Bacolod City News October 2011

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Armed men kill teacher; daughter wounded

By Carla P. Gomez

Inquirer Visayas


BACOLOD CITY—He was looking forward to his retirement next year. But public school teacher Romeo Valle was killed while his daughter was wounded on Tuesday night when armed men, believed to be robbers, fired at them while they were heading home in Victorias City in Negros Occidental. Romeo, 64, a teacher of Estado Elementary School, died from a bullet wound in the back. His daughter, Joy Mar, 24, an employee of a drug rehabilitation center in Victorias, suffered a bullet wound in the back. The two were riding on a motorcycle on their way home to Barangay Estado when the armed men flagged them down in Hacienda Minoro, Barangay 10. Romeo, however, ignored the two and continued driving. The assailants then opened fire at them, said Supt. Alexander Muñoz, Victorias police officer in charge. Despite his wounds, Muñoz said Romeo managed to drive the motorcycle toward a populated area where he and his daughter sought help before he died. Joy Mar is in stable condition in a private hospital in Bacolod. Police said the assailants might have intended to rob the victims since there had been cases of holdup in the area in previous years.

Fund allocation for City tourism office sought

By Carla N. Canet


THE City Council passed the resolution requesting Mayor Evelio Leonardia to extend substantial fund and technical support to the tourism office.

Councilor Sonya Verdeflor, member of the Committee on Tourism and International Cooperation, filed the resolution to enable said office to come up with a very attractive promotional program for Bacolod City.

Bacolod City as Capital City and gateway to the beautiful and nature-blessed Province of Negros Occidental, has been adjudged as among the cleanest, greenest, most liveable mid-sized cities in the Philippines.

Bacolod City as a booming metropolis, boasts of its fast-developing tourism-related and tourism-oriented facilities and industries such as its IT/cyber parks, eco/forest parks and resorts, commercial complexes, sports facilities and complexes, hotels and restaurants, retirement homes and villages, real estate development, handicraft industries, food and pastry industries, delicious Ilonggo delicacies, sumptuous Ilonggo cuisine, the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal, the world-renowned MassKara Festival, old churches and religious shrines, museums, colleges and universities, as well as sports-tourism and medical-tourism activities, among others.

Bacolod City Tourism Office needs the financial and technical support of the Bacolod City government in order to effectively showcase and promote the tourism potentials of Bacolod City as a prime tourism destination in the country through a very attractive tourism promotional program. (CN

Task Force All Saints Day to ensure peace and order

By PIA Press Release


BACOLOD CITY, Oct. 28 (PIA) -- The Task Force All Saints Day is all prepared to ensure public order and the orderly flow of vehicles in areas where people converge such as public markets, public plazas and cemeteries. The task force was created under Memorandum Order No. 162, issued by Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia to implement and regulate order and cleanliness in the major public markets, public plaza and public cemeteries, maintenance of peace and order in respective concerned areas including the smooth flow of traffic for the upcoming celebration of All Saints Day. Executive Assistant Ernesto Pineda, Task Force All Saints Day Head, said certain vendors will have to maintain a one-meter distance from the gutter. These are vendors along Mabini, Libertad and Hernaez Streets in the Libertad south public market area, on streets around the Burgos north public market, and along San Juan, Gonzaga and Gatuslao Streets in the Bacolod public plaza area. “The City Legal Office personnel will help market supervisors in implementing the one-meter from gutter rule,” Pineda added. Atty. Cesar Beloria of the CLO recommended that the vendors shall be required to place their wastes in their respective sacks and deposit these sacks in areas designated by the Department of Public Services which will responsible in collecting them. According to PSupt Alexander Ermeo of the Bacolod City Police Office, there will be a police assistance centers in each of the public cemetery from October 31 and November 1 and 2. Ropes to guide and direct the flow of people inside and around the cemetery will also be set up.*(EAD/JCM/-PIA6/CMO Negros Occidental)

Bacolod screens 34 PNP applicants

By PIA Press Release


BACOLOD CITY, October 27 (PIA) –- The Ad-Hoc Committee of Bacolod City conducted its first screening and preliminary interview of 34 applicants for the Philippine National Police. The search for new PNP personnel is in line with PNP Memorandum Circular No. 2007-009, on the recruitment, selection and appointment of new members of the force, a Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) press release said. Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, BCPO Director, said that under Section 4, item C, of the memorandum, the city’s Ad Hoc Committee consisting of four members with the Vice Mayor as Chairman, a representative of the DILG CLGOO, a POC member from the academe and the BCPO City Director, will conduct the screening of applicants. De la Paz said the initial screening and interview aims to determine the residency, accomplishment required documents, age, height, weight, education and eligibility status, and to establish the worthiness of the applicants to be appointed as law enforcer and his appearance and conversational ability assessed. He said all qualified applicants will be passed on to the Regional Office and presented to Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who, in turn, will endorse them to the Regional Office 6.*(BCPO/CAD/JCM/PIA6)

Councilor files admin raps vs council sec

By Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper


BACOLOD City Councilor Caesar Distrito filed an administrative complaint against City Council secretary Nilo Alejandrino for alleged grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming and grave abuse of authority and two counts of threat, falsification of public document, slander by deeds and violation of Magna Carta for people with disability before the Office of Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson.

Distrito said that they had a verbal confrontation at 5 p.m. Monday at the office of Alejandrino when he asked him not to alter the name of lawyer Joselito Bayatan to a casual employee in his notice of hearing as it was inappropriate.

Alejandrino allegedly over-reacted to the point of shouting at Distrito and threw a chair as a show of disgust, as he felt that Distrito was siding with Bayatan when he sent him a letter asking for his explanation why he did not calendar the request of Bayatan for an authority to appear in the pre-trial of cases involving the city against private parties.

Distrito said that Alejandrino altered his notice of hearing three times, same also with Councilor Em Ang who also invited the City Legal Officer to attend the hearing but was surprised to see that the invitation bore the name of a casual employee instead of the City Legal Officer.

Alejandrino was pointing out the fact that Bayatan does not attend the committee hearings of the City Council.

Distrito said he will not react to the arrogant manners of Alejandrino when he did not insult his physical disability to the point of throwing him a chair.

The act of throwing a chair in front of so many people constitutes a threat and is a crime punishable under the Revised Penal Code, said Distrito.

Distrito said that he does not want to give in to Alejandrino’s action because he respects him, being older than him. But he said he will not let what happened pass.

Alejandrino denied Distrito’s allegations and said he will defend himself before the proper forum.

But Distrito said he has his staff who will stand as witnesses on the throwing of the chair.

He reported this incident to the Police Precinct 4 at Barangay Villamonte and was entered in a blotter.

He pushed that Alejandrino be charged in court.

Bacolod vies for national award as Most Child-Friendly City

By PIA Press Release


BACOLOD CITY, Oct. 25 (PIA) -- Bacolod City topped the regional search for the Most Child-Friendly City and is now vying for the national award. After consistently winning the regional selection and being included in the national level for several years now, Bacolod City now aims for the national Presidential Award for Most Child Friendly (Urbanized) City representing Western Visayas. A delegation led by Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson will attend the national awarding ceremonies of the 2011 Presidential Award for Child Friendly Municipalities and Cities on October 27, 2011 at 1:30 p.m in Malacañang. Leonardia said that “being one of the finalists for the most-child friendly city is already a victory for the city considering that we have been a consistent regional winner and a national finalist for many years.” The Presidential Award is conferred to deserving local government units in recognition of their vital role in promoting children’s rights to survival, development, protection and participation as well as in ensuring child-friendly governance. The cities will be evaluated based on their planning and policy formulation; resources; service delivery on health and nutrition, education, social protection; institutional bodies for children; child participation; and community participation, among others.*(EAD/JCM-PIA6/CMO Negros Occidental)

Gamboa Sr. laid to rest

By Carla N. Canet)


THE family and friends of the late Bacolod City councilor lawyer Wilson Gamboa Sr. paid their last respect Friday night in a necrological mass officiated by Bacolod Catholic Bishop Vicente Navarra with assisting priests led by Rev. Fr. Felix Pasquin at the San Sebastian Cathedral.

Gamboa died last October 13 at age 70.

“Wilson Sr. has his great contributions in shaping Philippine politics with his high sense of nationalism and character. He was a man who is very articulate in good governance, where even his silence disturbs many,” Gamboa’s friend former Senator Kit Tatad said.

“His favorable opinion is always sought and his disappointment is always feared. It is because he speaks his mind and what it is in his heart without any ulterior motive,” Tatad added.

“I was the one who convinced him to join politics in 1971. He won overwhelmingly and served the city with honor and distinction for 10 years. During the Marcos regime, Wilson won as assemblyman as the only opposition candidate during those times. He was not beholden to anyone. He followed his conscience and worked for God, country and people,” lawyer Babes Estrella, Gamboa’s friend, said.

Gamboa’s political life continued with his appointment as Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform and as Undersecretary of National Defense under the former President Cory Aquino administration.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos appointed him as Sugar Regulatory Administrator and Director of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

Gamboa is known as a person with political savvy who never stops criticizing wrongdoings in government. He is a rare breed of public servant whose appointment to high positions refuse to silence him. (Carla N. Canet)

Bringing Bacolod Art to a new level

By Danny B. Dangcalan


CEBU, Philippines - Six colorful three-dimensional art installations mounted on sculpted paper boats, floating in the fountain area of the Bacolod City Government Center, are among the newest attractions for MassKara Festival revelers.

Dubbed the “Dreamer’s Floating Carousel,” it is the eighth installation of Majica MassKara, an annual major art event, launched in 2004, of the MassKara Festival that showcases works of outstanding Bacolod visual artists.

It is the work of Charlie Co, a leading Filipino artist based in Bacolod, in collaboration with a group of local artists lead by artist and production designer Neil Benavente.

As one of the three landmarks designed for the 32nd MassKara Festival, the “floating carousel” has brought the art works of Bacolod artists to a new level that many people, even children, can relate to, festival director Eli F. J. Tajanlangit said.

“One thing that makes this relevant in the Philippine art scene is that this is an example of an art work that goes down to the level of entertainment without compromising its artistic values. This is art that the people—the masses, even the unschooled, and the children—can understand,” Tajanlangit said.

Co said the “Dreamer’s Floating Carousel” was an idea from the paper boats one created when one was still small, but unlike the merry-go-round that revolves in its place, it is the people this time who should go around the fountain area to enjoy the 8x 8 feet art works.

The art works took about two months to be completed, starting with conceptualizing it on the second week of August, he said.

“The ‘Dreamer’s Floating Carousel’ is to challenge people to think out of the box. They should dream. Anything is possible. The power of dreams and the power of the arts can change things, can make the world better,” Co said.

“Last week, everywhere there is flooding. We Filipinos are survivors. Despite the bad situations that happen, we still move on. The rains cannot dampen the power of the arts,” Co said at the launching Oct. 7, which was raining shortly before it opened.

Through his art works, Co said, he wants people of all ages to come to the Bacolod City Government Center and “smile,” alluding to the tag line of Bacolod as “The City of Smiles.”

Tajanlangit added, “Hopefully this work is going to go a long way in art appreciation and art education among our people. It is also something that we can lay our claim on as the art capital of the Philippines after Manila considering this kind of work. It’s something new; it’s something that hasn’t been done before in a scale as big as this.”

This is a milestone not only for Bacoleño and Negrense art but also for the Filipino art. I know the (art community in the) Philippines is looking at us now, he said.

Co hopes this idea would be nurtured into something more permanent, and that somebody will invest on it so it will become another tourist attraction in Bacolod.

Tajanlangit said, “The MassKara Festival is a celebration of the best of Bacolod and everything its people hold dear. And that can be delivered most dramatically by artists.”

“We are happy that Bacolod has an artists’ community that actively contributes to the affairs of the city such as the MassKara Festival. The Majica Masskara is an artists’ gift to the city,” Tajanlangit said.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia, for his part, said, “The major reason MassKara continued to become so big is because we have talents and artists in Bacolod who have contributed so much in making the MassKara festival what it is today.”

“Tonight is another special event in our MassKara history because we are effectively launching a new concept in Philippine art. Together we celebrate the festival and this particular day we salute Co and all his fellow artists,” he said.

“Masskara is MassKara because our people had embraced this festival and take the MassKara as part of our life and culture in Bacolod,” Leonardia added.

CLO gets authority to represent city

By Carla N. Canet


THE City Legal Office finally got the nod of the City Council on a seven to five vote in its request for an authority to represent the City of Bacolod in several law suits filed against the City Government.

Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairman of the Committee On Laws, Ordinances and Good Government, disclosed that the council conducted a division of the house.

Distrito, Councilors Em Ang, Homer Bais, Bobby Rojas, Dindo Ramos, Mona Dia Jardin and Keith Ramos voted in favor of granting the request while Councilors El Cid Familiaran, Archie Baribar, Catalino Alisbo, Sonya Verdeflor and Elmer Sy voted against it.

Distrito said that such an authority is required, as per the DILG memorandum and the Rule of Court that, prior to the appearance in the pre-trial of such cases by the City Legal Office lawyers headed by Atty. Joselito Bayatan.

“The issue raised by some members of the council is basically a different matter than the request for authority to represent the City. The absence or delay of such might put the city in a disadvantageous situation, as the case might be decided against the city’s interest or they might be declared in default,” explained Distrito.

Some of the requests for authority were submitted to the Sangguniang Panlungsod several months ago already and those cases were just postponed because of the absence of the authority from the council.

The cases that required authority for the CLO to appear in pre-trial proceedings are the Galeno Construction case against Mayor Evelio Leonardia, the case of Amado B. Parreño Agricultural Corporation (ABPAC) against the City of Bacolod, the case of CD Technologies Asia, Inc. against Bacolod City and the case of Montañez versus Beloria.

The authority was granted to Atty. Joselito T. Bayatan, City Legal Officer and assistant legal officers, Atty. Omar Francis O. Demonteverde, Atty. Romela T. Amarilla and Atty. Cesar B. Beloria, Jr. (CNC)

Another cop in hot water for losing firearm

By Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper


ANOTHER member of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is now in hot water after his issued M-16 riffle was reportedly missing and was pawned.

Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director Ricardo De la Paz ordered on Thursday the Investigation and Detective Management Branch to conduct investigation against Police Officer 2 Ian Piano, detailed at City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Group.

De la Paz said he ordered the investigation after he received a report Wednesday that the issued M-16 riffle of Piano was reportedly missing.

“If we have a basis, we will file the appropriate charges against him.” He said Piano will be also given due process to explain his side why his issued firearm is no longer accountable.

Earlier, administrative charges for grave misconduct was filed before the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas against Police Officer 1 Dick Albaladejo after his issued firearm was confiscated in the possession of a civilian.

Albaladejo, detailed in Station 1, now faces charges after his issued firearm was recovered from civilian Ritzie Quijano, 33, a seaman and resident of Purok Kamansi, Barangay Banago, Bacolod.

De la Paz said Piano also admitted that his issued firearm is no longer accountable and it’s already missing.

Piano claimed that his M-16 riffle was robbed inside their residence September of last year but he only discovered that it is missing on November 2010.

He said he already identified the suspect who took his firearm and a case was being filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office. He said the suspect immediately pawned his firearm in the city.

On the other hand, De la Paz reminded the BCPO personnel to take extra care of their respective issued firearms since the BCPO lacks equipment, citing that not all PNP personnel have issued firearms. (MAP)

Wanted person arrested

By Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper


A 36-YEAR-OLD with pending warrant of arrest was nabbed by operatives of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) at Barangay 39, Bacolod, Tuesday afternoon.

WSS team leader Senior Police Officer 4 Gilbert Linda identified the suspect as Andrew Jarilla alias “Ryan Agravante, Butch Clacecillas, Edgar Dela Cruz”, and resident of Acco Housing, Barangay Alijis, Bacolod.

Linda said Jarilla was arrested at about 12:45 p.m. while he was riding in public utility jeepney along Barangay 39 by virtue of warrant of arrest for estafa issued by Judge Remegio Roho, Branch 5, of MTCC, Bacolod City with P62,000 bail recommended for his temporary liberty.

He said Jarilla also tried to evade arrest by jumping out of the window of the jeepney while fightight back with the arresting officers.

Linda sustained injuries in right upper portion of his back when Jarilla fought back. (MAP)

Bacolod condoles with Gamboa family

By Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper


MAYOR Evelio Leonardia signed an order giving honor and recognition to the late former city councilor Wilson P. Gamboa Sr. for his significant contributions to the city and directing the observation of a half-mast flag in mourning of his death.

Leonardia, in his Executive Order No. 26, Series of 2011 signed October 18, 2011, said the former city councilor, an institution and an important political and civic figure in the city, had considerably and momentously served for two terms.

Gamboa served in the National Government as Secretary of Agrarian Reform, Undersecretary of National Defense, and Administrator of the Sugar Regulatory Administration.

Gamboa, Sr., as a great leader of the city, contributed selflessly to the betterment of Bacolod and, as such, the city will forever be grateful to him, the mayor said.

Wilson Gamboa Sr. is the father of former city councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr.

The younger Gamboa said his father fought a good fight. He finished the race and has kept his faith to God, country and family.

His remains now lie in state at the Rolling Hills Annex Building in Mandalagan, Bacolod City. He was brought in the city Tuesday by his mother Concepcion and sons Jun, Pipoy and Antonino from Manila.

The family grieves the loss of their father who has served his beloved country selflessly. “It’s truly a great loss, considering that my father has fully served his country well with his best effort and intelligence. He is still young to go but then his time is already up and he has to leave for good, considering that his physical body has already reached his expiration,” Jun said.

“Our father could have done more for the country because he never stops doing what is best for the country. It’s always the greater good of the country that is his passion and many can attest to it,” he added.

The late councilor’s friends Senator Eva Estrada Kalaw, former Senator Kit Tatad and Vice President Jejomar Binay and his media friends dubbed Gamboa as the last great nationalist. They said he never wavered on his principles and causes.

Necrological mass and tribute for the late Wilson P. Gamboa, Sr. will be held on October 21, 2011, 6:30 p.m. at the San Sebastian Cathedral. (CNC)

‘Emergency response’ sought at malls, department stores

By Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper


BACOLOD City Councilor Caesar Distrito filed a resolution requesting all malls, department stores and similar establishments in the city to conduct first aid trainings/seminars in responding in emergency cases to their employees and to impose strict security measures for the safety of the mall goers.

It is the thrust of the City Government of Bacolod to uphold the safety and security of its constituents or visitors in going inside malls, department stores and other similar establishments.

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Recent events in the National Capital Region and in Northern Luzon, and even in Iloilo City malls showed the lapses in the safety and security of such establishments here in the Philippines which imposes also threat and danger to the entire constituency of Bacolod City, given that the city is now celebrating its Masskara Festival and going towards Christmas season.

To prevent similar cases to happen in the city, malls and similar establishments are requested to intensify their security measures and to have at least a First Aid team that can respond to emergency cases that might happen inside their premises at any time, the councilor said. (CNC)

Peace Corps volunteer to teach American language

By PIA Press Release


BACOLOD CITY, October 17 (PIA) -- A Peace Corps volunteer will teach American language and accent to students of the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC), a press release from the Capitol said. Stacie Self, a Peace Corps Volunteer of the Welcome Home Foundation, has chosen the NOLITC to be her secondary project in the Philippines. She will tutor and train students of NOLITC every week to expose them to the actual simulation of the English language with a native speaker. The training center has started its 100 hours English Language Proficiency Training for 40 skilled workers. It aims to enhance the English proficiency of skilled workers for them to hurdle the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Examination for possible job outsourcing in Australia and South Korea. Aside from the English Language Proficiency the center also offers other competency-based training programs like the Course for Call Center Agents NCIII and Contact Center Services NCII. (Capitol News/CAD/PIA6)

Electric MassKara kicks off, street dancing Saturday

By PIA Press Release


BACOLOD CITY, October 14 (PIA) -- The 32nd MassKara Festival fever comes to its final week with the opening of the 5th Electric MassKara tonight and the street dancing competitions tomorrow. The Electric MassKara, now on its fifth year, has been expanded with three venues: at the Tourism Strip along Lacson St., the Bacolod Public Plaza, and at Rizal St., between SM City buildings. It will feature performing float competitions on the first night to be participated by 10 Bacolod barangays. The float parade kicks off at 7 p.m. at SM City and will proceed to the Rizal side of the public plaza and then, to the Tourism Strip where there will be performances of barangays. On the second night, also at 7 p.m., corporate floats will join the Electric Float Parade, including the top three winners of the performing float competition the previous night. For two nights, there will be concerts at different Electric MassKara venues. On these dates, traffic will shut down partially starting 12 noon and will shut down totally starting 4 p.m., festival organizers said. On the other hand, 11 schools will be competing in the streetdance competition on Saturday. The street competition will start at 4 p.m., going to the plaza for the arena competitions. For the first time in 32 years, the barangay competitions will use live, original music, composed, scored, arranged and performed by our barangay-based musicians and choreographers, Rudy Reveche, streetdance committee chair, said. (Masskaa PR/LOL/JCM-PIA6)

Bacolod SPMs Conduct Inquiry on Camella Homes

By W. Henry O. Streegan


Councilor Archie Baribar led a group of Bacolod City Councilors last week to conduct an inquiry on the reported structural defects of the houses in the Camella Homes Subdivision. Their objective was to determine whether the houses are fit for human habitation.

While allegations on the veracity of reports that three Bacolod officials received one house each as a consideration on the approval of the building permit of the Camella Homes Subdivision, were not included in the inquiry, observers at the session were buzzing with these allegations.

Baribar started off the inquiry by questioning Josephine Segundino, head of the Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA), on the procedures that led to the granting of a building permit to Camella Homes. Segundino stated that she took the report of Engr. Tizon, the consultant of Camella Homes who certified that the houses being built by Camella Homes complied with all the requirements of the National Building Code and therefore, they were granted a building permit.

Baribar interpellated Segundino on whether her office also sent an inspector or verified all the plans of Camella Homes. Segundino stated that there was no need as she took the word of Engr. Tizon, who has also the licenses certifying that he is an experienced engineer.

Councilor Baribar also questioned Engr. Quiatchon on various aspects covering the Camella Homes Project.

Councilors "El Cid" Familiaran, Sonya Verdeflor, Catalino Alisbo and Homer Bais subjected Segundino, and Engr. Quiatchon, both of the Bacolod Housing Authority on whether Camella Homes had complied with all the requirements of the National Building Code.

Based on reports that the houses have no beams and no columns, Councilor Bais remarked, "These homes being constructed by Camella Homes may be like the structurally defective houses that I visited in Luzon which swayed when we went up to the second floor."

Councilor Familiaran inquired on the role that HLURB in this construction and whether Camella Homes needed to get the approval of HLURB. Also, considering that the structural integrity of the homes being built was being questioned, on whether BHA had made all the necessary moves to verify the reports. Councilor Alisbo also questioned on the role that their architect played in the construction of the houses.

Councilor Verdeflor requested for clarification on the employment status of Engr. Tizon, whether he is (a casual or a job order) employee of Camella Homes. Segundino replied that Engr. Tizon was not an employee of Camella Homes but only the consulting engineer of the corporation.

Engr. Ephraem Hechanova of the Bacolod City Engineer’s Office (CEO), when questioned on their function on the building permit application of Camella Homes, stated that neither he nor the Bacolod City Engineer have any authority to inspect the housing project. That, if ordered by the SP, he would undertake such as inspection in order to determine the structural integrity of the homes being built.

Baribar then assured Hechanova that such an authority would be given to him and that he should report his findings in next week’s session.

(This writer was intrigued on three counts, namely, the allegation that certain Bacolod officials received a "gift" of one house each - the alleged structural defects of the homes, and, the statement of Councilor Bais that the homes that he inspected in Luzon were "wobbly" and we took pains to inquire from some realty firms in Metro Manila on the integrity of Camella Homes Corporation.)

We received seven reports; however, one report that also intrigued us was the allegation that prior to the Presidential elections in 2010, Camella Homes sold their housing project to Ayala Corporation which is situated in Carmona, Cavite. Upon inspection of the alleged 80 houses, they were allegedly found to be structurally defective, what Ayala Corporation did was to bulldoze all the houses and constructed their own homes.

BCPO forms team to track down rob-slay suspect

By Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper


THE Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) formed an operation team to track down the minor suspect who was involved in snatching and killing incident last Sunday along the parking area of Gaisano Mall in Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City. BCPO Director Ricardo De la Paz said Tuesday the team will track down the minor suspect, who is still at-large while his companion Roberto Lambanecio alias ‘Nonoy Karabaw’, 18, of Purok Kaingin, Barangay Singncang-Airport, Bacolod City was arrested in hot pursuit operation. Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos. He said since Monday night, the operation team has been conducting manhunt operation against the minor suspect and monitors his probable hideouts but the operatives still failed to locate him. He cited that charges for robbery with homicide will be filed within this week before the City Prosecutor’s Office against Lambanecio and his minor companion. De la Paz said that Lambanecio, a notorious hold-upper and snatcher in the city, was arrested in hot pursuit operation of Station 8 and Bacolod City Public Safety Company. The suspects victimized Napoleon Perez Sr., 52, of Moises Padilla, who was declared dead at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital after he sustained a lone stab wound in his chest. The victim’s wife Madeline, 53, also sustained a lone stab wound in her left arm and was rushed to the Bacolod Adventist Hospital but was later transferred to Riverside Medical Center. De la Paz said the minor suspect has also previous records of involvement in snatching, pickpockets and hold-up in different areas of Bacolod. De la Paz ordered the Operations Branch head Noel Polines to conduct an investigation and to coordinate with Gaisano Mall management and review the incident, claiming that although there were security guards assigned in the area, the suspects still managed to rob and killed one of the victims. De la Paz said after the investigation, they will evaluate if the management of the mall committed a security lapse during the incident. (MAP)

Neda pushes improved business in WV

By Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper

THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) in Western Visayas has come up with a strategic framework to improve the business environment in the region.

“Local government units will prepare the stage for attracting more foreign direct investments in their areas to speed up the establishment of more industries and ensuring more employment opportunities for their constituents,” said Neda Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal.

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She added that as per the Medium-Term Regional Development Plan for 2011-2016, an investment promotion campaign will be mounted here and in other countries to showcase opportunities, skillful and competent manpower resources, relatively acceptable risks, high returns on capital and the best livable environment that makes Western Visayas an attractive place to set up their businesses.

“While we have been encouraging local investors to take advantage of the region’s resources and potentials, foreign direct investments can also help boost the regional economy with the infusion of foreign capital,” she added.

Neda is eyeing to increase new investments, including foreign direct investments, by 35 percent. As per the development framework, there is also a need to streamline business registration processes, particularly in LGUs; increase exports by six percent annually; increase traffic of international air and sea vessel cargoes; and establish a sufficient, reliable and sustainable power supply, among others.

It lamented that the region’s industries engaged in the export of traditional products are not competitive enough in the world market.

“The region’s major products like coconut, sugarcane and mangoes are not being effectively marketed abroad but rather left to transactions between existing enterprises to established clients, resulting to very limited markets for commodity goods.”

The most pressing problem facing business and industry is the frequent power outages. “Aggravating the power inadequacy is the high cost per kilowatt hour in Iloilo City and Bacolod City, which are higher compared to other major urban areas of the country.” (CGC)

Bacolod ‘lucky charm of great boxers’

By Carla N. Canet


BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia has recognized the city as the lucky charm of the great Filipino boxers following the victory of the new WBO World lightflyweight champion Donnie Nietes against Mexican boxer Ramon Garcia last Saturday at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.

“This is an extra bonus for the spirit of Bacolodnons and we’re so proud of Donnie Nietes. He has a big fighting heart. Despite the cuts, he was able to prevail and I am sure it could have not been sweeter because there could have been a better place, not even Las Vegas, not even Dallas and Madison’s Square Garden than having it here in Bacolod City.”

He thanked the ring announcer for stirring the city and giving the city a good image, considering that it was broadcasted live in Mexico, including the live coverage in Cebu and other parts of the country.

Nietes, who is a Bacolodnon, has been recognized by the City Government of Bacolod several times already, but the mayor said Nietes’s triumph last Saturday was significant because the fight was held in the city.

“We would like to invite him to be present on the staging of the barangay open category (in the 32nd MassKara Festival) and see if we can do a short motorcade so that the people can see him and express their admiration to him. What Donnie did tonight was not only for his family but for the psyche of Bacolod,” the mayor said.

The mayor is optimistic that Bacolod City will be able to host another world boxing match, saying that the crowd was satisfied with it.

Fomer janitor now a two-division world champion after winning WBO light flyweight title

By Edri K. Aznar


BACOLOD CITY - Donnie Nietes’s name will now be etched in the history books as one of the best boxers to come out of the Philippines, after becoming a two-division world champion last night in the main event of “Pinoy Pride 9” at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.

Nietes captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) light flyweight title after dethroning Mexican Ramon Garcia via unanimous decision.

The 29-year-old hometown hero started out strong and landed the more precise blows early on. However, in the sixth round Garcia started to be aggressive and started to land blows coming off from clinches.

Although Nietes continued to hit with counter punches, the 29-year-old defending champion roughened him up and tired him out in the next few rounds.

Going into the championship rounds, Nietes seemed to have regained his strength with the hometown crowd cheering him on. He took the final two rounds after landing the clearer punches. The judges’ scores were 115-113, 118-110, and 117-111, all in favor of Nietes.

However, Nietes’s win was hounded with controversy after Garcia’s team cried foul.

“I respect the Filipinos. I love the culture but the judges did us wrong,” said Garcia’s coach Leo Camacho.

Garcia wants an immediate rematch with Nietes because they believed they were robbed and that Nietes won a hometown decision.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer believes that Nietes clearly won the fight with the first five rounds and the last two going to his ward.

“I think Nietes won it fair and square. He won it seven to five rounds. The judges showed it with their decision,” he said.

Aldeguer said that they are open to a rematch with Garcia here or in Mexico.

AJ “Bazooka” Banal (26-1-1, 19 KOs) fought intelligently and retained his WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight crown after a unanimous decision victory over Mexican Marion Briones (20-1-1, 14 KOs)

Banal fought from the outside and nullified Briones’s offense most of the fight. Both fighters were deducted a point each for low blows. The scorecards read 118-107, 115-110 and 117-108.

“Prince” Albert Pagara (8-0, 6 KOs) was successful in his toughest test to date after outclassing Tanzanian Shaaban Madilu (12-7-3, 6 KOs) by an eight-round unanimous decision.

The 17-year-old former amateur standout dominated the whole fight and sent Madilu to the canvass in three occasions, in the first, second and fourth rounds. The judges scored the fight 80-69, 80-69 and 78-71.

Undefeated hometown fighter Merlito Sabillo (16-0, 7 KOs) captured the vacant Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation minimumweight crown after a 12-round slugfest with tough journeyman Tejares Singwangcha (13-20-3, 6 KOs).

Sabillo was awarded with a one-sided unanimous decision because of his aggression and volume of punches thrown. Singwangcha was also deducted twice by the referee in the fourth and fifth rounds after hitting Sabillo with low blows. The judges’ scorecards read 116-110, 118-108 and 118-108.

Cop faces raps for losing ‘wife’

By (Merlinda A. Pedrosa)


A MEMBER of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is now facing administrative charges for grave misconduct after his issued firearm, which police and military personnel consider as their ‘wives’ in the performance of their duties, was confiscated in the possession of a civilian recently.

BCPO director Senior Superintendent Ricardo De la Paz said on Friday they will file an administrative case for grave misconduct against Police Officer 1 Dick Albaladejo after the result of the investigation of Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) led by Police Inspector Homer Vargas was already released.

The city director earlier ordered the IDMB to investigate Albaladejo after his issued firearm was recovered from civilian Ritzie Quijano, 33, a seaman and resident of Purok Kamansi, Barangay Banago, Bacolod, last Saturday.

Charges for illegal possession of firearm was already filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office against Quijano who was nabbed by operatives of Station 2 at Barangay 6, Bacolod City.

Quijano was arrested at Old Pala-Pala at about 11:45 p.m. Saturday by operatives of Station 2 after he was reportedly publicly showing the firearm that caused fear to the public.

Police recovered from Quijano the .9mm pistol with serial number T6429-10A000985 with one magazine and 14 live ammunitions which police later discovered was issued to Albaladejo.

“After the pre-charge evaluation, it was determined that we have a sufficient evidence to warrant the filing of corresponding charges against Albaladejo,” De la Paz stressed.

Based on the investigation, Albaladejo told the investigators that he only borrowed the motorcycle of Quijano and he placed his firearm inside the tool box. When he returned the motorcycle, he failed to get his firearm, he said.

Albaladejo claimed that he agreed with Quijano to meet at the Old Pala-Pala to get his firearm in the area.

De la Paz did not believe the alibi of Albaladejo.

He said the result of the investigation will be forwarded to the Police Regional Office-Western Visaya for the disposition of regional director Police Chief Supterintendent Cipriano Querol for the issuance of the preventive suspension for 90 days and to assign a summary hearing officer for the hearing of the case.

De la Paz said grave misconduct merits dismissal from the service.

Stenographer ‘liable administratively, criminally’

By Carla N. Canet


THE Ad Hoc Committee of Bacolod City Council found prima facie evidence of certain violations, both administrative and criminal in nature, committed by Conchita Castillo, a stenographer and reporter of the Council, for altering the minutes of session dated May 25, 2011.

Despite Castillo reasoned that she did the alteration without malice and deliberate intent and such act was done in an “honest mistake”, the committee found her knowingly, deliberately, prepared and made the questioned resolution, which gave the City Mayor an authority to sign the memorandum of agreement with CERES Homeowners Association.

The motion was only accepted and there was no resolution proposed to it. But, it turned out that the resolution was already approved due to the alteration made by Castillo to make it appear that the Council has already passed the resolution.

The Council found out Castillo’s reasons unbelievable, adding that the stenographer could not have hatched in her mind and written the erroneous Resolution No. 509, series of 2011, unless she has planned it and intended it to be put on record in the May 25, 2011 City Council Session.

The committee recommends that a formal notarized complaint be filed to the Office of the Vice Mayor against Castillo for the following administrative violations: administrative offenses for dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the interest of public service.

To prevent future similar incidents and in order to maintain public trust in the City Council and preserve its integrity, the Committee recommends the urgent review of the recording system in the Council, particularly in the preparation and finalization of the drafts of resolutions and minutes of its regular or special sessions.

It is likewise recommended that a better system be adapted which will speed up the process from the preparation of draft resolutions/minutes to its finalization, with the objective that if errors or discrepancies happens, it will be corrected as soon as possible.

Balo-Teachers Ready for Legal Battle

By Negro Daily Bulletin


The case of the teachers of Bacolod City College (BCC) whose employment contracts were not renewed would opt for legal actions against City Administrator/Secretary to the Mayor Dr. Rogelio Balo.

Teachers concerned are Miss Susan Grandeza and Rose Lorilla, who said they have voluminous legal documents to support their cause against Dr. Balo.

Dr. Balo on the other hand welcomes whatever legal steps against him, even up to the highest court of the land.

When the teachers sent a letter complaint to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) about their alleged illegal dismissal, Balo submitted some documents to support his decision. One of these is the daily time record in January 2006 wherein Ms. Grandeza allegedly filled up the days as having reported although she was absent, which Balo said a falsification of document. However Grandeza said that it was already resolved during that period and Balo was one of the signatories who considered her explanation and charged it to her leave credits. As to the other complaints against Grandeza based on the students’ complaint that Dr. Balo has documented, Grandeza said she will just answer it before the court. On the case of Lorilla, the document presented by Balo, was the evaluation of the students and their complaint about her alleged very thin voice when conducting lectures that the students can not hear her well. The same complaint of students appeared in the evaluation every semester, which Dr. Balo said should be acted. Lorilla said she has also copies of students’ evaluation only a handful are negative. Aside from the two, Balo also submitted to the SP the alleged falsified personal data sheet of another teacher, Nadine Villarete. As of this writing Villareta is beyond reach for comment. While Mr. Rino Castillo and Mrs.Merlita Gumban, also teachers of BCC, whose contracts were also not renewed, have already filed complaint before the court. Balo alleged that Gumban is fabricating unfounded issues against other teachers. However Gumban stated in her complaint that she mentioned other case but Balo stated differently. However she said she will present everything during the court hearing. On the case of Castillo, Balo said he started teaching in the College in 1998 without a 4-year degree diploma. He said Castillo only graduated his 4-year course - BSBA at BCC in 2004. Also, his name in his birth certificate is different from the name that he used in his documents in the school. All these Balo said are grave offenses of a teacher considered as model in the classroom and community. Catillo on the other hand did not comment, but said, it is up to Balo what he wants to do, and he has documents against Dr. Balo also.

Dog Population in Bacolod Soars

By Edith B. Colmo


Dog population in Bacolod City is tremendously increasing. This was reported by Mr. Rex Juplo, OIC of the Bacolod City Veterinarian’s Office.

Juplo said, in 2010 there were 49,000 dogs in the 61 barangays of the city.

However, this year it has increased to 55,000 heads, that even surpassed the dog population in Iloilo City which is 29,000 heads only.


Juplo’s computation of dog population is based on the natural characteristics and birthing habits of dogs. He said, a dog gives birth to 5 puppies every six months, which means 10 puppies a year.

For this reason he said, their office is maximizing efforts in conducting vaccination of pets particularly dogs, to control the spread of rabies.

The city, he said implements the forced vaccination of dogs and cats per City Ordinance 544, wherein pet owners pay P50.00 per vaccinated pet.

Due to the high incidence of rabies cases in Bacolod, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in America has donated vaccines to Bacolod, to address the situation.

The veterinarian’s office is advising pet lovers to have their pets caponized as birth control strategy for dogs, Juplo also said.

In 2010, Bacolod City was awarded by the Veterinarian’s Regional Office, having vaccinated 87% of the total dog population

Lawmakers deny political agenda in Macau trip

By Teresa Ellera-Dulla


REPRESENTATIVES Albee Benitez (3rd district, Negros Occidental) and Jeffrey Ferrer (4th district, Negros Occidental) clarified there was no political agenda in their recent trip to Macau with the mayors and members of the Provincial Board.

Ferrer said that they met with potential investors in Macau who signified their intention of putting up an investment in the power requirements of the province.

"We want to give solution to the power problem in the province," Ferrer said.

Benitez denied reports of a political agenda come 2013 after about 20 out of the 31 mayors in Negros Occidental and 11 members of the Provincial Board went with him, along with Ferrer and Representative Alfredo Maranon III (2nd district, Negros Occidental) for an overnight trip to Macau recently.

“No politics. Just bonding with the UNA (United Negros Alliance) mayors,” Benitez said.

Benitez also denied that the trip was already in preparation for the 2013 elections amid persisting reports of his plans to run for governor.

“It is not true,” Benitez pointed out.

The 20 mayors were headed by EB Magalona chief executive Mayor David Lacson, president of the Association of Chief Executives in Negros.

Ferrer said that no government fund was spent in their trip, which was also a sort of a team-building activity for the Negros officials.

Either Benitez or Ferrer are reportedly being groomed for governor come 2013 amid statement issued by Governor Alfredo Marañon that he is just good for one term.

However, both Benitez and Ferrer denied the said report.

Benitez is just on his first term as congressional representative of the 3rd congressional district, while Ferrer has still one more term in Congress.

MassKara opens; thousands of tourists expected

By Darryl Jimenea


THE 32nd MassKara Festival that opened October 1 is expected to increase tourist influx to Bacolod throughout the 19-day festival.

Acting Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, in his message during the opening ceremonies Saturday at the public plaza, said the MassKara Festival has evolved from a simple dance parade to what it is now world-class.

He thanked festival organizers and the sponsors for bringing the MassKara to a level where it is now known throughout the world.

“We are hoping that in these 19 days of celebration, we could bring Bacolod to the forefront of the tourism industry,” Sayson said.

He explained that Mayor Evelio Leonardia requested him to express the mayor’s greetings to the people of Bacolod on the opening of the festival, and to explain that he could not come because he is in Indonesia to represent Bacolod and the Philippines in the meeting of five Asean countries.

The mayor will be back to Bacolod today (Monday). Also present at the opening rites were Councilors Homer Bais, Roberto Rojas, El Cid Familiaran and Al Victor Espino.

The plaza has turned into a virtual MassKara park with the lighting up of the bandstand and the 19 giant mask-lanterns.

The mask-lanterns are entries of the inmates from 19 district jails all over the province to the 1st Priso Mask-Making Competition in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

As part of the Petronas Day of the festival, which also falls on the opening day, Petronas Energy Philippines president and chief executive officer Carlos Corpuz and senior manager Elbert Munasque distributed gifts to the BJMP jail wardens in recognition of their participation to the festival.

The opening ceremonies were capped by fireworks display, after which, the 1st MassKara dance showdown, in partnership with GMA TV, held an elimination round for 20 competing dance groups. Ten finalists will compete on the grand finals.

Festival director Eli F. J. Tajanlangit said the 2011 MassKara festival is “writing history.”

For the first time in 32 years, he said, the MassKara street dancing competitions will use live, original music composed, scored, arranged and performed by barangay-based musicians and choreographers.

Three MassKara landmarks designed to be photo opportunity sites for visitors and tourists are also mounted -- a MassKara Billboard of Lights, along Araneta-Gonzaga Streets; a lighted Bacolod public plaza bandstand; and the Majica MassKara installation at the Bacolod Government Center, which will be unveiled on October 7.

Tajanlangit said three major activities are being added this year -- the 1st Priso Mask-Lantern Making Competition; the 1st MassKara Dance Showdown, which is designed to popularize different forms of MassKara dancers; and the 1st MassKara Preview, also in partnership with GMA TV, which is a fashion show of the costumes that will be worn during the street dancing competitions on October 15 and 16.

He said the Electric MassKara will be held October 14 and 15 and will be expanded to include not just the Tourism Strip of Bacolod along Lacson, but also Rizal St. in SM City.

This year is also the second time that the MassKara Festival is partnering with the Diocese of Bacolod for the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary on October 9.

The MassKara Queen Coronation Night is set Monday, October 17, at the University of Saint La Salle coliseum.

The festival will end October 19 with grand awarding rites at the Bacolod Public Plaza, during which, the grand finals of the 1st MassKara Dance Showdown will be held.

This year's theme “Celebrating the New Icons of Bacolod” is a way of recognizing the new structures, landmarks, institutions, and personalities that have dramatically transformed Bacolod into what it is now, Tajanlangit said.

Villanueva withdraws fom Pinoy Pride 9 boxing card

By Cebu Daily News


FILIPINO RING prospect Arthur Villanueva has pulled out of the highly anticipated mega boxing card Pinoy Pride 9 of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports due to a hand injury. The undefeated super flyweight fighter from Bacolod City accidentally wounded his left middle finger during lunch yesterday, cutting a major vein in his hand. He was rushed to the Corazon Locsin-Montelibano Memorial Hospital and was attended to immediately as his hand was bleeding. He is currently checked in at the said provincial hospital as of press time. Villanueva was scheduled to face his first test against a foreign opponent in Kenyan Shaabani Madilu in front of an expected full coliseum in his home city of Bacolod. ALA Promotions will soon announce the replacement of Villanueva. Madilu of Kenya is scheduled to arrive the City of Smiles on Tuesday and will immediately face the media for an official press conference. The Pinoy Pride 9 is slated Oct. 8 at the St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City. It will be higlighted by the WBO light flyweight championship match between Filipino challenger Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and defending champion Mexican Ramon Garcia. Meanwhile, ALA Boxing Promotions will be having its first pay-per-view in Cebu for the said event. Nietes’ quest to carve history by becoming one of the two-division world champions in the country against Garcia will be shown live on Sky Cable and at SM City Cebu Cinema 1 straight from the fight’s venue. ALA Boxing Promotions president Michael Aldeguer decided to have the pay-per-view only here in Cebu as a dry run for a bigger and grander plan. “It will surely bring the country’s boxing scene into the next level,” said Aldeguer. “We want to make this often. Actually, this is the second time that a fight inside the country will be shown pay-per-view. The first one was the Manny Pacquiao-Oscar Larios fight. We want to share this historic moment to everyone.” Aldeguer also said this is in preparation of a grander plan of ALA, which is the Pinoy Pride US tour. “This is also as a preparation for the Pinoy Pride US tour so that Filipino boxing fans can watch the upcoming fights live.” A planned US and international tour of the Pinoy Pride series is expected to happen in 2013 or 2014. Also to be featured on this maiden pay-per-view event is the WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight championship between AJ “Bazooka” Banal against Mexican knockout artist Mario “Macas” Briones. /CORRESPONDENT DALE ROSAL.

Bacolod police on full alert

By Merlinda A. Pedrosa


THE Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is on full alert today as the 32nd MassKara opens, BCPO Director Senior Supt. Ricardo De la Paz said.

De la Paz said all the station commanders were directed to intensify their campaign against lawless elements within their area of responsibilities for the safety of revelers.

He said about 1,000 members of Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and peacemakers will be deployed in different areas of Bacolod, particularly in the identified festival sites.

De la Paz earlier said about 100 police trainees from the Regional Training School-Western Visayas, 100 from Regional Public Safety Battalion, 62 from Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office, and 115 from AFP will augment BCPO to secure the peace and order of the 32nd MassKara celebration.

Station 2 commander Lester Leada said more than 100 police officers will be deployed within his area of responsibility to secure the safety of revealers on the two-day activities along Lacson Street.

Leada also reminded the public to be vigilant while roaming and to secure their personal belongings.