Search Results

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Albay Police Provincial Office (APPO) activated border control points and intensified police visibility in towns and cities surrounding Mayon Volcano as a precautionary measure to maintain peace, order, and public safety following the raising of the alert status from 1 (low-level unrest) to 2 (increasing/moderate level of unrest). In a phone interview on Monday, APPO Director Col. Noel Nuñez said 133 police officers were deployed 24/7 in Tabaco City, Malilipot, Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao City, Sto. Domingo, and Legazpi City, where border control points have been set up to regulate movement and prevent unauthorized access to the 6-km. danger zone. Nuñez said no forced evacuations are currently being implemented, but some families have voluntarily relocated to stay with relatives outside the danger zone. The border control points aim to ensure public safety, while the APPO has also prepared additional personnel, logistical support, and coordination with local government units to maintain mobility and readiness. “With the support of Governor Noel Rosal, our personnel are fully equipped, using facemasks during their eight-hour duties to ensure their protection,” Nuñez added. He visited the checkpoints to monitor operations and ensure that police follow standard procedures, maintain alertness, document activities properly, and interact courteously with motorists and commuters. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has extended the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for flights near Mayon Volcano, covering airspace from the surface up to 11,000 feet. The advisory, valid from Jan. 4, 7:47 a.m. to Jan. 6, 9 a.m., warns pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano due to potential ash hazards from sudden phreatic eruptions. Phivolcs reported one volcanic earthquake and 44 rockfall events, prompting the alert level increase on Jan. 1. CAAP continues to coordinate with relevant agencies and reminds all operators to comply with the NOTAM. (PNA) SECURITY ALERT. Albay Provincial Police Director Col. Noel Nuñez inspects the Daraga Municipal Police Station’s border control point on Jan. 4, 2025, as part of heightened security around Mayon Volcano’s six-kilometer permanent danger zone. At least 133 police personnel have been deployed 24/7 duty across Tabaco City, Malilipot, Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao City, Sto. Domingo, and Legazpi City, where border control points have been set up. (Photo courtesy of Albay PPO)

By Ernie Delgado LEGAZPI CITY --- The Police Regional Office in the Bicol region (PRO5) has issued a warning to internet users about scammers impersonating Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and officials from the Philippine National Police. PRO5 cautioned that these online scammers may exploit the holiday season by falsely claiming to be Remulla, Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., Regional PNP Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda, or other high-ranking PNP officials. These scammers may attempt to solicit money, gift cards, or confidential details, the PRO5 said in an advisory released on Sunday. The PRO5 offered the following tips for protection against scammers. • Remember that top police officials never solicit money or information from the public • Be wary of unsolicited messages claiming to be the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government • Double-check the account’s username and activity • Verify the officer’s identity through official sources • Refuse request for money, gift cards, or confidential details • Report fake accounts to authorities immediately. Just months ago, two impersonators of Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido were arrested in Pampanga province. (PIA Bicol/Masbate) A person types on a keyboard on December 30, 2025, in Masbate City, Philippines. (PIA Masbate)

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5), in coordination with the Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon), is investigating the discovery of a female body wrapped in a blanket and placed inside a black plastic storage box at Pinagwarasan Bridge in Basud, Camarines Norte on Jan. 2. In a report on Tuesday, PRO-5 Acting Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda ordered the immediate gathering of information and processing of the crime scene. Responding officers from the Basud Municipal Police Station confirmed that the victim was a female, about 35 years old and with identifiable tattoos: a flower on the left upper breast and a butterfly on the right shoulder. Crime scene investigators promptly collected physical evidence and processed the cadaver. Fingerprints and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples were obtained, while a private physician in Daet conducted a post-mortem examination. Preliminary findings showed no visible signs of struggle or external physical injuries. Authorities have already obtained a cartographic sketch of the alleged individual who disposed of the cadaver on the bridge, based on accounts of witnesses. Investigators also secured witness affidavits and interviewed the driver and conductor of a DLTB bus, which the suspect boarded from Quezon City. Closed-circuit television footage along the suspect’s possible routes is also being retrieved for further verification. The body was brought to St. Rafael Funeral Services in Basud. (PNA)

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) and the Albay Provincial Police are strictly enforcing a ban on human activity within the 6-km. permanent danger zone (PDZ) following Mayon Volcano’s elevated alert level. In a statement on Saturday, PRO-5 acting Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda said the order aligns with the official notice of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO), which “strictly prohibits anyone, including residents, tourists, mountaineers, tour guides, and others, from climbing, entering, or staying in tourist areas and areas near Mayon Volcano.” As part of heightened safety measures, police have tightened surveillance around Mayon Volcano, particularly at known access points, trails, and routes frequently used by climbers. Chokepoints, checkpoints, and regular patrols are being established to prevent anyone from entering or climbing into prohibited areas. APSEMO emphasized that the PDZ is extremely dangerous at all times due to the threat of lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, rockfall, and ashfall. Miranda said the Philippine National Police continues to coordinate closely with local governments, APSEMO, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other concerned agencies to maintain order, ensure public safety, and be ready to respond immediately to sudden changes in volcanic activity. He said the Reactionary Standby Support Force at the regional headquarters, Albay Police, and all surrounding police stations near Mayon Volcano, including mobile forces, were ordered to ensure readiness and immediate deployment if necessary. Miranda encouraged the public “to cooperate with authorities, adhere to warnings and advisories, and avoid spreading false information.” Close coordination In a statement on Sunday, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they maintain close coordination with local government units and other agencies to ensure the timely implementation of safety measures for affected communities. “Prayoridad ng kapulisan ang kaligtasan ng mga residente kaya’t patuloy ang pakikipagugnayan natin sa mga LGUs at iba pang ahensya hinggil sa (The police force’s priority is the safety of residents, that is why we continue to coordinate with local government units and other agencies regarding) Mayon Volcano,” Nartatez said. He urged the public to cooperate with authorities and strictly follow advisories and instructions to ensure their safety. The Phivolcs has raised Mayon Volcano’s status to Alert Level 2 due to shallow magmatic processes observed at the volcano that may lead to a hazardous magmatic eruption if activity escalates. A no-fly zone directly above Mayon Volcano is now in effect, and access to the Mayon skyline is likewise temporarily suspended until further notice. (With reports from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

The City Government of Naga on Monday, January 5, extended a P100, 000 cash gift to a Nagueña centenarian as a tribute to her longevity, wisdom, and contributions to society. The cash gift was personally handed over by Mayor Leni Robredo, together with Jim Reblando, program director of the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), during a family gathering hosted in honor of Mrs. Gloria Teresa Josefa O. Bagadion, who marked her 100th birthday the day before. Mrs. Bagadion, a resident of St. James Subdivision in Barangay Concepcion Grande, is the fourth centenarian to receive the recognition since Mayor Robredo assumed office in June 2025, according to Reblando. The grant of the P100,000 cash gift is mandated under the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024 (Republic Act No. 11982), which provides financial incentives to Filipinos who reach the age of 100. Mayor Robredo congratulated the centenarian and assured her of the city government’s assistance in facilitating the documentation needed for her to receive an additional P100,000 cash gift from the national government through the National Commission of Senior Citizens Affairs. Reblando also called on senior citizens aged 96, 97, 98, and 99 to coordinate early with the OSCA so they can be guided on the necessary preparations and documentary requirements ahead of their 100th birthday. He added that similar cash gifts will be extended to other centenarians celebrating their birthdays in February and March this year, in line with the provisions of the law. Jason Neola SURROUNDED by her children and grandchildren, Mrs. Bagadion (at the middle, sitting) celebrates her 100th birthday as Mayor Leni Robredo personally presents the P100,000 cash gift from the city government in recognition of her longevity and life contributions. Also in photo is Mr. Jimmy Reblando, program director of the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs. Photo courtesy of Winson Escolano/City Mayor’s Office

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Bicol Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council – Emergency Operations Center (RDRRMC-EOC) has been placed on red alert to prepare for the possible impacts of Mayon Volcano's increasing activity. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director and Bicol RDRRMC chair Claudio Yucot said Wednesday that the alert status activates all response clusters. Camp coordination and camp management, food and non-food items, and protection have been assigned to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); health to the Department of Health (DOH); law and order to the Philippine National Police (PNP); logistics to the OCD; shelter to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD); debris clearing to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); crisis communication to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA); and education to the Department of Education (DepEd). Yucot said cluster agencies must regularly report to the RDRRMC-EOC on the status of their operations from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily to give enough time for data consolidation. “Evacuation of residents inside the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone shall be led by the local DRRMCs in coordination with the PDRRMC (Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) and DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government),” he said in a statement. Yucot added that all response assets must be on standby for deployment and closely monitored. The DSWD has distributed Ready-to-Eat Food (RTEF) boxes to displaced families in Camalig town, Albay. A total of 163 RTEF boxes were given to families from Barangays Quirangay and Anoling, who are currently staying at Tagaytay Elementary School and Bariw Elementary School. The RTEF boxes contain no-cook food such as pre-packaged arroz caldo, champorado, protein biscuits, and tuna paella. The relief items are intended to meet the immediate food needs of disaster-affected households while community kitchens are being set up. Aside from RTEF, DSWD Bicol Director Norman Laurio said the agency will also distribute family food packs (FFPs) containing rice, canned goods, and powdered drinks. In Tabaco City, modular tents have been provided to ensure that evacuees have safe and comfortable spaces in evacuation centers. The agency’s mobile facilities will also be deployed to help ensure the continuous delivery of essential goods and services. Meanwhile, Albay Governor Noel Rosal has suspended classes in all levels in schools located within Mayon's 6-km. radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). He also asked DepEd and concerned school heads, whose campuses are being used as evacuation centers, to shift to alternative learning modalities and coordinate with their respective local government units for support. Rosal likewise directed the Albay Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Army to implement security measures around Mayon Volcano, strictly prohibiting entry within the 6-km.-radius PDZ. The governor also banned all human activities inside the PDZ, including mountain climbing, orchid picking, and vegetable harvesting. (PNA) RELIEF. Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) Regional Director Norman Laurio gives biscuits to children in an evacuation center in Camalig, Albay on Tuesday night (Jan. 6, 2026). More than 160 ready-to-eat food packs were distributed to Mayon-affected families. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-5)

By Sally Atento-Altea LEGAZPI CITY --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Bicol Regional Office will introduce a digital format for the Civil Service Examination in 2026 to enhance accessibility and simplify the application process for examinees. CSC Bicol Regional Director Daisy Punzalan Bragais said that this initiative, called the Civil Service Digital Examination (CS DEX), aims to tackle challenges faced by applicants, such as the difficulty in securing exam slots due to limited server access. Gino Andrey Montojo, a 23-year-old recent graduate from Daraga, Albay, noted some obstacles in accessing the online system. “One of the difficulties I faced when I took the CSC exam was accessing the server to secure an exam slot,” Montojo said. Punzalan stated that the digital exam will be introduced as an additional testing mode, which is expected to expand opportunities for applicants across the six provinces of the region. “There will be a new mode of examination called CS DEX, which is the digital examination. It will be piloted in 2026,” Punzalan said. She said examinees will bring their own laptops to the test, providing greater flexibility and potentially accommodating more takers. “We are on standby for its launch. With this, examinees will only need to bring their laptops. That is one exciting development for 2026,” she added. Punzalan said that introducing CS DEX will increase examination modes and enhance accessibility for the civil service exam. “With the launch of CS DEX, the modes of examination will increase. Hopefully, more people will be able to take the exam,” she said. She clarified that both the traditional pen-and-paper test (PPT) and the computerized examination (Comex) will continue to be offered while the digital exam is being introduced. Once the CS DEX is fully implemented, the existing Comex and PPT will be phased out. Montojo welcomed the planned digital exam, describing it as a timely and modern approach. “The CS DEX they will implement is a good initiative because it is a modern step to make the examination and government application process easier,” he said. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA Bicol/Albay)

Madiklom pa an paglaom kan mga Bicolano sa presenting administrasyon ni Presidente Marcos an Modern Bicol Express (MBE) na rutang Calamba-Laguna sundo sa Matnog, Sorsogon envez an prayoridad kan presenting manijamiento kan perrokaril iyo an North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) na midbid sa apod na Clark-Calamba Railway, na iguang 147 kilometros asin iguang fondong P870-B. Si PNR General Manager Deovanni Miranda nagsabi sa ‘‘Face the Nation program’’, an proyekto sa Bicol na 566 kilometer South Long Hall dai pa maponan envez naglalaom sinda na marealisar an proyekyo sa paagi kan Private-Public Partnership (PPP). Magigirumduman kan yaon pa sa posisyon sa Camara-Baja si Representante Gabriel H. Bordado Jr. kan tercer distrito kan Camarines Sur sa cada deliberasyon sa budget kan gobierno nasyonal permi siyang na ‘‘interpellate’’ sa Chairman kan Appropriation Committee kun kabale na an fondo sa rehabilitasyon kan PNR Bicol alagad an mamundo dai pigbabale sa General Appropriation Act (GAA). Sa programa kan PNR dapat marealisar an proyekto sa NSCR asin Bicol sa 2027 hasta 2032. An nagpapadagos na proyekto sa NSCR magiging moderno mala ngani an saindang gagamiton na bagong mga bagon na haling nasyon kan Japan mantang si mga loma iyo an dadarahon digdi sa Bicol, sabi pa kan general manager. Pigbuyagyag pa na an rutang Laguna-Bicol iguang presenting 35 porcienteng lote na kaipuhan pa ninda an dugang na 65 porciento. Kaipuhan pa na mapahale an mga ‘‘settlers’’ sa mga gilid kan relis kan PNR mantang hagad ninda an tabang asin cooperasyon kan mga LGUs na ma-relocate sinda sa laog nin duwang taon. Sinabi pa kan manijamiento na maninigo pa an fondo para sa gagamiton na right of way sagcod na gibohon ninda an ‘‘expropriation’’ para sa right of way. Ruta kan PNR Commuter train sa Camarines Sur haling Ciudad nin Naga asin Lupi mantang sa Albay haling Ciudad nin Naga asin sundo sana sa Ciudad nin Legazpi. (Bicol Mail)

Caramoan, Camarines Sur --- Duwang aldaw matapos mawara an sarong parasira kan malunod an saindang gamit na baroto sa dagat kan Sitio Lipata, Barangay Gogon sa banwaan na ini kan Enero 3, 2026 na may tolong kaibanan lunad hale sa San Andres, Catanduanes, alagad nakua nang mayo nang buhay alas 12:30 nin udto kan Lunes, Enero 5. Ini an kumfirmasyon kan Municipal Police Station kan Caramoan alagad dai naman nginaranan an biktima. Naheling an sinambit na biktimang residente na na nag-atung-atung an saiyang baroto sa dagat. Sa imbestigasyon kan MPS na dakulang posibilidad an pagkalunod an dahilan kan insidente. Pigtutubodan na maalon si kadagatan sa Partido area mala ngani perang aldaw na si padagos na pagbulos nin uran epekto kan perang aldaw nang shearline. Nagkaperang mga barangay sa Caramoan, Tinambac, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Goa asin Garchitorena an apektado nin tubig baha huli kan mga pag-uran. Iguang mga tinampo na na-apektaran si bulos sa trafico huli sa landslide. HULI KAN EPEKTO KAN SHEARLINE Apektado si mga viaje pasiring sa mga banwaan kan Presentacion, Caramoan, Garchitorena huli kan flash flood sa Sitio Umalo, Lagonoy kan Lunes na maghapon. Segun sa report kan Presentacion MDRRMO, an padagos na mga pag-uran huli kan shearline iyo an mayor na dahilan kan mga pagbaha. Pinatanidan an mga motorista maghanap nin ibang ruta nganing dai maparalisar an saindang pag-viaje. Nakuang bankay nin parasira sa kadagatan kan Caramoan pigtatarabangan nin mga residentes nganing ipuli sa saindang barangay. (Caramoan MPS)

Nagtutubod an Independent Component City Agriculture Fishery Council-Naga (ICCAFC) na maaprubaran na sa Sangguniang Panlungsod kan Ciudad nin Naga ngunian na 2026 an saindang kahagadan susog sa ‘‘Sagip Saka Act’’ nganing magpasar nin ordinansa na bakalon kan City Hall sa P20 cada kilo nin paroy sa paraoma envez na ipatungod sa mga kumprada na barato an presyo. An ICCAFC sa paagi kan saindang opisyal, dating Consejal Julian Lavadia Jr. nag-atubang na sa sesyon kan SP na naghuhurot na matabangan an paraoma huli ta apektado na sa baratong presyo kan paroy. Yaon na sa Committee on Agriculture ni Consejal Frank Mendoza an kahurotan kan sinambit na grupo na nagtutubod dai sinda papabayaan kan City Hall nganing matabangan sa haloy nang problema sa baratong presyo kan paroy poon na aprubaran an Rice Tariffication Law ni dating Presidente Rodrigo Duterte. An saindang kahurotan base sa Acta Republica (RA) 11321 o mas bestado sa ‘‘Sagip Saka Act’’ na naaprubaran kan panahon ni dating Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo kan Abril 17, 2019, duwang bulan antes kan ultimong termino ni Lavadia kan 2019 mantang nagpaluwas sana nin Executive Order 101 Kan Oktubre 2025 si Presidente Marcos Jr. na iimplementar an ‘‘Sagip Saka Act’’. An ley nagtutugot na pwedeng mag-utang an LGU para sa sinambit na katuyohan nganing makabangon sa pagbuhay an pobreng mga paraoma. Si Lavadia, activo sa sektor nin paraoma mala ngani igua pang programa sa radyo na ‘‘Asenso sa Agricultura, Asenso sa Paraoma’’ asin dating Consultant kan City Agriculture Office. Bako nang deficil sa City Hall na aprubaran an ordinansa mantang igua nang duwang molinohan sa upper Barangay kan Carolina sa tabang kan Department of Agriculture. Dai palang nahahaloy si Senador Pangilinan nag-apelo sa mga LGUs na pwedeng bakalon ninda an gulay kan paraoma nganing gamiton kan DSWD sa panahon nin calamidad. An ibang LGUs, siring kan ginibo kan Capitolyo Provincial sa Camarines Norte an saindang tabang sa paraoma iyo an pagdagdag nin P5 cada kilo sa pinapabakal na paroy sa National Food Authority. Ini ginibo man kan ibang LGUs sa Albay asin Sorsogon.

Dakulang tabang sa Department of Education (DepEd) an aprubadong P928.5 billion national budget kan ahencia para sa 2026 nganing magpatugdok nin dugang na mga classrooms asin pagkalap nin dugang na mga paratukdo. Si Atty. Salvador Pelingon, opisyal na parataram kan DepEd Camarines Sur nagpahayag sa media na an dakulang fondo sa saindang ahencia dakulang bagay nganing makapatugdok nin dugang na mga classrooms, learning materials, dugang na paratukdo na kabale na digdi an promotion sa labi sa 6 mil na paratukdo asin iba pang importanteng kaipuhan kan saindang ahencia. An Camarines Sur iyo an may pinadakulang populasyon nin estudiantes na parating nagkukulang-kulang nin school building asin piglalaoman na marerealisar na ngunian huli sa dakulang budget ngunian na taon. Maging sa iba pang provincias kan Kabikolan saro man sa problema ni regional director Gilbert Sadsad iyo an pagkulang-kulang nin classrooms asin sa ngunian puedeng maresolberan na. Si DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara nagsabi na premirong nangyari sa sainda an pinakadakulang fondo para sa 2026. An national budget inaprubaran ni Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Jr. kan Lunes, Enero 5, 2026 asin an ika-duwang ahencia na may dakulang budget iyo an Public Works -P881.3B na nagsunod an Health – P320.5B. Tatawan prayoridad kan DepEd an pagpatugdok nin 35,000 nin bagong mga classrooms kabale na an rehabilitasyon, suportaran an mga kaipuhan kan paratukdo, programa sa nutrition, pagkalap nin dugang na 65,000 na paratukdo asin digital connectivity para resolberan an krisis sa edukasyon.

Tigsik ko an urag-uragon na Tatay Dati Presidente, naging mayor na lang Napriso pa sa kabulastugan Aw, mala ta ngonian karton na lang! Tigsik ko an mahabas na gobyerno Sabi, makukulong bago mag Pasko Mararatdag na lamang an calendario An tada anas sana paguwapo! An sagradong buaya tigsik ko man Sa hinabasan sa kaban nagyaman Kan binawian nin buhay sa kinaban Mayong pisong bitbit sa ikaduwang Buhay! Tigsik ko man po an bilog na banwa Grabe na baga an gama-gama Siisay.daw an masunod na wish ni Kara Dawa siisay basta igua, awot pa! Tigsik ko an uminabot na bagong taon Sa gobyerno padagos man giraray paghabon Iba sanang sistema, iba an lawgon An nacion mayo na talagang paglaom! Tigsik ko man ining kagadanan Oras na mag-abot na sa iguang pag-aram Minadiklom an katotoohan Kaya nabibitin an katawohan!