ACROSS THE COUNTRY
2 kidnap suspects arrested
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two men suspected to be involved in the kidnapping of businessman Jelster Ed Tiu Quimbo in Labason, Zamboanga del Norte have been arrested.
Soudi Banguih, 36, and Edilberto Sarmago, 61, were collared during pursuit operations in Sirawai town on Thursday, Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Zamboanga peninsula police spokesperson, said yesterday.
Witnesses positively identified the suspects as among the gunmen caught on closed-circuit television camera when Quimbo was snatched from the town center on Wednesday night.
Quimbo’s father, Eddie, is the mayor of Labason. – Roel Pareño
SAF commando hurt in clash with NPA rebels
BACOLOD CITY – An operative of the elite police Special Action Force (SAF) was wounded in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Negros Occidental yesterday.
Inspector Jose Buscato was with a group of SAF commandos led by Chief Inspector Jun Bautista conducting combat operations in Barangay Gatuslao, Candoni town when the clash occurred.
Col. Eliezer Losañes, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the NPA rebels withdrew after around 30 minutes. Two M16 rifles were recovered from the rebels. – Gilbert Bayoran
Sept. 15 a holiday in Los Baños
LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – Sept. 15 is a special non-working holiday in this town.
President Duterte, through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, issued Proclamation 292 declaring the holiday to allow residents to celebrate the town’s 402nd anniversary.
A week-long celebration dubbed Bañamos Festival 2017 was set from Sept. 12 to 17 to showcase the town’s history, culture, tradition, tourist attractions, products and talents. This year’s theme is “Manatiling Matatag sa Hamon ng Makabagong Panahon.” – Rudy Fernandez