Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives conduct an inventory on the seized marijuana from the arrested suspects in a buy-bust operation in Porac, Pampanga on Wednesday. PDEA photo
PORAC, PAMPANGA – A kilo of cannabis locally known as marijuana was seized from three male drug suspects following a drug entrapment operation in Clement St., Barangay Sta. Maria, Porac town on Wednesday dawn Dec. 13.
PDEA Aurora Provincial Officer identified the apprehended suspects as Mark Angelo Sunga, 23 from Gardenville, Kangkong St. Fatima Barangay Sta Cruz, Porac; Lemuel David, 21 and Karl De Leon, 24, both from Ana Marie St., Brgy Capaya 2, Angeles City, Pampanga.
PDEA operatives recovered one rectangular wrapped brick containing more or less 1000 grams of marijuana amounting to P120,000.00; one unit tricycle; one unit motorcycle; and the marked money used by the poseur buyer.
The operation was conducted by operatives of PDEA Aurora Provincial Office and PDEA RO III RSET.
A charge for violation of Section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs) in relation to Section 26B (conspiracy to sell) of Republic Act 9165 will be filed against the arrested suspects.
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan—Police seized nearly P1.8 million worth of illegal drugs from sixteen arrested suspects in a series of buy-bust operations on Wednesday.
OIC Bulacan Police Director Col. Jacqueline Puapo said that on Wednesday, P423,000 worth of shabu were seized from drug dealers identified as alias Gato and Estong in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Balasing, Sta. Maria town including from fourteen other drug dealers in San Ildefonso, City of Malolos, San Miguel, Bocaue, San Rafael, Angat, Plaridel, and Pulilan.
At about 1:00 am on Tuesday, seized from one alias Buddy in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Lalakhan, Sta. Maria town was 200 grams of suspected shabu worth P1.36 million including marked money.
All arrested individuals and the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the Bulacan Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) for appropriate examination. Criminal complaints for violations of R.A. 9165 have been prepared to be filed against the suspects.
His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent once again awarded ImagineLaw, a non-profit, public interest law group based in Manila, Philippines, with the prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award (PMIRSA) for the organization’s work in advancing child road safety in the Philippines.
For over 30 years, the Award has been given to groups and individuals with outstanding achievements and innovations that improve road safety around the world. ImagineLaw received its first award three years ago for its work on improving speed limit setting and enforcement in the Philippines.
This year, ImagineLaw received its second PMIRSA in recognition of its advocacy efforts that led to the enactment of comprehensive local road safety policies in the Philippines. With support from the United Nations Children’s Fund, ImagineLaw assisted Angeles City and Valenzuela City in developing and enacting local road safety laws that introduce best practice road safety interventions to be implemented through multi-sectoral coalitions composed of national and local government agencies, civil society, private sector, and the academe.
With the enactment of these policies, efforts are now ongoing to make roads safer for children and other vulnerable road users. The two cities have developed their road safety action plans and conducted road safety assessments around schools to identify engineering and other interventions needed to protect school-going children.
“We are extremely honored to receive this award for the second time. This award is a reminder of the importance of collaboration across all sectors to protect the most vulnerable road users. We hope that in the coming years, more local governments will follow the example of the Cities of Angeles and Valenzuela,” said ImagineLaw’s Executive Director Sophia San Luis.
Marlon Blando of League of Cable TV Operators in Bulacan and Ms. Micka Oliveros Bautista of Hataw newspaper bagged the Mr. and Ms. Santa awards during the Media, Bulacan information officers and members including local TV and radio stations Christmas Party held on Wednesday at Hiyas Pavilion in City of Malolos.
The event is through the initiative of Ms. Katrina Sabino Bernardo-Balingit, head of the Bulacan Public Affairs Office (PPAO) with the support of Gov. Daniel Fernando, Vice Gov. Alexis Castro and the whole of the Bulacan Provincial Board Members. Contributed photo
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan—A High Value Individual for illegal drugs yielded P1.36 million worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation in the City of Malolos on Tuesday, reports released by the Bulacan provincial police headquarters based in this camp said.
Bulacan police OIC director Lt. Col. Jacqueline Puapo said one alias buddy, a 40-year-old electrician from Lower Bicutan, Taguig City along with an accomplice were arrested at arounf 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday in Barangay Lalakhan, Sta. Maria town. Alias Buddy who is an HVI and his companion yielded P1,360,000.
The arrested suspects and the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the Bulacan Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) for appropriate examination while criminal complaints for violations of R.A. 9165 against the suspects are now being prepared for filing in court.
These efforts underscore the unwavering dedication of the Bulacan PNP in upholding public safety and combating criminal activities within the province.
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan — Bulacan police ant-criminality operations led to the apprehension of a Most Wanted Person including several others on Monday and Tuesday.
Bulacan police OIC director Lt. Col. Jacqueline Puapo said coordinated efforts led by the 1st Platoon – Bulacan 1st PMFC together with Guiguinto MPS, Balagtas MPS, and 301st MC, RMFB3, authorities successfully apprehended in Barangay Tiaong, Guiguinto town a 47-year-old Most Wanted Person from Barangay Panginay, Balagtas town.
The arrest stemmed from a warrant issued by the Presiding Judge of RTC, Third Judicial Region, Branch 9, City of Malolos, Bulacan, relative to multiple cases involving Statutory Rape, Rape through Sexual Assault, and Acts of Lasciviousness (2 counts).
Meanwhile, several apprehensions were carried out by the tracker teams from 1st and 2nd PMFC, Norzagaray, Calumpit, CSJDM and Guiguinto PS. These operations led to the arrest of six (6) individuals who were wanted for a variety of crimes and offenses, based on court-issued warrants. The arrested individuals are currently held in custody by the respective arresting units/stations pending due process.
Moreover, a series of anti-illegal gambling operations yielded the arrest of two (2) individuals engaged in Cara y Cruz at Sitio Daang Bakal, Brgy. Banga 2nd, Plaridel, Bulacan. Confiscated were three (3) one-peso coins ‘pangara’ and bet money. Similarly, a team led by the RSOG3-RID3, together with the Intel Section, TSC, RMFB3, and DRT PS apprehended three (3) individuals involved in an anti-illegal gambling operation known as the ‘Drop Ball Game’ in Sito Parang, Brgy. Pulong Sampaloc DRT, Bulacan. Seized items included one (1) set of drop ball game paraphernalia, one (1) color game, and bet money in various denominations.
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan— A Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) member from Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan (RHB), voluntarily surrendered to the Bulacan police in the City of Malolos, Bulacan on Monday, Dec. 11.
Bulacan police OIC director Lt. Col. Jacqueline identified the former suspected rebel-terrorist as alias Ka Teme, 42, delivery rider and a member of RHB, formerly operating in the coastal areas of Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales. He was convinced to join the aforementioned rebel group for alleged government reform to attain equal rights in pursuit of equality and social injustice.
Puapo said joint elements from different units of the Bulacan provincial police including the 701st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army facilitated the surrender of the subject at about 2 p.m. on Monday in this provincial police headquarters.
Alias Ka Teme turned over one Smith & Wesson cal. .38 revolver without a serial number, and two pieces cal .38 live ammunition.
The surrendered CTG member is presently under the custody of the 1st PMFC for investigation and custodial debriefing.
Bulacan Police is stern in its intensified campaign against insurgency and terrorism to ensure the provision of social services, employment opportunities, and an improved quality of life in communities that have been experiencing or are vulnerable to armed communist conflict.
The Social Security System (SSS) welcomed the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) as its newest partner in implementing the KaSSSangga Collect Program (KCP) during the ceremonial signing held at the QMMC lobby on November 29, 2023.
SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire P. Agas (4th from left) and QMMC Medical Center Chief Dr. Evelyn Victoria E. Reside (3rd from left) led the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will benefit 200 job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers and 1,500 medical professionals by becoming self-employed members of the SSS.
Under the agreement, QMMC will become an authorized Coverage and Collection Partner of SSS, which will collect and remit the corresponding monthly contributions of its JO/COS workers and medical professionals through a salary-deduction scheme.
Other signatories to the MOA are SSS Vice President for National Capital Region (NCR) North Division Fernando F. Nicolas (5th from left), SSS Cubao Branch Head Edna Q. Aldea (6th from left), QMMC Financial and Management Officer Melanie H. Lomotan (left), and QMMC Chief Administrative Officer Cecilia M. Villamin (2nd from left).
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman
MANILA–Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman has approved the creation of additional 673 permanent faculty positions across the 9 campuses of the Mindanao State University (MSU), marking a historical occurrence for the University.
The major development is the very first time in the history of Mindanao State University.
The university has seen an exponential growth in student enrolments and expansion of academic programs for over three decades without receiving funding for new personnel. “I believe that this groundbreaking initiative will significantly boost the education sector’s productivity and effectiveness, delivering immense benefits to the Mindanao State University community,” Pangandaman said.
“Educational opportunities offer every Filipino a chance at a better life. It also enables us to attain real prosperity. This is why the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. believes it is paramount to prioritize and invest in the education sector,” she added.
The approved faculty positions were determined and funded based on the recommended faculty-student ratio, with a total budget of P334.24 million. The initial funding requirements for these new positions will be charged against the Personnel Services (PS) allotment available of each MSU campus. Campuses located in General Santos City, Sulu, and Marawi are set to accommodate most of the positions, with 150, 120, and 108 approved positions respectively in each campus.
Pangandaman further emphasized that additional funds can be requested by the University if existing funds fall short. These funds should be drawn from the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund. To expedite this, the University is required to submit complete and accurate documentation in line with the DBM’s Citizen Charter.
Since 2013, in the aftermath of typhoons Sendong and Yolanda, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has been at the forefront of building resilient housing communities nationwide.
SMC Bulacan housing
Partnering with several organizations including Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity, SMC has invested P3.05 billion in the last decade to build or help provide new homes for families impacted by natural disasters, and various development projects.
SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang, acclaimed as a “Hero of Philanthropy” by Forbes Asia, emphasizes that providing secure housing is the first step in empowering families for nation-building.
SMC Sariaya housing
“Housing is a basic need. To enable Filipinos to participate in nation-building, we must first support the family unit. Providing safe homes for those affected by calamities or without a home has been our first step to transforming their lives,” he said.
SMC has built homes and communities in various areas nationwide, including Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Negros Oriental, Davao, Surigao, and Bohol, among others.
By the time the pandemic happened in 2020, SMC’s program had evolved from simply building houses to advancing holistic community development.
SMC Sendong CDO GK
Its latest housing community in Sariaya, Quezon serves as a model. It features disaster-resilient and eco-friendly homes and amenities that include a multi-purpose center, covered court, livelihood center, e-library, as well as a fishermen’s wharf and a public market ran by the residents themselves.
Training programs on entrepreneurship, personal finance, food processing, farming, and other income-generating activities have also been provided to residents.
In partnership with the Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA), SMC has extended this skills and livelihood training program nationwide, while assisting informal settlers in various locations secure titled properties and build permanent homes in various locations.
SMC Yolanda housing
“Wherever San Miguel operates, progress follows. Our aim is to ensure that those we help are equipped for long-term success,” Ang said.
“But just as important as housing and jobs is having a sense of community. Being part of a supportive network is essential for their long-term success,” Ang said.
This is what brought the company to its current flagship social development program, the SMC Better World Community Centers.
The project utilizes SMC’s unused properties as well as other resources, to scale up the capabilities of partner organizations, to address pressing issues at the community level.
SMC currently has four Better World Community Centers: Better World Tondo, a food bank, feeding, learning, and health center; Better World Diliman, a ready market for excess farm produce to support local farmers; Better World Cubao, a center for women’s health and issues that also has a clinic and livelihood training facilities, and Better World Smokey Mountain, a learning center for adults and children living in the former Smokey Mountain landfill.
