SC orders dismissal
of former guv’s case
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The Supreme Court Second Division has ordered the Sandiganbayan to dismiss a criminal case filed against former Negros Occidental Gov. Rafael Coscolluela and three others for violation of their Constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.

The three others included in the dismissal of the case are Dr. Ernesto Malvas - former Negros Occidental Provincial Health officer, Edwin Nacionales - former Special Projects Division head, and his subordinate, Jose Ma. Amugod.

The SC, in its 12-page decision promulgated July 15 and posted on its website yesterday, also annulled the resolutions of the Sandiganbayan First Division, dated Oct. 6, 2009 and Feb. 10, 2010, denying the petitioners motions to quash the criminal case against them.

Kabankalan airport ready
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

The Kabankalan City airport is now ready for use by light planes during day time, but still needs clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Mayor Isidro Zayco yesterday said.

Zayco, who was accompanied by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson in the inspection of the 105-hectare Kabankalan airport, said they are about to start concreting the runway, after completing the construction of its perimeter fences

He said the city government of Kabankalan had already spent P100 million to P120 million, of which P30 million was provided by the late Gov. Joseph Marañon.

Police link
American to rob gang
BY SHIELA GELERA

Several magazines of firearms, ammunition, and documents were recovered from a house rented by an American national, believed to be connected to the Ozamiz robbery group, at Santa Felomina Street, in Eroreco, Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City, at about 2:55 p.m. Thursday.

Senior Supt. Edgardo Ordaniel, Bacolod Police acting officer-in-charge, said the tenant, who was later identified through photos as Daniel Cruz Xavier, is wanted for carnapping and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition charges.

He said house owner Chetan Rana, 36, of Capitol Village, Brgy. Granada in Bacolod, an Indian national, asked for the help of barangay tanod Willy Idiosolo and Station 3 policemen to open the house when he learned it had been abandoned by Xavier..