ILOILO CITY – Six communist rebels belonging to the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) were recently arrested violating the election gun ban in Sibalom, Antique. C/Supt. Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said RPA-ABB rebel Joshua Saturnino was caught with a homemade shotgun in his possession over the weekend. The police Regional Director said Saturnino, along with fellow rebels Rogelio Gonzaga, Jose Mijares, Joel Milliones, Noel Tagacay, and Bev Vicente were arrested in the aftermath of a complaint lodged by one Mateo Mataguel. Mataguel’s testimony alleged that he and two friends of his were harassed by the rebels at a party. Two more men, Lazaro Cabigunda and Robert Memeje, were also arrested in Sibalom town for having a homemade shotgun each in their possession. Also arrested was 23-year-old Mark Lester Monsale in Jaro, Iloilo City. Onboard his motorcycle, Monsale was caught with a. 38 caliber revolver with six loaded ammunitions. Cops also discovered he had no driver’s license. The Bacolod Philippine National Police (PNP) also nabbed Eduardo Bañas and Edwin Tangal in Brgy. Taculing. Cops found in their possession a .38 caliber homemade pistol. (Tara Yap)

SOCA, MASSKARA SET FOR OCTOBER 1

BACOLOD CITY – Big events are set to happen in Bacolod City on Friday, October 1. Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia will deliver his State of the City address (SOCA) at 3:00 pm followed by the launch of this year’s Masskara Festival at the new Government Center here.
Leonardia said he sent a letter requesting the Sangguniang Panlungsod to forego its regular scheduled session on Wednesday, moving this instead to Friday for his SOCA. Leonardia also said October 1 will be doubly significant at it will be the opening of Bacolod City’s 19-day Masskara festival, which has evolved into a major festive event drawing in hordes of visitors to Bacolod. The Mayor’s SOCA will include a situationer of the accomplishment of the city administration and what Leonardia’s major programs will be in the next three years of his administration. Leonardia said he is conscious about the fact that this is his last term as mayor of Bacolod City, and “this is the last chance I have to do what I can for the city, to be determined to see to it that plans and programs for the city are implemented.” (Edith B. Colmo)

NO POLITICS IN FELLING OF OFFICIAL   

SAGAY CITY, Negros Occidental (PNA) – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) has clarified that the recent killing of a former village official in Negros Occidental is not poll related. Sagay City Police Chief, Sr. Inspector Gabriel Gutierrez said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Occidental is looking into a possible "love triangle" motive behind the killing of former Barangay Chairman Noel Ape of Barangay Maguiling in Sagay City. Sr. Inspector Gabriel Gutierrez said the police has identified a gun-for-hire suspect named Tata Ibanez alias Rigor. The suspect has a standing warrant of arrest for murder in Bacolod City. PRO6 Chief Samual Pagdilao said the killing was apparently a crime of passion and not related to the upcoming Barangay and SK elections although Ape had expressed his desire to run for the October 25 polls. Ape was shot in front of his house by gunmen last Wednesday night, just two days before the start of the election period.