Bicol News Star

27/07/2025

News Release
28 July 2025

NGCP readies for 2025 State of the Nation Address

NGCP is set to activate the special operations of its Overall Command Center on 28 July 2025 as part of its preparations to secure power transmission operations and facilities during this year’s State of the Nation Address.

NGCP’s contingency plans are in place to monitor and immediately address any grid disturbance. Its critical units, particularly System Operations (SO) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M), will be fully staffed and operational. Line crews, engineers, pilots, maintenance and testing, and other technical personnel are also strategically positioned in NGCP substations to respond to line trippings, if any.

The Overall Command Center will be operating from 7:00AM to 6:00PM on the 28th. Substation and transmission line status updates will be released to the public every four (4) hours.

“Our Integrated Disaster Action Plan (IDAP) prescribes relevant measures to ensure the readiness of all power transmission facilities to be affected by emergencies during important national events. NGCP assures the public of reliable power transmission services during this significant event,” stated NGCP.

27/07/2025

6.3 Million pesos ticket sales and in kind donations

27/07/2025

Where are you boy?

26/07/2025

NGCP Swiftly Restores -Affected Transmission Lines

Power transmission services in Luzon have returned to normal after NGCP successfully and swiftly restored lines affected by Tropical Cyclone Emong.

Normalization of the Luzon grid came after the last affected line, the Bacnotan–Bulala 69kV line was restored at 10:47 AM today, 26 July.

The Bauang–San Fernando 115kV is partially energized by NGCP, with the remaining customer-owned and maintained portion still being repaired by LUECO.

NGCP assures the public that it is continuously monitoring weather disturbances and is ready to activate its OCMC should there be any threat to its transmission facilities.

25/07/2025

127 CamSur barangays drug-free, 13 more declared drug-cleared

CAMARINES SUR — A total of 127 barangays in the province have been confirmed drug-free, while 13 barangays and one municipality were officially declared drug-cleared following a deliberation by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC).

The meeting, led by PDEA Regional Director Atty. Jacquelyn L. De Guzman and Assistant Regional Director Dir. III Christian O. Frivaldo, assessed the current drug-clearing status of localities across the province.

Representatives from DOH Bicol, PNP RO5, DILG RO5, and other stakeholders were present during the proceedings, alongside barangay officials and local chief executives—highlighting the region's united front in advancing a drug-free Bicol.

Photos: PDEA Region 5

25/07/2025

25/07/2025

MIND-BLOWING
A wake-up call from the trees

The recent tree collapse in Barangay Pinaglabanan, Goa, Camarines Sur may have ended without injury—but it should not be taken lightly. Just days earlier, a similar incident in Ocampo claimed the lives of two young siblings. That tragedy casts a long shadow over what could have been another fatal accident.

We must not wait for trees to fall before taking action. The swift response of the MDRRMO Goa deserves commendation, but prevention, not just reaction, should be the priority. Trees lining our roads, especially those decades old, must be regularly inspected for structural integrity. Age, disease, and exposure to harsh weather conditions can weaken even the sturdiest of trees.

Local governments across the province should treat the Ocampo tragedy as a turning point. The initiative of Naga City, through Mayor Leni Robredo’s directive for a systematic tree audit, is a model worth replicating. Tree preservation and public safety are not opposing goals—they can, and must, go hand in hand.

Let the fallen tree in Goa serve as a reminder: what spared us this time might not the next. Proactive measures today can save lives tomorrow.

Photos MDRRMO GOA

25/07/2025

Naga to inspect roadside trees for public safety

NAGA CITY — Mayor Leni Robredo is forming a team under the City ENRO to inspect roadside trees following a fatal tree collapse in Ocampo, Camarines Sur that claimed two lives.

The inspection aims to identify old or weakened trees that may pose risks to the public. Robredo said the move is a preventive measure and will be done in coordination with the DENR.

“This is about public safety, not cutting trees indiscriminately,” she clarified, adding that structurally sound trees will be preserved, while hazardous ones may be trimmed or removed. The audit is expected to begin once the office order is issued.

25/07/2025

Rep. Nelson Legacion extends condolences, aid to family of drowned child in Canaman

CANAMAN, CS — Third District Congressman Nelson Legacion on Friday expressed his condolences to the grieving family of Baby Jhanella Mhaika, a child who tragically drowned behind their home in Zone 1, Barangay Sua.

In a social media post, Legacion shared that he personally visited the child’s wake earlier in the morning to offer comfort and support. He also provided burial assistance to help ease the family's burden during this difficult time.

“This incident is truly heartbreaking. We offer our deepest sympathies and prayers for Baby Jhanella Mhaika and her family,” Legacion wrote.

The congressman called on the public to keep the young victim in their thoughts and prayers as the community mourns her untimely passing.

25/07/2025

Suspected ₱544K shabu haul nets three arrests in Naga City

NAGA CITY — Authorities arrested three individuals during an early morning drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Pacol on Friday, July 25.

The suspects were identified as “Jennilyn,” 36, classified as a high-value target, along with “Rogelio,” 22, and “Nemesio,” 35. Police said all three are jobless and reside in Zone 1 of the same barangay.

Seized from the suspects were 16 sachets of suspected crystal m**h, locally known as shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱544,000.

The suspects are now under police custody and will face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Shared photos

25/07/2025

Flood Advisory #5 for Bicol River Basin Issued at 8:30AM, 24 July 2025

24/07/2025

NO CLASSES AND WORK‼️

There will still be no classes and no work in government offices tomorrow, July 25, 2025.

Classes in all levels are suspended in the following areas in the Bicol Region on Friday, July 25, 2025:

Camarines Norte

Camarines Sur

Albay

Work in government offices is also suspended in the same areas, except for essential personnel such as responders and emergency services — you are still required to report for duty if needed.

Courtesy: DILG