Manapla does not need
Comelec control: mayor
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

Despite the firing of 40mm high explosive projectiles at their residential compound, Mayor Lourdes Escalante yesterday said she is not inclined to recommend that Manapla be included in the poll watch list areas of Negros Occidental, or placed under Comelec control.

Her husband and former Manapla mayor, Manuel Escalante, dismissed as ridiculous, totally outrageous and absurd, claims that the incident was a “drama” to gain a political mileage.

“Why make a drama? Our lives are at stake here,” Mayor Escalante, who was at the residence with her daughter and son, when the explosions took place, also said.

Escalante posts bail
for road death
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

Former Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante posted bail of P12,000 for the death of a motorist who was hit by his vehicle Saturday in front of the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, police said yesterday.

Supt. Joseph Thomas Martir, Talisay police chief, said the release of Escalante, who surrendered immediately after he figured in a vehicular accident, was ordered by Bacolod Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 2 Judge Montano Medel.

Martir said the Ford Ranger vehicle driven by Escalante bumped from behind the motorcycle driven by Danilo Sotoyosil, 56, of Hacienda Sagrado, Brgy. Zone 16, Talisay City, at about 6 a.m. Saturday.

Panaad awardees named
BY LISA GAPAC

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and senatorial candidate Ramon Magsaysay Jr. led the awarding of outstanding farmers, fishermen, and livestock raisers at the “Pasidugnong sa Panguma, Pangisda, kag Pangkasapatan 2013” at the 20th Panaad sa Negros Festival at Panaad Park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, Saturday.

Marañon said farmers, fishermen, and livestock raisers play an important role in the food production program of the province and their performance exceeded his expectation.

He also lauded Magsaysay whom he called an avid supporter of farmers, who was co-chairman of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization, and one of the authors of the Republic Act 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997.