LAOAG, Philippines — The Diocese of Laoag is set to commence a local inquiry into the life and sanctity of Niña Ruiz Abad, a young girl from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, who has emerged as a candidate for sainthood. The investigation, beginning April 7, follows over three decades after Abad's death from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at just 13 years old on August 16, 1993.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Vatican granted the "nihil obstat" on February 5, 2024, permitting the diocese to proceed with the initial phase of Ruiz's beatification and canonization process. This phase will scrutinize her noted dedication to the Eucharist and her commitment to disseminating religious items, activities that marked her brief yet impactful life.
Fr. Joey Ranjo, the diocese spokesperson, informed the Philippine News Agency of the meticulous preparations underway for the forthcoming inquiry, emphasizing the significance of public participation. The diocese will formally invite individuals who have had encounters or experiences with Ruiz to contribute testimony to her reputation for holiness and virtue.
Bishop Renato Mayugba of the Diocese of Laoag articulated the potential historical significance of Ruiz's canonization for the region, expressing hope for her to become the first saint from Ilocos Norte. He has called upon the community for prayers and support as they embark on this intricate and sacred process.
The bishop highlighted Ruiz's potential to inspire contemporary youth, portraying her life as an exemplar of devout faith and resilience. As the diocese progresses with its investigation, Ruiz's legacy is poised to offer a beacon of Christian piety and endurance, particularly resonant for today's younger generations.
ILOCOS — In response to an uptick in illegal drug activities, the Ilocos Police Regional Office (PRO-1) has reinstated checkpoint operations, a strategy previously employed during the pandemic, to intensify its campaign against narcotics trafficking in the region.According to Philippines News Agency, director of PRO-1, the revival of these checkpoints is crucial due to the region's lack of drug manufacturing facilities, necessitating strict border monitoring to intercept drug inflows. During a recent press briefing, Evangelista elaborated on the enforcement strategy and its role in curtailing the drug trade in Ilocos.
Recent police actions in the region underscore the urgency of these measures. On a notable operation Wednesday in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, authorities apprehended a 33-year-old individual classified as a high-value target, confiscating approximately 130 grams of illegal drugs valued at around PHP884,000.
Similarly, on March 7, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency's (PDEA) Ilocos regional team arrested a 41-year-old tricycle driver in Urdaneta City, seizing drugs worth approximately PHP1.3 million during a strategic buy-bust operation.
Reflecting on the past year's efforts, the Ilocos Police conducted 847 operations, resulting in the seizure of PHP17.85 million worth of narcotics, the arrest of 956 suspects, and the surrender of 206 individuals. Meanwhile, PDEA's regional office in Ilocos executed 703 anti-drug operations, capturing over 800 suspects and confiscating narcotics valued at more than PHP3.34 billion.
These statistics highlight the significant challenge posed by illegal drug trafficking in the Ilocos region and the concerted efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat this menace, aiming to safeguard communities and reduce the prevalence of drug-related offenses.