Online news portal in Caraga Region providing you with unbiased and real-time news and articles of human interest within your fingertips.
LOOK: VP Sara Duterte's statement on the death of Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison.
The self-exiled Philippine communist leader died on Friday night after two weeks confinement in a hospital. He was 83 years old.
📷 Inday Sara Duterte Fb page
LOOK: National highway in Agusan Sur town flooded amid heavy rain Thursday
The national highway in Bunawan town, Agusan del Sur was flooded on Thursday afternoon due to heavy rains spawned by the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
The floodwaters rendered the route impassable to all kinds of vehicles. | Courier 📸 Mar Si
LOOK: Truckload of chickens from Bulacan intercepted in Surigao Sur
Authorities on Wednesday intercepted a forward truck carrying 4,000 live chickens from Bulacan province in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.
The delivery truck driver failed to present shipment and animal health permits, prompting authorities to ban the entry, and directed the driver to send the chickens back to their points of origin.
The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) said the measure was meant to shield the province’s poultry industry from avian flu. | Courier 📷PVO-Surigao del Sur
NEWSNOW: Soldiers kill 2 NPA rebels in Agusan del Norte battle
Two suspected communist rebels were killed and three high-powered fi****ms were recovered in an encounter with the government troops in Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte province on Tuesday night, the military reported on Wednesday.
Government soldiers were conducting patrol when they encountered around 15 suspected NPA guerrillas at Consorcia village, Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander, said in a statement.
Before the encounter, villagers tipped off the patrolling soldiers about the presence of the armed group around the area.
Orio identified the fatalities as Rey Torregosa and Juliven Badbaran, a former commanding officer of Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 3 of the NPA’s Northern Central Mindanao Regional Command.
He said the two bodies were recovered from the site of the encounter, along with three assault rifles, an anti-personnel mine, bullets, magazines and other personal belongings.
No casualty was reported on the government side.
Orio said the military was renewing its call to communist rebels to surrender so that they could live peaceful lives.
“Lay down your arms and return to the folds of law to live peacefully and be with your families,” he said.
“We have vowed to protect our people, we will continue to hunt the enemies down and remain true to our mandate of sustaining the peace and development in the area of Agusan del Norte," Orio added. CLC 📸 RADYO Serbato
LOOK: Ex-councilor of Surigao Norte town nabbed for drugs
A former councilor of Socorro town in Surigao del Norte province was arrested in an anti-drug operation on Wednesday, June 15.
Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the anti-drugs unit of the provincial and municipal police arrested Roland Diago Mascardo, 37, after he allegedly sold a sachet of shabu to an undercover PDEA agent who acted as a buyer in Barangay Rizal around 6:15 a.m.
Seized from the suspect were 11 sachets of shabu weighing 51 grams with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of P408,000.
Mascardo, now detained at the Socorro detention facility, will be charged for possession and selling of illegal drugs.
There is now further investigation to determine the source of the illegal drugs. | Courier 📸Ed Mapayo/Mano Mano Mano
Caught on CCTV: Woman shot dead by gunmen on a motorcycle in Agusan Sur town
Footage from closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) recorded the shooting of an unidentified woman by two motorcycle-riding gunmen in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur on Tuesday morning.
The woman was aboard a tricycle along the national highway in Barangay 1 at around 11 a.m. when she was shot by the suspects who then took the victim’s sling bag.
Police said the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds in various parts of his body and died on the spot.
The motive of the killing was still being established. | Courier
LOOK: Truck crash reveals illegal logging operation
An illegal logging operation was exposed Tuesday morning when a wing van truck fell into a canal while negotiating an uphill portion of the national highway in Barangay De Oro, Butuan City.
Because of the impact, the truck flipped on its right side, exposing the illicit operation with thousands of board feet of freshly cut lauan lumber. | Courier 📸RMN DXBC Butuan
LOOK: PDEA destroys P7.8-M worth of illegal drugs in Butuan
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Caraga (PDEA-13) has destroyed some P7.8 million worth of seized drugs at a wood processing plant in Butuan on Wednesday, May 25.
Those destroyed to show that confiscated illegal drugs are not recycled or brought back to the illicit drugs market were 798 grams of “shabu” and 20,365 grams of ma*****na.
PDEA key officials, representatives from the Philippine National Police, Department of Justice, Public Attorney’s Office, barangay officials, anti-drug support groups, and the media witnessed the destruction activity.
PDEA-13 Director Emerson Rosales said the seized illegal drugs were destroyed in accordance with the guidelines established in Section 21, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1, Series of 2002 for the custody and disposition of seized drug evidence. | Courier 📷PIA Caraga
LOOK: 3 inmates escape from Surigao del Sur jail
Three inmates bolted the district jail of the Bureau and Management and Penology in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, before dawn Wednesday.
The three prisoners, who escaped at around 2 a.m were identified as: Renwood Baya (convicted of carnapping), Junmar Quezada (convicted of robbery), and Edgardo Pinoy Jr., (convicted of r**e).
The district jail did not explain the circumstances of the jail break.The BJMP jail guards and the police immediately launched a special unit to hunt down the escapees. | Courier 📸 CTTO
LOOK: Green sea turtle trapped in fishnet released in Surigao Sur town
A green sea turtle turtle (Chelonia mydas), which is listed by conservationists as endangered, was released and returned back to the wild, after it was trapped in a fishnet on Wednesday (May 11) off the waters of Barangay Sabang, Lingig town in Surigao del Sur.
The turtle was in good condition. The release of the sea turtle was witnessed by the town Coastal Resource Management Office personnel, villagers and officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). | Courier 📷DENR CENRO Bislig
NEWSNOW: P272K shabu seized from man in Butuan drug watchlist
A 35-year-old man included in Butuan police drug watchlist was apprehended with P272,000 worth of suspected shabu (crystal m**h) in a sting in Barangay Imadejas early Monday.
Ronnie Mandantes, a resident of Barangay Fort Poyohon, was arrested while selling shabu in a buy-bust operation around 2 a.m., said Colonel Excelso Lazaga Jr., Butuan police chief.
“He tried to evade the arrest with his driven motorcycle but was subdued by the poseur buyer and other arresting officers when he accidentally crashed his motorcycle at the side of the road,” Lazaga said
Police operatives recovered from the suspect several plastic sachets containing shabu weighing 40 grams.
The suspect is in police custody while waiting for the filing of charges for possession and trading of illegal drugs in violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.| Courier 📷 BCPO-PIO
NEWSNOW: Gov’t soldiers capture NPA camp in Surigao Norte town
A rebel camp in Bacuag town, Surigao del Norte was seized by government forces following a firefight on Sunday, May 15.
Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta, battalion commander of the Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion, said the camp was seized following an encounter between government troops and rebels in Barangay Pungtod at around 6:45 a.m.
The firefight lasted for 30 minutes after which the rebels were forced to abandon their camp that can accommodate more than 15 persons, and retreated in different directions.
No soldier was hurt in the clash, he said.
Recovered from the site were one caliber 5.56 C**t AR-15, one M203 gr***de launcher, ammunition, and other terroristic propaganda materials and personal belongings of the rebels.
Callanta acknowledged the help of the village residents in their fight against the rebels.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa tiwala at suporta ng mga mamamayan sa walang humpay na pagbibigay ng mga impormasyon na kadahilanan upang palagi nating matunton ang grupo ng mga teroristang NPA kahit saan pa sila magtago sa anumang lugar dito sa Surigao del Norte,” he said in a statement.
Callanta added that the troops are continuously conducting a pursuit operation against the rebels. CLC 📸30IB
NEWSNOW: Emergency Vehicle and Evacuation Center from Marcventures
Indigenous People Municipal Representative (IPMR) Benjamin A. Tindogan and Bayogo Barangay Captain Jesus B. Arsolon acknowledged the Emergency Transport Vehicle from Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation (MMDC) President Eduardo Francisco.
The initiative is in line with the company’s Social Development and Management Program(SDMP)which supports the sustainable development goal on ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.
The project also includes the newly completed evacuation center in Barangay Bayogo.
Marcventures heads several health projects under its SDMP program which includesgiving medical assistance to indigent patients and procuring medical equipment for health centers.
LOOK: Surigao Sur town starts post-election cleanup
The government of Hinatuan town in Surigao del Sur province started Thursday a massive cleanup to remove campaign materials that littered town streets during the campaign period.
Hinatuan Mayor Titing Garay said reusable campaign materials will be recycled or upcycled. | Courier 📸Hinatuan LGU
LOOK: Dinagat gets new governor, defeating Dragon Slayer, Kaka Bag-ao
A new governor was proclaimed for Dinagat Islands province on Tuesday after the canvassing of votes for the local and national elections.
Incumbent Vice Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. was proclaimed governor around 4 p.m. Tuesday. He defeated Gov. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao, who earned the moniker “Dragon Slayer” when she defeated members of the Ecleo clan in previous elections.
Demerey got 33,993 votes, while Bag-ao obtained 25,552 votes.|Courier 📸 Nilo Demerey Jr. page
LOOK: Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel wins reelection bid
Reelectionist Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel was proclaimed winner of the mayoral race by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Tuesday afternoon.
Data from the Comelec on Tuesday showed that Pimentel got 24,106 votes, defeating her rival, lawyer Glenn Plaza with 12.270 votes and Ronanne Pimentel who received 688 votes.
The results were based on the election returns transmitted from all 65 clustered precincts in the city. | Courier 📸Roxanne Pimentel Facebook
LOOK: Dumlao wins Surigao City mayoral race
Neophyte politician Paul Dumlao has defeated reelectionist Mayor Estong Matugas in the mayoral race of Surigao City.
He was proclaimed by the Commission on Elections as the local chief executive after getting 52,789 votes.
Dumlao's running mate, former Mayor Alfonso Casurra, also won in the local elections. Both won decisively in the mayoral and vice mayoral contests. | Courier 📷 Adyros Resare Cubelo
LOOK: Unopposed mayor, vice mayor in Cabadbaran City proclaimed
Mayor-elect Judy Amante and vice mayor-elect Rey Jamboy of Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte have been proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Tuesday morning.
Both Amante and Jamboy ran unopposed in the local elections. Amante has been a mayor since 2019 and will be serving her second term.
Also proclaimed were the winning city councilors. | Courier 📷Mayor Judy Chin Amante
LOOK: Long lines of voters in polling precincts in Buenavista town, Agusan del Norte, have been observed early Monday, indicating a large turnout in the national and local elections.
Buenavista was declared election hotspot amid intense political rivalry. |CLC 📸 Niel Cuenca
LOOK: Reelectionist Dinagat Islands Gov. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao was an early bird voter on Monday as she cast her vote at the Sta. Cruz Elementary School in Loreto town. (Photo from Team Gov Kaka)
LOOK: 8 armed men nabbed on eve of Election Day in Surigao Norte town
Despite the election gun ban, eight armed men on board three vehicles, were arrested by police and army personnel in Malimono town Surigao del Norte province Sunday night (May 8.
The suspects were said to be part of a private armed group of a political candidate in Malimono.
Authorities confiscated three caliber-45 pistols, a 9-mm pistol, three M4 assault rifles and several assorted ammunition. The apprehended individuals and recovered fi****ms are now under the custody of the Malimono police. | Courier 📸RPN DXKS Surigao
LOOK: VCMs delivered to Bayugan election precincts
Vote counting machines (VCMs) and ballot boxes for the May 9 national and local elections were delivered to different polling centers in 43 barangays in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur under tight security provided by police and military personnel on Friday. |Courier 📸Broy Amar Bacla-an
WATCH: Butuan City ex-mayor Jun Amante endorses Libarios for congressman
Former Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. formally endorsed the congressional bid of lawyer Arcedel “Kidz” Libarios, who remained the front-runner in pre-election surveys. | Via 📹FM
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WATCH: Butuan City ex-mayor Jun Amante endorses Libarios for congressman Former Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. formally endorsed the congressional bid of lawyer Arcedel “Kidz” Libarios, who remained the front-runner in pre-election surveys. | Via 📹FM
PRAI Party List conference with their advocacy supporters. PRAI Party List's program designed to address the needs of the uniform retirees and civilians with modern effective solutions for H.E.L.P.S.- Healthcare, Housing, Education, Environment, Legal Aid, Livelihood & Poverty Alleviation, Pension, Social Services. #19SaBalotaPartyList #PRAIpartylist19
PRAI Party List conference with their advocacy supporters. PRAI Party List's program designed to address the needs of the uniform retirees and civilians with modern effective solutions for H.E.L.P.S.- Healthcare, Housing, Education, Environment, Legal Aid, Livelihood & Poverty Alleviation, Pension, Social Services. #19SaBalotaPartyList #PRAIpartylist19
WATCH: Senatorial aspirant Win Gatchalian motorcade in Butuan City. Also with him are Migz Zubiri and JV Ejercito.
2022 Senatorial aspirants Win Gatchalian, Migz Zubiri and JV Ejercito sending their warm message in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
WATCH: 2022 Senatorial aspirants Win Gatchalian, Migz Zubiri and JV Ejercito and party motorcade and visit in Agusan del Sur.
JUST IN: Ex-Butuan police chief Dungo dies from drowning in Surigao Sur– reports Former Butuan City police chief Police Colonel Francisco Dungo drowned Saturday morning while swimming in a beach resort in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. Reports said Dungo,54, was dragged by the strong currents when he went for a swim at a resort in Barangay Poblacion around 9:20 a.m. Dungo was taken to Marihatag District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. /Courier
WATCH: Amante endorses Kidz Libarios’ Butuan congressional bid Former Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. endorsed the congressional candidacy of lawyer Arcedel Libarios, who wants to be representative of Butuan City. Kidz, as he is known to his colleagues and close friends, is younger brother of former Agusan del Norte representative Roan Libarios. A former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Butuan chapter, Kidz served as a board member for Agusan del Norte. Amante said the veteran lawyer had proven his worth in public service. /Courier
ATM: Senior citizens COVID-19 vaccination in Butuan More than 300 senior citizens in Butuan City will receive vaccine against COVID-19 today in Butuan City. The inoculation is currently ongoing at SM Butuan City. Among the seniors who get vaccinated is 80 year old Asuncion Sanchez Arban. #CaragaNewscourier #Resbakuna #FightCOVID19
WATCH: PDEA arrests high-value drug suspect in Butuan A high-value drug suspect was arrested by agents of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Caraga (PDEA-13) during a buy-bust operation on Monday, May 17. Confiscated from the suspect, identified as Syver Cascon, were one plastic sachet of suspected "shabu" (crystal meth), two sealed plastics containing suspected marijuana leaves and one piece of one thousand peso bill. The operation was conducted at around 11:30 a.m. in 6th street, Guingona Subdivision in Butuan City. #CaragaNewsCourier #PDEA #DrugArrest
EXCLUSIVE: LTO extension office in Agusan Sur continues operation amid closure order Surveillance video obtained exclusively by the Caraga News Courier from a source shows the continued operations of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Extension Office in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur amid a closure order issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) regional office in September last year. The video, taken last February offers a glimpse into the alleged “racket” in the agency following complaints from the public about fixers, overcharging of mandated fees, fake vehicle registration and illegal law enforcement activities in the province. More news and update at www.caraganewscourier.com
WATCH: BFP Caraga Chief calls support for fire prevention campaign In observation of Fire Prevention Month, the Bureau of Fire Protection Caraga Director Fred L. Trajeras echoes the importance of the agency’s fire safety information drives. Celebrating with the theme "LIGTAS NA PILIPINAS, ang Ating Hangad, PAG-IINGAT SA SUNOG, sa Sarili Ipatupad." SSUPT. Trajeras also urge the public to support the fire prevention campaign during the kick off ceremony held at Robinsons Place, Butuan City. http://bit.ly/2Fa3ai6 #BFPCaraga #FirePreventionMonth #CaragaNewsCourier
WATCH: Delay in reimbursements due to Butuan hospital ‘system’ issue– PhilHealth PhilHealth-Caraga acting regional vice president Dr. Eduardo Gonzales cited “system” problem as the cause of delay in the refund or reimbursements claims by patients in the Butuan City Medical Center. The PhilHealth, however, assured that the Butuan City government is in the process of fixing the processing problem in the city-run hospital. By GD https://goo.gl/gs5yoG
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