The Department of Education (DepEd) directed all public schools nationwide to keep end-of-school-year ceremonies modest and economical in response to the surging fuel prices. In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara urged all public schools to refrain from unnecessary spending to alleviate the financial burdens on Filipino families. “Our schools must prioritize the welfare of …
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13 hurt in pickup truck-jeep crash
By CESAR JOLITO III At least 13 individuals, including a driver and 12 passengers, were injured after a pickup truck crashed into a traditional public utility jeepney along Gatuslao Street and South Capitol Road in Bacolod City yesterday morning. Police Major Elmer Bonilla, Bacolod Traffic Enforcement Unit head, said the pickup truck was driven by …
Bacolod readies final list of tricycle drivers for fuel subsidy
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City government is now consolidating a master list of registered tricycle drivers and operators in preparation for the national government’s fuel subsidy program, a move aimed at ensuring qualified beneficiaries receive financial assistance once it is rolled out. Councilor Dindo Ramos, chair of the City Council Committee on Transportation …
Kagawad, 2 others arrested in drug den bust
By CESAR JOLITO III An incumbent barangay councilor and two other individuals were arrested following the dismantling of an alleged drug den in Negros Oriental’s Santa Catalina town on Friday afternoon, March 20. In a joint anti-drug operation, operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s Regional Office in the Negros Island Region, in coordination with …
Over 900 ex-rebels in WV, Negros apply for amnesty
More than 900 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and its breakaway group Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) from Western Visayas and Negros Occidental applied for amnesty, the military reported. Captain Jessie Jun Ebalan, head of the Philippine Army’s 3rd …
Police launch manhunt over radio broadcaster’s death
By CESAR JOLITO III Authorities are conducting an intensive investigation into the fatal shooting of a community radio broadcaster in Negros Occidental’s La Castellana town on March 20, with police yet to determine both the identity of the suspect and the motive behind the attack. The victim was identified as 49-year-old Julito “Jaz” Diamante Calo, …
Bacolod eyes more fire auxiliary groups
Bacolod City is eyeing organizing more community fire auxiliary groups (CFAGs) in the barangays as it observes Fire Prevention Month. Only 16 out of the city’s 61 barangays have CFAGs, data from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) showed. Fire Officer 2 Paul Servano, public information officer of BFP-Bacolod City Fire Station, said in an …
Radio announcer shot dead
A community FM radio announcer was shot dead outside his house at Barangay Sag-ang in Negros Occidental’s La Castellana town yesterday. Police identified the victim as Jaz Calo, a resident of Lapak Kawayanan in the village. In a radio interview with a tricycle driver who called for police assistance after Calo was shot, the victim …
High fuel prices threaten Negros tourism, Panaad Festival turnout
By CESAR JOLITO III The continued increase in fuel prices is expected to affect tourism activity in Negros Occidental, including attendance at the upcoming 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival in April, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said. Lacson noted that higher transportation costs may discourage domestic travel, particularly among local tourists who typically drive to destinations …
Moises Padilla all set for Magayon Hinuptanan fest
By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental’s Moises Padilla town is preparing for a vibrant four-day celebration as it hosts the Magayon Hinuptanan Festival 2026 from March 21 to 24, highlighting local culture, talent and community spirit. The festival will open on Saturday, March 21, with a thanksgiving mass, followed by a grand parade and official …