Balba is new CIDG-4 head

CAMP GEN. LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Senior Superintendent Bernabe M. Balba is all suited up for his new post as director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for Region 4-A (CIDG-4), covering the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (Calabarzon).

Shortly after formally assuming the post at noon Thursday, Balba vowed to double the efforts of his new command to bring in wanted persons and dismantle known criminal groups in the region. A member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1988, Balba replaces Sr. Supt. Edwin G. Nemenzo who now heads the CIDG Intelligence Division in Camp Crame. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

Bataan pupils get rice, goods

ABUCAY, Bataan — Bataeños lauded Thursday former senator, Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, for distributing various rice and canned goods to around 500 pupils in different elementary schools in this province’s 1st District. The visit of Zubiri, a Mindanaoan, was credited to Bataan Board Member Dexter “Teri Onor” Dominguez.

The beneficiaries were in Kabukiran Elementary School in Kalaylayan, Abucay town; Gugu Elementary School in Samal; Pantalang Luma Elementary School in Orani; Culis Elementary School in Hermosa and Kataasan Elementary School in Dinalupihan town. (Mar T. Supnad)

Peaceful celebrations

CAMP GEN. SANTOS, Bulacan — As the Yuletide celebrations set in, the police leadership in the country’s so-called firecrackers capital of Bulacan is intensifying its campaign for responsible sale and handling of pyrotechnic products. Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., Bulacan police director, said this drive is done with regular inspections of firecracker and fireworks factories, stores and stalls and the rounding up of violators.

In Barangay Bunlo, Bocaue, a 48-year-old man was arrested for maintaining an illegal manufacturing site of “sky rockets” a popular fireworks product. More hazard-free activities related to the Yuletide celebration are also being promoted such as gift-giving, Christmas carol presentations and the like instead of lighting up firecrackers. (Freddie C. Velez)

Angeles fares well in sports

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — This city’s delegation of 26 athletes from four sports events, won seven gold, 17 silver and nine bronze medals in the Batang Pinoy 2011 Northern Luzon leg held recently in Baguio City.

Rosever Pascua, head of the Angeles City Sports Office (ACSO), said that despite the limited number of teams sent to the prestigious sports event, the delegation ranked 4th overall out of the 26 sports contingents. (Franco G. Regala)

Pangasinan okays P1.99-B 2012 budget

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) of Pangasinan reported Thursday the approval of the P1.988-billion budget for 2012.

Appropriation Ordinace No. 4-2011, authored by 2nd District Board Member Von Mark Mendoza and which had already passed two hearings, was approved during the SP’s regular session last Monday.

Vice Governor Ferdinand Calimlim said the nine-hour deliberation has paved the way for a balanced budget that will answer to the needs of the different department of the provincial government.