SAN FERNANDO CITY, Philippines — A national media organization will launch tomorrow a “global call” to action to demand justice for those who have been killed for exercising their right to freedom of expression.

They will also urge government to shed light on the issue of impunity in time with the second anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre in which 32 journalists were killed.

The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) said that it would be observing the first International Day to End Impunity (IDEI) in the country on November 23 – the International Day to End Impunity, which is a brainchild of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX). (Mark Anthony N. Manuel)

20 cops trained in computers 

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Twenty personnel of the Baguio City Police Office have successfully completed a three-day free computer and electronics hands-on training provided by National Institute and Information Technology (NIIT).

NIIT Administrator Vladimir Cayabas also announced the opening of registration for its Christmas 2011 gift training program scheduled from December 19 to 23.

The upcoming training will cover the same skills recently undergone by the police trainees. (Rizaldy Comanda)

Palace, Congress in good terms 

ORANI, Philippines — Secretary Tony Roman, chief of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO), said yesterday that Malacañang and Congress have a good relationship even as he denied reports that the Executive and Legislative Branches are not in good terms.

“All that President Aquino had pushed in the House had prospered.

He has so many allies in Congress,” said Roman, himself a former congressman of this province. Roman also denied a recent report that he has been sacked as PLLO Chief.

He said malicious reports stated that Aquino was supposedly displeased that he had spent P860 million for a Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting.

“That’s too much. How can you give credence to such a report while the PLLO’s budget is only P22 million?” he said. (Mar T. Supnad)

Roxas residents get health cards 

ROXAS, Philippines — At least 4,954 families in this town are entitled to free hospitalization and medical services after Mayor Bendict Calderon and Gov. Faustino Dy distributed health cards covering P100,000 in medical expenses.

Roxas Municipal Administrator Andy Vicente said the health cards were distributed to indigent families as part of the priority project of the local government with support from the Capitol. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

Clark gears for Horse Fest 

CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines — The 3rd Annual Clark Freeport Horse Festival is all systems go as organizers announced the various activities during the two-day event on Nov. 26-27 at the El Kabayo Riding Stables, here.

The Horsefest ’11, supported by Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Department of Tourism (DoT), aims to promote business and tourism and position Clark Freeport as a choice to host various events.

The festival is a magnificent display of horses and riders that include an Entry Parade of Horses and other activities. (Franco Regala)