(Filed by 104.7 News Dagupan)

DEPED denies swimming selection mess

The Dagupan City Schools Division maintained its integrity and professionalism amid allegations of corruption involving swimming technical officials of the Dagupan City Athletic Association. The division said no evidence has been presented to support claims of bribery that would justify an impartial investigation.

City Hall, expressing support for the Schools Division, stressed it does not interfere in the selection, judging, or evaluation of athletes. It urged those raising accusations to file a formal report so the matter can be properly investigated and given due process. (Jam Victorio) 

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Lechon demand surges in Pangasinan

As the yuletide season approaches, lechon orders in Pangasinan continue to soar. Luis Tamayo, owner of Babalicious Lechon, said they are struggling to keep up with the surge, with prices now ranging from P9,000 to P19,000 per pig depending on size.

Despite the high demand, Tamayo assured a stable supply of pigs compared to last year. Health authorities, meanwhile, warned the public to moderate consumption to avoid health risks during the holiday feasting season. (Mathew Pacheco)

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RHU II in Calasiao closed for renovation

The Rural Health Unit II in Brgy. Buenlag, Calasiao has temporarily closed for renovation, the LGU announced. During this period, consultation services will be handled by RHU I in Brgy. Poblacion East.

Checkups, including prenatal care, routine immunization, and family planning counseling, will be conducted at the Buenlag Barangay Hall. The LGU appealed for residents’ understanding, saying the renovation aims to provide improved and more efficient health services for the community. (Jam Victorio)

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Lantern sales in Dagupan slow amid hard times

Christmas lantern vendors in Barangay Caranglaan, Dagupan’s lantern hub, report sluggish sales as residents recover from recent destructive typhoons. Shops opened in August, but only a few buyers are purchasing lanterns this season.

Owners say earnings are far below previous years and do not cover the high cost of materials, including strip lights. Prices range from P1,000 to P5,000 per lantern, leaving many struggling to keep their businesses afloat. (Aaron Navelgas)

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Man arrested for firing gun at festivity

A 56-year-old man was arrested after threatening a fellow attendee with a handgun and firing shots into the air during a local festivity in Sitio Manaker, Barangay Malacañang in San Carlos City.

Police said the suspect, who had briefly left to buy cigarettes, returned and confronted the victim, punching him and brandishing the firearm before shooting into the air. Officers later apprehended him at his home, but the gun was not recovered. No injuries were reported. (Aaron Navelgas)

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San Manuel police crush 63 illegal mufflers

Authorities in San Manuel crushed 63 modified mufflers confiscated from vehicles this year as part of strict enforcement of a local ordinance banning loud-sounding exhausts. The move aims to curb noise pollution and ensure compliance among motorists.

Police warned that violators will face fines ranging from P1,000 to P3,000 for repeated offenses and will be reported to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for further action. Motorists are urged to follow the ordinance to avoid penalties. (Jam Victorio)

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Labrador backs nuclear power drive

A signature campaign supporting the proposed nuclear power plant in Labrador drew a strong public turnout as residents welcomed the promise of cheaper electricity. Municipal officials said their barangay rounds showed overwhelming support for the project.

Residents who sign are required to submit a photocopy of their ID and a notarized sworn statement, which they were advised to keep for future use once construction begins. The LGU also intensified its information drive to dispel misinformation, assuring that nuclear waste will be secured in a sealed vault on an undisclosed island. (Jam Victorio)

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POSO braces for holiday gridlock

The Dagupan Public Order and Safety Office has deployed traffic enforcers along major roads—A.B. Fernandez Avenue, Arellano Street, Perez Boulevard, and M.H. Del Pilar Street—in anticipation of heavy congestion during the Christmas and New Year rush.

POSO warns of bottlenecks on Rizal Street, with Herrero Perez Street still under repair, and is coordinating with the city police for added manpower. The Land Transportation Office will also inspect transport terminals to ensure buses ferrying holiday commuters are roadworthy. (Aaron Navelgas)

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Dog seller nabbed in Basista

A 30-year-old Bayambang resident was arrested in Basista after he was caught selling a live dog in violation of the Animal Welfare Act. The tip came from the Regional Manager of the Animal Welfare Investigation Project, who reported a plan to supply dogs to an illegal slaughterhouse.

Basista police launched an entrapment operation, using a confidential asset to pose as a buyer. The suspect arrived carrying a sack with a bound live dog and was arrested on the spot. Animal Kingdom Foundation’s Atty. Heidi Caguioa reminded the public that RA 10631 strictly bans the sale and slaughter of dogs for meat. (Joana De Vera)

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Galunggong prices soar

Galunggong is no longer the “poor man’s fish” as prices continue to climb amid rising fuel costs and limited catch in the high seas. At the Mangatarem Public Market, vendor Zenaida Campos now sells galunggong at P280 per kilo, a price even higher than chicken.

Campos blames the situation on tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where Filipino fishermen face restrictions near areas claimed by China. Meanwhile, SINAG noted that galunggong supply is typically scarce during the colder months, further pushing prices up. (Aaron Navelgas)