CORRECTNESS PLOTTED

The new year will put Initao Observer on the tract of posting things correct politically, economically and spiritually. We had a turbulent year of seemingly natural events that some opined man-made. As to what is the truth, IOs will stand grounds on this premise. To be politically true, economically true and spiritually true on what is generally good for Initaonons. WHAT IS POLITICAL- ECONOMIC-SPIRITUAL CORRRECTNESS? The OBSERVER is lining up local opinion makers to tell and inform the locality what is being correct on those aspects. And hopefully, wrongness may be remedied and benefits will just redound to all when largely people who love Initao might be guided to wake up from these slumber.

NEW ABC PREXY ELECTED

The Observer was informed yesterday that Oguis Barangay Chair Guiles Waslo was recently elected President of the Initao Association of Barangay Captains. He has not been seen by this blogger since his election, the "hunt" is still on. And Waslo is known pro-people and pro-poor, he must be plotting programs in town to benefit these sectors. This may be known and confirmed in the coming days ahead, he will be interviewed.

ANNOUNCEMENT

To all INITAO OBSERVERS in Initao and elsewhere: We are on recruit for Red Cross volunteers. Anybody interested please text or inform admin and necessary application forms are available at any moments' notice. You may obtain them at MAHULAGWAY store in Poblacion or at Bliss, the observer's residence.

ONE HUNDRED FOR LOST ID

In the towns's MSWDO yesterday morning, the Observer was told upon inquiry what is in for a lost senior citizen's identification card? In the absence of Susan Dadole, the Acting Social Welfare and Development Officer of Initao, who was not there then, employees there said that a one hundred pesos fine for its replacement will be charged against those whose IDs belong. And that if he or she may have forgotten the number of that ID being senior in age, her/his purchase booklet where that number is certainly recorded will solve the problem. And with that also, it is easier to locate her/him in the computer file, they said.

ENLISTMENT GOING ON

Volunteers are getting enlisted here for the Red Cross. This is not only for the recent Yolanda experience but for the future and usual services that Red Cross has been extending to communities through the years. Forms are available in Poblacion at Mikail Almeda's MAHULAGWAY store and with the OBSERVER at Bliss. Volunteers are given insurance coverage upon payment of a token fee and issued with IDs. Trainings and seminars are expected.

RECRUITMENT-ON

Volunteer recruitment for Philippine Red Cross is going on. The Observer was recently told by Cagayan de Oro PRC Administrator Mr. Ramil Abellon that volunteers are welcome, they just visit their office eastside of the Provincial Capitol building beside the provincial health office. People may sign-up or fill-up forms if they really desires so. And Initao, he said has been visited by them for a possible chapter organization and they have connected with people here in the LGU making negotiations for volunteers. Abellon mentioned Amy Bagares, the secretary of the mayor to effect recruitment and they are waiting for developments.

HARRY WAS NOT THERE

It was alleged that one of the mayor's steategic election planners, Harry Bagares was in Gimangpang when they tried to topple down Richard Go last October elections. In a chance meeting with him, Harry told the Observer that he was in Apas, and after voting he went there not in Gimangpang. "Sa akong mahinumduman kaduha ra man ko makauban ni Gogoy didto, wa pay eleksyon", Harry said.

MASS OATH-TAKING SCHEDULED

Newly elected barangay officials are said to take oath their offices Monday 18th November at the provincial capitol grounds said oath-takers this morning in the barangay hall of San Pedro. Chair-Elect Alma Acain and Acting Chair Mercedita Balabat told the Observer that they are going to Cagayan de Oro City for the ocassion. They also said that the official-elects from Lugait to Magsaysay are expected to be there where the Governor of the province will conduct the oath-taking. Formal assumption of offices, Balabat said, will be 01 December 2013.

ELECTION PROTEST FILED

Early last week,an election protest was submitted to the COMELEC here and subseqently filed in court by bgy. Aluna defeated candidate for chairmanship Jolly Tacbobo. He suffered his worst defeat by one vote from that of Eve Sade last 28 October barangay elections. Tacbobo got 259 votes and Sade 260. He complains of non-resident voters and he has already deposited the required amount in court needed for the protest.

NEW BARANGAY OFFICIALS KNOWN-2

TUBIGAN CHAIRMAN: Roger Bagares COUNCILORS; 1. Jenalyn Waslo 2. Ariel Jagonal 3. Temis Gonzaga 4. Juanito Waslo 5. Avelina Buray 6. Adeline Poblete 7. Sauro Noble SOURCE: COMELEC OFFICIAL RESULTS 28 OCTOBER 2013 BARANGAY ELECTIONS

80% VOTED

COMELEC said 79 point something percent of the voting population here went to voting centers 28 October. Of the 16 barangays the lowest voter turn-out is San Pedro. But by-and large, they say, people of Initao exercised the right of choice alright amidst reports of massive vote buying.

DEFEATED TOWN CANDIDATES TO CITY POSTS

From sources here, it is known that a defeated town mayoralty candidate and a councilor are now occupying positions of directorship in Cagayan de oro City.The Observer was informed that Francis Balabat is a director now in RTA and Pepito Gambe a director in Water district. They were accomodated earlier, said the source, by their political comrade the now City Mayor Oscar Moreno after the one year ban.

NEW BARANGAY OFFICIALS-KNOWN

ALUNA CHAIRMAN: Eve Sacay COUNCILORS; 1. Feladelfa Andam 2. Leo Cabellan 3. Daisy Sacay 4. Rosalina Fabrigas 5.Abelardo Fabrigas 6. Emerito Ratunil 7. Rey Cabanaz ANDALES CHAIRMAN: Leo Jamaca COUNCILORS 1. Paulino Bongolto 2. Jacinto Lorono 3. Horcisio Estano 4. Elvie Poblete 5. Camilo Agustin 6. Porferia Luzon 7.Armando Jalagat APAS CHAIRMAN: Francisco Camaro COUNCILORS: 1. alberto Balcueba 2.Ethel Robenta 3. Jomel Villegas 4. Rosan Vedra 5. Alice Sandoval 6. Leah Lawas 7. Lannie Bagares CALACAPAN; CHAIRMAN; Vicente Jajalla COUNCILORS; 1. Teodoro Urot Sr. 2. Epitacio Acut 3. Bonifacio Llacuna 4. Elmer Aguilar 5. Juanilo Quilog 6. Gigie llacuna 7. Magnolia Daguimol GIMANGPANG CHAIRMAN: Richard Go COUNCILORS: 1.Jojo Ratunil 2. Vincent Caburatan 3.Rikki Ratunil 4. Gary Limbaco 5. Rudy Peralta 6. Alpha Rosales 7. Niza Berboso JAMPASON CHAIRMAN: Philip Ubot COUNCILORS; 1. Sammy Buntag 2. Salvador Patlunag 3. Christilyn Maagad 4. Carmelita Jabien 65. Vicenta Decenilla 6. Camia Ramirez 7. Rian Patlunag KAMELON CHAIRMAN; Hadie Acain COUNCILORS: 1. Tersa Damalan 2. Rabi Lacapag 3. Oliver Jalagat 4. Rico Waslo 5. Marlou Magas 6. Digna Babatido 7. Sylvia Ongcol KANITOAN CHAIRMAN: Sonia Jarlata COUNCILORS: 1.Rodito Oblimar 2. Reny Pacut 3. daniel Pacut 4. Ligaya Bidan 5. welly Pacut 6. Eusebio Laduros 7. Emelio Waslo OGUIS CHAIRMAN: Guiles Waslo COUNCILORS: 1. Vergilio Macalaguing 2.Ceferina Galarpe 3. Felix Buntag, Sr. 4. Marcial acain 5. Regoldo Clapano 6. Cornelio pagalan 7. Jessan Jalagat PAGAHAN CHAIRMAN: Carlos Balabat COUNCILORS: 1. Anecita Lagawan 2. Julieta Dominguez 3. Brenda Madridano 4. Joje Aput 5. Fedelino Balabat 6. Bernard Balabat 7. Isidro Madridano POBLACION CHAIRMAN: Engracio Galarroza COUNCILORS: 1. Gabriel Galaroza 2. Archil Chio 3. Ricardo Quitoriano, Jr. 4. Jay anthony Dizon 5. Alistair emerson Pacana 6. Frisco Cabillan 7. Emmanuel Acain PONTACON CHAIRMAN: Francis Tupag COUNCILORS: Cecelio Dala 2. Gerry Tacbobo 3. Dante Padua 4. Love Tupag 5. Rosa Cumamao 6. Mathusalam Domloan 7. Serafin Legada SAN PEDRO CHAIRMAN: Alma Acain COUNCILORS: 1. Carl Mark Carbonilla 2. Mercedita Balabat 3. Gibson Inigo 4. Marlon Waga 5. Sue Honor Galarroza 6. Nestor Acain 7. Mesach Magsayo SINALAC CHAIRMAN: Jovenciano Saluna COUNCILORS: 1. Mila Ubanan 2. Carmen Ellorin 3. Joy Sancho 4. Junie Bonggo 5. Ariel Legaspi 6. Efren Bonggo 7. Mary Joy Clavecilla TAWANTAWAN CHAIRMAN: Patricio Dala COUNCILORS: 1. Felix Waga 2. Pacencio Wabe 3. Romeo Badana 4. Domingo Gumisad 5. Michael Mendez 6. Celestino Bagares 7. Dominga Cabillan

A VOTE AT SIX HUNDRED TO 1K

Admin people here tried to topple Gimangpang Chair Richard Go by way of buying voters at six hundred to one thousand pesos each. But that fell short of 36 votes, making him the first in history to get second term. This was the case, he said, that everytime election came it was always first and last term for incumbents, only this time he got elected the second time. With all their resources, they failed in their bid to oust me from office, Go said.

OFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS OUT

Barangay election results were known and released by Municipal Election Officer of Initao Ms. Dina cabunoc and the following Barangay Chairmen were proclaimed shortly after the counting Monday night; ALUNA: Eve Sade, ANDALES: Leo Jamaca, APAS: Francisco Camaro, CALACAPAN: Vicente Jajalla, GIMANGPANG: Richard Go, JAMPASON:Philip Obut, KAMELON: Hadie Acain, KANITOAN: Sonia Jarlata, OGUIS: Guiles Waslo, PAGAHAN: Carlos Balabat, POBLACION: Engracio Balabat, PONTACON:Francis Ian Tupag, SAN PEDRO: Alma Acain, SINALAC:Jovenciano Saluna, TAWANTAWAN: Patricio Dala, TUBIGAN: Roger Bagares.

TRAGEDY AVOIDED

In a short talk with Gimangpang Chair Richard Go this morning in his home, the Observer knew of a bloody outcome had one false moves of Mayor Gogoy and his hosts were noticed, he said. This was when the Mayor recently singled out Gimangpang as one to concentrate of politically toppling being the one and only standing and remaining opposition in the municipality. They were already prepared of any eventuality, Go said. And that Gogoy's presence there was illegal, and added to that was the assistance to him of PNP station commander Roy Montes and his men who installed a check point in front of his pathway. This too was illegal, they were showing their partisan politics to the public,Go added.

SITUATIONER

"Barangay election is non-partisan but Gogoy's group been successful in his ill motive to control initao by making himself visible in all bgy. last election utilizing his kgwds and employees do the irregularities just to insure winnability of their candidates. This a clear violation of comelec omnibus code. What can God fearing people do to save initao of this barbaric act of gogoy's syndicate group. Capt go of gimangpang was harassed by gogoy utilizing pnp headed by montes to establish pnp check point in front of capt go res/gate. Sancho of Tawan2 was forced to withdraw para wala contra kapitan. Asa na hustisya nato initaonon. Gising mga kaigsoonan." TEXT MESSAGE SENT TO THE OBSERVER LAST NIGHT, QUOTED HERE WORD FOR WORD FROM CELL PHONE NUMBER: +639216476849

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS KNOWN

People here know and are giving information ahead from COMELEC after the few hours when voting centers were closed. This was when election results were tabulated and winners were proclaimed. Partial report, Aluna: Eve Sacay, Apas: Francisco Camaro, Jampason: Philip Obut, Kamelon: Hadie Acain, Oguis: Guiles Waslo, Pagahan: Carlos Balabat, Poblacion: Engracio Galarroza, San Pedro: Alma Acain.

SITUATIONER

In tbe field this day, people are not working and are waiting for windfall that candidates promise. They are expecting candidates to include them in their budgets and the other favors given during times like this as drinks, snacks and meats from butchered pigs, etc. In other words, these are a few days festivity there and days of recreation and enjoyment. "Palangga man mi sa mga kandidato karon", says one voter.

CHAIRMANSHIP CANDIDATES LIST OUT

Dina Cabunoc, Municipal Election officer gave Monday the Observer lists of candidates for Barangay Captain for the recent barangay elections and these are the following: ALUNA: Rodrigo Caburatan, Eve Sacay, Jolly Tacbobo. ANDALES: Leo Jamaca, Liza Leonar. APAS: Nestor Buhian, Francisco Camaro. CALACAPAN: Vicente Jajalla, Vergilio Magallanes. GIMANGPANG: Elmer Garcia, Richard Go. JAMPASON: Philip Obut. Abundio Tacbobo. KAMELON: Hadie Acain, Letecia Recolito. KANITOAN: Sonia Jarlata, Roy Mabalos, Guyde Ubagan, Jr. OGUIS: Felipe Sacay, Guiles Waslo. PAGAHAN: Carlos Balabat, Fe Minion. POBLACION: Michel Balingit, Manuel Buhian, Engracio Galarroza. PONTACON: Eddie Clapano, Ramil Dala, Francis Ian Tupag. SAN PEDRO: Alma Acain, Edwin Gabitano. SENALAC: Jovenciano Saluna. TAWANTAWAN: Patricio Dala, Ma. Lourdes Sancho. TUBIGAN: Roger Bagares.

DISQUALIFICATION NOT HERE

Candidates getting disqualification complaints can rest for a while or just stay put. Complaints like this are not addressed locally but in COMELEC Central legal department, said Dina Cabunoc yesterday in her office when asked about candidates targetted for complaints due to non-filing of election expenditures after the last barangay elections. Time constraints and expense would bar this, complainants would rather defer doing that.

CANDIDATE BACKS OUT

"Gi-anha anhaan man", said Toto Galarpe in a chance meeting in Sitio Dulag where he was campaigning as councilor for barangay Tawantawan. He was referring to Maria Lourdes Sancho, candidate for barangay captain who is recently known to have backed out of the race. Galarpe meant the mayor's henchmen were in her home several times and persuaded her to withdraw, and she did. Officially though, she may not have.

278 FILED CCs

According to Dina Cabunoc, Municipal Election Officer of Initao,to date there are 278 candidates for the 28 October barangay elections. Thirty four for barangay chairmanship and the rest are for councilorship. Two Barangay Chairmen do not have challengers namely, Senalac and Tubigan. Other barangays have either two or three contesting. For the chairmen who do not have challengers, even just one vote will do, they will be declared winners, she said. There is no percentage whatsoever to meet unlike plebiscites. And Cabunoc told the Observer that the ongoing campaign period ends Saturday evening.

SITUATIONER

On this third day of campaign period for barangay elections, candidates are very busy. Even though Sunday, yet they seem restless going house to house. They know that their time to campaign is shorter than 3 years ago. One comment here says, for incumbent officials of the barangays that are inept and non-performing, only drawing honoraria, they must no longer stay long in their positions and if they are still running this time, they should not be voted. Another comment; "makadaug pa na sila kay naa may kwarta. Ang wala, maayo pay maglusi". Money therefore is one basis of winnability.

250+ FILED

Dina Cabunoc, Initao Municipal Election Officer told the Observer Wednesday night that as of last night 252 certificates of candidacies were filed in the local COMELEC office. These filers,she said, were from the barangays other than Poblacion and Tubigan that will go to the COMELEC office for the last time this day. And they will post all names of candidates for Chairman and councilors after this day, the 17th.

SITUATIONER

A barangay councilwoman told the Observer yesterday that changes are still going on for people aspiring positions in the coming barangay elections. Some who wanted the Chair are lowering their plan to just councilmen. The reason she pointed out is the means or the money to spend for the venture. In San Pedro alone, past expenses for barangay captain amounted to over a hundred thousand at one hundred per voter, and for councilmen the least is fifty thousand. With two days remaining for the filing of certificates of candidacies, the local COMELEC Office tomorrow will be very busy.

CC FILING SCHEDULE OUT

The Local COMELEC office recently released the schedule for filing certificates of candidacies,said San Pedro Barangay Captain Mercedita Balabat. This morning in her office, Balabat said the filing is clustered, and some three others two barangays for each cluster. The following are the clusters; Sinalac-Oguis-Calacapan, Oct. 11, Kamelon-Apas-Tawantawan, Oct. 12, Andales-Jampason, Oct. 14, San Pedro-Kanitoan-Gimangpang, Oct. 15, Pontacon-Aluna-Pagahan, Oct. 16, Poblacion-Tubigan, Oct. 17.

SITUATIONER

Some people here express personal opinions that there is a syndicate operating here in Initao. This is so, they say,that criminality has been left not curved and victims lay prostate for lack of action on the part of the authorities, as the police and the local officials given the responsibilities. This syndicate might be protected and who the protectors might be is another problem. Who will tell? These days are days of whistle-blowers, they say, and the hope of getting known personalities involved in criminal activities here might be exposed because of them, their courage to tell the truth. The problem is who will come out first?

CHAIR CANDIDATES MULLING

Aspirants of the Chairs' seats of the 16 barangays are already plotting who might be the people in their line-ups. Without the SK, for there is that move of postponing their elections,for them that would be as usual. The selection of the Chairs are based on what they think personally acceptable to the powers that be or simply Gogoy's choice. And the ones given the approval together with their invested means of running, again this simply means money, they get their go signal.

MRB-NEW CHAIR OF SAN PEDRO

After the elected Chair of San Pedro Karel Carbonilla became SB member of the town and sworn in, first councilor Mercedita Ratunil-Balabat by succession became chair July and since then she is at the helm. On the upcoming elections next month, she said "no" when asked if she would run as Bgy. Captain. Instead she would settle on what she was, only as councilor.

CHAIR HAS CHALLENGER

In a chance talk with Gimangpang Bgy. Captain Richard Go Tuesday at their Barangay hall, he said, Naa man kuno", when asked by the Observer, "Cap, naa bay mokontra? The family names mentioned then and there were Galarroza and Jarales. This will be known when filing of certificates of candidacies comes next month for the barangay elections.

SITUATIONER

Daghan na pod managan karon Octobre sa barangay, kini alang sa mga posisyon gikan sa pagka-kapitan hangtud sa SK. Ug matud sa usa ka tig-tan-aw sa panghitabo dinhi nga dili magpangalan,ubay ubay na pod ang mapilde niini kay mao man gyud na, gamay ra man ang modaug ug makasulod sa posisyon. Apan matud pa pod niya, diha man midagan ug nakadaug pero midagan ra pod human makaingkod. Di madugay,ingon niya, sa mga nakadaug ug naka-ingkod, basin naa na pod managan bisag human na eleksyon.

GAMBE PROJECTION OUT

In a recent talk with the Observer in his home, this was in his colon post operation and recuperation, Ex-SP member Pepito Gambe said that it is most likely, Penny Buhian becomes mayor of Initao. Gambe reasoned that with Dimaporo's arrest that was so unexpected, gave us hint that other local officials having cases filed in the Office of the Ombudsman may follow. This depends on, he pointed out, when those cases were filed and the number of years these stayed there and the time for those to be opened. And with the mayor's case, he continued, one or two years, who knows? And then, the vice mayor's NGO might be one of those involved in the pork barrel scam, who knows too? Then take the first councilor's unexplained wealth, the BIR will be coming after her. These people, Gambe says, might be running away. Penny by succession takes over, he said.

SK MAAYO WALAON

Usa ka lumolopyo nga dili magpa-ila nag-ingon nga maayo nang SK walaon kay matud pa niya, una; nag-usil lang na sa budget; ikaduha, gatudloan ra na sila sa binuang sa politika; ikatulo, gakat-on na noon na sila pagapangurakot. MAayo pa dili na na sila ipaapil ug pangitaan na lang ug laing paagi nga sila adunay representasyon, matud pa niya.

WA NA MOBALIK

Contraktor sa pag-construct sa Barangay Hall sa San Pedro wa pa man mobalik, ingon sa Acting barangay Kapitan Mercedita Balabat. Wala pa matiwas ang proyekto ug wala pa kini ma-turn over. Tumbok niya basin wa pa ma-release ang pundo para sa pag-completo.Kon ma-release and PDAF sa congressman, matiwas ra na, igon sa usa ka konsehal.

SITUATIONER

Usa ka pumupuyo sa lungsod nga dili mag-paila nag-ingon nga wala na gyud mocontra ni Gogoy kay tagak man gyud tanan. Matud pa niya, lisud mapilde si Gogoy kay nakagamot na.Puno pa pod niya, daghan man god siyag makwartahan, magasto sa eleksyon. Di mapilde bisag unsaon. This one opinion of a resident that has some good basis. But other people say, "Moabot ra na, madugay sa madali, mapilde ra na siya". "Kanus-a pa, retorted another. But with the recent pork barrel problem, politicians who depend on this during elections will have difficulty raising votes, says another observer. And for this coming barangay elections, still the moneyed candidates got the upper hand, because they say, "no money no vote".

27M-ROAD PROJECTS EXPECTED

This morning in his office, Initao MPDO Ariel Galarroaza said that a total of 27 million road project is getting implemented here pending pre-evaluation and approval by personnel of regional office of Department of Agriculture. Barangays involved, he pointed out, are Aluna, Gimangpang, Tawantawan, San Pedro, Jampason, and Tubigan. Another road project that is also expected from here on to 2014 is that road from Bansilang to Senalac amounting to 16.5 million, Galarroza said.

SITUATIONER

Last night at 9:00 a commotion in the market took place, and this morning the chief investigator of PNP Initao SPO4 Nilo Dala confirmed this but gave no details what happened there. The Observer left IPO with hazy information about that for the investigator left ahead for probably another investigation. On another development, the new Station Commander of PNP-Initao Polic Inspector Roy Montes is said tolerates gambling on weekends, this is Saturdays and Sundays. This was according to concerned citizen and ex-SB member Belen Saavedra. "This is illegal", she said.

SENIOR CITIZENS INNOVATING

Appointed Senior citizen Liaison Officer Early Magsayo has been rounding Initao for the last two months monitoring elections for officers of senior citizens in the barangays, and so far she recently said that only three remained yet to be conducted. On Wednesday, she will be in the monthly meeting of San Pedro to hopefully conduct the elections there. She expressed her desire that a new set of officers may be elected so that problems of accomplishments may be realized and known that there are. For the last two years and at present, Magsayo pointed out, this is one big problem.

EXCLUSION EXPENSIVE

More or less Php1,500.00 one will spend for every petition for exclusion is submitted for court action, said MCTC Clerk of Court Melody Almeda. In view of Oguis barangay captain Guiles Waslo's information that questionable registrants in his barangay are about 20 and he planned to have them dropped from voters list, the petition for exclusion will be filed the the courts and not in COMELEC, Almeda said. And there will be hearings for that, she continued. And if there will 20 petitions filed, one by one will be going through separate court proceedings, she added.

BARANGAY HALL NOT FINISHED YET

In a recent meeting with him in the barangay hall, the Observer was told by councilor Mesach Magsayo that San Pedro's barangay hall is not yet finished. The contractor has not come back to cement the CR and to install the roof gutter that the project gets complete. They have not yet signed the receipt of the said project contract as one finished, he said. It has yet to be completed and finished, he added.

PRDP WAS MRDP

Formerly MRDP is now PRDP said Initao Municipal Planning and Development Officer Ariel Galarroza.In a recent talk with the Observer in his office, the MPDO said that Mindanao Road Development Project has become the nationwide Philippine Rural Development Program of the President. And he said this is the same, only the scope and coverage is enlarged. Initao's road project continues, Galarroza said. And recipient barangays were already informed that last 20th August was bidding for winning contractors to implement what were stalled when election period was the reason, he concluded.

SITUATIONER

A resident voter who requested not named said that moneyed people eyeing official positions in the barangays are now counting costs and budgeting to run come October. Chances are, he said, poor runners don't have the chance even if they have more relatives because, he pointed out, money talks so much that these days without this one hardly wins. "Kon wa kay kwarta, baho pa kas ta....", he said.

QUESTIONABLE REGISTRANTS NOTED

In a chance meeting at the Hall of Justice yesterday, Oguis barangay captain Guiles Waslo told the Observer that 15 to 20 questionable newly registered voters are being scrutinized by him for he does not know them and he has that hard time locating them in his barangay. He came out then from the office of the COMELEC and still holding the copies of the list of the new registrants he got from there. "Mga quince ngadtos baynte ni", ug kasagaran sa SK", he said. (This is just in one hinterland barangay, what about the others?)

WOULD BE-"EXCLUSIONER" NOT THERE

The barangay captain of Oguis Guiles Waslo who was said to file with the local COMELEC office here for exclusion of some of newly registered voters of his barangay was not there when the Observer went there earlier this morning. Comelec employees said he might be coming and has not yet arrive to pursue his case. It was known that the chair was worried that overaged registeres as SK and non-residents were reasons of his complaint.

COUNCIL TRYING ITS BEST

San Pedro barangay council peace and order committee chair Kag. Gibson Inigo said this morning that they in the council are trying their best to do what they can for the purpose of getting things done in the aspect of peace and order after a resident of Bliss became recent victim of robbery. They are considering the already delayed organization of barangay information network (BIN)that for so long has not been given due attention and in great neglect. They are having at this time their second monthly session and in here they will tackle said problem, Inigo assured.

SITUATIONER

Would be candidates for the forthcoming barangay elections are preparing. Not only on people they are to connect but most is the money for the event which is the most important, they say. Some are linking with people who have the means to finance what they vie for making representations for loans, payable after their hoped victories. And if defeated, still the payment is expected. Moneyed candidates are not that worried though, they have the advantage. And some worry, for it is known, money sometimes fail. This cannot be all the times a means to win in an election like what is coming. You may have all the money in the world yet you could lose, when most of the voters just accept the money and still vote for the other guy, not you. IN Bgy. San Pedro there are 4 candidates for the chairmanship, people say. In Tubigan only one, Senalac only the incumbent, Jampason five of them, Calacapan two, Andales two, Gimangpang "wa pay klaro", Tawantawan two, Kanitoan two, Aluna three, Pagahan two and Pontacon two. This will yet change when filing of certificates of candidacies are filed with the COMELEC come October.

THREE AND TEN FOR BARANGAY ELECTIONS

Only three days for filing of certificates of candidacies and ten days for the campaign period for the forthcoming barangay elections said recently Dina Cabunoc, Initao Municipal Election Officer. The filing of the CCs will be on the 15-16-17th of October and the campaign period is ten days thereafter. The 28th is the election day as known.

SITUATIONER

An intelligence officer said this morning on a chance encounter with the Observer that the one (a PDEA agent) who killed a Police Officer at the vicinity of Brgy. Gimangpang while in route to ferry the victim to CDO is now detained in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City. The Inteloff said, the agent owned the crime alone although they were five in the van when the crime was committed. They must have agreed it was their plan B, he said. The choice to be in the Army Camp was the agent's for fear of getting killed anywhere else or just any prison other than that of the Army's, he added.

IT'S GETTING SERIOUS

This morning's program at the municipal hall, Mayor Gogoy pointed out Vice Mayor Cora Sayre's topic of being serious on the job. That was for the officials and employees who were there after the flag ceremony. And the mayor himself seemed so serious in his speech that revealed information on what his administration is going to do and should do this year and onward as salary increase, road projects, police efforts on curbing crime, etc. "Paningkamotan", he said. He also mentioned the governor's recent surpise visit that made available heavy equipment from the province that may be used here with the LGU's corresponding available fuel to move them.

SITUATIONER

A retired public school teacher of INCHS Mr. Hermes Abellanosa in a brief talk with the Observer in his residence last Friday said what is recently happening to initao is worrying. He pointed out the illegal drug abuse that youngsters and even adults engage and even indulge is really worrisome. "Unsa man kahay kaugmaon ning akong mga apo?", the retiree asked. And he also pointed out other crimes known committed here that bigger question is asked what would Initao ten years from now if this problem continues?

YOUTH CENTER GONE?

Initao Acting Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Susan Dadole said she could no longer answer the Observers querry on what happened to the Youth Center for Development for she was relieved of that responsibility and replaced by Ms. Amie Bagares. Dadole said the LGU of INitao has already spent Php 175,000 counterpart for that, and she referred the Observer to Bagares who she pointed out may give the answers.

ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS-1000

The COMELEC OFFICE here informed the Observer that the recently ten-day registration of voters they conducted townwide gleaned 1,000+ additional. They will yet determine the increase for they are to make deletion due to deaths and transferees. The actual increase will yet be known when all this are done. They said it may take one month to complete the process.

PNP INITAO CONDUCTING INFOR-DRIVE

The new PNP station commander of Initao, Police Inspector Roy Montes was in Brgy San Pedro this morning informing the council and some residents that the police is at present on an info-drive townwide. He reminded the people there that they the police needs their trust and confidence so that the locality's peace and order may be maintained. He cited the Bliss incident where Mr. and Mrs. Jaime Gamo were victims of robbery. He said that that was what met him as new police chief here. Montes said the council with them will organize the barangay information network to help the police on their efforts to prevent crime commission in this place.

PNP-INITAO CONDUCTING INFO DRIVE

MPOC UNCONVENED

The municipal peace and order council has not been convened yet to date, said SB Secretary Sales Janog. In his office this morning, he said the newly elected officials, members of SB, are yet in CDO on a seminar. He pointed out that maybe when some complaint come to them, they might do so.

SITUATIONER

This month, nutrition month is rather turbulent here with bigger crimes committed in the area. Just in time also that a new police station commander was installed midmonth and the departure of his predecessor. A case of suicide shocked relatives and friends of a young boy whom some thought could not do that. A BLISS resident was robbed and a sizeable amount was taken by three men, and an arrested police officer who was reported protector of drug dealers was killed along the highway of Gimangpang. He was said being brought by PDEA operatives to Cagayan de Oro.

VICTIM SUSPECTS NONE

Break-in and robbery victim Jaime Gamo said in a talk with the Observer this morning at his residence in Bliss said he suspected no one even with the carpenters/laborers that worked in their newly constructed house. He talked as if, to the Observer's notice, he has absorved the loss and said "life goes on".

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME

This blogger is actually liberal in accepting comments, criticisms, suggestions or what else, and for those who like to, may do so and that will be much more appreciated. For the new viewers and participants, they are encouraged to view earlier blogs where the VISION and MISSION of Initao Observer were published.

SITUATIONER

Some officials here are preparing for the October elections. Others are hoping that this may be postponed. Comments at the sidelines say that the elections of Barangay officials and SK are a must going, for those, they say, who are no longer right there holding positions must get out or voted out. For according to them, extending them there is a waste of time and money. It is OK for those who are alright being there, they say, but those shenanigans, they ought not to be there anymore. On the SK, There is that need of this getting abolished, people say. Their reasons are the following; 1. They are only made tools for the powers-that-be; 2. They are being taught of dirty politics; 3. They are getting corrupted to be corrupt.

GAMOS ROBBED

Retired MSU-NAAWAN Administrative Officer Jaime Gamo and his daughter were robbed at around 1:00-2:00am in Bliss, San Pedro this morning, and according to his wife's brother in-law Dag Melendez, Php74,000+ cash and checks were taken. Police Inspector Roy Montes, the new station commander of Initao, with his men conducted on-site investigation at 8:00 am and were able to retrieve papers that were thrown. Gamo said their window grills were opened and there the robbers made their entry. His daughter, a doctor, was well asleep and whose bag that contained the loot was just behind her head was taken. Those thrown papers were stapled to the money paid to her daughter for her services, he added. The thrown papers, police said, will be examined for fingerprints. And this is the first ever and bigger criminal event that meet the new chief, after their command turn-over yesterday with the former station commander in Initao Police Office.

Situationer

July 1 was just like the past July 1s when Newly installed local officials make it one big day! A new beginning, they say. But for some, one routine happenstance that only: the winners, the defeated that says they won, celebrate.Others look grim, with some faces grimacing. One effect of having lost a race, or one product of a seemingly lost cause and of hopeless expression. They just take it to themselves while looking forward for the next round when another contest of guts gets going again. And again, people are saying "Wa na pod project". First year-"mamawi sa gastos", second year, "mamayad sa utang", third year, "magtigum para sunod". One said, "naa uy" Kang Cong. Uy ug sa Party list nga "Awa ka Amin".

SITUATIONER

The local oppos, certainly after their recent defeat at the polls are nursing their wounds and some sectors say, they are down and probably out. Others also say they may be nursing wounds alright but they are preparing for the next round, the barangay elections. And that they will field candidates to make some marks and share slots out there. They admin is said, solid, but there is still opening somewhere they like to exploit.

COMELEC-PREPARING

The Observer was recently informed by the local COMELEC office here that they are preparing for the coming Barangay elections. There will be registration of voters yet they'd conduct before October and certainly they may go to the barangays to do this. What they are waiting though is the expected Resolution from COMELEC central that would qualify their preparation. In another development, there were more people went to voting centers and voted this May 2013 than that of of 2010. The turn out was 84.41% and the COMELEC here said, there were more older voters voted this time.

ELECTION OFFICER WON'T RECEIVE "SIWITSIWIT"

This morning in the COMELEC OFFICE here, the assigned Election Officer Jose "Joey" Bascon said he is not aft to receiving not worthy news from the sidelines. As far as his function is concerned he pointed out, he is sticking to his tasks as "in-charge" of the forthcoming elections. And that since his first day of assignment here, there never was anything so bad that he met, only the common election problems that were and easier to tackle. What they in the COMELEC do now is preparing to meet their mission.

Initao Observer Posts Misuse

The Initao Observer has received feedback that it had published libelous materials here causing some major offense on the local admin itself and supporter pronounced a threat to sue. However, the Observer though given notice, did not worry a bit for he has nothing to fear. There was nothing published here to the detriment of who else admin or oppo. He had been fair to both and this is and has always been his policy of coverage, that people may know. Besides, it is common knowledge that even though how much people try to be objective, there is always the side of being offensive. People get offended.

What Voters Think

SITUATIONER: Regardless of which political track you are on, it cannot be denied that the hottest topic in Initao right now is politics. From the congregating tambays in the kanto to the technophiles at home. No surprise there since May 13 is almost near. Initao Observer came across Initaonons who did not hesitate to reveal who they are voting for and why: 1. "Acain forever na jud me!" one young lady declared. "Natistingan na pod siya." 2."Tisting na pod ta ug lain, sila na lang perme?" One sikad driver said. "Total ug way nada, naa pa man sunod eleksyun." 3. "None of the above, ka'y walay angayan." One netizen posted. "Pwede si Vice Bembem na lang for Mayor?"

Team Gogoy Hits Back

Initao Observer was handed a political track in reply to allegations contained in a political tracks attributed to the Opposition which where distributed last year. In the Pro-Gogoy tracks three questions where answered namely: 1.) Is Initao the poorest town in the country. This is in relation to the then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's speech during the Lasang Secret Adventure Park. (The Initao Observer surmises she may have meant "Forrest Town".) 2.) Did the Mayor misused the Calamity Fund for politicking? 3.) Does he embody the qualities of a good leader? Regardless of which side you're you already what the answer is. Initao Observer sees no need to reprint the whole thing, here's a photo instead.

San Pedro Brgy. Hall Update

Initao Observer is pleased to observe and let everyone know that the construction of Brgy. San Pedro Baranggay Hall has commenced. Since we last posted photos, walls have been put up and in fact, construction is still on going. Here are the photos:

Improperly Posted Election Materials Removed

April 4, 2013-Upon the directive of the Comelec-Initao, local police officers went to remove campaign materials improperly posted in non-designated areas. The move is in compliance with the Section 18 of COMELEC Resolution No. 9615 which stated that, "common poster areas shall be allowed by the Election Officer only in selected public places such as plazas, markets, barangay centers and the like where posters may be readily seen or read, with the heaviest pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic in the City or Municipality."

SITUATIONERS-WHAT ARE THESE?

Not too long ago in the municipal hall, and in a short talk with Initao Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Ariel Galarroza, we happened to talk about what situationers are. The Observer explained to him then and and here are the contents of that explanation: A situationer is actually opinions, attitudes and beliefs existing in a given period in a locality. Parts of it are, HERESAYS, rumors, half-truths and lies that people blow out. Some are intrigues, and the like. However, the Observer further explained, that HERESAYS have their way of getting elevated when facts and figures support it to be true! As an adage that says, "where there is smoke there's fire", heresays go a long way. For further explanations on situationers you may see the Observer yourself, he is more welcome to personally brief you.

CONGRESSMAN-HERE YESTERDAY

The Observer was told this morning by one from there that Cong. Bambe Emano was in Tillights, Highland Park in Pagahan yesterday, Sunday meeting his partymates there with Mayor Gogoy in tow, and that for sure they conferred how they would start their local campaigns in the district when the period comes. And it was said of course they were affirming their strategies and tactics on how they would strengthen their upperhand and win the race come 13th May elections.

GOGOY WILL SUFFER HIS FIRST DEFEAT

A Franciscan confided recently that since there is always the first time, this is it for the mayor who has not suffered losing in Initao politics. He wants his identity hidden for he was once a Gogoyet. He reasoned that defeat for the Mayor is now possible due to the following circumstances; 1. Gipurdoy and Initao, 2. Gipurdoy iya asawa 3. iya pud gipurdoy siya kay sigi kapilde sa sabong. His financiers though these days, the Franciscan said, are Susan Balabat, Farley Zalsos, Penny Buhian, Karla Carbonilla, ug uban pa. "Ayohon lang ni Francis pagdescarte karon, pilde na, he said.

FRANCIS WILL BE DEFEATED

A voter/resident here who wants his identity hidden recently said, the opposition challenger for mayor Francis Balabat will certainly get defeat the second time against Mayor Gogoy. This is certain, he said, for Francis does not have the complete necessary elements of winning as "gold and goons". Cesar Orquillas and him, he continued, sufferred defeats in Gogoy's hands due to these and here comes another round of political exercise that again will be just the same show of force and non-force. Maybe, he added, if Francis go toe to toe with Gogoy with those, he may have the chance.

IT'S EMIE AFTER ALL

Yesterday in Echavez residence, her daughter Tata told the Observer that the widow of the Late Maning Echavez, Emie, will take his slot as councilor in the opposition ticket of the Liberal Party. This was the opinion of many here that she will take it after the family reached the agreement in consultation with party mates and local political stalwarts. "Siya na", Tata said.

GOGOY-UNPOPULAR

A resident/voter who does not like getting identified here said the mayor in the actual sense is no longer popular considering what happened to his wife Alen whom he said was planned by Gogoy to become a political casualty. She fled, the source said, to give way for him to be back to his position as mayor. "Gaawaton ang sa Lugait, he said, only the way he did it was not good. And being popular as what the Observer's crude survey says, is nothing he pointed out, for they were only ten and not representing the over nineteen thousand registered voters of Initao. What popularity remains of Gogoy now, he continued, is in his lapdogs who are in survival mode realizing that theirs depend largely on Gogoy remaining in office.

GOV-NOT RECEIVED

Vemin Lozano, ex-LGOO recently said that when Norris Babiera and his party went to Bgy. Kamelon last week, they were not received by the barangay council there. Only the treasurer was present and did what the Barangay Chair and Councilors should have done if they were there, she said. As officials of Kamelon, though they are not his partymates, they must have given him due respect being the provincial chief executive,Lozano continued. What happened there only showed who they are and what kind of officials Bgy. Kamelon has, she said.

MAYOR STILL POPULAR

For Gogoy-Francis,the Observer made a rather random and crude research in the locality on who voters prefer at this point, pre-campaign period. Of the ten people interviewed, seven favor the mayor and three for the challenger. Although this is not and will not be the same when campaign period comes, this is telling something like: the mayor is still popular among voters here. And here's why is this so: 1. Gogoy, they said, "sayon duolon",2. Mitabang sa ilang kalisud, 3. matubag ilang panginahanglan. And Francis is not so known by them. He is to build his political image yet to be acceptable to the voting public.

POSTMAN-OVERLOADED

The new postmaster of Initao, Franco Villa, 47 who lives in Dolong, Libertad is also taking charge of two other towns namely; Gitagum and Libertad. He said, he is overloaded. In his office this morning when the Observer paid him a visit, Villa said the mails are getting mountainous that he rarely could deliver them to consignees on time. "Di ko katindog sa inkuran sa kadaghan ako atimanon nga sulat." The regional office, said he, moved to supplement manpower but election ban prevented it. He will get relieved of his problem till after the May 13 elections, he said.

FAMILY-IN A HUDDLE

The Echavez family of the Late Maning is yet to agree who will take his place in the local LP slot for May 13, says the widow Mrs Emy Echavez when the Observer paid her a visit in their home this morning. Though she showed her reluctance, by saying "basig mapilde na sad ta", she also showed interest to fill in that slot by asking who should be best to replace her husband. Then she asked for the current total number of voters of Initao, and the needed votes to be in the magic eight winning councilors' slots? she got the answers and began counting. She said she the Observer will be informed when they shall have arrived at the decision.

NO REPLACEMENT AS YET

The slot of the late Manuel Echavez as one candidate for councilor is yet to be filled. The COMELEC here says the family knows that it is one right for them to exercise who among them the replacement might and must be. This time they may be in deep comtemplation yet due to the recent passing of Maning who, people know, has a following. "Automatic man na gikan sa ila nga pamilya ang ipuli", a COMELEC employee said.

NOT YET REPLACED

In the office of the COMELEC this afternoon, Dina Cabunoc, Initao Municipal Election Officer said that she has not been replaced as yet. She belied reports that another took her place here though she said there will be shuffling of election officers nationwide. This day she said, is for the Metro Manila and Luzon that election officers are re-shuffled, and for the Visayas and Mindanao, that will be March yet. Cabunoc said she is not replaced but told to be assigned elsewhere for the coming May elections. In another development, Cabunoc is re-planning the candidates' furom that was stalled due to circumstances like candidates on vacation, etc. and not in the locality. Before the campaign period, she said, this will happen probably the third week of March.

OBITUARIES

Known residents of Initao that recently died: Ex-Chair of Crime Watch AL HALIBAS and Ex-Vice Mayor MANUEL ECHAVEZ. Both are waked this time and interment is yet to be announced. Update of this will be posted tomorrow.

INITAO HAS NEW POSTMAN

After the recent retirement of his predecessor, Franco Villa from Dolong, Libertad assumed postmaster of Initao post office who said his assignment was Gitagum. This noon, while stamping letters in his office, Villa said he is taking three towns to his care namely; Gitagum, Libertad and Initao after people retired and sought benefits due them. This is pending people getting hired and assigned on the vacant positions that are to be filled.

MOCK ELECTIONS GIPAHIGAYON

INITAO, MISAMIS ORIENTAL-Niadtong 02 sa Febrero ning tuig 2013, dungan sa siyam pa ka mga dapit sa nasud, mock elections gipahigayon sa COMELEC dinhe sa duha ka mga barangay; Poblacion ug Oguis nga sa daan na nga plano tag-50 lamang ka mga botante ang makabotar matag voting center niini. Si Gng. Dina Cabunoc, ang Municipal Election Officer sa lungsod nag-ingon nga sa 34 ka mga botanteng miapil sa Poblacion, 5 lamang ang nabasa sa PCOS ug ang 24 giluwa ug wala basaha. Samtang 49 sa Oguis ang nabasa ug ang usa trial nahimong completo nga 50 ang mibutar ug miadto sa presinto. Bisan tuod adunay mga problema nga mitumaw ug nakita, malamposon ang mock elections dinhe kay ubay-ubay ang misaksi ug hapsay and pagpadagan nga tinambongan kini sa mga vintage media sama sa ABS-CBN, RMN, Radyo Bombo, ug uban pa nga mga magsusulat sa lokal nga mga pamantalaan sa Cagayan de Oro. Miasister usab niini ang Initao PNP, pinanguluhan sa ilang hepe. Si Cabunoc miasoy nga ang maong election giapilan nila ni Atty. Glenys Tamondong ug John Michael Lagaran, mga opisyal sa COMELEC Central ug ang resulta ila gayud dayon nga gi-transmit sa Manila sa dihang nacompleto. Nalangan man tinuod ang sa Oguis tungod sa ka-walay signal didto apan wala man usab kini mahaponi. Ug sa petsa 01 didto sa Pagahan, nag-briefing ang maong mga opisyal sa COMELEC sa duha ka mga BEI (Board of election Inspectors) sa duha ka mga barangay kabahin sa ila nga mga buluhaton sa mock elections. Ug pagkaugma ilang naagian ug nasaksihan unsa gayud ang ilang buhaton sa nagsingabot Mayo 13 nga tinuod na gayud nga election.

MGA BALITA-BINISAYAON

Niadtong Sabado sa Buntag didto sa Initao Central School sa dihang gipahigayon ang mock elections, didto mga mediamen gikan sa Cagayan de Oro ug Iligan. Nasayran sa pipila ang bahin sa Initao Observer, ug naay radio announcer nangutana kon binisaya ba. Ang tubag, sagol apan ang kadaghanan sa Pinolungang English. Mao nga gaplano ang Observer nga mag-post ug Cebuano version sa mga musunod higayon sama niini. Lahi nga target audience ang atong dalitan niini.

PROVINCIAL LGOO RETIRED

The Local Government Operations Officer of Misamis Oriental retired November 6 last year. In a chance meeting with him last week near his home, Mr. Ponciano Caberte said he retired earlier to be able to get some breather now that the elections are fast approaching. He pointed out his inevitable involvement if he still in that position and it is seen he feels alright becoming a retiree. It's even good breather that he is known in the community to have married anew.

BEI BRIEFING THIS AFTERNOON

This morning in her office,COMELEC's Municipal Election Officer here Dina Cabunoc said the BEIs (Board of Election Inspector) of Initao will be briefed this afternoon by COMELEC people from Manila. And in Tillights in Bgy. Pagahan, those involved as all teachers, others to man the assigned voting centers come May 13 elections will convene there.

MOCK ELECTIONS SLATED

Initao Election Officer Dina Cabunoc yesterday said, mock elections in two barangays namely Poblacion and Oguis are being prepared by them. This will be on February 02, and in the morning for Poblacion the afternoon for Oguis. Their target, Cabunoc said, are 50 PDs or persons with disabilities for each barangay and that they are registered voters there to qualify. Briefing for people involved of this process will be in the office of the COMELEC come Friday 01 of February 2013. And she is inviting the public to witness this oncoming event.

PRISONERS CAN VOTE

In a short talk this morning in her office, Initao BJMP chief Inspector Grace Manaya told the Observer that prisoners here many vote come May 13 elections. Of course they must be registered voters and that they are eligible to exercise that right thus entitled to elect candidates of their choice. Other prisoners that are registered elsewhere may vote here, Manaya said, but only in the national level not on the local candidates. And they cannot escort them to their places for this would entail expense and risk due to the distances involved. And they in the BJMP, Manaya also said, are not yet informed what voting center in Poblacion their prisoners may vote. They will yet be given notice by the COMELEC and she is sure this will be arranged with the proper protocol.

CANDIDATES' FORUM MULLED

In the COMELEC Office, Dina Cabunoc, Initao's election officer this morning said they are planning to stage townwide what she dubbed Candidates' forum where those who are running May shall present themselves to be personally known by voters as well as their programs for the people whom they set to serve. This will be, Cabunoc pointed out, in all 16 barangays and the schedule will be known before the campaign period, and even if only three candidates appear, they will still hold the forum and move on. Only five minutes, she emphasized, are alloted for the candidates to speak who they and what they offer.