Technical Issue Temporarily Disrupts Services

A technical malfunction has resulted in a brief interruption of services. The responsible teams are actively working to identify the cause and implement a solution to resume normal functionality as swiftly as possible. No further details have been released at this time, but updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Bacolod City Council Orders Immediate Cleanup of Hazardous Cable Installations

The Bacolod City Council has passed a resolution directing all telecommunications and cable/internet service providers—such as SMART, PLDT, Globe, Converge, DITO, Sky Cable, among others—to promptly address and remediate tangled wires, low-hanging cables, and abandoned or unstable posts across the city. Authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, chair of the City Council Committee on Human Resource and Development, the measure responds to increasing complaints from barangays concerning hazardous cable setups that pose risks to pedestrians and motorists, hinder emergency services, and contribute to urban clutter. District stated, \"These unsafe and unsightly wires are real hazards to our people. We are calling on all telcos to act immediately and work closely with the city government to eliminate these risks.\" He emphasized that companies must undertake thorough city-wide inspections, remove defunct or unused cables, reorganize tangled wiring, secure hanging lines, and repair or replace unstable posts. Furthermore, coordination with the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BCDRRMO), Department of Public Services (DPS), and City Engineering Office is essential to ensure efficient and safe cleanup operations. The council also appealed to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to oversee compliance and to enforce national safety standards. Barangay officials have been encouraged to assist in identifying areas with problematic wiring. Distrito noted that telecommunications and cable providers are required to submit detailed reports to the City Council outlining their cleanup activities and future maintenance plans. \"This initiative is focused on safeguarding public safety and promoting cleaner, more organized streets for our residents,\" Distrito concluded. Copies of the approved resolution will be distributed to all relevant service providers, the NTC, and pertinent city departments.

Woman Dies in Drowning Incident in Murcia, Negros Occidental

A 57-year-old woman lost her life on Wednesday after drowning in Purok Villarosa, Barangay Damsite, in Murcia, Negros Occidental. The victim was found by a local resident named Jomarie around 3:44 p.m. following reports that she had been washing clothes along the riverbank of Purok Paghimakas prior to the incident. When personnel from the Murcia Fire Station and the Murcia Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) arrived at the scene, the victim had already been pulled out of the water by residents of Purok Villarosa. An initial examination revealed that she was unresponsive, without a pulse and not breathing. Further evaluation by the MDRRMO team identified visible injuries, including swelling on the back of the head and puncture wounds with lacerations on both sides of the temporal area. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Remembering Max Limpag: A Courageous Voice in Cebu Journalism Spotlighting Church Issues

The recent passing of Max Limpag represents a significant loss to journalism in Cebu, particularly due to his distinctive approach to covering sensitive Church-related matters. Known for his fearless reporting, Limpag consistently challenged the status quo, even when his investigations brought him into conflict with church authorities. Though personally acquainted with him, colleagues in the professional journalism community are best suited to articulate the depth of the void his departure has created. However, his focus on the Church’s transparency, especially concerning the disappearance of sacred artifacts in Boljoon parish and the persistent use of Latin by dissenting groups, sets him apart. Limpag was unwavering in his principle that no church official should be immune to scrutiny. His determined quest for the truth once led him to attend an archdiocesan gathering intended only for clergy. This act, among others, earned him opposition from certain clerics who preferred the Church’s image to remain unchallenged. On one occasion, an overzealous cleric, acting without apparent authorization from Archbishop Jose Palma, physically prevented Limpag from interviewing the Archbishop. In response, Limpag publicly aired his grievances via social media, revealing that the Archbishop had in fact been willing to engage with him. Limpag succinctly summarized his philosophy: "It is not the job of a journalist to make the Church look good. The Church can hire propagandists if she wants. But the task of a journalist is to report facts as he or she sees them." He later informed a colleague that the Archbishop had gifted him a signed book, which he already possessed. To honor Limpag’s legacy, it is fitting to embrace his fearless journalistic spirit and affirm that critique of clergy, when grounded in truth and integrity, is not only acceptable but necessary. This stance is not without historical precedent among devout Catholics, including several canonized saints. For instance, St. Bernard of Clairvaux openly criticized certain clergy for prioritizing personal interests over spiritual duties. He condemned the trappings of wealth and power that some church leaders indulged in, contrasting them with the humble example of Saint Peter. Similarly, St. Peter Damian censured bishops for their greed and political alliances, while the poet Dante Alighieri famously denounced Pope Nicholas III for simony in his Divine Comedy—a vivid portrayal of ecclesiastical corruption. Ludolph of Saxony, a Carthusian monk, observed that the Church's greatest persecution today arises not from external heretics but from internal corruptions fueled by "illicit movements and inordinate desires." These critical perspectives echo Limpag’s own pursuit of a Church more aligned with the ideals Christ envisioned. Max Limpag’s writings were motivated by a deep desire for reform and transparency within the Church institution. His work serves as an enduring example for future journalists willing to ask difficult questions. The journalism community and wider public must welcome such voices when they arise. Rest in peace, Max Limpag. Your courageous inquiry and commitment to truth will be remembered.

Senior Citizen Dies in House Fire in Daanbantayan

A fire erupted at around 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, in Sitio Cumbado, Barangay Bagay, Daanbantayan, resulting in the death of a 67-year-old resident. The blaze consumed the home of Artemia Capisnon, constructed from cement and wood. FO2 Darlene Mari, an investigator from the Daanbantayan Fire Station, revealed that the fire originated in one of the rooms of the house. The flames quickly spread, reducing the structure to ashes. The fire was declared a first alarm incident, with authorities estimating damages at approximately P100,000. No individuals were inside Capisnon’s residence during the fire. Tragically, Angeles Dapat, aged 67, who lived in a nearby house, lost his life. According to FO2 Mari, the victim may have suffered a health emergency, such as an attack, while attempting to escape the fire. Despite efforts to rescue him after the victim had gathered some belongings, his life could not be saved. Investigators continue to determine the cause of the fire.

Bislig City Distributes Food-for-Work Aid and Emergency Equipment to Barangays

The Bislig City government, led by Mayor Florencio Garay, has rolled out a food-for-work assistance program targeting residents in three barangays. Alongside this initiative, the Office of the City Mayor and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) delivered emergency response equipment and incident warning kits to the communities of Sta. Cruz, Sibaroy, and Maharlika. According to a statement released on Monday, November 24, the program is designed to bolster the city’s disaster preparedness while offering temporary livelihood opportunities for residents engaged in community clean-up and mitigation activities. "This initiative aims to strengthen the city\'s disaster preparedness efforts while extending temporary livelihood support to residents who participated in community clean-up drives and mitigation activities under the Food-for-Work Program," the city government emphasized. The distribution of vital equipment and the encouragement of active citizen involvement are viewed as crucial steps toward cultivating a culture of resilience, unity, and preparedness in these barangays, especially in critical situations.

Schedule Announced for Wake and Burial of Former Mayor Cynthia Dela Cruz

The Municipal Government of Don Salvador Benedicto has officially announced the updated schedule for the wake and burial of former Mayor Cynthia Dela Cruz, who died on November 21. The viewing will take place from November 27 to 28 at the Municipal Gymnasium located in Poblacion, Barangay Igmaya-an.\n\nA memorial mass is scheduled for 9 a.m. today at the same venue. Following the mass, the interment will occur at the Dela Cruz Mausoleum, situated beside the Igmaya-an Public Cemetery in Barangay Igmaya-an, Don Salvador Benedicto.

FEU-D Baby Tamaraws Advance to UAAP Junior High Semifinals with Victory Over Adamson

The Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) Baby Tamaraws have earned their place in the next round of the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball stepladder semifinals after a commanding 90-76 win against the Adamson University Baby Falcons on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. FEU-D was driven by the impressive play of Dwyne Enriquez and Prince Cariño, who helped maintain control throughout the game and thwart multiple attempts by Adamson to close the gap. The Baby Tamaraws held a steady lead for much of the first half but faced pressure in the third quarter when Adamson narrowed the deficit to six points at 53-47. It was at this critical moment that Enriquez stepped up, delivering a clutch performance by scoring 16 of his 29 points during the period to preserve a 69-60 advantage heading into the final quarter. Despite the Falcons’ persistent efforts, which included cutting the lead to five points early in the fourth quarter at 75-70, FEU-D responded with resilience. Cariño and Enriquez, with crucial support from Andrei Chavez and Kyle Mojica, spearheaded an 11-2 run that sealed the victory. Enriquez concluded the match with an outstanding stat line of 29 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks. Cariño complemented his backcourt partner’s effort by dominating inside with a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds. FEU-D head coach Muriel Garcia praised her team’s determination, stating, \"We emphasized that no matter how hard the opponent fights back, we must keep playing and never stop our efforts.\" Adamson’s Fran Flores delivered a remarkable final performance for the Baby Falcons, tallying 31 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. With this win, FEU-D advances to the stepladder semifinals to face the second-seeded University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Cubs on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. The Baby Tamaraws will aim to avenge two earlier losses to UST, including a significant 108-70 defeat in the elimination rounds.

Pedestrian Killed and Cyclist Injured in Collision with Ceres Bus in Negros Occidental

A tragic incident occurred on Sunday evening along the National Highway in Barangay Galicia, Ilog, Negros Occidental, when a collision between a Ceres bus, a pedestrian, and a cyclist led to a fatality and serious injury. The deceased was identified as Joseph Castillo, 50, a local businessman. The injured party, an 18-year-old student named France Bolneo, was also a resident of the barangay. Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus was traveling southbound when it sideswiped the cyclist, who was returning home after visiting a store. In an attempt to avoid hitting the cyclist, the bus swerved but unfortunately struck a pedestrian crossing the road. Both victims suffered head injuries and were promptly transported to a nearby hospital. Upon arrival, Castillo was pronounced dead, while Bolneo was stabilized and later transferred to Holy Mother of Mercy Hospital in Kabankalan City for further treatment. The bus sustained damage to its windshield and was temporarily seized by the police. Authorities have taken the bus driver into custody under the jurisdiction of the Ilog Municipal Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Liverpool Tea Dances Revive Social Spirit Among Older Adults

In Liverpool’s historic town hall, pensioners gather enthusiastically for tea dances, embracing a lively tradition that offers more than just entertainment. These events serve as a joyful respite from the challenges of aging and wider national concerns in Britain. Davina Woods, 71, a former headteacher, humorously remarked, "Come to tea dances and avoid the NHS!" highlighting both the charm of these gatherings and the reality of Britain’s strained healthcare system. She treasured the opportunity to dress up and wear high heels, noting, "It really lifts your spirits." For many participants, the dance floor provides an escape from political and economic tensions affecting the country. David Easton, a 65-year-old engineer, explained, "We leave politics outside. It brings people together. It brings us joy." Originating from the 19th-century tradition of afternoon tea, tea dances have seen a resurgence, particularly following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This revival reflects a broader renewed interest in traditional dances, influenced by popular culture phenomena like the television show "Strictly Come Dancing." On a recent Monday in Liverpool, 115 attendees paid £12 ($16) to dance the waltz, tango, and cha-cha-cha under the elegant chandeliers of the 18th-century town hall. The event also featured refreshments including tea and cakes. Jackie Williams, 53, organizer and founder of Ballroom Blitz since 2017, observed, "It is very vibrant. It’s growing. More and more people join. Since Covid, people have realised how dancing can help, how much they need physical contact." New variations of tea dances have emerged, catering to diverse groups such as same-sex couples and individuals with dementia, emphasizing inclusivity. Beyond exercise, the social connection these dances facilitate is often the main attraction. Mo Massie, 75, a retired psychotherapist, described tea dances as "a highlight of my life," stressing the importance of companionship over solitude. Retired nurse Greta Jones, 65, reflected on her own experience starting dance 15 years ago during a period of living alone: "I made a fabulous group of friends over the years. Tea dances are definitely a good way to fight loneliness." After hours of dancing, participants depart refreshed until their next gathering. Mike Robinson, a 57-year-old former lecturer from Manchester, summed up the sentiment: "Dancing put a smile on my face. It’s good for mental health."