Skip to main content.
Home First Page Previous Page Next Page Last Page

Balibago News Dec-2011

31 Dec 2011 - Girl dies of drug overdose

ANGELES CITY -- Sarina, a Dancer from Emotions Club died on what seems a drug overdose at the America Hotel.

The American Gentlemen who was with her that night is missing as of now.

31 Dec 2011 - Treasure Island Bar to close

ANGELES CITY -- TI was unable to extend it's rental agreement and tonight will be it's last night of operation.

Current employees will move to it's sister bar, Lollipop.

30 Dec 2011 - Trader injured in shooting

PAMPANGA -- A businessman from Mexico town was seriously injured in a shooting incident Wednesday along the portion of Gapan-Olongapo road in this town.

Reports from the Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPPO) revealed the incident happened Wednesday at about 8:50 p.m. in front of Beth store located at Purok 1 of Barangay San Nicolas here.

30 Dec 2011 - Bishop hopes every day is Christmas

ANGELES CITY -- Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David said his wish is for Angeles City to celebrate Christmas every day.

The bishop’s statement came after 29 villages participated in a massive clean-up and Christmas decoration contest made from recyclable materials here.

30 Dec 2011 - Labor department helps thousands of vendors

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) has helped thousands of hardworking ambulant vendors in Central Luzon since the launching of its Negosyo sa Kariton (Negokart).

This 2011, the Dole regional office has already released P7,215,920 livelihood assistance under the Negokart Project benefiting 563 ambulant vendors from all over the region.

30 Dec 2011 - Kapampangans all-out in helping ‘Sendong’ victims

CLARK FREEPORT -- Governor Lilia Pineda said the Provincial Government and Kapampangans are all-out in helping victims of Tropical Storm Sendong in Iligan, Cagayan De Oro and Dumaguete cities.

During the “human chain for Sendong victims” at the Clark Parade Grounds, which the governor co-hosted with Clark Development Corporation president Antonio Felipe Remollo, Pineda said more aid, aside from the 500 body boxes and caskets donated by the Provincial Government, is being prepared by Capitol.

30 Dec 2011 - Work area built inside jail

An official from the Pampanga Provincial Jail said a working area inside the jail yard was constructed to improve the living condition of inmates.

Edwin Mangaliman, provincial jail warden, said a divider was installed to prevent inmates from getting access to kitchen utensils while preparing for their daily meals.

29 Dec 2011 - 60 indigents receive Christmas gifts

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga 1 Electric Cooperative (Pelco 1) distributed gift packs Thursday worth P100,000 to some 60 indigent families in their area of coverage, as part of its annual corporate social responsibility program.

Pelco-1 general manager Loliano Alas said the program dubbed as “Pamaskong Handong ng Pelco1” aims to a share an amount of the resources of the power utility to its poorest power consumers.

29 Dec 2011 - Cookware, clothes needed in Oro, Iligan

As Tropical Storm Sendong’s death count reached almost 1,300 as of Thursday, relief goods for victims in Northern Mindanao continued to pour in from various groups.

However, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda said what the thousands of affected residents badly need are cookware and clothes.

29 Dec 2011 - Consumers told: Buy only fireworks with quality marks

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office appealed to consumers to buy only fireworks that have Philippine Standard (PS) Quality Certification or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks to ensure a hazard-free New Year celebration.

DTI Regional Business Regulation and Consumer Protection Division chief Ricardo Naguit said the PS (for locally manufactured products) or ICC (for imported products) marks are in sticker form and come with a unique serial number and security features.

29 Dec 2011 - Guv: Let’s help ‘Sendong’ victims

CLARK FREEPORT -- Governor Lilia Pineda has enjoined Kapampangans to help the victims of Tropical Storm Sendong (international codename: Washi).

Pineda issued the statement when thousands of Pampangos gathered inside the Freeport Wednesday night and formed a human chain in support of the people in Cagayan De Oro, Iligan City, Dumaguete City, Leyte and other areas affected by the recent calamity.

29 Dec 2011 - P600,000 pooled for ‘Sendong’ victims

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation’s (CDC) “human chain” fund-raising project for victims of Tropical Storm Sendong gathered P604,000 in cash donations from hundreds of participants who trooped to the parade grounds here Wednesday.

The event, dubbed as "Clark Cares: Human Chain for Typhoon Sendong Victims," was organized by the CDC in cooperation with human resource officers of various locators, CDC employees and non-government groups and clubs in the Metro Clark area.

28 Dec 2011 - City to award cleanest, brightest barangays

ANGELES CITY -- The city government here is set to give recognition to the cleanest and brightest barangays as part of its Christmas decoration competition.

The inter-barangay Christmas decoration competition was dubbed as “The Search for the Cleanest and Brightest Barangay”.

28 Dec 2011 - Motorists, commuters laud new terminal

PAMPANGA -- Motorists and commuters here lauded Tuesday the new transport terminal along the boundary area of San Fernando and nearby Angeles City in Barangay Telabastagan here.

The terminal was constructed through the efforts of the Lazatin family and the City Government of San Fernando.

28 Dec 2011 - AirAsia to ferry aids to Oro, Iligan

CLARK FREEPORT -- AirAsia Philippines has launched an airbridge that will ferry relief goods from Manila to the cities of Cagayan De Oro and Iligan, which were both devastated by massive floods on December 16.

"AirAsia Philippines which has its two Airbus 320s at the Clark airport, will ferry relief goods from Manila to Iligan and Cagayan De Oro non-stop,” said Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano.

28 Dec 2011 - Clark workers to stage protest over bonus anew

CLARK FREEPORT -- A group of workers at the Mimosa Leisure Estate said Tuesday they are set to stage another protest on Monday next week if Clark officials fail to release their 14th month pay and P-Noy bonus.

One of the workers' spokespersons, who asked not to be named, said they are set to have a dialogue with officials of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) regarding the issue Wednesday.

28 Dec 2011 - Police guns sealed for New Year

PAMPANGA -- To prevent illegal discharge of firearms by policemen on New Year's Eve, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Central Luzon sealed their guns on Tuesday.

The ceremonial sealing of the policemen's firearms in this camp was led by PNP Regional Director Edgardo Ladao and witnessed by gun club members and enthusiasts from Central Luzon.

26 Dec 2011 - Christmas fire destroys P.5-M

MABALACAT -- A fire that broke out shortly after Christmas at a compound in Barangay Tabun in this town destroyed a truck, thousands of surplus tires and other properties worth at least P500,000.

Senior Inspector Edwin Dela Fuente, town’s fire marshal, said no one was hurt in the fire, which lasted for about 10 hours.

26 Dec 2011 - Thousands to join human chain for Sendong victims

CLARK FREEPORT -- Thousands are expected to participate in the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) ‘human chain’ fund-raising project for the benefit of the victims of Typhoon Sendong.

The event on December 28, dubbed as “Clark CARES: Human Chain for Typhoon Sendong Victims,” at 6 p.m. in the Fort Stotsenberg Parade Grounds is expected to gather all CDC employees and workers from Clark-based investors and locators.

26 Dec 2011 - Christmas gift-giving for indigents held

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) distributed Christmas gift packs to indigent beneficiaries of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Day Care Center, Katutubo Village in Barangay Planas here.

The distribution was led by PamCham president Jim Jimenez, Corporate Social Responsibility Committee chairperson Leslie B. Mendiola and members Denden Wijangco, Antet Wijangco, Darell Garbes and Jerome.

26 Dec 2011 - Clark to host free display of Giant Lantern Fest winners

CLARK FREEPORT -- The six winning entries of the recently held Giant Lantern Festival in the City of San Fernando will perform for free at the CDC Parade Grounds, 6 p.m. on December 28.

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said the state-owned corporation is inviting the public to witness for free the dazzling display of dancing lights.

26 Dec 2011 - Labor department helps 1,000 Kapampangan workers

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Central Luzon utilized its first line intervention for short-term emergency employment program in assisting about 1,000 marginalized workers in Pampanga.

In a report by Dole Regional Director Leopoldo De Jesus to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, the regional labor agency provided P3,000,000 worth of livelihood assistance to 1,000 marginalized workers through the Dole Intervention Livelihood Program (DILP) also known as the Tulong Alalay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD).

26 Dec 2011 - Fisherfolks get goodies from Capitol, private firms

PAMPANGA -- More than 10,000 fisherfolks in the coastal municipalities received goodies from officials of the Provincial Government.

The beneficiaries were from the towns of Macabebe, Masantol and Sasmuan.

26 Dec 2011 - Bar Manager robbed

ANGELES CITY -- Peter Taylor from Bar Assets Bar was attacked and robbed upon coming home 11:00pm on Christmas evening.

4 guys waited at his home in Timog Park, beat him up and then left with his valuables.

24 Dec 2011 - Seasonal Greetings from Balibago.org

A Merry Christmas to our Visitors.

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!

23 Dec 2011 - Design contest for airport eyed

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently bared its plan of holding an international competition for the conceptual design of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA).

In a press statement, BCDA president and CEO Arnel Paciano Casanova said the agency is in search of an iconic design that best represents the aspirations of Filipinos and showcases the elements of functionality, safety and convenience.”

23 Dec 2011 - Lawmaker allots P1M for ‘Sendong’ victims

PAMPANGA -- Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales (3rd district, Pampanga) has committed part of his salary and some P1 million from his priority development assistance fund (PDAF) for areas devastated by Tropical Storm Sendong (international name: Washi).

This came as Gonzales heeded the call of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. who earlier urged his House colleagues to earmark at least P1 million out of their PDAF for areas devastated by the recent storm that battered parts of Mindanao.

23 Dec 2011 - Use of weigh scales to start Jan.

PAMPANGA -- The use of portable weighing scales to regulate and curb overloading is set to star mid-January next year.

This was disclosed by officials of the Pampanga Truck Owners Association led by Arnold Liwanag, who said the Provincial Government, through Environment and Natural Resources Officer Art Punsalan, had agreed to fully utilize the weighing scales and impose fees of P30 per truck.

23 Dec 2011 - Suspected rebels attack Tarlac farm

PAMPANGA -- A suspected group of communist rebels looted the Red Dragon Farm in Sapang Kuran, Moriones, San Jose, Tarlac early this week.

Captain Jovily Carmel Cabading, spokesperson of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), said a security guard identified as Leo Molina was manning his post at the farm's main gate around 7 p.m. when about 13 fully armed men arrived and introduced themselves as members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

22 Dec 2011 - The Lakeshore sends conmen to jail

PAMPANGA -- The case of two suspects allegedly pretending to be collection agents and extorting money from The Lakeshore now lies in the hands of the proper court.

An official of Central Country Estates Inc. (CCEI) said a case was filed against one Ewilfredo Esguerra Tiglao and his cohort identified as Junmar Dumlao Serrano.

22 Dec 2011 - Pampanga, South Korea schools ink new pact

PAMPANGA -- The Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU) in Bacolor on Thursday inked a memorandum of understanding with the Gangwon Provincial College for the exchanges of best practices in education between the two schools.

DHVTSU president Enrique Baking said the agreement was signed at the DHVTSU Hostel with Gangwon Provincial College president Dr. Byong Kwan Won and other officials of the South Korean school.

22 Dec 2011 - Development council asks members to help ‘Sendong’ victims

PAMPANGA -- Regional Development Council in Central Luzon chairman Mayor Oscar Rodriguez appealed to council members to provide aid to the victims of Tropical Storm Sendong in Northern Mindanao.

“Central Luzon lived through a similar calamity barely two months ago and the people of Cagayan De Oro and Iligan generously donated food and clothing. Now it is time for us to reciprocate their good deeds,” Rodriguez said.

22 Dec 2011 - 100 baby turtles released in Subic

SUBIC FREEPORT -- Some 110 Olive Ridley Sea Turtle was released back to the open sea in a simple ceremony at the All Hands Beach resort inside Subic Bay Freeport Thursday.

Cynthia Robles, head of the RMTU-Iba, said Zambales College of law adopted the hatchling and saw them through until the release.

21 Dec 2011 - Police intensify campaign vs unlicensed drivers

PAMPANGA -- The local police in Candaba has intensified its campaign against unlicensed motorcycle drivers flying around the major roads in town.

This came amidst the increasing number of motorcycle accidents involving drivers who are not authorized to drive due to lack of skills or failure to pass requirements prescribed by law for the acquisition of a drivers' license.

21 Dec 2011 - DOH gears up response plan vs firecracker accidents

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Health (DOH) will start monitoring firecracker-related accidents in the region starting Thursday and advised government hospitals to be ready to respond to firecracker accidents in their respective areas.

DOH regional director Benito Arca said there will be reports sent to the regional office and to the DOH headquarters in Manila at the end of each day.

20 Dec 2011 - 1 Million reward offered

ANGELES CITY -- The Brother of killed Bar owner Hans Siepkamp offers Peso 1 Million that leads to the aprehension of the killers.

19 Dec 2011 - Mamac denies collecting money from bar girls

ANGELES CITY -- Balibago chairman Rodelio Mamac denied reports that he is collecting money from bar girls in the entertainment district.

The barangay leader clarified that an organization called Proactive Establishment of Concerned Entertainers (Peace), which was organized by the barangay council, is imposing to its 20 member-establishments monthly dues amounting to P150.

19 Dec 2011 - Fil-Chinese group donates 4 school buildings

The Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry donated last week four school buildings in Pampanga as part of its commitment to the development of the quality of education here.

The group also donated one school building in Tarlac province.

17 Dec 2011 - Barowner murdered

ANGELES CITY -- Butterfly Rock Bar Owner Hans Siepkamp was killed last night around 4am at his home at Waterstone Villas in a robbery.

The robbers entered through the roof and waited behind a kitchen door for the Dutchman and shot him in the head at close range.

17 Dec 2011 - SM City Pampanga launches My Cuisine campaign

PAMPANGA -- To rediscover how Kapampangans cook native food, SM City Pampanga (SMCP) has launched My City, My SM, My Cuisine at the SM City Pampanga Event Center Saturday.

Lana Eroba, mall manager at SMCP, said the My Cuisine campaign took its cue from SM malls' effort of highlighting important aspect of provinces where they operate.

17 Dec 2011 - Indigents get Christmas gifts

PAMPANGA -- Some 3,000 indigents from Porac received Christmas gifts from government officials here led by Mayor Condralito dela Cruz and Dexter David on Saturday as part of their yuletide treat to poor constituents.

Dela Cruz said residents of Barangays Cangatba, Poblacion Babo Pangulo and Pio benefited from the program.

16 Dec 2011 - Fields Avenue “big 6” threatens to withdraw investments

ANGELES CITY – Major players in the entertainment industry known as the “big 6” along Fields Avenue have threatened to pull out their investments because of pressures coming from authorities, Central Luzon Daily learned yesterday.

This, despite the assurance made by the city government that the entertainment district must be spared from any unlawful fees, monthly dues and other illegal collections of money including the alleged protection racket.

The group, however, was glad the way Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan expressed his concern to the industry but insider said one of the so-called big 6 in Fields Avenue is already selling some of the properties situated at the heart of the entertainment area.

15 Dec 2011 - Cathay may soon fly out of Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific, one of the world’s largest airlines, may start flying out of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark Freeport, Pampanga.

Clark Development Corp. president and CEO Felipe Remollo said officials from the Chinese airline were in town earlier this week to discuss the possibility of daily flights from Clark.

15 Dec 2011 - Book on Galician influence in Philippines launched

ANGELES CITY -- The Center for Kapampangan Studies of Holy Angel University, in partnership with Centro Gallego de Filipinas, launched a book that highlights the influence of the Galician region of Spain in Philippine history and culture.

Author and Kapampangan Lino Dizon said, “Our book, entitled Cruceiro: Spanish Galicia at some crossroads in Philippine History and Culture (1521-1898), is meant to reassess Spanish contributions in the country through regional historiography and ethnography, which is minimal, if not altogether absent in previous and available studies.”

15 Dec 2011 - Man arrested for illegal gun possession

PAMPANGA -- A man who poked a gun at an acquaintance was arrested for illegal possession of firearms early this week.

In a report, San Fernando City Police Director Luisito Magnaye said Zoilo Magbajus, 39, was arrested after poking a gun at one Reynaldo Pangan, 40.

15 Dec 2011 - City holds ‘Lubenas ning Pasku’

ANGELES CITY -- A myriad of colors, sounds and bright lights dotted the usually busy street of Santo Rosario as the city celebrated the “Lubenas ning Pasku,” where traditional lanterns were showcased by different barangays.

Lubenas is a procession of lanterns with colorful chants. It began during the 1800s and is still being celebrated by a few Kapampangan towns and cities today.

15 Dec 2011 - Village chief gunned down

PAMPANGA -- A barangay chairman was gunned down by unidentified armed men riding in tandem along the Gapan-Olongapo Road in Barangay Tabuan, Arayat town, Tuesday night.

The fatality was identified as Romeo Quiambao, 64, village chief of Barangay Tabun.

14 Dec 2011 - Mayor vows to stop collection of dues from entertainment workers

ANGELES City -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has vowed to stop an organization led by a barangay captain here from collecting P150 per month from every worker of “entertainment and hospitality” establishments in Bgy. Balibago here.

Pamintuan said it is illegal and unjust to collect the said amount.

14 Dec 2011 - Tech center eyes more livelihood at 35

MABALACAT --- Technology Resource Center (TRC) director general Dennis “Decu” Cunanan said the agency is committed to generate more livelihood opportunities as it celebrates its 35th anniversary in February next year.

“The TRC is set to celebrate its 35th anniversary next year through an intensified drive to commercialize various flagship innovation projects in the country,” Cunanan said.

13 Dec 2011 - Mayor relates cityhood to American pilot’s heroism

MABALACAT -- “Supreme sacrifice so that others may live.”

This was how Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales related the heroism of Captain Colin Kelly to the cityhood bid of this first class town. Kelly is an American pilot who died after his aircraft crashed in Barangay Bical here during World War II.

13 Dec 2011 - Stem cell bill passes committee level

ANGELES CITY -- A bill seeking to establish a stem cell center in the country, filed by Representative Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin (1st district, Pampanga), has been approved by the House Committee on Science and Technology.

During the hearing held last December 6, the committee headed by Representative Julio Ledesma (1st district, Negros Occidental), Lazatin’s House Bill No. 5287 entitled “An Act Establishing Stem Cell Center of the Philippines and Strengthening Research on Stem Cell Technology” has also been consolidated with two other similar bills filed by Representatives Eufranio Eriguel (2nd district, La Union) and Anthony Del Rosario (1st district, Davao del Norte).

13 Dec 2011 - Donor org exec confirms additional equipment for city hospital

ANGELES CITY -- An official from a non-government donor organization in the United States has confirmed the shipment next month of various medical equipment intended for use at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC), formerly Ospital ning Angeles, in this city.

George Samson, chief executive officer of the US-based World Medical Relief Inc. (WMRI), told City Government workers during his visit Monday at the Angeles City Hall that the container van having the additional hospital equipment and supplies will arrive in the Philippines in January.

13 Dec 2011 - Dec. 12 ‘holiday’ questioned

PAMPANGA -- Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham) has raised doubts as to the legality of the Capitol’s declaration of December 12 as a special non-working holiday.

Last December 9 at about 3:00 p.m., the Provincial Government issued Executive Order No. 20-LGP-2011 declaring yesterday (a Monday following December 11 which falls on a Sunday) as Pampanga Day, based on Malacañang’s Proclamation No. 2226 declared December 11, 1982.

12 Dec 2011 - Flashfloods damage 150-hectare rice field

PAMPANGA -- An estimated 150 hectares of rice fields with standing crops in some villages here were damaged due to flashfloods.

Mario Concepcion, town’s municipal agriculturist, said the flooding was triggered by the overflowing of the Maasim Dike.

12 Dec 2011 - Foundation starts raising funds for Kapampangan museum

PAMPANGA -- The Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan Inc. (FLKI) has started to raise additional budget for the continued construction of the first Pampanga Museum.

Maria Theresa Laus, board of trustee at the FLKI, said they have started raising additional funds for the construction of the first Kapampangan museum through provincial activities like the Sinukwan Festival.

12 Dec 2011 - Macabebe cop completes skydiving course

PAMPANGA -- Macabebe police chief John Clark over the weekend was pinned his “wings” for completing the special skydiving and freefall course.

During the “Aldo Deng Kapulisan” or Police Day, which is a part of the 440th Pampanga Day celebration, Clark joined the Philippine Army paratroopers in a skydiving exhibition at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex.

12 Dec 2011 - 386 cops finish criminal investigation course

PAMPANGA -- At least 386 policemen across Central Luzon finished the criminal investigation course over the weekend.

The closing ceremonies led by Central Luzon Police Director Edgardo Ladao were held at the Multi Purpose Hall, Camp Olivas.

9 Dec 2011 - Takbo para sa Taklobo all set

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- A fun run organized by the Ecology Center of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will kick off this afternoon, Saturday, for a campaign to save the endangered giant clams.

Ameth dela Llana-Koval, head of the Ecology Center, said this is the second year for the fund-raising activity.

8 Dec 2011 - Clark management, union group settle impasse

CLARK FREEPORT -- The management of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the supervisory union group agreed to end the impasse on the proposed collective bargaining agreement and return to bilateral negotiations.

In a meeting at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) in the City of San Fernando in Pampanga on Monday, both parties -- CDC and the Association of CDC Supervisory Personnel (ACSP) -- agreed on the proposals of conciliator NCMB Director Darrow P. Odsey.

8 Dec 2011 - Christmas at Capitol starts

PAMPANGA -- Christmas at Capitol in San Fernando formally started Tuesday evening with a display of fireworks and the switching on of Christmas decorations at Arnedo Park led by Governor Lilia Pineda.

The façade of the Capitol is decked with thousands of lights resembling medals, 22 lanterns symbolizing the towns and cities of Pampanga, hundreds of meters of flexilights and a giant lantern at the heart of Arnedo Park.

8 Dec 2011 - Aeta woman attacked anew by same Clark worker

MABALACAT -- Exactly a month after she was allegedly attacked by a male employee of the Mimosa Leisure Resort, an Aeta woman reported to police that the same suspect, together with his wife, again physically assaulted her as she was carrying her one-year-old grandchild at the Marcos Village within Clark Freeport.

Police Officer 3 Ramon Cruz Jr., chief investigator of the Mabalacat police, identified the victim as Josephine Fajardo, a resident of Marcos Village. Fajardo is better known among her fellow Aetas by her maiden name Josephine Cosme.

8 Dec 2011 - Clark STAR gets support

CLARK FREEPORT -- The proposed multi-million peso sporting event and training center inside Clark Freeport gets a boost as trade representatives in the United States committed to help promote the investment potentials of the project.

Archimedes Gomez, Philippine Trade Representative for Southern California, said in an interview that the so-called Clark STAR (Sports Training, Amusement and Recreation Center) is one significant undertaking of Clark Development Corporation.

8 Dec 2011 - Man arrested for illegal possession of firearm

MABALACAT -- Police recently arrested a man for illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions in Mabalacat town.

Ronaldo Orol, 29, was arrested by roving policemen on board a civilian vehicle early this week.

8 Dec 2011 - Cops take ‘big bikes’ training

PAMPANGA -- Hundreds of police officers from Pampanga and other Central Luzon provinces on Monday and Tuesday took a special safety and defensive driving training using “big bikes” at the Hilaga (formerly Paskuhan Village) in San Fernando.

The 15-hour training program involved ranking officers and operatives from various police units and stations and was conducted by a joint team from the Highway Patrol Group 3 (HPG 3), Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3) and civilian friends of police.

5 Dec 2011 - Ex-mayor: No black propaganda from us

MABALACAT — Former Angeles City mayor Francis Nepomuceno denied allegations that his camp has been staging black propaganda questioning the legality of current Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan’s win during the 2010 elections.

“Manahimik ku pin [I am keeping silent],” Nepomuceno said in a chance interview here.

5 Dec 2011 - Sinukwan fest to highlight Kapampangan food, churches

PAMPANGA -- More than the colorful street dancing competition, the upcoming Sinukwan Festival is set to highlight native Kapampangan food and the facades of historical churches in Pampanga.

Engr. Marni Castro, chairman of the Sinukwan Festival 2011 executive committee, said the “Pistang Pamangan Kapampangan” will open on December 9 while the exhibit on the facades of historical churches in Pampanga will open on December 10.

5 Dec 2011 - Mayor issues order to rid bars of minors

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan issued an executive order (EO), which is expected to prevent bar owners from hiring minors.

Pamintuan’s EO 35 stipulates that applicants are required to secure clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) before they are issued health certificates by the City Government.

5 Dec 2011 - Mabalacat council sets budget approval on Dec. 14

MABALACAT -- A municipal councilor here said the council slated the approval of the town’s 2012 budget, amounting to P527 million, on December 14.

Councilor Froilan Galang, Municipal Council Education and Labor Committee chair, said they hope to pass the budget ordinance before the council takes a holiday break.

5 Dec 2011 - Binay graces Ravenna Homes opening

MABALACAT -- Aimed at providing better housing options to Kapampangans, the Major Homes Inc. (MHI) has formally launched its Ravenna Homes over the weekend.

The launching ceremony was graced by Vice President Jejomar Binay, also the chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

2 Dec 2011 - Giant lantern fever starts

PAMPANGA -- With barely two weeks before a bigger, brighter and more colorful Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) 2011 set to amaze folks anew, the private sector and the executive committee tasked with the challenge has unleashed a series of blitz seen to prep up the world-renowned event happening just once a year.

On Friday, Senior Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan said her unit, with the nod of the GLF 2011 executive committee led by businessman Alfritoh “Bong” Mah, has geared up for what is perceived to be this year’s biggest show of Fernandino talent in lantern making, one that is much awaited.

2 Dec 2011 - Quarry collections seen to mark good year

PAMPANGA -- The quarry collections in Pampanga is seen to mark another year, said Environment and Natural Resources chief Art Punsalan.

He said the Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor Lilia Pineda and Vice Governor Joseller "Yeng" Guiao, collects around P16 million to P20 million per month.

2 Dec 2011 - Binay awards land titles to Mabalacat residents

MABALACAT -- Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) chair Jejomar Binay led Friday the distribution of more than 300 Transfer Certificates of Titles (TCTs) to residents of Mawaque resettlement center.

Binay said some 1,317 TCTs were already distributed to qualified families in Mawaque, which were affected by Mount Pinatubo eruptions.

2 Dec 2011 - ‘Jeepers’ to reenact Battle of Bataan

CLARK FREEPORT -- Vintage military jeep owners are set to reenact Saturday the Battle of Bataan at the historic Fort Stotsenberg parade grounds here.

The reenactment is the highlight of events during the first ever “Season’s Jeeping” sponsored by the MD Juan Enterprises, the Military Vehicle Collectors Club of the Philippines (MVCCP) and Mabalacat Tourism Office.

1 Dec 2011 - Mayor lauds Tarlac officials’ support in cityhood bid

MABALACAT -- Mabalacat Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales thanked Tarlac officials led by Govenor Vic Yap for their support in the cityhood bid of this municipality.

Despite the boundary dispute between the towns of Bamban in Tarlac and Mabalacat in Pampanga, Tarlac officials have displayed their sincere support in the town’s cityhood campaign, according to Morales.

1 Dec 2011 - Koreans arrested for child abuse, illegal gambling

ANGELES CITY -- Two Koreans residing in Angeles City were recently arrested for violations of laws on child abuse and illegal gambling.

Lee Jae Hyun, 43, and Aum Gi Pyo, 40, both residing in Barangay Pulung Maragul, were arrested by police from the Angeles City Police Office and representatives from the Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Division in Camp Crame early this week.

1 Dec 2011 - Bonifacio’s Kapampangan roots traced

PAMPANGA -- Philippine hero Andres Bonifacio is a Kapampangan, or at least, has Pampango blood in him.

This was disclosed Wednesday by an heir and a historian during the commemoration of the revolutionary hero’s 148th birthday at Heroes Hall, which was attended by hundreds of officials, City Government employees, students and private sector representatives.