Society
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Mindoro Islanders Were Master Seafarers, Hunters 35,000 Years Ago: Study
Ancient inhabitants of Mindoro were highly skilled seafarers and hunter-gatherers who mastered island life over 35,000 years ago, making the island a crucial gateway for early human migration into the Philippines, according to a new…
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Former Rebel Surrenders in Sablayan
A former communist rebel surrendered to government authorities in Occidental Mindoro last week, police said in a belated report. Gabriel Campos Acosta, 56, also known as “Darmo” or “Dizon,” turned himself in to police in…
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Family Appeals for Help in Search for Missing 15-Year-Old Girl in Naujan
Authorities and family members are seeking public assistance in locating a 15-year-old girl who disappeared from her home in Purok 3, San Agustin 1, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Samantha Louisse de Guzman was last seen on…
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Over 200 Bilibid Inmates Transferred to Sablayan Prison Farm
More than 200 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were transferred Friday from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City to the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)…
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Famous Mindoro Journalist Who Interviewed Manila Hostage-Taker Passes Away
Michael Rogas, the radio broadcaster who gained national attention for conducting a controversial live interview with a hostage-taker during the 2010 Manila bus crisis, has died in Quezon City. He was 44. Rogas died early…
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Former Mindoro Mayor Who Challenged Duterte on China Dies at 75
Romulo “Muloy” Festin, a famous Mindoreño who gained national attention in 2019 for challenging then-President Rodrigo Duterte to take a stronger stance against China, died Friday at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City. He…
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Wanted Suspect in 14-Year-Old Attempted Murder Case Nabbed in Oriental Mindoro
Police have arrested a suspect wanted for attempted murder in a remote barangay in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro province, authorities said. The operation was conducted around 3:30 pm last Wednesday in Sitio Sinariri, Barangay Panaytayan, by…
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Bulalacao Resident Arrested Over Illegal Firearm Possession During Election Gun Ban
A 40-year-old man was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm during the ongoing election gun ban in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, police reported Thursday. The suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending further investigation, was…
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Sablayan Holds Unique Wedding Ceremony During Tuna Festival
Eight fishermen exchanged vows with their partners in a distinctive at-sea wedding ceremony on Friday, held aboard their fishing boats as part of the annual Tuna Festival in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. The event, which has…
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DOT Issues 2025 Holy Week Travel Advisory
The Department of Tourism (DOT) released travel guidelines Friday to help tourists navigate the busy Holy Week period, when millions of Filipinos traditionally travel to provincial destinations. The advisory urges travelers to book only DOT-accredited…
Founder’S Profile
Romel “Direk” Ferriol Bernardo
Bernardo Creative Ventures, Inc., the company behind Direk Fuels, Oriental Mindoro’s homegrown gas station chain, and Direk Builders, which rents out heavy equipment, is expanding its portfolio by venturing into online media and content production.
The company’s entry into news media is not surprising, as its founder and CEO, Romel “Direk” Bernardo, was a television writer, producer, and director for over 15 years. From 2002 to 2007, he served as a researcher, writer, and producer for GMA-7’s top-rating show Imbestigador before becoming the executive producer for ABS-CBN’s award-winning documentary program, The Correspondents.
