composed of Enriquez as chair and Bato and Macalino as members, with rendering an arbitrary and baseless decision unfavorable to FH-Gymn.
FH-Gymn filed a graft complaint with the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon against San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan councilors, who are members of the Committee on Transportation and Communications, for uttering statements against FH-Gymn and denying its request to authorize FH-Gymn Chair Ongjoco to issue motorized tricycle operators permit (MTOP) to its members.
When the Ombudsman dismissed the complaint for insufficiency of evidence, FH-Gymn elevated the case to the CA, but the CA's Sixth Division denied FH-Gymn's petition for review and later, its motion for reconsideration (MR).
The SC said that the CA's Sixth Division's decision showed that it has complied with the requirements of the Constitution contrary to Ongjoco's claims.
It said that "the definitive pronouncement of the CA's Sixth Division that 'the Deputy Ombudsman found no substantial evidence to prove that there was interference in the internal affairs of FH-GYMN nor was there a violation of the law by the respondents' met the constitutional demand for a clear and distinct statement of the facts and the law on which the decision was based."
The SC said that the CA's Sixth Division expressly found that FH-Gymn had not discharged its burden as the petitioner of proving its allegations with substantial evidence.
It reminded Ongjoco that to sustain his allegations of misconduct against the respondent Justices, his administrative complaint "must rest on the quality of the evidence; and that his basing his plain accusations on hunches and speculations would not suffice to held them administratively liable for rendering the adverse decision."
"We recognize that unfounded administrative charges against judges really degrade the judicial office, and interfere with the due performance of their work for the Judiciary. Hence, we deem to be warranted to now direct Ongjoco to fully explain his act of filing an utterly baseless charge against respondent Justices," the SC said. (PNA)
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Village chief survives ambush, two bodyguards killed in Bulacan
SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan, Feb. 7 (PNA) -- A village chief was wounded while two of his bodyguards were killed after they were ambushed by two unidentified armed men riding tandem on a motorcycle in Barangay San Juan here Monday night.
Police said John Bong Alvarez, 39, chairman of Barangay Sta. Ines, was having facial massage inside a spa parlor when the suspects,armed with an M16 baby armalite rifle and a .45 caliber pistol, opened fire, hitting him on the right arm.
He was brought to a nearby hospital for treatment and is now in stable condition, police said.
However, two of his bodyguards, identified as Josefino Alvarez, 37, of Barangay Sta. Ines; and Roel Vidal, 52, of Barangay Tibagan, died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Alvarez told investigators that he saw his bodyguards, who were standing outside the spa parlor, fall down during the initial volley of gunfire.
He said the suspects even approached the fallen victims and shot them on the head.
Upon hearing the gunshots, he immediately told the two attendants to lock the door and instructed them and other customers to run at the back of the establishment and lie down on the floor.
The suspects tried to barge inside but failed and even sprayed the parlor with gunfire before leaving the place.
Alvarez said he got hit on his arm after the suspects fired on the spa's floor area.
Supt. Julius Domingo, town police chief, said they are looking into several angles as possible motive on the ambush.
He said as of this time, they are not ruling out politics as a possible motive.
It was learned that earlier, the village chief has openly declared his intention to run for a higher position in the town.
A police team is now tracking down the suspects. (PNA)
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Proficiency test in Korean ongoing in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Feb. 7 (PNA) -- Big opportunities of landing a job in Korea awaits Bulakenyos as the registration for the 8th Employment Permit System-Test of Proficiency in Korean (EPS-TOPIK) kicked off Monday and will run until February 9 in six venues here.
Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said this program will give an edge to aspiring Bulakenyo workers to get a job in Korea.
This is because according to Philippine Overseas Employment Association (POEA) those who are interested to pursue employment in the said country must have an active registration status in order to be included in the manpower pool for Korea, Alvarado said.
Elizabeth Alonzo, head of Provincial Youth, Sports, Employment, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office said all job seekers who want to work in Korea under EPS must pass EPS-TOPIK.
Only those who passed the test will be uploaded for transfer to the roster of available workers by submitting their job application for the EPS, Alonzo said.
In order to qualify for the EPS-TOPIK scheduled on March 18, 2012, an applicant must be 18 years of age and not more than 38 years old on the date of exam, physically and mentally fit, must not have any record of conviction or imprisonment for a heinous crime, must have no record of deportation or departure orders from the Republic of Korea, must not be restricted from departure from the Philippines and must be registered with active status in the POEA Manpower Registry.
Meanwhile, as clearly stated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), passing the EPS-TOPIK does not guarantee employment in Korea but only inclusion on the available list of job seekers available for employment.
The venue for examination will be posted on March 6 and the result of the exam will be announced on March 30. (PNA)
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BENRO issues notice of violation vs. toxic dumpers
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Feb. 6 (PNA) -- The Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) on Monday issued a “notice of violation” against Glo Siphoning Septic Tank Services for directly dumping liquid waste and hazardous substances in Barangay Sta. Rosa I, Marilao town last week.
BENRO chief Rustico T. De Belen said the siphoning service company violated Article II, Section 15 (Prohibition 1 and 4) in the Provincial Ordinance No. C-005 or the 2011 Revised Provincial Environment Code.
De Belen also directed the owner of the company to pay P10,000 as penalty for the violations they committed with 10 days upon receipt of the notice, without prejudice to the filing of appropriate charges for violation of RA 6969, otherwise known as the Philippine Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990.
De Belen said a technical team from their office went to the area after receiving information that toxic wastes were being dumped in Barangay Sta. Rosa 1.
He said that the vehicle of the company, a closed van with a a tank inside, was impounded due to the violations committed.
It was also learned from the van’s driver, Rogelio Gayondato, that the company has no wastewater treatment facility for their siphoning services.
De Belen said the driver also admitted that they are used to locate vacant areas in which siphoned substances will be directly disposed, which is prohibited under the law.
He said that under the Revised Provincial Environment Code of Bulacan, “no person shall operate and maintain any collection system, sewage disposal system or sewage treatment facility or wastewater treatment facility unless the same is provided with adequate and effective and covered by a current and valid permit issued by the Governor pursuant to the ordinance."
De Belen also said that “no person shall discharge, wholly or partially, untreated or inadequately treated industrial effluents directly into bodies of water or through the use of by-pass canals and or pumps and other unauthorized means except upon prior to the approval by the Governor or his duly authorized representative.
Last week, police arrested three employees of the said company caught dumping hazardous waste at a creek that flows into the Marilao river in Barangay Sta. Rosa I, Marilao town.
Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the arrested suspects as Rogelio Gayondato Jr, 28, resident of Malambing St. Pangarap Village, Caloocan City; Edimar Pantino Balsco 17, helper, resident of Barangay Tungko Mangga, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan; and Miguel Labong Tamayo 17, helper, resident of Barangay San Roque, Tala, Caloocan City.
The arrested suspects are reportedly employed at GlO Siphoning Poza Negro and Declogging Pipeline Services.(PNA)
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Bulacan SP recommends six-month suspension for "mining" mayor
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Feb. 1 (PNA) -- The Committee on Justice and Good Governance of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here recommended on Wednesday a six-month suspension against Dona Remedios Trinidad (DRT) town Mayor Ronaldo T. Flores after he was found guilty of “conflict of interest” and “abuse of authority” filed against him by a village chief in his town.
Six SP board members voted in favor of suspending Flores; three voted no and four were absent.
Committee chairman Enrique V. dela Cruz Jr. said that after almost two months of hearing and deliberating merits of the cases, the body has proven that the complaint by Roberto Sembrano, village chief of Barangay Camachin, is valid and true.
Dela Cruz said the six months suspension order will take effect after the respondent received the decision.
He also requested that the “Ulat ng Lupon” be approved as a “decision” of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Sembrano filed the cases of “conflict of interest” and “abuse of authority” against Flores on Nov. 4, 2011.
The complainant accused the mayor of engaging in illegal mining activities by extracting, stockpiling and transporting iron ores from Barangay Camachin, utilizing for his own gains some employees of the municipal government in order to conduct his illegal operations in the said village.
Sembrano said that Flores, being the incumbent mayor of DRT, is the issuing authority of mayor’s and business permit of Ore Asia Mining and Development Corp.(Ore-Asia), which has mining business in Barangay Camachin.
He added that through influence and abuse of authority, the respondent was able to contract, through its corporation, Sky Trac Trucking and Marron Mineral Carriers, Inc, the hauling services in transporting iron ores from Ore Asia’s extraction site to stockpile area and from the stockpile area to the pier.
Sembrano said that this indicates the mayor’s conflict of interest and abuse of authority.
In his counter affidavit, Flores, on the other hand, said that “the charges for unlawful mining activities and monopoly of hauling services are both unfounded and cannot be sustained.”
The committee on justice and good governance however found that Flores violated the law on the conflict of interest.
Dela Cruz said that it was very clear the accused is a public officer and has direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in any business, contract or transaction.
The body also found that the mayor has indeed abused his power when he used his position as municipal mayor to favor his trucks as the hauler of iron ore of Ore Asia by issuing permits, use of municipal employees in his personal business ventures, apprehension of rival trucks and threatening Ore Asia that he will not issue permit unless it will not hire his company to haul ore and use the Ore Transport Permit of Ore Asia.
Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office chief Rustico de Belen said the decision is a clear realization that Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado is really true in the implementation of his seven-point agenda, specifically good governance, by punishing irresponsible and abusive public officials.
Likewise, this also proves that Governor Alvarado is very firm in his resolve to protect the environment and natural resources of the province, De Belen said. (PNA)
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Three persons held for dumping toxic wastes in Bulacan
MARILAO, Bulacan, Jan. 31 (PNA) - Police have arrested three persons caught dumping hazardous industrial wastes into a creek that flows into the Marilao river in Barangay Sta. Rosa on Tuesday morning.
Bulacan police director Senior Superitendent Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the arrested suspects as Rogelio Gayondato Jr., 28, resident of Malambing St. Pangarap Village, Caloocan City; Edimar Pantino Balsco, 17, helper, of Barangay Tungko Mangga, San Jose Del Monte City; and Miguel Labong Tamayo, 17, helper, of Barangay San Roque St., Tala, Caloocan City.
The arrested suspects are reportedly employed at GLO Siphoning Pozo Negro and Declogging Pipeline Services.
Mendez said joint operatives of the Marilao Police Station under Superintendent Gerry Andaya, the Provincial Intelligence Branch led by Superintendent Edwin Quilates and village chief Val delos Reyes conducted a stakeout after receiving a tip that a creek in Barangay Sta. Rosa I is being used as dumping ground of toxic and hazardous industrial wastes.
Officer on case Senior Inspector Restituto Granil said the site was inside the Westmont Industrial Subdivision in Barangay Sta, Rosa II.
The police team caught the three suspects while discharging suspected hazardous wastes using a closed van.
Granil said that one Mitsubishi Canter closed van with plate number WEB 680 was recovered from the suspects.
Upon learning of the incident, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado immediately sent a team from the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources (BENRO) headed by Lawyer Rustico de Belen to investigate and file appropriate charges against the culprits.
He stressed that the provincial government will not allow Bulacan to become a dumping ground of hazardous chemical waste especially the Marilao river, where a massive clean–up drive is going on, in a collective effort to erase its image as one of the dirties rivers in the world as listed by the New York-based environmental watchdog Blacksmith Institute.
BENRO chief De Belen said that the suspects could be held liable for violations of Republic Act 6969, an act regulating the proper disposal of toxic substances and hazardous industrial wastes. (PNA)
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Woman who filed case vs leader of Dominguez Group gunned down
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Jan. 27 (PNA) -- Hired killers gunned down in broad daylight a woman who filed a case against the suspected leader of the Dominguez Group, inside a passenger jeepney in front of the provincial capitol here on Thursday afternoon.
Police identified the victim as Christina Bruan Rojas, 51, owner of a gasoline station in Paombong town.
Investigation conducted by P02 Danilo Torres of the Malolos City Police Station said that Rojas had just attended a hearing at the Bulacan Regional Trial Court on the carnapping case she filed against Raymond Dominguez, the alleged leader of the “Dominguez Group.”
Rojas was reportedly on her way home and had just boarded a passenger jeepney when a lone gunman sat in front of her and shot her on the head.
The killer casually walked towards a waiting motorcycle and fled.
Bulacan police director Senior Superintendent Fernando H. Mendez has ordered a manhunt for the killer.
He said police are still investigating if the motive is connected to the case the victim filed against Dominguez.
The victim filed a carnapping case against Dominguez after her Toyota Fortuner was stolen on February 2010.
Raymond Dominguez and his brother Roger are both in jail for the case on the killing of car dealers Venson Evangelista and Emerson Lozano.
The brothers were implicated by star witness Alfredo Mendoza alias “Bading.”
City police chief Superintendent David N. Poklay said they already have leads on the case but cannot just disclose it at the moment pending on-going operations.
The killing of Rojas transpired several hours after four suspected remnants of the Dominguez Group were killed in a shootout with operatives of the Highway Patrol Group in Meycauayan City early Thursday morning.
Police are still hunting other members of the gang who may have escaped during the encounter. (PNA)
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Gun-for-hire gang leader falls in Bulacan
PAOMBONG, Bulacan, Jan. 13 (PNA) - Police arrested an alleged leader of a notorious gun-for-hire gang and his cohort, who were out to assassinate a businesswoman, during an operation in Barangay San Roque here Thursday morning.
Bulacan police director Senior Superintendent Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the arrested suspects as Victor Relucio, 39, married and Jimmy Lising, married; both residents of Barangay Sta. Barbara, San Antonio, Nueva Ecija.
Another cohort identified as Rolando dela Cruz, managed to elude arrest, Mendez said.
He said Relucio is the leader of the dreaded “Relucio Group” based in San Antonio, Nueva Ecija whose members were involved in robberies and gun-for-hire activities.
It was also found out that Relucio has two pending warrants of arrest issued by Honorable Angelo C. Perez of Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 27, Cabanatuan City dated October 22, 2010, for the crimes of carnapping and robbery under criminal case nos. 19101 and 19100, respectively.
The group’s areas of operation are the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Isabela and Cavite.
Mendez said that last Tuesday, one Emilia Santos, 45, businesswoman and a resident of Barangay San Roque, went to the Paombong police station and reported that there were three suspicious looking persons who came to her store and ordered two “bilaos” of spaghetti and palabok to be picked-up at Thursday.
Mendez said Santos also stated that in the past few days, she noticed that some unidentified men were watching the store and even took photographs of her and her employees.
He said that the Paombong police headed by Chief Inspector Victor Bernabe and the Provincial Intelligence Branch of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office under Supt. Edwin Quilates conducted a stake-out operation that resulted in the arrest of the two suspects.
Police seized a Colt Compact Commander caliber .45 pistol with serial number 251786, one magazine assembly and seven rounds of live ammunition, two plastic sachets containing suspected “shabu”, three Nokia cellular phones, one bag containing clothes and one Motorstar motorcycle.
During the investigation, the arrested suspects admitted that they were hired by a certain Lucy Pangan of Barangay Pinalagdan, Paombong town to kill Emilia Santos in the amount of P100,000 as she was being accused as a paramour of her husband.
The suspects disclosed that they already received P10,000 from Pangan as initial payment.
A case of attempted murder was filed against Pangan, Dela Cruz, Relucio and Lising.
Cases for violations of PD 1866 as amended by RA 8294 and Section 11 Article II of RA 9165 were also filed against Relucio and Lising before the Office of Provincial Prosecutors, City of Malolos, Bulacan and were docketed under I.S. No. III-04-INQ-12A-00042.
The arrested suspects are presently detained at the municipal jail of Paombong town. (PNA)
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Bulacan town's no. 1 most wanted criminal falls
PANDI, Bulacan, Jan. 11 (PNA) -- After seven years into hiding, police finally arrested the town’s number one fugitive during an operation in Barangay Cacarong Tuesday afternoon.
Bulacan police director Senior Superitendent Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the arrested fugitive as Pedro de Castro, 61, resident of Barangay Malibong Matanda in this town.
Mendez said Pandi policemen under chief inspector Sabino Vengco III arrested De Castro on the strength of a warrant of arrest for murder (criminal case no. 134-M-2006) issued by Bulacan Regional Trial Court Judge Victoria Villalon-Pornillos on October 11, 2006.
He said De Castro was responsible for the death of Clemente Birgino in Barangay Cacarong on December 28, 2005.
According to witnesses, the victim and the suspect had a heated argument regarding a land ownership issue.
In the course of the argument, the suspect took out a gun and shot the victim dead.
Mendez said the suspect is listed as the number one most wanted person in Pandi town.
The accused was temporarily detained at the Pandi Municipal Jail for documentation and will be turned over to the court for proper disposition. (PNA)
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Reward for Palparan’s capture raised to P1M
MANILA, Jan. 5 (PNA) -- The reward for the capture of fugitive former Bantay party-list representative and retired Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. has been increased to P1 million.
In a press conference on Thursday, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila De Lima announced that she and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo decided to raise the monetary reward from P500,000 to P1 million for any significant information that would lead to the capture of Palparan.
”We have good leads in the search for the general (Palparan). We want to make sure that Palparan will be captured the soonest possible time,” De Lima said.
”Because, pag lalo pang tumagal ito (search for Palparan), baka mas lalong lumabo,” De Lima added.
Malolos City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 14 Presiding Judge Teodora Gonzales had earlier issued an arrest warrant against Palparan, M/Sgt. Rizal Hilario who is also at-large, and Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado and S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio for kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges in connection with the abduction of still missing University of the Philippines students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan.
Empeno and Cadapan were allegedly abducted in Hagonoy, Bulacan on June 26, 2006. They have been missing since then. (PNA)
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Two suspected carnappers killed in Pampanga
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Jan. 3 (PNA) - Policemen killed a suspected leader of a carnapping/extortionist gang and one of his cohorts during a running gun battle along the national highway in Barangay Pansinao, Candaba town, on Monday.
Senior Superintendent Edgardo Tinio, Pampanga police provincial director, identified the slain suspects as Romeo Guinto, alias Bong Guinto, alleged leader of Guinto carnapping group and his cohort Joey dela Cruz, both residents of Barangay Candading, Arayat town.
Tinio said that while the Candaba police are conducting checkpoint along a road in Barangay Pasig, Candaba town, they flagged two men who were still unidentified at that time, riding on motorcycles.
The two drivers Guinto and Dela Cruz ignored the policemen and instead sped away, Tinio said.
This prompted the policemen to launch a hot pursuit against the suspects until their motorcycles slumped on the ditch of the road in Barangay Pansinao.
The suspects, Tinio said, drew their guns - a .38 caliber revolver and an improvised shotgun - and fired toward the lawmen.
He said that the police team returned fire, hitting the two suspects on the different parts of the body.
Both of the suspects were taken to a nearby hospital but were declared dead on arrival by attending doctors.
The slain suspects were believed to be engaged in carnapping, illegal drugs, robbery, extortion and gun-for-hire operating in Pampanga, Bulacan and Angeles City .
The suspects were also responsible for the killing of a certain Peter Maliwat on Dec. 25, 2011 in Sta. Ana town, the police said.(PNA)
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PNP chief padlocks three pyrotechnics stores in Bocaue
BOCAUE, Bulacan, Dec. 30 (PNA) --Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Nicanor Bartolome, on Friday ordered the immediate closure and cancellation of permit of three pyrotechnics stores in Barangay Turo for selling over-sized and killer types of firecrackers.
Bartolome also directed Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez to file charges against the owners of Allan Ramon Fireworks, Gladdy’s Fireworks and Bong and Lyn’s Fireworks after police operatives from the Police Regional Office 3 and the Provincial Intelligence Branch of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office conducted buy-bust operations and were able to buy several types of over-sized firecrackers like “Goodbye Philippines”, “Bin Laden”, “Pla-Pla” and “Super Lolo”.
Bartolome said that aside from selling regulated pyrotechnics devices, several store owners still selling underground types of fireworks.
He said the PNP would continue inspecting stores to ensure that killer types of firecrackers would not be sold.
The PNP chief also told Bulacan policemen to remain vigilant and be unrelentless in arresting violators of the Firecracker Law.
On Thursday, a Quezon City policeman died while another was wounded while enforcing the firecracker law.
PO2 Bernard Quintero died while being treated at the Far Eastern University Hospital due to gunshot wounds in the head. The wounded policeman was identified as PO3 Jessie Adajar.
Elements of the QCPD Station 5 along with the two policemen, Quintero and Adajar, were conducting surveillance operation after receiving information about the sale of illegal firecrackers in Fairmont Subdivision, North Fairview.
The policemen, after confirming the veracity of the report, returned to the area. However, they saw at least eight men waiting for them. The suspects reportedly fired at them, forcing the law enforcers to retaliate.
“We will not be cowed by this incident and we will continue to hunt down violators of the law,” Bartolome said. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops bag bolt cutter gangman
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 29 (PNA) -- Police on Thursday arrested one of four suspected members of a bolt cutter gang that burglarized two commercial establishments in this historic capital city early this week.
City police chief Superintendent David N. Poklay identified the arrested suspect as Christian Tongol, 20, single, a construction worker and a resident of Block 16, Lot 20, Northville 8, Barangay Bangkal here.
Poklay said the arrested suspect, together with three cohorts, earlier robbed the Chamis eatery in Barangay Longos here.
Owner Dulce Paongan said that she was about to open the eatery when she discovered that the main door was destroyed.
When she entered, Paongan said she found out that her groceries worth P6,000 and her P6,000 were missing.
The group was also believed to be responsible for robbing the Rizferon Computer Café along Ilang-Ilang Street, Alido Heights Subdivision, Barangay Bulihan here.
The victim said he saw the four culprits forcibly entered his café by destroying the iron grill with the use of a “bolt cutter.”
Afterwards, the suspects carted away one unit of computer worth more or less P30,000.
Upon receipt of the information, Poklay said a police team together with the barangay tanods of Bulihan, conducted a manhunt operation which resulted in the arrest of Tongol .
Tongol's three companions were able to escape on board their service vehicle-- a gray Mitsubishi L300 Versa Van with unknown plate number.
Appropriate charges will be filed against the suspect who is now under the custody of the Malolos City police station. (PNA)
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5-year-old boy dies, dad hurt in fireworks blast in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 27 (PNA) -– A five-year old boy was killed while his father was hurt when the fireworks they were transporting exploded in the province Monday night.
Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr. said the accident took place around 8 p.m. Monday in Barangay Partida, Norzagaray town.
Mendez said the boy was with his father on board a tricycle along the highway in Barangay Partida when the fireworks inside the vehicle exploded.
John Ezekiel de Silva died while undergoing treatment at the Norzagaray Municipal Hospital while his father, Noli, is still under observation at the Philippine General Hospital.
Investigation showed that Noli took his son with him to Bocaue town to buy fireworks for the New Year and were on their way back home to Guimba, Nueva Ecija when the incident happened. (PNA)
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MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 26 (PNA) - A 13-year-old boy and a 47-year-old man celebrated Christmas with blasted fingers and neck injury in separate accidents involving firecrackers in Hagonoy and San Miguel towns in Bulacan province on Sunday.
The victims were identified as Dexter Danan, 13, resident of Barangay San Roque, Hagonoy and Nestor Santos, 47, of Barangay Baritan, San Miguel.
Reports from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) said Danan’s right hand was blasted by a firecracker known as Picolo, one of the banned types of imported firecrackers, and sustained laceration and partial thickness burns.
Santos, on the other hand, suffered a wound on his neck after a wayward sky-rocket (kwitis) exploded on that part of his body.
Raul Agustin, senior operations officer of PDRRMO, said the number of injuries this year is lower compared to last year's.
Meanwhile, officers of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Incorporated (PPMDAI) urged the public to buy and use only quality and safe firecrackers to ensure that no injury or fire-related accident will occur as the New Year nears.
PPMDAI president Vimmie Erise said their group also welcome the “Aksyon Paputok Injury Reduction” (APIR) campaign of the Department Of Health (DOH), saying that this will encourage the public to use and buy only safe and branded firecrackers and pyrotechnics devices.
She also said that their group will also help raise donation for victims of tropical storm "Sendong" in Southern Philippines. (PNA)
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Gov orders Bulacan PNP to step-up crackdown vs. banned firecrackers
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Thursday directed the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) to intensify the crackdown against banned types of firecrackers, including smuggled imported ones.
Alvarado also ordered the BPPO to strictly enforce the implementation of R.A. 7183 otherwise known as the “Firecracker Law.”
The governor told Bulacan police director Senior Superintendent Fernando H. Mendez Jr., to arrest unscrupulous traders selling banned and killer types of firecrackers and regularly inspects fireworks shops and stalls and ensure that they are strictly complying the safety guidelines and other salient provisions of the law.
He said the police should see to it that local manufacturers and dealers are complying its provisions, particularly the safety guidelines to ensure public safety and at the same time, protect the local fireworks industry.
“As mandated by the law, the PNP should strengthen the implementation of monitoring and seizing the smuggled imported fireworks.
Those illegal firecrackers usually the cause of the incident. Aside from this, those smuggled imported fireworks kill the local fireworks industry which provide jobs to some of our constituents," he said.
Alvarado, together with Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique Ona, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag and Mayor Jonjon Villanueva inspected some firecrackers stalls and shops in Bocaue town Wednesday.
Known as the “Firecrackers Capital” of the country, Ona launched the DOH’s firework-injury reduction campaign dubbed as “Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction” (APIR) in Bocaue where more than 20 fireworks manufacturers and more than 120 dealers are registered according to the local government. (PNA)
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Young leaders inducted to serve for a week in the Bulacan Capitol
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado led other local officials here to welcome the 61 boy and girl officials who will serve as their counterparts in line with the observance of Linggo ng Kabataan from Dec. 5-9.
The young leaders were elected by their peers who were chosen from various schools to serve a one-week term in the Capitol.
Elected as the governor is Zsarlaine S. Valeña from the Immaculate Concepcion Child Development School and Gerardo P. Liway IV from San Miguel National High School as the vice governor.
“The boy/girl officials will train our young people in the actual discharging duties of public officials and to let the youth experience how to run the local government and how the executive and legislative departments of the local government unit work together for a common goal,” Alvarado said.
For the whole week, the boy/girl officials will be busy dealing with different government operations as their counterpart officials orient them with policies, procedures and even bring them to actual meetings to allow them to experience how it feels to be a public servant.
Meanwhile, Alvarado also encouraged these young bloods to maximize this week-long experience which will expose them on how government works for the people and hopes that it will inspire them to participate actively in government activities and projects.
The week-long celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan is in accordance to Presidential Proclamation No. 99 series of 1992. (PNA)
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PDEA-3 raids shabu tiangge in Bulacan
PLARIDEL, Bulacan, Dec. 2 (PNA) -- Drug dealers in this province are now feeling the heat.
Hours after police stormed a suspected dope den in Marilao town Thursday night, combined operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Regional Public Safety Battalion of Police Regional Office 3 raided an alleged “shabu tiangge” or one-stop-dope-shop in Barangay Banga 2nd here early Friday morning and arrested four suspected drug dealers.
Initial reports reaching Bulacan police director Senior Superintendent Fernando H. Mendez Jr., said that the area is located near private schools and a favorite hangout of drug users because one can buy shabu or marijuana in the area.
Reports also said that the raiding team also seized an undetermined quantity of shabu already packed in plastic sachets, marijuana fruiting tops and assorted drug paraphernalia.
Several shanties in the area are also reportedly being used as dope dens where "scorers" of illegal drugs hold their pot sessions.
The raid stemmed from the complaints of residents that at least four drug pushers were “untouchables” in the area, openly selling plastic sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride or (shabu).
As of press time, the identities of the arrested suspects are being withheld pending investigation and follow-up operations. It was learned that the raiding team were armed with four search warrants.
Sources said the gang usually use minors, either boy or a girl as couriers, and have them use drugs in exchange.
While no shots were exchanged in the raid, tension gripped the place as some of the "targets" threatened to fight back whoever reported their illicit activities to the authorities.
It was learned that the raiding team was supposed to conduct the raid Thursday night but aborted it after being informed that the "targets" were not yet home.
The arrested suspects and the confiscated evidence were brought to the regional police headquarters in Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga for proper disposition. (PNA)
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MARILAO, Bulacan, Dec. 2 (PNA) -- Police stormed a suspected dope den and arrested three alleged drug users having pot session in Barangay Lambakin here Thursday night.
Town police chief Supt. Gerardo Andaya identified those arrested as Michael Napa alias “Pilay”, 31, married, jobless, a resident of B16, L18, Northville 4, Barangay Lambakin, Marilao; Angel Morte, 55, married, jobless, a resident of Barangay Daungan, Meycauayan City; and Melvin Gromeo, 24, single, jobless and a resident of 443 Gulod St., Barangay Camalig, Meycauayan City.
Andaya said the trio were arrested while they were having a pot session inside a house that a police informant tipped off is being used as a dope den.
Seized from the suspects were two pieces of heat sealed transparent plastic sachets containing methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) with an estimated street value of P3,500, one disposable lighter, one piece of unused aluminum foil strip, and one plastic pack containing five pieces of unused plastic sachets.
Andaya said the anti-drug operation was inline with the directive of Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr. to step-up the campaign against criminals and proliferation of dangerous drugs.
The arrested suspects and the recovered pieces of evidence were brought to Bulacan Provincial Crime Laboratory Office for examination while appropriate criminal complaints are being readied against them. (PNA)
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6.0 magnitude earthquake shakes West Philippine Sea
MANILA, Nov. 30 (PNA) – A magnitude 6.0 earthquake with 16-kilometer depth occurred 94 kilometers west of Palauig, Zambales at 8:26 a.m. on Wednesday.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Renato U. Solidum said the tremor's epicenter was in the West Philippine Sea.
Solidum said its movement was along the Manila trench but it most likely caused no damages because it happened in the sea.
He said an intensity 5 earthquake rocked Agno, Pangasinan.
A tremor with intensity 2 was also recorded in Quezon City, Manila, Mandaluyong, Obando (Bulacan) and Baguio City.
As of press time, close monitoring of the affected areas is ongoing to determine whether there are damages caused by the tremor.
Local Phivolcs researcher Porferio De Peralta said the quake was tectonic in origin and no aftershock was expected. (PNA)
LDV/MAGI/FGL/rma
8 factory workers in Bulacan held for theft
MEYCAUAYAN CITY, Nov. 28 (PNA) -- Police arrested eight stay-in workers of a plastic factory inside the Sterling Industrial Compound in Barangay Iba here after their Chinese employer caught them stealing clear books and plastic products on Sunday.
Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the arrested suspects as Ricky Alejandro, Eusebio Esparago, Mark Anthony Austriaco, Jonathan Narlo, Allan Sazon, Roel Clarion, Segundino Navarro and Marlon Calonge, all of legal age and stay-in employees in the compound of the said company owned by Peng Wei Yang, 48, Chinese national, and proprietor of YNY Enterprises located in the said industrial compound.
Mendez said that the suspects were working at the factory for more than a year and had gained the trust of their employer.
He said Yang sought police assistance after discovering that the suspects conspired in stealing the plastic products of the company.
Mendez said that the theft was discovered when the owner conducted a surprise inventory at the warehouse in the early morning of Nov. 27.
In the course of the inventory, Yang found out that the company’s products clear books and plastic envelopes worth P58,000 were missing.
Meycauayan City police officer-in-charge Randy Korret said a police team went to the factory and recovered the stolen items from the suspects’ sleeping quarters and were subsequently arrested.
The suspects are now under the custody of the Meycauayan City police station while appropriate criminal charges are being readied against them. (PNA)
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OPAPP cites importance of "Yes for Peace-Kabayani sa Kapayapaan"
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 26 (PNA) -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has recognized the importance of the "Yes for Peace- Kabayani sa Kapayapaan" movement as a vital instrument in the achievement of just and people-oriented lasting peace in the country.
OPAPP Assistant Secretary Rosalie Romero, in a letter to Kenneth Tirado, communication head of the Department of Education (DepEd), thanked the education department and the organizers of the movement for its continuing support to the peace process and the private citizen’s related initiatives.
Romero also told Tirado that OPAPP appreciated the initiative of Ernesto Alcanzare, lead organizer of the Yes for peace movement, saying any initiative by a private organization that supports the peace process is laudable and worthy of recognition, such as Alcanzare’s initiative for a national survey dubbed as “Kabayani para sa Kapayapaan 2011”.
“The history of Alcanzare’s project is worthy of note, which we remember to have been proposed to both the OPAPP and DepED as early as 2003-2004. Even then we recognized the worth of the initiative,” Romero stated in the letter.
She also said that for the Yes for Peace project this year, the OPAPP maintain its position that given that it is a private group’s initiative, it would be better if the project’s main content, specifically the survey questions, remain pristine from their office’s influence, given the agency’s current focus on the various peace negotiations being undertaken by the government.
She also said that a survey that OPAPP wished to bring out would contain questionaires that will be more oriented to the peace negotiations.
“We likewise maintain that private citizen’s action parallel to government efforts are very much needed to ensure that there are neutral pro-peace voices able to call on the two sides in the negotiating table to keep the talks alive,” Romero said, adding that OPAPP is looking forward to undertake other peace projects with the DepEd. (PNA)
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3 suspected holduppers nabbed after robbing an Indian trader
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 26 (PNA) -- Police arrested three suspected members of a robbery-holdup gang shortly after robbing an Indian national in Barangay Bangkal here Friday afternoon.
Bulacan police director Senior Superintendent Fernando H. Mendez identified the suspects as Segundo Moldera, 43, married, jobless; Rey Simburio, 28, single, jobless; and Jomar Flores, 19 years old, married, all residents of Gen T. De Leon, Brgy. 6111, Karuhatan, Valenzuela City
The victim was identified as Mandif Kumar, an Indian national, businessman and presently residing at Lopez Ville, Barangay Panginay, Balagtas town.
Mendez said that the trio are suspected to be members of a robbery-holdup gang based in Valenzuela City victimizing Indian businessmen and money collectors.
Malolos City police chief Superintendent David N. Poklay said that the victim was driving his Honda Wave motorcycle in Barangay Bangkal, when his path was blocked by the three suspects who were armed with bladed weapons.
The suspects forcibly took the victim’s wallet containing his driver’s license, the OR/CR of his motorcycle and his collection money amounting to P1,500.
But the victim shouted for help that called the attention of residents who immediately called the police. (PNA)
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Robredo orders BFP, PNP to ensure safety of firecracker plants, stores and products nationwide
MANILA, Nov. 25 (PNA) - Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo Friday directed officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) to inspect all firecrackers and pyrotechnics manufacturers’ stores and plants in the country, particularly in Bulacan in time for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
This is to ensure safety of all products they would sell in the market, Robredo said as he directed BFP chief Samuel Perez and Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles, PNP FED chief, to coordinate and request representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Health (DOH) in carrying out their tasks.
“In the advent of the Holiday Seasons, particularly during the Christmas and New Year’s eve celebrations, we expect different types of fireworks and firecrackers to flood the market. We need to regulate and check the efficacy and safety all these products to reduce firecracker-related injuries,” he said.
The BFP, Robredo said, should inspect all firecracker stores and plants in the country and ensure that all of them comply with fire safety regulations and avoid accidental fires and explosions.
The PNP FED, which has control over the ingredients being used in the manufacture of firecrackers, on the other hand, should strictly enforce Republic Act 7183 or the law regulating the manufacture and sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics to ensure that all banned products such as atomic big triangulo, baby dynamite, super lolo, kwiton and similar devices will not be sold in the market, the DILG chief said. (PNA)
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Bulacan bags another nutrition award
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 25 (PNA) - The provincial government has bagged another nutrition award after it was recently adjudged by the Regional Nutrition Committee as First Year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN).
Last October, the provincial government led by Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado also received the First Year CROWN Maintenance award given by the National Nutrition Committee.
The award is given to a municipality, city or province that has been appraised by the national nutrition evaluation team as outstanding in the implementation of its nutrition action plan for more than three consecutive years.
As part of his administration’s flagship program, Alvarado delivered an integrated package of nutrition and health services through “Kapitolyo sa Barangay” (KSB).
Among the services are medical/dental check-ups, multivitamins supplementation and food packages to 10,240 indigent families and families with underweight children from its 21 towns and 569 barangays.
Aside from the KSB, the other nutrition programs and activities that are being implemented in Bulacan are Gulayan sa Bakuran, which promotes the production and consumption of so-called High Five Vegetables such as malunggay, saluyot, kulitis, kamote and sili; Luntiang Bakuran, which encourage families to tend their gardens and Pabasa sa Nutrisyon, a nutrition education strategy.
Meanwhile, the municipality of Paombong has received the Municipal Green Banner Award for being the most outstanding municipality in the province and Regional Green Banner Award for being the most outstanding municipality in the Region.
Likewise, Angelina Espiritu of Hagonoy, Bulacan was hailed second runner up as the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar while Teodora Cruz of Malolos City got the Provincial/City Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar. (PNA)
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Bulacan's anti-illegal drugs drive boosted anew
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 24 (PNA) - The campaign against the proliferation of illegal drugs in the province was boosted anew following the arrest of three suspected drug dealers during a series of operations in this capital city and in Bocaue town Wednesday afternoon.
Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., said the Bocaue police arrested two alleged street drug pushers in Barangay Caingin Wednesday afternoon.
They were identified as Emmanuel Nicolas, 30, single and a resident of Barangay Caingin, Bocaue town and Rommel Penaflor, 32, single and a resident of Barangay Antipona, Bocaue town.
Mendez said that the duo was arrested by Bocaue anti-narcotics operatives after selling a plastic sachet of "shabu" to a police poseur buyer.
When frisked, the duo yielded another two plastic sachets containing methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu).
The Bulacan police director also said that Malolos City policemen headed by Supt. David Poklay arrested Mark Constantine Manaois, 30, married, employee and a resident of 488 Barangay Longos during an anti-drug operation at Felicisima Subdivision in Barangay Mojon.
Recovered from the suspect was one piece of heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing shabu.
The suspect and the recovered piece of evidence were brought to Bulacan Provincial Crime Laboratory Office for examination.
Appropriate criminal complaint is being prepared against the suspects for filing in court, Mendez added. (PNA)
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BIR files P1.22-B tax evasion raps vs. Bulacan gold trader
MANILA, Nov. 24 (PNA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) a P1.22-billion tax evasion case against a Bulacan gold trader.
Charged was Richelle Soriano Leonardo, a resident of No. 28 Masalipit St., San Miguel, Bulacan and/or No. 6 Fatima St., Maryville Townhomes, Saluysoy, Meycauayan, Bulacan.
In a press conference, BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares said that they filed the criminal complaint against Leonardo for willful attempt to evade or defeat tax and willful failure to file her Annual Income Tax Return (ITR) for taxable year 2009, in violation of Sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997.
Sometime in August 2010, Leonardo was included in the list given by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to the BIR containing the names of individuals who had transactions with the BSP.
Investigation showed that Letters of Delivery and Sale detailing the number of pieces and the weight of the gold sold by Leonardo were obtained by the BIR from the BSP.
The said documents disclosed that Leonardo sold a total of 43,400.347 troy ounce of gold to the BSP in 2009 amounting to P2.085 billion.
From the said amount, Leonardo received a net payment of P2.084 billion.
However, despite receiving taxable income from her gold transactions with the BSP, Leonardo failed to file her Annual ITR for taxable year 2009.
Henares said that not only did she fail to file the required tax return in 2009, Leonardo also did not pay her income tax due on the same year.
She said that Leonardo was assessed deficiency income tax for taxable year 2009 in the estimated aggregate amount of P1.22 billion, inclusive of surcharges and interests.
The case against Leonardo is the 80th filed under the BIR’s Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program. (PNA)
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Two suspected motorcycle thieves fall in Bulacan
PULILAN, Bulacan, Nov. 23 (PNA) -- Police captured two alleged teenaged members of a carnapping gang and recovered a stolen motorcycle during a raid on the suspects' lair in Barangay Tarcan, Baliwag town Tuesday afternoon.
Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., said the arrested suspects were identified by Pulilan police chief Supt. Myrna Reyes as one alias “Teteng”, 17, and one alias “Bado”, 14; both residents of Mulawin Matanda, Barangay Tarcan, Baliwag town.
Mendez said that last Monday, a carnapping incident transpired along Pulilan-Calumpit Road, Brgy. Dampol 1st, Pulilan town where one Honda Wave motorcycle (MC) without license plate number, driven by one Benjamin Acuña of Barangay Tabon, Pulilan town, was forcibly taken at gunpoint by three unidentified suspects.
The following day, Mendez said that the Pulilan police station received an information from a concerned citizen stating that the stolen MC was allegedly brought and was hidden in the house of Teteng.
He said that joint elements of Pulilan police station, Provincial Intelligence Branch, and the Baliwag police station, accompanied by barangay tanods of Barangay Tarcan, conducted an operation which resulted in the arrest of the two suspects.
Recovered from the suspects was the lightning blue color Honda Wave motorcycle.
Reyes said the suspects, together with the recovered motorcycle, are presently under the custody of Pulilan police station while appropriate criminal complaint against them are being prepared for filing in court. (PNA)
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Malolos City mayor, scribes call for swift justice in Maguindanao massacre case
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 22 (PNA) - The clarion call for the delivery of swift justice on the brutal slaying of 58 people, including some 30 journalists, in the Maguindanao massacre two years ago reverberates in this historic capital city as the city mayor and newsmen on Tuesday called for the speedy resolution of the case.
Mayor Christian Natividad, a lawyer, said all efforts must be exerted in resolving the Ampatuan case to show that the government is really sincere in extending justice to the people.
"The government has shown its strong determination in giving justice like the speedy filing of case against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. I hope the wheels of justice on the Maguindanao massacre would also grind fast which is now on its second year," he said.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)-Bulacan Chapter echoed the call for swift justice for the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre, especially for their “comrades-in-arm” who were mercilessly killed by at least 100 heavily armed men allegedly led by then Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., on November 23, 2009.
Dino Balabo, NUJP-Bulacan chairman, said the government has shown "that it can flex its muscle in the case of former President Arroyo. Why not in the Maguindanao Massacre case?”
Journalists in Central Luzon has lined up activities to commemorate the second anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre. (PNA)
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Bulacan police score anew in its Oplan Bakal campaign
CAMP GENERAL ALEJO S. SANTOS, Bulacan, Nov. 22 (PNA) -- Police authorities have scored anew in its Oplan Bakal campaign following the arrest of three persons in Sta. Maria town on Sunday for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Police Superintendent Raniel Valones, chief of police of Sta. Maria said the three arrested persons were identified as Romar Gavino, 24, security guard and a resident of Barangay San Isidro, Hagonoy, Bulacan; Garciano Emerencio, 45, upholstery helper and a resident of Bagong Silang, Caloocan City; and Joe Art Narido, 22, jobless, and a resident of Barangay Caisio, Sta Maria.
He said the suspects were arrested inside Keitzen Bar at Barangay Guyong, Sta. Maria when police elements were conducting Oplan Bakal operations at around 3 a.m. Sunday.
Seized from the suspects’ possession were one caliber 38 revolver, four live ammunition, and an empty shell.
Appropriate charges against the suspects are being prepared for filing in court. (PNA)
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Robber killed in shootout in Bulacan
BULACAN, Nov. 18 (PNA) -- Balagtas Police operatives shot dead unidentified robber in a shooting incident occurred in a gasoline station situated along Provincial Road, Corner Bypass Road, Barangay Borol 2nd in Balagtas town Thursday night.
Bulacan Police provincial director Sr. Supt. Fernando Mendez Jr. said the killed holdupper in the shootout was still unidentified, and was aged 25-35 years old, medium built, wearing maong pants, black shirt with white jacket.
Two days ago before the shooting incident, the suspect robbed a civilian withdrawing from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in Barangay San Juan in Balagtas and was reported to the police.
At around 11 a.m. Thursday, a phone call was received by Balagtas Police from San Juan barangay captain Fab Galvez that the suspect was again sighted at Philippine National Bank waiting for his next victim where the Balagtas Police immediately responded but the suspect on board a single motorcycle left before the operatives arrived.
At 3 p.m., Balagtas Police station commander P/Chief Insp. Alfonso Cruz Jr. personally received an info that the suspect will rob a gasoline station.
Chief Insp. Cruz upon learning the information posted some of his policemen wearing in civilian in all commercial establishments and gasoline stations in the said town that could be the suspect's target but based on the info, the suspect's priority target was the Fuellab Gasoline Station located in the place and owned by Alexander Bernardo, 37, single of Barangay Lolomboy, Bocaue, Bulacan.
Fortunately, the suspect was sighted near the said gasoline station waiting for a chance without his knowledge he was already secretly followed by the operatives led by Maj. Cruz who earlier positioned themselves strategically waiting for the suspect's next move.
The lone suspect on board his motorcycle parked his vehicle near the gas station armed with a short firearm the suspect declared a holdup at the cashier identified as Pretty Madonna Bagayas, 20, single and her Pump Attendant Carlito Gamba, 32, single.
Without wasting time, Cruz and his men showed and instructed the armed robber to surrender but the suspect fired his handgun towards the responding policemen prompting them to retaliate fire resulting to the death of the suspect.
Recovered from the crime scene were one caliber .38 revolver and a Honda Bravo motorcycle colored black bearing plate number 8640 NJ. (PNA)
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DTI-Bulacan intensifies drive vs. sub-standard Christmas lights
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 17 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office on Thursday conducted surprise inspection to business establishments here that are selling Christmas lights.
Zorina Aldana, DTI-Bulacan provincial director, said the move is part of their intensified drive against the sale of sub-standard Christmas lights for the protection of the buying public.
Aldana advised the consumers to look for the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers that are affixed on the items for imported and printed Philippine Standard (PS) mark for locally-made lights.
She said that only Christmas lights with ICC stickers issued from January 2008 up to the present should be sold by retailers to the public.
Those imported lights sold with ICC stickers earlier than January 2008 will be confiscated by the DTI enforcement teams, she said.
She likewise said that the mandatory certification on the commodities included light emitting diode (LED) Christmas lights and compliance to the set product standards should also be checked on the items.
The public is advised to report to any nearest DTI office the business establishments that sell uncertified or sub-standard Christmas lights, she added. (PNA)
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2 car thieves fall, stolen cars recovered in Bulacan raid
CALUMPIT, Bulacan, Nov. 16 (PNA) -- Police arrested two suspected members of a carnapping gang and recovered from them two stolen vehicles in a raid at their suspected lair in Barangay Caniogan here Tuesday afternoon.
Sr. Supt. Sheldon Jacaban, chief of the Central Luzon Highway Patrol Group (HPG), said the two suspects, whose identities are still being withheld for follow up operations, are now under their custody.
He said the duo did not resist arrest when HPG operatives swooped down on their suspected hideout.
According to Jacaban, they have earlier received information that a compound in the said village is being used a garage of stolen vehicles.
The raiding team recovered a stolen Ford Everest van, a Mitsubishi L-300 van, car plates and cannibalized parts of automobiles.
He said the Ford Everest van with plate number PMQ-645 is owned by one Reylex Lumelay.
Police said the van was stolen at gun point by a group of men wearing ski-masks in Pampanga last Nov. 4.
Police said the suspects brought the stolen vehicle on their suspected hideout where they cannibalized and brought to car surplus stores in Capalangan, Apalit, Pampanga.
Jacaban said that operatives of HPG-Region 3 are still conducting follow-up operations against the carnapping syndicate. (PNA)
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Bulacan steps up drive vs. hot meat
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 9 (PNA) -- In anticipation of the high demand for meat products in the coming holiday season, the provincial government has intensified its campaign against hot meat by increasing checkpoints and strict monitoring of slaughterhouses and meat stalls in different public markets in the province.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado also asked all the municipal and city mayors as well as Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr. to support the provincial task force against the illegal trading of hot meat.
Alvarado also distributed copies of the recently-approved provincial ordinance, otherwise known as the Provincial Hot Meat Ordinance, and urged local executives to strictly implement it, including the closure of slaughterhouse that will be found violating the anti-hot meat measure.
The governor said that vehicles carrying meats should have livestock handlers license from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and that animal traders should have veterinary health certificate from licensed veterinarians and should have shipping permit from the provincial livestock office.
Provincial veterinarian Dr. Voltaire Basinang has reported that the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), in coordination with the Bulacan Provincial Police Office and the Provincial Public Safety Company, headed by Supt. Fitz Macariola, has apprehended and charged 10 hot meat traders passing through Bulacan.
He also said that the PVO is conducting regular inspection of slaughterhouses and markets to ensure that they are hot meat-free.
Basinang also advised the public to look for the seal of inspection and meat inspection certificate before buying from meat vendors.
“If they are using colored lights or if their prices are too low, chances are its hot meat, so, do not buy from them,” Basinang said. (PNA)
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Bulacan solon wants probe on mismanagement of dams
MANILA, Nov. 6 (PNA) -- A lady lawmaker has called for a congressional inquiry into the alleged water resource mismanagement of dams in Bulacan and surrounding areas which aggravated flooding brought about by typhoons "Pedring" and "Quiel" in the province.
Bulacan Rep. Ma. Victoria Sy-Alvarado said the inquiry would determine appropriate actions that are vital in the formulation of a unified inter-agency protocol for national dam water management.
"The formulation of a unified inter-agency protocol for national dam water management would match the current needs in light of environmental conditions, climate change and responsive governance for the safety and security of our people," she said.
Sy-Alvarado said dam management follows protocols, citing the National Water Resource Board (NWRB) as the lead agency in allocating water for irrigation to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for domestic supply to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), and hydro-electric power generation to the National Power Corporation (NPC).
"These present protocols are outdated, some allegedly are 1987 and 1998 versions, while even 2010 versions allegedly lack or have unincorporated provisions for proper coordination and decision-making processes, especially for dams in interconnected waterways," she said.
Sy-Alvarado cited Book 1, Title 1, Chapter 1, Section 2 (c) of the Local Government Code which states that "It is likewise the policy of the State to require all national agencies and offices to conduct periodic consultations with appropriate local government units, non-governmental and people’s organizations, and other concerned sectors of the community before any project or program is implemented in their respective jurisdictions."
In violation of such clear provision, she said local governments whose jurisdictions are downstream from the dams were allegedly not consulted nor were made part of important and critical decision processes which led to the release of water from the dams last month while typhoon Pedring was at its height and low-lying areas in Bulacan were already under water.
Sy-Alvarado, vice chairperson of the House committee on small business and entrepreneurship development, filed House Resolution 1804, calling for an investigation on the alleged mismanagement in the release of water from the dam that caused massive flooding in Bulacan.
She cited that despite knowledge of the incoming typhoons -- Pedring and Quiel -- no action was allegedly taken by dam management authorities in preparation of the expected rainfall volume.
"Flooding with extraordinarily fast rising levels was experienced by the municipalities of Calumpit, Hagonoy and Pulilan as early as Sept. 26. Dam water management only decided to release water while the typhoon was at its height and low-lying localities were already under water," she said.
Earlier, Butil party-list Rep. Agapito Guanlao also called for an immediate congressional review and investigation on the observance and compliance of dam and other water resources distribution operators to protocols governing preemptive spilling, saying the preemptive release of water from six dams in Luzon in September continued even as typhoon Pedring fell on land, aggravating the floods that damaged lives, crops, farmlands and infrastructure.
"The damage by recent estimates amounts to at least P6.6 billion. The predisposition to dam overflow in an increasing frequency of typhoons and the aggravating circumstance of preemptive release of water and similar events has made an immediate review of protocols urgent," said Guanlao, chairman of the House committee on food security.
Six dams namely San Roque, Angat, Ipo, Ambuklao, Binga and Magat released water in anticipation of the onslaught of typhoon Pedring which caused heavy flooding in Central Luzon and nearby provinces. (PNA)
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Bulacan gov leads opening of Bulacan Medical Center's palliative care unit
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 4 (PNA) — Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Thursday led the opening of the palliative care unit at the Bulacan Medical Center (BMC) in this city.
With the help of Palcare Hospice Foundation Inc., the palliative care unit, which is now located at the 3rd floor of BMC, will serve the out-patient cancer patients who are beyond cure but in need of palliative care for better quality of life.
Palcare Hospice Foundation Philippines president lawyer Asuncion Kalalo commended the efforts of the provincial government for the opening of the palliative care unit.
The opening of the hospice care unit in the province is the first in the country. It is being supported by the local government unit. Hopefully, the initiatives and efforts of the Governor Alvarado and other officials of Bulacan will be followed by others, Kalalo said.
The palliative care unit will provide services like home visits which offer companionship, spiritual and family counseling, bedside care, management of pain and other distressing symptoms and medical assistance such as lending of medical equipment, consultations, blood donation for cancer patients and provision of medicines.
Among the patients that may be referred to the palliative care center are those with advanced cancer with metastasis to the bones, lungs, bladder, among others; needing relief from distressing symptom and complication of cancer; patients that need help to live as actively as possible; and those whose families need support system during the patients’ illness.
Palcare Hospice Foundation Inc. executive director Josie Nubla said the requirements that are needed to be submitted to avail the services are referral letter from barangay captain and barangay certificate of indigency; referral from Palcare partner organizations; treatment protocol; pathology reports and other lab works such as MRI, ultra-sound, CT scan, among others.
She also assured that indigent cancer patients will be well taken care of with a complete medical staff that will attend to them.
"There will be one hospice nurse, four registered volunteer nurses, and one hospice administrator who will look after the out-patient cancer patients. Twice a week, an out-patient doctor will check the patients,” Nubla said.
Last July, the provincial government launched the oncology unit for cancer patients in BMC. (PNA)
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BENRO issues notice of violation to cigarette factory
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 3 (PNA) - The Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) on Thursday issued a "notice of violation" to a big cigarette factory in Barangay Tikay here for allegedly causing pollution and posing health hazards to residents in the area.
BENRO chief Rustico “Teddy” de Belen said he sent a technical team to the site of Mighty Corporation last Oct. 29 after residents complained to Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado that the said cigarette factory is emitting black smoke and black ashes (burned rice hull) in the area.
Based on the result of the investigation, de Belen said traces of ashes was noted on the concrete pavement inside the compound and black smoke was observed emitting from their smoke stack.
He also said that the company was also discharging waste water into an irrigation canal of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
De Belen advised Dennis Flores, pollution control officer of Mighty Corporation, that such actions or omissions are in violation of Article VI, Section 42 (a) of Provincial Ordinance No. C-005, Republic Act 8749 and RA No.9275 (anti-pollution laws).
The BENRO also ordered the management of Mighty Corporation to immediately institute remedial measures to stop the causes of pollution affecting the residents of Barangay Tikay and immediately close the pipe leading to NIA irrigation canal.
At the same time, the BENRO also ordered Mighty Corporation to pay P5,000 pursuant to Article XIV, Sec.90 of Provincial Ordinance No. C-005.
De Belen said that if the management fails to heed the order, their office will be constrained to recommend the cancellation of the firm’s mayor’s business permit and Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and Provincial Government Acknowledgment without prejudice to the filing of appropriate administrative case in proper forum. (PNA)
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Obando Landfill at risk to Acts of God
MANILA, Nov. 3 (PNA) -- Obando Landfill, if set up, would be highly vulnerable to extreme natural disasters confounding the latter’s disastrous impacts on the people of Obando, Bulacan.
In response to the query made by EcoWaste Coalition, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) had determined that the Obando Landfill site in the fishing village of Salambao is vulnerable to liquefaction and tsunami, as well as to flooding and storm surges.
Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. said in his letter of response, “[Obando] is prone to liquefaction based on our indicative Liquefaction Susceptibility Map.”
According to literatures, liquefaction is the process by which sediment that is very wet starts to behave like a liquid, often due to severe shaking especially that associated with earthquakes, which could destroy structures especially those whose foundations bear directly on the soil which liquefies.
The letter also stated that “the coastal areas of the municipality are prone to tsunami inundation, especially in the event of major earthquake occurrence coming from the Manila Trench and other nearby offshore earthquakes close to Bulacan.”
“The low and flat elevation of Obando is such that, aside from being susceptible to liquefaction, flooding can and has occurred, more recent of which is the flooding and storm surge resulting from the passage of Typhoon Pedring.” the Phivolcs director further stated in the letter.
Residents claim that flooding in Obando is almost a year round occurrence as the town is below sea level and that the only protection that the municipality has from the tides are the dikes that are normally torn down whenever typhoons and tidal surges pay their visits.
Why the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region III and the Obando local government failed to recognize these facts alarmed zero waste and pollution watchdog EcoWaste Coalition. “They even allowed the establishment of toxic time bomb in an established geologic and climate hazard zone,” the coalition said.
“This should leave no doubt as to the unsuitability of the site for the unpopular Obando Landfill,” EcoWaste Coalition’s Dumps and Incineration Task Force co-chair Romeo Hidalgo said.
“The technical opinion of Phivolcs should prompt authorities, specifically the DENR to immediately halt the Obando Landfill project, as well as order the closure and rehabilitation of all disposal facilities in the Manila Bay area which has been shown to be vulnerable to acts of God,” Hidalgo added. (PNA)
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Raps filed vs 40 suspected illegal loggers in Nueva Ecija
CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, Nov. 2 (PNA) - Forty suspected illegal loggers were recently charged by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with possession of illegally procured lumber flitches of various lumber species allegedly taken from the Doña Remedios Trinidad-Gen. Tinio watershed and forest reserve in the province.
The charges alleging conspiracy with one another in violating forestry laws have been recently filed against the 40 suspects before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Nueva Ecija.
DENR-San Rafael Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Meliton Vicente Jr. said the arrest of the suspects followed a recent five-day operation of a 14-man DENR team which recovered a total of 7,288 board feet of assorted lumber flitches submerged in a shallow depth of the Sumacbao River within the Doña Remedios Trinidad-Gen. Tinio watershed.
Vicente reported that the “hot forest products” were found hidden in six creeks where they also seized a chainsaw and other gadgets used in hauling their contraband already within the territorial jurisdiction of Nueva Ecija, specifically in Gen. Tinio town.
From upriver in the Dona Remedios Trinidad area, the hot lumber haul is then floated downriver and gathered by the suspects in such places as Barangays Pias and Rio Chico. The town serves as transshipment point, and the hot lumber cargo is distributed in Cabanatuan City, Gapan City, Bulacan, Pampanga and Metro Manila,
Vicente identified the suspects as Darwin Pacheco, 30; Eric Pangilinan, 38; Mario Pascual, 38; Mark Angelo Fernando,17; Marlon Pascual, 25; Eduardo Diaz, 16; Darius dela Cruz, 26; Darwin dela Cruz, 17; Mark Ver Magat, 17; Leo Esquicel, 28; Eduardo Pangilinan, 60; Eleazar Gutierrez, 16; Romy Abis, 29; John Paul Wilson, 41; Cris Samson, 15; Ronnie Diaz, 17;
Pedro Bulacan, 32; Daniel de Guzman, 32; Danilo Bulacan, 17; Rico Fajardo, 37; Jojo Toledo, 28; Edward Baluyot, 33; Gregorio Abranis, 18; Kilven Wilson, 35; Jeffrey Wilson, 17; Gary Padolina, 14; Alex Caldo, 25; Elmer Baluyot, 27; Cedrick Baluyot, 14; Ricardo Pangilinan, 14; Bernabe Abenyo, 54; Allan Gonzales, 40; Gerry Quizon, 32; Ricardo Mabalay, 33; Pedro Gaboni, 32; Marvin Barles, Marlon Barles, Marjon Barles, Gabriel dela Cruz and Enrico dela Cruz, all of Barangay Pias, Gen. Tinio town.
Vicente disclosed that the suspects identified as their alleged financiers Lito Bote, Gerry Bote, Nicasio Torres, Eric Bal, and a certain Puntina, all of Gen. Tinio, Nueva Ecija.
However, Vicente could not specifically state whether the two Botes are related to incumbent Mayor Virgilio Bote and Vice Mayor Ferdie Bote, who waged a town-wide campaign against illegal logging operations last year.
The lumber flitches are reportedly to be delivered and sold in this city, Gapan City, Bulacan, Pampanga and Metro Manila. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops ready for 'Undas' 2011
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 31 (PNA) -- Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr. on Monday deployed 62 police personnel from the provincial police headquarters to the different Motorists Assistance Centers (MAC) and Public Assistance Centers (PAC) to augment local policemen in the province’s 21 towns and three cities to ensure public safety during the observance of All Saints Day.
Mendez said 41 of the augmentation police troops would be assigned in public cemeteries and MACs in the capital city of Malolos and the remainder in other towns and cities.
He also said that 22 policemen would also be on duty on reserve status at the provincial headquarters in Camp Gen. Alejo Santos.
He said maneuver platoons from the Provincial Public Safety Company were also deployed in major thoroughfares and crowd convergence areas in the province.
Malolos city police chief Supt. David N. Poklay said that since Friday last week, police teams were already deployed in the different cemeteries in the city to assist people cleaning and visiting graves of their departed loved ones.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado have earlier met Mendez and top police officials in Bulacan to ensure the maintenance of peace and order in the cemeteries and public places in Bulacan.
The governor have also placed on 24 hours alert the Bulacan Rescue of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to provide immediate assistance and equipment, including ambulance and firetrucks in case of any eventuality. (PNA)
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Bulacan cop kills 60-year old man over piece of land
SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan, Oct. 29 (PNA)--—A 60-year old man was killed while his 21-year old son barely escape death after a police officer repeatedly shot the victim in Barangay Sta. Rita Matanda here Friday night.
Police identified the victim as Francisco Garcia, 60, a resident of Barangay Sta. Rita Matanda.
Garcia died instantly due to multiple gunshot wounds in his body after P02 Arcadio dela Cruz emptied the magazine of his service firearm on him in front of his son Franklin at the gate of their house at around 10 p.m. Friday.
The victim’s son told police investigators that he tried to parry the gun of the policeman but the latter pointed it towards him and began shooting him.
He said he avoided getting hit by ducking and running away from the cop whom, he said was “trigger happy” at that moment.
The suspect arrived at the house of the victim on board a motorcycle and without warning drew his gun and started shooting the victim.
Initial investigation showed that the family of the victim and the policeman has a long standing dispute over a parcel of land in the said village.
Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., said that dela Cruz, who is assigned at the San Miguel Police Station, has already surrendered and is now under police custody. (PNA)
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Police assistance centers up in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 28 (PNA) - Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Friday directed the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) to increase police visibility in securing the public going to cemeteries on All Saints' Day.
Alvarado told Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernandeo H. Mendez Jr., to establish police assistance centers along major thoroughfares and in cemeteries in the province's 21 towns and 3 cities.
“We must ensure the safety of the people who will be visiting their departed loved ones at the cemetery,” Alvarado said.
The governor also put the Bulacan Rescue on alert for the long vacation.
He also advised the people to be extra careful when leaving their houses and ensure that their residences were safe.
Supt. Fitz Macariola, commander of the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC), said that their maneuver platoons had been deployed along strategic areas in the province to augment local police units and volunteer civic groups in providing security and road assistance to the public.(PNA)
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Bulacan bags another nutrition award
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 27 (PNA) -- The provincial government has recently emerged as the First Year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN)n recognition for its outstanding achievements in the delivery of nutrition and related services to their constituents.
Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, together with Vice Governor Daniel Fernando, received CROWN Maintenance award during the National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony held recently at the Philippine International Convention Center.
The First Year CROWN Maintenance award is given to a municipality, city or province that has been adjudged by the national nutrition evaluation team as outstanding in the implementation of its nutrition action plan for more than three consecutive years.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Rowena Tiongson said that the province was able to sustain its intensified efforts to improve the nutrition situation, wherein in the entire region of Central Luzon, it has recorded the lowest prevalence of underweight preschool and school children with only 2.4 percent and 6.8 percent, respectively.
As his flagship program, Alvarado delivers an integrated package of nutrition and health services through “Kapitolyo sa Barangay" (KSB). Among the services are medical/dental check-ups, multivitamins supplementation, and food packages to 10, 240 indigent families and families with underweight children from its 21 towns and 569 barangays.
Aside from the KSB, the governor said other nutrition programs and activities that are being implemented in the province are Gulayan sa Bakuran, which promotes the production and consumption of so-called “High Five Vegetables" such as "malunggay", "saluyot", "kulitis", "kamote" and "sili"; "Luntiang Bakuran sa Bulacan," which encourage families to tend their gardens; and "Pabasa sa Nutrisyon", a nutrition education strategy. (PNA)
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Tollways operators brace for heavy traffic at NLEX, SCTEX
GUIGUINTO, Bulacan, Oct. 27 (PNA) -- The volume of vehicular traffic going to the northern provinces of Luzon is expected to get heavy starting on Friday, the Tollways Management Corporation (TMC), operators of the North Luzon Expressway and the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway, said on Thursday.
Benigno Valles, senior manager for corporate communications of the TMC, said that they are expecting traffic volume going to Northern Luzon to dramatically increase from Friday to Sunday, Oct. 28-30, due to the big influx of motorists going home for All Saints' Day observance.
“In spite of its increased volume for three days, traffic is expected to be manageable. It has been noticed in last year’s traffic count that some motorists decided to stay longer in their home provinces. They may do the same this year. Traffic volume last year was still high in the immediate weekend after All Saints' Day,” Valles said, adding that the expected increase of traffic volume for the four-day "Undas" break is approximately 10 percent.
In preparation, he said that NLEX toll operations will beef up its manpower at the Balintawak, Mindanao Avenue and Dau Toll Plazas on Oct. 28-30 to hasten throughput of northbound motorists.
Ambulant tellers will be on standby at Balintawak and Mindanao Toll Plazas. Ambulant tellers, spare toll booths and provision for counter flow will be set up at the Dau Toll Plaza.
At SCTEX, Valles said that traffic buildup going to the provinces is expected at Tarlac Exit, San Miguel Exit and Tipo Exit starting also on Friday.
He said manual and counter flow lanes will be placed at San Miguel and Tarlac Exit, respectively, to accommodate the high volume of traffic.
While back to Manila, he said traffic buildup is expected on November 1, 2 and 3, at Mabalacat Interchange of SCTEX.
Motorists can expect sufficient number of personnel and equipment to minimize delay at the plaza and maintain the best level of service possible. There will be manual toll booths ready to be set up at Mabalacat Toll Plaza, Valles added
He said the Bocaue toll plaza will also have ambulant tellers on November 1, 2 and 3 and will open additional manual lanes in anticipation of the heavy volume of vehicles going back to Manila during these dates.
In both NLEX and SCTEX, motorists’ assistance will be provided by all Toll Service Facilities (TSF) or gas stations.
At SCTEX, additional two tents will be set up going to Tipo and Tarlac to provide further assistance to motorists.
For assistance and inquiries, motorists are advised to call the NLEX hotline (02) 580-8910, (02) 35000 or (0920) 96-SCTEX (72839) for SCTEX. These hotlines are available 24 hours a day, Valles said.
“We also advise motorists to keep their television or radio tune in for the latest traffic situation at the expressways. It is best to travel when traffic is not heavy. Motorists with access to internet may visit us at our website http://www.tollways.net.ph/ or at the Travel on GREAT ROADS facebook page for the latest traffic advisory and other safety tips or follow us in our twitter account nlextraffic,” he said. (PNA)
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'Yes For Peace-Kabayani sa Kapayapaan' goes online
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 24 (PNA) - Simultaneous with the observance of United Nations Day, organizers of the “Yes for Peace-Kabayani sa Kapayapaan” movement on Monday launched its online site as part of its nationwide educational campaign for long lasting peace in the country.
Lead organizer Ernesto A. Alcanzare said that the bloodbath and bloody encounters between armed groups and government troopers can be avoided if the people will unite and let their feelings and voices be heard as majority of the Filipino people are tired of the so- called “war between brothers.”
An educational campaign, the “Yes For Peace” is reaching every Filipino 10 years and above to participate in the call for just, comprehensive and lasting peace, Alcanzare said.
He said that every Filipino can now visit www.yesforpeace.info and participate in the "Yes For Peace" open referendum.
He said their views and comments would be collated and forwarded to President Benigno Aquino III.
"Let us all invite our online friends and relatives to 'Bayanihan para sa Kapayapaan' to prove that it lies in our hands the fulfillment of our dreams for our children and the future generation through the promotion of just and lasting peace in the country," he said. (PNA)
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Pnoy extends P92-M to typhoon-affected farmers, fisherfolks in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 22 (PNA) -- President Benigno Aquino III, through Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, has distributed more than P92 million worth of assistance to farmers and fisherfolks in the province whose crops and fishponds were severely damaged by heavy flooding wrought by twin Typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel.”
Alcala, together with Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and National Irrigation Administrator (NIA) Engineer Antonio Nangel, made an ocular inspection on devastated farmlands and fishponds in the towns of Calumpit, Hagonoy, Paombong and Pulilan Friday morning.
The agriculture secretary later told farmers and fisherfolks at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here that President Aquino has instructed him to go to provinces devastated by the recent typhoon and personally assess the damages and extend assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolks.
Alvarado said the assistance given to Bulacan by Department of Agriculture (DA) include P54.5 million fund for irrigation facilities, P5 million seed fund for crop insurance premium and P33 million worth of certified seeds.
He also said that 27 million bangus fry, 23 million tilapia fingerlings and 500 gilnets will also be distributed to affected fisherfolks.
Aside from this, Alcala also turned over to the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) two units multi-purpose drying pavement, two units flatbed dryers, one unit mini 4-wheel tractor, one unit rice reaper, two units combined harvester, 10 units drumseedet and one moisture meter.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that almost 36,000 hectares of cropland and almost 10,000 hectares of fishponds/fishpens were damaged by rampaging floods brought by the twin typhoons.
At least 27,000 farmers and 2,200 fisherfolks were affected, the PDRRMO said. The total damage to agriculture have reached P2.5 billion.
Alvarado thanked President Aquino and Secretay Alcala for the assistance extended to affected municipalities and cities in Bulacan. (PNA)
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Rehabilitation of Angat Dam to start soon
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 21 (PNA) -- Dam experts and engineers will soon begin the rehabilitation of the 43- year-old rock-built Angat Dam located in the rolling mountains of Norzagaray town in this province.
This after a memorandum of agreement (MOA) as well as the contract between two consultant companies was signed recently in connection with the Angat Dam and Dike Safety program.
Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the MOA states the conduct of feasibility study that will test the strength of Angat Dam at present.
"This is in connection with the stability of the Angat Dam due to the presence of Marikina fault line. It’s already an old dam, 43 years old so it is necessary to have an engineering remedial measures. In case the study shows that the Angat Dam remained strong and stable, we, the Bulakenyos can sleep well," Alvarado said.
The MOA was signed by the stakeholders of the said dam which includes the Provincial Government of Bulacan, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corp., and Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Jose Dorado Jr., principal engineer of the MWSS Engineering and Project Management Department, said that after the six-month study of the two chosen consultant companies -- Engineering and Development Corp. of the Philippines (EDCOP) and Tonkin & Taylor -- their recommendation will be implemented.
MWSS Administrator Gerardo Esquivel said that as early as April 5, President Benigno S. Aquino III already approved the study and eventual rehabilitation of Angat Dam.
“This is not only because we want to remediate the dam but we want to be sure in water security,” he said.
Esquivel also assured the province of Bulacan that they will also work on the water allocation from the said dam. (PNA)
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Pag-ibig distributes P770-M calamity loans in Calumpit, Bulacan
MANILA, Oct.20 (PNA) -- Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday led the distribution of over 100 calamity loan checks to Pag-IBIG members in Calumpit, Bulacan.
Calumpit was one of the towns severely affected by floodings caused by Typhoon 'Quiel.'
The loan releases in Calumpit were part of over 47,000 calamity loan applications processed by the agency from members in Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Baguio, Zambales as well as Manila and CAMANAVA areas in the National Capital Region.
The loans total P770 million.
At the site, the Vice President also announced that Pag-IBIG Fund will accept calamity loan applications for a period of 90 days from the declaration of a state of calamity in an area.
He also distributed some 2,000 bags of relief goods to residents still reeling from the floods.
“Kapag kayo po ay nag-avail ng calamity loan, makakahiram po kayo ng hanggang 80% ng inyong total savings sa Pag-IBIG fund,” Binay said.
“Kaya naman po sa mga miyembro rito na hindi pa nakakapag-avail ng calamity loan, hinihimok po namin kayo na magapply na sa pinakamalapit na Pag-IBIG branch,” he also said.
Binay had earlier issued a directive to the Pag-IBIG Fund ordering them to fast track calamity loan applications of its members.
Binay also said that the Pag-IBIG fund offered a three month moratorium for housing loan borrowers affected by the recent calamities.
The Vice President said he was optimistic that the suspension of loan payments would help alleviate the difficulties faced by its members.
Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG chief executive Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe said that this was the Fund’s way of helping members as they started rebuilding their lives and livelihood.
She also encouraged members to visit Pag-IBIG's website www.pagibigfund.gov.ph or visit the branch nearest to them to know the guidelines for the housing loan payment moratorium. (PNA)
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Traffic offender in Bulacan detained for unlicensed gun possession
BALAGTAS, Bulacan, Oct. 19 (PNA) -- A traffic offender landed in jail after a police mobile team seized an unlicensed firearm following a brief chase in Barangay Pulong Gubat here Tuesday night.
Police identified the arrested suspect as Christopher Bunag, 37 and a resident of Barangay Bundukan, Bocaue town.
Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., said the suspect, who was driving a Kawasaki Bajaj tricycle with plate number 2082 PQ, was flagged down when it entered MacArthur Highway for violation of municipal ordinance prohibiting tricycles along the stretch of the highway during rush hour.
However, instead of stopping, Bunag tried to flee going towards the direction of Barangay Pulong Gubat.
This prompted traffic policemen to chase and apprehend him, Mendez added.
When frisked, an improvised shotgun with four live ammunition were found and seized from his possession, which was probably the reason why he did not stop when he was flagged down.
The suspect and the recovered pieces of evidence are presently under the custody of Balagtas Mobile Police Station while appropriate criminal complaint against him is being prepared for filing in court. (PNA)
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Bulacan solon deplores alleged black propaganda on the use of calamity funds
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 18 (PNA) -– As the province is recovering from the worst flooding caused by recent typhoons, a Bulacan lawmaker on Tuesday deplored the alleged “black propaganda” being waged against the provincial government on the delivery of relief goods and use of calamity funds.
Bulacan First District Rep. Ma. Victoria Sy-Alvarado said the calamity funds were utilized for emergency in response to the needs of the flood-affected residents.
"The utilization of calamity funds was put in record. It was allotted for the rehabilitation and repair of the damaged infrastructures and used to help the affected sectors like the agriculture and fishery," Sy-Alvarado said.
The lady solon said she is also working hand-in-hand with the provincial government of Bulacan in assessing reports of damages, particularly in towns and city within the first congressional district of the province.
"We are still assessing reports from the mayor and barangay officials in connection with the damage incurred in their areas as well as the residents who lost their homes, damaged schools, roads and other infrastructures to give appropriate funds for the rehabilitation efforts," Sy-Alvarado said, adding that the provincial government under the administration of Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado has always been transparent when it comes to the use of government funds.
She said some parts of Calumpit–Maysulao, San Miguel and Corazon and the villages of Tampok and San Marino in Hagonoy are still partially flooded.
She said massive cleaning operations and medical services are being conducted in the said towns.
Meanwhile, a village chief from the flood ravaged coastal town of Hagonoy belied reports that there was delay in the delivery of relief goods.
Barangay captain Celerino Fajardo said there is a continuous delivery of relief goods and other assistance to affected residents since the height of typhoons.
Fajardo said the black propaganda might boomerang to those sowing misinformation. (PNA)
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SC orders Comelec to revive poll protest vs. Meycauayan mayor
By Perfecto T. Raymundo Jr.
MANILA, Oct. 17 (PNA) -- The Supreme Court (SC) directed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday to revive the election protest filed against Mayor Joan Alarilla of Meycauayan City, Bulacan.
The SC ruled that the Comelec was guilty of grave abuse of discretion when it denied a motion for reconsideration (MR) filed by losing mayoralty candidate Salvador "Bogs" Violago in the May 10, 2010 polls.
In a ruling, the SC en banc granted the petition for certiorari filed by Violago and reinstated his election protest against Alarilla.
"…by denying petitioner's (Violago) motion for reconsideration, without taking into consideration the violation of his right to procedural due process, the Comelec en banc is also guilty of grave abuse of discretion," the decision said.
The ruling said that "petitioner's election protest is reinstated. The Comelec 2nd Division is hereby directed to continue with the proceedings…and to resolve the same with dispatch."
Violago and Alarilla were candidates for the mayoralty race during the May 10, 2010 synchronized automated national and local elections. Alarilla was proclaimed winner.
On May 21, 2010, Violago filed a petition before the Comelec questioning the proclamation of the respondent on the following grounds: (1) massive vote-buying; (2) intimidation and harassment; (3) election fraud; (4) non-appreciation by the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines of valid votes cast during the said election; and, (5) irregularities due to non-observance of the guidelines set by the Comelec.
Violago's election protest was hastily dismissed by the Comelec en banc.
In its ruling, the SC said that "on the basis of the…documents, the court finds no justifiable reason why the Comelec 2nd Division hastily dismissed petitioner's election protest."
The justices said that there was no indication that the Comelec 2nd Division made prior verification from the proper or concerned Comelec department or official of Violago's allegation that he did not receive a copy of the subject order.
"In fact, it was only on the day following such dismissal that the Electoral Contests Adjudication Department, through the 2nd Division Clerk, sent a letter to the Postmaster of Meycauayan City, Bulacan requesting for a certification as to the date of receipt of the said order stating therein that the certification is urgently needed for the proper and appropriate disposition of petitioner's election protest," the SC en banc noted.
"Fairness and prudence dictate that the Comelec 2nd Division should have first waited for the requested certification before deciding whether or not to dismiss petitioner's protest on technical grounds," the SC said.
The High Court added that "in the present case, notwithstanding the fact that petitioner's motion for reconsideration was not verified, the Comelec en banc should have considered the merits of the said motion in light of petitioner's meritorious claim that he was not given timely notice of the date set for the preliminary conference. The essence of due process is to be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard and to submit any evidence in support of one's claim or defense." (PNA)
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5 kidnappers slain in Bulacan shootout; Chinese victim rescued
MANILA, Oct. 16 (PNA) -- Police operatives killed five kidnapping suspects and rescued an abducted Taiwanese businessman after a shootout in the town of Norzagaray, Bulacan in the wee hours of Sunday.
Reports reaching Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome from Chief Supt. Isagani Nerez, chief of the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER), disclosed the five suspects were slain during the rescue operation conducted by combined operatives of PACER, Special Action Force, Highway Patrol Group, Police Regional Office 3 and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
The PNP chief quickly congratulated the operatives for the successful rescue of Ying Ching Chang, 29, a partner in a garments manufacturing company in Valenzuela City.
"This particular successful operation is the result of a well-coordinated action with other law enforcement agencies and community support through the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams that provided vital information," Bartolome said.
"By hitting hard on organized crime syndicates, particularly those engaged in high-profile crime activities, we are leaving no room for criminals to pose threat to the community," he stressed.
According to Nerez, Ying was rescued unharmed from the suspects' safehouse in Barangay Bigte, Norzagaray, Bulacan at 2:10 a.m. Sunday.
Two armed kidnappers guarding the blindfolded victim offered stiff resistance, triggering a brief shootout with the raiding team. The two gunmen died.
Authorities recovered the entire P210,000 ransom paid by the victim's kin.
Three other suspects were later intercepted at a PNP-AFP checkpoint at 2:43 a.m. in nearby Barangay Minuyan, also in Norzagaray.
The gunmen opened fire at the lawmen, shattering the windscreen of a PRO3 patrol car. The three suspects were gunned down in the ensuing gun battle.
Reports said Ying was snatched at gunpoint last Wednesday, October 12. The kidnappers negotiated with Ying's relatives for the safe release of the victim. (PNA)
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Bulacan to put CCTV cameras Angat, Ipo and Bustos dams' spillgates
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 15 (PNA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) will put CCTV (closed-circuit TV) cameras at the spill-gates of Angat, Ipo and Bustos dam and major rivers to monitor in real time the actual releases of water from the dams and the rise of rivers during typhoon season.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the provincial government is now consulting with technicians that will put up the CCTV cameras and the monitoring systems that will be put up at the operations center of the PDRRMO at the capitol compound here.
"Through this, we will see the actual release of water from the dams and its flow to Angat river and some low-lying towns, including the increase of water level in the major rivers in Bulacan," Alvardo said during his weekly radio program “The Governor’s Hour,” which he co-anchors with Bulakenyo broadcaster Rommel Ramos every Saturday morning over DWSS 1494 khz on the AM band.
The governor said that CCTV cameras will also be put up at the Angat river and Sta. Maria river so that the PDRRMO can monitor and act fast during stormy weather.
The PDRRMO reported that the spill-gates of Angat, Ipo and Bustos dams are still open as of 8 a.m. Saturday. The three dams have started releasing water since Thursday afternoon after the water level at Angat dam reached 214 meters, which is four meters above the dam’s spilling level of 212 meters.
Raul Agustin, senior operations officer of PDRRMO, said that three radial gates of Angat dam remained open and have discharged 308 cubic meters per second (cms) of water while Ipo dam has opened its three gates and discharged 203 cms of water that flows downwards to the Bustos irrigation dam, which has also opened three gates and discharged 250 cms of water.
Agustin said the release of water from the dams has no effects on the recently flood-ravaged coastal towns of Calumpit and Hagonoy since the Angat river can still contain the volume of water being discharged from the three dams.
Alvarado said that this is the right time for dam officials to release excess water from their dams.
He said that the water level at Angat dam, which is still 3.51 meters above it spilling level of 210 meters—remains critical.
They should release water during sunny weather like this and not during the height of typhoon, Alvarado said.
The governor said that existing protocols on the release of water from the dams should be reviewed to avoid the repeat of the severe flooding that hit the coastal towns of Calumpit and Hagonoy recently.
The floodings were said to have been aggravated by the release of waters from the three dams at the height of typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel”.
He said that dam engineers should release water from the reservoirs once the water level reach 206 meters during rainy season.
Right now, dam officials should not release water unless the spilling level of 210 meters is breached, he said. (PNA)
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PDC Techno Park in Bulacan opens for IT-BPO business
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 14 (PNA) –- The newly-established Pilipinas Development Corporation (PDC) Techno Park is now open for business process outsourcing (BPO) centers and other information technology (IT) related business.
Mark Silverio Dee, consultant of the PDC, made this announcement as he invited locators in the field of BPO-IT industry to put their businesses in the PDC Techno Park located in the 8.5-hectare Mahogany compound in Barangay Tambubong, San Rafael town.
The PDC Techno Park is a Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) accredited IT Park which boasts of several buildings with three-hectare gross floor area designed for IT-BPO businesses.
“The park was originally applied as IT building but Director General Dr. Lilia B. de Lima of PEZA advised us to have it register as IT Park,” Dee said.
The area exceeds the minimum requirement of five hectares with two existing buildings and has a developed open space for future expansion.
He described the area with uninterrupted power and dependable water supply installed underground for efficiency and unobstructed view. It has its own ample parking area for safety and convenience of its clientele.
A 24-hour security and clean, well-lit surroundings for easy navigation are also provided. Broadband service is available with redundant high bandwidth telecommunication pipeline, which serves as the international gateway for the PDC Techno Park.
Dee also said that a retail shop, convenience stores, coffee shops and a restaurant are being planned for immediate construction as part of the PDC information technology park.
“Our company is now conducting free intensive call center training to first batch of 52 aspiring agents in the locality” he said.
Expected to employ more than 2,000 in San Rafael town, he said the center will continue to train agents in preparation for the arrival of IT-BPO locators. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops bust illegal gambling operation
BALIUAG, Bulacan, Oct. 11 (PNA) - Police detectives swooped down on an alleged gambling den in Barangay Bagong Nayon here and arrested eight persons while betting on a “color game” Monday night.
Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., said that a joint team from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) of Police Regional Office 3 headed by Supt. Manuel M. Lukban Jr., and the Provincial Intelligence Branch led by Supt. Edwin A. Quilates conducted an operation after receiving reports that illegal gambling is rampant in the said village, using a long overdue “fiesta carnival” as front.
Mendez identified the arrested suspects as Sheena Narisma, 28, a resident of Tuktukan, Guiguinto; Alvin Perez, 36, of Barangay San Juan, San Miguel; Gilbert Castillo, 22, of Dagat-dagatan, Caloocan City; Daniel Lazaro, 23, of Barangay Liciada, Bustos; William Mateo, 28, of Barangay Mambog, Malolos City; Mac Caballa, 22; Benjie Vera, 28; and Rico Dizon, 20, of San Fernando City, Pampanga.
Prior to the raid, Lukban said a news and public affairs team of GMA Channel 7 (Imbestigador) went to the office of the RIDMD and said some concerned citizens reported that illegal gambling is being done even up to the wee hours of the morning at a village carnival.
It shows that they are using a long overdue fiesta carnival as front of the illegal gambling, Lukban said.
The police team recovered assorted gambling paraphernalia of color games ("pula-puti") and bet money worth P1,302.
The arrested persons are presently detained at the detention cell of the Provincial Public Safety Company at Camp Gen. Alejo Santos in Malolos City while appropriate charges are being prepared against them. (PNA)
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Bulacan officials to file class suit vs dam operators due to flooding
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 9 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said on Sunday the provincial government would file a class suit against officials of the National Power Corp. (Napocor), the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for damages and losses incurred by many towns and cities of the province allegedly due to “mismanagement” of the dams in the province in times of calamity.
“Something has to be done. It is always been like this every time they release water from the dams. Our development is being destroyed,” Alvarado told a delegation of provincial officials from Capiz led by Vice Governor Esteban Ivan Contreras who brought truckloads of relief goods for the Bulacan flood-victims on Sunday morning.
At the same time, Alvarado also disclosed that his wife, Rep. Ma. Victoria R. Sy-Alvarado (1st District-Bulacan) is set to file a bill in Congress that will pinpoint responsibilities of dam officials with additional penal clause.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that 23 persons had died while a total of 884,613 persons in the province’s 20 towns and three cities were affected due to the heavy flooding that submerged many parts of Bulacan during the onslaught of typhoons "Pedring" and "Quiel."
The PDRRMO also said that the estimated damage to agriculture has ballooned to P2,525,473,867.65 while that of infrastructures reached P231,400,000.
Alvarado also said that after 15 days of heavy flooding, the floods in Calumpit began subsiding, paving the way for the entry of trucks carrying relief goods, potable water and medicines to villages isolated by 10 to 12 feet of raging floodwaters during the surge of back floods aggravated by the release of water from the overflowing Angat, Ipo and Bustos dams.
Truckloads of relief goods coming from various Rotary clubs in Makati City and other parts of the National Capital Region arrived Sunday at the operations center of the PDRMMO here.
Alvarado thanked all those who are helping, noting that help is also coming from far away provinces like Capiz.
Earlier, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim also brought truckloads of relief goods and distilled water to flood victims in the province. (PNA)
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Two men jailed for bribing cop in Bulacan
STA. MARIA, Bulacan, Oct. 7 (PNA) - Two men landed in jail after attempting to bribe a police officer in exchange for the release of an impounded motorcycle Thursday afternoon.
In a report to Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., Sta. Maria police head Supt. Raniel Valones identified the suspects as Eduardo Sebastian, 52 and Ramil Nolasco, 41, both from Barangay Poblacion, Pandi town.
Valones said the suspects went to the Sta. Maria police station and presented themselves as claimants/owners of an impounded Kawasaki 100 motorcycle with plate number RM 5598 (engine number G7E109527).
However, the police chief said that the duo failed to present pertinent documents that will prove they are the rightful owners of the motorcycle.
Valones said that upon learning that the motorcycle will not be released to them, Sebastian attempted to offer cash to PO2 Rolando R. Isidoro in exchange for the release of the impounded motorcycle.
Instead of accepting the bribe money, PO2 Isidro arrested Sebastian and his cohort Nolasco.
SPO1 Eduardo Janapin also caught Nolasco trying to take video shots while PO2 Isidoro and Eduardo were talking.
Valones also said that when the personal belongings of the suspects were inventoried, the investigators found in the possession of Nolasco and Sebastian, P25,650 and P6,440, respectively.
A criminal complaint for “corruption of public officials” was filed against the suspects before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Malolos City. (PNA)
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PNP Ladies Club to conduct relief operations in Pampanga, Tarlac
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Oct. 6 (PNA) -- Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) Ladies Club and PNP Ladies Club of Camp Crame, Quezon City, will conduct on Friday simultaneous relief operations in Pampanga and Tarlac.
Chief Supt. Edgar Ladao, PRO3 police director, said the PRO3 Ladies will be distributing some 1,500 packs of goods to the affected residents in San Luis, Pampanga.
Ladao said they will also give 2,000 of lunch boxes from Jollibee in two evacuation centers also in San Luis.
He said he will visit on Friday Barangay Arabia in Masantol town to distribute relief goods.
Ladao said that Barangay Arabia in Masantol could only be reached by motorized bancas.
He said that the barangay has been isolated due to five-foot floodwaters.
The PNP Ladies Club of Camp Crame, on the other hand, will go to La Paz, Tarlac on Friday to distribute relief goods and used clothes.
Ladao said that at least nine barangays in La Paz town have been severely affected by floodwaters brought by the two recent typhoons.
He said that he visited some villages in Calumpit, Bulacan on Wednesday and distributed packs of goods, including 10,000 bottles of mineral water, to the affected residents.
He said the relief goods and used clothes were donated by policemen and friends of the PNP. (PNA)
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P-Noy visits flood-hit areas in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 5 (PNA) -- President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, together with his Cabinet members, on Wednesday visited typhoon-hit areas in the province before attending the Central Luzon Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting where he was presented with the proposed rehabilitation priorities in the region.
The Chief Executive went to flooded areas in Calumpit town and visited evacuees still housed at the United Pulp and Paper Company evacuation center.
“Lagi pong andito ang gobyerno para sa inyo at hinding-hindi po kayo pababayaan,” President Aquino told flood victims, adding that ”Lagi po tayong magsama-sama at iwasan nating magka-sakit.”
Immediately thereafter, he attended the RDC-3 meeting at the Hiyas Convention Center in Malolos City where Josefina T. Timoteo, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 3 briefed him on the early recovery and rehabilitation efforts of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC).
City of San Fernando, Pampanga Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, chairman of RDC3, also presented to the President the priority rehabilitation interventions that would address the perennial flooding in Central Luzon.
Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, together with the different mayors of towns and cities in Bulacan which experienced heavy flooding brought by typhoons "Pedring" and "Quiel" also discussed with the President the ongoing relief and rehabilitation works in the affected areas.
Alvarado also suggested to President Aquino that the National Power Corporation, operator of Angat Dam, be temporarily authorized by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to determine by itself the water level in Angat Dam only during the rainy season when rainfall is abundant so that water releases in Angat river can be planned and executed in anticipation of more rains to come without losing sight of the dam’s operational level of 210 meters.
“In this way, the outflow from Angat Dam is controlled and regulated in consideration of the inflow. Thus, avoiding a hurried spilling and consequently, the unwanted and unnecessary flooding of our low-lying areas and the heavy cost that it exacts in terms of lives and properties and lost business opportunities from our people,” Alvarado said. (PNA)
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Gov't asks DPWH to desilt Pampanga River
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Oct. 4 (PNA) -- The provincial government on Tuesday requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to spearhead the desilting activity along Pampanga River as its present condition contributes to flooding problem in the coastal villages in the fourth district of province.
Governor Lilia Pineda said the DPWH should prioritize the clearing operations at the Pampanga river at the portion of Macabebe and Masantol, two of the heavily affected towns in Pampanga since last week when two strong typhoons struck Central Luzon.
Pineda said several rivers, including those in Aurora and Nueva Ejica provinces, dumped their waters at the Pampanga river before it comes out of the Manila Bay.
“The high volume of water which is supposed to come out at the Pampanga bay flows back to our towns as the bay is heavily silted. It looks like it will stay for weeks and even months in other areas,” Pineda said.
The governor said that based on the report of the Pampanga River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning System of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), “there are 15 rivers along the Pampanga river basin that greatly contribute to the massive flooding on the low-lying areas in Pampanga and Bulacan.”
Masantol Mayor Peter Flores disclosed that the total 26 barangays in their town remained flooded which started at the height of typhoon Pedring.
He described the floods in Macabebe and Masantol “as the worst in four decades.”
“I haven’t seen a worst flood like this one in Masantol in my entire lifetime,” said Flores, quoting his 70-year-old constituent.
Pineda said the DPWH and its regional office should “stop all other infrastructure projects in Pampanga and instead concentrate on the desilting of the clogged portion of the bay.”
“We must save lives, properties and the progressive business industry not just in Pampanga but nearby Bulacan,” said Pineda, who led the distribution of relief goods in Masantol, Macabebe, Apalit, Candaba, San Simon, San Luis, Arayat, Apalit and Sto. Tomas since last week. They are the worst hit towns in the province.
Pineda also announced that she will ask the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to give her authority to allow private firms to desilt the downstream portion of the Gugu, Porac Gumain and Abacan river channels.
“They will not be asked to pay fees for the filing materials because what is important is that river channels will be cleared to complement the desilting of the Pampanga bay," said Pineda.
The first-term governor said she will convene a summit with national government agencies such as the DPWH, Department of Agriculture, DOST and Climate Change Commission to help farmers in Pampanga “properly address the effects of climate change on their production.”
Pineda said at least 18,000 farmers and their some 29,000 hectares farmland had been affected by flood.
She also cited the study of the National Water Resource Board that the lack of trees, the degradation of water shed, increased in sediment load, damages caused by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and overuse of ground water that loosens soil contribute to flooding.
Pineda said the P10-million study sponsored by Manny V. Pangilinan of the Maynilad Water Services “is timely”” to allow to use water coming from rains and in river channels and creeks for the supply of potable water.
At least 100,000 families or 450,000 residents have been affected by floods spawned by typhoons Pedring and Quiel.
Most of the affected residents are the 35,000 families living along the Pampanga river, measuring 260 kilometers from Arayat to Masantol. (PNA)
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P-Noy to visit flooded Bulacan towns on Wednesday
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 4 (PNA) -- President Benigno Aquino III will be briefed by Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on the heavy flooding that devastated many areas in Bulacan, particularly in the still flooded coastal towns of Calumpit and Hagonoy, during the Chief Executive's visit on Wednesday.
Alvarado and other provincial officials, including Calumpit Mayor James de Jesus, met Tuesday with heads of the Presidential Management Staff at the operations center of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) here.
They discussed the massive relief operations being conducted in the flooded towns of Calumpit and Hagonoy and the damages to agriculture and infrastructures.
The governor also told Robbie Roco of the Presidential Political Affairs Office that the flooding in Calumpit and Hagonoy was aggravated by the release of water from the overflowing Angat Dam and the Ipo and Bustos Dams at the height of typhoon "Pedring" last week.
"Three weeks ago before the typhoon, the water level at the Angat dam was 206 meters and the dam officials did not release water. That's why during the height of typhoon Pedring when the water level at the dam increased, they released that caused massive flooding in Bulacan," he added.
Alvarado said that he will reiterate his suggestion to President Aquino that the National Power Corporation, operator of Angat Dam be temporarily authorized by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to determine by itself the water level in Angat Dam only during the rainy season when rainfall is abundant so that water releases in Angat river can be planned and executed in anticipation of more rains to come without losing sight of the dam’s operational level of 210 meters.
“In this way, the outflow from Angat Dam is controlled and regulated in consideration of the inflow thus, avoiding a hurried spilling and consequently, the unwanted and unnecessary flooding of our low-lying areas and the heavy cost that it exacts in terms of lives and properties and lost business opportunities from our people,” Alvarado said
The Chief Executive is expected to visit and personally asses the situation in provinces in Northern and Central Luzon that were devastated by floods brought by typhoons "Pedring" and "Quiel."
Provincial administrator Jim Valerio said that floods have began subsiding in many villages in Calumpit and Hagonoy.
He said massive relief operations and medical missions are being conducted in the affected municipalities. (PNA)
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DRRMC remains on red alert status
MANILA, Oct. 4 (PNA) -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Tuesday it remains on red alert in anticipation of Tropical Storm “Ramon”.
NDRRMC executive director Benito Ramos said there were not enough search and rescue teams at the height of Typhoon “Pedring’s” onslaught but they were readier than ever for “Quiel” and “Ramon”.
Ramos also said they had intensified search, rescue and relief operations in the region that was hard hit by typhoons "Pedring" and “Quiel.”
He said floodwaters were slowly receding when he did an ocular inspection of the affected areas over the weekend.
Parts of Pampanga and Bulacan have been submerged in chest-deep water since Friday, with many residents sheltering on their roofs.
Meanwhile, Text Fire Philippines (TFP) sent fire trucks, water tankers for drinking water distribution and relief goods to evacuation sites in Calumpit, Bulacan as part of their voluntary efforts. (PNA)
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Army Dragon Boat Team joins rescue mission in flooded Central Luzon
MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) -- The newly-crowned World Dragon Boat Racing Champions, the Philippine Army Dragon Warriors Monday joined rescue missions in flood-stricken Bulacan and Pampanga areas.
Army deputy spokesman Major Harold Cabunoc led the champion paddlers in the rescue and relief operations.
Cabunoc said the team will make use of the actual dragon boat that they used in the recent world competition.
Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) president Marcia Cristobal has provided the boat which can accommodate 20 people.
“We fielded eight paddlers in the boat so that we can ferry 10 people at a time,” said Sgt. Usman Anterola, the team captain of the Dragon Warriors.
Cabunoc said that the 20-man rescue contingent is comprised of 10 Army dragon boat athletes and Dragon Warriors from the Philippine Air Force, the Coast Guard and civilians.
Army chief, Lt. Gen Arturo Ortiz has specifically directed the Army athletes to help in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) rescue and relief efforts.
The Dragon Warriors have volunteered their services Sunday after watching TV footages of hapless people trapped in the surging waters in the heavily flooded areas.
AFP Chief General Eduardo S.L. Oban Jr. said “the Dragon Warriors have already paddled to bring honor and glory for the country. Now they will paddle to save lives of many Filipinos in flood-stricken areas in Bulacan and Pampanga.”
“They will take risk to save and bring relief to their fellow countrymen who have been their source of inspiration and who have supported them paddled their way to victory in the last world competition,” Oban said. (PNA)
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Napocor denies Angat Dam causes massive flooding in Bulacan, Pampanga
MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) - The state-owned National Power Corp. (Napocor) on Monday denied allegations that Angat Dam caused the massive flooding in Bulacan and Pampanga.
Napocor said that one of the functions of a dam was to mitigate floods.
Napocor also said that it strictly followed established dam water release protocols during the onslaught of Typhoon "Pedring".
In a statement, the company said that the protocols it had been following were the same protocols that had been used and implemented during typhoon seasons when water levels in Angat Dam were expected to rise.
"The release of water from Angat Dam is a decision that rests not solely on National Power. It is a decision based on several contributory factors, primary of which are the weather and flood forecasts coming from the weather bureau. It is also dictated by standards and regulations set by the regulatory agency, specifically on the water levels that should be maintained in the dam," Napocor said.
As of 4 p.m. on Sept. 30, all gates in Angat Dam were closed. Inflow was 157 cubic meters (cms). Outflow through turbine discharge was 75 cms. Dam elevation was 213.08 meters above sea level (masl).
"The gates were closed to reduce the dam’s contribution to downstream flooding. The Angat River Basin or Watershed has an area of 586 sq.km, which only constitute about 5 % of the total area of the Pampanga River Basin or Watershed, that measures some 10,540 sq.km. Thus, it could not have caused the floodings now being experienced by areas in Bulacan," Napocor said.
It may be recalled that during the passage of Typhoon Pedring from Sept. 26 to 29, 2011, Napocor started the release of excess water from its Angat Reservoir at 4 p.m. on September 27 with an initial gate opening of one meter and an equivalent discharge of 120 cms.
"Dam Water Release Protocol dictates that once water level in Angat Dam reaches above 210 masl, the excess water should be discharged," Napocor said.
The statement further narrates that before the actual release was made, ample warnings as dictated by the protocol were undertaken by Napocor.
"The water level in Angat Dam at 1 PM, September 27, 2011 rose to 209.65 masl. National Power began releasing General Notices for Dam Water Release to the Office of the Governor of Bulacan and the local government units (LGUs) within the pathway of Angat River," Napocor said. (PNA)
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Bulacan towns isolated due to heavy flooding
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Oct. 1 (PNA) --Rising floodwater has isolated the coastal towns of Calumpit and Hagonoy where massive rescue and forced evacuation of affected residents continued on Saturday as government and disaster control officials brace for the onslaught of new typhoon Quiel.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said that even trucks can no longer reach the two heavily flooded towns.
Only watercraft can reach the submerged villages, the PDRRMO reported.
Watercraft from the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) and rubber boats from different rescue teams continued to extract trapped residents in heavily flooded village, most of which are submerged under five to 10 feet of floodwater.
Trapped residents are either clinging to trees or staying at rooftops.
NOLCOM chief Major General Jessie Dellosa said that aerial rescue operations have been momentarily halted due to bad weather conditions.
He said four helicopters are on stand-by and will resume rescue and relief operations once the weather improves.
Our rescue operations are ongoing with the use of watercraft and rubber boats. We are also continuously coordinating with the local government units to rescue the affected residents in Calumpit and Hagonoy, Dellosa said.
The PDRRMO reported that at least 16,774 families in Calumpit and 34,788 families in Hagonoy have been affected by the heavy flooding caused by back floods coming from Nueva Ecija and Pampanga and the release of waters from Angat dam, Ipo Dam and Bustos dam.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that the three dams had stopped releasing water Friday afternoon.
He earlier called the National Power Corporation, operator of Angat dam, to temporarily stop the release of water from the dam whose water rose to 213.18 meters as of 7:00 a.m. Saturday.
The governor also announced that the Sanguniang Panglalawigan has issued a resolution declaring the entire province of Bulacan under a “state of calamity.”
Alvarado said that typhoon Pedring has wrought massive devastation in many parts of the province.
The PDRRMO reported that 15 persons died, more than 500 houses destroyed and the number of families affected have reached 759,949.
The provincial board also cited that damage to agriculture have risen to P606,216,734.91 while damage to infrastructure was estimated at P137,400,000. (PNA)
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Provincial gov't urged to push through with district hospital plan
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Sept. 21 (PNA) - Residents from Candaba East are appealing to the provincial government to push through with its earlier plan to construct a district hospital here.
This came as Vice Mayor Daniel Gallardo said that the provincial government is temporarily withdrawing its plan to construct a public hospital in the East Plaza of the Tagalog Region of Candaba town.
Gallardo said the provincial officials disclosed that there is no available fund this year for the said purpose as it is not included in the annual investment plan of the province.
Another reason is that the land requirement of the Department of Health is at least one hectare, the vice mayor quoted the provincial government as saying.
It can be recalled that the provincial government led by Governor Lilia Pineda and other officials recently conducted a groundbreaking ceremony signaling the start of the construction of the district hospital.
The governor said the people in the Candaba East are in dire need of a public hospital as most of their patients are being taken to the private and public hospital in the nearby province of Bulacan.
"That is why we were very happy when we first heard that Governor Pineda has already started the realization of our hospital dream in simple ground breaking ceremony,” a resident here said.
Local folks here remembered that it was also part of the campaign promise of the governor.
"We are appealing to Governor Pineda to push through with the construction of the hospital here,” Tirso Sunga, a resident of Dulong Ilog in Candaba, said.
Vice mayor Gallardo proposed in the meantime the construction of a clinic to create an impression that the governor is bent on making true her campaign promise.
This, according to him, will stand until the provincial government finds a source of funds for the said construction.
Among the barangays that could benefit from the would-be hospital are Paligui, Bahay Pare, Dulong Ilog, Pulung Gubat, Barit, Tinajero, Mangga, Dalayap, Visal Sto. Nino, Visal Sto. Cristo, VIsal San Pablo, Pulong Plazan and Pangclara.
The Candaba Sangguniang Bayan has previously approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Jerry Pelayo to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the provincial government involving a parcel of land to be used as construction site for the hospital. (PNA)
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World’s largest dome-arena to rise in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Sept. 21 (PNA) –- The construction for the world’s biggest dome-arena was recently ground broke at Ciudad de Victoria, Bocaue town.
Named the Philippine Arena, the dome is a centerpiece project of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), which is expected to be completed within 30 months in time for the INC’s centennial celebration in 2014.
It has a seating capacity of 50,000 to 55,000, a floor area of 74,000 square meters and its domed roof is nearly 36,000 square meters which makes it the largest dome arena in the world.
The project, which is now starting its civil works, will be conducted in design-build process with an estimated construction value of US$ 212 million or a whopping P9 billion.
“At first, foreign consultants were shocked and could not believe in our plan to build such extremely large structure”, said Glicerio Santos Jr., general auditor of INC.
“Structural and architectural engineers, design planners and builders are fantastic team from world-renown Populous of Australia, Burro Happold of United Kingdom and Hanwha E & C Corporation of Korea”, he added.
Santos said that this early, a foreign company is dealing with INC to come up with a contract of holding international circus show in the arena.
According to Eduardo Manalo, Executive Minister of Iglesia Ni Cristo, the project is intended not only for their growing membership, major church gatherings and church centennial celebration.
“This is a dream come true for Eraño V. Manalo, whose vision in building the facility is to serve and share God’s blessings to the community -– local or international”.
“The Ciudad de Victoria where Philippine Arena is being constructed will also be the home to EGM Memorial Medical Center, New Era University Bulacan Campus, New Era University Sports Stadium Complex and EVM Convention Center, capable of holding wide range of events,” Manalo also said.
“When INC first contacted us, we didn’t know a lot about the Philippines. “We were astonished because the project is ambitious and unusual. It is twice bigger than Staple Center in Los Angeles, California with 21,000 sitting capacity and beating O2 Arena in London with 30,000 seaters,” said Andrew James, structural design consultant from Populous.
“It is our honor and privilege to be part of this magnificent project that was masterfully planned with fully-air conditioned building, Chris Sparrow, engineering consultant of Burro Happold, shared.
“The Philippine Arena is three times bigger than the Seoul Olympic Gymnastics Stadium, Korea’s largest indoor arena,” Kim Hyun-chung, CEO of Hanwha Engineering & Construction Corporation said.
Gracing the recent groundbreaking ceremony, along with Eduardo V. Manalo, INC officials and foreign consultants, were House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Senator Francis Escudero, Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, Bocaue Mayor Eduardo Villanueva Jr. and Sta. Maria Mayor Bartolome Ramos
House Speaker Belmonte said that the arena is the biggest in its kind, a phenomenal structure, historic and centerpiece project.
“I congratulate the Iglesia ni Cristo for setting-up the Philippine Arena at the center of Bulacan. Whatever development that Bocaue and Santa Maria will enjoy, it will cascade down to all barangays and will benefit the whole province and the country as well”. This is not just a wise decision to locate here but a manifestation of God’s blessing,” Alvarado said.
“We are very glad hosting this project. It will greatly help boost tourism in Bulacan. Ciudad de Victoria at the border of Bocaue and Santa Maria along North Luzon Expressway is a rain-fed area, that’s why land use conversion is not a big problem in fast tracking the project,” the governor added.
Mayor Ramos, for his part, lauded INC’s effort, saying it will create employment, livelihood opportunities and more economic activities for Bulakenyos.
It could be remembered that the Araneta Coliseum or the “Big Dome” in Cubao was once the world’s biggest indoor dome for having a dome-shape roof measuring 108 diameters.
It was beaten by Oita Stadium, also known as “The Big Eye” in Japan in 2001 for having a retractable roof measuring a diameter of 274 meters. In 2009, the Oita Stadium was beaten by the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas by just one meter. (PNA)
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NTC expects interconnection between PLDT and Globe in more areas
MANILA, Sept. 21 (PNA) -- The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) expects Globe Telecom and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) to activate local interconnection in seven more provinces and cities by the end of the year.
In a statement, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said the regulator expects the local interconnection between Globe and PLDT to be fully activated in Laguna, Quezon province, Bulacan, Bataan, Zamboanga City, Iloilo, and Nueva Ecija before the year ends.
Globe has urged the NTC to enforce rules on interconnection as PLDT refused to link with the Ayala-led telco.
Globe has been requesting PLDT for interconnection since 2006, but the country's largest telecom firm has yet to act on its request for interconnection in 31 provinces and cities.
“Local interconnection is a very touchy issue because even if it’s been mandated by law and by the government, it seems like it’s only Globe that wants to interconnect, and in some areas, just to get it done, we’ve had to seek for the intervention of the local government. But we are committed to getting this done even if we have to go locality by locality for the benefit of our subscribers,” Froilan M. Castelo, head for Corporate and Legal Services Group of Globe, said.
With local interconnection, residents of a certain province or area who call each other need not pay long distance charges.
"We look forward to activating and completing local interconnection in more provinces in the future,” Castelo said.
Pampanga is only the second area where Globe has completed its local interconnection services with PLDT, after activation of interconnection services took place in Davao City in July last year.
To date, there are over 30 provinces and cities nationwide awaiting for full interconnection between Globe and PLDT.
Meanwhile, the networks of Globe, Bayan Telecommunications (BayanTel) and Digitel Telecommunications Philippines (Digitel) have been 100 percent interconnected in all areas of common presence and operations nationwide since April this year.
The full interconnection among telecom companies in all areas of common operations is a mandate from the NTC, in compliance with Republic Act No. 7925, or the Public Telecommunications Policy Act of 1995.
The law aims to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network to encourage more infrastructure investments from the private sector that benefit consumers. (PNA)
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Trainer plane crashes in Bulacan; 2 Arab pilots cheat death
PULILAN, Bulacan, Sept. 21 (PNA) -- A student pilot and a pilot instructor from the United Arab Emirates cheated death as their two-seater Cessna plane crashed on a ricefield in Barangay Pinabatan here Wednesday afternoon.
The survivors were identified as one Karunakaran, student pilot, and one Alocbati, instructor pilot, according to initial reports received by Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr.
The aircraft took off at the Plaridel airfield in nearby Plaridel town before 12 noon Wednesday.
Mendez said that the two pilots were on a training flight on board a Cessna 152 aircraft, owned by AMA Air with body number RPC 7087, when the airplane suffered engine trouble.
Witnesses suspected that the pilot diverted the aircraft to the ricefield to avoid hitting residential or crowded areas. (PNA)
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Saulog Transit submits buses for LTFRB, LTO inspections
MANILA, Sept. 20 (PNA) --- After one of its buses figured in a road mishap last week, the Saulog Transit bus company decided to ground its buses to Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) inspectors to check the road worthiness of their buses.
Saulog general manager Droy J. Jalbuna said that the company was willing to have their buses checked by the agencies and have all its bus drivers get the necessary trainings and seminars on driving and road safety from the LTO.
“We will also follow all their technical and regulatory recommendations after that and we are a responsible company and keenly conscious of our obligations as the holder of a public utility franchise,” Jalbuna said in his statement. All the firm’s buses are grounded starting on Tuesday until the LTFRB suspension order is lifted.
Last Sept. 17, a Saulog bus, driven by Logie Parangat with the plate number DXN 467, was involved in an accident at the Bocaue – Sta. Rita stretch of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Bulacan.
The bus turned turtle along the NLEX, leaving three people dead identified as Candice Bondoc, Jenosheva Medina and Imelda Granada and 21 others injured.
Jalbuna said that they were deeply saddened by the NLEX accident last Saturday, especially the loss of human lives.
“Our priority after the tragedy was to attend to the needs of the dead and the injured. And do our own inquiry on what lead to the tragedy. So we can do whatever is required to be done to avoid a repeat of this tragedy,” he said adding this is the opportunity to apologize to our passengers for this temporary inconvenience.
To develop a culture of zero-accident within the company, Jalbuna said that the company had expressed policy of the new management that recently took over Saulog Transit Inc. as it acquired 80 new buses for a re-fleeting program.
“We want to make sure that every Saulog bus on the road is safe and roadworthy and deserving of its franchise. If we need to do more from our end to make our operations safer- and to be a better transport company - that is our full pre-occupation right now,” he said.
On Monday, the LTFRB served the suspension order on the operation of the Saulog Transit and will take effect for 30-days.
LTFRB chairman Jaime Jacob said that during the 30-day suspension, all their drivers would undergo drug test and seminar.
The LTFRB said the suspension would be used to inspect all buses used by Saulog to determine their road-worthiness. Drivers and company officials will also undergo road safety seminars.
The agency also ordered Saulog representatives to appear with the driver of the bus that figured in the accident during the hearing on the case on Sept. 22. (PNA)
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Transport groups in Bulacan vow not to join strike on Monday
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Sept.17 (PNA) --—There will be no transport strike in Bulacan on Monday, the provincial federation of transportation groups in Bulacan said on Saturday.
Jun “Batas” Pereda, president of the Panglalawigang Transportasyon ng Bulacan (PTB), said that their group will not join the planned transport strike set by militant transport associations on Monday.
Pereda, together with Malolos Transport Alliance president Reden Zamora, made the announcement during the weekly radio program “The Governor’s Hour,” hosted by Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and Bulakenyo broadcaster Rommel Ramos Saturday morning.
"We are supporting the calls of President Benigno Aquino III and Governor Alvarado. We will do our best to make sure that the transportation in the province would not be paralyzed. We already asked the different transport groups not to join the strike on Monday and they will support our call," Pereda said.
Alvarado welcomed the announcement of the leaders of PTB, saying that the provincial government was constantly talking with leaders of the transport group to help in addressing the problems of the transport sector in Bulacan.
"We believed with the PTB groups. We are expecting that the interest of the majority will prevail," the governor said.
Alvarado also said that the provincial government, the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, headed by Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., and the Provincial Public Safety Company under Supt. Fitz Macariola have contingency plans should problems arise.
Pereda also said that he would be coordinating with various transport groups, the provincial government and the Bulacan PNP to ensure that classes and work in the province will not be disrupted.(PNA)
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Aquino appoints Perlas-Bernabe as new Supreme Court Justice
MANILA, Sept. 16 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Estela Perlas-Bernabe as the newest Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Malacañang official said Friday.
“Today the President has announced the appointment of Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe as the new Associate Justice of the Supreme Court,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told a press conference in Malacañang.
Prior to her appointment, Bernabe was Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals since March 9, 2004.
She has served the Judiciary as Regional Trial Court Judge of Makati City from January 2000 to March 2004, Metropolitan Trial Court Judge of the same city from March 1996 to January 2000, and as Technical Assistant in the Office of the Court Administrator of the Supreme Court of the Philippines from 1977 to 1979.
She also worked in various private and government offices, namely, as Legal Assistant, Legal Department of China Banking Corp. (1979-1980); Senior Manager, Legal Department of Paramount Finance Corp. (1980-1987); Legal Manager and Corporate Secretary/ Legal Consultant of the National Home Mortgage and Finance Corp. (1990-1993); and Senior Partner of Bernabe Perlas Morte and Associates (1993-1996).
In 1999, she received the Best Written Decision Award for the Municipal/ Metropolitan Trial Court Level given by the Philippine Women Judges Association.
In October 2001, she represented the Philippine Judiciary as a scholar in the 5th International Workshop on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held in Seoul, Korea, where she delivered reports on the "Effective Administration of Criminal Justice" and "Probation Law in the Philippines."
Moreover, in recognition of her exemplary service, Bernabe was given the distinction of "Natatanging Babaeng Hukom" by the Municipality of Plaridel, Bulacan on March 3, 2003.
Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe completed her Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Banking and Finance magna cum laude at St. Paul College of Manila and earned her law degree from the Ateneo College of Law graduating as Class Salutatorian in 1976. She passed the bar examination in 1977 with a bar rating of 85.156 percent.
Born on May 14, 1952 in Plaridel, Bulacan, Justice Perlas-Bernabe is married to Atty. Ricardo C. Bernabe Jr., a lawyer/businessman from Malolos, Bulacan, with whom she has two children, Ericia and Ricardo III. (PNA)
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Gov't officials cite importance of Malolos Congress
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Sept. 15 (PNA) - City Mayor Christian D. Natividad on Thursday emphasized the significance of the Malolos Congress as he welcomed guests and government officials during the commemoration of its 113th anniversary at the patio of the historic Barasoain Church here.
Natividad said that the importance of the events that took place at the Barasoain Church on September 15, 1898, where the revolutionary congress was convened and began to draft the Malolos Constitution that gave credence to the declaration of Philippine Independence, is now being recognized by no less than President Benigno Aquino III.
He said that through Presidential Proclamation 246 issued by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Malacanang has declared September 15 as a “special non-working holiday” in the historic city of Malolos.
Natividad, in his welcome remarks, said that the sacrifice and heroism of Filipino patriots and revolutionaries headed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Philippine Republic, has pave the way for the freedom and independence the Filipino people is now enjoying.
The mayor, together with Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and other provincial officials earlier joined Makati Mayor Jejomar "Junjun" Binay Jr., who represented his father Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay, in the ceremonial offering of flower to the statue of General Aguinaldo.
Alvarado, on his part, said that the observance of the Malolos Congress anniversary should be made into a national holiday because of its importance to Philippine history.
He said that from blood, courage and wisdom of Filipino patriots and freedom fighters came the gifts of the revolution—-freedoms (blessings of the democratic system), rights (benefits of civil liberties) and responsibilities (brings well being to others).
He said that all Filipinos should stand together just like what the revolutionaries did and preserved the “fruits of freedom” and significance of the Malolos Congress. (PNA)
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PDEA testing kit can detect 4 types of dope
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Sept. 11 (PNA) -- Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director general Undersecretary Jose S. Guttierez Jr. on Saturday said the drug testing kit currently being used by the agency is capable of detecting four types of prohibited drugs and not just marijuana and shabu.
Guttierez said the drug testing kit --known as the immuno-assay kit and currently being used by the PDEA Laboratory Service-- is capable of identifying the presence of shabu, marijuana, ecstasy and cocaine that are predominantly most abused illegal drugs in the country.
Guiterrez said the laboratory results using this kit may be obtained in five minutes.
The PDEA director also shared the observation of Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy that there is a need to upgrade the capability of accredited drug testing centers.
However, he clarified that upgrading the capability of said drug-testing centers is beyond PDEA’s control.
The accreditation and over-all supervision of drug testing centers falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health (DOH).
On the other hand, the Integrated Drug Test Operating Manual and Information System (IDTOMIS) being used to facilitate issuance and renewal of driver’s license is being managed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The IDTOMIS form being filled-up by applicants only requires result of laboratory analysis for presence of shabu and marijuana.
Gutierrez said that PDEA can only recommend to DOH to require accredited drug testing centers to use the immuno-assay kit being used by PDEA.
For LTO, Gutierrez suggested it may possibly consider revising the IDTOMIS to include laboratory results for presence of ecstasy and cocaine.
He also emphasized the need to erase the negative perception that drug test results from accredited dope testing centers are being tampered with, to suit the purpose of individuals applying for issuance or renewal of driver’s license.
He also said it is imperative for mandated agencies to closely monitor the operations of these accredited centers to ensure the integrity of drug test results. (PNA)
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World-class Iglesia ni Cristo arena rising in Bulacan
By Joel C. Atencio
MANILA, Sept. 11 (PNA Feature) – A world-class arena with a seating capacity of 50,000 to 55,000 is under construction on a 52-hectare property owned by the influential Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) at the "Ciudad de Victoria" in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Prof. Medem Fadriquela of New Era University (NEU) High School Department in Quezon City said on Saturday the project is being undertaken by Hanwha Engineering and Construction Corp. of South Korea.
Fadriquela said the Korean firm won the contract to build the multipurpose project located in Barangay Duhat, Bocaue, Bulacan.
The estimated cost of completing the world-class project, to be called The Philippine Arena, is US$ 175 million (about P8 billion).
Fadriquela said that when completed, the 50,000- to 55,000-seat Philippine Arena would be twice as large as the famed Araneta Coliseum (now the Smart Araneta Coliseum) in Cubao, Quezon City which could sit 25,000.
Also known as the Big Dome, the Araneta Coliseum was once widely accepted as the world’s biggest indoor sports venue when it was constructed way back in the 1960s.
When The Philippine Arena is finished, it would be bigger than some of the world’s biggest like New York City’s Madison Square Garden (20,000 seats); Los Angeles’ Staples Center, which is home to multi-NBA champion team LA Lakers (21,000); and the O2 Arena in London (30,000).
The Philippine Arena owners have given the contractors to wind up the project by 2014, in time for the centennial celebration in July that year of the Iglesia ni Cristo, which commands tremendous followers not only in the Philippines but also in many other parts of the world.
Fadriquela said the complex aims to provide a wholesome gathering place for people and a venue for religious, entertainment, cultural and sporting events.
Several prefabricated materials of international standards are being used in the construction of the complex, which also includes a hospital and a university, Fadriquela said.
INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo led the groundbreaking in Bocaue last week for an infrastructure program consisting of the New Era Sports Complex, EVM Convention Center, New Era University-Bocaue Campus, EGM Medical Center and Music Center. (PNA Feature)
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Singkaban Fiesta 2011 kicks off in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Sept. 9 (PNA) - Bulakenyos on Thursday started celebrating the week-long “Singkaban Fiesta” with an array of activities showcasing the province’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
With the theme “Bulacan: Masaganang Lalawigang Pinanday ng Kasaysayan at Kabayanihan”, the annual Sining at Kalinangan ng Bulacan (Singkaban) festival kicked-off with a holy mass in front of the Capitol building, followed by a parade of colorful floats depicting the historic past of the province highlighted by the three republics — the Real de Kakarong Republic of Pandi, the Biak-na-Bato Republic of San Miguel and the Malolos Republic of Malolos City.
Provincial Administrator Jim Valerio said the Singkaban Fiesta, which was named after the beautifully carved bamboo arch that adorned colorful fiestas in Bulacan, will be observed province-wide, carrying the seven point agenda of Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado providing quality health services, livelihood opportunities, good governance, education, arts and culture, environment protection and peace and order.
Alvarado led the opening of the week-long exhibits which include Tatak Bulakenyo Trade Expo that showcases Tatak Bulakenyo products; Tatak Bulakenyo Negoskita which demonstrates the processes of fruit carving, paper making, etc. and Baro’t Hiyas ng Bulacan that showcases beautifully crafted and designed gowns, barongs and jewelry.
Other features of the week-long exhibits include the Antigo Bulakenyo: First Bulacan Antique Show; Bulacan Travel Mart; Dakilang Bulakenyo Exhibit which features Jose Rizal and other Bulakenyo heroes like Francisco Balagtas, Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Pio Valenzuela, Mariano Ponce, Maximo Viola and the Women of Malolos; Lakan Sining (Painting Exhibit) which features local artists who excel in different forms of arts.
Local artists and performers will also demonstrate their talents in the Sining sa Hardin nightly show and Noli Me Tangere, which will be performed by young actors from the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation. (PNA)
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BALIUAG, Bulacan, Sept. 6 (PNA) -- Police arrested a suspected member of a carnapping syndicate during an operation in Barangay Poblacion here Monday.
In a report to Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., the suspect was identified as John Dave, 31, single, jobless and resident of Sitio Bangka-Bangka, Barangay San Agustin, San Rafael town.
Prior to the arrest of the suspect, Supt. Fitz A. Macariola, commander of the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC), received a report from Inspector Joy Placido, PPSC 1st maneuver platoon leader, that one Euro X motorcycle with plate number 2491 RP was stolen by three unidentified suspects in Barangay Mabalasbalas, San Rafael early Monday morning.
Macariola said that a PPSC mobile team was dispatched to conduct follow-up operations where Dave was apprehended in Barangay Poblacion, Baliuag at around 8 a.m.
The two other suspects managed to evade arrest and escaped on board another motorcycle with unknown plate number.
Recovered from the possession of the arrested suspect were one motorcycle (black Euro without plate number) and one kitchen knife.
Macariola said that a follow-up operation is being conducted by PPSC personnel for the possible arrest of the two other suspects. (PNA)
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2 men nabbed for unlicensed firearms in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Sept. 6 (PNA) -- A welder who tried to earn extra cash landed in jail after selling an unlicensed firearm to a police detective in Barangay San Pedro, Bustos town Monday afternoon.
Chief Inspector Marlon R. Santos, Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT) provincial officer, identified the suspect as Danny Sison, 45, resident of said barangay.
Santos said their office received a tip that a certain “Danny” was looking for a buyer of a 9 m.m. pistol for P10,000.
He said a CIDT team led by P03 Rafael Bartolome arrested Sison after selling the unlicensed firearm with two magazines loaded with live bullets.
Meanwhile, a CIDT team conducting surveillance operations on the alleged hideout of a notorious robbery-holdup gang, arrested a man with a gun tucked on his waist while walking at a street in Barangay Sullivan, Baliuag town.
Santos identified the arrested suspect as Miguel Castro, 43, resident of said village.
He said CIDT operatives led by SP02 Aldam Kulayan were conducting surveillance on the safe house of the Lingasa robbery holdup group when they noticed a man walking with a gun tucked on his waist.
Kulayan introduced himself as a police officer and disarmed the man. When asked for gun documents, the suspect failed to present any. (PNA)
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GUIGUINTO, Bulacan, Sept. 5 (PNA) -- Five suspected burglars who robbed a pawnshop and cellular phone shop in this town recently, ended up in jail on Monday after selling some of their loots to the wrong buyer-- an undercover cop.
Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the suspects as Michael delos Santos alias “Michael”, 19; Jayson Fabian alias “Garapon”, 20; Orlando Manalo, 30, tricycle driver; Hitler Landayan alias “Bong”, 19, tricycle driver; and Jay Areglo alias “Jay-Jay”, 19 , single, all residents of Barangay Cut-cot here.
Mendez said the suspects are believed to be the perpetrators in the recent robbery of Remalyn Pawnshop and Cellphone Shop in Barangay Poblacion here that transpired between 10 p.m. of Aug. 31 to 7:30 a.m. of Sept. 1.
He said a tip from an informant led to the arrest of the suspects who wanted to dispose five units of cellular phones worth P5,000.
Based on the information provided by the informant, Supt. Miguel Atienza, Guiguinto police chief, conducted an entrapment operation using an undercover policeman as poseur buyer.
Recovered from the suspects were P3,000 marked money used in the entrapment operation, five units of cellular phones, assorted silver jewelries (four pieces of rings, two pieces of necklaces, one piece of bracelet and two cross pendants), one blue Racal motorcycle without plate number and one red Honda motorcycle with plate number 7724-PI.
Atienza said the cellular phones and the assorted silver jewelries recovered are included in the list/inventory of the items stolen from Remalyn Pawnshop and Cellphone Shop.
The suspects are now under the custody of the Guiguinto police station. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops nab 'extortionist' masseur
PLARIDEL, Bulacan, Sept. 1 (PNA) -- A masseur was arrested by the police while allegedly extorting money from a United States-based disc jockey during an entrapment operation at the Waltermart Mall in Barangay Tabang here Wednesday afternoon.
Chief Inspector Marlon R. Santos, provincial officer of the Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT), identified the arrested suspect as Randy Agramon, 33, single, resident of Barangay Bagong Silang here.
Santos said Peter Leynes, 36, a vacationing overseas Filipino working as a disc jockey in the U.S. and native of Barangay Tarug, Mogpog, Marinduque, went to their office and sought police assistance after he was referred by Senior Supt. Christopher Laxa, CIDG deputy director for operations.
He said Leynes complained that Agramon called him through his mobile phone, demanding P30,000 for the return of his “stolen” external hard drive containing thousands of music collections, songs and an Apple iphone worth P35,700.
Leynes said the sophisticated gadgets are very valuable in his job as DJ in the U.S.
The victim added that the suspect instructed him to deliver the P30,000 at the LBC branch inside the Waltermart mall.
Santos formed a team and set up a dragnet after collating the details provided by Leynes. The CIDT team arrested Agramon after receiving the P30,000 marked money from the victim.
Bulacan CIDT chief investigator SP03 Paquito Guillermo said the team recovered the marked money used in the entrapment, the external hard drive containing the songs and music collections of the victim and the Apple iphone.
Guillermo said that Leynes positively identified Agramon as the person who rendered massage service to him at a hotel in Malate, Manila sometime last week. When he woke up, his belongings were gone, Leynes told investigators.
A case for robbery-extortion was filed against the suspect before the Bulacan Provincial Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, Guillermo said. (PNA)
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Bulacan prov’l govt provides financial assistance to OFWs
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 17 (PNA) -- The provincial government on Tuesday provided financial assistance to 115 repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Libya.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the program aims to help repatriated OFWs to start their own businesses by providing them necessary trainings and financial assistance in the form of loan.
The displaced Bulakenyo OFWs, who submitted their project proposal at the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO), were given the opportunity to apply for P10,000 to P50,000 soft loan.
With a grace period of six months, the mode of payment can be made monthly, quarterly or semestral, depending on the preference of the OFW.
"Going out of the country by our constituents is just an option. We are providing them programs where they can do business here in our province so that they no longer have to leave their families and loved ones to work abroad," Alvarado said.
Aside from financial assistance, the provincial government has also provided to the OFWs stress management, job referrals, skills training, and college scholarships for their children. (PNA)
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Robbers abandon hijacked truck due to 'defective' gears
GUIGUINTO, Bulacan, Aug. 14 (PNA) -- Frustrations gripped a group of hijackers when the trailer truck they just hijacked “conked out,” forcing them to abandon it and its cargoes at the shoulder lane of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Barangay Tabe here Saturday morning.
Senior Superintendent Fernando H. Mendez Jr., Bulacan acting police director, said that at around 2:30 a.m. Saturday, a security patrol team of the NLEX informed the Guiguinto police station that a trailer truck was found abandoned along the shoulder lane of NLEX (northbound) within the vicinity of Barangay Tabe.
Mendez said a police team went to the area and found a white 18-wheel trailer truck, with body No. TKT-40 and registered to F.F. Cruz & Co. Inc. of No. 800 Epifanio Delos Santos Ave. (EDSA), Quezon City.
The truck was loaded with 20 to 25 tons of steel bars worth approximately P600,000 and three drums of diesel duel valued at P9,000.
All the cargoes, including the diesel fuel, were found intact, Mendez added.
Investigators said the truck was hijacked earlier along the Guiguinto portion of the NLEX.
Truck driver Edwin Faculanan, 43, married and a resident of Barangay Cardona, Gerona, Tarlac, and his helper, Joel Pagador, 23, single and a resident of Barangay Sirang, Pili, Camarines Sur told investigators they were cruising along the NLEX portion of Guiguinto on their way to Aparri, Cagayan when a white Mitsubishi L300 (with blinkers) with about eight unidentified men wearing “police T-shirts” and black jackets on board forced them to stop and get out of the truck.
The duo were later dumped in Mexico, Pampanga.
As to the possible reason why the hijackers were not able to take the truck, the driver said they (hijackers) probably were not able to drive the vehicle as its gear shift is defective and is difficult to operate.
There is a special technique in shifting the truck’s gear and if the person who will drive it does not know it, it will be difficult to make the truck move, the driver added. (PNA)
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Bulacan to commemorate 433rd founding anniversary
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 12 (PNA) - The province of Bulacan will commemorate its 433rd founding anniversary on August 15.
The provincial government will lead the commemoration with a holy mass at 7 a.m. Monday, to be followed by a program that will highlight the rich cultural and historical heritage of the province.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, Vice Governor Daniel Fernando and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will lead the offering of flowers at the monument of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar and the unveiling of activities for the week-long celebration of the Singkaban Fiesta.
Senate President Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile is expected to grace the event as the guest of honor along with Dr. Ma. Serena I. Diokno, president of the National Historical Institute of the Philippines.
It was declared as a non-working holiday in Bulacan based on the new provincial administration code.
Bulacan was established as a province on Aug. 15, 1578. (PNA)
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MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 12 (PNA) — Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has enjoined local government units (LGUs) anew to wage a concerted effort to curb the rising number of dengue cases as he ordered a massive clean-up drive in every city and municipality of the province.
“Let us maintain the cleanliness of our province. A clean environment drives away the different threats to health. A clean surrounding reflects on every citizen and public servant,” Alvarado said.
Based on the data from the Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO), the number of dengue cases reached 2,086 from the January to August this year.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Jocelyn Gomez said that the recent data show a four-fold increase compared to 536 cases in the same period last year.
Gomez said the remarkable increase of dengue cases were noted in the towns and cities who have high population and have more resettlement sites.
These include the cities of San Jose Del Monte and Malolos and the municipalities of Sta. Maria, Calumpit and San Miguel.
Gomez said the surge in the dengue cases started on the second week of June this year, unlike in the past that usually starts in the months of July and September.
She cited the early coming of rainy season as one of the reasons.
She also said that as compared in the past, they are receiving more reports of dengue cases this year.
Last year, Gomez said, only eight hospitals reported dengue cases as against this year’s more than 100 hospitals, including private and some clinics in the province.
“We also have to consider the free medical services provided by the provincial government. Before, there were some dengue patients that were not reported as they were not hospitalized due to economic reasons,” she added.
However, Gomez said there is a continuous clean-up drive in every village and school, with every breeding ground of mosquitoes being purged.
She said there is also an ongoing information drive for residents to understand how to fight and control the spread of dengue. (PNA)
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Bulacan CIDT agents bust gunrunner, dope dealer
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 11 (PNA) -- Police detectives busted an alleged gunrunner and a suspected drug dealer with a handgun during a series of operations here and in Sta. Maria town Wednesday.
Chief Inspector Marlon R. Santos, provincial officer of the Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT), identified the arrested suspects as Jay Leon Capili, 35, resident of Barangay San Jose Patag, Sta. Maria and Reynaldo Catanghal, 48, resident of Barangay Pio Cruzcosa, Calumpit, Bulacan.
Santos said a CIDT team conducted an operation in Barangay San Jose Patag after receiving information that Capili, an alleged gun runner, was looking for a buyer of a handgun.
He said P03 Bartolome arrested Capili shortly after selling a snub nose .38 cal revolver with five bullets to a CIDT poseur buyer.
Catanghal, on the other hand, was arrested by a CIDT team led by SP01 Aldam Kulayan during a buy bust operation conducted, in coordination with the regional office of the Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Santos said the team seized two plastic sachet of shabu from the suspect, who also yielded an unlicensed .38 cal revolver with five live bullets when frisked.
Bulacan CIDT chief investigator SP03 Paquito Guillermo said the suspects and evidences were brought to the Bulacan PNP Crime Laboratory at the provincial police headquarters in Camp Gen. Alejo Santos for examinations.
He said appropriate charges will be filed against the suspects. (PNA)
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Lawyer dies defending Guiguinto mayor
GUIGUINTO, Bulacan, Aug. 10 (PNA) -- Up to the end, the legal officer of the municipal government here still shines as the town’s modern hero.
Lawyer Edwin Cerezo died of a single bullet wound after a security aide of Mayor Isagani Pascual ran amuck and went on a shooting rampage inside the mayor’s office here Tuesday afternoon.
Mayor Pascual himself escaped death only after his other security men gunned down the drunk security aide, who was identified as Danny Bana.
Two other security aides of Pascual -- P01 Michael Mendoza and Eduardo Brijino, and civilian staff Antonio Safrino were also wounded.
Police said Bana, who was reeking in liquor and brandishing a 9-mm pistol went to the mayor’s office at the second floor of the municipal building at around 3:00 pm Tuesday.
Pascual's security aides tried to prevent him from entering the mayor’s office but instead of heeding them, Bana opened fire.
Police investigators said Bana managed to gain entry to the mayor’s office where Pascual and Cerezo were then having a discussion.
Police said Cerezo tried to cover Pascual and was trying to pacify Bana but the latter shot him, hitting him on the chest. Cerezo died while undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.
Cerezo was the legal officer who worked for the case of the municipal government seeking back-taxes and other regulatory fees amounting to millions of pesos from the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), operator of the North Luzon Expressway, which has now three toll gates in this town.
Just a month ago, Judge Wilfredo T. Nieves of the Regional Trial Court – Branch 84, ruled that the tollways operator has no tax exemption privilege under the Supplemental Toll Operation Agreement (STOA) and ordered the company to pay its back taxes, other lawful fees and assessments to the municipality of Guiguinto. (PNA)
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Two robbers killed in Bulacan shootout
PULILAN, Bulacan, Aug. 9 (PNA) -- Police killed two suspected members of a robbery hold-up gang during a shootout at a gasoline station in Barangay Cutcut here Monday night.
Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., said police investigators are still determining the identities of the two slain suspects, who died on the spot after exchanging gunfire with a police team.
Mendez said the two suspects, who were riding tandem on a motorcycle, arrived at the Petron gas station and bought P20 worth of gasoline at around 10:30 pm Monday.
Mendez said that after several minutes the duo announced a hold-up but before they can get away with the loot a gasoline boy informed the Pulilan Police Station about the incident.
The Bulacan police director said a police mobile team spotted the fleeing suspects who, upon seeing the police car, opened fire at the lawmen.
Mendez said the police car was hit twice prompting lawmen to return fire, killing the two suspects.
Police recovered two .38 cal revolvers, a motorcycle and the stolen cash money from the suspects.
Police said the suspects could be members of a robbery-hold-up gang victimizing gasoline stations and other commercial establishments. (PNA)
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Bulacan gov to lead inauguration of new medical building
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 3 (PNA) - Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado will lead the inauguration of a two-storey building equipped with medical apparatus at the Gregorio Del Pilar District Hospital (GDPDH) in Barangay Bagumbayan, Bulakan town on Friday.
"We are committed to provide the highest quality of medical services and caring for the Bulakenyos, that is why we continuously upgrade and expand our district hospitals. Aside from that, we are planning to build more district hospitals in the municipalities of Angat, Obando, Pandi and Norzagaray,” Alvarado said.
Dr. Angelito Trinidad, chief of GDPDH, said the new building will hold the emergency room, operating room, labor and delivery room, recovery room, and three bed air-conditioned PhilHealth ward. It also contains new equipment such as five stretcher beds, operating room lights, delivery tables and an anesthesia machine.
“The expansion of the hospital helps for more accessible and wider area to accommodate our patients. We now have a larger neonatal intensive care unit and nursery, and a mini-conference room for the employees,” Trinidad said.
Aside from the inauguration, the signing of a usufruct agreement between the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) and municipal government of Bulakan will take place as part of the formal turnover of the new building.
GDPDH has a 25-bed capacity and started operating in 1979 under the management of the PGB. (PNA)
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DAR turns over P13.5-M post-harvest facility to Bulacan farmers
PANDI, Bulacan, Aug. 2 (PNA) -– The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has recently turned over a P13.5 million post-harvest facility to the farmer-beneficiaries of 3M3BC agrarian reform community (ARC) in Barangay Bunsuran here.
The 240-square meter facility, which was constructed inside the vicinity of the Manatal Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC), will serve as the trading center for palay for 695 farmers of 3M3BC ARC and some 400 farmers more who are members of the cooperative in Magiting ARC cluster.
Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio Delos Reyes led the recent turnover ceremony of the warehouse which could store 10,000 cavans of palay and its 780 sq. m. concrete surrounding would serve as solar dryer for the farm yields.
Delos Reyes learned that Manatal MPC will be the consolidator and marketing arm of the farmer-beneficiaries to ensure higher price of their farm produce.
“The Manatal MPC has a marketing tie-up with eight rice traders in different municipalities of Bulacan whose total annual market demand is 1,292,040 cavan supply of palay on daily basis,” he said.
The palay warehouse, constructed under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project phase III (ARISP III), is funded under Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA) with the other funds shouldered by local government of Bulacan and by the Manatal MPC. (PNA)
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Ipo Dam starts releasing water due to heavy rains
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 2 (PNA) -– The Ipo Dam on Tuesday started releasing water to prevent the dam from overflowing and further cause floods in downstream communities in the province.
Continuous heavy rains since Monday night, which the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said was due to southwest monsoon, prompted the dam officials to open the gates of the Ipo Dam.
Engineer Mario Rodriguez, plant manager of Ipo Dam, said that at around 4 a.m. Tuesday, the dam began releasing water at 46 cubic meters per second.
Rodriguez said there was an abrupt rise in the water elevation at the Ipo Dam due to heavy rains.
As of 5 a.m. Tuesday, the water level at the Ipo dam is 100.19 meters which is very near its spilling level of 100.7 meters.
"We are expecting the water level at the Ipo Dam to rise due to continuous rains. That’s why we are releasing water gradually in order not to overflow," he said.
He assured residents living near the dam that the release of water is only minimal and would not cause Angat River to overflow. (PNA)
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Suspension of mining activities near Biak na Bato urged
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 2 (PNA) -- The provincial government, through the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), will recommend to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) the suspension of the mining activities in the mountains of Dona Remedios Trinidad which threaten the pristine beauty of the historic Biak-na-Bato national park
BENRO chief Rustico “Teddy” de Belen made the move after leading an inspection team organized by Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado at the mining site of Ore Asia in Barangay Camachin, Dona Remedios Trinidad (DRT) last Saturday.
According to De Belen, due to “irresponsible mining activities in the said area, the provincial government of Bulacan, through the BENRO, will take all appropriate legal steps to ensure environmental protection and public safety.”
De Belen said there is a clear absence of mining design as shown by the magnitude of sporadic and unplanned mining activities in the area that covers more than 20 hectares of rainforest.
He also said that there are also evidence of soil erosion, mudslides and siltation in the area, particularly along the Bakal creek leading to the Balaong river that can cascade down to the Biak-na-Bato national park.
He also said there is no indication of any rehabilitation program pursuant to an approved mine rehabilitation and decommissioning plan.
Governor Alvarado sent the inspection team after church leaders and concerned citizens complained that massive environmental destruction is taking place at the mining site. (PNA)
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DOJ chief cites Bulacan for promoting the goals of 5 pillars of justice
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Aug. 1 (PNA) - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Monday lauded the provincial government for spearheading a concerted effort in promoting the goals of the five pillars of justice with special focus on environment protection and respect for human rights.
De Lima was the guest of honor and speaker during the kick-off ceremony of the “5 Pillars of Justice Month” with the theme “Katarungan at Kalikasan sa Maunlad at Luntiang Lalawigan ng Bulacan” held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here Monday morning.
“Justice is never found in courtroom alone when it comes to the protection of environment. It is everybody’s concern and most of the times the scope is much broader in raising environmental awareness,” she said.
An advocate of human rights, the Justice secretary also hailed the programs being implemented by Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado in bringing justice and respect to human rights down to the grassroots level especially to the poor.
De Lima also cited the excellent management of the Bulacan Provincial Jail (BPJ).
“Among the prison institutions that I had visited, I saw a unique culture of discipline and cooperation inside the BPJ which promotes real reforms of the detainees,” she said.
She also admired the initiative of the five pillars of justice in Bulacan by integrating one pillar to another in creating concrete solutions for the problems, particularly in the grassroots level.
“Justice and environment concerns are the pressing issues in the society, and it is very timely to create programs like this,” she added.
Alvarado, for his part, said that it is vital to make a strong foundation of the justice system and it involves the cooperation of all sectors to execute laws with fairness and respect to human rights in accordance with the mandate of the Philippine Constitution.
The five pillars are composed of the prosecutor’s office headed by Fiscal Alfredo Geronimo; Philippine National Police headed by Police Senior Superintendent Fernando Mendez Jr.; Regional Trial Court headed by Judge Renato Francisco; Probation and Parole Office/Provincial Civil Security and Jail Management Office (PCSJMO) and Provincial Government of Bulacan led by Governor Alvarado.
Meanwhile, the activities scheduled for this month-long celebration include livelihood and training seminar for the families of the provincial jail’s detainees and a series of seminars about Katarungang Pambarangay, environmental laws, extortion, correction of entries, small claims, violence against women and children, Dangerous Drug Act, and execution of compromise agreement within the barangay level. (PNA)
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Tension grips Bulacan mining site
DONA REMEDIOS TRINIDAD, Bulacan, July 31 (PNA) --Security forces of a big mining firm failed to prevent an inspection team sent by Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado to verify alleged destructive mining practices at the rainforest along the Sierra Madre mountain range in Barangay Camachin here last Saturday morning.
A tension- filled standoff ensued when a man, who claimed to be the chief security officer of Ore Asia Mining Development Corp., refused to let the team, headed by lawyer Rustico “Teddy” de Belen, chief of the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), enter the 20 hectares of rainforest where iron ores are being extracted.
De Belen was accompanied by representatives of the Sagip Sierra Madre Environment Society, a team from the Provincial Public Affairs Office, the Provincial Public Safety Company, the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, troops from the Philippine Army and a group of mediamen.
De Belen told the security officer, who refused to tell his name, that they were sent by Governor Alvarado to inspect the mining site after several environmental groups and some Catholic priests complained that massive destruction of the rainforest are taking place at the mining site.
The security officer told De Belen, Provincial Public Affairs Office chief Maricel Santos-Cruz and Supt. Fitz Macariola, commander of the Bulacan PPSC, that they cannot enter the site because they did not inform the resident manager of OAMDC — a certain Mr. Te — of their inspection.
"We were instructed by the Governor to look for the condition of the forests under the jurisdiction of Bulacan. What's inside the mining site and you are not allowing us to see the place. We will push through with the governor's directive to look for this place," de Belen firmly told the security officer who was then being backed-up by heavily armed security guards.
Macariola told the security officer that they were just obeying the order of the governor and the team proceeded, braving rains and a long stretch of muddy mountain trails leading to the mining site.
De Belen said that there appeared to be no clear mining system, which severely destroying the rainforest where several old trees were also cut.
He said that they will ask the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to temporarily stop the mining operation at the site until the company complies with environmental regulations in order to protect the rainforest. He added that the DENR was the one that issued permit to Ore Asia, thru the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA).
Martin Francisco, chairman of the Sagip Sierra Madre Environment Society, said that the firm is wantonly mining iron ores without rehabilitating the area where many trees have already been cut.
Franscisco also said that they did not see any water treatment ponds, which could threaten the water system in the area that could also result to possible lead poisoning.
He also noted that workers are not equipped with proper gears and that there were also children seen gathering iron ores.(PNA)
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Sen. Estrada calls public to pray for speedy recovery of CGMA
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, July 30 (PNA)-- Senator Jinggoy Estrada has called on residents of this historic capital city to pray for the speedy recovery of former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapacagal Arroyo, who underwent surgery Friday.
Estrada made his message during the State of The City Address (SOCA) of Mayor Christian D. Natividad held at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center here Friday afternoon.
“Let us pray for our former president as her condition is delicate,"Estrada said.
The senator said he wanted the former president to fully recover so that she could face the various charges filed against her, just like his father, former President Joseph Estrada who faced all the charges against him.
Estrada, who was the guest of honor and speaker at the SOCA, hailed the city mayor for preserving and uplifting the rich cultural and historical significance of the great city of Malolos, which is now being referred as a booming “renaissance city” in the country.
Estrada said the city of Malolos has a special place in his heart not only because they have their roots here but it was also here, at the historic Barasoian Church where his father took his oath as President of the Republic.
Meanwhile, Natividad said that his administration is prioritizing the immediate needs of his constituents, particularly the health and education of the citizens of Malolos. (PNA)
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Bulakenyos celebrate the first 'Fishtahan sa Bulacan'
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, July 29 (PNA) - Heavy rains did not dampen the spirit of the hundreds of Bulakenyos who participated in the first-ever “Fishtahan sa Bulacan 2011, Araw ng Yamang Palaisdaan” at the mini forest of the capitol grounds here on Thursday.
The event was spearheaded by the provincial government, in collaboration with the Integrated Services for the Development of Aquaculture (ISDA).
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado fully supported the first-ever fish celebration in the province as part of his effort to boost the aquaculture industry in the province.
This is response to the fish kill issue and at the same time, to give aid to the local fishermen of the province, Alvarado said.
He also encouraged his fellow Bulakenyos to support the cause of the event that would pave way for the development of the aquaculture industry.
“We must be proud. Similar to our history, let us all be proud with our rich marine resources," the governor added.
The newly-elected officers of ISDA, headed by its president Joselito Lacap, also vowed to boost the local fishery industry by applying modern technology and strategy.
Lacap expressed his gratitude to the Department of Science and Technology for the pledged storage plant and cooling facility, which are expected to give big help to the industry.
A total of 250 kilos each of milkfish and tilapia were grilled by participants led by Alvarado and Vice Governor Daniel R. Fernando.
After grilling, they delightedly ate the grilled fish, along with some guests and local residents here. (PNA)
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1st Bulacan Youth Summit slated July 29-30
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, July 28 (PNA) - Some 4,000 students here are expected to join the 1st Bulacan Youth Summit organized by the provincial government.
The event, which was sponsored by Globe Telecom, will be held on July 29-30 at the Bulacan Capitol gymnasium in this city.
Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said the provincial government is committed to making programs that will "develop the skills, talents and values of our young generation."
“Investing for the future means investing in our youth, Through this summit, we aim that youth will become more aware about what is happening in their communities and encourage their participation as well,” Alvarado said.
Renowned personalities will serve as resource speakers in the two-day summit.
Senator Loren Legarda will give light about how the youth can take part in diminishing the effects of climate change.
Broadcasters Pia Hontiveros, Charie Villa and Vangge Giorgetti of ABS-CBN will discuss how media can be a catalyst for social change.
Moreover, film director Brillante Mendoza will also teach the participants on how to be more observant and mindful about the condition of the society.
Aside from the interesting topics to be discussed, the two-day summit also includes workshops such as photography, dance and music, bartending, tech and gadgets, personality development, speech communications, and film making.
The registration fee costs P150 inclusive of meals, a training kit, a Globe SIM card and P130 worth of prepaid load.
The summit will conclude with a concert featuring the band Itchyworms which is open for all. Loading P20 in their Globe SIM card will serve as the students' entry ticket to the said concert. (PNA)
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Bulacan on full alert vs tropical storm Juaning
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, July 27 (PNA) - Disaster management officials and personnel from concerned agencies are closely monitoring the situation in various towns here since the province was placed under storm warning signal No. 2.
Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said all the rescue groups together with the members of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) have been deployed in their areas of responsibilities.
“We are preparing for the worst but we are praying that tropical storm Juaning would not adversely affect Bulacan and also the country,” Alvarado said.
He said the provincial government has prepared 14,000 bags of relief goods - a sign of preparedness of the province in times of disaster.
Rowena Joson-Tiongson, head of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), said the relief goods and the evacuation centers in the province are all set.
Employees of the PSWDO are on a 24-hour standby in their respective area of assignment in case their services are needed, Tiongson said.
Provincial administrator Jim Valerio also said that the personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways are now in their area of assignment to help in road cleaning operation.
"Aside from being on alert status, all the rescue groups and MDRRMC are now in place and we formed communication pipeline wherein our employees have divided responsibilities to fully concentrate in monitoring the situation in every municipality and barangay in the province," Valerio said.
Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association president Jun Perreda also offered help to assist in reporting road obstruction of any disaster-related incidents. (PNA)
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Bulakenyos to celebrate 1st "Fishtahan sa Bulacan"
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, July 26 (PNA) -- Fish will literally flood the Bulacan capitol grounds on July 28 as Bulakenyos celebrate the first "Fishtahan sa Bulacan, Araw ng Yamang Palisdaan"
The activity to be held at the Mini-Forest, Capitol Compound in this city, aims to promote the fish industry in the province and to prove that fish such as bangus (milkfish) and tilapia from Bulacan are safe for consumption.
"We will do this activity as a way to help our fishermen in the province and to create public awareness that the fish coming from here are safe to eat," Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said.
The program will kick off at 9 a.m. through an intermission number to be followed by the welcome remarks of Vice Governor Daniel Fernando.
An audio-visual presentation about the proper way of breeding the fish, particularly bangus, will be shown, starting from the preparation of fishponds until it reaches the market.
Alvarado will give message that would further emphasize the importance of fish industry in the province. These will be followed by the oathtaking of the members of Integrated Services for the Development of Aquaculture (ISDA).
Jim Valerio, Bulacan provincial administrator, said one of the highlights of Fishtahan sa Bulacan is the grilling of bangus and tilapia to be eaten simultaneously by the guests and other attendees.
"As an added delight, we will give bangus as raffle prizes to those who will attend the event," Valerio said.
Officials from the government agencies, owners of restaurant, catering and supermarkets, fishpond operators, feeds manufacturers, market vendors cooperatives, are expected to grace the event.(PNA)
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A 5.9–magnitude quake hits Zambales
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 26 (PNA) -– A strong earthquake struck some parts of Luzon early Tuesday morning.
Based on the data from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) seismic station based in Magalang town, a magnitude 5.9 temblor was recorded off 35 kilometers south west of Iba, Zambales at 1:15 a.m. and was felt in other areas in Luzon, including Manila.
The quake, which Phivolcs noted as tectonic in nature, has a depth of 30 kilometers.
The Phivolcs reported that the quake was also felt in the following areas: Intensity 4 - Clark, Pampanga; Quezon City; Manila; Alabang, Muntinlupa; Bacoor, Cavite; Obando, Bulacan; Intensity 3 - Tagaytay; Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; Makati; Pasig; Taguig; Mandaluyong; and Intensity 2 - Baguio City.
The Philvolcs also reported that aftershocks were felt up to surrounding towns in Pampanga, Nueva Ecija and the cities of Manila, Makati, Quezon in Metro Manila and Bacoor in Cavite.
There were no reported damages or casualties in the affected areas. (PNA)
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Killers of Bulacan veterinarian fall
SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan, July 21 (PNA) -- Police arrested three suspected members of a notorious robbery-holdup gang during a series of pursuit operations several hours after robbing and killing a 50-year old veterinarian in Barangay San Jose here last Monday morning.
Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez identified the arrested suspects as Edwin Lumibao, 29, married, resident of Barangay Pambuan, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija; Richard Parayao, 33, single, jobless, resident of Barangay Poblacion, San Miguel, Bulacan and Michael Dan Javier, 32, married, jobless and a resident of Barangay Mangino, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija.
Mendez said that last Monday morning, the victim identified as Dr. Orlando Roura, 50, married, veterinarian, and a resident of Barangay San Jose, was about to board his car parked in front of his clinic when an unidentified armed suspect approached him, poked a gun on his side and grabbed his belt bag containing an undetermined amount of cash.
The victim allegedly resisted prompting the suspect to shoot him. The gun man and his two unidentified companions then escaped on board a red Kawasaki Bajaj without plate number.
The victim was brought to De Vera Hospital in the said village but he died later while undergoing treatment.
Mendez said several witnesses interviewed by police investigators disclosed that the suspects’ get away motorcycle was seen across the clinic as early as 7 a.m. last Monday.
He said the San Miguel police Station headed by Supt. Marcos Rivero conducted hot pursuit operation in Barangay Pambuan, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, in coordination with Gapan City Police Station, that resulted in the arrest of Lumibao where police recovered one Nokia cellular phone model 2330C.
Later, the family of the victim identified the cellular phone as the one taken from Roura when he was robbed.
This was further confirmed when the serial number of the cellular phone indicated on the box and on the cellular phone itself, matched.
Mendez said that the following day the San Miguel police again conducted follow-up operations that resulted in the arrest of Parayao and Javier.
A criminal complaint for robbery with homicide was filed against the arrested suspects and five others who are still at large, before the Provincial Prosecutors Office in Malolos City.
Mendez said that the early arrests of the principal suspects is a result of the close cooperation between the members of the community and the police. (PNA)
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Bulacan town found "goldmine" in back taxes from tollway firm
GUIGUINTO, Bulacan, July 21 (PNA) -- Like what its name implies, this booming garden town has found a virtual “goldmine” after the Bulacan Regional Trial Court (RTC) dismissed two suits filed by the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) and ordered the company to pay its back taxes, other lawful fees and assessments.
The revenue “windfall” might spread to other towns and cities that are also hosting toll plazas of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Mayor Isagani Pascual said after the municipal government got the favorable decision from the court.
Pascual was referring to the back taxes like mayor’s permit, business taxes, building permits, other fees and deficiency taxes that may be assessed to MNTC, the owner and operator of the NLEX, after the Bulacan RTC here ruled last week that the toll plazas of MNTC are “branches and sales outlets” that are subject to payment of local business taxes.
“Do some digging and quarry the goldmine in your backyard!” Pascual said as he encouraged other local chief executives to study the Guiguinto case.
The precedent-setting verdict was contained in a nine-page consolidated decision penned by Bulacan RTC Branch 84 Judge Wilfredo Nieves, who ruled that MNTC has no tax exemption privilege under the Supplemental Toll Operation Agreement (STOA).
The court ordered the tollways operator to pay the assessments of the municipality of Guiguinto amounting to some P70 million.
The case stemmed from two civil complaints filed last February 2 and 9, 2009 by MNTC seeking to prevent Guiguinto town from collecting permit fees under the National Building Code amounting to P2,283,474; unpaid mayor’s permit and other regulatory fees in the amount of P33,498 from January 2004 to January 2008; and business taxes and deficiencies for the year 2005 to 2007 in the amount of P67,443,765.
The tax assessments were contained in two notices sent by Guiguinto to MNTC on September 12 and October 14, 2008.
In response, the MNTC made two protest letters contesting the assessments of back taxes but these were denied by Guiguinto which threatened to collect the unpaid taxes or close the MNTC offices in their town.
Guiguinto legal counsel Atty. Edwin Cerezo said the ruling of Judge Nieves is a welcome development to other towns and cities along the North expressway route to assert their power, under the Local Government Code, to tax the toll plazas they are hosting.
Meanwhile, MNTC vice president for Corporate Communication Marlene Ochoa told local newsmen that: “we are just awaiting clear guidelines from the Department of Finance to help us determine the proper allocation of local business taxes among the LGUs along NLEx. As of now, we pay 100 percent of our taxes in Caloocan City. If the government so deems that we spread the payment of taxes among the LGUs, we will so abide.”
Ochoa said MNTC’s principal place of business is in Balintawak and they paid some P40 million in taxes to the city treasurer of Caloocan last year.
Mayor Pascual said they are just awaiting the finality of the Bulacan RTC ruling before they make their next move to recover the back taxes owed them by MNTC. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops nab rapist-robber of 13-year old girl
SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan, July 20 (PNA) -- Police arrested a tricycle driver who raped, slashed the throat and robbed a 13-year old girl at a public cemetery in Barangay Sibul here Monday night.
San Miguel police chief Supt. Marcos Rivero identified the arrested suspect as Gary Magbanua, 22, single, pastillas maker/tricycle driver, a native of Barangay Sagana, Oriental Mindoro and presently residing at Kalye Onse, Barangay Tigpalas here.
Police investigators said that at around 7 p.m. Monday, the victim flagged down the suspect’s tricycle and asked to be brought to her house in Barangay Tigpalas.
However, instead of bringing the victim to her destination, the suspect drove straight to the public cemetery in Barangay Sibul where she was raped.
After raping the young victim, the suspect slashed her throat and took her P10,091 cash money and her My Phone (touch screen) cellular phone.
Mendez said some passers-by saw the victim and rushed her to a hospital where she is now in critical condition.
While on the way to the hospital, Mendez said the victim managed to divulge the identity of the suspect and was later arrested by members of San Miguel Municipal Police Station.
Mendez also said that when apprehended, the suspect still had blood stains on his jacket and he was in possession of a bloodied knife.
Recovered from him were the cash money and the cellular phone of the victim.
The suspect is now under the custody of San Miguel Police Station while criminal charges for robbery with rape and frustrated homicide are being prepared for filing at the Provincial Prosecutor's Office in Malolos City. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops bust two motorbike 'cannibals'
PLARIDEL, Bulacan, July 17 (PNA)--Police stormed a suspected lair of motorcycle thieves and arrested two alleged members of a carnapping gang while “cannibalizing” a stolen motorcycle in Sitio Dapdap, Barangay Banga 1st here Saturday morning.
Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the arrested suspects as Ruel Bondoc, 20, single, helper, native of Cabanatuan City and presently residing in Barangay Malis, Guiguinto and Jojo Cruz, 20, single, helper, a resident of Barangay Banga, Balagtas, Bulacan. One of their cohorts, who was identified as one Angelo dela Torre, eluded arrest.
Mendez said that Supt. Albert Ocon, chief of the Plaridel police station, formed a team and conducted operation against suspected members of a carnapping gang after a concerned citizen tipped them that suspicious men were seen dismantling a black Suzuki motorcycle without plate number at a house in Sitio Dapdap.
The police team caught the two suspects while dismantling the motorcycle that they have stolen earlier. One of their cohorts managed to run and elude arrest, Mendez said.
Police recovered a Suzuki X-4 motorcycle with Engine No. FI04-229637 and Chassis No. GP125311532.
Mendez said that a follow-up operation using the information provided by the suspects resulted in the recovery of the motorcycle’s sidecar that they sold earlier to a junkshop.
He also said that records check conducted disclosed that the tricycle was stolen in Barangay Duhat, Bocaue town.
Mendez said the operation was part of the intensified campaign against organized criminal gangs being implemented by the Police Regional Office 3 headed by Central Luzon police regional director Chief Supt. Edgardo T. Ladao.
Appropriate criminal charges is being prepared by the Plaridel police against the two arrested suspects, who are presently detained in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology(BJMP)here.(PNA)
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Aquino leads awarding of housing units to AFP, PNP personnel in Bulacan
BOCAUE, Bulacan, July 15 (PNA) - Fulfilling his promise of a mass housing program, President Benigno S. Aquino III led the ceremonial distribution of housing units to qualified personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) in Barangay Batia, here.
Upon his arrival at the housing project site on Friday, the President was welcomed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Housing Authority (NHA) general manager Chito Cruz and local government officials led by Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado and Bocaue Mayor Eduardo Villanueva Jr.
Cruz briefed the Chief Executive on the progress of the AFP-PNP Bocaue Hills Housing Project, covering some 30 hectares with 4,000 lot allocations for the project.
President Aquino handed over the Certificates of Entitlement to Lot Allocations (CELAs) to the beneficiaries from both the AFP and the PNP.
Recipients of CELAs from the PNP were Police Officer 4 Myrna Cruz and Police Officer 1 Ulysses Cabanting while Technical Sergeant Rodrigo Pagaduan and Technical Sergeant Macario Calimag from the AFP.
The average size of each unit is 36 square meters for the Type RH1 and 40 square meters for the Type RH2.
Amenities of the housing project include a basketball court, day care centers and livelihood training centers, among others. It also has an underground drainage system, concrete road network with sidewalks and concrete curb and gutter.
Water supply may be sourced from a deep well or from the Bocaue Water District through an industrial water connection system. Individual power service connection will also be accessible from Manila Electric Company.
Representatives from the AFP and the PNP expressed gratitude to President Aquino for realizing what he has promised for them during the 25th anniversary celebration of the People Power EDSA Revolution in February this year.
Soldiers and policemen will be paying a monthly amortization of P 200 for the first five years, and will gradually increase to P 1,307 for the last five years of payment.
The 140,000 selling price of each housing unit is payable in 30 years at six percent interest rate per annum. A total of P 35,000 for each unit was subsidized by the government from its original price of P 175,000. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops bust two cyber-hackers
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan, July 14 (PNA) -— Police arrested two alleged computer hackers illegally installing internet connection modems during a series of operations in Barangay San Rafael 1 here and in Barangay San Gabriel, Sta. Maria town last Tuesday.
Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the arrested suspects as Jose Noel Domingo, 29, single, computer technician and presently residing in No. 19 E. Aguinaldo Street Barangay San Gabriel, Sta. Maria town and Jayson Melgarejo, 36, Globe sales agent, native of Sta. Cruz, Manila, and presently residing in No. 327 Libis Barangay Bunlo, Bocaue town.
Mendez said that security operatives of Globe Telecom Incorporated (Bantay Kable Team), went to the San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) City police station under Supt. Rodolfo Hernandez and sought police assistance regarding alleged hacking activities that is causing huge loss to their company.
Mendez said that the Bantay Kable team of Globe Telecom received information that one of the suspects –Jayson Melgarejo-was illegally installing Globe Tattoo internet connection at the house of his alleged live-in partner, identified as Goldilock Hughies, in Barangay San Rafael 1.
The Bulacan police director said that Supt. Hernandez formed a team and together with the Bantay Kable team swooped down at the site and caught Melgarejo while illegally installing the Globe Tattoo internet connection.
During investigation, Melgarejo tagged Domingo as his accomplice and is the one doing the computer-hacking.
He said the SJDM City police conducted a follow-up operation in Bgy. San Gabriel and arrested Domingo.
Police operatives together with the Bantay Kable team recovered five pieces of Globe Tattoo internet modems.
The arrested suspects and the pieces of evidence seized from them were brought to the SJDM City Police Station.
A criminal case for violation of Section 9, Paragraph C and E of RA 8484 (Access Device Regulations Act of 1998) was filed against the suspects before the City Prosecutor Office of San Jose Del Monte City, Mendez said.(PNA)
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Bulacan intensifies disaster preparedness
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, July 11 (PNA) -- The provincial government has lined up various activities that will increase the level of public awareness and disaster preparedness of Bulakenyos in line with the observance of Disaster Consciousness Month this July.
Dubbed as “Makialam, Makiisa, Sa Pagsugpo sa Panganib May Maitutulong Ka”, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the activities also aim to hone the skills of the rescue teams in responding to calamity situations.
On July 12, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) will conduct an earthquake drill, where delegates from the local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon will come to observe.
According to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region 3, Bulacan was chosen as the pilot province for the drill.
On July 21, the provincial government will conduct the first Bulacan rescue olympics/simulation exercise to be held at the Bulacan Sports Complex.
Aside from the province-wide information dissemination, consultation meeting at the National Power Corporation and orientation at School Hydrological Information Network (SHINE), the participants will also be oriented regarding Republic Act 10121 or the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 during the Coordinators Summit.
Alvarado said the PDRRMO, together with non-government agencies and other national agencies, will also hold various trainings on first aid, basic life support, water safety and fire suppression.
These trainings, he said, will enhance the skills and knowledge of the response teams in different life saving techniques. (PNA)
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DENR-EMB padlocks toxic wastes treatment plant in Bulacan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan, July 8 (PNA) - The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has stopped the operation of a waste treatment plant in Barangay Tungkong Manga here for discharging toxic wastes into a stream.
Lawyer Rustico de Belen, head of the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), said that the regional office of EMB in Central Luzon headed by Lormelyn Claudio, has ordered the closure of Cleveland Envirotech Solutions Inc (CESI), and padlocked its warehouse where drums of toxic wastes are being stocked.
He said that EMB technicians has confirmed that CESI has been discharging toxic and hazardous wastes into a canal that drain towards a stream which flows to the river system.
Aside from discharging toxic wastes into the river system, de Belen said the treatment plant is also not using its dilution and water treatment facilities.
He also said that the company is not complying with the appropriate storage practices as stipulated in Republic Act 8749 (Clean Air Act) and other existing environmental measures such as Toxic Substance and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act (Republic Act 6969), Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003) and the Philippine Clean Water Act (Republic Act 9275).
Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, who was with Claudio and other provincial environment officials during the ocular inspection of the treatment plant on Friday, said that this facility will not be allowed to operate because it is not only wrecking havoc on the environment but is also endangering lives of the people due to the bad effects of toxic and hazardous materials to health. (PNA)
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Three dead men found in Bulacan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan, July 6 (PNA) — Three dead men with ropes on their necks were found inside black plastic garbage bags at a vacant lot in Cita Roma Ville, Barangay Gaya-gaya here Wednesday morning.
Supt. Rodolfo Hernandez, city police chief, said a black Honda Wave motorcycle with plate number UI 6643 was also found along side the dead bodies of the still unidentified victims.
He said that the three men could have been summarily executed and were dumped at the said area to mislead authorities.
According to Hernandez, the three men died from strangulation since there were no gunshot wounds or stab wounds found on their bodies.
No identification papers were also found on them, he said.
Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., said that the San Jose Del Monte police are still investigating the case. (PNA)
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Dope dealers now armed when conducting drug deals -- Bulacan CIDT
BALIUAG, Bulacan, July 6 (PNA) -- Most local drug dealers in the province are now armed with short firearms when conducting dope deals, the Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT) disclosed on Wednesday.
Chief Inspector Marlon R. Santos, provincial officer of the Bulacan CIDT, said most drug dealers recently arrested by their unit during buy-bust operations were armed with short firearms.
This indicates that local dope dealers are ready to shoot it out with anyone, including lawmen or their competitors in the illegal drug trade, Santos said, as he disclosed that at least five drug dealers recently arrested by CIDT operatives were armed with short firearms.
During investigation, some of those arrested disclosed that they carry weapons because of the fierce competition in the illegal drug trade, he said.
Meanwhile, police detectives conducting surveillance operation has arrested a notorious drug dealer here while carrying an unlicensed firearm loaded with live ammunition along Torres Bugallon St., in Barangay Subic Tuesday afternoon.
Santos identified the arrested suspect as Romarico Ramos, 41, jobless, resident of Barangay Subic.
Santos said that a Bulacan CIDT team led by SP01 Aldam Kulayan was dispatched to Barangay Subic to verify a report that one of the CIDT’s target personalities—a drug dealer—was conducting illegal drug transaction in the area.
He said that while conducting surveillance operation in the area, P03 Warly Gonzales noticed the suspect, whom he sensed is not a lawman, has a handgun protruding on his waist.
He added that Kulayan and the rest of the team approached him and introduced themselves as CIDT operatives.
When frisked the suspect yielded an unlicensed Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver with five live bullets.
Bulacan CIDT chief investigator SP03 Paquito Guillermo said an inquest case for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition was filed against the suspect before the Bulacan Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. (PNA)
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Bulacan police capture wanted robber after a shootout
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, July 3 (PNA) -- A wanted for robbery suspect was wounded and captured while three policemen were injured after a road chase that resulted in a brief fire fight in Pangarap Village , Caloocan City Sunday afternoon.
Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the arrested suspect as Daniel Villamor, 26, married, jobless and resident of Barangay Tungkong Manga, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan.
Mendez said Villamor has a warrant of arrest for a case of robbery under criminal case no. SJ-1064-2001 and SJ-1065-2001 issued by Judge Aznar Lindayag of the 3rd Judicial Court, City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan dated May 31, 2002.
Mendez said that a team from the Provincial Public Safety Company(PPSC), headed by Supt. Fitz Macariola, were conducting surveillance and possible arrest operation in the San Jose Del Monte City when the suspect, who was on board a motorcycle noticed that he was being tailed.
He said the suspect immediately sped up and was chased by the operatives.
Upon reaching Pangarap Village , Caloocan City , the suspect shot it out with the operatives.
Macariola said in a phone interview that despite being wounded, the suspect continued to resist arrest and was able to grab an iron bar and began hitting the arresting officers, injuring three policemen.
Macariola said the suspect, who was hit twice on his body, was subdued by the arresting teams and was taken to Dr. Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, Caloocan City for medical treatment but was later transferred to East Avenue Medical Center, East Avenue Diliman, Quezon City .
He said that the injured PPSC officers were brought to Sapang Palay, District Hospital in San Jose Del Monte City for medical treatment.
Recovered from the crime scene was a caliber .38 revolver with four live ammunitions and one spent shell.
Criminal charges against the suspect for direct assault and illegal possession of firearm and ammunitions are now being prepared for filing in court. (PNA)
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Campaign vs. loose firearms in Bulacan gains ground
PULILAN, Bulacan, July 2 (PNA) --The campaign against loose firearms in the province continues to gain ground as police detectives arrested another suspected member of a gun-running syndicate during a gun-buy bust operation in Barangay Sto. Cristo here Friday afternoon.
Chief Insp. Marlon R. Santos, provincial officer of the Bulacan Criminal and Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT), identified the arrested the suspect as Renato Ronquillo alias “Rene”, 48, married, a resident of Barangay Dampol.
Santos said that a CIDT team, led by SP01 Aldam Kulayan responded to an information provided by a police asset that a certain “Rene” is a gunrunner looking for a buyer of a Smith and Wesson .38 Cal revolver for only P3,000.
He said Kulayan, together P03 Warly Rodriguez and P03 Nathaniel Gonzales, conducted police operation where Rodriguez and Gonzales acted as poseur buyers.
Santos said the team arrested Ronquillo after handing the gun and receiving the marked money from the police detectives.
He said that Ronquillo was the 7th gunrunner nabbed by CIDT agents in a span of one month.
He said that the operation was in line with the CIDG flagship project against loose firearms codenamed “Oplan: Paglalansag.”
Bulacan CIDT chief investigator SP03 Paquito M. Guillermo said charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition will be filed against the suspect, who is now being held at the CIDT detention cell.(PNA)
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Multiple raps filed vs Sta. Maria police chief, 5 cops
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, July 2 (PNA) -- Two brothers who nearly lost their heads after policemen manning a checkpoint in Sta. Maria town allegedly raised a rope while they were cruising on board a motorcycle along the road, filed multiple criminal charges against the town police chief and five other police officers before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office here Friday afternoon.
With gaping wounds on their necks and other parts of their bodies, Chris Vadizno and his brother Robert -- who are both working as mechanics and residents of Francisco Homes of San Jose del Monte City and Barangay Abulalas, Hagonoy, respectively -- were accompanied by TV news broadcaster Julius Babao and the crew of ABS-CBN’s public affairs program “XXX” to the Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Team here.
The two brothers filed cases of robbery, physical injuries, illegal arrest, arbitrary detention and human rights violation against Sta. Maria police chief Superintendent Lailene Amparo, P03 Danilo dela Cruz, P01 Manuel Mendoza, P01 Joey Babaran, P01 Ericson Lacsamana, P01 Jernie Gonzales and two John Does.
Chief Inspector Marlon R. Santos, provincial officer of Bulacan CIDT, said that the two brothers disclosed that on June 28 at around 11:00 o’clock in the evening while they were cruising along the road in Barangay Lalakhan, Sta. Maria on board a Yamaha Mio motorcycle, driven by Chris, they noticed three policemen at the curve portion of the road who shouted at them to stop.
The two brothers claimed that when they were about to pull over on the side road, another group of policemen positioned ahead of the first group, raised a rope that hit the neck of Chris that caused them to crash on the pavement.
They also claimed that, although they were wearing helmets, they sustained serious injuries on their heads and other parts of their bodies.
They also said that while they were sprawled on the ground, the policemen approached them at gunpoint, handcuffed them and bodily frisked them.
At this juncture, the two brothers stated that one of the policemen allegedly fired his gun and then took Chris’ money worth P40,000 and cellphone.
Santos said that further investigation conducted by Bulacan CIDT Chief Investigator SP03 Paquito M. Guillermo and prober P03 Jose Rizalino F. Paraiso showed that the victims were brought to a hospital and doctors were told they had a vehicular accident.
After getting treatment, the two were brought to the Sta. Maria police station where they were placed under detention.
However, in a report sent by Supt. Amparo to Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., the Sta. Maria police stated that the two brothers were brought to the police station for “verification after they ignored the established police checkpoint.”
The report further stated that the policemen manning the checkpoint tried to flag down the two men but instead of stopping, the duo accelerated speed.
The report said a mobile team then chased them and upon reaching the boundaries of Barangay Sta. Clara and Lalakhan, the motorcycle crashed when it passed through a slippery portion of the road causing injuries to the riders. (PNA)
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One of two holduppers killed in Bulacan clash
PLARIDEL, Bulacan, July 1 (PNA) -- Police killed one of two suspected members of a hold-up gang during a shootout with lawmen at Maria Lourdes subdivision in Barangay Tabang here early Friday morning.
The slain suspect has yet to be identified as of press time.
Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., said that prior to the shootout, the two suspects tried to extort money from Indian national Jerry Singh, 28, resident of St. Agatha homes, Barangay Tikay, Malolos City.
Mendez said that Singh went to the Plaridel Police Station Thursday morning and reported that he noticed a piece of paper placed at the wiper of his vehicle, a Toyota Vios with plate number ZFN-921 parked at the parking lot of Plaridel Public Market, in Barangay Banga 1st.
The said paper turned-out to be an extortion letter demanding P100,000 from Singh.
Singh further claimed that prior to the discovery of the said extortion letter he have been receiving several text messages from an unidentified sender/s directing him to deliver the money in Barangay Tabang.
Mendez added that the victim reappeared at Plaridel Police Station later that night and reported about the text messages he received from still unidentified sender directing him to deliver the money, which was reduced to P20,000 in front of Barangay Hall of Tabang at around 1 a.m. Friday.
He said the victim told police investigators that the text sender further stated that if the victim refused, he would be killed.
Mendez said that elements of the Plaridel Police Station headed by Supt. Albert Ocon immediately organized a team to conduct an entrapment operation and after a short briefing, the operating team proceeded to the agreed place and positioned themselves in strategic position.
He said that moments later, the victim was instructed to proceed inside Ma. Lourdes Subdivision. At that juncture, the operating team covertly tailed the victim until he reached the subdivision.
Mendez said that the police team noticed a motorcycle without plate number with two men on board following the victim.
The operating team further noticed that the back rider alighted and forcibly took the victim’s money then shot the victim but missed.
Mendez said that the suspects noticed the presence of the operating team and fired at the lawmen, prompting the latter to retaliate that resulted in the killing of one of the suspects while the other suspect managed to escape on board a get-away motorcycle.
Mendez said a police team is still pursuing the other suspect. (PNA)
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2 suspected rapists fall in Bulacan
BOCAUE, Bulacan, June 30 (PNA) -- Police detectives arrested two teenagers wanted by the court for raping their 17-year old classmate last year during a series of manhunt operations in Barangay Bambang here and in Barangay Casio in nearby Sta. Maria town last Tuesday.
Chief Insp. Marlon R. Santos, provincial officer of the Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT), identified the arrested suspect as Jeric Dela Paz, 18, student, resident of Barangay Bambang and Roberto de Guzman, 19, student, resident of Barangay Sulucan.
Santos said the two suspects have standing warrants of arrest with no bail recommended for raping their 17-year old schoolmate on Nov. 20, 2010.
He said that last Tuesday morning, the mother of the victim went to their office and sought assistance for the arrest of the suspects who were spotted in the said barangay after eight months of hiding.
He said a CIDT team, led by P03 Rafael Bartolome, arrested Dela Paz at his residence while de Guzman in his hideout in Barangay Casio, Sta. Maria.
Both suspects did not resist arrest, Santos said.
Bulacan CIDT chief investigator SP03 Paquito Guillermo said that on Nov. 20, 2010, the victim was invited to a drinking session at the house of de Guzman in Barangay Sulucan.
When the victim got drunk, Guillermo said the suspects took advantage of her lethargic condition and took turns in raping her. (PNA)
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Truck driver, two helpers held for stealing cement cargo
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, June 28 (PNA) -- After having a good time spree, a cargo truck driver and two helpers who stole a cargo of cement bags and tried to sell the cargo truck owned by a local trader in San Ildefonso town ended up in jail.
The suspects were arrested in a series of manhunt operations in Baliuag town, Gapan, Nueva Ecija and San Jose del Monte City last Sunday and Monday.
Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the arrested suspects as Diosdado Campo alias “Uncle”, 34, a native of San Isidro, Iriga City Camarines Sur and presently residing at Barangay Gabihan, San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Jun Alberto alias “Jun”, 21, driver and presently residing at Barangay San Roque, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija and Herminigildo Camo alias “Tagpe”, 33, a native of Tabaco, Albay and presently residing at Road 2 Minuyan, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan.
Mendez said that Campo was arrested by joint operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch and the San Ildefonso police station headed by Supt. Anselmo Baluyot at the SM City Mall in Baliuag last Sunday.
Alberto and Camo, on the other hand, were arrested in Gapan, Nueva Ecija and in San Jose del Monte, respectively, last Monday.
He said that last Saturday, Ma. Cristina Remedios-Santiago, 49, businesswoman, and resident of Barangay San Roque, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija went to the San Ildefonso Police Station and reported that her driver,identified as, Jun T. Alberto, and his two truck helpers failed to return her Mitsubishi Cargo Truck, colored green and blue with plate number RDH-565.
According to the victim, the truck was sent to the Eagle Cement Corp. in Barangay Akle, San Ildefonso, Bulacan on June 24 and was loaded with 750 bags of cement.
As alleged by the victim, the driver and the two truck helpers conspired with each other and decided not to return the truck and its cargo.
She also said that the suspects brought and hid the truck somewhere in Norzagaray, Bulacan, where two of the suspects reside.
Mendez said that the three suspects dropped by at a videoke bar at Barangay Pala-Pala, San Ildefonso after the truck was loaded with cement.
When the place was checked, three guest relation officers identified as “Joyce”, “Clarize” and “Samantha” confirmed the information and agreed to help in tracking down the suspects.
The three GROs said the three suspects even paid their bar-fine so they could join them in going to Macabebe, Pampanga where the cargo was allegedly sold to a construction supply.
After the cargo was unloaded, the GROs said they went to Malolos City to have dinner and shopping at Puregold branch and then went to Guiguinto, Bulacan where they were dropped off in front of TESDA.
From there, the three ladies decided to return to the videoke bar.
Mendez said that Campo later admitted that he abandoned the Mitsubishi Cargo Truck at Letre, Malabon City.
Charges of car theft, qualified theft, illegal possession of firearms and direct assault were filed against the suspects at the Bulacan Regional Trial Court.(PNA)
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P-Noy launches Gawad Kalinga Center in Bulacan
ANGAT, Bulacan, June 24 (PNA) - President Benigno Aquino III on Friday led the launching of Gawad Kalinga Center for Social Innovations Social Enterprise Movement in the province amid stormy weather brought about by tropical storm "Falcon."
The Chief Executive braved the heavy rains in going to Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm in Barangay Encanto, in this town.
In his message, the President encouraged the public to venture into business as he assured an easier and faster processing of business documents under his administration.
"Ako naman po ay narito, bilang inyong Pangulong inihalal ninyo para tuparin ang aking mandatong magdulot ng pagbabago. At idinidiin ko sa inyo: iba na po ang panahon ngayon. Nasa bagong panahon na tayo kung saan sa bawat proyekto ay hindi kickback ang inaasahan ng mga taga-gobyerno; na sa bawat programa ay hindi ang nasa katungkulan lang ang nakikinabang; at sa paglago ng negosyo sa inyong lungsod o baryo, hindi kayo gagatasan ng inyong munisipyo at ng mga lokal na pinuno," he said.
The President also said that in “our journey towards the right path, he will give strength to all, especially the needy ones.”
He also noted the humble beginnings of prominent entrepreneurs in the country including Jollibee Foods Corporation CEO Tony Tan Caktiong, SM malls owner Henry Sy and Manila Bulletin's owner Don Emilio Yap.
"Kaya naman hinihikayat ko ang mga kababayan natin, lalo na ang mga kabataan, na taasan pa ang kanilang mga pangarap — pangarap na hindi nalilimitahan sa pagkakaroon lang ng trabaho paglaki nila; at sa pangarap na di hamak na mas mababa kaysa kaya talagang marating ng husay at talento ng mga Pilipino," he said.
With the confidence being attained by the country’s economy, he said it is not bad for those who are desiring to put up their own business.
Tony Meloto, founder of the Gawad Kalinga, for his part, expressed strong confidence to the leadership of the President.
Likewise, he encouraged other aspiring entrepreneurs to invest in the country. (PNA)
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Bulacan scores anew in its campaign vs loose firearms
BOCAUE, Bulacan, June 24 (PNA) - Amidst stormy weather, police detectives scored anew in the campaign against loose firearms following the arrest of a suspected gun-runner during a gun-buy bust operation in Barangay Caingin here Thursday night.
Chief Inspector Marlon R. Santos, provincial officer of the Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, identified the arrested suspect as Pablito Umerez, resident of Barangay Caingin.
Santos said CIDT intelligence operatives led by SP01 Edwin Pagsibigan conducted a gun-bust operation in response to information provided by a police asset that a certain “Pablito” of Barangay Caingin is a suspected member of a gun-running syndicate and was looking for a buyer of a homemade cal. 5.56 revolver for P8,000.
He said Pagsibigan effected the arrest of Umerez after selling the gun with five live ammunition and receiving the marked money used in the gun-deal.
Umerez did not resist arrest.
When asked for legal documents, the suspect failed to present any, Santos added.
He said that the operation was in line with CIDG flagship project against loose firearm codenamed “Oplan: Paglalansag.”
Bulacan CIDT Chief Investigator SP03 Paquito Guillermo said that the suspect is now under police custody while an inquest case for violation of Presidential Decree 1866 (illegal possession of firearms and ammunition) as amended by Republic Act 8294 will be filed against him before the Bulacan Prosecutor’s Office.(PNA)
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Bulacan cops capture six members of a notorious robbery-carnap gang
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, June 22 (PNA) - Police captured six alleged members of a notorious robbery-carnap gang who killed a taxi driver and stole his vehicle last Sunday in Quezon City during a series of operations in Calumpit and Pulilan towns last Monday and Tuesday.
Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the arrested gangmen as Jarvin Lorenzo, 26, a native of Kapalangan, Apalit, Pampanga; Cris Nuezca, 27, a native of Project 7, Masbate St., Quezon City, both presently residing at Purok 4, Barangay Gatbuca, Calumpit; Nino Ocampo, 31, and a resident of Block 38, Lot 9, North Ville 9, Phase 1, Brgy. Iba O’Este, Calumpit, Bulacan and Peter Miranda, 30, and presently residing at Central Balungaw, Calumpit; Frankneil Sabaldan, 27, a native of Samar and a resident of Barangay Lumbak, Pulilan and Jovanni Folencio, 23, a native of Iligan, Samar and also a resident of Barangay Lumbak, Pulilan.
Mendez said the suspects belong to a carnapping and robbery hold-up group who were behind the stealing of taxis in Quezon City and the killing of at least two taxi drivers, the latest of which occurred last Sunday where the victim was identified as Constancio Julaton, 55, driver of Maria Alma Transport and presently residing at Area 6, Brgy. Botocar Sikatuna Bliss, Quezon City.
Juaton’s lifeless body was found with multiple stab wounds at a vacant lot in Barangay Sta. Perigna early Monday morning.
He said that last Monday morning, the dispatcher and secretary of Maria Alma Transport came to the office of the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) accompanied by personnel of the Pulilan Police Station and reported that one of their taxis driven by the victim was last seen on June 19, 2011.
Incidentally, on the afternoon of June 20, an informant reported to PIB head Supt. Edwin Quillates that alleged gang members with suspected carnapped Toyota Vios Taxi bearing the reported plate number of the missing taxi was spotted at Paco Inn in Barangay Bagbag, Calumpit town, Mendez said.
He said that joint operatives of the PIB, the Pulilan police led by Supt. Myrna Reyes, the Provincial Public Safety Company headed by Supt. Fitz Macariola and members of the Special Reaction Unit conducted a series of operations that led to the arrest of the suspects.
The Bulacan police director said that Lorenzo and Nuesca were caught in the act of removing the markings of the taxi (Maria Alma Transport) inside a rented inn in Calumpit while Ocampo and Miranda were arrested in a follow up operation at the gang’s suspected hideout in Barangay Central Balungaw, also in Calumpit.
Later on, Sabaldan and Folencio were arrested in Barangay Lumbak, Pulilan.
Quilates also said that investigation revealed that the group was involved in the carnapping of three Toyota Vios taxis, two Toyota Avanza and one Isuzu Sportivo.
He also said that the gang was also responsible for the death of another taxi driver last May 8, who they dumped also at Pulilan and also took away the latter’s Toyota Vios taxi. (PNA)
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Baliuag cops storm car thieves' lair, 2 gangmen nabbed
BALIUAG, Bulacan, June 21 (PNA) -- Local policemen braved heavy rains and flash-flood as they swooped down on an alleged lair of car thieves and arrested two suspected gang members while “cannibalizing” a stolen motorcycle in Barangay Tiaong here Monday morning.
Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the arrested suspects as Melvin Rivera and Reynaldo Deleganzo, both residents of Barangay Tiaong.
Mendez said a team of Baliuag policemen headed by Supt. Raniel Valones stormed the hideout of suspected car thieves amid heavy downpour and floods after receiving a tip from a member of Wing Amateur Radio Enthusiasts (WARE), an non-government organization (NGO) recognized by the Baliuag Police Station in its anti-crime drive, that two male persons were sighted inside a house along the corner of Verdillo and Abraham Streets in Barangay Tiaong, dismantling a motorcycle.
Mendez said Rivera was arrested on the spot but Deleganzo managed to escape and tried to hide in the neighboring houses. He was eventually collared by policemen after a brief chase.
The police team recovered the “cannibalized” motorcycle and parts that were already dismantled by the suspects.
Valones said that a gray Honda XRM 125 motorcycle owned by Rheggie Laxamana of the same village was stolen while parked in front of his cousin’s house along the barangay road.
It was discovered missing at around 2:30 am Monday and was immediately reported to the police.
Valones said the suspects are now under police custody while appropriate charges are being readied against them. (PNA)
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Killer of Bulacan car salesman falls
MEYCAUAYAN CITY, June 20 (PNA) - Police arrested one of the suspects who robbed and killed a salesman in Barangay Calvario during a series of manhunt operations several hours after the crime was committed last Saturday.
The other suspect earlier surrendered to the police authorities.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Superintendent Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the arrested suspect as Mark Zamora alias “Macmac”, a resident of Karuhatan, Valenzuela City.
Mendez said Zamora was collared after his cohort Arnel Fernando of Barangay Saluysoy surrendered earlier to Meycauayan City police chief Superintendent Eric Noble after he was tagged by a witness as one of the men who was seen at the house of victim Eduardo Aquino, 51 years old, single, employee of Mitsubishi Cars.
Relatives found Aquino’s lifeless body on his bed with multiple stab wounds.
Police investigators said that according to the victim’s sister, pieces of jewelry and other valuable items were missing inside his house.
Mendez said a witness was able to identify one of the suspects through the rouge’s gallery, as one Arnel Fernando, 28 years old, tricycle driver and a resident of 668 Sulok, Barangay Saluysoy, Meycauayan City.
He said that relatives of Fernando was able to convince him to surrender to police authorities and later told police investigators the location of Zamora’s hideout in Valenzuela City.
Mendez said Supt. Noble coordinated with the Valenzuela City police and conducted pursuit operation that led to the arrest of Zamora and the recovery of one Tommy Hilfiger wrist watch, one silver bracelet, and one Acer Laptop that were stolen from the victim’s house.
The suspects are presently under the custody of Meycauayan City police station while criminal charges against them are being prepared for filing in court. (PNA)
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Two 'Budol-Budol' gangmen fall in Bulacan
PLARIDEL, Bulacan, June 18 (PNA) -- Police arrested two suspected members of a local “budol-budol” gang in Barangay Banga 1st here Friday afternoon, four days after victimizing a businesswoman in San Miguel town.
In a report to Bulacan acting police director Senior Superintendent Fernando H. Mendez Jr., Plaridel police chief Superintendent Albert E. Ocon identified the arrested suspects as Ruperto Basilan, 78, married, from Tacloban City and presently residing in Lawang Pari, San Jose del Monte City; and Camilo Ramil, 54, married, resident of Hermosa St. in Tondo, Manila.
Mendez said the suspects were arrested shortly after one of their victims spotted their owner-type jeep cruising in Barangay Banga 1st on Friday afternoon.
He said the suspects were positively identified by their victim -- Theresa Fernandez, a trader from San Miguel town, who said that the two duped her and was able to extract P20,000 from her last June 13.
Fernandez said the two suspects, together with another male and two female companions, were able to convince her to give them money by pretending to be friends of her daughter and that they have a gift for her. Later, the victim found out that her daughter does know them.
Ocon said the two arrested suspects were turned over to the San Miguel Police Station for the filing of appropriate charges.
During investigation at the San Miguel Police station, another victim of the group identified as Amelia Lacanilao Gregorio, 47, businesswoman and a resident of Barangay Buliran, San Miguel town, showed up and pointed to the arrested suspects as the ones who duped her into giving her jewelry worth P30,000 last Friday morning in exchange for cash that later turned out to be boodle money. (PNA)
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Two 'Balisong Gang' members fall in Bulacan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan, June 16 (PNA) -- Police arrested two suspected members of a carnapping syndicate known as “Balisong Gang” and recovered a stolen tricycle during a series of operations in the villages of San Martin IV, Minuyan-Proper and Fatima here early Wednesday morning.
In a report to Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) City police head, Supt. Rodolfo Hernandez, identified the arrested suspect as Rommel Concepcion and Jeric Tolentino.
Hernandez said Concepcion was arrested inside a friend’s house in Barangay San Martin IV. When frisked by lawmen, Concepcion yielded a seven-inch long fan knife (locally known as "balisong").
Tolentino, on the other hand, was arrested inside a vacant house in Malabon Street, Towerville Subdivision, Barangay Minuyan Proper where policemen recovered a nine-inch fan knife from the suspect.
Mendez said last Tuesday night, a certain Jay-ar Panis parked his tricycle along the road to wait for passengers when the suspects suddenly approached him and without warning took turned punching him.
The victim said the suspects then pulled out their long fan knives and threatened to lunged at him, prompting him to run for safety.
Mendez said when the owner of the tricycle learned about the incident he immediately sought police assistance.
A police team was immediately dispatched and later arrested the suspects, who pinpointed the location of the tricycle they took from the victim.
Police recovered the tricycle a black Kawasaki Barako 175 with plate no. QE-5827 and worth P80,000.00, parked along a dimly-lit roadside in Barangay Fatima.
Mendez said record checks made by SJDM City police investigators showed that Concepcion has a standing warrant of arrest for the crime of frustrated homicide docketed under criminal case number 2547-M-2010 issued by Bulacan RTC Branch 77 Judge Rolando C. Bulan with the recommended bail bond of P200,000.
It was also found out that both suspects have standing warrant of arrest for the crime of robbery issued by Bulacan RTC Branch 85 Judge Ma. Belen Ringpis-Liban with a recommended bail bond of P200,000 each.
Charges of carnapping and illegal possession of deadly weapons will be filed against the suspects. (PNA)
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Bulacan media briefed on bombing incident coverage
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, June 15 (PNA) -- In a bid to avoid costly lapses and, at the same time, create a harmonious working atmosphere during “bombing” incidents, police authorities here recently conducted a half-day seminar on the proper protocol on media coverage during delicate police operations.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Superintendent Fernando Mendez Jr., said that higher police authorities at Camp Crame issued a directive to conduct seminar, information drive and disseminate the guidelines during bombing incidents for the media.
Mendez said it is very important and a win-win situation both for the police and members of the working press to have mutual understanding during coverage of delicate police operations like bombing and hostage incidents.
He said that covering bombing or hostage-taking incidents, local media men were also advised to observe police line (at least 50 meters away from the scene) and proper protocol at all times.
Chief Inspector Gerardo Andaya, chief of the Police Community Relations Branch, said that under the guidelines,“the media shall not be allowed access to any area or scene of an incident or crime where there is a possibility that evidence may be damaged, altered, destroyed or otherwise prejudiced by its existence being published or portrayed.”
Andaya also said that mediamen should look for the designated spokesperson upon arrival at the scene of the crime. If none, stay at the police designated media area (outside of the police line).
Before releasing information, he added, newsmen should seriously weigh the benefits to the public as against the potential harm the information may cause.
He said that it would be better to avoid inflammatory catchwords and phrases and do not report any information intercepted from police communication.
Andaya also said that it will be helpful to explain to listeners/viewers why certain information is being withheld by the police authorities.
Chief Inspector Sabino L. Vengco III, chief of the logistic branch of Bulacan Police Provincial Office and concurrent head of the Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD), said covering bombing situations has its dangers and the guidelines will remind newsmen as well as the public to “never attempt to approach, examine, poke, shake, squeeze, open, drop or mishandle suspect packages in any way and report immediately to law enforcers the occurrence of a bombing incident.”
Vengco also made a Powerpoint presentation on the general list of considerations during actual incidents and security measures and tips on bombings and bomb threats. (PNA)
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Wanted killer falls in Bulacan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan, June 15 (PNA)--—After 25 years of hiding, the long arms of the law finally caught up a fugitive who was arrested while watching a basketball game at a covered basketball court in Barangay Sapang Palay here on Monday afternoon.
In a report to Central Luzon police regional director Chief Inspector Edgardo T. Ladao, Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., identified the arrested fugitive as Pepito Yap, 44, married and a resident of Road 5, Barangay Sapang Palay.
Mendez said that Yap is listed as one of the most wanted persons in San Jose del Monte City.
He said Yap is one of three suspects involved in the killing of Bayani C. Veral, 42, by stabbing the latter on January 12, 1987, inside the house of the victim at Barangay Minuyan IV, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. The suspect went into hiding after murdering the victim.
A warrant of arrest was issued by former San Jose del Monte City Trial Court Judge Virginia M. Pagorogon for the crime of murder with no bail recommended.
Mendez said the San Jose Del Monte City police station headed by Supt. Rodolfo “Boy” Hernandez has received information that the suspect will proceed at the basketball court in which he is one of the participants in Balik Laro League organized by village officials.
Hernandez said Yap was positively identified by the informant and was subsequently arrested. He said Yap will be turned over to the court for proper disposition. (PNA)
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Bulacan "food poisoning" victims rises to 196; water contamination not ruled out as cause
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, June 14 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado instructed on Tuesday the Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) to closely monitor the condition of, and provide medical assistance to some 196 persons who were admitted to different hospitals in Bulacan and Pampanga after eating spaghetti in Barangay Meysulao, Calumpit town last Sunday afternoon.
Alvarado said that government health officials are still waiting for the results of laboratory tests conducted on the suspected victims of food poisoning.
He said that the provincial government, through the PPHO, is currently conducting medical mission in Barangay Meysulao.
This developed as Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Joy Gomez confirmed that not all those admitted and treated at government hospitals in Calumpit and Malolos City ate spaghetti. She said that some could have taken contaminated water.
“We are still awaiting the results of the lab tests. It showed that there are some patients who did not eat spaghetti but still felt bad and brought to the hospital, Gomez said, adding that the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH) has already taken water-samples from the said village.
She said residents have been advised to boil water before drinking or buy distilled water.
Gomez also said that the DOH Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit of the Center for Health and Development will release the results of the lab tests within this week.
She said that the DOH regional office has sent 130 bottles of IV fluids and 10 boxes of antibiotics to the Calumpit Municipal Health Office.
On Sunday afternoon, at least 105 persons were admitted at the Calumpit District Hospital; 53 at the Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City; 10 in a lying-in clinic in Macabebe, Pampanga; eight at the Emilio Perez Hospital in Hagonoy; Bulacan and two at the Sta. Cruz Hospital also in Calumpit .
Most of the victims are children aged two to 8 years old. (PNA)
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Bulacan village under state of calamity due to food poisoning
CALUMPIT, Bulacan, June 14 (PNA) - The municipal council of this town on Tuesday declared Barangay Meysulao here under a state of calamity due to the massive case of suspected food poisoning that affected almost 200 people in the village last Sunday afternoon.
Roland Ramos, village chief of Barangay Meysulao, said the Sangguniang Bayan has placed their village under a state of calamity to provide assistance to the affected residents.
Health officials are still determining the cause of the suspected food poisoning which made some people experience vomiting, loose bowel movement, nausea and fever.
Provincial health consultant Dr. Florante Tuazon said most of the patients suffered from acute gastroenteritis.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado earlier instructed the Provincial Public Health Office to provide medical assistance to the affected villagers.
At present, a medical mission is being conducted in Barangay Meysulao. (PNA)
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Spaghetti downs 160 persons in Bulacan
CALUMPIT, Bulacan, June 13 (PNA) -- At least 160 persons, mostly children, were hospitalized after eating spaghetti at a birthday party in Barangay Meysulao here last Sunday afternoon.
Provincial public health officer Dr. Joy Gomez said most of the victims were brought to the Calumpit District Hospital while others were brought to the Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City and other hospitals in Apalit and Macabebe, Pampanga.
Gomez said that test are still being conducted on the patients, most of whom were children whose age range from two to eight years old, to determine the cause of food poisoning.
She said that most of the victims are still confined and being treated and under observation at the Calumpit District Hospital and at the Bulacan Medical Center.
Dr. Florante Tuazon, provincial health consultant, said the victims suffered from acute gastroenteritis or food poisoning.
Tuazon said that the victims experienced early symptoms of food poisoning like stomach ache, vomiting, dizziness, loose bowel movement and fever.
He said Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado has already instructed the Provincial Public Health Office to provide medical assistance to the victims.
He also said that the governor also ordered the transfer of those who were brought to hospitals in Pampanga to the Bulacan Medical Center where they will be given free medical treatment and assistance.
Monalisa Alfonso, mother of one of the victims, said they are not planning to sue the family that served the spaghetti.
"Nobody wants to happen the accident. It is not intentional. What is important is to treat my children and other other victims from food poisoning," Alfonso added. (PNA)
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Bulakenyos celebrate Independence Day at Barasoain Church
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, June 12 (PNA) -- An air of patriotic pride engulfed the patio of the historic Barasoain Church here on Sunday morning as thousands of Bulakenyos commemorated the 113th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence by recalling the heroism and sacrifices of Filipino patriots and revolutionaries.
A-21 gun salute was executed by members of the Provincial Public Safety Company after Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad, together with House Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr., Central Luzon police regional director Chief Supt. Edgardo T. Ladao and Paombong Mayor Donato Marcos laid flowers at the foot of the statue of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Philippine Republic.
Earlier, a civic-military parade led by student cadets clad in the “rayadillo” uniform of Filipino revolutionary forces opened the celebration, followed with the raising of the Philippine flag and the oath of allegiance to the flag.
Belmonte, who was the guest of honor and speaker, said the events that took place on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite had become the model of a nation of sovereignty in Asia .
He said the declaration of Philippine independence in Kawit was given credence by the ratification of the Constitution by the Malolos Congress that led to the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic inside the historic Barasoain Church on January 23, 1899.
‘For centuries our forebears fought for independence from foreign dominion. We must preserve their legacy by being vibrant and steadfast in love of country and freedom by effecting changes in the struggle against poverty and genuine independence that our heroes fought with blood and `sacrifices,” Belmonte said.
For his part, Alvarado said that the people should not also forget the roles played by Bulakenyo patriots who played key parts in the struggle for Philippine independence.
He mentioned Canuto Villanueva, the Supreme Chief of the “Kakarong Republic” in Pandi. He said there are only lesser accounts of Villanueva’s role in the significant events that unfold leading to the declaration of Philippine independence.
The governor said that Villanueva’s exploits were mostly mentioned with his association with that of the long-haired Bulakenyo revolutionary leader Gen. Eusebio Roque, also known as “Maestrong Sebio” and “Dimabunggo.”
It was in Kakarong de Sili, where about 6,000 Katipuneros from various towns of Bulacan headed by "Maestrong Sebio" that the "Kakarong Republic" was organized shortly after the Cry of Pugad Lawin or Balintawak.
Alvarado said that the great province of Bulakan, whose race has the bloodline of mighty rahas and lakans, will always be at the forefront in the quest for truth, justice and freedom.
Mayor Natividad, on the other hand, said that Philippine independence has been achieved through the uprising of oppressed people who wanted freedom from colonial rule.
He said that the significant events that transpired in Malolos more than a century ago is the climax of the pains, hardships and sacrifices that culminated to the country’s freedom from bondage of more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule.
"It is our great honor to witness again the greatness of the historic city of Malolos," Natividad added. (PNA)
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Bulacan police to brief local media on covering bombing, hostage incidents
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, June 11 (PNA) -- Police authorities will brief local newsmen on existing guidelines in covering bombing incidents and hostage situations in a half-day seminar here on Monday.
Bulacan police acting director Senior Supt. Fernando Mendez Jr. said the Police Community Relations Branch of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office headed by Chief Inspector Gerardo A. Andaya has invited resource speakers to brief members of the working press on their roles during bombing incidents.
Mendez said that issues and concerns regarding the role of the media during occurrence of bombing situations will be discussed to prevent lapses and unnecessary mistakes that could worsen the situation.
A member of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) of the Bulacan PNP Crime Laboratory said that in some cases, some mediamen unknowingly intrude at the crime scene that has yet to be examined by forensic experts and in some instances alters important pieces of evidence without them knowing it.
The seminar aims to familiarize local newsmen in covering sensitive police operations and to prevent mistakes and lapses on crime scene procedures, Andaya said. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops intercept 'double dead' pigs
MARILAO, Bulacan, June 3 (PNA) -- A police mobile team intercepted a tricycle loaded with 11 ”double dead” pigs in Barangay Loma de Gato here Thursday afternoon.
Bulacan acting police director Sr. Supt. Fernando Mendez said the “double dead” pigs were bound to a “litsunan” in San Jose del Monte City when the mobile team spotted the tricycle driven by a certain Reynaldo Bendam.
Mendez said the police team got suspicious due to the foul smell of the dead pigs. He said the Marilao police station informed provincial veterinarian Dr. Voltaire Basinang who later confirmed that the 11 dead pigs are indeed hot meats and not fit for human consumption.
The suspect told police investigators that he planned to bring the dead pigs to a "litsunan" in San Jose del Monte where he intend to sell it for very low price.
Basinang said that the Bulacan Task Force: Bantay Botcha, which was formed early this year by Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, is in constant coordination with the Bulacan Police Provincial Office to thwart attempts of unscrupulous traders in selling hot meat.
He also said that mobile teams from Provincial Public Safety Company of the Bulacan PNP headed by Supt. Fitz Macariola, in coordination with the Provincial Veterinary Office, are regularly manning checkpoints established along strategic places to ensure that no hot meat will be sold at local public markets. (PNA)
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'High-tech' thief selling broadband device nabbed in Bulacan
PLARIDEL, Bulacan, May 28 (PNA) -- Policemen have arrested a “high tech” thief during an entrapment operation in Barangay Poblacion here last Friday.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Fernando Mendez Jr. identified the suspect as Raffy Dodes Cadano, a resident of the said barangay.
Fernando said the Plaridel police station headed by Supt. Albert Ocon conducted an entrapment after the suspect allegedly offered to sell a Globe Wimax broadband device to a police intelligence operative.
Mendez said the wireless internet device that the suspect offered to sell will provide unlimited internet connection for a one time payment of only P500.
Mendez said that Cadano was arrested after handing the device to a police poseur buyer. He said police operatives seized the P500 marked money, 12 pieces of Wimax antennae with cables and four Globe Imax model-echolife BM622.
The Bulacan police director also said that representatives from Globe Telecom Engr. Arnel M. Caballero and Globe security officer Ronald Uychutin has confirmed that the deal made by the suspect is illegal and can cause huge financial losses to their company.
The suspect is now detained at the Plaridel police station while appropriate charges are being readied for filing against him.
Mendez said the operation was in line with the directives of Central Luzon regional police director Chief Supt. Edgardo T. Ladao to all police provincial offices to intensify the campaign against all forms of criminality. (PNA)
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Most wanted fugitive in CL yields
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, May 24 (PNA) -- After four years of hiding, a fugitive who is listed as one of the most wanted persons in Central Luzon, finally surfaced and surrendered to police authorities here on Tuesday.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Fernando Mendez Jr., identified the fugitive as Marlon Libunao Aguilar alias “Caloy”, 31, single, jobless and a resident of Barangay Garlang, San Ildefonso, Bulacan.
Mendez said Aguilar has a pending alias warrant of arrest for the crime of “murder” docketed under Criminal Case Number 598-M-08 issued by Bulacan RTC Branch 83 Judge Guillermo P. Agloro, Malolos City dated June 10, 2008.
He said Aguilar is one of the “Most Wanted Persons” in Region 3 with monetary reward P90,000 for his neutralization based on DILG Memorandum Circular # 2010-54.
The arrested fugitive, together with his brother, Ricardo Aguilar Jr., were involved in the killing of Alfredo Magat Jr. on September 28, 2007 in San Ildefonso town.
He said that the Provincial Intelligence Branch of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office has been making negotiation with Aguilar’s family for more than a month now.
“His surrender was also made possible by the indispensable effort of an informant who helped in establishing a line of communication between the negotiators and the suspect’s family and in the conduct of the negotiations itself. There was no condition for the surrender but the family was assured of the suspect’s safety and security,” Mendez said
He also said the operation was in response to the call of Central Luzon police regional director Chief Supt. Edgardo T. Ladao to intensify manhunt operations against most wanted persons in the region. (PNA)
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Wanted man nabbed with shabu in Bulacan
BULAKAN, Bulacan, May 23 (PNA) -- A 54-year old man wanted by the court for a case of attempted murder is now facing another criminal offense after police detectives arrested him and caught him with two plastic sachets containing prohibited drugs in Sitio Paniki, Barangay San Jose here on Monday afternoon.
Chief Inspector Marlon R. Santos, provincial officer of the Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT), identified the arrested fugitive as Manuel Armildez, single, resident of said barangay.
Santos said CIDT operatives led by P03 Rafael Bartolome swooped down on the suspected hideout of Armildez and arrested him by virtue of a warrant of arrest for the crime of attempted murder issued by Bulacan RTC Branch 83 Judge Guillermo P. Agloro with no bail recommended.
Santos said that when Bartolome frisked the suspect for weapon or contraband, two plastic sachets containing shabu was found in the right-front pocket of his short pants.
He said Armildrez and the seized evidence were brought to the Bulacan PNP Crime Laboratory at Camp Gen. Alejo Santos in Malolos City for examination.
The suspect will be turned over to the court for proper disposition while charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act will also be filed against him.
Santos said the operation was part of the CIDG’s flagship project against wanted criminals codenamed “Oplan Pagtugis” and “Oplan Big Bertha”, a campaign against dangerous drugs. (PNA)
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MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 22 (PNA) -- Provincial and city officials here are gearing up for the typhoon season as they trained rescue teams in water rescue situations.
Govenor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, chairman of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDDRMC), said members of various rescue teams from the city and municipal disaster risk management councils in the province have undergone simulation exercises on water rescue at the Guerrero Resort in Subic, Zambales recently.
Alvarado said the simulation exercise aims to hone and enhance the capabilities of rescue teams and, at the same time, trained them on the use of modern rescue equipment like jet skis and communication gadgets.
Aside from the water rescue training, the governor said the rescue teams were also given lectures on water safety, boat and outboard motor handling, predetermined victims, rescue scenarios life and life saving.
Liz Mungcal, executive officer of PDDRMC, said more than 90 participants took part in the two-day water rescue exercise.
Meanwhile, the city government of Malolos, led by Mayor Christian D. Natividad and Vice Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian, led the distribution of mobile phones and other emergency gadgets to the city's 51 barangays.
Natividad said the project, dubbed as “Malolos Emergency Response Phones”, was made possible in coordination with Olive Mobile headed by Janis Nathalie Racpan and Phone World during the launching of “Empowering Local Government Units for Disaster Preparedness” recently.
Natividad said the mobile phones would be used for relaying emergency situations that needs immediate response and action.
Aside from the mobile phones, the kit also include flashlights, camera and radios.
The mayor also said that the city engineering department is also de-clogging and rehabilitating canals and waterways to minimize flooding.
In a related development, Bulacan acting police director Senior Superintendent Fernando Mendez Jr., said the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC), headed by Supt. Fitz Macariola, have recently trained 40 policemen in search and rescue operation during a two-day disaster preparedness exercise held at Camp General Alejo Santos here.
Mendez said the exercise aims to familiarize police personnel in disaster response operations. (PNA)
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Bulacan govt to borrow P1.7B for infra projects
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 19 (PNA) -- The provincial government is set to borrow P1.7 billion from state banks and financial institutions to finance various infrastructure projects in the province.
This came after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan recently approved unanimously a resolution authorizing Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado to borrow money to fund priority infrastructure projects which include rehabilitation and construction of roads, bridges, flood control projects, public buildings, district hospitals and school buildings.
Vice Governor Daniel Fernando has cited the need of financial support to fast-track the projects.
Detractors of the present administration claimed that the provincial capitol will borrow money to fund projects because it is now bankrupt.
"It is not true that the province is bankrupt. The project we laid out demands immediate implementation and requires big amount of money," the governor said.
The governor also cited the case of other provinces like Nueva Ecija and Batangas which borrowed money to implement their infrastructure projects.
"We will not just sit down while other provinces are improving their infrastructure. Otherwise, we will be left behind in development," he added. (PNA)
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Hundreds of carabaos 'kneel' in Pulilan fiesta
PULILAN, Bulacan, May 15 (PNA) -- Thousands of local and foreign tourists braved the heat of the sun as they watched almost 500 carabaos "kneel" in front of the San Isidro Labrador Church here in celebration of the feast of the town’s patron saint Saturday afternoon.
Maricel Santos Cruz, chief of the Provincial Public Affairs Office (PPAO), said at least 450 carabaos took part in a colorful parade, which is one of the most crowd-drawing May festivals in Bulacan.
Cruz said the festival is being held in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of Pulilan.
She also said that the exciting festival is a way of thanking the town’s patron saint for a bountiful harvest, where farmers parade their carabaos to the Church of San Isidro Labrador.
Upon arrival at the church, the carabaos knelt to the patron saint.
Cruz said that even though the weather was so hot, thousands of people, including Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy- Alvarado, came to see the spectacle of kneeling carabaos.
After the carabao-kneeling spectacle, it rained and the crowd cheered, believing that it was a blessing from their patron saint.
"Bulacan is site of many religious practices and colorful fiestas and the kneeling carabaos of Pulilan is one of the crowd-drawing attractions," the governor said.
Aside from the famous kneeling carabaos of Pulilan, Alvarado said thousands of people also go to the town of Obando where the “fertility rites” in honor of the town’s three patron saints — Sta. Clara, Birhen de Salambao and San Pascual de Baylon — is held on May 17.
Old folks said that childless couples who join the fertility dance will be blessed with child.
Alvarado said the provincial government is actively promoting the age-old traditions and colorful festivals in Bulacan. (PNA)
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Search for Outstanding Bulakenyo is on
MALOLOS CITY, May 12 (PNA) — The search for this year’s “Outstanding Bulakenyo,” also known as “Gawad Dangal ng Lipi,” is now accepting nominations.
A yearly event hosted by the provincial government of Bulacan, the search for "Gawad Dangal ng Lipi" will give recognition to modern day heroes and outstanding sons and daughters of the province who excel in their different fields of expertise such as public service, professional, community service, entrepreneur, education, science and technology, arts and culture, trade and industry, health, agriculture, sports and Bulakenyo Expatriate.
The highest award, which is the Tanging Bulakenyo, will be given to a Bulakenyo who excels in any of the awards categories stated and with an outstanding performance and contribution to society.
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that the “Gawad Dangal ng Lipi” will be one of the highlights during the celebration of Buwan ng Bulacan, popularly known as Singkaban Fiesta, held in September.
Alvarado encourages all the Bulakenyos to support the event through submission of nominees from all the municipalities in the province.
He said Bulacan is rich with people with invaluable contribution to the province’s progressive economy and source of pride.
“We are requesting for your help and cooperation in the gathering of nominations. Do not hesitate to nominate a person whom you believe is deserving of the award,” the governor added.
The Provincial Planning Development Office (PPDO), the awards secretariat, said that nominations must be submitted on or before June 30, 2011. (PNA)
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Gun wielding drug dealer nabbed in Bulacan
BALIUAG, Bulacan, May 11 (PNA) - Police detectives scored anew in their campaign against illegal drugs and loose firearms following the arrest of an alleged notorious drug dealer who carries a gun while selling illegal drugs in Barangay Sulivan here Tuesday night.
Chief Inspector Marlon R. Santos, provincial officer of the Bulacan PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT), identified the arrested suspect as Edwin Roque alias “Papu”, 31, a member of “Sputnik Gang” and resident of Sitio Dulong Bayan, Barangay Sulivan here.
Santos said Bulacan CIDT operatives led by SP02 Aldam Kulayan, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), conducted a buy bust operation in the area after receiving reports that a notorious drug dealer is openly selling "shabu" in the area while carrying a handgun.
Santos said the CIDT operatives arrested Roque after selling a plastic sachet of shabu worth P2,000 to a poseur buyer.
When frisked, the lawmen recovered a caliber .38 revolver with three live bullets tucked on the suspect’s waist.
Santos said a lady companion of the suspect, identified as a certain Michelle Dionisio, was also brought to the CIDT headquarters in Malolos City for investigation.
Appropriate charges will be filed against the suspect, Santos added.
This was the second time that the Bulacan CIDT arrested a suspected drug pusher with a gun.
Last May 3, Santos said a CIDT team arrested a suspected member of a gun-running syndicate who was also caught with a plastic sachet of shabu during an operation against loose firearms in Barangay Abangan Sur, Marilao town.
Santos said that the operations were conducted as part of the CIDG flagship project against illegal drugs dubbed as “Oplan Big Bertha” and the campaign against loose firearms codenamed “Oplan Paglalansag.” (PNA)
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Bulacan Rescue Team emerges as the best in Central Luzon
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 10 (PNA) - Patterned after America’s 911, the Bulacan Rescue Team (formerly known as the Bulacan 566 Emergency Reponse Team) emerged as the over-all champion in 8th Regional First Aid and Basic Life Support Olympics held recently at Remy Field, Subic Freeport Zone.
Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said the Bulacan Rescue Team emerged as the over-all champion in the one-day First Aid and Life Support Olympics organized by the Office of Civil Defense and the Philippine National Red Cross to further boost the readiness and competence of disaster and emergency response units in Central Luzon.
Alvarado said the Bulacan Rescue Team, the emergency response team of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), was adjudged as best in “situation analysis”, “focus on control bleeding” and “bandaging and treatment of wounds.”
The governor commended Provincial Administrator Jim Valerio and Felicisima Mungcal, executive officer of PDRRMC, for continuously training the disaster and emergency response and rescue units in Bulacan.
The Malolos City Rescue Team also emerged as the over-all champion in the city category while the Rescue Team of the City of San Jose del Monte was adjudged second runner up.
In the municipal category, the Calumpit 1024 Rescue team bested other rescue teams in the region and romped away as the over-all champion for being the best in situation analysis and in transfer relay. (PNA)
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Tornado sweeps 8 Bulacan villages: 1 dead, 41 houses damaged
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 9 (PNA) -- At least 41 houses were damaged wherein four of which were totally destroyed when a tornado swept through eight villages in Calumpit town Saturday night, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported on Monday.
Provincial administrator Jim Valerio also reported to Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado that a 54-year old man, identified as Alberto Tolentino, a resident of Barangay San Miguel, Calumpit town, died of heart attack after the twister struck their village.
Valerio said some 93 families were affected after the twister swept the villages of Balungaw, Frances, San Miguel, Sapang Bayan, Meysulao, Corazon, Gatbuca and Poblacion.
Hardest hit was Barangay Balungaw where four houses were totally destroyed. The tornado also partially damaged 37 houses in seven other barangays.
Gov. Alvarado led the distribution of relief goods to the affected families and personally assessed the damage in the villages.
The governor also instructed the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office to make an assessment on the damaged houses to come up with materials that will be given to the affected families.
Meanwhile, the PDRRMC also reported that a 13-year old girl, Rose Ann Gatdula, died after getting electrocuted near an electric post in Barangay Pungo, Calumpit town Monday morning.
Felicisima L. Mungcal, executive officer of PDRRMC, on the other hand, reported that Ipo dam opened its radial gate B and released 67 cubic meters per second (cms) of water at around 4:05 a.m. Monday after the water level reaches 100.92 meters. The radial gate was closed at 6:05 a.m. when the water elevation reached 100.79 meters.
Mungcal said the spilling level of Ipo dam during rainy season is between 100.8 to 101.00 meters.
As of 8 a.m. Monday, the water elevation at Angat dam was at 192.32 meters. The spilling level of Angat dam is 210.00 meters. (PNA)
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Discipline and strict law enforcement key to Bulacan river clean-up drive, says governor
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 7 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said on Saturday that the newly-formed river patrol along the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system will strictly implement environmental laws and catch violators as part of an integrated program to clean up the river which is considered as among the dirtiest in the world.
“The river marshals will definitely enforce the law. But in the meantime, it will be done with a heart. We need discipline to jointly clean the river. What is good and useful, this is what we must do,” Alvarado said in his weekly radio program, “The Governor’s Hour” which he co-anchors with Bulakenyo broadcaster Rommel Ramos.
The governor also called on local and village officials, including leaders of the Sangguniang Kabataan, to help the provincial government and the local government units of Marilao, Meycauayan City and Obando as well as in the neighboring cities of Caloocan and Valenzuela in creating public awareness on existing environmental laws and how to help clean the river.
"It is the responsibility of all to protect the environment, especially the rivers. It is not only two or five who are cleaning while others are only watching. Let us pass on the clean environment and rivers to the rightful owner, which is the next generation," Alvarado said.
He also said that the river patrol teams, composed of personnel from the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, local government units and the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, will be properly equipped with fast-craft boats and uniforms.
He said that DENR has allotted P1 million for the fast craft boats and other equipment of the river patrol teams.
Last Thursday, Alvarado led the oathtaking of more than 100 river marshals during the launching of the “Sagip Ilog” project, a massive clean-up drive aimed at deleting the Marilao-Meycauayan rivers from the list of the world’s dirtiest rivers. (PNA)
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Three robbery group members in Bulacan nabbed
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, May 6 (PNA) - Three members of a notorious robbery/holdup group known as “Nituan Gang” were arrested during a raid on their supposed safehouse in Barangay Kalawakan, Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan, Thursday.
In a report reaching here, Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao, Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) director, identified the suspects as Roland Nituan, Avelino Nituan and Randy Nituan, all of Sitio Durumugan, Barangay Kalawakan, Doña Remidios Trinidad, Bulacan,
The police team was armed with a search warrant when it raided the residence of the three suspects, Ladao said.
During the raid, the team recovered from the suspects' safehouse one homemade caliber .38 revolver without serial number, one caliber rifle (airgun), four pieces bullets for .38 caliber, one nylon holster, a homemade gauge pistolized shotgun, one homemade cal.38 revolver without serial number with five bullets and one homemade cal.22 revolver with five bullets.
Ladao said that the implementation of search warrant was a case operational plan formulated to closely monitor the activities of the group believed to be responsible for the series of robbery/holdup, extortion and carnapping incidents in Bulacan and nearby provinces.
He said the group has recently victimized Mark Anthony Marquez, 28 years and resident of Barangay Mojon, Malolos, Bulacan and Marlon San Pedro, salesman, and helper of Megavia Corporation wherein at gun point, they forcibly took and carted away the victims’ P23,933 collection money and two cellphones.
The suspects as well as the seized items were brought to the Regional Intelligence Division 3 here for proper investigation and disposition.
Ladao said appropriate charges are being readied against the three suspects. (PNA)
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Gun dealer with 'shabu' nabbed in Bulacan
MARILAO, Bulacan, May 5 (PNA) - Police detectives arrested a suspected member of a gun-running syndicate who was also caught with a plastic sachet of the illegal drug "shabu" during an operation against loose firearms in Barangay Abangan Sur here Wednesday afternoon.
Chief Inspector Marlon R. Santos, chief of the Bulacan PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT), identified the suspect as Eduardo Soriano, 40, resident of Sitio Itok-itok, Barangay Abangan Sur in this town.
Santos said that a CIDT team led by SP01 Edwin M. Pagsibigan conducted a “buy- bust” operation against loose firearms after a police asset managed to transact a deal with the suspect.
He said that when Soriano handed over a caliber 357 magnum to the CIDT poseur buyer and received the marked money, Pagsibigan and other CIDT operatives placed him under arrest.
When frisked, Santos said the suspect yielded a plastic sachet containing shabu.
CIDT agents also recovered six live bullets of a caliber 357 magnum from the suspect.
Santos said the operation is in line with the CIDG flagship project “Oplan Paglalansag,” a nationwide campaign against loose firearms and CIDG flagship project “Oplan Big Bertha”, a campaign against illegal drugs.
Bulacan CIDT chief investigator Marlon Sanchez said cases for violation of PD 1866 or illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and violation of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) will be filed against the suspect. (PNA)
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Two men gunned down in Bulacan
SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan, May 4 (PNA) -- Two men, who were out to buy gasoline after the gas tank of their motorcycle run empty, were killed when an angry vendor shot them at point-blank range, allegedly for leaving their motorcycle in front of their house in Barangay Kapihan early Tuesday morning.
Police identified the victims as Ramil Siapco, 47, and Nicanor Garcia, 53, both residents of said barangay.
The suspect, identified as Darwin Quiazon, 23, married, vendor and resident of Barangay BMA-Balagtas was arrested, police said.
Police said the suspect apparently got irked after the two men “recklessly” left their motorcycle in front of his house around 3 a.m. Tuesday, prompting him to follow them on board a black Enduro-type motorbike at a rural gasoline store and without warning shot them with a handgun.
Police said Siapco died on the spot while Garcia was brought to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead by doctors. (PNA)
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Two fratmen nabbed for death of recruit in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 2 (PNA) -- Police on Monday arrested two of four teenaged fratmen who were allegedly responsible for the death of their new recruit while undergoing initiation in Barangay Matimbo last Friday.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., said the Malolos City police station are now readying charges of homicide in relation to Republic Act 8049 (Anti Hazing Law) against Marlon Mendoza, 18, and John Lawrence Borja, 18, both members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity, for the death of victim Ronel de Guzman, 20, a resident of Barangay Sto. Nino, Hagonoy town.
Two other members of the fraternity who were identified only as “Lelouch” and “Mandirigma” are now the subject of a police manhunt, Mendez said.
Police said the initiation rites took place at a vacant lot in Barangay Matimbo where the victim sustained bruises and wounds in different parts of his bodies and was declared dead on arrival at the Bulacan Medical Center. (PNA)
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Malolos clergy to hold exhibit in honor of Pope John Paul II
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 30 (PNA) -- The Archdiocese of Malolos will hold a one-day exhibit on May 2 at the Basilica Minore, formerly the Malolos Cathedral, that will showcase souvenirs from the Papal visit in the country of the late Pope John Paul II, who is set to be beatified as a saint on Sunday in Vatican City.
Fr. Jay Lina, head of the Commission on Liturgy of the Malolos Diocese, said the exhibit will feature the Bulacan clergy’s pictorial souvenirs with the late Pope, including books and Papal writings in honor and grateful memory of the most loved pope in history.
The exhibit will be at held the lobby of the Basilica Minore Office. It will be opened at 9 a.m. on May 2 and will be followed by a 6 p.m. mass inside the church where hundreds of Roman Catholics in Bulacan and other places are expected to attend to join the world’s celebration of his beatification.
A vestment of Pope John Paul II given to former Malolos Diocese Bishop Cirilo Almario during the Papal visit in 1981 will also be displayed in the one day exhibit, Lina said.
Bishop Almario, who is now 80 years old, said Pope John Paul II gave him the vestment that the Pontiff wore at a mass in Quezon City Memorial Circle in 1981.
Almario, then the secretary general of the Catholics Bishops Conference of the Philippines, was the overall in- charge in the said Papal visit in the country.
Almario said the vestment was handed down to him by the Pope’s secretary after the mass.
“I was very surprised to receive it and I am very thankful and honored. That is why until now, I am really taking good care and preserving this vestment,” he said.
Almario, who served as Malolos bishop for 23 years, said he could not help himself but to jump in joy after hearing the news that Pope John Paul II will already be declared as a saint.
I am praying for his sainthood every day since the day he died in 2005. I know, this is the same feeling shared by many Filipinos whose life was touched by Pope John Paul II,” he said
Fr. Lina recalled he was still in the seminary when the Pope came in 1981. He said he felt something different and very holy about the Pope. (PNA)
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Two Bulacan mayors file libel charges vs Aiko Melendez
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 28 (PNA) -- Mayor Patrick Meneses of Bulacan and Mayor Enrico Roque of Pandi filed separate libel charges against actress turned politician Aiko Melendez and four others before the Bulacan Provincial Prosecutor’s Office here Thursday afternoon.
Meneses told newsmen that he, including his family and constituents, have deeply been hurt by the tweeter account allegedly posted by Melendez questioning his manhood and that he and the mayor of Pandi were alleged lovers.
He, however, refused to discuss matters pertaining to the libel case.
Roque also refused to make any comments. His close aides said that it is now up to the court since the case has been filed.
Meanwhile, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Bulacan Chapter, headed by Paombong Mayor Donato Marcos, has issued resolution expressing full support to their colleagues by denouncing the negative issues hurled against them.
Marcos said the resolution also encouraged all legislative bodies -- municipal, city and provincial councils -- in the province of Bulacan “to pass a resolution after establishing whoever is the person behind this negative publicity.
San Ildefonso Mayor Carla Galvez-Tan, who acted as spokeperson of the league, said the 21 municipal mayors of Bulacan will extend full support to the two mayors.
Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad also said that he is supporting the cause of the two embattled mayors of Bulacan.
Natividad said that being the “father” of a town is a great responsibility and the controversy is affecting the decision-making of the town executives.
“This may serve as a deterrent for others who will intrude to the private lives of local officials,” he added. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops return stolen bikes to owners
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, April 28 (PNA) - Police authorities on Thursday returned seven stolen motor vehicles to their rightful owners after conducting interviews and verification of documents.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., said that the Sta. Maria police station and the San Jose del Monte City police station have recovered two tricycles and five single motorbikes which were stolen in San Jose Del Monte City and Sta. Maria town recently.
Mendez said the Sta. Maria police also arrested Eduardo Centenaje Jr., 50, Dads Dave Centenaje, and Antonio Sayson Jr., 32, all residents of Bagong Silang, Caloocan City.
He said that the Bulacan police will continue to boost their campaign against car thieves and called on the public to report any suspicious activities or persons in their communities. (PNA)
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5 NPA rebels, Army trooper slain in Bulacan clash
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan, April 26 (PNA) -- Five heavily-armed suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and a radio operator of the Philippine Army were killed in an encounter in Purok 5, Barangay Igay, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan Tuesday morning.
In a report to Central Luzon police regional director Chief Supt. Alan Purisima, acting Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr. said that at around 5:30 a.m., combined elements of the Army's 56 Infantry Battalion and a maneuver platoon of the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) responded to an information that a group of heavily-armed men were seen roaming around the area.
Mendez said that when the government troops arrived in the area, the armed men opened fire at them, triggering a gun battle that resulted in the death of five suspected rebels and a PA radio operator who has yet to be identified.
Mendez said additional troops from the PPSC under Supt. Fitz Macariola and Army soldiers are still conducting internal security operations at the site. (PNA)
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SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan, April 20 (PNA) - The provincial government of Bulacan launched Tuesday the “Kalikasan at Kasaysayan” tour at the historic Biak-na Bato national park here.
Jo Clemente, technical assistant for arts and culture of the provincial government, led a team of Bulacan newsmen on the different scenic spots within the Biak-na Bato park and reservation area.
The group was also accompanied by the Bulakenya contestants at the Miss Earth and Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageants.
Clemente said the Biak-na-Bato is an ideal tourist and historical spot that is good for study tours and extreme sports like mountain climbing, river rafting, and ecological tour.
He also said that the place is rich with legends and folklores like the tale of the "Bundok ng Susong Dalaga", a mountain that has the form of a sleeping woman.
Rustico de Belen, chief of the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), said the tour also aims to create public awareness on the environmental hazards at Biak-na-Bato where the rare but expensive tea rose marble has been wantonly extracted in the past years. The mining of tea rose marble at Biak-na-Bato was only stopped this year after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) canceled the Mineral Products Sharing Agreement.
De Belen said that they are also planning to make an inventory of the flora and fauna that abound in the historical mountain retreat which served as the stronghold of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and Filipino revolutionaries during the Filipino-Spanish war. (PNA)
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Two suspected gunners nabbed in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, April 17 (PNA) -- Police operatives arrested two suspected members of a gunrunning syndicate in a series of operations in Pulilan and Plaridel towns over the weekend.
Chief Inspector Marlon R. Santos, chief of the Bulacan Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT), identified the suspects as Joseph Barlan, 35, married, of Barangay Longos, Pulilan, and Alimbsar Rascan, 39, single, of Barangay Saluysoy, Meycauayan City.
Santos said Barlan was arrested inside Room 107 of Green Garden Hotel in Pulilan while in the act of dealing and selling an unlicensed .38 caliber revolver with four bullets.
Barlan did not resist when accosted by the lawmen, Santos added.
On the other hand, Rascan was arrested in Barangay Banga, Plaridel while also dealing and selling an unlicensed pistolized shotgun with live ammunition.
Santos said the two suspects could be members of a gunrunning gang operating in Bulacan and some parts of Metro Manila and Central Luzon.
He said the operations were conducted in line with the CIDG’s “Oplan: Paglalansag.”
Charges for violations of Presidential Decree No. 1866 were filed against the suspects before the Bulacan Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. (PNA)
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High-grade cocaine recovered in Bulacan
BOCAUE, Bulacan, April 15 (PNA) -- Police intelligence operatives recovered a blue plastic bag containing more than half a kilo of high grade cocaine in Barangay Turo here Thursday night.
Newly-installed Bulacan police officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent Fernando H. Mendez Jr., said the provincial intelligence branch of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) has received an information that a group of suspicious looking persons were seen along the road in Barangay Turo near the Bocaue exit of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) transacting and haggling a certain item inside a blue plastic bag bounded by packing tape.
According to Mendez, a police team was dispatched to the said place to verify the information.
However, Mendez said that when the police team passed through the Bocaue exit of NLEX, a police patrol car passed by alarming the suspects who scampered away in different directions on board three motorcycles with unknown plate numbers, leaving the blue plastic bag.
He said the police team found a taped package inside the blue plastic bag containing white powdered substance which was brought to the PNP Regional Crime Laboratory Office 3 (RCLO3) in Camp Olivas, Pampanga for examination.
Chief Inspector Angel Timano, RCLO3 forensic chemist, said the substance tested positive for cocaine hydrochloride, a type of dangerous drug.
The recovered cocaine has an estimated street value of P2.7 million, police said. (PNA)
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Central Luzon cops undergo criminal investigation training course
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, April 14 (PNA) - Some 348 policemen from the different police stations in Central Luzon have recently graduated from a criminal investigation course held here.
Chief Superintendent Alan LM. Purisima, Central Luzon police director, said the participants completed the course for 45 days.
The participants were from seven police provincial offices of Pampanga, Tarlac, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Bataan and Aurora and the cities of Angeles and Olongapo.
Purisima said that every policeman should have knowledge on investigation to enhance police work and capabilities.
"When you go back to your stations, use what you have learned in your training course on investigation," Purisima told the graduates.
Chief Superintendent Ricardo Marquez, who represented PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo in the graduation ceremony, said that 70 percent of the police investigators in the country have no formal training in investigation.
"That is why we are conducting courses like this to change our investigation system in our organization," he said.
Marquez, the executive officer of the PNP police directorate for investigation and detective management, the training course would also mean “to upgrade our investigation capability and to be more effective in the performance of duty.” (PNA)
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Zubiri calls for immediate inspection of Angat Dam
CALUMPIT, Bulacan, April 9 (PNA) -- Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment, said the government should immediately inspect the structural integrity of the 43-year-old Angat Dam which is sitting along the Marikina West Valley Fault Line.
“The government must hasten study on the integrity of Angat Dam structures for us to come up with certain course of action. Unless we do that, we will not be able to plan for the worst. I am glad the National Power Corporation (Napocor) finally agreed to have Angat Dam structure inspected,” Zubiri told local newsmen during the commencement exercise at the Colegio de Calumpit Friday afternoon.
He said that even though officials of the Napocor have issued statements that Angat Dam is safe, the government should not ignore the possibility that a 7.2- to 7.5- magnitude earthquake might erupt once the fault line moves.
“I fear a large disaster or catastrophe may happen, especially in case the (Marikina) west valley fault line moves,” the senator said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has stated that the Marikina West Valley Fault Line might move anytime.
According to Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum, the Marikina West Valley Fault Line moves every 200 to 400 years.
Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado called on concerned agencies to conduct an immediate inspection on the structural soundness of Angat Dam shortly after a powerful earthquake devastated northeastern Japan last month.
Like Solidum, the governor expressed belief that a disaster of catastrophic proportions could occur if the 43-year-old rock-built Angat Dam in Norzagaray town breaks.
Alvarado said they have no intention of alarming the people but it is high time to plan and have remedial measures ready for such eventuality.
“It is the right thing to do. If the Angat Dam is structurally sound like the Napocor claims that it can stand a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, well and good, however, if it is not, then we have a problem,” Alvarado said.
Froilan Tampinco, president and CEO of Napocor, said that Napocor made an agreement with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) to conduct an independent study on the structural soundness of Angat Dam.
"We believe that Angat Dam is structurally sound and can stand a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, but we also admit that earthquake these days are getting more powerful and frequent," Tampinco said. (PNA)
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Tension grips Baliuag village as suspended village chief fends off lawmen
BALIUAG, Bulacan, March 30 (PNA) - Tension gripped Barangay Sta. Barbara here after the suspended village chief, who locked himself inside the barangay hall, tried to prevent policemen from opening the heavily barricaded door of the building Tuesday afternoon.
Barangay captain Cesar Chico violently resisted Baliuag policemen headed by Supt. Raniel Valones from enforcing an order of Mayor Romy Estrella to remove the barricade at the barangay hall so that the delivery of basic services at the village could resume normally.
On March 14, 2011, Estrella issued a memorandum order slapping a 60-day suspension against Chico after the municipal council unanimously approved Kapasyahan Blg. 15 for alleged misconduct and abuse of authority.
Estrella ordered Valones and his men to remove the barricade and open the barangay hall to the public after Chico openly defied his order and the council’s resolution. Chico and his supporters barricaded the village hall after the mayor issued the suspension order.
Tension flared up when Valones and his men backed up by a maneuver platoon from the Provincial Public Safety Management Company removed the barricade and began to open the padlocked steel gate of the building using blow torch and bolt cutter.
When the steel gate was finally opened, a commotion ensued inside the barangay hall when the suspended village chief tried to shove away the lawmen prompting them to handcuff him and later brought him to the police station.
The embattled village chief and his supporters called the move against him as “political harassment” claiming he has violated no laws. He also threatened to file charges against the Baliuag policemen.
Valones, the town police chief, however said they will file charges of direct assault upon persons of authority and usurpation of authority against Chico for violently resisting and preventing lawmen from implementing a lawful order. (PNA)
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NLEX launches "Tara na sa Norte" outdoor fair
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 26 (PNA) -- Summer vacation will be more convenient and relaxing through the North Luzon Expressway Outdoor Fair "Tara na sa Norte" which was launched Friday at the NLEX-Shell Station in Barangay Burol, Balagtas, Bulacan.
The activity aims to promote tourism in North Luzon and at the same time help the business of the toll service facilities and its locators by organizing activities that will increase the number of motorists.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, together with Metro Pacific Tollways president Ramoncito Fernandez, Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) president Rodrigo Franco, MNTC vice president for Marketing Renie Ticzon, Mayor Gerry Pelayo of Candaba, Pampanga and Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas led the launching event.
“The North has so much to offer, and Bulacan is the gateway to the North. Bulacan has a rich cultural and historical heritage,” said Alvarado as he encouraged the people not only in Bulacan but other parts of the country to see the many scenic places in the province and the entire North Luzon.
He said that in the province of Bulacan, there are many historical sites, notably the three “Republics” sites — The Kakarong de Sili Republic in Pandi, the Biak-na-Bato Republic in San Miguel and the Malolos Republic in Malolos City -- and colorful fiestas.
The activities in the NLEX Outdoor Travel Fair include product presentations by participating exhibitors, as well as familiarization tours for selected groups of attendees to experience North Philippines, hourly raffles, essay and poetry writing competitions for participating schools, a cultural-mix dance competition, rock band performances and fashion show.
This year’s "Tara na sa Norte" is supported by the Department of Tourism, the North Philippines Visitors Bureau, the provincial government of Bulacan, the provincial government of Pampanga, Smart Communications, Pilipinas Shell, Victory Liner, Burger King, Makati Medical Center, TV5, Blackbook-Summit Media, Philippine Daily Inquirer and Radyo Inquirer 990AM. (PNA)
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Bulacan Task Force 'Bantay Botcha' seizes over 2,000 kilos of hot meat
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 21 (PNA) --Police and members of the provincial task force “Bantay Botcha” have arrested two suspected dealers of tainted meat and seized more than 2,000 kilos of “double dead” pork meat over the weekend.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Wendy Rosario said the “hot meat” was intercepted at a checkpoint manned by a joint team of policemen and staff from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).
Rosario said a police team stopped a freezer van loaded with 85 boxes of chopped imported pork meat (weighing about 1,500 kilos) at a checkpoint in Barangay Bulihan here at around 2 a.m. Sunday.
Supt. Balatazar Mamaril Jr., Malolos City police chief, said the police team arrested Eduardo Flores, a meat dealer from Marilao, after he failed to present permits and certification from the National Meat Inspection Service.
Mamaril said the “hot meat” were inside carton boxes marked “made in USA” and were bound for the public market in Hagonoy town when it was intercepted.
This was the second time that several kilos of imported meat from USA were seized by authorities in this city.
In San Rafael town, a police team from the Provincial Public Safety Company headed by Supt. Fitz Macariola and a team from the PVO headed by Dr. Voltaire Basinang arrested Domingo Vargas, 46, resident of Barangay San Pedro, Bustos, Bulacan, driver of a Hyundai van loaded with 600 kilos of tainted pork meat.
It was later learned that the owner of the hot meat was a certain Yolly Cruz, also a resident of Bustos, Bulacan.
Macariola said charges of violation of Provincial Ordinance (Section 4 and 12) will be filed against the owner and the driver of the van carrying “double dead” hog meat.
Authorities immediately burned the seized tainted meats. (PNA)
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Malolos City opens own TV network
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 15 (PNA) -- The city government here headed by Mayor Christian D. Natividad has set the trend in community broadcasting with the launching of its own cable TV network.
Natividad said the Malolos Community Development Network (MCDN) is now on its test broadcast and being aired over Channel 18 of the Sky Cable TV network.
“It is also known as the “Feel Good” channel. We are airing that will make our people feel good, be good citizens, updated on news and issues happening in our city and learn,” Natividad said.
The young mayor said aside from the progress of the programs of the city government, MCDN Channel 18 will also feature the Malolos Music Network, the theatrical plays of the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation and indie films produced by students of Bulacan State University, among others.
“Everybody is welcome to send TV materials on our community network. We designed so that the people of Malolos will have their own TV network,” Natividad said in an interview with local mediamen.
The MCDN is the first of its kind in the province and perhaps in Central Luzon, he added. (PNA)
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Bulacan crime index drops this year
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 11 (PNA) -- Despite the series of high profile crimes that occurred in Bulacan in the previous months, the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has reported that crime index in the province is relatively low compared to previous years.
With this development, Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado commended the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) and other government peacekeeping forces for continuously maintaining an atmosphere of peace and order in the province wherein the crime rate drops at about 18.43 percent.
Alvarado, chairman of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), said that the unrelenting drive against criminality and maintenance of peace and order has resulted into significant arrests of lawless elements and neutralization of notorious crime syndicates operating in Bulacan, Metro Manila and some parts of Central and Southern Luzon.
The governor also announced during the recent PPOC meeting at the Hiyas Pavilion here that from 3,608 recorded crime incidents in 2010, the number of crimes in Bulacan decreased to 2,943 incidents.
“Government functions in whatever capacity must always be pure above suspicion and beyond reproach. To reorder society, let us start the change in us. Only then will peace and order reign supreme,” Alvarado said.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Wendy Rosario also reported that the Bulacan police had arrested 122 wanted persons, issued a total of 3,695 citation tickets against erring motorcycle riders, neutralized holdupp groups, and intensified the campaign against illegal gambling, drugs, loose firearms and carnapping.
“We will continue to enhance our personnel and unit capability, especially in the anti-crime and internal security operations and further strengthen our community relations in order to be more effective in addressing peace and security concerns in the province,” Rosario said.
Also present in the council meeting were Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando, vice chairman of PPOC; BM Enrique Viudez III, chairman of the Committee on Peace and Order; Col. Hilario Vicente Lagnada, Battalion commander of 56 IB Infantry, Philippine Army; Col. Felicito Trinidad, commander, 702nd Brigade, 71D, Philippine Army; Myra Moral, provincial director of the Department of Interior and Local Government; municipal mayors; Bulacan policemen; and other officials from different government agencies. (PNA)
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Bulacan observes Fire Prevention Month
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 10 (PNA) - Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has called on Bulakenyos to always take the needed precaution against fires which cause unnecessary losses of lives and properties.
Alvarado made the call as the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) observes the Fire Prevention Month this March.
The governor said several activities were lined up to heighten the public awareness and involvement to prevent fire accidents.
With the theme “Kahandaan sa Sunog…Tungo sa Kaunlaran,” the month-long observation recently kicked off with the province-wide simultaneous blowing of horns in all fire stations and a motorcade participated in by Bureau of Fire Protection personnel, government employees and officials and different rescue groups in Bulacan.
Selected provincial government employees who were given orientation about first aid (basic life support and cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and fire suppression were designated as fire and earthquake marshall or first aider of their respective departments.
The PDRRMO is also scheduled to conduct training on fire safety and prevention and first aid in the provincial jail and selected schools, establishments, and city and municipal governments in the province.
Fire safety inspection, fire and earthquake drill have also been lined up for the month. (PNA)
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Suspected car thief gunned down in Bulacan
MALOLOS CITY, March 8 (PNA) -- Two unidentified gunmen shot to death in gangland fashion a 34-year old man, whom police suspected to be a member of a notorious carnapping and robbery syndicate, in Barangay Look I here Monday night.
In a report to Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Wendy Rosario, Malolos City police chief Supt. Baltazar Mamaril Jr., identified the victim as Odilon Filoteo, a native of Hagonoy, Bulacan and presently residing in said barangay.
Police investigators said that Filoteo was inside a private compound full of motorcycles, motorcycle parts and accessories (believed to be stolen) when two men riding tandem on a motorcycle and armed with handguns approached him and without warning shot him several times.
Filoteo died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds, Mamaril said.
Police said Filoteo was allegedly engaged in the selling of motorcycles parts and accessories with no business permit.
Mamaril said Filoteo has a pending robbery case in Branch 7 of the Bulacan Regional Trial Court for robbing an Indian trader in Hagonoy sometime last year and was out on bail.
Some inmates interviewed by police investigators said that Filoteo belongs to a group engaged in robbing Indian traders and in theft of motorcycles.
Police also found 50 different jackets, two black Honda motorbikes without plate numbers and a red Mio motorcycle with plate number PF 9073 inside the said compound.
A SOCO team from the Bulacan PNP Crime Laboratory also recovered seven spent shells of Cal.45 pistol bullets and four slugs at the crime scene.
Police are still investigating the motive behind the killing, Mamaril said. (PNA)
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Bocaue's 'most wanted' person falls
BOCAUE, Bulacan, March 5 (PNA) -- Police operatives on Friday captured a slippery criminal listed as the “most wanted person” in this town during a manhunt operation in Barangay Batia here.
Authorities identified the fugitive as Ryan Ilustrisimo Yap, 30, of Barangay Batia. Yap did not resist arrest and is now detained.
He was arrested on the strength of a warrant of arrest for a case of robbery with homicide and serious physical injuries.
Police said the suspect, listed as the number one “most wanted person” in the municipality of Bocaue, went into hiding after robbing the Dreamwave Resort in Barangay Turo sometime in 2009, where he also killed a security guard and wounded another.
Yap is also a suspected member of a local robbery-holdup gang that victimizes Indian traders in the towns of Bocaue, Balagtas and Marilao, investigators said. (PNA)
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Two suspected robbers killed in Pulilan clash
PULILAN, Bulacan, March 2 (PNA) -- Police intelligence operatives killed two suspected members of a notorious robbery-holdup gang during a shootout in Barangay Poblacion here Tuesday night.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Wendy Rosario said the slain suspects, who were yet to be identified, earlier robbed the “Sizzlingan sa Pulilan” restaurant in Barangay Poblacion, together with another companion.
Rosario said the three suspects who were armed with handguns arrived at the eatery at around 10 p.m. Tuesday.
After they ate, the suspects approached the cashier but instead of paying their bill, the trio drew their guns and announced a hold-up.
Rosario said that after divesting the establishment of its earning, the suspects boarded a black Honda TMX motorcycle (with plate number RA 3344) then fled towards the direction of nearby Calumpit town.
Rosario said a team from the Provincial Intelligence Branch, headed by Supt. Edwin Quilates, chanced upon the fleeing suspects.
He said the lawmen tailed the suspects and after several meters away from the crime scene, the suspects noticed the car of the pursuing lawmen and opened fire. A brief firefight ensued resulting to the deaths of the two suspects. The other suspect managed to elude arrest.
Rosario said the suspects could be members of a robbery-holdup gang who have victimized Indian nationals based on the evidence recovered from the two slain suspects.
Police recovered two .38 caliber revolvers, seven cartridge cases for .38 caliber pistols, two cartridge cases for .9mm pistols, one Honda motorcycle, P2,940 cash, ATM cards and several identification cards, believed to be stolen from Indian nationals. (PNA)
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Sports: Bulacan is again CLRAA champion
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Feb. 26 (PNA) -- For the fifth consecutive time, Bulacan again emerged as the champion -- both in the elementary and secondary divisions -- of the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA) 2011 regional meet.
Loud cheers reverberated at the grandstand of the sprawling Bulacan Sports Complex in Barangay Sta. Isabel here when Feliciano Lambus, chairman of technical records management committee, announced that Bulacan topped the overall ranking both in the elementary and high school levels in the six-day regional sportsfest.
Lambus said that in the elementary division, Bulacan garnered a total of 252.50 points, besting runner-up Pampanga which got 228.50 points.
In the secondary division, Bulacan got 290 points while Pampanga got 181 points. The City of Malolos ended up third in the elementary level with 100.50 points
Aside from medals and trophies, Lambus said this year’s champions also received P100,000 -– P50,000 for elementary and P50,000 –- from Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., who was the guest of honor during the opening of the regional meet last Sunday.
He said they will use the money for the training of the athletes in preparation for the Palarong Pambansa.
Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado congratulated all the athletes and the organizers for the smooth and successful completion of the week-long regional sporting event.
He said that the event showed the skills, agility and talents of students and the camaraderie of the people of Central Luzon. (PNA)
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CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Feb. 20 (PNA) -- The Central Luzon Police Regional Office is in need of at least 490 applicants for new police posts to be filled up this May.
Chief Inspector Angelito Esteban, chief of the Regional Personnel and Human Resource Development Division, said the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) is now accepting qualified applicants to become police officers.
The regional police office has started accepting applicants since Feb. 10 at the provincial police offices and city police offices of Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Olongapo City, and Zambales.
He said the deadline for the submission of folders at the provincial and city levels is Feb. 21.
Qualifications of the police applicants include: 1) Should be a Filipino citizen; 2) At least 21 years old and not more than 30 years old upon the date of oath taking; 3) Must stand at least 157 centimeters for female and 162 centimeters for male; 4) Must be physically and mentally fit; 5) A graduate of any baccalaureate course or four-year course; and 6) Should possess any of the following eligibilities -- National Police Commission-PNP Entrance Exam, Civil Service Professional Exam, or a board exam.
The following documents should also be submitted to the provincial and city police offices: Personal Data Sheet (PDS CSC Form 212, revised 2005), birth certificate from the National Statistics office (NSO), transcript of records and diploma, Certificate of Eligibility, Clearances (Barangay Clearance, Local Police Clearance, Mayor’s Clearance, Municipal Trial Court, Prosecutor’s and Regional Trial Court Clearances, National Bureau of Investigation Clearance and a one piece whole body picture. (PNA)
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3 illegal loggers nabbed in Bulacan
NORZAGARAY, Bulacan, Feb. 16 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado is now getting public support in his resolve to protect the environment and natural resources in this province.
This, after Bulacan policemen arrested three men engaged in illegal logging activities during an operation in Barangay Upper Bigte here last Monday.
Police also recovered one chainsaw, cut Germinina trees and 23 pieces of wooden slabs.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Wendy Rosario identified the arrested suspects Dominador Tanada, 65, married; Arnold Baco, 27, single, and Joey Asuela, 26, married, all residents of said barangay.
Rosario said that the Norzagaray police station received information from concerned citizens that illegal logging is taking place in the area.
He said local policemen proceeded to the area and caught the three men in the act of cutting trees along the remote mountain village.
Appropriate charges will be filed against the arrested suspects.
Rosario said that Alvarado has recently issued two memorandum orders deputizing the Bulacan Police Provincial Office to go after and apprehend illegal quarry operators, haulers of illegally extracted minerals, illegal loggers and poachers.
He also said that troops from the Provincial Public Safety Management Company under Supt. Fitz Macariola are augmenting local policemen in manning checkpoints along major thoroughfares, in coordination with the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office headed by Lawyer Rustico “Teddy” de Belen, to check the transport of mineral deposits and illegally cut logs and other forest products. (PNA)
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No laws violated in hauling of abandoned tea rose marbles - Bulacan gov
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Feb. 11 (PNA) - Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said that the provincial government has not violated any law in the hauling of abandoned blocks of tea rose marbles from San Miguel town to the compound of the Provincial Engineer's Office in Barangay Tabang, Guiguinto town.
Alvarado said that there is no need to secure an Ore Transport Permit (OTP) to haul the abandoned marble blocks as stated in DENR Administrative Order No. 96-40 Series of 1996: Revised Implementing Rules and Regulation of The Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Under the said administrative order, it is stated that only permit holders, contractors, accredited traders, retailers, processors and other mining rights holders are required to get OTP from the regional director of DENR.
"The transfer of marbles to PEO by the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) does not require the securing from the DENR of an OTP. Needless to say, the BENRO is not in any manner engaged in mining activity," he said.
Alvarado also attested that everything was properly documented and accounted for when an inspection team composed of representatives from PENRO, BENRO, PNP, media and several NGOs participated in the investigation and inspection.
BENRO chief Rustico De Belen earlier reported that the smuggled and illegally extracted marble blocks were dumped for more than two years ago along the streets and rivers, posing great hazards to motorists and residents.
"The transfer of the abandoned marbles was done to protect the life and property of the public and to ensure public safety is in accordance with the faithful and orderly execution of the law," De Belen said. (PNA)
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3 establishments destroyed in Bulacan fire
STA. MARIA, Bulacan, Feb. 9 (PNA) -- A fireworks wrapper shop, a grocery store and a house were razed to the ground after a 30-minute fire broke out in Barangay Pulong Buhangin here Tuesday night.
No one was reportedly injured in a fire that started at 8:30 p.m.
Municipal fire chief Senior Inspector Orlando Clemente placed the damaged at around half a million pesos.
Clemente said the fire started at a shop selling fireworks wrappers and spread to the adjacent grocery store and a house because chemicals, gun powder and other combustible materials were stored at the shop.
A caretaker at the fireworks shop told arson probers he was sweeping when something sparked at a corner of the shop, triggering the blaze.
The establishments are reportedly owned by the Da Silva family. (PNA)
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Wanted car thief falls in Bulacan drug bust
BALAGTAS, Bulacan, Feb. 6 (PNA) -- Operatives of the Bulacan Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (PNP-CIDT) arrested two suspected dope peddlers during a series of buy bust operations in Barangay Burol 1st here Sunday morning.
Chief Inspector Marlon R. Santos, Bulacan CIDT chief, identified the arrested suspects as Jason Landayan, 29, resident of Barangay Poblacion, Pandi, Bulacan; and Joselito Mag-isa, alias “Tammy,” 31, of Barangay Santol, Balagtas, Bulacan.
Santos said Landayan also turned out to be a principal suspect in the carjacking of a Toyota Fortuner and the abduction and rape of two female occupants of the same vehicle in Pampanga last year.
Police said a CIDT team led by SP01 M. Pagsibigan conducted an anti-drug operation in Barangay Burol 1st which resulted in the arrest of Mag-isa and the seizure of one plastic sachet containing methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu with a street price of P500.
Santos said that after Mag-isa was arrested, the CIDT team conducted a follow-up operation near a gas station in Barangay Burol where Landayan was arrested after selling two plastic sachets of shabu with an estimated street price of P20,000 to a poseur buyer.
Bulacan CIDT chief investigator Marlon Sanchez said that during investigation, it was learned that Landayan is one of the principal suspects in a carjacking case and in the abduction with rape of two female occupants of the stolen Toyota Fortuner in Bacolor, Pampanga.
A case of carnapping and abduction with rape was filed by the Bacolor police station against Landayan last year, Sanchez added.
Sanchez said that charges for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) will be filed against Landayan while a case for violation of Section II, Article II of R.A. 9165 will be filed against Mag-isa before the Bulacan Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Malolos City. (PNA)
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PNP offers P100,000 reward for gunman in Evangelista kidnap-slay
MANILA, Feb. 2 (PNA) -– The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday offered a P100,000 reward for any information that would lead to the arrest of the gunman in the kidnap-slaying of car trader Venson Evangelista.
Chief Supt. Benito Estipona, head of the Special Investigation Task Group-Lozano/Evangelista (SITG-Lozano/Evangelista), said the PNP is offering the bounty for Rolando Talban, who uses the aliases Rolly and Eduardo Fernandez, who was tagged as the gunman in Evangelista murder.
Earlier, Alfred Mendiola, who admitted being the one who posed as buyer of Evangelista’s Toyota Land Cruiser last January 14, tagged a certain Rolly as the one who shot Evangelista.
Mendiola, along with Ferdinand Parulan, is presently under police custody.
Mendiola and Parulan also tagged Raymond Dominguez, suspected leader of the notorious Dominguez carjacking group, as the brains behind the kidnap-slaying of Evangelista, whose charred body was recovered in Cabanatuan City three days after the abduction.
Dominguez voluntarily gave himself up to police authorities hours after the arrest of Mendiola and Parulan last January 15.
Estipona said that police investigators managed to establish the real identity of Talban after checking on court records at a Bulacan regional trial court where he is also facing robbery with homicide and carjacking charges.
It was also found out that Talban used Eduardo Fernandez as an alias in the Dominguez group.
Estipona expressed optimism that the reward offer would attract more information that would eventually lead to Talban’s arrest.
The SITG chief said that police operatives are continuously conducting operations to further strengthen the case against the Dominguez group in the Evangelista case.
Already, investigators have recovered the burned driver’s license of Evangelista, several pairs of licensed plate numbers believed to belong to carjacked vehicles and several firearms from a safehouse of the Dominguez group in Barangay Mabiga, Mabalacat town, Pampanga. (PNA)
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Bulacan solon acts on mining issue
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Feb. 1 (PNA) -- A lady lawmaker from the province’s first district on Monday sought for the amendment of the present mining laws, hoping it will pave the way for the ”genuine” protection of the environment and at the same time address the issue of responsible mining in Bulacan.
Rep. Ma. Victoria R. Sy-Alvarado said she brought up the issue to the halls of Congress to correct what she perceives as “the acute imbalance between environment protection and sustainable development in the countryside" and the seeming lack of coordination in the implementation of mining laws, rules and regulations.
Sy-Alvarado was referring to Republic Act No. 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
She also cited the alleged mismanagement of previous provincial leaderships as among the cause of environment degradation in the mountains of eastern Bulacan.
“Previous provincial leaderships have equated mining with money, leaving absolutely nothing for the environment. The province is now in a dire situation wherein our mountains are deforested, slopes destabilized, rapid soil erosion, desertification of once agricultural lands, crop damages, siltation, alteration of terrain and sea-bottom topography, increase water turbidity, watershed encroachments and air pollution,” Sy-Alvarado said.
She also averred that in the province of Bulacan, many have already died due to mining disputes ever since the Mining Act was enacted into law.
She also disclosed that the unabated quarrying of mineral deposits in the mountains of eastern Bulacan also threatens to wipe out the historic Biak-na-Bato national park.
The Bulacan congresswoman proposed that LGUs should be given more power in regulating mining operations.
She added that the approval of any mining claim by the national government through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) must require the concurrence of the provincial government through its local chief executive who could be held accountable for any environmental degradation together with the mining claimant under the Writ of Kalikasan, the Local Government Code of 1991 and other laws.
She also asked his colleagues at the House of Representatives to support the “Processing of Mineral Resources at Source,” stating that the present provincial leadership has initiated measures for the processing of mineral resources at source through an ordinance aimed to generate more employment and raise the revenue of the province.
In this case, all mineral resources extracted in Bulacan shall be required to be processed in the province before they can be transported outside the province, she added. (PNA)
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3 suspected robbers killed in Bocaue shootout
BOCAUE, Bulacan, Jan. 30 (PNA) -- Three alleged members of a notorious robbery-holdup gang were killed in a shootout with agents of the Bulacan PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT) in Sitio Balubaran, Barangay Duhat here early Sunday morning.
Chief Inspector Marlon Santos, Bulacan CIDT chief, said the three suspects were believed to be members of the dreaded Allan Blas Group — a robbery holdup gang operating in the cities of Meycauayan and San Jose del Monte and in the towns of Bocaue, Balagtas, Marilao and Sta. Maria.
He said this group is engaged in armed robbery and other criminal activities.
Santos said that prior to the shootout, the three suspects earlier held up the Media Eatery in Barangay Bunlo at around 9:50 pm Saturday.
A follow-up operation jointly conducted by Bulacan CIDT agents and the Bocaue police led the lawmen to the gang’s suspected hideout in Barangay Duhat early Sunday morning, Santos added.
Bulacan CIDT chief investigator Marlon Sanchez said the suspects, who were armed with handguns and a hand grenade, sensed the presence of lawmen and opened fire at the approaching police team.
Sanchez said a firefight ensued resulting to the death of the three suspects who remain unidentified as of press time.
Police recovered two cal. 38 revolvers, one cal. 357 pistol and a hand grenade from the dead suspects. (PNA)
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(Update) Family driver, not car thief killed in Pampanga shootout
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Jan. 25 (PNA) - The family driver of a municipal councilor in Bulacan, not a suspected carnapper as earlier reported, was gunned down by policemen near a gasoline station in Barangay Poblacion, Sta. Ana town at about 9:50 a.m. Tuesday.
Reports reaching here said the fatality was identified as Carlos de Leon, a resident of Angat, Bulacan and reportedly a long-time family driver of Angat Councilor Henry Illecias.
The victim was identified by the councilor when he arrived at the area.
The suspects in the botched car theft in Angat town, forcibly took the councilor’s Honda Civic and ordered De Leon to drive the car towards Candaba, the report said.
Angat operatives radioed Candaba police that the suspects were proceeding to their area.
But the suspects have already passed Candaba checkpoint at the time and a hot pursuit operation was conducted against them.
Sta. Ana police were able to intercept the car and a firefight ensued, killing De Leon, the report said.
The suspects were able to escape and are now the subject of manhunt operations of combined Sta. Ana and Pampanga police. (PNA)
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Dominguez brothers will face the "music" -- lawyer
MALOLOS CITY, Jan. 24 (PNA) -- Controversial brothers Raymond and Roger Dominguez, the alleged leaders of a notorious carnapping syndicate, known as the “Dominguez Group”, will face all the charges against them and have no intention of living as “fugitives”, their lawyer said on Monday.
At the same time, lawyer Jose M. Cruz said that he is expecting Roger, alias “Ogie”, to surface any time soon and follow the move of his younger brother Raymond, who submitted himself for voluntary police custody last Saturday night.
“I’ve told them to submit themselves for voluntary custody. I am expecting Roger to come out soon and follow what his brother did,” Cruz said in an interview at his law office here. He also said that he told both his clients to cooperate with the media.
As I've said, there must be a ‘gentlemanship’ in crime. So it’s prudent upon them to come out and face the music,” the lawyer said.
The Dominguez brothers have been linked to the gruesome murder of car dealer Venson Evangelista who was burned after being shot by his killers.
The same fate was suffered by another car dealer, Emerson Lozano, and his driver Ernani Sensil, whose killers remain unidentified. Lozano is the son of former Marcos lawyer Oliver Lozano.
Earlier, Chief Supt. Benito Estipona, head of the Special Investigation Task Group, said the police will file murder charges against the Dominguez brothers and other suspects before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.
Cruz said both Raymond and Roger are not hiding and, in fact, has been attending court hearings.
Raymond sought police custody Saturday night, a day after police raided the suspects’ hideout in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Friday night.
Raymond is presently facing 11 cases of car theft, four robbery charges, a complex crime of carnapping with homicide, illegal possession of firearm (gun ban) and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act before the Bulacan Regional Trial Court while Roger is facing two car theft cases.
Both Raymond and Roger are out on bail. Sources said that Raymond has to cough up more than P2 million for the bonds.
Cruz said that only last Friday Roger attended the hearing of a car theft case at the Angeles City Trial Court while Raymond, on the other hand, attended two court hearings — one for illegal possession of firearm case (Branch 15) and a carnapping case (Branch 78) — at the Bulacan RTC, also last Friday.
Cruz also explained that the court allowed the Dominguez brothers to post bail in the complex crime of carnapping with homicide, a non-bailable offense, after they filed a petition to grant bail.
He explained that the court allowed his clients to post bail because the complainant in the said case has executed a handwritten affidavit of desistance aside from the fact that no eyewitnesses have surfaced.
“Any person remains innocent until proven guilty,” he added.
He said that as of Monday noon, they have yet to receive the latest charges against his clients. He said they will also answer it.
He added that as early as 2007, he already told Raymond and Roger to face the charges filed against them.
What was happening before in case there were incidents of carnapping and hijacking, they were implicated. Of course, they are worrying about their security. But eventually, I was able to convince them to come out, he said.
Cruz also said that it is up to Raymond if he wanted to be transferred. But, at present, his client is under the custody of Chief Inspector Dario Menor, head of the Bulacan PNP Provincial Intelligence Branch.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Wendy Rosario reiterated that Raymond is not being given any special treatment.
“He is not our visitor. He submitted himself into voluntary custody because his family is fearing for his safety,” Rosario said.
He said the bases of Raymond’s custody is for his safety inside the police camp and reminded the media that Dominguez is not yet under arrest.
Rosario also said that they are strengthening the security at the camp.
We would like to apologize to the media because we only want to ensure security inside the camp so that bad elements would not be able to enter because Raymond is not just an ordinary man, he said, adding that the Domiguez family said that Raymond does not want to face nor talk with the media. (PNA)
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New Bulacan PNP director vows to intensify campaign vs. illegal gambling
BULACAN, Bulacan, Jan. 23 (PNA) -- Newly-installed Bulacan provincial police director Senior Supt. Wendy Rosario has vowed to intensify the campaign against all forms of illegal gambling in the province.
In a simple turnover ceremony held here Saturday, Rosario said that aside from illegal gambling, he will also strengthen efforts to crush other illegal activities such as carjackings, robberies, and illegal drugs.
Rosario replaced Senior Supt. Fernando Villanueva as Bulacan PNP director.
The campaign against all forms of illegal activities in Bulacan is in line with the directive of Central Luzon Regional Director Chief Supt. Allan La Madrid Purisima and Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado as a way to maintain the impressive percentage of peace and order situation in the entire province.
Purisima said the police should step up the campaign against lawless armed men, notably carnappers, holdup men and other organized crime syndicates to ensure the safety and protection of the citizens.
It was learned that illegal gambling such as bookies, "jueteng" and video karera gradually declined in the region through the non-stop campaign of the Central Luzon police under Purisima’s leadership. (PNA)
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Bulacan local execs lead 112th anniversary rites of First Philippine Republic
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Jan. 23 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and City Mayor Christian Natividad called on Sunday on the public to keep the heroism, sacrifices and wisdom of Filipino revolutionaries as well as the significance of the First Philippine Republic, also known as the Malolos Republic, alive and burning with pride and patriotism.
Alvarado and Natividad, along with other local officials, led the commemoration of the 112th anniversary of the First Philippine Republic at the patio of the historic Barasoain Church here, where it was inaugurated on the morning of Jan. 23, 1899 amid colorful ceremonies.
Alvarado said the revolution that was ignited by Filipino heroes more than a century ago that paved the way for the establishment of the first democratic republic in Asia, is far from over.
"It is in our hands now the opportunity to shape our society based on the dreams and goals of our heroes who sacrificed their lives, intelligence, wealth, strength and time for the future of our generations and not on the ill motives of those traitors and invaders who shattered our honor, dignity and sovereignty as an independent people of Malolos in this noble province of Bulacan,” Alvarado said in his message following the flag-raising and offering of flowers at the statue of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Philippine Republic.
Alvarado said that it is not yet too late to bring to a triumphant finish the sacrifices and heroism of the Filipino people.
Natividad, for his part, said the people of Malolos are fortunate for having witnessed an opportunity to live in a “sacred” place where the bells of freedom pealed with pride and new hope at Barasoain church 112 years ago.
“Let us continue the heroism and dreams of our heroes. Let us maintain the sacredness of the soil here in Malolos and let us not forget the significance of the First Republic of Malolos,“ Natividad said.
He also said the city government has lined up programs activities that will instill to younger generation the significance and rich heritage of Malolos in Philippione history.
The launching of the book “Bigkis” by the Arte Bulakenyo Foundation Inc. headed by Jo Clemente and the reenactment of the inauguration of the Malolos Republic also highlighted the anniversary rites. (PNA)
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Bulacan officials push strict implementation of 'No Helmet, No Ride' policy
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Jan. 20 (PNA) -- The provincial government of Bulacan is now strictly enforcing the “No Helmet, No Ride” policy in all thoroughfares in the province to ensure safe ride and travel of motorists.
Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Vice Governor Daniel Fernando noted that most of the victims who figured in motorcycle accidents were not wearing safety helmets.
Alvarado and Fernando urged motorcycle riders to strictly follow the provisions of the implementing rules and regulations of Panlalawigang Kautusan Bilang 03-T’09, which the governor authored and was passed when he was still the vice governor and presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panglalawigan.
The governor said the measure is aimed to ensure the safety of motorcycle riders, their passengers and the public as well.
Under the said provincial ordinance, all motorcycle riders, both driver and back rider, are required to wear standard quality protective helmets when using Bulacan roads. Tricycle drivers are not included.
Violators will be apprehended by the local police, barangay officials and their authorized representatives.
First time offenders will be fined with P1,000; P2,000 for second time offenders with possible impounding of motorcycle, possible imprisonment or both defending on the decision of the court.
The provincial government have recently conducted a seminar for barangay officials and local policemen about the “No Helmet, No Ride” policy implementation. (PNA)
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One killed, three others injured in Bulacan firecracker blast
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Dec. 13 (PNA) - A firecracker factory worker died and three others were seriously injured when a Roman Candle accidentally sparked that resulted in a minor explosion at Purok 6, Barangay Sto. Nino, Baliuag, Bulacan over the weekend.
In a belated report reaching here, Senior Superintendent Fernando Villanueva, Bulacan police provincial director, identified the fatality as Antonio Santos, 44, a resident of Barangay Sto. Nino
Villanueva said those injured were Alvin dela Cruz, Rudy Mapalad and Rodel Marcelo, 25, also residents of the said barangay.
Reports said the victims were in the process of making Roman Candle when it accidentally sparked, causing sudden explosion and fire.
Santos and Dela Cruz were immediately taken to Sagrada Fatima Hospital while Mapalad and Marcelo to Marcelo Hospital, both in Baliuag town.
However, Villanueva said Santos, who sustained severe burns in the different parts of his body expired while being transferred to Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital in Manila.
The owner of the makeshift firecrackers factory identified as Arnaldo dela Cruz, 33, was immediately arrested by responding policemen.
Villanueva said appropriate charges are being readied in court against Dela Cruz. (PNA)
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Hijacked cargo of household appliances recovered in Bulacan
MANILA, Dec. 12 (PNA) -- Bulacan police operatives raided a warehouse in Marilao on Thursday, resulting in the recovery of a large stash of expensive household appliances.
Quoting reports from the field, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr. said that elements of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and Bulacan Highway Patrol Team stormed a storage of suspected hijacked cargo at No. 90 Iglesia ni Cristo St., Sta. Rosa II, Marilao, Bulacan owned by Numeriano Cristobal.
Recovered were 22 units of Samsung refrigerators, 26 units of Samsung Slim Fit TV and a washing machine.
Investigation revealed that the recovered items were hijacked by six suspects wearing police uniform on Dec. 6 while being transported by Ximex Delivery Express on board a wing-type cargo truck along the East Service Road in Barangay San Martin De Porres, Marilao town.
The truck was later abandoned along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) in Barangay Sta. Rita, Guiguinto, Bulacan, but already without its cargo.
Cruz said the Bulacan PNP is now conducting follow-up operations to track down the hijackers while Cristobal is now under investigation. (PNA)
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Mayor vows to transform Pandi into a first class agricultural town
PANDI, Bulacan, Dec. 12 (PNA) -- Mayor Enrico Roque on Sunday called on his constituents to leave politics behind and support projects and program geared towards the transformation of this second class farming municipality into a progressive first class agricultural town.
Roque made the statement after the Bulacan Regional Trial Court dismissed last week the election protest filed by his closest rival Oliver Andres in the automated May 10 polls, for lack of merit.
Atty. Noel Roxas and Atty. Anicia Marquez, legal counsels of Roque, said the camp of Andres failed to show proof and evidence on his allegations that the May 10, 2010 automated election in this town were tainted with fraud and irregularities.
Roque won over Andres with 2,959 votes.
He said his administration has lined-up programs and project that will boost livelihood opportunities for the people of Pandi.
He also bared that various programs are now being implemented to improve and protect the farm industry in their town, where many livestock farms are located.
"Let us set aside politics. The court has already made the decision. The true will of the residents prevailed. It is now time to unite and work together in pushing the programs and projects geared towards the progress and development of our town," he said.
Last week, Roque, together with the mayors of Sta. Maria, San Jose del Monte and Paombong joined provincial officials led by Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando during a seminar against the proliferation of hot meat at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in Malolos City.
The mayor said Gov. Alvarado has called on the support of local executives in eradicating the shipment and selling of hot meat or “botcha” by putting more teeth on existing ordinances against hot meat.
He said his office and the local police, in coordination with the Provincial Agriculture Office and the Provincial Veterinary office, are presently conducting inspection on hog farms and at the same time are conducting operations in detecting the smuggling and shipments of double-dead meat.
He said the Provincial Veterinary Office has certified that pork meat coming from hog farms in their town is clean and safe. (PNA)
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Election protest vs. Bulacan town mayor dismissed
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 11 (PNA) -- The Bulacan Regional Trial Court (RTC) here has dismissed the election protest case filed against winning Pandi Mayor Enrico Roque by his rival Oliver M. Andres in the May 10, 2010 automated elections.
In a 25-page decision, Bulacan RTC Branch 79 Judge Olivia V. Escubio-Samar junked Andres’ election protest for lack of merit.
Lawyers Noel Roxas and Anicia Marquez, legal counsels of Roque, said the court also certified the proclamation of Roque as the winning mayor of Pandi and attested the automated counting is accurate.
Andres alleged that vote buying took place during the May 10 polls in the said town and accused Roque’s camp of perpetrating it.
The court, however, stated that not one of the eight witnesses had confirmed the allegation of vote buying, aside from the 31 other witnesses presented who signed affidavits admitting that the allegations were just “hearsay.”
Roxas and Marquez also said that witnesses also failed to support Andres’ allegation of cheating and other cases of election irregularities.
Roque welcomed the decision, saying the will of the people of Pandi has been justified.
He thanked his lawyers and supporters for rallying behind him.
He also said that this positive development will push him to work hard for the growth and development of the town and vowed to make it a first class municipality under his watch.
In his protest, Andres claimed that it was impossible for him to lose in his “bailiwick.” He also alleged that the automated polls did not effectively function in some voting precincts and that the machine-reading of the ballots were not accurate.
The court, however, did not give weight to Andres’ allegations due to lack of evidence.
Before the election case was filed, the Municipal Board of Canvassers of Pandi had proclaimed Roque as the winning mayoralty candidate by edging his closest rival Andres with 2,959 votes. (PNA)
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Bulacan local officials vow to intensify campaign vs. illegal trade, transportation of 'botcha'
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 9 (PNA) - Local officials headed by Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado have vowed to intensify efforts against transportation and trading of double-dead meat or "botcha".
During the Conference on Meat Safety dubbed as “Botcha, Botcha, Paano Ka Mapupuksa?” held at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in this city on Wednesday, Alvarado said the provincial government would add “more teeth” to the existing Provincial Ordinance 98-01 by amending some of its provisions including the penalty and punishment.
The governor also urged the stakeholders to protect not only the swine but also the livestock and fish industry as they are protecting the welfare of the Bulakenyos and Filipinos in general.
Likewise, he called the attention of Bulacan Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensely monitor and set up check points to immediately stop the illegal operation of meat traders.
“We must act together to stop the transportation and selling of hot meat and ensure that pork meat coming from Bulacan is clean and safe,” Alvarado said.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Daniel Fernando, the PNP, and Bulacan Mayors’ League represented by Mayor Donato Marcos promised to do their share in the crackdown of illegal meat traders.
Acting provincial veterinarian Voltaire G. Basinang said that they have already established coordination with meat inspectors, slaughterhouse and market supervisors in preventing the smuggling and selling of hot meat.
Basinang also said that they regularly conduct inspections in the different hog farms particularly in the towns of Pandi, Sta. Maria, Angat, and San Jose del Monte City.
He also stressed that Bulacan’s markets are free from hot meat trading, adding that hot meat trading was observed only in the markets of Balintawak, Quezon City and Caloocan. (PNA)
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Bulacan gov urges local officials, law enforcers and hog raisers to unite vs hot meat
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado on Wednesday called on local officials as well as stakeholders of the swine industry and law enforcers to band together in stamping-out the proliferation of hot meat or “botcha”.
Alvarado, during a conference aimed to address the smuggling of double-dead pork at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here, said the smuggling of hot meat being perpetrated by unscrupulous traders is not only endangering public health but is also highly detrimental to the swine industry in the province.
Bulacan supplies 60 percent of pork meat to Metro Manila areas.
"Sometimes, sacrifice is needed. They will earn but this will bounce back to the businessmen, particularly to those involved in the selling of hot meat," Alvarado said.
He told different associations of hog raisers that he suspect that “economic sabotage” could be behind the smuggling of hot meat in an attempt to manipulate the prices not only of pork meat but other livestock products as well.
“I don’t want to speculate on this (economic sabotage) but I think the best solution to this is the strict implementation of the law,” Alvarado said, adding that there are local and provincial ordinances that could pin-down those engaged in the smuggling of hot meat.
The governor also called on Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando and members of the Sangguniang Panglalawigan as well as the Mayors League of Bulacan headed by Paombong Mayor DonatoMarcos to come up with legislations that will increase the penalties —fines and imprisonment— on those involved in the selling of double dead meat or “botcha.”
He also called on the different association of hog raisers to “police their ranks” and be responsible in observing cleanliness and proper disposal of their dead animals.
He also reminded consumers to buy only meats inspected by authorized government agencies like the National Meat Inspection Services.
Alvarado said he has issued a marching order to Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernando Villanueva to intensify their crackdown against hot meat, in coordination with the Provincial Veterinary office and the Provincial Agriculture Office.
“We must act together to stop the smuggling and selling of hot meat and ensure that pork meat coming from Bulacan is clean and safe,” he said.
At the same time, Alvarado announced that the provincial government is considering the procurement of new equipment that will detect livestock related diseases in Bulacan in a bid to protect and boost the livestock industry in the province.
Acting provincial veterinarian Voltaire G. Basinang said they have already established coordination with meat inspectors, slaughterhouse and market supervisors in preventing the smuggling and selling of hot meat.
Basinang said they are regularly conducting inspection on the different hog farms in the province which are mostly located in the towns of Pandi, Sta. Maria, Angat and San Jose del Monte City.
He said Bulacan’s markets are free from hot meat trading, adding that hot meat trading was observed in the markets of Balintawak, Quezon City and Caloocan.
Basinang said Bulacan has around 926,000 heads of hogs at any given point in time.
He said 80 percent of hog population belongs to commercial and semi-commercial hog farms while 20 percent are raised by backyard raisers. (PNA)
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Bulacan marks Human Rights Consciousness Week
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- In observance of the International Human Rights Week, the provincial government has lined up various activities that aim to raise the Bulakenyos’ consciousness of basic human rights in relation to the functions and services being offered by the government.
Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Jeff Cruz said the province will initiate film showings and seminars on student rights to be held at different schools and universities in the province starting December 6 to 10.
Cruz said representatives from the Commission on Human Rights Region (CHR) III will also give light to the topics as they serve as speakers in the seminars.
In his regular message in a flag raising ceremony at the Capitol Gymnasium here, Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado affirmed his continuous respect, protection and support to the programs that will help protect the human rights of every Bulakenyos.
Meanwhile, the CHR, as the lead agency for the celebration, urged all government agencies and institutions to put in more meaning to this year's commemoration pursuant to Republic Act 9201 of 2002. (PNA)
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Bulacan gov steps up drive vs hot meat
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 6 (PNA) - The provincial government has stepped-up measures to stop the smuggling of hot meat or “botcha” and to protect the local hog industry in the province.
Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said he will hold a meeting on Wednesday with stakeholders of the local swine industry as well as law enforcement units and line agencies to address the distribution of hot meat or “botcha” in the different public markets not only in the province but also in the National Capital Region.
“We will discuss the matter with local hog raisers and other stakeholders on Wednesday because we are duty bound to protect the industry and consumers alike,” Alvarado said.
The governor noted that the proliferation of hot meats usually comes up during the holiday season.
He said this bad practice by unscrupulous traders is not only illegal but also endangers public health.
“Dead hogs should be incinerated and buried. Double dead or hot meat is not fit for human consumption so their sale or distribution must be stopped,” the governor said.
Alvarado said this practice could also destroy the local hog industry in the province, which supplies 60 percent of pork meat to Metro Manila.
“We must ensure that all pork coming from Bulacan and being distributed in the Metro Manila area are safe, otherwise, our local hog raisers will suffer,” Alvarado said.
The governor also announced that the provincial government will procure sophisticated equipment that will be used in analyzing livestock–related diseases so that the problem can be resolved immediately without sending specimens in laboratories abroad.
Alvarado also instructed the Bulacan Police Provincial Office headed by Senior Supt. Fernando Villanueva to intensify their crackdown on hot meats and strictly monitor, in coordination with the concerned government agencies, the transport of meats coming from various farms in the province.
Only last week, police intercepted two FX vans loaded with hot meat and three sick pigs in Barangay San Vicente in Sta. Maria town.
Police said the hot meat was bound to public markets in Metro Manila.
Villanueva said some unscrupulous traders are getting dead pigs from farms and instead of burying them, they sold it to their contacts in Metro Manila.
He said three live pigs that appears to be sick were also found at the said vans.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Agriculture Office disclosed that hot meats do not only comes from Bulacan but also from other provinces in Central and Southern Luzon. (PNA)
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IBP-Bulacan holds 1st 'Legalympics'
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 4 (PNA) -- Judges, prosecutors, lawyers and other court personnel in this province left the courthouse Friday afternoon as they competed in the first “Legalympics,” a year-end sportsfest initiated by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Gat Marcelo H. Del Pilar (Bulacan) Chapter at the Capitol Gymnasium here.
Atty. Renato “Jun” Samonte Jr., IBP-Bulacan president, said “Legalympics” does not only aim to keep major players in the judiciary physically fit but also to foster camaraderie among lawyers, judges, prosecutors, court personnel and even jail guards.
Various teams from different branches of the judiciary competed in events like three-on-three basketball, 50-meter dash, baton relay, and other parlor games.
Samonte said Team IBP-Bulacan wants the occasion to have a ‘fiesta-like’ atmosphere.
“We didn’t just limit it to the lawyers of the community itself but we also extended it to other collateral government offices,” he said, adding that Team IBP is hopeful that “Legalympics” would become a yearly event.
Former IBP-Bulacan president Atty. Jose “Peng” Dela Rama Jr. also said the sportsfest became momentous with the presence of Executive Secretary and Dangal ng Lipi awardee Atty. Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa, a native son of Pulilan, Bulacan and a member of IBP-Bulacan Chapter, Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando and Provincial Administrator Jim Valerio. (PNA)
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Bulacan to launch program to address global warming in schools
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Dec. 3 (PNA) - The provincial government of Bulacan is now preparing the school community, particularly those in the high school level, on how to respond to the adverse effects of climate change.
Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Vice Governor Daniel Fernando will lead on Monday the launching of the 1st School Hydrological Information Network (SHINE) Conference, an innovative program geared towards enhancing disaster awareness of the school populace.
Alvarado, who is also the chairman of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), said that the School Hydrological Information Network (SHINE) is one major program aimed at addressing the issues on global warming, particularly focusing on the awareness to hydro-meteorological-related disasters as result of changes in climate.
He said the SHINE’s main objective is to enhance disaster awareness of the school populace and prevent loss of life and protect property by achieving and maintaining a high-level of school preparedness.
The Bulacan SHINE Program is a joint activity initiated by the Provincial Government of Bulacan thru its Provincial Disaster Management Office (PDMO) and the Department of Education (DepEd) of Bulacan with the continued support and guidance of the Pampanga River Flood Forecasting & Warning Center (PRFFWC) of PAGASA.
Provincial administrator Jim Valerio said that the activity is another way of supporting the DepEd’s thrust in its program on “climate change” enhanced curriculum.
This is consistent with the underlying principle that disaster awareness should begin in schools, Valerio said.
“With the growing concern on global warming and its adverse impacts to the environment and an extreme change in climate, it is but timely that schools, particularly the secondary level, get seriously involved in this issue in order to be able to understand what the situation will be and in response possibly formulate (doable) mitigating or adaptable ways in their own capacity and level to address this issue,” Valerio added.
Felicisima L. Mungcal, executive officer of PDRRMC, said School Rainfall Observation stations will be put up at the Akle High School, Dona Remedios Trinidad High School, John J. Russell High School, Angat National High School, Tabok, F. Halili High School, Vedasto R. Santiago High School, Norzagaray National High School, San Jose del Monte High School and Binagbag High School.
Mungcal said the program will also support community information through the Community-based (Local) Flood Warning System and the community’s disaster awareness programs. (PNA)
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Police intercept 2 vans loaded with hot meats in Bulacan
STA. MARIA, Bulacan, Dec. 2 (PNA) - Police intercepted two FX vans loaded with hot meats called "botcha" in Barangay San Vicente here Wednesday afternoon.
Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando Villanueva said a joint police team from the Sta. Maria police station headed by Supt. Marcos Rivero and the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) from Police Regional Office 3 based in Camp Olivas, Pampanga arrested the drivers of the vans for transporting carcasses of double dead pigs.
The drivers were identified as Rodolfo Pascual and Danilo Bondoy, both natives of Albay province.
Villanueva said the hot meat was bound for public markets in Metro Manila when the police teams intercepted them.
He said that an informant tipped off the police that dead pigs would be smuggled out from farms, mostly located in this town and in the neighboring town of Pandi.
Villanueva said some unscrupulous traders are getting dead pigs from farms and instead of burying them, they sell these to their contacts in Metro Manila.
He said three live pigs that appeared to be sick were also found at the said vans.
The RSOG team said that Central Luzon police regional director Chief Supt. Allan Purisima have directed their unit to augment local policemen in intensifying their crackdown against the delivery and selling of hot meats.
Appropriate charges will be filed against the arrested drivers while the seized hot meats will be burned or buried. (PNA)
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Bulacan 'Carnap King' surrenders
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan Nov 11 (PNA) -- Slippery no more.
Alleged “Carnap King” Raymond Dominguez surrendered on Thursday afternoon to the Bulacan Provincial Prosecutor’s Office after years of evading lawmen and leading a life of notoriety as the leader of the dreaded “Dominguez (Carnapping) Group.”
The Dominguez group is a well-organized and heavily-armed criminal gang engaged in carjacking, hijacking and robbery-holdup activities in Central and Southern Luzon and in the National Capital Region.
Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando Villanueva said Dominguez’s brother Roger, alias “Ogie,” also an alleged member of the same gang who was detained at the Bulacan provincial jail after getting arrested last August, facilitated his surrender in coordination with the Bulacan Police Provincial Office and the Provincial jail warden.
Roger said his brother decided to surface to clear his name and face several criminal charges pending at the Bulacan Regional Trial Court.
He said he was fearing for the safety of his brother as different police units have turned the heat against the Dominguez Group.
Roger also said that Dominguez, 26, resident of Barangay Iba Este, Calumpit, Bulacan, also wanted to clear the name of actress Kristina Paula who was earlier linked to him and in their group’s criminal activities.
Paula had earlier denied that she is the live-in partner of Dominguez as well as having any participation in the gang’s illicit activities.
Shortly after he voluntarily surrendered on Thursday afternoon, Dominguez was detained with other 70 inmates at the Bulacan Provincial Jail.
Sources said Dominguez wanted to be transferred to either the holding area at the provincial police headquarters at Camp Gen. Alejo Santos or in Camp Crame after reportedly receiving threats for his life.
The 26-year-old good-looking leader of the carjacking gang, who had figured in several armed encounters with Bulacan policemen in the past years, pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned for several criminal charges pending before the sala of Bulacan RTC Branch 11 Judge Basilio R. Gabo Jr.
Villanueva said that Dominguez has a standing warrant of arrest in Criminal Case No. 2787-M-2009 issued by Judge Gabo dated Sept. 16, 2009 with no bail recommended.
Dominguez has also several warrants of arrest for criminal charges ranging from carnapping, carnapping with homicide, robbery with violence and intimidation, and theft.
It was also learned that Dominguez is one of the accused in Criminal Case No. 695-M-2006 for Violation of Republic Act No. 6539 filed at Bulacan RTC Branch 20 in Malolos City, Bulacan and also one of the accused in Criminal Case Nos. 3010-M-2007, 3011-M-2007, 3012-M-2007 and 3009-M-2007 filed at the Bulacan RTC for Violation of PD 1866 (Omnibus Election Code) and Violation of R.A. 9165, Section 11s and 15, together with her alleged girlfriend Jocelyn Alvaro y Torres.
He is also said to be the spotter and locator of the group.
In November 2008, Dominguez and some cohorts figured in an encounter with Bulacan policemen in Bocaue town.
In that incident, police said Dominguez managed to elude arrest after his cohorts opened fire at pursuing lawmen.
However, one of the gang’s members, Victor Felipe Guinto, was wounded and was later declared dead on arrival at the Roganciano Mercado Memorial Hospital in nearby Sta. Maria town.
Sources also disclosed that the group is directly involved in the taking of high-ends motor vehicles. Their main style is the taking of target vehicle by means of force and at gun point.
Police intelligence sources also said that “the Dominguez Group is well-organized and fully armed with different types of high caliber firearms, two-way radios, and frequency finder. They are also using high-end motor vehicles during their operation.”
Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado was visibly glad after learning of the surrender of one of the most wanted persons in Bulacan.
He commended the Bulacan police for vigilantly pursuing criminals and lawless elements and for efficiently maintaining an atmosphere of peace and order in the province. (PNA)
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Bulacan pyro makers urged to produce safe, good quality fireworks
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 27 (PNA) -– Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado on Saturday urged legitimate manufacturers of fireworks in the province to produce safe, good-quality products and strictly follow safety measures and guidelines to prevent accidents and improve the local pyrotechnics industry.
At the same time, Alvarado instructed the Bulacan Police Provincial Office headed by police director Senior Supt. Fernando Villanueva to continue conducting inspections on factories and stores and see to it that regulations are strictly observed.
The governor also directed Villanueva to arrest illegal manufacturers, especially those engaged in making banned and killer types of firecrackers and those employing minors.
“Many people are also dependent on the local fireworks industry, which is one of the major industries identifiable with Bulacan. I believe our local manufacturers can produce safe and good quality fireworks like those being presented in aerial fireworks displays. It’s just a matter of proper management and discipline,” Alvarado said, adding that the province of Bulacan is considered as the “hub” of the local pyrotechnics industry.
He also noted that most explosions occurred in makeshift shops and clandestine factories, some of which are even located in populated areas.
“We have constituents who are investing in pyrotechnics business and some of them manufacture the firecrackers right in their own homes. We only found out that there was an illegal manufacturer when explosion occurred. Safety measures should be taken. There are safety regulations as stipulated in our law in manufacturing firecrackers which should be observed to avoid accidents,” he said.
Some big pyrotechnics companies like Dragon Fireworks have factories located in remote villages in the towns of San Rafael and Sta. Maria.
Local manufacturers, both legitimate and illegal, also have smaller shops in the two towns as well as in Bocaue, San Ildefonso, Baliuag, and Angat.
In the past years, powerful and deadly explosions had levelled shops and stores that also resulted in many deaths and injuries to scores of people.
Early this month, a 54-year-old woman died while eight other workers were injured after a powerful explosion rocked a clandestine fireworks factory in Barangay Marungko, Angat town.
Engineer Celso Cruz, chairman emeritus of the Philippines Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI), agrees that the local fireworks industry can be globally competitive, adding that the PPMDAI, in coordination with other government agencies, has been conducting training and safety seminars on the safe and quality-oriented production of pyrotechnics products in the country.
“We have the manpower, the technology and good craftsmanship of local fireworks-makers. We only have to develop safe and adequate facilities and properly train the workers. The firecracker workers should be properly trained and skilled. There should be a system to avoid accidents, ” Cruz said.
Meanwhile, Bocaue police chief Supt. Ronaldo de Jesus said that fireworks stalls without fire fighting equipment like fire extinguishers, sand bins and water drums will be closed.
He also said that the police are strictly enforcing the “no smoking and testing” policy near fireworks stores, most of which are located along the municipal road in Barangay Turo. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops intensify crackdown on illegal fireworks shops
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, Nov. 26 (PNA) - Police authorities have intensified their crackdown against illegal manufacturers of firecrackers and pyrotechnics devices, particularly in the towns of Bocaue and Sta. Maria where most fireworks shops are located.
Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernando Villanueva said police authorities in the said towns and in other municipalities - where production of firecrackers is now in its peak due to the high demand for the Christmas season - are conducting daily inspections to see to it that manufacturers and dealers are strictly complying with the safety and zoning guidelines.
"While we consider the livelihood aspect of the fireworks industry, we must also ensure the safety of the public," Villanueva said.
He said that the "no testing and no smoking" policy is being strictly implemented along stores mostly found in the towns of Bocaue, Sta. Maria, Baliuag and San Ildefonso.
He also said that police personnel, in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and local government units (LGUs), are conducting safety awareness campaign along fireworks stores.
He added that posters are being put up in stores reminding buyers and shop owners on the safe use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics products.
Meanwhile in Bocaue town, police arrested eight persons while illegally making skyrockets and "5 star" firecrackers in the villages of Igolot and Bunlo Thursday afternoon.
Supt. Ronaldo De Jesus, Bocaue police chief, that the arrested workers have no permits to manufacture firecrackers.
He also said that four of the arrested workers were engaged in making banned types of firecrackers like "5 Star."
De Jesus said that the clandestine factory does not only endanger the safety of the workers but also the adjacent neighborhood.
They lack safety equipment like fire extinguishers. It is not only the safety of workers that would be endangered but also the people residing near the areas where they manufacture firecrackers, de Jesus said.
He said that charges for violations of Republic Act 7183 otherwise known as the "Firecracker Law" will be filed against the arrested suspects. (PNA)
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Bulacan cops attend responsible parenthood seminar
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan, Nov. 22 (PNA) --The Bulacan Police Provincial Office has lined up activities that aims to make police personnel good parents to their children.
Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando Villanueva said the Bulacan PNP-Police Community Relations Branch headed by Supt. Lailene Amparo conducted a seminar on responsible parenthood in coordination with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Bulacan State University.
The seminar which was held at the Post Conference Room (PCR) of the BPPO building at the provincial police headquarters here was attended by PCR staff, police non-commissioned officers (PNCOs) and representatives from the different municipal and city police stations in Bulacan.
A lecture on “Me As A Parent” and “Me and My Family” was discussed by Paciencia V, Morada, community affairs officer of District IV of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) while Restita V Francisco, director of Extension Services and Center for Human Rights of Bulacan State University tackled and discussed the topics “Knowing and Understanding My Adolescent, “Ways to Get along With My Adolescent” and “Harnessing My Adolescent with Life Shells”.
Villanueva said the seminar will guide PNP personnel to be responsible parents in raising their kids even while they are working and rendering public service. (PNA)
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One dead, 8 hurt in Bulacan firecracker factory blast
MANILA, Nov. 16 (PNA) – Police authorities are hunting down the owners of the illegal firecracker factory that exploded on Monday night in Bulacan, which resulted in the death of one worker and the wounding of eight other people, including two minors.
Bulacan Provincial Police Office (PPO) director Senior Supt. Fernando Villanueva said that police teams had been dispatched to hunt down spouses Allan and Beverly Sarmiento.
Villanueva said the Sarmineto couple were tagged as the owner of an illegal firecracker factory which exploded at around 8:30 p.m. on Monday in Sitio Tugatog, Barangay Marungko in Angat town, Bulacan.
”Follow up operations are being undertaken for the arrest of the suspects,” said Villanueva.
Charges of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide and multiple physical injuries and illegal business operations are now being prepared against the couple whose factory was not covered by any permit or license.
The explosion resulted in the killing of Linda Reyes, a worker at the illegal firecracker factory. She was brought to the Norzagaray General Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Wounded were Edgardo Padua, 17; Gena Biarcal, 33; Juvilyn Alvarez, 16; Angelita Dizo, 45; Julia Aspe, 30; Alejandro Cruz, 36; Angelito Cruz, 30, and Wiwi Lorenzo 30.
“All injured persons were brought to the different hospitals,” said Villanueva.
Initial investigation revealed the explosion of the stockpile of pyrotechnics was caused by ignited fuse. (PNA)
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Bulacan province in top 5 of 2010 FutureGov Awards
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, Nov. 15 (PNA) -- The provincial government of Bulacan has gained global recognition after being included in the Top 5 of FutureGov Awards 2010 for Business Process Category held at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia recently.
Engineer Rhea Liza Ramos, head of the Provincial Information Technology Office, said the province has been recognized as one of the best in the Financial Management Information System for its efficient system in the integration of functions of financial offices --budget, accounting, assessment and treasury.
Ramos also said the province bested other 869 information technology (IT) innovation entries from various Asia Pacific countries.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said this recognition is an indication of the continuous efforts of the provincial government to create and adopt IT innovations that are at par with international standards.
Prior to this, Bulacan also made it in the Top 5 of last year’s competition with the Bulacan Hospitals Information System as the official entry in the Data Centre Category.
The FutureGov Awards is an international benchmark by which public sectors including government, education and healthcare organizations in Asia Pacific and Gulf States, are recognized for their outstanding information technology innovations and projects. (PNA)
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Sy-Alvarado elected as Bulacan congresswoman
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 14 (PNA)--Finally, after more than four months of waiting, residents in the province’s first district has a representative in Congress.
Maria Victoria “Marivic” Sy-Alvarado, wife of Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, was re-elected as congressional representative of the first district of Bulacan, beating former Governor Roberto Pagdanganan and four others in the special polls held last Saturday.
Lawyer Sabino Mejarito, provincial election supervisor, said that the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) proclaimed Congresswoman-elect Alvarado around 5 a.m. Sunday.
Based on the results of the special elections, Alvarado garnered a total of 95,625 votes while Pagdanganan, her closest rival, only got 41,658 votes.
Other candidates like former Malolos Mayor Danilo Domingo earned 1,032 votes, former first district Rep. Jun Aniag had 400, Tomas Valencia had 271 while Francisco Cruz had 63.
Of the six candidates, only Alvarado and Pagdanganan actively campaigned in the seven-day campaign period.
Domingo and Aniag have earlier withdrawn their candidacies, while Valencia and Cruz did not stage a campaign.
All six names appeared in the printed ballots used on the special polls last Saturday.
Mejarito said that the voter turn out was lower than they expected as only 139,049 out of the total registered voters of 341,368 came out to cast their vote in Saturday’s special polls.
The provincial elections office said that the turnout was only 40.73 percent.
Sy-Alvarado thanked her provincemates for their continuing trust and support.
She said she would further boost her programs on education, health, livelihood and infrastructure in their district.
Pagdanganan, on the other hand, said that he would no longer seek an elective post in government.
“I offered my services to my kababayan and they voted the other way.I will now focus on the private sector where I came from,” he said.
He also said that he hoped that the concerns on flooding, healthcare, and irrigation of farmers in the first district would be addressed by the elected congresswoman.
Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernando Villanueva said that the conduct of the special polls was “very, very peaceful and orderly.” (PNA)
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Low turnout of voters noted in Bulacan special polls
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Nov. 13 (PNA) -- “I leave their fate to God.”
After uttering such words, a registered male voter in Barangay Sumapang Matanda here flipped a coin and then entered a polling precinct where he and other voters cast their votes into the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines to elect their congressman in the first congressional district of Bulacan on Saturday.
The congressional race in the first district has turned into a one-on-one contest between reelectionist Congresswoman Maria Victoria “Marivic” Alvarado, wife of Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, and former Bulacan Governor Roberto “Obet” Pagdanganan.
Last Friday, the Sangguniang Panglalawigan ng Bulacan issued Provincial Ordinance No. 082-T’10 declaring November 13, 2010 (Saturday) as a special non-working holiday for the said special elections.
As of noontime, there seemed to be a low turnout of voters in several voting precincts in this historic capital city and in some parts of Hagonoy town.
“Siguro tinamad na sila dahil katatapos lang ng Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections (Probably, they were feeling tired since the Barangay and SK elections had just taken place),” said Joel dela Cruz, a resident of Barangay Sumapang Matanda.
Dela Cruz also said that this was the third time he voted this year — the first one during the May 10 national and local elections and the second during the recent Barangay and SK polls.
Dan Orendain, chief of the Civil Security Unit of the Provincial Capitol, said that some inmates at the Bulacan Provincial Jail who are registered voters in the 1st district, were also allowed to cast their votes.
Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Fernando Villanueva said the special elections in the province’s first district was generally peaceful.
He said that police teams were deployed and assigned to man the Security Assistance Desks (SADs) in the different polling precincts in the City of Malolos and in the towns of Calumpit, Bulakan, Hagonoy, Paombong and Pulilan to ensure the conduct of honest, orderly and peaceful elections.
He also said that the total gun ban policy and liquor ban are being enforced in the said areas. (PNA)
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Gun ban remains enforced in areas where special elections are scheduled
MANILA, Nov. 11 (PNA) – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo on Thursday ordered all police units in areas where special elections are scheduled on Nov. 13 to continue implementing intensified security operations, including the gun ban.
Bacalzo ordered all police units in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan and some parts of the 1st District of Bulacan, where special elections are scheduled on Saturday, to continue to enforce the election gun ban until Nov. 28 as prescribed under Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 9072.
Bacalzo, through PNP Director for Operations Chief Supt. Josefino Cataluña, has issued a memorandum directing all police units in these areas to sustain checkpoint operations and police visibility patrols to preempt possible outbreak of election-related incidents and to control the movement of persons carrying firearms.
“It is necessary to establish COMELEC checkpoints to effectively implement said rules and regulations (on gun ban),” said the Comelec in the en banc resolution.
Synchronized Barangay and SK elections will be held in the island-province of Basilan and in eight municipalities of Lanao del Sur after the Oct. 25 elections had been postponed due to logistical and security concerns.
On the other hand, special elections will be held in the 1st District of Bulacan where there was failure in holding the automated national and local elections last May 10.
Elsewhere across the country, the nationwide gun ban in connection with the Oct. 25 Barangay and SK elections was lifted on Wednesday upon culmination of the 45-day election period. (PNA)
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Two hijackers killed in shootout with HPG team in Pampanga
MANILA, Nov. 8 (PNA) – Two suspected hijackers were killed during a shootout with police operatives in Pampanga province early Monday morning, a ranking police official said.
Police Highway Patrol Group director Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina said the suspects, whose identities are yet to be established, engaged elements of the HPG's Task Force Limbas-Special Operations Division, led by Supt. Ronald Lee, in a shootout in Bacolor town.
Espina said the successful operation was launched after the police operatives were alerted by victim Jojo Padilla, whose Izusu truck with license plate numbers PRH-552 was hijacked by the suspects along 5th Avenue in Caloocan City at around 10 p.m. Sunday.
Espina said Lee immediately deployed mobile and duty teams from his unit to conduct operations to recover or intercept the hijacked truck.
At around 1 a.m. Monday, the stolen truck was sighted entering the Malinta toll gate of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). This prompted elements of Task Force Limbas to conduct pursuit operations and immediately coordinated with Bulacan and Pampanga provincial police offices.
The suspects were eventually cornered along the portion of MacArthur Highway in Bacolor town where they ignored a police checkpoint and fired at the lawmen, sparking an intense running gun battle that resulted in the killing of the two hijackers.
Espina said the two suspects were positively identified by Padilla as the ones who forcibly took his truck.
Recovered from the suspects were two caliber .45 pistols.
Espina said HPG investigators are still determining the possible affiliations of the slain suspects to organized hijacking syndicates operating in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces. (PNA)
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Coed accuses Bocaue college principal of sexually abusing her
BOCAUE, Bulacan (PNA) --The principal of the night shift high school department of a college school here will spend All Saints Day behind bars after police arrested him when an 18 years old female student accused him of allegedly sexually molesting her.
Supt. Ronaldo de Jesus, Bocaue police chief, identified the arrested suspect as Edgardo Tolentino, 41, a resident of Marilao, Bulacan and principal of the night shift high school department of Dr. Yanga Colleges in Barangay Wakas here.
Bocaue policemen arrested Tolentino after the teenage victim (name withheld) went to the Bocaue police station Friday afternoon and reported that she was allegedly sexually molested by his teacher.
The suspect did not resist arrest and is now under police custody.
De Jesus said that aside from being the principal of the night shift high school, the suspect also holds several positions at Dr. Yanga Colleges.
The suspect, according to De Jesus, is also the concurrent director of the school’s Student Personal Services Office and a faculty member of the college department.
He said the victim told police investigators that the suspect ordered her to report to his office on Friday morning. Once inside the office, the victim said the suspect allegedly began touching her private parts, mashing her breast and touching her sex organ.
The victim also told investigators that she decided to report her ordeal because she was afraid that her teacher will again molest her.
De Jesus said that appropriate charges would be filed against the suspect. (PNA)
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