The WOW (Weave Out Waste) Limpyo Iloilo Hub, funded by the provincial government, is being constructed in Barangay Talongonan and is targeted for completion within 10 months.

The facility will serve as a province-wide aggregation and trading center linking local government units, waste workers and recyclers while streamlining the collection, consolidation and trading of recyclable materials.

By consolidating recyclable waste from different areas, the hub aims to increase the volume of materials available for trading and help secure better market prices.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares; Board Member Amalia Debuque, who represented Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.; Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region VI OIC-Regional Executive Director Atty. Ramar Niel V. Pascua; Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office Supervising Environmental Specialist Mitzi Peñaflorida; and Provincial Tourism Officer and LEDIP Center Chief Aulynn Yue Sin.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in the Philippines Christophe Bahuet and The Coca-Cola Foundation President Carlos Pagoaga, along with other delegates from both organizations, also attended the event.

The delegates also led the turnover of recyclable collection tricycles to the Passi City local government unit and visited the Passi City Eco Center, where they interacted with waste workers.

The UNDP and The Coca-Cola Foundation are development partners of the provincial government in implementing solid waste management initiatives, particularly programs aimed at reducing plastic waste.

With funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation, the UNDP is implementing the PH Plastics Circularity Project in Iloilo, a three-year initiative running until October 2027.

The project is being piloted in Banate, Dumangas, Pototan and Passi City, with the goal of encouraging lasting changes in household and community practices to reduce plastic waste.IMT

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Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, ICPO director, said police had received information about the presence of liquid marijuana in the city for several months but initially prioritized operations against shabu, which he described as the more commonly used illegal drug.

On September 21, personnel of Iloilo City Police Station 4, led by Police Capt. Ryan Christ Inot, recovered 84 grams of dried marijuana, four kush items and three vape cartridges containing liquid marijuana during an operation.

Police also arrested a 21-year-old suspect identified by the alias “Jan2,” a former student whom authorities classified as a high-value individual. Investigators said the suspect was allegedly targeting students as customers.

Parilla said authorities were concerned about the reported spread of liquid marijuana, particularly among students, with distribution reaching not only Iloilo City but other areas of Panay.

He said transactions were conducted online using coded communications before the products were shipped to Western Visayas through logistics companies.

Authorities are now examining the procedures used by these firms in accepting and delivering packages.

Police are also monitoring online transactions, dead-drop arrangements in which drugs are left at designated locations for customers to retrieve, and shipments handled by delivery riders who may have no knowledge of the illegal contents.

Parilla said liquid marijuana poses an enforcement challenge because it can be consumed through vaping, potentially making its use less noticeable.

Authorities have yet to confirm the existence of a laboratory producing liquid marijuana in Iloilo City, with recovered products believed to have originated elsewhere, he added.

Aside from liquid marijuana, police are also monitoring the distribution of dried marijuana, kush and injectable substances reportedly worth more than P12,000, according to Parilla.

The police director said cyber patrol operations are continuing to monitor suspected illegal drug activities online.

Parilla urged parents, teachers and other members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly in monitoring young people and students, and to report information about suspected illegal drug use or distribution to authorities.IMT

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Treñas said the city government wants to better understand the flow of water in the city and identify measures that could help lessen the impact of extreme weather conditions.

“A possible super El Niño can affect our water supply, food production, fisheries, livelihood, and daily lives of our families. Preparedness must begin before a crisis happens. The Iloilo City Government made sure to look for funds, so it’s 6 million pesos, to make sure na ma-review natin ang ating mga waterways sa siyudad,” she said.

Treñas made the statement as the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, together with private sector and academic partners, held a scientific forum on preparing for the possible effects of a Super El Niño.

The mayor said the city is also strengthening disaster prevention efforts, including tree planting, seedling bagging and mangrove rehabilitation through the I-Greens program, as well as community preparedness activities under KABALAKA.

The mayor said the city government would continue working with its partners to protect lives and livelihoods as it prepares for possible water and other impacts of the El Niño phenomenon.IMT

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Msgr. Meliton Oso of the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC) said the initiative seeks to give Filipinos a direct role in proposing legislation to prohibit political dynasties.

The proposed initiative is separate from House Bill No. 8389, or the Anti-Political Dynasty Act, which the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading on June 3 and transmitted to the Senate on June 8. The Senate is also considering its own version of the measure.

Under the proposal being advanced by Dapat Isa Lang, only one member of a family would be allowed to hold a national elective position and one member at the local level. It also seeks to prohibit relatives from simultaneously running for or holding office, exchanging positions, or directly succeeding one another in elective posts.

The proposed measure would cover relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, compared with the second-degree limit under the House-approved bill.

The initiative also proposes a cooling-off period requiring a family member to wait one term after an elected official’s tenure ends before running for an elective position.

Oso said proponents must gather signatures from at least 10 percent of all registered voters nationwide, with representation of at least 3 percent of registered voters in every legislative district, to meet the constitutional requirements for a People’s Initiative.

The Catholic Church is urging the public to join the campaign as co-petitioners through the movement’s website, dapatisa.org, while manual signature collection continues in churches and other institutions.

The group aims to complete the signature-gathering campaign by December 31 and plans to submit the petition to the Commission on Elections in the first week of February.

Dapat Isa Lang is a nationwide movement seeking to establish an anti-political dynasty law through a People’s Initiative.IMT

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Board Member and Iloilo Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay President Amalia Debuque said barangays had been preparing for the scheduled elections but would have to follow the national government’s decision to postpone the polls.

Debuque described the additional two years in office as an opportunity for barangay officials to focus on their respective development initiatives.

“It’s a very nice surprise for us nga nahatagan ang atun mga barangay official sa bilog nga pungsod sang dugang nga two years extension,” she said.

Debuque stressed, however, that the extension should be treated as a responsibility rather than a privilege, with officials expected to demonstrate their commitment to public service and good governance.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12326 on Sept. 25, 2026, extending the terms of barangay officials and Sangguniang Kabataan members to five years.

The law postponed the BSKE, originally scheduled for Nov. 2, 2026, and set the next elections for the second Monday of November 2028.

Barangay and SK officials elected in 2023 will remain in office until their successors are elected under the new schedule.IMT

The post Iloilo Liga ng mga Barangay welcomes 2026 BSKE postponement first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

In response to the circulating threats, ICPO implemented heightened security measures to guarantee the safety of the affected communities.

Police visibility has been significantly increased in the vicinity of the schools involved.

Furthermore, law enforcement is working in close coordination with both the school administrations and the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 6 (RACU-6).

A thorough investigation is currently underway to determine the veracity of the threats and to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the posts.

The ICPO cautioned against the dissemination of unverified posts, screenshots, or speculative information, warning that such actions can incite unnecessary fear, panic, and confusion among residents, students, and parents.

“We assure the public that we are taking every reasonable precaution to ensure the safety of our students, teachers, and school personnel,” it said.

“The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to verify the information and identify the person behind the reported post,” the ICPO added

The police office emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it and encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity or information directly to the authorities. It stressed that allowing the police to conduct a comprehensive and unimpeded investigation is crucial.

In a statement addressing the community, the ICPO noted, “Sa masami, ang pagpalapta sang wala pa napamatud-an nga impormasyon mahimo man nga makadugang sang kahadlok kag kahangawa. Magpabilin kita nga responsable kag magbuligay para sa kalinong sang aton komunidad.”

As the investigation progresses, the ICPO’s primary focus remains on maintaining order and ensuring the continued safety of the educational institutions in the city.IMT

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PRO-6 Director Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said he had directed the Regional Intelligence Division to pursue the investigation beyond the arrest of the suspect to determine where the illegal substances originated and how they entered Western Visayas.

Tuaño said the case was the first of its kind recorded during his administration.

On Sept. 21, operatives of Iloilo City Police Station 4 in Molo, led by Police Capt. Ryan Christ Inot, recovered 84 grams of dried marijuana, four kush items and three vape cartridges containing liquid marijuana.

The operation resulted in the arrest of a 21-year-old former student identified by the police as alias “Jan2,” whom authorities classified as a high-value individual.

Police said the suspect was allegedly operating five dummy social media accounts to sell marijuana and was conducting transactions in Iloilo City and the province, with students identified as among his target customers.

Investigators said the suspect allegedly advertised the products through dummy accounts and required prospective buyers to create their own dummy accounts before joining group chats where transactions were arranged.

Police believe the activity may have been ongoing for some time and are investigating whether other individuals are involved in the online sale of marijuana, including liquid marijuana intended for vape devices.

PRO-6 said the investigation is continuing to trace the supply chain and determine the extent of the alleged distribution network.IMT

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Organized by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the forum brought together government officials, private sector representatives, academics and technical experts to discuss possible impacts on water supply, food production, fisheries, livelihoods and residents’ daily activities.

Mayor Raisa Treñas said the city needs to identify potential risks and use updated scientific data in planning its response to the anticipated weather phenomenon.

Among the measures being undertaken is the allocation of P6 million for a delineation survey and review of waterways in the city.

The local government is also implementing programs on urban greening, mangrove rehabilitation, coastal greening, rainwater harvesting, waste management and solar energy initiatives.

These include the I-GREENS Program, EcoCycle waste management initiative and SunRISE solar initiatives.

Private sector representatives also emphasized coordination with the local government to protect communities, businesses, livelihoods and the local economy from climate change and other disasters.

The scientific forum was conducted under the city government’s KABALAKA (Kahublagan sa Barangay para sa Lapnagon nga Kahandaan sa Kalamidad) Program, which forms part of its disaster risk reduction and management framework.

Among the resource speakers were Special Envoy for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Ma. Antonia Loyzaga, Manila Observatory Senior Research Fellow Dr. Rosa Perez, Marine Heatwave Tracker co-developer Dr. Charina Lyn Amedo-Repollo, Manila Observatory Executive Director Rev. Fr. Jett Villarin, Visayas PRSD Weather Services Chief Alfredo Quiblat Jr., Ateneo de Manila University Professor Emeritus Dr. Emma Porio, and National Resilience Council Resilience Fellow Prof. Jessica Dator-Bercilla.IMT

The post Iloilo City holds scientific forum on Super El Niño preparedness first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

As of Sept. 7, Iloilo province posted the highest coverage in the region at 67.7%, followed by Antique at 63.5%, Guimaras at 59.3%, Iloilo City at 57.4%, Capiz at 57.1%, and Aklan at 52.9%.

DOH-6 Regional Director Dr. Mar Wynn D. Bello credited health workers, local government units (LGUs), parents and development partners for the implementation of the campaign, particularly in areas facing geographic and operational challenges.

“Every child represents the work of health workers, families, communities, local governments, and partners united by one purpose – to ensure that no eligible child is left unprotected,” he said in a press statement.

Dr. Jose Martin Atienza, DOH-6 Regional Immunization Program coordinator, stressed the importance of vaccination against measles and the role of health professionals in providing accurate information to communities.

“Sa pulo ka bata nga wala bakuna kontra-tigdas, siyam ang posible nga magka-sakit kag ang isa ka tawo nga may tigdas, mahimo makahawa sa dose asta 18 ka tawo,” he said.

Atienza said vaccination remains important in protecting children and communities from measles.

Health workers also continued vaccination efforts in geographically challenging areas during the campaign.

In Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, Barangay Health Worker Cyril Elisan was among those who continued reaching children despite unpredictable weather conditions.

Parent Edmundo Sarino, meanwhile, said he had his four children vaccinated against measles for their protection.

UNICEF Subnational Consultant Kimberly Bernardo reaffirmed the organization’s support for the Department of Health and its partners in expanding access to vaccines.

“As the region moves into post-campaign activities, DOH WV CHD and its partners will continue routine, catch-up and school-based immunization activities to sustain immunization coverage and community protection,” the DOH said.IMT

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Police identified the two HVIs as Onasis Henova Beria, alias “Tate,” 40, jobless, and Joshua Ataniso Opiniano, alias “Toto,” 26, a tricycle driver, both residents of Barangay Botongon. Tate is listed on the drug watch list of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Also arrested during the operation were six street-level individuals (SLIs):

▪️”Nene,” 34, jobless, resident of Brgy. Botongon, Estancia;
▪️”Billy,” 21, jobless, resident of Poblacion, Carles;
▪️”Nonoy,” 48, laborer, resident of Brgy. Pa-on, Estancia;
▪️”Victor,” 26, fish vendor, resident of Brgy. Tacbuyan, Estancia;
▪️”Cora,” 44, jobless, resident of Brgy. Bolaqueña, Estancia; and
▪️”Seping,” 42, fish vendor, resident of Poblacion Zone 2, Estancia.

The joint operation, conducted around 2:10 p.m., was launched by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) Team 3 of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) in coordination with the PDEA-6, Regional Intelligence Division (RID-6), Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU-6), and the Estancia Municipal Police Station (MPS).

According to law enforcement reports, the bust was the culmination of weeks of sustained intelligence collection, surveillance, and target validation.

An undercover operative successfully purchased one heat-sealed sachet of suspected shabu from the targets using P13,000 in marked buy-bust money.

Upon completion of the transaction, backup officers immediately moved in to place the suspects under arrest.

A search incidental to the arrest yielded approximately 495 grams of suspected shabu contained in three large heat-sealed plastic sachets and five regular-sized sachets, along with non-drug-related items.

Operatives also recovered a homemade 9mm caliber revolver loaded with three live rounds of ammunition from the scene.

The mandatory inventory and marking of evidence were conducted on-site in strict compliance with Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

The suspects are currently detained at the Estancia MPS and will face formal charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 and Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

Police officials emphasized that the operation severely disrupts the illegal drug supply network extending across the Fifth District of Iloilo province and adjacent areas in Capiz province.

Follow-up intelligence operations are ongoing to identify suppliers and sub-networks connected to the group.IMT

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