Monthly Archives: March 2017

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Diocese of Bacolod welcomed a proposal from Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa, requiring the presence of a priest or a representative from any religious order in order for police to conduct drug operations with the newly-revised “Oplan: Tokhang.” In a message sent by …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga In response to reports Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno called Executive Order 183, which created the Negros Island Region (NIR), “unconstitutional,” both Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. and Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the region has a “legal basis” for its existence. In a …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga According to Bacolod City Administrator, Atty. John Orola, organizers for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) canceled the meeting scheduled between March 14 and 16 in Bacolod City, but the second meeting, planned from March 21 to 25, is still confirmed. Based on previous reporting, the first session was …

By Paulo Loreto Lim Following the decision by San Carlos City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Danilo Amisola to dismiss three counts of murder and one count of frustrated murder against Negros Occidental Rep. Melecio Yap, the attorney for the families of the alleged extrajudicial killings victims, Atty. Renecio Espiritu, Jr., called into question the …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The son of former Pontevedra Vice Mayor Larry Parroco was arrested by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Negros Island Region (PDEA-NIR) in Barangay Buenavista Gibong, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental, Saturday afternoon. PDEA agents identified the suspect as Aliguerre Parroco, who currently works for the Pontevedra mayor’s office. PDEA-NIR Director, Atty. …

By Paulo Loreto Lim The Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) lobby played host for a testimonial dinner, last Friday, for the 74 Bacolod City College (BCC) alumni who passed the elementary level licensure examination for teachers (LET). Among the group was Ma. Fatima Ofracio, who ranked ninth nationwide, and received a plaque of recognition and …

By Tara Yap Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas, the 31-year-old doctor who was gunned down last week in Lanao Del Norte, was posthumously awarded the Bayani ng Kalusugan honor by the Department of Health (DOH) over the weekend. His body was transported to his hometown, Kalibo, Aklan, over the weekend. “Dr. Perlas’ passion, commitment, and dedication to …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga An alleged member of the infamous “Akyat Bahay” gang was arrested by members of Police Station 2 (PS2) at an establishment at 6th-Lacson Street, Bacolod City, Friday afternoon. Police identified the suspect as Ruben Santillan, a resident of Barangay Santa Rosa, Murcia, Negros Occidental. PS2 commander, Police Chief Inspector Benedicto …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga A father was declared dead at a hospital in Bago City, Friday, after he was allegedly stabbed by his son at Purok Esmeralda, Barangay Poblacion, Bago City. Police identified the fatality as 54-year-old Hermenio Tipawan, a resident of the said barangay. According to Bago City police deputy, Police Senior Inspector …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Two people are confirmed dead after they reportedly drowned in a river located at Purok Urban, Barangay Lopez Jaena, Murcia, Negros Occidental, Saturday afternoon. Police identified the fatalities as 24-year-old Hernsel Herida, and Joebert Francisco, 15, both residents of Barangay Salvacion in the said town. According to Senior Police Officer …