Mahinog lauds local police for outstanding achievements

Mahinog Police Station 

THE Municipal Council of Mahinog recently commended the municipal police station for their unrelenting efforts in making sure that the municipality is a very safe place to live.

The award was given to members of the Mahinog Police Station after the flag raising ceremony on Monday. 

Authored by Hon. Erlindo G. Bequilla, chairman of the committee on peace and order, fire and public safety, the resolution was signed by Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle and approved by Mayor Alex R. Jajalla.

Police Inspector Lemuel S. Sabanal

“Through the relentless efforts of the Mahinog Police Station under Police Inspector Lemuel S. Sabanal, Chief of Police, the peace and order situation of the whole municipality remains undisturbed, peaceful, safe to live and do business,” the resolution states.

The MPS has been active in their police community relations activities which include earthquake drill, random check points, law enforcement enhancement seminars, barangay peace action team trainings, symposium regarding child related laws, illegal drugs and illegal gambling, including tree planting activities, and feeding program.

Through heightened police visibility, a handful of crime incidents were only recorded.

“Maximum police visibility was observed through the beat patrol system which aims to deter criminality within the municipality,” the resolution states.

“Crime incidents were constrained at the lowest level due to the crime prevention efforts undertaken by the said police station with the participation of the local government unit, other government agencies and the community in the campaign against criminality,” the resolution notes.

“The accomplishment of Mahinog Police Station under Police Inspector Lemuel S. Sabanal is another proof that the police is doing their best to ensure the safety and protection of the residents,” the resolution states.

“This recognition of the exemplary performance of Mahinog Police Station under Police Inspector Lemuel S. Sabanal, Chief of Police will surely uplift the morale of the personnel of the said police station,” the members of the municipal council said.

Mayor Alex Jajala receives award from PNP

MAHINOG Mayor Alex R. Jajalla is one of the three local chief executives in Region X who received award from the Philippine National Police (PNP) in region 10 during its 17th Police Community Relations (PCR) Month held at the PNP-10 headquarters in Cagayan de Oro City, July 4, 2012, said Police Inspector Lemuel S. Sabanal, Chief of Police of Mahinog, Camiguin.

At the flag raising ceremony here this morning, Sabanal said the award that Mayor Jajalla received is in recognition of his full support to the mission and duty of the PNP to continually maintain the law and order and bring about peace and safety of the people in communities in our areas of responsibility (AOR).

Other awardees for local chief executives were Governor Herminia M. Ramiro of Misamis Occidental and Mayor Mario T. Okinlay of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

Police Chief Superintendent Jufel Adriatico, PNP-Northern Mindanao director, presented the awards assisted by Cagayan de Oro Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya who served as guest of honor and speaker for the occasion.

Municipal Council approves new raffle ordinance

Konsehal Rey Lawrence K. Tan

Mahinog, Camiguin - THE Municipal Council here approved on Monday an ordinance that would regulate the operation of raffle in the municipality.

Under the new measure authored by Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan, raffle may be conducted only by a charitable and public welfare organization.

Accordingly, this ordinance would now restrict private individual from holding raffle in the municipality.

Tan said this ordinance came after a bungled raffle in the municipality that victimized a number of people who purchased raffle tickets, but there were no winners. The said raffle was conducted by a private person.

Tan stressed a raffle regulation was needed to safeguard the people against scam.

R.A. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 gives the city and municipal mayors authority to regulate the holding of activities for charitable and welfare purposes within their respective jurisdiction. Such activities may be in the form of benefit shows or dances, bingo socials for charity, raffle draws and similar activities.

The new ordinance makes it unlawful to conduct or operate a raffle in the municipality unless said raffle has been covered by a permit issued by the Municipal Mayor.

The ordinance further provides that raffle permit shall be issued only to organizations that operate without profit to their members.

The ordinance imposes a fine from a minimum of P500 to a maximum of P1,500 or imprisonment of not more than twenty days or both.

Mahinog inaugurates new P4.8M police building

MAHINOG, Camiguin — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has inaugurated on Wednesday morning its new building beside the municipal hall of Mahinog.

Eastern Mindanao Director for Integrated Police Operation PCSupt Victorino S. Panganiban and Police Regional Office (PRO-10) regional director Chief Superintendent Condrado E. Laza led the PNP in the inauguration and hand over ceremony.

Mahinog Mayor Alex R. Jajalla and Camiguin Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Edward S. Abejuela also graced the inauguration.

Senior Superintendent Celso G. Regencia (right), Chief of PRO 10 Logistic Development Division formally turned over the documents of the three-storey model police station building to Mahinog Chief of Police Inspector Edgar S. Anonoy (left) in a simple ceremony held at the rooftop of the new building.

The new building will now housed the administrative, investigation, police community relations and operations department.

In 2005, then Chief PNP Director General Arturo Lomibao led the ground breaking of the proposed new PNP building.

In November 2009, or four years later, a ground breaking and capsule laying ceremony was reenacted which was led by then PRO X regional director PCSupt Danilo T. Empedrad that finally started the construction of this long awaited project.

Mayor Jajalla said the realization of the new PNP building in Mahinog is a “dream come true” which is necessary to improve the morale and performance of the local police personnel.

“This is a big help in our law and order drive, boost the morale and performance of the police in fighting criminality,” the mayor said.

Eastern Mindanao Director for Integrated Police Operation PCSupt Victorino S. Panganiban

Panganiban said the new building is part of the PNP's mandate to support the peace and order programs of the local government units.

“The PNP will always adhere to what the local chief executive wishes to be – a better and peaceful locality," he said.

Police Regional Office (PRO-10) regional director Chief Superintendent Condrado E. Laza

For his part, Laza encouraged the municipal police personnel to be inspired with the new building which was praised as the most “ decent and beautiful” in the province.

He reminded the troops to be "not only decent in appearance but also in acts and deeds.”

He thanked the local government unit of Mahinog for helping the PNP towards realizing the newly completed installation that will serve the needs of the municipality.

Mahinog SaPul nabs 23 violators in August

THE Mahinog Sanitary Pulis (SaPul) has apprehended a total of 23 persons for violation of Lex's Clean Mahinog related ordinance in August, this year.

Romulo Saligumba, SaPul Chief Operating Officer, disclosed in his monthly accomplishment report to Municipal Mayor Alex R. Jajalla that SaPul apprehended a total of 23 violators for various violations of municipal ordinance as follows: 5 illegal parking; 1 unloading at non designated area; 1 overnight parking; 6 smoking in public places; 2 selling copra without permit; 5 peddling at non designated area; 3 peddling fish without sanitary permit.

Under Municipal Ordinance No. 2007-094, law enforcers shall, on apprehending violator, issue a citation ticket in duplicate, the original copy of which to the offender, the duplicate to the municipal treasurer.

The offender shall settle the fine within 72 hours from receipt of the citation ticket to the municipal treasurer, otherwise the case shall be forwarded to the Provincial Prosecutor for filing of the necessary charges in court.

Fines for the said violations are as follows: P100.00 for the first offense; P150.00 for the second offense; 200.00 for the third and succeeding offenses; or revocation of license to operate in case a violator is a business establishment, or imprisonment of not less than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30) days, or both such fine, revocation, and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

If a violator is a corporation, firm or other entity, the penalty shall be imposed upon the president, manager, director or person responsible for its operations. If in case the violator is unable to pay his pecuniary liability, he/she shall be made to render community service for the period of one (1) day for each offense committed.

Quezon Street is no entry for vehicles coming from Benoni

NO ENTRY. Vehicle coming from Benoni like this motorela as shown in this picture is prohibited from going straight towards Quezon Street across a blind curve

THE Municipal Council of Mahinog presided by Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle on Monday approved an ordinance to declare Pres. Manuel Quezon Street as no entry street for vehicles coming from Benoni and to install a no-entry sign in the area.

Councilor Erlindo G. Bequilla, who is the principal author of Municipal Ordinance No. 2010-028, said this road section along St. Michael's Church is considered accident-prone area because it is located right across the intersection and blind curves.

"We will pass this measure now rather than waiting for accidents to happen," Bequilla said in sponsoring the measure at the plenary session.

Under the ordinance, no vehicle coming from Benoni side shall enter Quezon Street except emergency vehicles like the police, ambulance and fire in emergency situation.

Also exempt from the ordinance are vehicles coming from Mambajao side and from upper section.

The ordinance was endorsed by the transport groups and several other local organizations who said the decision is a welcome move towards promoting road safety in the municipality.

During the committee meeting conducted by the Committee on Transportation chaired by Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan, the committee also recommended to prohibit loading and unloading at the road section immediately before and after the curve.

The committee observed that loading and unloading at the blind curve next or across to the entrance of Columbia St. Michael's Parish High School (CSMPHS) is dangerous, considering the distance between the curve and the school gate is too close.

Motorela and public utility vehicles from Benoni may unload at the right shoulder in front of Mahinog Central School immediately before the school gate. Students and pedestrians are advised to practice safe crossing habits before entering/crossing the street.

Present during the said committee hearing were Lybbie R. Balasabas, President, Habal-habal Riders Association; Efren R. Absuelo, Camiguin Van Operators; Narciso L. Abian, President, Sr. Citizens Association; Gene R. Ranalan, Mahinog Motorela Operators and Drivers Association; Rosario M. Vinan, Principal, Mahinog Central School; Romulo Y. Saliguma, Sanitary Pulis (SaPul) Chief Operating Officer; Arlino C. Arca, President, Market Vendors Association; Anita C. Estrobo, President, Mahinog Central School PTA; Engr. Rico L. Ranara, Municipal Engineer; Sr. Maria Corazon S. Basadre, Principal, CSMPHS.

The Ordinance was co-authored by Councilors Rey Lawrence K. Tan, Merlito G. Abao and Valentin F. Babanto.

Mahinog LGU intensifies measures against coconut theft

New members of Mahinog Sanitary Pulis (SaPul) recently took their oath of office before Mayor Alex R. Jajalla. Among the functions of SaPul is to enforce anti coconut theft ordinance in addition to their primary responsibility to implement the Lex's Clean Mahinog Program

BEFORE you harvest coconut or sell copra in Mahinog, get a permit from the barangay of origin. Said permit would be issued by the barangay captain to prove you are the lawful owner of coconuts being harvested or sold.

This is contained under Municipal Ordinance (MO) No. 8-1988 as amended by MO No. 2008-110 that the Municipal Government of Mahinog is vigorously implementing right now.

The ordinance requires anyone to obtain first a permit from the barangay captain before harvesting coconut. The measure was aimed at both deterring coconut thieves and helping law enforcement identify stolen coconuts or copra once brought to the market or found in anyone's possession.

In an executive order, Mayor Alex R. Jajalla in effect had authorized the Sanitary Pulis (SaPul) to enforce the ordinance in addition to their primary authority to implement the Lex's Clean Mahinog program.

The mayor said this move is in answer to earful of complaints from coconut owners who had been complaining of low harvest from their plantation due to thievery.

"Without a special measure to address this problem, coconut will remain as it has been in the past the favorite resort of thieves," he added.

In applying for a permit, applicants have to disclose the following: name of declared owner of the property; address; location of property; approximate no. of coconut trees to be harvested; date of harvest, among others. The applicant shall pay a permit fee to the barangay treasurer in the amount of Twenty Pesos per harvest.

The municipal government has worked closely with copra buyers to ensure that individuals who sell copra to them has a permit earlier secured from the barangay captain.

According to the ordinance, it is the responsibility of copra buyers to report to authorities if seller has no permit. Failure to do so shall be the ground for the revocation of business permit. In case buyer has no business permit, he/she shall be penalized by a fine of One Thousand Pesos or imprisonment of ten days.

Any person without a permit found selling, transporting or possessing coconut or copra shall be fined One Hundred Pesos or imprisonment of not more than ten days for the first offense; Two Hundred Pesos or imprisonment of not more than twenty days for the second offense; Three Hundred Pesos plus confiscation of coconut or copra or imprisonment of not more than sixty days for the third and succeeding offenses. This is apart from the appropriate crimes penalized in the Revised Penal Code.

According to the mayor, the implementation of this ordinance will surely benefit coconut farmers aimed to improve their income and living condition.

Mayor's aide arrested for violating Comelec gun ban

Mahinog, Camiguin – A close aide and bodyguard of Guinsiliban town Mayor Raul Llacuna was arrested for violating Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 8714 or the Comelec Gun Ban and for illegal possession of firearms under Presidential Decree No. 1866, a report from the local PNP here says.

Facing charges is Manolo A. Pacturan, 45 years old, married and a resident of Guinsiliban, Camiguin.

He was arrested in barangay San Roque in the town of Mahinog during a checkpoint conducted by the PNP led by Mahinog chief of police P/Inspector Edgar S. Anonoy, with PO3 Jerry Jalagat, PO1 Anthony Zagado, PO1 Ray Abao and PO1 Jimmy Balbutin in compliance with a directive from the Comelec in connection with the May 10, 2010 national and local elections.

The suspect was aboard a Mitsubishi Lancer owned by Llacuna and driven by Roy Senara, 43 years old, married, when intercepted.

A 45 caliber pistol with one (1) magazine loaded with seven (7) live ammunition were seized from the suspect. The gun was placed inside the vehicle's compartment, according to police report.

"The suspect had no permit to carry it," Anonoy said, "and we already filed charges for illegal possession of firearms and violation of the Comelec gun ban against the suspect.”

"This is the first case of violation of Comelec gun ban in Mahinog and even in the entire province of Camiguin in connection with the 2010 polls," he added.

As this developed, the Municipal Council of Mahinog passed a resolution on Monday commending the elements of Mahinog PNP for a job well done. The resolution was authored by Councilor Leoncio P. Somobay, chairman of the committee on police and public safety.

In its resolution No. 8714, Comelec prohibits the carrying and transport of firearms, explosives and deadly weapons during the 150-day election period from Jan. 10, 2010 to June 9, 2010.

Under the same Comelec resolution, only bonafide members of PNP, AFP and law enforcement agencies in proper uniform and while in actual performance of official duty are authorized to bear firearms during the election period.

Under the law, those found guilty of illegal possession of firearms during the election season face a penalty of one to six years imprisonment and disqualification from holding public office.

Anonoy said the PNP would strictly impose the gun ban to ensure safe and peaceful elections in May. (Homer R. Jajalla, Mahinog Information Office)

Modern police station in Camiguin to rise in Mahinog

Mahinog, Camiguin, November 16 – The construction of the sophisticated building of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Mahinog started, with PNP Regional Director PCSUPT Danilo T. Empedrad and Mahinog Mayor Alex R. Jajalla leading other officials in the time capsule-laying ceremony this morning.


This P4.8-million two-storey PNP building is expected to be completed in 5 months time on the old PNP station located beside the municipal hall.


PCSupt Empedrad said this project would really help in bringing the police closer to the public. “This is part of the PNP mandate to better serve and protect the people,” he said.


Mayor Alex R. Jajalla personally thanked the PNP leadership for this long awaited project. “This PNP building is the first of its kind in Camiguin and we are proud this will soon rise in Mahinog,” says the mayor.


“As we are breaking ground this building, we are breaking ground as well another milestone in our drive to promote peace, law and order in our locality, which is the gateway to Camiguin,” he added.

Curfew hours for minors enforced in Camiguin

by Homer R. Jajalla

“Children are one of the most important assets of the nation. Recognizing their vital role in shaping the country’s destiny, the Constitution lends its support to the promotion of their welfare to enable them to develop physically, morally, spiritually, intellectually, and socially, in a wholesome and normal manner and thus, transform them into healthy, upright, intelligent and useful citizens and potential community leaders.”

Thus declared Camiguin Provincial Ordinance No. 2008-09, entitled, an ordinance fixing curfew hours to minors below 18 years old within the province of Camiguin from 10:00 in the evening to 4:00 in the morning.

The ordinance prohibits young ones from loitering or roaming around in public places or open space whether public or private from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am unless with justifiable reason such as: the minor is attending civic or academic activities but with parental consent, 2) when minor is doing errand during emergency cases, 3) attending vigil or holy observance but in company of parents and guardians, 3) attending in any social or cultural presentations, night classes, group discussions, provided he/she will come home at a designated time, among others.

A violator of the ordinance shall be reprimanded but his/her apprehension must be recorded and marked confidential in a logbook of the Provincial/Municipal Social Welfare Office before the minor will be turned over to the parents. A one lecture, skills training, and seminar will also be given in the following day.

A two-day community service will also be imposed upon minors who commit the same offense for the second time and P250.00 fine for the third time.

The provincial governor, vice governor, SP members, social welfare officer, teachers, mayors, police, barangay captains and civilian volunteer personnel were empowered to strictly enforce the ordinance. (Mahinog Information Office)

Task force formed to tackle traffic violators

by Homer R. Jajalla

THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT today has formed a task force to help enforce traffic laws and local ordinances in this municipality which is the gateway to the province of Camiguin.

Mayor Alex R. Jajalla signed Executive Order No. 9 creating the Special Traffic Action Force (STAF)which shall be under the direct supervision and control of the office of the Mayor.

Mayor Jajalla designated SB Committee on Transportation Chairman Hon. Rey Lawrence K. Tan to chair the task force. PO1 Jerry A. Jalagat was named chief executive officer while Mr. Arlino C. Arca, a deputized LTO agent was also designated as team leader.

There are 7 other members of the task force who have been deputized by the LTO, namely, Engr. Adonis Julius V. Pacuribot, Lyndon G. Pacuribot, Rey D. Maderal, Brian C. Brina, SPO4 Silverio P. Galacio, PO1 Patrick U. Tabamo and Felixberto A. Feniza.

Mayor Jajalla said the task force was created to maintain law and order on the streets and to conduct a crackdown against colorum operators, driving without helmet, including single motorcycle for hire (habal-habal) and motorela who ply the streets without franchise and permits from the municipality and other crimes committed in the streets with the use of a motor vehicle.

Under the said EO, the members of the Special Traffic Action Force are authorized to issue LTO Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) upon confiscation of driver’s license and the LTO impounding receipt if there is a need to impound the vehicle.

Traffic enforcers could also issue the traffic citation ticket against violators of Municipal Traffic and Transportation Code.

The mayor said that the creation of the traffic task force is in support of the massive traffic enforcement action program undertaken by the Camiguin provincial government under the leadership of Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo to enhance public safety awareness and road discipline among road users and pedestrians in response to the rapid development in the province of Camiguin.

Jajalla believed that this measure could minimize if not prevent the occurrence of vehicular accident in this municipality. (Mahinog Municipal Information Office)

6 YEARS GEARING UP FOR EXCELLENCE

by Homer R. Jajalla
Founder and Immediate Past Chairman
Mahinog Response 143

Congratulations to my fellow officers and members of Mahinog Response 143 on the occasion of our 6th founding anniversary on June 28, 2008.

As your founding chairman for the past 6 years, it is with great pride that I applaud all my fellow Responders for your immeasurable efforts, dedication and commitment to the group.

Over the years, we maintained our optimism and continue our advocacy for volunteerism. Volunteers have rapidly grown from 15 to 165 members today.

With our new repeater communication system, we have improved our signals by thousand times and our services by leaps and bounds.

From where we were six years ago, there is nowhere to go but UP! Response 143 has rapidly established a name in disaster and emergency response inside and outside the province. Our past accomplishments and heroic dedication reaped major awards. To avoid being self-serving, let us speak on the basis of the awards that we received.

This year, the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council-Office of the Civil Defense conferred on Response 143 the Gawad Kalasag 2008 Awards for Volunteer Organization in the Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Management and Humanitarian Assistance during the culmination of the Disaster Consciousness Month Celebration held at Camp Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City.

In 2006, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) adjudged Response 143 as regional awardee and national qualifier to the 2006 National Search for Outstanding Volunteer Organization.

In 2005, the Asian Institute of Management-Local Government Academy selected Response 143 among the national nominees to the prestigious Gawad Galing Pook Award which aims to publicly recognize innovative and effective local government initiatives and to inspire its possible replication.

In the same year, Response 143 ranked 5th placer against 50 entries in the whole Mindanao for best community programs and local practices sponsored by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

We also received several awards and citations from the Municipal Government of Mahinog, the Provincial Government of Camiguin, Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Region X.

We must always reflect that whatever we have achieved is not a final destination but rather a continuation of our unending commitment for voluntary public service. Be proud in what we have accomplished.

As I end my term and turn over the command and responsibility to the new Chairman, we must always carry on the “four pillars” upon which Response 143 was founded: Volunteerism, Love, Unity and Commitment.

Thank you for your support and I hope that we are all inspired to do more, aim high and go another extra miles. Mabuhay tayong lahat.

PLS. HELP US ACQUIRE A NEW MULTI-PURPOSE SERVICE VEHICLE TO SERVE YOU BETTER

by KAISER A. ABAO
Chairman, Mahinog Response 143

Dearest friends,

Over the past 6 years, Response 143 has been in the community as a volunteer disaster response group engaged in search and rescue operation, public safety promotion, disaster preparedness, mitigation and prevention measures, and other emergency and public service assistance.

In case of emergency, you can call us through landline no. “143” or through VHF radio frequency 143.470 in simplex and 143.470 +0.60 in duplex.

As we want to serve you better, we want to acquire a new multi-purpose service vehicle which we can readily use to respond to emergency calls. We also planned to organize a volunteer fire brigade and acquire a fire truck of our own, if funds would warrant.

Please be with us in heart in raising funds for this purpose. We need your help to sustain our voluntary service.

Any amount no matter how small will do!

Email us at mahinogresponsee_143@yahoo.com and tell us you’d like to support for our cause.

You can mail your check, payable to Mahinog Response 143, at this post office address: Mahinog, Response 143, Communication Center, Mahinog, Camiguin Province, 9101.

Thank you for your valuable support.

POLICE ASSIGN AREA SYSTEM (PAAS)

PNP Provincial Director P/SSupt. Isagani F. Genabe, Jr. reads a copy of The Trumpet during a courtesy call to Mayor Alex R. Jajalla at the latter’s office recently where he confers with the Mayor the assignment of police in the barangay particularly Tupsan Pequeño (PO1 Madlos Rommel); Hubangon (PO1 Richard Britaña); Poblacion (PO2 Felicisimo Sahilan); Benoni (PO1 Rodrigo Reyes) under the Police Assign Area System (PAAS) that will be implemented in the municipality of Mahinog to deter occurence of criminality and respond to call of police assistance. Also in this photo: Newly-installed Deputy Provincial Director P/Supt Emmanuel T. Hebron (L) and Mahinog Chief of Police P/Insp. Richard P. Catipay (R)