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By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Nicholas Lachica, the head of the local rescue and emergency services in Candoni, Negros Occidental, recently appealed for calm following unverified reports claiming the New People’s Army (NPA) was planning an attack on the municipality. Based on information disseminating on social media, around 100 NPA members are planning an attack …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Senator JV Ejercito recently noted the proposed excise taxes on sugar-sweetened products and fuel make passing the Comprehensive Tax Reform Package a challenge. He said, as a sponsor of the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SIDA), the excise tax on sugar will “surely affect” farmers. The senator added, the excise tax …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga One of three suspects in the killing and robbery of a married couple in Barangay Balintawak, Escalante City, was arrested by police after a lengthy follow-up operation. Escalante City police chief, Police Chief Inspector Rollie Pondevilla, said 44-year-old Salcedo Lobaton was captured in neighboring Sagay City in a joint operation …

By Ma. Irish Joy M. Sabio, Intern A suspected 59-year-old drug pusher was caught selling a sachet of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation conducted by the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Dumaguete City Police Station at Zone 4, Barangay Looc, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental Monday evening. Police identified the suspect as Mario …

By Ma. Irish Joy M. Sabio, Intern Two singers from Negros Occidental, who recently won various divisions of the 2017 World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA), celebrated their victories yesterday at 21 Restaurant, along Lacson Street in Bacolod City. Cristiani Rebada of Cadiz City won the senior grand champion titles for vocal soloist of the …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Talisay City South Elementary School officials suspended classes after students complained of a foul odor, following a suspected chemical spill. In a statement by the Talisay City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), nine students were rushed to the city’s health clinic after complaining of dizziness, vomiting, and stomach aches. …

National Economic Development Authority-Region VI (NEDA-6) director Ro-Ann Bacal revealed proposals to improve ports across the province of Iloilo have the support of President Rodrigo Duterte. “It has long been in the pipeline,” she said. “Now, it has the support of President Duterte.” Bacal pointed out, the president mentioned Iloilo as part of the national …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga According to Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) spokesperson, Police Superintendent Gilbert Gorero, beyond heightened security during yesterday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) are imminent, prompting police across the region to go on “full alert status.” He pointed out last month’s raid on the …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares expressed his disappointment with President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday, particularly with the excise tax and the importation of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Prior to the speech, his group already announced they would be holding a protest rally as …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga A Metro Bacolod District Jail (MBDJ) inmate died in the hospital following violence that erupted from a prison shakedown yesterday morning. Jail guards identified the fatality only as “Jocjoc.” Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) director, Jail Senior Superintendent Alberto Balauag, said they conducted Oplan: Galugad, around …