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By CESAR JOLITO III The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has taken the lead in crafting a comprehensive recovery plan to fast-track assistance for communities affected by Typhoon “Tino” in the Negros Island Region (NIR), underscoring the government’s push for coordinated and well-funded post-disaster rehabilitation. OCD-NIR Director Donato Sermeno said OCD Undersecretary Harold Cabreros has …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has deployed 150 police personnel to reinforce security operations for the upcoming Sinulog Festival 2026 in Cebu City, reaffirming the Philippine National Police’s commitment to public safety and inter-regional cooperation during major national events. The deployment was formalized during a send-off …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City government, through the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), will release financial assistance to 37 informal settler families affected by the planned clearing of structures along Mambuloc Creek in Barangay 2. DSSD chief Dr. Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said each identified family will receive P10,000 in cash aid to …

By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya inspected the city’s sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa to ensure operational safety and regulatory compliance following the deadly landfill collapse in Cebu City earlier this month. The inspection comes after a January 8 incident in Cebu City’s Barangay Binaliw, where a landfill collapse killed 11 waste …

By CESAR JOLITO III Consumer advocacy group Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) has expressed strong support for the proposal to exempt electricity from the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT), saying the measure would provide much-needed relief to households and businesses amid rising living costs. ACCESS President Wennie Sancho said the …

By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya clarified that only business establishments with a capitalization of more than P3 million are required to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems as a condition for securing or renewing business permits, amid confusion following earlier advisories from the Office of the Building Official (OBO). Gasataya said the …

By CESAR JOLITO III A consumer advocacy group has thrown its support behind the proposed partnership between Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) and the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (Noneco), saying the joint venture could significantly improve power services in Northern Negros amid growing demand and persistent complaints from consumers. Alliance of Concerned Consumers …

The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Cimafranca is handling new and additional information that will help build a strong case against a police officer charged with the murders of three fellow officers and a female civilian in Sibulan, Negros Oriental. Suspect Staff Sergeant Bonifacio Saycon was presented for inquest proceedings at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) renewed its commitment to public safety and cooperation with the provincial government during a New Year’s Call on Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol yesterday. Led by NOCPPO Director Colonel Dennis Wenceslao, the delegation included chiefs of police from the cities and …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) categorically denied claims that the government is pursuing sugar import liberalization, as the agency moved to counter statements warning of an impending collapse of the local sugar industry. SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona described as “a blatant lie” allegations made by Save the Sugar Industry Movement …