LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Philippines — Local officials officially declared this city as under a state of calamity due to the spread of the dengue virus. The Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) passed and approved a resolution declaring the city under state of calamity due to dengue upon the request of Mayor Michael Fariñas.

Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President Chevylle Fariñas said the declaration allows the use of the calamity fund for a massive campaign to battle dengue. The City Health Office reported that 250 residents have been downed by dengue with eight of them succumbing to the disease. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

381 cops finish probe training

CAMP GEN. OLIVAS, Pampanga — A total 381 non-commissioned officers from different offices under the Police Regional Office 3 graduated recently from the 45-day Criminal Investigation Course (CIC), as ordered by the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership in a bid to standardize investigative procedures.

Chief Superintendent Edgardo T. Ladao, PRO3 director, and Director Roberto L. Rosales, PNP director for Integrated Police Operations Northern Luzon, addressed the graduates in simple ceremonies held last Tuesday at the Multi-Purpose Hall of this camp. (Franco G. Regala)

Aquino to lead switch-on rites

BAGUIO CITY — President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead national and local officials in the ceremonial switch-on of the P5-million lighting project of the Department of Energy (DoE) in Burnham Park, here.

It will be recalled that Aquino assured Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan last December that the national government will help the city government promote Burnham Park as one of the city’s major tourist destination through the implementation of various soft and hard infrastructure that will facelift the park and attract the influx of more foreign and domestic tourists. (Dexter A. See)

Angono awards 10 special citizens

ANGONO, Rizal — The town’s outstanding residents will be given recognition by the local government, highlighting Friday’s celebration of the municipality’s 73rd anniversary. Mayor Gerardo Calderon will lead local and provincial officials in recognizing 10 persons who have given honor and fame to the town in their respective fields of expertise.

The awardees of the Dangal ng Bayan Award are Saturnino H. Tiamson Jr.; Orville D. R. Tiamson; Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Vitor; former Councilors Loel M. Malonzo and Genato G. Reyes; Retired Captain Constantino R. Villegas; Mrs. Cynthia M. Cruz; and Amihan R. Fenis. (Nel B. Andrade)

BENRO wants stop to OAMDC

MALOLOS CITY — With the signs of past landslides and soil erosion still evident in quarry roads and some portions inside the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA), the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) has recommended to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) the suspension of mining operations by Ore Asia Mining and Development Corp. (OAMDC) in Barangay Camachin in Donya Remedios Trinidad town.

Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy Alvarado said the recommendation was made after an inspection conducted by the BENRO, which found that OAMDC’s operations are allegedly “environmentally destructive.” (Freddie C. Velez)