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Balibago News Mar-2014

31 Mar 2014 - Board grills DPWH on road project

PAMPANGA -- Members of the Provincial Board (PB) grilled Monday officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the ongoing road construction in a section of Friendship Highway, which have yet to be completed.

Board Member Dinan Labung lamented the seemingly slow construction of the almost four kilometer road project that involved road widening and some canalization works. The said project is said to be under GQG Construction.

31 Mar 2014 - Masantol receives P1-M for Salintubig

PAMPANGA -- This town received P1 million for the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat (Salintubig) Program of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The check was awarded to Mayor Danilo Guintu by DILG Provincial Director Myrvi Apostol-Favia, who was assisted by Cluster Team Leader/LGOO VI Rufino Abalos and MLGOO Delilia De Leon.

31 Mar 2014 - SM City Clark joins Earth Hour 2014

CLARK FREEPORT -- SM City Clark led the observance of Earth Hour 2014 with the switching off of its major lighting system and in hosting a promotional campaign in saving and conserving energy.

SM City Clark Public Relations officer Venus Manalang said that this year's theme is "Use your Power" just like Hollywood star Andrew Garfield of the famed "Spyderman" franchise.

31 Mar 2014 - San Fernando holds breastfeeding summit

PAMPANGA -- Members from different women organizations within the province gathered for an Inter-Agency Breastfeeding Summit last March 28 at the Robinsons Starmills Event Center.

The activity was intended to re-establish the trend on breastfeeding, focus on its importance and make women more aware of their rights and privileges as breastfeeding mothers.

31 Mar 2014 - MRCs arrest man

ANGELES CITY -- Motorcycle Riding Cops or MRCs arrested a 37-year-old man for possession of a firearm along Miranda Street, Barangay San Nicolas, Angeles City, Friday night.

The lawmen arrested Arnold Miclat, 37, a resident of Barangay Sta. Trinidad, Angeles City who was riding his Yamaha Soul (RB-997) when they found a caliber .45 pistol with a magazine loaded with seven bullets.

30 Mar 2014 - DPWH: Remove road barriers

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that it has worked on the request of businessmen through the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) on the removal of “dog ears” and concrete barriers in major thoroughfares of San Fernando.

District Engineer Rico Guilas said that the DPWH has written the Korean contractor on the dog ears along Jose Abad Santos Avenue on the dangers posed by the center island.

30 Mar 2014 - ISCAHM opens culinary, hotel school in Angeles

ANGELES CITY - The International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM) has opened its third campus here.

ISCAHM Pampanga, which is situated at the Batis Asul along the MacArthur Highway in Barangay Santo Domingo, is the firm’s first campus in Central Luzon.

30 Mar 2014 - Man wounded in heist

ANGELES CITY -- Victor Ramos, a resident of Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, was driving his motorized tricycle with wife Lorna when the suspects appeared and tried to grab his necklace worth P30,000.

The gunmen chased the couple and upon reaching Barangay Pandan, one of the suspect shot Ramos four times, took the necklace and fled towards unknown direction.

30 Mar 2014 - Mabalacat City police lacks personnel

MABALACAT CITY - Police officials here admitted that they are not that effective in crime prevention because the city lacks policemen.

Superintendent Ferdinand Perez, city police chief, revealed that this new component city only have 73 policemen.

30 Mar 2014 - SM City Downtown unveils heritage centerpiece for Earth Hour 2014

PAMPANGA -- The SM City San Fernando Downtown joined this year’s observance of Earth Hour with the unveiling of its heritage inspired centerpiece as it urges mall goers to help save energy.

At exactly 8:30 p.m., the mall once again participated in the Earth Hour to inspire Filipinos and Chinese to take a stand on “the indiscriminate threat of global warming and make a commitment to a low-carbon lifestyle through their ceremonial switching off the lights.”

30 Mar 2014 - Confusion, traffic mark rotunda trial

PAMPANGA -- Moderate to heavy traffic and confusion among motorists on which turn to take marked the first day trial on Saturday of the rotunda established under the Dolores Flyover.

The rotunda was proposed by the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham) to ease traffic in the intersection of MacArthur Highway and Jose Abad Santos Avenue. The barriers earlier placed there regulating traffic in the particular area were removed to create the temporary rotunda.

30 Mar 2014 - Oplan SumVac 2014 starts

PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office in Central Luzon (PRO-3) has started implementing public safety measures for the entire summer season under Oplan Summer Vacation (SumVac) to ensure the safety of motorists, tourists and residents of Central Luzon.

PRO-3 Director Raul Petrasanta said he has instructed all city and provincial directors from the different police provincial, municipal and city police offices to conduct 24/7 patrols on foot, motorcycles and mobile patrol vehicles.

30 Mar 2014 - LPG cargo truck falls on SCTEx ramp

PAMPANGA -- A delivery truck loaded with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) accidentally fell on a ramp inside the Subic-Clark-Tarlac-Expressway (SCTEx) in Barangay Camachiles, Mabalacat, Pampanga, on Friday, resulting in the injuries of two persons and causing heavy traffic along the expressway.

In a report here, Senior Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan, newly-installed Officer-In-Charge of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, said that about 4:40 p.m., an 18-wheeler truck driven by Allan Policarpio accidentally fell on the ramp while maneuvering a sharp curve.

30 Mar 2014 - DENR to earmark P118.8-M for survey of boundaries

PAMPANGA -- Some P118.8 million will be earmarked by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to fast track the survey of political boundaries and accelerate government's land distribution program in Central Luzon.

The allotted funds will be used for faster completion of 11 priority cadastral projects covering 511,917 hectares in six provinces, 31 towns, and 1,022 barangays in the region.

29 Mar 2014 - Residents apprehensive, asks CDC to take action

CLARK FREEPORT -- Residents of Redwood Villas here expressed apprehension over their safety and security amidst another shooting and gun firing incident right inside their exclusive residential village.

Some residents who requested anonymity due to risks on their lives expressed alarm over the gun firing incident last March 22, allegedly by former actor Royette Padilla, a resident of Villa 1833 on Pasak Street at said village.

29 Mar 2014 - Boking rues police shortage in Mabalacat City

MABALACAT CITY -- Mabalacat City Mayor Marino Morales has insisted that his city has remained “generally peaceful”, but vowed to push for an increase in his city’s measly 73-man police force to ensure peace and order for a population reaching about 300,000.

The present ratio of about one cop per 3,000 people is just ridiculous,” he said in a press conference at Bale Balita here yesterday morning.

29 Mar 2014 - Emirates’ departure from Clark part of conspiracy to derail CIA

ANGELES CITY -- The impending pull-out of Emirates Airlines has underscored what has long been suspected by the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) – the conspiracy to derail the development of the Clark International Airport (CIA).

This was further affirmed with the public pronouncement of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) President Ramon Ang who said they are “set to submit to President Aquino next month (their) own proposal for a $10-billion alternative international airport serving Metro Manila even as the government separately pursues a similar project, likely at a former US naval base in Sangley Point, Cavite.”

29 Mar 2014 - Task group Cervantes formed

PAMPANGA -- Police on Friday formed Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Cervantes task to identify and arrest the gunman who shot and wounded former beauty queen Francis Dianne Cervantes.

In a text message to Sun.Star Pampanga, Senior Superintendent Joel Ordona, Bulacan police provincial director, said SITG Cervantes is composed of personnel from the Bulacan provincial operations, Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit-3, Highway Patrol Unit-3 and PNP Crime Laboratory.

28 Mar 2014 - PRO3 holds women’s summit

PAMPANGA -- Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) on Thursday held its first ever PRO3 Women’s Summit at the Benigno Aquino Hall, Capitol Compound, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

At least 250 policewomen from the different provincial and city police offices as well as municipal and city police stations attended the summit to explore, learn, discuss, exchange ideas, collaborate and have fun during the convention initiated by Senior Superintendent Danilo Florentino, chief of the Regional Police Community Relations Division (RPCRD3), and Superintendent Maylyn Domingo.

28 Mar 2014 - Flores asks DPWH to monitor dike rehab

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Edgardo Flores of this town on Friday requested Department of Public Works and Highways Regional (DPWH) Director Antonio Molano to monitor the implementation of projects relative to the rehabilitation of the San Fernando-Sto. Tomas-Minalin Taildike.

Flores wrote in his letter to the DPWH that in the course of their monitoring, they observed that the materials used in the restoration of the breached portion of the dike are also lahar materials sourced from the same dike.

28 Mar 2014 - 3 motorcycle thieves arrested

ANGELES CITY -- Three alleged thieves who stole a motorcycle were immediately apprehended by policemen at Purok 3, Barangay San Nicolas, Angeles City recently.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police director, identified the arrested suspects as Carlo Fernandez, 23, a resident of Barangay Lourdes North West; Fernan Sicat, 30, of Barangay Lourdes North West; and Bryan Castillo, 19, a resident of Barangay Sta. Trinidad, all of Angeles City.

28 Mar 2014 - El Shaddai leader wants Arroyo as ‘godmother’

PAMPANGA -- Former President and now Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was visited by El Shaddai leader Brother Mike Velarde.

Velarde visited the lawmaker in her hospital suite at Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), according to lawyer Ferdinand Topacio.

28 Mar 2014 - NBI busts online scammers

PAMPANGA -- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) here arrested about 175 Taiwanese and Chinese believed to be members of an international online scam syndicate.

NBI regional director Jose Yap said the suspects were arrested during a simultaneous raid, by virtue of a search warrant issued by Cabanatuan Regional Trial Court Judge Angelo Perez, conducted in the high-end subdivisions of Metro Gate, Don Bonifacio, Diamond, Plaridel and Friendship Plaza, all in Angeles City.

28 Mar 2014 - DENR: Let’s do our part to save the planet

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Central Luzon Office (DENR-3) is urging people from across the region to "do their part in saving Mother Earth" in Saturday night's annual Earth Hour.

DENR-3 executive Francisco Milla, Jr. said more than 15 million Filipinos are expected to "turn their lights off" for an hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, in observance of Earth Hour.

27 Mar 2014 - Pampanga police director relieved

PAMPANGA -- Acting Pampanga Police Provincial director Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde has been relieved Thursday after alleged irregularities in the conduct of buy-bust operation inside a subdivision in Mexico town recently.

Police Regional Office director Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta said that he received the order Wednesday from Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Alan Purisima.

27 Mar 2014 - Motorcycle riding criminals strike again in San Fernando

PAMPAMGA -- A credit officer of a lending investor was held-up by motorcycle riding criminals along Barangay Pulungbulu, City of San Fernando, Monday.

In a belated report here, the victim identified as Noel Ebay, 27, a credit officer of Calleez Line Lending Investor Incorporated located at Plaza Christine building in Barangay Dolores, was on board his Yamaha Vega motorcycle when he was held-up by two armed men.

27 Mar 2014 - San Fernando sets team building

PAMPAMGA -- Local government employees of San Fernando will take a break en masse for a team building activity on March 29 at Ocean Adventure in Subic.

The whole day affair is in line with the current administration's pursuit to boost employee morale and camaraderie through activities that will further enhance their working relationships as public servants.

26 Mar 2014 - Tarlac guv wants full development of Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Tarlac Governor Vic Yap on Tuesday expressed his desire and support for the full development of nearby Clark Freeport.

Fresh from the 14th regular conference of the Regional Development Council at the Freeport, Yap, together with Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane and Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, stressed that Tarlac province could be a major partner in supplying the manpower needs of Clark’s 679 locators.

26 Mar 2014 - Arroyo husband allowed to travel abroad

PAMPANGA -- The husband of former President and now Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Pampanga, second district) Jose Miguel Arroyo, was permitted by the Sandiganbayan to travel to Japan from March 29 to April 4.

The former First Gentleman was asked by the anti-graft court's division to post a P60,000 travel bond before he leaves the country for a leisure trip to Japan and Europe.

26 Mar 2014 - Ched, DepEd cite Capitol programs

PAMPANGA -- The Commission on Higher Education (Ched) and Department of Education (DepEd) Central Luzon lauded the education programs of the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Lilia Pineda.

During the recent conference of local colleges in the region, CHEd-3 Director Caridad Abuan, commended the efforts of the provincial government “in reaching out the youth from far-flung areas for accessible, affordable and quality education.”

25 Mar 2014 - Mabalacat officials alarmed over high robbery incidents

MABALACAT CITY -- Officials in this component city expressed alarm over the increasing incidents of robberies and other street crimes over the past few months.

Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales said he called for the conduct of a peace and order summit on March 28 to address the issue.

25 Mar 2014 - Board members distribute financial assistance to scholars

PAMPANGA -- Board Members Salvador Dimson Jr., Tonton Torres and Gerome Tubig distributed financial assistance to some 300 provincial scholars Tuesday at the Benigno Aquino Hall.

Dimson said that the distribution is part of the Capitol's regular assistance to student scholars. He added that the assistance of P2,500 per student aims to help the students in their fees and other school expenses.

25 Mar 2014 - MRCs cart away P41,000 cash collection

PAMPANGA -- Two employees of Mighty Corporation were held-up by motorcycle riding criminals (MRCs) in Barangay Panipuan, City of San Fernando, recently.

In a report here, Fedrito Petillano, officer-in-charge of City San Fernando police, said that the victims identified as Laurence Kim Ocampo and John Paul Nardo, 22, both employees of the said corporation, were on board a Mitsubishi closed van and stopped in front of a store in Barangay Panipuan when they were held-up by the suspects.

25 Mar 2014 - Cudia asks PMA for diploma

PAMPANGA -- Dismissed Cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia has asked the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to release his diploma.

Cudia filed a petition before the High Tribunal asking the PMA to give his diploma and get an honorable dismissal from the academy.

25 Mar 2014 - CCSF thanks Rodriguez for ‘gift of education’

PAMPANGA -- The City College of San Fernando (CCSF) recently extended its gratitude to former mayor and now Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez for the “priceless gift of education.”

In a letter, CCSF president Dr. Lourdes Javier acknowledged Rodriguez -- the Fernandinos’ champion of education -- for the recent outstanding performance of City College education graduates in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

25 Mar 2014 - Capitol wants details on P3.8-B Korean project

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Provincial Government of Pampanga on Tuesday asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to present complete details of the P3.8-billion projects in the coastal towns of Masantol, Macabebe and Minalin.

The governor said the Provincial Government is asking the DPWH about the project so they could revise their infrastructure plans in the said towns, particularly on the construction of schools to avoid duplication of projects

25 Mar 2014 - Bidding for P216-M patrol cars postponed

PAMPANGA -- The scheduled opening of bids for the purchase of 400 units of patrol cars worth P216 million has been postponed to a still undetermined date after Capitol's Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) failed to muster a quorum Tuesday morning.

Provincial Legal Counsel and BAC vice-chairman Cecil Andin announced the postponement after four of the committee members, Provincial Administrator and committee chairman Andres Pangilinan, Jr., included, failed to show up in the bidding activities.

25 Mar 2014 - DOJ thrashes MACCI appeal

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the case filed by the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MACCII) against the legality of the city's tax ordinance here.

The decision also cleared Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

24 Mar 2014 - New AC laws ban funerals on foot

ANGELES CITY Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has announced new ordinances banning walking funeral corteges along major roads, as well as fixed tricycle fares regardless of nationality.

“There have been too many complaints about tricycles taking advantage of our growing number of tourists and we can’t go on like this,” Pamintuan said in a press briefing.

24 Mar 2014 - Guv urges Kapampangans to pay their taxes correctly

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda appealed to her constituents to file their income tax returns correctly and ahead of the deadline.

“Taxation is a critical undertaking of the government to ensure better and quality service to the people. That is why I am appealing to all Kapampangans to pay their taxes correctly,” Pineda said during the 2014 tax campaign kick- off of Revenue District Office No.21B-Southern Pampanga here last week.

23 Mar 2014 - Guv hears education issues

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda met over the weekend with educational managers of various community colleges in the province along with school principals of public high schools to discuss concerns in education.

Pineda was concern on the woes faced by community colleges in financing their operations and their programs for indigent students.

23 Mar 2014 - SM Clark to host Neon Night

CLARK FREEPORT -- SM City Clark will be hosting Neon Night, a fun run which includes neon run and glow party at 5 p.m. on April 5.

Neon run is a five-kilometer fun run, which focuses less on speed but on the glow zones where participants run through.

23 Mar 2014 - SM Supermalls to participate in Earth Hour

PAMPANGA -- The SM Pampanga has expressed its support to the Earth Hour celebration on March 29.

The giant mall is planning to switch off its lights at 8:30 p.m. after a small ceremony at the Parking A2.

22 Mar 2014 - Hopes springs eternal for Balibago students

ANGELES CITY -- Sixty-seven year-old Tito Mengote proved this maxim well when he and 20 other students graduated from the Alternative Learning System program organized by the Department of Education (DepEd) and Barangay captain Rodelio "Tony" Mamac.

The ALS, along with the Basic Literacy Program of DepEd, aims to provide free education to Out-of-School Youth (OSY) and adult elementary and secondary school drop-outs, industry-based workers, housewives, maids, factory workers, drivers, members of cultural minorities, indigenous people and the disabled or physically challenged.

22 Mar 2014 - HAU to publish Philippine culinary book

ANGELES CITY -- Holy Angel University will launch the Philippine edition of the culinary book "Milk Pigs and Violet Gold" on Saturday, March 29 as part of its advocacy to promote intercultural understanding.

Written by Singaporean food and travel writer Bryan Koh, the book was published as a partnership between Koh and the University's Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS). Koh collaborated with CKS consultants Alex Castro and Francis Musni in researching the book's chapter on Kapampangan cuisine.

22 Mar 2014 - Biz group reiterates call for road barrier removal

PAMPANGA -- Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) reiterated its call over the weekend to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the City Government of San Fernando to remove concrete barriers in major highways in this city.

This developed as vice chairman Rene Romero said that the DPWH and the City Government of San Fernando have yet to act on their call.

21 Mar 2014 - Angeles sets 7-year traffic scheme

ANGELES CITY -- The City Government of Angeles is set to finalize and implement its seven-year master plan in a bid to cope with the growing traffic problem in this city brought about by its vibrant commercial activities.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that this is in response to the need to address the traffic situation in the city with the influx of tourism related activities and commerce.

21 Mar 2014 - Philhealth to launch ‘Alaga Ka’ program today

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) is set to launch the "Alaga Ka" program Saturday to intensify the implementation of health insurance services to its cardholders.

The launching of the Alaga Ka program dubbed as “Benepisyong Philhealth, Alamin at Gamitin,” will be held at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center, this city.

21 Mar 2014 - Subic to host national talents fest

SUBIC BAY -- Subic Freeport will host the National Festival of Talents (NFOT) from April 7 to April 9, 2014.

Over 1,900 of the most creative and skilled secondary students in the country will participate in the festival.

21 Mar 2014 - Detainee escapes from Arayat cell

PAMPANGA -- A 34-year-old suspected drug pusher detained at the Arayat police station managed to escape on Wednesday.

In a report here, Superintendent Wilson Alicuman, officer-in-charge of Arayat police, said that Carmelot Gutierrez (alias Kulot), a resident of Barangay Plaza Luma, Arayat town was arrested in a buy-bust operation on Tuesday.

21 Mar 2014 - Pampanga hospitals on ‘Code White’

PAMPANGA -- 11 district hospitals plus its lone provincial medical facility will be on Code White Alert during the observance of the Holy Week.

According to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Marcelo Jaochico, the Department of Health issued the Code White alert order to all government hospitals here to make sure all medical facilities are ready to attend to the needs of the public, and medicines and supplies are available at all times. Personnel, he added, are on standby to respond to any emergencies during Lent and the entire summer season.

21 Mar 2014 - PRO3 deploys 96 motorcycle riding cops

PAMPANGA-- At least 96 motorcycle riding cops were deployed Thursday to fight armed motorcycle riding criminals.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) director, said the deployment of motorcycle-riding-cops (MRCops) is part of continued efforts by police to address the rising crime incidents in various towns and communities in the region against criminal elements riding on board motorcycles.

21 Mar 2014 - Capitol allots P37.6-M for classrooms

PAMPANGA --The Provincial Government allocated P37,603,149 for the construction, repair and improvement of additional school buildings for this year to address the shortage of classrooms in public elementary and high schools in Pampanga.

Provincial Assistant Engr. Noli Pangan said that a total of 63 classrooms and three multi-purpose covered courts will be constructed for the calendar year 2014, benefitting 17 elementary and high schools.

21 Mar 2014 - Police arrest robbery group member, 4 others

SUBIC BAY -- A member of a robbery syndicate and four others were arrested during a raid at 101 Beach Resort in Barangay Kalaklan, Olongapo City.

In a report here, Senior Superintendent Pedrito delos Reyes, Olongapo City police director, identified the arrested as Jonathan Cuya, a resident of Barangay Balingasa; Jose David, 25, of Talanai Batasan, Barangay Munoz; Michael Jay Tolentino, 19, of Barangay Munoz; and Martin Lacata, 27, of Barangay Balingasa, all from Quezon City.

21 Mar 2014 - Romblon coop benchmarks Pelco 1

PAMPANGA -- Officers and employees of the Romblon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Romelco) have visited yesterday the Pampanga I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Pelco I) to benchmark the operational procedures and good practices of the local power distributor.

Engr. Rene Fajilagutan of the Romelco thanked Pelco I for welcoming their delegation for their study tour. Together with his employees, they visited Pelco I to study the meter reading, billing, accounting, inventory system and automation of the operations of the Pampanga electricity distributor.

20 Mar 2014 - 3 suspected car thieves nabbed in Apalit

PAMPANGA -- Three alleged members of a carnapping group were arrested in an operation by operatives of Regional Public Safety and Battalion (RPSB3) at Barangay Capalangan in Apalit town over the weekend.

RPSB commander Superintendent Sidney Villaflor identified the suspects as Edwin Cruz and Ryan Nuque, both from Bulacan province, along with Jay-Ar Waje, a resident of Barangay Capalangan, Apalit.

20 Mar 2014 - Special body to probe Cudia’s case

PAMPANGA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) created a special investigation board to probe the case of dismissed Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia, AFP spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said.

President Benigno Aquino III instructed AFP chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista to take charge in the investigation of Cudia, who was also interviewed by the Chief Executive during their two-hour meeting at The Mansion on Saturday before the PMA graduation ceremonies.

20 Mar 2014 - Policewomen celebrate Women’s Month

Policewomen and non-uniformed personnel from different stations in Pampanga paraded in the streets here and showcased their full support in the celebration of Women's Month on Tuesday.

The event is in line with this year’s Women’ Month Celebration.

20 Mar 2014 - Councilor’ league officials turn over P2M to Porac scholars

PAMPANGA -- Pampanga Councilors' League president Mike Tapang and Porac Councilor Regin Clarete turned over a P2 million worth of scholarship grants to some 1,000 high school and college beneficiaries here on Wednesday.

Tapang said the scholars, most of them belonging to indigent families, are currently enrolled at various high schools in the municipality.

20 Mar 2014 - Farm worker hacked to death in Candaba

PAMPANGA -- A 57-year-old man was hacked to death in a rice field where he worked as a farm worker, police said.

The victim was identified as Pedro Cayanan, a resident of Barangay San Agustin, this town, while the suspect was named as Jerry Laxamana, 47, a native of Barangay Mapaniqui here.

19 Mar 2014 - 3 armed robbers slain

PAMPANGA -- Tarlac police director Senior Supt. Alex B. Sintin said that three armed robbers were killed in an encounter in Barangay Balingcanaway here at about 12:05 midnight last Sunday.

Tarlac City chief of police Supt. Felix Verbo disclosed that at about 11 p.m. Sunday, a certain Armando Gomez, 44, married, manager of Gel Farm in the said village personally appeared at Police Community Precinct 10, Barangay San Manuel and reported that their Kubota water pump was missing and requested assistance from the police.

19 Mar 2014 - Slain Dutch environmentalist’s 67th b-day marked with ‘justice caravan’

PAMPANGA -- Supporters of slain Dutch environmentalist Willem Geertman who was shot dead here 20 months ago, marked his 67th birthday yesterday with “a slight relief” after the court ruled last March 14 that his killing was premeditated murder, and not mere homicide.

Pushing for conviction and the arrest of other suspects, the Justice for Willem Geertman Movement held yesterday a “justice caravan” that started with a picket-dialogue at the Department of Justice in Manila to a rally at Plaza Miranda in Angeles City, a few kilometers away where Geertman was shot in the compound of his office on July 3 2012.

19 Mar 2014 - New payment mode for NLEx, Cavitex

PAMPANGA -- A thin battery-less sticker will soon be available as a more convenient way to pay for toll fees at both the North Luzon expressway (NLEX) and Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex).

The Pangilinan-led Metro Pacifi c Tollways Corporation (MPTC) has announced the introduction of the new payment option for motorists in the two expressways to promote greater travel convenience at a very affordable price.

19 Mar 2014 - PAF moving out of Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- The transfer of seven units of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in this freeport has started with elements from the 710th Special Operations Wing (SPOW) moving to the northern Crow Valley area traditionally used for US-Philippine military bombing exercises in Capas, Tarlac.

A reliable source who asked not to be named for lack of permission to reveal developments on the transfer, said that new buildings have already been constructed in Crow Valley to accommodate the 710th SPOW, on top of an administration building and a watchtower built years ago by the 600th Air Base Wing in the site covering some 7,000 hectares.

17 Mar 2014 - Maglanque denies Pelayo’s allegations

PAMPANGA -- Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque denied allegations that he masterminded the filing of a plunder complaint against former mayor Jerry Pelayo before the Office of the Ombudsman.

"Ang nagkaso sa kanya ay ang magsasaka. Sila ang nagdala ng reklamo sa Ombudsman," said Maglanque, as he denied that the farmers were his dummies.

17 Mar 2014 - PamCham, Korean resort agree to set regulations on Sacobia access

PAMPANGA -- All is well now, as it seems, between the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) management of Puning Hot Springs Resort in Sacobia as both have reportedly agreed to let the latter set regulations on the access road leading to the facility.

PamCham Vice Chairman Rene Romero said this was the result of his talks with the management of the facility recently. Romero had visited the Sacobia valley with off-roaders and some 80 people and 20 vehicles.

17 Mar 2014 - Village chief sets Balibago preparations for APEC, Balikatan

ANGELES CITY -- Balibago barangay captain Rodelio "Tony" Mamac on Monday said that they have set preparations for the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in 2015 and the Balikatan Exercises to held inside Clark Freeport.

Mamac said that traffic, peace and order and emergency response measures have been set by his team in order to address the influx of foreigners here who may use facilities and venture into the entertainment and business district.

17 Mar 2014 - Police nab Tarlac City’s number 1 most wanted

PAMPANGA -- Operatives from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) arrested over the weekend the number one Most Wanted Person (MWP) in Tarlac City inside his residence at Barangay Matatalahib.

RPSB commander Superintendent Sidney Villaflor said that the arresting team led by Inspector Michael Rey Bernardo apprehended Fernando Hipolito, alias Bin. Bernardo is also posted as number 3 MWP for the province of Tarlac.

17 Mar 2014 - Councilor wants perimeter dike constructed

PAMPANGA -- Apalit Town Councilor Sanny Mendoza filed a resolution requesting the Municipal Mayor of Apalit to include in the list of the priority programs the construction of a perimeter dike along the stretch of Are Creek from Sampaloc to Sitio Sampaga of this town.

The construction of a perimeter dike along the Are Creek will arrest the current flooding in the area and will serve as an alternative routes linking Apalit to Macabebe, Masantol and Minalin, substantially decongesting traffic in the McArthur Highway.

17 Mar 2014 - LPG tank explodes, injures 2 in Olongapo

SUBIC BAY -- Two brothers were injured when a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank accidentally exploded inside their house in Barangay Kalalake, Olongapo City, over the weekendwhen the flame came out from their gas stove and reached the hose connecting to the LPG tank.

Police reports said victims Marlon Osorio, 32, and his brother Valeriano, 30, both of Northon Street, Barangay Kalalake suffered 2nd and 4th degree burns respectively.

16 Mar 2014 - Homeowners ask government help

ANGELES CITY -- Homeowners in Bacolor town and Mabalacat City is hoping to bring back the pride and glory of the low-cost housing sites which were affected by the ongoing legal battle of Globe Asiatique owner Delfin Lee, who was charged with syndicated estafa by the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-Ibig Fund).

The homeowners in both subdivisions expressed their sentiments and issues during a meeting here Saturday night.

16 Mar 2014 - Canadian stabbed by brother-in-law

PAMPANGA -- Criminal complaints were filed against a man who stabbed his Canadian brother-in-law after an argument inside a resort in Barangay San Roque Bitas, Arayat.

Police identified the victim as William John Finlayson, married to a Filipina, and staying with his in-laws.

16 Mar 2014 - Man shot dead in Candaba town

PAMPANGA -- 63-year-old Hernando Batac of Barangay Dalayap, Candaba town was shot dead in Barangay San Jose, Baliuag, Bulacan.

Police reports said that Batac was preparing breakfast inside his store when the gunman approached and shot him.

16 Mar 2014 - Maniago’s ‘Calesa’ exhibit to open at City Hall

PAMPANGA -- Portrait master Rafael Maniago is set to hold an exhibit on March 23 at the City Hall here featuring the city’s calesa (horse-drawn carriage).

Maniago is set to display dozens of his “Calesa Series” depicting the vibrant and multi-faceted life in the provincial capital. The exhibit is also aimed at promoting the calesa as an alternative transportation in the city’s main nucleus.

15 Mar 2014 - Binay: Delfin Lee should blame himself

MABALACAT CITY -- VICE President Jejomar Binay said Globe Asiatique (GA) founder Delfin Lee only has himself to blame with regard to the public's negative perception of him.

Binay made this statement after Lee's lawyer, Willie Rivera, intimated that the media is helping portray his client in a bad light.

15 Mar 2014 - San Fernando initiates anti-TB campaign

PAMPANGA -- The Fernandino Coalition Against Tuberculosis (FERCAT) has initiated a planning session about the coming health programs, projects, and activities of the City of San Fernando at the Levy Panlilio Hall recently.

The program was hosted by Dr. Renely Tungol, rural health physician, and the city's coordinator for infectious diseases and healthy lifestyle programs.

15 Mar 2014 - Water district holds blood-letting activity

PAMPANGA -- City of San Fernando Water District launched Friday its yearly bloodletting program with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) chapter to contribute to blood-banking efforts and to promote healthy lifestyle among members.

Ogie Ocampo of the PNRC here told Sun.Star Pampanga that their group is tapping on partner institutions like the CSFWD to promote awareness on the importance of donating blood for emergency purposes.

15 Mar 2014 - Rotary Club of Makati honors KDF

PAMPANGA -- The Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) was one of the five National Awardees for Community Service (NACS) award given by the Rotary Club of Makati recently.

KDF was honoured for its community service to the poor people of Pampanga. KDF president Benigno Ricafort received the cash prize of P80,000 given to KDF.

15 Mar 2014 - Clark to host int’l petanque tour

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Freeport will host the 8th Pan Pacific Petanque Championship at the Clark Parade Grounds set on May 30 to June 2.

The tournament is sponsored by Japan in cooperation with CDC and Philippine Petanque Association (PPA).

15 Mar 2014 - DBM releases P942-M for hiring of policemen

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released P942-million for the hiring of 3,000 police officers for the Philippine National Police (PNP).

This is in line with the Aquino administration's bid to strengthen the PNP’s law enforcement capabilities.

14 Mar 2014 - Phil-Poland tourism link eyed

CLARK FREEPORT -- A top official of the Poland Chamber of Tourism expressed optimism that Philippines will attract Polish tourist as the agency is exploring possibilities to establish a linkage to promote tourism in both countries.

Pawel Niewiadomski, president of the Polish Chamber of Tourism, said he was impressed by the warm reception and hospitality of Filipinos.

14 Mar 2014 - Mall guard returns laptop

ANGELES CITY -- A security guard of SM City Clark received commendation after he returned two bags containing a laptop, hand-held game console and other valuables.

Noel Subingsubing, of Panther Security Agency, found the bags at the mall's food court.

14 Mar 2014 - 1,000 jobs in Subic await Fernandinos

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Edwin Santiago said that the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) intends to partner with the City of San Fernando in the hiring of 1,000 workers.

In his opening speech during the Job Fair held at Walter Mart, Mayor Santiago encouraged applicants to be more persevering in looking for work to uplift their lives.

14 Mar 2014 - 12 students complete CDC training program

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation said that some 12 individuals completed its Specialized Training and Employment Program for the Underprivileged Persons (Step-Up).

CDC External Affairs Department manager Angelo "Sonny" Lopez Jr. said the students completed the 200-hour training at Mabalacat City College (MCC).

14 Mar 2014 - Masantol school receives bomb threat

PAMPANGA -- Officials of a secondary school here alerted students and teachers after a teacher reported that he received a bomb threat through a text message.

Students and faculty members immediately left the school premises after a teacher received a text message from unknown person that a bomb will be exploded at 8 a.m., police said yesterday.

14 Mar 2014 - DOT, Google to hold online business seminar for women

ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Tourism (DOT)– Central Luzon, in partnership with the Google Business Group – Angeles (GBG) has set a first Women on the Web (WOW) Workshop on April 3 at Marlim Mansions Hotel in Balibago, this city.

The whole-day event is in line with the government's policy of increasing the participation of women in community development through Gender and Development (GAD) and at the same time giving women the opportunity to be successful entrepreneurs by using the power of the internet.

13 Mar 2014 - Guv tells bankers to heighten security

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda called met members of the Pampanga Bankers Association on Tuesday to discuss possible solutions on reported robberies on bank clients.

This came in the light of the continuously growing number of robbery cases on bank clients after a transaction, both reported and not.

13 Mar 2014 - Arroyo furlough opposed anew

PAMPANGA -- The three-day furlough filed by former President and now Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo before the Sandiganbayan was opposed anew by government prosecutors.

However, Arroyo's three-day birthday leave for her coming 67th birthday celebration on April 5 was questioned by lawyer Honorio Ebora.

13 Mar 2014 - Barangay head: Village execs may carry guns in hot pursuit

ANGELES CITY -- "Barangay executives may carry firearms during hot pursuit operations."

This was the statement of Barangay Balibago chairman Rodelio "Tony" Mamac in response to a published photograph of the village official carrying a long firearm while manning traffic along the national highway on Monday.

13 Mar 2014 - Pampanga court receives bomb threat

PAMPANGA -- A bomb threat was received on Tuesday by the Pampanga Regional Trial Court (RTC) located at Jomafer Supermarket building in Barangay San Agustin, City of San Fernando, where arrested Globe Asiatique developer Delfin Lee will be arraigned Friday.

In a report here, Superintendent Frederick Petillano, chief of police of the City of San Fernando, said that lawyer Joy Floria Balleta of the Office of the Clerk Court who is attending Department of Interior and Local Government meeting in Nueva Ecija received the bomb threat in a text message.

13 Mar 2014 - Pampanga police chief faces relief

PAMPANGA -- Acting Pampanga Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde is reportedly facing relief for "command responsibility" lapses on the alleged irregular activities in the conduct of a buy-bust operation at Woodbridge Subdivision, The Lakeshore in Mexico town last November 29, 2013.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) director, said he has already approved the recommendation of the investigating body for the relief of Albayalde after careful and thorough evaluation of evidence and accounts of witnesses and respondents on the alleged buy-bust operation.

13 Mar 2014 - Firm offers free wellness seminar in public schools

MABALACAT CITY -- The Achievers Dynamic Systems International (ADSI) is conducting free wellness lectures in selected primary and secondary public schools.

The seminar focuses on proven and scientifically-based mind and energy center techniques which can be a big help for the youth in achieving their goals in life.

13 Mar 2014 - Aquino now reviewing Cudia's appeal

PAMPANGA -- President Benigno Aquino III will decide on the fate of Cadet First Class Jeff Aldrin Cudia after he was dismissed from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) for violating the Honor Code.

According to Presidential Communications Operations Office Sec. Herminio Coloma, the appeal of Cudia already reached the Office of the President.

13 Mar 2014 - Ex-agri official, Capitol consultant passes away at 53

PAMPANGA -- Former Department of Agriculture (DA) official and agriculture consultant Rolando S. Imperial passed away on Wednesday due to cardiac arrest. He was 53.

Imperial is the leading agriculture consultant of Governor Lilia Pineda. He was responsible for many of program works, activities and initiatives of Governor Pineda for the agriculture sector in Pampanga.

12 Mar 2014 - AFP: Controversial cadet won’t graduate from PMA

PAMPANGA -- Military Academy (PMA) Cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia who hails from Gatiawin, Arayat, Pampanga will not join the graduation ceremony on March 16, a military official said Tuesday.

In an interview, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brigadier General Domingo Tutaan Jr. said it was final that Cudia, who was earlier dismissed for violating the Honor Code, was recommended for dismissal from the cadet corps of the AFP.

12 Mar 2014 - Morales: Lee should be presumed innocent

MABALACAT CITY -- Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales said that Delfin Lee, who was arrested for syndicated estafa, should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The mayor said presumption of innocence under the law is paramount.

12 Mar 2014 - Church prefers more domestic employment

PAMPANGA -- The Roman Catholic Church here is advocating for more domestic employment to improve the quality of life of Kapampangans and lessen the social cost of migration.

Archbishop Paciano "Apu Ceto" Aniceto made this statement during the press conference of the Pampanga Archdiocesan Migrants Desk (PAMD), now on its 10th anniversary celebration. This is in line with the celebration of the National Migrant’s Sunday (NMS) recently. The NMS is a special event that recognizes the sacrifices and heroism of overseas Filipino workers.

12 Mar 2014 - Police boosts drive vs MRCs

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Police Office (PPO) intensified its police integrated patrol system (PIPS) and created teams to lessen crimes involving motorcycle riding criminals (MRCs).

Police Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, provincial director of PPO, said the strict implementation of PIPS includes four times a day check point operations, beat and mobile patrols and “Oplan Sita.”

12 Mar 2014 - Farmers alarmed over imported rice

MABALACAT CITY -- Farmers expressed alarm over the impending "flooding" of imported rice all over the region.

Members of the Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL), Aguman Dareng Maglalautang Capampangan (AMC) and Amgl – Nueva Ecija aired this warning citing that “it is a direct threat to rice-producing farmers who are already suffering low farm gate prices consequently putting them into indedtedness and landlessness.”

12 Mar 2014 - CSFWD celebrates 37th year of service

PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando Water District (CSFWD) celebrated its 37th Founding Anniversary this March with a series of social programs and activities highlighting the service advocacies of the water utility.

CSFWD general manager Jorge Gumba said the event this month included sports competitions with employees to boost camaraderie and also the launching of the “I Love CSFWD” which aims to promote the awareness on the need keep service standards up to date and to encourage the public to help water conservation.

12 Mar 2014 - Chambers hold medical mission for Porac folk

PAMPANGA -- Some 1,500 indigent residents in Barangay Pio here and other neighboring villages benefited from the medical and dental mission sponsored by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Filipino-Chinese Chamber and Commerce and Industries-Angeles City Chapter the other day.

Mayor Condralito dela Cruz said that he is thankful for the support of the said organizations to the health programs of the town. He added that the business chambers have been active partners in the town’s local development.

12 Mar 2014 - Firearms, ammo seized in raid

PAMPANGA -- Police confiscated several firearms and ammunition from the arrested suspected member of a notorious robbery and holdup group during a raid in his house in Barangay Tangle, Mexico, Pampanga, Tuesday.

In a report here to Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) director Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Pampanga police provincial director, said that Superintendent Samuel Sevilla, Mexico chief of police in coordination with barangay officials conducted the operation against Marvin Nuguid, at Royal Meadow Subdivision in Barangay Tangle.

11 Mar 2014 - Lawyer confident CA to free Delfin Lee today

PAMPANGA -- The chief legal counsel of arrested real estate businessman Delfin Lee has expressed optimism that the Court of Appeals (CA) would order today the freedom of his client who has been in jail since his arrest for syndicated estafa last March 6.

In an interview with Punto, lawyer Willie Rivera said that Lee is slated to appear before the CA at 10 a.m. today after he fi led last Monday an extremely urgent petition for habeas corpus with a plea for the appellate court to mandate the Regional Trial Court (RTC) to quash the warrant of arrest against his client.

11 Mar 2014 - Farmers score glut of imported rice

PAMPANGA -- Farmers from Central Luzon, the country’s traditional rice granary, warned yesterday of a serious rice glut in the market arising from importation.

A joint statement from the Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL) and the Aguman Dareng Maglalautang Capampangan (AMC) said the imported 525,000 bags of rice from Vietnam which arrived at Subic Freeport last January are now flooding the market.

11 Mar 2014 - Pampanga tops STL collection

CLARK FREEPORT -- The most progressive province in Central Luzon which was once dubbed by critics as “the Vatican of jueteng” has topped the government sanctioned Small Town Lottery (STL) revenue collection for the whole country.

A report from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) showed that Pampanga grossed a staggering P386,352,016.75 in only a seven-month period based on the gross receipts of the STL’s average monthly sales.

11 Mar 2014 - PGKM hits DOTC’s airport proposals in Cavite, Laguna

ANGELES CITY -- The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) has lambasted anew the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) after the latter’s recent announcement that it is looking at Sangley Point in Cavite and Laguna de Bay as the possible site of a new international gateway that would replace the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.

PGKM Chair Ruperto Cruz said Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya is “bankrupt of ideas” for insisting on an airport in Cavite which is at sea level. He said Laguna is also a bad choice ince it will not help in decongesting Metro Manila but would actually lend more congestion into it.

11 Mar 2014 - Angeles City celebrates National Women’s Month

ANGELES CITY --Womanhood should not only be celebrated today but rather every day - for women are known to be champions.”

Thus said Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan during the Women’s General Assembly at the city’s Bayanihan Park held in celebration of the National Women’s Month.

11 Mar 2014 - BOC Clark fetes top exporters, importers

CLARK FREEPORT -- The top five exporters and importers here were handed plaques of appreciation by newly designated Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Clark Acting District Collector, retired Gen. Esteban A. Castro last Monday.

Topping the list of the top exporters is Phoenix Semiconductor Philippines Corp., Korea’s leading provider of semiconductor packaging which contributed $1,377,951,830.45 or 50 percent of the freeport’s total export performance to the Port of Clark in terms of value declared while the top importer is Thailand’s PTT Philippines Trading Corp. for having paid the amount of P648,514,717.94 in duties and taxes to the Port of Clark. Also recognized were COAM Philippines, Inc. and Outback Five Star Clark Philippines for their special contribution to the Clark Port in becoming alternative hubs for export in Central Luzon through their volume exports in 2013.

10 Mar 2014 - 2 hot air balloon fests loom next year, Lubao event here to stay

PAMPANGA -- Two hot air balloon festivals loom next year with the Pilipinas International Balloon Festival Inc. (PIBFI) ascertaining an annual event in Lubao starting this year in the wake of a recent announcement of the restaging of the Clark fest in 2015.

This developed as the PIBFI held a press conference here yesterday announcing “It’s all systems go” on April 10-13 for its edition in Barangay Prado Siongco, Lubao.

10 Mar 2014 - 3 more syndicated estafa cases vs. Delfin Lee at DOJ

MABALACAT CITY - Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay said yesterday three more syndicated estafa charges remain pending before the Department of Justice against detained businessman Deilfin Lee, even as he urged Lee’s “victims” to file more charges against him over alleged real estate anomalies in three housing projects in Pampanga.

Meeting yesterday with alleged victims at Lee’s Xevera housing project here, Binay cited a recent assessment made by the Pag-IBIG Fund indicating that as much as 60 percent of 9,951 housing transactions under Lee’s Globe Asiatique firm were “bogus” and that of 4,364 which were legitimate, only 25 percent had the capacity of pay.

10 Mar 2014 - Ex-Candaba mayor belies P128-M plunder

PAMPANGA -- This town’s former mayor Jerry Pelayo belied yesterday accusations that he had plundered P128 million government funds during his term for an alleged “ghost” farming project at Clark Freeport, and accused Mayor Rene Maglangue of authoring the charge.

“I want to face the Senate blue ribbon committee and also I will ask (Pampanga) Rep. Rimpy Bondoc that I be submitted to probe in the House,” he said in a press briefi ng in Mabalacat City. The plunder case was filed in the Office of the Ombudsman by more than a dozen Candaba residents led by one Arnold Canimo.

9 Mar 2014 - Binay: No special treatment for Delfin Lee

MABALACAT CITY -- Vice President Jejomar Binay said captured Globe Asiatique owner Delfin Lee should be moved to a cell in an ordinary provincial jail and not be given special treatment.

"The arrest of Delfin Lee is the first step for all Pag-Ibig Fund (Home Development Mutual Fund) members and thousands of victims of double sale in attaining justice. Now, we must apply the rule of law and not give special treatment to the accused. Lee should be put in an ordinary provincial jail just like any accused," Binay said.

9 Mar 2014 - Cambodia envoy lauds Clark airport growth

CLARK FREEPORT -- Ambassador Tuot Panha said the viability of Clark International Airport will make it one of the progressive international gateways in the Philippines.

The ambassador said she would like to see flights between Clark and Phnom Penh or Clark and Siem Reap, now one of the favored tourist destinations in Cambodia.

9 Mar 2014 - Boy nabbed for gun possession

ANGELES CITY -- A 16-year-old boy was arrested by operatives of City Public Safety Company (CPSC) in Barangay Lourdes over the weekend.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police director, said that elements of the CPSC were conducting a patrol when they spotted the boy acting suspiciously.

9 Mar 2014 - Centralization of gun licensing hit

PAMPANGA -- Gun owners fear that loose firearms will loom not only in Central Luzon but also in other regions with the new centralized gun licensing imposed by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima.

Senator Vicente Sotto III said the decision of the PNP to centralize the firearms regulation in Camp Crame headquarters in Quezon City should be investigated after receiving criticisms from gun owners all over the country.

9 Mar 2014 - Petrasanta welcomes probe into missing guns

PAMPANGA -- Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta welcomed the investigation of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on his alleged ownership of high-powered firearms.

Petrasanta, who allegedly has 900 AK-47 and M-16 rifles, said he will answer all queries being thrown against him in the proper forum.

9 Mar 2014 - 7 nabbed in drug operation

SUBIC FREEPORT -- Seven persons, including an alleged shabu pusher, were arrested by operatives of the Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operation Task Group (RAIDSOTG) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Calapacuan, Subic, Zambales, Friday.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Luzon director, identified the arrested men as Diomedes Maraya and his brother Ariel; Roberto Lingad; Joey Arcon; Danny Gimena; Arnel Sumayan; and a certain Jojo who is known as a drug pusher and maintaining a drug den.

8 Mar 2014 - More ‘Yolanda’ survivors to get PamCham assistance

PAMPANGA -- More survivors of the recent onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas are set to receive assistance from the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham).

This developed as president Jim Jimenez and director Sonia Soto, also CLTV 36 president and general manager, presented for board deliberation projects for the utilization of the remaining P1,741,120.71 from the total P2,640,477.91 raised in the five-day "Lingap ng Central Luzon Para sa mga Biktima ng Bagyong Yolanda" telethon that ran from November 11 to 16 last year.

8 Mar 2014 - Candaba ex-mayor charged for P128-M ‘ghost projects’

PAMPANGA -- A group of Candabeños led by Arnold Canimo on Friday filed plunder complaint against former mayor Jerry Pelayo before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Canimo, together with Freddie Pelayo, Dionisio Pelayo, Gaudencio Lacanilao, Rufino Soliman, Lorenzo Catacutan, Edgardo de Guzman, Bernardo Santiago, Francisco San Pedro, Dionisio Guevarra, Rodolfo Manalili, Jessie Laurente, Zacarias Laurente, Romeo Balatbat, and Danilo Bartolome, accused the former mayor of alleged "connivance with several individuals and corporations to embezzle some P127.7 million in government funds" for what they claimed were "ghost projects" supposedly implemented during the term of Pelayo.

8 Mar 2014 - Capitol set to deploy nurses in barangays

PAMPANGA -- To address the social and health problems of the communities and families, the Provincial Government hired some 100 Kapampangan nurses recently who will be tasked to lead the 3,000 barangay health workers (BHWS) in 505 barangays of the province.

Governor Lilia Pineda is now forming the community welfare volunteers' teams in the province in order to quickly and effectively responds to the health needs of Kapampangans particularly the poorest of the poor.

8 Mar 2014 - Subic Freeport hospital opens heart center

SUBIC FREEPORT -- The George Dewey Medical Center in this Freeport has formally opened the Subic Heart Center.

Ryan Tulio, George Dewey Medical Center, assistant hospital administrator, said the Heart Center is the first of its kind in the Zambales-Bataan area and was built "with patients from the locality and from nearby provinces in mind."

8 Mar 2014 - Central Luzon showcased to AP diplomats

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Foreign Affairs on Saturday showcased to Manila-based ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps of Asia-Pacific countries the cultural and economic experiences Central Luzon has to offer, courtesy of the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs and government and industry partners in Central Luzon.

The tour offered the diplomats an inside look into the operations of some of the world–class facilities in the Clark Freeport Zone, such as, the Clark International Airport, and Medical City Clark facility in the Global Gateway Logistics City, the country's first aerotropolis.

7 Mar 2014 - Delfin Lee detained in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Businessman and fallen fugitive Delfin Lee is now under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Pampanga after a court denied his motion to post bail for now.

The top fugitive, president of Globe Asiatique, is accused of defrauding Pag-Ibig Fund of almost P6.6 billion by using fake borrowers and fake documents. has been transferred to the NBI detention facility upon the decision of San Fernando City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Executive Judge Edgar Chua, television and radio reports said.

7 Mar 2014 - Angeleños warned versus unscrupulous solicitors

ANGELES CITY -- The City Government here issued a warning Thursday to businessmen and institutions to be aware of unscrupulous solicitors who use the name of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan in soliciting money and even favors.

Deputy City Information Officer Deo Sambilay told Sun.Star Pampanga that they have been receiving reports from businessmen and professionals here on people using the name of the city mayor to solicit funds.

7 Mar 2014 - FLKI to raise P30-M for KCC

PAMPANGA -- The Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan Inc. will raise some P30 million to fully complete the structural requirements of the Kapampangan Cultural Center (KCC) which has been planned almost five years ago.

It could be remembered that the FLKI is the lead organization which initially conceptualized the establishment of the KCC and was able to avail of funding support from then President and now Second District Representative Gloria Arroyo. Some P10million was released for the structural requirements of the project before further construction went to a halt.

7 Mar 2014 - Angeles coops launch local gender forum

ANGELES CITY -- A few days before the official opening of Women's Month in March, Angeles City Cooperatives through the Angeles City Cooperative Development Council (ACCDC) and Angeles City Cooperative Development Office (ACCDO) convened in a forum to discuss "Gender Perspective in the Development of Cooperatives" held February 25.

"The current administration of Mayor Ed Pamintuan strives for genuine gender awareness whereas not only government employees are the only ones educated, but also cooperatives and the community as a whole, hand in hand to a sensitive yet gender empowered City," said Ferdinand P. Calma, ACCDO Chief of Office.

7 Mar 2014 - Philhealth-NHTS enrollees reach 157,290

PAMPANGA -- The total Philhealth enrollees in Pampanga under the Department of Social Welfare and Development office (DSWD) and the National Household Targeting System-Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR)has reached a total of 157,290 Kapampangan families, sponsored by the.

Elizabeth Baybayan, provincial social welfare and development officer, said that the DSWD Central Luzon Office has identified beneficiaries based on the survey conducted last year.

6 Mar 2014 - San Simon councilor resigns

Councilor Ann Dayrit-Canlas of this town decided to resign from her post as a member of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) in exchange for the petition of her husband who is now residing permanently in the United States.

Former Mayor Rodrigo Canlas told Sun.Star Pampanga that his daughter-in-law will file her resignation as municipal councilor and member of the SB to migrate to the US by September this year.

6 Mar 2014 - Police officer dies in car crash

PAMPANGA -- A police officer was killed after he accidentally hit the rear of a cargo truck parked along the highway in Barangay San Jose, City of San Fernando last Tuesday.

Reports here said that Police Officer-2 Narciso Villafuerte, presently assigned at the Regional Public Safety Battalion based in this camp, was on board his Toyota Corolla (PNR-312) which was heading towards the east direction when it accidentally hit an Isuzu cargo truck (CVV-158) driven by Eduardo Sanchez of Baguio City.

6 Mar 2014 - Council grants Morales authority for waste accord

MABALACAT CITY -- The Sangguniang Panlungsod has granted Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales authority to enter into an agreement with the Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation (MCWMC) for the disposal of residual waste generated in this component city.

Through a resolution it passed last Tuesday, the city council allowed the mayor to effect the dumping of residual waste generated here to the Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill in Capas, Tarlac which is operated by the MCWMC.

5 Mar 2014 - Guv: P139-M projects for Sta. Rita, Guagua

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda reported Wednesday that some P139,239,454 worth of infrastructure projects have been implemented in this town and neighboring Guagua town during the Kapitolyo sa Barangay program here.

Pineda who spoke before a joint gathering of indigents, public officials and beneficiaries at the Sta. Rita covered court said that some P75 million and P64 million where given to Guagua and Sta. Rita, respectively.

5 Mar 2014 - CIDG has new officers

PAMPANGA -- The Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit-3 based here has a new regional officer after the relief of Superintendent Victor Valencia and 12 personnel of the Pampanga CIDT due to their alleged involvement in the multimillion shakedown of personalities in Central Luzon.

Senior Superintendent Ismael Fernandez was assigned by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headquarters in Camp Crame as the new regional officer of CIDU3 following the raid on Monday.

5 Mar 2014 - Dole wants productivity incentives for workers

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Central Luzon Office on Wednesday encouraged private companies to give productivity incentives to workers who showed efficiency and dedication in carrying-out their duties.

During yesterday's Employers and Stakeholders forum at Max's Restaurant in Villa Del Sol, this city, Geraldine Panlilio, assistant regional director of Dole-3 said that an advisory from the national office directed them to ask businessmen to reward hardworking employees through perks.

5 Mar 2014 - Pampanga evacuation centers ready

CLARK FREEPORT -- Governor Lilia Pineda said recently that evacuation centers in the Pampanga province are ready in the event of natural disasters.

During the “Iba Na ang Panahon” forum hosted by the Department of Local and Interior Government, Department of Science and Technology, and the Office of Civil Defense, where the role of science in disaster preparedness was tackled, the governor in her message delivered by Third District Board Member Rosve Henson, said the Provincial Government was going “full speed” in its disaster response preparations.

5 Mar 2014 - Cunanan to face Senate probe today

PAMPANGA -- Former Technology Resource Center (TRC) director-general Dennis Cunanan will testify Thursday before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee regarding the pork barrel scam.

Cunanan, who hails from Magalang town in Pampanga, said he is now ready to face and be grilled by several senators during this morning’s investigation which include Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Grace Poe, Bam Aquino, and Alan Peter Cayetano.

5 Mar 2014 - Mabalacat City Council goes ‘paperless’

MABALACAT CITY --- The Sangguniang Panlungsod has acquired laptop computers in a bid to lessen the use of papers in the office.

Vice Mayor Christian Halili said that they want to get rid of voluminous documents used during sessions and communications to various government agencies and private firms.

5 Mar 2014 - ATTAP, DOT set charity fun run for SpEd program

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Alliance of Travel and Tour Agencies of Pampanga, Inc. (Attap), in cooperation with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Luzon, has set a charity fun run to support the program of the Department of Education (DepEd) for special education (SpEd) of students.

Marcia Hernandez, ATTAP president, said "the event’s primary objective is to raise funds for our beneficiary DepEd Special Education Center-Angeles City for their livelihood program (Propagation of Water Bonsai)."

5 Mar 2014 - Guagua folk get P150,000 credit assistance

PAMPANGA -- Residents from Barangay Santa Ursula here received P150,000 in assistance from Governor Lilia Pineda under the "Negosyo King Panyulong Project" or NPP of the Capitol.

Pineda handed over the check to members of the cooperative Wednesday in Sta. Rita town with Mayor Dante Torres and former presidential daughter Luli Arroyo-Bernas who represented Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

5 Mar 2014 - SPCF ROTC bags tactical inspection crown

CLARK FREEPORT -- ROTC cadets of the 236th Department of Air Science and Tactics from Systems Plus College Foundation, Balibago, Angeles City under the supervision of the 2nd Air Reserve Center, Air Force Reserve Command based at Clark were declared as champions during the recent annual tactical inspection here.

The Systems Plus College corps, back to back champion for SY 2012-2013 and SY 2013-2014, bested 14 other schools from Northern and Central Luzon. The event was conceptualized to set standards in the administration and training of the cadets, and also to assess the performance of both the Military Training Instructors and the cadet officers.

4 Mar 2014 - Binay eyeing MVP as partner in 2016 polls

After resigning as chairman of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban), Vice-President Jejomar Binay is now eyeing Kapampangan business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan as his running mate in the coming 2016 elections.

Binay said that aside from Pangilinan, he is also considering Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto or Senator Jinggoy Estrada as partners for the 2016 elections.

4 Mar 2014 - Execs share best practices

ANGELES CITY -- Officials from Davao Del Norte Provincial Government shared on Monday their best practices on the operation and management of provincial economic enterprise development office (PEEDO) to the Pampanga provincial department heads and board members headed by Governor Lilia Pineda in a one-day seminar held in this city.

This came as the governor and the members of the provincial board are planning to create a provincial economic enterprise development office (PEEDO) similar to what has been set up in Davao Del Norte.

4 Mar 2014 - 14 cops suspended

PAMPANGA -- A police superintendent, a senior inspector and two police non-commissioned officers have been placed under preventive suspension Tuesday for their alleged involvement in “irregular anti-drug operations.”

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) director, identified those suspended as Superintendent Raymund Louie Baloyo, who was then chief of Pampanga Provincial Intelligence branch; Senior Inpector Joven De Guzman; SPO1s Jules Maniago, Donald Roque, Ronald Santos, Rommel Vital, Alcindor Tinio, Dante Dizon and Eligio Valeroso; PO3s Dindo Dizon, Gilbert De Vera, and Romeo Guerrero; and PO2 Anthony Lacsama, all of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Operation Task Group (PAIDSOTG) of Pampanga.

4 Mar 2014 - Guv to summon Koreans, businessmen

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda on Tuesday said that she will summon officers of the Puning Hot Springs Resort on alleged restrictions being imposed along Sacobia, which was protested by the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham).

Pineda directed Board Member Crisostomo Garbo to look into the issue and shed light on the complaints of PamCham. The governor said that the move will give both parties time to raise their issues in a proper forum.

4 Mar 2014 - Agencies gather for disaster management seminar, workshop

CLARK FREEPORT -- Various government agencies participated in the disaster management seminar held at the Oxford Hotel here recently.

The undertaking, initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), is aimed at formulating plans for calamities that may hit the country this year.

4 Mar 2014 - Nurses to be deployed in barangays

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda on Monday led the briefing of some 70 nurses who are set to be deployed to different towns in Pampanga as the Capitol is set to intensify its grassroots health program for indigents.

Pineda said that the move aims to bring to far-flung barangays and those in the grassroots level the government's health programs. The move is also seen as a way to effectively survey people with health problems.

4 Mar 2014 - BCDA exec optimistic on Green City project

CLARK FREEPORT -- Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) president and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano D. Casanova expressed optimism that President Benigno Aquino III will approve the agency's Green City project, which will cover mountain ranges inside the Freeport and other parts of Tarlac province.

Casanova said he believes that the master development plan for the ambitious venture could get the green light from President Benigno Aquino III this month.

4 Mar 2014 - Pampanga CIDG chief nabbed

PAMPANGA -- Operatives of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) have arrested one of their officers with six others on Monday for allegedly being involved in illegal drug activities and other heinous crimes, officials said Tuesday.

In a media briefing, CIDG acting director Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong said CIDG Pampanga head Inspector Bienvenido Reydado together with his civilian agents were arrested during simultaneous raids in Barangay Panginay, Balagtas, Bulacan and the CIDG Pampanga provincial office.

3 Mar 2014 - Guiao won’t give up coaching

ANGELES CITY -- First District Representative Joseller "Yeng" Guiao said over the weekend that he will not give up professional basketball coaching despite the series of fines he was meted recently by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Guiao was fined P50,000 in the championship series of the Rain or Shine and San Mig Coffee recently. The Elasto Painters were slapped with a P2-million penalty by PBA Commissioner Chito Salud, "for subverting public interest and the integrity of the game" during a partial walk out in the second quarter.

3 Mar 2014 - Dole cites San Fernando for employment services

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Central Luzon Office and the Region 3 Public Employment Services Office Managers Federation Inc. recognized the City Government here for its "ceaseless dedication and sustained remarkable contributions to Dole's goal toward effective implementation of employment facilitation services."

The award was given during the RPMFI General Assembly held at Malolos Resort Club Royale in the City of Malolos, Bulacan recently.

3 Mar 2014 - Local police chiefs may be relieved for poor performance

PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office-3 warned all the chiefs of police in Central Luzon that they will be relieved from their post for "poor performance."

Senior Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan, deputy regional director for operations, said that the Regional Placement Board Committee (RPBC) will evaluate the performance of every local police chiefs in the region to determine if they will stay in their post or will be relieved.

3 Mar 2014 - Betis artists bag awards in UP tilt

PAMPANGA -- Members of the Mandukit Anluagui ning Sta. Ursula (Masu) received major awards in the Second Wood Design and Carving Competition held at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) Auditorium, Los Baños, Laguna over the weekend.

Masu head Willy Layug said June Mesa, Francis Sibug and Alejandro Carpio bagged the 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the competition participated by wood carvers in Luzon.

2 Mar 2014 - Betis artists bag awards in UP tilt

PAMPANGA -- Members of the Mandukit Anluagui ning Sta. Ursula (Masu) received major awards in the Second Wood Design and Carving Competition held at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) Auditorium, Los Baños, Laguna over the weekend.

Masu head Willy Layug said June Mesa, Francis Sibug and Alejandro Carpio bagged the 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the competition participated by wood carvers in Luzon.

2 Mar 2014 - Donggwang launches golf and country club

CLARK FREEPORT -- South Korea’s Donggwang Construction Co. Ltd. launched last Saturday its newest golf and country club.

Levy Laus, chairman and CEO of Laus Group of Companies, joined Chairman Lee Shin Kun in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

2 Mar 2014 - Yeng urges Cunanan to tell the truth

PAMPANGA -- First District Representative Joseller "Yeng" Guiao said that he is expecting fellow Capampangan and former Technology Resource Center (TRC) chief Dennis Cunanan to tell the truth when he faces the Senate inquiry on the pork barrel scam on March 6.

Guiao said Cunanan is not only a fellow Capampangan but a personal friend.

2 Mar 2014 - Porac is SM City Clark’s ‘Town of the Month’

PAMPANGA -- Porac town’s attractions, products, culture and local heritage were showcased in an exhibit at SM City Clark in a bid to promote it as a tourist destination.

Mayor Condralito dela Cruz said the event, dubbed “Town of the Month,” aims to project Porac's attractions, arts, businesses and products.

2 Mar 2014 - Guardians push for full use of Clark and Subic

ANGELES CITY -- The Guardians International Unified Command (GIUC) has called for the full development and utilization of Clark International Airport and Subic Seaport.

The new leadership of the GIUC drew its new direction and objective during a meeting held on February 23 in Barangay Amsic here.

1 Mar 2014 - Equus Clug raided

ANGELES CITY -- Last night local CIDG raided Club Equus for alleged underage employees.

Staff in question was taken for further checks but so far no violation found.

1 Mar 2014 - DSWD blames LandBank for 4Ps delay

PAMPANGA -- Social Welfare Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman of the blamed Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) over the delay of the monthly cash assistance of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, many of which are from Central Luzon.

According to Soliman, the funds are intact and deposited directly to automated teller machine (ATM) cards, which were provided by the LandBank to beneficiaries.

1 Mar 2014 - 'Save the Children' conducts disaster management forum

PAMPANGA -- A three-day training on Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) was conducted by the international organization Save the Children (STC) for 50 officials and residents of this town.

STC Communications Officer Jerome Balinton said the activity was about climate change and global warming, hazards affecting Central Luzon, how to cope with the impact of hazards, getting to know vulnerable population groups in the communities, what can be done at the community level to mitigate and cope with the impact of disasters, identifying strategic activities to build resilience of families and communities to disasters and climate change, and preparedness planning at the family level.

1 Mar 2014 - Gang robs bank manager’s house

SUBIC FREEPORT -- Members of the so-called Akyat Bahay gang carted away valuable items and undetermined cash from the house of a bank manager in Barangay Pag-asa, Olongapo City, recently.

In a belated report here, Senior Superintendent Fedrito delos Reyes, Olongapo City police director, said the house of Ricardo Chua, 57, located at Murphy Street in Barangay Pag-asa, was victimized by members of the Akyat Bahay gang.