By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Negros Occidental third district Congressman Alfredo Benitez said he is open to marijuana legalization for medical purposes only. The issue has been discussed greatly as of late after Miss Universe-Philippines Catriona Gray, now-Miss Universe 2018, said she would support the legalization of medical marijuana during the pageant last week. According …
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Guihulngan City police chief over deputy’s death
NPA denies involvement in the murder By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Raul Tacaca, ordered the relief of Guihulngan City police chief, Police Superintendent Mario Baquiran, following the death of his deputy, Police Senior Inspector Porferio Gabuya, Jr., last Wednesday. According to Tacaca, Baquiran’s relief came …
NBI joins investigation into ambush on Bacolod City councilor
Business rivalry, land conflicts among possible motives By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga In response to a request by Bacolod City Councilor Ricardo Tan, who was recently ambushed by unidentified gunmen at Purok 12A in Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City, the Bacolod City National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed they have joined the investigation looking into the …
P7.6M in ‘high grade’ shabu seized in San Carlos City
Dealer: Shabu shipment originated in Dumaguete City By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga An estimated P7.6 million worth of “high grade” shabu were seized yesterday morning following a buy-bust operation at Sito Upper Mahayahay in Barangay Punao, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. Police identified the arrested suspects as 37-year-old Hanjie Alquiza, a high-value drug …
Senatorial hopeful vows to represent all sectors in Negros
Diokno discusses Marcos burial, father’s legacy By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Human rights lawyer and opposition senatorial candidate Jose Manuel ‘Chel’ Diokno said, if elected in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections, he would represent all sectors from Negros. Diokno, who recently held a press conference at the Negros Press Club in Bacolod City, …
Lacson alarmed over violence in Bacolod City
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who is running for governor in next year’s midterm elections, expressed alarm over the recent violent attacks in Bacolod City. In a radio report yesterday morning, the vice governor called on law enforcement to find a way to quell the situation and …
Additional P30K in bonuses for provincial employees
Workers earlier received 14th month pay, P55K bonus By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Negros Occidental Provincial Board recently approved an additional P30,000 in bonuses for provincial government employees. Last week, in addition to 14th-month pay, which disbursed last month, it was reported, provincial government employees would be receiving P55,000 in bonuses, comprised …
Army, police brace for NPA attacks
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Military and law enforcement in Negros Occidental are preparing for possible New People’s Army (NPA) attacks after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ordered tactical offensives nationwide in opposition to the recent extension of Martial Law in Mindanao, along with the anticipated celebration of the organization’s 50th founding …
‘Experimental’ traffic rerouting ends in Bacolod City
BTAO currently unable to assess the results By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The “experimental” traffic rerouting plan implemented last week for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) by the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) ended yesterday. The scheme, which included one-way rerouting and route extensions, was implemented due to the recently-opened Ayala Capitol Central Mall …
Hinoba-an mayor appeals to residents over shipbuilding facility
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga In response to residents of Hinoba-an’s Barangay Bacuyangan reportedly set up barricades on their land in opposition to the proposed construction of the nearly $300 million Tsuneishi Heavy Industries shipbuilding facility, Hinoba-an Mayor Ernesto Estrao appealed for barangay residents to visit his office to discuss the matter. The proposed …