HEADLINE

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) yesterday reported around 1,152.75 grams of illegal drugs were seized in 2017, which the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) valued at P11,532,194.10. According to BCPO spokesperson, Police Senior Inspector Armilyn Vargas, the recovery of the said drugs made a “very big effect” on local drug …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Based on data from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), murder and homicide cases in the province dropped by 15 percent in 2017, with 178 murder and 82 homicide incidents reported last year, as compared to 211 murder and 96 homicide cases in 2016. NOPPO director, Police Senior Superintendent …

Cayetano: Current application process is ‘the best system’ By Paulo Loreto Lim Citizenship planning firm Henley and Partners recently released their annual passport index, which ranks the most “powerful” passports based on the number of countries their citizens can visit without a visa, listing the Philippines in 72nd place, up from last year’s No. 75. …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Heavy rains that fell between Thursday evening and Friday morning caused flooding in Victorias City, Talisay City, and EB Magalona. In addition, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a heavy rain warning for Cadiz City, Victorias City, Silay City, EB Magalona, and Manapla. According to PAGASA, while there …

Boracay celebration begins this weekend By Paulo Loreto Lim With the upcoming Ati-Atihan Festival scheduled to open on Monday, January 15, in Kalibo, Aklan, the Boracay version of the celebration begins today, January 13, with a parade around Balabag Plaza. Kabataan night will also take place tonight; with the festival highlight, Sadsad, a dance parade along …

By Neska Centina Bacolod City Legal Officer, Atty. Joselito Bayatan, recently said he plans to consult with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) regarding the possible reinstatement of eight employees who were earlier dismissed in connection with the case regarding the P50 million purchase of furniture and fixtures for the Bacolod City Government Center from 2008. …

Constantino: 10-year passports begin distribution this month By Paulo Loreto Lim In light of the ongoing situation where all appointments with the Bacolod City Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), a requirement when applying for a new passport or renewal, are booked through March 2018, DFA-Bacolod officer-in-charge Carmela Constantino said the office is unable to accommodate …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Bacolod City Regional Trial Court-Branch 52 and Branch 47 yesterday sentenced two women to life behind bars after being found guilty on drug-related offenses. According to a report by TV Patrol-Negros, Branch 52 Judge Raymond Joseph Javier sentenced Maria Christina Cepeda to reclusion perpetua after being caught attempting to …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Zeaphard Caelian yesterday cautioned local residents to be vigilant as the country is expected to experience a “weak” La Niña until March. La Niña is caused by cooling ocean waters, which results in increased rainfall due to a higher frequencies of …

Constantino: How do they know they are DFA employees? By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga In response to accusations Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) employees were intentionally blocking schedules for the online appointment process, after being paid by local travel agencies, who charge customers P4,500 to P5,000 for “passport assistance,” DFA-Bacolod head Carmela Constantino yesterday asked …