Monday, February 28, 2022

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Abellanosa: The truth will set you free

Posted: 28 Feb 2022 01:33 AM PST

"THE Truth Will Set You Free" is the latest pastoral letter from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. At first glance, its main content focuses on the preparations for the upcoming elections. A much deeper reading of the text, however, reveals that the bishops are worried about a growing subculture that has seriously damaged our values. Among others, the letter mentions historical revisionism and the proliferation of fake news.Like the other CBCP documents (in the past), the letter was received by some Catholics with a certain degree of open-mindedness. However, some quarters were not happy with the letter's tenor. They find it too partisan or biased. This sentiment comes from those who would prefer a Church that is "neutral" in politics and "charitable" to all, including those who have serious accountabilities to our people. I know in fact of some members of the clergy who have openly criticized the bishops "for causing great division among the people." The bishops, accordingly, should "do some rethinking [of their position] before things would get worse."I remember that when the priest read the letter last Sunday, some churchgoers (in the Mass which I attended) showed discomfort in their body language. A woman, some two rows in front of me, started chatting with her husband and made faces when "Edsa People Power" was mentioned. Her demeanor was more than enough for me to know that she was not comfortable with terms like "troll farms," "virus of lies," and "fake news" included or mentioned in the liturgy. Finally, she left. "Nag walkout!"Should the Church not say anything and be neutral in the field of politics? This is an old issue which refuses to die. The answer to the question would really depend on where you are in the spectrum. For although we belong to one Body of Christ, we do not have the same location in the socioeconomic and political landscape. Let's admit it, even within the Church, there are clergy and laypeople who would prefer to be conservative on political issues but more vocal in situations where government policy or legislation would touch marriage and sexuality.It is just "too good to be true" for any Catholic, especially a member of the clergy, to "desire," "dream" and "pray" for unity, when in fact Philippine Church history has been replete with divisions and divisiveness. When was the last time that the bishops received a "full-blown" support from the lay or even the clergy in their pronouncement? When the bishops protested the re-imposition of capital punishment during the term of President Estrada, the late Fr. Sonny Ramirez, a Dominican, openly disagreed. When the CBCP and the so-called pro-lifers within the Church took a strong opposition against the RH Bill during the term of Noynoy Aquino, certain Jesuits and theologians expressed dissent. So, what is new and what else is there to be afraid of with a Church that does not have a "uniformed" stand?Are we saying that there is "no unity" within the Church or that we as Catholics would be promoters of dissent and division? Certainly not. But as a Church that lives and believes in the value of conscience, we are all free to exercise freedom within the bounds of moral and ethical responsibility. Where there is a need for the shepherds to "speak out" even if it is not a "popular" opinion, it must in the spirit of its prophetic role.There is a difference between being prudent and being afraid. There is a difference between being charitable and being congenial or pleasant. The problem with some Catholics is that they want a Church that speaks about things that make them "feel good" and nothing more. For some, the terms "love" and "forgiveness" are easy to mumble as an empty "Praise the Lord."Some Catholics would like their Church merely to be a service provider (of their baptism, communion, and funeral), not a teacher of the truth that will set them free.

Legaspi: Edsa and politics?

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 07:33 AM PST

THIS 2022, we celebrate the 36th anniversary of the first People's Revolution in Edsa. We will once again see personalities telling us how they participated in toppling down a dictator or they will retell what they had undergone almost four decades ago. We will be hearing or reading testimonies of how they participated in an "active nonviolent mass action in 1986. Most politicians will be using this event as a springboard for their dying campaign. Some will once again become neo-heroes of Edsa.My mind now asks me, where has Edsa brought us? Have we learned the lessons of Edsa? Have we transcended and applied these lessons today? Or are we stuck in the past? These are questions that we must ask as we go near in the celebration of Edsa's 40th anniversary.I was in my senior year in high school then. I volunteered for Namfrel and was assigned as a runner. I remembered during the week of the elections I was so busy updating myself on the events. I was also out in the streets joining a protest march that would lead to the Edsa revolution. Then, when the news came that the dictator had left the country, we rejoiced and attended the early eucharistic celebration led by the Late Bishop Antonio Fortich at the plaza. However, after that day of rejoicing came the dark days ahead.So, let us try to reminisce but let us try to move on also. The unrest in the Philippines started when Opposition icon Benigno Aquino, Jr. was assassinated upon his arrival to the Philippines from the US. When the news of the assassination broke out, we were preparing to celebrate the birthday of my cousin. I got curious about who Ninoy Aquino was. So, after the news about his death and burial, I gathered facts about Ninoy and appreciated his nationalistic deeds for the country and how he fought his good friend, McCoy. Marcos and Aquino were really good friends but politics divided them.As I read books and newspapers, the realities unfolded. Those who spoke against the dictator or his cronies were silenced. Many were "missing-in-action," especially during the dark years of Martial Law. However, I noted that it was the dogs of Martial Law who were doing the atrocities. Many of the members of the defunct Philippine Constabulary abused their authority. They did not know their limits. Some cronies of the dictator were also getting things in their bags at the back of the dictator, especially in the last years of his regime.The 1986 snap elections became the stage for the People Power Revolution. Reports came in of massive cheating and vote switching. Many opposition politicians grabbed their chairs and threw them on the stage and played active roles. Soon, the military headed by Ramos and Enrile came onto the stage. The Catholic Church with the charismatic Jaime cardinal Sin and other bishops entered and theologized the events and called for the voice of God from the people. And then came the finale. Thus, the Edsa People Revolution was born. The Philippines was again shining for a moment. Edsa was a show of faith, courage, and nationalism.However, after a few months, we came back to our old ways. Those who had political interests made it to the doors of government. Others saw this as an opportunity for a good business enterprise. While still others advanced their interests. But, worse, people were changed but habits continued. The so-called "champions of democracy" were soon eaten by the corrupt system and the spirit of Edsa disappeared into thin air.

Batapa-Sigue: Public data and transparency

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 07:32 AM PST

THE lack of a comprehensive data analytics and visualization portal in the Philippines showing real-time macro-socioeconomics data has been highlighted in my current research, Data for Development (D4D): A Study Towards Building a Comprehensive Data Analytics and Visualization Portal for National and Local Development in the Philippines.I am thankful for the opportunity to be one of the senior research fellows under the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) Graduate School of Public and Development Management 2021 Research Program under the theme: Reimagining Sustainable Development Futures Today.We approach this study in various ways as we take a look at experiences and models of other countries as well as existing platforms that are available and are already operational in the Philippines and abroad. The main methodology also involved a survey taken of several layers. The survey covered key informants involved in the main CEO and managerial level in their fields covering various fields.The types of data mostly used came primarily from-in-house data (or self-generated data), data from specific portals or sources, data from government offices and portals, general data from the internet, and data from commissioned research.The least difficult part for most respondents is the processing of data, while the most difficult in the Philippines is collecting and gathering data since these are scattered in different platforms. There are government data portals that have downloadable data and are user-friendly but are not updated in a timely manner, such that their data are three, or even five years old. Unlike in private companies, which leverage digital technologies, data is always fresh and new.All respondents said it was extremely ideal to use data for decision-making, because we need data to back up facts in all sectors, especially the government, academe and industry. Data must come from a respectable and credible portal or source that leads to sound decisions, instead of tailored-fit data that may lead to biased decisions.When work or performance is based on delivery of services to customers or clients, data from customers, or surveys are very important to the organization. Before coming up with a decision or strategy, it is best to always look at the data or insights from our stakeholders to ensure accuracy and efficiency. An informed business decision can guide product development, iteration and service design or delivery. Continuous improvement ideally should be based on facts and insights from actual business performance. Future programs are based on existing data because data-driven governance is more beneficial and advantageous.Knowing where we are based on key indicators and baselines would help identify the real issues and concerns of the society and for the government or institutions to develop plans and strategies to address the same concurrently, ensuring the funds are used in the right programs. Large institutions promote evidence-based decision-making and evidence-based practice, and so data is crucial for all our products or servicesSeventy-seven percent of the respondents say data is an asset to the public sector. Better collection, processing, storage, and distribution of data are essential in generating useful information needed to run a data-driven economy and governance. Public services can best be managed if there is proper understanding of the needs of the public, and therefore, data is critical for this success. The kind of public service that results from data analysis that gives the highest impact to the community. Services afforded to the public should be reflective of actual needs and challenges faced. This perspective can only be adopted using data. Data is an asset since it is the primary source for solving relevant problems that we seek to solve; and should therefore be an integral part of the operations of government and in policymaking. Without the baseline data and trends, we cannot measure our performance.With the use of data, we can accurately measure, observe, predict and formulate best solutions and instill transparency.We still need to complete the study by conducting top-level interviews and creating some mock–ups. For those interested to participate or support the study, they can look for my site: jocellebatapasigue.com.

Unifed upbeat for ‘favorable’ ruling against sugar order

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 07:31 AM PST

THE United Sugar Producers Federation (Unifed) has expressed optimism that the courts will see the merit of their argument to issue a permanent temporary restraining order (TRO) against Sugar Order No. 3 issued by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).Unifed, one of the biggest federations of sugar planters in the country, was earlier granted a TRO by a local court based in Sagay City, Negros Occidental against an "ill-timed and ill-planned" sugar order that provides for the country's importation program for Crop Year 2021 to 2022.Its president Manuel Lamata, in a press statement, said they have been informed that the courts will issue the decision by March 4, two days before the restraining order expires on March 6."We are hoping for a favorable ruling, for another extension of the TRO, or make it permanent," he said.Unifed Director Joseph Edgar Sarrosa, who filed the case as president of the Rural Sugar Planters Association Inc., said "we had a productive discussion and we remain positive about this entire exercise."The Rural Sugar Planters Association Inc. is a member-association of Unifed.Sarrosa earlier said they led the filing of the TRO upon the urging of their planter-members who expected that such a sugar order will lead to depressed sugar prices, a fact that already happened during the recent week's bidding, just two days after the release of SO3.It can be recalled that aside from Unifed, other planters groups in the country like the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters (NFSP) and Asociacion de Agricultores de La Carlota y Pontevedra Inc. (AALCPI) have also slammed the issuance of SO3 that allows the importation of 200,000 metric tons (MT) of sugar, especially since it is the peak of the sugar milling season.Released on February 4, 2022, SO3 stated that of the total import volume of 200,000 MT of refined sugar, half of which shall be standard grade refined sugar and the other 100,000 MT shall be bottlers' grade refined sugar."The SRA pushed us to the wall, thus the filing of the TRO," he said, adding that "we are not against importation, what we are against is an ill-timed and ill-planned importation. Any importation should be calibrated, scheduled and fair to all."Lamata, moreover, said that if they will not get another stay of the TRO, they will file another motion on the date that it expires.The federation is also closely following the proceedings of similar cases filed by other groups against SO3.

437 Kabankalan MSMEs gets P3.5M in cash aid

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 07:31 AM PST

A TOTAL of 437 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Kabankalan City, who were affected by Typhoon Odette, have received almost P3.5 million worth of cash assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).The city government, in a statement, said each MSME received P8,000 in a distribution held in the city recently.DTI-Negros Occidental Senior Trade Industry Development Specialis Engineer Engiemar Tupas, also the SMED Unit Head, the cash assistance aims to help entrepreneurs to open their businesses again after being hardly hit by the typhoon.Vice Mayor Raul Rivera, for his part, said the assistance from the DTI will also help local businesses to stand up again and boost the local economy.Also present during the program were DTI-Negros Occidental Senior Business Counselor III Gabriel Advincula and Victor Alamon of DTI-Kabankalan. (EPN)

Yield Guild Games puts love in action, sends relief to Odette-hit Central Visayas

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 07:30 AM PST

TWO months after Odette struck the country, more than three million victims in Central Visayas still struggle to recover from the calamity. The typhoon-ravaged a total of P3.3 billion in agricultural damage, an important source of livelihood for residents in Central Visayas.To help hasten recovery and elevate the play-to-earn community beyond the gaming realm to address the needs of the physical world, Filipino-led gaming guild Yield Guild Games (YGG) initiated a donation drive that raised P6 million worth of cryptocurrencies on the day of the announcement.YGG swiftly acquired funding from the community using cryptocurrency platforms, allowing them to amass P74 million donations in total which can be tracked through their #OdettePH transparency report."Despite the positive outcome of our relief operation in the previous months, we saw the need to keep consolidating our efforts today to support professional organizations, small communities, and offer financial assistance directly to affected households," YGG Country Manager Luis Buenaventura said.They have recently deployed a total of P51 million worth of donations to the Philippine Army and Navy and non-profit organizations to support typhoon-affected communities in Cebu, Bohol, and Negros, among others.They have procured life-saving relief items like hygiene kits, kitchen sets, drinking water, power generators, fishing boats, and water filters."This is one of our ways of putting our love for the country into action," Buenaventura added.In collaboration with several organizations for relief and community rebuilding operations, YGG has served as a conduit to the local communities and the Metaverse at large, showing how quick public service can be when leveraging technology.Some of its partners in the region are #BangonBohol, World Vision, Victory Christian Fellowship of Lapu-Lapu, Tabangay Ta, and Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation."YGG has helped a lot during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette by supporting Axies Alerts PH's (AAPH) relief operation and providing immediate relief such as food and drinking water just a few days after the typhoon hit, which benefited many areas in the region," AAPH Founder Brylle Uytiepo said.Playing never stops at YGG as well as its initiatives to help local communities. The guild keeps the community updated on the deployment of funds from the Metaverse the YGG Pilipinas Facebook page.As this is one of their first big projects out of the Metaverse, Buenaventura expressed that they are grateful to have the community and partners that helped them bring aid to Filipinos during this challenging time."YGG's initiative is a testament to what our guild aims to achieve for Filipinos – to rise together as one," he added.Those who wish to support their relief efforts can contribute through the following YGG Wallet addresses: YGG ERC-20 Wallet: yggph.eth and YGG Pilipinas Ronin Wallet: ronin:bf298227e40c55f5d5a85e5aecc61c622f4b20ac. (PR)

Sakdag: Isabela town’s National Arts Month celebration

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 07:28 AM PST

THE opening ceremony of the 2022 National Arts Month (NAM) celebration of Isabela town was launched Monday, February 21 led by Mayor Irene Montilla together with several members of its Local Culture and Arts Council (LCAC) and its Tourism Office headed by Jacel Pineda (OIC on Tourism).Isabela town conducted local artists and advocates converged to celebrate 2022 National Arts Month (NAM) in Isabela town in its first-ever "Sakdag Taliambong: Mugna sang Matam-is nga Handum nga puno sang Paglaum, a weeklong celebration that aims to showcase the local culture and arts by uniting its people and artists thru the spirit of volunteerism while integrating arts in the community life.The opening ceremony was launched on February 14, Monday, led by Municipal Mayor Irene Montilla together with several members of its Local Culture and Arts Council (LCAC) and its Tourism Office headed by Jacel Pineda (OIC on Tourism).The week-long celebration was aimed to conserve, promote and popularize Isabela townsfolk' artistic craftsmanship; integrate the arts in the community life; provide opportunities for artists to harness their creative energies, especially during this time of public health crisis, calamities and disasters, to encourage artistic creation and or freedom, and to increase the conversation on social issues among communities.It was organized by LGU-Isabela, Tourism Office and with Kuris Project, a youth-led pool of aspiring artists, advocates and leaders. The event gathered various aspiring and renowned artists in the said town for collaboration on art exhibitions and performances."We always want to create crafts and connect communities through arts and stories while working on with advocacies that are close to our (volunteers) hearts, "Francis Ryan Pabiania, the events' executive director said."Our community efforts were just realized in the time of the pandemic," he said.In line with the celebration, Pabaiana also said that they gathered artists and art enthusiasts to raise art awareness in the town, and to provide a platform to spread hope and to use art as a voice for social issues.The event was kicked off with Sanlibutan: Mugna sa Dalanon, an installation performance art that depicted issues of environmental destruction, natural calamities and recovery.The performance art was held on a giant tree that fell when typhoon Odette hit the town.Montilla and Executive Assistant on Barangay Affairs Juan Miguel Montilla led the ceremony while Pabinia was recognized as the culture and arts ambassador of the town.Award-winning singers, dancers, fashion designers, and aspiring models flaunt their original compositions, advocacy-driven performances, and creations in a fashion show.This includes Isabela National High School – Special Program in the Arts students in Music who performed "Panibagong Simula", their original song composition that won during the 9th National Performing Arts Festival for Music, organized by the Philippine Arts and Culture Educators Society. The Isabela Gay Association, Hiraya Dance Troupe, Rosalie Vales, also joined the list of performers.Meanwhile, Social Artist Maria Rosalie Zerrudo who is known for her Super Inday Exhibit and cultural worker Rocky Nicor were the guest speakers.For her part, Montilla assured them of her consistent support and is hopeful for more opportunities and a platform that the people of Isabela could excel in culture and the arts.The opening rites ended with NCCA unity dance joined by Montilla and guests who danced together with the people at the plaza.Other activities were mural painting that was in partnership with ARTisabeleno, an art exhibit displayed at SUR_Isabela, a photography exhibit at Rensel's Kitchen.These exhibitions were titled, "Tubo kag iban pa" to weave the narratives of the SweetHeart of Negros, and are on display until the end of February."Kaon 'ta", a cooking demonstration was also held last Friday at Rensel's Kitchen with Chef Mae Selene Puentespina-Resultay who showcased various locally sourced dishes highlighting spinach as main ingredient.Chef Selene showcased Grilled Native Chicken with Kulitis Pesto, Creamy Kulitis Pesto Pasta, Kulitis Salad with Vinaigrette, Krispy Kulitis w/ Aioli sauce, and Kulitis Chicken Roulade.Pagpakabana: ARTvocacy night gathered artists for an art jam and open mic last Friday.As to end the local celebration of the national arts month, SAKDAG TALIAMBONG featured award-winning films that have been screened in national and international film festivals, some were made by Isabela artists and filmmakers.Some 12 short films had a public screening at SUR_Isabela, showcasing various stories of hope, dreams, struggles, and among other related social issues.Among the closing films were Kahayag sa Kangitngit (Light in the Darkness) of Carl Joseph Lara who won Binisaya Shorts Jury Prize in Binisaya Film Festival 2021, a Cinema Rehiyon 14 Film Festival Official Selection, and "Buding, Ang Babayi Nga Naglutaw'' (Buding, The Woman Who Floated) of Mark Raymund Garcia, one of three Negrense short films debut for exhibition in the Indie Nation Shorts section in Cinemalaya 2020. (PR)

Night attraction

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 07:27 AM PST

NEGROS. The colorful lights over the Old Talaban Bridge in Barangay Talaban in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental. (Andrew Altarejos Photo)

Bacolod downgraded to Alert Level 1; Negros Occidental stays under Alert Level 2

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 07:26 AM PST

DUE to the continued decline in the number of additional positive cases, Bacolod City along with 38 other areas in the Philippines including the National Capital Region slid to Alert level 1 in terms of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) transmission.The National Inter-Agency Task Force (NIATF) approved placing these areas under Alert Level 1 from March 1 to 15, Acting Presidential Spokesperson and cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles announced Sunday, February 27.In Western Visayas, aside from Bacolod, the provinces of Aklan, Capiz and Guimaras were also placed under Alert Level 1.Meanwhile, Negros Occidental and Iloilo Province including its capital city and other areas in the country will remain under Alert Level 2.For Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, the development is a validation that the city government is on the right track in managing the Covid-19 pandemic."Being placed in the lowest alert category is a validation that, indeed, our policies and practices were hitting the targets," he said.Leonardia added that they would like to credit the people for their support and cooperation in observing health protocols.For her part, Emergency Operations Center-Task Force Executive Director Em Ang, said that being under Alert Level 1 should not mean that "we are letting our guards down.""Let's continue observing minimum health protocols such as social distancing and wearing of masks," Ang said.Asked if the curfew and the partial liquor ban will be lifted now that the city is under Alert Level 1, it is possible she said.But since the implementation of the curfew is based on an ordinance, it should be ratified or amended for it to be lifted, the official said.Currently, the curfew in Bacolod is from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. while the consumption and sale of liquors are from noon to 10 p.m. only.With the reclassification on Bacolod to Alert Level 1, Ang said the city may now be open for leisure travel while the requirements will be eased for travelers who wish to enter the city.Active cases in Bacolod City were at 238 as of Sunday, February 27, records from the Department of Health in Western Visayas showed.In a related development, the NIATF also approved the amendments to the Guidelines on the Nationwide Implementation of Alert Level System for Covid-19 Response.Under Alert Level 1, well-fitted face masks shall be worn properly at all times, whether outdoors or in indoor private or public establishments, including in public transportation by land, air or sea, except when eating and drinking, participating in team and individual sports in venues where ventilation standards can be maintained, and practicing outdoor sports or exercise activities where physical distance can be maintained.All private offices and workplaces, including public and private construction sites, may operate at 100-percent capacity, consistent with national issuances on vaccination requirements for on-site work.However, they may continue to provide flexible and alternative work arrangements as deemed appropriate based on function or individual risk, the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson said.Agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall likewise adhere to 100-percent on-site workforce.Off-site work shall be under such work arrangements subject to relevant rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the President.On the other hand, public transportation in areas under Alert Level 1 shall be at full seating capacity.For intrazonal and interzonal travels involving public land transportation between an area with a higher alert level classification and an area under Alert Level 1, the passenger capacity shall be that which has the lower passenger capacity rate between the point of origin and point of destination.For aviation, maritime and rail public transport operating in and out of Alert Levels 1 areas, the passenger capacity will be at 100 percent.The use of acrylic and/or plastic dividers in public transportation shall not be required.The use of the Safe, Swift and Smart Passage (S-Pass) travel management system shall likewise not be required for interzonal travel to areas under Alert Level 1, it added.

Criminology student, pa die in motorcycle crash

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 07:25 AM PST

A CRIMINOLOGY student and his father died when the motorcycle they were riding crashed on a parked wing van truck in Manapla town, Negros Occidental at about 2:30 a.m. Sunday, February 27.Killed were Francis "Boyboy" Pangantihon, 23, and his father Francisco "Gamay" Pangantihon, 51, both residents of Barangay 1 in Victorias City, Manapla Municipal Police Station chief Major Jaynick Bermudez said.They died upon arrival at the Ikaayong Lawas Hospital in Victorias City, Bermudez said, adding that the motorcycle driven by the younger Pangantihon could have been speeding.Investigation showed that the Pangantihons were heading south of the national highway at the area of Barangay Tortosa on their way home when the accident happened.Bermudez theorized that the younger Pangantihon might have failed to notice the parked winged van since the area where the accident occurred is not well-lighted.The van has been abandoned in the area since 2020 and there was no early warning device installed to caution motorists.

Army slams NPA for killing civilians

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 07:20 AM PST

A TOP official of the Philippine Army in Negros Sunday, February 27, hit the New People's Army (NPA) for killing at least seven civilians in the island in the last two months.Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB), believed that these killings were deliberately done to intimidate the civilians."It is also their way of coercing their members of not abandoning their ranks, he added.From December 2021 to February 2022, the brigade recorded six incidents of summary executions of seven civilians perpetrated by the NPA.It also recorded the use of homemade landmines, which it said is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law.Among the victims of NPA summary executions were Mariel Encarquez Toboso and Ponciano Carbajosa, who were both killed successively in Barangay Bandila in Toboso town, Negros Occidental on December 13 and 14 last year.Other victims included Jimmy dela Cruz on February 4 this year in Barangay Cambayobo in Calatrava town, Negros Occidental; former barangay kagawad Lucio Perater and his son, Fernardo, on February 16 in Barangay Malangsa in Vallehermoso town, Negros Oriental; and Haidato Boca in Barangay Santol in Binalbagan.The NPA's Mount Cansermon Command also claimed responsibility for the killing of Bertito Roso, whom they accused as a military asset on February 13 in Sitio Nursery in Barangay Bi-ao, Binalbagan town, Negros Occidental.The killing of Roso also led to the ambush of a team of policemen, who responded to the incident in the barangay.Two policemen, including the deputy police chief of Binalbagan Municipal Police Station, were both injured in the ambush.Pasaporte said the NPA tagged their victims as military informants and fabricate lies to project that their actions are justified, and to cover up the clear violation of human rights and IHL they had committed."We have seen this tagging of civilians as government agents or informants ever since, and it is high time that they will be held accountable for this cowardly act," he said. (with reports from TDE)

Alleged drug group member falls

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 07:19 AM PST

AN ALLEGED member of the notorious Virtucio Drug Group was arrested in a buy-bust operation in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental around 11:30 a.m. Sunday, February 27, 2022.Lieutenant Ruby Aurita, deputy police chief of San Carlos City Police Station, identified the arrested suspect as Jerome Villanueva, 32, of Margarita Village in Barangay 2 in the city.Recovered from the suspect were five sachets of suspected shabu weighing five grams and valued at P34,000, several illegal drug paraphernalia and P1,200 buy-bust money.Aurita said Villanueva is considered as a high value individual and is their top 2 priority targetVillanueva was detained at the San Carlos City Police Station while charges for the violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against him.

‘Operation Baklas’ against illegal campaign materials continues

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 07:17 AM PST

AN OFFICIAL of the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) said over the weekend that they have lost count as to how many oversize campaign materials of national candidates they have already confiscated and removed in various areas of Bacolod City.Comelec-Bacolod Acting Elections Supervisor lawyer Revo Sorbito said this is part of their "Operation Baklas."Sorbito said the campaign materials are removed since some of them are oversize while others were hung in non-designated areas.He said even if the campaign materials are hung in private properties such as homes, commercial establishments, and vacant lots with the owners' consent, it should still follow the standard size set by the Comelec.Under Comelec rules, campaign materials must not exceed two feet by three feet, and three feet by eight feet for backdrops during political rallies.However, prior to the removal of campaign materials in private properties, Sorbito said they will send a letter to the property owner informing them of the regulations set under Comelec Resolution No. 10730.The resolution dated November 17, 2021 was made in relation to Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Elections Act.Sorbito also advised supporters of political candidates in the city to follow the Comelec rules, especially as the campaign period for local candidates will begin on March 25, 2022.He said they already issued notices to the headquarters of the candidates whose posters were removed.Should they continue violating the rules, the local Comelec will refer the matter to the national office for necessary action, the lawyer said.

Rotary guv nominees visit Negros

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 07:16 AM PST

ROTARY International District Governor Nominees (DGNs) in the Philippines have visited Negros Occidental in search of an environmental project that can be implemented in the entire country when they take the reign of leadership by next year.Eight out of 10 DGNs with their spouses had a three-day tour of Negros recently including DGN Rudy Enriquez of District 3770, Paul Angel Galang and wife, Carol (D3780), Pope Solis and wife, Vicky (D3800), Jay Tambunting (3830), Twinkle Gamboa and spouse, former Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa (3860), Lai De la Cruz (D3810) and William Delloro (D3820).The province is part of Rotary District 3850 and the visit was hosted by DGN Mate Espina.Among the places of interest they visited were the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City where they were welcomed by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who is also a Rotarian, the nearby Talarak Foundation Zoo and Breeding Center and the Tomongtong Mangrove Eco-Trail in Barangay Tomongtong, EB Magalona.Municipal Tourism and Environment Officer Jojo Vargas emphasized how community involvement was crucial to the sustainability and success of the Eco-Trail project which was only started a few years ago, yet has brought in millions of revenues for the town, especially for the fisherfolks of the barangay.The DGNs were treated to lunch by E.B. Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon and they got to taste the famous blue crabs and other sea foods freshly cooked by their community members.En route, the DGNs also visited Victorias Milling Company and got a glimpse of Alfonso Ossorio's mural, "The Last Judgement" which is popularly known as "The Angry Christ," and found within the St. Joseph the Workers Chapel at the VMC compound and The Ruins and Ilaya Resort in Talisay City.They also had a stop at Balay Puti in Silay City and the Tractor Café in Talisay.Since Negros Occidental is also known as a popular food destination, the three-day visit included the mandatory chicken inasal dinner hosted by the Rotary Club of Bacolod Central, a taste of Kansi soup, Kansi steak and Kansi sisig at the Business Inn, and fellowship dinner at Maria Kusina hosted by Past District Governors Phil Abello, Chick and Nanette Garcia, Biboy Jocson, Jude Doctora, Jundad Legislador and Louie Gonzaga.Also in town for the visit were D3850 District Governor Edwin To and spouse, Mary Ann; D3850 District Governor-Elect John Michael Ng and wife, Krystle, and D3830 Governor-Elect, Mildred Vitangcol. (PR)
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End of Summer Sale ☀️😎

20% OFF Inside!🤯 ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏...

  • Breaking: Aaron Rodgers teases Jets return this season: 'Anything is possible'
    New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Monday's 22-16 overtime win vs. the Buffalo Bills. If you a...
  • End of Summer Sale ☀️😎
    20% OFF Inside!🤯 ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏...
  • Last Chance - Win over $1,800 in BLEUSALT
    Elevate your Wardrobe. Offer ends Midnight. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ...