BIÑAN — Police seized at least 11 kilos of suspected marijuana from two suspected drug pushers during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Malaban, here, the other day, police said Thursday. Senior Superintendent Manolito Labador, director of the Laguna Police Provincial Office (PPO), identified the suspects as Purificacion Reyes, 60, a widow; and Jonathan Apeta, 30, both residents of said village. They were nabbed by joint operatives of Laguna Special Operations Group (LASOG) and Biñan Police during a buy-bust operation in Zone 7, Sitio Wawa, Barangay Malaban at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Police said the suspects have been subject of surveillance operations for the past weeks after they were identified as the source of marijuana in the province. More or less 11 kilos of dried marijuana leaves with an estimated street value of P50,000 were seized from the suspects. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

Illegally-cut coconut trees

The Cavite Police Provincial Office (CPPO) Mobile Group arrested three men when they were caught transporting illegally-cut coconut trees in General Mariano Alvarez (GMA) town, a report said yesterday. The cutting of coconut trees in any area of the country is prohibited unless authorized by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). In a report to Senior Superintendent Alfred S. Corpuz, CPPO director, Supt. Gerardo Umayao, 404th Police Provincial Mobile Group identified those arrested as Christopher V. Honor, 35, a driver; Jay-Ar I. Humanan, 29; and Paul O. Samson, 24; all residents of Barangay Munting Ilog, Silang, Cavite. The arrest was made after 44 chopped coconut trees were found in a jeepney driven by Honor when the vehicle, which has no license plates, was intercepted by the police group on Governor's Drive in GMA town. Honor and his two companions could not present any documents from the PCA or any authorized offices pertaining to the cut trees. Police Officer 2 Bobby M. Zamora, officer-on-case, filed charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 8048 (Coconut Preservation Act of 1995) against the trio following their arrest. The cut trees were immediately turned over to the PCA office, it was learned. Under the provisions of RA 8048, no one is allowed to cut coconut unless one has secured a permit from the PCA. The PCA and the local government units (LGUs) were tasked to oversee and regulate the cutting of trees anywhere in the country, the law said. Those found violating the law can be jailed for one year and fined P50,000, it was learned. Coconut trees are abundant in Silang, Tagaytay City, a prime tourist destination; and other upland towns of Cavite. RA 8048 was approved by Malacañang in June 7, 1995. Malacañang and Congress have cited the importance of the coconut industry and preservation of trees of coconuts which are the biggest income-generating produce of the country. (Anthony Giron)

‘B-day party' for evacuees

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Touched by the lamentable situation of the thousands of evacuees in his town, Mayor Ernesto “Jonas” Castaneda who was supposed to celebrate his usual lavish birthday Tuesday, was more happy to use his money intended for his special day for his constituents displaced by the severe flooding recently. Nakakalungkot din ang hindi mag-celebrate ng birthday, pero mas masaya naman ako na i-donate na lang ang aking handa sa mga sinalanta ng baha na kababayan ko,” said Mayor Castañeda. Superintendent Harris R. Fama, the town’s police chief, said even before the celebration of the birthday of Mayor Castañeda he had been seen roaming around the evacuation areas and flooded barangays, informing his constituents that he (Mayor) will no longer celebrate his birthday and that the money intended supposedly for his party will be used instead in purchasing food and relief items to be used by the flood victims in the town. Castaneda said that he had also bought items for the school children who were also severely affected by the typhoon as they were not able to go to their school due to the flash floods that hit the capital town and other nearby areas. (Mar T. Supnad)