LPG strikes yearend hike at P37

THE price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) under Shellane increased by P37 per 11-kg. tank, from P740 to P777, since midnight of Dec. 1.

Clarissa Estencia of Jet Sales Corp., a dealer of Shellane LPG, said the increase is nationwide as determined by Shell Corp., a multi-national oil company that owns it.

400 endure tough training, join police force

MORE than 400 recruits who passed a series of rigid physical and written tests took their oath as new members of the police force yesterday morning.

The ceremony held at the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 headquarters marked the start of the six-month public safety basic recruit course of the 461 police recruits at the Regional Training School (RTS) 7 in Barangay Gaas, Balamban, Cebu.

Exhibit showcases peace, development

THE Act for Peace Programme organized an exhibit showcasing its various initiatives for 278 communities in 19 Mindanao provinces, including Palawan.

The exhibit at the SM Entertainment Plaza from December 1-2 aimed to strengthen and sustain peace and development efforts in Southern Philippines.

P23.6M fountain opens Pasko Fiesta

DAVAO City officials and private sector leaders on Wednesday led the switch-on of an interactive fountain during the launching of the Pasko Fiesta sa Dabaw 2010.

The lighting activity in People's Park highlighted the interactive fountain, which is also called the dancing fountain. Its jets of water dance along with any type of music.

314 new police recruits welcomed

DAVAO Police Regional Office (PRO) on Wednesday welcomed 314 new recruits who had their oath taking ceremony in Camp Catitipan.

Indigenous people celebrate land, rights struggle

LEADERS of Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanugon (Salugpongan) and more than 300 Ata-Manobo members united Tuesday for their group's 17th founding anniversary in Sitio Sambolongan, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

Tourism stakeholders vow to beautify Davao airport

REGIONAL tourism officials intend to beautify Davao International Airport starting next week as the city's gateway to both local and international tourists.

Venus, Saturn visible in December: Pagasa

PLANETS Venus and Saturn will be brighter than usual during early mornings in the first week of December, the local weather bureau said Wednesday.

2 men dead, another hurt in shooting

TWO men were shot dead while another is in critical condition in three separate shooting incidents in Davao City on Tuesday.

Rebels take pride in killing cop

AFTER taking credit for the release of the ill military man whom they abducted for 12 days, the New People's Army (NPA) took pride anew over the death of one policeman in Davao Oriental on Monday.

More diarrhea cases reported in Cebu

CEBU CITY -- About 50 new patients were brought to the Danao City District Hospital on Wednesday, bringing to 263 the total number of diarrhea cases reported in the city since November 1.

Danao City Health Officer Arturo Allego pointed out, though, that some patients have been discharged. He also said that aside from three confirmed fatalities, no new deaths have been reported.

Red Cross assures blood safety

BAGUIO CITY -- The Philippine Red Cross assured the public Wednesday that its blood units are free from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while health officials expressed alarm over the increasing cases of HIV-Aids particularly in this city.

90-day suspension for cop in sex mess

THE Cagayan de Oro policeman accused of sexually abusing teenage girls gets a 90-day preventive suspension, as determined by the People's Law Enforcement Board (PLEB).

Police Officer 3 Lonie Rementizo is suspended for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming a police officer, said City Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, PLEB chairman.

'Blue book' cop faces drug charges

A CAGAYAN de Oro policeman is facing charges at the City Prosecutor's Office for his alleged involvement in the drug trade.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) alleged that Senior Police Officer 1 Reynaldo dela Victoria was receiving bribes from drug pushers.

'Back to zero' for Brgy 18

AFTER being sworn in, Barangay 18's new chairperson assumed office Wednesday without proper turnover of properties and accountable forms by her predecessor.

Newly elected Barangay 18 chairperson Mila Salico and her councilors assumed office without such important documents as barangay resolutions and clearances, among others.

Council cuts province budget

THE Provincial Council of Misamis Oriental has slashed during Tuesday's deliberation the proposed P1.4-billion 2011 budget earlier submitted for approval by Governor Oscar Moreno.

Councilor questions Mayor's P35M intelligence funds

AN OPPOSITION councilor is questioning Mayor Vicente Emano's P35-million intelligence funds and the P15-million for peace and order in the proposed 2011 Cagayan de Oro budget.

Government office staff accused of rape

AN EMPLOYEE of the Cagayan de Oro City Engineering Office (CEO) has been accused of allegedly molesting the 10-year-old daughter of his live-in partner.

Tourism group promotes 'Libot-Libot sa Dakbayan'

A LOCAL tourism group is launching a new project intended to further boost the city's tourism industry.

House committees okay amnesty proclamation

AFTER two hours of deliberations in the third joint hearing of the House committees on justice and national defense, the amended amnesty proclamation was approved and will be transmitted for plenary voting next week.

Prior to the approval of Proclamation No. 75, debates ensued among lawmakers as they contested on some "unclear" contents of the amnesty grant amid revisions of the Executive branch.

PAL backs ‘fair’ open skies policy

THE Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Wednesday said it would support the government-sponsored open skies policy under “fair and reciprocal” terms.

This as PAL senior assistant vice president for external affairs Maria Socorro Gonzaga denied reports that foreign carriers cannot enjoy adequate access to Philippine skies due to lack of seats for tourists.

Confirmation of energy chief's appointment deferred

THE Commission on Appointments (CA) suspended the confirmation of the appointment of Secretary Jose Almendras in the Department of Energy.

Senators join call for higher SUCs subsidies

SENATORS came to the aid of state universities and colleges Wednesday as hundreds of government scholars trooped to the Senate to demand higher subsidies.

11 hurt in drivers, police clash

A GROUP of motorized pedicab drivers clashed with elements of the Manila Police District in Manila City Hall following a dispersal operation Wednesday.

Tribunal 'approves' number coding for buses

THE Supreme Court virtually gave its go-signal for the Metro Manila Development Authority to implement its number-coding scheme for public utility buses (PUBs).

Rally supporting ‘Morong 43’ set

SOME 100 supporters of detained health workers collectively known as the “Morong 43” will troop to Mendiola Thursday to press for their immediate release by President Benigno Aquino III.

Aquino warned of impeachment over RH services

A PRO-LIFE lawmaker warned President Benigno Aquino III of possible impeachment once the reproductive health (RH) services are proven to be abortifacients.

Letters granting medical aid faked

A LAWMAKER’S guarantee letter granting medical assistance has been copied together with his signature, letter head, and the dry seal of the House of Representatives.

Lawmaker seeks action vs human trafficking

A HOUSE leader reiterated calls to put an end to human trafficking especially on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) after 11 of them have fallen victims of a reputable recruitment agency.

Ban on hazardous baby bottles pushed

CHILDREN’S health and safety advocates on Wednesday urged the government to follow the ban imposed by the European Union on toxic chemical present in plastic feeding bottles.