MANILA: The Supreme Court has suspended a former provincial governor from the practice of law for one year for interfering in the service of a warrant against a former barangay chairman on drug charges.   In a resolution published online Dec. 19, the high tribunal has ordered the suspension from the practice of law of former Siquijor governor Orlando A. Fua Jr. for interfering in the arrest of his childhood friend, James Largo, the former barangay captain of Tigbawan, Lazi town, who was included in the watch list of top drug personalities of the province.   The administrative complaint against

MANILA: Police have urged the public to celebrate the New Year safely as it intensifies the crackdown against illegal firecrackers that pose hazard and injuries.   National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said police would coordinate with local barangays and village peacekeepers to ensure enforcement of Republic Act 7183 which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers.   “Every year, the police remind our countrymen to be careful and follow the laws regarding fireworks and lighting. We will always remember that welcoming the coming new year is the happiest if we, our loved ones

TACLOBAN CITY: The Philippine National Police (PNP) is stepping up its watch on firecrackers trade in Eastern Visayas to ensure safe New Year revelries   PNP Eastern Visayas regional information officer Lt. Col. Maria Bella Rentuaya said on Thursday policemen have been checking resellers to ensure they are authorized and are only trading products allowed by law.   Regulated firecrackers under Republic Act 7183 and Executive Order No. 28 are “bawang, El Diablo, Judas belt, paper caps, pulling of strings, sky rocket, small triangulo,” and other firecrackers not overweight and not imported.   Allowed fireworks devices include butterfly, fountain, jumbo

MANILA : xThe Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has turned down a suit by an instant coffee manufacturer questioning the collection of its tax liability in connection with a 2018 order issued by the Department of Agriculture (DA) imposing special safeguard (SSG) duties.   The decision promulgated on Dec. 1 dismissed a petition filed by Mandaue-based private corporation, Ecossential Foods Corp. seeking the suspension of the collection of its tax liability in connection with the order issued in 2018 by the DA which covered the company’s Kopiko 3-in-1 coffee products.   In March 2018, the DA issued Department Order No.

COTABATO CITY: The Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) is a recipient of 11 new patrol cars worth PHP33 million from the regional government.   BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) chief Naguib Sinarimbo said the new fleet aims to bolster the law enforcement capability of the regional police force.   “This is to help the police serve and protect the BARMM people effectively.” Sinarimbo said Wednesday.   During Tuesday’s turnover witnessed by BARMM Chief Minster Ahod Ebrahim, Sinarimbo and PRO-BARMM Regional Director Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon signed a memorandum of agreement

CEBU CITY: A drug personality released on probation was arrested Tuesday night in an anti-drug sting operation and yielded PHP7.3 million worth of substance believed to be shabu, the Cebu City police said.   Col. Ireneo Dalogdog, Cebu City Police Office director, said members of Station 6 nabbed 22-year-old suspect Juhndel Abanid Dutallas while transacting with a cop posing as a buyer on A. Lopez Street at Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Calamba here.   Dalogdog said the police seized from Dutallas’ possession 43 packs of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, the buy-bust money, and other drug paraphernalia.   Dutallas