By CESAR JOLITO III The Romeo Nanta Command of the New People’s Army (RNC-NPA) in South Central Negros reaffirmed its armed campaign and criticized ongoing military operations in parts of Negros Occidental while continuing tactical offensives against what it termed “legitimate targets.” In a lengthy statement on December 26, attributed to spokesperson Ka Dionesio Magbuelas, …
HEADLINE
Illegal harvest | Cadiz seeks poachers’ arrest in 33 giant clams killing
By CESAR JOLITO III The Cadiz City government is seeking the arrest of unidentified sea poachers responsible for the illegal extraction and killing of 33 giant clams from the city’s protected Giant Clam Village (GC Ville) off Barangay Cadiz Viejo, a 9.2-hectare marine conservation area located near Lakawon Island. The poachers forcibly removed the giant …
6 PDLs freed | BJMP releases ‘qualified’ PDLs; grants second chances
By CESAR JOLITO III In a gesture underscoring the spirit of compassion and renewal this Christmas season, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in the Negros Island Region facilitated the release of six qualified persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the Negros Occidental District Jail – Male Dormitory on Christmas Eve. The release …
‘Sweetheart deal’ | PrimeWater ownership owes full disclosure: group
By CESAR JOLITO III A consumer watchdog group is calling for full public disclosure and accountability following reports on the transfer of ownership involving PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. and Crystal Bridges Holdings, warning that the deal could further burden water consumers in Bacolod City. In a press statement issued on December 22, Wennie Sancho, convenor of …
Worsen the imbalance | Groups warn of sugar oversupply, buck purchase plan
By CESAR JOLITO III Industry stakeholders have warned that the domestic sugar sector is facing a deepening crisis driven by oversupply and falling prices, urging the government to abandon plans that could trigger further importation and instead directly purchase excess local sugar at fair prices. In a letter dated yesterday, Enrique Rojas, president of …
Can’t afford delays | Yulo urges ‘decisive’ action on low sugar prices
By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental 5th District Representative Emilio “Dino” Yulo III has renewed calls for immediate and decisive government action to address persistently low sugar prices, stressing that small sugarcane planters are bearing the brunt of the problem as they struggle to meet weekly cash needs. Yulo said small planters cannot afford delays …
No more water woes? | New PrimeWater owner eyes P3-B for service upgrade
By CESAR JOLITO III The new owner of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. is prepared to invest up to P3 billion to modernize and improve water distribution services in Bacolod City, according to Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez. Benitez said he met with business magnate Lucio Co on Thursday morning, December 18, to discuss the urgent …
Fatal delays | NegOcc execs split over One Hospital Command; Capitol defends
By CESAR JOLITO III Amid mounting complaints from local chief executives over delays linked to the One Hospital Command (OHC) referral system, the Negros Occidental provincial government has maintained that the problem lies not in the digital platform itself but in hospital emergency room triage and human implementation on the ground. Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz …
Lack of notice | Baciwa puzzled over PrimeWater sale despite JVA
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) has questioned PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. over its alleged failure to disclose the sale of the company despite their existing joint venture agreement (JVA), considering that the partnership directly affects the delivery of water services to city residents. In a media interview, Baciwa Acting Manager Engineer …
Authorized to sell? | Consumer group urges probe into ‘sale’ of PrimeWater
By CESAR JOLITO III A consumer advocacy group has called on Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya and the city council to investigate reports that PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. has been sold to a new entity, raising concerns over transparency and the protection of public interest. Water Watch Advocates convenor Wennie Sancho said the group received information …