PNP augmentation force arrives in Misamis Occidental, May 4

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 4 (PIA) -- An augmentation force of close to 200 personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), from the regional headquarters in Cagayan de Oro City has arrived in Misamis Occidental, today, May 4.

This was announced by P/Sr. Supt. David Y. Ombao, Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO) of PNP, region 10, who said the augmentation force will complement the security requirements of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office (MOPPO) personnel until election day on May 13.

The arrival of the said force, came two days after the security deployment plan for the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines submitted by the Misamis MOPPO was approved by the Joint Provincial Security Control Center (JPSCC), during its final coordinating meeting, last May 2.

This plan of the MOPPO was considered the most effective, economic and practical way of securing, not only of the deployment of the PCOS machines, but also the voting centers, during the election day on May 13, P/Supt. Ferrer Albarico, Chief of the Operation and Plans Branch of MOPPO, said.

Meanwhile, Albarico said personnel from the Provincial Public Safety Command (PPSC) have acted as security escorts in the distribution of Official Ballots from the Ozamiz Airport to the Treasurer’s Offices of the provinces’ three (3) cities and 14 towns.

On the other hand, he said a total of 634 ballot boxes have all been accounted for to have been received by the respective City/Municipal Treasurers of the province, last April 22-23.

Of the cities, Ozamiz received the most number of 104 ballot boxes, followed by Oroquieta, 72 and Tangub, 61, while the following number ballot boxes went to these towns:

Plaridel, 41, Clarin, 40, Aloran, 38, Bonifacio, 36, Tudela, 35, Lopez-Jaena, 32, Sapang Dalaga, 30, Jimenez, 30, Sinacaban, 24, Calamba, 24, Baliangao, 21, Concepcion, 18, Panaon, 16, and Don Victoriano, 12. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Comelec assures safety of more than 1,000 PCOS machines for Misamis Occidental

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 4 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has given assurance that all 1,172 units of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines intended for Misamis Occidental had arrived and are now stored and secured by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

This was revealed by Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Election Supervisor (PSE) during the final coordinating command conference of the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) held May 2, 2013, wherein the handling and deployment of the Automated Election System (AES) machines to all the cities and municipalities of the province were discussed.

Pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 9669, promulgated last April 17, it is the policy of the Comelec, in partnership with the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), to ensure that election results manifest the true will of the electorate.

This is done by protecting the sanctity of the official ballots and election paraphernalia and the AES machines, consisting of the PCOS and Canvassing and Consolidation System (CCS), Baguio said.

The same Resolution also provides that before the voting/canvassing, the custody and responsibility over the AES machines, peripherals and equipment, official ballots and other election paraphernalia shall rest in the Packing and Shipping Committee (PSC), while all the items are in its custody and the Forwarder, after they are dispatched by the PSC for mailing to the intended recipients.

The Comelec Central Office has started dispatching to all the regions, last March 16, the election-related forms supplies, equipment and paraphernalia needed during the May 13, national and local elections, to courier/forwarding companies engaged by the Comelec.

It has awarded the forwarding contract amounting of more than P490.08 million to Air Freight 2100, Inc., which was declared the Bidder with the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid (BLCRB), for the Deployment of the AES machines and equipment, including the PCOS and CCS machines and paraphernalia for the six (6) regions of Mindanao, namely:

Region 9, Zamboanga Peninsula in Western Mindanao, Region 10, Northern Mindanao, Region 11, Davao Region in Southern Philippines, Region 12, Central Mindanal, Region 13, Caraga in NorthEastern Mindanao and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

NGCP to rehabilitate Agus 6 switchyard, seeks ERC approval

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, May 4 (PIA) -- In order to improve the power situation in Mindanao, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is seeking the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) approval to repair and upgrade its switchyard in Iligan City.

In its application to the Commission, NGCP highlighted the urgency to rehabilitate its 59-year old switchyard located in the vicinity of the Agus 6 Hydroelectric Power Plant (HEPP), which is owned and operated by the government through Napocor/PSALM (National Power Corporation-Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management).

According to NGCP, despite its regular maintenance, most of the devices in the switchyard are already old, defective, and prone to frequent breakdowns. Further, the equipment currently installed in the switchyard is already obsolete in the market, making replacement and repairs difficult for NGCP.

The project will have three components: the construction of a new 69-kilovolt (kV) facility; rehabilitation of the existing 138-kV facility; and construction of a new control room new building. NGCP estimates the total project cost at Php 721 million, which is subject to ERC’s approval.

A large portion of of Mindanao’s power supply comes from Agus 6 HEPP. It also provides contingency reserve to the grid, which makes the switchyard’s upgrading crucial.

“It is high time for NGCP to rehabilitate the Agus 6 Switchyard to improve its condition and ensure its reliable operations. An outage from the switchyard would be very critical to the stability of the power supply in Mindanao, which is badly needed,” explained Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza, NGCP Spokesperson.

The Agus 6 switchyard serves two major power electric cooperatives, Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative (LANECO)and Iligan Light Power, Inc. (ILPI) which distribute electricity in Lanao del Norte.

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines and towers, substations and related assets.

NGCP’s regular maintenance activities, expansion and upgrading projects aim to enhance the reliability and quality of electricity delivered to grid-connected customers like generators, distributors, and large industries. (NGCP/ealadaga/lvgabule/PIA-10 LDN)

“Walk for a Cause” highlights Labor Day celebration in Northern Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Northern Mindanao led the celebration of the 111th Labor Day Celebration last May 1 with a walk for cause dubbed “Lakaw Ta Para Sa Bata Tibuok Amihanang Mindanao.”

More than 2,000 participants joined the three-kilometer walk which started at 6 a.m. from Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center going to Corrales Avenue turning right to Yacapin St. and going back to Sports Center.

Aside from the employees of the DOLE Provincial Field Offices, employees of the various government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, Public Employment Service Office, members of the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council and Career Guidance Network, as well as organized and unorganized workers, and the informal sector workers also joined the walk.

The walk aimed to campaign for the 246 children who are at risk to child labor.

The participants were asked to donate a minimum amount of P20 to cover the school supplies needs of these children in time for the opening of classes this June. .

Aside from cash, the donation of materials (in kind) like food, clothing was also accepted for support to the 246 children.

In return, the sponsor-participants received a baller with the “Lakaw ta” tagline.

The distribution of school kits, foods and stuff for the beneficiaries were given right after the messages of Solidarity of Engr. Melbert Macarambon, Vice President, AWATU-TUCP, Mr. Nicandro L. Borja, the regional Director, ALU-TUCP and Mr. Joel Gabatan of Alliance of Progressive Labor.

Meanwhile, DOLE-10 Regional Director Atty. Johnson Cañete expressed appreciation to all those who supported the project.

“If I were to describe the event in one word, it is, indeed, a success!” Cañete said after the walk. (Francis Jane M. Lumacang/APB PIA10)

Troopers encounter NPA’s in Bukidnon

MARAMAG, Bukidnon, May 6 -- Fire fight ensued between the troops of 5th Scout Ranger Company (5SRC) of Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Philippine Army and New People’s Army (NPA) last May 3, at Sitio Mahan-aw, Brgy Bolunay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon at 8:30 a.m.

Troops while on combat operations encountered undetermined number of NPA believed to be members of South Eastern Command (SECOM) 89, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC). The government troops engaged the NPAs for about 30 minutes which resulted to one NPA rebel killed and one AK-47 firearm recovered. After which, the NPA withdrew.

Ltc Romualdo Raymund B Landingin INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer, 8th Infantry Battalion said “That combat operations in different areas of Bukidnon are initiated in response to the concerns raised by the local populace whose peaceful way of life and economic livelihood are being affected by the NPA’s presence.”

He added we need to protect our local communities and enable them to contribute to our country’s economy.

Likewise, we want to put pressure on the NPA and make them realize that the armed struggle is not the solution to our country’s problem. More so, we want to invite them to join the mainstream of our society and work for our country’s progress, said Ltc Landingin. (8IB/4ID/PA/PIA10)

Haribon Brigade readies for May 13 elections in Lanao del Sur

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, May 6 (PIA) -- The 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade is fine-tuning its security preparations to ensure the successful conduct of elections in the province.

“We are already in the final phase of our preparations for election-related security requirements in the entire province,” Col. Glenn Macasero, commanding officer of the Haribon Brigade, said during the Electoral Security Summit held at the Mamitua Saber Research Center in Mindanao State University Main Campus here last May 3.

According to him, they are expecting human barricades and other forms of destructions to delay the deployment of Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs), election forms, supplies, and equipments,

As such, they have intensified the establishments of check and choke points operations as well as closely monitored the activities of partisan armed groups in the area.

We also conducted mobile patrols to prevent any escalation of fightings among political contenders, he said.

The Brigade Commander further that they will be allocating more personnel in areas considered as immediate concerns or where there are intense political rivalries.

With regards to the issue of BEIs, he disclosed that more than 300 police personnel are reserved for the province to act as BEIs and be deployed to areas with no BEIs, or in cases where BEIs will not report to their assigned areas.

Macasero also said that the AFP and PNP communication facilities will be utlized to provide basic information, status, updates and immediate solutions especially in areas with no power supply and signal.

But he gave assurance that generator sets will be provided in anticipation of power outage.

The PCOS machines have its own battery which can lasts for 12 hours, he added.

The Haribon Brigade together with the Lanao del Sur Police Office are deputized by the poll body to secure the deployment and retrieval of the PCOS machines including its final testing and sealing, installation of transmission equipment, and the conduct of elections, canvassing, and random manual audit here. (APB/PIA-10)

Comelec approves security deployment plan of the PCOS in Misamis Occidental

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 6 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the security deployment plan of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines and other election paraphernalia in Misamis Occidental, from the final testing day until election day on May 13.

The said plans were presented by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) represented by the Philippine Army (PA), during the final coordinating meeting of the Joint Provincial Security Control Center (JPSCC), held in the city, last May 2.

“We fully support the security deployment plans of the PNP and the AFP, as they are our partners in ensuring that the election results will manifest the true will of the electorate by protecting the sanctity of the official ballots and election paraphernalia, ” Atty. Noli R. Pipo, Regional Elections Director (RED) of Comelec, region 10, said.

Meanwhile, he added that since the most critical stage in the election is nearing, which is the remaining 10 days before election day, the candidates will now assess the resources they have spent in the campaign.

“Kukwentahin na nila ang kanilang gastos” (They will now account their expenses), and because they cannot afford to lose in the elections, they are prone to do some desperate moves to intimidate voters, of which vote-buying and preventing the supporters of their opponents from actual voting are only some of them, he said.

Thus, RED Pipo has warned the voters, the members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI), and all other stakeholders to remain vigilant and to report, immediately to the authorities, if they detect any dirty tactics of any of these candidates, so they will be stopped.

Present during the conference were P/Sr. Supt. David Y. Ombao, Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO) of PNP, region 10, and Col. Norman Oliver F. Febiar, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 101 Brigade, and Lt. Col. Rommel A. Almaria, Commander of the 55th Infantry Battalion (55IB), Philippine Army.

Also in attendance were DepEd Schools Division/City Superintendents, Jonathan A. Dela Peňa, Misamis Occidental, Rebonfamil A. Baguio, Ozamiz City and Victoria V. Gazo, Tangub City, Education Program Supervisors (EPS), Elma Gula, Provincial Treasurer and all the Treasurers, Elections Officers (EO’s), and Chiefs of Police of the provinces’ three (3) cities and 14 municipalities. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

JPSCC-Misamis Occidental conducts workshop on PCOS deployment plan

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 6 (PIA) --The Joint Provincial Security Control Center (JPSCC) has recently conducted a workshop on the deployment and retrieval plan of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines and ballot boxes in Misamis Occidental.

The workshop was aimed at building a teamwork among the deputized agencies of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), deeply involved in the May 13, 2013, national and local elections, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Elections Supervisor (PES), said.

Some of these agencies are the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) through the City/Municipal Treasurers, he said.

“We want to have a smooth flow of the entire election process on the day of the elections, and right now we want to discover the bottlenecks and how to go about them, so the voters will have more comfort in exercising their suffrage, come election day,” Baguio said.

Discussed during the workshop were the availability of vehicles to be used during the deployment and retrieval of the PCOS machines and their security in transportation, as well as, finding a suitable place for them in the municipal hall where they remain safe before they are brought to the voting centers for testing.

Also included was the function of the Education Program Supervisors (EPS) of the Department of Education (DepEd) for crowd control and management in the voting centers where they are assigned and the availability of holding centers to be used by the voters before they do the actual voting on May 13.

Presentation of the outputs of each group, which consisted of the Election Officers (EO’s), Chiefs of Police, Treasurers and EPS in all of the three (3) cities and 14 towns of the province served as culmination activity of the workshop. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

DILG revs up Volunteer and Citizenship Program

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 6 -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the Local Government Academy (LGA) will implement the Volunteer and Citizenship Program (VCP) in support of Republic Act 9418 known as the Volunteer Act of 2007.

Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, Regional Director, DILG, region 10 said the VCP is a program harnessing available human resources in the community towards productive ends. Committed volunteers can enroll in the program to offer their services for free in their chosen areas of expertise and interest.

The Department will initiate the following program components such as: setting up a mechanism to establish and sustain a volunteer database management system to provide competency-based capacity development interventions to LGA, DILG-Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC) and Local Government Unit (LGU) focal persons to implement the various aspects of the VCP;

To encourage every LGU to set up a Volunteer and Citizenship Desk to act as coordinator of VCP;

Lastly, to institute an award and recognition mechanism for outstanding LGUs and volunteers in coordination with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA).

DILG is responsible in providin the policy framework and guidelines for the implementation of the VCP with the support of Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), LGUs and other national volunteer organizations in the implementation of the Volunteer Act of 2007. (Ana Celeste W. Felicilda/DILG/PIA10)

DILG 10 enjoins LCEs to form transition teams

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 6 -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – 10 directed all local chief executives (LCEs) to create their respective transition teams that will ensure an orderly and smooth turnover to the incoming local officials.

The regional directive to provincial governors, city and town mayors was a reiteration of DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-33 issued by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas to create a Local Governance Transition Team that shall be chaired by the LCE, with all department heads in the Local Government Unit (LGU), representatives in from the DILG, Commission on Audit (COA) and a non-government or people’s organization as members, said Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, Regional Director, DILG, region 10.

Burdeos said the transition team is responsible to conduct an inventory of all local government real or immovable properties such as lands, buildings, infrastructure facilities and improvements and machinery, as well as movable properties such as vehicles, office equipment, furniture, fixtures and supply stocks.

They shall also assemble all documents or records, such as contracts and loan agreement, outstanding loan obligations and accounts payable, inventory of personnel by, organizational structure, and Executive Orders.

Significant reports and documents that should be turned over include the latest COA and Financial Performance Reports, 2013 State of Local Governance Performance and State of Local Development, CY 2013 Annual and Supplemental

Budget, Annual Investment Plan, Comprehensive Development Plan, Local Development Investment Plan, Comprehensive Land Use or Physical Framework Plan, Capability Development Agenda, Executive-Legislative Agenda, and Full Disclosure Policy documents.

Each transition team has the additional task of organizing a turnover ceremony that will include a briefing of the State of Performance and State of Development of the LGU, as well as financial and key challenges to incoming officials. (Ana Celeste W. Felisilda/DILG/PIA10)

103rd Bde to set-up election monitoring center in Marawi City

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, May 6 (PIA) -- The 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army will set-up a Provincial Election Monitoring Action Center (PEMAC) in Kampo Ranao, here, to facilitate issues and concerns regarding election-related incidents.

103rd Bde Commander Col. Glenn Macasero said the PEMAC will be manned by personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

He said the PEMAC will serve as the central monitoring unit where information relative to the conduct of elections in the province including security coverage can be accessed.

Aside from the AFP, PNP and Comelec personnel, Macasero said a representative from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will also be present at the PEMAC.

He said the MILF representative will be a big help to the PEMAC since he can easily coordinate and communicate with their elements in the field.

The 103rd Infantry Brigade is also inviting radio communications groups in the province to set-up a base at the PEMAC.

Macasero said they can assist in the verification of information because have various members deployed in the ground. (APB/PIA-10)