ILOILO CITY - The Commission on Elections in Western Visayas has identified 68 towns and cities in the region as "areas of concern," or AOC, in the May elections.

Comelec regional supervisor, Renato Magbutay said the list is based on a report presented by the Philippine National Police during a joint evaluation conference of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Comelec held on Feb. 5, where the peace and order situation in the region was assessed as part of the preparations for the elections. Negros Occidental has the most number of AOCs with 29, followed by Iloilo province (21), Capiz (9), Antique (7), and Aklan. There were no reported AOCs in the island-province of Guimaras.

Aside from the 68 towns and cities, the Comelec has also categorized 10 barangays in Iloilo City as AOCs.

PNOC EDC assures
geothermal royalties
BY CARLA GOMEZ

AAlvarez photo

Let Negros benefit from its own geothermal steam, governor asks*

The Philippine National Oil Co. Energy Development Corp. yesterday assured that, although its Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant, with a capacity of 49 megawatts will supply the power needs of Panay, royalties and other benefits will continue to be given to its host areas.

Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon has called a meeting with PNOC EDC officials today to discuss the possibility of its selling its power in Negros Occidental at lower rates to draw in potential investors, his chief of staff, Jose Ma. Valencia, said yesterday.

President Gloria Macapagal last week said power has become a major cost to investors so she is telling them to invest in areas like Bago City and Murcia that play host to NNGPP where power rates are more competitive.

Mayor signs agreement
for slaughterhouse
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

A memorandum of agreement for the completion and operation of the Bacolod City Slaughterhouse in Brgy. Handumanan, Bacolod City was signed between the city government and AVM Bernardo Engineering yesterday.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia formally signed the MOA in behalf of the city government, while AVM Bernardo was represented by engineer Antonio Valeriano Bernardo.

"This is a momentous event in the history of Bacolod and we believe the project will again enhance the performance of the city as a local government," Leonardia said.