BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — After several weeks of heated debates on what system to adopt to abate a looming garbage crisis, the city council confirmed the memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the city government and a Manila-based company for the purchase of two Japan-made composting machines worth a total of P128 million in order to stop the expensive hauling of garbage to Capas, Tarlac. With a vote of 10 councilors in favor of the agreement, 2 against and 2 abstentions, Protect Machineries, Inc. will now deliver the two 24-ton Japanese composting machines in the city before the first week of December and before the end of this year so that the over 66 tons of biodegradable waste generated by the local residents and tourists can be converted into compost fertilizer for sale to interested users. (Dexter A. See)

GUNSMITH IN LAGUNA FALLS

STA. CRUZ, Laguna, Philippines — A suspected gunsmith was nabbed Monday afternoon after police found a cache of firearms in the raid of his residence in Barangay Poblacion 2, Nagcarlan, this province, police said Tuesday. Senior Superintendent Gilberto Cruz, Laguna Police Provincial Office (PPO) director, said suspect Anatalio Comendador was an expert in converting low-caliber pistols into high-powered firearms by using machines and gadgets. Cruz said raiding team, led by Senior Inspector Vicente Cabatingan, was armed with a search warrant issued by Judge Eloida Capuno, of Calauan Municipal Trial Court (MTC), when they swooped down on the residence of Comendador on C. Lirio Street in Barangay Poblacion 2 around 5 p.m. Monday Police seized around 15 converted .22-caliber rifles; four short firearms; assorted ammunition; and machines in making and converting firearms. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

ONE-STOP SHOP FOR TELECOMS

TARLAC CITY, Philippines — Globe Telecom opened on Monday its newest store in Central Luzon for communication products and service Tarlaquenos in particular. Tarlac City Mayor Ace Manalang led the blessing and cutting ribbon of the formal launch of the Globe Concept store located at the 3rd floor of the SM Tarlac. The firm’s first regional concept store in the region is a one-stop shop that aims to provide top-of-the-line gadgets and accessories and services and after-sales support, said Maridol Ylanan, head of stores of the Globe Telecom. (Franco G. Regala)

NEOPHYTE FELON CAUGHT BY MOB

ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines — A neophyte robber was beaten black and blue by an angry mob who cornered him shortly after taking the valuables of several customers of an internet shop here shortly after midnight the other day. Harold Oliganga, 22, of Colosians Street, Palmera 5-B, Dela Paz, this city, had no choice but to return his loot, consisting of mobile phones and cash of the customers of Lextoms Enterprises Computer Shop right after he was mobbed by his victims as well as kibitzers. Police investigators said the suspect at first, pretended to be a customer before he announced the heist while brandishing a fan knife inside the internet shop. Investigator said the lone suspect ordered the victims to hand over their mobile phones and cash and upon getting his objects of desire, hurriedly left the establishment on foot. Believing that they could still catch the fleeing suspect, the victims went out and sought the help of passersby resulting in the arrest of the neophyte robber. (Nel B. Andrade)