NEWS BRIEFS

449 HIV cases reported in July

Central Visayas has the 3rd fastest growth of persons testing positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in July this year.

“Despite good reporting system, HIV cases in the region still continue to increase,” said Suzette Jabonete, DOH 7 spokesperson.

She added that because of the increasing number of diseases in the region such as HIV and dengue, health funding must therefore be increased. /Reporter JOY CHERRY QUITO

Slain Pdea Staffer Laid To Rest

The slain spokesman of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) was laid to rest yesterday afternoon in Moalboal, his hometown

Hundreds of relatives, friends and colleagues wore white with black arm bands during the burial to show their call for justice for the untimely death of Jesus “Jessie” Tabanao, 35.

Msgr. Daniel Sanico officiated the requiem mass at the San Juan Nepumoceno Parish Church.

In his homily, he said “God’s justice for us is death. Death levels all,” Msgr. Sanico said adding that human see God’s love and goodness in death. Let us not allow our sadness and confusion to overpower our faith in God,” Sanico said.

Tabanao’s colleagues wearing white long-sleeved polos with black arm bands escorted his hearse. They were led by PDEA-7 Director Lyndon Aspacio.

Tabanao’s final resting place is in a private lot near the Moalboal Public Cemetery.

In an interview, former PDEA-7 Director Julius Navales assured that justice will be served but admitted that as of now, there is no progress in the investigation.

Before joining the PDEA, Tabanao pioneered a radio program against illegal drugs.

Navales said that this may have angered those who are involved in the drug business.

Tabanao’s wife, Katrina, 31, will give birth to their second child next month.

In her Facebook status posted last night, she said that Tabanao’s death turned her life on its end.

“I convinced myself that this is nothing but a very, very bad dream and I will soon wake up and see Jessie smiling at me. But I guess I have to accept the reality no matter how painful it is,” she said.

They planned to have a church wedding in May next year, in time for their 10th civil wedding anniversary.

“It is an honor to be your wife and to be the mother of your children. Don’t worry about your sons, Joshua and Jethro. I will take good care of them and I will let them know how great their father was,” she added. /Correspondent Michelle Joy L. Padayhag