Iloilo News and Events

A historic and first-ever awake craniotomy in Panay Island was successfully performed at Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) by Dr. Derek Ben Jabines, Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon. This was revealed through a Facebook post by his wife, Bryna Kimberly Jabines, congratulating him on a successful operation on July 17, 2025. Fellow neurosurgeon assisted Dr. Jabines, Dr. James Mercado from Davao Doctors Hospital, with expert neuroanesthesia care led by Dr. Ceres Lucot-Laud, and intraoperative testing by neuropsychiatrist, Dr. Paul Christian Sobrevega. "The 6-hour awake brain surgery was done to remove a tumor located in the eloquent areas of the brain — regions responsible for critical functions such as speech and movement. Keeping the patient awake allowed real-time brain mapping, helping preserve vital functions while safely removing the tumor," Bryna Kimberly Jabines said. "This milestone showcases not only the exceptional skills and teamwork of WVMC’s neurosurgical ...

TIBIAO, ANTIQUE — In response to the effects of Tropical Depression Crising, the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Arturo S. Balgos Jr., joined forces with local barangay officials and volunteers to conduct road clearing operations in Barangay Importante, Tibiao, Antique on July 17, 2025. With heavy rainfa ll expected and an Orange Rainfall Warning issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the operation was launched to clear debris and ensure that vital roads remain accessible. The warning indicates a high risk of flooding and landslides across the province. A key highlight of the operation was the outstanding performance and dedication of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) personnel under Delta Company of the 61IB, who were among the first responders on the ground. Their swift action, tireless effort, and close coordination with the Philippine Army and barangay officials played a crucial role in restoring access to i...

Calinog, Iloilo – Troops from the 12th Infantry “Lick 'Em” Battalion (12IB) successfully discovered an arms cache belonging to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Barangay Tacayan, Tapaz, Capiz on July 15, 2025. The operation was launched following credible information provided by a former rebel (FR), highlighting the continued cooperation between former insurgents and government forces in the fight against local terrorism. The focused military operation resulted in the recovery of several war materials, including one (1) M16 rifle, three (3) short steel magazines, ammunition, and two (2) rifle grenades. Also seized were one (1) anti-personnel mine (APM) detonator, three (3) blasting caps, 50 meters of wire, one (1) holster, and one (1) defective caliber .38 pistol. This successful recovery emphasizes the Philippine Army’s commitment to dismantling CTG remnants and ensuring peace and security in the area. The 12IB continues to encourage the remaining CTG remnants to come forwar...

Parang ulo ng pato na nilagyan ng pako ang mungkahing ordinansa ni City Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog na pababain ng 80% ang Real Property Tax. Naniniwala si Mabilog na ang biglaang pagtaas ng ipinatupad na porsyento ng pagtaas ay magkakaroon ng negatibong epekto sa mga tao at may-ari ng negosyo, lalo na sa kanilang pananalapi at operasyon ng negosyo. Sinubukan ni Mabilog ngayong araw, Miyerkules, Hulyo 16, 2025, na siyang regular na sesyon ng Sangguniang Panlungsod na itulak ang kahilingan ng mga mamamayan ngunit walang sumuporta kahit isang konsehal mula sa mayorya. Nagsikap iya na itulak ito sa First Reading ngunit walang nag-second to he motion.  Samantala, patuloy siyang nagpupumilit na pababain ang RPT dahil ito ang isinisigaw ng taumbayan.  Aniya, mandato at responsibilidad niya bilang konsehal na ipaglaban ang nakikita niyang makakatulong sa taumbayan. #iloilonews

MANILA, Philippines — In a move poised to reshape the energy landscape of the Visayas and Palawan, Primelectric Holdings, Inc. and ACWA Power Company of Saudi Arabia formally signed a Joint Study Agreement to jointly explore renewable energy and energy storage opportunities in the region. Roel Z. Castro, President of Primelectric Holdings, Inc., and Thomas Brostrom, Chief Investment and Development Officer of ACWA Power, signed the agreement in a recent ceremony. ACWA Power, a global leader in power generation and desalinated water solutions, operates over 100 assets across 14 countries. Its growing portfolio includes large-scale renewable and conventional power plants, strongly focusing on sustainable, low-cost energy projects. Primelectric Holdings, the parent firm of distribution utiliti es MORE Power in Iloilo, Negros Power in Central Negros, and Bohol Light, has been driving efforts to modernize and lower power rates in its franchise areas while integrating innovative energy solut...