Day: November 4, 2024

MANILA: Tropical Storm Marce, internationally known as Yinxing, has intensified, with maximum sustained winds reaching 85 kilometers per hour near its center and gustiness of up to 105 kilometers per hour, as reported in the 5 p.m. bulletin on Monday by the weather bureau. According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is likely to hoist Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over parts of Cagayan later tonight or by Tuesday. PAGASA forecaster Veronica Torres stated during a briefing that while Marce currently has no direct effects on any part of the country, its

PALO: The 172 responders, mostly policemen, deployed to help victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) in the Bicol region received a hero’s welcome on Monday upon their return in Eastern Visayas after a 10-day post-disaster response. Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Visayas Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jay Cumigad said during the welcome ceremony that the interagency contingent worked tirelessly to provide law and order, public safety, and humanitarian aid across the heavily affected areas. According to Philippines News Agency, their efforts included rescue missions, relief distribution, and maintaining peace to support the recovery of the impacted communities.

Manila: The House of Representatives is “on the right side of history” as it continues its investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the previous administration’s drug war and illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). During the resumption of the session, Speaker Martin Romualdez emphasized the chamber’s commitment to pursuing the quad committee’s investigation despite any opposition, with the aim of uncovering the truth regarding these issues. According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez addressed attempts to halt the search for truth and justice, asserting that such efforts would not succeed. He stated that the House would remain resolute, not yielding

Manila: A party-list lawmaker on Monday filed a bill proposing a rights-based approach and public health-centered drug policy in the country. Akbayan Party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña introduced House Bill 11004, also known as the proposed Public Health Approach to Drug Use Act, which offers “humane solutions” to the nation’s drug problem. Cendaña described the measure, dubbed the “Kian Bill,” as a significant shift from the previous administration’s war on drugs. According to Philippines News Agency, the bill is named after Kian delos Santos, a 17-year-old killed by police in 2017 during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. Cendaña emphasized that

LEGAZPI CITY: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) 5 (Bicol) assured the public that all pertinent documents related to the preparations for the national and local elections (NLE) 2025 remain secure, despite Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) causing significant disruptions. According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec-5 Director Maria Juana Valeza stated in an interview on Monday that while some voters’ registration machines were damaged, backup files were safely preserved. Assistance has been requested from the central office to replace all damaged office computers promptly to avoid delays in the preparations for the mid-term elections. The Comelec offices affected by