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Trucks filled with sugarcane in Negros Occidental.*Ronnie Baldonado photoThree federations are calling for intensified anti-smuggling operations following the plunge in millgate sugar prices by close to P1,000 per 50 kilo bag in the last three weeks.Aurelio “Bodie” Valderrama - Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations president, Enrique Rojas - National Federation of Sugar Planters president, and Danilo Abelita - Panay Federation of Sugarcane Farmers president issued the call in a joint statement of concern Monday, November 7.They said the plunge in prices is a matter of grave concern for producers, who continue to reel from increasing costs of production.“The reasons can be attributed to a possible spike in sugar smuggling coupled with an increase in sugar inventory d...

Administrator Benny Antiporda of the National Irrigation Administration delivers his speech at the IA Congress in the presence of Acting Governor Jeffrey Ferrer.*Administrator Benny Antiporda of the National Irrigation Administration pledged on Monday, November 7, to provide efficient, effective and sustainable irrigation services in Negros Occidental to achieve food security.Antiporda, who spoke at the NIA Region 6 Irrigators’ Association (IA) Congress at Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod City, said in line with President Ferdinand Marcos’ order their first priority is to make sure that the country becomes self-sufficient in rice.After palay, NIA will also focus on irrigation for sugarcane and high value crops, he assured.He told the NIA personnel it is time for them to get out o...

Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (center) flanked by Rep. Greg Gasataya (left) and former councilor Caesar Distrito (right).*Caesar Distrito FB page photoBacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez who returned from Japan on Monday, November 7, has tested positive for COVID-19.On his arrival in Manila from his official leave he had himself tested for COVID-19 for a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos and the result was positive, he said.“I feel okay but with mild symptoms”, he said.“Rest assured that all day to day task of the City would continue to function well, while I am working from home,” he added.“To all the people in Bacolod, the challenges of the coronavirus is still there. Stay safe always,” he said.Councilor Celia Flor who joined Benitez in J...

PUVs with complete documents and modernized jeepneys will continue to ply the streets on Monday.*Levi Trio photoThe Land Transportation Office (LTO) will start apprehending public utility vehicles (PUVs) with no franchises and provisional authorities in Bacolod City starting Monday, November 7.Some private schools have cancelled face-to-face classes on Monday because of a potential lack of public transportation.Leaders of transport groups said they have instructed their members not to let their unregistered PUVs ply the streets to avoid apprehensions but they have not declared a strike.PUVs whose franchises have not expired and still have permits will continue to ply the streets, they said.Modern jeepneys will also continue to operate.The LTO Region 6 starting Monda...

The scene of the burning in Candoni on Saturday, November 5.*Candoni PNP photoSuspected rebels burned heavy equipment at Purok Magboto, Barangay Cabia-an, Candoni, Negros Occidental, on Saturday, November 5, the police said.Police said that the backhoe owned by Silver Dragon Construction Incorporated was burned by suspected members of the New People’s Army.This prompted the Candoni police to conduct a chokepoint for the possible exit of the perpetrators.Police also coordinated with the Candoni Bureau of Fire Protection and 47th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.Investigation is still ongoing.*

A man who was attending the birthday party of his grandmother at his residence in Balansag Bobong, Brgy. Minapasok, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on Saturday, November 5, was shot to death.The fatality was identified as Remart Rebucas, 26.Police said the suspect arrived at the birthday celebration of the victim’s grandmother when he shot Rebucas on the chest.He died instantly.The suspect identified by the police as 27-year-old Junjun Aligioho fled after the shooting, while the victim was brought to Alfredo Marañon District Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.Police investigation is still ongoing.*

The Cluster 5 Sigabong sang mga Kanyon champion*Ronnie Baldonado photoCluster 5 composed of barangays Pacol, Sagasa, and Bagroy was the champion in the Sigabong sang mga Kanyon competition to mark Al Cinco de Noviembre in Bago City on Saturday, the city government announced.Cluster 6 composed of barangays Poblacion, Lag-asan, and Tabunan was the champion in the Sigabong sang mga Kanyon dance drama contest.The other Sigabong sang mga Kanyon competition winners were:FIRST RUNNER UPCluster 7 (barangays Taloc, Calumangan, and Sampinit)SECOND RUNNER UPCluster 4 (barangays Dulao, Abuanan and Atipuluan)The Cluster 6 Sigabong sang mga Kanyon dance drama champion*Ronnie Baldonado photoTHIRD RUNNER UPCluster 6 (barangays Poblacion, Lag-asan, and Tabunan)The other winn...

An Al Cinco de Noviembre reenactment at the Capitol Lagoon rites.*Richard Malihan photoNegros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, during the 124th anniversary of Al Cinco de Noviembre on Saturday, November 5, said it is his hope that the victories of the past will inspire Negrenses to find renewed meaning, resolve, and inspiration to unite and work together.“At present, although we are not faced with the same predicament of revolting against conquistadores, our society is nonetheless beset with our struggles and fight against poverty, unemployment, lawlessness, substance abuse, climate change, and the global crisis caused by COVID-19,” Lacson said at rites held at the Capitol Lagoon Park in Bacolod City.Al Cinco de Noviembre, also known as Negros Day, is celebrated annuall...

The scene of the crime in La Carlota City on Saturday, November 5.*La Carlota PNP photoA butcher who was on his way to work at a slaughterhouse in San Agustin Street, Brgy. 1 Poblacion in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, on Saturday, November 5.The victim was identified as 47-year-old Mitchell Iligan of Brgy 2 Poblacion.Initial police investigation showed that the victim was on board his motorcycle going to the slaughterhouse when the two suspects, who were waiting for him beside the road, shot him several times.They immediately fled on board a motorcycle driven by a third suspect.The victim, who sustained seven gunshot wounds, crawled to the ground until he was able to asked for help inside the slaughterhouse.He was brought to Don Salvador Benedicto Memorial Dis...

The Team Asenso Bacolod officials at Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan.*Team Asenso Bacolod officials led by Mayor Alfredo Benitez are in Japan and are expected back on Tuesday, November 8.Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said he has been designated acting mayor from November 4 to 7, while Councilor Israel Salanga is acting vice mayor.Former Councilor Ceasar Distrito said, in a Facebook post, that Benitez personally sponsored their trip.The officials in Japan are Rep. Greg Gasataya, Team Asenso councilors - Simple Distrito,Thaddy Sayson, Kalaw Puentevella, Al Victor Espino, Celia Flor, Jayson Villarosa, Vladimir Gonzales and Pao Sy, and barangay captains Rosinie Distrito (Singcang), Itik Talimodao (Granada), Noli Villarosa (Tangub), Rodney Carmona (Sum-ag), Donnie Dela Vega...