Watchmen Daily Journal
CALM AFTER ERUPTION
Mari-Andylene Quintia, resident volcanologist at the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory, said monitoring instruments continue to show signs of unrest, prompting scientists to closely evaluate the volcano’s magmatic system. Speaking in a media interview over...
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DANGER ZONE CLEARED
Evacuations were carried out on Thursday night, February 19, in two barangays considered at higher risk, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said. Widespread light to very light ashfall, accompanied by sulfuric odor,...
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EXPLOSIVE ERUPTION
Kanlaon Volcano generated a dark gray plume that rose 2,000 meters above the crater before drifting southwest following a moderately explosive eruption yesterday afternoon, February 19, 2026, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said....
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FIND ANOTHER SOURCE?
The Negros Occidental provincial government has decided not to pursue sourcing supply from the rivers of Silay City for the proposed P1.1 billion bulk water project after the Silay City council denied Capitol’s request for a Resolution of No Objection...
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POWER COSTS UP?
In a statement, the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) said the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) approval of higher transmission rates was driven largely by the recovery of past under-recoveries and an...
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SUBSIDENCE WORSENS
Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco said that the local government is awaiting an urgent on-site assessment from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to determine the severity and cause of the ground movement in Barangay General Luna’s Sitio Bairan. What...
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2 DEATHS PER MONTH
The killings average about two victims per month based on data compiled by security forces, the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) said in a statement. Those killed include farmers, peasants and elderly residents — individuals with no direct involvement in...
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UNIFIED VOICE
A broad coalition of electricity consumers and church workers is set to formally launch the Alliance of Consumers in Northern Negros (ACNN) in Bacolod City, positioning itself as a unified consumer voice as the Visayas braces for possible power supply...
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ACCESS TO CARE
The Bacolod City government has rolled out a new digital platform aimed at strengthening access to services for treating persons living with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) as the city recorded 1,312...
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DO KIDS KNOW THE SUSPECT?
Police said the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) handling the case is now focusing on the two individuals as inquiries intensify into the assault that left the children bloodied inside their residence on February 7. Lt. Colonel Joem Malong,...
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FIRM POLICY SUPPORT
HEAVY RAINFALL, FLOOD ALERT FORCE SUSPENSION OF CLASSES IN NEGOCC
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KEEP THE PACE
The stakeholders said the planned consultations will serve as the primary mechanism for identifying priority amendments to SIDA, particularly provisions that no longer reflect current industry realities. “Central to the plan is engaging stakeholders...
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‘This is terror’: NTF-ELCAC on NPA’s spy-tagging tactic
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has strongly condemned the killing of a 74-year-old grandmother in Negros Occidental’s Kabankalan City, describing the incident as a case of “spy-tagging” that escalated into a...
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POORLY DESIGNED
In a press statement released on Thursday, February 5, AGHAM said Bacolod historically did not suffer from severe flooding, except in limited lowlying areas such as parts of Barangay Singcang and Banago. However, in recent years, floods have reached...
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‘Basyang’ strands over 700 in NIR ports
Tropical Storm “Basyang” has disrupted maritime travel across the Negros Island Region (NIR), leaving a total of 759 passengers, drivers and helpers stranded in various seaports yesterday. The Coast Guard District in Southern Visayas (CGDSV) reported...
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‘Basyang’ nears; NegOcc on red alert
The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Emergency Operations Center have been placed under red alert status due to the threat posed by Tropical Depression “Basyang,” which is expected to cross Negros...
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P10-M IN DAMAGES
Data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office showed that 193 houses were either damaged or destroyed, while agricultural losses alone reached at least P6.55 million as of February 2. These losses include P2.22 million worth...
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‘I’M NOT HIDING’
“As your mayor, akon ini responsibilidad. Wala ko ‘ya nagapanago,” Gasataya said yesterday, amid criticisms following recent flooding incidents in several areas of the city. “Waay na ‘ni ‘ya tudloanay. Atubangon ta ‘ni. Let’s bite the bullet because...
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Shear line triggers flooding in NegOcc; 1 dead
The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported flooding and landslide incidents across several local government units in the province following continuous rainfall brought by a shear line on Saturday night,...
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NO WATER ACCESS?
Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr. raised concerns that city residents could once again face reduced or total water supply interruptions, pointing to reported nonpayment of past dues and loan obligations by PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. to its...
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CELL NO. 5 LANDFILL BREAKS GROUND AS LONG-TERM WASTE SOLUTION PUSHED
The Bacolod City government formally began the construction of Sanitary Landfill Cell No. 5 in Barangay Felisa, a move aimed at strengthening the city’s waste management capacity while it transitions toward long-term, sustainable solutions. Mayor Greg...
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BREAK THE CYCLE
Councilor Israel Salanga, author of the amended ordinance, said the measure is designed to break the cycle of street dependency while addressing public safety concerns raised by residents. He stressed that the updated policy prioritizes regulation and...
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Search continues for missing Negrenses in cargo vessel sinking
Two Negrense seafarers are still unaccounted for following the sinking of the Singaporean-flagged cargo vessel MV Devon Bay near Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on January 23. In its Facebook post yesterday, the Negros Occidental...
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Cadiz City caps 52nd Dinagsa Festival with color, unity, record crowds
Cadiz City wrapped up the 52nd Dinagsa Festival, with massive crowds, high-energy street performances and a strong message of unity, overcoming challenges posed by looming weather threats and the ongoing sugar industry crisis. The 10-day celebration,...
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CRITICAL CONDITION
Lawmakers from Negros Occidental called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to urgently address the continued decline in sugar mill gate prices, warning that the situation threatens the livelihood of tens...
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ADVERSE FACTORS
Key government officials, industry leaders, planters, and workers convened for a high-level public consultation to address the continued decline in mill gate sugar prices in Negros Occidental, a development that has triggered heavy losses across the...
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NO SIGNIFICANT RISK
DA-NIR Director Engineer Albert Barrogo said the monitoring showed the presence of rice black bugs in only four out of 10 rice fields sampled, with the pest population recorded at just 0.6 percent. “The population level is very low and does not pose a...
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BEWARE OF ‘TRASH COLLECTORS’ SOLICITING CASH: BENRO
The Bacolod City Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) has issued a public warning against individuals and groups falsely posing as garbage collectors to solicit cash donations from residents. BENRO officer-in-charge Allyn Luv Dignadice...
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POWER CRUNCH
The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) said it is backing warnings raised by the Cebu Electricity Rights Advocates (CERA) that Cebu may soon enter a “critical energy” phase, with ripple effects across...
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WATER FOR ALL
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said the newly inaugurated Sum-ag Water Treatment Plant will ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for Bacolod City, with the facility capable of delivering up to 75 million liters of potable water per day,...
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Does ‘foreign object’ in donated food pose health risks?
The Bacolod City government has issued a health advisory and tightened regulations on donated food after a “foreign object” was discovered in cups of arroz caldo distributed at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Friday, January 16. City...
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SAVE THE INDUSTRY
In a press statement yesterday, GAWA Secretary General Wennie Sancho said the resilience of the sugar industry is being severely tested as stakeholders struggle to keep the sector afloat amid what he described as disjointed government policies and...
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NO ‘SUPER FLU’ CASES IN NEGOCC: PHO
The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) has assured the public that there are currently no recorded cases of “super flu” in the province, amid an observed increase in flu, pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. “What we are seeing in...
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RELIEVED FROM POST
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has administratively relieved the provincial director of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NORPPO) in the wake of a recent shooting incident involving police officers in...
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LA CASTELLANA RELOCATES STRANDED ‘TINO’ EVACUEES TO REOPEN SCHOOLS
The La Castellana municipal government has begun transferring evacuees of Typhoon “Tino” from public school classrooms to temporary family tents as part of efforts to resume face-to-face classes while a longer-term relocation is being...
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FULL-BLOWN CRISIS
The Confederation of Sugar Producers Association Inc. (Confed) has appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for immediate and concrete interventions to stabilize domestic sugar and molasses prices, warning that continued inaction could trigger labor...
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PROACTIVE POLICING
Based on consolidated crime data, incidents under the Eight Focus Crimes category fell from 1,299 cases in 2024 to 1,012 cases in 2025, marking a reduction of 287 incidents or about 22.1 percent. Crime statistics showed notable decreases in several...
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INEFFICIENT SERVICE
ACCESS President Wennie Sancho said ECs are failing to uphold their cooperative principles, leaving millions of memberconsumer-owners burdened with high electricity rates and little tangible benefit from their contributions. “ECs are ‘co-ops in name...
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MEDICAL NEGLECT?
The Cauayan District Hospital (CDH) denied allegations of medical neglect and lack of oxygen supply in connection with the death of a patient who was critically injured due to a gunshot on New Year’s Day, stating that all actions taken were within...
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FEWER BLASTS
DOH-NIR data showed 105 FWRIs were documented from December 21, 2025 to January 2, 2026 — a 52.6 percent decrease from last year’s 131 cases. Of the number, Negros Occidental logged 75 FWRIs, Negros Oriental had 26, while Bacolod City and Siquijor had...
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DOH-NIR LOGS SPIKE IN FIRECRACKER, ROAD CRASH INJURIES DURING HOLIDAYS
The Department of Health in the Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) has recorded a significant number of injuries linked to firecrackers and road crashes based on its ongoing holiday surveillance period. DOH-NIR documented 37 fireworks-related injuries and...
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GASATAYA TO SIGN CONTRACT WITH NEW GARBAGE COLLECTOR
Pending the issuance of a notice of award, Mayor Greg Gasataya will formalize an agreement with a new private garbage collector after the Bacolod City council approved his request to sign separate service contracts for the city’s solid waste management...
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ILLEGAL HARVEST
The Cadiz City government is seeking the arrest of unidentified sea poachers responsible for the illegal extraction and killing of 33 giant clams from the city’s protected Giant Clam Village (GC Ville) off Barangay Cadiz Viejo, a 9.2-hectare marine...
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6 PDLs FREED
In a gesture underscoring the spirit of compassion and renewal this Christmas season, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in the Negros Island Region facilitated the release of six qualified persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the...
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City employees’ union sorry over food spoilage
The Bacolod City Government Employees’ Union (BCGEU) has issued a public apology following a food spoilage incident during the Bacolod City Government Year-End Assessment and Employees’ Day held on December 19. In a statement, BCGEU President Erry...
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WORSEN THE IMBALANCE
In a letter dated yesterday, Enrique Rojas, president of the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters (NFSP), appealed to Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona to reconsider the proposed third Voluntary Purchase Program...
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CAN’T AFFORD DELAYS
Negros Occidental 5th District Representative Emilio “Dino” Yulo III has renewed calls for immediate and decisive government action to address persistently low sugar prices, stressing that small sugarcane planters are bearing the brunt of the problem...
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NO MORE WATER WOES?
Benitez said he met with business magnate Lucio Co on Thursday morning, December 18, to discuss the urgent need for fresh capital to address long-standing water service issues under the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) - PrimeWater joint venture...
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FATAL DELAYS
Amid mounting complaints from local chief executives over delays linked to the One Hospital Command (OHC) referral system, the Negros Occidental provincial government has maintained that the problem lies not in the digital platform itself but in...
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LACK OF NOTICE
In a media interview, Baciwa Acting Manager Engineer Michael Soliva said the water district was not officially informed about PrimeWater’s change of ownership. Soliva emphasized that as PrimeWater’s partner under a JVA, Baciwa should have been...
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ESCALANTE: PRIMEWATER STRUGGLED TO MEET CADIZ WATER DEMAND
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador “Bading” Escalante acknowledged that PrimeWater has been struggling to keep up with the city’s growing water demand, even as he expressed hope that a reported sale of the company to new operators could improve...
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STILL DISPLACED
Mayor Anejo Nicor disclosed that 390 families are still staying in evacuation centers, most of them coming from no-build zones and therefore unable to return to their original communities. As some evacuees are expected to celebrate Christmas in their...
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ECONOMY AT RISK
Local leaders and industry groups warned that unless immediate interventions are implemented, the crisis could push many small planters below survival levels, further weakening the province’s economy, where sugar remains the primary driver of...
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SEE THE PROGRESS
Marcos’ visit underscores the national government’s support for Bacolod’s flood mitigation efforts following recent typhoons that triggered widespread inundation. “Kapag nalinis natin lahat ng ilog, creek at estero — matanggal lang ang basura at...
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NO REFUSAL BASIS
Diaz clarified that public consultations are still underway following reports that some residents of Barangay Guimbalaon expressed disapproval during an initial hearing attended by Silay City Vice Mayor Tom Ledesma. “We are in the middle of an active...
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UNIFIED MASTERPLAN
A long-term, citywide strategy to end chronic flooding in Bacolod City is now taking shape as local and national stakeholders gathered yesterday for the 2nd Bacolod Flood Mitigation Summit — an event highlighted by Lone District Representative Alfredo...
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FLOOD-READY? BACOLOD PLANS OUT LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS VS. CHRONIC FLOODING
The summit, spearheaded by Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, marks the consolidation phase of a month-long series of sectoral meetings following the first summit held on October 20. “This masterplan will be our city’s...
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TRANSITION POINT
BCPO director Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica warned that Bacolod continues to be identified as a transit hub for illegal drugs entering Negros and moving onward to Panay. “As the trade center of Negros Island, Bacolod is consistently used as a...
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SILAY PUSHES BACK
Silay Vice Mayor Tom Ledesma said the discussions revealed a “consistent and deeply rooted” opposition from Silaynons, noting that the issues raised were based on lived realities rather than speculation. “While the project promises expanded access to...
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NEGOCC BRACES FOR ‘WILMA’
Local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental have been ordered to preemptively evacuate their residents living in highrisk areas due to the threat of Tropical Depression “Wilma.” Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in an executive order, directed...
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GET READY FOR ‘WILMA’
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has ordered the immediate preemptive evacuation of residents in high-risk areas across the province following the entry of Tropical Depression “Wilma” into the Philippine area of responsibility, which is...
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City vet under probe over P2.4-M expired ASF test kits
The Bacolod City government has launched an investigation into the alleged failure of the City Veterinary Office (CVO) to properly utilize millions worth of African swine fever (ASF) test kits — most of which expired on November 30. City Administrator...
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WATERWAY CRACKDOWN
“This is part of our continuing effort to clear all waterways and prevent flooding, especially in areas repeatedly affected during heavy rains,” Gasataya said. “Our waterways must remain clear. Anyone who contributes to flooding by violating easement...
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OVERWHELMED SLOPES
Environmental coalitions across Negros Island are calling for an urgent, transparent investigation into the deadly Kanlaon Volcano landslide and flashfloods that devastated multiple lowland communities, stressing that possible environmental violations...
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DEMAND FOR TRANSPARENCY
Youth leaders and reform advocates took center stage during the Trillion Peso March 2.0 in Bacolod City yesterday, urging vigilance and government transparency — just as Malacañang affirmed President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s support for protesters —...
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Clergy urged execs to protect NegOcc GMO-free status
As debates intensify over the future of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Negros Occidental, Catholic clergy across the province have issued a strong, unified appeal urging local officials to uphold the island’s long-standing GMOfree policy,...
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WHERE DID THE FUNDS GO?
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 26, BAYAN Negros criticized the local government’s response to Tropical Depression “Verbena,” which displaced 10,943 individuals from 3,571 families across 31 barangays, according to the City Disaster Risk...
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URGENT PRIORITY
Gasataya said the removal of structures obstructing waterways has become a key priority after severe flooding due to Tropical Depression “Verbena” on Tuesday, November 25, forced the evacuation of around 15,000 residents, mostly from lowlying...
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FORCED TO FLEE
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that 4,230 families or 13,831 individuals fled their homes across the province. PDRRMO chief Irene Bel Ploteña said evacuees included both those who were preemptively...
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Surge in suspected leptos cases seen
Health authorities in Negros Occidental are closely monitoring a surge in suspected leptospirosis cases following Typhoon “Tino,” as the Provincial Health Office (PHO) coordinates with local government units (LGUs) to ensure timely detection and...
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P95-M EMERGENCY AID
The announcement was made by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco during her visit to the province on Tuesday, November 11, where she met with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to discuss ongoing rehabilitation and recovery measures. Under the new...
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SOFTENED TERRAIN?
In an interview, Ferrer said several landslides had been observed on Kanlaon’s upstream portions — particularly in areas where large trees and lumber were located. He noted that the softened terrain, triggered by frequent volcanic tremors and...
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NEGOCC HARDEST HIT
Negros Occidental has been the hardest hit, recording 62 fatalities, the OCD-NIR said. The town of Moises Padilla suffered the highest number of deaths at 14, followed by La Castellana with 10 confirmed fatalities and 18 missing persons. Other...
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‘WOUNDED’ DEFENSE
Environmental watchdogs Green Alert Network (GAN) and the Group of Environmental Socialists (GOES), Inc. said the widespread flooding that hit the central and southern parts of the province revealed the fragility of Negros’ natural barriers —...
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