News Briefs

18 more firecracker traders allowed to resume operation

BOCAUE, BULACAN — Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has allowed 18 more firecracker manufacturers and traders in Bulacan province to resume operations, following their compliance with health safety and security regulations. Bello had suspended the operations of firecracker factories and stores after two accidents that killed five people and hurt 24 others. He required personnel of these establishments to undergo occupational health reviews and training on safety and security protocols for fireworks and firecrackers. Last week, Bello allowed 48 manufacturers and stores after they complied with the requirements. CARMELA REYES-ESTROPE

18 hurt in oil tanker blast in Bataan

SUBIC, ZAMBALES — A ship captain and 17 of his crew members were hurt on Wednesday when an oil tanker caught fire while anchored off the shores of Barangay Luz in Limay town, Bataan province. The tanker, operated by Reild Marine Services and Trading, was waiting for loading instructions from the Petron Bataan refinery when the crew saw flames coming from the engine room at 4 p.m., according to the Philippine Coast Guard in Bataan. Citing accounts from Vincent Latap, 56, the tanker’s skipper, police said the crew was revving up the engines when an explosion rocked the engine room, followed by the blaze. Latap said some of his crew scampered for safety and jumped into the water. They were rescued by a tugboat and taken to a nearby pier in Barangay Lamao in Limay. TONETTE OREJAS AND ALLAN MACATUNO

Ex-Aklan solon Quimpo; 71

ILOILO CITY — Former Aklan Rep. Allen Quimpo died of pancreatic cancer on Wednesday. He was 71. Quimpo, a lawyer and president of the Northwestern Visayan College, served as mayor of the capital town of Kalibo from 1989 to 1992. He also served as representative of the lone district of Aklan province for three terms, from 1992 to 2001. Quimpo was the acknowledged leader of the Tibyog Akean, the political party that has long dominated politics in the province. As head of the Kalibo Save the Mangroves Association, Quimpo helped transform a muddy and barren area in Barangay Buswang in Kalibo into a mangrove forest. The wake will be held at the Christ the King Parish, Greenmeadows Avenue in Quezon City until today. Quimpo’s remains will be taken to Kalibo tomorrow. NESTOR P. BURGOS JR.