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#NegrosOccidental

A Filipino journalist was arrested on 19 January 2026 on charges of unjust vexation, prompting protests from media groups in the Negros Island Region, PH who warned of its chilling effect on press freedom.

Erwin "Ambo" Delilan is a contributor to Rappler and manager of Bacolod City-based radio station Hapi FM, and lives in EB Magalona town, Negros Occidental.

#Philippines #Asian #TootSEA #PressFreedom #Negros #Journalist #Visayas #NegrosOccidental

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/arrest-negros-occidental-journalist-ambo-delilan-alarms-media-groups/

Ex-Victorias mayor Benitez, 26 others face complaint over cockfighting pit

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/javi-benitez-ombudsman-complaint-cockfighting-pit/

Sugarlandia: Debt bondage and labor among the sacadas of Negros Occidental

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/people/neighbors-sugarland-negros-occidental-sacadas-debt-bondage-labor/

Lucio Co’s takeover of PrimeWater ‘injustice’ for Bacolod consumers – watchdogs

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/lucio-co-takeover-primewater-injustice-bacolod-consumers/

<p>NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Two consumers watchdogs in Bacolod City expressed disappointment with retail magnate Lucio Co’s <a href="https://www.rappler.com/business/lucio-vincent-co-buy-primewater/">takeover</a> of the troubled Villar-led <a href="https://www.rappler.com/business/g10815249-primewater/">PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation (PrimeWater).</a></p>

<p>Groups Amlig Tubig and Water Watch Advocates (WWA) branded the acquisition as “injustice” to over 70,000 households or water consumers in Bacolod. Co’s Crystal Bridges Holding, Inc. assumed PrimeWater’s role in the controversial 25-year joint venture agreement (JVA) with Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA) that started in November 2020.</p>

<p>Bacolod Councilor Wilson “Jun” Gamboa Jr., who is also a convener of Amlig Tubig, believes that despite the takeover, water consumers will still remain in drawback status. The group also calls for the junking of the 2020 JVA.</p>

<p>“The JVA is onerous in favor only of PrimeWater, thus, disadvantageous to both BACIWA and the consumers. So, if Co’s Crystal Bridges takes over with the same form of JVA without consulting first the consumers, then, nothing good will happen,” Gamboa said.</p>

<p>“It’s <em>illegal ab initio</em> (void from the beginning) simply because it didn’t pass through public consultations,” he added. </p>

<p>Gamboa is confident that BACIWA alone can st

72-year-old Negrense farmer passes agriculturist exam on second try

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/people/negros-occidental-farmer-diosdado-evangelista-passes-agriculturist-licensure-exam/

Negros Island bishops issue joint pastoral letter vs GMO entry

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/negros-island-region-bishops-buzon-galbines-alminaza-joint-pastoral-letter-gmo-entry/

<p>NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Three of the four Negros Island Catholic bishops issued a joint a pastoral letter on Sunday, November 23, calling on Negros Occidental officials to reject the entry of facilities for genetically modified organisms (GMO) in the province.</p>

<p>The pastoral letter was released at the closing of the five-day <a href="https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/organic-farmers-protest-genetically-modified-organisms-terra-madre-asia-pacific-bacolod-2025/">Terra Madre Asia and Pacific</a> in Bacolod City, whose organizers frowned on capitol plans to lift a nearly two-decade ban on GMOs in the province.</p>

<p>GMO crops are protested worldwide over environmental, biodiversity and human health risks.</p>

<p>In their pastoral letter, Catholic bishops Patricio Buzon of Bacolod, Louie Galbines of Kabankalan and <a href="https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/san-carlos-city-negros-occidental-bishop-gerardo-alminaza-gmo-ordinance/">Gerardo Alminaza</a> of San Carlos City asked the provincial government to reject the proposed “Negros Occidental GMO Regulated Ordinance.”</p>

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<p>The move to allow GMOs in the province is tantamount to “betrayal of our ecological heritage,” the bishops said. </p>

<p>They also called the proposed ordinance “unjust, irresponsible and dangerous to farmers, ecosystem and public health.”</p>

<p>Instead, the bishops said, the prov

Minimum daily wage rises P37-P40 in Western Visayas, Negros Occidental

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/minimum-daily-wage-increase-western-visayas-negros-island-region-november-2025/

Organic farmers protest GMO as Terra Madre Asia Pacific opens in Bacolod

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/organic-farmers-protest-genetically-modified-organisms-terra-madre-asia-pacific-bacolod-2025/

<p>NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Organized organic farmers made use of the ongoing international Terra Madre (Mother Earth) event in Bacolod City to amplify their opposition to the proposed entry of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in Negros Occidental.</p>

<p>Bacolod City is hosting the first Asia Pacific edition of Terra Madre, the world’s largest sustainable food gathering, showcasing local cuisine, promoting organic farming, and celebrating the region’s culinary traditions under the theme “From soil to sea: A slow food journey through tastes and tradition.”</p>

<p>Led by <a href="https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/san-carlos-city-negros-occidental-bishop-gerardo-alminaza-gmo-ordinance/">San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza</a>, GMO-Free Negros, a broad coalition of organic farming advocates, moved to saturate the venues of this year’s five-day Terra Madre Asia and Pacific (TMAP), which began Wednesday, November 19.</p>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img alt="anti gmo bacolod" class="wp-image-3116168" height="1920" src="https://www.rappler.com/tachyon/2025/11/anti-gmo-bacolod2-scaled.jpg" width="2560" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">APPEAL. Slow Food International president Edward Mukiibi asks participants at Terra Madre Asia and Pacific 2025 to reject GMO and champion biodiversity instead. Ambo Delilan/Rappler</figcaption></figure>

<p>The <a href="https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/negros-occidental-groups-oppos

The dead saved the living: La Castellana cemetery shields town from logs washed down from Kanlaon

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/la-castellana-negros-occidental-cemetery-shield-logs-floods-mount-kanlaon-typhoon-tino-kalmaegi/

Typhoon Tino leaves 13 dead, 13 missing in Negros Occidental

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/typhoon-tino-dead-missing-negros-occidental-november-2025/

<p>NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – At least 13 people were confirmed dead and 13 others missing after <a href="https://www.rappler.com/philippines/weather/tropical-cyclone-tino-forecast-track-wind-signals-rain-damage-relief-updates-november-2025/">Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi)</a> pummeled large parts of Negros Occidental, including the capital Bacolod City, on Tuesday, November 4.</p>

<p>Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the fatalities included two in Murcia, three each in San Carlos City and Bago City, four in La Castellana, and one in La Carlota City.</p>

<p>Seven people from Bago and six from La Carlota were reported missing.</p>

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As the nation remembers its dead, one Negros Occidental family’s grief begins

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/negros-occidental-family-grief-begins-undas-october-2025/

Priests resign as convenors of Bacolod group probing flood control projects

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/priests-resign-council-concerned-citizens-probing-flood-control-projects-bacolod-city/

<p>NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – A citizens’ watchdog conducting its own investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects in Bacolod City has taken a new turn following the resignation of several Catholic priests as convenors.</p>

<p>But lawyer Cesar Beloria, one of convenors of the group <a href="https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/priests-form-citizens-council-probe-bacolod-city-flood-projects/">Council of Concerned Citizens</a> (C3), said on Monday, October 27, that they will continue looking into more than a hundred flood control projects despite the priests’ resignation.</p>

<p>Beloria confirmed that Fr. Anecito “Mao” Buenafe, Fr. Arman Onion, Fr. Julius Espinosa, and Fr. Chris Gonzales among those who stepped down as convenors. He said they respected the priests’ decision to relinquish their roles after C3 decided to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to gain juridical identity.</p>

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‘Moderately explosive’ Kanlaon Volcano eruption triggers ashfall

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/phivolcs-kanlaon-volcano-eruption-update-october-24-2025/

LIST: November 2025 special non-working days in PH provinces, cities, towns

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/special-non-working-days-proclamations-provinces-cities-municipalities-november-2025/

Thousands in Bacolod pray the Rosary in unison to protest corruption

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/rosary-rally-bacolod-anti-corruption-october-11-2025/

NCIP flags online threats to IP heritage at Negros cultural festival

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/ncip-flags-online-threats-ip-heritage-negros-occidental-cultural-festival/

Cadiz gets national recognition for its mangrove, migratory bird sanctuary

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/cadiz-avila-mangrove-reserve-migratory-bird-sanctuary-para-el-mar-awards-2025/

<p>NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Cadiz’s battle to safeguard its fragile environment has found new momentum, thanks to recognition for a thriving coastal sanctuary that has become a shield for the city’s communities.</p>

<p>The Avila Mangrove Reserve and Migratory Bird Sanctuary (AMRMBS), a 33-hectare coastal expanse in Barangay Daga, <a href="https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/l16510229-negros-occidental-cadiz-city/">Cadiz City</a>, was 1st runner-up at the 10th Para El Mar (For the Sea) Awards in Iloilo City on September 18. </p>

<p>Cadiz’s entry trailed behind the Balisungan Marine Protected Area in Coron, Palawan, which was declared national champion for best-managed mangrove areas. The Siruma Mangrove Local Conservation Area in Camarines Sur and the Bauang Bakawan Eco-Tourism Park in La Union followed as 2nd and 3rd runners-up.</p>

<p>The Para El Mar Awards is a biennial recognition program that spotlights the country’s most effective marine protected areas (MPAs) and coastal conservation efforts. It has become one of the country’s most prestigious award programs, recognizing efforts to restore the abundance of marine resources through the creation and protection of formidable mangrove reserves nationwide.</p>

<p>Held every two years, the Para El Mar Awards focuses on the Philippines’ frontline defenders of the coast. Backed by respected national and international partners, the initiative underscores a shared mission: to confront the impacts of cl

Second major flood this month hits Negros Occidental, thousands displaced

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/negros-occidental-flood-july-17-2025/

<p>NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Widespread flooding swept through southern Negros Occidental on Thursday, July 17, affecting more than 2,000 families in three cities and seven towns, local disaster officials said, marking the second major flood event in the province in a month’s time.</p>

<p>The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) said heavy rain from the southwest monsoon, enhanced by Tropical Storm Crising (Wipha) as it approached Northern Luzon on Friday, July 18, inundated low-lying areas in Negros Occidental’s 5th and 6th districts. The rain submerged roads, triggered landslides, and prompted class suspensions in at least 18 localities.</p>

<p>Crising was categorized as a tropical depression on Thursday, but it <a href="https://www.rappler.com/philippines/weather/tropical-storm-crising-southwest-monsoon-update-pagasa-forecast-july-18-2025-5am/">intensified into a tropical storm</a> at 2 am on Friday.</p>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img alt="Negros Occ floods July 17 2025" class="wp-image-3031856" height="1536" src="https://www.rappler.com/tachyon/2025/07/Negros-Occ-floods1-July-17-2025.jpg" width="2048" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">OVERFLOW. A river in Camugaw, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental overflowi due to continuous rainfall in the upland areas of the city. Kabankalan CDRRMO</figcaption></figure>

<p>The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said 2,243 families were affect

DepEd softens stance, allows thousands of Kanlaon evacuees to sleep in classrooms

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/department-education-kanlaon-evacuees-classrooms-negros-occidental/

<p>NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Under mounting pressure from displaced families and appeals from local officials, education officials in the Negros Island Region softened their earlier stance and agreed to let Kanlaon Volcano evacuees spend the night in public school classrooms.</p>

<p>The Department of Education-Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) announced the compromise on Wednesday, June 18, after days of tension over the <a href="https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/kanlaon-volcano-evacuees-removed-make-way-students-negros-occidental/">removal of thousands of evacuees from public schools</a>.</p>

<p>But the evacuees must vacate and clean the classrooms between 4 am and 5 am daily to allow regular classes to resume, and may return only after 5 pm.</p>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img alt="Kanlaon evacuees tents covered court June 2025" class="wp-image-3016112" height="921" src="https://www.rappler.com/tachyon/2025/06/Kanlaon-evacuees-tents-covered-court-June-2025.jpg" width="2048" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SETTING UP. Kanlaon evacuees set up tents at a covered court in Barangay Poso, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, as temporary shelter for their families. La Castellana PIO</figcaption></figure>

<p>Making sure that classes are not disrupted, while evacuees still have a place to stay at night was a win-win arrangement, said lawyer Jasper Tuala, DepEd-NIR supervising administrative officer, during a news conference in Bacolod

Kabankalan delivers major upset in Negros Occidental as 4 Zaycos lose

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/zayco-clan-upset-kabankalan-negros-occidental-2025/

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