Pascua assumes as new
commander of 79th IB
BY JUDY F. PARTLOW

Lt. Col. Harold Pascua, the new commander of the 79thInfantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, based in Siaton, Negros Oriental, said he will take on the challenges left by his predecessor, Lt. Col. Marion Sison.

Pascua took his oath at the turnover of command at the battalion headquarters Monday that was presided over by Maj. Gen. AurelioBaladad, commander of the 3rdInfantry Division of the PA.

It is a big challenge to lead the 79thIB and a big shoe to fill, Pascua said, on his obligations and the accomplishments of Sison, who had served for two years, two months and five days.

‘NOPPO not taking sides
in dredging controversy’
BY JUDY F. PARTLOW

The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office will maintain peace and order at the site of the dredging operation in Tanjay River, amid controversy and suspicion that the operation is a front for black sand mining.

OIC provincial director, Supt. Alet Virtucio, said it is the role of the NOPPO to ensure peace and order at the site, as some residents and protestors entered their fifth day of barricading the road leading to the operations site of the contractor, Sino-Italy Philippines Inc., at Poblacion Barangay 4 in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, yesterday.

He said the police does not have the authority to either dismantle the barricades set up by hundreds of protesters, or to enforce the cease-and-desist order issued by Gov. Roel Degamo against the contractor last year.

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