LEGAZPI CITY --- Residents in communities around Mayon Volcano, particularly those in areas vulnerable to volcanic hazards, are being urged to exercise extra caution as a sharp increase in sulfur dioxide emissions raises the possibility of renewed eruptive activity. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Mayon released 7,115 tons of sulfur dioxide on Aug. 31, more than twice the volcano’s average daily emission since it was placed under Alert L

By Rhaydz Barcia LEGAZPI CITY --- The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Albay Chapter and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) have vehemently condemned a death threat against former radio announcer and human rights lawyer Bartolome “Bart” Rayco. Rayco, a former broadcaster of DWBS Radio Veritas Legazpi who later studied law and passed the Bar examinations, is a well-known human rights advocate. Rayco, the incumbent vice president and legal aid chairperson of the IBP

By Manuel T. Ugalde LEGAZPI CITY --- The reported resurgence of illegal numbers games in Albay has prompted renewed calls for authorities to strengthen efforts against unauthorized gambling operations in the province. The issue has drawn public attention amid concerns over the reported proliferation of betting activities associated with Small Town Lottery (STL) operations. Whistle-blower Alwyn Nimo has recently posted a series of livestreams on social media discussing what he

By Jason B. Neola WITH thousands of devotees and visitors expected to converge in Naga City for the Peñafrancia Festival, Naga LGU and police officials are stepping up preparations to keep the annual celebration safe, orderly and peaceful. Mayor Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ G. Robredo joined Police Regional Office 5 (PRO 5) Director PBGen. Randy Glenn G. Silvio and officials of the Naga City Police Office (NCPO) in a command conference Sunday, August 30, where security preparations an

By Jordan Domingo AS August 2026 came to its final days, Camarines Sur police wrapped up the month with a series of cases that underscored the continuing challenges in peace and order and public safety in the province. In separate incidents recorded on Aug. 29, authorities arrested a most wanted person and two suspected drug offenders, recovered an improvised explosive device in a mountainous area, retrieved a stolen government-issued firearm belonging to an Army personnel, a

By Paulo DS. Papa A natural agriculture advocate from South Korea will spearhead a series of seminars in the Bicol region, highlighting Integrated Agriculture Natural Production Technologies this coming October. Leading the seminars, which will be conducted free of charge from October 12 to 17 in Camarines Sur and Albay, is Andry Lim. He will share technologies that promote urban gardening, edible gardening, and FAITH, which stands for “Food Always In The Home.” The Ambag nin

By Paulo DS. Papa THE national and regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police, as well as the Naga City Government, have backed the request for a localized gun ban during this month’s Peñafrancia Fiesta. The suspension of permits to carry firearms outside residences was requested by the Naga City Police Office, with uniformed personnel exempted from the restriction, from September 3 to 21, 2026, said Police Lt. Col. Elmer Azurez Jr., chief of the City Community A

By Rosalita Manlangit DAET, Camarines Norte --- The Queen Pineapple of Camarines Norte took center stage during the August 19–21 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW), which featured activities centered around “Piñavation.” “This year, we celebrate RSTW alongside Piñavation, a partnership that highlights how local resources and strengths can serve as foundations for innovation,” said Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. during the opening cer

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- A total of 162 newly absorbed Fire Officer 1 personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection-Bicol (BFP-5) recited and signed a covenant rejecting the slot-for-sale practice during their oathtaking ceremony in Ligao City, Albay on Tuesday. BFP-5 Regional Director Fire Chief Superintendent Junito Maslang said the covenant was part of the internal cleansing efforts being pursued by the agency under the direction of Department of the Interior and Lo

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY – A ranking leader of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the Bicol Region was killed following a 10-minute armed encounter between government forces and around five New People's Army (NPA) members in Barangay Magogon, Camalig, Albay, the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) reported on Tuesday. In a report, Maj. Frank Roldan, 9ID spokesperson, said troops of the 31st Infantry Battalion (31st IB), together with personnel of the Philippine National Pol

By Ernie Delgado LEGAZPI CITY --- Families who recently returned to their communities near the danger zone of the Philippines’ most active volcano received a total of P3,318,000 in cash assistance to help them rebuild their lives. Last month, about 4,100 individuals, comprising 1,131 families, returned to their communities located in the cities of Tabaco and Ligao, as well as the towns of Camalig and Malilipot in Albay province after evacuating in January due to the raising o

By Rhaydz Barcia AS the Diocese of Legazpi commemorates its 75th Diocesan Diamond Jubilee this year, the City Government of Legazpi, through the Museo de Legazpi, is showcasing sacred artifacts, historical memorabilia from the once-in-a-lifetime historic visit of St. John Paul II, and valuable photographs documenting the establishment of St. Gregory the Great Cathedral 75 years ago. The exhibit, locally called “Pagsalingoy,” a Bicol term meaning “looking back,” features the o

By Jason B. Neola THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Naga City is continuing preparations for the November 2 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), with local election officer Maico Julia saying he would prefer that the polls push through as scheduled because a city plebiscite is set to be held simultaneously. Julia said the Naga City government could save about P20 million if the plebiscite is conducted together with the BSKE. If held separately, however,

By Jordan Domingo THE Supreme Court has ruled that banks cannot compel depositors to return money they were able to withdraw prematurely because of the bank’s own negligence. The ruling stemmed from a case involving BDO Unibank and Cristina Barcellano, whose withdrawal of funds was made possible after a bank teller mistakenly processed a regional check as a local check, allowing it to clear earlier than the prescribed period. In a decision penned by Associate Justice Japar Di

By Paulo DS. Papa THE Bicol’s cultural community is mourning the death of cultural advocate, writer and film scholar Tito Valiente, who passed away at the age of 70 on Saturday, August 22. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) announced Valiente’s death and honored his contributions to the promotion and preservation of Bicol’s culture. He served as director of the Institute of Bikol History and Culture at Ateneo de Naga University. Born on December 11, 1955