DAVAO CITY—To avoid future problems between the Philippines and the Republic of Palau concerning possible violations into each others’ territorial waters by fishing intrusions, top officials of both sides agreed to push for the formal signing of a Fishery of Agreement (FOA) between the two neighboring island-Republics in southwest Pacific. This developed after a high-level Palau delegation sat down with a Philippine counterpart panel last Saturday at Marco Polo Davao to discuss the long standing concern on both sides, which is the lack of a working fishery agreement between Palau and the Philippines. Speaking for the Philippine panel, Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) national director Malcolm Sarmiento bewailed that despite the existence of a ministerial level agreement signed a few years back by Philippine and Palau governmentrepresentatives, it has not until now reached the point of forming a working committee to lay down the important details for a workable agreement that would allow fishing by Filipino fisherman inside Palau fishing waters. Sarmiento strongly suggested during the meeting that both sides agree to form a working committee on the lower level, with representatives from key government agencies on both sides, that will work out important details and guidelines that will serve as basis for a formal Fishery Agreement between the two countries. (Gil M. Abarico)

CEBU CITY — The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) has given four awards to the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) for fulfilling its mandate of providing safe, potable and affordable water to its concessionaires. The awards were given by LWUA administrator Lorenzo H. Jamora during the LWUA-Water District forum on March 23 at the Manila Hotel. MCWD general manager Engineer Armando H. Paredes received the awards in behalf of the water district. These are the following awards: Outstanding water district in the very large category, Bicol/Visayas region; special award for Integrated Watershed Development Program for playing a lead role in the development, management and protection of watershed; certificate of recognition for being a nominee in the search for Most Outstanding Water District for 2005, and; plaque of appreciation in recognition of its commitment of enhancing the knowledge of its personnel through training. (Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.)

BONTOC, Mt. Province – The Regional Development Council (RDC) of the Cordillera supports the call of various sectors to preserve the Chico River, one of the major river systems in the region. This was reached by the RDC members after Mt. Province officials disclosed that the massive destruction of the river’s head-waters hastened the deterioration of Chico River and that all sectors should work together to preserve and conserve the environment, especially the treasured river. The Cordillera is perceived to be the watershed cradle of the North and that there are 13 river systems in the area and it is the source for irrigation water not only in the region but also the adjoining provinces. Earlier, the RDC adopted a resolution constituting a regional level planning body to collate inputs from both Kalinga and Mt. Province for the drafting of a master plan and pre-feasibility study for the Chico river basin. Planners will cover the stretch of Chico River from the Mountain province to Tinglayan, Kalinga, and to the Kalinga to Tuao, Cagayan boundary while Mountain province will tackle the upper portion of the river system up to Mt. Data in Bauko. (Dexter A. See)

ILAGAN, Isabela —A town chief of police was shot dead by his own man, whom he earlier reprimanded for alleged rude behavior before midnight on April 10. Chief Supt. Jefferson Soriano, Cagayan Valley police chief, identified the victim as Insp. Vicente Dalupang, officer-in-charge (OIC) of Reina Mercedes town police office, who was shot to death by SPO2 Ricardo Pilar inside the police office around 11:30 p.m. last Monday. Dalupang reportedly was shot six times by Pilar, who used his cal. 9 mm service pistol.The suspect, who was reportedly drunk, fled immediately on his car after the incident. Soriano said that Pilar shot himself just below his right temple after responding policemen cornered him following a brief chase. He is now under critical condition at a hospital in Reina Mercedes. Hours before the incident, the victim reprimanded Pilar for his rude behavior as well as for his recent absences and ordered him to make a written report about it. Fuming, Pilar went backed to the police station few hours later, and without warning, shot Dalupang upon seeing him. (Bingo Cadabona)