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Iligan Gazette, Iligan City (2025)

21/12/2025

𝟲-𝗔𝗡𝗬𝗢𝗦 𝗡𝗚𝗔 𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗔 𝗡𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗘 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗔 𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗪𝗜; 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗔 𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗞𝗪𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢 𝗦𝗔 𝗞𝗔𝗣𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗡
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Naluwas ra ang usa ka 6-anyos nga batang babaye human sa usa ka tensyonadong hostage-taking incident nga nahitabo sa Ground Zero, Marawi City, kagahapong adlawa, Disyembre 21, 2025.
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Matod pa sa inisyal nga impormasyon, ang suspek nga usa ka lalaki misulod lang ug kalit sa balay ug pwersahang gikuha ang bata samtang armado kini og cleaver knife, nga maoy hinungdan nga nahimong delikado ug maselan ang panghitabo. Gilunsad dayon sa kapulisan ang agarang operasyon aron masiguro ang kaluwasan sa maong biktima.
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Sumala sa report sa kapulisan, ang suspek giingong nasa impluwensiya sa ilegal nga droga sa dihang kalit kining misulod sa panimalay sa biktima ug gitutokan kini og kutsilyo sa liog.
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Una nga nakaresponde si Police Senior Master Sergeant Sohair Solaiman sa Molundo Municipal Police Station (MPS), nga nag-jogging lamang sa maong lugar sa dihang iyang namatikdan ang maong panghitabo. Dali usab nga miabot ang dugang nga mga personahe sa Marawi City Police Office (CPO).
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Sa dihang nasayran sa suspek ang presensya sa kapulisan, misamot kini ug ka-agresibo ug gisugdan ang pagsamad o pagpasakit sa biktima. Tungod sa hulga sa kinabuhi sa bata, napugos si PSMS Solaiman sa pagpabuto sa iyang service firearm aron mapugngan ang maong suspek.
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Naka-angkon og mga samad sa aping ug bukton ang bata, apan gi-deklarar sa attending physician nga luwas na ang kahimtang niini human kini madala dayon sa Amai Pakpak Medical Center (AMCC). Ang suspek usab gidala sa maong tambalanan apan gi-deklarar nga dead on arrival.
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Gipadayag usab sa paunang imbestigasyon nga posibleng nagsugod ang insidente human namatikdan sa suspek nga nagdala og ₱500 ang bata nga paga-suklian lang unta, apan kalit lang gisunggaban ang maong biktima.
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Kagahapong higayona, anaa na sa kustodiya ug pag-atiman sa mga otoridad ang bata samtang padayon ang ginahimog imbestigasyon sa maong hostage-taking aron masuta ang tanang detalye sa panghitabo ug aron mailhan ang tinuod nga pagkatawo sa suspek.
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Gisiguro sa kapulisan nga ipahigayon ang usa ka hingpit ug transparent nga imbestigasyon aron masuta ang tanang aspeto sa maong insidente.

20/12/2025

𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗔 𝗩𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗚𝗛𝗔𝗡, 𝗦𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗥 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗬?
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𝙊𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝙄𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙂𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚
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In Iligan City today, food has become content, and restaurants have become stages.
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Scroll through social media and you will see it instantly. A food vlogger walks into a restaurant, camera already rolling. The staff welcomes them warmly. The food arrives shortly after, served in generous portions, thick cuts, full plates, and carefully arranged for the lens. The verdict is glowing. “Sulit.” “Daghan kaayo.” “Worth it.” "Lami Keeyowhh!"
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The video spreads. Expectations rise.
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Then comes the regular customer.
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Same restaurant. Same menu. Same price. But a noticeably smaller serving. The excitement fades into confusion, sometimes disappointment. Quietly, people begin to ask, ngano lahi ang serving kung vlogger, ug lahi kung ordinaryong customer?
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This is no longer an isolated experience. It has become a growing pattern in Iligan’s expanding food scene, especially among new and fast-rising restaurants. From small family-run eateries to newly opened cafes and grill houses, many businesses now rely heavily on food vloggers to gain attention in an increasingly competitive market.
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Visibility, after all, is currency.
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To attract that visibility, some establishments go the extra mile for influencers. Extra rice, bigger meat portions, fuller platters. These are intentional choices meant to make the food look more appealing on camera. In marketing terms, it works. In ethical terms, it raises serious questions.
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When the food presented online does not match what paying customers receive on a normal day, the promotion becomes misleading. It is not simply advertising anymore. It becomes a distortion of reality.
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In Iligan, where many diners carefully plan where and how they spend their money, consistency matters. Eating out is not cheap. Families expect that what they saw online reflects what they will get at the table. When that expectation is broken, trust is damaged.
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This is especially critical now, as Iligan sees the rise of promising food spots across the city. New restaurants along major streets, small cafes tucked into barangays, and long-standing eateries trying to modernize their image. These businesses depend not just on viral attention, but on repeat customers and community loyalty.
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Hype can bring people in once. Honesty brings them back.
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Promotion is not wrong. Food vloggers are not the enemy. They play a legitimate role in today’s media ecosystem. But promotion must be anchored in truth. If a restaurant cannot sustain the portion shown in a video, then the video should reflect the actual, everyday serving. Anything less creates false expectations.
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Food vloggers also carry responsibility. Influence comes with accountability. Transparency matters. A simple acknowledgment that the meal was sponsored, upgraded, or specially prepared can make a significant difference. Without it, viewers are led to assume that what they see is standard.
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Iligan’s food culture deserves better than exaggerated servings for the camera. It deserves fairness, consistency, and respect for every customer who walks through the door, whether they hold a camera or a menu.
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At the end of the day, good food does not need performance. It needs integrity.
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Because in a city like Iligan, people may forgive a small portion once, but they will not forget being misled.
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𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙛𝙪𝙡, 𝙬𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬. 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙄𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙂𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮!
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20/12/2025

𝗕𝗢𝗬 𝗦𝗜𝗣𝗔 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗬 𝗚𝗜𝗥𝗟 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗡
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An incident at a sari-sari store in Barangay Doongan, Butuan City, involving a customer and a vendor over a candy purchase has drawn widespread attention online after a confrontation and CCTV footage surfaced on social media.
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A young woman named Froiline Salomon claimed that the store vendor allegedly touched her hand while handing over a piece of candy. Disturbed by the incident, she immediately went home and reported the matter to her family. What could have ended as a private misunderstanding instead returned a few hours later as a public confrontation.
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Froiline, accompanied by family members, went back to the store to confront the vendor. As tensions rose and voices overlapped, diplomacy was abruptly replaced by footwear diplomacy when the woman’s boyfriend Rhed Perez suddenly kicked the front of the store, where the impact sent goods tumbling from the shelves, turning the modest store into an impromptu action scene.
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Unbeknownst to the group, the store had a CCTV camera quietly recording the entire encounter. The footage, later reviewed by the vendor’s family, showing that the vendor did not touch the woman’s hand inappropriately. Instead, he appeared to have merely flicked or steadied the candy as it was about to fall—an action that may have been misinterpreted.
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The vendor firmly denied the accusation, insisting that no malicious act occurred. To clear the vendor’s name, the vendor’s daughter uploaded the CCTV footage online. The video quickly spread across social media, transforming the incident from a barangay dispute into a nationwide source of memes, commentary, and unsolicited legal analysis.
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Public sentiment soon tilted in favor of the vendor. Many netizens expressed sympathy for him, while branding Froiline, her family, and her boyfriend Rhed as overly reactive. Rhed Perez, now popularly dubbed “Boy Sipa,” and Froiline Salomon, referred to by netizens as “Candy Girl,” became instant fixtures in the country’s ever-growing hall of viral fame.
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Facing mounting backlash, Froiline’s family eventually issued an apology. However, the vendor has yet to accept it, saying the damage has already been done—not only to his reputation, but also to his family and livelihood.
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What began as a simple candy transaction has now become a cautionary tale in the age of social media: in a country where CCTV never blinks and the internet never forgets, even the smallest misunderstanding can turn into a trending national drama—no receipt required.

19/12/2025

𝟲 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗦!
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Thank you for the overwhelming support! In just two weeks, we have reached over 6 million views on Facebook. We thank our readers for engaging with our perspectives, sharing our work, and sustaining meaningful public discourse. Your support reinforces our dedication to independent thinking, responsible analysis, and accountable commentary.

18/12/2025

𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗘𝗫-𝗗𝗣𝗪𝗛 𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗖. 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗘𝗧
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Authorities confirmed the death of a former high-ranking Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official after her body was recovered from the Bued River this midnight, December 19.
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Ex-DPWH Usec. Maria Catalina Cabral, was pronounced dead at 12:03 a.m. following the discovery.
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According to police reports, Cabral had asked her driver to drop her off along Kennon Road while traveling to La Union at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18. When she did not return, her driver searched the area but could not locate her. Believing she may have gone to a hotel in Baguio City, he checked the premises but found no trace of her. He returned to Kennon Road around 7:00 p.m., still without success.
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Authorities were notified when Cabral’s whereabouts remained unknown. Around 8:00 p.m., law enforcement personnel found her body along the Bued River, roughly 20 to 30 meters below the highway. She was declared dead on the scene.
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Cabral previously served as a key figure in DPWH projects and had been linked to controversial flood control initiatives. She resigned from her post in September following allegations of involvement in a kickback scheme.
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Prior to her resignation, Cabral had also been recommended for possible administrative action for purported violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The recommendations cited alleged irregularities in several infrastructure projects, including a ₱95.04 million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan.
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The police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
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𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙛𝙪𝙡, 𝙬𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬. 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙄𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙂𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮!
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18/12/2025

𝗟𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗜 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗚𝗜-𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗨𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗟𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗦𝗛 𝗦𝗔 𝗡𝗔𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗧
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A man died after being injured in what witnesses described as a needlefish attack while swimming at a resort in Naawan on December 13 around 3 P.M. A needlefish, or locally called as "balo", is a long, slender fish with a very sharp beak, which, while not typically aggressive, can cause deep wounds if startled — injuries that have led to severe harm or even death.
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An eyewitness, who attempted to provide first aid and organize the victim’s transport to the hospital, said he was standing near the pool area, approximately 25 meters from the victim, watching him swim with his family when he heard calls for help — shouting “Tabang” and “Tulong” — and noticed the man struggling in the water. He added that two beach staff were standing at a distance, talking, and did not immediately respond despite being urged to call for an ambulance.
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The eyewitness said he tried to help the man in the water. When they reached the victim, blood reportedly gushed from the wound. He used his jacket to cover the injury and requested a first aid kit. A staff member identified as Lloyd from BEAT Naawan provided a kit, but it contained only a small amount of antiseptic.
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Repeated inquiries about the arrival of an ambulance reportedly went unanswered. Due to the urgency of the situation, the eyewitness said they decided to transport the victim in their own vehicle to the nearest hospital, guided by the resort staff. Despite their efforts, the victim did not survive.
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According to the eyewitness, based on their observations and recorded photos and videos, there were no warning signs about hazardous marine life, no clearly designated safe swimming areas, no lifeguard or evident safety management, and no risk disclosure for swimmers. Multiple other witnesses reportedly corroborate the incident.
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Resort management later released a statement addressing the incident; however, eyewitnesses and other involved parties refute the claims, maintaining that there were clear lapses in safety protocols and emergency response that contributed to the victim’s death.
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Local authorities continue to investigate the incident.
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𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙛𝙪𝙡, 𝙬𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬. 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙄𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙂𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮!
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18/12/2025

𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗔𝗧 𝗦𝗘𝗔 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗
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Congratulations to 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝗶 𝗗𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗼𝘀 and the entire Pilipinas Ultimate team for bringing pride and honor to the Philippines with their historic victory at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
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Pilipinas Ultimate clinched the gold medal after defeating Singapore in the finals, sealing a breakthrough win in Flying Disc Ultimate!
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This victory firmly places the team among the region’s elite and highlights the growing strength of Filipino athletes in emerging international sports.
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17/12/2025

𝗜𝗖𝗦𝗣𝗖: 𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗜𝗕𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗚𝗔 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗬𝗢𝗡, 𝗨𝗦𝗔 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗔 𝗞𝗔 𝗜𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗬𝗢𝗡?
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𝘼𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩: 𝙄𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙂𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚
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Iligan City Polytechnic State College (ICPSC) is a public higher education institution in Iligan City established through Republic Act No. 11856. The law converted the former Iligan City National School of Fisheries (ICNSF) into a state college, with a mandate to expand access to tertiary education, particularly for students who may not have the means to enroll in private colleges or universities.
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As a state college, ICPSC operates within the framework of national policies promoting broader access to higher education, including the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. For many students and families in Iligan City, enrollment in a state college is commonly associated with the expectation that tuition costs are fully covered by government subsidy.
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However, documents reviewed and interviews conducted for this report indicate that students enrolling at ICPSC are assessed a total of ₱14,900 per semester.
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Official assessment records show that the amount consists of ₱12,500 in tuition fees, calculated at ₱500 per unit for a 25-unit academic load, ₱2,400 in miscellaneous fees, and ₱840 in other school charges. These amounts are reflected in enrollment documents issued to students and are presented as part of the standard financial requirements for the semester.
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Students are allowed to pay through installment arrangements, but based on records and student accounts, these arrangements apply only to the timing of payments rather than the total amount due. An initial payment is required upon enrollment, with the remaining balance scheduled for payment either monthly or by the end of the academic term. Regardless of payment structure, the full assessed amount remains payable within the semester.
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One student, who requested anonymity and is referred to here as Marco, said he enrolled with the understanding that education in a state college would be free. According to him, he later learned that the assessed fees would still need to be paid in full before the semester ends. Marco said that any remaining balance is treated as an outstanding obligation and is expected to be settled as classes progress.
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Students who are unable to meet payment schedules are required to sign promissory notes, according to copies of documents reviewed. These promissory notes formally acknowledge unpaid balances and commit students to future payment. While enrollment continues under this arrangement, students interviewed said the obligation to settle balances remains tied to their academic standing and access to school processes.
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The assessment of per-unit tuition and the use of promissory notes have raised questions among students and parents about how free tertiary education is being implemented at the institution. Tuition is generally understood as the cost of instruction, and charging it on a per-unit basis suggests that instructional costs are still being passed on to students, even if payment is deferred.
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In addition to financial concerns, questions have also been raised about the status of academic programs offered by ICPSC. Records available at the time of writing indicate that the institution is still in the process of securing Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC) or Institutional Recognition (IR) from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). These approvals are required to formally recognize degree programs under national higher education standards.
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Students interviewed expressed concern about whether their degrees will be recognized nationally and whether they will be able to graduate on time if accreditation processes are delayed. While new institutions typically undergo transitional periods before completing accreditation requirements, students said clearer information on program status would help them make informed decisions about enrollment.
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The effects of these issues are not merely administrative. Students from low-income households said they enrolled believing that government subsidy would significantly reduce or eliminate tuition expenses. Learning that fees must still be paid in full has, according to students interviewed, led some to borrow money, delay payments, or worry about their ability to continue their studies. Concerns about program recognition have added to this uncertainty.
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Public higher education institutions face real operational costs and budgetary constraints. The situation at ICPSC highlights the importance of clear and consistent communication regarding student fees, payment arrangements, and accreditation status. Education advocates note that transparency is essential, particularly for institutions operating under policies that promote free access to tertiary education.
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If students are required to pay ₱14,900 per semester and if academic programs are still undergoing formal approval, these realities must be clearly explained at the outset of enrollment. Clarity on financial obligations and program recognition allows students and families to weigh their options with full information.
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As ICPSC continues to develop as a state college, how it aligns its public messaging with documented practices will remain a matter of interest for students, parents, and education stakeholders in Iligan City

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀.
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𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙛𝙪𝙡, 𝙬𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬. 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙄𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙂𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮!

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16/12/2025

𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗚: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥
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December 17, 2011 is a date Iligan City will never forget. Long before dawn, while most families were asleep, Typhoon Sendong unleashed a force that turned familiar rivers into deadly torrents. In just a few hours, entire communities were washed away, hundreds of lives were lost, and countless families were left broken. By sunrise, Iligan was no longer the same city it was the night before.
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Sendong came quietly but struck without mercy. There were no alarms strong enough to wake those in danger, no warnings urgent enough to match the speed of the rising water. Children were torn from their parents’ arms. Neighbors searched for one another in the darkness, clinging to rooftops, trees, and hope. When daylight finally revealed the devastation, it exposed a tragedy too vast for words.
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Fourteen years later, the memory of that night remains painfully vivid. Survivors can still point to where their homes once stood. Families still grieve loved ones who never came home. Every heavy rainfall revives the fear that Sendong planted deep in the city’s consciousness. For many Iliganons, Sendong is not a past event. It is a lived memory that returns with the sound of rushing water.
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Commemorating December 17 is not only about mourning the dead. It is about remembering the harsh lessons Sendong laid bare. The disaster revealed gaps in disaster preparedness, the danger of ignoring river warnings, and the human cost of complacency. Sendong was not merely an act of nature. It was a tragedy worsened by failures that must never be repeated.
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As Iligan marks another year since that devastating night, remembrance must go beyond candles and prayers. To honor those who perished is to ensure that systems are in place to protect the living. It is to demand vigilance, accountability, and a culture of preparedness that does not fade with time.
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December 17, 2011 changed Iligan forever. The rivers eventually returned to their banks, but the loss Sendong brought remains. Remembering that night is not about reopening wounds. It is about ensuring that such a night never happens again.
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15/12/2025

𝗞𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗞𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗞𝗔 𝗨𝗚 𝗥𝗘𝗞𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗢 𝗦𝗔 𝗣𝗥𝗖 𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗞 𝗦𝗔 𝗨𝗦𝗔 𝗞𝗔 𝗖𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗟 𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗚𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗞𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗨𝗧𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗦𝗔 𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗔-𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧
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A contractor involved in the construction of the New Pala-o Public Market has filed a complaint before the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) against a licensed civil and structural engineer, accusing him of issuing allegedly partisan technical reports that were later used to block payment of a final arbitral award and to justify new government spending.
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Edgar A. Tiu, proprietor of BM Marketing, said the complaint was filed following the submission of two Structural Stability Reports prepared by Engr. Carlito P. Talaboc, Ph.D., which were attached to pleadings of the City Government of Iligan during an ongoing proceeding before the Commission on Audit.
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According to the complaint, the reports were presented as Annexes to the city’s rejoinder in a COA case involving the enforcement of a final and executory ruling by the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission. In May 2024, the CIAC ordered the City Government of Iligan to pay BM Marketing P268 million plus legal interest for accomplished works on the New Pala-o Public Market project. The ruling became final on May 29, 2024, and a writ of ex*****on was subsequently issued.
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Tiu said the COA proceeding, docketed as CP Case No. 2025-0125, was intended solely for the ministerial enforcement of the arbitral award. However, he claimed that the city submitted the structural reports to dispute the quality of the completed works and to justify additional repair or retrofitting projects.
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In his complaint, Tiu alleged that the reports were not impartial engineering assessments but were used as litigation tools to discredit BM Marketing and delay payment of a lawful award. He further claimed that the reports directly led to the procurement of an estimated P75 million worth of retrofitting works for the market building.
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BM Marketing maintained that its work on the project was supervised by licensed professionals, including a materials engineer and a consultant structural engineer, who ensured compliance with approved plans and specifications.
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The complaint invokes provisions of Republic Act No. 544, or the Civil Engineering Law, particularly Sections 23 and 27, which penalize deceit, malpractice, and dishonorable conduct, and allow for the suspension or revocation of a civil engineer’s professional license. Tiu argued that allowing professional reports to be used in a manner that undermines a final arbitral ruling constitutes an abuse of professional standing.
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As of this writing, Engr. Talaboc has not issued a public response to the allegations. The City Government of Iligan has also yet to comment on the complaint or on the claims regarding the use of the reports in the COA proceedings.
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The case adds another layer to the long-running controversy surrounding the New Pala-o Public Market, a project that began in 2019 and has since been the subject of arbitration, audit proceedings, and renewed public scrutiny.

15/12/2025

𝗟𝗚𝗨 𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗠 𝗢𝗙 𝟭𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗝𝗢𝗕 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦, 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗦 𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗙
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The Iligan City Government has strongly refuted claims that it employs around 10,000 job order workers, dismissing the allegation as false and unsupported by official records. City officials challenged critics to present concrete evidence to substantiate their claims.
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Mayor Frederick W. Siao categorically denied the figures being circulated, describing them as misleading and irresponsible.
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“𝙉𝙖𝙖 𝙥𝙖 𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙞’𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙜-𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙤𝙣 𝙣𝙜𝙖 ₱1.8 𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙮𝙤𝙣 𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙖𝙮𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙖 𝙢𝙜𝙖 𝙟𝙤𝙗 𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧. 𝘽𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙠 𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙖,” Mayor Siao said.
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The mayor emphasized that all job order and contractual hiring of the city government is regulated by national guidelines and budgetary controls, and is subject to regular audit by the Commission on Audit. He said any inflated or unauthorized personnel count would immediately surface during mandatory financial reviews.
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“𝙄𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙖𝙨 10,000 𝙟𝙤𝙗 𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚. 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙪𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙮𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙨, 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨, 𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨. 𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙛,” Siao added.
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Mayor Siao warned that spreading unverified figures misleads the public and distorts discussions on governance, public spending, and employment.
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The LGU reiterated its openness to scrutiny and maintained that employment records remain transparent and verifiable through proper channels. City officials urged critics to engage in evidence-based discourse and avoid circulating exaggerated claims that erode public trust.

15/12/2025

𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗝𝗘𝗘𝗣𝗡𝗘𝗬 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗬 𝗗𝗘𝗟 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬
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Residents of Barangay Del Carmen are set to benefit from a safer and more comfortable commuting experience following the inauguration of a new modern jeepney transport service today. The project was formally launched by the Barangay Council of Del Carmen in partnership with the Metro Iligan Transport Service Cooperative (MITSCO).
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The newly introduced modern jeepney units are designed to provide improved seating, better ventilation, and enhanced safety features, offering passengers a more convenient and secure mode of transportation. Barangay officials said the initiative aims to address mobility needs in the community while upgrading the overall quality of public transport services.
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While the units were officially unveiled today, officials confirmed that the modern jeepney service will be operational soon, once final operational preparations and route arrangements are completed. Once in service, the transport line is expected to serve key areas within Barangay Del Carmen and nearby destinations in Iligan City.
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The service will be operated by MITSCO, which committed to ensuring disciplined operations, passenger safety, and reliable service. Cooperative officials emphasized their readiness to comply with transport regulations and maintain high service standards.
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Residents welcomed the development, noting that the upcoming service promises greater comfort, safety, and convenience for daily commuters, including workers, students, and senior citizens.
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The inauguration marks a positive step in strengthening modern, community-centered public transportation in Iligan City.
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