SC orders Peña to turn son
over, but NBI can't find him
RECTO HAS RIGHT TO
CUSTODY PENDING APPEAL'
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The National Bureau of Investigation could not locate Pulupandan Mayor Magdaleno Peña and his 3-year-old son in Negros Occidental as of yesterday, NBI Bacolod chief Mamerto Cortez said.

Cortez said the Supreme Court Third Division has directed the NBI to turn over custody of the child from Peña to his mother, actress and television host Marie Roxanne “Plinky” Recto.

However, he said NBI Bacolod Special Investigator Geovel Aperio went to Barangay Ubay, Pulupandan, where Peña lives but he was not there.

Smugglers of ‘magic sugar'
in Neg. Occ. warned of raps
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday warned those who continue to smuggle and sell cancer-causing sweeteners in Negros Occidental that charges will be filed against them if caught.

NBI Bacolod chief Mamerto Cortez said the NBI has received reports that about five sacks of magic sugar enter Negros Occidental every week from Mindanao, passing through Dumaguete City .

It is allegedly being distributed in the province by a Muslim trader.

SP to decide on BREDCO
takeover ordinance today
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

Bacolod Councilor Dindo Ramos yesterday said the Sangguniang Panlungsod will finally decide on the proposed “takeover ordinance” today.

The SP deferred action on the proposed ordinance, laying down basic policies, guidelines, rules and procedures for the protection of the rights of ownership of the city over the reclamation project, port and port operations at the reclamation of Bacolod City last week after acting Association of Barangay Captains head, Councilor Diosdado Valenzuela, asked for a week to study the matter.