HEADLINE

By CESAR JOLITO III A suspected hitman of the New People’s Army (NPA) identified as Roger Fabillar, also known as “Jhong” and “Arnel Tapang,” was among 19 alleged rebels killed in a series of armed encounters with government troops at Barangay Salamanca in Negros Occidental’s Toboso town early Sunday morning, April 19. Brigadier General Ted …

By CESAR JOLITO III Government troops clashed with suspected remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in a series of encounters at remote villages in Negros Occidental’s Cauayan and Toboso towns over the weekend. Personnel of the 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) encountered at least three individuals believed to be affiliated with the South West Front …

By CESAR JOLITO III Citing an estimated P12.8 billion in foregone revenues, a Senate inquiry has been proposed to investigate the alleged over-importation of sugar and its impact on the country’s local sugar industry, following the filing of Senate Resolution No. 369. The resolution directs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform to …

By CESAR JOLITO Tensions erupted during a regular session of Sangguniang Panlungsod in Negros Occidental’s La Carlota City after members of the minority bloc staged a walkout, citing alleged disrespect and procedural lapses involving the presiding officer, Vice Mayor David Baga. In a joint statement, La Carlota Councilors Jegie Aguirre, Akoy Sia, January Alvañez-Abad, and …

By CESAR JOLITO III The sugar sector should have already reduced its dependence on imports and significantly improved production output seven years following the enactment of the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SIDA), a senator said. Speaking as guest of honor during the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival’s opening ceremony, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito expressed concern …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Sugar Council has joined labor groups in demanding transparency from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), particularly over the approval of a controversial sugar importation order amounting to 424,000 metric tons. In a statement, the council supported the call of the National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the …

By CESAR JOLITO III An increase in electricity rates is “inevitable” as global oil prices continue to surge due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) said. In an advisory, ACCESS said the ongoing geopolitical tensions are driving up fuel costs, which in …

By CESAR JOLITO III The 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival officially opens today, with the provincial government affirming its decision to push through with the event, citing that its economic and social benefits outweigh the costs despite ongoing financial challenges. Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the move to proceed was driven by both contractual …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental provincial government assured the Negrenses that there will be no immediate increase in real property taxes despite ongoing updates in land valuation, following concerns raised by the United Sugar Producers’ Federation of the Philippines (Unifed). Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the reassessment of property values is mandated …

By CESAR JOLITO III The proposed increase in real property tax in Negros Occidental could worsen financial pressures on key industries, especially the sugar sector, the United Sugar Producers’ Federation of the Philippines (Unifed) warned. In a board resolution, Unifed called on authorities to defer the implementation of higher property taxes, stressing that current economic …