Igorota pilot from Benguet is First Female Chief Pilot of Asia

Photo Courtesy || Nikko C. Mariano

Cordillera - Igorota pilot Capt. Amorelle Martinez is a proud Cordilleran who hails from Bokod, Benguet. She is the first female Chief Pilot in Asia. 

Capt. Martinez was a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Management and Military Officer Rank.

She also took formal pilot training at the Philippine Air Force Flying School, where she held key positions before retiring as the Director for Operations in 2008.  

She served the Armed Forces of the Philippines  (AFP) as military pilot before joining the PAL Express where she worked as the Chief Pilot.

At the PAF, she flew the CESSNA, the SF 260 MP and the NOMAD 22.

In 2017, Capt. Martinez received the STAR Award of the PAL group for being the captain of Airbus A320/321 Captain in logging a total of 9,678 flying hours.

Leonides V. Peña, the AVP/Director of Philippine Airlines (PALexpress) Inflight Services & Training Department posted on his Facebook photo of him with Capt. Martinez. 

Photo Courtesy || Leonides V. Pena

Peña captioned the photo with "with the first female CHIEF PILOT IN ASIA, Capt. Amorelle Martinez.

READ ALSO: PTCOL. Vincent Bangwa - The first Igorot helicopter command pilot, flight instructor of the PNP

A chief pilot main job is to oversee all pilots, ground personnel, and flight attendants. The duties includes scheduling flights, coordinating aircraft maintenance, and ensuring the department meets all local and federal regulations. 

READ ALSO: Kalinga pilot, the first Filipina to be in-command of a Philippine Air Force C130

Philippine Airlines (PAL), a trade name of PAL Holdings, Inc. (PSE: PAL), also known historically (until 1970) as Philippine Air Lines, is the flag carrier of the Philippines. Headquartered at the PNB Financial Center in Pasay, the airline was founded in 1941 and is the first and oldest commercial airline in Asia operating under its original name.

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Igorot from Benguet Is Top 1 on Scout Ranger Course Class 214- 2021

Cordillera - A proud Ibaloi Army Officer was awarded with Black Panther Award  and a Letter of Commendation from First Scout Ranger Regiment, Philippine Army for graduating as number 1 from Scout Ranger Course.

2LT Jerson P Balagot obtained an average of 90.36% graduating as number 1 on his class among 219 students who joined the Scout Ranger Course (SRC) Class 214- 2021. 

2LT BALAGOT received the momento and letter of commendation last February 24, 2022 during the closing ceremony held at Camp Pablo Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan.

Be it known that 2LT BALAGOT is a graduate of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “MABALASIK” class of 2019 and Basic Airborne Course (BAC) Class 124- 19. 

Scout Rangers, known officially as the First Scout Ranger Regiment, is a Philippine Army unit specializing in anti-guerrilla jungle warfare, raids, ambushes, close quarters combat, urban warfare and sabotage. 

The First Scout Ranger Regiment was formed on November 25, 1950 under the command of former AFP Vice Chief of Staff and Defense Secretary Rafael M. Ileto. The unit was modelled after two legendary fighting groups, the intelligence gathering American Alamo Scouts and the combat ready US Army Rangers, the unit was created due to a growing need to counter the Hukbalahap guerrillas and its rebellion with a force trained in small unit actions. The Scout Rangers participated in the December 1989 coup attempt against the administration of Corazon Aquino. Led by then Captain Danilo Lim, Major Abraham Purugganan and Lieutenant Colonel Rafael Galvez, some 2500 Rangers took over Makati in the most destructive coup attempt against the Aquino administration, which left hundreds of civilians and soldiers dead, and hundreds more injured.

The Scout Rangers played a major role in capturing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebel camp during the 2000 all-out war against the MILF. During the Battle of Marawi of 2017, Scout Rangers were the first elite units deployed with the 1st Infantry Division to neutralize the Islamic State-inspired groups the Maute and Abu Sayyaf and their leaders Isnilon Hapilon and the Maute brothers. During the battle the Rangers incurred many casualties including a veteran Captain of the battle of Zamboanga city. A Scout Ranger is credited with killing Hapilon during the final stages of battle.

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Cordilleran general from Abra appointed PNP's Deputy Chief for Administration

Cordillera - A full-blooded Cordilleran from Abra has assumed the 2nd top post in the Philippine National Police hierarchy.

Police Lieutenant General Israel Ephraim Dickson, who is from the Tingguian tribe of Abra, has been appointed as the new Deputy Chief for Administration.

Prior to his appointment in the PNP's top office, Lt/Gen Dickson served as the head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Northern Luzon and also in Visayas before he was appointed as head of the PNP Civil Security Group.

General Dickson  also served his own region in 2019 as the director of Police Regional Office (PRO) Cordillera.

During his stint as PRO-COR Director, Cordillera PNP was recognized as the Most Disciplined Cops in the entire country.

Gen. Dickson was also among the top officials who handled the case of PMA Cadet 4th Class Dormitorio, who died of hazing inside PMA campus.

Dickson belongs to the  PMA class of 1987. 

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Cordilleran General Romeo Brawner Jr. receives Outstanding Achievement Award

Photo Courtesy || Pfc Rodgen Quirante PA/ OACPA

Cordillera - Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., is among the nine Cavaliers who received this year's Outstanding Achievement Award during the 2022 PMA Alumni Homecoming at Fort Gregorio H. del Pilar, Baguio City on February 18, 2022.

The PMA Alumni Association Inc. recognized Lt. Gen. Brawner, who belongs to PMA "Makatao" Class of 1989, for his appointment as the 65th Commanding General of the Philippine Army on December 10, 2021.

BGen. Brawner, who traces his roots to Kiangan, Ifugao is the son of the late and former Baguio and La Trinidad Regional Trial Court Judge and Commission on Election Commissioner, Justice Romeo Brawner Sr.

In 2013, he was awarded as one of the country's Most Outstanding Filipino soldier.  

Congratulations Major General Romeo Brawner Jr.

source || Philippine Army

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Igorot police officer graduates as Top 1 of the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course

Photo Courtesy || PCADG Cordillera

Cordillera - A proud Igorot PROCOR NUP graduate from Kibungan, Benguet tops the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) at the National Training Institute.

Patrolman Rhem Austeen Labi Danio bested other trainees of  the PSBRC Batch 2021-01 "SINAGDIRAYAN".

Danio is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing and finished Master in Community Health Development at the Benguet State University. 

He also finished Master of Arts in Psychology and Master of Arts in Special Education at the University of the Cordilleras and also Bachelor of Forensic Science at the University of Baguio.

Danio first entered PNP service as a Crime Registrar of Baguio City Police Office - Station 2 in October 2014, according to PCADG Cordillera. 

As an NUP back then, he has exemplified competence, hard work and dedication in the performance of his duties and responsibilities. 

He was the Best NUP of the Police Service Anniversary at the City Level in 2020 and Regional Level in 2021. He was also the Outstanding PCAD NUP of the 126th PCR Month Celebration.

Danio and 627 police officers from different units and from different regions took the PSBRC at the National Headquarters/National Support Units Training Center at Camp Vicente P. Lim, Mayapa Calamba City Laguna.

source || PCADG  Cordillera

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Tourism activities in Atok, Benguet to resume by March 8, 2022

Photo Courtesy ||Tayao Farm: Glen Cabansi Calgo

Cordillera - Popular tourist destinations in Atok, Benguet will resume operation effective March 8, 2022 as announced by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Atok. 

In a press released posted on LGU Atok - Mayor's Office Facebook page on February 16, visitors may now visit famous spots in Atok starting March 8 next month except on Mondays and Fridays.

However, visitors must undergo triage and registration located at Kilometer 22, Caliking, Atok, Benguet prior to entering their destinations.

The resumption of tourism activities in the town will help the locals of Atok recover from economic losses brought by the pandemic.

READ ALSO

LOOK: Baguio's Botanical Garden undergoes major facelift renovation

The town of Atok is one of the top tourist destinations in Benguet. It houses the famous Northern Blossom Flower Farm, the Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Park, Highest Point, Mt. Timbak and the Spanish Trail.

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LOOK: Baguio's Botanical Garden undergoes major facelift renovation

Photo Courtesy || Life is a Blog

Cordillera - The popular tourist attraction in the city of Baguio - the Botanical Garden has undergone major rehabilitation.

The new refurbished Botanical Garden features well-designed walkways, a greenhouse of varied plant species, a mini-auditorium for leisurely rest and recreational time and other transformative changes. 

In a post on Benjie Magalong - Public Servant FB page, the Mayor commended the great work that has been done to improve the famous attraction in the city. 

READ ALSO: 

Former Irisan dumpsite converted to a beautiful ecopark

Welcome to Little Kyoto, Japan in Baguio City

"I speak proudly of what has been innovatively done here... which symbolizes how creative we can be to make this park a better promenade area befitting its name," Magalong said.

The Mayor commended the city’s environment and parks management office led by Atty Rhenan Diwas for its innovative work that has produced a visual wonder worth visiting and spending reflective moments with Baguio’s natural environment. “This is the people’s gift to our environment,” he said,“a fitting legacy to generations next, a worthy attraction for visiting promenades.”

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Three Cordillerans are recipients of the PMA Cavalier Award 2021-2022

Photo Courtesy || Benjamin Magalong & Gladiuz Cariaga Calilan

Cordillera - Two Cordillerans are among the recipients of the Philippine Military Award 2021-2022 on Saturday, February 19, 2022 during the PMA Alumni Homecoming. 

The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMAAAI) conferred the Cavalier Award for Outstanding Performance in Special Operation to Col Herbert Diaz Dilag and Cavalier Award for Army Operation to LtCol Gladiuz Cariaga Calilan. 

Col Dilag is from Tabuk, Kalinga and a graduate of PMA Class 1998 while Calilan is from Luna, Apayao and a graduate of PMA Class 2001. 

Both officers received the award with 12 other awardees from the AFP, PNP, Government and the Private Sector for their respective fields of endeavor.

Also bestowed the Cavalier Award is Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. 

Mayor Magalong received the award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Public Administration

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Igorot cop Cesar Pasiwen promoted to Police Brigadier General

Photo Courtesy || PNP

Cordillera - A proud Igorot police officer has been promoted to the rank of Police Brigadier General during a simple ceremony on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

PBGen Cesar DR Pasiwen from Mankayan, Benguet was among the police officer who were promoted to the rank of Police Brigadier General.

Philippine National Police Chief, Police General Dionardo Carlos formally inducted the ceremony and commended the promotees in this momentous milestone of their career in the police service.

“As you level up to a higher rank of great importance, there are more responsibilities ahead, thus, I urge all of you to keep it up and carry on with the best of your abilities as we introduce innovations for a better and enhanced community-oriented policing”, PGen Carlos said.

The Chief also urged the 5 promotees to serve as epitomes of the highest standards of professional behavior necessary to forge an environment of mutual respect between police officers and the general public.

“As you pledge your professional and steadfast commitment to the Constitution, the Filipino people, and our beloved country, today, I count on you to lead by example, make judicious use of your authority, and observe justice, integrity, and accountability among others, as core values to be applied in the performance of your duty, AT ALL TIMES”, PGen Carlos added.

source || PNP

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Self-taught Igorot artist from Benguet featured in an international magazine

Photo Courtesy || Pinta Seis

Cordillera - Born in Benguet and grew up in the city of Baguio, Jason Dominguez Duclan is a proud Igorot artist and one of the promising young artist members of the renowned Tam-awan Village.

Duclan once dream of becoming a cop so he took up a Criminology degree at the University of the Cordilleras but didn't finished it so he pursued his passion of becoming a full time professional artist instead.

Photo Courtesy || Pinta Sies

Duclan, a self-taught artist believes that being an artist is the purpose of his life. He wants to apply to paper and canvas the ideas, emotions, and the ugliness and beauty of the things around according to his own artistic perspective.

Since childhood, Jason loved arts. His school notebooks were full of carton/anime characters that he drew during his elementary and high school days. This was a proof of his passion in arts which he later pursued later in life - to become a professional artist.

Drawing became his hobby until college and he had no idea that it would also be his profession.

Photo Courtesy || Pinta Sies

Being an artist also help his family coped with financial problems when his mother was hospitalized with stage 4 cancer. He sold some of his artworks so he can help his family during those trying times. 

Today, Jason's works in the art industry has become popular and in fact, he was featured in the recent issue of the Showbiz Magazine. 

Pursuing what he really passionate about, Jason was able to raise family and thanks to those who shared ideas and those who patronized his art works. 

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Five Reasons Why You Should Date an Igorot Guy

Photo Courtesy || DOT Cordillera

Cordillera - Maybe you found and been in love with a guy on Valentines day and you a planning to start a new relationship. During the course of knowing each other and going for a date, you found out that he is an Igorot. 

Here's a bit of information why you should continue dating with an Igorot.

1. Igorot men will not give you roses nor flattery notes but they can feed you well.

Igorots are the most practical beings on the planet. Even before the concept of savings & wealth were written by Western authors, Igorots have the concept of practicality. Maybe you would hear a lady say diay ketdi makan tapno mabsug tayo (buy food, it’s more practical). (Heard that from mom, too!). Of course, the guy knows which restaurant or cafe they should make tambay.

2. Igorot men don’t make romantic speeches but they work very hard 

Igorots are mostly silent. That’s why we have a lot of silent millionaires in Benguet. Check out your kaaruba! Yes, few may drive the latest Ford or Honda models but most Igorots are silent workers who give their best in whatever decent job they do.

Cordilleran men and women are used to hard labor. Not only that, our endurance is tested by our long work hours under the sun – talk about gardening idiay uma. That’s one important recipe to success. Hey, your Igorot suitor could be the next Henry Sy!

One businessman told me, be careful how you treat Igorots. Baka di mo alam, sila pala may-ari ng kumpanyang pinagtatrabahuan mo.

3. Igorots don’t wear the latest designer clothes but they are ruggedly handsome

I guess being handsome is relative as they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe when you start opening your eyes to the Igorot guys around you, you will never want to have selfie with Hollywood movie stars on TV kasi sanay kana sa maraming gwapo. In fact, they don’t need to dress up to look great!

4. Igorot men value their family so much.

The number one priority of an Igorot man is a stable family. He works very hard in order to provide the necessities of the family – especially education. He is a responsible man and he loves children.

5. Igorot men are shy to approach at first but they will fight for you till the end

I heard someone said “Nu han nakainom managbabain, nu nakainom mangibabain” (If he is not drunk, he is shy and timid. If he is a bit drunk, he is a guy to be ashamed of). That is just one aspect of him. What you don’t know is that in his mind, he wants only what is best for you. He may not say it, but listen to his actions.

A typical Igorot guy may not be romantic but they know what commitment means. He will love you – in sickness and in health – till death… do you part.

source || pacificstandard

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Philippine National Police to recruit 18,179 new police officers

Napolcom Press Release - A total of 18,179 new police officers will be recruited by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the current year.

This was announced by National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Vice Chairman and Executive Officer (VCEO) Vitaliano N. Aguirre II, after the NAPOLCOM En Banc, headed by DILG Secretary and NAPOLCOM Chairman Eduardo M. Año, approved Resolution No. 2022-0050, dated January 31, 2022. Said Resolution grants PNP Chief Police General Dionardo B. Carlos the authority to recruit 1,000 Patrolmen and Patrolwomen for regular recruitment and 17,179 Patrolmen and Patrolwomen for attrition recruitment.

“The Commission approved the PNP’s CY 2022 Regular and Attrition Recruitment Program for Patrolmen and Patrolwomen, which will be implemented in two (2) cycles, considering that the distribution is based on police-to-population ratio; peace and order condition; and the actual demands of the functional area,” VCEO Aguirre II said.

The 17,179 attrition recruitment quota shall be distributed to the Offices/Units of the PNP in order to replace uniformed personnel losses due to separation from the service by means of retirement, resignation, death, dismissal from the service, and absence without leave. On the other hand, the 1,000 regular recruitment quota is intended to increase uniformed personnel strength; enhance police visibility; and improve the police-to-population ratio and peace and order condition in operational areas covered by the respective PNP Offices/Units.

This year’s attrition and regular recruitment quota shall be distributed to the Police Regional Offices (PROs), as follows: PRO 1- 200; PRO 2- 200; PRO 3- 800; PRO 4A- 200; PRO 4B- 400; PRO 5- 200; PRO 6- 300; PRO7- 600; PRO8- 600; PRO9- 200; PRO10- 400; PRO11- 300; PRO12- 200; PRO13- 600; PRO Cordillera- 200; PRO BAR- 400; NCRPO- 7,319; and MILF/MNLF- 1,460.

For the National Support Units (NSUs), the following is the allotment of the attrition and regular recruitment quota: Anti-Cybercrime Group- 200; Anti-Kidnapping Group- 100; Aviation Security Group- 100; Communications and Electronics Service- 200; Criminal Investigation and Detection Group- 200; Forensic Group- 200; Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group- 100; Engineering Service- 100; Highway Patrol Group- 200; Health Service- 400; Headquarters Support Service- 200; Intelligence Group- 100; Information Technology Management Service- 100; Legal Service- 100; Maritime Group- 600; National Police Training Institute- 200; PNP Retirement and Benefits Service- 200; Police Security and Protection Group- 200; and Special Action Force- 100.

VCEO Aguirre II stressed that all accomplished Psychological Assessment Test (PAT) forms shall be sealed in an envelope in order to preserve the integrity of PAT results and ensure that all information therein have not been altered. Likewise, in order to consider the validity of the PAT before publishing its results, the sealed envelope shall be opened and the result shall be published under the presence and supervision of NAPOLCOM and PNP representatives.

Further, VCEO Aguirre reiterated that Chiefs of PNP Offices/Units and members of the Recruitment Screening Committee (RSC), including the head and members of the Secretariat, are required to strictly observe and comply with the rules and regulations in the recruitment, selection and appointment of Patrolman and Patrolwoman, as provided under NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular No. 2021-001. They are also obliged to follow the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Guidelines. More importantly, the RSC must strictly follow the “sequential step” in the processing of the applications wherein only those who passed the previous stage shall be allowed to undergo the succeeding processes.

“NAPOLCOM and PNP officer/personnel who shall fail to strictly observe and comply with this Resolution and other pertinent policies shall be dealt with under existing rules and regulations; they shall be immediately relieved; and they shall not be designated to any position of major responsibility,” VCEO Aguirre II said.

source || https://napolcom.gov.ph/

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Proud Cordilleran from Benguet commissioned as US Space Force Captain

Photo Courtesy || Lou Santos

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran from Benguet has been commissioned as a USAF/US Space Force Captain (03). 

The United States Space Force (USSF) is the space service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, one of the eight U.S. uniformed services, and the world's first and currently only independent space force.

The USSF is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping Guardians to conduct global space operations that enhance the way our joint and coalition forces fight, while also offering decision makers military options to achieve national objectives.

Captain Genesis Karlo T. Santos, a nursing graduate from Pines City, Baguio and also a graduate of Aspen University in Colorado, USA. 

Santos is currently assigned at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), one of the largest US Military Hospital located in San Antonio TX Medical City.

Captain Santos is a proud Igorot and Ilocano. His grandmother hails from Karayan, Ucab, Itogon, Benguet.

He’s the tiniest and most timid in Naples High school Class In Italy. Grew up as a military brat, a true gentleman, responsible USAF Officer and a future strong leader.

Congratulations Captain Gen Santos. 

source || Lou Santos

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Igorota Beauty Queen Roxie Baeyens is the National Director of Miss Bikini Philippines Pageant 2021

Photo Courtesy || Miss Bikini PH & Roxanne Baeyens

Cordillera - Crowned Miss Earth-Water 2020 Roxanne Baeyens has ben chosen to be the National Director of this year Miss Bikini Philippines (MBP) pageant. 

"So glad to announce the great news that I will be the National Director for this edition of Miss Bikini Philippines. A cause that promotes health, beauty and fitness," wrote Roxanne in his official Facebook page.

"Life truly takes unexpected turns, I used to be very soft spoken entering pageantry a few years ago and now I’m given the floor to lead and inspire," she added. 

Miss Bikini Philippines is giving away more than half a million pesos in cash and prize to the winners. 

•MBP 2020 Grand Winner - P300,000 (cash)

•1st Runner-up - P125,000 (cash and prizes)

•2nd Runner-up - P75,000 (cash and prizes)

•Runner-up - P40,000 (cash and prizes)

•Runner-up - P40,000 (cash and prizes)

Below are the qualifications in joining Miss Bikini Philippines. 

•Biologically-born female

•With Filipino lineage

•Possesses a beautiful face and fit body

•Intelligent with good communication skills

•Single

•Has never given birth

•18-26 years old

•At least 5’5”

•Has a passion for beauty, health, and fitness

•Of good moral standing

MBP is sponsored by UltraLife and ProMedia.

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Igorot cop gets highest rating in the Special Forces Combat Qualification Course Class 18 - 2021

Photo Courtesy || Rico Tagure

Cordillera - A proud Igorot cop from Mt. Province was awarded Certificate of Merit for obtaining the highest rating in Physical Fitness conducted by the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) (SFR-A) Philippine Army.

Pat. Jhonel F. Eloy obtained an average rating of 95.67 percent besting the 108 students who enrolled in Special Forces Combat Qualification Course (SFCQC)  Class 18 - 2021.

Pat. Eloy received the certificate during a ceremony on January 17, 2022 at the Philippine Army's Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) Headquarter in Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

The Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) is a special forces unit of the Philippine Army. The unit is based on and continually trains with its American counterpart, the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets).

The regiment was established in the 1960s by then Captain Fidel V. Ramos PA (INF) (first commanding officer of the SFR-A), primarily trained in both unconventional warfare operations and psychological warfare operations. 

Like the Scout Rangers, members of the Special Forces Regiment of the Philippine Army are also highly trained in counter-insurgency operations. 

Upon assignment to the Special Forces, soldiers are made to undergo the Basic Airborne Course. They, later-on, undergo the Special Forces Operations Course - an eight-month course that equips each SF soldier in the basics of Special Forces and unconventional warfare operations. Each member of the SF 

Regiment may opt to undergo specialty courses as well after finishing the Special Forces basic course. These include, but is not limited to, training in demolitions and bomb disposal (EOD), psychological warfare operations (PSYOPS), riverine operations including combat diving, intelligence operations, weapons, medics, as well as VIP security training in preparation for reassignment with the Presidential Security Group.

source || Rico Tagure

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LOOK: PNP receives P576 million worth of new boats, trucks, jeeps, radios

Photo Courtesy || PNP Official FB Page

The Philippine National Police has added more sea and land mobile assets, and communication equipment to support police operations.

PNP Chief, Police General Dionardo B Carlos led police officials in the blessing of the new equipment worth Php P576,667,540.00 during simple ceremonies at the PNP National Headquarters on Wednesday.

Photo Courtesy || PNP Official FB Page

“The PNP is grateful to President Rodrigo R Duterte and the national government for the gesture of genuine responsiveness to the operational needs of the PNP to perform our law enforcement and public safety mission. We can only reciprocate our gratitude through better police service to the people,” Carlos said.

Among the latest addition to the PNP fleet of seacrafts are ten police High-speed Tactical Watercraft powered by twin 250 horsepower engines. The new seacraft will beef-up the existing fleet of police gunboats currently in service with the PNP Maritime Group and Special Action Force for seaborne police operations and preventive patrol along the country’s 36,000 kilometer shoreline, and coastal borders.

Photo Courtesy || PNP Official FB Page

Also in the latest procurement package are 34 6-wheel utility trucks, 123 4x2 patrol vehicles, 170 lowband VHF tactical radio sets, and 1,628 handheld Digital Mobile Radio transceivers.

The Chief PNP said the latest procurement program for the new equipment was administered by the PNP Bids and Awards Committee chaired by Police Major General Rodolfo Azurin Jr, The Director for Comptrollership. The procurement program was funded from the PNP Capability Enhancement Program (CEP) for the years 2020 and 2021.

“These vehicles and communication equipment make up the backbone of police operations, the field that are expected to further boost police patrol and visibility in land and sea environment to meet requirements for greater police presence in communities under heightened COVID Alert levels; and to support KASIMBAYANAN SAFE initiatives for the forthcoming 2022 National and Local Elections,” Carlos said.

“Especially with more communication equipment available, we can now swiftly provide immediate rapid reaction to calls for police assistance and emergency response,” he said.

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WATCH: Igorot film "IITAW" competes in the Klima Film Festival

Cordillera - Igorot film "IITAW", a kankanaey word which means dream is an official entry in the Klima Film Festival this year. 

Directed and written by Flynn Mendoza, IITAW is a story of Marcel (played by Harvey Yagyagen), a young adventurer who explores the forest and got lost. 

Photo Courtesy || Climate Change Commission

While finding his way out, he played his flute and along the way he fell asleep. In his dream, he sees the nature spirit wandering around the forest.

The Klima Film Festival (KFF) was launched by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in collaboration with the Oscar M. Lopez Center (OLM Center) in order to mainstream the effects of climate change through compelling storytelling and cinematic techniques.

It is part of the OML Center’s Balangay Project which aims to chronicle the stories of climate change in the context of the Filipino experience. 

You can support the Igorot film IITAW by liking their poster here and watching the teaser in YouTube starting from February 7 to February 14, 2022.

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Igorot cop awarded 'Medalya ng Kasanayan' for being Top 1 in SAF Commando Class 110-2020

Photo Courtesy || Jojo Sodchig Claro

Cordillera - Police Lieutenant Jojo Sodchig Claro, another Igorot Achiever was recognized and awarded with MEDALYA NG KASANAYAN for being the Top 1 of the SPECIAL ACTION FORCE COMMANDO CLASS 110-2020 covering the period from October 12, 2020, to February 2, 2022, with a Final Rating of 88.6%, the highest among the 116 Members of the Class. 

The Graduation Ceremony was graced by the Acting Director, Special Action Force, Police Brigadier General Felipe R Natividad last February 2, 2022, who likewise served as the Guest Speaker.

PLT Jojo Claro, half Ilocano, half Igorot is 28 years old at present, the youngest among the five children of Mr. Apolonio Bilar Claro, (native of San Gabriel, La Union) and Mrs. Soledad Langcawan Sodchig (native of Paracelis, Mountain Province). 

He graduated elementary at Lipay Elementary School Year 2006 in La Union, and graduated at Pines City National High school Quezon Hill Annex Year 2011 in Baguio city for his Secondary Education. After graduating from High School, He took up BS Criminology at the University of Baguio and Graduated in the year 2015.  On the 17th of October, 2015, He wasted no time and passed the Criminologist Licensure Examination. 

Despite all the sacrifices and hardships experienced to conquer success, He aimed for a bigger opportunity. He passed the PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE ACADEMY CADET ADMISSION TEST on October 27, 2015, and was admitted and received on May 1, 2016, to become a PNPA cadet and a part of MANDAYUG CLASS 2020. He graduated being the 4th Battalion Executive Officer in his class on May 22, 2020, and volunteered to join the Elite Unit of the Philippine National Police, SAF COMMANDO.

Source: Vian Ca

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Honest Taxi Driver Returns Lost Cash worth P100,000 left in his car

Photo Courtesy || Digway TV

Cordillera - Another honest Cordilleran taxi driver deserves our commendation for his honesty in returning cash that was accidentally left inside his car by a passenger. 

Mr. Marcial Diclas, a native of Mankayan, Benguet did not hesitate to find a way to return a lost cash worth P100,000 to the respective owner. 

According to the owner, Mr Ruel Masantoc, he was very tired that day so he accidentally forgot the cash inside that taxi driven by Mr. Diclas. 

Indeed, Mr Diclas honesty is another testament to the innate values of the Cordilleran and trying the live with the culture of Inayan.

The act of honesty shown by Mr. Diclas will also elevate the status of taxi drivers in the Cordilleras and will also serve as a good example to be followed by all taxi drivers. 

Taxi drivers in the region are known for their honesty particularly in returning cash and valuable items that were left by passengers inside their cars.

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Cordilleran Film "The Headhunter's Daughter" wins first Short Film Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival

Photo Courtesy || Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan

Cordillera - A film by Cordilleran-Visayan filmmaker/director Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan "The Headhunter's Daughter" has won the Short Film Grand Jury Prize at the recently held 38th Sundance Film Festival in the United States of America.

The film was the only second Filipino short film to have ever compete in the Sundance Film Festival.

Eblahan's historic win at the Shorts Program 4 completes the country's successful participation in the festival as Martika Escobar's "Leonor Will Never Die" claims the 'Special Jury Award for Innovative Spirit' which is also country's first-ever win in the festival's World Cinema Dramatic Section.

Don Josephus Raphael is an independent filmmaker born of Ifugao and Visayan descent.

Eblahan works explore themes of trauma, and nature told through the cosmic lens of post colonial spaces and indigenous identities. 

In 2021, one of Eblahan films entitled "Hilum won the Student prize and received special mention from the international jury at Clemont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.

Sundance Film Festival is the largest independent film festival in the United States that brought wider recognition for iconic films such as “Saw,” “The Blair Witch Project,” “500 Days of Summer,” and “Boyhood.” 

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