ben balce

Ben Balce is the Associate Editor of Mindanao Gold Star Daily. A veteran journalist since 1997, Ben has served as a city reporter, editorial cartoonist, and regional correspondent for national dailies like Malaya and Abante. An active member of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, he specializes in regional governance, investigative reporting, and visual commentary.

1482 stories

A split photo showing former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV during a hearing on the left, and Senate Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero in official robes holding a gavel on the right.

News

Trillanes questions Escudero’s handling of Sara impeachment trial

Medina local officials consider stiffer penalties for public transport drivers who refuse passengers, disregard dress codes, or fail to observe basic hygiene standards.

Oct 5, 2026600

Plaridel Mayor Gadwin E. Handumon, Punong Barangay Nymfa D. Salik, and DILG Misamis Occidental Provincial Director Edward G. Bhagwani cut the ceremonial ribbon for the new farm-to-market road in Barangay Cartagena Proper.

News

P5m road project opens better farm access in Misocc

Barangay Cartagena Proper in Plaridel receives a ₱5-million farm-to-market road, easing transport for local farmers and making daily commutes safer for students.

Oct 2, 20261100

Municipal Health Officer Dr. Boel Espinas and health officials during a medical equipment handover ceremony for primary care diagnostic services at the Mambajao Primary Care Facility in Camiguin.

News

How Mambajao’s ₱35m health aid reached 980 patients

Nearly ₱35 million in DOH medical assistance supports 980 Mambajao residents with free medicines, local consultations, and off-island hospital referrals.

Oct 2, 2026800

Police Lt. Col. Salahuddin Basher, chief of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit, speaking into a microphone at a podium during a security council meeting.

News

Families urged to protect youth from online extremism

Authorities investigate roughly 200 foreign nationals and seize 2,000 mobile phones in a major anti-trafficking and scam raid in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Oct 2, 2026900

A split graphic showing dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. (left) alongside Vice President Sara Duterte (right) in relation to ongoing news investigations and editorial standards.

News

Beyond the headlines, equal scrutiny serves the public

Examining why newsrooms must apply consistent standards of evidence, context, and verification when reporting on high-profile political claims.

Oct 2, 2026900

Lanao del Sur Provincial Board Member Saifullah Aldine Macarambon holding a microphone while presiding over the third-quarter joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council alongside police and local officials.

Mindanao

Lanao Sur faces 22 murder cases, 45 unresolved rido

Lanao del Sur records drops in theft and injury cases, but a surge in murders and 45 active rido disputes show security hurdles remain.

Oct 2, 20261000

Local officials, DILG representatives, and residents gathering on a newly paved road while a priest conducts the blessing and turnover ceremony for a farm-to-market road and solar streetlights project in Barangay Agunod, Plaridel, Misamis Occidental.

News

P10M project opens better farm access in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental

Barangay Agunod farmers and residents gain better market access and safer streets following the completion of a ₱10-million road and solar lighting project.

Oct 1, 20261000

Xsyclyn Faith "Kanzai" B. Lumbatan smiling as she receives the CSC PRIME-HRM Bronze Award plaque on stage during the CSC Region 10 awarding ceremony.

News

CSC awards CDO government Bronze HR award

The Civil Service Commission awards a PRIME-HRM Bronze Award to Cagayan de Oro after the city achieved a 100% score in core HR management systems.

Oct 1, 2026900

Dr. Abel Santini G. Permites, an RITM-DOH certified trainer on rabies and animal bite management, wearing a white medical coat and glasses while speaking during an interview in Cagayan de Oro City.

News

5 Northern Mindanao rabies deaths challenge 2030 goal

Northern Mindanao records five human rabies deaths in eight months, prompting health authorities to reiterate immediate bite treatment and pet vaccination.

Oct 1, 2026900