Msgr. Victorino Rivas yesterday appealed to the barangay captains in Bacolod City, who are pushing for the operation of small town lottery in the city, to reconsider their position.

Rivas, vicar general of the Diocese of Bacolod, said the Church maintains its stand against the operation of STL in Bacolod City even if it has been legalized in certain towns and cities in the province and in some areas in the country.

He said the barangay captains are supposed to be the representatives of their community and they should consider that it is the poor that will be victimized if STL is allowed to operate in the city.

Guv waiting for NDF
reply to talks plan
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Gov. Joseph Marañon yesterday said he is hoping to get a response from Frank Fernandez, head of the National Democratic Front in Negros, on his proposal for them to both create panels to hold exploratory talks on what they can undertake for countryside development.

"I have not gotten a response to my proposal yet, I am hoping to get one this week," he said.

Over the Christmas break, Fernandez announced through the media his willingness to dialog with Marañon to explore avenues of cooperation "in the interest of the masses."

Cop stabbed in Cadiz dies
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

A policeman who was stabbed by a minor and his two companions when he responded to an incident of alarm and scandal in Brgy. Luna, Cadiz City, Saturday, died yesterday at the Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod City, the police said.

Police Officer 1 Celso Nabus Jr., 26, sustained multiple stab wounds allegedly inflicted by a 17-year-old and two others who were under the influence of alcoholic liquor at Crossing Valderrama in Brgy. Luna, Cadiz City, on Saturday.

Rodilito Nabus, 21, who had accompanied his brother in pacifying the commotion, was also stabbed by the three suspects, but survived. Police investigations show the two had confronted them for breaking and throwing bottles in the place