HEADLINE

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Bacolod Alliance of Commuters, Operators and Drivers Inc. (BACOD) demanded a clear answer from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) if they are still allowed to continue operating in the city until January 31. BACOD president Rudy Catedral said they are confused about continuing to ply their routes despite the …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga At least 27 employees of the Negros Occidental provincial government who flunked the drug tests last month will still face appropriate penalties, while confirmatory drug test results have yet to be released. Provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II said they wanted to conduct confirmatory drug tests to find out the amount …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded an additional 38 cases of firecracker-related injuries yesterday, bringing the total cases to 58, following the New Year’s Day celebrations. At least 16 eye injuries were logged, two were tagged as blast and burn injuries with no amputation, while two were tagged as injuries …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga and Mae Singuay A total of 21 firecracker-related injuries were recorded over the past few days leading to New Year’s Day in Negros Occidental, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said. PHO head Dr. Girlie Pinongan said the recorded firecracker injuries were from December 26, 2023 to January 1, 2024. The monitoring …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) has been placed on “blue alert” status ahead of the New Year’s Day celebrations. Irene Bel Ploteña, Provincial Disaster Management Program Division head, said all of their ambulances have now been pre-positioned across the province to respond to emergencies that may …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod City was alarmed over a string of fire incidents that struck the city this month. In a radio interview yesterday morning, BFP-Bacolod Fire Marshal, Chief Inspector Stephen Jardeleza, said they have recorded 16 fire incidents this month — nine were caused by electrical …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Seven employees from Negros Occidental provincial government-run hospitals have tested positive for illegal drug use following another round of drug tests. Provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said the drug-positive employees consisted of five personnel from Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City, and two from Cadiz District Hospital. Diaz said drug …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has not recognized the declaration of a two-day unilateral ceasefire by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for its 55th anniversary yesterday. Lt. Colonel J-jay Javines, 3ID spokesperson, said there was no ceasefire on their part, as they did not declare a truce …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Negros Occidental provincial government-run hospitals are now bracing for an increase in medical emergencies during the holidays. Dr. Mary Ann Maestral, chief of the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City, said they are particularly concerned over illnesses that could easily spread due to social gatherings. Maestral added that …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) head Pablo Luis Azcona said yesterday there is no apparent need to import sugar at the moment based on the current demand figures. Azcona’s statements came amid concerns over the continued drop in the price of mill gate sugar over the past few weeks. According to Azcona, the …