Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) officials halted on Monday the free ride service offered by displaced Angkas motorcycle riders to commuters at the Metro Rail Transit 3’s North Avenue station in Quezon City. The transport board said that while the intention of the motorcycle organization, Taguig Spartan Group, was good, it should be done in accordance with the law. “What if there’s an accident? What if someone’s left injured? They don’t have insurance so who would pay the hospital bills? Let us partner on the proper level,” LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada said. Ryan Rillera, the motorcycle group’s president, said they decided to provide free rides to assist commuters, especially those who previously relied on Angkas. On Nov. 18, Angkas shuttered its operations after its Makati office was closed for failing to show proof that it had the necessary permits to operate. Angkas can’t fall under the transport network company category since the LTFRB is prohibited from issuing franchises to two-wheeled vehicles. To assist the displaced Angkas drivers as well as “habal-habal” drivers, the LTFRB has set a dialogue with them on Dec. 12. —JOVIC YEE
Korean kidnapped in Pampanga, rescued in Manila
The police rescued over the weekend a Korean national and arrested his kidnappers who demanded a P1.2-million ransom for his freedom. The Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group said the victim was Lee Jung-dae, a restaurant owner in Angeles City, Pampanga. Lee and his three Korean employees were abducted on Nov. 24 at his residence in Balibago, Angeles City. The suspects were Cha Jae-young; Cha Dae-sun; Kim Min-kwan alias Michael Lim, all Korean nationals, and Raymond Flores, a Filipino. The four allegedly demanded a P1.2-million ransom but even after Lee’s girlfriend delivered the money, the suspects held on to Lee, releasing only the three employees. When they demanded another P1.2 million for his release, the police set up an entrapment operation, leading to Lee’s rescue and the suspects’ arrest in Intramuros and in Ermita, Manila, on Nov. 25. —NIKKO DIZON
Gat Andres Bonifacio to be honored in UP rites on Nov. 30
In commemoration of the 154th birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio, Katipunan ng Mga Anak ng Bayang Pilipinas (KMAB), Rainbow Rangers Alumni Association, the Department of Military Science and Tactics of the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Office of the Quezon City Mayor will hold a program on Nov. 30 at the UP Diliman campus in Quezon City, where the Bonifacio Monument was transferred from Pugad Lawin in November 1968. According to KMAB president Dave Madrid, the event with the theme, “Bayan Ko: Pananagutan Ko,” will start at 8 a.m. with a wreath-laying ceremony and tribute to Bonifacio at the Bonifacio Monument fronting the UP Vinzons Hall to be led by Dean Danilo Concepcion, UP president and guest of honor. The event will honor Bonifacio for his achievements as the patriot-founder of the Katipunan, the first organized army recruited from citizens. Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, an Army reserve colonel, will be the guest speaker. For details, contact Ranger Capt. A. P. Nacino, 0928-5054333.