NPA ambush Army in Mati City

Armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army ambushed a military vehicle along a national highway in the City of Mati Sunday morning, May 30. 

Initial report showed that the military’s KM450 vehicle was traversing the national highway around 8:40 in the morning when they were ambushed by about five NPA rebels positioned on top of the hill of Sitio Tagawisan, Barangay Badas. 

The rebels allegedly belong to WGF 18, SMRC while those ambushed were a squad from Alpha Company of the 66th Infantry Battalion led by Corporal Acieveda. 

The military personnel came from Brgy. Taguibo and were heading towards Banaybanay town when ambushed. 

The firefight lasted for ten minutes before the rebels withdrew. One Private Melendrez was hit at the back and was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. 

A team from the City of Mati LGU’s City Information Office tagged along with the pursuing police and military personnel at the top of the hill where the NPA rebels positioned. 

Footsteps from the rebels’ vantage point going towards the innermost area of the hill could be seen. Authorities also discovered a cleared area in the hill that could have been the rebels’ temporary camp prior to the ambush incident. 

The rebels are believed to have withdrawn towards Barangay Culian. 

Unconfirmed reports say that the NPA rebels could be preparing for the rescue of one of their high-ranking leaders who was recently captured in North Cotabato. The said NPA leader was said to be responsible for the 2015 attack in Mati Police station.

https://youtu.be/8hRc3JdZiTc

CONDEMNATION 

City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat meanwhile condemned the latest atrocity by the lawless armed group. 

“Today’s incident along the national highway in Sitio Tagawisan, Barangay Badas is unfortunate and we condemn such atrocious act by lawless armed group. For almost two hours, traffic was halted along the main thoroughfare which serves as the only road for our farmers to bring their products to our markets. For two hours, many livelihood were affected. This brings to light the fact that armed struggle is not the way to bring peace and development to our city, to our people,” Rabat said in a released statement Sunday. 

“I want to assure all Matinians that the City of Mati LGU is doing its best to counter the possible adverse effects this incident may bring to our city’s economy. Rest assured that the police and the military, with the support of the local government, are doing their best to prevent similar incident from happening again.We appeal to the public to remain calm and vigilant. Daghang salamat ug amping kamong tanan,” the mayor added. 

Traffic along the national highway was halted for almost two hours affecting hundreds of travelers and traders. It resumed around 10:25 Sunday morning.

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Bong Go urges gov’t to fast-track further vaccine rollout in order to reach essential workers and indigents soon while his team delivered aid to Davao Oriental indigent residents

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go once more urged the government to further accelerate the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in order to reach essential workers as well as poor and vulnerable sectors belonging to the A4 and A5 priority groups as his team conducted an activity for the vulnerable and indigent residents of Baganga town in Davao Oriental on Friday, May 21.

“Magtiwala kayo sa bakuna at sa ating gobyerno para makabalik na tayo sa dati. Alam ko ‘yun rin ang inaasam ninyo at pinagdarasal nating lahat,” Go started in a video message.

“Bagama’t limitado ang supply, unti-unti nang dumadating ang mga bakuna. Kaya nananawagan ako sa ating gobyerno na bilisan na ang vaccine rollout. Dapat walang masayang na bakuna, dapat maibigay na ito sa mga Pilipino sa susunod na priority groups na willing magpaturok,” he continued.

The Senator’s team handed out meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 383 beneficiaries, composed of farmers, indigenous peoples and former rebels at the Barangay Salingcomot covered court.

Selected beneficiaries were given new pairs of shoes while some were provided bicycles for their daily commuting needs. Others received computer tablets to help their children better participate in their classes under the blended learning set-up.

The same activity was also held in Mati City on the same day. Each distribution was carried out in batches to ensure the necessary health and safety protocols were strictly observed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Kailangan namin ni Pangulong [Rodrigo] Duterte ang kooperasyon ninyo upang malampasan natin ang krisis na ito. Huwag tayo maging kumpiyansa. Kahit na nabakunahan na kayo, mag-social distancing at magsuot pa rin kayo ng mask at face shield dahil hindi natin alam kung sino ang positibo dito sa COVID 19,” urged Go.

The Chair of the Senate Health Committee went on to offer his assistance to beneficiaries or their family members who are in urgent need of medical care. He advised indigent patients to visit the Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop for government medical assistance programs, located at the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in Mati City.

The Malasakit Center streamlines the process of requesting assistance from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. There are currently 113 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

During the activity, personnel from the DSWD were likewise present to distribute financial assistance and additional food packs as part of a holistic set of interventions by the government for communities in crisis situations.

The Department of Agriculture provided farmers with separate financial assistance, supplies of vegetable seeds and fingerlings. It also conducted an assessment for its livestock allocation program.

Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered scholarship grants and livelihood training courses to qualified beneficiaries. The Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry assessed potential beneficiaries for their respective assistance programs.

In his message, the Senator recognized the local government officials for continuing to serve their constituents in the midst of a pandemic and other crises. He specifically thanked 1st District Representative Corazon Nuñez-Malanyaon, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, Baganga Mayor Arturo Monday, Boston Mayor Rowell Rosit and Cateel Mayor Erlinda Nuñez.

To create more jobs and attract investments, Go has supported the funding for the improvement or construction of access roads leading to declared tourism destinations, including Pilot’s View in Sitio Bobon and the white sand beaches in Brgy. Salingcomot; the construction of the Binondo-Sitio Mantapay road; and the repair of the Gov. Chavez Street in Brgy. Central. He also supported the funding for the establishment of a potable water system in Baganga.

On Tuesday, May 18, the Senator’s representatives also joined in the ceremonial turnover of checks and groundbreaking of the Balai Maganahay housing project in Mati City. They extended aid to a total of 100 indigenous beneficiaries at the Brgy. Dawan covered court.

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Bong Go sends additional aid to one hundred indigenous beneficiaries of NHA housing project in Mati City, Davao Oriental

In demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of indigenous peoples, representatives from the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go joined in the ceremonial turnover of checks and groundbreaking of the Balai Maganahay organized by the National Housing Authority in Mati City, Davao Oriental on Tuesday, May 18.

The Balai Maganahay is a housing project under the Housing Assistance Program for Indigenous Peoples of the NHA.

“Sa mga kababayan ko na Dabawenyo, ipagpatuloy natin ang serbisyo para sa ikagiginhawa ng ating mamamayan, lalong-lalo na sa mga kababayan natin na bahagi ng indigenous communities. Sa mga makakatanggap ng bahay pagkatapos ng proyektong ito, sana ay maging inspirasyon ito upang makamit ninyo ang isang masagana at maunlad na kinabukasan,” Go began in a video message.

“At sa lahat ng makakatanggap ng cheke, sana naman po’y gamitin ninyo ang perang ito upang pagbutihin ang inyong pamumuhay at abutin ang inyong mga pangarap,” he continued.

Following the ceremony, Go’s representatives handed out meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields to a total of 100 indigenous beneficiaries at the Barangay Dawan Covered Court. The distribution was carried out in batches and health and safety protocols were likewise strictly observed throughout the activity.

Meanwhile, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance as part of the national government’s interventions for communities in distress. The Department of Trade and Industry also conducted an assessment of beneficiaries seeking alternative livelihood options.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go renewed his call to open the vaccine rollout to the A4 and A5 priority groups, so the government can prioritize the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to poor and vulnerable sectors outside the initial categories.

Being the principal author and sponsor of the ‘Malasakit Centers Act of 2019’, Senator Go offered to help any beneficiary and their family in need of medical care and advised indigent patients to visit the Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop located at the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in Mati City.

The center streamlines the process of requesting assistance from the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The Senator, in his message, went on to thank the local officials for their untiring service amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those present during the activity were Governor Nelson Dayanghirang; Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat; Vice Mayor Glenda Rabat-Gayta; Councilors Cheeno Almario, Stephen Uy, Rogelio Pabio, Avelino Capiña, Jr., Anthony John Rabat, Xander Acantara, Delfin Miones, Arman Valera, Pedrito Peña, Jr., and Edwin Barrera; and Tribal Chieftain and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Arnold Baligia, Jr.

He likewise recognized the members of the Indigenous People’s Council, namely Ivan Guias, Yolanda Tribunalo, Satorino Langoban, Prudencio Melocotones, Romeo Catog, Ermelino Clemente, Fulgencio Baligia, Roger Macal, and Hermogenes Tiana Sr.

To help facilitate the development of Mati City, Go has supported the funding for the rehabilitation of the Buso Hot Spring Park in Mati City, the building of the Davao Oriental Sports Complex in Brgy. Don Martin and Marundan, and the construction of the Dahican – Lawigan – Bonbon – Dahican Circumferential Road.

“Ang proyekto at programang ito ay patunay sa malasakit at pagkalinga ng ating gobyerno para sa mga Pilipino, lalo na sa mga mahihirap na walang kalaban-laban sa panahon ngayon. Sisikapin namin ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte na walang Pilipino ang maiiwan sa ating pagbangon mula sa pagsubok na dala ng pandemya at mga kalamidad,” ended Go.

The Senator also virtually participated in the ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement signing, turnover of checks, and groundbreaking of the Masandag Tribal Village in Tagum City, Davao del Norte the day after, May 19. His team distributed aid to hundreds of indigenous housing beneficiaries following the activity.

First Congressional District Office extends help to fire victims in Barangay Tibungco, Bunawan

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DAVAO CITY – The office of the First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte extended cash assistance and rice packs to the fire victims at F. Bustamante National High School in Bunawan District, this city.

Each beneficiary – composed of 149 house owners, 46 sharers, and 24 renters – received cash aid and 10 kilos sack of rice from Rep. Duterte’s office. The distribution was held at the Bustamante school, where the victims are temporarily sheltered, on May 12, Wednesday.

The fire gutted down 146 houses and killed an 84-year-old woman after being trapped inside her house at Purok 13 in Barangay Tibungco in Bunawan on May 5 at around 11 p.m. The firefighters were able to control the fire at around 2 a.m.

In an initial report obtained from the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information (DROMIC), a total of 236 families or 1,180 individuals affected by the fire incident. There are 216 families taking temporary shelter in evacuation centers.

The DROMIC revealed that a total of ₱1,971,183 worth of assistance was already provided to the affected families, of which ₱1,499,183 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and ₱472,000 from their other private partners.

Barangay Tibungco chieftain Merjade Calvo expressed her appreciation to the First Congressional District Office, especially to the young congressman, and to other organizations for the help they had given to the affected families.

The district office has been giving food packs not only to its constituents, but also to other areas of Davao where people are in need of immediate assistance even amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

1st Congressional District Office distributes food packs to Muslim communities in Davao City during Ramadan

DAVAO CITY – As Muslim Community observes the Holy Month of Ramadan until its celebration of the Eidul Fitr, the First Congressional District Office, headed by presidential son Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, joined in the nationwide food distribution for our Muslim brothers.

The First Congressional District Office began the distribution of meal packs to beneficiaries in the barangays in Davao City on April 20, Tuesday afternoon. Hundreds of beneficiaries from Tausog, Iranun, Sama, Maguindanao, Kagan, and Maranao tribes received the meals.

Rep. Duterte’s office said that the distribution of meal packs was scheduled every Tuesday and Friday until the celebration of the Eidul Fitr, which was scheduled May 11 this year.

Eidul Fitr is an important celebration for Filipino Muslims, marking the end of the month-long fast during Ramadan. Originated by the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, Eidul Fitr is a celebration of thanksgiving to Allah.

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There were 1,200 meal packs prepared in every scheduled date of distribution. Each tribe received 200 meal packs in their respective mosques.

The activity is in concordance to the directive of the young congressman to initiate the giving of food assistance to the Muslim community on the Ramadan period until Eidul Fitr. This is to pay respect and to support them in this holy month which started on April 13 and will last until May 12, 2021.

Rep. Duterte, in his message, said that the Ramadan is the time for deep reflection, prayer, and contemplation as people around the world face challenging and dangerous times brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis that threatened everyone’s health and livelihood.

“Countless of our Moro brothers and sisters are actively and bravely working at the front lines, helping the government in the fight against the pandemic,” Rep. Duterte said.

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He added that many of the Moro leaders are also relentless in ensuring that Davao City and the rest of Mindanao remain peaceful – and this is important as everyone envisions to live in a place where everyone can achieve their respective aspirations for better lives.

“May the Holy Month of Ramadan bring us inspiration as it also bring us hope, love, and compassion for those who have less in life, the sick, and the needy. I pray that this month will also strengthen our faith, bring us good health and abundance,” Rep. Duterte said.

The Holy Month of Ramadan is a golden opportunity for millions of Muslims to get closer to Allah by showing sympathy and helping those in need. But this year, the dawn-to-dusk month comes at a time when communities across the globe are forced to stay at home.

With the ongoing pandemic, many people lose their jobs, leaving them in a dire need for help this Ramadan. To help ease this unprecedented crisis, the First Congressional District Office initiated the distribution of meals to support our Muslim brothers during Ramadan.