Boracay tourist arrivals up

TOURIST arrivals in Boracay Island increased despite the global financial crisis and Influenza A (H1N1) virus pandemic, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT).

Data from the DoT showed that 337,666 foreign and domestic tourists visited Boracay from January to May 2009. This is 5.16% higher compared to 321,094 tourists in the island-resort in the same period last year.

Edwin Trompeta, Department of Tourism (DoT) regional director, said the figures indicate that the tourism sector in Western Visayas remains strong despite the financial crisis and flu pandemic.

HOME AT LAST Ian Loreña (left) and three other Ilonggo OFWs are raring to go back to their hometowns after suffering inhumane treatment in Malaysia. (Photo by Tara Yap)

Abused Ilonggo OFWs back home

By Tara Yap

FIFTEEN Ilonggo overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who claimed abuse in Malaysia went back to Iloilo Thursday.

Most of the OFWs came from Bingawan and Calinog. They were hired to work in an oil palm plantation in Sabbah, Malaysia last year.

Twenty-three-year old Ian Loreña of Bingawan town told The Daily Guardian that he went to Malaysia last year because of the promise of a higher salary.

Suspects in housewife’s rape yield

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

TWO of the three suspects who allegedly robbed and raped a wife in San Enrique, Iloilo last weekend surrendered to the police yesterday.

Senior Supt. Ricardo dela Paz, Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) director, said Raymund Alarba and Raffy Aguilar both of Brgy. Braulan, San Enrique yielded through their uncle.

Alarba and Aguilar are two of the three suspects who allegedly robbed and raped a wife Friday evening.