IN BRIEF

Basilan unveils peace monument in Sumisip

THE Basilan provincial government has, unveiled a Kasanyangan peace monument in Barangay Mahatallang in Sumisip town.

Top national and local officials led the March 4 event held at the Sampinit Complex, an area which even battle-hardened soldiers feared to tread in this once strife-torn town.

The unveiling of the monument was among the highlights of the week-long celebration of Basilan’s 49th founding anniversary.

Decommissioned firearms were used as a testament to the people’s commitment to reject armed violence struggle in favor of peace and progress.

The decommissioned firearms were collected through the efforts of the Small Arms and Light Weapons of the Joint Normalization Committee, a peace mechanism that was created under the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). Bobby Lagsa

Sandigan sends ex-mayor to jail over SUV deal

THE Sandiganbayan has convicted a former mayor in Bulacan province for graft over the purchase of a P1.2million sports utility vehicle (SUV) from a local distributor in 2014. In a 35-page decision penned by Associate Justice Ronald Moreno, the anti-graft court sentenced Baliwag ex-Mayor Carolina Dellosa to a prison term ranging from six to eight years with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

Dellosa was accused of unlawfully approving the purchase of a P1.2 million sports utility vehicle from a local distributor in 2014 through direct procurement, or without going through public bidding as required by RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The Sandiganbayan said Dellosa approved the purchase even if a specified brand name was made by the bids and awards committee (BAC), in violation of the law. Maricel V. Cruz