Militant groups in Aklan rally for Yolanda victims, slam Memorandum Circular No. 24

Posted April 8, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

A numbers of militant groups in Aklan staged a rally this afternoon in protest of government's mishandling of relief operations and corruption in construction of bunkhouses or temporary shelters.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Aklan coordinator George Calaor said: “the march actions condemned the government’s Memorandum Circular No. 24 which states the guidelines on the Release of DSWD Funds to NGO and or POs.”

He stressed that, “this memorandum is very unfair”.

Calaor believes that the guidelines that comprises in the said memorandum chose the beneficiaries, where in fact according to him most of the Aklanons suffered from the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda and there’s no reason to select who will be the recipients.

Thus,  protesters  in their placards, expressed indignation against the government's handling of the post Yolanda crisis, such as the delayed and "politicized" operations and distribution of relief goods, construction of allegedly overpriced bunkhouses, the no-build zone policies and other irregularities.  

Typhoon Yolanda damaged about P2.811 billion in infrastructure and agriculture in Aklan. The death toll stood at 14 with 572 injured.

Malay SB Session resumes after Holy Week break

Posted April 7, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Following a Holy Week break, Malay SB members resumed their regular session on Tuesday.

Yesterday, the councilmen re-discussed some pending issues in the town of Malay and the Island of Boracay, like the operation of Yellow Submarine on the island.

They have also invited the Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC) and the Boracay Tubi System, the two companies that supply water to the island.

According to the Municipal Office, they invited the said companies to discuss the water sources in mainland Malay as well as their operations on the island.

BIR Aklan calls for early tax payment; extends operation in Boracay Sub-Office

Posted April 7, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is reminding employees and self-employed professionals to file their income tax returns before the April 15 deadline.

According to Document Processing Section Chief Ma. Elaine Tirazona, “Sub-Office in Boracay will open to the taxpaying public on April 11, 2015 to accept taxpayers filing their income tax returns.”

She also added that all Authorized Agent Banks (AABs) in Boracay is extending their banking hours up to 5:00 in the afternoon starting April 1 to 15, 2015.

On the other hand, Tirazona advised those employed whose income taxes aren’t withheld by the company to save up for the tax payments to avoid coughing up a large one-time payment.

Meanwhile, consultation corners have been set up at tax offices to help people file their tax returns.

The Authorized Agent Banks in Boracay accepting BIR tax payments are the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Metrobank at Philippine National Bank (PNB).

APPO says Holy Week in Aklan “generally peaceful”

Posted April 6, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Except for a minor shooting incident and petty crimes, this year’s observance of Holy Week in Aklan has been generally peaceful, the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) said.

A report from PO1 Criselle Lagatik of APPO runs no other major incident has been noted.

"Public assistance centers put up in strategic locations along major thoroughfares and transport terminals, and seaports are under strict orders to remain in their posts until after the last traveler has safely returned," Lagatik proudly says.

Meanwhile, she said that “the police protection, which is part of Oplan SumVac (Summer Vacation), will still remain.

Furthermore, she added that APPO will continue to strengthen its efforts to ensure the safety of the public.

Celebration of Holy Week in Boracay, generally peaceful-BTAC

Posted April 6, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The celebration of Holy Week in Boracay Island last week is generally peaceful.

According to Boracay PNP OIC PS/Inspector Frensy Andrade, they have listed ‘zero-negative index’ this Holy week following a ‘no untoward incidents recorded on the island’ especially robbery.

Although they have recorded petty crimes, Andrade said that it is normal in the island of Boracay.

  

They also had an all out support to the SUMVAC or Summer Vacation program launched by Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) for the security of tourists.

Tourist Assistance Desks at three stations in Boracay where activated for quick response and to intensify security in the beach area of ​​the island.

Meanwhile with the help of other authorities in Boracay, tourists were also reminded to beware of their valuables and with suspicious people around them when they go for swimming on the beach.