September 13

September 13, 2013 1

“in pursuit of PIA’s commitment to provide a national mechanism for the free flow of timely, accurate and relevant information… “

VOL I ISSUE 12 Daily E-Newsletter of Philippine Information Agency - 8 September 13, 2013

Tacloban and Palo declared as ‘NEW WAVE CITIES’ for ICT in the Philippines

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

Deputy Executive Director Ibrahim formally announced the declaration while onstage together with Leyte Governor Dominic Petilla, DOST REgion 8 Director Edgardo Esperancilla, the industry partners and the EVFIT officers, on the first day of the Eastern Visayas ICT Roadshow with more than 2,000 in attendance. The participants were caught by surprise as the PIA Director Olive Tiu was called supposedly to moderate a testimonial with local IT experts. However, instead of moving on to the set, Director Tiu proceeded to the rustrum and called the Deputy Executive Director to go up the stage together with Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla, Tacloban City Administrator John Tecson Lim representing Mayor Alfred Romualdez, DOST 8 Regional

The 5,000 capacity Tacloban City Convention Center, at noon of

September 12, was filled with applause and cheers and colorful confettis formed an arch as Department of Science and Technology – Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) Deputy Executive Director Monchito B. Ibrahim declared Tacloban and Palo Leyte as Next Wave areas for ICT in the country.

Director Edgardo Esperancilla, DOST Leyte Provincial Director Engr. John Glenn Ocana and the industry partners in the private sectors namely Mr. Jose Mari P. Mercado, President and CEO, Information technology - Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP), Ms. Josefina Villanueva; board member, Philippine Software Industry Association, Mr. Michael K. Lim, executive director of Animation Council of the Philippines and other stakeholders. Mr. Monchito B. Ibrahim, Deputy Executive Director of ICT-DOST said, with the declaration of Tacloban and Palo as

“Next Wave Cities” in the Philippines, he expects more students, professionals would now flock to the IT-BPO industry after knowing of the many benefits and advantages of the ICT industry and how it contributes to the professional development of Filipinos and to the local economy. The ICT Roadshow is an event that provides a proper venue for the government, the industry players and other stakeholders to know the many opportunities in the IT industry such as entrepreneurhips and job opportunities. (PIA-8)

“I now declare Tacloban and Palo as the next wave cities in the Philippines,” says DOST-ICTO deputy executive director Monchito Ibrahim (right) as members of the Information Technology and Business Processing Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), business sector representatives, the academe, students, city, provincial and government officials witnessed the affair during the opening ceremony of the ICT Roadshow in the Next Wave Cities at the Tacloban City Convention Center, September 12. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

2 September 13, 2013

Purificacion Daloos, DENR regional information officer said the 12 destinations featured in the exhibit aims to increase awareness among tourists as eco-tourism ready and tell on the importance of its conservation so it can also be enjoyed by future generations. The exhibit held at the Robinson’s Place in the city is for two days on September 11 to 12, carries the theme “Sustaining local Socio-Economic growth through Community based EcoTourism.” The 12 ecotourism sites being focused in the photo-exhibit are the Biri-Larosa Protected Landscape and

1st eco-tourism exhibit features 12 eco-tourism sites in EVisayas

BY: AURORA J. CASIMPAN

Seascape in Northern Samar and the Guiuan Calicoan Surf Camp in Eastern Samar. In Leyte, the featured sites are Lake Danao in Ormoc City; Kalanggaman in Palompon; Hindang Cave and Cuatro Islas both in Hindang; and Inopacan Protected Landscape and Seascape in Inopacan. In Southern Leyte, focused sites are San Pablo and San Pedro Islands in Hinunangan while those included in

Samar are the Sohoton Natural Bridge/Natural Park in Basey; Calbiga Cave/Langon-Gobingob Cave, and the Lulugayan Falls, all in Calbiga; and the Torpedo Boat Ride in Paranas. DENR issued earlier in the year Administrative Order No. 2013-19 which sets the guidelines on eco-tourism planning and management within protected areas such as coastal, marine and wetland regions. (PIA-8)

In a bid to create awareness on 12 rich destinations in Eastern Visayas which

are eco-tourism ready and the need for its conservation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the region partnered with the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) to exhibit the destinations through the 1st Eco-Tourism Exhibit.

Biri-Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape, Northern Samar (photo from Internet)

There is enough rice supply in Eastern Visayas, DA director says

Department of Agriculture Region 8 Executive Director Antonio Gerundio

said that there is no rice shortage in the region. He explained that the irregular rice price increase is normally caused by milling and transportation delays usually controlled by dealers. “Based on field reports, Leyte Island has more than enough supply of rice and we are making sure that every market in the region has sufficient rice stocks,” RED Gerundio said. Although supply manipulation and hoarding were allegedly identified as the root causes of rice shortage and continuing price increase in the country, but according to RED Gerundio, it is not a problem in Eastern Visayas because of

the transparent transactions between the agencies and private sectors and the responsible rice distribution by dealers. Rice consumers are undeniably threatened by the continuous price increase since August 10, Director Gerundio said but he was quick to add that the price of rice is expected to drop in the last week of September. RED Gerundio assured the public that there is enough supply of rice in the Region. He appealed to the public not to entertain the notion about an impending lack of rice supply in the next few days. He also called the attention of dealers to immediately mill and to dispense delivered tons of rice so that traders can post a fair price to consumers. (PIA 8)

PNP-8 scores in intensified campaign vs illegal drugs

The sustained intensified campaign against illegal drugs in Eastern

Visayas of the Police Regional Office 8 scored another gain as the Regional Special Operations Group collared two suspected drug pushers in Catbalogan City. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria, PRO 8 police director said the two suspected drug pushers which included a 40 year old son of a City councilor and his 35 years old cohort who was a former military from Javier, Leyte, were arrested in a hotel room in Catbalogan City in the afternoon of September 10 after they continued on page 8

September 13, 2013 3

Engr. David P. Adongay, Jr. district engineer of the Biliran District Engineering Office (BDEO) informed that this accomplishment report was of August 2013. Adongay said that part of the biggest accomplishment of the BDEO for 2013 will be the near completion of the concrete paving of the Biliran Circumferential Road network. “It’s just 300 meters left “ Adongay announced during his appearance together with his section chiefs at the Kapihan forum,a weekly radio program

The top official of the engineering district in Biliran province revealed

during the Kapihan at Pulong-pulong ng Bayan on Thursday, September 12 live at Radyo Natin-Naval, that his office has accomplished 92.92% of the infrastructure projects implemented in 2013 in the province of Biliran.

DPWH-Biliran chief reveals 93% accomplishment of 2013 infra projects

of the provincial office of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) every Thursday from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon. Part of the 300 meters to complete the Biliran Circumferential Road network were the bridge approaches in the on-going bridge constructions in Talibong, Cabucgayan, Tucdao, Kawayan and Mainit, Caibiran, he added. He made the assurance that the 2013 infrastructure projects in his district including the completion of the Biliran Circumferential Road network will be completed by end of September or first week of October this year. However, he clarified that there are still 2012 infra projects being implemented by BDEO this year like the farm-to-market road (FMR) project in Libtong Gamay-Sitio Bagacay in Haguikhikan, Naval., Biliran. (rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)

As DTI Regional Director Cynthia Nierras personally turned over some equipments worth close to Php 300 thousand to the bottled sardines and seaweed pickles processing plant in Binaliw, other agencies pledged different kinds of support. Barangay Binaliw is a coastal barangay located 24 kilometers north of Calbayog. The more than two thousand locals are either engaged in fishing or farming. Some 84 of them banded to form into the association which they called SMB. They ventured into food processing to add value to the fish and seaweeds that they grow in Samar Sea. As the different government

The Department of Trade and Industry program Shared Services Facilities

(SSF) project attracted partners to commit assistance to cooperator-Samahan ng Mangingisda San Binaliw (SMB) in Calbayog City.

offices attended the turn over of the equipments for sardines and seaweeds, Calbayog Mayor Ronald Aquino started the string commitments. “I commit to give you a loan of Php 50 thousand without interest as your working capital, but you have to promise its upkeep so you can be self –reliant,” said Aquino. Samar Board Member Charlie Conejos who represented Samar Congressman for First district Mel Senen Sarmiento vowed to follow up Sarmiento’s promise to grant the association some Php 200 thousand working capital. “I am asking Governor Sharee Ann Tan some P50 thousand equal to Mayor Aquino’s pledge, and the delivery of 500 bottles from me,” offered Board Member Alan Diomangay who represented Governor Tan. Labor and Employment (DOLE) representative Jun Obregon also promised an assistance from the DOLE

Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) that will depend on the proposal of the group. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Samar Rolando Ay-ay who in the past afforded them seaweed planting materials and payao (artificial reefs) also added his assistance with another ten units of seaweeds and one 16 HP motorboat. Its brother agency BFAR Regional Fishery Training Center Director Ronnie Berida vowed to give more training for upgrading the members and one thousand bottles this year and another 2000 bottles in 2014. Board of Director Dionisio Balili earlier griped that they do not have enough bottles to contain their sardines and seaweed pickles. The SMB president Fedelio Tuyco thanked the government agencies for their generosity. (PIA 8- Samar)

DTI’s Shared Services facilities project attracts partners in development

Marine protection draws government assistance to Samar folks

continued on page 8

As the government poured in assistance, the fisherfolks of Barangay Binaliw, Calbayog City gradually changed gears and instead volunteered to watch over Samar Sea for big commercial fishing boats and illegal fishermen that occasionally sail through the municipal waters of Calbayog City. Fedelio Tuyco, now president of Samahan ng Mangingisda San Binaliw confessed that he was one such

Fishermen in this coastal barangay have turned into Bantay Dagat

volunteers working for the protection of marine resources in this part of the country.

4 September 13, 2013

In an interview, Naval Vice Mayor Redentor Villordon said that after the 27 mountaineers searched the thick forests of Brgy. Imelda, Naval, they went back to the command center with negative information about the plane crash. “There were no signs that a plane had crashed in the forests of Brgy. Imelda, one of the 26 barangays of the municipality of Naval, some eight kilometers away from the poblacion, as stated by the mountaineers”, he informed. He said, the barangay residents

The search and rescue team jointly organized by the local government

unit (LGU) of Naval through Mayor Susan Parilla and the Biliran provincial government through Governor Gerryboy Espina failed to locate the exact site of the reported plane crash in a remote barangay in Naval, Biliran.

who actually saw the private plane going down in heavy smoke, later in blue flames and loud explosion are convinced that a plane crash happened in the area. Due to this convincing observation of the barangay residents who witnessed the incident and heard the loud explosion, Vice Mayor Villordon informed that the barangay-organized mountaineers of Brgy. Imelda will go up again today in the thick forest of the barangay to conduct their own separate search of the site of the reported plane crash. As of 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 11, the Search and Rescue Operation was officially closed by Mayor Susan Parilla and Sofronio Dacillo of the Biliran DRRMC. The activities at the command center in Brgy. Imelda likewise ended.

Ambulances, fire trucks and police cars stationed at the command center tasked to assist in the search and rescue o p e r a t i o n s were ordered to go back to their mother units. B r g y . Imelda and the entire town of Naval remained p e a c e f u l during the one day search and rescue o p e r a t i o n s in line with the reported plane crash in the remote barangay of the town. The Biliran Police Provincial

Office (BPPO) tasked to maintain peace and order was in full force with the close supervision of PSSupt Felix Diloy who was present in the entire duration of the operation. (PIA 8 Biliran)

Search and rescue team fails to locate site of reported plane crash in Naval townBY: FLORDELIS E. JACKSON

EMB to mark int’l day for preservation of ozone layer

BY: AURORA J. CASIMPAN

The celebration on September 16 will also mark the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This year’s theme of the celebration is “A Healthy Atmosphere, the Future we want.” Maribel Munsayac, EMB head of the Environmental Education and Information Section said the regional Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in coordination with EMB’s Philippine Ozone Desk, phased out all controlled substances under the Montreal Protocol except for hydrochloroflorocarbons or HCFCs used as blowing agent for the foam industry, as coolant in commercial refrigeration, industrial and domestic airconditioning, as flushing agent in the servicing sector, and as fire-extinguishing agent. The country as signatory to the Monreal Protocol in 1988 is in cooperation with the international community in working to implement programs to phase out ozone-depleting substances.It was learned that signatories to the Montreal Protocol have agreed to speed up the phase out of HFCs and increased their already substantial contributions to protecting the global climate system. (PIA-8)

In line with the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer,

the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Eastern Visayas will conduct various information and education campaign to bring the message of the preservation of the ozone layer.

September 13, 2013 5

Relative to this, Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla of the province of Leyte has created Provincial Executive Order No. 004, series of 2013 dated 27 August 2013, creating the Provincial Executive Committee for the commemoration of the 69th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings. As part of the preparations, the Provincial Executive Committee has

The province of Leyte will be commemorating the 69th Anniversary

of the Leyte Gulf Landings on 20 October 2013, and by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 653, the provincial government of Leyte is mandated to commemorate annually the significant event related to the liberation of the

The Leyte Landing Memorial in Red Beach, Palo, Leyte (photo from Internet)

requested the Philippine Information Agency, Regional Office VIII, headed by Regional Director Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu, to chair the Public Information Documentation Committee. Other duties of the Executive Committee also involve coordination with members of the Executive and Technical Working Committee. On 11 September 2013, the first Execom and Technical Working Group Committee meeting will be conducted at the Leyte Provincial Capitol, Tacloban City in order to present the duties and responsibilities of the different committees and to identify and schedule the various activities to be conducted during the Commemoration. (PIA-8)

L e y te p r ov i n c e p r e p a r e s f o r c o m m e m o r a t i o n o f 69TH

LEYTE GULF LANDINGS ANNIVERSARY

BY: MARIVIC ALCOBER

The team was led by Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Daniel Ariaso Sr. He was accompanied by NBB Alternate Representative of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Executive Director Raul Sabularse, Ms. Rosemarie Gumera; manager III; Planning & Policy Department of Sugar Regulatory Administration; Ms. Ruby de Guzman; OIC chief; Biopmass Energy Management Division, REMB and member of Bioethanol Committee Secretariat ; Mr. Ryan Carlos T. Pahignalo; Investment Specialist of the National Biofuels Board (NBB) and other members. The group first visited the Visayan Oil Mill, an industrial company that produces oil for export and the Biofuel Processing Laboratory inside the Plant Oil Processing Area in Visayas State University. The Visayan Oil Mill is being eyed by DOE as one of the potential sources of biofuel once the recommendation to increase the biodiesel blend from 2% to 5% will be approved. Meanwhile, Mr. Legario Ramos; administrative officer III of VSU-Baybay explained to group the processing of biodiesel being conducted by the school for the use of their vehicles.In their courtesy call to Baybay Mayor Carmen Cari, the mayor expressed her thanks to DOE-NBB members for conducting the industry visit as this would mean more success and development for the city. The industry visit is the last leg of the activity of DOE-NBB members during their 3-day stay in Leyte where they also conducted the Special Board Meeting at the newly-renovated municipal bulding of Palo Leyte. Meanwhile, PIA Region 8 Director Olive Tiu thanked the NBB for the trust

The members of the National Biofuels Board of the Department of Energy

under the leadership of Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla has conducted an industry site visit in Baybay City Wednesday.

given to PIA in managing NBB activities in the Region. This is a good opportunity for PIA to promote not only the tourism but also the investment potentials of Leyte and Eastern Visayas, Director Tiu said. To recall, the NBB on August 15,

DOE-NBB visits industry sites in Leyte

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

2013 was in Leyte to conduct the Visayas Public Consultation on the proposed increase in biodiesel blend. The said activity was also done with the assistance of PIA. (PIA-8)

6 September 13, 2013

District Engineer Lino Francisco C. Gonzalez of the 4th Leyte Engineering District inspects the Merida-Lundag-Isabel Road cross country road project that is expected to benefit the residents in the area for an easy access road for their farm products and safety of the traveling public. (4th LED/PIA-8)

BIR-So. Leyte discovers volumes of old, unused receipts

BY: MARCELO M. PEDALINO

“In other places, 1990s receipts are still used. In our province, some of those disposed OR have dates as far back as 2002,” said Alexander Laroza, Revenue District Officer (RDO) of Revenue Office no. 90, during the Action Center Kapihan sa PIA yesterday. This confirmed the suspicion that some businesses were still using past receipts to minimize their computation of current tax dues, and that was the main reason why the BIR issued a new policy for the issuance of freshly-printed receipts enforced this year, Laroza said. Old receipts have until August 30 this year as deadline to be used, but this was extended until October 31 under certain conditions, and also because of requests from the business sector, Laroza stressed. As a general guide, however, those printed in 2012 and earlier should no longer be used, under pain of P 50,000 penalty for violators, and by this time new receipts should be issued. Likewise, businesses have a grace period of ten days to surrender old receipts, starting from the day they presented to the BIR the new ones, the province’s chief taxman explained. He said that around the province, over 4,000 businesses are expected to comply with the requirement on new OR, and about 80% of them have actually complied, while there were still those asking for more time. The latest set of newly-printed ORs can be validly used for a period of five years, Laroza also said. He called on consumers to ask invoices, saying the huge volume of

The new regulation implemented by the Bureau of Internal Revenue

(BIR) for business firms to print a new set original receipts has yielded at least seven truckloads of voluminous, termite-smelling original receipts (OR) the BIR discarded in the city’s garbage dump.

unused ORs, while indicating reluctance of businessmen to issue, reflected as well the customers’ indifference to demand for receipts.“The receipt can be your proof of purchase should you return defective items, and at the same time you can help

the government collect much-needed revenues,” Laroza said.The OR can also be texted to join the BIR’s Premyo sa Resibo raffle which can mean surprised prizes for the lucky customer who diligently asks receipts, he added. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

SECRETARY EDWIN LACIERDAOn the situation in Zamboanga City

Groups opposed to the peace process, or who want to impose a peace solely from

their viewpoint and on their terms, have sought to create disturbances. We have witnessed the bombing of Cagayan de Oro City and other similar events. There have been a lot of text messages circulating, causing confusion and alarm among our people. Let us set the record straight. Alleged MNLF members wanted to proceed to Zamboanga City bearing arms, supposedly to exercise their right to peaceful assembly. But the right to peaceful assembly cannot be exercised while bearing arms. In fact, when they tried to conduct a “peace rally” in Sulu, they were prevented from doing so because they were armed. Allegedly, they attempted to do the same in Zamboanga City, where some of their members were arrested by the PNP; others were caught in a firefight in the waters off Zamboanga City by elements of the Philippine Navy. And those seeking safety inside coastal barangays have had to disperse. The forces of the state are ready to exercise the resolve of the government. While the government is exhausting all

continued on page 8

STATEMENT

avenues for a peaceful resolution to the situation, let it be clear to those defying us that they should not entertain the illusion that the state will hesitate to use its forces to protect our people. nstead, it is time for you to cooperate to resolve this situation peacefully at the soonest possible time. As for others who seek to take advantage of the situation, you will fail. There has been an encounter in Basilan today when members of the BIFF and ASG, estimated at around 150, ostensibly tried to attack Lamitan City. The armed forces stopped them, and after a two hour firefight, are now in hot pursuit. The BIFF and ASG assumed they could take advantage of the situation. They were wrong. As others who will also make similar attempts will be proven wrong. To the people of Zamboanga City, your government stands in solidarity with you and is working to ensure your needs are met. The President has directed national government agencies to attend to the needs of the people of Zamboanga City and the BASULTA by providing basic supplies through the DOTC and DTI. We have asked the BSP to ensure sufficient supplies of currency. We ask further cooperation from

September 13, 2013 7New 3-storey BIR office soon to rise in Maasin

BY: MARCELO M. PEDALINO

The structure has a budget of P 50 million for an initial two-storey building, with space reserved for a third floor, a beaming Alexander Laroza, Revenue District Officer (RDO) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) District Office 90 here in the province, said during the Action Center Kapihan sa PIA Wednesday. “The money is already in us, the bidding notice already posted in our website, and work may start anytime this year,” Laroza said. He disclosed that a 1,700 square meter lot was set aside by the city government at the reclaimed area by the sea in barangay Combado as the permanent location of the BIR, and each

The government’s tax collecting agency will soon have an imposing building

of its own here, to be erected in a site granted by the city government.

floor has an area of 700 square meters. It will have amenities befitting a modern office, such as a spacious lobby and digital gadgets like the one used in banks where clients get numbers and wait for their turn to be served upon display of their numbers onscreen. The BIR has been renting office space in private commercial buildings within the city proper, its present site being at the second floor of the new Saint Joseph College (SJC) building in the High School Campus.With a forthcoming house they can call their own, Laroza hoped the personnel complement will be increased for efficiency in tax collections, saying one personnel sometimes handles one or two towns as his/her scope of coverage. (PIA8-Southern Leyte)

An mga Gobyerno han Republika han Pilipinas ngan han Republika han Korea en purmirma dida ha 19 Agusto 2013 hin usa nga ginkasabutan nga pautang para ha pagsuporta han implementasyon han Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project han Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Hi Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima en pumirma han Loan Agreement ha ngaran han Gobyerno han Pilipinas samtang an Export-Import Bank han Korea (KEXIM) Chairman ngan Pangulo nga hi Yong Hwan Kin en pumirma ha ngaran han Republika han Korea.Ha ilarum han ginkasarabutan nga

pautang, an Republika han Korea, pinaagi han KEXIM en mahatag han ODA nga pautang ha ilarum han Economic Development Cooperation Fund nga nakantidad hin US$20.631 milyones para gastuhan an paghingayad han 14 ka-kilometro nga mga kakalsadahan ngan 220 kametros nga mga tulay nga magsusumpay han mga bungto tikang ha San Policarpio ngadto ha Palapag, Samar. Pinaagi han pag-aprobar han NEDA Board, an pagsumpay han nasabi nga “Pacific towns” en makakaghitsu ngan ha kaorhian mageestablisar hin usa nga circumferential road loop para han Samar Island, nga nakikita nga makakapakurokusog ha pag-uswag han pontensyal nga mga tuna pan-agrikultura ngan mga pangisdaan han lalawigan ngan makakagpasilidad han pagpadalagan han mga butang nga panginahanglan han tawo ngan mga serbisyo.“Nagpapasalamat kami ngadto han pangobyernohan han Korea, pinaagi han KEXIM, ha paghatag hin dako nga bulig pinansyal para hini nga Proyekto. Ha linya han kan Pangulo Aquino pagkita hin pantawo nga imprastraktura, an Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project en magduduso han mga industriya ha Northern and Eastern Samar ngan magpapakurokusog han gius pagpara han kakablasan ha rehiyon,” sering ni Purisima.An Pangobyernohan han Korea en nasuporta han iba-iba nga mga proyekto pangkauswagan han Administrasyon ni Aquino, kaupod an Jalaur River

M u l t i p u r p o s e Project Stage II ha lalawigan han Iloilo ngan han Puerto Princesa Airport Development Project. G i n p a n a l a p i a n gihapon han KEXIM an pagtindog ngan p a g p a u r o - u p a y han Laguindingan Airport ha Misamis Oriental, nga pormal nga gin-abrihan dida han Hunyo 12, 2013. (Trans. by maa/PIA-8)

Pilipinas ngan South Korea pumirma US20.631 milyones

nga pautang para han Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project

8 September 13, 2013

sold shabu to a police agent. According to Director Soria, at around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, the suspects were nabbed in a buybust operation at GV Hotel along Rizal Avenue in Catbalogan City that also resulted in the confiscation of sizeable amount of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu”, several drug paraphernalia and a .45 caliber pistol. The poseur-buyer bought from the suspects one big heat-sealed plastic sachet, locally known as “bulto”, containing suspected “shabu” granules with a street value of P4,000, Director Soria said. Also confiscated from the suspects were 16 heat-sealed plastic sachet containing suspected “shabu” weighing more or less 4 grams worth P20,000.00 and four pieces P1,000-bills used as buy bust money. The team also confiscated several drug paraphernalia that included one unit Diamond Model 500 digital weighing scale; improvised tooters; lighters; 2 pairs of scissors; empty sachets; and aluminum foils. One .45 caliber Colt pistol with two magazines loaded with six ammunitions each and two unit Samsung mobile phones were also seized by the police. The suspected drugs;

paraphernalia and marked money were brought to the Regional Crime Laboratory Office 8 for appropriate laboratory examination while suspects are now detained at the lock-up cell of Catbalogan City Police Station. “If the court finds them guilty violating the law, then let the axe fall where it may,” Director Soria said, adding that cases for violation of the illegal drugs law were filed against the suspects, aside from illegal possession of firearms charges. Meanwhile, in a related event, the RSOG team in Tacloban City arrested a drug suspect in a drug sting operation at Brgy. 95-A Caibaan, the region’s top cop also disclosed. The 29 year old suspect of Neptune St., Phase 4 Extension, V & G Subdivision was nabbed by RSOG operatives led by PSINSP Dinvir Revita after selling P1000 worth of suspected “shabu” to a police poseur-buyer at 1:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 11. The suspect was brought to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) office for documentation and temporary safekeeping while a case in violation of Section 5, Art. II of Republic Act 9165 is being prepared against him. Recovered illegal drugs, meanwhile, were subjected to laboratory examination. (PIA 8)

PNP -8... from page2

dynamite fisher. “Kaupod san kalungganayan gikan san gobyerno an mga impormasyon san kamutangan san dagat dara san ilegal nga pangisda nga napirdi san rekurso san dagat (Along with the government’s assistance was the information and education that illegal fishing was depleting marine resources), said Tuyco. They also noticed that as they actively protect the marine life facing their barangay, more government entities delivered assistance to them. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Samar Chief Rolando Ay-ay gave them ‘payao’(artificial reefs) which they sunk into the deep Samar Sea. The payaos attracted planktons and eventually small fish that equally drew in bigger ones.

BFAR also gave them seaweeds planting materials which they ‘planted’ along the waters and attended to while fishing and guarding the seawaters. The fishermen then had bigger fish catch and seaweeds harvest. With their bounty of raw materials and the city agriculturist’s help, they thought of food processing for added value. “The LGU of Calbayog gave us a pressure cooker for the bottled sardines business,” said a member Dionisio Balili.They also attended trainings done by BFAR Regional Training Center on bottled sardines processing and pickled seaweeds locally known as ‘guso’. As the association expanded operations, nearby barangays sold them their fish and seaweeds that the group

processed. The demand for bottled sardines rose that from a French flavor of corn oil they concocted Spanish flavored sardines, now with tomato sauce and chili. On September 11, Trade and Industry Regional Director Cynthia Nierras turned over close to Php 300 thousand worth of equipment for more expansion. Two pressure cookers that can accommodate 120 bottles, steamer, dryers and other equipment custom made from Cebu City were formally turned over to the group of fishermen. With the government’s assistance, the fisherfolks of Barangay Binaliw, Calbayog City pledged to upgrade themselves to being food processors for a better quality of life. Nierras hailed the group as qualified cooperators that needs to sustain their passion for the food processing venture. “You can upgrade the quality of your lives with the available equipments so you can expand production,” said Nierras who travelled five hours from Tacloban City to celebrate with the fisherfolks. “The government is doing its share to help the poor for its inclusive growth mantra,” said the DOLE representative who pledged to offer the DOLE Livelihood Integrated Program with a project proposal. (PIA 8 Samar/NBQ)

Marine protection... from page 3

Secretary Edwin Lacierda... from page 6the people of Zamboanga City: we reiterate that there are people relishing this situation and who seek to inflame passions for various reasons. Please understand that rumors of abductions of religious leaders and firefights that did not take place, which are spread through anonymous text messages, aim to take advantage of you. Instead, listen to the authorities, who will give you the truth all the time. We are very pleased with the performance of the Zamboanga City government: Mayor Beng Climaco, despite being new to the job, has demonstrated true leadership. We appeal to those eyeing the coming barangay elections to set aside politics when we are all busy ensuring the safety of our fellow citizens in Zamboanga City.

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