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Hungry monkeys attack farming village in Negros
 

BACOLOD CITY - About 40 hungry monkeys attacked a farming village in Barangay Mambaroto, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental last Sunday.

The monkeys, known as long-tailed macaques, did not harm anyone during the attack but alarmed farmers just the same. The raiders ate bananas, root crops, pineapples, jackfruit and even entered the farmers' houses in search of food.

Five of the macaques were caught in traps set up by the farmers.

David Castro of the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Inc. said the monkeys probably attacked the farming village because their habitat in the forests has gradually been destroyed.

In the past, farmers noted that monkeys came down alone or in twos. The attack last Sunday was the first time that they came as a group.

Farmers said some of the macaques also tried to rescue those who were caught in the traps. They said they will try to sell the monkeys they captured for P200 to P500 each to recover their crop losses.

Police have yet to establish the extent of the damage caused on the farms by the monkeys. - Gilbert Bayoran

Meralco shares tips on keeping electric bills down

MERALCO vice-president for corporate communication Elpi Cuna advised its customers to use electricity wisely during the hot months since consumption levels usually rise during this period.

"We also advise our customers to make sure that their household appliances are well maintained in order to cope with the expected increase in its usage," Cuna said, adding that simple conservation tips like using compact fluorescent lights, doing ironing at one time and opening the refrigerator only when needed also help bring down electric bills.

Some appliances that use up a lot of electricity include air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, electric fans, water pumps, TVs and computers.

To guide consumers on electricity usage, Cuna said Meralco has installed the Meralco Appliance Calculator (MAC) at leading appliance stores. The device, which may be used free of charge, computes the consumption amount of common household appliances like television, air conditioner, computer, refrigerator and gives consumers an idea of how to use their appliances wisely.