LUPAO, Nueva Ecija - An undetermined number of suspected New Peoples Army guerillas were wounded while two Armalite rifles with bunch of subversive documents were recovered in a “fierce encounter” between the government troopers and and the rebels in a narrow river in the far-flung village here Monday night, the military reported on Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Gregory Cayetano, commander of the Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion, said the rebels, reportedly led one Antonio Layco alias Ka Domeng of Sandatahang Yunit sa Platun, Pangasinan – Front Nueva Ecija Provincial Command, initially positioned to engage the soldiers in firefight but after a considerable period of exchange of fire scampered to different directions carrying with them “their wounded comrades.”
The rebels, Cayetano, run through the “cover of darkness and thick vegetation,” in Sitio Pinggan, Barangay Parista, Lupao. The place, the military said, is a remote village situated at the foothills of Caraballo Mountain range. The encountered happened at about 9:15 p.m., he said.
Cayetano said that the soldiers, led by 2Lt. Roselio Cabarliza conducted a tactical offensive after receiving reports from some residents that the NPAs were allegedly “terrorizing” the residents in an attempt “to regain mass base in the area.”
Cabarliza, in his report to the 7th Infantry Division based in Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan City, noted the alleged inferiority this time of the rebels owing to low quality manpower and evident lack of training.
“The communist insurgents were trying to regain influence over their lost mass base in Lupao,” which he said, “is the life blood of the rebels as it provides them crucial supports such as food, finance and information.”
Cayetano noted that a number of former NPA supporters have joined the military-inspired Barangay Defense System, a project supported by various private institutions which provided training and supports for livelihood. -Armand M. Galang
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Popoy Taruc hits report
GAPAN CITY, Nueva Ecija - A neophyte politician running for a top position in Nueva Ecija deplored over the weekend alleged attempt to discredit him by identifying him as the one involved in the fatal accident along Olongapo-Gapan Road in Arayat, Pampanga.
Jose Taruc V, son of veteran broadcaster Joe Taruc, expressed belief that the linking of his name in an incident which actually involved his elder brother, Jose “Jekjek” IV, could be a try to attack his candidacy.
"Palibhasa ako ang kandidato kaya iniintriga tayo,” Taruc who is running for vice governor under Lakas-CMD told the media. He is teamed up with gubernatorial bet Aurelio Umali, incumbent third district representative.
The accident resulted to the death of tricycle driver Marlon Lumbang and serious injuries on Enrique Moranos and Ernesto Pacheco. The three were riding on a motorcyle when it collided with a car driven by Taruc IV, reports said.
Lumbang died instantly. Moranos is in unstable condition while Pacheco suffered a broken pelvis.
Weekend reports said that the driver of the car was Jose Taruc IV, a vice-gubernatorial candidate for Nueva Ecija and son of veteran broadcaster Joe Taruc.....". The report, he said, “was all wrong for he was then in Manila when the accident happened".
Investigation showed that the motorcycle, with the three on board suddenly swerved to the left lane of the road, but was hit by the vehicle driven by nger Taruc IV.
Police noted an attempt by the Taruc IV to avoid the swerving motorcycle, as evidenced by “17-meters skid mark on the road”.
Jose Taruc V, son of veteran broadcaster Joe Taruc, expressed belief that the linking of his name in an incident which actually involved his elder brother, Jose “Jekjek” IV, could be a try to attack his candidacy.
"Palibhasa ako ang kandidato kaya iniintriga tayo,” Taruc who is running for vice governor under Lakas-CMD told the media. He is teamed up with gubernatorial bet Aurelio Umali, incumbent third district representative.
The accident resulted to the death of tricycle driver Marlon Lumbang and serious injuries on Enrique Moranos and Ernesto Pacheco. The three were riding on a motorcyle when it collided with a car driven by Taruc IV, reports said.
Lumbang died instantly. Moranos is in unstable condition while Pacheco suffered a broken pelvis.
Weekend reports said that the driver of the car was Jose Taruc IV, a vice-gubernatorial candidate for Nueva Ecija and son of veteran broadcaster Joe Taruc.....". The report, he said, “was all wrong for he was then in Manila when the accident happened".
Investigation showed that the motorcycle, with the three on board suddenly swerved to the left lane of the road, but was hit by the vehicle driven by nger Taruc IV.
Police noted an attempt by the Taruc IV to avoid the swerving motorcycle, as evidenced by “17-meters skid mark on the road”.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Gov't says open to redeploy Pinoys not ready to return
by KRISTY ANNE C. TOPACIO-MANALAYSAY
MANILA—SUCCESSFULLY building a business after working abroad, Alberto Limbo Perez still couldn’t be pinned down in his own country. Luckily for him, a recently-built government center can give him that chance.
“Who would reject the opportunity of working abroad?” the 47-year-old Perez said in Tagalog. “Earnings from abroad are a big help to meet our needs. It’s a waste to let the opportunity pass.”
This comes from a man whose seven-year-old work abroad is being poured on a house with swimming pool at a cost of P4 million, almost half of what the Philippine government spent on a building to mold Filipinos like him to either stay home for good or go back to migrant work.
The building in Intramuros, Manila, was funded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration with a P7-million purse (US$140,000 at US$1=P48) according to Labor Attache to Japan Reydeluz Conferido.
Conferido said the National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers would allow temporary migrant Filipino workers with plans to return permanently here to adjust first by allowing them go back to overseas work.
MANILA—SUCCESSFULLY building a business after working abroad, Alberto Limbo Perez still couldn’t be pinned down in his own country. Luckily for him, a recently-built government center can give him that chance.
“Who would reject the opportunity of working abroad?” the 47-year-old Perez said in Tagalog. “Earnings from abroad are a big help to meet our needs. It’s a waste to let the opportunity pass.”
This comes from a man whose seven-year-old work abroad is being poured on a house with swimming pool at a cost of P4 million, almost half of what the Philippine government spent on a building to mold Filipinos like him to either stay home for good or go back to migrant work.
The building in Intramuros, Manila, was funded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration with a P7-million purse (US$140,000 at US$1=P48) according to Labor Attache to Japan Reydeluz Conferido.
Conferido said the National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers would allow temporary migrant Filipino workers with plans to return permanently here to adjust first by allowing them go back to overseas work.
Ecija families in political stints
CABANATUAN CITY - Political families in Nueva Ecija are presenting themselves to voters in pack in an apparent move to thwart future disagreement with non-relative officials.
The list Mayor Antonio Esquivel for mayor with his son, Tony Boy for vice mayor in Jaen town; Mayor Lucio Uera with son Charrys in Pantabangan; Mayor Nestor Alvarez of the Science City of Muñoz has his former mayor brother Efren; Mayor Marcial Vargas of Aliaga has his wife, Beth as running mate.
The Josons first encountered trouble with Vice-Gov. Narciso Nario, now with the Philippine Commission on Good Government, when the patriarch, the Gov. Eduardo L. Joson died in early 90’s. Nario initially resigned from the position to give way to Tomas 3rd who was then senior board member in the succession but later retracted.
When another Joson, Eduardo Nonato was elected with businessman Oscar Tinio as vice-governor, he sustained series of suspension attempts with the latter siding with their political archrivals.
This prompted Tomas 3rd to field his younger brothers, Eduardo IV and Mariano Cristino, in 2001 and 2004 elections, respectively, where they won and finished terms without much bickering.
This election, as Tomas 3rd runs for the Cabanatuan City mayoralty post, Mariano Cristino is running for governor with nephew, senior board Member Edward Thomas as running mate.
In Jaen, Esquivel has been replaced at the town hall since January by Vice-Mayor Santiago Austria after the former was ordered dismissed by the Ombudsman while Uera is in a deadlock with his vice-mayor in Pantabangan.
When Beth Vargas was elected mayor with an opposing party at the vice- mayor’s office, she claimed to have her projects derailed, prompting the couple in 2004 to launch their husband-and-wife tandem, which they succeeded.
Meanwhile, Mariano Cristino’s rival for governor, Third District Rep. Aurelio Umali has his wife running for the Congressional seat.
Former Fourth District representative Julita Villareal who is geared for a comeback has her sons, Jojo and Chris, for board member and Mayor of San Isidro town, respectively. Armand M. Galang
The list Mayor Antonio Esquivel for mayor with his son, Tony Boy for vice mayor in Jaen town; Mayor Lucio Uera with son Charrys in Pantabangan; Mayor Nestor Alvarez of the Science City of Muñoz has his former mayor brother Efren; Mayor Marcial Vargas of Aliaga has his wife, Beth as running mate.
The Josons first encountered trouble with Vice-Gov. Narciso Nario, now with the Philippine Commission on Good Government, when the patriarch, the Gov. Eduardo L. Joson died in early 90’s. Nario initially resigned from the position to give way to Tomas 3rd who was then senior board member in the succession but later retracted.
When another Joson, Eduardo Nonato was elected with businessman Oscar Tinio as vice-governor, he sustained series of suspension attempts with the latter siding with their political archrivals.
This prompted Tomas 3rd to field his younger brothers, Eduardo IV and Mariano Cristino, in 2001 and 2004 elections, respectively, where they won and finished terms without much bickering.
This election, as Tomas 3rd runs for the Cabanatuan City mayoralty post, Mariano Cristino is running for governor with nephew, senior board Member Edward Thomas as running mate.
In Jaen, Esquivel has been replaced at the town hall since January by Vice-Mayor Santiago Austria after the former was ordered dismissed by the Ombudsman while Uera is in a deadlock with his vice-mayor in Pantabangan.
When Beth Vargas was elected mayor with an opposing party at the vice- mayor’s office, she claimed to have her projects derailed, prompting the couple in 2004 to launch their husband-and-wife tandem, which they succeeded.
Meanwhile, Mariano Cristino’s rival for governor, Third District Rep. Aurelio Umali has his wife running for the Congressional seat.
Former Fourth District representative Julita Villareal who is geared for a comeback has her sons, Jojo and Chris, for board member and Mayor of San Isidro town, respectively. Armand M. Galang
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Cloned carabao coming soon? RP's scientists
SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ - K-18 AND H-4.
They are the identifying tags for two of the super dairy water buffaloes at the gene pool of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) here.
They are among the herd of imported Bulgarian buffaloes maintained by the PCC for the improvement of the carabao breed in the country. Based on records, they produce from a low of 12 liters and a peak of 18 liters of milk a day during their lactation period. Decidedly, they are
very superior compared to the native carabaos which produce an average of 1.5 liters of milk a day.
Scientists of PCC have started the process of producing precise copies of K-18 and H-4. It is thru the cloning technology.
To be exact, this PCC’s project, according to Dr. Libertado Cruz, the agency’s executive director, is “cloning thru somatic cell nuclear transfer”. It is cloning thru the use of a body cell.
(Cloning is defined as a means of making copies of individual or the production of large number of dentical offspring. Cloning by nuclear transfer involves the transfer of genetic material from a donor cell (karyoplast) to the cytoplasm of a matured oocyte from which the nucleus, which contains the genetic materials, has been removed. This matured oocyte whose nucleus has been removed is known as the recipient cytoplast. Somatic means bodily or corporeal.)
Reproductive biotechnology
“Our aim is to develop an efficient system for the production of clones toward genetic improvement of the water buffaloes in the country,” Cruz said. “It is in addition to the
reproductive biotechnologies already successfully researched and now being used by the PCC,” he added.
The first major tool employed in reproduction by the PCC, Cruz said, were estrus synchronization and artificial insemination using frozen semen. This, however, required considerable time to attain a purebred animals thru a series of backcrossing.
This was followed by in vitro maturation-in vitro fertilization.
To date, he said, several buffalo calves had already been produced thru in vitro embryo production technique coupled with embryo cryopreservation by vitrification and embryo transfer.
Cruz added that these biotechnologies are needed as ways of hastening reproduction of water buffaloes as this large animal species are known to have very poor reproductive performance. Compared to domestic cattle, he said, the water buffaloes have smaller ovarian
follicular populations.
(Incidentally, water buffalo is the general name for the animal which is commonly called in the country as “carabao”.)
Comes now the cloning technology thru somatic cell nuclear transfer as another biotechnology being researched by PCC.
Dr. Edwin Atabay, team leader of the project, bared that cloned embryos were already transferred last September 23 to three surrogate buffalo dams (mother). He added that as their work progresses, more cloned embryos would be transferred weekly to selected dams. -Anselmo S. Roque
They are the identifying tags for two of the super dairy water buffaloes at the gene pool of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) here.
They are among the herd of imported Bulgarian buffaloes maintained by the PCC for the improvement of the carabao breed in the country. Based on records, they produce from a low of 12 liters and a peak of 18 liters of milk a day during their lactation period. Decidedly, they are
very superior compared to the native carabaos which produce an average of 1.5 liters of milk a day.
Scientists of PCC have started the process of producing precise copies of K-18 and H-4. It is thru the cloning technology.
To be exact, this PCC’s project, according to Dr. Libertado Cruz, the agency’s executive director, is “cloning thru somatic cell nuclear transfer”. It is cloning thru the use of a body cell.
(Cloning is defined as a means of making copies of individual or the production of large number of dentical offspring. Cloning by nuclear transfer involves the transfer of genetic material from a donor cell (karyoplast) to the cytoplasm of a matured oocyte from which the nucleus, which contains the genetic materials, has been removed. This matured oocyte whose nucleus has been removed is known as the recipient cytoplast. Somatic means bodily or corporeal.)
Reproductive biotechnology
“Our aim is to develop an efficient system for the production of clones toward genetic improvement of the water buffaloes in the country,” Cruz said. “It is in addition to the
reproductive biotechnologies already successfully researched and now being used by the PCC,” he added.
The first major tool employed in reproduction by the PCC, Cruz said, were estrus synchronization and artificial insemination using frozen semen. This, however, required considerable time to attain a purebred animals thru a series of backcrossing.
This was followed by in vitro maturation-in vitro fertilization.
To date, he said, several buffalo calves had already been produced thru in vitro embryo production technique coupled with embryo cryopreservation by vitrification and embryo transfer.
Cruz added that these biotechnologies are needed as ways of hastening reproduction of water buffaloes as this large animal species are known to have very poor reproductive performance. Compared to domestic cattle, he said, the water buffaloes have smaller ovarian
follicular populations.
(Incidentally, water buffalo is the general name for the animal which is commonly called in the country as “carabao”.)
Comes now the cloning technology thru somatic cell nuclear transfer as another biotechnology being researched by PCC.
Dr. Edwin Atabay, team leader of the project, bared that cloned embryos were already transferred last September 23 to three surrogate buffalo dams (mother). He added that as their work progresses, more cloned embryos would be transferred weekly to selected dams. -Anselmo S. Roque
Cabanatuan City: Umali, Vergara alliance forged
CABANATUAN CITY - It's now official, Cherry Umali, wife of Nueva Ecija's 3rd District Rep. Aurelio "Oyie" Umali, is Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party candidate for Nueva Ecija's third congressional district in the coming May 14 elections.
"I now hold the certificate attesting to that fact," Umali, the provincial Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats chairman told Manila Bulletin in an interview on Monday during the flag-raising ceremony at city hall.
On the same occasion, Umali has endorsed the candidacy of Alvin Vergara, cousin of incumbent Mayor Julius Cesar "Jay" Vergara and his anointed candidate to replace him at city hall.
The young Alvin Vergara, a virtual unknown general manager of Cabanatuan Electric Company or CELCOR, was propelled to instant household name here after Mayor Jay started building him up as his likely successor.
This move of Umali has bashed the hope of come-backing Rep. Pacifico "Rico" Fajardo of getting declared Lakas-CMD official candidate. - Magtanggol Vilar
"I now hold the certificate attesting to that fact," Umali, the provincial Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats chairman told Manila Bulletin in an interview on Monday during the flag-raising ceremony at city hall.
On the same occasion, Umali has endorsed the candidacy of Alvin Vergara, cousin of incumbent Mayor Julius Cesar "Jay" Vergara and his anointed candidate to replace him at city hall.
The young Alvin Vergara, a virtual unknown general manager of Cabanatuan Electric Company or CELCOR, was propelled to instant household name here after Mayor Jay started building him up as his likely successor.
This move of Umali has bashed the hope of come-backing Rep. Pacifico "Rico" Fajardo of getting declared Lakas-CMD official candidate. - Magtanggol Vilar
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Nueva Ecija hosts Central Luzon's agri-aqua trade fair
Nueva Ecija Gov. Tomas Joson III visits a booths at the Agri-Aqua trade far on going festivity of agricultural and fishery products from Central Luzon at the Ninoy Aquino Freedom Park in Cabanatuan City. (Photo by Jun Torres)
Monday, March 05, 2007
Fratmen attacked while in drinking spree
CABANATUAN CITY - Seven fraternity members were wounded when a hand grenade hurled by an unidentified suspect exploded on Mabini Street, Barangay Quezon, over the weekend.
In his report, Supt. Eliseo Cruz, city police chief, identified the victims as Jonathan Diaz, 25; Robert Jacinto, 32; Ariel Chavez, 27; Giovani Soriano, 22; all of Sapiandante Street, Barangay Quezon; Eliseo Manuel, 33, of Nabao; James Ganao, 20, of Barangay Dimasalang; and Joven Ordonia of Barangay Kapt. Pepe, all of Cabanatuan City.
Investigation disclosed the victims, who are members of Tau Gamma Fraternity, were having a drinking spree Sunday night when a suspect threw the hand grenade in their direction.
The victims were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, police reported.
Meanwhile, elements of the police special operations group, led by Police Insp. Jose G. Cucal, netted 1.9 kilos of dried marijuana bricks in an operation in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, on Monday.
In a report to Senior Supt. Allen Bantolo, provincial police director, Cucal said the marijuana bricks were recovered from Peter Conoy, 53, and Francisco Pascual, 39, both of Barangay Galintuja, Maria Aurora, Aurora.
Also confiscated from the suspects was a tricycle with license plate EP 8617, which was used in transporting the illegal drugs. Cucal said the suspects and the confiscated items were brought to the crime laboratory for the necessary tests. --Armand M. Galang.
In his report, Supt. Eliseo Cruz, city police chief, identified the victims as Jonathan Diaz, 25; Robert Jacinto, 32; Ariel Chavez, 27; Giovani Soriano, 22; all of Sapiandante Street, Barangay Quezon; Eliseo Manuel, 33, of Nabao; James Ganao, 20, of Barangay Dimasalang; and Joven Ordonia of Barangay Kapt. Pepe, all of Cabanatuan City.
Investigation disclosed the victims, who are members of Tau Gamma Fraternity, were having a drinking spree Sunday night when a suspect threw the hand grenade in their direction.
The victims were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, police reported.
Meanwhile, elements of the police special operations group, led by Police Insp. Jose G. Cucal, netted 1.9 kilos of dried marijuana bricks in an operation in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, on Monday.
In a report to Senior Supt. Allen Bantolo, provincial police director, Cucal said the marijuana bricks were recovered from Peter Conoy, 53, and Francisco Pascual, 39, both of Barangay Galintuja, Maria Aurora, Aurora.
Also confiscated from the suspects was a tricycle with license plate EP 8617, which was used in transporting the illegal drugs. Cucal said the suspects and the confiscated items were brought to the crime laboratory for the necessary tests. --Armand M. Galang.
Ocean to ocean highway to pass Nueva Ecija
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City: The Department of Public Works and Highways formally unveiled on Wednesday the plan for the construction of an ocean-to-ocean road project, a part of the administration’s super regions scheme.
Ramon Aquino, DPWH assistant secretary, presented to the public, especially to soldiers, the blueprint of the Subic-Dingalan Port Highway that traverses this huge military reservation.
Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane who made his first official visit in this camp as top defense man, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon and Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Romeo Tolentino, also viewed the giant road plan.
The road, Aquino explained, will link the port of Subic from the western port of Central Luzon to the Port of Dingalan in the east.
Mentioned during President Arroyo’s State of the Nation address in July last year, Aquino said the project is expected to spur development in the region. It passes by Tarlac and Nueva Ecija provinces. Subic areas are considered industrial while the other provinces involved in the project are mostly agricultural. --Armand M. Galang
Ramon Aquino, DPWH assistant secretary, presented to the public, especially to soldiers, the blueprint of the Subic-Dingalan Port Highway that traverses this huge military reservation.
Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane who made his first official visit in this camp as top defense man, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon and Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Romeo Tolentino, also viewed the giant road plan.
The road, Aquino explained, will link the port of Subic from the western port of Central Luzon to the Port of Dingalan in the east.
Mentioned during President Arroyo’s State of the Nation address in July last year, Aquino said the project is expected to spur development in the region. It passes by Tarlac and Nueva Ecija provinces. Subic areas are considered industrial while the other provinces involved in the project are mostly agricultural. --Armand M. Galang
May 14, '07: Ecija giants stage comeback
CABANATUAN CITY – Two known political families in Nueva Ecija, which fell apart in the 2001 and 2004 local elections following a head-on collision with the Josons, are staging a comeback in the May 14 elections.
The Fajardo and Villareal clans, which were dismantled by the Josons –the acknowledged political kingpins in the province – are attempting to reclaim their old glory by fielding candidates in their former turfs.
Former three-term third district congressman Pacifico Fajardo is eyeing to regain his old seat in the House of Representatives in his district, which covers the cities of Cabanatuan and Palayan and the central towns of Sta. Rosa, Bongabon, Laur, Gabaldon and Gen. Natividad.
Fajardo’s wife, former three-term mayor of Palayn, will also gun for her old post and will run against re-electionist Mayor Romeo Capinpin. The Fajardos used to be the second biggest political dynasty in the province after the Josons. Pacifico, a second cousin of President Arroyo, was OIC mayor of Palayan in 1986 and won the regular elections in 1988. In 1992, Fajardo defeated former Rep. Hermogenes Concepcion Jr. and was re-elected twice. Following the expiration of his third and last term in 2001, he challenged outgoing three-term Gov. Tomas Joson III but lost. He was later appointed by Mrs. Arroyo as administrator of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) but was later replaced by Mel Robles.
Pacifico was replaced by his wife Leonora as city mayor in 1992 and also won three successive terms. In 2001, she ran for the House seat vacated by her husband but lost to the incumbent Rep. Aurelio Umali. She was succeeded by their eldest daughter, Lorelei, as Palayan mayor in 2001 but lost in her re-election bid against Capinpin.
On the other hand, the Villareals are seeking to recover lost ground with former two-term Rep. Julita trying to exact revenge in the fourth district against re-eleci nist Rep. Rodolfo Antonino, who defeated her husband, R ul, in 2004. Antonino is an uncle of Gen. Santos City Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio, a potential rival of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
Former provincial board member Chris Villareal will also try to regain his old post in the district to be vacated by his brother, incumbent board member Jojo. Chris lost to his aunt, re-electionist San Isidro Mayor Sonia Lorenzo, in the mayoral polls in 2004. Lorenzo is the wife of Julita’s elder brother, former congressman Victorio Lorenzo who lost to Julita in 1992.
Chris is also contemplating on running for mayor of San Isidro in a return bout with Lorenzo but on condition that he wins his election protest before the polls. The Villareals, scions of the late former San Isidro mayor Maximino Lorenzo, replaced the Fajardos as the second most powerful dynasty in 2001, lording it over the fourth district for 10 years.
The district covers the towns of San Leonardo, San Isidro, Cabiao, Jaen, Peñaranda and Gen. Tinio and Gapan City. But it crumbled in 2004 when Julita lost to Tomas III in the gubernatorial elections, Raul to Antonino and Chris to Lorenzo. Only Jojo
The Fajardo and Villareal clans, which were dismantled by the Josons –the acknowledged political kingpins in the province – are attempting to reclaim their old glory by fielding candidates in their former turfs.
Former three-term third district congressman Pacifico Fajardo is eyeing to regain his old seat in the House of Representatives in his district, which covers the cities of Cabanatuan and Palayan and the central towns of Sta. Rosa, Bongabon, Laur, Gabaldon and Gen. Natividad.
Fajardo’s wife, former three-term mayor of Palayn, will also gun for her old post and will run against re-electionist Mayor Romeo Capinpin. The Fajardos used to be the second biggest political dynasty in the province after the Josons. Pacifico, a second cousin of President Arroyo, was OIC mayor of Palayan in 1986 and won the regular elections in 1988. In 1992, Fajardo defeated former Rep. Hermogenes Concepcion Jr. and was re-elected twice. Following the expiration of his third and last term in 2001, he challenged outgoing three-term Gov. Tomas Joson III but lost. He was later appointed by Mrs. Arroyo as administrator of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) but was later replaced by Mel Robles.
Pacifico was replaced by his wife Leonora as city mayor in 1992 and also won three successive terms. In 2001, she ran for the House seat vacated by her husband but lost to the incumbent Rep. Aurelio Umali. She was succeeded by their eldest daughter, Lorelei, as Palayan mayor in 2001 but lost in her re-election bid against Capinpin.
On the other hand, the Villareals are seeking to recover lost ground with former two-term Rep. Julita trying to exact revenge in the fourth district against re-eleci nist Rep. Rodolfo Antonino, who defeated her husband, R ul, in 2004. Antonino is an uncle of Gen. Santos City Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio, a potential rival of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
Former provincial board member Chris Villareal will also try to regain his old post in the district to be vacated by his brother, incumbent board member Jojo. Chris lost to his aunt, re-electionist San Isidro Mayor Sonia Lorenzo, in the mayoral polls in 2004. Lorenzo is the wife of Julita’s elder brother, former congressman Victorio Lorenzo who lost to Julita in 1992.
Chris is also contemplating on running for mayor of San Isidro in a return bout with Lorenzo but on condition that he wins his election protest before the polls. The Villareals, scions of the late former San Isidro mayor Maximino Lorenzo, replaced the Fajardos as the second most powerful dynasty in 2001, lording it over the fourth district for 10 years.
The district covers the towns of San Leonardo, San Isidro, Cabiao, Jaen, Peñaranda and Gen. Tinio and Gapan City. But it crumbled in 2004 when Julita lost to Tomas III in the gubernatorial elections, Raul to Antonino and Chris to Lorenzo. Only Jojo
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Gapan City mayor linked to murder cases; charges belied
Gapan City Mayor Ernesto Natividad has been implicated by two witnesses in the killing of five people in a cockpit in March 2006 attack.
The witnesses went to the National Bureau of Investigation and reportedly identified him as among the masterminds in the attack.
Natividad called the charges as baseless and pure lies, and said he is ready to face them with a clean conscience.
Pedro Roque, chief of the NBI field office in Nueva Ecija, refused to comment, saying that the witnesses, Virgilio Malgapo and Conrado Ortiz, were under the custody of the agency’s main office in Manila.
The witnesses alleged that Natividad was behind the attack in the cockpit arena in Barangay Pambuan in Gapan City owned by a businessman Boy Pascual on March 20, 2006.
Pascual’s two sons, Ericson and Evertson, along with three security guards identified as Juanito Reyes, Jessie Pablo and Carino Caring, were gunned down in the incident.
Pascual, who is reportedly out to challenge Natividad for the mayoralty post, survived the raid because he was in a closed room at the time.
The witnesses went to the National Bureau of Investigation and reportedly identified him as among the masterminds in the attack.
Natividad called the charges as baseless and pure lies, and said he is ready to face them with a clean conscience.
Pedro Roque, chief of the NBI field office in Nueva Ecija, refused to comment, saying that the witnesses, Virgilio Malgapo and Conrado Ortiz, were under the custody of the agency’s main office in Manila.
The witnesses alleged that Natividad was behind the attack in the cockpit arena in Barangay Pambuan in Gapan City owned by a businessman Boy Pascual on March 20, 2006.
Pascual’s two sons, Ericson and Evertson, along with three security guards identified as Juanito Reyes, Jessie Pablo and Carino Caring, were gunned down in the incident.
Pascual, who is reportedly out to challenge Natividad for the mayoralty post, survived the raid because he was in a closed room at the time.
Ex-rebels, residents of Lupao get business aid
LUPAO, Nueva Ecija - The government’s anti-insurgency campaign received a big boost after a group of businessmen and civic organizations poured in both technical and financial assistance to an association of residents in a former insurgency hotbed here.
Vicky Gaetos, chairman of the Nueva Ecija Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NECCI), said the mushroom production project that was launched on Tuesday was only one of three projects they drew up for the Parista Barangay Defense System Development Association (PBDSDA), a group composed of residents and families of former rebels and communist sympathizers in Barangay Parista, Lupao.
Gaetos said that besides the NECCI, the stakeholders in the project aimed at improving the lives of those who had turned their back from armed and ideological struggle are the Nueva Ecija Small and Medium Development Enterprise Development Council which provides training and marketing support and the Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Gregory Cayetano and Rotary Club and the local government.
Roberto Gaid, PBDSDA president, said they set up at least seven mushroom growing huts in different purok (district) of Parista where the initial 2,000 mushroom fruiting bags were placed for production.
Gaetos said the initial P50, 000 they extended as grant to the residents can be increased should the funds be managed well. “Our friends are always willing to help, only they don’t want to see money go to waste,” she stressed. “It’s actually not the project but the way the project is managed,” Gaetos explained. (Armand M. Galang, The Manila Times)
Vicky Gaetos, chairman of the Nueva Ecija Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NECCI), said the mushroom production project that was launched on Tuesday was only one of three projects they drew up for the Parista Barangay Defense System Development Association (PBDSDA), a group composed of residents and families of former rebels and communist sympathizers in Barangay Parista, Lupao.
Gaetos said that besides the NECCI, the stakeholders in the project aimed at improving the lives of those who had turned their back from armed and ideological struggle are the Nueva Ecija Small and Medium Development Enterprise Development Council which provides training and marketing support and the Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Gregory Cayetano and Rotary Club and the local government.
Roberto Gaid, PBDSDA president, said they set up at least seven mushroom growing huts in different purok (district) of Parista where the initial 2,000 mushroom fruiting bags were placed for production.
Gaetos said the initial P50, 000 they extended as grant to the residents can be increased should the funds be managed well. “Our friends are always willing to help, only they don’t want to see money go to waste,” she stressed. “It’s actually not the project but the way the project is managed,” Gaetos explained. (Armand M. Galang, The Manila Times)
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Comelec Control pushed; opposed
CABANATUAN CITY - An administration congressman stressed the other day the need to place Nueva Ecija under the direct control of the Commission on Elections in the coming midterm elections.
Rep. Aurelio Umali of the Third District of Nueva Ecija said that Comelec control is needed to “avoid the eruption of violence,” saying even Gov. Tomas Joson III reported a death threat.
But Joson’s brother, Vice-Gov. Mariano Cristino Joson, slammed their “political rivals” of allegedly creating a dark image of the province.
Umali, the provincial chairman of administration party Lakas, is headed for a fight against the younger Joson, chairman of the Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija, for the gubernatorial post.
Umali said that even the private sectors, including church-based, organizations and former governor Eduardo Nonato Joson, have call for the Comelec control. Former representative Renato Diaz, presidential assistant for North Luzon, agreed.
Vice-Governor Joson, however, stressed that no violence has erupted in Nueva Ecija since 1998, saying that any official like him can walk through barangays without a security escort.
Without mentioning names, he slammed those who would claim to be having a good fight only if they survived until May 14.
The governor, on the other hand, said the police only have to create clear-cut guidelines on responding to election-related calls.
Maintaining the peace and order is sound; he said Comelec control could only be good for the implementation of a gun ban. --Armand M. Galang
Rep. Aurelio Umali of the Third District of Nueva Ecija said that Comelec control is needed to “avoid the eruption of violence,” saying even Gov. Tomas Joson III reported a death threat.
But Joson’s brother, Vice-Gov. Mariano Cristino Joson, slammed their “political rivals” of allegedly creating a dark image of the province.
Umali, the provincial chairman of administration party Lakas, is headed for a fight against the younger Joson, chairman of the Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija, for the gubernatorial post.
Umali said that even the private sectors, including church-based, organizations and former governor Eduardo Nonato Joson, have call for the Comelec control. Former representative Renato Diaz, presidential assistant for North Luzon, agreed.
Vice-Governor Joson, however, stressed that no violence has erupted in Nueva Ecija since 1998, saying that any official like him can walk through barangays without a security escort.
Without mentioning names, he slammed those who would claim to be having a good fight only if they survived until May 14.
The governor, on the other hand, said the police only have to create clear-cut guidelines on responding to election-related calls.
Maintaining the peace and order is sound; he said Comelec control could only be good for the implementation of a gun ban. --Armand M. Galang
Friday, February 09, 2007
NFA region 3 hosts National Board meet
The National Food Authority in Cabanatuan City hosted the NFA Employees’ Association (NFAEA) 2007 1st Quarter National Board Conference held on February 5-9, 2007. Photo was taken during the opening ceremonies at the Farmers Training Center in NFA Cabanatuan City. With the NFAEA National Board Officers headed by President Roman Sanchez are NFA Region 3 Director Nicolas Crisostomo and NFAEA Region 3 President Rebecca Santiago.
Issues discussed during the conference are : the welfare and benefits of NFA employees; the joint cost-saving measures of the Union and Management; the fight against graft and corruption and; to work for the non-privatization/abolition of the NFA.
The NFAEA and newly-appointed NFA Administrator Jessup Navarro also recently signed a Pact of Unity at the NFA Central Office in Quezon City. This was followed by a Transparency, Empowerment and Accord (TEA) Forum attended by the NFAEA National Board Officers led by Pres. Sanchez and the NFA management headed by Adm. Navarro.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Galang is new Nueva Ecija Press Club president
CABANATUAN CITY - Nueva Ecija newspapermen and broadcasters elected a new set of officers on Friday with The Manila Times correspondent Armand M. Galang voted unanimously after a lawyer opted to run for a board seat.
Galang who also hosts a public affairs program on dzXO, led the new set of officers of the Nueva Ecija Press Club in taking their oath of office before Judge Rodrigo Caspillo, executive judge of the Regional Trial Court of Cabanatuan.
Elected officers were Light Nolasco (Balita/dwJJ/dwIZ), executive vice-president; Elsa Rivera (Police Files Tonight), VP for Print Media; Julius Caesar Cauzo (dwJJ), VP for Broadcast Media; Gina Caling (dwNE), secretary; Celso Cajucom (Manila Standard Today), treasurer; Jessica Eraña (Hataw), auditor; Ferdie Domingo (Tempo), business manager and Cris de los Trinos Jr. (dwNE), public relation officer.
The lawyer Carlito Inton (dwJJ), is the chairman of the board which is composed of Mirriam Tangunan-Garcia (dwNE), Venci Datol (dwJJ), Mel Ciriaco (dwNE), Boy Verde (dwJJ), Mayette Lucas (dwNE) and Jojo de Guzman (dzXO/ Abante) as an ex-officio member.
The Nueva Ecija Press Club is the umbrella organization of media groups in Nueva Ecija with about 90 members from national and local media entities.
Galang also publishes the community paper Novo Chronicle.
Galang who also hosts a public affairs program on dzXO, led the new set of officers of the Nueva Ecija Press Club in taking their oath of office before Judge Rodrigo Caspillo, executive judge of the Regional Trial Court of Cabanatuan.
Elected officers were Light Nolasco (Balita/dwJJ/dwIZ), executive vice-president; Elsa Rivera (Police Files Tonight), VP for Print Media; Julius Caesar Cauzo (dwJJ), VP for Broadcast Media; Gina Caling (dwNE), secretary; Celso Cajucom (Manila Standard Today), treasurer; Jessica Eraña (Hataw), auditor; Ferdie Domingo (Tempo), business manager and Cris de los Trinos Jr. (dwNE), public relation officer.
The lawyer Carlito Inton (dwJJ), is the chairman of the board which is composed of Mirriam Tangunan-Garcia (dwNE), Venci Datol (dwJJ), Mel Ciriaco (dwNE), Boy Verde (dwJJ), Mayette Lucas (dwNE) and Jojo de Guzman (dzXO/ Abante) as an ex-officio member.
The Nueva Ecija Press Club is the umbrella organization of media groups in Nueva Ecija with about 90 members from national and local media entities.
Galang also publishes the community paper Novo Chronicle.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Swiss Embassy "blesses" villagers
PALAYAN CITY - Townsfolk from a far-flung village in this capital city of Nueva Ecija received a big boost after the Swiss Embassy recently granted a state-of-the art potable water faciulity.
Ambassador Peter Suetter of Switzerland led on Monday the opening of the potable spring water program inBarangay Langka, Palayan City, a project that realizedthe dream of the hundreds of households, according toMayor Romeo Capinpin.
Capinpin said the Swiss Emabassy provided P800,000 to cover basic materials, the LGU answered for additionalconstruction needs while the residents did “bayanihan”for labor.
The non government organization calledNorthern Philippines Tribal Communities Development Center facilitated the project all the way to Suetter’s office. Capinpin said that the project which is a level II potable water system, having faucets on strategic areas for residents to get water, actually cost a bitless than a million pesos, considering the inter-party cooperation.Suetter, on his part, lauded the villagers for the success of the project even as he expressed surprisethat the amount his office released can serve a massof people.
He went to the place almost unnoticed if not for thepolice escorts, according to Roberto Bolinao, cityplanning and development coordinator.The water system, said Bolinao, answered one of the basic needs of our people in the area and we thankeveryone, specially the Swiss Embassy and our NGO facilitator,” he added.
Ambassador Peter Suetter of Switzerland led on Monday the opening of the potable spring water program inBarangay Langka, Palayan City, a project that realizedthe dream of the hundreds of households, according toMayor Romeo Capinpin.
Capinpin said the Swiss Emabassy provided P800,000 to cover basic materials, the LGU answered for additionalconstruction needs while the residents did “bayanihan”for labor.
The non government organization calledNorthern Philippines Tribal Communities Development Center facilitated the project all the way to Suetter’s office. Capinpin said that the project which is a level II potable water system, having faucets on strategic areas for residents to get water, actually cost a bitless than a million pesos, considering the inter-party cooperation.Suetter, on his part, lauded the villagers for the success of the project even as he expressed surprisethat the amount his office released can serve a massof people.
He went to the place almost unnoticed if not for thepolice escorts, according to Roberto Bolinao, cityplanning and development coordinator.The water system, said Bolinao, answered one of the basic needs of our people in the area and we thankeveryone, specially the Swiss Embassy and our NGO facilitator,” he added.
Top cop sees no reason to place Nueva Ecija under Comelec Control
CABANATUAN CITY – “There is no dire need to place Nueva Ecija under ‘Comelec control.’”
Thus declared Nueva Ecija police provincial director, Senior Superintendent Allen Bantolo in contrast with the appeals to place Nueva Ecija under control made by former Nueva Ecija governor and erstwhile National Food Authority Administrator Eduardo Nonato “Edno” Joson, and elder brother Gov. Tomas N. Joson.
Nueva Ecija police provincial director, Senior Superintendent Allen Bantolo told newsmen his advantage over some 50 fellow “senior superintendent” aspirants to the post is his familiarity with the terrain and the sentiments of the local folks here.
Meeting for the first time with the local press, Bantolo said he sees no dire need to place the province under Comelec control, saying “that the political situation here appears under control and the local police are on top of it,” adding, “Compared with that in the Metro Manila area “It is generally peaceful and quiet here. I am going to like it here,” he stressed.
Former Gov. Eduardo Nonato “Edno” Joson had written to the Commission on Elections national office to place the province under Comelec control in order to counter the growing public apprehension about the uneasy conduct of the campaign and outcome of the election. This was endorsed by his brother, three-termer Gov. Tomas N. Joson III, The plea came at the heels of two incidents involving the killing of the president of the Association of Barangay Captain Augusto “Augie” Santiago and the botched up ambush-slay try on a Gapan city councilor where his security aide was killed.
In this regard, Bantolo said his post-election priority project is geared toward increasing high rate of success in the prosecution of cases, especially concerning high-profile personalities.
Vowing to “serve and protect” the people and ensure that the laws are implemented without fear or favor from any persons or groups, Bantolo also promised to conduct an in-depth investigation into the so-called “cold cases” of high-profile personalities including journalists made an issue by human rights bodies both domestic and international.
As chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group “Task Force Maverick” he had strung up a string of successful operations against organized crimes,
Bantolo appealed to the members of the police press corps, headed by Nueva Ecija Press Club president Jojo de Guzman, “to help in the peace-keeping process by not feeding rumors being peddled by some groups with the mere intention of gaining some media mileage, to the damage and detriment of the province and its people.”
He said mediamen could also help the police a lot by projecting the true picture of the more positive and sensitive aspects of crimes solved and the investigative efforts put in by the local police, without injecting unfounded observations by persons with some hidden political agenda.
As 2nd Lieutenant, Bantolo first served here as ommanding officer of the then 183rd PC company based in Gapan city in 1986, during the term of former CIDG director Eduardo Matillano, who served as provincial commander. (Magtanggol Vilar)
Thus declared Nueva Ecija police provincial director, Senior Superintendent Allen Bantolo in contrast with the appeals to place Nueva Ecija under control made by former Nueva Ecija governor and erstwhile National Food Authority Administrator Eduardo Nonato “Edno” Joson, and elder brother Gov. Tomas N. Joson.
Nueva Ecija police provincial director, Senior Superintendent Allen Bantolo told newsmen his advantage over some 50 fellow “senior superintendent” aspirants to the post is his familiarity with the terrain and the sentiments of the local folks here.
Meeting for the first time with the local press, Bantolo said he sees no dire need to place the province under Comelec control, saying “that the political situation here appears under control and the local police are on top of it,” adding, “Compared with that in the Metro Manila area “It is generally peaceful and quiet here. I am going to like it here,” he stressed.
Former Gov. Eduardo Nonato “Edno” Joson had written to the Commission on Elections national office to place the province under Comelec control in order to counter the growing public apprehension about the uneasy conduct of the campaign and outcome of the election. This was endorsed by his brother, three-termer Gov. Tomas N. Joson III, The plea came at the heels of two incidents involving the killing of the president of the Association of Barangay Captain Augusto “Augie” Santiago and the botched up ambush-slay try on a Gapan city councilor where his security aide was killed.
In this regard, Bantolo said his post-election priority project is geared toward increasing high rate of success in the prosecution of cases, especially concerning high-profile personalities.
Vowing to “serve and protect” the people and ensure that the laws are implemented without fear or favor from any persons or groups, Bantolo also promised to conduct an in-depth investigation into the so-called “cold cases” of high-profile personalities including journalists made an issue by human rights bodies both domestic and international.
As chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group “Task Force Maverick” he had strung up a string of successful operations against organized crimes,
Bantolo appealed to the members of the police press corps, headed by Nueva Ecija Press Club president Jojo de Guzman, “to help in the peace-keeping process by not feeding rumors being peddled by some groups with the mere intention of gaining some media mileage, to the damage and detriment of the province and its people.”
He said mediamen could also help the police a lot by projecting the true picture of the more positive and sensitive aspects of crimes solved and the investigative efforts put in by the local police, without injecting unfounded observations by persons with some hidden political agenda.
As 2nd Lieutenant, Bantolo first served here as ommanding officer of the then 183rd PC company based in Gapan city in 1986, during the term of former CIDG director Eduardo Matillano, who served as provincial commander. (Magtanggol Vilar)
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Ex-gov wants Ecija placed under Comelec control
PALAYAN CITY - In strange move, former Gov. Eduardo N. Nonato Joson has asked the Commission on Elections to place Nueva Ecija under the poll body’s control
But incumbent Gov., Tomas N. Joson 3rd , who himself disclosed the move, welcomed the move of his brother who run for senator under the late Senator and Presidential candidate Raul Roco during the 2004 elections, saying this in a way erase doubt on the result of voting which, he believes, will be favourable to his family.
While his brother supported the candidacy of Roco, Joson 3rd supported Pres. Arroyo even as another sibling, then vice Gov. Eduardo Joson IV supported the presidential campaign of the late actor Fernando Poe, Jr. That was the first time the public saw such differences among the siblings.
“Sa isang banda e para sa akin okay lang ‘yun,” Joson, who is reportedly eyeing the mayoralty post of the highly urbanizing city of Cabanatuan, said in his “last speech as governor” before the top police and elections officials at the Nueva Ecija Convention Center here where he also urged them to keep being apolitical.
He said he was just informed of his brother’s letter requesting the Comelec to place the province under control.
Besides Joson 3rd, other relatives aspiring for elective positions are incumbent Vice Gov. Mariano Cristino Joson, for governor against third district Rep. Aurelio Umali of Lakas, his eldest son Edward Thomas, as the uncle’s vice gubernatorial tandem for vice governor, and Dale Joson, son of the vice governor incumbent first district Rep. Josie M. Joson for reelection as mayor of their hometown Quezon.
Ed-No who has been elected as governor in 1995 was a former member of the Batasang Pambansa and administrator of National Food Authority during the administration of deposed Pres. Joseph Estrada.
A place under Comelec control, sources said, is poured with beefed up security from various law enforcement agencies with an election commissioner especially overseeing the conduct of elections .
But incumbent Gov., Tomas N. Joson 3rd , who himself disclosed the move, welcomed the move of his brother who run for senator under the late Senator and Presidential candidate Raul Roco during the 2004 elections, saying this in a way erase doubt on the result of voting which, he believes, will be favourable to his family.
While his brother supported the candidacy of Roco, Joson 3rd supported Pres. Arroyo even as another sibling, then vice Gov. Eduardo Joson IV supported the presidential campaign of the late actor Fernando Poe, Jr. That was the first time the public saw such differences among the siblings.
“Sa isang banda e para sa akin okay lang ‘yun,” Joson, who is reportedly eyeing the mayoralty post of the highly urbanizing city of Cabanatuan, said in his “last speech as governor” before the top police and elections officials at the Nueva Ecija Convention Center here where he also urged them to keep being apolitical.
He said he was just informed of his brother’s letter requesting the Comelec to place the province under control.
Besides Joson 3rd, other relatives aspiring for elective positions are incumbent Vice Gov. Mariano Cristino Joson, for governor against third district Rep. Aurelio Umali of Lakas, his eldest son Edward Thomas, as the uncle’s vice gubernatorial tandem for vice governor, and Dale Joson, son of the vice governor incumbent first district Rep. Josie M. Joson for reelection as mayor of their hometown Quezon.
Ed-No who has been elected as governor in 1995 was a former member of the Batasang Pambansa and administrator of National Food Authority during the administration of deposed Pres. Joseph Estrada.
A place under Comelec control, sources said, is poured with beefed up security from various law enforcement agencies with an election commissioner especially overseeing the conduct of elections .
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Nueva Ecija's most wanted falls
PALAYAN CITY: Gov. Tomas N. Joson 3rd put an “X” mark on the poster picture of the most wanted person in the Second District of Nueva Ecija even as the man accused of murder was presented to him on Tuesday.
Senior Supt. Alex Paul I. Monteagudo, director of the Nueva Ecija police provincial office, presented the suspect to Joson at the Nueva Ecija Convention Center.
The accused was identified as Ariel B. Buban, 29, a resident of Romano Street, Rafael Rueda, San Jose City.
Buban, who was subject of the warrant of arrest issued by Judge Joselito Villarosa of Regional Trial Court Branch 39, was arrested by elements of the provincial mobile group, led by Supt. Rolando Santos, in Mandaluyong City the other day.
He was accused of killing a certain Teofilo Gines last year.
Monteagudo told Joson that the arrest of Buban was a result of the production of various posters, which was funded by the provincial government. “We intended to gain public support when we produced these posters,” Monteagudo explained. - Armand M. Galang,
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Fire hits Cabanatuan City Market
CABANATUAN CITY - A fire caused by firecrackers razed at least P8-million worth of properties in the Cabanatuan City Public Market Saturday night.
Senior Insp. Cesar Balane, Cabanatuan City fire marshal, said that besides the market structures and contents, four tricycles and an owner-type jeep were burned by fire that broke out at about 9:05 p.m. Firemen said the blaze was contained before 11 p.m.
Investigators said the fire started when a kwitis or baby rocket being test fired in a nearby shopping center on Paco Roman Street hit a firecracker stall.
Balane said the firecracker stalls were all without permits even as they were located in an area different from what his office had earlier recommended.
No one was reported hurt.
The fire burned down some 20 stalls in the public market and three stalls in the Ventanilla Building along Burgos Street, which included dry goods, a bakery and drugstores.
At least 17 fire trucks from all over Nueva Ecija and one from a Tarlac City-based civic group beefed up the nine Cabanatuan City trucks in containing the blaze, Balane said. -Armand M. Galang
Senior Insp. Cesar Balane, Cabanatuan City fire marshal, said that besides the market structures and contents, four tricycles and an owner-type jeep were burned by fire that broke out at about 9:05 p.m. Firemen said the blaze was contained before 11 p.m.
Investigators said the fire started when a kwitis or baby rocket being test fired in a nearby shopping center on Paco Roman Street hit a firecracker stall.
Balane said the firecracker stalls were all without permits even as they were located in an area different from what his office had earlier recommended.
No one was reported hurt.
The fire burned down some 20 stalls in the public market and three stalls in the Ventanilla Building along Burgos Street, which included dry goods, a bakery and drugstores.
At least 17 fire trucks from all over Nueva Ecija and one from a Tarlac City-based civic group beefed up the nine Cabanatuan City trucks in containing the blaze, Balane said. -Armand M. Galang
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