Army, gov’t officials
link to illegal logging probed
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Illegal logging in Negros Occidental is rampant and  provincewide, with reports reaching  the Governor’s Office of possible involvement of government officials in the south, and of Army and Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit members in a town in the first district, Provincial Legal Office Jose. Ma Valencia said yesterday.

Valencia, who is also chief of staff of Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., said that, in the south, illegal logging is reportedly rampant in Damutan Valley in Hinobaan but the poachers are getting away with it because they haul the timber down in the Negros Oriental side.

He also said they have received reports that government officials, who are not from Negros Occidental, may be involved in the illegal logging activities.

A call center agent died after she was hit by a van while crossing at the pedestrian lane in front of the Transcom City call center at the Araneta highway in Bacolod City at 7:30 last night.

The victim was identified by traffic investigator Police Officer 2 Orlando Caporal as Tricia Abat, 38, of Purok Malinong, Brgy. Zone 2, Talisay City, Negros Occidental and employed by Transcom City.

Investigation showed that Abat was crossing the highway when the Mitsubishi L300 van of Leon Chio Go Ang, 50, of Purok Paghidaet in Brgy. Tangub that was heading south of the Araneta highway hit her.

Charges for robbery with homicide will be filed today before the Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office against two teenage snatchers for stabbing dead the Municipal Agriculturist of Moises Padilla at the car park of a mall in the city Sunday.

The charges will be filed against Roberto Caagoy Lambanecio, “alias Nonoy Karabaw”, 18, of Purok Kaingin, Brgy. Singcang Airport and his neighbor, an “alias Medel”, a minor, who is still at large, Station 8 commander, Chief Insp. Danilo Francisco said yesterday.

Francisco said they are only waiting for the death certificate of the victim, Napoleon Alvardo Perez Sr., 56, of Barangay Crossing Magallon in E.B. Magalona, so they can file the case.