News Briefs (11.15.16)

PNP Oplan Sita nets 2 drug usersSURALLAH, South Cotabato- Two motorists wanted for illegal drug pushing were arrested here Tuesday morning as the police implements Oplan Sita. Chief Inspector Joel Fuerte, Surallah town police chief, said Jimmy Fanugon, 47 of Barangay Libertad and Relito Facularin, 35 of Barangay Dajay, all in Surallah, were arrested at a police checkpoint in Cross Tboli. Two sachets of shabu were taken from the suspects. Charges for violations of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act are being prepared against the duo. (Karl Mike Tabingo) South Cotabato high school principal, arrested for extortionKORONADAL CITY – A school principal in South Cotabato was arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI-12) following an entrapment operation Monday.Dr. Lucina dela Cruz, principal of Banga National High School, was arrested by NBI agents after she received marked money from teacher Jowelyn Jumilla.Antonio Maganto, Department of Education (DepEd 12) Information Officer, confirmed the arrest of dela Cruz who, he said, has been reminded about teachers complaint of her alleged mulcting activities. We have reminded her in the past about mounting complaints of her alleged extortion activities but she repeatedly denied it, Maganto said of Dela Cruz who has other pending cases before the Civil Service Office.Maganto has appealed to all public school teachers to report extortion activities of school principals or any other DepEd officials in exchange for their promotions. (Mike Karl Tabingo) DSWD extends help to Lanao evacueesCOTABATO CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development have extended emergency aid to some 1,300 families consisting of 6,500 individuals from barangays Bualan, Dibarosan, Abaga, Barit, Bubong-Cadapaan and Lati have been affected by the firefight involving Moro rebels.The agency provided1,500 family food packs.It also coordinated with the municipal social welfare office of Balindong for updates on the incident, as well as for the provision of additional relief supplies for the affected families.Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said that her department will exert its best effort to work hand in hand with other government agencies to ensure that the safety and the food needs of the affected families are addressed. (Edwin Fernandez) Fire destroys ex-vice mayor's homeCOTABATO CITY - A fire of still unknown origin razed to the ground the house of former Vice Mayor IsmaelBiruar along Mabini Street Tuesday morning.Biruar, vice mayor of Parang, Maguindanao, told Coabato City Fire Office investigators the fire started at the master's bed room at the second floor and quickly spread. The conflagration started at past 7:30 a.m. Nobody was hurt and arson investigation continues. (Edwin Fernandez) Wanted bomber dies in clash with soldiersMATALAM, North Cotabato - A man wanted for his alleged involvement in bombings Central Mindanao was killed in shoot out with lawmen implementing arrest warrants Monday.Colonel Nolly Samarita, 602nd Infantry Brigade chief, identified the slain suspect asMohammad Nor Hassan, a member of outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and al-Khobar extortion and bombing gang.Samarita said Hassan, also known as Kamarudin Sulayman, was killed when he opened fire on police and military personnel serving his arrest warrant at 5 a.m. in Barangay Central Malamote in the outskirt of Matalam. Barangay officials and local leaders helped the military and police to locate Hassan's home. (John Unson)