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olice Regional Office 8 welcomes Police Brigadier General ROMMEL BERNARDO ABREA CABAGNOT as he assumes office as the newly-installed Regional Director on August 4, 2021. PBGEN CABAGNOT who was accorded with an arrival honors by the men and women of PRO 8 was
then the Chief Regional Staff of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). He is an alumnus of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), “TAGAPAGKALINGA” Class of 1991.
shall be largely influenced by dignified leadership. Guided by the principle of honest and genuine public service, he is committed to continue the programs of PBGEN RONALDO F DE JESUS.
Following the lead of PGEN He likewise assured that under GUILLERMO LORENZO T ELEAZAR, his leadership, there will be no Chief PNP, PBGEN CABAGNOT new and impossible directives. emphasized that his thrusts SEE REGIONAL DIRECTOR P.7
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ifteen (15) members of the Communist-Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to the authorities of Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) under the leadership of PBGEN ROMMEL BERNARDO A CABAGNOT, Regional Director from August 1-31, 2021 and four (4) other members of said SEE CTG
MEMBERS P. 7
SEE
ENCOUNTER P. 7
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August 1 - 31, 2021
PRO 8 OPERATING UNITS RECOVER SHABU FROM DETAINEE suspected shabu was recovered in an LBC package coming from a certain Jonabelle Habal, resident of BLK 18, Lot 26, Boseco Port Area Manila. During the extensive search of the package, operating units recovered five (5) transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu wrapped on a writing pad and placed inside a bluetooth speaker enclosed in an LBC box. The operating units were composed of Bobon MPS, Northern Samar PPO led by PLT NEIL O FERNANDEZ, OIC; PDEA NSPO under the command of Dolores Largo; NSPDEU headed by PMAJ WILFREDO B JIMENEZ JR; Northern Samar PIU led by PLTCOL EDDIE G ESIDERA; CIDG spearheaded by PMAJ DEOGRACIAS P DIAZ III;
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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Campetik, Palo, Leyte – The Police Regional Office 8 under the flagship of PBGEN ROMMEL BERNARDO A CABAGNOT, Regional Director, recovered a total of eight (8) plastic sachets of shabu from Joker Chan Dapulag, a Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL), inside the Northern Samar Provincial Jail (NSPJ) located at Brgy. Dancalan, Bobon Northern Samar during an OPLAN GALUGAD around 11:00 PM of August 16, 2021.
SEE
DETAINEE P. 7
Accordingly, three (3) plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu were found under the biscuit container placed on the bed of Dapulag, a 35-year old detainee. The said OPLAN GALUGAD was conducted after
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EV COPS NET 54 MWPs AND 985 OTHER OFFENDERS
uthorities of Police Regional Office (PRO 8) arrested 54 Most Wanted Persons and 985 other offenders during a regionwide police operations from August 1- 31, 2021.
personalities involved in illegal fishing; 48 in illegal logging; 225 in illegal gambling; and 44 drug suspects. Moreover, in Operations Kontra Boga, this PRO recorded an arrest of 11 personalities.
In relation to the sustained anti-criminality efforts of this PRO, 54 Most Wanted Persons (MWPs) and 356 Other Wanted Persons from the Provincial, City and Municipal Station level were apprehended.
Accordingly, 0.07 grams of Marijuana and 56.36 grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (Shabu) with a total estimated street value of Php 366,365.30 were seized from anti-illegal drug operations. In antiillegal gambling, bet money amounting to Php 29,329.00 was confiscated while nine (9) conveyances with an estimated value of Php 492,249.05 of lumber were seized in the conduct of anti-illegal logging operations. Meanwhile, a total of Php 17,454,120.00 worth of fish and fishing paraphernalia was confiscated from antiillegal fishing operations while 114 different firearms were confiscated, surrendered and recovered from Kontra Boga operations.
Likewise, in a month of intensified implementation of special laws, this PRO yielded an arrest of 301
The PNP in general is aggressively conducting police operations to address the criminality and other illegal activities nationwide. PBGEN ROMMEL BERNARDO A CABAGNOT, Regional Director, directed all field units to continue SEE
OFFENDERS P. 7
August 1 - 31, 2021
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PRO 8 HOLDS TURN OVER OF COMMAND CEREMONY AND RETIREMENT HONORS FOR PBGEN DE JESUS
Several awards and memento were likewise conferred to PBGEN DE JESUS in recognition of his unmatched police service. Moreover, a Plaque of Appreciation and Token were given to Prof. Essel De Jesus, wife of PBGEN DE JESUS for her faithful devotion to her partner in life, and whose support, love, sacrifice and understanding made possible for her husband’s lasting contribution to the PNP. PBGEN DE JESUS is recognized for his exemplary program thrust dubbed as “PRECIOUS GEM” and laudable accomplishments under his battlecry “Going the Extra Mile in Public Service”.
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he Police Regional Office 8 held a Turn Over of Command Ceremony between PBGEN RONALDO F DE JESUS, outgoing Regional Director and PBGEN ROMMEL BERNARDO ABREA CABAGNOT, newly-installed Regional Director on August 4, 2021 at PRO8 Grandstand.
In his message, PBGEN DE JESUS acknowledge the PRO8 men and women for being resourceful, SEE
RETIREMENT HONORS P. 7
The ceremony was presided by PLTGEN BERNABE M BALBA, Director, DIPO-Visayas. Coinciding with the said activity was the Retirement Honors of PBGEN DE JESUS who rendered over 34 years of honorable and invaluable service to the Philippine National Police. He was awarded with Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod (PNP Special Service Medal) and Medalya ng Paglilingkod (PNP Long Service Medal) in honor of his noble service and unwavering commitment to the country.
P70K WORTH OF AGARWOOD SEIZED
married, self-employed and a resident of said place, was apprehended. Confiscated from his possession and control were around 1.45 kilograms of agarwood with an estimated market value worth Php 20,000.00; one (1) pc 500-peso bill and 20 pcs 1,000-peso bill as boodle money; one (1) pc bladed weapon with scabbard locally known as “pisaw”.
Leyte operatives seized over P70,000 worth of agarwood/lapnisan, with an estimated weight of 5.33 kilograms, during their operations for the month of August. In an operation conducted at Brgy Tambis, Burauen, Leyte on August 8, 2021, Ronald Costa, 28 years old,
Elements of Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO), Provincial Special Operations Group (PSOG) led by PMAJ DENNIS N GATELA, Chief of Police (COP), Dagami Municipal Police Station (MPS) and PCPT JOHN REY R LAYOG, COP, Burauen MPS under the supervision of PCOL RODELIO C SAMSON, Provincial Director, LPPO carried out the said operation. Likewise, an entrapment operation conducted at Dike Side, Brgy. 1 Poblacion, Jaro, Leyte on August 24, 2021 led to the arrest of Pacquito Gebe y Chu, 59 years old, married, businessman. SEE
AGARWOOD P. 7
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August 1 - 31, 2021
“BARANGAYANIHAN AYUDA” BENEFITS 100 CHILDREN IN TACLOBAN CITY
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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Campetik, Palo, LeyteIn line with Master Plan “TAGATAGUYOD”, Police Regional Office 8 under the flagship of PBGEN ROMMEL BERNARDO A CABAGNOT, Regional Director, together with the Kusog Sinirangan Eagles Club (KSEC) conducted a “BARANGAYanihan Ayuda” on August 7, 2021 at around 8:30 in the morning at Brgy. Apitong, Tacloban City. Vitamins, toys and school supplies were distributed to 100 children as target beneficiaries of the said activity. Also, 100 slippers and food packs were donated by the Kusog Sinirangan Eagles Club led by Eagle Danilo C Tan represented by Eagle Emmanuel Evan Cesar.
“I would like to thank everyone for making this activity a success. This exemplifies the value of pagtutulungan nating mga Pilipino sa gitna ng pandemya,” RD CABAGNOT said. The event was attended by PLTCOL JOSE MANUEL C PAYOS, Officer-in-Charge, Regional Community Affairs and Development Division (RCADD), PLTCOL JOSE V SALES JR, OIC, Regional Medical and Dental Unit 8 (RMDU 8 ) and Brgy. Apitong Council headed by Eagle June Wenceslao.
EV CHIEFS OF POLICE ATTEND FISHERY LAW ENFORCEMENT COURSE
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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Campetik, Palo, Leyte – Selected Chiefs of Police assigned in the coastline municipalities of Police Regional Office (PRO) 8, together with their personnel from Police Community Affairs Development Unit (PCADU) attended a two-day training on Fisheries Law Enforcement at Regional Special Training Unit (RSTU) on August 10-11, 2021. This PRO initiated this training which focuses on prevention, detection, apprehension, prosecution and imposition of penalty on illegal fishing which calls for an active, efficient and visible fishery law enforcement. In coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the training aims to equip the participants with knowledge on Republic Act 10654 (AN ACT TO PREVENT, DETER AND ELIMINATE ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED AND UNREGULATED FISHING, AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8550, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES CODE OF 1998,” AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES) and provide adequate information, expertise, attitude and skills to enhance personnel’s efficiency in performing their duties and responsibilities as law enforcers.
The activity was also attended by Mr. Norberto T. Berida, Superintendent II, Training Center, BFAR 8. With the integration of said training, PBGEN ROMMEL BERNARDO A CABAGNOT, Regional Director looks forward to more arrest of illegal fishers. “I expect you to be more skilled and well-equipped. I encourage you to intensify your PCR activities so the community will be aware and illegal fishing activities will be eradicated,” he added.
August 1 - 31, 2021
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559 FAMILIES RECEIVE GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE IN PINABACDAO, SAMAR Likewise, slippers, toys, snacks, and school supplies were also given to 500 children sponsored by PRO 8. Further, the BARANGAYanihan and Serbisyo Caravan under Retooled Community Support Program is intended to bring government services closer to the people situated in far-flung areas and to protect the community against deception, lies, and exploitation of the terrorist group in remote areas in Samar provinces.
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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Campetik, Palo, Leyte-In line with the Executive Order No. 70- Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), Police Regional Office 8 under the flagship of PBGEN ROMMEL BERNARDO A CABAGNOT, Regional Director, conducted a BARANGAYanihan Ayuda and Serbisyo Caravan to 559 families at Brgy. Magdawat, Pinabacdao, Samar on August 17, 2021.
“This activity was made possible by the combined efforts of the different government agencies whose goal is to extend services to people of Pinabacdao. Makakaasa po kayong ito’y simula pa lamang ng pagbuhos ng suporta ng gobyerno sa inyong komunidad,” PBGEN CABAGNOT said. Present in the said event were BGEN CAMILO Z LIGAYO, Commander 801st Brigade, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, PLTCOL JOSE MANUEL C PAYOS, Officer-in-Charge, Regional Community Affairs SEE GOVERNMENT
ASSISTANCE P. 7
A total of P 3,000.00 cash assistance from DSWD amounting to P 1,677,000.00, 584 packs of rice and food meals from PCSO and hygiene kits from OCD were given to the target beneficiaries. Further the Department of Agriculture represented by Mr. Wilfredo Tuazon Jr distributed reading and IEC materials and assorted vegetable seeds. Moreover, free government services were provided to the residents, such as medical check-up, libreng gupit and tuli, manicure, pedicure, medicines, vitamins, and a supplemental feeding program to 300 residents.
RD CABAGNOT VISITS POLICE OFFICES IN THE REGION
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n line with the implementation of the Intensified Cleanliness Policy (ICP) of the present administration, PBGEN ROMMEL BERNARDO A CABAGNOT visited some of the city and provincial police offices in the region to personally monitor the compliance on the said directive and to personally ensure the overall wellness of his personnel on the ground. For the entire month of August, the following units have been visited: •
Tacloban City Police Office on August 9, 2021
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Southern Leyte PPO on August 12, 2021
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Samar PPO on August 14, 2021
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Northern Samar PPO on August 14, 2021
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Ormoc City Police Office on August 24, 2021
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August 1 - 31, 2021
EDITORIAL
USE OF BODY WORN CAMERAS: TRANSPARENCY IN POLICE OPERATIONS and Alternative Recording Devices (ARDs) will merit more harmonious, organized and systematic execution of public service. Hence, this will not only promote transparency but also integrity in the execution of operations and ensure the protection of constitutional and statutory rights of persons involved.
Accordingly, various concerns against police officers can positively be resolved with the utilization of these BWCs. For instance, issues against cops being neglectful of observing proper operational procedures during actual execution of police operations can be eliminated. Likewise, police-related operations can yield more accurate and comprehensive reports with the use of these BWCs. This can also be one way of resolving cases relative to such operations as it works as a video surveillance or CCTVs. With this, results of the investigation will be more reliable and consistent. Moreover, data gathering during the conduct of investigation process will be less time-consuming and more precise. Pursuant to the PNP Memorandum from The Directorate for Operations dated August 02, 2021 pertaining to the Utilization of Body Worn Cameras in the Execution of Search Warrant and Warrant of Arrest, the PNP is mandated to ensure the placement of BWCs in conspicuous location with the main goal of capturing and recording the arrest clearly and visibly. Likewise, both video and audio recording functions of NP has always been ready to adapt new and these BWCs shall be activated as soon as the arresting systematic ways to better serve the public officers arrive at the place of arrest up until operation is maximizing the use of technology in the fight done. against criminality and illegalities while giving To date, there are already a total of one hundred emphasis on public accountability and transparency. twelve (112) issued BWCs in the whole region. Further, Law enforcement is a tough yet noble approach Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), Ormoc City Police of imposing and upholding the law. With the advent Office (OCPO), Baybay City Police Station (Baybay of the new technology, effective and efficient delivery CPS), Maasin CPS, Borongan CPS, Catbalogan CPS of service to the public becomes attainable especially and Calbayog CPS are among the units that received in capturing and recording relevant incidents in the sixteen (16) BWCs. With the utilization of said device, implementation of search warrants, service of warrants the PNP is expecting to attain the trust of the public of arrest and other police operations. in the performance of its mandate, thereby upholding As such, the use of Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) transparency and integrity.
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August 1 - 31, 2021
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
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PRO 8‘s New RD Assumes Office
“I will also personally asses the operational readiness of our men on the ground. I am calling to our men to just do your mandate with utmost dedication. It is my strong desire to go against the scalawags and erring police personnel. Ayoko nang nangungutong, sangkot sa iligal na droga, gumagamit man, nagbebenta o pomoprotekta. I will hunt you down,” RD CABAGNOT said. He also asks for prayers, full support and cooperation of the Waraynon Warriors under his command as he implements his thrusts with resolve and in serving the public with the “best of the best”.
CTG MEMBERS
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Fifteen CTG Members Surrendered , 4 Arrested
group were arrested during the same period.
Following personalities surrendered to PNP PRO 8: Alias Berting, regular NPA Member and an Educational Officer of Barangay Organizing Party; Alias Raven, regular NPA Member and a Brgy Organizing Party Chairman; Alias Aljor, NPA Member; Alias Mawe, Regular NPA member; Alias Boy, Chairman of BPO; Alias Raskie, Regular NPA member; Alias Ka Alvin, Vice-chairman of BPO; Alias Good, Asst. Squad Leader and member of Squad 1; Alias Titang, CTG Member/NPA; Alias Fred, CTG Member; Alias Ogie, CNT Member and a Chairman CTG Pseudo Government and Alias Orly, Member of Medical Platoon. Likewise, the 12th Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force led by PLTCOL RECAREDO S MARASIGAN, Battalion Commander, facilitated the surrender of Alias Ka Hanaw, Alias Ka Botch and Alias Romy. Along with their surrender, two (2) units of caliber .38; One (1) unit 5.56mm single shot homemade rifle; One (1) unit caliber .45; One (1) unit 9mm sub machine gun rifle; One (1) unit homemade shotgun; One (1) unit shotgun; One unit M14 rifle; explosives; One (1) long magazine and a total of 26 live ammunition were also turned-in. Meanwhile, in the same period, this PRO recorded arrest of four (4) CTG members, namely: Alias Mael charged for the crime of Murder; Rodulfo indicted for the crime of Attempted Murder; Ronald and Nelcar, with standing warrant for the crimes of Frustrated Murder and Attempted Murder, respectively. “The surrender and arrest of CTG members is a manifestation that our anti-insurgency campaign is working its way towards peace and progress. I commend the operatives for a job well done,” says RD CABAGNOT.
OFFENDERS
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EV Cops Net 54 MWPs and 985 Other Offenders
intensifying all police operations. “Let us remain vigilant in our areas of responsibility despite the threat of this pandemic. We all know that these criminals are just nearby waiting for an opportune time to do their unlawful activities,” he further stressed.
ENCOUNTER . . . from Page 1 Armed Encounter recorded in Northern Samar
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n armed encounter has been recorded between the operating team of 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (NSPMFC) and six (6) CTG members while the former was conducting combat patrol operation in Sitio Agsian, Brgy. Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar on August 18, 2021. The exchange of gunfire lasted for about ten (10) minutes before the enemies fled to southeast direction. Accordingly, no casualty or injury was recorded in the government side while number of casualty in the enemy side is undetermined. Recovered from the place of incident were one (1) roll detonating cord approximately 200 meters long; one (1) roll time fuse approximately 200 meters long; one (1) electric wire approximately 20 meters long; improvised shrapnel; estimated 500 pcs. blasting caps; one (1) 12v battery for motorcycle; and other personal belongings. “This rebel group is adding much chaos and panic in the community without feeling remorse by putting the public in danger and instilling fear as well. Apparently, they are the ones mostly affected by these futile attempts to overpower the government despite the global crisis we are all facing at this point,” RD CABAGNOT stated. Operatives of 1st NSPMFC and other nearby police stations subsequently scoured the area in search of the fleeing rebels. “The whole police force will continue to be alert and vigilant for any possible retaliations from this CTG after the chance encounter,”
. . . from Page 3 PRO 8 Turn-over of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors RETIREMENT HONORS
responsible and service-oriented. “I introduced the catch phrase “Go the Extra Mile”, at the onset of my assumption, urging everyone to elevate their orientation of public service. Little did I know that going the extra mile is deeply ingrained in their character. Nothing compares to the genuineness of the Waray-Waray people,” he said. After this day, a new leader will take over my command. With him at the helm, PRO 8 is up to something great. And so, I urge the precious gems of this police force to continue to rally behind him and provide all the necessary support to ensure the peace and progress of the Eastern Visayas region, PBGEN DE JESUS said.
. . . from Page 2 PRO 8 Operating Units Recover Shabu from Detainee
DETAINEE
and 1st Northern Samar PMFC led by PMAJ EDWIN OLOAN JR, Force Commander. “Ang pagsasagawa ng Oplan Galugad ay isa lamang sa mga paraan para maiwasan ang pagkakaroon ng mga pinagbabawal o kontrabando sa ating mga piitan at kulungan. At sa kabila ng hamon ng COVID-19, tayo ay patuloy na magmomonitor sa mga ito,” RD CABAGNOT said.
. . . from Page 5 559 Families Receive Government Assistance in Pinabacdao, Samar AGARWOOD . . . from Page 3 P70K Worth of Agarwood Seized GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
and Development Division (RCADD), PLTCOL MICHAEL PALERMO, Acting Chief, Regional Operations Management Division (ROMD), and representatives from the Office of the President, Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Agency (TESDA), Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), PENRO Samar, United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB), Samar Kabataan Kontra Droga At Terorismo (KKDAT) and the Local Government Unit of Pinabacdao.
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Joint team of PSOG LPPO, Dagami MPS and Jaro MPS was able to confiscate from Gebe 1.360 kilograms of agarwood worth Php 15,000.00. Seized from his possession and control were 2.530 kgs of suspected agarwood and one (1) unit weighing scale. The total weight of said agarwood was 3.89T0 kilograms with estimated market value of Php 50,000.00 pesos. “The PNP is one with the government in protecting and preserving our natural resources. Hence, we are doing our best in suppressing any environmental illegal activities,” RD CABAGNOT, said.
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PRO 8 RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM STAKEHOLDERS
amp Ruperto Kangleon, Campetik, Palo, Leyte – Members of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., Tacloban Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and the Tacloban Filipino Chinese Amity Club led by Mr. Steven Sy along with Mr Johny Go, Mr Jose Yu, Mr Malcom Ching, Mr Henry Lim, Mr Edgar Tan and Atty Ryan Mancera, donated 15,000
pieces of face mask, 1,000 pieces of faceshield, 10 pieces Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), five (5) containers of Alcohol, two (2) pails of disinfectant, 100 boxes of Vitamin C and 48 boxes of Lianhua Qing Wen Jiaonang. Said items were personally received by no less than PBGEN ROMMEL BERNARDO A CABAGNOT, Regional Director on August 26, 2021.
Likewise, Mr Johny Chu Go of the Tacloban Filipino Chinese Amity Club donated one (1) unit of L120 EPSON Printer, 50 pieces of face shield, 1,000 pieces of face mask, one (1) container of alcohol and 12 boxes of Lianhua Quing Wen Jiaonang to the Office of the Regional Public Information Officer. Said items were gladly received by PLTCOL MA BELLA D RENTUAYA, PIO of same date.