2 PUIs confirned positive in Zambosur

PAGADIAN CITY—Here’s what everyone in the province is anticipating nervously. Governor Victor Yu has confirmed today, March 30, that they have two persons under investigation (PUI) who are positive at last.

Yu said the two PUIs have symptoms for COVID-19. One is a 52-year-old man from Labangan, who had gone from Taguig and Zamboanga cities. The other is a 62-year-old woman who went to Manila and arrived here  early March.

Dr. Anatalio Cagampang, Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZSMC) chief of hospital said the elderly man from Labangan is presently confined there since March 17.

The man exhibited cough, sore throat, fever and colds, sure COVID-19 symptoms after his arrival at the hospital and had been placed in ZSMC’s isolation area.

The woman PUI who came from Manila complained of having cough, sore throat and colds to them last March 19.

Cagampang said the two PUI patients are both physically able and not severe as the province immediately deployed a team to conduct contact tracing for persons who may have been exposed to the two transmitter of the disease.

The governor said that these two positive cases in the province will not incite the Zamboanga del Sur Task Force COVID-19 into action and order a lockdown in the province for now.

Yu said he will just order the intensification of security patrols along the borders of the province on instances of people from other places from entering.

Latest update from Zamboanga del Sur listed a total of 6 PUI patients confined in hospitals for a total of 74 PUIs; with 1 PUI discharged. A total of 4,079 are persons under monitoring (PUMs) and 923 PUMs have completed their 14-day quarantine. (m.medina)

Cops arrest Aldong’s uncle, aunt in La Union; Ardot seen in Bukidnon

OZAMIZ CITY— Reports from Pangasinan police confirmed their arrest on the identified aunt of the late Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., her husband and their son last April 19.

The said report mentioned that they have in detention Councilor Rizalina “Peque” Francisco, husband Manuelito alias “Maning” or “Lapad” and son, June alias “Omboy”, ex-chieftain of San Roque, after they were stopped at a checkpoint along a Diversion Road in the village of Brgy. Bangcusay, San Fernando City.

Police C/Supt. Romulo Sapitula, Ilocos police regional director, said the Franciscos were on their way back to Metro Manila with six other people in a rented Toyota Innova when they were stopped.

According to the PNP, the Francisco couple was facing cases for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Maning was marked as one of the organizer and planner of the dreaded Parojinog-Kuratong Baleleng Group which had been linked to cases of robbery, extortion, drug trafficking and contract killing.

Another briefer stated that Francisco and his gang is known for its complex and advanced carnapping schemes in which expensive cars are stolen and released to the blackmarket.

Earlier, television reports have said the Franciscos fled to Metro Manila and were allegedly in hiding after a police raid in their house where guns and explosives were recovered.

A PNP report released last year said the Franciscos transferred from one place to another knowing they were being hunted by the police.

A warrant of arrest against the Franciscos was issued by Presiding Judge Edmundo P. Pintac RTC 10th Judicial Region Br. 15, Ozamiz City, here, last Feb. 6 for violation of RA 9516.

The suspects are now detained at the San Fernando Police Station and will be turned-over to the Regional Trial Court, here.

In related news, an arrested village chief of Kinawe,  Libona, Bukidnon town, is suspected to have coddled Councilor Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog who has gone into hiding after the death of his brother and is now declared wanted by police.

SPO4 Noel Oclarit, CIDG-Northern Mindanao chief investigator, said they arrested Cherry Barros and 18 others last Saturday.

A joint team of police and military operatives served a search warrant for Barros but were fired upon as they were about to enter the Barros compound located in Zone 3, Kinawe.

A firefight ensued that lasted for almost an hour and only when they ran out of bullets that the armed men surrendered to the authorities.

Three soldiers were wounded in the confrontation, while 19 individuals were apprehended along with various types of firearms and ammunition confiscated at the crime scene.

Cherry’s husband, Tarcisio and a still unidentified person were said to have escaped following the firefight as operatives continued their pursuit of the suspects who got away.

Oclarit said the two persons who escaped during the raid were possibly hit and wounded owing to a trail of blood responding agents saw on a pavement.

A Bombo Radyo report dated April 21 has recognized the unidentified person as Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog, basing its report from CIDG Cagayan de Oro Team head Supt. Melgar Devaras who assessed a tip that Parojinog had been staying at the Barros compound, though they could not verify yet if he was one among those who managed to elude arrest.

It can be recalled that the former councilor was included in the most wanted posters put up in this city last year by a group of concerned citizens. The Department of Justice has also placed him under the immigration lookout bulletin.

He has a previous P1-million bounty for his arrest. But in September, last year, President Rodrigo Duterte offered a P5-million bounty for the capture of Parojinog and even encouraged soldiers to go to the mountains and hunt for him when they’re off duty.

Meanwhile, the CIDG said they have established the connection between Parojinog and Barros’ group as true and definite since most of the suspects they arrested have corroborated they are members of the Kuratong Baleleng and have, in fact, come from Ozamiz. (BY MICHAEL MEDINA)

Espenido says Ozamiz free from danger

OZAMIZ CITY—City Police Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido assured residents of secure and safe surroundings, this information was coursed through members of the Misamis Occidental Media Practitioners Society (MOMPS) to help disseminate proper information.

Espenido’s announcement came about after Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has ordered the augmentation of forces in the city following Sunday's bloody predawn police raid on properties owned by the Parojinog family.

Dela Rosa said his order was “to maintain peace and order sa buong siyudad ng Ozamiz" amid reprisal rumors circulating around.

He added he has ordered the setting up of checkpoints to ensure that no group will take advantage of the situation.

The PNP hierarchy said there is information circulating that a group on board two big bancas was on its way to Ozamiz City to retaliate.

Another unverified rumor discloses that six vans coming from Zamboanga City are on its way here to retaliate and fight back the police.

“Nothing to worry about because Ozamiz City's peace and order condition is still under control,” Espenido said during a press conference inside his office yesterday evening.

The police chief added that the city is still under control and other troublesome forces are restrained and more troops are presently guarding the city proper.

He said that people should refrain from accepting as true what they read in Facebook since these are only rumors and not positive information.

Meanwhile, one Facebook community page named “Ozamiz City” has helped out lessen the residents’ fear and panic, saying the city “is not on red alert and all business establishments and schools are not closing earlier and shortening class hours.”

“Beware of false information. There are no official notices from the local government or schools to change any schedule of classes or business hours,” it added.

A Facebook post from La Salle University-Ozamiz yesterday obtained by The Philippine Preview said “we are following our regular schedule of classes.”

Espenido ended by saying residents must not to consider any unverified text messages received from anybody and to refrain from overreacting as this will only create annoyance to others. (MICHAEL MEDINA)

Girlet is ‘caretaker exec’; Michael as VM

Girlet is ‘caretaker’ mayor; Michael as VM

OZAMIZ CITY—The the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has named new leaders of the executive and legislative branches of this city, respectively, following the rule on succession.

The DILG said Second councilor Irene Girlet Luansing is the acting mayor left vacant by incumbent Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. who died last Sunday.

With Luansing filling the vacancy of the vice mayors’ seat is third councilor Michael Tagal as incumbent Vice Mayor Princess Nova Parojinog Echavez is in the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

This information was sourced August 1 from Catalino Uy, DILG officer-in-charge. According to the DILG, Councilor Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog should have been the acting mayor but he is presently at-large and is hunted by the PNP.

This leaves Luansing and Tagal, who obtained the second and third highest number of votes, respectively, in the 2016 elections, to take over, Cuy was quoted by media.

The City Council convened yesterday to make the transition of power official.

As for Echavez, the DILG said “she is physically fit to function but is barred from assuming the post held by her father because of a court decision.”

In other developments, The Philippine Preview was informed that Jeffrey Ocang, City legal officer said, "It will be the Vice Mayor who will function as Mayor of the City."

Ocang has been quoted as saying the vice mayor was illegible for the position “because she is still under detention and she’s not yet pronounced guilty by a court of law.”

Meanwhile, a Facebook group called “Barog Ozamiz,” an anti-Parojinog public discussion group, branded Luansing’s close affiliation to the mayor’s family, being a cousin of the mayor’s wife, Susan and the aunt of Ardot’s live-in partner, Board Member Mena Abamongs Luansing.

The group believes the sympathy and loyalty to the Parojinog transcend to Girlet’s “and it goes beyond boundaries.”

“Musugot mog sa dli wala moy mahimo. Okay kayo ko ana Michael Tagal kaila kayo ko ana ilang pamilya mga ligdong na ilang pagkatawo pure nga lungon ra ang negosyo ana; ang kuyaw kana Luansing kay cousin na ni Susan Parujinog mao nay angay bantayan,” a member posted her opinion to their wall.

To recall, Mayor Parojinog, his wife Susan and 13 others died after a clash against police operatives in a simultaneous raid conducted in the houses of the Parojinogs in San Roque last July 30.

The Regional Office of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office (MOPPO), Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) and Ozamiz City Police Station were simultaneously serving six search warrants against properties of the mayor and other Parojinog family members for violation of illegal possession of firearms under Republic Act 10591 when they were met with violent resistance at about 2:30 a.m.

City PNP Chief P/Insp. Jovie Espenido has presented to the media all the confiscated evidences from the raid like the several ammunitions found and the two cellophane of metamphetamine crystals or “shabu” weighing 500 grams and P1.4 million cash.

As of Monday, police released the final list of casualties: Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., wife Susan Engracia Parojinog, Board Member Octavio Jr., sister Mona, JR Millanar (a cameraman of Lumad TV Channel), a certain Enteng (a security of the mayor), Miguel del Victoria, Nestor Cabalan, Daniel Vasquez, four Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members in San Roque, 2 unidentified (security of mayor), one unidentified (security of vice mayor), Jade Rich Manon-og, board member of Ardot Farm, and unidentified security at Sta. Cruz creek. (MICHAEL MEDINA)

A Franklin Quijano at DILG will help boost Duterte’s Federalism vision

If there’s one thing a Franklin Quijano can do at the helm of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is that he can (help) put Federalism to work for one and all, this interpretation comes from Jess Villarin Quijano, a relative of the mayor.

PDP Laban hints Quijano as next DILG secretary

PDP-LABAN VP for Northern Mindanao and MRRD-NECC Interim Regional President Alexander C. Paurom has endorsed a qualified candidate for the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary in the person of lawyer Franklin Quijano.

THE PHILIPPINE PREVIEW: COP banters with media bigwigs

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Gensan bans fixers at One Stop Shop

GENERAL SANTOS CITY: The Business Permits and License Division (BPLD) of the City Mayor’s Office is strengthening its policy against the alleged operation of "fixers," a new release forwarded to Mindanao Pilgrim said.

Couple, brod, ma electrocuted

BUTUAN CITY: This will for sure completely ruin their family’s Christmas. A newly-wed couple died after being electrocuted in what police say is a freak industrial accident.

Zamsureco-1 announces 3-hour brownouts daily

PAGADIAN CITY: It’s here again.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is implementing power curtailment in Zamboanga del Sur as the Pulangi IV hydroelectric power plant in Bukidnon is functioning way below its capacity.

BFP tells Ozamiznons: turn off house electricity when evacuating

OZAMIZ CITY: The fire department is advising residents to be safety-conscious and deliberately unplug all electrical appliances and lock their homes when they depart.

Pagadian braces for Paskuhan 2014

Pagadian city: Mayor Romeo “Tata” Pulmones announced the city will have a good time this December with month-long festivities full of fanfare and simplicity, a new report from the Provincial Press Bureau (PPB) said.

The PPB report added the provincial government is supporting the annual merrymaking activity of the city.

Councilor Troy Asugas, chair of the city tourism committee, said the Paskuhan 2014 will be “filled with awe and excitement,”

Asugas announced the opening this coming Dec. 12 where city officials expect thousands of visitors and sightseers.

As of now, Christmas decoration at the City Hall is in its finishing touches.

Pulmones has executed EO 27 to announce to barangay officials their participation in the grand Christmas decoration contest.

Prizes will be given to the winning barangay: P350,000 for first; P240,000 for the second; and P20,000 for every non-winning barangays.

The “Light a Tree Contest” in Plaza Luz will also collect prizes: P100,000 for first; P75,000 for the second; and P50,000 for third.

The Paskuhan is by tradition held by Pagadian every December to provide amusement to city residents. This activity is usually highlighted with an impressive fireworks display, a dancing fountain viewing and different amusements.

Such merry-making ambiance a demonstration that we could get by with all the circumstances we are facing and bind ourselves together in building a peaceful and progressive city and the province, Asugas noted. (PPB)

Zambosur opens up view on agriculture

PAGADIAN CITY: Governor Antonio Cerilles says he want the province to be resourceful and real in promoting sustainable agriculture, a new Provincial Press Bureau release said.

He added this will help farmers increase their income,

This was the governor’s message given during the farewell celebration for Sweet Cerilles and OIC Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Joel Sabellano at Istanbul, Turkey to attend the 40th International Forum on Organic Agriculture Movement.

Sweet is the federated president of (Women Empowerment Rural Improvement Club).

Cerilles believed the recent forum will stretch out to help Zambosurians and alleviate their poverty as well as widen their knowledge on organic farming.

Sabellano says that farming for the province is a way of life, just like in other communities abroad that made advance research on how to develop better farming technology.

He cited the Rapunzel Company in Germany which produces 500 products out of coconut, coffee, beans and raisins.

He said that German farmers are determined in being more productive because they follow what their government is laying down for them in putting forward good cultivation.

Every work done is documented, he added, which helps the farmer study the methods used to discover supplementary ideas in sustainable agriculture while their institution of higher education guide them also.

Sabellano also announced in the forum that Zamboanga del Sur is a member of their farming association and because of this, the governor was able to get the same help for our farmers in doing their similar organic farming.

The Provincial Government College (PGC) and the JHCSC presently provides these farming technologies, Sabellano said.

He also disclosed that the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) is helping the Cassava livelihood program to strengthen farmers’ promotion of organic fertilizer as an indispensable basal input to replenish loss of soil nutrients.

PAO is also supporting PGC and JHCSC in their thesis on agriculture and the logistical support for their continuous research on establishing a market through cooperatives.

UBAS Unity Statement focus on the people involvement

OROQUIETA CITY: The Ugnayan sa mga Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS) brings together those who claim involvement from among the people for good governance, transparency and inter-faith participation, its unity statement said.

UBAS, a tri-partite linkage between the Church, government and barangay leaders, believes that for lasting reforms, the citizenry should connect with the government in national and local budgeting reform initiatives.

The group said ordinary people should involve themselves and monitors the implementation of projects under the Grassroots Participatory Process (GPP), known formerly as Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB).

Likewise, UBAS said it will maintain its push for reforms for government to fulfill, initiate and implement programs, or activities to curb corruption and at the same time endorse transparency and valuable governance.

All regional and provincial Liga ng Barangay presidents from Regions 9 to 13 and the ARMM including the mayors of 17 LGUS of Misamis Occidental signed the UBAS unity statement.

Misoc a CMDR province

OROQUIETA CITY: Misamisnons can be dealt with as well as survive anything, hence, their province is declared “Conflict Manageable and Development Ready (CMDR).”

A CMDR-declared province boasts of less insurgency, positive economic progress and public cooperation in maintaining peace.

Misamis Occidental was declared CMDR during the opening of the 1st Mindanao Congress of the Liga ng mga Barangay Presidents 2014.

The CMDR declaration will demand the tourism industry to prosper in the province as it is expected to attract more local and foreign investors, Gerard Ramiro, Provincial Tourism Council chair said.

Aside from this, probinsiyanos will be motivated to put up any viable and legal trade without any threat to their security or the stability of their businesses, he added.

More jobs will be made available for the people, thus elevating the economic and social status of the province, Ramiro stressed.

Both the AFP and the PNP, with the guidance of the local government units, will help address to any untoward situation, 55^th IB commander Lt. Col. Gerry Besana likewise said.

A CMDR province produce good citizens with decent education, able to fight off recruitment of the insurgents and the falsehoods of communism, he stated.

Signatories of the CMDR declaration also included Gov. Herminia Ramiro, all the city and municipal mayors, PNP Reg. Dir. P/Chief Supt. Isagani Francisco Genabe and MOPPO provincial director S/Supt. Archival Diokno Macala.