Negrense gets 40 years
for leading failed mutiny 
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

Negrense Army Capt. Milo Maestrecampo, one of the six core leaders of the Magdalo group who figured in a failed coup against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2003, got 40 years of imprisonment after pleading guilty to coup d’etat charges filed against him, and 31 others before the Makati Regional Trial Court.

On the other hand, the trial of Marine Capt. Gary Alejano of Sipalay City, who allied himself with detained Navy LTSG-turned-Senator Antonio Trillanes, and others, who pleaded not guilty for similar charges, is expected to continue, as they prepare to present their defense and argue their case in court.

Maestrecampo of Talisay City, and Alejano were among the leaders of 300 troops who seized the Oakwood Hotel in July 2003, demanding for the resignation of President Arroyo, defense and military officials over allegations of corruption.

Jealousy triggered the killing of a housewife, allegedly by her husband who also shot himself, in Toboso, Negros Occidental, on Saturday, police said.

Senior Inspector Nestor Tuadles, Toboso police chief, yesterday said their investigations indicated that Jose Lechado, 57, shot his wife, Adelaida, 52, before also shooting himself.

Citing testimonies of their children, Tuadles said the couple had been having a heated altercation inside their room before gunshots were heard.

The National Food Authority has tapped the help of the Church in Negros Occidental in the sale of its rice and is also looking into the possibility of utilizing local government units, Gov. Isidro Zayco said.

NFA rice sells at P18.25, which is much lower than commercial rice with prevailing market prices for regular milled rice at P28 to P30 per kilo, and well milled at P31 to per 36 kilo.

Zayco said he was informed that the NFA regional office was studying whether they need the help of the LGUs in the distribution, and NFA Regional Director Vilma Zarraga said she is waiting for guidelines from the NFA head office on this.