Bicol News Star

10/05/2025

From the staff of the BNS

08/05/2025

CARDINAL ROBERT PREVOST ELECTED AS NEW POPE, TAKES NAME LEO XIV

VATICAN CITY – May 8, 2025 – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement was made following the conclave at the Vatican, where the College of Cardinals gathered to elect the successor to Pope Francis.

Prevost, 69, becomes the first American pope in history, marking a significant milestone in the Church’s 2,000-year history. White smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney at around 6:20 p.m. local time, signaling to the world that a new pope had been chosen.

Cardinal Jean-Baptiste Pham, the senior cardinal deacon, officially announced the election with the traditional words: "Habemus Papam!" He then introduced the new pontiff to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo XIV is expected to deliver his inaugural mass in the coming days.

08/05/2025

HIS HOLINESS, POPE LEO XIV
The Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced the name of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the elected Pope, and taken the name, Leo XIV.

08/05/2025

08/05/2025

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08/05/2025

Vote buying busted in Caramoan; security council to convene amid public concerns

CARAOMOAN, CAMARINES SUR – In response to a recent vote buying incident, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Caramoan is set to convene a municipal joint security control center (MJSCC) meeting tomorrow, alongside the municipal police station and other local agencies.

The move comes after eight individuals were caught in the act of buying votes in Barangay Sta. Cruz on May 6, according to a report from the Caramoan Municipal Police Station. The suspects, aged 37 to 70, were found in possession of five cellphones, identification cards, various paraphernalia, and a total of Php 100,650 in cash, believed to be intended for vote buying.

In an interview, Election Officer III Dennis Gomez confirmed that their office had long been receiving reports of vote buying and selling in the area, but earlier attempts at enforcement were often unsuccessful. “This has been happening in broad daylight. It’s alarming how normalized the practice has become,” he said.

Gomez further disclosed that it was the police who first informed their office about the planned arrest, based on verified complaints.

The suspects are now under police custody as authorities from the Camarines Sur Provincial Police Office continue validation and legal processing.

As the elections draw near, Gomez urges the public to take a stand. “As long as voters themselves accept money from candidates, this cycle will continue. Let us resist the temptation. The integrity of our elections depends on it,” he added.

The upcoming MJSCC meeting aims to strengthen coordination among agencies and map out concrete actions to curb electoral fraud in the municipality.

08/05/2025

Sede Vacante: No new Pope yet as black smoke rises from Sistine Chapel

Vatican City — Black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday night around 9 PM, signaling that the first round of voting in the papal conclave ended without the election of a new Pope.

Traditionally, black smoke indicates that no candidate has received the required two-thirds majority vote from the College of Cardinals. The conclave — a sacred and confidential assembly of Cardinals — will continue with further rounds of voting until a new pontiff is chosen.

For now, the global Catholic community watches and prays as the process continues, awaiting the moment white smoke rises to announce the election of the new Pope.

Source: Vatican News

08/05/2025

2 Bicolanos among 2025 Civil Engineering Board topnotchers

NAGA CITY - Bicolanos made it to the top ranks of the 2025 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination.
John Carlo Peñas from Naga City, a graduate of Ateneo de Naga University, secured the 9th spot after a year of dedicated review. His achievement was a result of consistent effort and personal growth during his preparation.

Meanwhile, Nikko Angelo Panal from Sagñay, Camarines Sur, and a graduate of Mindanao State University, landed at 10th place.

Both topnotchers received warm congratulations from their communities, serving as inspiration for aspiring engineers in the region.
Shared Photos

08/05/2025

Eight arrested for vote buying in Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Caramoan, CS– May 6, 2025 — Eight individuals were apprehended by authorities in a vote buying operation conducted in Zone 5, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, just days before the national elections.

According to the Caramoan Municipal Police Station (MPS), the suspects were caught in the act of distributing cash allegedly in exchange for votes, in violation of Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 11104, which enforces Section 261 (a) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, also known as the Omnibus Election Code.

Seized during the operation were five mobile phones and a total of PHP 100,650 in cash believed to be intended for vote buying activities.

The arrested individuals are now in police custody and are facing formal charges. Authorities have reiterated their warning that vote buying is a serious election offense, punishable by imprisonment, disqualification from holding public office, and the loss of the right to vote.

The COMELEC and local law enforcement units continue to intensify their campaign against election-related violations to ensure clean, honest, and orderly elections.

Courtesy: Caramoan MPS

07/05/2025

Bicol Station chief supports mandatory drug testing for transport workers

NAGA CITY – Bicol Central Station Manager Roderick “Nonoy” Reforsado has expressed support for mandatory drug testing among public transport drivers and conductors, especially on the Naga–Metro Manila route.

In an interview, Reforsado said his stance aims to ensure passenger safety, citing the rise in deadly road accidents. He also acknowledged that some workers in the transport sector have tested positive for illegal drugs.

He believes regular drug testing would help prevent further incidents and promote accountability in public transport.

07/05/2025

LOOK: The grand rally of the Robredo-Bordado tandem—branded as "The New Team Naga"—is scheduled to take place this Saturday, May 10, at the LCC Open Grounds in Barangay Sabang.

Notable celebrities expected to grace the event include Bamboo, Rivermaya, Jolina Magdangal, Iza Calzado, Enchong Dee, Bea Binene, along with other guest performers and personalities.

Courtesy of Ang Bagong Team Naga page.