TCPO secures city against possible ‘terroristic attacks’

TACLOBAN CITY – The Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) headed by Senior Supt. Wilson Caubat is now strengthening its campaign against possible terroristic attack in the city. 

According to Caubat, the Philippine National Police central office has issued an order inspecting public places where a big number of people converges.

“We are now strengthening our integrated security system especially at the airport, port area and malls,” he said.
Furthermore, Caubat said that policemen are required to perform their duties well without waiting for any directives from their superiors.

“Our policemen will be responsible in what willl happen in their respected areas; they will not be reminded with time management,” he said.

Caubat, however, said that this program will not only be implemented during special occasions.

Meanwhile, Caubat revealed that their office together with the other members of the Law Enforcement Team will be having a training in order to have a forceful implementation of the security control that will help maintain a good working relationship between them.

“A training is set between the 19th Ifantry Battalion and TCPO, together with the city mayor, this a joint security control between the 19th IB and TCPO,” he said.

Caubat likewise said that the people should not wonder if a large number of military men and policemen would roam the city streets.
“Our law enforcement team will be roaming around the city as part of the training,” he disclosed.

Caubat meantime asked the public for their cooperation for the maintenance of the city’s peace and order. (Noel Sevillano Talacay)

City First Lady bids support to CNO’s “Labs ko an Lawas ko Program”

TACLOBAN CITY – After launching the “Labs ko an Lawas Ko” Program,  Tacloban City First Lady and City Councilor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez expressed her full support to the City Nutrition Office (CNO) program.

During her speech at the launching of the program held at the MASA Office, Councilor Romualdez said that “Labs ko lawas ko” is a good program which concerns our health. As a city councilor, she will propose ordinances that are geared towards strengthening and promoting the wellness program in the city, Romualdez said.

“The program will also answer malnutrition in the city”, she said, adding that Tacloban has a low malnutrition rate in the region.
One of the services to be offered by the Office of City Nutrition is counseling regarding people’s nutrition needs, according to Councilor Romualdez.

“Even obesity is also cosidered unhealthy so there’s a need to have continuous monitoring,” Christina said.

The program, she said, will also promote breastfeeding among mothers in the city as this is not just good for the babies but also for the mothers.  She said that breast milk gives babies everything they need up to six-months.

She also enumerated the good benefits of breastfeeding as 1.) Its helps the baby fight infections, 2.) It reduces the risk of baby from acquiring allergies, 3.) It reduces risk from pre-menopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and bone fractures from osteoporosis and this is proven already. (NOEL SEVILLANO TALACAY)

City mayor arbitrates dialogue between SARC Corp. and Brgy. 79 complainants

TACLOBAN CITY – City Mayor Alfred Romualdez was present in the talks between the  SARC Corporation and the residents of Barangay 79, Marasbaras , this city, regarding finding a  solution that is beneficial to both parties.

During the dialogue conducted recently at his office, the city mayor emphasized the need for the company to take proper action on the clamor of the residents in said barangay and for them to lay the solutions on the table regarding technicalities violated by the SARC Corporation.

“As the city mayor, my first concern on this matter is the welfare of the residents in the barangay whose health is at risk,” Mayor Romualdez said.

He stated that his priority is the health of the residents of the affected areas where the plant of B-Meg Corporation is located.  Their complaint is serious so the management has to come up with immediate remedies to be implemented so that the people will not suffer anymore.

As a result of the dialogue, both parties agreed that the SARC Corporation will act on their complaints within seven days.

In the agreement, the SARC Corp. will make remedies to reduce the dust coming out from their plant; reduce the noise during their operation; and to eliminate the noise produced by the machines.

The city mayor also suggested of conducting another dialogue after one week to see if the SARC Corporation has complied the agreement.

He also gave an assurance to all the complainants that after the first dialogue, there will be changes that will happen.  He said that the purpose of the dialogue is to come up with a collective solution that will address properly to the clamor of the residents in Barangay 79.

Mayor Romualdez concluded that the first dialogue was very fruitful and he is positive that this will end peacefully, with both parties happy and relieved.

Earlier, Mayor  Romualdez released a closure order to the B-Meg Corporation and SARC Corporation by virtue of some provisions in the Loal Government Code of 1991.

The action was made by the city mayor in order to addess properly the complaint of the residents of Barangay 79 against the said company located in the same place with more than 300 signatories.

Present during the  dialogue were Atty. Henry Yaokasin, legal officer of SARC Corporation; Atty. Jenny Lyn Polistico-Manibay, OIC-city legal officer; Atty. Mildred Que and Dulag Mayor  Manuel Sia Que as the complainants including the Barangay 79 officials and residents. (Noel Sevillano Talacay)

Mayor Romualdez appeals for responsible parenthood in solving juvenile delinquency

TACLOBAN CITY – City Mayor Alfred Romualdez strongly called on parents in the city to exercise responsible parenthood in order to help fight against criminality involving the youth.

In an exclusive interview with the Leyte Samar Daily Express, Mayor Romualdez said that the parents are the prime partners of the government in addressing the problem involving juvenile delinquency.

Romualdez said that the discipline of a child begins at home, so if children have proper upbringing, they will eventually become upright and disciplined citizens.

“Parents must be responsible in imposing control and restraint on children.  The ultimate goal of marriage is to raise a good family and it is dependent on how parents handle their responsibilities in caring and supporting their children to face a better future,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez believes that through responsible parenthood criminality will be eliminated or diminished in the city.

“Responsible Parenthood will help in preventing our children from street crimes, indulging in illegal drugs and other bad influences,” he further said.

This message was made during an ambushed interview when he was asked about the implementation of curfew by the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) in cooperation with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CDSDW) and TOMECO.

Meanwhile, Romualdez expressed his support to the implementation of curfew in the city as he gave power by virtue of the ordinance approved by him.

Romualdez ended the interview by appealing to the public, especially to the parents, to be responsible to their children and the couple should put always into action the sense of responsible parenthood. (NOEL SEVILLANO TALACAY)

TOMECO warns MCHs and PUJs drivers for non-conveyance and over-charging

TACLOBAN CITY – The Traffic Operation Management and Control Office (TOMECO) had warned the drivers of the motorcycle-for-hire and public utility jeeps against non-conveyance and over charging to the riding public.

TOMECO Information Officer Isabelo “Jobs’ Lagutan said in an interview that they have heard some commuters complaining of non-conveyance and overcharging by MCH and PUJ drivers here in the city.

Lagutan, however, said that in the absence of any complaint, they cannot run after the erring drivers.

But Lagutan reminded the drivers that Ordinance Number 2000-01 is being blatantly violated by these misbehaving drivers. The said ordinance carries a penalty of P500 and for non compliance, a citation ticket will be submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office.

“For clarification, non-conveyance includes when the drivers refuses a passenger to take a ride while over -charging means the driver charging his passenger above the minimum fare,” Lagutan explained.

He also said that the approved minimum fare is P6.00 and additional one peso for every one kilometer exceeding.

Lagutan said that while they are strictly monitoring the drivers who either over-charge of refuses a passenger for a ride, complaints are also being validated by their office.

“We have to examine whether the complaint is true or not before the office take an action for a particular complain. We do not give immediate decision because we still have to give consideration to the drivers”, he said. (Noel Sevillano Talacay)

Love the elders is the most significant essence this Valentine’s Day – Tacloban First Couple

TACLOBAN CITY – The city government concluded as a success the recently conducted pre-Valentine concert given to the senior citizens of the city through the effort of Mayor Alfred Romualdez.

In an exclusive interview with the Leyte Samar Daily Express, Mayor Romualdez said that the program was a way of giving tribute to the elders “Because without them, we will not be here today and we should give them honor because they were responsible for what we are today.”

Romualdez also said that senior citizens deserve to be given due respect.

And in a separate interview, the First Lady of Tacloban, City Councilor Cristina Gonzales Romualdez, articulated that the significant event was really for the grandparents not only in the city but for the entire nation.

She appealed to the public to love the elders because we owed a lot from them.”Our elders have a lot of wisdom we can get that could shape our lives and through this event, it will set a good example not only for the young but also to the elders,” she said.

“The pre-Valentine concert was one way of saying thank you to our lolos and lolas,” the councilor added.

Meanwhile, the event was highlighted by the two famous showbiz personalities namely: comedian/singer Norman Michel and Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales, as they both entertained the audience with songs and humor.

Even former City Mayor Bejo Romualdez was present for the occasion and he expressed his gratitude to his son-mayor for coming up with a show for the elders.

The said program was entitled Valentine Concert “A tribute to Lolo and Lola” spearheaded by the Tacloban city government in cooperation with the Tacloban Senior Citizen sAssociation as a Valentine treat to the senior citizens in the city.(Noel Sevillano Talacay)

CENRO clarifies issue on garbage collection

TACLOBAN CITY – The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CNRO) said that the problem on garbage is a concern for all and not the sole responsibiluty of the city government.

Jonathan Hijada made this statement in the wake of criticisms that the city government is not in control in solving its garbage problem.

Hijada lamented that some residents in the city chose to litter their wastes in the streets rather than wait for the garbage personnel to collect them.

Hijada advises the public to follow the schedule in garbage collection in their respective barangays because this will help in solving the problem.

“The people must be aware on the schedule of garbage truck dropping by their barangay in order to pick their wastes and that’s the only time they bring outside of their house their bunch of garbage,” Hijada said.

He clarified also that they don’t have problems in terms of trucks and personnel, as of now CNRO has eight trucks and seven are active and they have 186 personnel which comprises the drivers, sweepers and garbage collectors, with this they have enough personnel to serve the entire 138 barangays in the city.

Meanwhile, Hijada suggested also to religiously practice recycling their garbage because if the residents of the city would do this, it would help lessen their garbage by 26% every a day.

He stressed that as a result of their study conducted, in one day there are 60% biodegradable, 14% are recyclable and the rest are non-biodegradable which is the 24%. With this, they hope to reduce the volume of garbage.

“If they are worried that they don’t have enough yard to bury those biodegradable waste, they can used those empty cans, plastics and the likes, and it must be covered will or they can also coordinate with their barangay officials to help them about this matter,” Hijada explained. (NOEL SEVILLANO TALACAY)

PDEA 8, PIA 8 launch Task Force Drug Courier in EV

TACLOBAN CITY – Because of unstoppable proliferation of illegal drugs in the region, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 8 launched the “Task Force Drug Courier” in cooperation with the Philippine Information Authority (PIA) Region 8.

In a press conference of the Harampang ha PIA, PDEA 8 Director Julius Navales said that this program came up because of the alarming increased of drug courier in the country.

“As of January 2011, there are 689 drug courier recorded cases and it has an increase compared form two recorded drug courier cases in 1993,” Navales revealed.

PDEA 8 Director Navales also revealed that there are more females who were victimized as drug mule by drug syndicates, from 689 there were 63% equivalent of 431 were females and male victims comprise of 37% or 258 cases.

At present, Navales said there were 89 Filipina facing death penalty in china and 6 from these were sentenced of death penalty with no reprieve while 73 were sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve.

Navales said that the modus operandi of the drug syndicate is to befriend their prospective victims using social network particularly “FACEBOOK” targeting females and they offer for marriage, international travel and $2,000 with all expenses shouldered by the drug syndicate that also promises to provide the plane ticket.

He also said that this is because of poverty why females are attracted or convinced to grab the offer without even noticing that they were just deceived by their very enticing offers specially nowadays that Filipina are indulged in marrying foreigners.

With this, Navales warned the public especially the females who are often using social networks not to be encouraged if there are foreigners chatting with them and having the same modus operandi because even they are victims, they will also be facing charges according to RA No. 6425.

He also enumerated the country where the origin of the illegal drugs. In Malaysia – 24%, Macao – 8%, Thailand – 7%, Nepal 6%, Philippines 6%, Vietnam – 5% and 44% from other countries.

“Drug Courier are people who transport drugs by hiding them inside their bodies in exchange for a big amount of money,” Navales explained.

The Task Force Drug Courier was created by the virtue of the Administrative Order No. 279 with the cooperation of DOLE, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, PTA, OP-ES, DOJ, CHED, NBI, PNP-AvseGroup and MIAA. (Noel Sevillano Talacay)

Tacloban nets P98.8 million in revenue for Jan. 2011

TACLOBAN CITY – The City Treasurer’s Office collected P98.8 million for the month of January of this year derived from renewal of business permits which saw an increase of 13.5% compare to the same monthof last year.

Zosima Cordaño, city treasurer, revealed that the total revenue rose to P98.8 million for the month of January or an an increase of P11.7 million from P87.8 million of the same period last year.

Cordaño said that they were able to meet their target because of the strategies that they used that encouraged business owners in the city to honor their financial obligation to the city government.

Massive information campaign that they have initiated was among the most effective strategies that they have used, Cordaño said.

She also said that the 20% disounts extended to the business operators who renewed their business permits on the given days of the renewal of business permits including the exension of days was also a big factor for their increased collection for January.

Meanwhile, Cordaño extended her gratitude for the continued support of Mayor Alfred Romualdez who allowed them to extend the deadline on the renewal of business permits.

She also expressed her sincerest thanks to the entire business operators in the city for their cooperation.

Cordaño said that the collection generated by their office would be a big help for the administration of Mayor Romualdez realized all its intended programs and projects that would redound to the benefits of the city residents.

“The Tacloban City Treasurers Office is very optimistic that the next renewal of business permits would be another record breaking as we expect to exceed P1 billion for our next collection” as Cordaño disclosed the interview. (Noel Sevillano Talacay)

TOMECO answers questions of MCHs and PUJs police number printing

TACLOBAN CITY – The Traffic Operation Management Enforcement and Control Office (TOMECO) clarified the issue covered in implementing new rule that concern in printing the police number on motor-cab-for hires (MCHs) and Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) in the city.

Jobs Lagutan, TOMECO information officer, explained the reason why they imposed this rules on PUJs and MCHs operators in the city.

He said this would determine which are the colorums and which are not, so they can easily identify those which are legally operating. Secondly, this is to give justice and consideration to the MCH operators who follow rules and regulations being imposed by the TOMECO Office,Lagutan said. He added that the rule is for the safety of the MCH drivers and the passengers.

He also said that the rule sets the uniformity of printing from color to size, width and length.

“For example, if a passenger forget and left something on the MCH and PUJs and even victimized an incident of hold-up, harassment, any other crime by MCH and PUJs divers, its very easy for passengers to identify what MCHs or PUJs they were on board and with this they can immediately locate or run after those MCHs and PUJs, “ Lagutan said.

Lagutan also answered on the clamor of some MCHs and PUJs drivers that the TOMECO is just making money out of this printing of police number. He emphasized that they have a very affordable fee for the printing of police number on MCHs and PUJs because of the discounts given by the proprietors.

“We charged on printing just only P200 where P100 from it will be for the stickers and another P100 goes to the printing materials and payment for the painter while if they can have it outside they will pay up to P400.00,” Lagutan explained.

He said that this will not even add to their expenses, in fact it will lessen their burdens because the cost is very cheap.

Lagutan said that they want to have control, records and data base about all their transactions on MCHs and PUJS.

He also said that this is in accordance with the provision of the Ordinance 2000-01 which includes the painting, size and reflector stickers.

However, Lagutan stressed his gratitude to those MCHs and PUJs drivers and operators who follow the regulation of TOMECO without any complaint and thank those those who questioned their actions because it serves as their reminder to be honest on their job.

“We cannot force them or dictate them to follow the directives of TOMECO, it’s up to them whether they like it or not we will continue to impose this new rules to the MCHs and PUJs because this is not for the good of just one but for the betterment of everybody and the entire Tacloban,” Lagutan disclosed. (NOEL SEVILLANO TALACAY)

City Vet gears up for rabies awareness next month

TACLOBAN CITY – The City Veterinary office will again be conducting their annual celebration of rabies awareness month this coming March in cooperation with the regional offices of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Dr. Eunice Alcantara, city veterinarian, said that the activity is also supported by the city government through Mayor Alfred Romualdez where he released P600,000 fund for the implementation of their programs and plans.

“The support of the city government is a great help to our office because we’re able to realize our programs and plans for the betterment of society, especially our pet owners in the city,” she said.

Alcantara said that in connection with rabies awareness month, her office has lined up various activities which includes a free mass vaccination drive.

According to her, their office is targeting to extend the said activity to 138 barangays within the city or 80% pet population, so that the city will be a rabies- free next year.

“Aside from this, we are also continuing the implementation of dog castration and dog impounding within the city,” Alcantara added.

In order to avail this free service, Alcantara advised the public to visit their barangay offices and let their pets registered so that they will be included in the list.

“We started already sending communications to the barangays in the city instructing the barangay officials to submit their dog population survey in order to include their pets in the vaccine allocation,” she stressed.

Alcantra appealed to the public, especially the pet owners, to cooperate with their program and to take advantage of this because this is for free which would no longer the case after March.(NOEL SEVILLANO TALACAY)

Mayor Uy concludes EVRAA 2011

TACLOBAN CITY – Calbayog Mayor Reynaldo Uy concluded the recently held Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) 2011 as successful after five days of athletic competitions.

Uy extended his sincerest thanks and gratitude to all the people who helped it to be realized, especially the private and public sectors who gave moral and financial support.

“I have lots of people that I would like to thank especially the members of the city council who rendered their undying support and also to the people of Calbayog for their cooperation and hospitability,” Uy said.

He said that he was very happy because even up to the end of the activities, the peace and order was maintained and there was no untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, he revealed that the city government of Calbayog allotted P5.9 million budget for the uniforms, cultural presentation, preparation of stage, talent fees for the professional band that played for the “Paalam Night” and food for the athletes and delegation.

He also revealed that before that major event he conducted inspection to the entire billeting areas where the 10 school divisions from the region were billeted and he assigned personnel who secured the safety of the athletes and the delegations.

Mayor Uy commended his men who maintained the peace and order in the entire city and the group of doctors, nurses and dentists who gave first aid.”Most of all I would like gave praise to Almighty God for providing good weather and good health,”Uy said.(NOEL SEVILLANO TALACAY)

Rep. Sarmiento pushes stronger penalty for illegal possession of firearms

CALBAYOG CITY – Samar first district Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento, who is the senior vice chair of the committee on public order at the House of Representatives, calls for increased penalty for illegal possession of firearms.

Sarmiento said that through his committee they will be reviewing the law on illegal possession of firearms in order to have a more strict law that will penalize those who are having unlicensed firearms.

“If this will be pushed through, this will end or minimize the problem of gun- related incidents in the country,” Sarmiento said.

He also said that this is a national issue which his colleagues in Congress should look into considering its implication to the crime incidents in the country.

Sarmiento claimed that crime incidents in the country could be traced to illegal possession of firearms which also resulted to the existence of private armed groups.

He emphasized that gun related incidents in the country is very high.

“Try to look at the news everyday, how many people are being shot,?” he asked.

He also cited the state of Illinois in the U. S. where the average gun-related crime incidents in one year totals 1,200 cases. (NOEL SEVILLANO TALACAY)

TCPO clarifies text messages on alleged Abuyog Gang

TACLOBAN CITY – The Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) clarified the malicious text messages about “Abuyog Gang” that is being spread recently within the city, creating panic to the public.

The text message reportedly from a concerned citizen reads: “Tax PNP Advisory: paghinay kamu kay mayda na ABUYOG GANG nanhoholdap, kidnap, tas namamatay kabataan ngan mga dagko…asta timbre hit PNP…. This is true… asya damu it nakakalat na pulis ha TACLOBAN. Pls. pass.”

Police Senior Supt. Wilson Caubat, city police director, said the message was a hoax and there is nothing to be alarmed about it.

“The malicious text message that is being passed from one cell phone owner to another could be considered as text terrorism that is occurriung here in the city,” he said.

Caubat emphasized that the malicious text message did not come from the PNP, saying that they do not have reason to do that.

“Ang text message na yan ay di galing sa PNP dahil trabaho naming mapangalagaan ang kapayapan dito sa buong Tacloban, so bakit naman naming gagawin yan,” Caubat said.

He also said that the public has nothing to panic about this malicious message because definitely it came from a certain individuals whose motive is to sow panic among the public.

Caubat asked the cooperation of the public in fighting criminality in the city as he also encouraged them to report if they see in their places any person who has suspicious behavior.

“The PNP is always ready and optimistic just to have 100% peace and order in the city,” Caubat said. (Noel Sevillano Talacay)