Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

PNP Central Visayas sees 52% crime drop

PRO7’s POLICING FORMULA DELIVER RESULTS The Police Regional Office 7 has recorded a remarkable 52% drop in crime incidents from April 1 to 20, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024- underscoring the effectiveness of a proactive and innovative policing strategy. According to data from the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Crime Incident Recording and Analysis System (CIRAS), there were 91 fewer incidents recorded in the region’s eight focus crimes, dropping from 175 incidents in 2024 to 84 in 2025. The notable decreases in focus crimes include theft, which declined by 28 incidents (39.44%), physical injury with a decrease of 26 incidents (54.17%), rape down by 20 incidents (74.07%), murder reduced by 7 incidents (58.33%), and homicide which decreased by 1 incident (50%). The most significant progress has been observed in the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), which experienced a 63.29% reduction (from 79 to 29 incidents). The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) recorded a 60% decrease (from 35 to 14 incidents), while Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) achieved an impressive 78.57% decrease (from 14 to 3 incidents). The continuous implementation of PRO7 Regional Director’s peace and order operational formula -Enhanced Police Presence (EPP) + Quick Response Time (QRT) + Counteractions Against Drug Groups, Criminal Gangs, and Private Armed Groups (CADCP) = Safer Region 7 (SR7)-has played a vital role in this success. This strategy directly aligns with the Chief PNP’s mantra,“Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Ang Gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas Ka!”. Police Brigadier General Redrico A Maranan, Regional Director of PRO7, lauded the performance of all police units and the invaluable cooperation of the community. “This significant reduction in crime demonstrates that strategic, accountable and innovative policing can lead to transformative outcomes. Our unwavering commitment to public safety, supported by community involvement and local government collaboration, is key to driving this positive change,” he remarked. General Maranan further emphasized that ongoing efforts in enhancing patrols, optimizing response mechanisms, and fostering inter-agency coordination will be crucial to sustaining this positive trajectory in crime reduction and building public confidence. As PRO7 continues to build on this momentum, it remains dedicated to creating a safer, stronger, and more resilient Central Visayas. (PRO7-PIO)

Vergara pinakinggan ang panawagan ng Kadaclan Village para sa seguridad at pagkakaisa

Baguio City, Inside Politics / Street Journal

Sa kanyang hindi natitinag na pangako sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa komunidad, bumisita sa Kadaclan Village sa Loakan Barangay, Baguio City ang kandidato sa kongreso na si Gladys Vergara, kasama ang mga kandidatong konsehal na sina Glenn Gaerlan at Eric Kelly. Ang pagbisita ay naglalayong maunawaan at matugunan ang mga mahahalagang alalahanin ng mga residente, partikular na ang mga may kaugnayan sa mga nangyayaring development sa paligid ng Loakan Airport. Isa sa mga pangunahing isyu ay ang napipintong demolisyon sa may 300 kabahayan sa loob ng 75-meter buffer zone na ipinag-uutos ng Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) para sa kaligtasan at seguridad ng paliparan. Binigyang-diin ni Vergara ang kahalagahan ng patas at makataong pagtrato sa mga residente dito. Iminungkahi niya ang mga diyalogo sa pagitan ng mga apektadong pamilya, local government units, at CAAP para tuklasin ang mga alternatibo, tulad ng staggered demolition schedules at ang pagtukoy ng angkop na relocation sites. Ang diskarte na ito ay naglalayong mabawasan ang pagkagambala at matiyak na ang mga residente ay hindi maiiwan na walang tirahan o suporta. Nagsusulong din si Vergara para sa pagtatayo ng isang alternatibong kalsada, na nakikipagtulungan sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at iba pang kaugnay na ahensya upang matugunan ang mga teknikal at pinansyal na hamon. Binigyang-diin niya ang pangangailangan para sa malinaw na komunikasyon at pakikilahok ng komunidad sa buong yugto ng pagpaplano at pagpapatupad. Ang mga alalahanin sa kapaligiran, lalo na ang mga hindi wastong gawain sa pagtatapon ng basura, ay itinampok din sa pagbisita. Ang mga insidente ng pagsunog ng basura ay naiulat, na nagdudulot ng mga panganib sa kalusugan at paglabag sa mga regulasyon sa kapaligiran. Iminungkahi ni Vergara ang pagpapatupad ng mga komprehensibong programa sa pamamahala ng basura, kabilang ang mga kampanyang pang-edukasyon sa komunidad, mas mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng mga batas sa pagtatapon ng basura, at ang pagtatatag ng mga pasilidad para sa pagkolekta ng basura at pag-recycle na madaling makuha. Ang mga hakbangin na ito ay naglalayong itaguyod ang pagpapanatili ng kapaligiran at kalusugan ng publiko sa loob ng komunidad. Sa buong pakikipag-ugnayan, ipinahayag ni Vergara ang kanyang pasasalamat kay Kagawad Sigmon Lomyog ng Loakan Apugan, Barangay Captain Rodolfo Ligligon ng San Luis Village, mga pinuno, at mga residente sa kanilang mainit na pagtanggap at aktibong pakikilahok sa mga talakayan. Muli niyang pinagtibay ang kanyang pangako sa pakikipagtulungan sa komunidad upang matugunan ang kanilang mga alalahanin at mapabuti ang kanilang kalidad ng buhay. Patuloy na nagsusulong si Vergara para sa inklusibo at tumutugon na pamamahala, tinitiyak na ang bawat boses sa Kadaclan ay maririnig at pinahahalagahan.

SBMA holds week-long 16th Recyclables Collection Event

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

In celebration of Earth Day 2025 Subic Bay Freeport–The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is holding the 16th Recyclables Collection Event (RCE) in time for the celebration of Earth Day 2025 from April 21 to 25, 2025. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” the celebration is highlighted by the Communication Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) caravan, which aims to empower stakeholders. The caravan happens on April 22 and 24 at the Function Hall B of the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), and will also feature the Health and Environment discussion led by PCOM-Olongapo virtually via Google Meet. “As for the main event, the 16th Recyclables Collection Event, will be held at the Mini Golf Course area of the Subic Bay Freeport, where stakeholders can bring hazardous waste materials and recyclable materials to ensure their proper disposal,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said. Also in line with the 16th RCE, sustainable products and technology exhibit, including the UBC Awareness and Collection Program led by GNS/ Tetra Pak Philippines, Bamboonihan and Green Foot Carbon Calculator by Banco Kalikasan, Wastewater/ Grease waste management by Soliman EcoWaste Management Corp., and PBC Waste Management by Innogy Solutions Inc., happens at the Promenade A of the Harbor Point Ayala Mall from April 21-23. The 16th RCE will have the Refill Revolution for a Cause at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on April 21 and 23, and at the Ecology Center on April 24 and 25. “Our goal here is to reduce plastic pollution by reducing waste from single-use plastics. The proceeds from the donated recyclable materials collected will be doled out to the employees of Omniworx, the company tasked to clean and maintain SBMA buildings all over the Subic Bay Freeport,” Aliño said. He reiterated that these employees are “our partners in the segregation of wastes at source. They ensure that recyclables are properly segregated and turned over during the bi-annual RCE for proper disposal through our waste haulers.” Other activities include the Earth Day 2025 Community Cleanup, which will be held all over the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and the Trash for Rice, a social development program of the Subic Bay Freeport Electronics Recycling Association. Earth Day 2025 is the Subic Bay Freeport Zone’s step towards its goal in the Race to Carbon Neutrality, making this premier Freeport into a carbon-neutral zone in the future,” Aliño said.

555 individual benefited Medical Outreach at Camp Dangwa

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

Aiming to promote accessible healthcare services and strengthen community partnerships, the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) and the Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA), Inc., along with various stakeholders, successfully conducted a Medical Outreach Program at the PRO CAR Regional Headquarters, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet on April 22, 2025. The event was graced by Dr. Aleth Therese Laura Dacanay, RPh, President of the PPhA, Inc., who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. As a highlight of the program proper, Dr. Dacanay, along with PBGen. Rogelio Raymundo,Jr.,Deputy Regional Director for Administration, led the ceremonial turnover of 15 wheelchairs from the PPhA to selected beneficiaries. Meanwhile, during the medical outreach, a total of 555 individuals, composed of PNP personnel and other civilian beneficiaries, received various medical services, including vital signs assessment, medical consultation, hair analysis, skin analysis, health check, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest x-ray, dental check-up, and circumcision. In addition, beneficiaries also received medicines and vitamins, as well as various freebie items from other partner companies and organizations. In her message, Dr. Dacnay emphasized the importance for pharmacists and all stakeholders to remain committed to sustainable healthcare practices and urged the implementation of strategies that prioritize the well-being of communities, both in the present and for future generations. “Let us continue to build bridges, foster collaborations, and work toward a common goal: a healthier, stronger Pilipinas for all!” Dr. Dacanay added. Themed “Binnadang: Pharmacists in Action for Unified and Sustainable Healthcare,” the program was initiated by the PPhA and made possible through the support of its partners, including Watsons Personal Care Stores Philippines, Inc., SM Foundation, Pocari Sweat Philippines, Otsuka Philippines, Inc., and PhilHealth-CAR.

SSS commends Sotogrande Hotel for a law-abiding employer in Baguio

Business

Business / Street Journal

The Social Security System (SSS) recognized an exemplary Baguio-based hotel for ensuring the social security protection of its employees by religiously complying with its legal obligations under the law. SSS Baguio Assistant Branch Head Rosalie Ma. Rachel Castaneto (6th from left) presented a Certificate of Recognition to Sotogrande Baguio Hotel, Inc. officers, which was received by its General Manager Mimi Dib (5th from left) for being a role model employer in fulfilling the provisions of Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018. Castaneto commended Sotogrande Baguio Hotel, Inc. for its timely remittance of the SSS contributions of its 24 employees, ensuring that the hotel’s workers will not be deprived of the social security benefits that the law provided them with. “We urge other business establishments in the region to follow the example of the hotel and become a reliable partner in social security protection,” she said.

Vergara nakatuon sa kanyang plataporma sa Baguio Leader’s Forum

Baguio City, Inside Politics

Baguio City, Inside Politics / Street Journal

Sa ginanap na Baguio Leader’s Forum, nanatili si Congressional Aspiral Gladys Vergara sa kanyang mga platapormam sa halip ay umiwas sa mga personal na pag-atake, at nagsalita nang may mahinahon ngunit matatag na paniniwala na sumasalamin sa diwa at dignidad ng Baguio. Ipinakita ni Vergara na ang forum ay hindi grandstanding o harsh retorika, kundi sa poise, prinsipyo, at malinaw na pananaw para sa mas magandang Baguio. Ang partikular na humanga ay ang kanyang pag-uutos sa mga usaping pambatasan—napag-alaman niyang hindi lamang madamdamin, ngunit bihasa sa mga prosesong kinakailangan upang magdala ng tunay na pagbabago. Sa halip na mag-banking solely on legacy, Vergara made it clear that her journey is her own, saying, ” Ako mismo ay bumuo ng sarili kong mga adbokasiya, I stood firm, kahit na walang nakatingin, at kahit mahirap tumayo mag-isa: Ito ay isang malakas na paalala na ang pamumuno ay hindi minana—ito ay kinikita. Ang kanyang pangwakas na mensahe ay parehong taos-puso at nakakahimok, na umani ng mga palakpakan mula sa karamihan sa kabila ng huli na oras Nagsalita siya nang may pasasalamat at pagpapakumbaba, na kinikilala ang mga kontribusyon ng kanyang mga kasamahan at ang kahalagahan ng plataporma na ibinigay sa lahat ng mga kandidato. Masigasig niyang inilatag ang kanyang sampung puntong adyenda, mula sa imprastraktura at edukasyon hanggang sa pagpapatitulo sa lupa at ang matagal nang rebisyon ng Charter ng Lungsod ng Baguio. Sa isang partikular na nakakaantig na sandali, nagpahayag siya ng matinding pasasalamat sa kanyang trabaho sa Baguio Tourism Council, na pinarangalan ang magkakaibang boses mula sa siyam na sektor nito at 28 sub-sector para sa paghubog ng kanyang pag-unawa sa mga pangangailangan ng lungsod at pagbibigay inspirasyon sa kanyang kandidatura. Sa pagtatapos ng kanyang talumpati sa parehong Ingles at Ilocano, taos-puso siyang umapela para sa suporta—hindi sa walang laman na mga pangako, ngunit may paalala na ” Ang halalan ay hindi lamang tungkol sa mga salita.. ang halalan ay tiwala”. Ang pagganap ngayon ni Gladys Vergara ay hindi lamang isang politikal na pagtatanghal – ito ay isang tahimik ngunit malakas na deklarasyon ng integridad at pananaw. Sa panahon na marami ang humahabol ng atensyon, pinili niya ang substance. At iyon, marahil, ang higit na kailangan ng Baguio sa ngayon.

Baguio City mourns the passing of Pope Francis

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Cathedral- Our Lady of the Atonement has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis and will hold a Requiem Mass in his honor on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. presided over by His Excellency, Most Rev. Rafael T. Cruz D.D., Bishop of Baguio. Catholics in Baguio City are also deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 on April 21. According to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Pope Francis was a true model of humility, compassion, and unwavering faith. Through his life of service, he reminded the world of the power of kindness, the strength of mercy, and the hope found in unity. His words and actions touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. “On behalf of the Catholic faithful of Baguio City, I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who has peacefully returned to our Creator. We mourn with the rest of the world the loss of a beloved and gentle shepherd,” Magalong said. Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson Gladys Vergara meanwhile, shared her condolences on the passing of the Holy Pope. “With deep sorrow, we join the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. A shepherd of compassion, humility, and unwavering faith, Pope Francis dedicated his life to serving the Church and promoting the dignity of all people—especially the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten. His message of mercy, love, and unity transcended borders, bringing light and hope to millions around the world. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he inspired and in the transformative reforms he courageously championed. We extend our deepest condolences to the Vatican and to Catholics everywhere. May his soul rest in God’s eternal peace. Devout Catholic Agnes Montoya, He was the leader of all peoples here after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the entire world mourns his passing. We pray that this will be the beginning of peace and unity regardless of belief and religion.

City Council waives 80% of retroactive Building Code fines

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Jordan G. Habbiling The Baguio City Council has approved on third and final reading an ordinance that aims to provide financial relief to building owners in Baguio City who were retroactively penalized under Presidential Decree No. 1096, or the National Building Code of the Philippines, for constructing buildings before the decree took effect. The measure seeks to waive 80% of the P10,000.00 administrative fine. The proposed ordinance principally authored by Councilor Jose Molintas states that the 10,000.00 administrative fine under PD 1096 places an unreasonable financial burden on affected building owners. Through the ordinance, once enacted, the city government will formally waive 80% of the administrative fine. The remaining 20% goes to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and will still be paid by the building owner. To apply for the waiver, building owners must submit the following documents to the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO): accomplished application form, proof of ownership, proof of non-tax delinquency, and copy of DWPH assessment notice. The CBAO is tasked with creating the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to guide the enforcement of the ordinance. The IRR will outline how applications are processed, who qualifies, and how compliance is monitored. The ordinance will take effect 15 days after the IRR is approved. A copy of the ordinance will be sent to Congress, urging lawmakers to consider amendments to PD 1096. The ordinance has been transmitted to the City Mayor’s Office to be signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

Statement on the passing of Nora Aunor

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

The nation is draped in black with the passing of its brightest star. The entire country mourns as the final curtain falls on a National Artist — a towering icon in the history of Philippine film and television. Nora Aunor was never just a phenomenal actress. She was the voice of the voiceless, the face of the everyday Filipino, and the soul of a nation in search of truth, justice, and identity. Her artistry didn’t merely grace the screen — it challenged it, elevated it, and transformed it. Through decades of unforgettable performances, she pierced through generations, inspired cultural awakening, and forever changed the landscape of Philippine cinema. I had the profound honor of working with Nora during one of the most defining moments in both our lives — the creation of Himala under the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines. As Director-General, I witnessed the depth of her commitment and the brilliance of her craft. Her portrayal in Himala remains, to this day, not just one of the most powerful in Asian cinematic history, but a spiritual and cultural mirror held up to the Filipino soul. Nora was never merely an artista — she was a force of nature. A woman of quiet strength, fearless choices, and authenticity. In an industry that often favored glamour over grit, she stood firm, choosing roles that told the stories of the poor, the marginalized, the forgotten — and in doing so, rendered them unforgettable. She could turn silence into poetry, stillness into tension, and pain into grace that lingered long after the screen faded to black. As we bid farewell to a legend, we remember not just the superstar, but the storyteller. The truth-teller. The miracle-worker. Maraming salamat, Guy. Paalam. Hindi totoo na walang Himala — sapagkat ikaw mismo ang himala. Sa bawat pelikula, sa bawat entablado, sa bawat pusong iyong inantig — tunay kang milagro ng sining at ng sambayanang Pilipino. Senator Imee R. Marcos

Author name: Street Journal