The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) vowed to return the annual Dinagyang Festival to its “original form,” with IDFI president Ramon Cua Locsin saying, “We are all challenged to make sure [the] Iloilo Dinagyang Festival remains true to its core as the Ilonggos’ way of thanksgiving thru merry-making.” “We should know our identity and that …
HEADLINE
Iloilo City crime rate drops over 50%
According to recent data, the crime rate in Iloilo City dropped 53.33 percent between September 21 and 27 compared to the same period last year. The Iloilo City Police Office reported a total of 35 criminal incidents during the period this year as compared to 75 in the prior year. Local police credit the improvement …
Candidate shrugs off mayors reportedly backing other candidates
Rumors suggest support is building behind Arroyo kin in the 5th district By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Negros Occidental Provincial Board Member Alain Gatuslao and candidate for Negros Occidental fifth district congressman shrugged off reports United Negros Alliance (UNegA) mayors within the congressional district would not support his candidacy. Reports suggested Isabela Mayor Joselito Malabor, …
NFA rice in grocery stores, supermarket soon
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The National Food Authority (NFA) in Negros Occidental recently confirmed NFA rice will be available at local grocery stores and supermarkets in the province soon. During a radio interview yesterday morning, NFA-Negros Occidental head, Engr. Frisco Canoy, said, last September 26, a memorandum of agreement was signed between the …
Minor earthquake strikes Guimaras
A 2.2-magnitude quake was recorded Monday night with an epicenter pinpointed just east of Buenavista, Guimaras. According to a bulletin from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), no damage was recorded due to the tremor nor were there any anticipated aftershocks. Earthquakes ranging between 1.0 and 3.0 in magnitude are often classified as …
Detained vice mayor to challenge Peña in 2019
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Embattled Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo will reportedly challenge incumbent Mayor Magdaleno Peña in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections. The claim was made by the mayor’s nephew Michael Garcia, who also confirmed Love Negros named Peña as their official candidate for mayor during a recent press conference. The …
Benitez kin currently unopposed in third district race
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Dr. Francisco Benitez, the younger brother of outgoing Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez, is currently running unopposed to replace his sibling, who is currently serving his third and final term. The congressional aspirant said he plans to “continue the programs and projects of his elder brother.” “There …
Two congressmen endorse Gasataya for reelection
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Incumbent Bacolod City lone district Rep. Greg Gasataya recently received endorsements for reelection from two of his fellow legislators. Negros Occidental first district Rep. Melecio Yap and Tarlac first district Rep. Carlos O. Cojuangco, who previously served three terms as congressman for the Negros Occidental fourth congressional district, both …
MassKara Festival 2018
BCPO intensifies apprehensions against thieves By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga With the MassKara Festival opening this weekend, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) yesterday said they have intensified monitoring and apprehending suspected thieves across the city as part of ongoing security preparations. BCPO spokesperson, Police Chief Inspector Sherlock Gabana, said most suspects have …
Provincial government employees undergo random drug testing
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Around 800 Negros Occidental provincial government employees and officials underwent random drug testing yesterday. “Yesterday was just for Capitol-based workers,” explained Provincial Human Resource Management head, Atty. Annabelle Palic. “We will set surprise drug tests for those assigned outside Bacolod City, like in the district hospitals and other projects …