The National Task Force Kanlaon (NTFK) discussed steps to strengthen disaster management efforts on Negros Island following an explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon. According to a statement issued on Friday, May 16, the task force conducted their inaugural meeting at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo on May 8, under the leadership of Secretary of National Defense …
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3 dead in Kabankalan motorcycle-truck crash
By JEN BAYLON The collision of a motorcycle and a truck at Barangay Tampalon in Negros Occidental’s Kabankalan City on Saturday night, May 17, resulted in the deaths of a motorcycle rider and his two passengers. The victims were identified as 26-year-old motorcycle driver Rico Ian Samanero and his passengers, 19-year-old Robin Causapin and 21-year-old …
PHO: Rainy season onset raises surge in dengue cases
By JEN BAYLON Negros Occidental is seeing a welcome decline in dengue cases, but health authorities are urging residents not to be complacent as the onset of the rainy season raises the risk of another surge. “With the rains starting, we must remain vigilant. Do not be complacent just because cases are dropping,” Provincial Health …
OCD formulating evacuation plans for Kanlaon-hit LGUs
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is working with local government units (LGUs) around Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island to formulate evacuation plans that will be executed should the volcano’s alert status escalate. OCD-Negros Island Region (NIR) Director Donato Sermeno III said yesterday the Regional Incident Management Team is gathering data in affected LGUs as …
Comelec warns winning bets: No SOCE, no post
By JEN BAYLON The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has called on all candidates — especially winners in the May 12 midterm elections — to submit their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) by June 11, emphasizing that failure to comply will have serious consequences. “Winning candidates cannot assume their posts if they fail to file …
Palace OKs P203-M aid to Kanlaon eruption-affected LGUs
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has approved over P203 million in additional funding for local government units (LGUs) at risk of Kanlaon Volcano’s continuing unrest. This was confirmed by Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, who said the financial assistance amounting to P203,881,186 would be directly downloaded to the concerned LGUs. “Susunod din kami …
NegOr police need more personnel to meet ideal ratio
The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental requires additional personnel to meet the ideal police-to-population ratio of 1:500. Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO), said yesterday that while this is not possible at the moment, they hope that more police officers will be downloaded to the province. Polinar …
April inflation eases in Bacolod City, NegOcc
Lower prices of food and utilities eased headline inflation rates for all income households both in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City in April, the summary inflation and consumer price index (CPI) report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Wednesday, May 14, showed. The inflation rate in the province last month was at 2.1 percent …
Kanlaon’s new eruption not worst-case scenario: Phivolcs
By JEN BAYLON The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) clarified that the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano early morning on Tuesday, May 13, was not considered a worst-case scenario. Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol described the recent eruption as moderate, lasting approximately five minutes. Bacolcol said it was significantly shorter and less intense than the previous …
Lacson seals final term as NegOcc guv
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson thanked the Negrenses for their “overwhelming show of support” as he won his third and last term in the midterm elections. “I thank you with all my heart for your unwavering trust and confidence. Once again, you have chosen to entrust me this great honor of leading our beloved …