Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali Jr. Tuesday called on all local officials, particularly the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), to unite and support the programs and pro-people projects of President Aquino, stressing that this is the right time to help the government fulfill its promises to the people. Umali made his call before media as he addressed a growing clamor for him to lead the influential group of provincial chief executives. A former congressman, Umali said: “Local governments can help a lot in attaining progress for the country, especially the LPP, through support for President Aquino’s programs.” (Ferdinand F. Castro)

CAVITE P.P.O. GOES ALL-OUT VS CRIME

IMUS, Cavite — The Cavite Police Provincial Office (PPO) has called on the 1,304 police officers and men assigned to four cities and 19 towns of the province to work side by side with legitimate members of the media and citizens’ groups to solve crimes in their respective localities. Senior Superintendent Danilo L. Maligalig, CPPO director, made the call as he ordered the chiefs of police (CoPs) and other officers to go all-out against illegal activities, loose firearms and criminals in their respective areas. “In unity, there is strength. There is nothing impossible with a united stand against crimes,” said the 49-year-old police colonel who took command of the PPO last June 19. (Anthony Giron)

‘JUNKIE’ BUSTED

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — In line with the stepped-up drive against illegal drugs ordered by Mayor Christian D. Natividad, newly-installed city police chief, Supt. Baltazar Mamaril, arrested a suspected drug dealer in a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Santisima Trinidad, here, the other day. Mamaril reported to Mayor Natividad and Senior Supt. Fernando S. Villanueva, Bulacan police director, the arrest of Abraham Ico, 32, single, of Purok 4, of said barangay. He yielded half a kilogram of high-grade marijuana. (Freddie C.Velez)

SURGICAL MISSION

SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan — A free surgical mission on persons with cleft lip and cleft palate will be conducted at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in Bolingit, San Carlos City on July 9 to 10. Dr. Ferdinand Totaan, Provincial Health Officer said the Band of Mercy, a group of doctors and nurses from Manila will conduct the surgical operations. Dr. Totaan said the surgical mission expects to give free medical services to some 50 patients. The screening is ongoing until Thursday at the Outpatient Surgery Department. (Mar T. Supnad)

‘NO TOUCH!’

IMUS, Cavite — A Korean golfer was held over the weekend for allegedly touching the butt of a young and pretty tourist coordinator at a clubhouse in General Trias town, Cavite, police said Monday. The suspect was identified as Chang Wul Bae, 62, reportedly a member of Eagle Ridge Golfers Club and temporary resident of BF Homes, Parañaque City. Bae was detained at General Trias Municipal Police Station jail after the 20-year-old victim filed a complaint against him. The victim is a coordinator of Philippine Green Travels and Tours and resident of Barangay Javalera, General Trias town. Police Officer 3 Luisa Charie G. Atas, officer-on-case, said that the alleged malicious act happened when Bae came near the victim at the lobby of Aoki Clubhouse in Eagle Ridge area. (Anthony Giron)