CAMP PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Bantay, Ilocos Sur — A policeman and five members of his family were killed while thirteen others were injured when a Tamaraw FX and a minibus collided along the national highway in barangay Bantay Abot, Narvacan town Thursday afternoon. Sr. Insp. Orly Pagaduan, Narvacan town Chief of Police, identified the six killed victims as SPO2 Rufino Gasatan, 46, who was driving the vehicle; Maria Gasatan and Annabelle Gasatan — both were reportedly balikbayans; Andres Judy Gasatan, Allen Gasatan, and Vianne Gasatan. All were residents of 60 Iriga St., Quezon City. Pagaduan identified the other Gasatan family members who are now in critical condition as Joel Ramil and Maureen. Pagaduan also identified the injured driver of the West Angel Tour Minibus as Marlon L. Acierto, 35 of barangay Taboc, San Juan, La Union and the ten injured passengers as Elsie Fabro, Iris Caban, Marilyn Berana, Melita Caban, Alvino Caban, Maritess Paa, Janette Baltazar, Nora De Guzman, Noemie Ruth De Guzman, and Ellen Mae De Guzman. (Freddie G. Lazaro)
VISAYAS
Rice released for students
CEBU CITY — The National Food Authority (NFA) has released a total of 82,551 bags of rice to the Department of Education (DepEd) for distribution to schoolchildren beneficiaries under the Food for School Program (FSP) of the government. According to NFA administrator Gregorio Y. Tan Jr., the total volume of rice delivered to the (DepEd) is equivalent to 89 percent of the total targeted volume allocated for the whole duration of the program. The NFA has targeted to deliver 93,193 bags of rice for 49,049 pupil beneficiaries identified by the DepEd nationwide. Based on the list of beneficiaries under the FSP, 33,446 pupils were from Metro Manila while 15,603 were from the provinces. Tan said the rice varieties delivered to schoolchildren-beneficiaries are iron-fortified rice (IFR) and regular-milled rice (RMR). The program is funded under the Presidential Social Fund (PSF).
MINDANAO
Zambo group calls off rally
ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) — A multi-sectoral group in Zamboanga City has called off a rally scheduled in time for the visit of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Friday. Rudy Iglesias, one of the organizers of the multi-sectoral group, said he met with the other leaders in the city and came upon the plan of hosting an advance birthday dinner for the President to give them ideal time to talk to her and air their opposition to some policies of the city government. "That way, we were able to talk civilly to the President and not go out on the streets anymore," he said. The President’s Friday visit was the second last month. She was here before the Holy Week after visiting Pagadian, Dipolog and Zamboanga Sibugay. The President is scheduled to visit Jolo, Sulu or Cotabato City Saturday to personally assess the ongoing rehabilitation of the war-torn municipalities of Panamao, Patikul and Maimbung.
