Gov. Tomas N. Joson III presents the award to Catalina Ramos, who's at age of 99 was named as eldest active member of the Nueva Ecija's Federation of Senior Citizens. She's from the Gen. Llanera town.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Nueva Ecija's most senior citizen cited
Gov. Tomas N. Joson III presents the award to Catalina Ramos, who's at age of 99 was named as eldest active member of the Nueva Ecija's Federation of Senior Citizens. She's from the Gen. Llanera town.
Super Typhoon "Paeng" leaves 6 dead, thousands homeless in North Luzon
DINAPIGUE, Aurora - The number of casualties due to typhoon "Paeng" in Aurora towns rose to 6 while the injured to 34, the military monitoring reports showed.
Lt. Col. Joselito Kakilala, commander of the Philippine Army's 48th Infantry Battalion also said that thousands of families from the municipalities of Dinapigue, Casiguran and Dinalungan all of Aurora province, have been affected with hundreds of them now in the government evacuation centers.
In his report, Kakilala identified tha fatalities as Roxanie Mae Heseta,5; Aurora Sabel Heseta,7, and Joel Heseta, 36; Shiena Mae Marzan,7; Alipio Reynan,70; and Jocelyn Biarez,28; of Barangay Dimaseset,Dinapigue.
Among those injured were Ian Biarez,6; Pedro De Vera,55 and his son and 30 others who were not yet identified in the report. The 6-year-old Ian was earlier reported dead with his mother, Jocelyn. Kakilala said that the casualties have their houses swept away by heavy winds or by landslide brought by the Super Typhoon which hit Aurora province early morning last Monday.
Of the houses affected, 843 were totally wrecked while 259, were partially damaged in Dinapigue; in Casiguran, 68 were totally wrecked and 1,955 were partially damaged and in Dinalungan, six houses were partially damaged, the military monitoring base reported.
Of the 4,226 persons affected in Dinapigue, 545 are now in evacuatuion centers; of 17,865 in Casiguran, 600 persons are in evacuation centers while 65 families are in evacuation in Dinalungan town. -Armand M. Galang
Lt. Col. Joselito Kakilala, commander of the Philippine Army's 48th Infantry Battalion also said that thousands of families from the municipalities of Dinapigue, Casiguran and Dinalungan all of Aurora province, have been affected with hundreds of them now in the government evacuation centers.
In his report, Kakilala identified tha fatalities as Roxanie Mae Heseta,5; Aurora Sabel Heseta,7, and Joel Heseta, 36; Shiena Mae Marzan,7; Alipio Reynan,70; and Jocelyn Biarez,28; of Barangay Dimaseset,Dinapigue.
Among those injured were Ian Biarez,6; Pedro De Vera,55 and his son and 30 others who were not yet identified in the report. The 6-year-old Ian was earlier reported dead with his mother, Jocelyn. Kakilala said that the casualties have their houses swept away by heavy winds or by landslide brought by the Super Typhoon which hit Aurora province early morning last Monday.
Of the houses affected, 843 were totally wrecked while 259, were partially damaged in Dinapigue; in Casiguran, 68 were totally wrecked and 1,955 were partially damaged and in Dinalungan, six houses were partially damaged, the military monitoring base reported.
Of the 4,226 persons affected in Dinapigue, 545 are now in evacuatuion centers; of 17,865 in Casiguran, 600 persons are in evacuation centers while 65 families are in evacuation in Dinalungan town. -Armand M. Galang
Monday, October 30, 2006
Nov. 1 is regular holiday in the Philippines
It's holiday in the Philippines, a predominantly Christian nation.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared November 1 a regular holiday all over the country in time for the traditional observance of the All Saints Day when its people, mostly Catholic, trooped to cemeteries to offer prayer for their departed loved ones.
But unlike in the past years, the following, Nov. 2 which falls on a Thursday, is going to be a working day, just like Oct. 31, which also used to be a holiday.
Some people go to cemeteries on Nov. 2 which is called All Souls' Day.
Most Filipinos reached by the PinoyChronicle, however, expressed belief that divine intervention had it when the typhoon "Paeng" which devastated large portion of Northern Luzon left the since Sunday night, Oct. 29, left the Philippine area of responsibility before the All Saints' Day, locally known as "Undas" or "Araw ng mga Patay."
They believe the Lord really paved the way for an orderly and peaceful observance of the day, which also in many cases, serves as "reunion" among members of Filipino families. -Armand M. Galang
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared November 1 a regular holiday all over the country in time for the traditional observance of the All Saints Day when its people, mostly Catholic, trooped to cemeteries to offer prayer for their departed loved ones.
But unlike in the past years, the following, Nov. 2 which falls on a Thursday, is going to be a working day, just like Oct. 31, which also used to be a holiday.
Some people go to cemeteries on Nov. 2 which is called All Souls' Day.
Most Filipinos reached by the PinoyChronicle, however, expressed belief that divine intervention had it when the typhoon "Paeng" which devastated large portion of Northern Luzon left the since Sunday night, Oct. 29, left the Philippine area of responsibility before the All Saints' Day, locally known as "Undas" or "Araw ng mga Patay."
They believe the Lord really paved the way for an orderly and peaceful observance of the day, which also in many cases, serves as "reunion" among members of Filipino families. -Armand M. Galang
Saturday, October 28, 2006
"Treasure Hunting" threathens residents in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija
CABANATUAN CITY – Diggings in a private lot in a village in Cuyapo,Nueva Ecija which started in 2002 were complained of by residents of the place because of the ill effects they pose to the community.
The diggings in barangay Landig, that town, according to an earlier investigation by officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Nueva Ecija and by the office of Mayor Grace Uy-Corpus, were purportedly for treasure hunting.
The depth of the diggings in two sites have already reached more than 130 feet (at least 39 meters). The residents, thru their barangay council, said the diggings were observed to be going sideward at the bottom in the directions of the adjacent Catholic cemetery, the barangay road, and residential areas.
Based on documents provided by Novelina Galinato, barangay secretary, the diggings were being done in a lot owned by the late Rodrigo Corpuz. The deceased grandson, Norberto Mercado, leads a group of diggers for a treasurer hunting activity.
They are allegedly being financed by an official of an irrigation system in Pangasinan.
The treasure hunting was without permit although there is a pending application filed by the alleged financier. Anselmo Abungan, director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Region III, issued last August, after receiving confirmation of the diggings, a warning to Mercado to refrain from continuing (his digging) activity..
Up until this month, the residents noted that the diggings continued. This prompted the barangay council, which started calling the attention of authorities concerned about the diggings since March this year, to pass a resolution asking Mercado to stop the digging and close the mouth of the excavated area. Copies of the resolution were sent to the mayor,
chief of police and to other officials of the town.
The diameter of each of the dug holes is about four meters.
The barangay council, among others, said that because of the continuous draining of the excavation sites, the residents complained of inadequate domestic water that they can draw from the water table thru their respective forced-pumps. The community, about a kilometer from the town proper, has 350 households.
It also said that because of the diggings, possible cave-ins may occur in the residential area. It also said that residents fear that some children and adults may stray into the open holes and suffer injuries or even die.
Barangay captain Edgardo Estibar, in a phone interview, said that until Friday their request to close the mouth of the holes was still unheeded.
“Pero huminto na po kamakalawa ang paghuhukay (But thee diggings stopped the other day),” Estibar said.
He, however, aired the worry of residents that unless constantly checked by higher authorities, the digging activities may still continue. A cover of boulders to the mouth of the holes would proved that the diggings have stopped for good.- Anselmo Roque
The diggings in barangay Landig, that town, according to an earlier investigation by officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Nueva Ecija and by the office of Mayor Grace Uy-Corpus, were purportedly for treasure hunting.
The depth of the diggings in two sites have already reached more than 130 feet (at least 39 meters). The residents, thru their barangay council, said the diggings were observed to be going sideward at the bottom in the directions of the adjacent Catholic cemetery, the barangay road, and residential areas.
Based on documents provided by Novelina Galinato, barangay secretary, the diggings were being done in a lot owned by the late Rodrigo Corpuz. The deceased grandson, Norberto Mercado, leads a group of diggers for a treasurer hunting activity.
They are allegedly being financed by an official of an irrigation system in Pangasinan.
The treasure hunting was without permit although there is a pending application filed by the alleged financier. Anselmo Abungan, director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Region III, issued last August, after receiving confirmation of the diggings, a warning to Mercado to refrain from continuing (his digging) activity..
Up until this month, the residents noted that the diggings continued. This prompted the barangay council, which started calling the attention of authorities concerned about the diggings since March this year, to pass a resolution asking Mercado to stop the digging and close the mouth of the excavated area. Copies of the resolution were sent to the mayor,
chief of police and to other officials of the town.
The diameter of each of the dug holes is about four meters.
The barangay council, among others, said that because of the continuous draining of the excavation sites, the residents complained of inadequate domestic water that they can draw from the water table thru their respective forced-pumps. The community, about a kilometer from the town proper, has 350 households.
It also said that because of the diggings, possible cave-ins may occur in the residential area. It also said that residents fear that some children and adults may stray into the open holes and suffer injuries or even die.
Barangay captain Edgardo Estibar, in a phone interview, said that until Friday their request to close the mouth of the holes was still unheeded.
“Pero huminto na po kamakalawa ang paghuhukay (But thee diggings stopped the other day),” Estibar said.
He, however, aired the worry of residents that unless constantly checked by higher authorities, the digging activities may still continue. A cover of boulders to the mouth of the holes would proved that the diggings have stopped for good.- Anselmo Roque
Friday, October 27, 2006
Statement of President Arroyo
We bow to the rule of democracy and the rule of law; and call upon the people, especially the strong and committed supporters of the people’s initiative, to join hands in supporting the close decision of the High Court. This is democracy in action and we must uphold it.
I extol those who fought for the people’s initiative for their patriotism, perseverance and courage.
The great idea of Charter reform lives on and we must keep the fire burning. This is about creating a modern, working Philippines; to leave behind the degenerated system that is holding the nation back and keeping it too poor and too divided.
We have a vision of having the Philippines join the ranks of first world nations by 2020 and a modern, more cohesive and more accountable political structure is key to achieving that goal.
We leave it now to the concerned institutions as to how we can keep the dreams of the people ascendant and heed the imperatives of change.
I extol those who fought for the people’s initiative for their patriotism, perseverance and courage.
The great idea of Charter reform lives on and we must keep the fire burning. This is about creating a modern, working Philippines; to leave behind the degenerated system that is holding the nation back and keeping it too poor and too divided.
We have a vision of having the Philippines join the ranks of first world nations by 2020 and a modern, more cohesive and more accountable political structure is key to achieving that goal.
We leave it now to the concerned institutions as to how we can keep the dreams of the people ascendant and heed the imperatives of change.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Nueva Ecija court orders govt to pay landowners P17-million
CABANATUAN CITY – The court has ordered the city government of Cabanatuan to pay P17 million to the owners, three of them now over 70 years old and two dead, of a landed property it has taken from them for over 16 years now.
In his decision promulgated the other day, Regional Trial Court Branch 36 Judge Raymundo Z. Annang, ordered Mayor Julius Cesar V. Vergara, in his capacity as city mayor, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod, to pay the petitioners P17,027,900 as just compensation for 7,240 sqaure meters the prime property situated in Paco Roman Extension, Barangay Barrera, which the government converted into road since 1989.
Three of the petitioners, Ramon Melencio Jr., Lourdes Melencio Grecia, Gregoria Melencio Mina, have died while the case was in progress, court records showed.
Atty. Lydia Bauto-Hipolito, the petitioners’ counsel, said Gregoria Mina died last week with unpaid bills amounting to about P1-million at St. Luke’s Medical Center. The court also ordered Vergara and the Sanggunian to pay 50,000 as attorney's fees and P50,000 actual expenses and damages.
Hipolito said the decision was a victory to the complainants who "are already in their twilight years [over 70s], as in fact, three of them already died.”
Hipolito had filed on Oct. 20 with the court a "Motion for Partial Execution" pending appeal of an amount of at least P10 million, in the interest of justice and" for good reason" the fact that the petitioners are the owners of the land in question, adding that the two surviving petitioners in their late 70's "are all now sickly, and are taking regular medicines just to sustain their health and prolong their lives a bit more."
The court stressed that the city's failure to pay is "unfair to, and in violation of the constitutional right of the petitioners to just compensation.” - Armand M. Galang
In his decision promulgated the other day, Regional Trial Court Branch 36 Judge Raymundo Z. Annang, ordered Mayor Julius Cesar V. Vergara, in his capacity as city mayor, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod, to pay the petitioners P17,027,900 as just compensation for 7,240 sqaure meters the prime property situated in Paco Roman Extension, Barangay Barrera, which the government converted into road since 1989.
Three of the petitioners, Ramon Melencio Jr., Lourdes Melencio Grecia, Gregoria Melencio Mina, have died while the case was in progress, court records showed.
Atty. Lydia Bauto-Hipolito, the petitioners’ counsel, said Gregoria Mina died last week with unpaid bills amounting to about P1-million at St. Luke’s Medical Center. The court also ordered Vergara and the Sanggunian to pay 50,000 as attorney's fees and P50,000 actual expenses and damages.
Hipolito said the decision was a victory to the complainants who "are already in their twilight years [over 70s], as in fact, three of them already died.”
Hipolito had filed on Oct. 20 with the court a "Motion for Partial Execution" pending appeal of an amount of at least P10 million, in the interest of justice and" for good reason" the fact that the petitioners are the owners of the land in question, adding that the two surviving petitioners in their late 70's "are all now sickly, and are taking regular medicines just to sustain their health and prolong their lives a bit more."
The court stressed that the city's failure to pay is "unfair to, and in violation of the constitutional right of the petitioners to just compensation.” - Armand M. Galang
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
San Antonio gov't "in hot water"
SAN ANTONIO, Nueva Ecija - The local government here is in hot water after having allegedly made "illegal connections" of the water service line earlier disconnected by the local water district for an allegedly unpaid P180,000 water bills.
The municipal government is reportedly consuming about 130 cubic meters a month. The "free water use" privilege which was denied by the San Antonio Water District (SAWD), plus the collection of an accumulated water bill for 2005 totaling P115,872.05, had led to the eventual "suspension," and filing of administrative cases, against its general manager, Antonio M. Ortiz.
It did not stop there, with an officer-in-charge (OIC) designated to take over the SAWD having taken action against the local government by disconnecting its "water service line" for an accumulated P180,000 unpaid water bills, the imminent suspension of OIC Marinette A. Fernandez - for alleged "manufactured and fabricated complaints - appears almost a certainty.
All the above, courtesy of San Antonio's Sanggunian, according to the petitioners who have filed a special civil action before the Gapan City Regional Trial Court for Petition for Certiorari, Prohibition and Mandamus with prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) or preliminary injunction. Cited as respondents in the case are San Antonio Mayor Jose Lapuz Salonga, Councilor Arvin C. Salonga, San Antonio Water District (SAWD) Chairman of the Board Roberto R. Crisostomo, and SAWD Board Members Dondie Lamson, Alfredo B. Lopez, Adoracion M. Balbona, Allan C. Zapata Senia, Municipal Budget Officer Armando Cruz, and Chief of Police, Supt. Bayani Aquino.
Lawyer Lydia Bauto-Hipolito, counsel for petitioners SAWD GM Antonio M. Ortiz, and OIC Marinette A. Fernandez, is asking for issuance of a TRO to stop the town mayor and the town's Sanggunian from "committing acts detrimental to the rights, and interests of petitioners, herein, without let-up." Also being asked to be restrained it town's police chief, Supt. Bayani Aquino, from committing any acts that would be perceived, as a form of harassment, intimidation and threat to petitioners as well as SAWD personnel pending hearing."
Hipolito assailed the legality of the actions undertaken by the Sanggunian for want of jurisdiction, and for failure to exercise due process of law, that led to the 90-day suspension of GM Ortiz running from Aug. 9 to November, 2006, without or in excess of its jurisdiction. Court papers showed that the dispute arose from a request on Aug. 23, 2004 of the Sanggunian for "free water service" for five service connections being used by the town government under Mayor Salonga.
The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) which has supervision and control over SAWD referred back the matter to the SAWD Board recommending the grant of only 10 cubic meters of free water service to the municipality adding, nonetheless, financial condition and operational policies should not be jeopardized." Ortiz on Jan. 3, 2006 advised the Sanggunian about the SAWD board resolution, at the same time that he sent the water bill of San Antonio from March to Dec. 2005 in the total amount of P115,872.05.
The Sanggunian, on Jan. 9, 2006, specifically Councilor Arvin Salonga apparently did not take kindly to the actions of Ortiz and filed an administrative case against the OIC for allegedly presenting a SAWD board resolution only signed by him (Ortiz). Ortiz had reasoned out that the subject matter had been approved in open session by the SAWD board and its formal signing would be made on Jan. 11, 2006 yet.
SAWD OIC Ms. Marinette Fernandez got the ire of the Sanggunian when on Oct. 9, she caused the disconnection of the water services of the Municipal Government. Despite notice and demand, the local government still failed to pay its P180,000 accumulated unpaid water bills from Jan. to Sept. 2006.
The town's Budget Officer Armando Cruz on Oct. 17, allegedly reconnected the town's water service line "without the knowledge and consent of SAWD, Officer-in-Charge Marinette Fernandez, the complaint stated. - MAGTANGGOL C. VILAR
The municipal government is reportedly consuming about 130 cubic meters a month. The "free water use" privilege which was denied by the San Antonio Water District (SAWD), plus the collection of an accumulated water bill for 2005 totaling P115,872.05, had led to the eventual "suspension," and filing of administrative cases, against its general manager, Antonio M. Ortiz.
It did not stop there, with an officer-in-charge (OIC) designated to take over the SAWD having taken action against the local government by disconnecting its "water service line" for an accumulated P180,000 unpaid water bills, the imminent suspension of OIC Marinette A. Fernandez - for alleged "manufactured and fabricated complaints - appears almost a certainty.
All the above, courtesy of San Antonio's Sanggunian, according to the petitioners who have filed a special civil action before the Gapan City Regional Trial Court for Petition for Certiorari, Prohibition and Mandamus with prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) or preliminary injunction. Cited as respondents in the case are San Antonio Mayor Jose Lapuz Salonga, Councilor Arvin C. Salonga, San Antonio Water District (SAWD) Chairman of the Board Roberto R. Crisostomo, and SAWD Board Members Dondie Lamson, Alfredo B. Lopez, Adoracion M. Balbona, Allan C. Zapata Senia, Municipal Budget Officer Armando Cruz, and Chief of Police, Supt. Bayani Aquino.
Lawyer Lydia Bauto-Hipolito, counsel for petitioners SAWD GM Antonio M. Ortiz, and OIC Marinette A. Fernandez, is asking for issuance of a TRO to stop the town mayor and the town's Sanggunian from "committing acts detrimental to the rights, and interests of petitioners, herein, without let-up." Also being asked to be restrained it town's police chief, Supt. Bayani Aquino, from committing any acts that would be perceived, as a form of harassment, intimidation and threat to petitioners as well as SAWD personnel pending hearing."
Hipolito assailed the legality of the actions undertaken by the Sanggunian for want of jurisdiction, and for failure to exercise due process of law, that led to the 90-day suspension of GM Ortiz running from Aug. 9 to November, 2006, without or in excess of its jurisdiction. Court papers showed that the dispute arose from a request on Aug. 23, 2004 of the Sanggunian for "free water service" for five service connections being used by the town government under Mayor Salonga.
The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) which has supervision and control over SAWD referred back the matter to the SAWD Board recommending the grant of only 10 cubic meters of free water service to the municipality adding, nonetheless, financial condition and operational policies should not be jeopardized." Ortiz on Jan. 3, 2006 advised the Sanggunian about the SAWD board resolution, at the same time that he sent the water bill of San Antonio from March to Dec. 2005 in the total amount of P115,872.05.
The Sanggunian, on Jan. 9, 2006, specifically Councilor Arvin Salonga apparently did not take kindly to the actions of Ortiz and filed an administrative case against the OIC for allegedly presenting a SAWD board resolution only signed by him (Ortiz). Ortiz had reasoned out that the subject matter had been approved in open session by the SAWD board and its formal signing would be made on Jan. 11, 2006 yet.
SAWD OIC Ms. Marinette Fernandez got the ire of the Sanggunian when on Oct. 9, she caused the disconnection of the water services of the Municipal Government. Despite notice and demand, the local government still failed to pay its P180,000 accumulated unpaid water bills from Jan. to Sept. 2006.
The town's Budget Officer Armando Cruz on Oct. 17, allegedly reconnected the town's water service line "without the knowledge and consent of SAWD, Officer-in-Charge Marinette Fernandez, the complaint stated. - MAGTANGGOL C. VILAR
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Filipino-Chinese suspects seek dismissal of drugs charges
BALER, Aurora — The four Chinese nationals sought the dismissal of the illegal drugs cases filed against them in connection with the raid on a clandestine shabu laboratory in Dingalan town last August.
Lawyer William de los Santos filed the motion to quash with Judge Armando Yanga of Regional Trial Court Branch 66 as counsel for Sy Tho, Whang Tha Ti, Chin Na Chua, and Chen Chien.
The four are facing for violations of the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002.
It can be recalled that the raid conducted on Aug. 30 by the combined forces from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of INvestigation (NBI) in Barangay Butas na Bato, Dingalan town yielded 5.44 kilograms of shabu worth about P120 million.
Lawyer William de los Santos filed the motion to quash with Judge Armando Yanga of Regional Trial Court Branch 66 as counsel for Sy Tho, Whang Tha Ti, Chin Na Chua, and Chen Chien.
The four are facing for violations of the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002.
It can be recalled that the raid conducted on Aug. 30 by the combined forces from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of INvestigation (NBI) in Barangay Butas na Bato, Dingalan town yielded 5.44 kilograms of shabu worth about P120 million.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Central Luzon farmers enjoy rice prices
CABANATUAN CITY - Central Luzon farmers enjoy a considerably high farm-gate prices of palay as harvest season starts in the central plains, grains officials said.
According to the National Food Authority (NFA) Central Luzon the clean and dry palay prices in the region’s seven provinces ranged from P10.50 to P12.50 per kilogram averaging at P11.61/kg, based on data gathering the agency conducts.
Skin dry, or freshly harvested palay, on the other hand, is sold at P9.78 to P12 a kilogram averaging at P10.36/kg, the NFA data showed.
NFA Region 3 Director Nicolas Crisostomo said that the stable prices of palay in the region is a good sign for farmers even as the food agency is poised to buy around 165,000 bags of palay for the last quarter of the year or during the main harvest season.
Crisostomo said that the competitive price in the private markets gives them the opportunity to concentrate on procuring paddy from far-flung areas in the region. He created at least 11 mobile procurement teams that were initially dispatched to cater to farmers in those areas to ensure they will get a fair price for their produce.
The NFA has put up 41 buying stations throughout the region even as the agency readied a total of P5 million as procurement budget in Central Luzon which, Crisostomo said, will be augmented as the need arises to avoid delays in payment, he stressed.
The NFA buys palay from farmers at P10/kg with an additional incentive of P0.50/kg for farmer cooperatives.
Central Luzon includes the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Tarlac, Bulacan, Bataan, Zambales and Pampanga. (Armand M. Galang)
According to the National Food Authority (NFA) Central Luzon the clean and dry palay prices in the region’s seven provinces ranged from P10.50 to P12.50 per kilogram averaging at P11.61/kg, based on data gathering the agency conducts.
Skin dry, or freshly harvested palay, on the other hand, is sold at P9.78 to P12 a kilogram averaging at P10.36/kg, the NFA data showed.
NFA Region 3 Director Nicolas Crisostomo said that the stable prices of palay in the region is a good sign for farmers even as the food agency is poised to buy around 165,000 bags of palay for the last quarter of the year or during the main harvest season.
Crisostomo said that the competitive price in the private markets gives them the opportunity to concentrate on procuring paddy from far-flung areas in the region. He created at least 11 mobile procurement teams that were initially dispatched to cater to farmers in those areas to ensure they will get a fair price for their produce.
The NFA has put up 41 buying stations throughout the region even as the agency readied a total of P5 million as procurement budget in Central Luzon which, Crisostomo said, will be augmented as the need arises to avoid delays in payment, he stressed.
The NFA buys palay from farmers at P10/kg with an additional incentive of P0.50/kg for farmer cooperatives.
Central Luzon includes the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Tarlac, Bulacan, Bataan, Zambales and Pampanga. (Armand M. Galang)
Mayor of RP's prime city scores victory
Mayor Jejomar Binay of Makati City who was subject of a 60-day preventive suspension the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) served last week expressed on Fridayhope that the victory he gained on first round at the Court of Appeals (CA) would be for good.
THe mayor, reiterating his claim that the charges against him and 17 other Makati officials of maintaining "ghost" or non-existent employees in their governemnt offices, were mere fabrication. Binay whose city is the Philippines' financial capital is a vocal critic of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The CA has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the suspension. It ordered Binay to post a bond of P200,000.
THe Court also ordered Executive Sec. Eduardo Ermita and the DILG to file comments within 10 days in connection with BInay's petition that quuestioned the preventive suspension imposed on him and fellow officials.
THe mayor, reiterating his claim that the charges against him and 17 other Makati officials of maintaining "ghost" or non-existent employees in their governemnt offices, were mere fabrication. Binay whose city is the Philippines' financial capital is a vocal critic of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The CA has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the suspension. It ordered Binay to post a bond of P200,000.
THe Court also ordered Executive Sec. Eduardo Ermita and the DILG to file comments within 10 days in connection with BInay's petition that quuestioned the preventive suspension imposed on him and fellow officials.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
City social office looks into child labor cases in Philippine CIty
CABANATUAN CITY – The city’s social welfare and development office here is conducting a non-stop campaign against child trafficking and child exploitation with the end in view of minimizing trauma on the youngsters’ impressionable minds.
Ms. Helen Bagasao, city social welfare and development officer, with the assistance of the police, health offices, and a handful of civic organizations, have been periodically conducting visits of the workplaces which are possible employers of minor persons.
Bagasao reported during a recent media forum aired over DWJJ that most of the employers of minor children are the parents of the children themselves.
In the past year, there have been apprehensions of minor girl workers employed by eateries and videoke bars which serve as fronts for prostitution. Although the corresponding charges have been filed with the various trial courts, no convictions have been known yet as the establishment owners have fled and the places of business have just made a change of name.
The frequent and nagging presence of social workers in their fun houses, have resulted in ferreting out illegal operators hiring minors and undocumented entertainers and guest relations officers. Now, every single operator here have learned to follow the local health laws or else they face closure and face charges harboring and exploiting minors.
Ms. Bagasao takes pride that the coordination of her office and that the health office under Dr. Gilbert Embuscado has significantly contributed to the non-proliferation of sexually transmitted diseases in this city with no less than 30 fun houses offering entertainment packages to the city’s macho population.
The busiest office of the city government, undertaking various welfare projects and support services with other local and national undertakings, Ms. Bagasao has credited Mayor Jay Vergara for his full support of her office’s activities.
Ms. Bagasao revealed that the care and ministration of the welfare of street children have been the prime concern of the mayor’s better half, Ma’am Ria.
Thanks to her, Ms. Bagasao said, the operation of the Haven of Joy for Street Children Center and Roving Day Care Center for Street Children have been running smoothly and effectively.
Under this program, she said, the kids, from age seven to 14, gets daily tutoring of an average of three hours daily. A special teacher provided by the local school board sees to it that those under the centers get to know their ABCs. Value formation is paramount daily bread for the youngsters.
Every now and then, the street kids under the city’s centers receive feeding and medical care.
After their tutoring, the street waifs are allowed to go about their trade mopping up floors of passenger vehicles, selling newspapers, tending stores, running errands for whoever needs their services. No complaints have reached the welfare office, it was learned.
The parents utilizing the services of their young children are reminded that they should not be pushed to the limit unlike their elders.
Also, Ms. Bagasao’s office is carefully screening households availing of domestic services offered by minors.
Minor domestic helpers coming from outside the province and region are a “no-no” for the city’s social welfare’s office, the rationale here being that they are much too young to resist exploitation, especially the sexual kind, that might be practiced on them by their employers.
She said they had intervened in several cases where they cause the return of the minors to their point of origin back to their parents. – MAGTANGGOL C. VILAR
Ms. Helen Bagasao, city social welfare and development officer, with the assistance of the police, health offices, and a handful of civic organizations, have been periodically conducting visits of the workplaces which are possible employers of minor persons.
Bagasao reported during a recent media forum aired over DWJJ that most of the employers of minor children are the parents of the children themselves.
In the past year, there have been apprehensions of minor girl workers employed by eateries and videoke bars which serve as fronts for prostitution. Although the corresponding charges have been filed with the various trial courts, no convictions have been known yet as the establishment owners have fled and the places of business have just made a change of name.
The frequent and nagging presence of social workers in their fun houses, have resulted in ferreting out illegal operators hiring minors and undocumented entertainers and guest relations officers. Now, every single operator here have learned to follow the local health laws or else they face closure and face charges harboring and exploiting minors.
Ms. Bagasao takes pride that the coordination of her office and that the health office under Dr. Gilbert Embuscado has significantly contributed to the non-proliferation of sexually transmitted diseases in this city with no less than 30 fun houses offering entertainment packages to the city’s macho population.
The busiest office of the city government, undertaking various welfare projects and support services with other local and national undertakings, Ms. Bagasao has credited Mayor Jay Vergara for his full support of her office’s activities.
Ms. Bagasao revealed that the care and ministration of the welfare of street children have been the prime concern of the mayor’s better half, Ma’am Ria.
Thanks to her, Ms. Bagasao said, the operation of the Haven of Joy for Street Children Center and Roving Day Care Center for Street Children have been running smoothly and effectively.
Under this program, she said, the kids, from age seven to 14, gets daily tutoring of an average of three hours daily. A special teacher provided by the local school board sees to it that those under the centers get to know their ABCs. Value formation is paramount daily bread for the youngsters.
Every now and then, the street kids under the city’s centers receive feeding and medical care.
After their tutoring, the street waifs are allowed to go about their trade mopping up floors of passenger vehicles, selling newspapers, tending stores, running errands for whoever needs their services. No complaints have reached the welfare office, it was learned.
The parents utilizing the services of their young children are reminded that they should not be pushed to the limit unlike their elders.
Also, Ms. Bagasao’s office is carefully screening households availing of domestic services offered by minors.
Minor domestic helpers coming from outside the province and region are a “no-no” for the city’s social welfare’s office, the rationale here being that they are much too young to resist exploitation, especially the sexual kind, that might be practiced on them by their employers.
She said they had intervened in several cases where they cause the return of the minors to their point of origin back to their parents. – MAGTANGGOL C. VILAR
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Fight vs. communist insurgents continues: youthful rebel killed
Authorities exhumed the body of a 19-year-old suspected Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army rebel from the public cemetery in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, days after he was killed in an encounter with Army troopers in Dupax, Nueva Vizcaya.
Lt. Col. Joselito Kakilala, commander of the Philippine Army's 48th Infantry Battalion, said that the remains of Claro Fragata were claimed by his father, Alfredo, and the village head of Barangay Kita-kita, San JOse City on Tuesday.
Kakilala said Fragata alias Ka Nasa was among the 10 suspected NPA guerillas his troops encountered in Nueva Vizcaya on OCt. 13. Recovered from Ka Nasa was an M-16 Armalite rifle and a backpack (bag) full of sugar cane cut into pieces "which apparently serve as his meals in a week of running."
Information gathered by the military showed Ka Nasa joined the NPA movement when he was 17. His mother is an overseas Filipino worker in Hong Kong, Kakilala said.
The NPA has yet to issue statement regarding the claim.
Lt. Col. Joselito Kakilala, commander of the Philippine Army's 48th Infantry Battalion, said that the remains of Claro Fragata were claimed by his father, Alfredo, and the village head of Barangay Kita-kita, San JOse City on Tuesday.
Kakilala said Fragata alias Ka Nasa was among the 10 suspected NPA guerillas his troops encountered in Nueva Vizcaya on OCt. 13. Recovered from Ka Nasa was an M-16 Armalite rifle and a backpack (bag) full of sugar cane cut into pieces "which apparently serve as his meals in a week of running."
Information gathered by the military showed Ka Nasa joined the NPA movement when he was 17. His mother is an overseas Filipino worker in Hong Kong, Kakilala said.
The NPA has yet to issue statement regarding the claim.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Tension grips Philippines' key city
TENSION grips Makati city, tagged as the Philippines' financial capital, as a ranking official of the Department of Interior and Local Government, tries to serve a suspension order against Mayor Jejomar Binay and other local officials over charges of hiring ghost employees.
Binay is now at the city hall while a large number of supporters appears to be in a position to defend him from what they call "a political harrasment." Binay is a vocal critic of the administration of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The DILG, however, insisted the order was lawful.
Binay is now at the city hall while a large number of supporters appears to be in a position to defend him from what they call "a political harrasment." Binay is a vocal critic of the administration of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The DILG, however, insisted the order was lawful.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
570 rebels surrender, 4 arrested in Nueva Ecija city
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City - Some 570 New People's Army communist rebels surrendered with 320 assorted firearms as military and residents burned effigies of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-NPA) leaders Jose Maria Sison and Gregorio Rosal in San Jose City last Oct. 15, the military reported.
Lt. Col. Jose Kakilala, commander of the Philippine Army's 48th Infantry Battalion, said that the surrender of the rebels was facilitated by village and local officials who wanted peace and order kept in their respective jurisdiction.
Besides the surrenderees, four other communist rebels were arrested in a raid in their encampment in Dupinga, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija by the combined forces from the Crimininal INvestigation and Detection Group (CIDG) led by Supt. Ferdinand Vero and the military team.
The raid was made last Oct. 12, according to Vero, days after the NPA head Leopoldo Caluza was nabbed in Baguio City by the Nueva Ecija police operatives.
Lt. Col. Jose Kakilala, commander of the Philippine Army's 48th Infantry Battalion, said that the surrender of the rebels was facilitated by village and local officials who wanted peace and order kept in their respective jurisdiction.
Besides the surrenderees, four other communist rebels were arrested in a raid in their encampment in Dupinga, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija by the combined forces from the Crimininal INvestigation and Detection Group (CIDG) led by Supt. Ferdinand Vero and the military team.
The raid was made last Oct. 12, according to Vero, days after the NPA head Leopoldo Caluza was nabbed in Baguio City by the Nueva Ecija police operatives.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Military, local execs,economic leaders hold peace rally in RP city
SAN JOSE CITY - Military and local government officials led a huge number of residents in a peace rally at thepublic market site in this norther Nueva Ecija City onSunday.
Lt. Col. Jose Kakilala, commander of the Army's48th Infantry Battalion, said the indignation rallywas the "manifestation of the people's resolve againstterrorism."
Major Gen. Juanito Gomez, commanding general ofthe Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan City-based 7thInfantry Division joined local officials such as ViceGov. Mariano Cristino Joson, Mayor Alex Belena, andofficers of the Nueva Ecija Chamber of Commerce andIndustry, as guest of honor and speaker.
San Jose City was among the key areas of NuevaEcija where the former 7ID commander, now retired Major Gen. Jovito Palparan, waged a stepped upanti-insurgency operation. This here where the conductof checkpoints that ocassionally check residents'cedula or community tax certificates actuallyhappened.
Last week, military and police officers dug outthe body of Kathlyn Ramos, a 19-year-old student fromCentral Luzon State University in nnearby Science Cityof Munoz, allegedly a victim of the communist's NewPeople's Army's purging.
Lt. Col. Jose Kakilala, commander of the Army's48th Infantry Battalion, said the indignation rallywas the "manifestation of the people's resolve againstterrorism."
Major Gen. Juanito Gomez, commanding general ofthe Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan City-based 7thInfantry Division joined local officials such as ViceGov. Mariano Cristino Joson, Mayor Alex Belena, andofficers of the Nueva Ecija Chamber of Commerce andIndustry, as guest of honor and speaker.
San Jose City was among the key areas of NuevaEcija where the former 7ID commander, now retired Major Gen. Jovito Palparan, waged a stepped upanti-insurgency operation. This here where the conductof checkpoints that ocassionally check residents'cedula or community tax certificates actuallyhappened.
Last week, military and police officers dug outthe body of Kathlyn Ramos, a 19-year-old student fromCentral Luzon State University in nnearby Science Cityof Munoz, allegedly a victim of the communist's NewPeople's Army's purging.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Bulacan studes join bar tending fest
BULACAN, Philippines- — Students from at least 10 colleges in Bulacan will compete for the October Flair Festival 2nd Bulacan Bartending Competitions at the KB Gymnasium in Malolos City on Saturday, Oct. 14.
The president of the Bulacan Bartenders League (BBL), Fanny Borja, said that the competition was designed to enhance the skills of students in what she described as "not easy but very exciting" skill of concocting the mix of wine.
“This is our second time after the successful Summer Flair,” she said, saying the activity is a sort of sports. She said that flair and bartending competition is the ultimate sports for people involved in hospitality management course.
At least 39 students will compete in cocting the bst mix of wine in the activity which starts 8:00 a.m.
Among the participating schools are ABE International Business College , Academia de San Lorenzo, Bulacan Polytechnic College , Centro Escolar University-Malolos campus, University of Regina College, Fernandez Colleges , Baliuag University , STI-Baliuag, Dr. Yanga’s Francisco Balagtas Colleges, and Don Martin College.
The Philippine Star correspondent in Bulacan, Dino Balabo was invited as one of the judges in the competitions.
The president of the Bulacan Bartenders League (BBL), Fanny Borja, said that the competition was designed to enhance the skills of students in what she described as "not easy but very exciting" skill of concocting the mix of wine.
“This is our second time after the successful Summer Flair,” she said, saying the activity is a sort of sports. She said that flair and bartending competition is the ultimate sports for people involved in hospitality management course.
At least 39 students will compete in cocting the bst mix of wine in the activity which starts 8:00 a.m.
Among the participating schools are ABE International Business College , Academia de San Lorenzo, Bulacan Polytechnic College , Centro Escolar University-Malolos campus, University of Regina College, Fernandez Colleges , Baliuag University , STI-Baliuag, Dr. Yanga’s Francisco Balagtas Colleges, and Don Martin College.
The Philippine Star correspondent in Bulacan, Dino Balabo was invited as one of the judges in the competitions.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Ecija politicians ready for '07 polls amid debates on Cha-Cha
NUEVA ECIJA, Philippines -- With the national government officials locked into debates over the proposal to amend the 1987 Constitution which may eventually lead to the deferment of the 2007 synchronized national and local elections, politicians here have themselves readied for the mid-term polls.
Nueva Ecija Gov. Tomas "Tommy" Joson III, in his third and final term, is running for mayor of the industrilized city of Cabanatuan. Eyeing the gubernatorial post is his younger brother, incumbent Vice Gov. Mariano Cristino "Boyet" Joson who would slug it out with incumbent Congressman Aurelio "Oyi" Umali of the third district.
Boyet and Oyi are conducting separate exhaustive medical missions all over the province, utilizing their respective vast resources.
Cabanatuan City mayor Julius Cesar "Jay" Vergara whose term also expires next year is reportedly fielding any of his wife, Mrs. Rea Vergara who is currently in power production and cousin, Alvin Vergara of the Cabanatuan Electric Corp. to be his succesor, against Joson. Joson and the administration of Vergara has clashed over the establishment of garbage facility (material recovery facility) in Macatbong, Cabanatuan City where the governor sided with the opposing residents.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's assistant for North Luzon, Renato "Rene" Diaz is said to be eyeing a comeback to his former post - being congressman for the province's first district.
Former fourth ditrict Congresswoman Julita "Lita" Lorenzo-Villareal is ready to reclaim the post via '07 elections from incumbent Cong. Rody Antonino who is an ally of Macapagal-Arroyo.
The Josons, Vergara and Diaz are all supporters of the Philippine's sitting president. (Armand M. Galang)
Nueva Ecija Gov. Tomas "Tommy" Joson III, in his third and final term, is running for mayor of the industrilized city of Cabanatuan. Eyeing the gubernatorial post is his younger brother, incumbent Vice Gov. Mariano Cristino "Boyet" Joson who would slug it out with incumbent Congressman Aurelio "Oyi" Umali of the third district.
Boyet and Oyi are conducting separate exhaustive medical missions all over the province, utilizing their respective vast resources.
Cabanatuan City mayor Julius Cesar "Jay" Vergara whose term also expires next year is reportedly fielding any of his wife, Mrs. Rea Vergara who is currently in power production and cousin, Alvin Vergara of the Cabanatuan Electric Corp. to be his succesor, against Joson. Joson and the administration of Vergara has clashed over the establishment of garbage facility (material recovery facility) in Macatbong, Cabanatuan City where the governor sided with the opposing residents.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's assistant for North Luzon, Renato "Rene" Diaz is said to be eyeing a comeback to his former post - being congressman for the province's first district.
Former fourth ditrict Congresswoman Julita "Lita" Lorenzo-Villareal is ready to reclaim the post via '07 elections from incumbent Cong. Rody Antonino who is an ally of Macapagal-Arroyo.
The Josons, Vergara and Diaz are all supporters of the Philippine's sitting president. (Armand M. Galang)
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Top communist leader collared in Nueva Ecija
CABANATUAN CITY - Police arrested a ranking official of the communist movement in the Philippines, particularly Central Luzon on Wednesday, a week after the remains of a student activist was dug out from a shallow grave in San Jose City.
Senior Supt. Alex Paul I. Monteagudo, Nueva Ecija police director, identified the communist rebel as Leopoldo Caluza, 49. He was the secretary general of the NUeva Ecija Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the chief of the New People's Army in Central Luzon (Region 3) in the late 1990s, according to police.
A rebel returnee who led a government team to unearth the remains of 19-year-old Kathleen Ramos in Kaliwanagan, San Jose City last Oct. 5, said it was Caluza who ordered the killing of the student on suspicion she was a military asset, having a soldier relative.
Ramos was a member of the militant League of Filipino Students (LFS) at the state-run Central Luzon State University at the time of her disappearance in Oct. 2002.
Caluza was undergoing tactical interrogation as of press time.
Senior Supt. Alex Paul I. Monteagudo, Nueva Ecija police director, identified the communist rebel as Leopoldo Caluza, 49. He was the secretary general of the NUeva Ecija Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the chief of the New People's Army in Central Luzon (Region 3) in the late 1990s, according to police.
A rebel returnee who led a government team to unearth the remains of 19-year-old Kathleen Ramos in Kaliwanagan, San Jose City last Oct. 5, said it was Caluza who ordered the killing of the student on suspicion she was a military asset, having a soldier relative.
Ramos was a member of the militant League of Filipino Students (LFS) at the state-run Central Luzon State University at the time of her disappearance in Oct. 2002.
Caluza was undergoing tactical interrogation as of press time.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Court frees Ecijano newsman
BAGUIO CITY - A former columnist of The Junction weekly newspaper was acquitted by the Regional Trial Court of Baguio City in the P2-million libel suit filed against him by aom Nueva Ecija businesswoman four years ago.
Acquitted in a 17-page decision of Judge Fernando Vil Pamintuan of Branch 3 of the Baguio City Regional Trial Court last OCt. 6 was Antonio Vallejo.
THe court ruled there could be no malice when Vallejo, a resident of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija (Central Luzon) referred to complainant Lovely L. Ladignon as a “fugitive arrested for multiple bouncing checks,” in his report. Ladignon also uses the aliases Lovely de Vera and Lovely Mandapat in her public documents.
The questioned phrase was part of the article written by Vallejo on thee March 16, 2002 issue of the paper, about the complainant from Nueva Ecija who was earlier charged with multiple criminal cases in different Nueva Ecija courts for violation of B.P. 22 and estafa.
The court noted the evidences that the news item was sourced from police and court records and was written based on the arrest made by the members of the Cabanatuan City police and NBI agents. (Armand M. Galang)
Acquitted in a 17-page decision of Judge Fernando Vil Pamintuan of Branch 3 of the Baguio City Regional Trial Court last OCt. 6 was Antonio Vallejo.
THe court ruled there could be no malice when Vallejo, a resident of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija (Central Luzon) referred to complainant Lovely L. Ladignon as a “fugitive arrested for multiple bouncing checks,” in his report. Ladignon also uses the aliases Lovely de Vera and Lovely Mandapat in her public documents.
The questioned phrase was part of the article written by Vallejo on thee March 16, 2002 issue of the paper, about the complainant from Nueva Ecija who was earlier charged with multiple criminal cases in different Nueva Ecija courts for violation of B.P. 22 and estafa.
The court noted the evidences that the news item was sourced from police and court records and was written based on the arrest made by the members of the Cabanatuan City police and NBI agents. (Armand M. Galang)
Sunday, October 08, 2006
3 cattle rustlers killed in Nueva Ecija
CABANATUAN CITY -- Three suspected cattle rustlers were killed in a brief firefight with combined elements of the police's criminal investigation and detection group and special operations group in this city over the weekend, police said on Monday.
Senior Supt. Alex Paul I. Monteagudo, Nueva Ecija police director, identified the fatalities as Julius Castro, Norvin Capulong, and Alfredo Juaquin.
The suspects, Monteagudo said, belonged to the socalled Juaquin group allegedly led by Alfredo which was responsible in a series of cattle rustling cases in Cabanatuan, a primarily agricultural city, and adjoining areas.
Monteagudo said the lawmen were conducting joint operation in response to intelligence information in the city's outskirt village of San Josef when when they encountered the rustlers at about 3:30 a.m. Saturday. (Armand M. Galang)
Senior Supt. Alex Paul I. Monteagudo, Nueva Ecija police director, identified the fatalities as Julius Castro, Norvin Capulong, and Alfredo Juaquin.
The suspects, Monteagudo said, belonged to the socalled Juaquin group allegedly led by Alfredo which was responsible in a series of cattle rustling cases in Cabanatuan, a primarily agricultural city, and adjoining areas.
Monteagudo said the lawmen were conducting joint operation in response to intelligence information in the city's outskirt village of San Josef when when they encountered the rustlers at about 3:30 a.m. Saturday. (Armand M. Galang)
Friday, October 06, 2006
Remains of militant coed found in San Jose CIty, Nueva Ecija mountain
SAN JOSE CITY- Army and police operatives dug out from a shallow a grave in a semi-forested mountain part in this northern Nueva Ecija city the body of Kathlyn Ramos, a 19-year-old coed who mysteriously disappeared in 2004.
Supt. Peter Guibong, city police chief, said the body of Kathlyn, a former member of the militant League ofFilipino Students (LFS) was positively identified by her mother, Tarcila,50.
A military chaplain led the operatives from 48th infantry batallion in offering a prayer on the grave after Ramos's remains were recovered at about 4 p.m. Thursday.
Police said the graveyard, where operatives took 3 hours of walk to reach, was discovered after authorities quizzed a former rebel who said he wsa the one to dig the about 2-inch deep grave.
Ramos was a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry student from the state-run Central Luzon State University. Militant organizations blamed to soldiers several cases of forced disappearances. But military Ramos' case could be another story of purging by the New People's Army of suspected government agents in its rank.
Supt. Peter Guibong, city police chief, said the body of Kathlyn, a former member of the militant League ofFilipino Students (LFS) was positively identified by her mother, Tarcila,50.
A military chaplain led the operatives from 48th infantry batallion in offering a prayer on the grave after Ramos's remains were recovered at about 4 p.m. Thursday.
Police said the graveyard, where operatives took 3 hours of walk to reach, was discovered after authorities quizzed a former rebel who said he wsa the one to dig the about 2-inch deep grave.
Ramos was a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry student from the state-run Central Luzon State University. Militant organizations blamed to soldiers several cases of forced disappearances. But military Ramos' case could be another story of purging by the New People's Army of suspected government agents in its rank.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Fil-Chinese arrested for gun running
SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ – A Filipino Chinese resident of this northern NUeva Ecija city was arrested by operatives of the Police Special Operation Group (PSOG) on Oct. 2, for allged gun running.
Police Inspector Rodolfo Espiritu team leader identified the suspect as Danilo Dy Teo, 41, businessman of Bayuga St. Poblacion East Science City of Muñoz.
Espiritu said the arrest was a result of the raid which was done on the strength of a search warrant issued by Judge Dorentino Z. Floresta, of RTC Branch 37 of Gapan City against Teo. Police said the suspect was placed under a month of surveillance before the raid.
Police recovered from the suspect were 4 pistols, including 1 Colt MKIV-S86 with Sn. S605853E, 1 Bersa 386 pistol with SN. 422865, 1 Berretta pistol Cal 22 with SN. 8382966 and 1 Glock 26 pistol with Sn. CVY880, 4 magazines for Colt 38, 16 live ammunition for 380Bersa, 55 live ammunition for Cal. 22, 10 live ammunition for S-382 holster, 1 magazine punch S-38, 5 magazine for Glock 26, 130 rounds of ammunition for Cal. 9mm, and 1 assembly magazine for Berretta.
The suspect was detained at the Police Provincial Headquarter for further investigation as charges of violation of RA 8294 illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions are being prepared against the suspect.
Police Inspector Rodolfo Espiritu team leader identified the suspect as Danilo Dy Teo, 41, businessman of Bayuga St. Poblacion East Science City of Muñoz.
Espiritu said the arrest was a result of the raid which was done on the strength of a search warrant issued by Judge Dorentino Z. Floresta, of RTC Branch 37 of Gapan City against Teo. Police said the suspect was placed under a month of surveillance before the raid.
Police recovered from the suspect were 4 pistols, including 1 Colt MKIV-S86 with Sn. S605853E, 1 Bersa 386 pistol with SN. 422865, 1 Berretta pistol Cal 22 with SN. 8382966 and 1 Glock 26 pistol with Sn. CVY880, 4 magazines for Colt 38, 16 live ammunition for 380Bersa, 55 live ammunition for Cal. 22, 10 live ammunition for S-382 holster, 1 magazine punch S-38, 5 magazine for Glock 26, 130 rounds of ammunition for Cal. 9mm, and 1 assembly magazine for Berretta.
The suspect was detained at the Police Provincial Headquarter for further investigation as charges of violation of RA 8294 illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions are being prepared against the suspect.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Central LUzon governors scout US investments
PALAYAN CITY - Gov. Tomas N. Joson 3rd, as chair of the Central Luzon Investment Coordinating Council, leads the team with Governors Josefina dela Cruz and Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, of Bulacan and Aurora provinces, respectively along with representatives of Zambales and Pampanga to scout investment in the United States.
The mission started last Sept. 26 will last until Oct. 4, the Manila Times learned.
Joson said in his letter to Trade and Industry Undersecretary Elmer Hernandez that the CLICC would meet with officials of various American companies. The team will specifically scout for investment in information technology.
The team also planned to exchange ideas on how the Philippines and Central Luzon could be promoted to foreign investors.
Joson said the Central Luzon provinces would take part in the 21st Philippine-American Exposition Home Show and Auto Show in Los Angeles, California.
CLICC had been actively promoting Central Luzon through road shows and promotions. The latest mission went to Hong Kong earlier this year, and resulted in a visit to Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga of at least 300 Chinese businessmen who also went around the region to look for business opportunities, accding to Joson.
The Nueva Ecija chief executive noted that Central Luzon hosts the Subic Bay Freeport and the Clark and Poro Point investment areas , all former US military facilities that have been converted into business hubs.
The mission started last Sept. 26 will last until Oct. 4, the Manila Times learned.
Joson said in his letter to Trade and Industry Undersecretary Elmer Hernandez that the CLICC would meet with officials of various American companies. The team will specifically scout for investment in information technology.
The team also planned to exchange ideas on how the Philippines and Central Luzon could be promoted to foreign investors.
Joson said the Central Luzon provinces would take part in the 21st Philippine-American Exposition Home Show and Auto Show in Los Angeles, California.
CLICC had been actively promoting Central Luzon through road shows and promotions. The latest mission went to Hong Kong earlier this year, and resulted in a visit to Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga of at least 300 Chinese businessmen who also went around the region to look for business opportunities, accding to Joson.
The Nueva Ecija chief executive noted that Central Luzon hosts the Subic Bay Freeport and the Clark and Poro Point investment areas , all former US military facilities that have been converted into business hubs.
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