Bacolod, Metro Manila
fuel price gap narrows
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The fuel price gap between Bacolod and Metro Manila appeared to have further narrowed to P4 to P4.20 a liter  for diesel, and P3.24 to P3.54 for gasoline  yesterday.

The drop is by almost half of the previous price gap that averaged at about P8, and triggered numerous complaints from Negrenses, threats of class suits against the oil firms, congressional intervention and an upcoming Department of Energy hearing in Bacolod City.

Businessman Ed Alunan, who has been at the forefront of the call for lower fuel prices, yesterday said he hopes the drop in prices in Bacolod  is not just a temporary discount because of the threats of suits and DOE intervention, and that it further goes down to, at most, P1 per liter between Manila and Bacolod.

Hold only 1 post,
brgy captain told
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

Punta Taytay Barangay Captain Rufino Alcala, whose status was questioned by a kagawad of his barangay, was advised yesterday by the Committee on Laws, Ordinances and Good Government to choose only one office.

Alcala admitted that he was designated by Mayor Monico Puentevella as caretaker or adviser of the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, which at the same time, still discharging his function as barangay captain of Punta Taytay.

The hearing yesterday was set by the Committee chaired by Councilor Caesar Distrito to provide a venue for the queries of Punta Taytay Kagawad Richard Palma on the allegations that Alcala is holding two offices.

2 men using minors
to steal nabbed
BY SHIELA GELERA

Two jobless men who allegedly recruited and exploited a 14-year-old girl, were charged yesterday for violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, before the City Prosecutor’s Office in Silay, Negros Occidental.

Senior Insp. Vanessa Gayle Sonoy, deputy chief of Silay Police identified the suspects as Fritz Buenafe, 22, of Brgy. Lantad, and Ronilo Sibongga, 42, of Brgy. Bagtic, both in Silay. They were charged for violation of the Republic Act 9208.

Investigation showed that the victim, whose name was withheld by the DAILY STAR since she is a minor, was allegedly recruited by Buenafe and Sibonnga to steal items from establishments.