Day: May 20, 2025

Antique: The Antique Provincial Board reiterated its call for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to replace its eight members who were suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman. Vice Governor Edgar Denosta said in an interview on Monday that they could not hold a regular session due to lack of quorum. “Only six of us, including myself, were present,” Denosta said. The board members in attendance were Dante Beriong, Pio Jessielito Sumande Sr., Noel Alamis, Emmanuel Palacios, and Karmila Rose Dimamay. According to Philippines News Agency, Egidio Elio, Rony Molina, Victor Condez, Alfie Jay Niquia, Mayella

Jolo: Anti-narcotics agents arrested a suspected high-value drug dealer in Jolo, Sulu, and confiscated PHP6.8 million worth of shabu, authorities reported Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Bangsamoro Director Gil Cesario Castro stated that joint operatives captured alias “Bads” during a buy-bust operation along Serentes Street in Barangay Chinese Pier. The 37-year-old Sulu resident was found in possession of one kilogram of shabu, a mobile phone, and marked money. “This successful operation demonstrates the importance of inter-agency collaboration in maintaining peace and order,” Castro said, highlighting the combined efforts of PDEA, military, and police units.

Surigao City: The Surigao City government and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga Region (13) have launched a major aquaculture development project through a partnership that will provide fisherfolk with fish cages, fingerlings, and feeds. According to Philippines News Agency, the Aquaculture and Mariculture Expansion Project (AMEIP) will equip the Baybay Lobster Culturist Association with two 10-meter fish cages complete with nets and mooring systems, along with 40,000 milkfish fingerlings and 1,528 feed bags. “This support will significantly boost our production,” said association president Merry Flor Lipio in an interview, noting the project would reduce pressure

Caraga: Police confiscated PHP932,550 worth of counterfeit cigarettes and arrested nine suspects during an 18-day anti-smuggling operation across Caraga Region that concluded May 18, authorities reported Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the largest seizures occurred in Surigao del Norte, where PHP857,400 worth of fake cigarettes were recovered from Dapa and Claver towns. Additional operations in Surigao del Sur yielded PHP68,800 in contraband, while Agusan del Sur operations netted PHP6,350 worth of counterfeit products. “These arrested individuals face charges under Republic Act 10643, the Graphic Health Warnings Law,” said PRO-13 information chief Maj. Jennifer Omiter. Authorities seized 46 cases of