Day: April 16, 2025

Manila: The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Wednesday said the formalization of its partnership with globally-recognized Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) showcases its commitment to strengthen evidence-based peacebuilding and conflict resolution in the country. According to Philippines News Agency, OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. stated that the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with IEP on Monday is a major step in the Philippines’ quest to achieve long-lasting peace, embedding data-driven strategies at the heart of its peacebuilding efforts. He noted that the research and data analysis tools provided by IEP

Manila: The submersible drones discovered in Philippine waters between 2022 and 2024 are suspected to have been deployed by surface ships, according to a senior official from the Philippine Navy (PN). Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, explained the possible deployment methods during a recent inquiry. According to Philippines News Agency, Trinidad stated that while these drones could be launched by air, a mothership, or a submarine, the fixed wings of the drones suggest they were not submarine-launched. “This could have been airdropped, but more likely, this would have been dropped by a

Manila: The Philippine government has secured financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) worth USD1.45 billion for the Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP), the multilateral institution announced Wednesday. ADB Philippines Country Director Pavit Ramachandran emphasized the significance of the project as one of the largest financing endeavors in the Asia and Pacific region undertaken by ADB. According to Philippines News Agency, Ramachandran expressed pride in partnering with the government to realize a world-class mass transportation system in the Philippines. He highlighted that the transformative project is expected to attract more investments, generate employment, and support the country’s growth momentum. The 53.1-km.

Leyte: Despite the recent shooting of Albuera mayoralty candidate Kerwin Espinosa, the province of Leyte is generally peaceful, assured the Philippine National Police (PNP). According to Philippines News Agency, Col. Dionisio Apas, Jr., the Leyte police provincial director, stated that there is no need to categorize Albuera town as a red election area of concern, based on the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). “The office remains steadfast in uncovering the truth, ensuring justice, and preserving peace and order,” Apas conveyed during a press briefing. Apas highlighted a significant decline in shooting incidents in the province, citing that the

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday issued a reminder to candidates participating in the upcoming May 12 midterm elections to halt any campaigning activities during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, emphasizing the solemnity of these religious days. According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia highlighted that campaigning on these specific days is legally prohibited. He stressed the importance of respecting religious observances, especially for Catholic Christians, noting that any violation constitutes an election offense and could lead to the disqualification of a candidate. “I hope politicians will respect these religious activities and religious things that