CEBU CITY, Cebu (PNA) — The Cebu City Zoo worker who was bitten by a cobra, is now in stable condition and may be discharged from the hospital next week, an official of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) said. CCMC head Dr. Gloria Duterte said Ronaldo Aventurado has regained strength and can now sit up after getting anti-venom shots. Aventurado was bitten by a cobra last Tuesday. The snake was not one zoo animals. He was paralyzed and had difficulty breathing but fortunately was able to get relief from anti-venom that had to be fetched in Camiguin by plane. Duterte said Aventurado can lift his body and move his hands but could hardly speak. Still, she said, ”By Monday or Tuesday, he might be released from the hospital.”

Peace Forum

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — The Negros Oriental Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) will hold a Peace Forum along with other proposed activities to mark the National Peace Month in September. The peace forum will be participated in by the academe with four universities present in Dumaguete City, and may be simultaneously conducted also in Guihilngan City. “It is our desire to solve insurgency and criminality problems through peaceful means by promoting peace initiatives,” said Army Commander Col. Francisco Patrimonio of the 302 Infantry Brigade in a PPOC meeting.

Soldiers Promoted

ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA6) — More army officers are given higher responsibility to better serve, defend and protect the public. This, after 459 soldiers with the Philippine Army’ (PA)’s 3rd Infantry Division were promoted to the next higher position. 3ID Public Affairs Office head Enrico Gil Ileto said a total 308 private first class, 79 corporals, 65 sergeants, six staff sergeants, and one technical sergeant were promoted after they satisfied requirements set by the PA’s Promotion System. The promotion was based largely on the soldier’s character, competence, and capacity to perform assigned tasks and missions.

Girls Rescued 

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — Authorities raided a night club alleged to be a prostitution den in this city and rescued young women from the hands of their pimps. Authorities arrested the couple who owns the bar and the 36-year-old alleged pimp who lives in Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City. The couple lives in Barangay Guizo, Mandaue City.Their names are being withheld considering the nature of the case. The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7, the International Justice Mission, Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7. The operatives arrested the owners and rescued 17 women from the place.

T.E.S.D.A. Idol

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte (PIA) — Neptali Wales, a Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) -certified automotive servicing mechanic is Region 8’s nominee in the nationwide Idol search initiated by TESDA. The annual search highlights skills and capabilities of individuals who have been productive in a hired job or in a business enterprise following training by a TESDA-accredited agency. Wales will compete with 10 other vocational-technical course aspirants from different regions nationwide in the wage-employed category. Results will be known next Friday during TESDA’s 18th anniversary celebration