Ex-mayor and ex-congresswoman Socorro Acosta dies
CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 16 March) – Socorro “Coring” Acosta, former mayor of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon and human development advocate passed away last March 14. She was 89 years old.
Her son, former Bukidnon 1st District representative Neric Acosta, did not say the cause of death or where her body lies in state.
“With heavy hearts we bade farewell to our most beloved Phenomenal superNanay who has gone home to our Creator,” her daughter, former representative Malou Acosta-Alba said.
The elder Acosta also served as representative of the first district of Bukidnon starting in the 8th Congress (1987-1992). She was reelected twice and served in the House until 1998.
She served as mayor from 1980 to 1987 and from 2001 to 2007, and as town councilor from 1972 to 1980. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)
Surigao Norte declared an insurgency-free province
CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 16 March) – Officials in Surigao del Norte declared the province as “free” from the New People’s Army insurgency in a ceremony Friday led by Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers and attended by the Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Development Council.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., and Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner joined the ceremony.
Barbers said the challenge to maintain and sustain the peace and security of the province remains.
He led the swearing of oath of allegiance of 30 former NPA rebels who surrendered to the military. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)
CDO prepares for another water supply interruption
CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 16 March) – The city government is planning to deploy huge tanks and bladders in case Rio Verde makes good of its threat to stop the supply of water in Cagayan de Oro for the failure of the local water utility to pay bills amounting to more than P400 million.
Cagayan de Oro Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office Chief Nick Jabagat said they would ask barangay officials where the water tanks or bladders would be placed in their villages.
“Barangay officials will distribute water and we will provide them with water,” Jabagat said.
Rio Verde, the city’s main water supplier, has given the Cagayan de Oro Bulk Incorporated, the city’s main water distribution firm, until April 12 to settle the unpaid water bill. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)
