The Bogo Times

With 44 policemen in the City of Bogo , Mayor Martinez asked for military reinforcement to battle crime. The mayor sent his request through the army's 8th Infantry Division in Samar following the gun-slaying of three men which is believed to be related to illegal drug trade. Martinez earlier asked for more policemen from the Cebu Provincial Police office but was told there was none to spare. The military directed its 6th Company of the Special Forces (SF) assigned in Sogod, Cebu to assess the threat in the area first. - Read more: Cebu Daily News

Several bills passed by the House that seek to create more courts for the provinces of Laguna and Cebu and the city of Valenzuela has been approved by the Senate. The passage of the measures into law is expected to lessen the backlog of cases in the Philippines, especially those in the provinces. Sen. Francis Escudero, chair of the Senate committees on justice and human Rights, sponsored House Bill Nos. 4476, 4492, 4511 and 4513. The bills were approved with 19 affirmative votes, zero negative vote and zero abstention. The bills were approved on second reading without amendments last July 31. - Manila Bulletin Once enacted into law, seven RTC's will be created in the province of Cebu - one in Carcar, one in Naga and five will be created in Bogo City . Senators who approved the measures: Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III Joker Arroyo Pia Cayetano Franklin Drilon Franci...