SAN JOSE, ANTIQUE (PIA) – A dialogue was held with the Department of Energy (DoE) recently by a group of jeepney operators here seeking clarification fuel costs issues. The operators wanted to know why gasoline stations do not roll back gasoline prices on the day it is announced that fuel prices have dipped in the world market. Engineer Rey Maleza of DoE Visayas said gasoline fuel distributors are obliged to bring down prices of these products once DoE head office announces the price rollback and if fuel distributors disregard the announcement, consumers take photos of the posted prices and send these photos directly to gasoline companies, and furnish a copy to the DoE. “Gasoline companies have a responsibility to address such concerns, but if they are not available, consumers are advised to send their queries to the DoE at (+332) 253-3459,” Maleza said.
P.I.A.C.A.T. Ordinance
DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) - The Provincial Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (PIACAT) of Negros Oriental is pushing passage of a resolution requiring minors travelling with or without an adult within the country to secure a clearance first from the barangay and local social welfare officer. Visayas coordinator Romulado Señeres of Visayan Forum said this concern is vital due to the cases of minors believed to be victims of illegal recruitment in Negros Oriental. As a child labor and trafficking prevention measure, this travel clearance will be issued to a minor below 18 years old.
Inter-Agency Collaboration
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo (PNA) - The Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade is intensifying its inter-agency collaboration through a four-day information drive and seminar recently at the Brigade headquarters in Camp Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo. The seminar aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of Peace and Development Teams (PDT) in terms of inter-agency coordination and collaboration. It was attended by company commanders, civil military operations officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) from different units under the 301st Brigade.
N.B.I. Rescue
CEBU CITY , Cebu – National Bureau of Investigation in Region 7 (NBI 7) agents rescued 26 girls and their pimp from the Red Lips KTV Bar along Gen. Maxilom Avenue, this city recently. Prosecutor Liceria Rabillas of the Department of Justice (DOJ) said the girls are now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). At least five of them are minors. The KTV bar’s manager and assistant manager were also arrested and along with the girls’ alleged pimp will be facing qualified human trafficking complaints. (Mars W. Mosqueda, Jr.)
Nutrition Month
NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) - Biliran Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) members met last June 21 with the Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (MNAOs) of the eight municipalities in Biliran to discuss the upcoming nutrition month. Biliran Provincial Health Officer and Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Alfonso Veneracion said the results and findings of a 2011 nutrition evaluation will serve as a benchmark in improving the implementation of activities and projects of the PNC relative to the nutrition program of Biliran province.