By CESAR JOLITO Tensions erupted during a regular session of Sangguniang Panlungsod in Negros Occidental’s La Carlota City after members of the minority bloc staged a walkout, citing alleged disrespect and procedural lapses involving the presiding officer, Vice Mayor David Baga. In a joint statement, La Carlota Councilors Jegie Aguirre, Akoy Sia, January Alvañez-Abad, and …
Monthly Archives: April 2026
Energy crisis calls for everyday heroes
By Ignacio R. Bunye The energy crisis is no longer an abstract policy debate — it is the rising cost in our bills, the strain on our transport, and the uncertainty in our future. For Juan and Maria, conserving energy is not just about saving pesos; it is about safeguarding the nation’s resilience. We often …
‘One Battle After Another’: Satire with teeth
By Herman M. Lagon This piece is not for those who have not seen “One Battle After Another.” Spoilers ahead. Released in late 2025, it quickly found its way into debates, chats and classrooms. By the 98th Academy Awards, it had won six of 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. I did not …
Trump says Iran war could end soon, as US blockades Iranian ports
US President Donald Trump said the war with Iran could end soon, telling the world to watch out for an “amazing two days,” while US forces imposing a blockade turned back vessels leaving Iranian ports. With the prospect of US and Iranian officials returning to Pakistan for more talks, Vice President JD Vance, who led …
Bacolod energy efficiency practices get DOE nod
The Bacolod City government has been rated highly compliant by the Department of Energy (DOE) with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP). The observation was based on the spot check conducted by the team from the DOE – Visayas led by supervising science research specialist Chammer Jake Plaza at the Bacolod City Government Center …
Dengue cases down by 68%, 3 deaths logged
By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) observed a significant decline in dengue cases for the first three months of this year. As of PHO’s Morbidity Week 13 report, from January 4 to April 4, a total of 500 cases have been reported across the province. This marks a 68.45 percent …
‘Drug lord,’ 2 targets killed in cop shootout
By CESAR JOLITO III An alleged drug lord and two individuals tagged as high-value drug personalities were killed in separate armed encounters with authorities in Negros Occidental’s Escalante City yesterday. Authorities identified the fatalities as Joseph Moso Bindoy, who was reportedly considered a drug lord and had multiple standing warrants of arrest, along with Piolo …
Family seeks autopsy of suspect in cop’s death
By CESAR JOLITO III The family of a man accused of killing a police officer during an anti-drug operation is calling for an independent autopsy, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death while authorities disclose his extensive criminal record. Ronilo Panoncial, 32 years old, died on April 11 at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial …
Drug stings net P1.8-M ‘shabu’
By CESAR JOLITO III Authorities seized more than P1.8 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested three high-value individuals (HVIs) in two successive anti-drug operations conducted late Wednesday night, April 15. The operations, led by the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) through the Bacolod City Police Office, resulted in the confiscation of approximately …
Melencio, Bacolod edge Imus in MPBL
By ADRIAN STEWART CO Bacolod Masskara mounted a strong fourth quarter charge to rally past the Imus Yankees, 111-105, in the 2026 MPBL Season at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal. Christian Melencio fueled Masskara’s comeback run with a double-double of 34 points and 17 assists to be named Player of the Game and give …