News

Bacolod City started to accept the processing of business and mayor’s permits for 2026 on Monday, November 17, ahead of the regular renewal period in January. In a memorandum, Mayor Greg Gasataya ordered the early start in preparation for the forthcoming business one-stop-shop (BOSS) operations and to ensure the smooth and efficient processing of these permits …

The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlalawigan has stepped in to protect one of the country’s long-standing cultural practices after reports surfaced that some cockpit operators have been pressuring enthusiasts to switch exclusively to machine-based betting. Under a newly approved resolution, cockpit operators and promoters in Bacolod are now directed to give sabong patrons full freedom to choose …

By CESAR JOLITO III In the wake of Typhoon “Tino’s” devastating impact, environmental group Green Alert Negros is urging authorities to strengthen law enforcement and accelerate reforestation efforts to avert future calamities. Green Alert Negros founding member and adviser Rusty Biñas said that while existing laws and tree-planting initiatives aim to protect natural resources, these measures …

By CESAR JOLITO III A resident of Bacolod City has been sentenced to two years in prison for fatally shooting a dog, marking a rare conviction in the city for animal cruelty. An animal welfare group, CARE Inc. said the court found Dominador Bangero guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 6 of Republic Act No. 8485, …

The Office of Civil Defense in the Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) has affirmed that the intensified information campaign messaging and crisis communication efforts leading to early evacuation measures were proven effective during the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Uwan” in Negros Island Region (NIR). According to OCD-NIR Regional Director Donato Sermeno III, improved coordination and heightened …

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Negros Oriental has started repairing a segment of the national highway and seawall in Sta. Catalina town, that were damaged by Super Typhoon “Uwan.” In an interview, Engineer Patrick Henry Undag, point person of the DPWH 3rd Engineering District Maintenance Division, said the affected two-lane portion …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Negros Island Region (DENR-NIR) has attributed the massive flash floods that devastated multiple towns in Negros Occidental during Typhoon “Tino” on November 4 to an extraordinary volume of rainfall and the blockage of major waterways by boulders, debris and uprooted trees. DENR-NIR …

The local government unit (LGU) of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, is fast-tracking the restoration of its water system destroyed by Typhoon “Tino” (international name “Kalmaegi”) early this month. Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas appealed to his constituents on social media yesterday for understanding, as the restoration work is risky and difficult, especially when it rains. “We …

Negros Oriental police have filed complaints for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition against two individuals under investigation for possible ties to “guns-for-hire” following their arrest in Barangay Banilad in Dumaguete City. Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), told the Philippine News Agency yesterday that a complaint for grave …

By CESAR JOLITO III The P45-million Presidential Assistance Fund pledged to six local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental affected by Typhoon “Tino” has yet to be released, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Negros Island Region. OCD Regional Director Donato Sermeno III confirmed that the fund, intended to support rehabilitation …