NEW ROAD IN BIÑAN OPENS

BIÑAN CITY, Laguna — City Mayor Marlyn Alonte Naguiat was joined yesterday by other officials in the blessing and opening of Halang Road in Barangay San Francisco, here, which had undergone widening and rehabilitation. The 848-meter long and 348 linear meter barangay road is now a more convenient thoroughfare. It is an access road to the interchange of Southwoods exit going to South Luzon Expressway. “The project added the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV), street lights, and an upgraded drainage system,” said Naguiat. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

VINTAGE BOMBS FOUND IN TANZA

TANZA, Cavite — Three vintage bombs were discovered at a lot in Barangay Julugan V, this town, police reported yesterday. The Tanza Municipal Station turned over the rusting World War II bombs to the Police Provincial Office Special Weapons and Tactics (PPO-SWAT). Senior Inspector Dhefry Punzalan, SWAT Unit-Explosive Ordnance Division chief, said the bombs were discovered by one Junior T. Lumapas, 53, a barangay tanod (village watchman) and other residents while at a digging site in the area. (Anthony Giron)

CAINTA FIRE VICTIMS GET AID

CAINTA, Rizal — Private donors are stepping in to help some 500 families displaced by Thursday’s fire here as the local government provides hot meals and some supplies to them at separate evacuation centers. Mayor Ramon Ilagan said the fire victims are currently sheltered at the Felix Elementary School and Lakas Bisig Covered Court in Barangay San Andres. Cooked meals, and basic grocery items along with blankets and sleeping mats were being distributed to them over the weekend. He said livelihood assistance will also be offered to the housewives and women among the affected families. (Nel B. Andrade)

UNISAN PLANS 1ST BURI FESTIVAL

UNISAN, Quezon — To spice up the annual foundation day celebration of this town, plans are being made to launch its first “Buri Festival,” which promotes the culture and industry of weaving kept alive by local folk. Mayor Nonato Puache said the festival to be held on Feb. 15, 2013 is a joint effort of the Department of Trade and Industry-Quezon office (DTI-Quezon) and the Unique Weavers Association based here. The Buri industry in this town has become a livelihood project for mothers and women’s organizations with assistance from international organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). (Danny J. Estacio)

P.N.P.: OLONGAPO GUARD KILLS SELF

OLONGAPO CITY, Zambales — A 22-year-old security officer shot himself during his duty at a hotel and restaurant on the National Highway in Barangay Barretto, here, last weekend. Security Officer Dino Piamonte was found dead on the Bermuda grass inside the compound of Playa Papagayo Inn and Restaurant. Probers theorized that he shot himself in the mouth. Sr. Insp. Gil Domingo, precinct commander, said Piamonte’s cellphone yielded messages indicating his frustrations and desire to end his life. An autopsy for his body was underway to determine the possibility of foul play. (Jonas Reyes)