Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday requested the members of the Board of Directors of Central Negros Electric Cooperative to delve deeper into the causes that led to the very big increase in electricity rates.

He said CENECO had been given a chance to buy power from a cheaper source but this only came to their attention when people from Green Core informed them, he said.

In fact, he added, Green Core could not understand why CENECO ignored their offer which is the cheapest so far.

Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. yesterday said he will discuss with three Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee chairmen whether they wish to conduct an inquiry on the  entry of products allegedly using GMO sweeteners into Negros Occidental.

Negros Occidental has an existing ordinance banning GMO products in the province.

Leaders of Sugar Watch and planters groups who have declared a boycott of Coca-Cola products have alleged that the firm uses high fructose corn syrup from suspected genetically modified corn that could be harmful to the health.

Army soldiers and government militiamen were pulled out from Brgy. Gawahon, Victorias City, and assigned to re-occupy a detachment in Brgy. San Isidro, EB Magalona, Col. Francisco Patrimonio, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday.

The realignment of military and police personnel in northern Negros was triggered by the spate of New People’s Army atrocities, including the  recent burning of three farm tractors in EB Magalona, harassments of four military outposts, conduct of checkpoints and summary execution of four suspected military informants in central and southern Negros.