115th anniversary of 'Unang  Sigaw ng Nueva Ecija'
Coloma rallies Ecijanos to fight graft/corruption

Sec. Herminio Coloma of the Presidential Communications Office told the people of Cabiao during the commemoration of the 115th anniversary of the "First Cry of Nueva  Ecija" that the country now faces graft and corruption as its new kind of oppressor.

The September 2 affair, also called "Gen. Mariano Llanera Day", highlighted the heroism of the Cabiao born military leader who led the uprisings against the Spaniards in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.

Coloma said that while Novo Ecijanos celebrate the bravery of Gen. Llanera and his men, they must also bear in mind that the country is now fighting graft and corruption.

He relayed the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III, who was still in China for a five-day state visit, expressing his support to the people of Cabiao.

Coloma also asked the people of Cabiao to tell the government of their wants and concerns so the Aquino administration could address them, noting that this was the reason why the President organized the Presidential Communications Operations Office to link the people with their government to help the country move forward.

He said that in modern times, the country also needs a revolution, an uprising that is unarmed contrary to General Llanera’s rebellion.

“Ito po ay isang rebolusyon at isang himagsikan sa larangan ng kaisipan, sa larangan ng kamulatan. Kinakailangang baguhin na po natin ang ating kaisipan. Huwag na po tayong mag-isip ng mga bagay na makasisira o makakalikha pa ng kaguluhan o ligalig. Ang isipin po nating lahat: Ano po ba ang puwede nating gawin? Ano po ba ang ating maitutulong?” he said.

Gen. Llanera led around 3,000 revolutionaries in a successful assault of San Isidro, the former capital of Nueva Ecija, on September 2, 1896.

Llanera also led battles in Bulacan. He was one of the signatories of the Biak-na-Bato Constitution in November 1897 and the Pact of Biak-na-Bato on the same year.

He was exiled to Hong Kong together with Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in December 1897. The following year, he was captured by the Americans and deported to Guam.

He returned to the Philippines in December 1902 and died on September 19, 1942. ###
 
 

Cabanatuan 6th top performing component city in RP

Cabanatuan City has been ranked by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as the sixth top performing component city based on areas of good governance.

In the department's Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS), Cabanatuan scored 4.8363. The performance index ranges from a score of 1.00 as the lowest and 5.00 as the highest.

LGPMS is a web based, self assessment tool for local government units managed by the Bureau of Local Government Supervision, that measures performance in key governance areas and provides information on the status of LGUs in terms of local governance and development.

The other top performing component cities are Ligao (4.9240), Laoag (4.9193), San Fernando (4.9177), Vigan (4.8617), Gingoog (4.8568), Dipolog (4.8113), La Carlota (4.7553), Iriga (4.7522) and Batac (4.7430).

The top performing cities in the highly urbanized and independent component cities category are Valenzuela (4.9150), San Juan (4.8875), Puerto Princesa (4.8640), Angeles (4.7410), Davao (4.7380), Naga (4.6940), Zamboanga (4.6865), Iligan (4.6710), Cebu (4.6633) and Taguig (4.6415).

Meanwhile, the top 10 high performing provinces are Bohol (4.9370), La Union (4.9115), Bulacan (4.8628), Negros Oriental (4.8331), Pangasinan (4.8185), Ilocos Norte (4.8185), Albay (4.8064), Cavite (4.8031), Compostela Valley (4.7812) and Tarlac (4.7773).

The DILG said that the local government units were recognized for initiating and implementing programs aimed at improving the lives of their constituents, protecting the environment and practicing financial accountability and commitment to transparency.
 
 

NEPPO'S Okubo cited for bravery

Supt. Edgar Alan Okubo, commander of the Provincial Public Safety Company of the provincial police office, received an award for bravery together with nine other policemen during the 45th anniversary of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in Makati City last September 8.

Okubo was cited for his leadership that led to the arrest of the most wanted persons in Nueva Ecija.

The other awardees were PO1 Eduardo Santiago of the Bayambang Police station in Pangasinan; SPO4 Hernane Osano, Midsayap Municipal Police Station, North Cotabato; SPO 3 Dante Obenza, Lianga Municipal Police Station, Surigao del Sur; PO3 Osorio Ramiso, Jr., Regional Police Community Relations Division; PO1 Kennel Tafalla, PO1 Shelwin Portajada and PO1 Elmer Tisado all from the Regional Public Safety Batallion; and SPO2 Nilbert Porlucas and PO1 Teodoro Casison,  both from the Quezon City Police District.

“The act of bravery of these police officers clearly manifests their commitment to serve and protect the people,” NAPOLCOM vice chair Eduardo Escueta said.

Rep. Emilio Abaya of the first district of Cavite was also awarded with a plaque of appreciation for his accomplishments in public service. ###
 
 

Cabanatuan's longest serving police chief exits

The longest serving chief of police of Cabanatuan City, Supt. Eliseo Cruz, relinquished his post to Chief Insp. Nicasio Malazzab, chief intelligence officer of the city police, in simple turnover rites held at the city hall compound last September 16.

Cruz, 44 and a Cabanatueño, was designated as city police chief on May 29, 2006 over the objection of Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara who claimed that he was not consulted. This led to the mayor's recall of several police mobile cars donated by the city.

Cruz declined his post, telling Vergara that he was willing to resign if only to restore normalcy in the relations between the city government and the city police.

Vergara later accepted Cruz's appointment.

Under the leadership of Cruz, the Cabanatuan police station was awarded as Best City Police Station in Police Community Relations in Region 3 for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; Most Citizen Friendly Police Station for year 2008; and Country’s Outstanding Policeman in Service (COPS) in 2009 presented by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Twice, the city police was cited as Best City Police Station in Region 3 for 2008 and 2011.

Cruz acknowledged the logistical support given to the city police by the Vergara administration.

When Vergara won as mayor in 2010, he sought the reinstatement of Cruz as city police chief. ###
 
 

Cabanatuan truly the country's 'tricycle capital'

Records from Cabanatuan City's legalization and franchising office has confirmed that the city is indeed the "Tricycle Capital of the Philippines".

There are a total of 8,044 for hire and 73 privately used tricycles in the city.

It is projected that by the end of the year, about 12,000 tricycle units are expected be in the city's public transport system.

Now, there are 17,000 tricycles in Cabanatuan, including 5,000 units operated by non-Cabanatueños which will eventually be banned from plying in the city.

City Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara said that he was proud that his city has become the undisputed "Tricycle Capital" of the country aside from being the "Biggest Little City". ###
 
 

Ecija team bags 2nd place CSC regional talent contest

The Nueva Ecija team took home the second prize and P15,000 in the cultural presentation category of the regional talent contests held by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). 

The Novo Ecijanos depicted the wedding, war and victory rituals of indigenous tribes in the southern part of the province.

The first prize went to the city government of San Fernando, Pampanga while Bulacan came in third.

In then dance exercise category, the Pampanga team from the municipal government of Mabalacat won first prize; Bataan, second; and Bulacan, third,.

Diana Henson, CSC Central Luzon information officer, said that the dance exercise and cultural presentation contests were meant to preserve the rich cultural heritage of every province in the region as well as promote a healthy lifestyle and to test the creativity and teamwork of government workers.

The activity was part of the month long regional activities to celebrate the 111th anniversary of Philippine civil service. ###
 
 

DSWD gives 5 Ecija women groups small business capitals

Five women groups in Nueva Ecija received a total of P650,000 to start small businesses under the guidance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The beneficiaries include the Samahang Kababaihan sa Barangay Bunga, Masikap Women's Group and Pag-asa Group which received P150,000 each; Magigilas Group, P125,000; and Ladies Action Group, P75,000.

Lani Ortega, president of Samahang Kababaihan sa Barangay Bunga, said that each group member will receive P5,000 to put up businesses like rolling stores that sell tinapa, vegetables and other goods.

Felina Villajuan, project development officer of DSWD-Region III, said that the members will repay the loan on a weekly basis for one year and save their profits in a bank.

Villajuan explained that each beneficiary will pay P160 a week, with P100 as loan repayment, P50 for the savings and P10 for the operational expenses.

“Sa loob ng isang taon, after makabayad, may savings pa sila. May maiiwan sa kanila," she said. ###
 
 

Ecija posts third highest crime incidence in CL

Nueva Ecija ranked third in the number of crime incidents among Central Luzon provinces from January to July 2011.

The province posted a total of 2,498 incidents.

The list was topped by Bulacan with 9,647 crimes, followed by Pampanga with 3,305.

Bataan was in fourth place with 2,185 crimes; Zambales fifth, with 1,566; and Tarlac sixth, with 1,131.

Aurora retained its status as the most peaceful province in the region with the lowest crime incidence of 991. ###

Sr. Supt. Oscar Albayalde said the  24,401 crimes registered in Central Luzon this year was 25.77 percent lower compared to the same period last year. ###
 
 

Air Force helicopter makes SOS landing in Guimba

A Philippine Air Force helicopter that malfunctioned made an emergency landing in a rice field in Barangay Bunol, Guimba last September 1, sustaining minor damage and with its two pilots and three passengers unharmed.

Capt. Elmer Ariola, pilot,  and Capt. Richard Dalag, co-pilot, made the emergency landing at 8:40 A.M. when the helicopter experienced mechanical trouble while on its way to Cauayan, Isabela from the Northern Luzon Command in Tarlac.

Also on board were Air Force SSgt. John Laurita, Airman Ryan Rompong and SSgt. Lauro Joya. ###
 
 

Gapan teacher dies in fire

A 64 year old teacher died when she was trapped in her burning house in Barangay Parcutela, Gapan City last September 5.

The victim, Anatalia Gutierrez, single, was found in her room burned beyond recognition.

Supt. Samuel L. Sevilla, city police chief, said that the fire started at about 6:30 P.M. in the victim's room where a rechargeable lamp which was left unattended, overheated.

He said that the police station was alerted by a telephone call from a concerned citizen at 8:30 P.M.

Responding policemen and firefighters found the fire already under control when they arrived.

Initial damage to property was estimated at P600,000. ###
 
 

2 Muñoz drug dealers arrested

The Science City of Muñoz police arrested two notorious illegal drug dealers and seized P150,000 worth of shabu in a dawn operation last September 14.

Supt. Ricardo E. Villanueva, provincial police intelligence chief, identified those arrested as Oliver Zareno, 34, of Poblacion North, Lupao and Jeofrey Fernandez, alias Oplak, 32, of Poblacion North, Muñoz.

They were nabbed in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mapangpang.

Supt. Pedro D. Soliba, city police chief, said that Zareno has been identified as the top drug pusher in the second district while Fernandez is said to be the seventh in the police watch list.

The suspects yielded 54 plastic sachets of shabu and marked money.

Villanueva said that the joint operation of the provincial intelligence branch and the Muñoz police was in response to the directive of the new Philippine National Police chief, Deputy Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome, to intensify the anti criminality and illegal drug campaign. ###
 
 

Talavera pa hammers 4 year old son

A mentally ill father ran amok and hammered his four year old son three times in the head last September 4 in Talavera

The boy died two days later of severe head injuries in Premier Hospital in Cabanatuan City .

Supt. Ricardo E. Villanueva, provincial police intelligence chief, identified the victim as Azalaide Wy of 68 Quezon St., Barangay Marcos.

The suspect, Wilfred Wy, 45, reportedly ran amok and held the victim hostage for two hours before being overpowered by the  police.

Investigation showed that the suspect was playing with his son at around 12:30 P.M. when he suddenly grabbed the boy and held him hostage, armed with a hammer. 

A relative, Ronaldo Santos, pleaded with the suspect to let go of the boy. Wy turned more violent and hit his son three times in the head with the hammer. 

When the suspect turned on other family members, policemen saw the chance to stop him. ###
 
 

Guimba man shot dead

A 35 year old man was shot and killed inside his house in Barangay Maturanoc, Guimba last September 10.

Supt. Renato David, town police chief, identified the victim as Christopher Felipe Cayan, single.

The victim's cousins, Lorna Balintag Gacutan and Angelito Balintag Cayan, told investigators that they heard the sound of gunfire from the victim's house at about 9:00 P.M.

When they went to victim's house to check, they found the door locked and had to break it open.  They saw the victim sprawled dead in front of a television set that was on. ###
 
 

Driver shot by tricycle jackers

A 26 year old driver was wounded when two suspects tried to snatch his tricycle in Barangay Baquero, Cabanatuan City last September 4.

Supt. Ricardo Villanueva, chief of the provincial police intelligence branch, identified the victim as Ferdinand Mana of Barangay Zulueta.

Investigation showed that Mana had delivered a passenger to Bakero at about 2:30 P.M. when two unidentified men riding a motorcycle in tandem, tried to take his tricycle. Mana fought back, prompting the back rider to shoot him.

Mana was hit in the right leg but managed to escape.

Villanueva said that the provincial police has intensified its campaign against motorcyclists riding in tandem. ###