Police, military in Zambo Sur placed on ‘triple red alert’ status

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- Police and military forces in this province have been placed on “triple red alert” to be able to swiftly respond to atrocities from lawless and terrorist groups, officials disclosed.

Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre, provincial police director, on Tuesday disclosed they raised the alert status based on the recommendation of the National Security Council following intelligence report of possible attacks and bombings by terrorist groups.

On Christmas eve, 16 people, including a policeman, were injured in a grenade explosion in front of a Catholic church while churchgoers were receiving holy communion in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

However, authorities said the grenade, which was lobbed towards a police car, was the handiwork of a drug syndicate affected by the anti-drug campaign in North Cotabato.

Ecaldre said it was agreed during the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting that police and soldiers’ visibility will be increase in public places like public markets, plazas, bus terminals, malls, and churches especially on New Year’s eve.

He said the city and municipal police stations would take charge of security in their respective areas while the Provincial Public Safety Company, together with the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion, are designated to conduct mobile checkpoints along the national highways.

Supt. Michael Palermo, city police chief, has advised the public to refrain from carrying backpacks while going to public plazas and malls.

Police authorities also advised the public to refrain from igniting firecrackers in welcoming the new year. (PNA)
NYP/TPGJR/HDC/

DILG launches MASA MASID Program in Pagadian City

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Nov 15, 2016) – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) together with this city Local Government Unit (LGU) of this city had launched the Mamamayang Ayaw Sa Anomalya Mamamayang Ayaw Sa Iligal na Droga (MASA MASID) Monday afternoon with a simple program at City Plaza Taclobo Stage.

The program started with a motorcade at 2:00pm from the City Hall Complex going around the major city streets and ended at the city plaza with a program participated by the selected city government employees from the different departments, army’s 53^rd Infantry Battalion, city and provincial PNP personnel, barangay officials from the 54 barangays, different schools both from private and government, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and from business communities.

DILG Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil who graced the occasion said that MASA MASID program is a community-based movement initiated by the DILG was first launched on November 10, 2016 in Zamboanga City.

City Mayor Romeo Pulmones together with city council headed by Vice-Mayor Ernesto Mondarte declared their all-out support of the implementation of MASA MASID program.

The law enforcement agencies headed by PNP Provincial Director SSupt. Sofronio P. Ecaldre also expressed his gratitude of the community response of helping them in the implementation of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of War against Illegal Drugs. “We cannot win the war against illegal drugs without the support from all sectors in the community”, Ecaldre said.

Mayor Pulmones awarded Php500 each to the ten (10) participating agencies bringing with their campaign slogans on anti-corruption and illegal drugs that were chosen during the program that ended 5:00pm with the reading and signing of Unity Statement of Pledge and Commitment by all the participating agencies.

(By JDC)

PNP adopts tight security to ensure solemn, peaceful ‘Undas’ in Zamboanga del Sur

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=935794&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=pagadian%20city&andor=and&mdte_arch=10&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=2016

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Oct. 29 (PNA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has adopted tight security measures, dubbed as Oplan Kaluluwa, to ensure the solemn and peaceful observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in this province.

Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre, provincial PNP director, on Saturday told the Philippines News Agency that the implementation of Oplan Kaluluwa takes effect Sunday, Oct. 30, until Thursday, Nov. 3.

Ecaldre said policemen would be stationed in public and private cemeteries and were tasked to conduct visibility patrols in all public places to thwart any possible disturbance by lawless elements.

There are six cemeteries in this city alone. These included four private, one public and one Chinese cemeteries.

This province comprises of one city and 26 municipalities. Each of the towns has their respective public and private cemeteries.

Ecaldre said that troops from the Army’s First Infantry Division would augment the PNP forces in providing security for the peaceful observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

He said the soldiers would man the checkpoints along the highways and roads leading to the cemeteries.

In this city, Supt. Michael Palermo, local police chief, has tapped the assistance of the village watchmen (barangay tanods) for traffic management leading to the cemeteries.

Palermo said that Provincial Public Safety Battalion policemen and troops from the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion will conduct mobile patrols as well as secure public places like public markets, department stores, seaport and bus terminal.

He said the bringing of bladed weapons, firearms, intoxicating drinks, playing cards, flammable materials and sound system into the cemeteries is prohibited.

He called on the public to cooperate with them since the tight security measure is to ensure the safety of everybody.

He also urged the public to immediately report to them any presence of people acting suspiciously in their respective communities. (PNA)
RMA/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

PSSupt. Ecaldre assumes new PD in ZSPPO

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Sept. 21, 2016) –  Police Senior Supt. Sofronio P. Ecaldre has assumed as new Provincial Director of Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO) effective September 20, 2016 to replace the outgoing OICPD Michael M. Nicolas.

The turnover ceremony conducted Tuesday morning at the ZSPPO conference room was officiated by Deputy Regional Director for Administration of Police Regional Office 9 (DRDA, PRO9) PSSupt. Jonathan V. Ablang were attended by all municipal police chief stations in this province and officers and men, non-uniform personnel (NUP) of ZSPPO and also the Commanding Officer of the Army’s 53^rd Infantry Battalion Lt. Col. Virgilio Hamos Jr. and together with local government officials through Provincial Board Member Belman B. Mantos, Chairman Committee on Peace and Order who is representing Governor Antonio Cerilles and Pagadian City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mondarte.

DRDA PRO9 PSSupt. Ablang, in his message commended the accomplishments of ZSPPO headed by PSSupt Nicolas in the implementation of the “Project Double Barrel”. Nicolas assume as provincial director of ZSPPO last October 7, 2015.

“When we look at the overall accomplishments of Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office in its law enforcement operations, It is apparent that PSSupt. Michael M. Nicolas and his team (ZSPPO Operatives) has contributed vastly to the attainment of the implementation of the “Project Double Barrel”. On this note, the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office took on the challenge and performed brilliantly. PSSupt Nicolas has done excellent job in leading his men in ensuring public safety and on the employment of crime prevention measures in maintaining the peace and security of the entire province of Zamboanga del Sur.

However, the change in Leadership is always expected in the PNP organization of which purpose is to give the best service to the people whom we oath to serve and protect. With this, a coequal gentleman and a great leader has now assumed as the new Provincial Director of Zamboanga de Sur Police provincial Office, in the person of PSSupt. Sofronio Ecaldre”, PSSupt. Ablang said.

He also said that the PNP general is having the prime object of combatting illegal drug activities and personalities by adapting the “Project Double Barrel”. No less than the Chief of the Philippine National Police and the President himself are undauntedly vocal of their supports and backings to all our operations against illegal drugs.

Police Senior Supt. Ecaldre express his gratitude and honor to take the challenge of being trusted again in the same position and requested the officers and men and all the municipal chief of police to cooperate again his leadership to pursuit of the duties and responsibilities especially in the implementation of the President Duterte declaration of war against illegal drugs.

Ecaldre also requested the civilian authorities to help his leadership in the enforcement of the law. “I know na magaling tayong lahat pero the question is, Are we credible in performing our duties and responsibilities? Magaling nga tayo pero matino ba? This is our great challenge to police also our ranks in order to be credible and trusted by the people whom we serve, Ecaldre disclosed.

Ecaldre was designated as Deputy Regional Director for Police Community Relation in PRO9 after he served as Provincial Director of ZSPPO last September 5, 2013 up to October 6, 2015. (By Jong Cadion)

PRESS STATEMENT OF PNP CHIEF PDG RONALD DELA ROSA ON DAVAO BLAST SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Police intelligence and investigation units are conducting an assessment of circumstances surrounding the incident in Davao City where at least 14 killed and more than 60 are injured.

While we are not discounting the possibility that some quarters may be exploiting the situation to create hysteria and fear, we’d rather take these threats with utmost prudence and due diligence. 

We assure the public of the readiness of the Philippine National Police in addressing any threat of this nature, and thwarting any attempt by threat groups to sow fear and anxiety among our people.

We appeal to the public to remain calm, vigilant and alert in reporting to authorities any unusual movement or activities of suspicious persons.

Any information may be reported thru the nationwide Emergency hotline 911 for immediate police assistance.

Kami po ay nakikiramay sa ating mga kababayan sa Davao lalong-lalo na doon sa mga mahal sa buhay ng mga nasawi. We are appealing to the public to stay calm and be vigilant, at alerto palagi.

Wag po tayong papatalo sa mga terorista. Kapag tayo ay matatakot then they will achieve their aim which is to cause fear and terror. 

So let us continue living our normal lives and just be vigilant. Yun po ang aming pakiusap sa taumbayan.

Police, PDEA file charges against 14 persons arrested in anti-drug operations in Zamboanga del Sur

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Aug. 17 (PNA) -– The police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday filed charges before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against 14 persons, 13 of whom were arrested recently in two anti-drug operations in the nearby island town of Margosatubig.

Senior Supt. Michael Nicolas, provincial police director, on Wednesday told the Philippines News Agency that a case for illegal possession of firearms and explosive was also filed against two of the 14 suspects aside for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Charged were the following: Faisal Maito, No. 7 in the drug watch list; Cristopher Moneral; Gomer Alpha; Arwan Isnain; Ruel Apoa; Elmar Calingacion; Acmad Quiazae; Harris Baihakki; Reniel Ranque; Roberto Ponlaroche; Rey Natividad; Alo Alpha; Faruk Kula and Halid Kula.

Nicolas said that except for Halid Kula, all the other suspects were arrested in Sitio Luguimit, Barangay Poblacion, Margosatubig.

He said confiscated from the suspects’ possession were four heat-sealed plastic sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as "shabu" and other illegal drug paraphernalia.

He said Kula was arrested in Purok San Francisco, Barangay Igat, Margosatubig.

Nicolas said Kula’s father, Faruk, who was the target of the anti-drug operation, was at large since he was not around when the operatives arrived.

He said the raiding team confiscated from the residence of Kula a small-sized packed of shabu, a hand grenade, seven improvised dynamites, an improvised handgun and two homemade shotguns locally known as “sumpak.”

He said a case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives was also filed against the Kulas aside from violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Nicolas disclosed that anti-drug operations were carried by a joint team of policemen, PDEA operatives, Coast Guard personnel and soldiers. (PNA)
LAP/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

Gunmen rob passenger bus, kill driver in Zamboanga del Sur

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=913871&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Pagadian%20City,%20Zamboanga%20del%20Sur&andor=and&mdte_arch=8&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=2016

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Aug. 15 (PNA) -– Police are hunting for seven men behind the PHP300,000 robbery of a passenger bus and the killing of its driver in Dinas town, Zamboanga del Sur early Sunday.

Provincial police director, Sr. Supt. Michael Nicolas, has directed the police of Dimataling, Tabina, San Pablo, Pitogo and San Miguel to assist the Dinas police in tracking down the men.

The Baganian Transit, driven by 59-year-old Diosdado Ritisa, was traveling to Pagadian City from Tabina town when it was waylaid by the seven men in Barangay Proper Dimaya in Dinas at about 7 a.m. Sunday.

One of the men shot Ritisa in the head after all passengers were ordered to disembark from the bus.

The men carted away PHP300,000 in cash, jewelry and mobile phones and fled towards the river in Sitio Balot, Barangay Binuatan in Dinas. (PNA)
CVL/TPGJR/Hirohito D. Cadion

Pagadian City cops uncover new extortion scheme

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=913524&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Pagadian%20City,%20Zamboanga%20del%20Sur&andor=and&mdte_arch=8&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=2016

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Aug. 13 (PNA) – Police have warned the public against a new extortion scheme being perpetrated by “gun for hires” through phone calls and text messages.

Senior Supt. Glenn Dulawan, assistant police provincial director for operations, on Saturday issued the warning after they have uncovered the new extortion scheme victimizing businessmen and other individuals in this province.

Dulawan said the modus operandi of the group was to threaten the victim to give in to demands through the use of mobile phone.

At first, Dulawan said, the extortionists would call or send text message introducing themselves as gun for hires and informed the victim that they were already paid 50 percent of the contracted amount to kill him or her.

He said they would then negotiate or demand the victim to settle the remaining 50 percent of the contracted amount in exchange of sparing the victim’s life.

He said the victim would then be instructed to send the payment through money transfer making it difficult for the authorities to conduct entrapment operation.

He advised the public not to be worried once they received call or text message from an unidentified people, citing the scheme was purely extortion.

He said they should immediately report to police once they received call or text message threatening them.

Dulawan said they were already conducting investigation in a bid to unmask the people behind the new extortion scheme victimizing innocent people. (PNA)

RMA/TPGJR/Hirohito D. Cadion

Police: 13,862 drug personalities surrender in Zambo Sur

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Aug. 4 (PNA) -– A total of 13,862 drug personalities have surrendered while one was killed in an anti-drug operation in July, the first month of implementation of project Double Barrel by the police in this province.

Senior Supt. Michael Nicholas, provincial police director, said that 470 of the 13,862 were drug pushers while the 13,392 were users.

Nicolas said they surrendered through the implementation of Double Barrel’s Project Tokhang (Toktok-hangyo or knock and plead) in this province’ one city and 26 municipalities.

Nicolas said the lone fatality was killed since he resisted the police during an anti-drug operation in the nearby municipality of Labangan.

Nicolas is coordinating with the different local government units to rehabilitate the drug personalities that surrendered to them.

The police authorities refer drug personalities to either pushers or users of prohibited drugs. (PNA)
LAP/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

ZSPPO Provincial Director SSupt. Michael Nicholas

in an interview with CNN Correspondent “Jong Cadion”

Zamboanga del Sur town implements rehab, livelihood programs for drug surrenderees

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=906048&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Pagadian%20City&andor=and&mdte_arch=7&ddte_arch=21&ydte_arch=2016

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, July 21 (PNA) -– The local government of the nearby town of Dumalinao has designed programs to rehabilitate and provide livelihood assistance to “drug personalities” who surrendered to the government authorities.

The initial batch of drug personality-surrenderees consist of 375 individuals. The police authorities refer drug personalities to either pushers or users.

Dumalinao Mayor Junaflor Cerilles told the Philippines News Agency that most of the drug personalities who surrendered are farmers.

Cerilles said they will undergo workshop as part of their rehabilitation process before they will be employed to render community service.

The community service included tree and mangrove planting, garbage collection and clean-up activities.

Cerilles said those aged 35 and below will be absorbed under her program intended for the students dubbed as “Go Greem Dumalinao.”

She said the program is her immediate and outright response to provide assistance to the drug surrenderees to enable them to start a new life.

Chief Insp. Lee Eric Humpa, Dumalinao police chief, said they will have to undergo rehabilitation for six months before they would be accommodated into the livelihood program.

Humpa warned the drug personalities that legal actions will be taken against them if they will not support efforts to resolving the problems on the proliferation of prohibited drugs in the municipality of Dumalinao. (PNA)
LAP/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

5,070 ‘drug personalities’ surrender in Zambo Sur

PNP listing some Illegal drugs

Personalities who were surrendered

recently at Pagadian City PNP Station

Photo by Ferdinand Libor Jr.

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, July 12 (PNA) -– A total of 5,070 “drug personalities” have voluntarily surrendered since the authorities have launched Operations Plan Tokhang (Oplan Tokhang) in this province.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched the Oplan Tokhang campaign to persuade suspected drug pushers and users to mend their ways or face the full force of the law.

The campaign is pursuant to the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte for a relentless campaign against the trade and use of prohibited drugs.

Senior Supt. Michael Nicolas, provincial police director, on Tuesday told the Philippines News Agency that 4,772 of the 5,070 drug personalities who surrendered are users while the remaining 298 are pushers.

Nicolas said that seven of the 298 pushers and 109 of the 4,772 users in the drug watch list of his office.

He said that 303 of the 5,070 surrenderees drug personalities are minors while nine of them are females.

He said the surrenderees, who are from the different parts of this province, were turned over to their respective local government units to undergo rehabilitation following assessment and profiling.

This province comprises of one component city and 26 municipalities organized into two congressional districts and further subdivided into 681 barangays.

Meanwhile, the 27 chiefs of police and other key police provincial officials have completed a two-day seminar on Tuesday conducted by the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) intelligence division headed by Senior Supt. Neil Alinsangan.

PNP Region 9 intellegence Division(R2) Chief

Police Senior Supt. Neil Alinsañgan interview

by CNN Correspondent Jong Cadion at Camp. Abelon

Photo by Ferdinand Libor Jr.

COP and key officials on siminar

Photo by Ferdinand Libor Jr.

The seminar’s topic are procedures and programs on how to handle the case of drug personalities who voluntarily surrendered to the authorities. (PNA)

FFC/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION