By CESAR JOLITO III Autopsy findings on the 19 individuals killed in a military operation in Negros Occidental’s Toboso town, including two Filipino-Americans, have raised questions over the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) claim that the incident was a legitimate armed encounter. The examinations, conducted from April 25 to 29 by forensic pathologist Raquel …
Monthly Archives: May 2026
FOI and the public’s right to see
By Herman M. Lagon There are moments in policy-making when something long delayed finally feels within reach. The Senate’s 22-0 vote recently approving the proposed People’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act on third and final reading is one of those. It is not loud or dramatic. No grand celebrations, no overwhelming noise online. But for …
God and our mundane affairs
By Fr. Roy Cimagala With Christ telling his disciples not to give what is holy to dogs, or throw one’s pearls before swine, (cfr. Matthew 7:6) we are somehow reminded that in our worldly affairs, no matter how technical they are or physically straining and dirty, we should never forget that God is always there, …
The plight of the fisherfolks
By Emmanuel Canto After a hiatus, I got a green light from Watchmen Daily Journal HR officer Ms. Iryn Humadas that I can revive my column In-Depth. As an opinion writer, this will be again my avenue to blend my personal perspective and research to influence, provoke thought and add nuance to public discourse. Again, …
Unifed hits Sugar Council, accuses group of destabilizing industry
By CESAR JOLITO III The United Sugar Producers Federation (Unifed) has strongly criticized the Sugar Council, accusing the group of sowing division within the sugar industry and pursuing what it described as politically motivated attacks against the current administration and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) leadership. Unifed Chairman Manuel Lamata labeled the Sugar Council as …
NegOcc launches solar program after power savings
By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental provincial government has formally launched its expanded community solar program following the success of its solarization initiative that reduced electricity costs in major provincial government buildings by around 50 percent. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the savings came from the solarization project proposed by former governor and …
PRO-NIR gets new chief in major revamp
By CESAR JOLITO III The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) officially welcomed Police Brigadier General Romano Cardiño as its new acting regional director following a ceremonial turnover of command held at Camp Crame in Quezon City yesterday, as part of a broader leadership reshuffle within the Philippine National Police (PNP). Cardiño …
Infra upgrade seen to boost NegOcc tourism, investment
By CESAR JOLITO III Major infrastructure projects in Negros Occidental’s 3rd District are expected to drive economic growth and create more employment opportunities as plans move forward for a P1-billion convention center and the expansion of the Bacolod-Silay International Airport. Third District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez announced the developments during the district-wide graduation ceremony of …
Sagay tightens security vs. student harassment
By CESAR JOLITO III The Sagay City government will install additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and improve street lighting near the State University of Northern Negros (SUNN) following reports of sexual harassment incidents involving students. Sagay Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said the concern was formally raised by university officials led by Renante Egcas during a …
New policy on vehicle reg to boost NegOr traffic enforcement
The new policy of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to allow the first-time registration of motor vehicles at the LTO Dumaguete District Office will be a big boost to traffic law enforcement in the city, the Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) said. Prior to the policy, owners usually had their new vehicles registered outside the …