By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Both the Philippine Army and the Negros Occidental provincial government dismissed recent information claiming members of the Islamic State-backed Maute group are planning major attacks on June 30, calling it a “hoax.” An e-mail received by local media yesterday claimed the Maute group is planning to conduct massive terror attacks …
HEADLINE
Pepsi is the next target –SAP
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga After claiming success against Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, with the company vowing to utilize local sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), the Sugar Alliance of the Philippines (SAP) said Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. is their next target. According to United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (USPFP) President …
NIR barangay captains favor poll postponement Villarosa: Local officials cannot meddle in our affairs
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Barangay Tangub Captain Noli Villarosa, who serves as chairman of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in the Negros Island Region (NIR), yesterday revealed his organization’s support for the postponement of the October 2017 barangay elections, but their opposition to the proposal of having barangay officials appointed. He voiced his …
Tornado ravages three towns Bacolod hit by separate tornado
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga No less than 29 homes were destroyed by tornadoes, which ravaged the town of Valladolid and the cities of Bago and Bacolod Thursday evening. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a thunderstorm advisory over Negros Occidental warning people against heavy rains, strong winds, lightning and possible …
Binalbagan Vice Mayor cleared of rebellion charge
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The daughter of Binalbagan Vice Mayor Samuel Gavaran posted a screencap last night on social media of a text message from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana clearing her father of rebellion charges. A screencap of the text message showed Lorenzana directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to verify Gavaran’s name …
LGUs to avail of P1.4-B DOF loans soon Capitol to implement projects
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga According to Negros Occidental Provincial Board Member Salvador Escalante, Jr., the Provincial Development Council (PDC) recently approved a loan application on behalf of 25 Negros Occidental local government units (LGUs) from the Municipal Development Fund Office (MDFO) worth P1.406 billion. P609 million will be devoted to farm-to-market roads, while another …
Hinlo objects to Marawi evacuee profiling
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Following a meeting with local Muslim leaders, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jesus Hinlo, Jr. yesterday expressed his opposition to the proposal for law enforcement to screen individuals fleeing conflict-stricken Marawi City and entering the province. The DILG official explained, he called the meeting with local …
Village execs tapped to identify Marawi evacuees Muslim community ‘uncooperative’ –Wanky
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Local police have tapped barangay officials to account for those evacuating Marawi City but have expressed concern over the willingness of the local Muslim community to assist authorities. Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) acting director, Police Senior Superintedent Jack Wanky, yesterday said he is enlisting the help of barangay captains …
More fleeing Marawi City residents arrive in Negros Oriental NOrPPO confirms no terrorists among evacuees
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Around 80 residents fleeing conflict-stricken Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, are now with relatives in Dumaguete City and Tanjay City, according to Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. In an interview with Bombo Radyo-Bacolod over the weekend, Degamo said the families residing in the province visited his office seeking assistance, requesting …
Migz to fight for P5/liter sugar tax
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Senator Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri yesterday promised to fight for the reduction of the P10 per liter excise tax on sugar-sweetened products. Zubiri said he will push for a tax around P5 per liter on products using locally-produced sugar, while maintaining the P20 per liter excise tax on products using …