Day: March 13, 2025

Manila: The body of Hans Ponteras, a regional leader of the New People’s Army (NPA), was returned to his family by the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Banago. This occurred on Wednesday, four days after Ponteras was killed during a clash with soldiers in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of the 79IB, stated that the return of Ponteras’s remains is a demonstration of the Army’s commitment to humanitarian values during their operations. Despite being an adversary, Calaoagan emphasized the importance of treating Ponteras as a fellow Filipino and

Manila: The Philippines is set to export 66,000 metric tons (MT) of raw sugar to the United States during the crop year 2024-2025, according to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA). This decision follows the SRA’s approval of the exportation under Sugar Order (SO) 5, signed on Wednesday, to meet its obligations under the US Raw Sugar Tariff-Rate Quota World Trade Allocation. According to Philippines News Agency, this export marks the first instance of meeting the US sugar quota allocation for 2025 from the farmers’ share of raw sugar, aiming to ensure participation in future import programs. It is the second

Northern Samar: A total of 55 former rebels in Northern Samar have completed the six-month reintegration program in preparation for their return to their families. According to Philippines News Agency, the 55 completers consist of the recent batches of former combatants of the New People’s Army, referred to by local authorities as “peacebuilders,” enrolled at the Darangpan Center, a halfway house for those who chose to return to the fold of law, the Northern Samar provincial government reported on Thursday. “The reintegration program allows peacebuilders to obtain basic literacy training, livelihood skills development training, psychosocial sessions, and capacity building, all

Manila: National Security Adviser Eduardo A±o on Thursday maintained that the government is committed to neutralizing the country’s insurgency amid attempts by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) ‘to exploit the situation to further their agenda of destabilization and violence.’ According to Philippines News Agency, without identifying the specific situation the communist insurgents are attempting to exploit, A±o added that he finds the CPP-NPA-NDF’s efforts to undermine the country’s democratic government and impose a communist regime ‘disheartening.’ “I want to assure you that despite this situation, we remain unwavering in our

Manila: Two Japanese manufacturing companies are evaluating the Philippines as a potential hub for their business operations, according to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). According to Philippines News Agency, Kawamura Electric, Inc. and FRP Services and Company Japan have shown interest in exploring investment opportunities in ecozones. This interest was expressed during PEZA Director General Tereso Panga’s visit to Tokyo from March 3 to 6. PEZA reported that Kawamura Electric is looking to expand its operations in the Philippines as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia. The company views the Philippines as a strategic