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Atty. Paolo Tolentino Abusado sa posisyon na barangay officials Atty., ano po an pwedeng gibuhon laban sa mga barangay officials o government personnel na nag-aabuso kan saindang posisyon, partikular sa kakulangan sa accountability asin transparency—halimbawa, dae pag-report sa mga constituents kan saindang performance o liquidation reports, o limitado lang sa 10 an inaanyayahan sa general assembly? Pano man po kung may sala o malisyosong pag-akusa laban sa sarong tao, o paglatag nin dae tamang impormasyon sa law enforcement agencies, maski mayo man probable cause o kriminal na kaso na naestablisar laban sa inakusahang persona? --- Pwde mong sabihan o suratan ang barangay o government personnel na sunudon ang nakalaag sa Local Government Code o circulars na tig-isyu kang DILG tungkol sa transparency, partikular sa pag-report o pag-post ning summary tungkol sa public fund na natanggap saka pano ini ginamit sa taon. Kung dae mag sunod, pwde sindang ireklamo o sampahan ning kasong administratibo na simple o grave misconduct. Ito man tungkol sa sala o malisyosong pag-akusa, o pagtao nin dae tamang impormasyon sa reklamo o imbestigasyon kang awtoridad ay pwede maging basehan na sampahan kasong kriminal na perjury o falsification. Pwede man na kasong civil ang isampa, para sa danyos na sinapo kang nagrereklamo. Kung may mga kahaputan, mag email sa: ihapotkiattorney@gmail.com

CARAMOAN, Camarines Sur --- Police authorities and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have recovered the body of a fisherman who went missing after a motorized banca capsized in the territorial waters off Sitio Lipata, Barangay Gogon, Caramoan, on January 3, 2026. The victim was identified as Jose Cielo, 57, married, and a resident of Barangay Divino Rostro, San Andres, Catanduanes. He was earlier reported as Jose Almonte in initial police reports and was one of the three fishermen aboard the banca when it capsized. According to the Caramoan Municipal Police Station (MPS), Cielo’s body was discovered floating at sea near Balogo, Sitio Lipata, Barangay Gogon—around 20 kilometers from the Caramoan shoreline—by a local boat owner. The discovery came after three days of continuous search operations. The Caramoan MPS organized a joint search, rescue, and retrieval team along with the PCG, Regional Maritime Unit 5, and the Camarines Sur Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) to retrieve Cielo’s body from the sea. The incident occurred at around 8:15 a.m. on January 3 when a motorized banca carrying Almonte, Dela Cruz, and Cielo were fishing at sea. Junar Dela Cruz survived the incident, while Andy Almonte reportedly drowned after the boat overturned. Dela Cruz was initially placed under the custody of barangay officials and was later referred by police to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) for immediate medical assistance. Immediately after the capsizing and before Cielo’s body was retrieved, personnel of the Caramoan MPS coordinated with barangay officials of Barangay Gogon to verify the incident. Initial investigation revealed that the group went out to sea despite a gale warning issued by the PCG. The vessel reportedly capsized after encountering strong sea currents and heavy waves. RETRIEVED. Cielo’s body paced inside the black body bag.

The City Government of Naga is set to conduct summits on solid waste management and traffic in January 2026 as part of its efforts to address pressing urban concerns through inclusive and participatory planning. Through its Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO), the city is pursuing the conduct of a “Basura Summit” that will bring together key sectors and stakeholders to help shape the city’s plan for the full implementation of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. The law mandates local government units to adopt sustainable solid waste management practices, including segregation at source, waste reduction, recycling, composting, and proper disposal through the establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and the use of sanitary landfills. Mayor Leni Robredo said the participation of all concerned sectors is essential to come up with a proper, thorough, well-organized, and systematic approach to waste collection, management, and disposal in the city, as required by law. She stressed that LGUs are required not only to enforce waste segregation at source and promote recycling and composting, but also to establish their own MRFs to support effective waste management. Expected to take part in the Basura Summit are the Punong Barangays and other village officials from Naga City’s 27 barangays, representatives from public and private schools, commercial establishments, hospitals, and other key stakeholders. Meanwhile, Robredo formally received on Friday, December 26, 2025, one unit of compactor and one unit of wheel loader donated by United Auctioneers Inc. According to SWMO head Engr. Joel Martin, the heavy equipment will play a vital role in strengthening the city’s waste management operations. In addition to the waste summit, the city is also preparing for a Traffic Summit aimed at addressing traffic concerns through a collaborative and data-driven approach. Public Safety Office Executive Director Renne Gumba said they are now finalizing the schedule of the traffic summit in coordination with Engr. Edmer Flores of the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), along with other key sectors and stakeholders. Robredo said that, similar to the Basura Summit, broad participation from Naga City constituents is crucial, as traffic solutions require public ownership and cooperation. Earlier, teams of city planners and personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) visited Naga City upon the mayor’s invitation to assist in crafting effective and workable traffic management strategies. Both groups are expected to present their recommendations in the coming weeks. I via Jason Neola

By Ernie Delgado LEGAZPI CITY --- Alert Level 3 has been raised over the Philippines’ most active volcano due to an active eruption and lava flow, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Tuesday afternoon (Jan. 6). Phivolcs said that Mayon Volcano is showing early signs of an eruption, including a lava dome formation at its summit, indicating potential lava flow. Since Mayon’s alert level rose from 1 to 2 on New Year’s Day, rockfall events increased significantly, totaling 346 this week and four volcanic earthquakes, the agency said. Phivolcs said these rockfalls usually last between one and five minutes and have been sending lava debris flying within a kilometer of the volcano’s southern slopes. There has been an increase in rockfall volume, especially at night when the glowing lava suggests new lava is emerging from the crater, indicating dome growth, it added. Phivolcs said pyroclastic density currents, fast-moving flows of hot gas and volcanic material, started forming today from the newly flowing lava’s collapse, lasting about three minutes and traveling within two kilometers of the summit. Phivolcs said this means that there may be explosive activity in the coming days or weeks. “It is therefore recommended that (people living in) the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone be evacuated due to the danger of pyroclastic density currents, lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards,” the agency said. Communities surrounding Mayon should stay alert for dangerous events like fast-moving flows of hot gases and debris, mudflows, and streams of muddy water coming down from the volcano, the agency said. Air traffic control should also remind pilots to steer clear of flying near the top of the volcano, as ash from an unexpected eruption can be very dangerous for planes, it added. “Based on the current prevailing wind pattern, ash fall events may most likely occur on the south side of the volcano,” Phivolcs said. (PIA Bicol)

Ni Nathaniel Solaces Sa makabagong panahon ng teknolohiya, isang bagong “kakampi” ang sumulpot sa loob ng mga silid-aralan: ang Artificial Intelligence o Al. Mula sa pagsusulat ng sanaysay hanggang sa paglutas ng komplikadong equation, tila naging instant tutor na ito ng marami. Ngunit sa likod ng bills at talino nito, isang mahalagang tanong ang dapat noting harapin: Nakatutulong nga ba talaga ang Al, o unti-unti nitong pinupungos ang kakayahan ng mga estudyante? Ang Bilis na Dulot ng Teknolohiya Hindi maikakaila ang positibong hatid ng Al sa aspeto ng produktibidad. Para sa mga estudyanteng “na-drain” na ang utak sa dami ng. gawain, ang Al ay nagsisilbing balon ng mga ideya. Nakatutulong ito sa pagbuo ng mga balangkas para sa proyekto, pagpaplano ng mga presentasyon, at pagpapaliwanag ng mahihirap na takdang-aralin. Bukod dito, epektibo rin itong katuwang sa pagrerepaso. Dahil hind! limitado ang paksa nito, maaari mo itong gawing practice partner na magbibigay ng mga pagsusulit tungkol sa iyong mga asignatura. Dahil sa bilis nitong sumagot, mas napapadali ang pagtapos sa mga gawaing dati ay inaabot ng maghapon. Ang Patibong ng Pag-asa Ngunit gaya ng anumang gamot, may side effect ang moling paggamit ng Al. Dito pumapasok ang panganib ng katamaran. Kapag ang isang estudyante ay naging dependent o masyadong umasa sa Al, nawawala na ang kritikal na pag-iisip. Hindi na natutufo ang mag-aaral na mag-analisa dahil “copy-paste” na lamang ang nagiging solusyon. Isa pa sa dapat bantayan ay ang tinatawag na Al hallucinations o ang pagbibigay ng Al ng mga impormasyong tila totoo pero mali pala. Dahil sa mabilis na pag-reply nito, modelling mahulog ang mga estudyante so moling impormasyon na maaaring magresulta so moling pagkakaunawa so leksyon. Balanse: Ang Susi so Tamang Paggamit Hindi natin kailangang talikuran ang teknolohiya, ngunit kailangan noting matutunan ang disiplina. Ang Al ay dapat ituring na kasangkapan (tool) lamang, hindi kapalit ng utak. Mainam pa rin na gawing pangunahing basehan ang mga librong ibinigay ng paaralan at ang turo ng mga guro. Ang mga ito ang pundasyon ng totoong kaalaman na hindi kayang tapatan ng anumang algorithm. Sa hull, ang Al ay narito upang tulungan tayong matuto, hindi para turuan tayong huminto sa pag-iisip. Gamitin natin ito sa tamang paraan—bilang gabay, hindi bilang pangunahing takbuhan.

The Baptism of the Lord First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Responsorial Psalm Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 R. (11b) The Lord will bless his people with peace. Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38 Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Time keeps moving, whether we’re ready or not. We can’t stop it, and we can’t stop a new year from beginning. But what we can choose is how we begin this year—and what we decide to pursue as it unfolds. We also can’t undo the past. We can remain stuck in regret, or we can choose gratitude. We may not be able to erase our mistakes, but with God’s grace, we can learn from them and allow them to shape us into better, more loving people. This past year has not been easy. There have been events that caused distress, hopelessness, despair, and even distrust in people and institutions. At times, it can leave us feeling overwhelmed or paralyzed, unsure of how to move forward. Today, on January 1, we are reminded of a powerful grace: we begin the year celebrating the birth of Jesus and honoring Mary as the Mother of God. God chose to enter our world not with force, but as a child, born into love and entrusted to a mother. This reminds us that God is close, gentle, and present—even in uncertainty. As people of faith, we are not called to remain stuck. We are called to choose hope. Hope does not ignore pain; it meets it with trust and responds with action. Even small acts of kindness, honesty, and compassion can help heal what feels broken. As we begin this new year, may we choose faith over fear and love over indifference. May the Holy Spirit guide our steps, and may Mary, our Mother, walk with us as we strive to follow Jesus each day. We place this new year in God’s hands, trusting that through Christ, light is always stronger than darkness. Happy New Year! May God bless you, strengthen you, and keep you close throughout the year. +Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. Archbishop of Caceres

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat Bishop Jose Bantolo passed away on Dec. 13, 2025 after battling a chronic illness. He was 65. Born in Antique and ordained a priest for the Diocese of San Jose de Antique in 1986, Bantolo was appointed by then Pope Benedict XVI as the 3rd Bishop of Masbate in 2011. He was ordained a Bishop on Aug. 22, 2011 and was installed as the prelate of Masbate on Sept. 6, 2011. He chose the motto: “Vivere Christus est” (To live is Christ). His pastoral leadership was described by the Diocese of Masbate as “selfless”. “He served the faithful of the Diocese of Masbate with devotion and grace for 14 years,” the Diocese said in a statement. Bantolo’s funeral mass and interment was held on Dec. 30, 2025 at the Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua in Masbate City. The mass was presided by Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon. Also present were the Bicol Bishops and the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, who, in behalf of the Holy Father, extended his condolences to the Clergy and faithful of Masbate and to the family of the deceased. In his homily, Alarcon described Bantolo as “simple and humble”, having “an unassuming bearing that made him approachable”. His vision for his Clergy was for them to be “happy, healthy and holy”. “A steadfast servant, Bishop Joban was hardworking and had a strong sense of mission,” Alarcon continued to say. “He was concerned with poverty and peace and order in Masbate.” “He desired the renewal of the Diocese in Christ through communities and structures. He wanted to bring the Church closer to its people, whom he saw as the Diocese’s greatest treasure.” Currently, Msgr. Claro Caluya III is the Diocesan Administrator of Masbate. Requiem Mass and Final Commendation for +Most Rev. Jose S. Bantolo D.D., 3rd Bishop of Masbate at the St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral, Masbate City on December 30, 2025 with Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D., Archbishop of Caceres, as main celebrant. The occasion was also graced by the presence of Most Rev. Charles John Brown, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. (Diocese of Masbate Office of Communications/Spirit Digital Media)

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat “What are you searching for this 2026?”, asked Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon of Caceres in his homily last January 4 at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. “Social media users search for people, topics or songs,” he said. “Alternatively, they post photos, achievements or comments to express themselves.” In his homily on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord, however, the Caceres prelate reminded everyone of what to truly search for and share with others. According to Alarcon, the Epiphany of our Lord is Christ making Himself known to the 3 Magi. Guided by a star, the Magi searched for Jesus and encountered Him in a manger. Like the 3 Magi, he said, may a star also guide us as we seek the Lord in our pilgrimage. The Caceres prelate also called on the faithful to pray for "eyes that see clearly". "May we recognize the Lord in our day-to-day lives," he said, "even in our weaknesses, and even through our difficulties." "For it is in humility, not power; silence, not noise, that the Lord assures us: He is here with us." In closing, Alarcon urged everyone to seek the Lord. "And when we find Him," he said, "may we post and share what we have seen and whom we have encountered."

By Benilda Recebido SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- A total of 8,242 families in Sorsogon received financial assistance of more than P5,000 each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 5 (DSWD-5) under its Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program. The DSWD-5 reported that it distributed P42,734,821 to families whose houses were damaged by recent typhoons in the municipalities of Pilar, Gubat, Bulusan, Casiguran, and Irosin, as well as Sorsogon City. The assistance aimed to help families rebuild and recover from the impacts of recent disasters, the DSWD-5 said. Maria Fe Matociño, a resident of Pilar and one of the beneficiaries of the DSWD assistance, said the government support was a great help to her family as they worked to recover after losing their home due to Super Typhoon “Uwan”. She said the aid was helpful as she and her husband are raising three young children, while her husband also lost his source of livelihood following the disaster. Matociño expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the programs that ensured families like theirs were not left behind, and thanked the DSWD for the timely payout that helped them rebuild their lives. “The presence of a responsive government gives us hope, and the support we have received from DSWD proves that the government continues to care for and stand by us, ordinary people in times of crisis,” she said, speaking in her dialect. (Mavic Aringo contributed to this report, PIA Bicol/Sorsogon) The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Bicol remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that no family is left behind. Before the year 2025 ended, the DSWD made the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) Payout, reaching a total of 8,242 beneficiaries in five municipalities and one city in Sorsogon. (Photo: DSWD Bicol FB Page)

By Ernie Delgado LEGAZPI CITY --- Evacuation of families living in the immediate vicinity of Mayon Volcano has started due to the potential for a hazardous eruption within days or weeks, according to the Albay Provincial Information Office (PIO). On Tuesday afternoon, Tabaco City Mayor Rey Bragais announced that 156 families from five villages within Mayon’s 6-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) were relocated to safer shelters. In the town of Camalig, the local disaster management team simultaneously directed an evacuation effort that transported 163 families from the villages of Sua, Quirangay, and Anoling to evacuation centers in neighboring areas, according to Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. Albay Governor Noel Rosal issued a mandatory evacuation order for hundreds of homes after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the Alert Level to 3 on Tuesday. The order covers parts of Tabaco and Ligao cities, as well as the towns of Camalig, Malilipot, Guinobatan, and Daraga. These communities are located within the 6-km PDZ. Residents in nearby neighborhoods, situated 7 to 8 kilometers from the base of Mayon, have been feeling uneasy since the announcement. Local emergency officials stated in Facebook posts on Tuesday that the preemptive evacuation aims to ensure there is zero casualty should an explosive eruption occur. In a bulletin issued Tuesday, state volcanologists said superheated gas and volcanic debris started forming that day from the newly flowing lava’s collapse, lasting about three minutes and traveling within two kilometers of the crater. Phivolcs said this means that there may be an explosive eruption in the coming days or weeks. “It is therefore recommended that (people living inside) the 6-km radius PDZ be evacuated due to the danger of PDC, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards,” the agency said. According to the PIO, the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) anticipates that the evacuations will impact about 729 homes or more than 2,000 individuals. APSEMO, along with the city and municipal governments of the affected areas, is coordinating the evacuation efforts. Emergency officials said that local governments have arranged everything from evacuation logistics to food supplies for the evacuees. Jess Mantes, a trader living near Mayon, said that he would comply if asked to leave his home and shop. He said he trusts the government will take care of his family while they stay at the evacuation center. (PIA Bicol)

By Ernie Delgado and Marlon Atun LEGAZPI CITY --- The Disaster Operation Center in Albay is on heightened alert, preparing for a possible eruption of Mayon Volcano. Governor Noel Rosal of Albay has alerted all disaster management councils in the cities, towns, and villages surrounding the volcano to be ready for emergency responses. “All are directed to stay on heightened alert and standby for official updates and further advisories from Phivolcs and local authorities,” Rosal, who also chairs the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, stated in an advisory issued on New Year’s Day. Rosal ordered local police to impose a ban on all human activities within the permanent danger zone, which extends six kilometers from the volcano. He said that the use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited beyond the area near the Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga town. Additionally, visitors are restricted from entering the Mayon Skyline in Tabaco City. Rosal also recommended that aviation authorities caution pilots against flying over the volcano. In its December 31 bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Mayon Volcano’s alert level to Level 2 due to a significant increase in rockfalls, with 599 events recorded in the past two months. Resident volcanologist Deborah Fernandez told the Philippine Information Agency that 47 rockfall events were recorded on December 31 alone. Rockfalls are pieces of volcanic debris that tumble down from summit crater. Fernandez said the surge in rockfall events suggests that the lava dome at the top of Mayon is growing, which can raise concerns about a possible eruption, similar to what occurred in 2023. Phivolcs warned that the ongoing and increasing rockfalls, along with swelling observed on the volcano’s slopes, indicate that there is a heightened risk of an eruption. If this happens, it could create “life-threatening” volcanic hazards that might affect nearby communities, Phivolcs said. Jess Mantes, a resident of Sitio Libtong in Barangay Matnog, Daraga, Albay, which is near the permanent danger zone, reported that he often hears crackling sounds caused by falling rocks. He expressed his willingness to evacuate if the authorities decide to relocate the residents within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone. (PIA Bicol/Masbate) Amid Mayon Volcano’s unrest, police officers man checkpoints to prevent sightseers from going to the no-go zones, including the popular Mayon Skyline in Tabaco City, Albay, on January 1, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Police Lt. Col. Malou Calubaquib)