Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon province spewed ash anew yesterday, occurring from the summit crater of Bulusan Volcano at 10:18 a.m., according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Lasting for about six minutes, the explosiontype of volcanic earthquake produced an ash column that rose to about one kilometer above the summit crater before drifting to the southwest direction.

On Thursday, Bulusan also emitted ash for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, initial field investigation conducted by the agency yesterday showed traces of ash deposit in Barangay Monbon in Irosin.

Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 is still hoisted over Mt. Bulusan which means that the public should avoid entering the four–kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the risk of sudden steam/ash explosions.

"Residents near river/stream channels around the volcano should also be on alert against life-threatening volcanic flows/ lahars because ash and other loose volcanic deposits may be remobilized during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall," it said. (Leslie Ann Aquino)

At least 200 carrozas bearing the images of the Sto. Niño (Child Jesus) will join the grand procession from the Philtrade grounds on Roxas Blvd. in Pasay City to the Quirino Grandstand on Sunday, Jan. 28, at 3 p.m.

Now on its 28th year as rganized by the Congregacion del Santissimo Nombre del Niño Jesus, led by couturier and civic leader Ben Farrales, the procession is part of the "Fiesta del Sto. Niño" held every January.

A high Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Jan.28, at the Philtrade grounds. About 400 Sto. Nino images are exhibited at the PNB Financial Center until Saturday, Jan. 27. Palo Archbishop Emeritus Pedro Dean blessed the images during the opening and celebrated the mass.

Pagadian City – The criminal activities of Zamboanga del Sur’s alleged number one most wanted person came to an end after he was slain in a shoot out with police operatives recently in Barangay Dalapang, Labangan.

Police provincial director Sr. Supt. Ramon Ochotorena identified the fatality as Camel Leo, 46, alias Commander Ruben, whom police had long tagged as the province’s most wanted criminal.

Ochotorena said Leo was facing several charges of large scale extortion, murder and robbery.

Police operatives had received earlier a tip from a concerned Labangan resident that Leo was visiting his family at Barangay Dalapang.

The lawmen rushed to the area and after surrounding Leo’s place, ordered him to surrender.

Leo, however, tried to escape and fired at the pursuing police prompting the latter to return fire.

Leo suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot. (Tony Pe. Rimando)

The International College of Dentists (ICD Philippines Section Inc.) will hold its 40th Annual Convocation and Banquet on Sunday, January 28 at 6 p.m., at the Diamond Hotel, Roxas Blvd. cor. Dr. J. Quintos St., Malate, Manila.

Highlighting the affair will be the induction of the new set of officers for 2007, the investiture of seven new fellows and the keynote speech of the guest of honor and inducting officer, Sen. Francis N. Pangilinan. The new ICD officers to be inducted are: Fellows Ma. Fatima Sevilla-Dizon, president; Ma. Teresa D. Amador, president-elect; Elizabeth C. Carrasco, vice-president; Elaine P. del Rosario, secretary; Norma A. Tiu, treasurer; Rosita S. Tan, auditor; Marilyn A. Leung, PRO; Ma. Rosario A. Damatac, and Leonor C. Lago, directors; Hermogenes P. Villareal, immediate past president.

To be inducted into the ICD Fellowship are Drs. Joel S. Gutierrez, Ramon N. Hebron, Gary M. Batiller, Vivian C. Virata, Marie Antoniette R. Veluz, Maria Xenia A. Velmonte, and Vivian Gabaldon. Awards will be conferred upon Fellows Diampo J. Lim, Antonio A. Baldemor, Eufracio A. de Jesus, Aida H. Salcedo, and Ligaya C. Virata for the Life Membership Award. Honorary Fellowship Award will likewise be given to Dr. Estela V. Avendaño.