Day: March 20, 2025

Tacloban: The number of active members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Region 8 has decreased by approximately 76 percent over the past six years, dropping to 119 from 499 in 2019. This decline is attributed to the institutionalization of national and local task forces dedicated to ending local communist armed conflict (ELCAC). According to Philippines News Agency, the reduction in NPA members is a result of collaborative efforts between various national government agencies and local government units. Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, assistant chief of staff for civil-military operations of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, shared that this

Manila: The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has emphasized the significance of completed infrastructure projects as essential components of the ongoing peace process. According to Philippines News Agency, OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. highlighted in a statement that these projects symbolize the government’s commitment to creating opportunities and hope for all, extending beyond mere physical infrastructure. Galvez’s remarks followed the recent turnover of road projects in Agusan del Norte, constructed under the agency’s “Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan” (PAMANA) program. Galvez noted that the newly established roads are more than transportation routes; they are pathways

Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday expressed dismay over Senator Ronald dela Rosa’s plan to go into hiding to evade possible arrest because of his involvement in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on illegal drugs. In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said it is surprising that such a statement came from Dela Rosa, who was a former chief of the Philippine National Police. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro said Dela Rosa is setting a bad precedent, as his fellow Filipinos might think that evading arrest is acceptable. ‘Iyan po ba ang gusto

Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday called on local candidates in the upcoming May 12 elections to be ‘calm’ and ensure ‘orderly’ campaigning. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the call, ahead of the start of the campaign period for local bets on March 28. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro stated in a press briefing that the Palace is expecting a ‘credible’ 2025 election, noting a decline in the number of areas facing poll-related threats. Castro emphasized the need for cooperation among all agencies to ensure a credible election in May 2025. She urged candidates to

Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized 112,750 unregistered vape products worth more than PHP95.7 million at the Port of Manila. BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio announced that these items were confiscated during separate inspections on March 18, as detailed in a news release on Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, the first shipment was flagged following derogatory information received by the BOC’s Enforcement Group, which led to the issuance of a Pre-Lodgement Control Order (PLCO) requested by Deputy Commissioner Teddy Raval. This order resulted in the inspection of two 40-foot-high cube containers. The examination revealed 233 cartons containing 46,600