Day: April 29, 2025

Cagayan de Oro: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has praised the arrest of a police officer implicated in illegal drug activities and the murder of a fellow officer in Cagayan de Oro City. According to Philippines News Agency, Benjamin Gaspi, director of PDEA-10 (Northern Mindanao), expressed approval of the arrest of Staff Sgt. Arman Tagolimot. Gaspi emphasized that this development will allow for the continuation of the illegal drug charges previously filed against Tagolimot. A joint police operation successfully apprehended Tagolimot, who had been absent without leave, in Barangay Iponan on April 26. Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman, Director

Manila: Governor Peter Unabia affirmed on Tuesday that he continues to be an official candidate in the upcoming May 12 elections, despite facing a disqualification petition filed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). According to Philippines News Agency, Unabia clarified in a statement that his camp has not received an official copy of Comelec’s disqualification complaint, which started circulating online earlier this week. Unabia, who is running for a second term, emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with the people of Misamis Oriental, who he believes are the best judges of who can serve them most effectively. The disqualification petition

Misamis Oriental: The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) anticipates a significant increase in the number of farmer-entrepreneurs in Misamis Oriental, driven by support for upgraded agricultural technology. During a recent visit to the Rice Processing System (RPS) II in Balingasag town, PHilMech Director Joel Dator emphasized the importance of farmers expanding their focus beyond mere production to actively engage in the business aspects of agriculture. According to Philippines News Agency, the state-of-the-art facility was specifically established to enhance the quality of farmers’ harvests and significantly increase their market value. Dator highlighted in an interview that the RPS

Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is urging the public to maintain unwavering vigilance in upholding the Philippines’ sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), emphasizing that this responsibility extends beyond the current administration. According to Philippines News Agency, during his visit here on Tuesday, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela, the spokesperson for the WPS, emphasized that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s current policy regarding the WPS can endure beyond his term if the Filipino public remains well-informed and steadfast in supporting the country’s legitimate claims to its maritime territory. “Our fight in the WPS is not limited to our generation;

Manila: For 12 consecutive years, the Philippines has remained off the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Special 301 Watch List, which indicates progress in protecting and enforcing intellectual property (IP) rights. The 2025 Special 301 Report, published by the USTR, serves as an annual review of the global state of IP protection and enforcement. According to Philippines News Agency, this year’s report recognized several efforts by the Philippine government to strengthen IP rights, including the establishment of the e-Commerce Bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This bureau enhances regulatory oversight of online transactions and helps curb the