Day: February 26, 2025

Manila: Senators on Wednesday linked the recent kidnapping of a foreign student from an international school to the continued presence of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), warning that the industry remains a major driver of criminal activity in the country. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, a staunch advocate for banning POGOs, condemned the incident and stressed that authorities must relentlessly pursue the perpetrators. According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Gatchalian reiterated his call for the critical and urgent need to wipe out POGOs. “We cannot and must not allow their criminal operations to continue spreading fear, lawlessness, and danger in our communities,”

Cebu City: The devolution of certain functions from the executive branch to local government units (LGUs) is essential for achieving prosperity in the Philippines, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stated during a recent event. According to Philippines News Agency, Pangandaman highlighted the importance of advancing the government’s vision for stronger local governance while speaking at a stakeholder engagement and consultation held in Cebu City. The event focused on integrating the agendas of the national government and LGUs. “As a former local chief executive, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. understands the importance of citizens and LGUs in national development. One key solution

Talisay City: The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) 7 (Central Visayas) has entered into a memorandum of agreement with Talisay City College (TCC) to establish a Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE) in the city. This collaboration aims to integrate human rights education into academic institutions to nurture a generation of professionals who are conscious and informed about human rights issues. According to Philippines News Agency, the CHR highlighted in a news release that the new center seeks to foster awareness among students, ensuring they are informed about human rights. CHR-7 Legal Division chief Euvic Ferrer emphasized the importance of

Mati City: A diarrhea outbreak in Sitio Magum, Barangay Macambol, Mati City in Davao Oriental province has affected 45 individuals, prompting an urgent response from the City Health Office (CHO) and Provincial Health Office. As of Feb. 24, 39 cases have recovered, while six remain active, with two hospitalized and four under home monitoring. According to Philippines News Agency, the City Epidemiology Surveillance and Response Unit (CESRU) identified acute watery diarrhea (AWD) cases, with contaminated water as the likely cause. Sitio Magum 2 recorded the highest number of cases (29), with an attack rate of 9.24 percent. Most patients (98

Taipei: Eva Air will implement a ban on the inflight use and charging of power banks and spare lithium batteries starting March 1. The airline announced this decision as a measure for flight safety in a Facebook post on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Eva Air emphasized that power banks and spare lithium batteries are already prohibited in checked-in baggage. These items must be placed in carry-on baggage and properly stored to prevent compression or damage during the flight. The airline advised passengers to ensure their devices are fully charged before boarding, as most airplane seats are equipped with