AMID FESTIVITIES
Be security conscious, Gumban tells public
BY FELIPE CELINO
ROXAS City — In line with the week-long Sindya sa Halaran Festival, the provincial police director appealed for the public to be security conscious all the time.
Snatchers and pickpockets are just on the watch, waiting for a chance, according to Senior Supt. Renato Gumban.
“Be prompt in asking for police help,” Gumban advised the public.
A total of 18 Police Assistance Centers were established in all strategic areas here for prompt police assistance.
Policemen have also intensified their visibility to preempt lawless elements to spoil the festivity.
An Advance Command Post (ACP) was also set at the “Balay Capiznon” adjacent to the Provincial Capitol building to monitor and receive round-the-clock situation reports.
The PNP Hotline 0929-899-4458 remains open for any report. Also on-standby at the ACP were an ambulance, a fire truck and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology detainee van.
“We are all set for Capiz’s big event,” Gumban said earlier after the policemen’s final security briefing on Thursday.
Around 500 police personnel and National Support Units were thoroughly briefed of their group/individual tasks for the festivities.
Also expected to augment provincial police force are units from the Police Regional Office 6, the Philippine Army, Reserved Officers Training Corps, police interns, traffic aides, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams and volunteer groups.
Supt. Kashmir Disomangcop, Roxas City police chief and Sinadya sa Halaran Task Group commander, will oversee the security implementation./PN
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| ‘Sinadya’ chess tourney opens today
BY FELIPE CELINO
ROXAS City — A chess tournament opens today with chess aficionados and participants from different provinces in the region arriving.
It will be the first-of-its-kind in the province, according to businessman Edito Saludaga, chair of the board of the newly organized Roxas City Plaza Chess Association Inc.
“Sinadya sa Halaran Regional Chess Tournament” is fully supported by the city government led by Mayor Angel Alan Celino and members of the City Council.
The Department of Education also supports the event.
Prior to the tournament, a blessing of the “Giant Chess Board” to be officiated by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Guillermo Belvis will be held at the public plaza.
Celino and Saludaga will have a ceremonial move before the competition starts.
The activity will add color to the celebration of the feast of Roxas City’s patroness Mary Immaculate Conception from December 3–8, Celino said./PN
JUDGE EDWARD B. CONTRERAS
RTC Executive Judge Edward B. Contreras of Roxas City has suggested a new approach to eradicate the heavy clogging of court dockets.
More than 50 percent of cases are drug-related.
He suggested that the following system be employed on nonviolent drug offenders, mostly young people:
1) “Plea bargain and probation must be allowed in cases involving youthful offenders, 18–30 years old, and those arrested for possession of ‘minimal quantity’ of drugs
2) “Procedure for availing voluntary treatment and rehabilitation must be simplified
3) “The harsh penalties for possession of ‘minimal quantity’ of drugs must be eliminated by introducing shorter and lighter penalties and fines in consonance with the latest trend in the United States, and
4) “Introduce measures for a more effective probation supervision and mandatory drug treatment programs.”
Talented and one of the most respected members of the judiciary, Judge Contreras truly finds a good solution to the festering problem in our criminal justice system today. | | | |
