TOP STORIES

By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) formally welcomed its new director, Police Colonel Dennis Wenceslao, during the turnover of command ceremony held at the NOCPPO headquarters yesterday. Wenceslao officially succeeded Police Colonel Rainerio de Chavez, who was commended for his dedicated service and outstanding leadership during his tenure as provincial director for two …

By CESAR JOLITO III A group has strongly opposed a proposed provincial ordinance that seeks to regulate genetically modified organisms (GMOs), insisting that Negros Occidental must remain GMO-free in line with its long-standing commitment to organic farming. The opposition comes from the GMO-Free Negros Coalition after the provincial government’s joint legal-scientific team recommended amendments to …

By CESAR JOLITO III The People’s Coalition for Good Governance (PCGG) has called on the Bacolodnons to demand transparency and accountability amid alleged corruption in flood control projects, criticizing the silence of local officials on the issue. PCGG convenor Wennie Sancho said the controversy highlights the need for stronger public vigilance, especially with billions of pesos allocated …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is set to recommend a citywide gun ban as part of heightened security measures for this year’s 46th MassKara Festival, BCPO director, Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica confirmed yesterday. Coronica said the gun ban request will be forwarded to the Philippine National Police – Central Office …

By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued a show-cause order (SCO) against four personnel under the Supply and Property Section of the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) in connection with the discovery of thousands of hardened cement bags stored in warehouses in Barangays Taculing and Alijis. In a press conference yesterday, Gasataya announced a major …

By CESAR JOLITO III At least 460 residents, or 116 families, were forced to leave their homes after an encounter erupted between government troops and the New People’s Army (NPA) at Barangay Tan-awan in Negros Occidental’s Kabankalan City on Thursday afternoon, September 4. Of those affected, 13 families were from the encounter site Sitio Balao, …

By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City’s MassKara Festival 2025 was formally launched with the unveiling of its official logo, “Mass-Kasingkasing,” and the announcement of this year’s theme: “One Smile, One City, One Heart.” Organizers said the theme highlights the enduring Bacolodnon spirit — “one smile that inspires, one city that unites, and one heart that …

By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has expressed alarm over the resurgence of killings attributed to remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA), despite the military’s earlier declaration that Negros Island is in a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS). The concern comes after the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command, …

By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Police Colonel Dennis Wenceslao was his choice to lead the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), expressing confidence that the officer can handle the responsibilities of provincial police director. “I haven’t met him personally yet, but I have seen his personal data, and I …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental provincial government has affirmed support for the proposed regulatory ordinance for genetically modified organisms (GMO) that seeks to align local agricultural policies with national regulations while addressing public concerns. According to the official statement released by the Capitol’s joint legal-scientific team, the proposed ordinance is intended to harmonize the province’s existing …