Governor Solon gives radio repeaters to police

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 28, 2015) – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) represented by Robert Lubonting (extreme right), Board Member Virgilio Tobias (center), and Atty. Emma Nebran (2nd from right), executive assistant of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, turnover two units of radio repeater Friday, August 28, to PSSupt. Emmanuel Peralta (2nd from left), acting provincial director of Sarangani Police Provincial Office, and PSupt. Reynaldo Denila Jr. (extreme left), deputy provincial director for operations, at the police headquarters in Barangay Kawas. The radio repeater worth 120,000 per unit was funded by the PDRRMO to hasten police communication with the seven municipal police stations. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Police holds anti-illegal drugs drive in school

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 31, 2014) – PO1 Mae Pearl Apolinar, PNCO- Crime Incident Reporting System (CIRS) of Kiamba Municipal Police Office, informs students of Kiamba National High School the negative effects of using illegal drugs during the Drug Abuse Resistance Education forum Monday, July 28. The police supports the program of Mayor Raul Martinez in eliminating illegal drug pushers and users in the municipality. Mayor Martinez was also given a certificate of appreciation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for his full support to the anti-illegal drugs campaign. (Ruel D. Ampatin/KIAMBA INFO CENTER)

Sarangani police presents initiatives

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (June 21, 2014) - Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon expresses the initiatives of Sarangani to maintain peace and order and police enforcement during the Performance Governance System Certification on Initiation Stage at the Police Regional Office XII on June 17. Police Senior Superintendent Emmanuel Peralta, Sarangani Provincial Police Office Director, presented the initiatives and plans of SPPO where he was given acknowledgement from Gov. Solon and P/CSupt Edgardo Ingking, Acting Director of Directorate for Integrated Police Operations Western Mindanao, for his outstanding performance on his presentation as well as in his two-month long service as the provincial director of Sarangani. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

SP requests vehicles for Sarangani PNP

By APRIL JANE C. UGSAD

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 30, 2014) – A resolution requesting PNP Director General Alan Purisima to grant two units of 4x4 vehicles for Sarangani Provincial Police Office (SPPO) was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Tuesday (May 27).

Currently, the SPPO has one vehicle (Toyota Innova) and five motorcycles augmented by the provincial government.

Police Senior Superintendent Emmanuel Peralta, SPPO director, emphasized the need of additional vehicles to improve the mobilization of police field operations considering that Sarangani Province comprises seven municipalities.

Having seen this need, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon initiated the request for additional vehicles from PNP national headquarters.

“We would like to thank the continuing support of Cong. Emmanuel Pacquiao, Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, and Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao to us,” P/SSupt. Peralta told the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members during the regular session.

According to Peralta, there is a need for more police vehicles to efficiently respond to crime-related incidents in the province. He also thanked the board members who approved the matter as urgent.

“If the PNP will approve our request, pinapangako po naming gampanan ang aming tungkulin in providing more improved security and safety for the province and its residents,” Peralta added. (April Jane C. Ugsad/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

All systems set for #sarbayfest2014

By JOY R. SEVILLA

GUMASA (May 15, 2014) – Personnel of the Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center (STIPC), organizer of Sarangani Bay (SarBay) Festival, said they are 99.9% ready for the biggest beach festival in Southern Philippines which kicks off May 16.

“Lahat ng nakakapunta sa venue, napapa-‘wow’ na. We are all set like 99.9% ready,” Taqna Sumajit of STIPC said in an interview.

Sumajit added they are even ready to respond to any challenge that may exist during the event.

She said they already coordinated with the security group to make sure that everyone, especially the visitors and tourists, will feel safe and secure.

It was learned that there are a total of 185 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be detailed in the venue during the whole duration of the festival (May 16 and 17), 80 members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and 150 barangay tanods who will also assist during the event.

“We also have medical and rescue teams, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, and members from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP),” she said, adding that the province has tied up with the municipality of Glan regarding the security matters.

Earlier, it was reported that STIPC targets 10 to 15 percent increase in tourist arrivals for this year’s SarBay celebration.

In 2013, there was a remarkable increase in the number of tourist arrivals from 52,000 in 2012 to 70,000 tourists in 2013.

The increase can be attributed to the better implementation of activities which people from all over the country look forward to every year.

Aside from sports and environmental activities such as Beach Volleyball, Beach Football, Jet Ski Competition, Swim Across the Bay, Triathlon for the Environment, and others, SarBay is an avenue to continuously raise awareness in protecting and preserving the bay. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. Come and enjoy SarBay Fest in Gumasa on May 16-17, 2014. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

New police director for Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 21, 2014) – PS Supt. Emmanuel Baloloy Peralta (extreme right) assumes office as director of Sarangani Police Provincial Office with administering officer PC Supt. Lester Camba (third from right) on April 16. Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (2^nd from right) assured the full support of the provincial government to SPPO. The governor said camaraderie is a must for the success of all the developments in Sarangani. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

New PNPA graduate from Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani(April 14, 2014) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon presents a new graduate of Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA)during the flag raising ceremony at Capitol Monday, April 14. Police Inspector Ian Marc S. Polestico (center), Mandilaab Class 2014 (Mandirigmang may Dangal at Isipan Laan sa Bayan), belongs to the top 10 of his class. He is best in Math and Sciences as well. Polestico is a product of Alabel National Science High School. At left is his mother, Marilou S. Polestico, a teacher at Alabel National High School. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Provincial Police Strategic Management Unit breaks ground

ALABEL, Sarangani (April 11, 2014) - PSUPT. Jomar Alexis Yap Sr. (left), OIC-Provincial Director, and PSUPT. Ricky Rebua (right), PNP Deputy Provincial Director for Operations, welcome Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon Thursday, April 10, to the ground-breaking ceremony of the Provincial Police Strategic Management Unit at Sarangani Provincial Police Office. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Provincial Joint Peace Security Coordinating Center holds meeting

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 1, 2014) – The Provincial Joint Peace Security Coordinating Center conducts a meeting together with officers of the 73^rd Infantry Battalion, 27^th Infantry Battalion, Sarangani Provincial Police Office and the Regional Public Safety Battalion Friday, February 28. (Marvin Soler/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Provincial Joint Peace Security Coordinating Center formed

ALABEL, Sarangani (March 1, 2014) – The Provincial Joint Peace Security Coordinating Center is formed with the signing Friday, February 28, of the Joint Implementing Plan with (from left) Lt. Col. Patricio Amata, commanding officer of 73^rd Infantry Battalion; police provincial director of Sarangani PSSUPT Edwin Sollera Minion and Lt. Col. Shalimar Imperial, commanding officer of 27^th Infantry Battalion. The coordinating center would prescribe the policies, guidelines and procedure to strengthen and institutionalize the convergence and fusion of efforts in providing security for all vital government and private projects, undertakings, facilities and equipment within urban and rural areas. (Marvin Soler/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Law and defense training in barangay

MALUNGON, Sarangani (February 21, 2014) - A police officer demonstrates how to arrest a suspected criminal during the training on law and defense organized by the Integrated Barangay Defense Force (IBDF) on February 19-21. The training involved the 73rd Infantry Battalion. IBDF is also into volunteer service for community development. Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon who conceptualized the partnership among community volunteers, PNP and Army while he was still the vice governor has worked for PhilHealth benefits for members. He also organized livelihood trainings for IBDF members. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PNP 12 commits to align with Sulong Sarangani program

By JOY R. SEVILLA

ALABEL, Sarangani (February 1, 2014) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 12 has bared its plans for the year particularly on how to align with the programs and activities of the provincial government.

Police Chief Inspector Joefel Remudaro, chief of the Police Community Relations (PCR) of PNP 12 headquarters, said during the Provincial Joint Peace Security Coordinating Center Meeting Thursday (January 30) that the PNP ensures activities for Sarangani will be congruent to the LGU’s Sulong Sarangani advocacy.

“One of our plans this year is to align with the programs of the LGU of Sarangani. We will ensure that we can join in the activities of the province in promoting the Sulong Sarangani program,” Remudaro said.

He said the PNP can be part of Sulong Sarangani program by partnering with the local government in its efforts to promote its battlecry in which they can take part.

“We can join the LGU in its Sulong Kapayapaan or Sulong Karunungan programs by conducting lectures to different police stations in the province,” he said.

Sulong Kapayapaan is one of Sulong Sarangani pillars focusing on peace and development, while the Sulong Talino pillar focuses on education.

Aside from the Sulong Sarangani program, Remudaro added that the PNP has also started in helping the province’s tourism industry.

“Nag-conduct na kami ng mga lectures sa iba’t ibang police stations. Ang gusto namin, every PNP personnel in the province must be familiar with the background, location, direction and other details of the different tourist spots dito para kahit sino mang pulis ang lalapitan at tatanungin mo, makakapagbigay agad ng impormasyon,” he explained.

Aside from aligning with the programs of the LGU of Sarangani, the PNP 12 also plans to strengthen its coordination with its partner agencies to ensure that they provide the needed services to the constituents.

Meanwhile, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said that the Police Community Relations (PCR) program plays a big role in securing government projects. He commended the PNP and AFP for organizing the joint peace security coordinating center meeting which intends to discuss issues and concerns pertaining to the maintenance of peace security towards the development of Sarangani.

“You should have a regular interface, you need to increase fellowship through fusion, because you play a big role in securing government projects,” Solon told the personnel of the PNP and AFP, who also participated in the meeting.

Police Senior Superintendent Edwin Minion, PNP provincial director, on the other hand, said that the highlight of the meeting was the signing of Joint Implementing Plan between the Sarangani Province Police Office (SPPO) and the 73rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

An agreement on how PNP and AFP can intensify its programs in the maintenance of peace and development in the province is included in the implementing plan.

Police Superintendent Ricky Rebua, PNP deputy provincial director for operations (DPDO), said that part of the implementing plan is the specific division of labor of PNP and the AFP.

“We came up with the implementing plan para rin mapag-usapan ang division of labor kasi may mga palitan ng assignment na nangyari sa 73rd IB,” he said. The plan also includes implementation of pro-active measures against threat groups. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

LMT, IMT crafting GPH-MILF ceasefire mechanism in Sarangani

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 1, 2013) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon convened Monday (September 30) a joint meeting between the Local Monitoring Team (LMT) and the International Monitoring Team (IMT) to craft a GPH-MILF (Government of the Republic of the Philippines – Moro Islamic Liberation Front) ceasefire mechanism in his province.

Solon stressed the mechanism would define both parties’ roles in safeguarding the ceasefire and the peace process. Structures are existing, he said, but a clearly defined system on the ground has yet to be crafted.

While both the GPH and MILF are cautious on the peace process, Solon said, the mechanism of coordination referred to as Manual of Instruction (MOI) should be agreed upon and adopted by both local peace panels as implementing guidelines on the security aspect.

The MOI was seen to form part of the government’s partnership with the MILF in the peace agreement. “Let’s be dynamic and utilize existing means,” Solon said.

Also participating in the workshop were representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), IMT of Team Site 4, Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities and other peace partners.

The AFP, on the other hand, reported Sarangani is generally peaceful as movements of the MILF have been properly coordinated to the military thru the group’s LMT.

On September 11, Solon led the signing of Manifesto of Commitment among key influential leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front, AFP and PNP that confirmed their unity towards a common fundamental commitment to promote the culture of peace in this part of Mindanao. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Call for peace draws MNLF and gov’t together in Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 11, 2013) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (center) presides over the peace forum with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) key and influential leaders led by political director of the MNLF Central Committee Winnie Hadjirul (extreme right), MNLF spokesperson Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla (2^nd from right), and Vice Mayor Uttoh Salem Cutan of Maasim (4^th from right) held at the Kasfala Hall of the Capitol Compound Wednesday, September 11. Also in the forum were 1002nd Infantry Brigade officers led by Col. Marcos Norman Flores Jr., 27th Infantry Battalion, Philippine National Police in Sarangani and General Santos City, local commanders of MNLF and provincial officials of Sarangani. The group discussed issues and concerns affecting the ongoing peace process. (Aiza Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani LGU, MNLF sign Manifesto of Commitment for peace

ALABEL, Sarangani  (September 11, 2013) - Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (center) leads the signing of the Manifesto of Commitment Wednesday, September 11, among key influential leaders of the Moro National Liberation front (MNLF), Armed forces of the Philippines (AFP) and  the Philippine National Police (PNP). The manifesto declares that the MNLF, AFP, PNP and the Local Government Unit of Sarangani are united in the common fundamental commitment to promote the culture of peace in this part of the country. Signing the manifesto are (seated from right) Wennie Hadjirul, political director of the MNLF Central Committee; Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla, MNLF spokesperson; Gov. Solon; Col. Marcos Norman Flores Jr., commander of 1002^nd Infantry Brigade; and Maasim Vice Mayor Uttoh Salem Cutan. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)