The Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (Noceco) admitted yesterday that it erroneously charged a consumer in Hinigaran town P958,334.94 for electricity consumption in May, an error that went viral after the consumer posted her bill on Facebook, saying it gave her a “mini-heart attack.” In a statement, Noceco management said the consumer’s “concern was caused by …
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Bacolod dengue cases drop 50.8% in first 5 months
Dengue cases in Bacolod decreased by 50.8 percent in the first five months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with only 175 cases reported from January 1 to May 16 this year versus 356 cases and two deaths last year, City Health Office (CHO) data showed. The data indicate a sustained downtrend …
Bacolod food vendors now allowed on North Capitol Road
Bacolod City has legalized the operations of food vendors along the North Capitol Road, allowing them to earn a living without fear of apprehension. Starting this week, 42 vendors continued to sell in the area from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. after they were granted special permits by the City Mayor’s Office – Business Permits …
More women ’empowered’ to report VAWC cases in NIR
Negros Oriental recorded the highest incidence of violence against women and their children among the provinces and a highly urbanized city (HUC) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) in 2025, a police official said. Police Captain Wilma Encomienda Silva, chief of the Regional Women and Children Protection Desk (RWCPD) of the Police Regional Office – …
Agri tech office warns NegOr retailers selling imported rice above P50 per kilo
The Department of Agriculture – Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO) in Negros Oriental has cautioned sellers of imported rice to adhere to the government’s P50 per kilo price cap or risk facing severe penalties, an official said. Dana Sampilo, focal person of the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP), also said consumers …
Ma, baby killed after truck crashes into house
By CESAR JOLITO III A mother and her child were killed while seven others were injured after a delivery truck crashed into a roadside house at Barangay Pandanon in Negros Occidental’s Don Salvador Benedicto town on Monday afternoon, May 25. Police identified the fatalities as 23-year-old Judy Ann and her one-year-old son. Injured in the …
REPORT CRIMES ON SOCIAL MEDIA? BCPO: Call 911 first
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is urging city residents to report crimes directly to the 911 emergency hotline for fast response, instead of posting these incidents first on social media. Police Captain Dax Santillan, BCPO public information officer, said yesterday that by dialing 911, the nearest police station can respond immediately after the operator …
Lawmakers back collective efforts for safe, secure NegOcc
Two Negrense lawmakers have expressed continued support for the collaboration between the local government units here and the national government in ensuring a safe and secure Negros Occidental. Representatives Mercedes Alvarez (6th district) and Javier Miguel Benitez (3rd district) joined Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson in meeting with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. at the Provincial …
Rape, robbery eyed in woman’s killing
By CESAR JOLITO III Police are continuing their investigation into the killing of a 38-year-old woman at Barangay Sicaba in Negros Occidental’s Cadiz City while pursuing possible angles of rape and robbery with homicide following new medico-legal findings. The victim, identified as Jenny Mae Delano, was found dead on May 21 about 100 meters away …
Water district manager arrested over ‘rape’
By CESAR JOLITO III Authorities arrested the general manager of the Sipalay City Water District following the service of arrest warrants for multiple rape-related charges. The suspect, identified by police only through the alias “Edgardo,” 48 years old, was apprehended on the evening of May 21 at Purok 3 in Sipalay City’s Barangay 3. Police …