LINGAYEN — The prospects are a lot brighter for freshwater fisherfolk, following a massive cleanup and disaster risk reduction drive along river system in this province, Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. reported Thursday.

Espino lauded the efforts of the River Clean-up Task Force, headed by retired police Senior Superintendent Paterno Orduna, for the swift clean-up and clearing operations.

 “Now, 90 percent of residents near waterways who directly benefit from the river’s bounty can enjoy,” said Orduna.

The task force head also belied reports that the governor had banned residents from fishing in the river, saying that the clean-up operation only dismantled fish pens that posed hazards and obstructed the flow of water. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

Residents Urge Landfill Closure

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY — Various residents here are clamoring for the closure of the VGP Sanitary Landfill located in Barangay Minuyan. During a prayer rally held on Tuesday in front of the landfill’s gate, Fr. Ety Ignacio called for the protection of residents and the environment from the alleged ill effects posed by garbage being dumped in the area.

The parish priest of Saint Peter Church in Barangay Tungkong Mangga, here, raised concern that waste seepage from the landfill, operated by the Puyat group of companies, may have an adverse effect on ground water and other water sources of residents in the area. (Freddie C. Velez)

SK Head Hurt in Road Mishap

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman and his four companions in a van were hospitalized after their vehicle crashed into an electric post on Capitol Drive, here, the other day.

Superintendent Arnel Amor Libed, city police chief, identified the injured as SK Chairman Jessie Mendoza of Tenejero; Rochel Mangayo, 36; Chynna Talastas, 22; Ivy Talastas, 18; and their driver, Cesar Canare.

Doctors at the Bataan General Hospital said the victims sustained bodily injuries from the crash at 12:40 a.m. Canare told traffic investigators he got lost while driving the Toyota Grandia (BDN-596) and hit the post because of unfamiliarity with the area. (Mar T. Supnad)

PRO 3 Gets 10 New Mobiles

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — San Jose del Monte City Mayor Reynaldo S. San Pedro celebrated his first 100 days in office by turning over 10 new police patrol cars to police officials based here, the other day.

Chief Superintendent Alan L.M. Purisima, Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director, accepted the donation from San Pedro.

Supt. Edwin Quilates, city police chief who was present during the turnover ceremony, said the patrol cars would be a big boost to crime fighting in San Jose del Monte City. (Freddie C. Velez)

Party Downs 35 People

ABULUG, Cagayan –A total of 35 people were hospitalized due to alleged food poisoning after eating “buko” salad at recent birthday party of a kindergarten pupil in Barangay Alinuno, here.

Nineteen of the adult victims have been discharged from the hospital as of press time Thursday but 16 others, mostly young children, were still recovering from symptoms of diarrhea.

Local health authorities advised residents holding parties to serve food that are not easily perishable. (Dexter A. See)