Watchmen Daily Journal
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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66 STILL MISSING
Irene Bel Ploteña, chief of the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said the province remains in urgent need of cadaver-detection K9 units to aid in search and retrieval operations, especially in the...
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NEGOCC, BACOLOD UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY DUE TO ‘TINO’ DAMAGE
The devastation brought by Typhoon “Tino” has prompted widespread calamity across Negros Island, with Negros Occidental, Bacolod City and Negros Oriental’s Canlaon City now all officially placed under a state of calamity. In Bacolod, the Sangguniang...
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‘TINO’ DEATH TOLL: 31
In Negros Occidental, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed that 22 individuals died due to “Tino,” with 41 individuals still missing as of yesterday morning. La Castellana town recorded 10 fatalities and 23 missing; La Carlota City, four dead and 11...
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THOUSANDS FLEE HOMES
Most of the affected barangays are in coastal areas, particularly Punta Taytay, Sum-ag, SingcangAirport, and Banago, which were heavily impacted by strong winds and rains brought by the storm, social welfare disaster response officer Wendy Castro...
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READY FOR ‘TINO’
“Now is the time to act — not later. Preparedness saves lives,” Raul Fernandez, director of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Western Visayas, said, underscoring the importance of preemptive evacuation, pre-positioning of...
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Bacolod cop yields; PRO-NIR vows no cover-up in bizwoman’s slay
Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), said they will not tolerate any form of cover-up following the surrender of a police officer from the Bacolod City Police Office...
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CALL FOR SUPPORT
Led by provincial administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, the provincial government presented detailed updates and clarifications to Silay City officials, local stakeholders and residents of Barangay Guimbalaon — site of the proposed intake facility along the...
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CROSSFIRE CASUALTY
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has initiated a full-scale investigation into the armed encounter between government forces and alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) that resulted in the death of a six-year-old boy in...
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PREPARE FOR ‘BIG ONE’
“While we always hope it will not happen, we should be prepared,” Lacson said, referring to the possibility of a major seismic event. Lacson said the provincial government will conduct a province-wide structural assessment of all its buildings, which...
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PROCEED AS PLANNED
“The investigation will proceed as planned. Our mission for truth and accountability does not depend on personalities,” Cesar Beloria, one of C3’s conveners, said, adding that the group’s pursuit of transparency continues “for the sake of the public...
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‘CASH-STRAPPED’
La Castellana Mayor Añejo Nicor said the local government’s disaster funds have been depleted since the last major evacuation due to volcanic unrest seven months ago, leaving the municipality financially strained in preparing for a renewed crisis. “We...
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WDJ journo wins Best in Photo Essay at MassKara Media Awards
multimedia journalist Cesar Jolito III clinched the Best in Photo Essay Award for his striking visual entry that portrayed the energy, colors and emotions of the recently concluded 46th MassKara Festival in the first-ever MassKara Media Awards held at...
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DISMISSAL PROTEST
National Union of People’s Lawyers counsel Rey Gorgonio said they filed a case before the Office of the Ombudsman against BCPO director, Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica and Lt. Colonel Joery Puerto for alleged violations of Republic Act 7438, which...
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WHO KILLED ‘FREYA’?
A bounty amounting to P100,000 is being offered to anyone who can provide credible information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the killing of a 17-year-old girl whose body was discovered partially unclothed at the...
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SUGAR IN RESERVE
SRA Administrator Pablo Azcona said the Philippines currently has sufficient buffer stocks of refined sugar, with local milling operations already in full swing since September. “We still have about four million bags of bottlers-grade refined sugar in...
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CLEAR TECHNICAL STRATEGY
This was announced by Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez following a Flood Control Pre-Summit held on Monday, October 20, which was attended by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Charles...
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GMO-FREE POLICY
A broad coalition of farmers, scientists and community leaders under the Masipag Provincial Consultative Body (PCB) - Negros has formally urged the Negros Occidental provincial government to reject the proposed regulatory ordinance on genetically...
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SPIRIT OF RESILIENCE
The streets of Bacolod City burst with color, rhythm and energy as Barangay Tangub emerged as the grand champion in the Arena and Street Dance Competition - Barangay Category, one of the highlights of the 46th MassKara Festival yesterday, showcasing...
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BACOLOD FAST-TRACKS FLOOD CONTROL WORKS; DIVERSION CHANNEL EYED FOR COMPLETION
The Bacolod City government has intensified its flood control and drainage improvement efforts following heavy rains on October 14 that inundated several parts of the city. Mayor Greg Gasataya personally led an inspection of flood-hit areas alongside...
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CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE
There is now strong evidence suggesting that Sugar Order (SO) No. 8, the controversial order that authorized the importation of 424,000 metric tons (MT) of refined sugar — was signed before the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) consulted with...
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HOLDING OFF IMPORTS
This was confirmed during a recent meeting with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Paul Azcona and SRA Board Member and Farmers’ Representative Dave Sanson, following concerns over the...
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Bacolod council eyes higher fines vs. mendicancy
The Bacolod City government may soon impose higher fines on individuals caught begging and giving alms in public areas — including members of the Badjao community — under a proposed amendment to the city’s Anti-Mendicancy Ordinance. The...
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OWE AN EXPLANATION
In a rare joint statement, National Federation of Sugarcane Planters (NFSP) President Enrique Rojas and Panay Federation of Sugarcane Farmers (Panayfed) President Danilo Abelita backed the Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations (Confed) in...
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Tourism mgt student bags Miss MassKara crown
A 19-year-old tourism management student from the University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod City was crowned as this year’s Miss Bacolod MassKara, besting 14 other candidates during the coronation night held at the USLS Coliseum yesterday. Sophia...
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SRA RULES OUT SUGAR IMPORTATION PLANS AMID INDUSTRY CONCERNS
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has ruled out any plans to import sugar until at least mid-2026, emphasizing that the local supply and production remain stable despite concerns raised by sugar planters’ groups. SRA Administrator Pablo Luis...
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