Day: February 9, 2025

Manila: Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado expressed grave concern over the alarming increase in cases where Filipinos are being trafficked by catphishing syndicates. In a news release Sunday, Viado disclosed that 14 victims were intercepted within one week, preventing their attempts to depart for illegal work in scam hubs abroad. According to Philippines News Agency, the first wave of interceptions occurred on Feb. 4, when three victims, aged 33, 25, and 27, were rescued at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 while trying to board a Philippine Airlines flight to Thailand. The BI’s Immigration Protection and

Manila: The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has strongly opposed the proposed closure of the EDSA busway, urging instead the enhancement and full utilization of the Mabuhay Lanes to help ease Metro Manila’s traffic congestion. The group, in a February 7 statement, emphasized the need to fully optimize the existing Mabuhay Lanes, especially for motorcycles, noting their ability to travel ‘point to point,’ which can significantly reduce traffic congestion along EDSA. According to Philippines News Agency, Mabuhay Lanes are a network of roads that connect the northern and southern parts of Metro Manila, providing an alternative route for motorists

Manila: The Philippines has stepped forward to offer humanitarian aid to Gaza, providing crucial support to those affected by the ongoing crisis in the region. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno led the turnover of essential supplies to the Jordanian Consulate on Friday. According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines’ donation included 8,323 bonnets, 3,187 pairs of gloves, and 20 blankets. This donation will support the Humanitarian Air Bridge Campaign of the Hashemite Kingdom Jordan. “We stand in solidarity with all those impacted by this tragedy and recognize the urgency of the situation,” Nepomuceno said in a

Manila: The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is pushing for amendments to the law creating the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as well as enhancement of the early warning system. “Foremost of our plans is to have amendments to the law that created the NDRRMC. One of the amendments we are requesting is to allow us to create an executive committee that will be in charge of making major decisions,” OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said in a news release over the weekend. According to Philippines News Agency, Nepomuceno added that at present, they need to have

Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is advocating for the passage of a bill to rename the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA) as the National Aviation Academy of the Philippines (NAAP). This institution would be declared the national professional institution for aviation, aiming to enhance aviation safety following recent air crash incidents in the country. According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized the urgency of promoting aviation safety and security after a series of air crash incidents. A United States-contracted surveillance plane crashed in Maguindanao del Sur on February 6, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board. Earlier,