HEADLINE

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 …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) said insurgents of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros who have heinous criminal records will not receive amnesty. Lt. Colonel J-jay Javines, 3ID spokesperson, said amnesty will not be given to rebels who are facing heinous crimes, such as murder, rape and …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde) said there will be no ceasefire with the insurgents of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental this holiday season. Brigadier General Orlando Edralin, 303IBde commander, said they will continue their anti-insurgency operations throughout the period to assure residents that the province will remain peaceful during …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga More than 500 passengers were stranded in Bacolod City’s Bredco and Banago ports yesterday after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued sea travel suspensions due to Tropical Depression “Kabayan.” Based on information from PCG Bredco Substation commander, Chief Petty Officer Louie Campaner, 48 passengers were stranded at the Bredco Port. At least 525 …

The Court of Appeals (CA) based in Cebu City reversed the Bacolod City Regional Trial Court’s (RTC) ruling and ordered the lifting of the suspension of warrant of arrest against Emily Yanson, former corporate secretary of Ceres Transport Inc. (CTI) for perjury and falsification of public documents. In a 34-page decision dated October 27, the CA …

By Mae Singuay The House Committee on Legislative Franchises unanimously approved the franchise for the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) on Wednesday, December 13. Abang Lingkod party-list representative Stephen Paduano, one of the proponents of House Bill (HB) 9310, confirmed the franchise approval to the members of the media in Bacolod City yesterday. HB 9310, which outlines the transfer …

  By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga More than 1,800 police officers are set to be deployed in Negros Occidental as “Misa de Gallo,” or the nine-day pre-dawn novena Mass observed until Christmas Eve, begins today. Police Major Rhojn Darrel Nigos, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) spokesperson, said personnel from law enforcement agencies, such as …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The reestablishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR) is now becoming closer to reality after the Senate approved Senate Bill (SB) 2507 on second reading. SB 2507 or “An act establishing the Negros Island Region to be known as Region XVIII,” was approved on second reading during the Senate’s regular …