By CESAR JOLITO III Allegations of mismanagement, corruption and lack of transparency within electric cooperatives (ECs) in Northern Negros have prompted consumer watchdog group Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) to sound the alarm on the state of the country’s cooperatives. ACCESS President Wennie Sancho said ECs are failing to uphold …
HEADLINE
Medical neglect ? | Hospital refutes claims over gunshot victim’s death
By CESAR JOLITO III The Cauayan District Hospital (CDH) denied allegations of medical neglect and lack of oxygen supply in connection with the death of a patient who was critically injured due to a gunshot on New Year’s Day, stating that all actions taken were within standard emergency medical care and were fully documented. In …
Fewer blasts | NIR logs 52% drop in fireworks-related injuries
By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Island Region (NIR) had significantly fewer fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) as it welcomed 2026, the Department of Health (DOH) said. DOH-NIR data showed 105 FWRIs were documented from December 21, 2025 to January 2, 2026 — a 52.6 percent decrease from last year’s 131 cases. Of the number, Negros Occidental logged …
Follow measures | Bacolod tightens enforcement on firecracker sales
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City government warned that penalties and confiscation await vendors operating outside the city’s designated firecracker zone, reiterating strict compliance with safety and regulatory requirements for the sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics. Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Human Resources and Development, said all members of …
Sustained efforts | NPA remnants claim renewed armed struggle, killings
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, …
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 …