Top Stories

Undersecretary for Peace and Order Nestor Sanares of the Department of the Interior and Local Government turns over the PRO NIR banner to Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky.*Richard Malihan photoThe Philippine National Police (PNP) officially activated the Police Regional Office - Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) in a historic move to strengthen security in the Visayas at rites held at the Acacia Hotel Convention Center in Bacolod City Thursday afternoon, March 27.Brig. Gen. Jack Limpayos Wanky, Western Visayas police regional director, has been designated officer-in-charge (OIC) of the PRO-NIR in a concurrent capacity.Col. Dennis Araño Esguerra assumed the post of OIC Deputy Regional Director for Administration; Col. Gilbert Tanchuan Gorero - OIC Chief of Regional Staff; and Col. Ronaldo Pl...

The official campaign period for 785 candidates running for 369 posts in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City in the 2025 midterm elections begins Friday, March 27.Team Asenso led by Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez who is running for congressman and Rep. Greg Gasataya who is running for mayor will hold a kick off rally at the Paglaum Stadium at 4 p.m. Friday.They will be joined by their vice mayoral candidate Councilor Kalaw Puentevella and their councilors.Team El Cid led by Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran who is running for mayor will be held at the Bacolod Public Plaza at 3 p.m. Friday.He will be joined by former Bacolod mayor Evelio Leonardia who is running for congressman, Councilor Renecito Novero who is running for vice mayor and their candidat...

COMELEC Provincial Elections Supervisor Ian Lee AnanoriaBe sober, stick to your platforms of government.That was the reminder of Negros Occidental Provincial Elections Supervisor Officer Ian Lee Ananoria to candidates on Thursday, March 27.This is all about public service, talk about what you can offer the people, Ananoria said. The campaign period for local candidates starts on Friday and candidates should avoid personal attacks to keep the campaign period and election day peaceful, he said. Undersecretary for Peace and Order Nestor Sanares of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, who was in Bacolod Thursday, said they have directed police visibility to keep the campaign period and the election day peaceful. Ananoria met with heads of power distribution firms to di...

The La Catellana pavilion at the Panaad Park *Ronnie Baldonado photoSales at the ongoing Panaad sa Negros Festival at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City hit P4,758,244 on Wednesday.The three-day sales of the pavilions of the 32 towns and cities of Negros Occidental that are selling food, crafts and delicacies hit P3 million.The other revenues were generated at the Technology and Livelihood Development Center Trade Fair, Provincial Veterinary Office and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist villages, San Miguel food area, food alley and garden at the Panaad.The festival ends on Sunday, March 30.*

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is disappointed over Timor-Leste’s decision to deny the Philippine government's request to extradite former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr., its spokesperson said on Thursday, March 27.In a statement, Ma. Teresita Daza indicated that the department interprets this as Timor-Leste lacking trust in the Philippines’ justice system.“We are disappointed that Timor-Leste has not shown enough trust in the delivery of justice in the Philippines, a founding member of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), which it seeks to join, and among the very first ASEAN member states to convey support for its aspiration to join the association,” Daza said.She said Timor-Leste’s application depends on its compliance with the roadmap...

A man under probation for rape charges was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Purok Kaburiha, Brgy. Estefania, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Wednesday, March 26.Arrested was alias “Mark”, 22, the police said.Recovered from him were 15 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street drug price of P102,000.The police are waiting for the examination results from the crime laboratory to file illegal drug charges against the suspect.He is now detained at Bacolod Police Station 1.*

The City Health Office (CHO) on Thursday issued reminders to Bacolodnons on coping with extreme heat and ensuring safe food and water consumption after the state weather bureau announced the start of the dry season this week.Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environment Sanitation Division, said the hot weather can cause discomfort and lead to health problems for some people, especially those with existing health issues.“If you get to experience heat stroke or heat exhaustion, immediately proceed to a shaded area and apply wet towel on the body,” she said.“Avoid too much exposure to the sun. Bring an umbrella, wear a hat, and apply sunblock to avoid skin irritation. Also, don’t forget to take your maintenance medicines.”Tan advised Bacolodnons to stay hydrated by taking adequa...

A farmer, who was allegedly involved in several altercations, died after he was shot multiple times in Sitio Cambalogbog II, Brgy. Telim, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on Wednesday, March 26.Alias “Boy”, 39, of Brgy Telim was shot four times by an unidentified person, the police said.Police investigation showed that while the victim was farming, the suspect called him to ask if he was selling a withered citrus plant.The suspect then suddenly shot the farmer several times and fled.*

A motorcycle driver died when he hit a tricycle along the highway in Sitio Campisang, Brgy. Mambaroto, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, Wednesday night, March 26.The victim, who was not named by the police, hit a tricycle that he was tailing.The impact of the collision caused the motorcycle driver to sustain multiple injuries to his head and various parts of his body.The victim was brought to the Sipalay City Infirmary but was declared dead on arrival.The tricycle driver fled after the accident and pursuit operations are underway, the police said.*

Twenty-one elementary pupils from a public school in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, suffered from “acute food poisoning” that was believed to have been caused by expired imported chocolates at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 26.The pupils from the Bubog Elementary School suffered from acute abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and were brought to the Talisay City Health Office, Dr. Joey Villarosa, Negros Occidental Schools Division medical officer, said.They are still investigating if the pupil who was the source of the chocolates gave them out or sold them, Villarosa said.They were reportedly brought by the child’s parent from Manila.Unopened chocolate bars found in the child’s bag had Sept. 17, 2024 as their expiration dates, Villarosa said.The teachers sought the help of th...