Because two jurors had read a newspaper article related to the case, a United States federal judge Monday declared a mistrial against a group that allegedly brought Filipino teachers, including some from Negros Occidental, illegally to El Paso, Texas.

The case will have to start over with a new jury, the El Paso Times reported yesterday.

The jurors had been instructed not to read newspaper articles, watch televised news or talk to anyone about the case, a standard instruction, the El Paso Times said.

Army defends
new Visayas official
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

The Philippine Army has defended the designation of Maj. Gen. Jovenal Narcise as Western and Central Visayas Army chief.

Narcise had figured in the bungled siege of Lamitan town in Basilan, that resulted in the escape of Abu Sayyaf bandits and their hostages in 2001. Maj. Ernesto Torres, Army spokesman, yesterday said Narcise had already been acquitted in the Lamitan case. "He (Narcise) is qualified for the position based on seniority, and his experience as brigade commander… We trust the wisdom of the Board of Generals", Torres said.

The appointment of Narcise as 3rd ID commanding general was recommended by the AFP Board of Generals. He replaced Maj.Gen. Victor Ibrado who was designated as commanding general of the Army's elite Special Operations Command.

Salabas slay suspect
falls in Dipolog
BY CARLA GOMEZ

One of the accused in the kidnapping and murder of a former Bacolod barangay captain and two others has been arrested in Dipolog City, Chief Inspector Romeo Macapas, Dipolog police chief, said last night.

In an interview over DYEZ Aksyon Radyo, Macapas confirmed the arrest of Lorraine Abay, alias Lulu, at the Fat Cat Bar in Dipolog City Monday night.

She is currently detained in Diplog but is expected to be transferred to Negros Oriental where she and her co-accused are facing charges before the Guihulngan Regional Trial Court.