All The WOW News in Cordillera

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Igorot soldier in Marawi puts his life in danger, talks face to face with terrorists to free hostages

Photo Credit: Josephine Jaron Codilla FB page
Cordillera - An ultimate display of heroism by an Igorot soldier fighting in Marawi has gone viral on social media after his story was posted by Josephine Jaron Codilla about his gallantry and heroism during an intense battle in the warn torn Marawi City.


The Igorot soldier is Captain Jeff Buada from Tuba, Benguet, a member of PMA Maragtas Class 2007 and currently assigned in the 15th Scout Ranger Company.

According to the post of Ms. Codilla, Captain Buada did what he think will save the lives of the hostages including the wounded soldiers.

"He literally put his life on the line to rescue hostages by removing his helmet, putting down his firearm and urging hard core terrorist face-to-face to free their hostages and allow the soldiers to bring the wounded to the hospital," Codilla wrote.

Captain Buada also "requested all the units behind him to cease fire, to put off the engines of tanks in order not to agitate the enemies, many of whom were in a state of war shock".
His action has resulted in the successful rescue of many women and children before the fighting resumed.

"To me, the ultimate act of gallantry and heroism was displayed yesterday by someone who deserves maybe even more than the Medal of Valor," Codilla added.

Meanwhile, the wife of Captain Buada cried when she learned the heroism done by his husband in Marawi and she was very proud of him as a soldier serving the country.

READ ALSOAFP chief of staff Eduardo Año commends brave Cordilleran warriors in Marawi

She revealed that Captain Buada has only a month recovering from a knee injury caused by a bullet that hit him during the previous fight in Marawi, but returned to to the battle zone to see his men and continue the fight.

The continued gallantry of Filipino soldiers in Marawi has led to the killing of Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

The efforts and the bravery of our soldiers will never be forgotten and also those who died serving the country.

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Friday, October 20, 2017

Igorot hunk from Besao, Mt. Province named Toughest Pinoy 2017

Photo Courtesy || Renz Lou Lagria


Baguio City - Igorot hunk Renz Lou Lagria emerged as the champion during the search for Toughest Pinoy 2017 held at the SM Mall of Asia in Manila last October 20, 2017.

Known as one of the so called 'Panagbenga Hotties', Renz Lagria from Baguio city but originally from Besao, Mountain Province came out at the top against nine other finalists after passing various physical challenges that test the limits of their physical strength, mental endurance and emotional resilience.


Carrying the title "The Fit Influencer, Renz Lagria, 20-year-old was the youngest finalist in the said competition "R U Tough Enough" sponsored by KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment.

Lagria, who is considered one of the hottest and sexiest Igorot pageant model today, drew his strength and toughness from being an Igorot who grew up in the mountains and being a construction worker at a young age.


He won PHP250,000 and other prizes as the R U Tough Enough (RUTE) toughest Pinoy champion.

KIX, the ultimate action-entertainment TV destination aims to go beyond the stereotypes by recruiting 5 male and 5 female contestants to face off. 

All the contestants will go through rigorous series of physically demanding and emotionally enduring challenges. 

And this year winner is from Cordillera.
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Freddie Aguilar and other country's top musicians converge for a big concert in Sagada

Cordillera - Music lovers in the north would not have needed to go to the city or travel to Manila just to watch concerts from famous singers in the country because on October 28 and 29 ( Saturday and Sunday ), the country's top musicians and singers will be performing a concert dubbed "Concert in the Clouds" in the heart of Sagada.

Among those musicians and singers lined up to perform are Freddie Aguilar, Noel Kabangon, Gary Valenciano, Joey Ayala, Raymond Lauchengco, Lolita Carbon, Ely Buendia and the UP Dharma Down.

The concert will start from 12 noon to midnight of the 28th and will resume at sunrise on the 29th until sundown. The even is expected to be flocked by 4,000 people, according the Philippine News Agency.

Ticket price range from Php1,000 and Php2,000 for VIP tickets.

When you buy a ticket you are a contributor to the cause for the beneficiaries such as the Sagada Sped Center, 20 DayCare Centers, Sagada Art Club, Sagada All Sports Fund, purchase of safety equipments for the Sagada Guides Organization, Sagada Eco-police, fund for Children's Heart Patient, Senior Fund, Indigenous People, Children's Playground, Red Cross and the Moran Foundation.

This is the first time that a big concert by leading top artists in the country will be held in Cordillera, according to Sagada Mayor James Pooten, thus the local government has assured that security preparations are in place to provide security to those who will watch the concert.

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Thursday, October 19, 2017

Baguio City plans for underground cable system to eliminate wiring mess in downtown streets

Photo Courtesy || Public information - Baguio City
Baguio City, - In an effort to make the city streets of Baguio City more appealing, an ordinance was created  by the city local government to end the long problem of electrical and communication wires dangling over city streets of the central business district. 

The plan was supported by electrical company BENECO to transfer its electrical wirings underground to help conceal them and keep the city streets from dangling cables which becomes an eyesore to everyone.

City councilor Joel Alangsab, one of the co-author of the ordinance have said that it would take the cooperation of both the Benguet Electric Cooperative Inc. (BENECO) and local telecommunications company that runs their wiring on city streets to solve the problem of sagging wires.

He also said that a proposal for an underground cable system is one of the viable solution but pointed out that such plan will present a problem in the financial aspect.

"There is a proposal na iunderground nalang itong mga cables and electrical wirings natin, but of course, the number 1 problem there is the financial aspect. It will cost Php 2 Billion," Alangsab said.

Davao is one of the city that implemented underground cabling system in its major streets which started early this year and will be finished  by 2020.

Davao City would be a good model city for the local government of Baguio to follow. It has created and passed and ordinance that mandates all electric utility companies and public telecommunication carriers servicing the city to place all their wirings and cables underground. Companies that violates the ordinance will be fine of P5,000 and cancellation of business permit.

It can be recalled that Mayor Mauricio Domogan has ordered the City Engineering Office and City's Council's committee to conduct a feasibility study of the said underground cable system in the city last June, 2017.

Domogan said the proposal has merit as it address the messy wiring and cable networks of public utility companies that has created eyesores as well as pose safety to people.

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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Apo Whang-od finally meets her idol Coco Martin of "Ang Probinsyano"

Apo Whang-od and Coco Martin. Photo credit: Jeff Fernando's Instagram

Cordillera, - Apo Whang-od, the world-renowned centenarian mambabatok of Kalinga has finally met her idol Coco Martin, the lead actor of Abs Cbn's teleserye "Ang Probinsyano". 

In a report by Abs Cbn.com, Apo Whang-od's dream of meeting her idol  came true as she was flown to Manila in a helicopter to meet Martin. 

A photo from her granddaughter, Gracia Palicas' Facebook shows Whang-od inside a helicopter enjoying the ride while having selfies from  some of the helicopter crews. 
Apo Whang-od inside a helicopter Photo credit: Gracia Palicas. 
During their meeting, Martin wrapped his arm over Apo Whang-od's shoulder while they both smile in a photo shoot. 

Apo Whang-od was a huge fan of Martin and his hit TV series as discovered by National Youth Commission chair Aiza Sequerra and spouse Liza Dino during their visit to Kalinga last February. 

Whang-od has kept a collection of shirts and posters of Martin as show of her admiration to the actor and his TV series "Ang Probinsyano".

As an avid fan, she has said that she would love to inscribe a phyton or centipede tattoo on Martin's arm - a design that according to literature, is given to Kalinga warriors as a form of recognition for their courage and bravery.  

For many years, both foreign tourists and local celebrities has visited Whang-od's place in Kalinga to have a tattoo. 

The story of her has also been published in several news agencies in the country and last year, she was featured in an art exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada. 


source | Abs Cbn | 
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Saturday, October 14, 2017

Igorot fighting cop Crisanto "The Slugger" Pitpitunge wins by TKO in Battle for Dominance


Photo Credit: Mark Sangiao

Baguio City, - The Igorot fighter and currently a police officer Crisanto "The Slugger" Pitpitunge won by Technical Knockout in the main event of Team Lakay Championship XIV: Battle for Dominance held at the Baguio Convention Center last night. 

The former Pacific X-treme Combat (PXC) bantamweight champion Pitpitunge of the most decorated MMA team in the Philippines beat Ralf Noy Francisco of Aklan via TKO in the third round.

The proud Igorot from Kapangan, Benguet improved his win-loss record to 8-5 this year after his two series of loss from Jenel Lausa and Kai Kara-France last year. 

After 18-months of absence in the cage, the fighting policeman of the Baguio PNP is back for the win. 

Pitpitunge is a product of the Criminology program of the University of the Cordilleras where he was a consistent player for the Wushu team. 

READ ALSO: US FBI-trained Igorot cop makes one of cebu's municipalities drug free
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US FBI-trained Igorot cop makes one of cebu's municipalities drug free

Photo Credit: bogocps.org
Cordillera, - A headline from the Washington Post website says "Duterte's police have killed thousands in the Philippines. But this police chief told his officers. Don't kill."

The article featured Igorot cop Byron Allatog, Police Chief of Bogo City who lead his officers in clearing the city they served from illegal drugs.

Byron Filog Allatog is an Igorot from Bontoc, Mountain Province, a member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) class 2001. 

He is the current chief of police of Bogo City - a small municipality in the island of Cebu.


Prior to serving in Bogo City, Allatog had been a chief of police to different towns and provinces in the country such as in Tawi-tawi, Abra, and Benguet.

Allatog also served as contingent in the United Nations Peacekeeping Efforts and member of the UN-Close Security and Protection Officer of the UN Police Commissioner and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timor Leste.


He has taken numerous trainings and courses  in policing from different high-level police agencies like the Criminal Investigation and Detective Development Courses by the PNP Detective Schools, Supervisory Management and Criminal Investigation Course from the US Department of Justice, Police Intelligence Officers Course by the PNP Intelligence Training Group and FBI National Academy Session 265 from the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI).

39-year-old Allatog gained popularity after his named surfaced in the mainstream media for being responsible in making Bogo City drug free.

In an article published by the Washington post, it described the strategy of Allatog of "don't kill" when dealing with drug suspects. 

The article said "not a single man, woman or child has fallen on Allatog's watch."


His strategy is different, he told his officers that if they shot needlessly or for money, he would not protect them.

"Those are politicians. They don't give a s--- about you,... Your are just a low level officer. If you go to prison, that doesn't affect the economy. They will not care." he warned his men.

Instead, he told his officers to go serve and protect with honor and justice.



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Monday, October 9, 2017

Baguio cop praised for helping fix tourists' car in traffic

SPO1 Marcos of Baguio City Police Office assisting tourist with their broken car. Photo Credit: Roan Carreon
Baguio City, - A police officer from Baguio city receives praises on social media for helping motorists with their car that seems to have sustained an engine problem while on traffic.

According to a Facebook post from Roan Carreon, they were driving their car on their way to Burnham Park when they noticed a smoke coming out from the car engine. They decided to park the car at SM to ease up the heat which may be causing the smoke. After 30 minutes, they left the parking area thinking that their car was okay,  but not a few miles away from the park, the car started blowing smoke again.
They were very lucky to have spotted a police officer on duty at SM and asked him the nearest Toyota outlet where they could take their car for maintenance. Knowing that it's Sunday and most car shops are closed, the officer decided to take their car with them to a mechanic he knows.

Carreon, on her post said she was amazed at the somewhat peculiar conduct of the police officer who extends his full assistance on someone needing help.

"Tinanong namin si Sir kung saan may malapit na talyer/mekaniko buti nalang at may kakilala siya, hinatid niya pa kami papunta dun sa mekaniko, saan ka makakakita ng Pulis na ganun? Usually kasi diba, ituturo lang sayo yung way kung saan. Iniwan niya pa yung Duty Post niya para ihatid lang kami sa mekaniko," Carreon said.

While waiting for their car to be fixed, the officer recommended to them to go visit Burnham Park and even accompanied them in going their to make sure that they are safe.

In trying to show gratitude for the kindness of the officer, Carreon's mum tried to give him money for snack but the officer refused and said he was only doing his duty as a police officer.

Carreon named the cop as SPO1 Marcos of Baguio City Police Office.


To Police Officer Marcos, your good deed just reflected the good reputation of Baguio Police among the public about providing security and safety for all residents and visitors.

The photos and video of SPO1 Marcos assisting the tourists has received hundreds of comments and shares on Facebook from viewers praising the officer for his gesture.
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Saturday, October 7, 2017

Australian chef Chris Urbano respects Igorot tradition and cooks Cordilleran dish 'Pinikpikan'

Photo grab: Chris Urbano YouTube Channel
Cordillera - Australian chef Chris Urbano tries cooking the famous Igorot dish called 'Pinikpikan' in one of his cooking shows on Youtube.

Urbano said, his culinary students challenged him to show them his version of the Cordilleran dish Pinikpikan.

He described pinikpikan as a famous dish in the Philippines because it comes from the Cordilleran region and it derives from the word "pik pik" to hit or to beat.

"It is interesting and perhaps controversial dish dito sa Pilipinas because that hitting of the chicken takes place while the chicken is still alive in traditional Igorot cooking," Urbano said.

He later explained that he respects the Igorot tradition and he believes that this is important to the people of the Philippines about this way of cooking and what that means to them and their family.


"I'm totally respectful of the Igorot tradition,'' he said. But in his cooking episode, he asked his students that he will not be beating the chicken during the course of his show for obvious reason.

Chris Urbano is an Australian living in Manila who loves the people, culture, and food of the Philippines.

He learned to speak Tagalog so he was called the Tagalong speaking 'foreignoy. He started his cooking show on YouTube back in 2013 called Maputing Cooking which he shares his passion in cooking.

"Maputing Cooking" simply means a white guy who cooks Filipino dishes on YouTube.

Watch his Pinikpikan episode below. 

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Friday, October 6, 2017

PNP Chief 'Bato' dela Rosa applauds Police-Cordillera for impressive performance against illegal drugs

Photo Credit: BJMP Region Car
Cordillera, - Philippine National Police Chief Ronal 'Bato' dela Rosa praises Police Regional Office Cordillera for their impressive performance in the anti-illegal drug campaign of the government under the Duterte Administration. 

In his speech last Friday during the celebration of the 116th Police Service Anniversary in Camp Bado, Dangwa, PNP Chief dela Rosa highlighted the fast action of the PRO-COR in making three provinces of Cordillera drug-free, these are Mt.Province, Ifugao and Apayao.

Dela Rosa said only PNP Cordillera was able to declare three provinces drug free in the entire country in contrast with other Police offices that have declared drug free only in the barangay level.

He also thanked other government agencies such as the DILG, DOH, DSWD and PDEA for their non-stop support in the campaign against illegal drug and to their effort in helping the rehabilitation of drug surrenderees in the region.

READ ALSO: Australian chef Chris Urbano respects Igorot tradition and cooks Cordilleran dish 'Pinikpikan'

Photo Credit: Pro-Cor

During the event dela Rosa was adopted as a son of Cordillera by the Regional Development Council led by RCDC-RPOC Chairman and Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Congressman Mark Go, Benguet governor Crescencio Pacalso, Mt. Province Gov. Lacwasan Jr., Acting Kalinga Gov. James Edduba and other municipal mayors, provincial board members and other officials.

He also led the awarding ceremonies for the outstanding police officers and units for the best police officers and units at the regional, provincial, city, municipality and stations in the Cordillera Region.

source: PIA Cordillera, Pro-cor, BJMP Region Car.
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Featured Post

Igorot actor Jeyrick Sigmaton won Best Actor in International Film Festival Manhattan 2021

Photo Courtesy || Jeyrick Sigmaton Cordillera - Igorot actor Jeyrick "Carrotman" Sigmaton won the Best Actor for the Int...