N. Cotabato execs probe kidney trade

COTABATO CITY -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of North Cotabato will start investigating reports on widespread selling of kidneys by residents of the province.

M’lang town Mayor Joselito Piñol Friday confirmed that at least 10 of his constituents have sold their kidneys “for the love of money.”

Piñol said he learned that a kidney “makes one richer by P200,000 or more.” Charlie C. Señase, Inquirer Mindanao

Cops arrest con man posing as terrorist

DAVAO CITY -- Police Friday announced the arrest of a man, who allegedly tried to extort money from companies operating in Southern Mindanao by posing as an al-Qaida member.

Chief Supt. Andres Caro, Southern Mindanao police chief, identified the suspect as Romie John Rosalia.

Caro said Rosalia was arrested on March 23 but police delayed the announcement until they were certain he did not belong to the terror group. Dennis Jay C. Santos, Inquirer Mindanao

French frigate docks in Davao for 4 days

A French naval vessel was expected to dock at the Sasa wharf here Friday for a four-day friendship and cooperation visit, the French Embassy said in a statement on Thursday.

French Ambassador Gerard Chesnel will also grace the occasion of the frigate’s arrival.

The statement said the French surveillance frigate FlorÈal, which means “months of the flower” in French, will make port call in Davao from April 4 to 8. Dennis Santos, Inquirer Mindanao

Murder victims in Japan to get help from Roxas

ROXAS CITY -- The family of a 35-year-old Capiceña and her son who were killed in Japan would pursue the criminal case against her Japanese husband who committed the murders.

Michael Lopez, younger brother of Chrisanta Lopez-Nagano who was killed by her husband Masayoshi Nagano, said Sen. Mar Roxas has promised to help them attain justice for his sister and his nephew, 8-month-old Naomasa. Felipe V. Celino, Inquirer Visayas