Volume 1, No. 4
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23-29 April 2016
17 Table of contents Regional News
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COMELEC Caraga, law enforcement agencies step-up preparations for May polls By: Jennifer P. Gaitano Butuan City MSEs participate in 2016 Brunei International Trade and Consumer Exhibition By: DTI-Caraga DOH Caraga to provide medical assistance in May 9 elections By: Ma. Lourdes Pizarro-Apego
Provincial News
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DTI AgNor launches consumer rights and responsibilities billboard project By: DTI-Agusan del Norte 37 ARBs participate in rubber production training in By: Engr. Ilany N. Dapar AgSur 300 young boys get circumcised in Surigao City By: 30IB DTI Surigao Norte recognizes top taxpaying business By: DTI-Surigao del Norte entities 8 former rebels receive livelihood, financial assistance in By: Capt. Regie H. Go SurSur
Mindanao
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Palace official on continuing military and law enforcement operations in Sulu
National News
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President Aquino to Abu Sayyaf: We will speak to you in language of force President Aquino declares May 9 as a special nonworking holiday
Cover Story DOFWA undergoes mushroom production training By: Jean Pearl I. Millones
News Briefs Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III has declared May 9 as a special public non-working holiday throughout the country to enable the entire citizenry to participate in the national elections. Vote RIGHT for a #HealthyNation.
(PUBLIC ADVISORY) Following the recent report of an encounter between the military & unidentifed lawless group on April 23, 2016 in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte where no reported deaths & injuries from both sides, the public is hereby advised to be very vigilant & discerning to any other possible related reports that might deceive them & give them wrong perspective. CMO battalion commander LTC Rey Pasco said that there is a clear indication this recent incident will be used by the militant groups who are sympathetic to the NPA bandits to create public opinion just like what they did in Lianga, Surigao del Sur last year. “Let us not be victims of these groups,” said Pasco.
The six cities of Caraga region have receive¬d their new Mahindra patrol jeeps to boost police mobility and to immediat¬ely respond to crime incidents, disaster¬s and other emergency situations in their areas. (PUBLIC ADVISORY) In consonance with the implementation of AntiTruck Overloading Campaign as provided under Republic Act 8794 (MVUC Law) and Section 7c of its implementing rules & regulations (IRR), DPWH Caraga announces that all loaded cargo trucks/ trailers are required to pass through the Weighbridge Station in Brgy. Ampayon, Butuan City. Hence, to pass along Butuan City By-Pass Road NRJ-Antongalon and Jct. Lemon-Tiniwisan Section is strictly not allowed.
Cover Story DOFWA undergoes mushroom production training By: Jean Pearl I. Millones
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ith the huge number of tourists exploring the marvelous Island of Siargao and the increasing demand for food supply, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) carried out a Community-Based Mushroom Production Training for Dapa Overseas Filipino Workers Association (DOFWA) on April 21-22. 4
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be re-visited after three months to monitor whether they have successfully carried out the procedures among themselves. Should the organization be able to produce outputs, the organization will be assisted by the DA through providing necessary equipment and more mushroom varieties to begin their own mushroom DA Research Specialist Jason O. Dalapo tackled the different propagation. mushroom species including the benefits derived from it. Dalapo thereafter discussed and demonstrated the steps in the propagation using the Tissue Culture Method. The 28 DOFWA members who participated in the training were given time to perform the spawning process using rice straw and glass bottle, among others. Contemporary indoor growing techniques were likewise introduced to the members.
Furthermore,
the
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OWWA Caraga regional director Samuel S. Madrid lauded DOFWA for will sustaining their organization through continuous activities to intensify their enthusiasm. Madrid also stressed that the agency will assist them by providing necessary skills and trainings for the organization to eventually stand on their own. Mushroom Cultivation is only one among the targeted highvalue crops that the agency wishes to introduce to its OFW organizations.
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REGIONAL NEWS
REGIONAL
COMELEC Caraga, law enforcement agencies step-up preparations for May polls By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Caraga, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies have intensified needed preparations for the upcoming May 9, 2016 elections. In the Regional Coordinating Grid Corporation of the Philippines Conference held here on Thursday, (NGCP), PNP, AFP, and Department of the COMELEC along with National Health (DOH) bared updates on their
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REGIONAL NEWS
respective functions and preparations will be conducted from May 2-6, 2016. for the election.
COMELEC Caraga regional election director Renato Magbutay emphasized that “it’s all systems go” for their office as they ensure a secure and fair elections. He also said that the COMELEC and other concerned agencies are continuously working closely to safeguard the rights and welfare of the candidates and voters.
Meanwhile, Major General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., division commander of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army underlined that his personnel will strictly monitor peace and order in the different designated polling stations in the provinces.
“In Caraga region, we have around 1,547,093 registered voters who are expected to cast their votes on May 9, 2016,” he added. When asked about the security in the delivery of the ballots, Atty. Magbutay stressed that escorts of the COMELEC personnel are already in place. “For Agusan del Sur, ballots will be delivered on May 2-3 from the regional hub; Surigao del Norte on May 3; Surigao del Sur on May 3-4; Province of Dinagat Islands on May 3-4; and Agusan del Norte on May 5, 2016,” he said. It was also learned that the Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) of the ballots 23-29 APRIL 2016
Also, according to Police Chief Superintendent Rolando Felix, PNP Caraga regional director, they will intensify police visibility in the different barangays. “We have been religiously implementing our campaign against criminality, illegal firearms, and illegal drugs, among others. We also have constant coordination with other partner law enforcement agencies,” he remarked.
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REGIONAL NEWS
Butuan City MSEs participate in 2016 Brunei International Trade and Consumer Exhibition
BUTUAN CITY -- Six Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) Program-assisted micro and small enterprises (MSEs) recently participated in the Brunei International Trade and Consumer Exhibition (BITCE) 2016, held at the Brines Hall 1-2, Jerudong, Darussalam. The said enterprises were: 1) Marjeck Food Products; 2) JIDA Aqua Resources; 3) Lagman-Regis Farm and Agri-Resources, 4) Bidlisiw Foundation Inc. of the Missionary Sisters of Mary; 5) RTR Federation of Abaca weavers; and 6) Mercado’s Sudlanan. DTI Agusan del Nort provincial director Gay A. Tidalgo headed the delegation.
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The participation of these enterprises had greatly benefited them in terms of gaining of wider market exposure; access to new markets; generation of additional sales; and learning about product trends in the BIMP-East Asia Growth Areas. Through this event the MSEs were able to showcase some of the best 23-29 APRIL 2016
REGIONAL NEWS
products in the city such as: bottles sardines, turmeric powder, herbal coffee, abaca bags, abaca hampers, and water hyacinth slippers. Cash and book order sales amounting to more than P100 most of which were derived from the food products. Significant amount of negotiated sales were also done during the event.
The participants gained valuable
insights and lessons which will guide them to future initiatives in leveling up their respective businesses. They further understood the importance of Halal certification if they are to gain more mainstream markets in Muslim-dominated economies in ASEAN countries like Brunei. They also recognized the huge opportunities in selling their products abroad given the sizable population of Filipinos overseas who crave for Philippine made products. (DTI-Caraga)
DOH Caraga to provide medical assistance in May 9 elections By: Ma. Lourdes Pizarro-Apego
BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga region during the regular monthly media forum revealed that they will provide medical assistance in the upcoming May 9 national and local elections. 23-29 APRIL 2016
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REGIONAL NEWS
According to Richard Maniago, Health Emergency Coordinator of the said office, 500 nurses will be assigned to 100 pre-identified priority voting centers in region on the day of the elections. Maniago clarified the medical personnel will only provide medical assistance at the level of first aid. Each team of medical personnel will be
composed of five nurses. In Butuan City, the team of first aid personnel will be assigned to eight largest voting centers in the city namely, Ampayon Central Elementary School, Libertad Central Elementary School, Doongan Elementary School, Agusan National High School and San Vicente Elementary School. (Radyo ng Bayan Butuan)
GALLERY Commission on Election (COMELEC) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga Regional Coordinating Conference 28 April 2016
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
PROVINCIAL
DTI AgNor launches consumer rights and responsibilities billboard project BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte Provincial Office in partnership with the local government units of Kitcharao, Cabadbaran City, RTR, Butuan City, Buenavista, Nasipit and Carmen recently launched the Consumer Rights and Responsibilities Billboard Project at the public markets of said cities and municipalities of Agusan del Norte.
DTI Agusan del Norte provincial director Gay Tidalgo said in this era of globalization, more domestic and foreign products will be available in the market place. “It is important that consumers must be informed, because of wider choices some substandard products might be present in the market,” she added. 23-29 APRIL 2016
With this project, Tidalgo said it will help the consumers decide and choose wisely and intelligently the products they will buy that are safe, reliable and of good quality. “Undeniably, an informed consumer is the best protected consumer,” she emphasized. (DTI-Agusan del Norte)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
37 ARBs participate in rubber production training in AgSur By: Engr. Ilany N. Dapar
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- Thirty-seven Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from Agsao Rubber Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ARBEMUPCO) recently participated in the three-day training on Establishment and Management on Rubber Production held at Kalahi Center, Veruela, this province. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) thru Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) extends help to the ARBs who were affected by the devastating Typhoon Pablo.
capability and skills training and capacitate them to plant, manage and take care of rubber production to be profitable.
Plantation Superintendent Narciso Samblacinio of JCA Agrarian Said activity was aimed to enable Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose them overcome poverty through Cooperative (JARBEMCO) as resource
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
speaker, expounded topics on Establishment and Management of Rubber Nursery, Rubber Plantation Establishment and Management and Tapping Technology that includes technical assistance for the operation, maintenance, sustainability and onsite applications of rubber pruning and tapping.
are affected by the Typhoon Pablo. They equip us with learning’s on how to progress from our current situations and be productive in spite of the devastated effects of the typhoon in our area. Rest assured that we will practice and apply all that we have learned from this training, that we could be more productive in cultivating our CARP lands,” expressed Romeo A. “I thank the DAR for giving us the Plaza, ARB/ARBEMUPCO chairman. opportunity to be part of this program. (DAR-Agusan del Sur) It is a big help especially to us who
300 young boys get circumcised in Surigao City
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- A total of 300 young boys were given free circumcision during the recently held “Operation Tuli” conducted by the Surigao Health Specialist, Surigao Medical Center, various civic organizations, and government agencies at the City Cultural Center here. 23-29 APRIL 2016
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
The boys also received free responsibility program. pain relievers, anti-biotics and other medicines. Meanwhile, the 30th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army based in It was learned that these groups Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte also conduct “Operation Tuli� every provided free haircut for the boys. summer as part of their corporate social (30IB)
DTI Surigao Norte recognizes top taxpaying business entities SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Business Permit Licensing Office (BPLO) gave due recognition to top 10 taxpaying business entities operating the city on April 26, 2016, here. The top 10 taxpayers who received the awards are Absolute Essential Traders Inc.; Greenwhich and Jollibee Franchise; TaiPan Development Inc.; First Consolidated Bank; Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative; Evergreen Tavern Development Management Corporation; Apo Cement Corporation; Surigao Education Center; Clybros Merchandising Inc.; and Jollibee Franchise (Gaisano). To improve the quality of service to the business sector, the BPLO is consistent in its effort to improve and meet the standard of the Business
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Permit and Licensing System through the streamlining program being implemented in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and DTI. (DTISurigao del Norte) 23-29 APRIL 2016
PROVINCIAL NEWS
8 former rebels receive livelihood, financial assistance in SurSur By: Capt. Regie H. Go
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Provincial Comprehensive Local Integration Program Committee of Surigao del Sur headed by Governor Johnny Pimentel successfully conducted the awarding of CLIP benefits (livelihood assistance and immediate cash assistance) to eight Former Rebels (FRs) held on Monday, Apr. 25, 2016 at the pacific conference room, Villa Maria Louisa Hotel, this city.
The CLIP awarding is the third batch conducted for the year 2016 in the 402nd Brigade area of operation. Around 57 FRs from lawless New Peoples’ Army (NPA) Guerilla under North Eastern Regional Committee (NEMRC) received assistance from the CLIP program. A total of P65,000.00 each (P50,000.00 livelihood assistance and P15,000.00 immediate cash assistance) was given per beneficiary aside from the P5,000.00 incentive from the provincial government.
pulong, radio and TV program has also contributed to the surrender of the CPP/NPA bandits.
On the other hand, the eight FRs had also surrendered six high powered and two low powered firearms which will be paid through Firearms and Explosive Remuneration under the CLIP programs as additional benefits. Likewise, they will undergo skills trainings and seminars as intervention by different government agencies to ensure readiness in their return to In Surigao del Sur, the CLIP mainstream society. committee has awarded around P3.9 million for the 57 FRs composing the Moreover, the committee three batches of surrenders for the had agreed and identified ways to year 2016. The influx of NPA surrenders improve the CLIP process and possible in the province is a result of the location of the half-way house for negotiation efforts of the Bayanihan rebel returnees. The CLIP benefits for Teams, local government units, tribal the fourth batch of NPA surrender is leaders and other stakeholders in on process and the CLIP committee is the province. Massive information expecting influx of surrenders. (CMOawareness campaign through pulong- 402nd Brigade, PA) 23-29 APRIL 2016
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GALLERY Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Provincial Selection Committee (PDRRMC-PSC) Field Evaluation April 25 – 28, 2016
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Local Government Unit of Kitcharao
Barangay Bangonay, Kitcharao
Local Government Unit of Carmen
Local Government Unit of Magallanes
Santiago Central Elementary School
Local Government Unit of Las Nieves
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MINDANAO
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Palace official on continuing military and law enforcement operations in Sulu MANILA -Malacanang expressed deepest sympathy and condolences to the Canadian government and to the family of Mr. John Ridsdel who died in the hands of the ASG bandits. photo: inquirer.net
Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma, in a statement, said, “We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Canadian government and to the family of Mr. John Ridsdel who died in the hands of the ASG bandits.”
force of the law to bring these criminals to justice.
To recall, the ASG, based in the Jolo in the southern Philippines, had threatened to kill Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Hall’s Filipino girlfriend Marites Flor, and Norwegian Coloma said there will be no Kjartan Sekkingstad who they let-up in the resolute efforts of the abducted in September last year. joint PNP-AFP task group in pursuing intensive and wide-ranging military The police in Jolo City, the and law enforcement operations to provincial capital, was informed a neutralize these lawless elements and plastic bag dumped on the street thwart further threats to peace and was found to contain the head of security. a Caucasian man, later identified as Ridsdel, 68. The fate of his three He said the President has directed companions was not known. (PIA) the security forces to apply the full 23-29 APRIL 2016
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GALLERY
Department of Labor & Employment Reg’l Coordinating Committee (RCC) Caraga Press Conference 29 April 2016
Bugsay Mindanao Press Conference 29 April 2016
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NATIONAL NEWS
NATIONAL
President Aquino to Abu Sayyaf: We will speak to you in language of force MANILA -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday vowed that the government will not stop until the threat posed by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is ended.
“The full resources of the State are being brought down on the ASG. Our primary objective is to rescue the hostages and ensure the safety of our civilian population. We will leave no stone unturned and are studying every instrument, both military and legal, to ensure success in our areas of operations and wherever else required,” he said in a statement. The ASG beheaded Canadian mining executive John Ridsdel after the government failed to pay the P300 million ransom demanded by the 23-29 APRIL 2016
bandits. Ridsdel’s severed head, which was inside a plastic bag dropped by two men on a motorcycle, was found by residents in Jolo town, five hours after the expiry of the ransom deadline set at 3 p.m. last Monday (April 25). Ridsdel was among the four hostages who were abducted by ASG bandits on September 21 last year from a resort on Samal Island, Davao del Norte. Also seized were Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan
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NATIONAL NEWS
of Al-Qaeda, the Abu Sayyaf has committed atrocity upon atrocity. He cited as examples the sacking of Ipil in 1995, the bombing of the Davao International Airport in 2003, and multiple cases of kidnapping foreign tourists over the past decade and a half. “Their actions speak for themselves. Even as it poses as a group of Islamic freedom fighters, the Sekkingstad, and Filipina Marithes Abu Sayyaf has behaved as criminals Flor. According to reports, the group focused on enriching themselves by is also holding 14 Indonesians, four taking hostages for ransom,” he said. Malaysians, a Dutch, and a Japanese. “ASG and various smaller terrorist In his statement, the President groups and factions now want to align said he had sent a letter to Ridsdel’s themselves with ISIS to gain access to family on Tuesday to express his the funds and resources of ISIS. From condolences. Day One of my administration, they have had aspirations to conduct “We are so appalled by this bombings in Metro Manila to catch murder… This murder was meant the attention of ISIS. May I emphasize to terrorize our whole population. that these have been, and remain, The Abu Sayyaf thought they could only aspirations,” the Chief Executive instill fear in us; instead, they have said. galvanized us even further to ensure justice is meted out. We have always He noted that as part of the been open to talks with those who group’s efforts to gain favor with ISIS, desire peace; but those who commit one of its leaders, Isnilon Hapilon, atrocities can expect the full might of through his cohorts in prison, has the State,” he said. tried to convert other prisoners in the New Bilibid Prison to their cause “I am ready to devote all my and establish ties with remnants of energies towards ensuring that, at the the Rajah Sulayman Movement, very least, this will be a very seriously purportedly in an attempt to embark degraded problem that I will pass on to on a bombing campaign in Metro my successor,” he added. Manila. President Aquino explained They allegedly even hatched that since its founding in the early plots to kidnap Manny Pacquiao or 1990s, allegedly as AN AFFILIATE one of his children, as well as the
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President’s sister, Kris Aquino, or one of her children, “with the plan to use them in bargaining for the release of their cohorts”, he said.
surrounding Sajiron and the captives, but also an opportunity because “smashing these forces is within our grasp”.
“Threats against my own life have “This is why intensive operations been investigated,” the President are ongoing against the ASG forces added. holding civilians captive in Sulu,” he said. He however emphasized that no improvised explosive device (IED) “Casualties are to be expected. attributable to the group of Hapilon But what has to be of utmost has been found. importance is neutralizing the criminal activities of the ASG. The “We have monitored their men and women in our Armed Forces activities, unraveled their network, are well-trained, well-equipped, and arrested the key players, while and resourceful. I have full trust some of the minor players who were and confidence in them,” said the already on the run are being hunted President. down. I credit our security services for putting these threats to bed with both “We have proven before that we professionalism and discretion. The will choose all-out justice over all-out public may rest assured that they may war. We have always believed in the go about their daily lives without fear power of dialogue, development, and or unease,” he said. positive engagement over arms. But we will always act from a position of President Aquino said the strength. So, to the ASG, and whoever government wants “to seriously erode may aid or abet them, you have any ability of the ASG to continue to chosen only the language of force, function” by conducting continuing and we will speak to you only in that operations in Basilan against Hapilon language. We will not stop until the and his sub-leader, Furuji Indama. threat they pose to our communities is ended,” President Aquino said. (PND) On the current situation in Sulu, he said “our reports tell us that the captives are under the control of Radillon Sajiron, who has consolidated his forces around himself and the captives”. He explained that this is both a problem and an opportunity -- a problem because of the sizeable force 23-29 APRIL 2016
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NATIONAL NEWS
President Aquino declares May 9 as a special non-working holiday
MANILA -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared May 9 as a special public non-working holiday, a Palace official announced on Wednesday. “President Aquino signed Proclamation No. 1254 on Monday (April 25), declaring May 9, as a Special Public (Non-Working) Holiday throughout the country to enable the entire citizenry to participate in the national elections and to properly exercise their right of suffrage,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement.
elections would be orderly. The Commission on Elections, which has assured the integrity of the automated voting system to be used in the polls, last week conducted a mock election to test the transmission of the votes from the polling precincts to the canvassing centers.
The election body said it has Malacañang is optimistic that reached its 100 percent transmission next month’s local and national target during the trial run. (PND)
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NATIONAL NEWS
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EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor
ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor
FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor
NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Copy Editor
VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artist
GERIE MAE G. COCO Contributors
JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur
NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur
SUSIL D. RAGAS Dinagat Islands
JEAN PEARL I. MILLONES MA. LOURDES PIZARRO-APEGO ENGR. ILANY N. DAPAR CAPT. REGIE H. GO DTI-CARAGA DTI-AGUSAN DEL NORTE DTI-SURIGAO DEL NORTE 30TH INFANTRY BATTALION Business Manager
ZARINA O. LASTRA Photographer
ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO
Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City E-mail: piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph Telephone no. (085) 341-5285; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370 Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates Twitter: @PIACaraga
Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 815-1991 E-mail: pia.northagusan@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Agusan del Norte Twitter: @PIAAgusanNorte
AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Cellphone no. 0917-723-3455 E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Agusan del Sur Twitter: @AgSurPIA
SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City Telephone no. (086) 826-9450 E-mail: piasurigao@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands Twitter: @PIASurigaoNorte
SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Surigao del Sur Twitter: @piasurigaosur
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