The Philippine Army in Northern Samar is largely counting on the support of locals to win the war against the New People’s Army (NPA) in the province. Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion spokesperson 2nd Lt. Joyce Ann Bayron said on Wednesday the recent recoveries of war materiel can be attributed to the collaboration between soldiers and community members. On March 28, residents of Can Maria village in Lapinig, Northern Samar revealed to soldiers the location of the NPA lair where they recovered several short firearms and ammunitions, four anti-personnel mines with a detonator, four hand grenades, and subversive documents. Acting

Regina Castillo is so far enjoying a happy, love-filled life in Morocco with her family, sharing her time to help fellow Filipinos in the African country. Originally from Antipolo City, Regina now calls Morocco her home, where she lives with her Moroccan husband and four children. Regina moved to Morocco in 2008 after she and her husband got married, whom she met in Dubai. She was among those who found adjusting in a foreign country hard, especially since she doesn’t know how to speak French and Arabic — languages spoken in Morocco. Even going to a grocery to buy essentials

Independent presidential candidate Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is urging the Senate to act on the suspension of fuel subsidies to public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers. In a statement Wednesday, Lacson said the fuel subsidy is a “call of the times” as the continued rise in oil prices threatens to crush those in the transport sector, as well as fisherfolk and farmers, who are most hit by the crisis. “Unless there is jurisprudence along that line, I don’t think the national government should be covered by the election ban on providing social services to our people, especially at a

The first batch of housing units for former rebels of the breakaway rebel group Rebolusyong Partidong Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP/RPA/ABB) in Negros Oriental will be turned over this month to the beneficiaries. Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, commander of the Philippine Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday the turnover of the first 16 housing units will be done after the Holy Week. “We don’t have a specific date yet although the houses have been completed, but definitely it will be this month at the earliest or in early