Gensan man part of Nobel Prize winning team

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (18 April 2015) – Gensan has once again proven its moniker of being the Home of the Champions, this time, through a Nobel Prize.

Michael Conche, a native of General Santos, was part of the Netherlands based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) which received a Nobel Peace Prize for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons last 2013.

In his return to his hometown on April 15, Conche was commended by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and other city officials.

In his statement, Mayor Rivera cited the significance of Conche’s achievement in bringing pride to the city.

“It is good to know that there are a lot of Generals that have been giving glory to the city. This is the reason why we are working hard in the city government in order to help aspiring individuals in the city to excel in their line of field,” Mayor Rivera said.  

The Sangguniang Panlungsod has also passed SP Resolution No.10641 expressing the highest salutation of the entire of Gensan to Conche for his achievement.

Aside from Conche, there are other Filipinos who are working for OPCW, namely: Helen Andriessen and Gemma van Oudheusden-Vincoy from Davao City; Jenniefer Balatbat, Allan Laroza, Roycelynne Reyes and Mary Ann Nieto-Schroor from Metro Manila; Emily Castriciones from Quezon City; and Franz Ontal and Van Dasler from Bacolod City.

The OPCW, through the support of the United Nations, helped to eliminate the Syrian army’s stockpile of chemical weapons. This action was reckoned by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for its extensive efforts to eradicate chemical weapons while promoting world peace and progress.

Conche was a graduate of Mindanao State University – General Santos City Batch 1991.

He then joined the Philippine National Police prior to being part of the Philippine delegation to the United Nations International Tribunal in Yugoslavia.

He then resigned in 2010 from police service and pursued his career as an associate in the OPCW. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John Lagare)

Mayor Rivera: Hang on Fallen Heroes, Justice Will Come!

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 7, 2015) – "Hang on Fallen Heroes, Justice Will Come!"

This was the short, sincere and heartfelt message written by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera on the memorial wall for the "Fallen 44” or the members of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP - SAF) who were killed in a deadly operation in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Mayor Rivera was present for the ecumenical service for the Fallen 44 at the Camp Fermin Lira Thursday (February 5) to show his respect and salute the SAF troopers. 

With stern words, the mayor also outlined his support for a thorough and honest investigation as to what really had transpired during, before, and after the Mamasapano encounter.

“We should know first who had the shortcomings, who were those that made the wrong call,” the mayor said.

"I think it is proper for them to face charges,” he added.

 “What we are seeking here is peace and order. Those 44 men did a valiant job in seizing Marwan but of course, that didn’t justify their death,” Mayor Rivera emphasized. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Mayor Rivera chairs PNP Crime Laboratory Office Advisory Council

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (05 September 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera presides as chair of the PNP Crime Laboratory Office Advisory Council Thursday, September 4, at Camp Fermin Lira. (Gensan CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera grinds Gensan PNP over shooting incidents

By IAN JOHN M. LAGARE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has admonished Police City Director Sr. Supt. Froilan Quidilla regarding the rising number of shooting incidents in the city the past few months.

The mayor also urged director Quidilla along with the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) station chiefs to expedite the resolution of the said cases.

This comes in the heels of a report to the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) last July 1 made by Quidilla, together with all the chiefs of police of the city, regarding the peace and order status of General Santos.

In a meeting initiated by Mayor Rivera last July 11 (Tuesday), the police director was asked to present the crime profile of the city.

The mayor also asked Quidilla on what are the actions of the PNP regarding the frequency of shooting incidents in the city beginning January 2014.

In the report given by Quidilla, there were already 70 shooting incidents that had taken place in the city since the start of the year. Out of these 70 killing cases, 31 are still unsolved.

Also, most of the reported perpetrators of these shooting incidents are criminal "riding-in-tandem" assailants.

Mayor Rivera also asked the city director how the local government unit of General Santos City (LGU-GSC) can aid the operations of the PNP. 

"We need to solve these cases immediately because it is already affecting the peace and order of the city, more specifically it is detrimental to the business atmosphere that we are trying to project to investors," the mayor said in vernacular.

"The most hurtful part of this is the prevalent public notions that PNP and the LGU are not doing anything. Even if there are considered solved cases, we cannot gain the trust of the people unless these criminals are held accountable," the mayor stated.

Quidilla said the PNP is doing its best to solve these crimes, but admitted they cannot do it alone unless there is cooperation from the community and the local government. 

"We also have inadequacies in our part especially on the insufficiency of personnel and equipment to strengthen the security of the city. Therefore, we really need the cooperation of everyone to make Gensan peaceful," Quidilla said.

For his part, the mayor has procured patrol motorcycles for the PNP and increased allocated funds for patrolling police and supplies such as gas and food for on-duty patrol officers.

Mayor Rivera also called on “force multipliers” to aid the PNP in improving the patrol visibility in different barangays.

"We in the local government are willing to help you, but the challenge to solve these incidents is still in your hands," Mayor Rivera told the police officers. (GENSAN CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare) 

Mayor Rivera directs police to solve killings

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (12 July 2014) – Police City Director Froilan Quidilla and all the chiefs of police stations report the current crime profile of the city to Mayor Ronnel Rivera Friday, July 11. Mayor Rivera directed Quidilla to explain the crime statistics of the city, especially the spate of shooting incidents, so that the mayor can devise a way on how the local government can further assist the police. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Police retirees pledge support to Mayor Rivera

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (16 June 2014) – Newly-elected officials of the Retired Philippine National Police (PNP) and Non-Uniform Personnel (NUP) Association Inc. are inducted into office by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera on Saturday, June 14, at Phela Grande Hotel. The retired officials also pledged their support to the city mayor and his endeavors to make GenSan safe and peaceful. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera at 2014 Siglakas

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (31 May 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera speaks before members of peace-keeping agencies of Region 12 as they play traditional Filipino games during the 2014 Siglakas Friday, May 30, at Camp Fermin Lira. Participants are the General Santos City Police Office, Joint Task Force GenSan, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, Civil Security Unit, and National Security Unit. The mayor said such activity will result to stronger coordination between these agencies in securing peace and order in the region. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Peace forces play at Siglakas

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (31 May 2014) - Peace-keeping agencies of Region 12 play traditional Filipino games during the 2014 Siglakas Friday, May 30, at Camp Fermin Lira. Among the participants are the General Santos City Police Office, Joint Task Force GenSan, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, Civil Security Unit, and National Security Unit. In the event, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera said such activity will result to stronger coordination between these agencies in securing peace and order in the region. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera assures added support for GenSan police

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11 April 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has assured the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) of additional support for all the eight police offices spread out across the city.

The mayor visited Pendatun PNP and Lagao PNP to inspect their stations and to see what the police on the ground needs.

Rivera also held a meeting with P/Chief Inspector Edgar Yago, commanding officer of the Pendatun PNP and P/Senior Inspector Benito Rotia Jr., station commander of Lagao PNP.

“I am very alarmed of the escalating crime rates in the city especially of the recent shooting incidents,” Rivera told the two station commanders separately.

In February 2014, the GSCPO posted a total crime index of 355. Out of this figure, 103 cases are labeled under crime against person and 252 are crime against property. 

Mayor Rivera wants to lower the said figure dramatically by strengthening the police force.

“I want immediate and effective solutions for these cases,” the mayor said.

Mayor Rivera suggested to the police station commanders that they should have a close coordination with the local government in implementing public safety measures in the city.

Rivera suggested that every police station should render a weekly or monthly report regarding the crime trends in their designated areas so that he can consolidate these data and formulate a comprehensive approach to address the issue.

He emphasized to Yago and Rotia that he wants General Santos to be a safe and healthy city for people to rear their families and for businesses to takes place, and their role as station commanders is very crucial.

Rivera also assured the station commanders and their subordinates that the local government will help the local police through additional food and gasoline allowances.

Mayor Rivera will also push for additional patrol cars to augment police visibility in their areas.

He also noted that the buildings and offices used as local police stations are dilapidated and not suitable for office use. Rivera promised Inspector Rotia that he will find resources to help in the refurbishing of the Station 3 Lagao.

“While giving the responsibility of keeping the safety of the public to the police force, we should not also forget that they also have needs that the government should address. Kailangan din ng mga police natin ng suporta lalo na at kakaunti lang sila,” Mayor Rivera said.

In General Santos, the estimated ratio of police to civilians is 1 is to 100.

“In keeping the city safe, it should be a collective effort of everyone. We should not give the burden alone to the police or any public safety units” Rivera added. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

Mayor Rivera holds talks in police stations

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (09 April 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera visits Police Stations 1 and 3 of the city Monday, April 07, to look into the essential improvements that are needed in the police force to deter crimes. During his talk with PCI Edgar Yago and PSI Benito Rotia Jr., commanders of Police Station 1 and 3, respectively, Mayor Rivera pointed out that coordination between the local government and the police is necessary in maintaining public safety. Rivera is also scheduled to visit the rest of the police stations in GenSan. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Multi-sectoral stakeholders celebrate CAB signing

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - To celebrate the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on Thursday, March 27, different stakeholders in the city simultaneously release doves that signify the start for a lasting peace in Mindanao. Some of these stakeholders are Col. Paterno Morales, 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander (extreme right); PSSUPT Manolito Labador, Deputy Regional Director for Administration (3rd from right); Atty. Abdurrahman Canacan, Mindanao State University-General Santos City chancellor (4th from right); Fr. Angelo Buenavidez, SOCSKSARGEN Peace Network convenor (6th from right); Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista, JTF GenSan Commander (8th from right); and Janena Tito, Indigenous Community and Cultural Affairs Division consultant (10th from right). (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

New barangay officials take oath

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (29 November 2013) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera leads the oath taking of the 208 newly-elected barangay officials of General Santos City at Lagao Gymnasium Thursday, November 28. The oath taking was also attended by Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas Nograles, city councilors, City Hall department heads and assistant department heads, COMELEC officials, Department of Interior and Local Government City Director Rilimin Saldoval, and Philippine National Police City Director PSSUPT. Froilan Quidilla. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)

City gives vehicles to JTF GenSan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (26 November 2013) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has provided two police vehicles to Joint Task Force-GenSan (JTF-GenSan).

City Police Director Senior Superintendent Froilan Quidilla and JTF-GenSan Chief Col. Rolly Bautista received the police vehicles last November 6 in front of the City Hall.

Both said that the cars will help augment the JTF’s resources in mobilizing their units while security forces remain unperturbed against security threats.

“This is to assure our constituents that the local government in coordination with PNP, AFP and JTF-GenSan is working hard to implement a stable peace and order situation in the city,” Rivera said.

Quidilla assured the city mayor that PNP, AFP and JTF-GenSan will work hard to create a healthy business climate in the city. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John Lagare)

GenSan Mayor happily celebrates birthday in public market

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (4 September 2013) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera happily celebrated his birthday with the vendors and patrons of the city public market last Saturday (August 31).

Although the early morning party came as a surprise to the mayor, he was obviously happy that he was able to share an early birthday celebration with the people at the market.

“I am happy that I am here... This birthday is one of a kind,” a smiling Rivera said amidst numerous greetings and handshakes.

It was later learned that Rivera had a hint about the plans of his staff but generally thought he was at the public market to attend a clean-up drive oblivious to the exact preparations made by the organizers of the surprise birthday party.

The city mayor was serenaded with birthday songs as he entered the market which first drew a puzzled smile from him.

After the songs and greetings, Rivera joined the guest and people present in a “boodle fight.”

“Boodle fight,” is a military eating tradition where the food is served in a table covered with banana leaves and eaten together by everyone present regardless of rank and stature - using the hands. It literally translate to “attack the food.”

Local vendors also remarked on the lack of qualms showed by the mayor when it came to joining the “boodle fight.”

Rivera is known as a scion of one of - if not the richest man in the city.

After the formalities, Rivera also took the opportunity to roam around the public market to inspect what should be improved in the area.

He also led the blessing of the Breast Feeding Room located inside the Multi Purpose Hall, 2^nd floor of the market building.

Rivera also led the Memorandum of Agreement-signing between City Hall and the Gen. Santos City Government Employees Association on the temporary usage of the Multi Purpose Hall as a City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council outpost.                

Prior to the celebration, a “Linis Palengke” drive was also conducted as initiated by the students from Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, Gen. Santos Foundation Inc. College, Holy Trinity College and the Philippine National Police. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John Lagare)

Outstanding cops in region awarded

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (25 August 2013) - The Philippine National Police Region 12 (PNP-XII) celebrates the 112th Police Service Anniversary with local chief executives of the SOCSKSARGEN region Friday, August 23, held at Police Region 12 headquarters in Barangay Tambler. The event highlighted the awarding of PNP personnel for service rendered in anti-terrorism campaign, drug prevention and armed conflict containment. Rep. Nancy Catamco (facing the awardees) of 2nd District, Cotabato with PCSupt. Charles Calima Jr, PNP regional director, gave plaques of recognition to the 70 awardees. Also in attendance were City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russel Delvo)